A/N: Next chapter! Thanks for the reviews and I will consider someone else to put Hinata with, my daughter gave me a few suggestions. To answer la-cu-na's question, I am staying as close to canon as possible in this fic, so Asuma, Itachi and whomever I put Hinata with is dead. My daughter suggested Sasori, since he would work and she thinks he is hot. I'll figure that part out in the next chapter or two. Me and my daughter, (yes I'm old and watch anime) debate about the Hinata x Naruto pairing all the time. Blah! As far as their training, I won't go into a lot of detail as to drag it out but just enough so that the reader understands the concept behind it. Hope you enjoy the chapter. Please review.

P.S. Please don't say OMG you character bashed. There is some slight name calling in this chapter but being human, and female. WE ALL will have the tendancy to get pissy and angry when the guy we like ends up with another, we may come to accept it eventually but at first there is some jealousy and bitterness. And some name calling to make ourselves feel better. No one isn't that nice to just accept without some negative emotions.

Of course I don't own Naruto

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Chapter Two

"Stop hogging the heat, Forehead." Ino shifted closer to the fire, using a hip to force the other kunoichi to move a bit to give room. The night air had turned chilly for some reason and she hadn't packed the appropriate attire. Their fault for not asking just where the hell this temple was. Four days of traveling and she was about to freeze her nips off. The only reason she couldn't sleep was because she too was aware of where they were. They were right in the middle of what was left of the Sound Village. Orochimaru was unlikely to be around but that didn't mean that there weren't undesirables about.

"I got an extra jacket, do you want it?" Hinata opened up her pack to retrieve the plain brown jacket. It was a spare she liked to carry around incase her normal jacket got ruined. She hated being cold and Ino looked close to freezing in her normal attire. Winter was upon them, they should have packed more wisely. Kyako said it would take another two days to reach the temple. They had been heading north for most of the way. They had stopped twice for their new sensei to help out some travelers. It gave them a brief glance to what their future held. One merchant had offered to pay them for their services but it had been declined. However, they were able to accept the offering of food and water.

"Thanks, I want a warm bed to sleep in." Ino shoved her arms inside and closed it tight. It would help to warm her body but she was sure there was an iceberg where her heart had been. She should have known better than to do what she'd done but as she packed she realized that she wanted to see him one more time. Just one more time, to take the image of him with her. Something to keep her content for the next three years. The plan hadn't been to speak to him or tell him where she was going. She should have done as Kakashi instructed and grabbed her shit and left. She had made it all the way to his house. His mother had caught her approaching while hanging out linen and told her that Shikamaru was home and to go ahead inside. She assumed he'd be in his room napping or reading, since he wasn't on the roof. If he were awake, she figured she'd just tell him she had a mission then leave. She had hoped she'd find him dozing, to get a last look before departing, without being forced to speak to him. What she had found was a cracked door and she had peaked inside to see what scenario she'd be playing out. Her mind hadn't planned out where she'd be heartbroken and she'd end up fleeing like Madara was on her tail. That wasn't the last image she wanted of him.

Ino bristled recalling that horrible scene as it rehashed in her mind. That bitch had been on top of the shadow-nin, probably squashing him with her weight too. Temari had been topless and leaning down to mash lips with a mouth that wouldn't even bother to give Ino a smile these days. What was going on had been clear, the two were getting into it. She was sure before she'd been ten minutes out of the village, the two had fucked. Now she'd constantly remember how he had chosen to bang the troll. She'd been better off reliving him just buying her a damn hat. "So did you tell anyone you were leaving?"

"No," Sakura poked at the fire with a fresh stick. She had thought about it as she packed but knew it was best to make a clean break. Naruto would just try to talk her out of it and Sasuke wouldn't have reacted either way. Not only did she not want the headache from Naruto's antics, she hadn't wanted to deal with the disappointment that always came with Sasuke's indifference.

"I told my mom and she understands. As long as I return often to visit, she is happy for me. She knows I wasn't happy helping with the shop and bored with the hospital work." Ino was shocked that Sakura hadn't went to say goodbye to Sasuke. Did it mean that Forehead was finally growing up? "Tsunade-sama promised to let them all know after we've been gone long enough. Besides, three years isn't that long, not really."

"You say that now, but I promise this will be the longest three years of your life." Kyako didn't want them thinking this was going to be easy or that they couldn't give it their all. If they wanted to be alive in three years, they would have to work hard.

"But it will be worth it." Hinata thought so. They would return as themselves but as different people. She wanted to make her father proud so he wouldn't regret the decision of supporting her. She folded her hands in her lap and stared into the flickering flames. "I'm hoping to find my path here. I don't want to be just another member of the Hyuuga clan or under my sister's shadow."

"I got a question," Sakura was a bit curious about training under a sage. "Our friend was trained by the Toad Sage and when he goes into sage mode, he has strange marking around his eyes like yours. I mean they aren't as pretty or flashy and his eyes change. He learned how to use nature chakra. Is your training any different?"

"Toad, blah." Perhaps she could share a bit with them, since they were set on going. Kyako wondered what to leave out and what not to. "Yes, I am in sage mode. Why? There is a very important reason as to why I am in this mode. I could release it but I don't desire to. First, you three will go through basic training. Healing, combat because we know there will be times when you must defend yourself and others. Once that is mastered to our standards, you will learn how to control nature chakra. Which is the sage mode your friend most likely uses. In that sage mode the user can use the chakra from the nature around it. Which is the reason why I have my sage markings, that of the swan. After you have mastered being able to remain in sage mode permanently without interruption, you will learn how to use pure chakra."

"Isn't that the same as nature chakra?" That was what Naruto had explained to her when Sakura had asked about it. Naruto was able to use the pure chakra from nature or something like that. It all sounded difficult to her and she never thought she'd get the chance to try mastering it. To be able to return as a sage, it would be a great feat.

"No, it isn't. That tree over there is part of nature, that stone that Ino has her ass on is part of nature and we are part of nature. Nature chakra comes from all of these things. A toad sage could not possibly hope to really tap into the power of pure chakra. Think of it this way, pure chakra is the purest, most shapeless form of chakra, it has no base or attachment. Then there is nature chakra, which is what is then found in all things created by nature. Then there is the chakra we humans rely on, a step down from what is found in nature. Only one sage in existence has been able to manipulate pure chakra. Some sages have deemed this form of chakra to be a myth. One in particular is the Great White Snake, he loathes the very idea of something so pure and intangible."

Were they getting in over their heads? Hinata wondered if she'd be able to master using nature chakra, it was said to be very difficult. There was a reason there wasn't many sages walking around. To be able to accomplish all this in a matter of three years, was it possible? "How can we manage that in just three years?"

Kyako shrugged and reached for her blanket. "Enough talk for now. Everything will be explained once we reach the temple. I suggest trying to get some sleep, we won't be stopping tomorrow night."

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"You've got to be shitting me!" Sakura leaned over to catch her breath as the looming figure appeared before them. She had felt better when she'd been looking at nothing but a thick fog. Now that they were at the edge of the sea, she was ready to keep running until she reached sanity. What was there to understand? Where the hell had that mountain come from? There had been nothing there as they ran along the shoreline for more than two hours. Then suddenly they had been called to a halt to watch their sensei weave a bunch of hand signs. The seemingly fogged ocean had vanished and before them was a huge mountain and at the very top sat a massive structure. "How do we get up?"

"The stairs of course," Hinata pointed to the stairwell to the right of their position. It would be better than running straight up the mountain. She was sure Ino would agree if the kunoichi wasn't still in awe of the powerful illusion that was no doubt in place to keep this place safe from unwanted visitors.

"Actually, I think we'll take the elevator, if you girls don't mind being lazy." Kyako waited for them to cross over the borderline and reactivated the jutsu. This was the way they kept hidden from invaders and unwanted guests. No one would be able to find the place without knowing exactly where it was. If they did manage to enter the illusion, they had a long way to travel to reach the top. It gave them plenty of warning if someone unwanted did arrive.

"Awesome, where is the elevator?" Ino raced in the direction opposite of the stairs. She couldn't wait to get to the top and to check out the place. It was massive and there was even a huge tree at the very top. On the way, she snatched Hinata's hand so she wasn't alone. Finally, they were here and their training could begin. Now that they were here, she was getting more excited at learning something new. Would they return just as strong and talented as Naruto or Sasuke?

"Wait for us!" Sakura walked slowly beside the older woman. She wasn't in a hurry to start training. She prayed they'd allow them to rest and get some good food before it began. "Wait, I need to ask. What kind of food are you allowed to eat? I mean the sage that taught Naruto ate insects and such but this is different. Since you said the sage has certain ideals that go along with her teachings."

"You may eat what you want but there is one rule. You may not kill any animal, except with the intention of using it for sustenance. You can't kill an animal for sport or fun or because it is being annoying. Or I would have crushed that little pig your former sensei carries around. I, myself, love to eat fish. Never cared for pork." They were nearing the opening to the elevator, where the other two were waiting. "Don't be in such a hurry, Ino-chan. This will be your last moment of freedom for the next three years."

"Whatever, I want a bath and something to eat." Ino crossed her arms and wondered how to get this damn door open. She had pushed the button but nothing had happened. Did one need to punch the contraption? The sooner they began training, the sooner they'd get done.

"With your demanding attitude, it is no wonder Shika chose Temari." Sakura waited patiently for the stone door to be opened by the use of another jutsu. Instead of a dank cave, it was an actual hallway that was lit with lights. There was a sigh as they all entered the mountain. The slamming of the rock had an eerie feeling to it. Like it was forever severing her connection to Konaha and also to her old life.

"Don't make me regret confiding in you, Forehead." Ino knew her personality was one of the reasons Shika would never fall for her. Whatever, if she couldn't have his love freely, she didn't want it. Not like she had to spend the rest of her life moping over the loss. She had simply told her friends why she was so depressed when they left the village. They had agreed that seeing the man you want being topped by a beast would depress anyone. "Or I'll push you off the elevator."

"Not possible, I hope none of you have cloisterphobia or this is going to be a long ride." They reached the end of the hallway and she pointed for them to step inside the small room. "I've already alerted them to our presence so get on before you get left behind."

All three hopped onto the wooden floor and looked around. There were no ropes or means of lifting the contraption. Sakura looked up but could see only a spot of blue above. She had been expecting to use some form of pulley or crank to get to the top. "How are we going to get up?"

"Whoa!" Ino was totally unprepared for the sudden jerk or the speed in which the floor shot upwards. The thump to her rear was barely heard with the whizzing of air around them. They were rushing towards the opening at an alarming pace. This was a lot better than having to walk the stairs, as long as they didn't get thrown once they exited the mountain.

"A wood user?" Sakura leaned down to touch the floor, it was definitely wood and being manipulated. Only those that were descendants from the first hokage should be able to use wood. It was more than possible that there was someone from that bloodline on the mountain. Even the first hokage had been born from parents and so forth. It was possible, she just never thought to see it here. It was definitely useful in this situation, it beat walking.

In less than a minute, they cleared the exit and came to a sudden stop at the top. Hinata immediately took in the surroundings. They came to in spacious grounds, in front of the main entrance to the temple. Behind them was an archway, the top of the staircase. Standing ten feet away was a single female. She was wearing all white as well but her clothing wasn't as confining as Kyako's. This one was showing all legs and some midriff, nothing modest about it. There were no words spoken and the woman bowed before leaving. "Is something wrong?"

"No, you three are officially in isolation. From this point on, until you finish your training, the only contact you will have will be with me and your new sensei. Follow me."

"But I thought you were going to be our new sensei." Sakura fell in step as well, taking in the scenery as they went. The temple was a grand sight and it was hard to take it all in while being taken away. The first room contained a large shrine and it was empty. They were led off into a hallway away from the shrine.

"I am but I'm not. Majority of your physical training will be done by another. During your brief lessons with me, you will learn more about our purpose and mission. That is what I will teach you." Kyako would be there for them every morning but that was all. "Before you meet your new sensei and are given further answers, you must first bathe. Our temple is sacred and you three smell. Go inside and get to washing, I'll be back shortly with some fresh clothes. Don't bother putting anything you brought with you back on."

"Not even our panties?" Ino hoped they didn't issue those large, granny panties. They were ushered inside the bathhouse and the door closed behind them. They were left alone in a small but useable room. They did need to bathe and they had agreed to this. Sakura was already yanking off her shoes and walking towards the steaming water. There weren't any towels to cover themselves up while bathing. "Just don't get jealous once I'm naked, Forehead."

"I'll promise not to get jealous of you if you don't keel over in envy because of Hinata." They all knew that the Hyuuga had the best body out of all of them. Sakura was over it, she was content with what she had. She didn't need large breasts or a perfectly round ass. With no towels they had to go commando in the bath. Figures, the temple was all about being pure and being ashamed of your body wasn't something they should be. In some cultures, your body was your temple. "Last one in loves Sai."

Hinata took her time disrobing and stepping into the water. It stung her flesh but she managed to sit down without complaining. This was meant to get them clean and destroy any outside germs. What she needed to do was wash her hair before they started to train. Would they be given time to eat and sleep before they began? Would they be allowed to meet this Hylan? "Do you think anyone will be upset that we left?"

"Who knows if anyone will be upset, except Naruto." Sakura reached for a bland smelling bar of soap. There was a bottle but she assumed that was for their hair. Kakashi knew where she had gone and would handle making the others understand. He had backed her decision and that was all that mattered. "Do you think the others will notice you're gone, Hinata?"

"Maybe Shino-kun." That would be all. Naruto had stopped paying attention to her again once things had ended between them. Once more his attention had gone back to Sakura. Then there was Kiba, someone else that didn't have time for her. He was always training alone and would always act strange when she went to visit. It was like he really didn't want her around but was too polite to say so. All he seemed concerned about was getting stronger and better, she always thought he was perfect the way he was. When she had told him so, all he would argue was that it still wasn't enough. Enough for what? She would probably never figure that part out. "What about you?"

"Me?" Ino stopped in the process of pooling out the red liquid onto her palm. Was she asking about her former teammates? Would they really notice her absence? "Choji might miss me a bit once he realizes that he no longer has someone to eat barbeque with him on Tuesday. Since he has slimmed down, he's been a bit occupied with girls. The same for Shikamaru, since I told you all about that. I wouldn't be shocked that he hasn't noticed that I'm no longer in the village. His mother probably told him I stopped by but he won't think anything of it. I'm sure he'll just shrug and go back to banging the beast."

"You shouldn't call her names." Sakura reached over to help Hinata undo the long braid. This was the reason she kept her hair short. The length reached all the way to the kunoichi's bottom and had to be a pain to comb through daily. "She has her good qualities and he seems to really like her."

"Don't rub it in, Forehead." She was fully aware of the fact that the twit had some good qualities, many herself were lacking. It was these things that had ensured that Shikamaru would fall for the other female and not her. She really didn't hate Temari, she just hated the fact that Shikamaru didn't want her. "Like you won't dislike whomever Sasuke ends up with. Or do you think that he is going to mourn your absence and wait for your return like a besotted fool? Trust me, he'll have had plenty of lovers by then and most likely be on the way to repopulating his clan."

Sakura knew this, she just didn't want to think about it. She had a good feeling that Sasuke wasn't a virgin any longer. Not with the coy looks that ugly redheaded bitch kept giving him. There was a good chance he had slept with that one when they had been traveling together. There would be no reason for him to wait on her return. There hadn't been anything between them before she had departed.

"Less talking, more scrubbing." Kyako slid the door shut behind her. There was much to cover and then they could rest up. "Here are your new clothing. You will wear what is issued at all times since you are all in training. No complaints, they are designed for the training, not for fashion. As soon as you three are done, I'll take you to get something to eat and to discuss a few things."

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The food was rather bland but Sakura was so hungry she didn't mind much. The plates had been placed in front of them with a meager amount of food and told to eat. They had already been given a scroll to form a blood pact with the swan clan. It would nullify the one she'd had already but the slugs were more Tsunade's thing than her own. It had been useful but she didn't want to completely copy her old sensei. Kyako was coming back to the table with a pitcher of fresh water.

"Take your time eating, while I go over a few rules. Later, each of you will be given something to read. A scripture written by Hylan, you are to imprint it into memory. It contains our laws and our sworn duties as disciples of Hylan. Now, there are a few rules I will stress." She made sure to look at the pink haired kunoichi when addressing this offense. "From now on you are not allowed to mutilate your body. This includes nails, piercing, and definitely cutting your hair. No scarring intentionally. Something done by another or in an accident are things that are beyond our control but you shall treat your body with respect. Ino-chan, you'll have to remove those earrings. You may keep them on your person but they are not to be worn again."

"I can't cut my hair?" What the hell? Sakura watched the blonde reach up and remove the gifts the team had once been given by her former sensei. Was she really okay with that? Asuma-sensei had given them to her. She loved herself, she just didn't love having long hair for someone else to pull on during a fight.

"Alright, our most important rule is that you are to help everyone. If the person is in need, they fall into this category, it doesn't matter if you agree or not. He can be the biggest asshole alive but you will assist him, clear?" Once all had nodded, she continued. "The one thing that will get you exiled and your pact dissolved is if you ever take a human life. Or that of an animal that you do not have the intention of using for food. To do so is disrespectful and will not be tolerated."

"But what if we are helping someone in need and it is against another person that is out to kill them? Sometimes asking nicely doesn't work." Ino was all for trying to spare lives but some people needed to be taken out. Someone like that Kakazu or that Hidan. Both had their own reasons for loving to kill and neither would have stopped their slaying because they were asked politely.

"Our law still stands but as for your concern in a situation like that, there is something to do but that topic is best left for another time. We will discuss it again after you have mastered your training." Kyako saw that Hinata looked unsure, "Is there something you wish to ask?"

"Um, I..I wa...was wondering about something." Hinata wasn't sure how to ask. She knew that everyone here was female and the religion was all about helping others and spreading goodness. Was it the same as taking the veil or becoming a monk? "If we continue, does it mean we have to remain virgins? I me...mean we would be.. be traveling and what if we met someone."

"Hah! I asked the same when I joined. There was this hot little number I couldn't wait to return to. He had promised to spend time with me but he was on a mission when I was given the offer. To answer your question, it doesn't matter." Kyako wouldn't regale them of the many exploits she'd experienced over the years. "Purity of the heart isn't the same as the body. Being a virgin doesn't give you a good soul. What matters is your wish to assist others. Giving love comes in many forms. We are all human and it is in our nature to seek out the comfort of others and to one day reproduce. I'd hold off on the reproducing though. While you are allowed to return to the temple at any time, your spouse or offspring may not. This is a sacred place and only those that follow our ways may enter."

"Shocking Hinata, you were concerned about having sex." Ino had been curious as well but since she wouldn't be with the one she wanted, what was the point in worrying about it? What she wanted to ask was even if they weren't allowed to kill someone, could they just maim them and be forgiven?

"I was curious." It was Hinata's hope to still one day to find love. Was that wrong? If she would be spreading it to others, she just wanted some for herself. Not much, just one person to love her. She wasn't looking to put notches on her headband.

"If you three are ready, follow me to where you'll be spending the next three years of your life."

They could still be with a man. Sakura swallowed the lump that formed in her throat at the thought. She was relieved because a part of her was hoping that after some time, she might have a chance. Perhaps after Sasuke had healed and was ready to accept love.

"We are spending our next three years in this cramped little room?" Ino stepped through the opened doorway to stare at the meager place. There was a tiny bath in the corner, the three of them would be lucky to fit inside at the same time. There was a small table and a fridge in the other corner. Where were the beds? "What is behind the curtain?"

"The pot and that door over there is where you'll be doing your training." The voice was new and high pitched. Wobbling inside was a white swan that was wearing a purple vest. "Pleasure, the name is Rena and starting in the morning I'll be your new sensei."

"Good to see you again, Rena-sama. I was just about to inform them of their schedule starting in the morning." Kyako bowed and pointed to the door. "That is the sealed training room that only myself or Rena-sama may open. Inside is a jutstu created specifically by the great swan sage which will allow us to make the most of your time. Normally, it would take you close to fifty years to master this training. Inside the jutsu completely stops time in that space. While inside you will not age. However, you may retain any knowledge and experience you gain within. Understand, time will stop completely once we enter. So if I were to step inside and remain a total of sixteen hours and then step back out here. Only a second would have passed since you saw me."

"Confusing but how are we to train in there? We aren't going to do all of our training inside there are we?" Ino wasn't sure if that was natural and would it have any side effects? "Where do we eat and sleep?"

"Most of it will be done there. Since time does not flow you will experience hunger in a different way. You won't get hungry as often and there is a fridge inside with food and water. Listen carefully, every day will go as follows. You will wake at exactly five a.m., you will spend the hour out here to bath and eat. From six to nine a.m. you will devote yourself to prayer. When you are done you will enter the room for your first lesson of the day. Inside the chamber you will train for eight hours and then be allowed to rest for eight. Once you have rested, you will step outside and spend an hour of actual time bathing and eating again. The cycle will continue, the only true break in this routine is between six and nine in the morning. In total you will receive one hundred and sixty hours of training in each day. Rena-sama will be the one training you inside while I will be the one to remain outside."

"Doesn't that mean you will constantly be spending every hour with us? Won't we be spending an hour bathing and eating in this room with you? We'd step inside the training room but only a second will have passed for you, you'd be constantly seeing us after each training session. When will you sleep?" Sakura was trying to make sense of it all. That was a lot of training time and if they weren't prepared for it, it could be too much for them.

"True, for the next three years I will be spending all of my free time looking after you three. Don't worry about me, while you are in this room bathing or eating, I will be leaving to tend to my own needs. As for when I'll sleep. At some point during your actual day, I will slip inside with you and rest. That way I will have the energy to return and continue. So during one of your twenty daily lessons, I will be with you." Kyako wasn't worried about having time for herself. Throughout the normal day she would bring in more food and whatever supplies they would need.

Sakura did the calculations in her head. "If we got in that many in a day, then times that by number of days in a year. That is fifty-six thousand, nine hundred and sixty hours of training a year. That is also over seven thousand baths and times we'll be eating."

"Don't worry yourself about it and just focus on the training. With luck and determination it will take less than three years to complete the training." Rena jumped onto the table and examined each one closely. The dark hair one had the calmest chakra, the blonde had the most violent and the one with the forehead had the most. She had never trained more than one pupil at a time, this would be interesting at the very least. "Finish up and you are to rest in here tonight. After the morning prayer, we will begin."

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