Here's your next daily chapter. Enjoy peeps!

Aishiteru, Hinata-chan

Chapter 21

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"You guys! You found me!" I released Rumiko, who stepped next to the men and stared at my team. I quickly crossed the room to my fellow Konoha ninja.

"Eto, yeah we did." Sasuke eyed the 3 people warily, before turning his gaze to me. "Who are they? And why are you are here?"

I looked at him strangely before smiling happily. "They're my… extended family, Sasuke-kun."

His eyes widened full capacity and he turned to the others, who had similar expressions. He swung back to me with a million questions in his eyes. But when he looked at me, it seemed like he remembered something, and they died on his tongue. "Hinata-chan," he called softly. "You do know that today is the fifth day, don't you?"

This time my eyes widened. I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. My whole world crashed down around me. My vision blurred with tears as I realized how much time I had wasted. No. I could still save Naruto.

Determination set in my eyes as I turned abruptly from the Uchiha and walked with confidence to Rumiko, Tomuro, and Ryo. The half Hyuuga's eyes were filled with worry as I stopped in front of her.

"Hinata-chan?" She asked.

"You never answered my question, Nee-chan."

She blinked green eyes at me. "What question?"

"If you would help me complete my mission? My friend… is dying and I need the antidote to save him. Will you help me?"

She smiled before nodding. A hand landed on her shoulder. She looked back at her father, silently what was wrong. He mumbled an "Excuse us" before pulling her over to the side.

I looked to Tomuro, but he shrugged in confusion. After I sighed, my gaze caught sight of Sasuke and Sakura staring at me intently. I smiled reassuringly at them, hoping I would also convince myself that things would be okay.

Rumiko and Ryo returned seconds later. The young woman sported a triumphant smile while her father's face held with a defeated look. She reached into her shirt pocket and pulled out a small vial with a pale blue liquid in it.

I smiled widely when she set it carefully in my hand. She laughed when I hugged her tightly. I was about to head back to my team before I remembered something.

"Would… Would you like to come with us?"

Rumiko's eyes widened and, from the corner of my eye, I saw Ryo frown. "T-To… Konoha?"

I nodded. "Our Gondaime Hokage will understand your story and welcome you with welcome arms." At least, I hoped so. But I had a feeling that I was telling the truth. Tsunade-sama wouldn't turn ex-members of the village away.

I grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the Konoha ninja. Tomuro followed behind, obviously not about to let her go without him. Ryo hung back a bit, but finally followed as well.

Without letting go of Rumiko's appendage, I looked Kakashi in the eye and stated, "They're coming with us."

Without waiting for a reply, I tugged the half Hyuuga in the direction of the door, not turning back to see if they were coming as well.

The entire way I followed Rumiko and Tomuro out of Damaiyo City, I thought of how idiotic I was. I had completely wrapped myself up in this new situation, having no regard of the time that was slowly slipping away.

My face must have showed the anguish I felt because Sakura touched my arm and gave me an encouraging smile. I smiled a small smile in return. I'm so glad she came along. She can calm anybody down. Well, except her own self. No wonder Sasuke loves her.

I giggled at the last thought and she gave me a look asking "What's funny Hyuuga?" but I dismissed with a shake of my head. Things were going to be okay.

At least, I hoped so.

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