Juri answers questions!

Are Hinata and Sasuke actually related here? The answer is no. I tried to make that obvious so you would feel the turmoil of Sasuke's feelings. We know they're not related, but he hasn't a clue. That isn't even the most pressing secret, though.

Would Hiashi/Fugaku actually approve of Hinata's clothes? Stay tuned.

Enjoy!

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This was never an issue Fugaku Uchiha liked to address, and it was becoming more frequent as the years passed. So, here he was for the sixth time this year at this offending hour of the morning to talk about an issue that would end like all the others. He couldn't say he didn't understand why the demand for his three...for his children was so pressing, but his- their answer was always the same.

The fifth Hokage looked at the grim faced men seated in front of her over her raised hands. She noted the veiled look of discomfort on both their faces. She always marveled at how similar they looked (and acted, but that was nothing to focus on) – though the same could be said of their wives – and she vaguely wondered what excuse they were giving their children after all these years. She sighed, eyes switching from Fugaku Uchiha to Hiashi Hyuuga.

"As Hokage, I can certainly force the two of you to bend to my will, but I understand how...fragile this situation is."

"With all due respect, Hokage-sama, I do not see the need in having these three specifically," Hiashi said.

Her eyes lowered to her desk. "At this point, it should be very simple. Itachi, Sasuke, and Hinata are very close, and with their combined abilities, I believe this mission has a success rate of over ninety-five percent." She paused. "That is to say, I believe Hinata's abilities will be in perfect sync with her," she glanced at the men, "brothers."

"Why not send Neji?" Hiashi offered. "He is just as good as Hinata, if not better."

"Itachi may be able to work well under the circumstance, but I believe Sasuke will not adjust accordingly."

Fugaku grunted. "If Hinata goes on this mission, Sasuke will not be the only one who cannot adjust well."

Tsunade contemplated their words. She was not blind to the odd situation going on within the Uchiha and Hyuuga households, but she didn't know why it continued to this day. Not only that, but it seemed that no one outside these two households knew what was going on. If they had revealed this sooner, maybe things wouldn't feel so...ridiculous.

"It's been sixteen years," she finally said. "Don't you think it's time to end the façade? If you wait any longer, there'd be no point in not pretending anymore." She looked at Hiashi. "And things will stay as they are permanently."

He stiffened, jaw clenching tight. "It is not that simple anymore, Hokage-sama, but this will end soon. Fugaku and I will be sure to set things right within the year."

"Until then," Fugaku interjected, "we will have to ask that you find other shinobi for the job. The ANBU are more than capable of fulfilling this goal."

"This, too, is not that simple," she muttered. "But I will pursue this issue further, and rejection will not be an option. Please, have things settled by then."

Fugaku and Hiashi were allowed to leave shortly after; though, the decision already felt firmly decided. Of course, the two fathers had no idea what the particulars of the mission were, but their approval in the matter was greatly valued. However, the idea of having the siblings on an extended mission was far too risky.

"Fugaku," Hiashi said as they made their journey out of the building, "this will have to end soon."

"Is that so," the man deadpanned.

"You have had her for sixteen years. You have seen her grow and have had the joy of being part of her life. We can at least have the remaining time. The Hyuuga clan needs their heir."

"Do you not think my daughter will find all this too much to handle?"

A thick, brief silence followed.

"She may live under your roof, but she is still my daughter."

"Agreed. But as far as she knows, I am her true father."

This was also something Fugaku Uchiha didn't like to address. He was rational enough to know that Hinata would have to return to Hiashi, but he was too stubborn to figure out why he didn't want to talk about it. After all, sixteen years far exceeded any decent explanation concerning why their children still thought they were related, so unveiling their eyes to the truth would be an act of intentional life trauma.

"Our children have become close," Hiashi commented after a while.

"Naturally."

"When the time comes, I hope we can tell them as a family."

"Agreed."

But if that time came later than sooner, Fugaku would not object.

~Two days later~

"What's wrong with our children?"

This question prompted Mikoto Uchiha to turn from the sink toward her husband. He was seated at the table reading the newspaper. She would have thought he was thinking out loud because he was not looking at her, but he glanced her way, expectant, when she hadn't said anything.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Itachi has been excelling in the ANBU for years now, but he refuses to take on more high paying missions because of those siblings of his."

Mikoto smiled, furrowing her brows. "What makes you think that?"

"I had a talk with the Hokage about him yesterday."

"She's been requesting to speak with you a lot lately."

"You're missing the point."

"Fugaku," she exaggerated her sigh. "Itachi doesn't need to do anything extensive," she said as she dried her hands and took a seat next to him. "He may get paid for his ANBU duties, but he also trains some of the genin and chunin when he has time."

"Don't remind me," Fugaku grumbled.

The head of the house did not particularly approve of his eldest son's charity work around the village. It may have put him in good standing with the important people of Konoha years ago, but now it was more of a hobby. Then again, he blamed the jonin who asked his son for help, as well. Itachi was bright, a prodigy among prodigies, but he only took on ANBU jobs that kept him away for no more than a week – and he normally finished those missions in four or five days – sooner if he was on his own.

"There's nothing wrong with Itachi wanting to be close to his siblings. He has a lot to look after," his wife reminded.

Fugaku grumbled, switching topics. "Sasuke's too distracted."

"He's sixteen. There's a lot to be distracted by."

"Itachi was far beyond Sasuke's capabilities at this age."

"Itachi also had a lot to work for so Sasuke wouldn't."

Fugaku set down his newspaper. "Is that an excuse?"

Mikoto smiled, leaning on her arm. "It's the truth. Besides, our children are all excellent shinobi."

He rested his arms on the table, slouching forward. "They could be more."

"Are you disappointed?"

He hesitated. "No."

"See?" She waited. There was one more he hadn't addressed. "And Hinata?"

"What about Hinata?"

"You had qualms about our children."

"Yes," he deadpanned. "I addressed them."

Mikoto frowned. Fugaku noticed his wife's annoyance – or, rather, her secondhand hurt feelings.

He sighed. "That aside, Hinata is exceptional. But because of her," he coughed, "background, there is nothing I can teach her."

"But she is getting better each day."

"Quite," he nodded. "The Hokage told me she is among the best kunoichi she has seen."

Mikoto drew circles on the table, looking away from the eyes studying her. "Did you...want a girl?"

"I...would have wanted Hinata." He gently grabbed his wife's hand, prompting her to look up. "But she is my daughter, so I already have her."

His wife smiled, but concern soon overtook her. "Sixteen years... We should have told them sooner."

And here it was again. He withdrew his hand and crossed his arms. They all knew their time was running out, so why did he have to hear about it so much?

"Hinata," he picked his words carefully, deciding logic was the best course of action, "should know by now. She trains with Hiashi once a week."

She shook her head. "Kyokkō says Hinata thinks it's just coincidence."

"How so?" Fugaku asked, truly surprised by this knowledge.

"It's like...how there was a chance Sasuke or Itachi could have gotten brown hair because we both carry that gene."

"She's seen their eyes, hasn't she? Has she not wondered why she can use the Byakugan and not the Sharingan?"

"She hasn't even told us she can use the Byakugan. I don't think she's told anyone. As far as the Sharingan goes... I don't know. She's so lively all the time, so I have no idea what she's truly thinking." Mikoto wrung her hands. "And if I try to bring it up...I wouldn't know how to explain it all without telling the truth. I just... I just don't know if she's alright."

Fugaku rubbed the side of his face, becoming troubled. "Is she in denial?"

"No... I think she just can't think any other way."

"She's never asked us why she looks more like her aunt and uncle, has she?"

Mikoto shook her head, biting her lip. "Should we tell them?"

He sighed heavily. He didn't mean to, but, if he were to be honest, things would be better as they were. If Hinata didn't question her origin, then there would be no point in telling her. He may have been the only person who thought so, but he didn't...want to lose his daughter. "When the time comes, we will know what to do."

Mikoto shook her head. "We didn't go about this properly. It seemed logical sixteen years ago, but now there's too much at stake."

"Perhaps. But we could not have predicted this."

The two halted any impending words when they heard bodies shuffling into the kitchen. Hinata blossomed into the room; Sasuke forced each step he took.

"Morning!" the white eyed girl sang as she gave both parents a kiss on the cheek.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Mikoto grinned. "You're rather cheerful this morning."

"It's because she's going to be training with Uncle Hiashi," Sasuke droned.

"Not just that." Hinata stretched. "But my spar partner is coming back from a mission today."

"Spar partner?" Fugaku questioned.

Hinata smiled brightly. "Neji."

"The other freak of nature on Team Gai," Sasuke commented.

Hinata glared at him. "Don't say that."

He evaluated his sister's expression, deciding he was too tired to hold his tongue. "They're all strange."

"Tenten is not strange!"

Fugaku grunted, immediately quieting his children. "So why are you both up?"

"Well," Hinata hugged her father around the shoulders, "I was hoping to get some training in and spend time with Sasuke before I go."

"I didn't ask," Sasuke muttered.

"Do you both want breakfast?" Mikoto asked.

Hinata shot Sasuke a glance, noticing him pulling a tomato out of the refrigerator. "That's okay, mom. Time is against us anyway."

Hinata and Sasuke said their goodbyes before setting out for their destination. Spring had barely started, and the air was still cool from the passing winter.

"You visit them more and more these days," Sasuke said plainly.

"No one's stopping you from tagging along."

"No one's inviting me either," he mumbled, hoping that went unheard. "You spend the whole day there."

"Aw!" She latched on to his arm. "Do you miss me when I'm gone?"

"When did I say that?"

"You're not denying it. Though, I can see why you would get lonely. Itachi is gone most of the time, so you only have me in the end."

That was true, but that wasn't why he was lonely. In truth, he liked and hated when Hinata went to spend time with their aunt and uncle. Before and after she went to visit them, she'd overflow with joy...but that was exactly why he hated her going. Why did she have so much fun over there, but not show any of that enthusiasm at home? Not to mention she likes their cousin Neji way more than he did. Not only did Neji have a cold nature that matched his own, but Sasuke knew very little about him. Like himself, Neji only opened up around Hinata. As kids, he remembered Neji not liking Hinata so much, but he noticed how he acted around her when he thought no one was looking. Now that they're older, he's more open about their close relationship, but the relationship between him and Sasuke never improved. It was never good. Neji also had...very unsettling brown eyes. He didn't know what made them so unnerving, but he preferred to not be caught under his cousin's gaze.

"Sasuke," Hinata said, "when do you think nii-san will come back from his mission?"

"Why are you asking me like I should know?"

"Because you talk to him more than I do."

"Whose fault is that?"

She huffed. Sasuke always did things like this. "I don't think he likes me very much."

"No. Shut up. You just want to complain because he hasn't been home."

She waited. "Do you think he'll move out soon?"

He cringed at the thought. "Where is this coming from?"

"He's twenty-one already. If it weren't for the missions and help he offers around the village, I bet he would have looked for a place to live a long time ago. Maybe...maybe he'll finally get to it now that we can look after ourselves."

"Hinata, Itachi doesn't even have a girlfriend, so if he decides to live on his own, he's going to die from starvation and exhaustion."

"Don't say that!" She pushed him, more of a nudge. "He could take care of himself... If he tried. If...he didn't look after so many others."

"That's exactly why he'd die on his own. Where is this all coming from, again?"

"I don't know. I just... I'm afraid-"

"Hinata-chaaaaaaaan!"

The two stopped, looking behind them, though the sound clearly didn't come from that direction. Sasuke looked at the ground and saw a shadow closing in from overhead. He extended his arm, pushing Hinata back as he stepped away as well. A green blur landed mere inches in front of them and looked up.

"Ah," Lee said. "Funny running into you."

"Hi, Lee," Hinata greeted.

Sasuke stalked away. This was going to take a while.

He didn't like one thing about his sister; there were many things she did that bugged him, but that was normal. The one thing he absolutely did not like was the fact that she attracted a lot of attention.

A lot of male attention.

It was bad enough that he had to put up with the looks she got – the shamelessly obvious looks – by the normal villagers, but he also had to put up with his fellow ninja staring at his sister like they couldn't wait to jump her bones. There was one ninja in particular that grated his nerves. The worst part was...this ninja didn't just stare at her for sexual reasons, if he ever truly saw a sexual reason, and he had just appeared out of the sky.

The Uchiha stared at the taijustu savvy ninja from his spot under a nearby tree. Hinata giggled away at the blushing Lee, who was explaining something with overly done hand gestures and poses. Lee bothered him because...because he was looking at Hinata too much. He always looked at Hinata too much. It's only recently that he started looking at her with the eyes of a man, but he looked at her like...like she was someone he truly wanted to be with. Ever since Hinata started sparring with him when they were eight years old, the spandex wearing idiot actively sought her out when he heard she was coming into town. It must have been luck that he spotted her this morning

"Hinata-chan," Sasuke tuned into the conversation a few feet in front of him. "Um, a-about that this weekend..."

"Yes?" she asked sweetly, oblivious.

Lee reddened, fidgeting in place while rubbing the back of his head. "That m-movie you said you wanted to see. I, uh, got tickets and-"

"Oh! Lee, sorry." Her eyes widened in that way when she's zapped with apologies galore. "Itachi is going to take me and Sasuke this weekend. You didn't buy tickets for my sake, did you?"

"Uh... N-no, of course not!" He laughed loudly. Too loud. "But," the hand in his hair tightened, "maybe I could sit with you?"

"Sure! The more the merrier. Oh, but what about your extra tickets? I can pay you for the money you spent."

"It is okay! I can find someone to give it to."

And Sasuke sighed to himself as the conversation continued. Truly, it was aggravating. Boys, he knew, were always interested in her because she was an Uchiha and she had a few different physical traits – so there was some appeal in dating someone that held a legendary kekkei genkai that didn't remind them of the entire clan. But when they got to know Hinata like Sasuke knew Hinata, they never left her alone. There were those like Lee who jumped at every chance they got to talk to her, and there were those like Shikamaru who probably didn't like her in that way, but were definitely interested in her. The reason Shikamaru pestered her was because she refused to play him in a game of Go after she beat him in their first and only match. She cheated, but only Sasuke believed so because he refused to think that she was beautiful, strong, and smart.

No.

He would not be able to keep himself under control if she were all three.

Sasuke looked up when he heard his sister squeal. He clenched his fists just looking at that mutt cozying up to Hinata.

"Kiba!" She laughed as she pried his arms from around her middle. "Can I help you? I'm talking to Lee, as you can see."

"Don't be so cold. Shino and I have been dying to go on a mission, but you're always with your brothers these days."

She huffed, not amused. "I'm starting to think you have other things on your mind when we're on our missions."

The dog boy feigned innocence. "Like what?"

Sasuke grit his teeth. Kiba was in heat more than Akamaru; he didn't want to imagine what he might have done to Hinata in the past, but she was tough. After all, she gets trained by Itachi.

"Anyway, Lee," Hinata went on, "I really should be going. Don't forget about the movies, okay?"

"Okay!" Lee assured, eyes positively sparkling.

"Movies?" Kiba looked between them. "What movies?"

"Nothing," Hinata sighed. "Look, we can talk missions a little later, okay? If you haven't noticed, my brother isn't too pleased with me."

Kiba took notice of Sasuke for the first time, shuddering. The Uchiha was glaring more than he thought was normal. However, noticing it was the second oldest Uchiha relieved him – Lee, too. If Itachi was the one standing there... Well, the eldest Uchiha kept to himself, so there was no telling what could set him off, but it was no secret that he was protective of his siblings. Naturally, one look from Itachi had the body aching in phantom pain if he thought you were cozying up to his sister. Sasuke was no better. It was not beneath him to use deadly force on someone he thought was pushing their boundaries with Hinata. Oddly enough, boys preferred to deal with Sasuke's physical pain than Itachi's psychological pain, if given a choice.

Kiba forced a smile. "Hey, Sasuke. Long time no see."

"I did not mean to stall you!" Lee apologized, recovering quickly from moments ago.

"Whatever." He pushed himself off the tree and walked over to grab Hinata's wrists. "We're leaving." He began stalking off, Hinata tossing goodbyes over her shoulder, when something up ahead caught his eye. He also caught the something up ahead's eye. He turned on his heels and stalked the other direction, earning confused stares from Kiba and Lee.

"Sasuke," Hinata said, "I know you know you're not making any sense."

"Keep walking," he muttered.

"Sasuke! Hinata!" that raspy, annoying, piercing voice called. Immediately, his sister shut down, unable to move.

"Gimmie a break." He turned back, with no surprise at all, to find Hinata looking at the ground, face a dark red. Further behind, Naruto and Sakura were approaching. Naruto was his best friend, he could admit that to himself, but, oh, did he hate him. He hated him because Hinata didn't. She really didn't hate him.

"Sasuke. Hinata," Sakura greeted when they caught up. "And hello to you, too, Lee." She paused, her expression falling. "Kiba."

"Nice to see you so enthusiastic today, Sakura," Kiba mumbled.

Hinata turned toward the group, face composed and indifferent though a healthy dose of blood still dominated her. "G-Good morning, Sakura. N...N-N-Naruto," she nodded.

The blond smiled brightly, causing the youngest Uchiha to break her poised demeanor for a brief second.

"Where are you guys off to?" he asked the twins.

"Nowhere," Sasuke responded. "We'd like to get back to it."

"Do you have time to spare?" Sakura crossed one leg in front of the other, clearly forcing herself to appear shy. "Maybe we could all get breakfast."

"We ate."

"You ate a tomato," Hinata mumbled.

"Your face is a tomato," he rebutted.

"At least my appearance will change."

"This was an improvement."

She glared at him, shaking because he kept talking. She turned to Sakura, her blush fading gradually. "We'd love to go to breakfast, Sakura. In fact, we should all meet for lunch, as well."

Sasuke tried not to let his emotions show, but Hinata knew just how to get him. She knew very well how Sakura felt about him, and she knew he didn't want to deal with it. She also knew how persistent the pink-haired kunoichi was, so there was no way he could brush her off as easily as other girls. Hinata also had a funny way of acting like she would be able to keep this lunch date promise when they were planned to meet with Uncle Hiashi later – well, she was.

"So, are we included in these dates or what?" Kiba asked.

Sakura's expression fell again. "I don't remember anyone including you, Kiba."

"It is okay," Lee said. "I will be busy anyway."

"Doing what?" Naruto questioned skeptically.

"Well, Neji-"

Sasuke groaned.

"Neji?" Hinata beamed. "He's back this early?"

"I am going to meet him right now," Lee said.

"Really?!" She ran over to Lee, grasping his hand. "May I go with you?"

The bushy-browed ninja averted his gaze, desperately trying to suppress his blush. "W-well... I mean..." He coughed. "O-of course you may come, Hinata-chan. I am sure he will be surprised to see you."

She squealed, turning back to the group as Lee nearly fell apart when she didn't let go of his hand. "You guys go ahead without me. If I'm able, I'll bring Lee and Neji back."

"You're the one that put this together," Sasuke reminded. He tried very hard not to stare at the hand she was holding.

"But..." The gleam in her eye dimmed. "Neji..."

Sasuke bit his cheek. He really hated Neji most of all because he didn't have to do a single thing to have Hinata fawning all over him. Sasuke was her brother, so he should be content with being able to spend most of his days with her, but Neji was their cousin and she put him on a pedestal as high as Itachi's, if not higher. It bothered him so much because...she adored Neji so damn much.

"Fine," Sasuke said curtly. "Go."

"You're not...mad are you, nii-chan?"

He cringed at the name, at that overly worried voice, at what it all did to him. "No. Just go already."

She hesitated. She knew very well he was mad at her, but she could make up for it later. She turned to Lee. "Wanna race?" she smiled.

He perked up. "I would love to!"

"Alright. We won't stop until we get all the way-"

"Hinata?" Naruto chimed in.

The girl went rigid, looking at him while telling herself to calm down. "Yes?"

He stared at her, tongue caught between his teeth as he smiled softly. "You're wearing your hair different."

"Ah...w-well...yes. I-Itachi...said it was more appropriate, and Ino helped me style it."

He walked over to her, reaching to stroke her ponytail. "I like it." He looked her in the eyes. "I can see your face better."

Her lips parted, body trembling. "I have to go!"

She darted off in the opposite direction, firmly clutching Lee's hand and dragging him along. Naruto watched, closing his hand.

"Sasuke," he stared a moment longer before turning to the Uchiha...who seemed to be glaring at him harder than usual, "does your sister like me?"

"No." He turned and walked away. "She just feels sorry for you."

Itachi had trudged through the village gates and reported to the Hokage over half an hour ago. Still dressed for a mission, he found himself trudging back to the village gates and planted himself under a tree. To put it simply, he had a an excuse to explain why he was here, but he had no clue why he came at all. The Hokage informed him of Neji's impending arrival, but that was just the excuse he'd use for being here. His real reason – the one he'd pretend he didn't know – had yet to come.

So, until it happened, he stared into the sky. It was a comforting shade of blue, and there were many drifting clouds today. He found himself cloud gazing on certain days with the Nara boy (complete accidents on their part), and he wouldn't mind doing that right now. He was being sent on more ANBU missions as of late, but he wouldn't admit to be exhausted. He didn't have time to be exhausted. If anything, he could rest this weekend... But...

No, he couldn't.

He promised Hinata he'd take her and Sasuke to see a movie. Well...maybe he could get some rest then. It's not like he particularly cared what they were going to see; he just knew Hinata had been raving about it for weeks.

Did Sasuke want to go? He hated to admit this, but he hardly knew what was on his brother's mind these days. He became so emotionally defensive over the years. As his older brother, Itachi thought something happened to him. He started assuming the worst – sexual abuse, maybe – but all the adults and older kids in his life checked out. So, maybe, he thought, Sasuke was having problems with his sexuality after that whole Naruto kissing ordeal. If anything, Hinata took it harder than he did. So, maybe he was just having those kinds of feelings toward his female counterparts, but he was far too calloused to their attempts at budding love. He only hung around Hinata. If Hinata wasn't around, he'd brood all day. Maybe... Well, it's possible that- No. No, it wasn't possible, but...

Itachi looked up. No sooner had he done that, Neji and Shisui walked through the gates. He had almost forgotten that Neji was nominated to be assigned to the ANBU soon; though, he didn't know why there was so much preparation for him. Neji was capable enough last year, so why was he still unofficially assisting certain missions?

Itachi stood, intending to greet them, when he felt a rapid presence closing in on them. They all looked toward the village, a massive cloud of dust storming their way.

"Neeeeeeeji-"

What timing.

"-nii-saaaaaan!"

Itachi leaned against the tree to watch the events unfold. Hinata and that one boy – Lee – ran onto the scene, jumping in the air towards the newly arrived ninjas. Neji regarded both of them, tilting his head back as they soared through the sky. He said something to Shisui before assuming his usual position. It always amazed Itachi how he knew how to keep his balance after one of...these.

The two started their descent. Lee landed first, right next to his teammate, and Hinata came a few seconds later. Neji caught her, spinning to divert some of the momentum as the girl hugged him.

"Welcome back!" she squealed. Itachi smiled, pushing off the tree to join the group. She was such a loving girl.

"It is nice to see you are well, my friend!" Lee greeted. "You, too, Shisui-san!"

"You two are rowdy as ever," Neji said. His neutral expression didn't match the latent joy in his tone. He kept one arm around Hinata as he inspected her. "What in God's name are you wearing?"

"Do you like it? Ino and Sakura helped me pick it out. Not only does it let me move easily, but I look quite feminine, too."

"You look like a tramp."

She puffed one cheek. "I thought you'd like it."

"I'd like it more if you'd cover up."

"But I'm wearing the bandages..." She looked over, noticing Itachi a few feet away. Her eyes grew, and she smiled a smile full of so much child-like wonder Itachi's heart swelled. Such a loving girl. "Nii-san!"

She ripped out of Neji's hold and bolted towards her brother, plowing a fierce hug into his body. He stumbled, wrapping his arm around her, and patted her head.

"I'm kind of sweaty, Hinata."

"I don't care!" She looked up at him. "Welcome back."

"I'm home." He looked up. "Hello, Lee."

"Hello!" he bowed.

"Nice to see you've returned Neji. Shisui."

"Itachi." Neji bowed his head.

"Nice to see you're alive," Shisui nodded. "Did you just get back?"

"I did." He walked over to them, Hinata standing on his feet and clinging to his middle. He took the time to inspect his cousin as he approached. Neji had very peculiar brown eyes. They almost seemed fake. "How did he do?" he asked Shisui.

He grinned, patting Neji on the shoulder. "Excellent as always. It's a shame he's not working full-time for us."

"I am content with this," Neji assured. "It is an honor to be able to aid in any way possible."

"Was it difficult this time around?" Itachi asked.

"Not particularly. Hopefully, I will be assigned to aid you in a mission."

"Neji..." Itachi grinned subtly. "Family distracts me."

"Would I be in your way?"

"No. I'd probably be in yours." He pried his sister off of him. "Why not escort Neji home? You've been waiting for his return, have you not?"

"Shh!" She blushed, ducking her head. "Don't embarrass me." She turned to Neji, smiling. "Are you hungry? Lee and I were going to eat breakfast with the others."

"We're going to get you new clothes first."

"Neji," she whined.

"Stop that. You should know how to dress by now."

The three younger ones started walking off. Itachi and Shisui watched them go. Shisui walked next to his friend.

"So?" Itachi questioned.

"Before I say anything, I will remind you he is your cousin, so asking him shouldn't be that hard."

"Yes, but there must be a reason it's kept a secret."

"Yes, well, that's the other thing."

Itachi turned to him. "What?"

Shisui scratched the back of his head. "Some of the ninjustu you've seen Hinata do...Neji can do, too."

"What do you think it means?"

"I'm not sure, but he can also do this...this weird thing with his eyes."

"Like the Sharingan?"

He shook his head. "It's different, Itachi. Very...different."

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As far as Fugaku is concerned about his daughter's clothes, with the impending 'custody' battle, he wants her to be happy with their family. So, basically, he wants Hinata to not want a reason to leave. Neji, on the other hand, sees Hinata as already choosing the Hyuugas, so he'll be snippy over it.