Finally…-wipes imaginary sweat off forehead-…we had so many tests (long ones and short ones) and I came out a live!!!
Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto
"Speaking"
Thinking
Flashbacks
Chapter 3
Silence…pure silence
No sound could be heard from the halls of the great Hyuga complex except for the few bustling noises coming from the servants who were preparing for the day ahead.
It was still early but Sakura was up. It was common for her to wake up this time. Well, mostly everyone with her line of profession would naturally rise this early or earlier. She headed to the washroom to do her daily routine. Sakura walked ungracefully still groggy from last night's festivities, "A shower would do me good…"
She looked at her self in the mirror; her hair was a mess, make up still visible and smudged. It made her look like a clown. Her vision blurred from a viciously pounding headache; I never should have drunk that much sake…then again with Naruto and lee around…
She was thankful for the effects that sake did for her. It lessened the sound of their voices and actually made her lighten up. She stripped her clothes and stepped in the shower. Washing herself especially her face and after brushing her teeth, Sakura changed into her clothes.
She bought it yesterday while browsing around for weapons. It was a kimono like top in cream with little embroidery in the edges. She had her wakizashi strapped on her waist and black trousers just below her knees. She liked the way they fit since it was neither clingy nor too loose and it had the added bonus of being comfortable.
Finishing her look, she loosely tied her rosy tresses with a black ribbon and from the large dark wooden dresser she placed her leaf headband around her neck, slipping on her equally black ninja sandals. Lastly, she readjusted her kunai pouch around her right thigh.
Sakura silently slipped outside her room, deciding to roam around the house. Looking at the bare walls, Sakura counted the number of rooms she passed. It was getting darker as she continued to head deeper. Until the sunlight was getting dimmer, Sakura focused her eyes trying to find her way.
A little girl was screaming. Her once pure white yukata was now blotched in red. She silently wept; tears were cascading down her cheeks. She could not move or do anything. Her arms tied tightly to the wall while she watched her tormentor. She was hopeless as the light from her vibrant eyes dimmed slowly, lulled into a hard and dull shade. She could do nothing but wait, her lifeless form thrown into the ground like a rag doll, waiting for someone to save her.
She was shocked from the memory. Trying to balance her footing, Sakura slid to the ground. There was so much blood. Her own screams echoed in her mind. All the pain, torture and taunting she endured, it was all coming back. She was speechless and her mind was all blank. Could it be? She hesitantly asked herself, her eyes getting watery.
It made her sick. It was horrible, all the memories. Bile rose from her stomach, she wanted to vomit but instead only tears crawled down to her cheeks. Choking at her sobs, Sakura tried to calm herself. She should not be controlled by her emotions. She could not afford a moment's weakness while something was stirring inside of her ready to burst out at any time. Clutching her head, Sakura tried to block the force. It was making her confused. Her efforts only made pain shoot instantly down her trembling form. It was dark chakra. It felt like a burning flame inside her body slowly consuming her. She was writhing on the floor. It was too painful to bear. The force, the voice, it was calling her again giving, her warnings. It was overriding her logical mind making her unable to think or act appropriately, giving her blind rage and feeding her with hate and malice. No, she shook her head breaking free from its hold. She quickly used her chakra to push it back. She would not be controlled. Slamming back the force in her mind, she felt light-headed. She shakily stood up using the wall for support and then she ran
…
…
Running away from the pain
…
…
Away from her demons
…
…
She knew it was cowardly but she had no choice. It was coming for her and with it bringing her more pain, eating her whole dragging her to its pits of endless suffering, traping her from her life and to keep her isolated. It was all clear, Sakura was exhausted. She was too tired to even wipe the tears from her eyes. She was tired of the pain and closing her eyes she welcomed the darkness. She smiled a humorless smile; she thought that her nightmares at least they were only in her dreams. She lay there like a rag doll.
…
…
…
scream
…
…
The maid scrambled to the unconscious girl on the floor. She was holding the girl shouting for help. A few second later people came and assisted her.
Neji was drenched in sweat. He had the sudden urge to go and train since it was still dawn when he woke up, he directly headed to the training area in the compound.
He had a hard time sleeping last night. He was blaming it on the sake…AS DO ALL PEOPLE… but his thoughts were drifting toward the new arrival, namely the pink haired woman.
She was just so mysterious and so confusing. Sakura sparked his curiosity. She was not like other girls who would just drool over him. Sakura was fairly a pleasant person to converse with. Her sharpness made an impression on him since not all people were perceptive. It made her more attractive. Neji didn't care for appearances. He was keener of the inner personal of the person. To him it didn't matter if she was the most beautiful girl he'd laid eyes on. He wasn't superficial. But what bothered him was that she would tense up and be indifferent then later she would loosen up and join in. He was quite pleased that she doesn't avoid him or recoil. He liked her smile it makes her look more beautiful. Unbeknownst to Neji a smile was also making up his face.
…
…
Then suddenly… there was a scream
Neji jolted when he heard the voice. He hurriedly followed the scream.
There were a lot of people blocking his view. Neji arrived in the branch section since it was where the scream came from. He was getting irritated so he activated his blood limit. He instantly regretted using it. He saw Sakura being tended to as she was unconscious. He was flooded with worry. He tried to squeeze himself into the crowd but a voice stopped him. "Neji, I need to talk to you." Neji halted his actions and inwardly cursing Hiashi for his timing. He looked back to where Sakura was.
"Neji," Hiashi called again.
Neji could do nothing but follow the clan head to his study but he promised himself to visit her later.
They entered Hiashi's private study. The clan head sat behind a mahogany table reaching for a scroll in the drawer. He opened it and gestured Neji to take it. The young Hyuga quickly took the scroll and skimmed its contents. Neji locked eyes with his uncle.
"What's this?" He raised the scroll.
"What does it look like?" Hiashi questioned and Neji became quiet.
"That scroll contains Sakura's file, everything." Neji was surprised. He rolled it back and placed it safely in his pouch.
Hiashi laced his fingers together. "That information is highly classified and as outdated as it is, it is more important than some forbidden jutsu. We believe there is more to it as it seems, as of late it has been emitting strange chakra. We've looked into it. It has a special seal to protect it that only Sakura herself could possibly break with her chakra. Now, I want you to keep the scroll safe. I don't want anyone to hear about this or the scroll especially her."
"Hai, Hiashi-sama…" Neji wanted to ask but due to protocol his only mission was to keep the scroll safe and nothing more.
"Neji," Hiashi started, "There are things better left unsaid including this. I fear its safety and Sakuras so kill your curiosity. It will hinder you but remember this…the world only exists because of balance."
With those last worlds, Neji left to clear his mind.
Sakura just woke up from collapsing, finding herself in her own room, startling the maid attending to her. She stood up, ignoring the painful headache and the maid who was annoying her with trivial things. It was making her headache worse.
She was wandering aimlessly. She went where her feet took her, still in thought Sakura took notice of her surroundings. She felt a weight being lifted off her shoulders. This place… she bent down and grabbed a handful of soil and felt it on her palm. Her old training grounds…
She was feeling very wistful and it affected her a lot. She left this place to forget them, her old memories and painful as they were she thought she had numbed them, placing those events far in the corners of her mind but they managed to resurface during her stay, making her control waver.
She kicked the ground as dust flew from the impact. She hated this place. She only came back because of her grandmother; they didn't even have a decent conversation for the past few days! She threw a rock behind her, closing her eyes, "What do you want"…she was a little hesitant…"Itachi."
Out came the Uchiha from behind tossing the rock she threw in the air casually, "Hn…you're thinking?"
"Nice observation," she snapped back. He walked nearer to her until he was by her side and then continued, "Why did you come back…?" She answered; "I…" her voice was barely a whisper.
"I…-she looked at him. They were face to face. She stood frozen on the spot. Those eyes, he was staring back at her with so much intensity. His gaze was so…she couldn't describe it…it was so different. The way he looked at her. There was a hidden meaning to it. He was relaying a message she couldn't comprehend. They were so dark and so mysterious only the Uchihas had those pair of unique onyx orbs.
She was so caught up at his gaze that she never noticed a lone tear that slid down her cheek. He used his thumb to gently wipe it away-…I don't know…" she spoke her voice was so unsure.
…I don't know…rustling of leaves, circling them slowly forming a sheer blanket.
…I don't know… Itachi engulfed her in his embrace.
…I don't know…watching her sob silently.
…I don't know… The wind was constantly repeating her words and in his mind it was also relentlessly voiced out.
Itachi pitied Sakura. He knew she didn't like his sympathy but he couldn't stop himself. He rarely saw her acting this way and it pained him. Knowing its something only she could overcome and all he could do was wait.
Wait…her heart was still too fragile. She held a strong front but he always knew she had a soft heart. She was never this insecure. The proof was that her façade was cracking bit by bit with her past catching up.
Sakura looked up, her green eyes fading to her original silver colored ones. She was grateful he was here. Her sobbing had stopped but she stayed in his embrace for comfort. She was afraid that he would disappear and she would be alone again. She rested her head on his shoulder while heaving a tired sigh. She let almost a small non-existent smile reach her face.
He was always there, she recalled
He knew her and understood her even though they were always fighting but deep down she knew they were connected, their own special bond. Itachi's gaze refocused on her.
He always thought "why would she put an illusion to hide her eyes?"He asked himself rhetorically. It was obvious she hated them. The thought saddened him. It implied that she was still afraid, scared to face her past. The eyes it brought memories, one she knew and others unknown, kept away from her. He pitied her. He was concerned that she might never move on.
He looked at her eyes more closely, his own eyes softening. What he saw struck him, gratitude. Her gratitude and that was enough for him.
He nodded back and disappeared in a fog of smoke. Leaving a newly bloomed and for her names sake, a cherry blossom on her palm.
Sakura was walking back to the compound. She thought of events that happened. It was troubling her. Her scars were reopening and her control was slipping. What worried her was the wall she placed up and her façade were crumbling. She wasn't ready and that's what she feared the most.
Deciding on getting supper, Sakura went to the directions of the dinning hall.
She was walking along the corridors. She had bowed a dozen times and greeted other Hyuga members. She was slightly irritated that the kitchens were far from her quarters but the sight of dazed-looking Neji seemed to improve her mood.
Humoring herself she decided to call his attention 3 inches before he hits the actual pole or support beam…whatever you call it
"You've been high in the clouds a lot, Neji-san." That seemed to bring him down to reality.
His meditation did not help clear his mind only more questions seem to appear and it was very unsettling. Neji was restless. He did not like to be kept in the dark especially when he was assigned to a risk full task, which he concluded was a vital role in the upcoming agenda. To sum it up he was worried. He noticed that earlier Hiashi was very serious and he was getting doubtful from the lack of information of the situation. It was irking him a lot.
"You've been high in the clouds a lot, Neji-san." He almost jumped when he heard Sakura's voice.
Both Hyugas glared at each other, one mocking while the other of mild irritation. For one thing, the atmosphere certainly thickened. They just stared.
…stare…
...stare…
…stare…
...cough… they both turned to the person the sound came from and both were slightly red from embarrassment.
Fake coughing sounds emitted from a slightly unreadable Hiashi. He was always frustrated with the childishness of the newer generation. He sighed…kids
Both Sakura and Neji quickly stepped aside the sliding doors leading to the dining area and allowing the Huyga Patriarch to pass as well as some others who were halted during their little dispute.
Sakura entered the room crowded with servants and family alike. She sat as far as possible from Neji while not trying to make it that obvious.
She was a little wary of the stare her grandmother was directing her way…she was up to something.That smile was a little too high. She had a feeling in her gut that what ever it is, it's surely trouble for her anyway.
Half of the time, all of the room occupants were quietly eating and minding their own business but it was very comical when someone tries to break the immaculate silence.
Their conversations would always compose of missions, that comes naturally and the easiest and less tension-filled topic you could use except if…well…you failed it then that would be another story, about training, and latest news around Konoha. They had this unspoken rule to always be current and on top…their "Hyuga Pride" so to speak.
"This new store just open-"
"The missions are rare-"
"Hey! They have a new-"
"The tournament is so-"
Hiashi at the head of the table was observing, analyzing. He only caught small tidbits of information from the free-flowing conversations. They were not much of importance since he, himself, already knew or were not essentially significant. His thoughts were elsewhere. He was weighing the situation. He looked over the elders at the table to his right. They were still and meek, eating their fill. He would hold a meeting and settle his thoughts then. In time…he thought, something will happen and they would have to be ready.
Sakura requested Hinata to stay at the table after everyone had left. She needed to start her training but the perfect method would have to be prepared. She looked at Hinata, she was in good shape, height maybe 5'2 or 5'4, long hair neatly tied, her clothes were fit for fighting, a leaf headband loosely tied around her neck.
"Hinata-sama, I would like to see your capabilities, preferably not related to our blood limit" Sakura stared at their heiress, who was clearly uncomfortable and finally her stuttering voice reached her, "Sa-ku…ra-san, I'm q-uite ca…pable of train..ing with my frie…nds, yo-u don't ne-ed to give up time for he-lping me…" Hinata looked down.
Sakura looked at Hinata feeling a bit nostalgic. She reminded her of her old self helpless and vulnerable. She was lucky that people took time in helping her. She was thankful for the training Kakashi and Itachi placed her in.
Her entire face softened. She took Hinata's hand and squeezed it. "Hina-oof!" she balanced their frames while holing a sobbing Hinata. Her voice was cracked, "Sakura-san, I'm so horrible I'm a disgrace…I'm so weak, I…I barely passed the chunin exams and that was a total fluke that I won because my opponent surrendered and…and"
Slap!! Hinata touched her cheek reddened. She trembled and was too ashamed to look up at Sakura.
"Hinata, if this is how you handle yourself, thinking so lowly of your abilities. YOU ARE PATHETIC. Wallowing in self pity isn't going to help you. You should know by now, many people care for you! Your friends, family, they might not show it but Hell they still worry about you" She was shouting at Hinata, who was on the floor wiping her tears.
"Hinata, this meeting is finished…think about it…when you've settled on a decision, tell me…," Sakura briskly left the room and walked out of the compound.
She felt so trapped, the clan did change she was sure of it but it only scratched the surface, they would do anything even to an unimaginable extent. She always knew that and was constantly reminded by the past. They had to keep up to their reputation…
The next morning a servant walked briskly, hurrying to her master's quarters. Earlier, she had suffered a mild case of shock when a tall lady with blond hair shrieked loudly.
The blond lady was accompanied by her brunette friend and apparently Neji-sama recognized them…
"Yamanaka please shut up. You're in the compound and you're scaring the servants. Ten-ten…What are you both doing here?"
"Neji!!" the blond one shouted.
"Stop your screaming Yamanaka."
"Shut up" covering Ino's mouth "Um...ah...well, we're here for Hinata, Ne—ji" Ten-ten said sweetly.
"Mmmgrbbr….hmph!" Ino breaks free from Ten-ten, opening her mouth…but deciding to close it. She observed the pair in front of her, looking back and forth from Ten-ten to Neji.
Ino's mind
Neji: drying sweat off his gorgeous body and being Neji…silent, withdrawn and anti-social.
Ten-ten: blushing and trying very hard not too ogle…wait is that drool!!
There was a grin emerging from Ino's face.
Facing her destination, she knocked three times before a soft "come in" was heard. "Hinata-sama…there are people here to see you...they are in the kitchens waiting." the maid timidly spoke.
"Hai, I'll see them." Hinata stood up from her bed. She went to her bathroom to wash her face, trying to get rid of her dried tears and reddish eyes. After fixing her clothes and hair, she proceeded to walk the halls leading to the kitchens while still contemplating what Sakura told her.
Hinata was lying on her back with her head facing the window. She was looking outside, the sun was shining it was a chilly morning. Fog was still visible from the cold weather last night. The air was fresh and crisp while the flowers were starting to bloom. However her mood was completely opposite.
She knew she was weak, no doubt. Her personality was soft. She could not hide her emotions. She always knew that without her Byakugan or her ancestry she would be nothing.
A thought struck her.
No, it was a strong icy breeze from her opened window.
If she was a failure then she would have died long ago. There was a growing smile gracing her tear stricken face.
She realized that she didn't care of what they thought of her. Yes, she wanted everyone's acceptance but she only yearned for his acknowledgment.
She was ready, her goals are set and everyone should look out because Hyuga Hinata will steal the spotlight. BELIEVE IT!! Realizing what she said. Hinata was blushing madly, reaching a dozen shades of red.
Shaking her head, she knew she had to change. Starting with her self-esteem, hearing Ino's voice a few feet from her, she stood straighter and with a bit more confidence. She strides gracefully into the kitchen were Ino and Ten-ten where…gaping and finding themselves lost for words.
"Hi—n..a…ta-chan?" Both Konoichi managed to utter.
"Yes? Ino-chan and Ten-ten-chan."
"Hinata!!" Ten-ten was first to recover. "We were worried you didn't show up at Ino's flower shop this morning and we waited for hours so we decided to-"
Ino interrupted "What happened to you!!"
"—see what you were up to." She finished lamely.
"I'm doing well. I had some business to attend earlier this morning and I'm sorry for missing our meeting" Hinata answered smoothly. She looked at her friends, they were still in shock. I've done it! She was inwardly cheerful but kept her neutral disposition.
Everyone was surprised with the new Hinata. She was impassive, prideful, cold, and rarely talked but if she answered they're very straightforward and blunt. She was more formal and polite.
Her friends were extremely worried that Hinata was acting very different. They kept on following her. They have been trying to pry off answers from her but she would just blow them off, saying she had other and more important things to take care of. They were restless and wanted the old Hinata back.
Not only her friends noticed, the Hyugas, especially their patriarch, Hiashi was raising his eyebrows. They liked the new Hinata. She had improved in the passed days with her demeanor. She kept her emotions at bay and was training more. She was acting the way they wanted her, their heiress.
Hinata was proud of herself. She gained peoples attention especially his. Naruto, the boy she still adored for how many years? Was it ten, thirteen years?
She was ecstatic when he invited her to dinner and to her surprise it was not a date to the ramen stand. It was a very elegant and exquisite restaurant. The menu was overwhelming with rare delicacies and quite expensive but the money was no dilemma since both of them were aristocrats. (AN: sorry for the mix up, Naruto is the son of the fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze? and Tsunade will later appear, differently. So it's Namikaze Naruto.)
The night was enjoyable. Both Naruto and Hinata talked more and she turned red, unable to see the glint in Naruto's eyes when he offered her a seat, pulling a chair for her. He was very sweet and completely different from the way he acts everyday. After dinner they strolled around Konoha's streets. The moon was showing in the clear sky and the stars were sparkling like little diamonds and Naruto even made a comment that her eyes were as beautiful as the full moon. She was glowing that night.
She accomplished what she wanted, almost. She wanted to be more powerful, no, she needed to be more powerful and the only answer was Sakura.
Later that evening, Hinata jumped over the fence of the gardens and landed behind Sakura, who was silently meditating. Filled with determination and confidence, she said sternly, "I'm ready, Sakura-san."
Hinata was filled with anxiety. A few minutes had already passed and Sakura was still silent. She said felling braver, "Sakura-san, I want you to train me. As what my father ordered you to do."
--Lubdub— Hinata was breathing hard, inhaling sharply.
--Lubdub— She was feeling faint. The weather seems to be more humid.
--Lubdub— She started sweating, droplets sliding down her forehead.
--Lubdub— Exhale… inhale…exhale…inhale…exhale…
Moments later, Sakura smirked. She said, "Fine,I…"
Hahaha!! Okay I don't know about you people but I'm hyper now…I'm jumping all over the house. This always happens when I finish a chapter even though it sucks…I'll let you people judge that.
I'm sorry if you're waiting for some action (fighting scenes) because I promise there will be in the next chap… I don't want to go to fast and about the spring tournament?? It's just like chunin exams but If I write the details it would spoil the story…a lot of fighting.
Thank you people for REVIEWING!!
Jawmaster, mepo, dommy, angelDina, Kana-chan, teddy, ninji…, kakura sagami, cherry-blossom-of-your-dreams, Kawaii Ramen Neko, Sakura Taichou, Chocolat-Chan, ithinkuknow, d7jedi, oO Yukiko Oo
I feel that I'm missing some things…please and review (constructive criticism is always best) XD
Millii
