Hey guys, so so SO sorry for the late update. I've been really busy lately and sadly the load isn't letting up anytime soon. Meanwhile, why don't you guys enjoy this new chapter and drop a review while you're at it.

Day One - 4:25am

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BE-

The annoying beeping sound from a nightstand alarm clock came to an abrupt halt by a slender pale hand. Tracing the hand upwards, past the arm, shoulder and neck you would find the exhausted face of Hinata Hyuga. Her pale lavender eyes were wide open with faded dark circles underneath. Her usual pale and soft complexion was a bit dull. The dark indigo locks that fell across her pillow, were just as disheveled as the sheets of her bed. A tell tale sign that she had been tossing and turning throughout the night.

It didn't take a genius to figure out the teenage girl did not have a good night's sleep.

Pushing back her white/lavender covers, the young woman stumbled out of bed. Sloppily walking over to her mirror, she took a look at the damage.

'I couldn't get any sleep last night. I just kept thinking about today and how awful it's going to be.'

Deciding that staring at her reflection would not improve her appearance, she turned to her closet to gather her clothes.

'Okay. So I got a half hour to get ready for the day. I packed last night so, I don't have to worry about that. After I get dressed I'll go over to Naruto's apartment and wake him up. Try to explain the situation the best I can.'

Having every article of clothing in hand, Hinata began to walk down the hall towards the bathroom.

'This is going to be one long day.'

5:01am

The sun had still not risen. It was dark but not pitch black. It was more of a faded dark blue that continued to lighten. As if saying the day is about to approach.

But even with the sun arriving, very few were awake to greet it. Most were still in bed. Among them was a teenage boy named Naruto Uzumaki.

Sprawled out on his twin sized bed he appeared to be just as rowdy asleep as awake. His arms laid limp off the sides of the bed, as his legs were in a tangled mess with the sheets. Laying on his stomach, his unruly hair covered most of his face. There was a muffled snore from the pillow as well. Meaning he wasn't a quiet sleeper as well.

A soft knock came from the front door. It echoed throughout the apartment. He didn't stir.

The knocking repeated itself, slightly louder this time. But it still was not enough to gain the sleeping man's attention.

A third time the sound return, now added with a quiet "Naruto-kun". Still nothing.

The woman that was creating the noise glanced down at her wrist. Taking into notion that a good five minutes had past, she decided that the situation required force. Something she was not use to.

Curling her hand into a fist she began pounding the door. She continued doing it. Determined to rise up the boy. She didn't even hear the shuffling on the other side. Or the "I'm coming" comments. She did notice that there was no longer a door there. And in it's place stood a grudgingly teenage boy clad in a t-shirt and boxers.

"I said I was coming! Oh! Hinata, it's you. What are you doing here? I thought we were suppose to meet at the gate. It's a little early, ain't it?"

A very profound blush spread across Hinata's cheeks. Both from embarrassment and seeing Naruto in his ramen boxers. Shifting her vision to her left, she tried to gather what courage and dignity she had left.

"A-ano we we-were and I-I'm really s-sorry for t-this b-but…."

Hinata began to visibly tremble. She knew what she was going to ask is a lot. She didn't want to burden him but at the same time, this had to be done. She's in a inner turmoil.

The once half-sleep Naruto became fully awake, seeing the state that Hinata is in. Naruto has always know that Hinata is a naturally shy and nervous person. But in the couple weeks that they have spent together, he has began to read her better. Now being able to separate the natural nervousness of Hinata from her petrified fear. And right now he could tell she was on the borderline of terrified.

"Hey Hinata it's alright. I'm not mad just… curious."

Calming down her shivering body slightly she kept in mind Ino's words.

'Now, you have to stay calm. Being a nervous, worried wart won't make Naruto feel any better about the situation.'

"A-ano w-well…I-I was wond-dering… if I c-could a-ask you so-something."

"Go ahead Hinata. Ask me anything. I'm all ears."

'Naruto's a good guy. He'll understand.'

"Well…."

'Naruto didn't have to be your training partner unless he wanted to. It was as much his decision as it was yours.'

"Yeah?"

'Find your confidence. I know it's there. And once you do, don't let go of it.'

Drowning down all her fears and negative thoughts, she went in for the kill.

"Would you come over to my house? My fathers wants to met you."

The blonde shinobi's eyes widen and his face took on the expression of shock. Not quite sure how to react, he said the one thing he could think of.

"Sure"

Her eyes that were once tightly shut upon fear shot open. Realization dawned on her as did a smile and a twinkle in her lavender orbs.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I'd love to met your family."

The smile on her face turned to frown. He didn't fully understand the situation.

"W-well my father d-doesn't really want t-to met you so m-much as t-test you."

"Huh?"

Taking in a deep breath she began explaining the situation to him. Being truthful in everything that she said. Once she finished, an astound Naruto stood in front of her.

"So you dad wants to see if I'm a capable shinobi?"

"Hai"

"And if I don't pass this 'thing' that he wants me to do then, I can't train with you anymore."

"Hai"

"Awesome!"

"Huh?"

Now it was Hinata's turn to be thoroughly confused.

"I always love a challenge! And to be able to prove that I'm worth something. To protect a friendship. I couldn't ask for anything better!"

Hinata just stood there. Trying her best to comprehend what Naruto said.

It was such a bizarre reaction.

"Just wait right here Hinata and I'll get my stuff."

Naruto dashed off into his home. A bundle of energy just waiting to explode.

It finally clicked into Hinata's mind what had just happened. She didn't know if she should be worried that Naruto isn't worrying or relieved that he took the news so lightly. She wasn't sure what she was going to expect when she told him but it certainly wasn't this.

Her eyes widened when Ino's words came into her head.

'If there's one thing Naruto's good at, it's surprising people.'

A smile crept unto the dark-haired beauty's face. She had just concluded that this reaction is so Naruto.

5:47am

The Hyuga clan.

A prestigious and powerful family.

A household that contains the most well sort out secret…the Byakugan.

A place where lineage and blood is everything.

Where contracts and seals win out of love and kindness.

Where political and ninja abilities counts.

Where duties comes first.

They are a clan.

Not a family.

Everyone knew this Konoha. For it is something that the Hyuga's have always been. And the current head followed their tradition very well. So well, that at one time he disowned his own daughter because, he thought her weak and unfit for the name of heiress. It wasn't until she proved her worth multiple times on high-ranked missions that he let her back in. And it took even longer for her to gain her rightful position back.

Hiashi Hyuga is tough.

And he takes pride in it. The clan is only as good as it's leader. If that leader is weak in both mind and strength then that clan will surely fall.

He will not let that happen to his clan. Not now nor ever.

It might seem cold-hearted and somewhat evil of him to do this to his own flesh and blood. But he has to do it for the good of the clan.

Duty comes first and Hinata needs to understand that.

"Hiashi-sama. Hinata-sama has returned with her new training partner, Naruto Uzumaki."

Hiashi lifted his head from his paperwork to see his nephew Neji standing at the entrance to his office. The genius to the clan and sadly a branch house member as well.

"Very well Neji. I will be there momentarily."

Giving the head to the clan a slight bow, the prodigy left. Setting down his work for the moment Hiashi stood up from his seat.

It was time to evaluate the future of his clan.

"Wow Hinata this is where you live? It's amazing!"

Said girl tried her best to give the ramen-loving teen a nice smile.

"Hai."

The Hyuga estate is amazing. Right at the moment they were both standing at the main area. The place that a lot of the Hyuga training occurred. From there you could spot many rooms and hallways. The entire place had a very traditional and conform feel to it.

Naruto's eyes kept darting one way to other. Every part of the compound seemed the same but, there was so much of. He tried to take in the size and wealth the place emitted.

Hinata watched Naruto. She would occasionally look down the hall her cousin had just ventured to. They had just arrived. Not even making it past the gate before Neji greeted them and left to inform her father of their arrival. A job that he had been given.

On the outside the dark-haired girl seemed to be taking the situation relatively well. But on the inside…well that's another story.

'I don't believe it! We've barely made it into the place and my father is already going to see him?! Oh God. What have a done to deserve this.'

"Oi! Onee-chan. Good morning!"

Realizing that she had been staring off into space, she embarrassedly greeted her sister back.

"Oh, Hanabi-chan. Good morning."

"Is this your new training partner, Naruto?"

Upon hearing his name, the blonde ninja turned his head in the direction of the voice. The owner was a young girl. Hyuga no doubt with the pale eyes. She looked younger than Hinata but her tone of voice holds command. There wasn't a lot of physical similarities between the two girls. In fact the aura that both of them emitted seemed to be quit different as well.

"Hai. Hanabi-chan this is Naruto-kun. Naruto-kun this is Hanabi my younger sister."

"Hey! I'm Naruto Uzumaki. And I'm going to be the next Hokage. Believe it!"

The younger sister looked the ninja up and down. Taking his appearance in. Everything from the orange jumpsuit to that childish grin.

'So this is him, huh. It's hard to believe that this is the guy that beat Neji. He looks more like a joke than a deadly ninja. If I hadn't have already seen him fight I would tell Onee-chan that she is wasting her time.'

"Nice to meet you."

As much as Hanabi wanted to make a comment about his statement and attire she remembered to be formal. She had the Hyuga reputation to uphold even if she wasn't going to be the next leader.

'Besides Onee-chan seems to like him enough to train with him. And he seems nice enough.'

Hinata let go of the breath she didn't know she was holding. Apparently she had been a little nervous about her sister meeting Naruto. Hanabi had a habit of picking out the bad things in friends and presenting them to Hinata. Hence the nicknames of dog-boy and bug-guy for Kiba and Shino. She's not an animal person.

But Hanabi always had the decently to make fun of Hinata's friends, only in the presence of Hinata and Neji. Never making her rude comments in front of said person.

Now Hinata could only imagine what nickname she would give Naruto behind his back.

"Hinata-sama."

The dark-haired teen directed her line of vision towards her cousin who was walking towards them.

"Your father will be here shortly."

That once state of relaxation came to an abrupt halt. Her father was coming. Her father was coming.

"I take it you already know about the predicament Naruto." Neji carefully asked.

"Huh? Oh! You mean the thing about Hinata's dad sizing me up. Yeah I know."

"Good. I would also advise you to address Hiashi-sama in the formal manner."

"What? It's not like I going to call him an old fart or something."

Neji was about to give Hinata a sympatric look when he caught the state that she was in.

'She's as white as ghost. I hope she doesn't faint. Naruto's mouth makes this situation bad enough. No need to make it worst.'

He was about to ask if she was alright but was interrupted by the loud-mouthed ninja.

"Hey Hinata. Is everything here so…. official?"

"You should consider yourself lucky."

Surprisingly it was Hinata's sister who spoke.

"Just be glad your not Hinata's boyfriend. When Neji started dating Tenten, she was watched for weeks before she even deemed adequate by father."

This gathered three very different reactions.

Naruto stood there wide-eyed in disbelief. Finding it hard to swallow that Hinata's father was soooo uptight.

Neji glared daggers at the young girl. She was obliviously trying to embarrass him by bringing up a subject he most certainly did not want to relive.

Hinata of course turned red from embarrassment. But surprisingly, she was openly frowning at her sister.

'I'm trying to get him to be my boyfriend Hanabi. And your not helping.'

Hanabi just gave them all a sweet smile.

The sound of footsteps caught the attention of all four. Facing in the sound's direction they saw a middle-aged man, dressed in formal robes, approaching them. Neji and Hanabi soon retreated to the side of the area seeing Hiashi-sama.

Hinata's heart was beating fast. It felt like it would jump out of her chest at any moment. Sweat was starting to pour down her neck, back and palms. It was like someone turned the temperature up twenty degrees. Her legs and soon her whole body began to shake. Her breathing became difficult. And would only come out in short pants.

'Oh my God! He's here! What do I do? WHAT DO I DO?'

"Hinata aren't you going to introduce me to this boy?''

Naruto frowned upon hearing the boy part. But keeping in mind what Neji told him before, he decided to not make a comment.

Hinata was failing at her attempts to calm her nerves. So when she spoke, it came out broken and shaken.

"H-hai. F-father th-this is N-Na-Naruto U-Uzumaki. Na-Naruto thi-this is m-my father Hi-Hiashi-sama."

Hearing her poor attempt at a sentence and catching the anxiety in her aura Naruto turned to look at his partner. She appeared to be on the verge of either fainting or being sick. Seeing her in such a state, he immediately grew worried. Forgetting about her father.

"Hey Hinata you alright?"

Tearing her gaze away from the ground. She looked up into concern filled, breath-taking beautiful blue eyes. Seeing that heartfelt expression on his face, her body began to shake less and her breathing slowed.

"H-hai."

Lifting his hand, he put it on Hinata's shoulder as a mean for comfort.

"Are you sure?"

She began smiling. His aura and presence had always given her confidence that she didn't know she had. And now was no different.

"Hai."

Throughout this short interaction a pair of skillful and deadly eyes had been watching them. Hiashi had been a little aggravated at first that the boy had ignored him. It was rude to brush someone off that had an important status. But when he saw the boy show concern for his daughter and then her reaction to it, he became confused.

In all the years he has watched over Hinata he had never been able to get that kind of reaction from her. Whenever he talked or attempted to train her she would only grow tense. She was always nervous, fidgety and uptight in his presence.

But this boy. He was able to make her relax with just a few words and a mere gaze. It was a state he has never seen her in before. She even seemed to be more self-assured.

"Naruto Uzumaki."

Hearing his name, he shot up to see Hinata's father looking right at him. Nervously scratching the back of his head he gave an embarrassed grin.

"Oh, sorry about that sir. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, Hinata's training partner."

"So I've heard."

Taking glancing in between her crush and father she prayed nothing would go bad.

"Naruto, why are you training with my daughter?"

Confusion laced over Naruto's face hearing the question.

"You should already know that she has weak and poor ninja abilities so why are you wasting your time with her?"

She had been able to gain her title back. But old habits die hard. Hinata bowed her head down in defeat. But Naruto didn't notice. He was solely focused on the man before him. Angrily focused.

"What are you talking about? Hinata's an amazing ninja! She's not weak. She's kicked loads of butts. Your lucky to have her as a daughter!"

The dark-haired beauty's eyes widened in shock.

"Naruto-kun"

"Am I now."

"Of course!"

The blonde shinobi was standing in a defensive pose, eyes harden. The older man's words got him riled up and his anger intensified hearing the man's next words.

"I do not know what you see in her. She is kind and gullible. Those are the traits of a weak ninja. Anyone who trusts her with their life would certainly meet their despise. And you are a fool if you think otherwise."

"A fool huh? So what if I am! I'm going to be Hokage one day. And when that happens I'll refine the definition of a good ninja. No more of this sinister, cold-hearted crap. Those who will follow me will be strong, good, kind-hearted people who put the village and it's people first. They will protect this place not because it's their job but because they want to. They will have just as much heart as they have courage. Just like Hinata."

The tension between the two men was growing thick. You could practically see Naruto's frustrations and Hiashi's shrewdness clash in the air.

"So you think you'll be Hokage?"

"I am going to be Hokage." corrected the fuming teen.

"And you think my daughter is a good ninja."

"She is. And even if you're her father you have no right to say otherwise."

Hiashi's glare harden on the boy. Taking in his every word. He kept his cool and ignored the ignorant comment.

"But do you think she would make a good leader to this clan?"

"What?"

"A clan (or village) is only as good as it's leader. Do you think she is good enough?"

"Of course! Hinata would make a great leader. I'd follow her."

"Really? As I have stated before Hinata has a kind, gentle soul. She would not have the heart to disciple those who need it. She will became a doormat. People will not take her seriously and they will just use her for their own needs. Why would you want to follow someone like her?"

"Well first off, who in their right mind would deceive someone like Hinata?"

"Excuse me?"

"You said it yourself that Hinata is a kind, good-hearted person. They would either have to be crazy or have no heart to do that sort of thing to her."

"Well Uzumaki they are people like that."

"I know."

The adrenaline that had fiercely ran through Naruto's body was slowly dissipating. Yet the heart that he put into his words did not subside.

"That's why I'll protect her."

"Protect her?"

"If anyone is foolish enough to betray Hinata when she is in power, then they'll have to answer to the highest of powers. The sixth Hokage. Naruto Uzumaki."

The entire estate was silent. No one moved. No one even blinked. But Naruto continued his speech with one last vow.

"Me and Hinata will became great leaders together. We'll help each other achieve our dreams. Together we will make Konoha the most prominent of it's time."

Hiashi and Naruto's eyes were locked. Cerulean blue met hard cold white. No deception or desist escaped the blonde shinobi's eyes. Not even under the Hyuga's glare.

The Hyuga leader came forward one step and then made a sharp turn. His back now facing the boy and his daughter. He began walking away but then stopped for a second to say:

"You both have fifteen minutes before your departure. You're dismissed."

And just like that the, man was gone.

Hinata had not breathed for the whole argument. She heard every word. The words that Naruto had said. The emotion that they were coated in. It was too much. So with her emotions on overdrive and her lack of oxygen she naturally, hit the floor.

Naruto was stunned. He had met Hinata's father. And he was nothing like Hinata. He was mean, cold-hearted and brutal. He couldn't help but call him out. And when he did, the man just simply walked away. The spell he was under finally broke when he heard a 'thump' to his right. Snapping his head in that direction he saw Hinata on the ground, passed out.

"Hinata!"

Rushing to the ground himself, he began checking her for injuries from the fall.

Meanwhile, off on the sidelines stood a astonished Neji and a confused Hanabi. They had witnessed the whole battle of words.

"Neji, what was that?"

Neji looked down to his left to see bewildered Hyuga eyes looking up at him.

"I believe that was the test."

"Huh?"

"I think Hiashi-sama has finally figure out that the best way for Hinata-sama to gain confidence is if someone believes in her. I think Hiashi-sama was testing Naruto on that as well as his loyalty to Hinata-sama."

"So it was a test on morals and faith not brawn?"

"Yes. And it appears that Naruto has passed."

"Well that sucks!"

Neji's brows knotted in confusion and disappointment.

"I didn't get to see him fight."

Realizing that she was disappointed about a un-shown match rather than Naruto staying as Hinata's training partner, he allowed a small smile to show.

"Hn"

"I'm going to eat breakfast. Are you coming Neji?"

"No Hanabi-sama. I have already eaten."

With a quick nod, the younger Hyuga walked out of sight. Neji let his eyes linger on the couple before him a little longer before leaving for training.

'Those two are going to be put through a lot. But I believe...they just might be able to handle it.'

IMPORTANT NOTICE - I'll be moving next week. That's why I've been so busy. The last few weeks I've been packing and saying my goodbyes. Next week I'll move to a new city and school with people I don't know. I don't know when my next update will be but it won't be soon. I need time to adjust to my new life. But do not worry. I will NOT leave this story. I hate it when any of my projects are left unfinished, with passion. No matter how good or bad they turn out to be.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto. If I did I would be a man, live in Japan, be rich, create beautiful art and go by the name of Masashi Kishimoto.