~The next day~

I walk along the hallway, pressing my hands together. I'm on my way to the Hokage's office to discuss Kiba's mission. Surprisingly, my father let me be here, and wasn't too strict about me coming home late yesterday. I suppose it's because he's been running a fever. He hasn't been able to think straight.

"It's been over five years. How much longer do you think you can prevent this?" The third Hokage's voice carries into the hall. I pause in front of the door. Eavesdropping is extremely looked down upon, but my curiosity gets the best of me.

"The circumstances are changing," This voice is too quiet to recognize. "Give it more time-"

"We don't have time!" The Third Hokage says sternly. My eyes widen. What is going on in there, to make Sarutobi so frustrated? "Things are becoming more and more dangerous, especially with the arrangements. By the way, have you looked into that?"

"Yes. I have discovered that-" There's a pause. "Someone's at the door." My breath catches in my throat, and I back away a few steps. There's a few muffled sounds, then silence. The door creaks open. I freeze. The Third Hokage walks out, turning to me. He smiles warmly, as if nothing is wrong.

"Good morning, Hinata," he says. "Come in my office; you said there are a few things you'd like to discuss?" I nod, following him inside silently.

No one is there.

But...I could've sworn I heard someone talking to him a moment ago...A shiver runs down my spine, and I subconsciously rub my arms.

"Sorry about that," The Third Hokage chuckles, walking over to the open window. "It seems as though I forgot to shut it." He carefully closes it, glancing at me with a certain look in his eye. He turns back to me. "So...what would you like to talk to me about?" I swallow nervously, forcing the words to come out of my mouth.

"Kiba Inuzuka," I say, my voice loud and clear. My own confidence surprises me. I clench my fists and take a deep breath. "It's about his m...mission," I struggle to not stammer, forcing my words to be long and fluent. "I wish to join h-him on it."

"I did not expect this," The Third Hokage replies, raising his eyebrows. "And what makes you think you are qualified to go on an S Rank mission? I thought your father banned you from the shinobi life."

"Nothing could ban me from such a l-life," I say, raising my chin up. "I've been training in secret; I'd never give up on being a shinobi." Sarutobi smiles, tilting his hat up.

"Now you're starting to sound like Naruto," he says. "I admit you've gone a long way from who you once were, Hinata. I will consider your request on one condition: you have to get approval from your old instructor, Kurenai." My eyes widen. It pains me to admit that I haven't seen her in a while, maybe more than a year. I nod in understanding.

"Thank you," I reply. I turn to leave, but Sarutobi stops me.

"Ah, there is one last thing. One of my ANBU has to agree to go with you."


"That is my request," I say, refusing to meet Kurenai's widened eyes. "P-Please let me go. For Kiba's sake." Her expression softens, a ghost of a smile on her lips.

"I don't want you to get hurt," she sighs. I can feel my heart drop. "However...I cannot control you forever, Hinata." Her scarlet eyes shimmer with unshed tears. "I'll allow you to go. That said, does your father know about this?" Guilty, I shake my head.

"I-I told him I was going on a-a political trip," I reply. "He'd never let me go on a-an actual mission." Kurenai lets out a sigh, but her lips curl up into a smirk.

"I never would've guessed that you'd become such a rebel," she chuckles. An embarrassed blush spreads across my cheeks. "I believe in you, Hinata. I always have. Now, go and protect your boyfriend on this mission!" My eyes widen, my face getting even redder.

"K-Kiba isn't m-my boyfriend!" I protest. Kurenai just continues to laugh, winking at me.

"Maybe not, but he sure wishes he was,"


Walking down the path to my home, I can't help but smile at today's events. Considering Kurenai's approval, the Third Hokage might let me accompany Kiba on his mission. However, I can't help but wonder if Shinpi will join us. Sarutobi did say that we needed an ANBU with us. Maybe Shinpi will volunteer...My heart warms at the idea. It might be a good way to learn more about him, and get a chance to see him with his mask off.

"Hey, Hinata!" A familiar blond boy jogs over to me. But then again, Naruto isn't exactly a boy anymore. At the age of eighteen, he can technically be called a man. I swallow my feelings as he approaches me. "What have you been up to lately?"

"N-Not much," I say, hating my stutter even more at this point. I want him to see me as brave and courageous, not the coward I've always been. I'm trying to change. So I push my feelings into the corner of my heart and lock them away. I don't need them anymore, especially not for someone who stopped caring.

"That's good," he replies absentmindedly, and I wonder if he was even paying attention to what I said. "Well, I gotta go!" With that, he leaves me standing here in the middle of the path. I crush my hand against my chest. My shoulders tense, and I will myself not to be upset. It doesn't matter anymore. He doesn't like you. He doesn't even listen to what you have to say anymore. It's hopeless, everything.

Choking back persistent tears, I force my legs to carry me home. It's not fair, that Naruto can still cause me to melt with a single smile. I've tried to give up on him so many times. Besides, there are others that can make me feel so much happier.

My mind conjures up an image of Kiba, Shinpi, and I standing in a beautiful clearing under the starry night sky.


A/N: Ooh mysteries everywhere~ This chapter was kinda all over the place, and I hope you don't mind.

Thank you for reading! :)