Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto….not ever….unless…..oh nevermind…..you know the routine…
Warning: Time skip, bad grammar, bad language, bad spelling (if there's any) and be warned of some SPOILERS revealed.
A/N: This chapter takes BEFORE the prologue, hence for the time-skip thingy
Jbramx2: you're request is in process….hahahaha
Bebe Lub: thanx for your review….I like your stories better though…
Hina-chancares8: awww….here's the tissue….you're gonna need it more dear…
mysterygal02: poor girl…the torture never ends heh??
Suzume-kage: yeah, I'm updating it & its on the way….
Hiei-and-Shino: Sad?? Why?? Hehehee…I just love torturing Gaara….my fave past time….wait till I do a SasuHina!!
Modern Psyche: Dun worry…updates is coming in your way….
Chibi Outtake:
Gaara: I thought I'm going to be in this chapter (whines)
Kaguya: Not yet...you'll be out soon….maybe
Gaara: I don't like waiting too long
Kaguya: Oh, you mean you can't wait to meet Hinata-chan, is that it??
Gaara: ...
Hinata (blushed)
Neji: Like hell I'm gonna let that happen!! (growls)
Kaguya: Where's Naruto?
Sasuke: Where else would he be if its not Ichiraku Ramen? Hey, why am I in this fic??
Gaara: Yeah, why is this Uchiha in this fic?? I thought it was just supposed to be just me & Hinata-chan
Kaguya: uhmm...
Neji: (pulled Hinata behind him) Like hell I'm gonna let the two of you near her!
Shikamaru: Please review...This is getting so troublesome...
Neji/TenTen/Lee/Gaara: 18
Hinata/Naruto & the Rookie Nine: 16
Time-skip: 3 years (I wonder if anybody is reading this or not or else I wouldn't need to explain this again)
CHAPTER 1: GETTING CAUGHT
3 YEARS EARLIER (Happened before the Prologue):
Many things have changed since the day Sasuke left to follow Orochimaru. Naruto never gave up in searching for his bestfriend and at the same time, keeping his promise to the love of his life, Sakura.
The Hyuuga Heiress too has changed. After Naruto left the village with Jiraiya, Hinata in many ways have changed to better herself in being a capable kunoichi. Personal trainings with Neji helped improved her fighting techniques. Hinata also trained under the Tsunade herself in learning the arts and craft of medicine and pharmacology. Between Sakura and Hinata, Tsunade has slight preference for the Hyuuga heiress, not because of her calming personality, but also her determination in trying to improve herself.
When Naruto came back, Hinata knew that she would never be able to win Naruto's heart, for in his heart, was only Sakura. With that revelation, Hinata learned to move on.
Much to Neji, Kiba and Shino's relief.
Neji has personal reasons for NOT liking the idea one bit that his cousin to have any emotional attachment on Naruto. Neji also knew that his uncle would be personally displeased if it were to happen openly, or even to find out about it. Anything concerns Hinata, has Neji's foremost attention, especially WHO she goes out with.
It was only natural for Kiba and Shino to worry about Hinata. She was like their little sister and practically their 'little angel' when going out for missions, even amongst the ANBU, Hinata was practically the 'baby sister' to all. Her ointments and medicines have become some sort of 'popular' among the Konoha nins and local civilians, prompting the Hyuuga Clan to specialize in pharmacology as part of their business venture, thus expanding the Hyuuga influences. The secret of her success based on two main important factors:
1. Freshly grown herbs and plants found in her late mother's garden which she cultivated and cared for, hence the quality of the herbs were of highest standards;
2. All her medicines and ointments were made with tender loving care because she handmade them herself.
The moment Naruto returned to Konoha with the pretty much unconscious Sasuke behind his back, everything in Konoha turned upside down. Sasuke was hospitalised for several months with severe internal injuries which required constant chakra supervision by only the top medic nins with Tsunade being the head supervisor.
Naruto, being Naruto of course with the help of the Kyuubi's chakra, had all his injuries healed by themselves and the years of physical abuse from Sakura made him practically immune to the physical pain.
Sasuke's return also brought about several issues that required high level dealing with. Tsunade had ordered 'observation at the highest order' on Sasuke which required constant ANBU and ROOT agents on patrol surrounding the hospital's district and also around Konoha's vicinity.
Surprisingly enough, Tsunade made Hinata as Sasuke's official caretaker much to Sakura's objection….and also the 'We-Love-Sasuke' Fan Club. Even Hinata herself was surprised at the decision. Tsunade deemed Hinata as 'safe' where Sasuke is concern and Sasuke being Sasuke, surprised everyone by agreeing to Tsunade's decision.
It was also this time that Sasuke made another close friendship besides Naruto, Sakura (yes, Sasuke does consider Sakura as his friend or else he would've obliterated her years ago, right?) and Kakashi. Although Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi were considered as closest to him, Sasuke still could not abide the excessive loudness and irritation that annoys him to no end. Peace and tranquility was the what he seek, which the young Hyuuga heiress could provide. It was probably the only friendship he truly and openly appreciates, stunning the Konoha population.
At the turn of her sixteenth birthday, Hinata was made ANBU. Both Neji and Shino were made captains of their own ANBU squad while the rest has made it into jounin. Shikamaru has earned his place as one of Tsunade's tactician and advisor while Sakura earned her place at Konoha's general hospital, teaching interns. Ino, Kiba, Lee and Tenten had their own genin teams to teach while Chouji was happy being an academy instructor.
Much to Hiashi's pleasure and also….displeasure. After the Chuunin exam incident, Hiashi became more concerned and wary of his eldest child.
The realization hit him hard.
Looking at his eldest child, he could not forget how much she resembled his late wife and begin to look out for her, in other words, being overprotective of her well-being. Hiashi knew she worked hard to become ANBU for his sake and that left him with deep guilt and remorse. He thought of the years he had mentally and emotionally abused his child, and it was something a father should not have done, no matter how weak the child was, they do not deserve such unloving treatment. He realized what kind of father he was and he was glad he had realized it before it was too late.
Hiashi have turned over a new leaf.
For once, he strives to become a father, instead of a leader. He also realized, through his daughter that becoming a father is what makes a good leader. Smilingly, Hiashi was glad that Hinata had been his first-born. She would be the most loved clan leader in all time.
The harmonisation between both families; main and branch was only realised by Hinata.
The legend behind the infamous Gentle Fist of the Hyuuga Clan lived through in Hinata with the support of her friends and family, Hinata proved that the breach between the two families could be heal and together making the Clan stronger than it was ever before. The ridicule she faced when she was younger was no more when Hiashi had made his decision.
The Ways of Old must come to pass because it was a new era for the Hyuugas to spread it's wings.
The history of the Hyuuga Clan dated thousands of years, starting off with a legend that the Hyuugas descended from the Land Above the Sky (1) who were once Immortals, children of the great Goddess Amaterasu but was cast down to live as Mortals. No one knew the reason why, but everyone took it as some bedtime story to tell to their children.
As Hinata became more proactive in her part as heiress, her new ways was very much quickly adapted. Even some of the Main family understood the need for change. Although it was hard in the beginning, but with the support of her father and Branch family members, the Ways of the Sun was slowly beginning to receive acknowledgement and accepted by the whole Clan. Eventhough not everyone agreed to it, but it was better than nothing.
To Hinata, this was the acknowledgment she had been waiting for, the belief her clan has in her and in her ability to lead them. But unknown to her, it came with a price…..
The Hyuuga Household:
Hinata was late.
Again.
Running down the stairs dressed in her usual training outfit, she ran passed the kitchen and back again, taking a piece of toast in her mouth and ran out of the house.
"Is she late again?" Hiashi asked, taking his breakfast.
"Hai," Neji replied solemnly, picking on his breakfast. Neji was the mini version of Hiashi, which Hanabi constantly teased her older cousin about.
Hanabi grinned. "Hinata-neechan was busy last night. I couldn't get much sleep and it was very noisy." Spooning huge chunks of fried rice into her awaiting mouth.
Both men looked at the 12-year-old girl before them. Their mouths were gaping open as if they couldn't believe what was said to them.
"What do you mean, Hanabi?" Neji narrowed his eyes.
"Well, I did hear a lot of moaning and shaking," Hanabi looked innocently at the two outraged males. "Don't tell me you didn't hear anything, Nii-san?"
What bastard had the nerve to sneak into my daughter's room in the middle of the night?? I won't have it! Hyuuga Hiashi broke his spoon into half and accidently activated his Byakugan. His darkened expression did not go unnoticed by the other two.
Hanabi was stifling her grin, clearly amused by her father's expression. Then, she turned her attention towards her equally grumpy older cousin.
Hinata-sama?? I will kill the bastard who laid hands on Hinata-sama! I won't let some dirty pervert touching her innocence!! Neji broke the porcelain cup in his hands and did not realised blood was flowing down to the table.
Hanabi could not contain any longer and was bursting with laughter. The two older Hyuugas were looking at the youngest one before them with perplexed look engraved on their impassive faces. "This is just so funny!! I know what is running in your minds now. But, don't take it the wrong way, but can you imagine Nee-chan with somebody in her room??"
Both Hyuuga men looked at each other and then grinned away sheepishly. Feeling a tad guilty for thinking Hinata could go all the way that far. They both knew how shy and conservative Hinata is, and would never step over the boundaries of immorality, but if it comes to Hanabi...that's a totally entirely different matter.
Both men were thinking about the same thing.
"Hanabi's right. I think we...we've been a little bit over-dramatic where Hinata is concerned," Hiashi said. Then, he looked at his youngest daughter. "Hanabi, then how would you know she was being 'busy' last night?"
Hanabi grinned at her father and then at Neji. Both men were peering at her, waiting for her answer.
Hanabi grinned and looked at them, "I watched her with my Byakugan, Tou-san! She was only busy with her dance step routines for the Konoha Flower Festival!"
"Then how about all the moaning about?" Neji demanded.
Hanabi giggled. "She was doing stretches, Nii-san."
Neji looked as if Hanabi smashed a frying pan right into his face.
Hanabi really knew when to strike at her father and cousin and often times, it was amusing to see their expression.
Eversince Hiashi have begun to accept Hinata the way she is and letting her choose her own leadership style, the more Hiashi see his late wife in his eldest child and the more he became attached to her. Since she has come of age (2), many proposals have come for her hand-in-marriage but was always rejected by Hiashi. Even more by Neji and Hanabi.
Unknowing to both his daughters and also his nephew, every morning, Hiashi would light a candle beside his wife's portrait situated at the cornerside of his room and 'talked' to his late-wife for about half an hour before lighting another candle for his twin brother. It was his daily ritual habit, that no one knew about, except for his old nurse and personal butler who have always been with him and Hizashi since they were boys. Pride gets in Hiashi's way when it comes to sentimentality and no Hyuuga men are allowed to show such sentimentality. And that includes Neji.
No matter what, I'm still going to fix that alarm system on her window. Hiashi gave a thought and nodded at his own brilliant idea.
After breakfast, Hanabi left for her training and Neji to the Hokage Tower, leaving the Hyuuga Clan Leader contemplating the cost of fixing an alarm system on his eldest daughter's window.
Hinata ran down the streets right towards the Konoha Municipal Hall where a large number of young women and girls were gathering and some even dressed for the occasion, then turning around the corner, she saw Sakura, Ino and Tenten waving frantically at her.
Waving back, Hinata jogged to where her friends were and apologised.
"You're late Hinata-chan," Sakura said, crossing her arms across her rather small chest. Dressed in her usual dark pink dress with slit at the side of her thigh, Sakura was like the unofficial head of their group. After Naruto and Sasuke left, Sakura surrounded herself around her female friends and bonded well with Hinata, Ino and Ino.
"I...I...I'm so..sorry, Sakura-chan," Hinata apologised, trying to catch on her breath after the running. "I...I...forgot to set my a..alarm clock….last…night."
"Its okay, Hinata-chan," Ino said, putting her arms around Hinata's shoulders and added, "At least we haven't started yet. It seems that Tsunade-sama is going to be late again, huh?"
"I guess so, everyone has gathered. I guess we can all rehearse our positions," Tenten said, taking off the huge scroll from her back and peel open her top to reveal a black tank top with long black tights.
"I don't see why you have to bring that all along with you, Tenten. Its not like we're going to go into a battlefield or something," Sakura said.
"Quit it, Sakura. You're sounding so much like Neji and I think I know where both of your attitudes come from," Tenten grinned at her.
True enough. Sakura blushed furiously when Tenten teased her about it.
The girls knew about Sakura's new found crush on the young ANBU captain who happened to be Hinata's cousin, Neji who apparently had no idea whatsoever about Sakura's budding feelings for him.
How it all happened seemed to be one of the great mysteries of the world. It all happened when both Sakura and Neji were assign to a mission in Snow Country where they were ambushed by S-ranked nins resulting in Neji gotten hurt whilst protecting Sakura. After the attack, coincidently, a snowstorm caught up with them, causing the journey back to Konoha had to be postpone and them taking shelter in a small cave. With the remaining strength Sakura had, she healed the worst of Neji's wound until she went low with chakra and had to rest for some time before resuming.
The rest of Neji's wound got him into delirium, causing instability to his body temperature. With the icy cold snowstorm plus his external bleeding, Sakura had to take care of her partner or else she would lose her teammate to Death. After being on numerous missions with Naruto, there was one thing she learned and that was, never to leave your partner behind….
Shedding her clothes and also his, Sakura snuggled close against Neji and starting to share her natural body heat and at the same time dispelling some of her replenished chakra through his pores, letting it seeped through. The tender moment Sakura shared with Neji turned into something deep and she couldn't help but blush.
The feeling did not evaporate even after they both reached Konoha safely.
Sakura blushed slightly, reminiscing the brief moment of closeness she shared with Neji until Hinata spoke up.
"I...I...think Shizune-san is go...going to say some...thing," Hinata finally said something to distract the girls.
Shizune was up on the stage and spoke through the microphone for all the girls attended the rehearsal. Not surprising, she still had that ugly pig stuffed under her arms.
"Alright girls," Shizune began. "The Hokage-sama is busy right now with some paperwork to be done, and I'll be supervising today's practice. So, everyone take your position."
Somewhere in the Hokage's office:
"Damn that Shizune for piling up my workload," Tsunade was pissed. "I'll get her back for that," she added while pulling out a bottle of sake hidden in one of the secret compartments in her desk drawer.
"But right now, I'm glad to get rid of her for just a couple of hours," Tsunade grinned broadly as she enjoyed her sake.
Without any notice or whatsoever, the door burst open and there stood the number one orange-coloured pest in her life.
"Oi! Tsunade baa-chan!" the orange-coloured pest yelled.
"And I thought Shizune was the worst pest that live on the remainder of my life," Tsunade sighed.
Back at the rehearsal:
All the girls moved symmetrically and in harmony. Forming different shapes of flowers, movements and swaying, the girls were thoroughly enjoying themselves to their feminine diversion. Outside of the building, the boys were sneaking up to take a look at how the girls were doing.
"Phew! I'm so beat!" TenTen muttered, slumping down.
"Me too! But I'm so hungry right now," Ino said, holding her onto her lean flat stomach.
"You're hungry now huh, Ino-pig?" Sakura grinned maliciously. "I'd always known you can't hold down your appetite!"
"Well, at least I've got better body than you, billboard brow!" Ino replied, in equally the same tone.
Shizune stepped onto the platform again and said, "Ladies! Attention please!" Everyone looked at the exasperated Shizune. "As you all know, this year, the Konoha Flower Festival will be inviting several important guests and we're honoured to have an important guest-of-honour in this event."
"Who do you think will come, huh?" TenTen nudged Hinata.
"Hear Shizune-san out!" Sakura muttered.
"Our guest-of-honour is none other than the Kazekage of Sunagakure himself, so ladies, I hope you'll present yourselves well for this occasion and impress our guest-of-honour and other important guests," Shizune concluded.
"Gaara is coming down?" Ino exclaimed.
"I can't believe he's coming down for a dance," Sakura grinned. "He's changed alright."
"A..Ano," Hinata said softly. "I'll go get change."
"Alright, Hinata-chan. We'll be waiting for you," TenTen said, pulling into her red jacket.
The changing room was full and Hinata had no choice but to change inside the store room. She was already in her red lace bra and a matching red lace french knickers when she heard something near the window. Forgetting how she was dressed, Hinata walked towards the sound without even bothering to activate her Byakugan.
"I can't see clearly," Naruto was grumbling.
"Shut up you moron. You're gonna get us killed for this!" Kiba muttered angrily.
"Hey Sasuke-teme, give me a hand would ya?" Naruto asked, looking down at his bestfriend and closest rival. Sasuke was leaning against the wall while glaring angrily at the orange clad ninja. He couldn't believe that he allowed himself to be dragged to see a couple of girls dancing! Worst, he still can't believe it was Naruto who dragged him into this ludicrous scheme in the first place!
"Dobe," Sasuke muttered at Naruto. "Why can't you ask Shikamaru or Shino or Chouji to help you?"
"Teme, can't you see Shikamaru's sleeping. Shino is ignoring me and Chouji...well, he's being Chouji. Eating his way, all the way and you're doing nothing right now," Naruto argued. "Besides, you owe me big when I saved you from Tsunade baa-chan super hit!"
Sasuke glared at Naruto when Naruto pulled him over the boxes, which was piled up against the wall. Sasuke couldn't believe why on earth he'd agreed to follow Naruto back to Konoha when he can go hunt down Itachi himself. He finally made his decision to leave once again when Naruto least expected it. But the question is…..when??
"I'll push you inside and then you'll pull me in okay?" Naruto grinned wolfishly at his bestfriend and rival.
"You're getting as bad as that perverted old man, dobe. Why don't you just use your powers, baka?? Its not like you don't have any," Sasuke muttered icily.
"We can't," Kiba answered for him. "This whole building is triggered with Tsunade's anti-male chakra detectors. If any of us were to use our chakra within this area, we're gonna have the jounins and ANBUs swarming around us in seconds!"
"Tch," Sasuke muttered as Naruto dragged him by the sleeves and literally pushed him up the boxes and gave a final push through the window. Sasuke felt a little lightheaded when he found himself in a small store-like room and the window from which Naruto pushed him through was rather high up. Getting up from the boxes, he held backside in pain.
I'm gonna get you back for this, you dobe!! He silently cursed Naruto and was thinking all the pain and torture he's going to do on Naruto, and reminded himself to learn the 1000-Years-of-Pain (did I get tat right??) jutsu from Kakashi.
"Sasuke-san??" a soft female voice said his name. Sasuke froze.
Sweatdropped.
And as he turned around, he instantaneously felt his nose bleed by automatic response and in his pants, was the hardest hard-on he had in his entire life!
T B C
Gaara: Why…why…Sasuke get to see Hinata in…in….that!!
Sasuke: (grins at Gaara) Red is a nice colour on Hinata-koi
Hinata blushes
Gaara: (glaring daggers at Sasuke) Red is MY colour, bastard
Sasuke growl
Hinata: A…Ano…stop fighting. Kaguya-chan, do something!!
Kaguya: Uhm…okay. (Looking into the drawers) Hey boys, who wants Hinata-chan's lace french knickers??
Gaara & Sasuke nose bleeds
Neji: Hina-hime!! (Pulls Hinata away behind him, pounds Gaara & Sasuke. He looks left and right and quickly snatches Hinata's french knickers in his shirt pocket!)
Kaguya: You're as hentai as they are, Neji! Don't deny it!!
Neji: Wha….what did I do?? (looked innocently away, pulling Hinata home)
Hanabi: All the guys here are perverts!! Pls review ya!
( 1 ) There is a spin-off of another of my fic called 'Romance of the Three Empires' which I have yet to put up and under construction.
( 2 ) In this fic, shinobi's coming-of-age is at 16 years, about four years earlier than other normal civilians because shinobi's life is relatively high-risked and usually they grow up faster than normal kids.
A/N: Just to let everyone know, I have uploaded the Four Seasons of Hinata's Love; Spring Memories, Summer Love, Autumn Farewell and Winter's Tale.