Shades of Cool

Chapter 3 - Nostalgic

Short Description: Hinata and Sasuke practice the new technique - the Overwhelming Strike - while Ino has a plan up her sleeve.

Italics = Past tense/Thoughts

"You're late."

Hinata swung around with her eyes wide.

"H-Huh..?"

When Hinata was instructed to go home by Sasuke the previous day, she had done what she had been told. Heal her hands. Upon coming home and seeing her sister, Hanabi had already knew what had happened and silently scolded her sister for not being as cautious as she could be - especially in a moment where she is most needed. However, she did assist Hinata with whatever she could at moments, wonder what was going through her sisters mind.

At night, Hinata slept and in the morning, she washed up and prepared for the day with Sasuke. Just the thought of it made her skin prickle with goosebumps. Sasuke and she had never held a conversation beside's yesterdays. She never desired to be around the Uchiha while in the Academy when Ino and Sakura (with other girls) fought for the attention he not in the least gave.

"You're late." Sasuke snapped, rolling his eyes. Hinata had noticed that his Sharingan was activated.

"Y-You said-" Hinata shook her head with her eyes widen. She was not mistaken! Sasuke had instructed her to be here in the morning. At 7, she awoken and by 8, she was already on her way towards the training grounds to reveal an annoyed Sasuke.

Sasuke lifted his hand to stop the young girls rambling. "You were suppose to be here at dawn."

Hinata, if possible, widen her eyes even more. "At d-dawn?" she stuttered. "B-But-"

"And throughout the day you will train with me until I see you are finished for the day." Sasuke instructed. "However, it is day 1 and you're already late!"

Hinata gulped. How was she suppose to know that Sasuke mean at dawn? While in Team 8, she and her team had not trained until either 10 or 11 in the morning, and even then was highly too early for the three students and their sensei!

"How could you become head if you cannot follow simple instructions correctly." Sasuke grumbled. "Follow me."

Sasuke had kicked off his sandals and walked through his dark, quiet hallways. He reached the kitchen and began looking through the cabinets for any type of food available. Of course, as if food could magically arrive out of the clear blue sky. Sasuke grunted. He forgot to go grocery shopping (if you can call buying canned food, water and a few vegetables grocery shopping). Slamming he cabinet shut, he walked to the fridge, which was bound to be just as empty as his cabinets. Upon opening it, he felt the breeze of the cold refrigerated air hit him. "Hmm..." he hummed to himself when he grabbed a open bottle of water.

Gulping down the water, Sasuke sat at his breakfast table, crossing her legs beneath him. Though Pein ruined his compound when he arrived, the Uchiha compound had been restored and had been similar to his old home. Tsunade insisted on giving furniture to him, though she was sure the boy would not return, if he ever did, he would feel at home. He was grateful, even if he did not give his thanks.

The home felt quiet, just as it always felt whenever he arrived home since he was a child. There was no lights illuminating like he remembered them when he was younger. No children laughing up and down the streets, no family members sparring, no girls gossiping, no parents, grandparents of any other Uchiha to live with him here. He was truly alone in a huge compound that he called home, but did not feel like home at all.

Sasuke needed to restore his clan, and fast. How would he do it? He had plans that he had gone through mentally for years, but would it go into par? He was not sure, but he was hoping it would. It was true that he did not know the first thing of children. His own childhood had been stripped from him; so how could he give a childhood to his child if he was not sure how to.

Sasuke had many options before he settled for his main one. First, he thought of Sakura. It was a natural instinct. He knew Sakura well enough, as did she to him. He had been around Sakura long enough to know her wishes and desires, her likes and dislikes and her future and dreams. Haruno Sakura was attractive in a way that he felt disgusted in viewing. Though she was strong and attractive, he himself had not seen she and him together with a family. The pink haired girl was annoying. She tried too hard to please him and was clingy as teammates, imagine as husband and wife. (Or father and mother to their child. Sasuke did not see himself marrying).

His second choice had been Uzumaki Karin. As Sakura, he had grown alongside Karin. He too knew her weaknesses and her dislikes as she did with him. Though she was far less annoying than Sakura was, she was - still - a nuisance. Karin was a skilled kunoichi who could handle her own and, in Sasuke's eyes, had an advantage in being his own wife and mother of his child. She was not unpleasant to look at either. (Though her hair had turned him off few times he thought about doing anything with her). However, as the same as Sakura, she tried too hard. Never had she ever forced herself upon him as the emerald Haruno girl had, but Karin was no better.

Sasuke's third option had been Yamanaka Ino. As fast as the Uchiha had thought of it, he reconsidered. Yes, Ino was a beauty queen. She had the looks, with her own fair skin (either pale in the winter and creamy once the spring and summer rolled around). Ino was slender, though she had her curves, as well. Her eyes as bright as Naruto's are, if not brighter (a royal azure color) while her hair was long and platinum blond, which now swayed down her back and past her hips. Yes, Ino was a beauty but she was also a stubborn and confident woman (and neither male in the village was bothered by her confidence, it was her bossy attitude that killed their vibe). Sasuke could not be with Ino for not only had he seen the bossy girl as a mere friend upon returning to the village (Ino had been one of the few who agreed to help him, along side Sakura). Ino was no longer that little girl that had a crush on him. The Yamanaka was now a woman and knew her worth.

Hell, even Tenten was one he thought of. But that would require work he was not willing to do. Tenten was cute, her hair was normal (unlike the other three girls he mentioned) and she was never a fangirl of his. She was strong, as well. He saw the way she fought during the war and was able to hold her own and help others if she could. She was skilled with weaponry and had confidence in herself. However, her dislike for him shown whenever he came around her. She was not as rude as Inuzuka Kiba had been towards him, but the way she curled her nose and often sighed or rolled her eyes made Sauske know where he stood.

Sasuke shook his head. He would not be alone when he had his children...he was sure of it. He knew that his clan would be restored. After the war and realizing how he had risked his life (especially knowing her was indeed the last Uchiha) was an eye opener. It would take time, but he would find someone superior enough to bare his children. For the sake of his clan and the Sharingan.

Crossing his arms, Sasuke looked around at his surroundings. 'Soon.'

When Hinata walked through the main gate of her home, she was greeted by her sister. Upon arriving, Hanabi had glared at her older sister. "Where have you been?"

Hinata exhaled. "Training." she told her sister, then proceeded to walk past her and inside their home.

Hanabi followed. "Where did you go?" she asked.

"Training grounds." Hinata, again, answered to her sister. With each step she took, her body ached.

"Why did you not train here?" Hanabi pestered.

Hinata sighed. She decided to stay quiet, hoping her sister would get the message. She didn't. Hanabi kept asking, and when Hinata reached the restroom upstairs, Hanabi followed her elder sister inside. Hinata did not know what she would expect from her younger sister. Hanabi was determined and persistent. If said girl desired to know something, she would find out one way or the other.

"Please, Hanabi..." Hinata spoke softly.

Hanabi watched her sister. She looked exhausted, something she has never seen her sister as. Not even while she came back to her clan after the war. Hinata, now, seemed drained of all the life and will she had. Hanabi tilted her head. "Are you...alright?"

"Just tired." Hinata smiled warmly to her sister and nodded her in thanks. "I would like to bathe then sleep."

Hanabi sighed.

"What's wrong?" asked Hinata.

"I don't want you to become distant." spoke Hanabi. "I understand that you have to train, but...I..."

Hinata had noticed her younger sisters flushed cheeks. It has now become obvious. Hanabi had missed her sister's presence around the house. Every morning, both sisters would eat breakfast and ever y afternoon, the duo would drink their tea and make quick conversation of their day so far. Hinata had missed 2 days worth of Hanabi and her's sessions and understood where her sister feelings were coming from.

"Follow me, imouto-san." Hinata grasped her sisters hand and led her inside her bedroom. There, she sat her at her vanity where she turned Hanabi towards her mirror. "What is going through your mind?"

Hanabi watched as Hinata grasped her hair brushed and began brushed Hanabi's hair, something their mother would often to to Hinata when she was a child. Hanabi closed her eyes, her body relaxing with Hinata's soft touches.

"I do not want to burden you, onee-san." Hanabi whispered.

"You could never burden me, Hanabi." Hinata smiled softly.

The younger Hyuga opened her eyes. Through the vanity mirror, she watched as her sister brushed through her hair softly, making sure not to be too rough on the soft tresses. Any knots that Hanabi had would be taking out with care (something she appreciated greatly).

"I don't wish to be head." Hanabi answered honestly.

Hinata adverted her eyes to the reflection of Hanabi.

"I'm only 14." Hanabi spoke. "I want to be normal. I want to go out on missions without a Hyuga escort."

Hinata nodded. She understood. Hanabi wished to be free of the Hyuga burden. Hinata knew how hard it is to be with an escort wherever she went. When she was assigned to the academy, she was free of such burden (because her father has deemed her unworthy of one. As for missions, her father had suggested she brought along an escort, but Kurenai insisted that she would be safe with her with Kiba and Shino alongside.

"I want to be free from everyone's eyes always upon me." Hanabi began to speak louder. "I want to be able to leave the compound without being foreign in my own village! Iwant to make friends that aren't within my own clan! I...I..."

"You wish to be free." Hinata replied, nodding her head. "As do I, imouto-san."

Hanabi lowered her head.

"And one day, we will." Hinata placed the brushed down gently on her vanity. While placing her hands on Hanabi's shoulders, she turned her sister to face her. "I promise, imouto-san. I will change things in this clan."

Hanabi did not speak. She did not have to. Hinata knew of her younger sisters thoughts and feelings of being within a clan such as the Hyuga.

Softly, Hinata pushed Hanabi's hair to the side and kissed her forehead. "I will protect you, Hanabi. I promise."

Hanabi waited for a moment before allowing herself to leave her sisters room after nodding her thanks. Guilt began to wash over her. After seeing Hinata's determination a few days ago to become head of the clan, Hanabi was not so sure if she should let her sister take her role as heiress. Yes, Hinata was strong, but to lead a clan such as the Hyuga? She looked at loss of any will from a day's worth of training, how could she lead a clan until, one day, a heir of her own would lead? Now, Hanabi also did not have the desire to follow in her father's footsteps and lead the Hyuga clan, but if it would help her sister survive years to come then she would.

Hinata took a breathe. She went to turn on the shower and waited until it was hot enough for her to get inside. When she did, it was as if all her stress and worries went away. It was true, she was drained from a today's training, but in a way, Sasuke gave her hope. Hope that one day, she would lead her clan like she has always dreamed of doing when she reached the right age. The hot water was soothing, burning the pain of today's training away and smoothing out her aching muscles. Hinata sighed for what felt like the hundredth time today.

Now that it was day 1 of training with Uchiha Sasuke, she knew that the man was indeed no joke. Sure,it was only the first day and the Overwhelming Strike did not seem to be as hard as she though it was. But, she did leave with a few scratches and bruises with some warm up's and sparring matches with the Uchiha. However, Hinata knew that Sasuke meant no harm and if he did, he would not allowed her to train with the likes of him.

'But is 5 months enough?' Hinata thought to herself as she let her self lean on the cold tile wall as the hot water burned her skin. 'It has to be enough.'

It did. For in 5 months she would get her answer if she would become the head or would be branded the Hyuga seal and become lesser like the clan members though of her as. Just at the thought of getting the Hyuga seal made shivers ran down her spin and goosebumps erupt through her skin. The Hyuga sealwas something she did not wish upon even the most immoral enemy out there. Hinata had a kind heart and when her eyes laid upon her family's Juinjutsu, it made her heart break. Children and innocent elders who belonged in the branch family held the seal with such hatred and it made her wonder how Neji had not continued to despise her because of it.

The Hyuga seal did have it's advantages. Upon death, the secrets of the users Byakugan will be taken to the grave with them and sealed away so the enemy could never reveal such Hyuga secrets. However, the seal could be taken advantage of and Hyuga Hinata had seen it done so with her own eyes. The first time had been on her uncle he seemed to be but a blur of memory. Though, she remembered her uncle's scream of agony as his brain cells were being fried by a simple hand movement.

The second had been Neji. She knew that her cousin was traumatized to see his father (her uncle, Hyuga Hizashi) be in pain when her father had caused him a great deal of pain with the seal. After his father's death and having to serve the main house, he became hostile over the main family - especially Hinata. Though she understood now, before she had not. Neji had thought his father was forced to die for the sake of the Hyuga clan. He had not missed an opportunity to harm the heiress - Hinata, and though he apologized for it, Hinata was not angered.

The heiress remembered as if it was yesterday when her father had punished Neji with the cursed seal. They had been sparring and of course, Neji being the prodigy that he was, overpowered her with his skill and hatred towards her. If her father had not broken up the sparring match with Neji and she, she doubted that she would have not been injured. Hinata recalled standing behind her father, both hands cupped together and tears threatening to fall when she heard Neji's terrifying screams of misery. Her head had turned over to Hanabi, who she knew was watching from the shadows, was beyond frightened as she was.

Hinata coughed and shook her head. It was a promise she and Neji had made with one another years ago while they were still children. Neji had apologized for what he has done and Hinata had forgave him. She promised to become head for him (and Hanabi) and do whatever she could to remove the curse mark so the future of the Hyuga clan would not be branded with such a fate.

"I have to." Hinata spoke. Her eyes closed as she grabbed the scented bar of soap from where it always sat and began to wash her body. "I have to become stronger. For imouto-san...for Onii-san..."

"You're not going to invite me in?"

Sasuke groaned as he rolled his eyes. He turned around and strolled further into his home.

Uzumaki Naruto took this as an invitation and grinned. Kicking off his shinobi sandals, Naruto walked inside and slid the door closed. "Bastard! Where did you go!"

At an annoyed "Hn", Naruto got his answer. The blond stalked down the silent and cold hallway to reveal Sasuke seated on an expensive couch. However, he looked out of place and bored.

Naruto took a seat across from hin on a love seat. "So, aren't you going to offer me a drink?"

Sasuke stared at the blond. "You came uninvited."

Naruto glared. "So? You did as well and I still offered you a drink!"

"I haven't got anything for you." Sasuke shrugged. "Why are you here?"

Naruto sat back into the love seat and shrugged himself. "You are my best friend. I am visiting." Naruto looked around in the scenery. The dark and navy colors were very Sasuke (or should he say, Uchiha) like. The long, navy satin curtains that hang behind Sasuke were covered and looked as tho they were never opened by the lack of wrinkles on them. Naruto knew Sasuke was never the one for light but he did not expect for the Uchiha man to be such a hermit!

"And also," Naruto shook his head, coming out of his thoughts. "What are your plans with Hinata?"

Sasuke was interested now. He had wondered what was the real reason for the blond Uzumaki to be within his own home. Naruto often visited him but barely stepped inside. The blond insisted on training or going to get a bite to eat, but having Naruto inside was foreign. He figured the blond was too outgoing and bright to be in such of a depressing home such as Sasuke's.

"I am training her." Sasuke answered.

"No shit." Naruto scoffed. "I mean...why?"

"Is there a reason as to why I should or should not?" Sasuke tapped his fingers on his couch.

Naruto shook his head. "I know you, bastard." Naruto eyed the Uchiha, his eyes now serious. "And I know you only do things that benefit you."

Sasuke smirked. "Am I that much of an asshole?" The question was rhetorical, but Sasuke knew Naruto would answered.

The blond nodded. "You barely want to train with me!"

"Are you jealous?" Sasuke snickered. "I have seen her training the other day. She looked terrible and weak. As a Hyuga, and a heiress at that, she always be on their toes about thing. Her byakugan was not activated and she did not sense my presence until I spoke up."

Naruto listened to his friend in shock.

"The Hyuga was a mess and needed fixing." Sasuke took a breath. "If she wishes to become head, she would need an abundance of work."

"It seems that," Naruto stood, his eyes never leaving his friend. "you have been studying the Hyuga for some time now."

Shrugging, Sasuke replied, "I did my research. My clan had many documents upon the Hyuga as did the Hyuga on the Uchiha."

Sasuke, too, stood and eyed Naruto.

"So there is nothing else you want from Hinata?" asked Naruto, wary.

Sasuke tilted his head. "Why? he asked. "Is there something you desire with the Hyuga?"

Sasuke felt himself groan when he seen the soft tint of red grace Naruto's whiskered cheeks. His eyes darkened at the Uzumaki. "If you wish to date the Hyuga it will have to wait 5 months from today."

Naruto widen his eyes. "Wait, bastard-"

"I do not need the Hyugas mind elsewhere while I am training her." Sasuke interrupted. "Your crush and hormonal feelings will have to wait."

Naruto shook his head and waved his hands. "I mean, Hinata is attractive Hell, she's beautiful with a killer body but-"

"Is there a point to this?" Sauske interrupted once more. He did not need to imagine the body said Hyuga had. He had seen her body (along with other Hyuga females who had been in the ANBU when he been on missions with them) and knew the curves and beauty they possessed. However, he did not allow his eyes to dwell longer than 3 seconds at a time.

"The point is that Hinata is a friend of mines, bastard! And I know how rough and hard you can be on someone!" Naruto snapped. "I don't want to see any scratches upon Hinata or any tears in her eyes after training with you!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Get out." He began to walk towards his foyer, knowing Naruto would follow suit.

"Hey! I'm serious!"

"As am I." Sasuke replied, sliding the wooden door open.

Hiashi furrowed his eyebrows as he stared at the young boy in front of him, obviously energetic for the day. He wondered how said boy could possess such an energy at dawn but in Konoha, nothing amazed him anymore.

"Hello, Hyuga-sama! I am here for Hinata-sama!" said the high voice of Rock Lee.

Hyuga Hiashi stared down at the optimistic boy, his face as emotionless and stoic as always. However, under the intense gaze of the Hyuga head, Rock Lee kept his smile wide and his eyes gleaming. As the head observed Lee, he noticed that he was weird looking. His eyes wide and round, only having lashes on the bottom of his eyes. His hair, a shiny black, was cut into a short, bowl cut. His eyebrows were thick but weren't unkempt. But Hiashi had to admit, at first glance they looked like caterpillar's sleeping upon his face. What made the boy stood out was his green jump suit (that resembled Might Guy) and bright orange leg warmers. He wore bandages around his hands nd mid thigh and a flak jacket.

"What business do you have with my daughter?" asked Hiashi. His eyes never left the boy. He wondered if he and Hinata were a couple, but that though quickly left his mind. He knew of his daughter's affection towards the blond Uzumaki. At first, he disregarded it as a simple crush. But when he saw his daughter constant blushes and stutters whenever the boy was around or when his name came up, it was clear she was far too deep.

"She and I are training together!" Lee answered, giving Hiashi is signature "nice guy" posture that he seen Might Guy do to him many times before.

"Training?" Hiashi hummed.

Rock Lee nodded. "Well, Hinata and I are running around Konoha every morning at dawn for light training!" he answered, his eyes shinning with adventure. Hiashi took note that the boy was an image of his former sensei and he was not sure how much longer he could take.

Hiashi nodded and moved aside from the slide door. When one of the servants came to him saying that Hinata had a visitor, he was not as curious as he was. She had friends, he knew this. Often, the brown haired girl with the two buns (who was once Neji's teammate) visited her. Other times it was the loud blond girl and the pink haired one. But, when the servant said it was a male, his interest peaked. He wondered who it was coming to see his daughter and why the hell it had to be at dawn.

"One of the servants had informed Hinata of your arrival." Hiashi spoke up as he lead Lee to one of the guest sitting rooms. There, tea had been placed down for Lee and Hiashi. "Now, tell me. What else would you and Hinata be doing?"

Lee sat across from the Hyuga head,his legs crossed and a wide smile still on his lips. Hiashi wondered if his mouth ever gone numb.

"Like I stated before, Hyuga-sama, we run around the village as a quick warm up." Lee replied, sipping his tea. "I have been inform that Hinata needs to build her stamina."

Hiashi moaned and nodded his head in acknowledgment. He took a sip of his own tea. "I take it as you are training her?"

Lee shook his head. "No, Hiashi-sama. I have been asked by her actual trainer to help her build stamina! Sa-"

"Lee-san!" Hyuga Hinata ran and came to a halt at the guest sitting room. Se bowed to her father. "Oto-san."

"Hinata." Hiashi nodded. His eyes turned to Rock Lee.

"Ah, Hinata!" The bow stood. "Are you ready for day 2 of our run around Konoha?!"

Hinata nodded and felt the blush on her cheeks with her fathers eyes on her and Lee. She was not expecting the youthful boy to come to her home and achieve her, but what did she expect? She did not know where Lee lived and did not know how she would find him. She thought he would be in the same place as before and was hoping to see him waiting patiently for her.

Lee turned to Hiashi and bowed just as Hinata had. "Thank you for the tea, Hyuga-sama!" Lee thanked. "Let's get going, Hinata! You know how mad he will be if you're late!"

Hinata nodded. She did not need another run in with Sasuke.

As the two scurried off, Hinata giving her father another bow, they were out the door and into the village.

Hiashi stood. 'He who?' he wondered.

"You'd figured she'd be over Sasuke by the age of 18." Ino huffed, as she crossed her arms.

Choji burped loudly, after munching on his signature bag of chips.

Ino scrunched her nose in disgust. "Say excuse me!" she hissed bossily.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "You did like him, as well, Ino." he the pony-tailed Nara said.

"Yeah, when I was 12!" Ino scoffed and crossed her arms. "It's pointless to be hung onto someone that obviously do not hold the same sentimental feelings."

Shikamaru grunted but sat back into the grass that they trio had been sitting on. They had gotten together for their daily Ino-Shika-Cho training sessions on one of Konohakagure grassy hills, and afterwards the former Team 10 would talk about anything and everything that came to mind. Mostly, Choji and Ino would talk with Ino gossiping or bossng them around while Choji nodded and munched on whatever food he had stashed. Shikamaru on the other hand would lay back and stare at the clouds, drowning out his teammates conversation.

"Then she has the nerve to get hurt when her feelings are not returned by that stupid Sasuke!" Ino grumbled, punching the ground lightly with her fist.

"That 'stupid Sasuke' was once the love of your 12 year old life." Shikamaru murmured. "Besides, it's Sakura. You cannot do anything about her feelings."

Ino sighed, shaking her head. "The least you can do is listen without talking, Shikamaru." she mumbled.

Choji burped once more, coughing after. "Ino, it is pointless to try to have Sakura understand." he spoke, wiping his hands on the grass, feeling the green strands tickle his hands. "Remember how you were when Sasuke left the village?"

Ino gasped. 'How dare he bring that up!' Ino hissed to herself. But they were right. Ino was a mess when Sasuke left the village years ago. 12 year old her cried for weeks to her mother and her father, even she and Sakura cried and gushed together a few times and amend their broken was hurt, but as she began to reminisce how she was at the young age of 12, it was idiot to cry for a boy. A boy who's feelings that was never returned.

Also, Sasuke was a wreck. An emotional wreck. When word came out about his family being massacre by his brother, the young Sasuke she would see in her early academy days were long gone. He did not smile anymore, his eyes were bright and shining. His eyes were darker than ever while a frown painted his face while his smile had been long gone. And while Sasuke (along with a few people) learned about Uchiha Itachi's reasoning on the Uchiha massacre, his feelings towards Konohakagure were different. He despised the village and having to be in the same village would be terrible. Ino could not imagine having to deal with Uchiha Sasuke as someone other than a close friend.

"That's it!" Ino jumped forward, slapping both Akimichi and Nara.

Shikamaru groaned. "Dammit, Ino. How trouble so you have to be?"

Choji moaned in agreement.

"Follow me, you two! We're going to find Sakura!"

Both boys knew this Ino. She was serious.

"What are we going to do?" asked Choji, climbing to his feet. Unlike Shikamaru, he knew better than to say no to Ino. (Shikamaru knew, he just didn't care). Ino's wrath was something to not be played with.

"We're going to find Sakura and figure out how Sasuke really feels!"

Shikamaru sighed. He pushed himself up from the grass. "And how will we do that?"

Ino could only smirk.

Shikamaru and Choji knew the answer.

"Ino-" Choji started.

"No." Shikamaru ended.

"Again!" Sasuke shouted, running towards the Hyuga female with all his might.

Hinata gulped. She was not expecting day 2 to be this way.

After running around Konohagakure with Lee, he insisted that they both do sit-ups until Sasuke came. Luckily, Sasuke came a few minutes after that. The heiress could not keep up with the infamous Rock Lee. She was at 35 when he was near 150. How? She hadn't an idea. Following that, was when Sasuke and Hinata had took their leave to the training grounds where she would perfect the Overwhelming Strike. She was now ready for the new opponent that Sasuke had gotten for her.

What the heiress was not expecting was for the training grounds to be completely empty and for Sasuke to say that he was the one that she would practice the overwhelming strike on. Said girl gulped and shook her head. She refused. It would be pointless to go against Uchiha Sasuke. Sure, Naruto was a strong opponent but it was lucid that he was not going to attack her, just sprint at her. However, Sasuke was a different manner. She knew the male would not hold back against her and would, surly, attack her

And Uchiha Sasuke was not pleased when she refused. Not one bit "It is obvious that it is I that you least care about." Sasuke had said, groaning. "If you perform the Overwhelming Strike on me today, you will succeed and move onto the other technique's."

Hinata stuttered and shook her head, a much annoyance to the Uchiha survivor. "If you cannot do perform it then it it useless for me to continue to train you. You can find someone else after this point."

Hinata panicked. "No! Sasuke-kun!" Hinata had shouted to him. "I can do it!"

While he was glad that, little by little, her stuttering was decreasing. However, he was not please by her lack of confidence. They had agreed that he would find someone Hinata least cared about to perform the Overwhelming Strike on, and he was that person. What was the problem?

And after a few hours of Hinata dodging his attacks, he come to realize that maybe he was not hated by the Hyuga heiress as much as he thought. No, she was frightened by him. She refused to come near him while he was upon attack mode. She refused to strike him when he had gone close to striking her (he stopped himself, of course. He needed her alive and well, not injured. That would nearly start another war if he even hurt the heiress of such a powerful clan).

"Activate your dojutsu." Sasuke instructed. He activated his Sharingan, Hinata noted how crimson red the Sharingan really was as she was witnessing it up close and how the black tomoe's seemed to swirl in his eyes.

Nodding her head, the Hyuga activated her Byakugan. Sasuke noticed how fierce her eyes became when she activated her dojutsu. Her pupils seemed to be more distinctive while her veins bulged. Sasuke had to admit that once her seen the Byukugan up close as a child, he was scared shitless at how frightening they appeared. Now, at the age of 19, he was amazed of the Byakugan and it's user's.

"Are you ready?" Sasuke asked.

Hinata nodded.

Sasuke scoffed. 'She's lucky. I never give a head start.'

And without a second thought, Sasuke lunge at her.

Hinata took a breath. It was time for her to become serious. Sincere into her battle and not have a care into the world at who was coming at her. 'Even if it is Uchiha Sasuke, one of the strongest shinobi of our time.' Hinata gulped, her stance not breaking. On the other hand, her mind was all over the place. She was rusty as Sasuke said. She barely spared with anyone, and when she did it did not get anywhere. Kurenai noticed, and she was sure Kiba and Shino noticed, as well.

Sasuke swung at her, which cause the Hyuga girl to dodge said attack, and smack his forearm away from her. Sasuke was shocked, but recovered quickly. "I had not seen that move coming." he called towards her.

Hinata took it as a compliment.

She stood back and held her hand out, determined. Sasuke wondered where this determination had been but was glad it could be shown freely.

Again, he ran towards, his Sharingan swirling. Hinata took a breath, and flipped away, seeing him stumble forward. Back on her feet, Hinata took this as her time to sprint towards the Uchiha. "You can see my attacks just as much as I can see yours." Sasuke spoke, though to himself, it was loud enough for her to hear.

Hinata grinned, still sprinting. She began to attack the Uchiha with open-palmed blows. Hit after hit, noticing how swiftly Sasuke was dodging said attacks. Her eyes budged when her byakugan sensed a high and beating level of chakra, noticeably coming from her sensei (Hinata though it would be weird to call the Uchiha Sasuke-sensei, but did think it was cute if Sasuke was a Jonin having his own team). Hinata, palm open and ready, struck the Uchiha hard into his chest, hearing a loud grunt come from said boy's lips. And as instructed, Hinata pushed her shoulder into his stomach, sending him back. As she did, she proceeded to push herself away from the enemy - Sasuke.

Deactivating her dojutsu, she widen her eyes at the Uchiha. "I-I..." she began to stutter as she seen a hunched over Sasuke, breathing hard.

"You did it." he spoke, his voice low and hoarse. His breathing was hard, but overall, he was stunned about how she overcame the Overwhelming Strike instantly. 'All it took was for me to come at her, not the dobe.'

"I-Iapologize, Sasuke-kun!" Hinata stammered, coming besides him with wide eyes. "I took it too far!"

"It seems as though the dobe was right. Sasuke smirked, lifting himself up. "I shouldn't have underestimated you."

Sasuke watched as the Hyuga girl blushed, her eyes now gleaming. "Does this mean I-I...w-we can go...?"

Sasuke nodded. He gathered himself together. "We can get something to eat." he replied. "Unless you want to go alone."

Hinata frowned. "Ano...I...I am hungry but,"

"But?" Sasuke tilted his head. "Do you want to go with Naruto? That dobe." Sasuke rolled his eyes. "I do not see your fascination with him."

Hinata redden, but shook her head no. "I-I don't mind eating with you..I..." Sasuke watched as the stuttering girl pushed her two index fingers together and stared at her feet.

"Look up when you're speaking." Sasuke hissed, his voice laced with annoyance. He was hungry and needed to know what the girls decision was before he left her in the dust to eat alone.

Hinata gulped once more. She lifted her head and looked within Sasuke's eyes.

"You said i-if I-I-"

"No stuttering." hindered Sasuke.

Hinata took a breath. It was like talking to her father. Whenever she spoke to her father and Sasuke, her nerves became bad and her stuttering never seize to halt. It annoyed her father just as much as it annoyed the man in front of her - Uchiha Sasuke. He rolled his eyes and turned away from her. "Report back here after lunch."

"What about the-the Wakakusa Yamayaki?!" She shouted to the Uchiha.

Sasuke turned. 'Ah.' he thought. 'She had not forgotten.' Truthfully, he hoped she had. Even if it was just the day before, Sasuke was not the festival type - especially not a Konohagakure festival's. Everyone was excessively cheery and bright, laughter erupted everywhere and it was constantly crowded and overbooked. No, Sasuke was not the type, but when his brother was alive along with his family, he would climb onto his brother's back and sit on his shoulders, marveling the fireworks as it shot out wonderful and different types of colors.

'But that was but a blur.' Sasuke thought bitterly.

"It's alright if you...do not wish to go." Hinata sunk her shoulders.

'Kami...' Sasuke thought, rolling his eyes. "I'll go with you."

Hinata simpered widely. "Really, Sasuke-kun?"

Sasuke noticed the look on the young heiress face. The way her eyes widen with happiness and her hands clasped together, her fingers intertwined with one another and her face gleamed with hope and satisfaction. It reminded Sasuke of his younger self.

'Nostalgic.'

"We can." Sasuke nodded. "Now let's eat."

A/N: Hello, another chapter guys! I cannot wait for yall to read the next chapter! I hope this chapter is good enough. Review and tell me your thoughts