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I V. The respect from a beast.

The snake became silent for a moment, lost in thoughts and memories. It rose his head, caged him under its shadow, looking down on the man with threat and rage. Such gaze would frighten everyone, except the son of Uchiha, who didn't even blink.

" I don't truss-st you, Uchiha. Try to hurt her... "

" And I'll come to you by myself. But before, I will take care of few people there. " - Sasuke finished the snake's sentence with serious tone.

Hinata looked at them in confusion, but remained silent. She could notice the approval in Hiroto's gaze. However, she was glad that the animal accepted Sasuke, even on such terms. Also, there was no way to doubt man's intentions. The girl knew, how great threat the snake was, facing him scared most of the people, even the guards had stopped visiting the tent after death of a second snake charmer. The fact that Sasuke was still alive proved that he had to impress the beast.

After a few words more with Hiroto, Hinata and Sasuke started cleaning the terrariums. The animals were calm and didn't cause shinobi any problems after leader's approval. The boy could recognize a few, deadly dangerous species among them. Why would someone take these to the circus? The most probable reason was to let guards torture slaves by them, but these turned out too wild to control.

When they finish the duties, the bell announced their diner time. Hinata chuckled lightly as the rumbling from Uchiha's belly sounded in the quiet tent, making him blush awkardly. The two of them were about to go, when Hiroto suddenly said:

" Leave, Byakugan princess-ss, I want a word with Uchiha. "

Hinata looked at the snake with hesitation, then at Sasuke. Even if it aproved him, the man was still in a great danger. After a nod from them, she left.

She was far, when the snake sighed heavily. Uchiha stood in front of him with arms crossed on chest. He didn't belong to patient ones and having Hinata far from his sight was making him nervous.

" So? What do you want? " - Sasuke asked with annoyance in voice.

" I know you can fight, I know you can kill. " - the snake's voice was cold like an ice. Sasuke didn't say anything about these facts. - " Hinata is-ss a good girl. A lot of bad things-ss happened to her here. Protect her, S-ssasuke. In all possible ways. That's-ss what I want from you. "

" You said you don't trust me. Why do you ask me for that? "

Sasuke asked, intrigued by snake's actions. After an another sigh, Hiroto admitted:

"I killed thes-sse men becaus-sse they dis-ssgusted me. I felt their intentions-ss. Filthy, cruel, pervers-sse. Even if you are Uchiha, you are not like them. Not to her. " - the animal pierced Sasuke with gaze, like it was able to see his soul and read his mind. - "S-sso?"

" You didn't need to ask for that. I am not going to let them hurt her again. She is mine. "

Uchiha confessed, firmly looking into green eyes of the creature. It looked like fighting for domination between two male, analyzing and judging strenght of each other. Who had the right to be the protector, the right to claim her, when other would just do what they requested. At some point they came to agreement. The pact between the beast and the man.

Both of them would do that - protect the last sign of good in that cruel world.

In all possible ways.

As Sasuke joined Hinata by the edge of the massive table, not willing to interrupt the discussion. In front of her was sitting the familiar, pink haired girl, whose green eyes immediately went cold as he stood behind Hyuga. Sensing his presence, Byakugan princess turned to him with a shy, adorable smile.

- I-I saved the food for you. Sit with us, Yakeru-san.

He fought appearing on his face grimance, as Hinata called him by his slave name instead of real one. "Sasuke" always sounded so delightful from her lips. But, these were the rules and she did it to protect him. Children from great shinobi clans had low chances to survive, treated as a threat. He could only assume, how hard it was for Hyuga to convince them to be only a weak, branch member.

- Hn.

After that he sat beside, softly brushing her shoulder and leg. Hinata couldn't help the shiver running through spine, revealing the goosebumps on pale skin. She blinked twice, trying to focus on the girl in front of her.

" As I said, Noa-chan, the tomorrow's show will be a special one. I've heard that the sponsors would appear. If you try to do something again... "

" I'm not planning anything, Akari-san. " - Hinata stated firmly.

" Not only you will be punished later. We all will die because of your foolishness. "

Uchiha pierced the pink haired called Akari with strong, hateful gaze. How dared she talk like that to Hinata? He was sure that Byakugan beauty would never do something to risk the lifes of troupe members, no matter how mare these were. She was too kind for that. He noticed how her hands trembled under the table, even if face showed no emotions. When Akari wanted to add something, he stopped with words:

" She's already told you she doesn't plan anything, so mind your own bussines. You also can slip up and then, you will be the one responsible. " - his voice was cold as an ice. Akari opened her mouth to response, but he directed to Hinata. - " Let's get out of here, Noa. "

His hand clenched on girl's wrist, taking them out of the tent. Hinata didn't resist much, so shortly later he let her hand go. Heavy silence came between them. Hinata stopped it.

- You didn't have to interfere. I-I could hande that. - her voice was shaking slightly, revealing how nervous she was.

- Maybe. - He responded, not looking in her direction. - But I won't let anyone talk to you like that. Do you understand?

The girl went quiet for a moment.

- You... You don't have to. I... I deserved that.

- I would never believe in such a bullshit! - Sasuke bursted, angry at her.

- L-Let me explain you. At my place.