Author's note: Hello there, GaaHina lovers :D It's my first story ever. English is not my primary language, so please tell me if something seems strange.

This chapter is re-uploaded – I corrected dialogs. (And introduction. And I'm thinking about merging chapters 1 and 2.)

Disclaimer:

I do not own Naruto. T_T

Chapter 1

Two sakura petals were dancing slowly in the wind, like finest ballerinas. Up, down, then gentle twist to the side, and final pirouette before landing gently on the surface of the pond. Ultimate balance of yin and yang. Yes, although it might be difficult to imagine, this little petal dance, and every other little interaction, was carefully planned beforehand. Dragonflies took wing when bulrush bent too low above the surface of water, caressed by wind. To any passerby, the sight of Hyuuga garden in summer was breathtaking. It surely aroused admiration, like everything in clan. For Hinata, it was same old rut.

Surely enough, the garden was gorgeous, as usual. As if nothing happened. As if chuunin exams never took place, and Neji nearly took her life. She left the Konoha hospital just yesterday, still feeling slight pain when breathing. Her muscles were still regenerating, she couldn't concentrate her chakra at all. She was useless and totally defenseless. A tear rolled down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it dry. Maybe...

Maybe if her mother was still alive, everything would have been different. Hinata wouldn't feel alone in this big manor, among huge family. Mom would surely train her better than her father. All he did was require. The more he required, the more unsuccessful l Hinata was. Mother... Girl looked at the photo standing in frame in her desk. It presented a woman with resemblance with Hinata, only older. Her mom died when Hinata was only five. She nearly didn't remember her. Father had never stopped mourning. Hinata suspected, that he was partially taking it out on her, but she had never said anything out loud. Despite the title of heiress, she was the weakest Hyuuga, always relying on others. Knocking on the door stopped the flow of her thoughts.

"Please, come in!" she said.

"Hinata-sama." the door opened, revealing Neji standing at the threshold. He bowed shortly and looked at her with cold gaze. She immediately felt goose bumps on her back, but tried her best not to show it.

"Your father wants to see you. He's at southern terrace."

"Thank you, Neji-nii-san. I'll go to him right away."

with the bow of his head, he closed the door. Hinata wanted to sigh, but sharp pain in lungs stopped her. It was just one of many injuries left after fight with Neji at chuunin exams. Hinata shook her head quickly. She didn't want to think about it! At least not now. She directed her step towards the porch, where her father was waiting. The closer she was to it, the more hesitant she was becoming. She was truly afraid of what she may hear... but didn't have any choice.

Hinata entered porch and bowed deeply.

"You wanted to see me, otou-san."

Hyuuga Hiashi looked at her with eyes as white as her own.

"Hinata. Come closer and sit beside me. We need to talk."

This was Hinata's biggest fear, the lull before a storm. She did what her father asked her to and said:

"What did you want to talk about, otou-san?"

"About your future, child." His voice was hard and cold as ice. "As you undoubtedly presume, the level and style of fighting, which you presented during chuunin exams, were embarrassing."

"Hai, otou-san..."

"It even doesn't matter, that you brought shame to the main Hyuuga house... Child, look at me when I'm talking to you."

She looked straight into his milk-white eyes.

"Hinata, you are not competent to be a kunoichi."

She expected to hear this sooner or later, but still, this statement... Terrified her. She dedicated her whole life to training, and yet!... She opened her mouth to protest, but no sound escaped them. Her father was right.

"On the battlefield, your incompetence would bring you death - Hiashi continued. – To you,

and also everyone around you. I tried my best teaching you Gentle Fist Style, but I was unsuccessful." Hinata hung her head, close to burst out crying. "Hinata, you are weak. And that is why the council of Konoha gave you a three-years mission in Sunagakure."

Hinata lifted her head and looked at her father in disbelief. In Suna? Whole three years?

"Otou-san, but why? I can... I can train here, I will become stronger, you'll see, otou-san, don't... " she was talking faster and faster, but sharp pain in lungs stopped her words.

"Child. Understand. Even, if you wouldn't be a ninja, your life still wouldn't be free from dangers. There won't always be somebody to protect you. You must learn to manage by yourself."

"But!..."

" Hinata! " yelled Hiashi "Address your elders in respectful way! You won't truly learn anything in Konohagakure! Even as a civilian! That is why the council and myself, we assigned you a training in the village hidden in sands! There's no cancellation of this decision!"

"Hai, otou-san..." Hinata was on the verge of breakdown. It couldn't be real! It just couldn't!...

"Three weeks from now, ambassadors from Suna will come here to sign a peace treaty, they will take you with them on their way back. It will be reinforcement of agreement between our villages. Be grateful!"

Hinata looked at the garden with tears rolling down her cheeks. It was beautiful. Sakura trees were blooming , the surface of the pond was softly waving.

Nothing would indicate, that Hyuuga Hiashi just said words that will change her entire life.

Afterword:

Well, how was it?

Please, leave me a comment! And I think I may need a beta reader - anyone would like to help me, please? ^^'