Chapter One

Hinata

I activated my Byakugan and peered through the mist. I found chakra mixed in. My visibility had increased a lot compared to before. Zabuza laughed at me as I froze in fear. He was right in front of me. I had covered Tazuna's back, but that proved to be the likely area where I would be attacked. I let out a small scream before I realized Kakashi-sensei had taken the hit. My eyes widened.

I hated my weakness. I didn't deserve to be in the main branch. It would've been better if Neji-niisan had been the heir. I was too weak.

I woke up, alarmed. I flailed around wildly in bed for a moment before I sighed.

It had been three months since Saya left Konoha. I missed her.

Sasuke-san had also left. I don't believe she knew.

News of the Third Hokage's death spread wildly.

I played with my slightly longer hair. I decided I'd grow it out. It's only grown a centimeter since this decision, but maybe in two years my hair would reach mid back. I wondered what Saya would look like in two years.

Or-or.. Naruto-kun.

Yes, my hopeless crush was still raging.

"Hinata!" Naruto called out when I went outside. I smiled faintly and felt the familiar blush rage. I waved to him as he jogged up next to me.

"Shino told me about a bug that when it hatches, it can track anyone! But I can't convince him we should go get it! It'll bring Sasuke back!" My eyes widened a little. Who was more important to me, Sasuke or Saya? Saya of course, but Naruto wanted his team back together. I looked at the ground as tears started to well up a little. Sasuke was in more danger though, and I'd do a lot for Naruto. Saya, however, had been my best friend for a long time. I didn't care much for Sasuke, but Naruto was so set on it.

"I'll see what I can do," I said, already making plans on how to convince Shino. Naruto and I were put with the other teammate lacking group - Team Kurenai - after Sasuke-san left and Sakura-san went to train with Tsunade-sama.

I hadn't seen Kakashi-sensei or Saki-san in three months, so I didn't know how they were holding up with her disappearance. Kiba, I think, took it harder than the rest of us that I know of. He went back to acting as he normally did, but sometimes I could see he really missed her.

Saya had no idea what she was missing by leaving Kiba. There was something strange I felt towards him now... Not like a teammate, and not like I like Naruto. I didn't know what it was, but I didn't ask anyone about it.

I found Shino leaving his house.

"Shino-kun!" I called out to him. He turned towards me and nodded. "We have to go find that bug. Naruto needs it to find Sasuke. Please, Shino!" The Aburame shook his head at my plea. I scowled and he seemed taken aback.

"Shino," I began, my voice strangely even, "we are going to go find that damn bug even if I have to tie you up DRAG you along with me." The people present whipped around and stared at me.

I guess I've picked up a thing or two from all those years with Saya. Oops. Shino finally consented.

All that was left was to convince Lady Hokage it was worth it.

AN: Welcome back, my loves. It's been some time, hasn't it? Can't you just sense the utter chaos this book will be? Even if you remember small little details from each chapter, you won't be able to predict how twisty turny this book will be and it will bend your MIND. It's going to be angsty, sweet, fluffy, angering, and confusing. All loopholes will be tied up in the end. This is just to tide you guys over til September. I have a few chapters already written out. I think I wrote this shortly after I finished CCC ;)

Review and tell me just how much you're excited for this book, because I sure am!