Author's note: Enjoy! And Review please!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the characters.

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"Welcome Hinata-sama." A man similar to her father greeted her upon her arrival at the compound.

She mutely nodded in respect and continued walking to her father's office. She didn't particularly like being in the Hyuuga compound but she couldn't deny her father's wish. He had sent her little sister as a messenger because he knew Hinata couldn't say no to Hanabi, they were siblings and as different as they were they still loved each other.

Regardless, now she was walking with her head upright passed all the elders who used to look down on her with a peaceful smile on her face. She stopped in front of her father's office, took a deep breath and knocked on the door slowly.

"Come in." Came the stoic response which caused her to smile nostalgically and went inside.

"Hello father."

A very small smile appeared on the aloof man's face, it took Hinata by surprise but she didn't let it show on her face. If anything, her father taught her to keep her emotions in check especially when in his presence.

"Hinata. Take a seat please."

She obediently followed orders and took a seat in front of her father who was sitting at his desk. "I have asked you here for a very important reason. You are nineteen years old and have been a jounin for almost a year now, so I believe you to be ready." He started to speak.

She gave him a curious glance which caused the man's unnoticeable smile to become actually visible. He stood and walked around his desk to stand directly in front of her, he kneeled down so now their faces were at an even level. He placed a strong hand on her shoulder and continued speaking.

"I have chosen you as my official heiress."

"What?" She asked taken aback from the news.

Again her father continued smiling at her which was odd enough in itself. "You have become incredibly strong my daughter and I feel like you would make a fine Hyuuga head."

She immediately felt her eyes burn with a familiar sensation, she wanted to cry. She had never heard her father speak so highly of her. She was always the weakling, the disgrace. Now he was telling her she was ready to become the head of the clan? Is he serious?

Sensing his daughter's surprise he tried to alleviate her nerves. He started by chuckling lowly, it was the first time she had heard her father laugh since she was 4 or 5. "I'm not ready to step down just yet. I do have to shape you a little but yes, in the near future I want you to lead our clan out of this dark hole."

"Why?" She asked, throat tight and voice hoarse.

"Because I know you can."

"What about Hanabi-chan?"

"She will not be sealed, I will not allow it. But she will not lead, you will."

"Is she alright with that?" Hanabi had always been trained as heiress, Hinata was sure her sister expected the throne to come her way.

"I believe she is fine with this but you may speak to her if you wish."

She nodded in understanding and a beautiful smile graced her lips. She had always worked hard for her father's approval and this was probably this biggest approval of all. "I'd like to change this clan in the future." She admitted and smiled at the thought of there not being anymore caged bird seals.

"Then say yes. I am incredibly proud of you Hinata and I know you are capable of changing things for the better."

"Okay." She breathed out amazed at her father's encouragement. "When can we get started with the preparations?"

"That's the thing." He began looking uneasy. "Before everything can become official the elders have requested that you come train with me for awhile."

"Train?" She asked with uncertainty, did they doubt her strength? As if her father read her mind he again alleviated her worries.

"They know you are strong enough to become the leader but they'd like me to teach you some secret techniques only head Hyuuga's know." He explained patiently.

She took this as a good answer and nodded in agreement. "How long will we be gone?"

"The training will roughly take 5 months."

Pale lavender eyes widened and she looked into her father's eyes silently asking for his assurance on the matter. "Yes Hinata, 5 months. I know it's a long time but these techniques take time.

"I understand." She said while her mind screamed differently. 5 months?! What about Naruto-kun?

"When will we leave?"

"Next week."

She sighed deeply. "Alright father."

Before anymore could be said Hinata heard a distinct voice yell from outside the door. "Hina-chan's here?!"

Hiashi and Hinata barely had enough time to stand before Hanabi had barged through the door jumping excitedly. "Hanabi-chan." Hinata said with a sweet smile.

"Hina! How are you I haven't seen you in forever!" She pouted childishly.

Hinata laughed gently and hugged her younger sister. "How about we have lunch to catch up Hana."

The younger Hyuuga immediately beamed and started to drag Hinata away from their father. "Bye father!" She yelled behind her as both forms slid out of his sight.

The older man chuckled at his youngest daughter's exuberance; he had never taken the time to get to know his daughters without seeing them as shinobi. They were always weapons like most Hyuuga but now he wanted to get to know them. He wanted to know why Hinata didn't sleep at nights and why Hanabi snuck out in the middle of nights. He wanted to know a lot of things but he wasn't sure how to talk to them. Maybe this training trip would help.

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"Why are we here granny?" Naruto asked in his normal boisterous voice.

Sasuke, who stood beside him rubbed his temples in agony and silently questioned their Hokage as well.

"You're here because I have something very important to ask you both." She said vaguely and stood from her desk.

Both shinobi looked to her expectantly but she refused to speak up. Finally Naruto had had enough and looked up with irritation lurking in his blue eyes. "Hurry up Granny, I'm getting as old as you."

"NARUTO!" She yelled while her left eye twitched uncontrollably. "You are disrespectful! I'm the Hokage."

Sasuke held back a smirk knowing full well the Hokage would throw him out the window without any hesitation. Even though his missions had stopped being monitored he was still sure Tsunade held ill feeling toward him, probably because he had tried to kill Naruto numerous times in the past.

"Yo."

The three in the room turned to the window to stare at a single black eye, the other was covered by black cloth. "Ah, Kakashi. You're late." Tsunade chided while waving a hand dismissively and taking a seat in her chair.

Both Sasuke and Naruto looked towards their ex-sensei confused but said nothing about his appearance. "Now we can get to the point of this rendezvous." Tsunade claimed.

"I want you both to become anbu." She stated bluntly and waited for the reactions.

Naruto jumped out of his chair in surprise while Sasuke-more subtly- stood up as well. Kakashi merely took out his perverted book and began reading, not at all surprised with this outcome.

"You want us to…" Naruto started, at a loss for words.

Tsunade smiled at the stunned duo and began explaining her reasons. "Yes, I think you are both ready to join. You have been jounin for almost a year and you have been given missions that should already be given to anbu. Your success rate is incredibly high and you are both powerful shinobi, it's time."

Naruto was grinning from ear to ear and shoved an arm around his best friend. "Hear that teme, we're going to be the best."

"Hn." As surprised as Sasuke was he also felt excited for this new challenge. "Why is Kakashi here?" He inquired.

"Well you see…" Tsunade began.

"I'm going to train you." He stated simply, not looking away from his book. Once he noticed their strange looks he continued explaining. "Not just me, you will be with two other anbu captains and this training will be very…demanding. I hope you're prepared."

Determination could be seen all across Naruto's face and even Sasuke gained an unnoticeable glint in his charcoal eyes. "We're ready." Sasuke spoke for the both of them while the blonde boy nodded his head in agreement.

"Good…" Tsunade began looking at the shinobi in front of her. "Your training starts in 2 days and it will last for 3 months."

Both looked like fish out of water; that was a short amount of time to say goodbye to their girlfriends. "I apologize for the late notice but I do hope you'll both accept."

Both nodded but looked at each other sympathetically, it would be hard to tell their girlfriends.

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The two Hyuuga sisters sat across from each other at a small café they both adored since they were children. Hinata was looking towards her sister with a worried frown.

"Why are you upset?" Hanabi questioned.

"Do you know why father wanted to see me today?"

Realization struck the brunette and she looked at her sister with a rare but caring smile. "It's alright Hina-chan. You were always meant to be heiress."

"Are you sure it's okay with you? I know this has been offered to you countless times in the past." Hinata pried, making sure there were no hard feelings between them.

Hanabi laughed loudly and shook her head dismissively. "I'm great! It's too much pressure to be Hyuuga head anyways, you can deal with that." She joked trying to make Hinata relax.

The elder girl smiled, relieved and saw Hanabi duck underneath the table very quickly. "What…" She started to ask when she was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Hinata-san!" She looked up towards a boy the same age as Hanabi, he actually talked to Naruto a lot. His name was Konohamaru.

"Hello." She answered politely.

"Is Hanabi-chan with you?" He asked looking frantically for her little sister. She felt a slap on her leg and figured Hanabi wanted her to lie.

"Ugh, no. She's not here. Why do you ask?"

She saw a bright blush cover his face and he looked away from her. "No reason, I just wanted to say hi. I'll see you around. Tell Naruto I say hi and I'll be stopping by for another spar." He finshed by winking and walking away.

As soon as he was out of sight Hanabi stood and took her seat once more. Hinata looked at her sister with raised brows and waited patiently for Hanabi to explain.

"We've gone out a few times and now he won't leave me alone."

"It's more than that." Hinata said and again waited for her sister's response.

Hanabi sighed. "We've done…things and I just…I feel too much for him." She admitted while looking away bashfully.

THINGS!?

Hanabi was so young, only fourteen how could she feel so strongly for a boy just as young as her? She was ready to lecture the young girl but she remembered how head over heels she had been for her blonde. Instead, she took a deep breath and smiled at the girl.

"Don't ignore him Hana-chan, he'll get the wrong idea."

She heard the petite girl mumble something like "I guess" and turn to eat her meal.

She didn't know a lot about Konohamaru. Only that Naruto was really fond of him and apparently so was her sister. She needed to know more about the boy and Naruto was the way how.

Once they were done their meal both sisters took their separate ways and hugged goodbye. Hanabi headed towards the compound and Hinata took straight for Naruto's apartment. They needed to talk about a few things.

She entered her boyfriend's apartment to find him sitting on his couch staring into nothing, he seemed worried. "Naruto?" She called, hoping to catch his attention.

"Mhmm." He responded distractedly until he fully noticed who it was. "Hinata! I've missed you." He got up and ran towards her, wrapping his arms around her and breathed in her scent.

She giggled soundly in his ear. "You saw me just this morning." She teased while pushing herself far enough to kiss him chastely on the lips.

"Doesn't matter, I still missed you." He smiled against her lips but pulled back once he remembered what he had to talk to her about.

"Hinata…" He began, face serious once more. "We have to talk."

She nodded in agreement. "Yes we do."

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion, he knew he had to tell her something but what did she need to talk to him about?

"You okay?" He asked slowly, pushing away the fear that always arose when she looked at him with those sad eyes.

She looked up to his scared face and immediately alleviated those fears by placing a calm and gentle hand on his cheek. "Of course Naruto. Nothing is wrong."

He smiled at her and led her back towards the couch for this conversation. He breathed in deeply when they were both situated on the sofa and took hold of both her hands. "I went to Tsunade's office today." He mentioned.

Her eyes glittered excitedly. "Is she making you Hokage?!"

He chuckled at her enthusiasm but shook his head. "No. But she wants Sasuke and I to join anbu."

Her lips parted in what he assumed to be shock and he had to shake her lightly. She shook her head promptly and lavender eyes locked on cerulean. "Are you serious?"

"Yes." He answered honestly. "I know it's dangerous and I wouldn't be in it for more than 2 years I promise but granny thinks that if I join anbu then the elders will more than likely think I'm strong enough to become Hokage."

She just smiled beautifully at him and fastened her lips on top of his to shut him up. "It's alright Naruto, I understand. You want this don't you?"

He nodded solemnly hoping she wouldn't be too angry with him. She surprised him when her eyes crinkled under the weight of her big smile. "Then I support you."

A sudden wave of relief washed over him and he had a prompt urge to hug his girlfriend. She was always incredibly understanding and patient with him, how had he lived an entire 18 years without her? He didn't know but he was not willing to ever go back again.

"There's something else though." He said uneasily which caused her to look at him with a questioning glance. "The training takes 3 months and I have to leave in 2 days."

"Oh." She heard herself say while Naruto desperately tried soothing what he thought was her depressed state.

"I'm sorry Hinata." He exclaimed loudly. "I know it's a long time and I leave really soon but…"

"No, it's okay." She said calmly.

"Really?" He asked, mouth agape.

"Yes. Naruto-kun, I also have something to tell you."

"Oh yeah! What did you want to talk about?"

"I saw my father today." She began and saw Naruto flinch, the first time they had met was very formal and although Hiashi admired Naruto for his strength he did not think the brash blonde was capable of handling his daughter's heart delicately enough. She smiled and traced a finger over his whisker marks coaxing him into a relaxed state.

"He wanted to see me because he wished to make me his official heiress."

Naruto did a double take. "What?"

Hianta smiled while a few tears ran down her cheeks, in happiness. "My father thinks I'm strong enough to do it Naruto."

Blue eyes softened at her spoken words. "Of course he does Nata, you're stronger than anyone I've ever met."

She beamed at his words. "I have to go for a special training trip as well."

"That's great, now we won't be missing each other!"

'Umm, well…I…"

"What is it Hinata?" He asked worriedly.

"I don't leave until next week but…I will be gone for 5 months Naruto-kun."

"5 months?" He croaked out, not believing her words.

"Yes. You'll wait for me right?" she asked with a slight frown.

He took one look at her fearful face and released a shuttering breath. "Oh God. Yes, Hinata. I will always wait for you, for as long as you want. I'm just going to miss you is all." He mentioned while gathering the girl in his arms. "Will you stay tonight?" He whispered in her ear seductively.

A blush adorned her pale face but she nodded in compliance. "Can I stay tomorrow night too?"

His face brightened. "Always."

They stayed like that for a few hours before deciding to go out for dinner. He took a look at his girlfriend and felt like the luckiest guy in the world. They walked out the door hand in hand and Naruto vaguely wondered how Sakura was taking the news Sasuke was dropping on her today.

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"Sakura, talk to me." Sasuke pleaded in his normal voice.

"I don't know what to say Sasuke, it was a lot to take in."

He sighed and moved closer to her on the bed. She had been ignoring him for the past 2 hours though she said she was simply thinking things over. He wrapped a strong arm around her torso and brought both his legs to wrap around her from behind. She was sitting near the edge of the bed and him behind her.

"It's only three months." He mentioned while rubbing her arm affectionately.

"Yeah, from then on nearly impossible suicidal missions." She countered. She had treated many anbu in the hospital who were sent on missions that in her opinion should be illegal.

He kissed her neck and chuckled lowly. "I won't die Sakura." He reassured and even she knew he wouldn't, he was too good for that. It still didn't change how nervous it made her.

"I know but…"

"I'll always come back to you." He said while turning her face so she could see the seriousness in his deep onyx eyes.

She scrunched her nose and pouted her lips coyly. "You better or I'll be sure to revive you and kill you myself."

He smirked at her and fully turned her body towards his own. "I leave in 2 days. I plan on spending every minute with you until then."

Her right eyebrow rose in suspicion of the glimmer in his eyes. "What did you have in mind?" She asked uncertainly. She was still clueless until he captured her lips in an almost bruising kiss that left her wanting more.

"I have plenty in mind." He panted out before forcing her body on the bed with him hovering on top.

He was trying to make her forget she knew and it would work for a few hours. But she couldn't forget how dangerous this would be for both him and Naruto. "You'll both come back right?" She asked worriedly as he fiddled with her bra strap.

"Always." He answered seriously. "We'll be fine, I promise."

She nodded in consent and slid out of the last article of clothing, allowing herself to fully feel the sensations that were to come.

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Neji felt no connection to his body, none. This only made him think that his coming back to life was not a possibility. He was definitely here for another reason but he had no idea why else he would roam around aimlessly.

They were in the middle of a forest, beside a lake and not sure where they were. She sat beside Takeo near their fire while Neji stood off to the side, frowning as usual. She had felt so upset seeing the man so cold with her. She was here for him, to help him, to get him back so they could maybe have a chance at a future together and he was just ignoring her.

"Why do you look sad all the time?" Takeo asked, moving closer to her.

She was about to defend herself and yell at him for being so nosy but she simply didn't have the strength to do it anymore. She simply shrugged her shoulders, not wanting to get into a conversation that was sure to bring tears to her eyes.

"May I ask what you're in search of?"

She shook her head no, telling him he couldn't ask such questions. This only caused him to smile softly at her while his eyes shown in sympathy.

"It has a lot to do with Neji." He commented.

She looked at him with irritation, silently telling him he was crossing a thin line. "Just tell him." Neji's voice rang amidst the smoky air. "He's going to find out eventually."

"Okay." She whispered and turned to an expectant Takeo.

"Neji's dead." She deadpanned and looked away just before his face contorted into confusion.

"You don't talk about him as if he were deceased."

"Because he's not gone…" She wanted to stop there; she didn't want to tell him anymore.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to TenTen."

"You should know. I'm here in search of his body."

"Because you want to give him an appropriate burial." He finished off, thinking that was the reason she so desperately hunted for his body.

"No…" She said brokenly as a couple of tears escaped her eyes. "He's still alive, I know he is. Someone is taking care of his body. I want to save him." Neji over hearing this looked at his own hands as if they were covered with blood. Seeing her cry made his heart twist painfully, he felt like he had killed her just by seeing those tears.

She expected Takeo to scoff at her and tell her she was an idiot in that patronizing, smug tone all Hyuuga carried. She imagined plenty of different scenarios to happen, she didn't imagine him to put a comforting arm around her shoulder and smile in understanding.

"You want to find him because you love him right?"

She tried answering, she even opened her mouth to tell him but nothing came out. All she managed was a weak nod. It took a few minutes to gather herself up and speak once more. "I don't know why I love him so much, he barely notices me."

"I'm sure that's not true. If he has been around you for most of his life then it is simply impossible for him not to fall in love with you, especially if he as similar to me as you say." He finished with a smile on his normally blank face.

She wondered what the meaning behind his words meant but put all the thoughts aside when she heard Neji's scoff from across their entangled forms. Immediately she stood up to go after the upset Hyuuga while mentioning something about having to go to the bathroom.

"Neji stop!" She whispered as loud as she dared.

It worked, he stopped in his tracks and turned around to face her. "Go back to him, to his warmth. I don't need you."

She winced at his last words but persevered. She wasn't one to back down from a challenge. "No. What the hell is the matter with you? The only reason he was hugging me was because you're a jerk and have been ignoring me for the better part of the trip since Takeo joined."

"I have not." He said simply.

She couldn't hold his stare much longer and looked down to the ground dejectedly. "I can't do this anymore Neji. How can I help you when you won't even let me?"

He wanted to bring up the fact that she wasn't trying to help him anymore since most of her time she spent with Takeo but he couldn't do it. He took one look at the way she was holding herself wearily and his jealousy deflated.

"TenTen." He called out while nearing her. "You deserve to be happy."

"I can be! We will find your body and you and I can be together!" She declared but she shut up as soon as those words registered in her brain. "I mean, you don't have to. Just as long as you live I will be very happy." She corrected herself.

He let a small smile light up his face and tried touching her only to have his hand go right through her, as usual. Sighing in resignation Neji started speaking with his heart more than his mind.

"This past year travelling with you has been incredible…" She looked up at him with a questioning gaze. "I've realized those feelings you have for me…" He continued dodging around the word love as best as he could. "I have them for you too."

Her chocolate eyes widened significantly at his attempt of a confession. "The reason I've been so distant is because seeing you with Takeo bothers me." He admitted with a frown on his face.

She tried to speak and assure him that she would never chose Takeo over him but he continued talking before she got the chance. "The thing is, it bothers me because with him you have what I'd want us to have."

"But we can." She reassured with tears in her eyes.

He shook his head sadly. "I don't think we can. This war, it took everything from us. Even if we find my body, the chances of me magically coming to life are bleak."

She was shaking now with tears continually cascading down her face. "I'm so sorry TenTen. I'm so sorry for not realizing how much you meant to me while I was alive. That is a mistake I'll take with me to my grave. I won't however take away your chance at happiness."

Her face contorted in pain, piecing together what he was trying to say. This was a confession and a goodbye all at once. "He likes you a lot. He makes you happy, I've seen you two smile at each other and as much as it…hurts, it also makes me feel hope that you can be happy even when I'm gone."

She was reaching for him now, trying desperately to convince him that no one could ever make her as happy as he would make her feel. "Neji, no. You make me the happiest."

"I'm glad." He admitted relieved beyond belief that she still held so many feeling for him even though they both knew there was no chance of them being together, in this life at least. "I'll wait for you up there." He said while looking up at the sky filled with stars.

"He can have you in this life but all the ones to come you're mine." He declared with a bit of a teasing smile but he was serious. Takeo could take care of her in this life but from then on TenTen would always be his, he wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

"I love you." She stated with a teary smile, wanting badly to at least have a first kiss with him.

He simply smiled while subtly disappearing, until he was gone. Only a memory engraved in her mind. Sadly she walked back to their camp where Takeo laid down on the dirt waiting for her. She carefully put a gentle hand on his cheek and expected him to wake up.

He did open his eyes, but they were different. There was a glint in them she only ever saw in Neji's eyes. A look of confusion passed by her face until 'Takeo' sat up and encased her in the biggest hug she had ever received. He looked into her deep brown eyes and carefully placed his lips over her own. She couldn't believe this was happening. She had never thought Takeo to be so forward.

She was left baffled and disorientated until she heard his voice whisper sweetly in her ear. "I love you too. I'm sorry for the impromptu scenario but I couldn't leave without getting one kiss from you."

"Neji?" She asked breathlessly while pulling back slightly to look into pale Hyuuga eyes.

"Be Happy. Please." He begged her before touching very face gently.

She only nodded as a response. "Don't be afraid to love again." He mentioned one last thing before leaving her for real. "And never forget that I will always love you."

He had done it, he had resolved the feelings that kept him in this world, with that kiss and the confession he could freely pass onto the next life.

She hugged him as long as she could before she felt Takeo's body fall limp in her arms. Neji was gone, never to come back to her but…

Taking one look at the man currently passed out in her arms she thought maybe she could be happy with him. Maybe she would have him in this life and Neji could be hers for the rest to come.

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Author's note: I'm sorry Nejiten! But we can't cheat death. I still love them to death though.