Reborn as Sakura and Hinata: Lost in the Wind

The Hamasaki Clan

"I think we will be landing at the next town in around half an hour." Takumi announced, peering through the heavy fog over the water. He glanced back, brow furrowing sympathetically, "We'll hit land as soon as we can, kid."

I adjusted my hold on Shino's shoulders as he flinched again at the random rocking of the boat. He scooted closer to me, trying in vain to avoid the sides of the boat despite how he was already sitting dead center.

I sighed, "Nothing's going to happen, Shino." I attempted to soothe him.

He glared at me, "I know that." the effect of his acknowledgement being lost when a sudden heavy movement of the vessel caused him to cling to me, "I... I just don't like this."

I rubbed his back comfortingly; I should've expected that he wouldn't take well to boat travel given that falling in would be an effective death sentence. I scanned the grey clouded surface of the water, the heavy mist that shrouded us blocking out any view beyond five feet. It was spooky to be sure; I was on edge regardless of the fact I couldn't swim.

My fruitless searching landed me staring at Takumi's well muscled back; I didn't know that someone's shoulders alone could carry so much definition, powerful biceps transitioning into broad shoulder blades that we enhanced by curving tattoos. His moisture curled hair moved slightly in the light breeze, draping over his back as he navigated the decently sized boat.

I looked away; I shouldn't be ogling yet another man when my boyfriend was so distressed.

Tenten didn't have that problem though, eyes gazing with a mixture of entertainment and lust tinged reverence as Takumi unwittingly worked under watch.

Naruto was not as easily occupied with staring at a man though, resting his elbows on one of the benches while sitting in the bottom of the boat, "What do you do?" he inquired.

Takumi didn't seem to realize he was addressed at first, turning after a moment of silence before gracing us with that wonderful bewildered grin, "Like as a job?"

"Sure." Naruto shrugged, eyeing him curiously.

Takumi returned his eyes forward, "The Hamasaki clan comes from a long line of fishermen and oceanic protectors." he began, "We're a long line that for centuries has protected the waters to reap its rewards."

"So, you do sustainable fishing?" I quirked a brow.

He shrugged, "I guess you could see it that way. It's a little more ritualistic though; we keep aqueous environments alive because of our spiritual ties to them. We hold a deep respect for nature and desire to maintain the balance."

"So, you guys just fish?" Naruto seemed vaguely disappointed.

Takumi laughed, "We're not all boring. We have a special jutsu technique that allows us to breathe underwater."

"Really?" Tenten gasped, "That's incredible! I thought that could only be done with sealing?"

"Well, it's an ancient sealing-like technique." he clarified.

"Breathing underwater is cool." Naruto asserted.

"It is pretty cool." Takumi agreed with a smirk.

"What's your connection to your clan?" Shino asked, probably trying to distract himself from his fear of impending doom, "The tattoos that you have seem... significant."

"They are." Takumi nodded, "Some of them are symbols of my connection to the sea, but the reason I have so many is because I'm the second son of the leader of the Hamasaki clan."

"Wow." I gasped, "So, you're kinda like a prince of the sea then?"

He chuckled, "I wouldn't mind being called that."