The seal removal actually wasn't that bad. Sasuke and Karin managed to get it off without much trouble. Of course, Karin was the only one that could touch Hinata. The pale girl was still flinchy around other people. Karin flirted with him the entire time, giving both him and Hinata a deep blush. He somehow managed to hide his, but only because some of what Karin was talking about was true; somehow the red-head had managed to find out about reviving his clan.

Sasuke pretty much figured out that Hinata wasn't blushing because of the words coming out of Karin's mouth; rather it was because she had been the one to tell Karin. He didn't mind, though, as it gave him an excuse to talk to Hinata afterwards. Without the bipolar female.

"Hinata, you okay?" he asked, more as a friend then a medic right now.

Hinata just nodded slowly. She was mostly alright; she was just tired and confused.

"I need some advice" She said after he continued to watch her.

"What about?" he asked softly.

"Wo-would it be better to get that part of my memory erased?" Hinata's pleading gaze made him forget all of what she had tried to do to him and, earlier, Naruto.

"Well, it depends. I know you're strong, and really, if Naruto loves you, then you can show it other ways. You don't need to know many of the things that you learned. And if you do need them, you can relearn them with Naruto. Someday. Not today. Plus, it might help so you don't feel uncomfortable."

Hinata was actually a little surprised that Sasuke had spoken so much. Before, he would have shrugged and walked away. What a difference three years made.

"Thank you, Sasuke-kun" came her soft reply. "Thank you."

Sasuke didn't move when he noticed her right hand shaking and moving slowly towards him. He knew that he had to make sure his friend was alright. Because, he had to admit, he had liked Hinata; a lot. But, she loved Naruto with all her heart and he knew it. So he would be happy with the two (if they managed to figure it out) and just be her best friend. It was probably the closest he could get to her, and he could deal with that. If Hinata was happy, he was happy.

His eyes didn't waver from hers as she placed her hand on top of his. It was just a light touch, but he knew it was progress for her. Back less than a week and already able to get this close to someone other than Naruto or Karin.

Sasuke didn't want to push it, so he gently slid his hand away and stood up, smiling as gently as he could at her.

"I promise, Hinata, I won't ever do anything you want me to. And I'll kill anyone who dares defy your wishes."

The smile she gave him was watery but worth it.

--

Sasuke met up with Naruto in the hall. Naruto looked startled to see Sasuke come out of Hinata's room. Sasuke glared and Naruto had the decency to at least blush a little bit. Sasuke relented and looked away.

"Just… go slowly, okay? Be nice."

Naruto noticed the hidden threat but made sure that Sasuke didn't know that he picked it up so quickly. He nodded and took a deep breath before opening the door and walking inside.

--

Today was the day Hinata was getting lots of visitors. First it had been that incident, then Sasuke and Naruto, then Neji, then Kiba and Akamaru, then Lee. He had been the shortest visit, since he didn't understand that he wasn't supposed to hug her. Luckily, he was used to getting hit by Neji's Gentle Fist. He would wake up in a few hours.

Kakashi was her tenth visitor. She couldn't remember who else had visited between, but she figured that they wouldn't mind. She had a tough week (never mind the last three years!) and she was still getting better. Her head hurt a little bit, though, and she rested her eyes for a moment. She didn't open them when there was a gentle knock on the door, but she called them in.

"Yo."

"Dad?!" She opened her eyes and a smile grew on her face. She hadn't seen him since the previous night. At least, she didn't think she had.

"Hey, kiddo. How you feeling?"

"Tired" she answered truthfully, knowing that he would always be able to pick out her lies, no matter how good she got.

"You should take a nap….I'll go tell Sasuke to not let anyone else in here until later, okay?"

"N-no, wait"

"Mm?"

"I just want some company….I'm a little lonely, too, I guess. I missed you a lot…"

Kakashi gave a smile under his mask.

"I missed you too, Hinata-chan." He avoided using words that would remind her of Orochimaru.

Kakashi moved to the chair beside her bed, trying to keep his hands hidden in his pockets. He wanted to hug the life out of her (not literally), but he knew she would flip and he didn't want that. He just wanted to see her.

"Kakashi, I miss before. You know, when we were Genin."

"You still are a Genin" he chuckled, amused.

"True. But you know what I mean…"

Kakashi nodded, gazing off into space.

"Sasuke's a Jonin" he admitted randomly.

Hinata didn't look surprised.

"And Shikamaru's an ANBU" she whispered.

Kakashi's gaze snapped onto her face, but she didn't show any fear of that knowledge. He broke into a smile and nodded.

"Act surprised when he tells you, okay? I know he knows he's breaking rules by telling, but he's proud. He did it for you."

Hinata actually was surprised at this new fact.

"He did?"

"None of us could follow you till we got back to ANBU rank."

Hinata's eyes closed and she shrugged. "Oh."

"I got back up to ANBU rank, but once you came back I quit. Being your sensei, and more importantly dad, is more important to me."

"Oh" she repeated, opening her eyes. "Thanks, dad."

--

The two talked a little bit more, avoiding the worst topics. They mostly talked about what happened during the time she was gone, including what he did to train. He went light on that topic, not wanting to admit that he went to Gai more often than not. It was too embarrassing to be seen with his rival, asking for help.

Eventually they got to the topic of a certain blond…

"He asked me on a date" Hinata said, eyes going out of focus.

Kakashi's visible eye noticed this and narrowed. He wanted to talk to the blond about that…

"Where are you two going to go?"

"So you can spy on us?"

"N-no" Kakashi didn't know that she would figure out his hidden meaning so quickly. He expected her to realize in a few minutes, when he had thought of an excuse to get her off his track.

"It's a respectable place, and there will be plenty of other people around. I'll be treated fine, and no one can hurt me there. Besides, I can always find you with my eyes. I still have the Byakugan, you know. My range is better."

Kakashi accepted her change of topic with relief.

"What's your range now?"

"About five kilometers."

He almost fell out of his chair from astonishment.

"W-what?"

"You're stuttering more than I used to, Kashi."

"I- You- that's-"

"I know. He told me that it was one of the best things that had happened during training. I just wish I remember how that happened. He also told me that my eye range is one of the farthest ranges in history." She sounded so proud.

"I'm proud of you, Hinata. You really have improved." Kakashi realized with a jolt that he had missed some of the best years of her life. Well, they were supposed to be the best years of her life. He vowed to make it up to her by keeping her safe now.

--

Later, when Kakashi was finally allowed to take Hinata home, he talked to her about a test. Tsunade had told him to test his team when Hinata had recovered, since they were all back. She wanted to know if they would be able to take the next exam. Shikamaru wouldn't be tested; instead Sasuke would take his place. Sasuke had become part of their team without anyone really noticing. They all worked together great once and Kakashi hoped it still held true.

--

"Lady Tsunade. Hyuuga Hiashi here to see you." Shizune tactfully left off the 'again'.

"Fine. Send him in. When he's gone, I want a bottle of sake."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Shizune sighed and opened the door, waving the man in.

"What do you want, Hiashi?" She rubbed her temple with a hand, continuing to sign papers with her other.

He waited patiently until she stopped and looked up at him, just now focusing her full attention on him.

"Hokage-sama, I-"

"Cut the crap, Hiashi. I know that you don't like calling me that. Just tell me what you want; I'm very busy."

The man could tell that she was in a bad mood, so he ignored her rudeness and went on to tell her his thoughts.

"Right. Tsunade, I heard that Hinata was released from the hospital today." Tsunade could already figure out what he wanted.

"Yes?"

"I formally ask permission to ask her if she got tested on or if she told any secrets-"

"No. I already checked with her- no one touched her eyes. She confirmed that when she let Inoichi check her memories. No experiments, no anything. Her…medic also let her mind be explored. Nothing."

Hiashi looked insulted. "Well, then I formally request to put the seal on her, since she's not main house-"

"No again."

"May I ask why not?"

"You may ask." Tsunade shot back, trying to mock his formal speech.

"And?"

She decided she had had enough of his babble.

"Look. No seals. If you want to make sure your precious eye secrets are safe with her, fight her yourself."

His eyes betrayed a flash of a strong emotion and she felt like she had done something unwise. She started to explain herself so he didn't get the wrong idea.

"No killing her."

"If she loses, I cannot be at fault if she dies."

"Don't kill her."

"I cannot be at fault- it might be an accidental death. She is weak."

"Whatever. Just write up the paperwork before the fight. You'll need my signature. Will you be the one to tell them?"

--

Hinata was glad to be back at home. Her body was healed, although her mind was still a little fragile. Hinata was going to try her best to go with her current memories, but she was still debating to the idea of the memory suppressant. Sasuke had told her it didn't hurt, and she wouldn't even remember that something was being sealed down. Her memories wouldn't resurface, even if something like that happened again. But, even with more benefits than not, she couldn't get it yet. She wanted to try and get better on her own. Like she always had before.

--

The poor soul that got stuck with telling Kakashi that his daughter had to fight against Hiashi or get the curse seal was Neji. Hiashi had done it to make sure that Neji knew his place, but Neji hadn't cared in the least. He just hoped that Kakashi wouldn't kill him for being the messenger. After all, he hadn't a thing to do with the actual fight.

--

"WHAT?!"

"I'm just relaying a message; please do refrain from harming me. I'll be forced to fight back, and I'm a sore loser." The threat wasn't lost on the silver haired man.

"Sorry. Thanks, I guess. Any chance of them rescheduling? I was going to have a mock fight against my team…"

"No, sorry. I do feel bad for her."

Kakashi nodded and turned his head to the stairs, where Hinata was sleepily walking downstairs. She was yawning and rubbing at her eyes, showing that she just woke up. Her pajamas hung off her body, baggy but not about to fall off of her frame. Her flannel pants had little kittens all over them. Neji refrained from smiling.

"Sorry, did Neji wake you up?" Kakashi asked sweetly.

Said ninja scowled. "You were the one who threw the table."

"You were the one who didn't catch it."

"P-please, stop fighting" Hinata said timidly, not used to seeing two men fight over her. She was surprised to see her cousin here, although she knew they would be coming for her soon.

"I was just leaving" Neji replied hastily, just wanting to go and finish his other chores for the day. Missions could be a bitch if he was late…

"N-no, what was you're message?"

After a quick glance at her father, Neji started explaining.

"You are to fight your birth father; if you lose, you need to get a seal…"

Her eyes had flown to Kakashi when Neji mentioned father, but she remembered that she had a different birth father. She contemplated fighting him and figured she would be fine if she ended it quickly. If she didn't, and he touched her, then she would be reduced to a quivering mass of a person. And that meant yet another seal. She hated seals. Unless they were helpful, and only if she herself put them on. They worked better, that way.

"Tell him I am not afraid. When is this match?"

Neji and Kakashi looked surprised, but Neji managed "Four hours from now" and bolted.

--

"I had Naruto's date at lunch…" Hinata sighed, resting her head in her hands. Kakashi and Hinata had just finished eating breakfast, and Hinata had moped about not being able to go on the date with him until after.

"I'm pretty sure he'll understand, Hinata-chan. Just tell him why it'll be that much later. Maybe he'd like to see what you can do, too."

"I guess."

"Cheer up, kiddo. He'll understand. I promise."

--

"You better not make my daughters life any worse than it is now. Make her happy. Otherwise I'll burn you alive. Got it?"

"Y-yes, sensei"

--

"Nah, its fine, Hinata-chan" Naruto shrugged. "I don't mind. As long as we can still eat lunch together afterwards."

"That's great! Oh, uhm… K-Kakashi wanted me to ask if you wanted to come watch…"

"Sure! That way I can be your own personal cheerleader!"

Hinata's grin grew larger and she giggled, making Naruto's heart feel light and giddy. Someone had actually laughed at one of his jokes….

--

Finally the match had to begin. There were actually a lot of people there. Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke, to start. Sasuke claimed he was there to heal her when it was done, but she knew he wanted to see how much stronger she had gotten. Naruto was gazing at her with a bright smile, giving her the courage she needed. She faced her opponent again and noticed a great number of main and branch Hyuuga, standing or sitting in a wide circle.

The Hyuuga that were sitting were on the steps of the porch or on the rails, eyes intent on the circle etched into the ground. A branch house member had scratched it out earlier.

"Alright; rules" Neji said, standing between them as a proctor. "No strikes to the heart, if possible. Fight until you either cannot get back up or you are pushed out of the circle."

The circle in the dirt was about ten yards across in all directions. The line was nice and thick, so that they could tell if someone went out.

"If even your toe is pushed out of the circle, then you are done. Do both parties know what the wager is?"

"Hai."

"Sure." Hinata drawled, trying to gauge Hiashi's reaction.

His eyes narrowed and he got into a basic stance, one arm hidden behind him with his body facing sideways to Hinata. His other hand was flat, fingers close to each other. His feet kept him steady at shoulder width apart. Hinata just stood as she was on her side of the circle, looking bored.

"Right. Begin."

Byakugan was activated on only one side. Hinata just watched calmly as the other man started to run the short distance to her. Hinata was watching him carefully, however, and when his hand came at her to close one of her chakra points in her arms, she ducked. Her speed surprised a few, as she popped up behind him. Her eyes were still not activated, although his were. He used a Heavenly Spin to counter, his speed astounding compared to many Hyuuga.

On the side lines, Kakashi was watching with his Sharingan. To copy some moves, if possible, and to be able to keep up with the fight. Sasuke's were activated too, and his eyes flicked back and forth, watching the two Hyuuga battle. Naruto was mostly lost, and Sasuke was murmuring what was happening as quickly as he could. They were all enthralled. Neji was watching with his own Byakugan activated, to make sure that neither used any damaging moves.

The moment Hiashi started spinning, Hinata jumped into the air. She actually aimed herself downward, and with a small pop a shadow clone came into existence. She used it to push herself into a spin, moving so quickly that the clone disappeared the instant she got into her own spin. Her globe of chakra around her crashed head onto Hiashi's, and he was forced to stop due to his chakra being overpowered.

Hinata landed on her toes and hands, and she used on hand to fling out three kunai. Hiashi wasn't facing her, so they were in his blind spot. His body spun again, this time ducking and flinging his own kunai at her. She flattened herself against the ground with a soft thump and then rolled to the side as he tried to land on her with a chakra enhanced jump. She grabbed the mans ankle and tugged to the side, managing to throw his weight to the far edge of the circle.

She had to let go to let him fly towards the circle's edge, hoping that he would use that momentum and she would win. He didn't take to losing easily, something he and Neji shared, and used chakra to stop himself. Once he stopped, he let the chakra connecting him to the ground go. He rushed again, trying not to let her think.

Hinata sighed and flipped off the ground, brushing her pants off. She twitched her hand and, too late, Hiashi saw the wires. She tugged now with her whole hand, and they encompassed his body, pulling tight. Before he could cut them off with chakra, she had tossed him out of the ring. For a moment there wasn't any noise, but then Naruto started clapping.

Hinata blushed and looked down at her feet. A short moment later, Kakashi and Sasuke joined in. Many Hyuuga clapped as well, but many of the branch house did not. They would get punished later if they did. Hinata stepped out of the ring and held out a hand to help her 'father' up. He glared at her and shoved chakra into the thin wires, breaking them off his body. He stood up on his own.

"Hinata-sama is the winner!" Neji announced, a small smile on his face.

Said female blushed harder and walked towards Naruto with her head held high, proud that she had escaped the dreaded seal. She had heard of it before, and Karin had explained the best she could. After, Kakashi had told her what was wrong with their system. She was glad that she didn't have to get it, but she felt back that all those poor people were restricted to it.

--

The date was next on her list, but Hinata felt much less confident about it. She had talked to Sasuke and Kakashi about it, and both said that Naruto actually liked her. She didn't believe them, and protested that she needed advice. Neither gave it. She had visited Karin with a shadow clone while the two walked to the restaurant, but Karin had just rolled her eyes and bopped the clone on the head.

Now they were in a nice place, not too fancy but not too grungy. The color was light and fun and the tables were in a wide open space. The atmosphere was cheery, and the staff was all smiles and ready to please. The conversations were dulled by all the plants spread around the room, so she didn't have to worry about saying anything to Naruto that others would hear.

"So….Hinata-chan…" Naruto started, trying to enter a normal conversation.

Hinata looked up from folding her napkin on her lap. They had just ordered their drinks and food, and this would be the main time for conversation. She looked just as nervous as he did.

"Y-yes, Na-Naruto-kun?" Her stutter was back. Great.

"Uhm…" he couldn't think of anything to say. Wonderful.

"I'm sorry" they blurted at the same time.

Hinata's eyes widened, mirroring his deep blue ones perfectly.

"What do you mean, I'm sorry? You go first" they tried again, once more saying the same thing at the same time.

It was silent for a moment, and then they burst into laughter. Hinata somehow managed to snort as they were laughing loudly, which just made the two laugh harder. Finally she wiped tears from her eyes, trying to halt her lungs from bursting from her chest.

"Y-you c-can go first" Hinata was pleased to realize that her stutter this time was because she was still trying to regain her breath.

"I- uh, ladies first?" Naruto tried awkwardly.

"O-Okay." Hinata took a sip of her water, which the waiter had somehow snuck onto their table without them noticing.

"I- I'm sorry for the other day." Hinata began.

She immediately noticed a blush forming behind his whisker marks. Her face started to heat up as well, but she ignored it to continue. This was her Naruto.

"I thought that I would need to do those things to make you happy. Orochimaru taught me that touching would please you, and I wanted you to like me. I really, really love you, Naruto." She would have continued, but if she said anymore she would have started a rant.

He was quiet another moment, eyes angled where she couldn't see them. And then they looked up, bright blue glinting with determination and something else she couldn't recognize.

"Hina-chan, I do like you. A lot, actually. But… I like you for you, not those things that the snake-bastard taught you. You mean something to me. You're one of my precious people."

"N-Naruto-kun…"

"You cared for me. You still do. I- I'm not used to it. That's- that's all. I've never been a favorite with the village."

"I know" she murmured quietly. "But I've always been here for you."

"Not always" he said ruefully, making a face.

She blushed and looked down. That's right; they had only met when they were ten.

"Hinata" he said, making her look up into his eyes.

"When I look at you, I feel like you were there."

--

They had talked a little more, but the generality of their conversation was non-existant. They ate their food and just accepted the companionship. It was good to at least see him, spend time with him. Hinata had been away for so long that it had felt…odd to be eating with him. But it was also…nice.

After the late lunch, the two took a walk. They didn't have a destination in mind, but just wandered around. At one point Sasuke had joined them for a little while, but he left them alone after they just stared at each other fondly. They didn't notice when he left.

--

They ended up spending the rest of the day with each other. They didn't see a single Hyuuga the entire time.

Hinata was blushing, gazing at him looking down at her. He had grown a little taller than she was, and she had to tilt her head back to gaze into his eyes. She didn't mind, though. His smile was soft, and his hands were on her shoulders. He tugged forward slightly and she tumbled into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her carefully, giving her a careful hug. She was surprised but reacted positively. Her arms curled around his torso, bodies' smushed together comfortably.

And then their impromptu hug ended and Hinata's lips were pressed against his. Naruto left his lips there only a moment, because he didn't want to scare her off or make her uncomfortable. It was odd for him, too, since she was the first one he had kissed. She smiled and touched her lips, just barely hearing the quiet 'goodbye, Hina-chan' before he left. She stood there for a few more minutes before stumbling into her house, grinning like a madwoman.

Her aura was so happy; Kakashi didn't even have to ask how it went.

Darn it! This chapter is shorter than the previous one. Oh well.

Sorry that I didn't include Akatsuki yet; they'll be here, don't you worry. I wanted to put in some of the new changes, and see some of the relationships.

Hinata loves Naruto with all her heart, and Naruto seems to feel the same way. He just isn't used to it. xD

And for those who had mentioned Hiashi and what happened to the Hyuuga not pursuing her more... Here's some of their piece in this. Sorry it's so poorly written.

Sorry for all the awkward style changes and writing. I can't seem to write nice, happy scenes. I'm better at gruesome or sex scenes, I guess. Sorry.

PS 5 kilometers is about 3 miles. I rounded up from 4.8 something. If you need to, you can look it up ^^;