This story is pure fan-fiction. The characters and locations are the sole property of Shonen Jump and the series's creator,Masashi Kishimoto. At no time is this fiction an intent to infringe upon their rights nor properties.

"Emmmmmmm?" he said, eyes drifting open slowly. Everything a series of blurs layered on top of blurs. His head felt like a log stuck on a twig. Blinking a few times to clear his vision. He felt a pair of cool hands on his cheeks and he could see a pair of worried silver eyes staring at him intently. His field of vision widened and he recognized Hinata's joyous expression as she smiled tearfully at him. "Heaven?" he asked or tried to. It sounded more like a croak than actual wording...He saw and heard her chuckle softly.

"No...not heaven, Naruto. Though I had begun to worry...yet again..." Hinata replied. "You've been unconscious for a while now..." she said as she wiped at her eyes. "I know they said you'll be fine, but...but..." she stopped as his bandaged hand came up and he gently pulled her down for a kiss. His hand turned and she felt his knuckles caressing her cheek. Almost instantly, she felt heat spread across her face and through out her being.

He ended the kiss and smiled at her. "I guess I needed the extra rest. How long...how long have I been out?" he asked as he reached for a glass of water. His throat was so dry...

She helped him sip the water through a straw and was about to answer when the door opened. Hinata turned to look levelly at the Hokage as she shut the door behind her and walked to look over Naruto's chart. She set it aside and moved to the opposite side of the bed and checked his eyes and temperature. Through it all Hinata didn't budge from his side. Her expression was...protective.

"Well...I see your awake and already trying to complain?" Tsunade teased though her glance at Hinata was calculating. "You Hinata...you can see he is healthy and apparently fit. Why don't you go home and get some rest. I allowed you to stay here the whole time as I promised. Just until he woke up on his own."

"Excuse me?" Naruto interjected, struggling up to a quasi sitting position bracing on his elbows and his eyes crossed as the room spun for a second. "You...You stayed here with me what whole time? How long have I been asleep?"

Tsunade looked at him but returned her stare to Hinata. "You've been 'asleep' as you put it for over a week, Naruto. Ten days to be exact. Hinata hasn't left this room even for meals. Orderlies have brought her meals while she sat beside your bed and waited. Holding your hand or using a cool rag on your forehead. She wouldn't let the nurses touch you except for more ahem...delicate... matters?" she smiled slightly at the flush on Hinata's face. "I would ask again if you are looking to learn to be a Medical Ninja like Sakura and Ino have?"

She returned the stare, chin lifting despite the blush on her cheeks as Tsunade related events. Never looking away as she answered, "Thank you, Hokage-sama. But I must refuse again. My abilities lie in Tracking and Combat not Medicine. Though I am flattered you would ask me a second time."

"Te...ten days?" his eyes widened. He eased back down and raised his arm, covering his eyes to let that sink in..."How badly was I injured? I know that Hiashi-san...he did something to me just I'm not sure..."

"My father," Hinata interrupted with a tone of anger that equaled the flash in her eyes, "Nearly destroyed the Core of your Chakra Network. Sakura-chan kept you stable til they got you here and could operate. I've never seen so many resources devoted to the healing of one individual." Her eyes were sad as she reached over and ran her fingers through his hair, as if making sure he was really there and awake. "As it is, they patched you up and repaired the damage done to you." she said reassuringly.

"Which is something I need to talk with you about Naruto...alone." she said pointedly.

"With all respect Hokage-sama,Not a chance..." Hinata said in a surprising show of stubbornness. "I will leave in a bit, but for now I won't leave him." she added as she slid onto the bed even close to Naruto.

"Its okay, Granny...I want Hinata here." he scooted slowly back up to a full sitting position, with Hinata's help and her putting a couple pillows in place as support. "Hit me with the bad news..."

She shook her head, "His stubbornness is rubbing off. Which may serve you well in the future." she eased away from the bed and took a chair to sit facing them. "You flat lined three times during the operations. We didn't bring you back...IT did. Every time. IT...healed your Core at the cellular level. IT wouldn't let us near it to even try. I want to know what is going on between you and the Nine Tails..."

His eyes widened,"Whaaat?" his hand ran lightly over his bandaged midsection. "The Kyuubi did?" he felt a smile forming despite himself..."Well, thats a good sign I hope."

"Naruuutoooooo." Tsunade intoned, her hands reaching out as if she wanted nothing more than to shake the information out of him. A vein was beginning to throb in her temple and her eyes were going hard.

He chuckled and explained about the dream conversation and face down he had with the Kyuubi before the match as well as his refusal to use the Beast's power during the combat. He ended this by saying, "He admired my spunk in the very beginning. Maybe now he has new reasons to do what he did. Maybe he was afraid of dying along with me?"

Tsunade shook her head before saying, "Not likely Naruto...Tailed Beasts are forces of Nature. The most that can happen if the hosts dies is the Beast dissolves out into the world. In time...the Beast reconstitutes itself and rampages anew. But it can take decades. If he wanted to be free all he had to do was to let you die. It would have been the easiest solution. But it didn't. It has taken the time to repair you to the extent that we cannot even tell where the damage was. And this may well explain why you have been out for so long...You have cut down on how much of the Kyuubi's power is seeped into your body. Which means your healing speed while still faster than anyone normally,will be slowed down. And you won't have as much of it melding in with your own Chakra anymore, unless you lessen the restrictions."

"I can't do that. I worked too hard to get what regard I have from him. Even it is somewhat forced. I won't ease off over this. He has to earn the privileges. I give in now, he'll expect it every time...not going to happen." Naruto said with determination, knowing the fox was no doubt listening in intently. "Anyways...when can I get out of here?" he asked changing the subject. "I feel weaker than a kid and I need to get my strength back." Whaddayaknow...she doesn't know that the Kyuubi WILL die with me thanks to the Shiki Fuujin Dad put on him...Interesting.

Hinata listened intently at their exchange knowing that this would be something she would have to deal with for as long as they were together. Which, if she had any say, would be a veeery loooooong time. "Naruto, you only woke up today for the first time. You'll need to take it easy..." she said quietly, a concerned tone in her voice even as she looked to him appealing silently.

Tsunade she stared at him as he blithely put the fox out of his mind and said firmly, arms crossing under her expansive bosom. "Oh it will be at least a week, Naruto. I mean it." she said sternly as he began to balk. "Until we know to what degree your healing speeds have changed. Physically your fit as ever. But training will put a different type of strain on your body. IF, and I say IF!, I allow you exercise it will be under supervision only. Light training to regain muscle tone. And no attempting to gather Nature Energy. Not until we know for certain...that..." she trailed slowly and finished the sentence she dreaded most, "that you can even form chakra at all. And to what extent."

His mouth snapped shut at her insistence, but it fell open again at her last words. "You're worried that I may not be able to form Chakra at all..." he looked down at his lap, eyes closing as he felt Hinata soothing his hair. "okay Granny...I'll behave. This is too important for me to waste time having tantrums or whining. I'm not a kid anymore...I'll exercise according to the regimen you set out."

Tsunade and Hinata both were in shock at this sudden and completely unexpected show of compliance. Hinata used her Byakugan even as Tsunade prepared to punch the imposter. Hinata's hand flew out and deflected her fist. "It's him...I can see the raw places in his Network where the repairs are finished but the scar tissue hasn't hardened or solidified over them...No way a Clone could be created with duplicate wounds and healing at this level."

"Alright." Tsunade said though she eyed him warily. "No going out or all out in your exercises, Naruto. You do not want me to put Sakura on your case..." she waved a finger at him and was shocked anew when he said,"Actually we need to talk with her anyways. Would you tell her I...no, WE...want to see her?" he asked softly, his hand coming to rest on Hinata's leg at around her knee. She saw Hinata's flush return, but her hand came to rest atop his.

"Very well, since I am pretty much done here, I'll let her know."Tsunade rose and headed to the door, glancing over her shoulder at the pair. Glimpsing at that moment, a happiness she would never know. A happiness that comes when soul mates stand together.

"Thanks Granny." he said with a smile as he watched her leave.

Hinata looked down at their hands and sighed softly though it was kind of a happy sigh. "Are...are you sure? About this, I mean?" her fingers tightened on his ever so slightly.

"I stand by what I say, Hinata...your my girlfriend and I don't care what anyone says. But are you? There are things she and I will have to say. You don't have to be here if you..." her fingers stopped his lips.

"I want to stay and I too stand by what I say, remember?" she said ever so softly as she looked into his eyes and found that fire in them that made her heart speed up. "We will face her together. No buts."

"Okay." he said with a cheerful grin.


It's about time...but still I'm nervous...It's not the first time I've seen him in a hospital bed...just this time Hinata will be there too...I can deal with this...I can...She caught her thoughts rambling even as she was fidgeting with her hair in front of a mirror and straightening her clothes unnecessarily. They were waiting for her and here she was...dithering about like a school girl. She took a breath and left the orderly's break room and headed to the hall where Naruto's room was. She nodded to the two ANBU guarding the door to the wing and she saw where two more pairs stood watch. She knew this was Tsunade-sama's doing but for the life of her she didn't understand why. Why the too tight security? The Hyuuga Clan wouldn't try anything since it was their leader who broke the rules...what is it that she knows that I don't? the questions stopped as she reached the only door with a name on it. He was the only patient in this wing. She took a moment and breathed,trying to stop the urge to straighten her clothes one last time. She shook her head and smiled as she knocked.

"Come in Sakura-chan."

It WAS Naruto's voice! Which meant he was finally awake. She slid the door open and entered, saying in her usual manner," About time you woke...up." the last word trailing off as she blushed furiously when her gaze fell on the couple kissing. She averted her eyes, and coughed into her fist. "Ahem...maybe I should come back later?" she inquired in a too polite tone.

Hinata laughed softly as she straightened from the kiss she had initiated. Her color bright on her pale skin as she brushed her hair back from her face. Her response was the same too sweet tone. "Not at all, Sakura-chan. Come in please..."

Naruto looked between the two and he suddenly felt the hair on the back of his neck rise up in warning...Uh oh...I think I should be the one wanting to be someplace else...

Sakura grabbed a chair and sat down facing them, looking for all the world like she was looking not at her friends but a firing squad. "So what's up?" she asked looking to Naruto, knowing that she had been meant to see the kiss and that Hinata was telling her none too subtly that Naruto was hands off. Which she almost found funny, except lately she's had to re-examine her own thinking and it made her come to a few surprising conclusions...

It was Naruto who spoke up. Slowly at first but he had to break this tension. "Hinata and Granny told me the only reason I survived to make it to the hospital at all is because of you. I just wanted to say thank you. For that and everything you did in the operating room. I don't know all the details and I'm pretty sure it was hairy in there. I do know you never gave up. It...it means a lot." his hand ran over the bandages covering his chest and stomach absently.

"Baka!" she said bluntly even as she looked at him. "You think I'd just let you go and die on me?! You're my friend and teammate. If I wouldn't fight to save you then what right do I have to call myself a medical ninja?" She didn't voice the rest of her words, not when she knew it would create more problems. Not help the one person who has stood by me since we were teamed up and never once gave up on me...How could I give up on you?

He blinked and he felt Hinata bristle at the slur but he ended up laughing instead. "I think I've missed that." he said quietly before he took a breath. "Listen...I have to admit something to you, Sakura-chan. I had a crush on you for years. Since we started at the Academy. Its just that it changed when...Jiraiya..." he still choked slightly on mentioning him by name instead of the nickname he had given him, "Since he and I went on that two and a half year journey together. And even after we got back. I've had to grow up. I cared for you then and I still do. Now it's only as a friend. I have only one serious regret. I wasn't able to keep my promise to you yet. I won't be giving up on finding Sasuke and bringing him back."

Hinata listened as he confessed to Sakura and she wondered if it was as hard for him as it had been for her all these years...Probably worse, she though to herself, since they are also teammates. I had a safety net of distance and different teams as a buffer. He didn't...Oh god, my poor Naruto...To face her everyday and not be able to tell her...I will make sure you never ever come to regret being with me...

Her eyes widened as he spoke, her own conclusions being thrown right at her. She felt tears welling up and falling down her cheeks as he finished up. Knowing that the door had closed on the a chance she hadn't even known had existed. All this time? He carried a torch for me, just like I have for Sasuke. And never once did he let it show...not to me...Or I was just simply too wrapped up in finding and saving Sasuke to notice...She blinked away the tears and noticed they had gone silent. Watching her. "Well, I am a bit surprised. All I can say now is that I care for you too Naruto. As a friend. You know my heart is Sasuke's and I won't give up on him either..." she smiled and tilted her head, praying they left it at that. She wouldn't give voice to her innermost thoughts. Not when he's telling me that he's moved on...Not that I have any right to try for anything more than friendship...He's happy with Hinata and THAT is what's important...just have to keep that in mind...

Hinata watched Sakura intently, her arm loosely around Naruto's neck. A picture perfect of a young couple. Yet her nerves grew tight. It's the tears...she knows she's lost her chance...I just hope she accepts it. She was surprised at her own possessive thoughts but realized that she has tasted happiness with Naruto and nothing would ever measure up to it.

Naruto nodded and smiled, hoping things were good again between the three of them. "Good because as soon as the Village is in good shape, I going to hunt for him. I will find him and bring him home." he said giving her a thumbs up. Then he realized something about himself. I have gotten over her. The pain isn't there anymore at the thought of her loving someone else. Is it because I have someone who loves me back now? Maybe by accepting Hinata's love and giving her mine, it's a new start...

Hinata looked down at him and shook her head. "For now, you are not leaving this bed...Tsunade-sama's orders. At least not outside the exercise schedule she allows you." she raised two fingers and mock poked his shoulder. "Try anything...and I'll beat you back into your coma."

He laughed and fended off her fingertips. "Only if you promise to stay with me until I wake up." he said and saw her blush profusely at the hidden connotations...Ooooookay, I think my mouth just got me in serious trouble... "Ummmm, that is..."

"Naruto...I'd better go..." Sakura said as she rose and left before they could object. She couldn't watch them being cutesy-lovey-dovey together anymore...You be good for him Hinata...and good TO him...Otherwise, I'll kill you with my bare hands, she promised herself quietly as she shut the door behind her.

Hinata watched her leave then kissed Naruto's forehead. "I'm going home now. I need a serious bath and you need rest. No arguments. I'll be back tomorrow to check on you." she rose and prepared to leave. She poked her head back around the curtain and smiled, she hoped, seductively. "As for staying with you until you wake up...That will depend on why you fell asleep in the first place." she smiled at his confused expression and left before he could catch the innuendo SHE had dropped on him.


Hinata rushed home and entered the compound. Her smile vanishing as she was greeted with bows and genuflections reserved for the Leader of the Head Family. She returned each with a regal nod as she went to the family bath and got cleaned up. I'm going to have to tell Naruto about this. And soon. she thought as she soaked and relaxed in the bath spring. She heard the rustlings and used her Byakugan. She saw several members of various Branch Families gathering with others and talking in the meeting hall. She shook her head and rose to dry off and dress in something more fitting of the occasion. Once done, she prepared to head to the hall but was stopped by an ANBU carrying a sealed message scroll bearing her name. She waited til the Secret Service member left before opening it and reading quickly. She slid it up her sleeve and went the meeting hall.

Inside, she was met by full bows of everyone there. "Hyuuga-sama!" echoed in the chamber as she ascended the dais and took the place normally used by her father. Settling down, she glanced right to see Hanabi taking her seat and then her mother took hers on her opposite side. She faced the crowd gathered and said in a calm voice that held none of the tremors she fought to keep hidden. "Greeting gentlemen. You have asked for this meeting and I asked for time until Uzumaki Naruto was awake and on the road to full recovery. He is well and resting comfortably now. And according to Tsunade-sama, physically fit and healthy." her tone showing her pride in her boyfriend and in those who had helped him. The news was greeted with sighs of relief from many of the representatives.

One of whom shifted and asked quietly,"Knowing this, why will you not take the position as Clan Leader permanently? Your father is under house arrest. Guarded by ten ANBU shinobi inside a sealed area. Awaiting his fate once decided by the Hokage. If you wish to make your claim, the majority of Families here will support you. No offense to Lady Hanabi, but your strength of purpose and care for the well being of the Clan as a whole is well known. You should be heir. You deserve to be."

Hinata raised a hand before anyone could second the motion and it came to a vote. "Thank you for that show of confidence. That means more to me than you'll ever realize. However, Father decreed it publicly that Hanabi is to succeed him. Not me. I cannot undo that and to try would lead the Clan to a civil war not witnessed since before the formation of the Branch Family and the Bird Cage Jutsu. I will not have that on my conscience. As for father's fate...Whatever is decided by the Hokage and her Councillors, I am sure it will be a fair decree. And I am sure that Naruto will want to have a say in the matter as the injured party."

Hanabi looked at her sister in amazement as she turned down the only chance to lead the clan. "But Oniie-chan..." she began and stopped as she considered what her sister had said. "I...I could always abdicate."

Which led to a chorus of murmurs, the oldest representative speaking up, "If Hanabi-san were to abdicate her position, it would then fall back to you Hinata-san." which led to another round of head nods and murmurs.

"I said no..." Hinata replied in a calm yet easily heard voice. Her tone new and very different from the shy halting voice she used for so long. One that held authority and command, making Neji look at her differently. "and I mean it. Hanabi, you will NOT abdicate. You will become the Clan Leader after father passes away or is forced to step down. Not me." her voice firm and allowed for no denials as she returned her look to the crowd. "I stand by what I say." she intoned, using her mantra as a sword and shield. "That is my Ninja Way. And my destiny lies elsewhere..." she pulled out the scroll from her sleeve. "While Naruto was recovering from his operation, I had a colleague do some searching in the Village Archives, which survived the attack intact, followed by some unorthodox searching elsewhere. It has been confirmed. Uzumaki Naruto IS the son of Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina. It was recorded in the private annals of the Sandaime himself. His parents both died on the same day he was born. Working together to seal the Nine Tails inside their own son. Dying in the process of saving their son and the Village. His claim of legitimacy is resolved now." she set the scroll down and set it afire. Once it burnt to ash, she had it removed. "Until a decision is reached and either father is free to perform his duties or the mantle passes onto mother until Hanabi comes of age. Until either condition is met I will lead. But not after." she rose to her feet and didn't react as everyone bowed, forehead to floor, to her as she passed. She left the chamber and headed to where her father was being held. Stopping only when an ANBU appeared and bowed at the neck.

"Lady Hinata...you wish to speak with him?"

"Yes...I wish to see my father, privately. He won't dare attack me. Not with you a whisper away." she replied somberly as she looked to the dead bolted door at the end of the hallway where two more guards stood post. Her count was off yet she knew without even thinking of using her Doujutsu, the other seven were within easy reinforcement range.

"Enter, Lady Hyuuga. Break this," he handed her a finger thin vial, "If you should need us. We will come." the mask hid any expression but his tone almost...almost implied an eagerness to end the matter decisively.

"My thanks..." she said as she entered the doorway where her father sat on a padded roll. She waited til the door behind her shut almost completely. "Father." she said as she bowed formally to the still form.

His head came up and she saw the strength of character that had him her role model for so long. "Hinata...I told you not to come here. You should not see me like this. Weak. Disgraced." his lips twisted as he gestured to the room that bore sealing sigils everywhere. A spartan room converted to his cell having little of the comforts he was accustomed to.

"You are neither Father so quit with the 'pity me' act." she replied in a near scathing tone, adding, "THAT definitely doesn't become you. I want to hear you say it."

"What is that, daughter?" His gaze narrowed at the strength she was showing. Surprised by the sharp retort even as his thoughts flowed, My my my...when did she develop an attitude? Has to be since she started dating that...boy.

"You know exactly what...so say it since we both know you will pay heavily for what you did." she answered bluntly, her body language and expression as serene as Buddha himself.

"Aaaah. You want to hear me admit I tried to kill your precious Naruto? Fine. I did. I struck him with every intent of making him useless as a Shinobi." he supplied with a venomous snap, eyes narrowed as he gauged her reaction. "After all, it was you three who undermined my position when he placed that challenge before me. Cornering me into having no choice but to accept."

"Thank you Father. Now I can give my deposition to the Hokage with a clear conscience." She said unruffled in the slightest by his accusatory words. "We told you immediately after why we supported his claims and defied you. To ensure that no one could accuse you of public bias. That you even now refuse to admit it only shows that you are as prideful as ever."

He blinked,"Mind your tone with me Hinata. I am your Father still..." then he paused as the other part of her words sank in, "You...you haven't given it yet?"

"No. I needed to hear your admission and hear HOW you said it before I made up my mind." her eyes narrowed as she saw him smile and nod almost as if in approval.

"And that is?" he asked softly even though his thoughts were in turmoil. When did my little girl become so adept at wordplay that she outmaneuvered me?

"You reacted as you would in full hostile combat. That you striking his Core wasn't your goal but the five point directional nexus below it. You were trying to defeat him without killing, but you misjudged based on his movement. The power of your blow would have knocked him unconscious as well as cause the Network to shut down temporarily."

"Your loyalty to me clouds your judgement. I had every intention of removing him from the ranks of the Shinobi.." he snapped angrily.

"Even now...you can't admit you made a mistake. Your pride as a Hyuuga will one day be your downfall." her response was sad as was the shake of her head as she turned to leave. She stopped when he spoke one last time.

"And your LACK of pride as a Hyuuga is yours. Dating that...that boy. That thing. He will destroy you, everyone, and everything around him. It's inevitable." he said with self-assured tone as he settled more onto the pallet. His demeanor saying that he knew he was right and nothing would change his mind.

"Father...your refusal to truly see him for WHO he is and only for WHAT you think he is, is a shame. Others told you of his heroism when Pain attacked. Of everything he had done since to help in the recovery yet you only see him as the child he once was. Never for the man he is becoming. You don't see Naruto. You see the Jinchuuriki. You don't even know him." she moved to exit the cell but paused to look at him over her shoulder in a sad manner, "I love him, Father. Nothing you say will ever change that. And one day, he WILL be Hokage. I couldn't hope for a better match than this. That he loves me in return is my fondest wish come true. Goodbye Father. I won't come again. I will see you when it's time to hear the Hokage's decision." She left the room and closed the door herself and drew the sliding bolt into place with her own hands. Walking away from there, she held her head high and her shoulders straight, nodding in respectful attention to the sudden appearance of the guards who escorted her away from that hall. Once they withdrew and she headed for her room. She requested a scroll of paper, brush and ink. She had a full report to write and hand in to Lady Tsunade. The items arrived as she removed her kimono, put on a long silk robe, and sat at her desk with a glass of water. She had just begun to write when there was a knock on her door. She sighed but didn't pause as she answered. "Come in Neji-san."

He entered, taking it for granted she knew it was him. "You were quite impressive, cousin. I was surprised at how you handled the situation in the meeting hall." he said as he sat on a bench and watched as she wrote. Seeing the changes in her body, he was reminded that his cousin was fast becoming a woman of full figure and one who knew her own mind. "Writing your report for the Hokage?" he asked curiously.

"Yes. I take it you have already submitted yours?" she asked, not missing a brush stroke. She was focused on what she was doing, but not so much so that she missed his words.

"Yes. I and three others who felt it only prudent to do so in light of the events." His thoughts adding in what his words didn't share, Not that I didn't have offers from over two dozen more eyewitnesses.

"Good. I just hope that Nara Shikamaru and Hatake Kakashi's reports are similar to mine. Their words will carry weight as they are NOT Hyuuga so potentially have nothing to lose nor gain." she said absently. "And both of them are well-respected by the Hokage for the keen minds and skill sets."

"Agreed. Plus Kakashi-sensei IS a Sharingan user which only adds more weight to his perspective." Neji added wondering silently to himself. Uncle is sooo wrong about you, cousin. You are not weak nor are you unfit to lead. Not when you show such an awareness of the politics of the situations and you handle them adeptly and with a surprising grace... I think Auntie has taught you as well as Kurenai-sensei ever did. Not that he could say that aloud. It would be unseemly. Nor did that stop him from thinking it.

"That's what I think as well. So hopefully our reports are similar enough to offset a potential death penalty. He won't admit it you know..." she added offhand. "I went to see him. He wouldn't admit he made a mistake. Instead he said he wanted to remove Naruto from the Shinobi ranks. I think he is letting his pride blind him and he doesn't want to be seen as fallible. Or something like that. It's just stupid. It's not like by admitting it, others would take it as a sign of weakness."

"Maybe not, then again...some might. Remember, there is a lot of unrest in the Branch Families still over the Bird Cage seal. I have come to terms with it as have many, but there are and will be those who don't." Neji replied thinking aloud over the possible political angles, which he only recently began doing. He was still unused to doing so,but it was high time he started.

"All too true. There may be some who would try to use it as an excuse. Not that it would work,but it would make others pause and think about it." she laughed suddenly,pausing so she didn't mess up her brush work. "Listen to us...like a pair of political councillors here. Trying to figure out how everyone will think and react over this. Father would freak out if he saw us."

"He would. or he'd sit back and peer at the sky to make sure it hadn't started raining frogs." he smiled in response then added somberly, "Once he did, he's put it down to being impossible. He really doesn't see it if he chooses not to."

"It's unfortunate that his stubbornness has been beneficial for so long. The times have changed and if he could just be a bit more understandable, things might go better for us all."

He nodded and countered all the same,"Yet too, how many times has he been proven right to stand firm? It's hard to not look at his track record and see that he may have the right idea in 'a grand scheme of things' sort of way."

She finished her report and left it to dry. She rose and stretched, chuckling slightly as she saw Neji avert his eyes from her. "Sorry Neji. I know this is uncomfortable for you. I prefer to be more casual in my room and I should have thought about that before inviting you inside."

"I'm not uncomfortable, Hinata. Just it's not polite to stare." he replied automatically.

"Am I really that different?" she asked suddenly curious since Neji had never looked at her. Not like others do.

"You have matured both mentally and physically Hinata." he said cheeks heating slightly despite having his eyes averted. "You may not notice the effect it has, but men do. Many have become more than a little jealous of Naruto's good fortunes..." he stopped before he said anything upsetting.

"How so?" she asked, now she was really curious..."Cimon Neji...tell me or I'll tell Ten Ten you use your Byakugan on her when she isn't looking..." she teased and was shocked at his near panicked response.

"You wouldn't?! You would too! Thats sooo unfair..." he said with wide eyes. It took him a moment to regain his composure, but for him that was an eternity. "I'll tell you only if you keep quiet to Ten Ten. Deal?"

"Why Neji, I was only teasing! You like her don't you? Tell her..." she shook her head quickly before she let this oh so interesting facet of her cousin's distract her. "Spill..."

"Some of the men our age and a little older are jealous that Naruto has gotten to see you in..." he blushed, "Something skimpier I should say?" he phrased it as a question.

Her eyes widened as she understood at last. "No, he hasn't Neji." her gaze narrowed as he simply looked on in patent disbelief. "Well, he hasn't. And he hasn't tried...anything...beyond kissing me or holding me close." she said, almost feeling put out by the fact for some odd reason. "He has been very gentlemanly throughout our dating." her face flushed and her heartbeat sped up just thinking about it. She ended up averting her eyes so her reaction didn't betray her thoughts to her overly perceptive cousin.

Neji's eyebrows climbed up to his hairline underneath his wrapping and headband. Well,well,well...I'll be damned...he's kept his hands to himself...hard to believe, he thought in amazement and a newfound respect. Then his mind caught on to her tone, She's not exactly upset over it but she wants more out of the relationship now...wonder if she'll make the first move? Nooooo it'll be Naruto...Hinata's soft words broke into his private thoughts.

"Umm... I'm sorry Neji but I think I'm going to rest for a bit. Its been a hectic day on top of my worries waiting for Naruto to wake up." she flustered about, not meeting his eyes even as her mind began running along other, much more private, lines Now I wonder what it would take to get Naruto to...Maybe I should talk to mother, no that won't do at all..Knowing her, she'd suggest something far too tempting. Damn, now I can't get the idea of us being "together" out of my mind!

He rose and was making his way out of her room. "Of course. Sorry, I didn't think about that. I'll go and...let you rest." He closed the door firmly behind him,smiling to himself quite oddly. "I think I need to talk with Naruto again. She may kill him after all..." the thought of which had him chuckling to himself all day. Now if I can just find a way to get in to see him...that should be easy enough...


It turned out to be harder than he counted on...it took four days before he was allowed to see Naruto. It seemed the Hokage and the Medical staff was taking his care ultra seriously. So there he stood outside the hospital watching as Naruto went through a workout he knew the blond-haired boy could do in his sleep. He crossed his arms and waited. Shaking his head at the ridiculous sight before him. Naruto was in fine form and he made no bones about it as he complained over how they were treating him with kid gloves. He chuckled anew as Naruto requested, no...demanded...a heavier, harder exercise program.

"Give it up Naruto...they aren't going to budge." he found himself saying as he walked over when the therapist called a halt for the day. "They have their orders and that's all there is to it." he almost went on but the mischevious glimmer in those blue eyes made him stop. Holding his breath as they waited for the doctor to leave. Once they were alone, Naruto chuckled and dove into a series of exercises that made Neji begin to sweat just watching. "Is that wise?" he asked

"Probably...not...ugh...but...I have...to get...stronger...I have...to..." Naruto responded as he performed his own private workout. When he finished, he straightened and used a towel. "So what's up Neji? I've been out of surgery just over two weeks now. This is a first."

His eyes bulged,"It...I had to jump through hoops just to see you. The Hokage isn't allowing anyone to freely see you except Kakashi-sensei and my cousin. Anyone else has to have a good reason or you requested them." he explained carefully. "But anyway...I wanted to see you about Hinata-san."

He turned so quickly his expression worried, that Neji backed up a good foot. "Is she alright? What's happened now?" he asked trying not to hyper ventilate.

He put his hands on Naruto's shoulders lightly, "Calm down...breathe...she's fine. Just busy leading the clan on top of visiting you and preparing for the Hokage's visit...I take it you knew about that?" he asked when Naruto showed no surprise.

"Yeah. Hinata told me all about it. I'm supposed to be there too." he said looking down as he used a thick towel. Twisting it slowly in his hands to work his forearm and chest muscles, "I have the right to make a request of Granny as the one he nearly killed." Twisting the towel even tighter in his hands, making the fabric wrap and groan in his grip.

He knew it had been rumored, but that it was true was news. "And what will that be?" he asked curious about where Naruto's mind was at.

"Honestly, I think he made a mistake. I am willing to forgive him for it. We all miscalculate at times. Why should he be any different?" Naruto said as he continued to twist the towel,forcing sweat to drip from it.

"I want to say I agree, Naruto...but between us, I think he was serious in trying to kill you. I said so in my report."

"I appreciate the heads up. But I have to think more of him. I don't want to consider the alternative. I mean, he's Hinata's father! What possible reason would he have in killing me? Not like it would solve anything. In fact...it would hurt the village more than help. Even if folks consider it accidental, there'd be repercussions. Not as severe by any means but still..." he turned a confused expression to Neji.

Neji's mouth opened and snapped shut a few times. He doesn't realize just what he's done...he never changes...he stopped thinking and gestured to a bench. "Sit down Naruto...let me explain." Waiting til he was seated, Neji began. "Okay Naruto...I'll try this simply but it really is a complicated matter. You know that Hinata was heir to the Leadership position. Until recently that is. I seriously believe he sees your relationship as a threat to his Clan influence within the Village. Many of the outside Clans that have contracts with the Hyuuga for various reasons don't know you...as in at all...by your dating Hinata, they could try to say the Clan is growing weaker in power and position. Its stupid, but its true." he waited for that to sink in.

"So what you're saying is that my relationship with Hinata is damaging your Clan's reputation?" he said slowly, hiding the anger beginning to burn in his gut. His thoughts for the Clan growing a bit uncharitable, I thought I was past all this crap. I thought they were better than this...wait, he said those outside the Village...not the Clan itself. I can live with that...and just prove them wrong.

"I'm afraid that is what those outside the village may think. Which would lead to the Clan proving the opposite." he smiled smugly, "And trust me, Hinata is already making it crystal clear to the more bigoted...that they have made a serious error in judgment. The rumors of her counter-actions are quite impressive. And as thoroughly devious as they are effective." he chuckled softly, "I have to thank you. Hinata has changed so much lately and grown that its very hard to compare her old self to this new one. Her strength of mind, and her development politically stems from being with you. You're good for her in ways I didn't expect."

He blushed at the offhand compliment. "She told me of some issues you guys were having. No names or anything, just enough details and I gave her some advice." he said bluntly and saw Neji's jaw drop like a trout lunging for a lure. "What? Just because I dislike politics, a LOT, doesn't mean I can't figure them out with some details..." he laughed as Neji continued to stare. "Neji...your attracting flies, man."

His mouth snapped shut with a click and he shook his head. "I have really not been paying attention. When? How?" he stammered as he realized he had been outmaneuvered by Naruto of all people. "I'm going to just shut up on that topic now." he said softly, still in a state of shock.

"So what did you really want to see me about?" Naruto asked trying to help Neji by redirecting the conversation before the Jouunin had a stroke or something.

He blinked, and suddenly smiled in a devious manner himself. "Thought I should let you know...when you get out of here, Hinata may hint that she wants to take things further between you two." he saw Naruto's eyes widen slightly and he nodded. "Yeah...I know you've been pretty hands off and I appreciate your restraint. But I thought you should know you may have that to consider." he wanted to laugh as Naruto began to blush deeply and go pale. It was interesting to watch him go from one to the other several times in the span of a few seconds... He started to leave and added in farewell, "No matter how it happens, I know you'll be gentle with her feelings. I have faith in you." he said, having no idea that he had just echoed Jiraiya and Minato with those very words. He left a stunned Naruto staring at him.