AN: Thanks for clicking on this new fic. So far I am going to make the pairing of Sakura x Itachi, Ino x Asuma and Hinata x Neji. The reasons for the pairings are as follows: First, I do not agree with the after-war/epilogue of the Naruto series. I can handle the Sakura/Sasuke pairing, however, in some ways I don't really think he deserves her. Despite liking the pairing, if some guy would have acted the way he did towards her, he would have to do some serious, major, gigantic ass-kissing to make me forgive him. But from what I read, he does apologize but he is gone alot in the later years and away from home alot. No one deserves that, really. He should be worshipping her and wanting to be with his family. So in this fic I will just give her to someone that will appreciate and love her like she deserves. For the Ino/Sai ending, I ship the couple, I really do but I also see it as being somewhat boring. Unless someone was to add some angst factor in there which I don 't see happening in the canon. I've always liked the idea of her being in an angsty relationship with Asuma but of course he did die in canon so I'm going to improvise and make it happen during this fic. Now, the most ewww, OMG! pairing in this fic would be the Hinata x Neji. Let me say this; cousins marrying is still legal in over 20 states here in the U.S... It is also still done over in other countries and realistically in clans, it is done to keep their secrets and blood pure. I'd rather see Hinata with Kiba or Shino, hell even Choji, before I want to read or write something with her and Naruto. I don't mind using it as a filler for a story, just mentioning it but I won't ever actually pair them as a working couple in my fic. I simple do NOT agree with that canon pairing in the end. Hinata is a great character, she is awesome and very pretty. I honestly do NOT think that it should take what it did for Naruto to realize all of this. I could probably debate it with readers (I have already done so with my daughter) but in my opinion, I did not see any attraction on Naruto's part when it came to Hinata. A bond of friendship yes, but not the attraction of someone being in love with another. I see their relationship as her being a fall-back when he didn't end up with Sakura. Up until the war began, even Sai made mention of how strong Naruto's love was for Sakura and then after the war, he is going to be with Hinata? NOT! She doesn't deserve to be a rebound and needs someone to that will see her as being hot and that will pin her against the wall and ravish her until she is raw. For her and Neji in this fic, I'm working from him noticing even as children that she was cute and him having hidden feelings from a young age that deepened, of course he did die but if you aren't put off with that kind of relationship you'll just have to wait and see how this all comes about.

Pairings: Itachi x Sakura, Asuma x Ino, Neji x Hinata

Warnings: Nothing in this chapter, except the mention of underage pregnancy.

Disclaimer: Don't own anything! Not Naruto, cause if I did Neji wouldn't be dead and Sakura would have kicked Sasuke in the sacs.

Last AN: I don't know about all the sages on Naruto, I recall the white snake and the toad, so I thought of something that would be ideal for all women, to represent beauty and grace so this is what I came up with. If anyone else had something close I promise I did not know and I picked names, etc... as I saw best for my fic. The fic is canon up until the end of the war, I do not have it where Tsunade retired immediately after it all, she stays Hokage for a few years after the war and hasn't turned it over yet. I will have it that Kakashi takes the position after her. Also Gai, doesn't remain broken and doesn't need a chair forever. Also, Lee doesn't end up with an unknown chick, I like him with Tenten if anyone. With that said, please enjoy chapter one.

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Chapter One

How much longer was the screaming going to last? The entire Hyuuga compound could hear what was being said and Hinata was sure that the elders were no where near finished with her youngest sibling. If they really wanted to keep the entire affair quiet, why make it possible for anyone listening to hear every word being said? By now the entire village had to know exactly what her younger sister had gone and done. What she'd done at such a young age and with who. Hinata was positive the only reason her sister wasn't being flayed alive was because she had done it with another member of the main branch. The shinobi in question was the same age as herself but was of no importance. Her father was in an uproar, saying that the man had done this in order to gain a higher position in the family. What better way to gain power than to impregnate the heir? It was sad, her little sister was already having sex and at eighteen, she was still a virgin. The few kisses she had shared with her ex hadn't went any further than some necking.

For six months after the war, Naruto had tried to be with her in vain. As much as she had loved him, she knew when she had lost. His heart would never belong to her and she accepted that. She loved him enough to let him go and to find someone that could make him happy. That someone wasn't her, this she knew. What she didn't know was what she wanted now that she had given up on her first love. Dating was far from her mind and she had been spending the last few months training with her friends. Female friends, since her former teammates had gone their own way after the war. Kiba was training for a squad solely of trackers, specializing in hunting and capturing rogue-nin. Shino had joined ANBU and she rarely saw him these days. Their former sensei had retired completely and was raising her son as a single mother. Although there was the rumor that Kakashi Hatake had been seen leaving the residence at night, on several occasions. No one thought ill of either of them, both were old enough to know what they wanted and Hinata wanted her sensei to move on and find happiness.

As her old team were finding their place, Hinata was stuck in a rut. She wasn't sure what she wanted to do as a shinobi, nor did she know what to do with her personal life. What she did know was that she wasn't going to allow her family to dictate her future. For the last decade of her life, she hadn't been good enough in their eyes to lead them. It was true that she had surpassed her sister in the last two years but she still had no desire to lead. She didn't want the responsibility of commanding others or the tight leash that accompanied it. Even now her father wasn't allowed to have a personal life and was always stressing over how to best serve the family. For so long her freedom had been certain.

"I say she is unfit to take over when it is time." This wasn't what Hinata wanted to hear but it was causing a clamor and many were agreeing. The elder was now looking at Hinabi like she was one of Shino's bugs and nothing would be more satisfying than to smash her. "Hinata-san is more than capable of taking over the position. We will just have to ensure she finds a suitable

husband to make up for her weaknesses, less her kindness lead the family into ruin."

They still considered her to be weak because she was kind. Hinata clenched her fists and willed herself not to speak out of turn. She didn't understand why they were being so unfair. Just have the two marry and Hinaba could still take over when the time came. Her sibling was still capable of doing the job, while she would always be ill-fit to lead. There was no changing who she was, and she didn't want to change. Her father was about to say his piece but there was a frantic knocking on the doorway.

"What is it?" Hiashi snapped at the intrusion. His temper was barely being held in check and another minute of their idiocy would have him striking a few senile bastards. He did not wish to listen to their opinions. His youngest had made a mistake but it wasn't something they couldn't handle. He wanted to remind all of them that none had remained faithful to their wives and would still be sowing their oats if their equipment wasn't so damn rusty. Hinabi could raise the child alone or the two could marry and he'd make sure the boy knew that mistreating his youngest daughter would not be tolerated. The problem was, this was giving them a reason to try and put Hinata in charge, all so they could use her kindness against her. A few of the elders still weren't happy with the way things were changing and they saw her as being easy to manipulate. He wanted Hinata to lead a life away from clan issues.

"Sorry, summons from the Hokage. She says it is of great importance that you and your eldest are to report immediately to her office." The messenger paled as the many eyes turned to him. "I was told to escort you both. Please, come with me."

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What did he see in her? Ino tightened her hold on the broom as the pair stopped across the street. The blonde twat was pointing at something inside the other shop. She couldn't hear what was being said but the slight smile gracing the normally bored face caused her blood to boil. Whatever Temari of the Sand was saying couldn't be that amusing or interesting. Then again, something was keeping her former teammate at the other kunoichi's side. She just wanted to know what it was about Temari that was different. Why couldn't she make Shikamaru see herself as anything other than a comrade and friend?

Ino could still recall when everything had changed for her. Up until the war she had fancied herself in love with Sasuke. That was until she had felt their lives slipping away as she held their hands. It had hit her that she might really lose them. The pain of losing someone so sweet and caring as Choji had stung horribly. What had broken her heart was the thought of losing the other. Knowing she could lose Shikamaru had hit her differently. Then they had woken up and she had known what the difference was. What she felt for one was deeper and much more complicated. As the months passed, she had watched Shikamaru more closely to discover what it was. As the jealousy ate away at her, she knew what it was. Dammit, she hadn't even been this jealous over Sasuke when it came to competing with Sakura. Back then it had been more of a game to her. What she felt seeing Temari place a hand on the shadow-nin's slender waist, had her pissed and ready to bring the broom across the bushy head.

What could she do? After realizing that she wanted him as more than a friend, she had tried to flirt with him. He seemed oblivious to all of it. Choji had noticed her attempts at getting attention and had simply asked if she was alright. Hell No, she wasn't alright! The four times she had tried to get Shikamaru to go on a date with her, he had stated that he would rather go take a nap. It had to be her because he didn't seem to have a problem finding time to hang out with broomhead.

The more she thought about it, Ino knew what the problem was. It was the same as what she'd told Hinata. If a guy is going to like you, then the attraction will be there from the start. Even if one doesn't act upon it, the pull will be there. He isn't going to just wake up one day and say 'Wow, she is really pretty.' There was also the personality factor and loving who they were. If Naruto wasn't in love with Hinata's person after so many years, it wasn't going to happen. Not unless they changed for the guy but was that really being true to themselves? They were in the same boat. Shikmaru obviously didn't find her appealing after all this time. If the idea of them being more as friends hadn't crossed his mind in all these years, it never would. He just wasn't that into her and it was something she had to deal with. She was herself and she couldn't be happy with someone if she wasn't happy with herself. There was something about Temari that Shikamaru was drawn to and getting angry wouldn't change anything.

All she could do was to continue sweeping up the mess she had made. A true friend would wish him the best, even if it meant he wouldn't end up with her. It hurt but she didn't want to be spiteful and wrong. As Hinata had advised her, 'If you really love someone, you love them enough to let them go.' Which is what her wise friend had done, it was time she did the same. No matter how much it stung, she owed it to Shikamaru to want him to be happy. It wasn't his fault she'd end up aging badly and a spinster.

Not having a boyfriend would just give her more time to focus on other things. Like helping out at the shop and her job at the hospital. If she couldn't be a good wife, she'd be a good med-nin. That way when Temari had their first son, she could tell them how it was ugly just like the mother. "I'm pathetic and he bought it for her?!"

The two were stepping out of the shop, the blonde with a box under her arm. Since when did Shikamaru waste his earnings on frivolous things? He would always complain when she asked him to pay for her dinner but he was going to buy that twit something? Why buy her a hat when you'd still be able to see her fat face? He would be better off buying her a damn mask. "You freaking jerk!"

"Who, me?" Kakashi frowned and pointed a finger at his chest in question. What had he done? All he had done was step inside the shop and he was already being called names. The poor broom made a snapping sound as the girl spun around. He was already regretting being the one sent to collect the kunoichi. He should have offered to go fetch Sakura but he knew he wanted to avoid that scenario. If he went to get his former pupil, the others would want to know what was going on and he'd been instructed by the Hokage not to speak to anyone about this. The three would find out what was going on when they got to the office. The only reason he was privy to the information was because the Hokage had asked him for his opinion concerning her three choices. In the last four years he had been on plenty of missions with all three and knew them well enough to give an accurate and non-biased opinion.

"Kakashi-sensei? What are you doing here?" Had he witnessed her entire display? From the weary expression she'd say the shinobi wasn't certain about taking another step inside. She wouldn't take her anger out on him. It wasn't his fault that Shikamaru was a toad or that she couldn't control her emotions. Bad enough that she would have to explain to her mother why she'd have to go purchase another broom.

"Ino-chan, I've come to inform you that the Hokage requests your presence immediately in her office." He really hoped the girl would come along peacefully and not throw a tantrum. The sooner the meeting was done, he'd be able to enjoy a romantic dinner with his woman. "Please don't ask me about what, I'm just the messenger."

What did Tsunade-sensei want? Ino knew she had done nothing wrong at work and she hadn't failed any of her missions recently. Was it another mission? That had to be the reason for the summons. If it got her out of the village for a few days then she'd accept it. Whatever got her away from the pair that was now walking past her shop, unaware of the pain they were causing.

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What did Tsunade-sensei want with her this time? Sakura hoped it wasn't more questions about yesterday's mission. The report had said it all and she didn't think any of it had been her fault. Seeing as Shizune had come to fetch her just as they had sat down to eat, she could only ponder what was so important that she wasn't allowed to finish her meal. The worst part was that Naruto had been paying and she was going to miss out on it. Her stomach was aching along with her chest.

If she were honest, her stomach dulled in comparison to the pain constantly in her heart. Sakura was doing her best to put on a brave face and pretend that she was perfectly fine with being just friends with Sasuke. She had promised herself that when he returned, she wouldn't do like before. She would support him as a friend and a comrade. Throwing herself at him would only push him away further. He had returned but he was still nursing emotional wounds and needed time to adust after everything that had happened. The last thing he needed was her trying to flirt and make her feelings known.

Feelings that weren't returned. She knew that somewhere, she held a special place in his heart. They had been teammates and friends before. She liked to think that at one time he might have developed something deeper but it wouldn't happen now. Too much had happened between them, too much negative. Since the return, they had yet to properly discuss the fact that he had tried to kill her on two occasions. If not for Kakashi and Naruto interfering he would have ended her life. Naruto had brought it up one evening while they were alone and tried to convince her that Sasuke really wouldn't hurt her. However, when she had brought it up to Kakashi-sensei, she had known that she wasn't the only one that knew the truth. Sasuke had really meant to kill her and it was a fact that she couldn't change. No matter his reason or his state of mind at the time, he had proven one thing: his feelings for her were no where near what she felt for him.

Team Seven still did a lot of things together but Sakura could feel the void that was growing between her and the others. Sasuke was once again getting close to Naruto and their friendship was getting stronger with each day, while the bond she had shared with him was growing weaker. It was something she couldn't prevent or deny. She would never be with him romantically and one day he would find someone to love. Someone he wouldn't be able to bring himself to hurt no matter what they had done. Someone he would die to protect, someone to help him carry on his clan. She'd have better luck trying to date Lee.

The thought made her smile. Being with Lee would never happen and she would never consider dating him. That chance had been lost months ago. Everyone had noticed the tension between him and Tenten after they returned from a mission. The two had been so cute with the awkwardness and the blushing. It had done her heart good when Lee had found her one day to confess. He apologized for not being able to keep his promise to always love her. He had been scarlet as he explained that his heart now belonged to his partner and he wanted to focus all of his effort on making the weapon specialist happy. Sakura had hugged him and wished him the best. The two were perfect together and it was nice to see that one of them had found something.

What she did feel bad about was the failed relationship between Naruto and Hinata. Somehow she felt like she was to blame for it. Sakura had known how he felt before the war had started and how he had still loved her. Then as soon as the war had ended, he had tried to be with Hinata. Ino had been correct, feelings don't change that easy and the Hyuuga was just a rebound for Naruto. She was sure that he did hold some tender emotions towards Hinata, it just wasn't the kind needed to make a lasting relationship.

"Here we are, Sakura-chan. The others should already be inside waiting for you." Shizune knocked and announced their presence before sliding the door open. Sure enough, the other two kunoichi were inside waiting along with the Hyuuga leader. Thankfully, there was only one parent that would need to be brought into the discussion. Ino and Sakura were more or less on their own and could make a decision by themselves. She hoped that the man would be considerate and think about what was best for his daughter and not his clan this time. This was the perfect opportunity for all of them and it would be a waste not to accept.

"Come in, I was about to send out a search party." Tsunade indicated that the door should be shut tight behind them. What was about to be said would stay in this room until she was ready for others to know about this. First she had to discuss the option with the three and see who she was going to lose. When she had been approached, she had mulled over the many choices. As soon as it was asked, her mind had conjured up the two med-nin. As much as she didn't want to lose her two pupils, they were excellent candidates. But the favor had been for three, not two. Trying to think of a third that would be acceptable had given her a migraine. It was Shizune who had thrown Hinata's name in. As a Hyuuga she had excellent chakra control and the girl was extremely kind and compassionate.

"You wanted to see me, Hokage-sama?" Sakura addressed her formally seeing that they weren't alone in the room. Standing next to the desk was a middle-age woman in strange clothing. She was positive she had never seen the woman in the village before. The clothing was a dead giveaway that she wasn't from around here. Not many wore all white with a veil. A mission? Why else was Hinata and Ino here? The Hyuuga elder was also here, was that a bad sign? A mission wouldn't need two Hyuuga on the team.

"Indeed, now that you are all here I will begin." Tsunade placed her chin in her hands, searching each kunoichi for a reason not to make the offer. All three were perfect for this type of training and she'd be a fool not to offer it to them. This went further than anything she could ever hope to offer her pupils. Not to mention the chance it would give Hinata. That one was meant for more than being a simple member of a prestigious clan. "I wish to introduce you to a very old friend of mine, Sanada Kyako. These three here are Yamanaka Ino, Hyuuga Hinata and Haruno Sakura. The gentleman there is Hinata's father, Hyuuga Hiashi."

"Watch who you are calling old." Kyako snorted at the introduction. Even if she was ten times the age of the slug, she was still in her prime. She still had many years ahead of her and could still hold her own in battle if necessary. "It is good to finally meet you three, I've been told so much about you already. Oh, it is also a pleasure to meet you as well, Hiashi-san."

"Pleasure to meet you," Sakura bowed along with the rest of them. This woman was obviously an old friend of the Hokage's so it was best to show proper respect. The woman also was the reason they had been summoned, a client? They would probably end up escorting her somewhere from the looks of it.

"Not only is she an old friend, she has come to the village seeking a favor. One I have agreed to grant and you three have been chosen." Tsunade only hoped that Hiashi wouldn't put up much of a fuss about Hinata going. Doing so he would lose all control over his daughter's future actions and decisions but it would be for the best. Hinata wasn't made for clan politics and deserved a bright future.

"She is a disciple of Hylan?" Hiashi was positive he wasn't mistaking the markings surrounding the woman's eyes. He'd met one other disciple in his youth and had never forgotten the experience. His wife had been gravely injured while on a mission and he thought for sure he would lose her. She had been eight weeks pregnant with Hinata at the time. All those in the hospital had given up on saving his wife and child but a miracle had occurred. A disciple had been in the village and had stopped by the hospital. Within an hour, his family had been saved and he had been in debt. He had sworn to repay them one day but she had simply smiled and blessed him before departing. Not much was known about the religion except that it was all female and they were unlike other shinobi. They never took payment for their services.

"I am. If you know of our order then it will make my request easier for you to understand." Kyako felt nothing but positive energy around all three and they would be great finds if all were to decide to come. "But let me explain it so that they will understand who we are. The Order of Hylan is a very small but peaceful community. What we do is somewhat similar to that of the shinobi here, in a way. We train to save lives, to assist and see to the needs of others. We also try to spread kindness to other villages. Some would call me a Hylan Priestess."

"Others call her a nuisance." Tsunade had been given the offer to join when she had left the village but she had declined. Their rules were too strict and she knew she would have been kicked out before finishing her training. Giving up gambling was one thing, but there was no way she'd make it a week without having a drink. "Kyako has come here seeking new pupils. Their order has dwindled over the last few decades and they are looking for recruits. Sadly, not many have what it takes to become one. If it was just the discipline, they'd have an easier time but."

"But the rumor is they are trained by Hylan herself." Hiashi had taken the time to investigate the order not long after. Wanting to know who he owed such a huge debt to. It had did his heart good to know they weren't the type to hold his family's life over his head but he had been shocked to know that something like that existed. He had heard of the Toad Sage and a few others. "Hylan is rumored to be the oldest and strongest sage to exist."

"Also the most beautiful and elegant. She would be distraught if one were to forget that as well." Kyako couldn't help but smile at the man's astonishment. Out of all the sages, hers was the definitely the oldest. Hylan herself would balk at being called the strongest since most saw kindness as weakness, not strength. Their power came from their desire to help others, not to cause injury. "You are correct though, we are all trained under Hylan, the swan sage. It does take a lot of talent and determination to make it through the training. That is why I came to Tsunade to seek out three possible candidates. I asked her to choose ones that were very talented with chakra and that have mastered controlling it."

"And I have chosen three of our best kunoichi. I have personally trained two of them and Hinata has proven herself to be very determined and she too has perfect chakra control. I also must say that as far as personalities go, Hinata is also the most perfect for what you are searching for." Tsunade thought Hinata would make a great priestess. She'd be encouraged for her kindness, not frowned upon. As long as the father didn't try to impede the girl's decision to leave and make a life for herself. "I know it is a big decision for each of you to make. What she is offering is an opportunity to lead another life. It won't be too much different from what you are already doing here, especially for Sakura and Ino. It is still a life of service but in a way you would have more freedom. I have already informed you both that I can no longer teach you anything further. My time as your sensei is over and this is an opportunity for all three of you to become stronger and do something important with your life. I'm the Hokage but I won't lie, if you remain here, it will just be one shit mission after another until you retire. There is little chance of there being another war so soon or in your lifetime. I chose you three, because I thought if anyone had the drive to become something more, it was you."

"So if we agreed, would we be allowed to return to the village?" Sakura had never heard of this religion or this sage. She knew that many existed and that they could possibly train a shinobi to become stronger. Naruto was living proof of that but she never thought she'd get the chance to train under one. It wasn't just for training either, it would be joining an order made up of only women. Did she want to spend the rest of her life surrounded by females?

"Yes and no," Kyako was glad the question had been brought up. She wanted them to understand what would happen. "If you agree to accompany me, you will have to officially resign your position as a leaf shinobi. You would be committing yourself to our order and our way of life. More would be explained when we arrived at the temple but I'll tell you this. The official training would last three years, no less. At one time training under the swan sage would take no less than fifty years but we are able to trim the time drastically now. After your training is complete you would be a Hylan Priestess. Once you have crossed that point, it would be possible to return to the village at your leisure. Don't think that you would be held prisoner in the temple. We are allowed to go on pilgrimages at any time we desire. Hylan actually encourages that we do this at least once a year. As I've said, our way is to help others, we can't do that if we stay home all the time. There are commandments to follow but those will be explained when it is time."

"She means rules." Tsunade reached over to pour herself a drink. Yep, she was breaking a Hylan rule and would enjoy every sip of it. The life of a priestess wasn't for her but these three were different and could make a go of it. What did they have here? Boys? All three were single and miserable, this would be good for them. Even she didn't know everything there was about the religion because she had never joined. What she did know was that even though Kyako spoke of peace and serenity, the woman was scary when pissed. She was also the only person that had been able to beat her in a fair fight. "The decision is ultimately yours and no one else's. You may take a day to decide if you wish to go or you can remain. All I ask is that until Kyako departs the village, what has been spoken will remain in this room."

"I want to go." Hinata didn't want to take a day to think about it. As soon as she walked out of the room, they would return to the council meeting. A meeting where they were wanting her to make up for her sister's mistake. The woman's offer, it couldn't have come at a better time. This was not only a way out but it sounded like the kind of life she wanted. A life free to help others and be who she really was. It wasn't like she couldn't return to the village after her training was complete. She could always return to visit her family and friends. This was a chance for her to improve her skills, to do something important and worthwhile. She was happy that the Hokage had thought of her. Many others were probably more qualified but Tsunade-sama had chosen her for a reason. It meant the woman believed in her and she wouldn't let her down. Naruto had left for a short time to train with the toad sage and had returned a lot stronger. She couldn't imagine what she could learn in three years. But would her father be okay with her leaving?

Hiashi had known what her answer would be before she spoke. It was indeed a great honor to be chosen to train under a sage. That they had chosen and accepted his eldest child made him proud. It meant she would be leaving him and the village but it was probably for the best. If she were to remain the council would not give in until she became the leader and that kind of responsibility would slowly destroy the very light that made Hinata beautiful. This was indeed the chance she needed to become stronger and be free. He would lose his child but he would never lose his daughter. "And you shall."

"What about the elders?" What would they say? Hinata didn't want to leave her father having to explain why she suddenly abandoned the clan. However, this was a great opportunity and if the Hokage gave her permission to resign her post, then they couldn't stop her. Not when her father who was the clan leader was also agreeing to it. She would miss them terribly but this was her time to do something for herself.

"I will handle them. The Hokage has done you a great honor by suggesting you for training and I will not allow the elders to ruin this opportunity for you. You have more than shown that you have what it takes to see it through. You have made me extremely proud." Hiashi placed a hand on her shoulder, "I shall miss you but I know that you will return as your own woman and you have your father's full support."

"Well, I don't suppose I can allow Hinata to go it alone." Ino wished that she had her own father here to give her words of encouragement. She knew that if he were here, he'd be telling her not to waste time thinking about it. She did want to improve her skills and she didn't have much here. Her mother would understand and she wouldn't be alone. It was this or go back to the shop. Working at the hospital was alright but she didn't work often. She wouldn't be getting paid but so what. Money wasn't everything and helping others could give her life some meaning. There really wasn't any reason for her to remain in Konoha. If Tsuande gave them leave to resign, she wouldn't be a rogue-nin. "When do we leave?"

"Wait, you can't leave, Ino-pig!" Sakura turned on the blonde girl and wanted to punch her. What the hell was she thinking? Leaving the village? It would be nice to help others and be free to roam. It was kind of like what their sensei had been doing for years. Minus the drinking and gambling. What about their friends here? What about them? Friends that were just fine without them and didn't need them. Not really. Hadn't Naruto left on two separate occasions to go train? Dammit, hadn't Sasuke completely abandoned and turned his back on their village to go train? Why shouldn't she go? She had been selected by their Hokage to go train, it was an honor. If Hinata's father was willing to let her leave the clan to do it, it had to be a big deal to be trained by this sage. The reason she had originally gone to Tsuande was to become stronger, so she wouldn't be so useless. At the hospital she was just like any other med-nin but what if she could have a greater purpose? She could be useful in so many ways and find something along the way. There was really no reason she shouldn't go train and better herself. Naruto would probably be the first to tell her to do it, he would. She would be resigned as a kunoichi of the leaf but that didn't mean she couldn't return and still be an ally. There were other ways to help her village while helping others that were in need. "Not without me anyways. You'll be needing someone to pick up your slack when you fall behind during training."

"Want to bet, Forehead? This time we will be starting our training at the same time. We shall see who gets left behind." This time Ino planned to give it her all and not waste this opportunity. When she returned to the village after three years, she would have made something of herself. Not just the kunoichi that was partnered with a genius with bad tastes.

"That'll be me," Hinata just knew it. They were both already ahead when it came to healing, she wasn't that good at the basics. What if she drug them down because of how much she didn't know already. Could she be as good as them with medical ninjutsu? Her father had given his consent and she didn't want to let anyone down before starting.

"Nah, that'll be Forehead. Besides, we're in this together, a new team." Ino was sure Hinata would be a quick study and would catch on a lot faster than she had. They had no idea what was awaiting them once they reached this temple but as long as they stuck to it and helped each other, they'd be alright. "So, when do we leave?"

"Since it has been decided and you don't need your day to think it over. I would like to leave within the hour." Kyako was glad that all three had accepted the invitation. It would be hard work but if Tsunade thought they were capable of finishing the training, she'd have faith in them. As long as they had faith in each other and themselves, they'd come out of it as a fine priestess.

"I think that would be best." Kakashi spoke up from his spot in the corner. Now that Sakura had agreed to go, he didn't want her to delay. He agreed with Tsunade, this would be the best thing for her. She was too dependent on her feelings for Sasuke and Naruto was still too attached to Sakura to open up to anyone else. Sakura needed time away to find herself. Naruto needed time away from Sakura to realize that he was in love with the idea of being in love with Sakura. Sasuke just needed time to heal before he'd ever realize that he was about to forever push away the one thing that had always been good in his life. "I recommend that you allow Tsunade-sama say your goodbyes for you. They will understand when she informs them where you have gone. Sakura-chan, we both know that if you try to say goodbye to Naruto, he will throw a fit and cause a scene. At first he won't see that you are just doing the same thing he did years ago by leaving to train. He will not want you to leave."

"I understand." Sakura agreed completely. She didn't want them to try to talk her out of this decision. She had made it and if it was a mistake, it was hers to make, not theirs. She too was allowed to do what she wanted to become stronger. They didn't have to agree or understand, this was her life. She had her best friend going with her, along with Hinata. She was going, they were going to the Temple of Hylan.

"Is that a monkey?" Ino couldn't help her reaction seeing the small creature suddenly peak out from behind the veil. It hadn't been noticeable before, because it was so tiny. What was the woman doing with that kind of animal? It looked almost timid, but another glance proved that it was being coy on purpose.

"It's no more odd than a woman that walks around with a pig." Kyako had wondered when she'd show herself. Her neck was already getting itchy from having her nuzzled against it for hours. No doubt Saya was now curious about the three joining them.

"At least Ton doesn't throw his own feces." Tsuande had never cared for that little pest. For as long as she knew the other woman, that thing was always there on her shoulder. She had once asked why the hell she kept it around. The excuse of it being adorable was far-fetched.

"She only throws it at you, I wonder why." Kyako ran a hand over the satiny white fur, comforting her friend and companion. At least Saya didn't roll around in other's feces or eat it. Tsunade shouldn't have tried to flick her pet one evening while intoxicated. "Yes, she is a monkey and my companion. Now, why don't you three go fetch a few belongings and meet me at the front gate in an hour. Bring little because the temple will be supplying what you'll be needing for the next three years. No point in burdening yourself down with a lot of things you won't be using."

"Come Hinata, I'll need to see you off properly. I think despite their warning, you should say farewell to your sister as well." Hiashi would keep things quiet until after Hinata was long gone. He would simply lie and say she was leaving on a mission for now. The Hokage had just given his daughter a chance at a better future, he knew she'd make the most of it.

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