I had managed to knock out the front guards within a couple of seconds. They were not prepared for an attack and it was nearing the end of their shift. I would have to be quick so as not to get caught by the guards who would come to relieve those I just knocked out. I had used one of the herbs I had been growing in my garden to create a toxin that would knock them out for about twenty minutes and simply create a gap in their memory. Their brains would make an excuse for the lapse in time. I made sure to pack a lot of the mixed toxin and many seeds. I knew I would probably have to use the toxin on the next couple of sets of guards. I raced over the wall by focusing chakra in my feet. I set down the wire structure holding my old clothes and faced the gates.

I would leave my mark on the Hyuuga. I will leave, become strong, and then come back and prove to them all, that I am NOT weak. I thought back to the poem I had written earlier that afternoon. How could I leave the words here so that they would not be easily removed? How could I show the strength of the words burned into my brain.

That's it! I have to burn them into the gates. But how? I can't light a fire, and even if I did it would attract too much attention. I couldn't afford to get caught. Not now that I was finally out of the compound. I wonder. I looked at my hands. Would I be able to do it? Could it be done? I focussed my chakra into my right index finger. I concentrated on making a layer of chakra just on the edge of my skin. Then I slowly started increasing the temperature, while making sure the heat only faced outwards.

After a couple of attempts I got it right, and started burning in the words that showed the true Hyuuga way. As I was writing the words I thought of Neji-niisan. I hope he sees this before the others find a way to remove it. Actually, I hope everyone in Hyuuga sees it. I want the main family to see the pain they cause. I want the branch family to see that they aren't the only ones who are caged.

And I want them to see that I'm sorry. That I could not help any of them because of my weakness. I finished writing and stood back to look at my work. Then I almost jumped out of my skin when I heard someone behind me speak.

"Hn. You no longer wish to be here either." I spun around, eyes wide and starred at the boy watching me. He had very dark spiky hair, lovely onyx eyes and a small smirk.

"U-Uchiha-san," I managed to squeak. Kami help me. I stared at him for a second longer before I suddenly found the ground at my feet very interesting. I could still feel him watching me. I started to shake. Please, oh Kami please, don't let him be here to stop me somehow.

"Why is it that you wish to leave?" He asked me. I could not help but start to play with my fingers.

"A-ano, I-I w-want to be-become s-stronger," I said quietly. I was sure I would faint soon. I was never very good when under pressure.

"Why?" I thought about it. Why, specifically, did I want to become stronger? As I thought about it I could feel the anger building in me. I could hear my father's voice repeatedly telling me my faults. Complaining about how weak I was. I could hear all of the children from when I was younger, teasing me about my stuttering.

"Because I'm sick of it," I said with a determination I had never felt before. I was shaking still, but now it was in anger. "I'm sick of people calling me weak. I'm sick of people feeling disappointed in me. I'm sick of looking at other people and seeing pity in their eyes. I'm sick of people saying I will never amount to anything, that I will not become a good clan head, simply because I am a girl. I will prove to them all that I can become strong. I will prove that I can become a good kunoichi. And I will prove to myself, that they were all wrong. That I am NOT weak."

Quite frankly, I was amazed. I looked at her with a respect I reserved for few. She had just told me that she also searched for power. Though her quest was to prove her worth, and mine to avenge my clan, we both sought power. My respect for her however wasn't because she sought power. No, it was that she had shown such dedication and determination, even though she had constantly been told she was worthless.

Instead of accepting what everyone told her, she refused to believe she was worthless. Instead of becoming some dumb emo, (no offence to actual emos… I'm just trying to make a point) she was still striving to prove to everyone, and herself, that she was important. That she had worth.

"I too am searching for power." I stated. She looked up at me with surprise. Surprise at what I wonder. Maybe she thought I would laugh at her. Or look at her with pity. Perhaps both. "Since we are both searching for the same thing, would you like to accompany me?"

"W-where are you g-going?" she asked. I noticed her stutter was back. It seems she had calmed down somewhat. I thought about what I should tell her. If I told her where I was going then she may tell others if she decides not to come. However for some reason I did not want to lie to her. "You are aware, are you not, that I was given a curse mark during the chunnin (sp?) exam?"

"H-hai," I saw confusion enter her eyes. "It was given to me by Orochimaru." I saw her eyes widen slightly. It seemed she had not been informed about that part of the event.

"I am going to him. He offered to teach me. I need the power he can offer to defeat my brother. There is no one here capable of teaching me what I need to know. I am sure that if you stay with me and explain why you wish for power he would be willing to teach you as well. From what I know Kabuto is also with him. You would be able to learn the medical jutsu's that are complementary to your chakra control," I explained.

Quite frankly I was amazed with myself. I could not remember any time recently where I had spoken so much, or did not insult someone. I watched her for about a minute, letting her think it over.

"Well. Would you like to come with me?" I asked.