Disclaimer:I do not own Naruto or any of its respective characters. This fanfiction is for entertainment purposes only. (Mostly my amusement.) However, if I DID own Naruto, it would be called "Neji and Hinata: Byakugan Babies Galore!" That has a nice ring to it...

Author's Note:Finally! My masterpiece is complete! Ahhhhh! I just want to scream! This chapter took sooo long! So sorry everyone. I hope it's worth the wait. This chapter is longer and little different than the others, since it focuses on the people around Neji and Hinata. Also, two original characters, who play a major plot role from now till the end, will be introduced here. I did as much research into character personalities as I could stand. I still think they turned out OOC, though. Oh, well. Good enough for me. There are no warnings, because this is a plot chapter, one of those necessary evils. Anyway, thanks everyone! Once again, it was your reviews that kept me working on it every day. Please, enjoy and please, please review!

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Possession - Chapter Seven

The waiting room in front of Tsunade's office was crowded and noisy. Official-looking people and not so official-looking people sat on the benches and chairs, or leaned against the walls, with stacks of paperwork folded to their chests. Things were really backed up today, and Kurenai wondered if Tsunade had gotten drunk again. The Godaime's thirst for sake was insatiable, and every now and then, seemed to cut into her official duties.

She eyed the yawning and restless fidgeting around her. Everyone looked like they'd gotten about as much sleep as Hinata. Which, judging by the slight sag below the girl's white eyes, wasn't much. How long had they all been waiting? And how long would she and Hinata have to wait under these conditions?

The smoke-haired jounin observed the ANBU stationed at Tsunade's door. They were still, serene– emotion veiled behind masks of paint and porcelain. Their posture revealed nothing. Even so, Kurenai could sense their tension.

All was not well behind those doors.

She slid her crimson gaze back toward her student. The Heiress sat with her back straight, eyes focused ahead, as though she were looking through the walls. The precious Hyuuga bloodline limit wasn't activated, but Kurenai noticed that anyone stumbling between the girl and the Hokage's door, wince and retreat under her glare.

The jounin's brows furrowed curiously. Since when did Hinata glare, anyway?

Kurenai had questioned the genin several times, and each time was met with cold silence. She wondered why Hinata had asked her to come. She seemed determined enough on her own. But, Kurenai cared deeply for the troubled girl, and would stand by her side without thought or word between them. Whatever this was about, she was sure Hinata needed her, if only as a familiar presence.

"Hinata-chan," she spoke softly to the girl who was like a daughter to her. "All will be well. The Hokage will know what to do."

Hinata blinked slowly, easing her shoulders a bit. "Yes, sensei," she spoke, soft as a morning breeze. "Hokage-sama is the only one who can help me."

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"So, Naruto," Sakura pried, sweetly. "How was your date with Hinata-chan, last night?"

Naruto beamed like the sunset washing over the Leaf Village. "Awww, come on Sakura-chan. You know I don't kiss and tell," he grinned. His friends all gathered around him, prodding for details. Their picnic had been planned a month in advance, and luckily, none of the rookie nine had missions scheduled until the next week. Asuma and Kakashi's teams were present and accounted for, though the two jounin were conspicuously missing. Only Kurenai's team had yet to arrive.

"You kissed her?" Sakura gasped. "And she didn't faint?" The pink-haired kunoichi squealed, raising two trembling fists to her face. "I can't wait to talk to her!" She ran toward Ino, and the two girls chattered like spitting cats.

"Hey, I never said I actually kissed her." Naruto tried to stop the gossip train. It was too late, of course. Ino and Sakura would have the entire village informed by first light tomorrow.

"Hn, don't be stupid," Sasuke said, as a cup of ice-cold lemonade left his lips. He placed it on the picnic table, leaning back, turning his head slightly. "Everyone knows how much you like her." Naruto's face was red hot, and Sasuke smirked. "It's hardly a secret, the way you look at her– the way she blushes." He took another sip. "So kawaii," he mused.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura broke in, eyes wide and hurt. "You don't mean that!"

"Of course he does, forehead!" Ino screeched. "Sasuke-kun never says anything he doesn't mean!" She and Sakura were clinging to each other in what looked like more of a stranglehold than a friendly embrace. "Of course, we all know I'm much cuter than Hinata."

"Shut up, Ino," Sasuke said, without looking at them, black hair draped across his face. He finished his lemonade before setting the cup down again. "Sakura," he whispered, as he slid the cup in her direction. "Pour for me."

Sakura let out a delighted squeal, before turning smugly toward Ino. She didn't say anything. She didn't have to. She simply reached over the other girl's shoulder, grabbing the pitcher of lemonade from the other table, and sauntered haughtily toward Sasuke. She refilled his cup while he watched with a satisfied smirk.

"Hey, Ino," Shikamaru called from under a shady tree, eyes closed in relaxation. "If you want to be useful, you could pour some for me."

The blonde kunoichi scowled. "Lazy, baka! Why don't you get off your ass?"

Shikamaru sighed. "That would be too troublesome." Then, his dark eyes opened, revealing a fiery stare. "Especially, when I know you'll do it for me, Ino-chan." He winked.

Ino blushed an unexpected shade of pink, then, snatched the pitcher of lemonade from Sakura, flinging its contents all over the lazy chuunin.

Shikamaru grimaced under the ice-cold beverage.

"Had enough?" Ino smirked, standing over him.

"Not nearly," he answered. His dark eyes were filled with amusement, as well as annoyance. "You'd think by flirting with you, I'd earn the right to be treated a little nicer." He shrugged. "But you're still a harpy." Ino's eyes widened in contempt. "A cute harpy, but a harpy none the less." He winked again.

"Shikamaru." She hissed, through clenched teeth. The normally lazy, uninterested and now dripping shinobi stood, looking down on her from his slightly taller form.

"Had enough?" He mocked, leaning closer as the blush spread across her face and neck. Ino was in shock, lips pursed shut. All eyes were on them as Shikamaru brushed his lips against hers, ever so slightly. "Ino-chan," he whispered. "Let's go for a walk." The blonde could barely breathe.

Shikamaru led her away from their gaping comrades, with one lemon-drenched arm draped over her shoulders. The look of shock was still plastered all over her face, and when she didn't even glance at Sasuke, the chuunin couldn't help but smirk triumphantly.

"Hey, Shikamaru!" Naruto called out from behind the rather large picnic basket that Chouji had brought. The self-proclaimed future Hokage grinned as wide as his face would allow. "About time. I was starting to wonder if you were a lazy coward, too."

"Naruto," Shikamaru droned. He was about to give a curt reply, when he felt slim fingers intertwine with his. Ino was holding the hand that fell loosely over her shoulder, her expression a mixture of hope and disbelief. The rosy blush on her cheeks was just too adorable. "So troublesome," he smiled.

The Nara and the Yamanaka walked slowly away, while Naruto kept his snicker to himself. Everyone was doing their own thing. Sasuke and Sakura sitting quietly at the table, Chouji munching away at his ever present barbeque chips, Shikamaru and Ino sharing a moment on the garden path, and Naruto, was left blissfully alone, without a single one of them asking questions about his date with Hinata. And with any luck, it would stay that way.

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Hyuuga Hanabi was in the dojo. She'd been in the dojo since breakfast, drilling herself in anticipation of her bout with Hinata. And her father had been there, as well, watching like the hawk he was. She had never felt so anxious, or so much like the puppet she was.

She moved flawlessly through the katas, striking the air with her Gentle Fist. This was nothing. This was easy. Just like Hinata would be. Hanabi really didn't know what her sister was thinking. How foolish of her to challenge the next Heiress of the Hyuuga. Did she not realize how soft Hanabi had been with her in the past? Did she actually think she could win?

Her palm zipped through the air, sending a light wind in her father's direction. Stupid Hinata. Stupid, clumsy, hopeless Hinata. She would teach her not to raise her head, or her voice, or her hand to her betters, ever again. Hanabi was going to beat the stutter out of her, then beat it right back in.

This was what she told herself, as her father watched with cold white eyes.

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"Hiashi-sama?" The Branch council member approached his back slowly– respectfully. The Hyuuga Leader straightened even more, projecting an aura of sheer disdain. The Branch council member and his cohort were not deterred, however. "Please excuse this intrusion, Hiashi-sama, but this is a matter of utmost importance," he cowered behind his Leader.

Hiashi released a grunt/growl before answering. "What is it, Tomoyuki?"

The two Branch members looked to one another, gaining the courage to speak what their Leader did not want to hear. Finally, Tomoyuki answered.

"This... challenge... between Hanabi-sama and Hinata-sama," he scowled. "Surely you do not plan to go through with this ridiculous farce?"

"And why not?" Hiashi cut in. He was not amused. These two were not the first to approach him concerning his daughters. "Your Heiress deserves one final chance to defend her position."

"But, Hiashi-sama," Tomomori, Tomoyuki's twin brother and fellow Branch council member pleaded. "Since when has she been deserving of anything? Especially in your eyes," he continued. Tomoyuki nodded.

Hiashi inhaled roughly, through flared nostrils. His lips were pursed into a thin angry frown. None of the council understood, neither Main nor Branch. Yes, he was disappointed in Hinata. But, she was his first born and inheritor of his responsibilities. She was lovely and wise, like her mother. He knew her eyes saw more than she let on. But, unlike her mother, she was quite an unremarkable kunoichi, with no leadership skills to speak of and abysmal self-esteem. He could not in good conscience allow her to succeed him. But those facts did not erase his love for her.

He was a harsh Leader, and an even harsher father– to both of his daughters, not just Hinata. He had to make them strong, because he would not be around forever to shield them from the reality of their Clan. The Houses were at war with one another, and no matter which one of them inherited or which one was sealed, they held the future of the Hyuuga in their hands.

"Hinata is the Heiress," Hiashi spoke. "My first born, and her mother's legacy. I will not rob her of her birthright– if she proves worthy."

"Hiashi-sama!" Tomoyuki seethed. "She will never be worthy!" He glanced at his brother who was fuming beside him. "The Branch House will not follow a weak leader."

"It is not for the Branch House to decide," Hiashi stated.

Were they threatening him? Tomoyuki and Tomomori were very ambitious. They had always been a thorn in his side, and he knew Tomomori especially had eyes for Hinata. That was one reason he never objected to his nephew's obsession with his daughter. If Hinata did not succeed him, then she would be sealed and would be left largely out of his hands. The Branch council would assign her a husband of their own ranks. However, as Hizashi's son, Neji was poised to become the next leader of the Branch House. If he staked a claim on the ex-Heiress, no one, not even Tomomori could deny that claim. As Hiashi himself had a hand in raising the Hyuuga prodigy, he trusted his brother's son much more with Hinata's welfare.

"That is true, Hiashi-sama," Tomomori's eyes narrowed. "It is for the full council to decide. This match may buy her some time, however, it is the culmination of her failure that will seal her fate."

For the first time, Hiashi turned to face the two Branch members. They were exactly the same, with long raven hair draped over their shoulders, pale Hyuuga eyes and sharp features made even sharper by their menacing expression. They wore traditional robes, as did Hiashi, who took their measure, analyzing their weakness of character. He could activate their curse seals for such insolence, but that would solve nothing. Instead, he listened to their thinly veiled threat.

"Even if you find her– worthy," Tomoyuki wrenched the word from his throat. "The council will overrule you." The Branch member dared let a smirk slip through his stoic mask. "The council, both Main and Branch, favor Hanabi-sama as our next Heiress."

"Is that so," Hiashi said, more to himself than to the two fools before him. "Then we shall see what decision the council can rightly make." He turned on his heel then, continuing to watch his youngest daughter, aura oozing dismissal. The twin Branch council members witnessed the disintegration of their Leader's willingness to speak. They frowned hard, twisting their faces further. Hiashi could tell they had more to say, but he did not waver. Finally, they bowed to his back, and left.

It seemed his decision had become even more complicated than originally thought. "Hinata," Hiashi whispered to himself. He thought of all the times he'd called her weak and useless, every time he'd cut her to the core. Then, he thought of the previous night, when, in anger, he'd pushed Neji into doing unspeakable things to his eldest daughter. He knew what had happened, just as he knew he had been the root cause of it all.

Was it regret he was feeling? Yes. That sounded right. He shifted on his feet, the only indication of his troubled thoughts. He tried to focus on Hanabi as she breezed through her workout. For so long he had believed that she would be his successor, his rightful heir. But, when he saw Hinata in the morning, cold and resolved, he hesitated in his decision. For the first time he could remember, Hinata looked like a Hyuuga, and now the fate of the Hyuuga rested on her shoulders. He released the breath he didn't know he was holding. This would be her final test. Her only chance.

Countless times Hiashi had called her weak, but now he saw that she was anything but, and he hoped it wasn't too late. "Prove me wrong, daughter," he closed his emotionless eyes, blocking out the image of his youngest, who, if fate was kind, would soon be heartbroken over the loss of a title that was never hers to begin with. "Prove me wrong."

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"Alright, Sasuke!" Naruto taunted. "Give me your best shot!"

The Uchiha tossed the kunai up, catching it and tossing it again. "This is stupid," he scoffed.

"Yeah, well why don't we just see, eh?" Naruto raised his arm, gesturing toward himself.

"Fine," Sasuke spat, then flung the kunai in his teammate's direction.

Naruto didn't dodge, as everyone expected. The kunai connected, sinking into the flesh of his throat.

"Naruto!" Sasuke screamed, in horror. He rushed toward his friend. As he neared the falling body, a thick plume of smoke enshrouded them both. When it cleared, Sasuke was left holding a dead log. A hand clamped down on Sasuke's shoulder, and the Uchiha turned, Sharingan blazing. "Idiot!" He swung the log, clocking Naruto in the face, sending him soaring through the air.

"Gotcha!" The Kyuubi vessel snickered, as he twisted in the air, landing on his feet. He re-adjusted his jaw, smiling wildly. Everyone but Sasuke burst into a fit of hysterical laughter.

The raven-haired genin folded his arms and stalked off. "Dobe," he spat.

"When did you learn the Substitution Jutsu?" Chouji asked, while stuffing his face. The chips crunched loudly as he smacked and murmured hungrily.

"Ah," Naruto scratched the back of his neck. "A long time ago. I was just waiting for the right time to trick Sasuke-teme."

"Shut up!" Sasuke shot back at him, Sharingan red and angry. "I will get back at you," he promised.

"Bring it on!"

Everyone laughed again. Sasuke only fumed. He glared evilly at Sakura, who was rolling on the ground. She caught his brutal look, and tried to stop, but found it impossible.

"Sorry, Sasuke-kun! But the look on your face..." She cackled uncontrollably, tears forming in her jade eyes. "It's so like you!"

"Sakura," he warned. She just laughed and laughed and laughed.

"Hey!" All eyes turned from team seven, surprised by the familiar voice. Kiba and Shino walked up, sending lethal glares toward Naruto. "Is this a private fight, or can anyone join?" Kiba challenged.

"What's up, Kiba!" Naruto called, forgetting all about the still fuming Sasuke. He met the two arrivals halfway, grinning wildly. He never expected Kiba to actually hit him.

Kiba's punch was solid against Naruto's already sore jaw. Naruto stumbled back, but remained standing. Akamaru growled, hair standing on end, while Shino just watched from the sidelines.

"Tell me what you did to Hinata-chan!" Kiba howled.

Naruto straightened, a hand on his jaw. "What the hell are you talking about, dog-breath?" He didn't back down, not even when Shino stepped beside Kiba and Akamaru. "You too, huh? Anybody gonna tell me what this about?"

"Hn," Sasuke said, walking slowly and carefully toward his teammate, hands resting in his pockets. He still hadn't released his Sharingan, and was obviously furious. But now, it seemed he had another, suitable target for his frustrations. "What's your problem?" He cocked his head to the side.

"So, you'd stick up for him after what he did?" Kiba's snarl was down right ugly.

"I don't know you think I did, but if you don't shut up, I'm gonna shut you up!" Naruto took a step forward.

Whoa!" Sakura came running, her exchange with Sasuke completely forgotten. She stood between the two pair of hostile genin, arms outstretched. "What do you think you're doing?" Her question was directed at Shino.

"Nine-tails over here did something to Hinata-chan!" Kiba lunged toward Naruto.

Sakura's eyes grew wide, blazing with aggression. She pumped the muscles of her arm, drawing it back, sending her chakra infused fist straight into Kiba's nose. She angled the brutal strike down, pummeling him into the ground. When the dust settled, Kiba was twitching in the center of a rather large crater.

"I was talking to Shino!" She screeched.

Everyone was still– speechless. Akamaru barked at Sakura, who glared at the little dog. The poor thing whimpered and slunk back, licking Kiba's face in an attempt to soothe his pain.

"Now," she put her hands on her hips. "Shino," her eyes narrowed, moving to the quiet shinobi.

Shino adjusted his shades, taking a moment to calculate his odds. Team seven was ready for a fight. And Kiba... He sighed. Kiba was useless.

"Hinata-chan was alone with Naruto, last night," he managed a glare at the orange-clad ninja. "When she came for training today, she had bandages covering her arms and legs." He watched the information sink into everyone, especially Naruto. "She was hiding some very severe injuries," he finished. Naruto looked just as shocked– or even more so than the others.

Everyone looked at the Kyuubi vessel.

"You think I did it?" Naruto was pissed. "You think I hurt Hinata-chan!"

"You were the last one to see her." The tension in the air was so thick, even Shikamaru was riveted. "Tell us what happened between you," the Aburame hissed.

"That is none of your business," Naruto answered.

Kiba sat up, holding his head with both hands. "You got something to hide, loser?" He crawled out of the crater, standing shakily. He pulled out two soldier pills, readying to pop one into Akamaru's mouth.

"Put those away," Shikamaru ordered. "Are you insane?"

"I'm gonna beat this guy into a pulp for what he did!" Kiba snarled.

"You got any proof?" The Nara frowned.

"Of course not!" Naruto wailed, waving his arms in the air. "Because, I didn't do anything!"

Ino and Chouji came closer as the tension slowly began to ease. Everyone was standing around, in a small crowd.

"Anyway," Chouji spoke, "don't you think that's a little overkill?" He gestured to the pills still in Kiba's hand. "It was just one punch."

Kiba looked away, shamed. "I'd like to see you take a punch like that," he grimaced. "Monstrous wench," he grumbled under his breath.

"What was that?" Sakura hissed.

"N-Nothing," Kiba cowered, replacing the soldier pills into their container.

"What exactly happened to Hinata?" Ino chimed in, returning the focus to the missing Hyuuga Heiress. "Where is she, anyway?"

There was silence for a few moments, then Shino answered. "With the Hokage," he said.

"It must be serious, then," Sakura stood beside Sasuke, clutching his hand until he relaxed enough to release the Sharingan. His tension eased from the comfort only she could provide.

Naruto folded his arms to his chest. "Start talking," he demanded.

"Look, we don't know what happened. That's why we came to you," Kiba snarled. His stance was firmer now, and his whole body oozed contempt and violence.

"To pick a fight? How noble," Naruto let a rare statement of sarcasm roll from his tongue. Kiba began to growl.

"So, what happened last night?" Shino pressed.

"Like I told you before, it's none of your business." Naruto frowned. "But, I'll you this." His face flew through a myriad of emotions. From disgust, to anger, to shame, and finally, to regret. "She didn't want to go home," he said, at last.

"Naruto?" Sakura asked, concerned. "You don't have to tell us everything." She looked menacingly as Kiba, and a little less so at Shino. "But, just a little information might help," she paused. "And, set their minds at ease," she motioned in the direction of Hinata's worried teammates.

Naruto sighed. "Alright," he relented. "She was nervous. Really nervous." He looked up, in contemplation of recent events. "I don't know," he breathed deeply before continuing, "but I think something happened to her– before our date."

"Like what?" Shino asked.

Naruto looked him in the eyes, through the dark shades. "Have you noticed Neji acting a little... strange lately?"

"Hn. That's nothing new," Kiba huffed. "He is a Hyuuga."

"I don't think you understand," Naruto's eyes narrowed into azure slits. "I think Neji is obsessed with her."

Sakura and Ino gasped. The others looked at one another, some skeptically, some not so much. They all replayed a certain incident in their minds; a confrontation involving Naruto and the two Hyuugas that occurred about a month ago. Come to think of it, that was about the time Naruto started showing interest in Hinata.

"And you're forgetting," Naruto continued. "I am not the last person who saw her." His frown turned into a deadly scowl. "She goes home to him every night."

They let the words sink in. It all seemed painfully clear now, and Shino suppressed a sigh. How foolish they had been. Naruto was not capable of hurting anyone who didn't deserve it, and they had jumped to slanderous conclusions, when a more likely suspect was right under their noses. Some shinobi they turned out to be, letting emotion cloud their better judgement.

Kiba half smiled, half grimaced. "I guess I owe you an apology, huh?" He scratched nervously at the back of his neck.

"Damn straight!" Naruto snapped. He unfolded his arms, letting them hang at his sides. "But the question is," his fists began to shake with the promise of violence to come. "What do we do about Hyuuga Neji?"

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"Send her in, Shizune," Tsunade yawned. It had been a long day, and she finally had enough time to see what the shy kunoichi wanted with her. The Godaime pursed her lips together as she glanced at Hatake Kakashi, standing beside her behind the desk. He had brought some troubling information concerning the Hyuuga, and Tsunade was very curious about Hinata's unexpected visit.

The door opened and Tsunade watched the Hyuuga Heiress glide into the room, looking spent, but triumphant. A look not unlike those gracing the faces of tired jounin after A-ranked missions. She'd seen that look enough times on Kakashi's face to recognize its implications. This girl had been through something awful– and survived.

"To what do I owe this pleasure, Hyuuga-san?" The Hokage inquired.

All were surprised when the girl did not stutter, or hesitate.

"I wish it were a pleasure for me, Hokage-sama," Hinata whispered, commanding absolute attention. "but, I have come seeking what only you can give."

Tsunade watched from the corner of her eye as Hatake Kakashi looked the girl over, curiosity clearly evident in his stare. The Hyuuga's jounin sensei, Yuuhi Kurenai, stepped back against the wall, stark red eyes watching Hinata with interest. It seemed, even she did not know why the Heiress had come.

Tsunade's brow furrowed. "What is it that you want, Hyuuga-san?" Was this some kind of ultimatum, delivered by Hiashi's successor? The scroll Kakashi intercepted was troubling, indeed. It had not implicated the Hyuuga Leader. However, his participation could not be ruled out, just yet. Tsunade didn't think Hiashi would betray the village, but one could never be too sure.

"It is what I need, Hokage-sama," the girl continued. Tsunade's eyes narrowed.

"Before you say anything else," the Godaime interrupted. It was a gamble, but Tsunade was known as a risk-taker. "Let me tell you," her coffee-colored eyes gleamed. "We found the scroll."

Hinata looked perplexed. "What scroll, Hokage-sama," she asked, curiously.

"Hmmm," Tsunade laced her fingers together, pensively, elbows resting on the desktop. She looked sincere enough, and had never been known as a liar. Could it be that this girl, Hiashi's own successor, was ignorant of the scroll and the plans it detailed? If so, then perhaps the Leader himself was also a target of the uncovered plot.

"Hokage-sama?" The Heiress asked, again.

"Hyuuga Hinata," Tsunade acknowledged. "Recently, some very clandestine activity has been brought to my attention." She motioned her head to the jounin beside her. "Hatake Kakashi has intercepted a scroll telling of a very disturbing plot." Hinata seemed unaffected by her words and gestures, neither shocked nor scared. "It concerns you– and the Hyuuga Clan." Still, the girl did not flinch.

She hated making these insinuations toward the honorable kunoichi, but there was trouble brewing in Konoha's oldest Clan, and Tsunade needed to know where the girl's loyalties were.

"Hokage-sama," Hinata spoke up, after a brief silence. I know nothing of such things. I came here of my own selfish motivation."

"And what motivation would that be?" Tsunade was quite curious, as was everyone present.

"To reaffirm my birthright," the Heiress stated.

"And just how do you plan to do that?" Tsunade's smirked. "I've been told that Hiashi plans to pass you over– for your sister."

The Godaime saw a glimmer of temper in the Hyuuga's silvery glare.

"That is why I must defeat her," she hissed. "Tonight. To prove to my father that I am the rightful Heiress."

"I see," Tsunade laid a palm on the desktop. "But, why come to me? These are internal, Hyuuga matters."

Hinata looked down, simmering with anger. She was so different, had changed so much in so little time. What had happened to her?

Hinata stared the Hokage in the eyes, white locked with coffee brown. Everyone waited. She said nothing. Then, she began to loosen the bindings on one of her arms, bindings that she had never worn before. All eyes watched in horror as she revealed the sores striping her arm.

"Hinata," Tsunade's eyes widened. "What happened to you?" The Hokage's voice was dangerously concerned. The girl began to loosen the binding on her other arm, revealing the same blistered stripes. "Hinata..." Tsunade's voice carried an edge this time.

Hinata knelt down, undoing the wrapping on her legs. Again it was the same.

"Alright, Hinata," Tsunade nearly hissed. "Start talking." She had never seen anything like this before, and on a girl so young, no less. She could feel her explosive temper rising to new heights. Who ever did this to one of her shinobi, to a kunoichi of Konoha, was going to pay.

"Please, Hokage-sama," Hinata held out her arms. "Heal me, so that I will be ready to face Hanabi."

Tsunade stood, staring down at the frail looking girl. "I will heal you, but you will tell me where these injuries came from. Now."

Hinata took a deep breath as she remembered her ordeal. "Electrical tape," she finally said. "Binding me... to my bed."

Kakashi's eye grew wide, and his jaw clenched, behind his mask. This did not go unnoticed by Tsunade.

"Who?" The Godaime demanded.

The fire came back to Hinata's glazed eyes. "His life is mine, Hokage-sama."

"Who?" Tsunade repeated. Hinata held firm.

"I will not tell," she said. "His life is mine."

Waves of fury wafted from Kakashi, as he stood, just as still as ever. Tsunade glanced at the seething jounin. He knew something. The Godaime looked toward Kurenai, in the back. Her hands were clamped over her mouth in disbelief. She knew nothing.

"Fine," the Hokage frowned. "For now." A few moment passed, then she spoke again. "Come with me," she said, turning toward the back of her office. Hinata followed, wordlessly. Tsunade held the rear door for the Hyuuga Heiress, then shouted. "Shizune!" Her assistant swung the front door open immediately.

"Hai!" She said.

"Clear my schedule for the rest of the night."

"Hai, Tsunade-sama," and she pulled the door closed.

Hinata walked into the rear room with Tsunade following closely behind. "Kakashi, Kurenai," the Godaime called. "Wait here." And then they were gone, as the door thudded shut.

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Several hours later, the door opened again, and Hinata strode out gracefully. Tsunade came behind her, pulling the door. The Hyuuga Heiress bowed deeply to the Hokage, then turned and bowed to the two jounin awaiting their arrival, in the office.

"You may go," Tsunade said to the girl, and Hinata took her leave. Shizune poked her head inside the door when Hinata left, and Tsunade tossed a small vial to her. Shizune caught it effortlessly. "Analyze that for foreign chakra residue," she ordered her assistant.

"Hai," Shizune answered, disappearing back behind the door.

Tsunade scowled, folding her arms under her ample chest. "I will find out who did this to her."

"There is no need for that, Hokage-sama." Kakashi strode toward her, with Kurenai at his side. "I know who did it," he hissed.

So, he did know something. "Who?" The Godaime demanded.

The Copy-Ninja looked down at her with his one good eye, sparing a brief glance at Kurenai. There was not a doubt in his mind when he spoke the name.

"Hyuuga Neji," he pronounced the four syllables with venomous conviction.

End Chapter Seven