Happy Thursday! While I like this chapter, I believe I will be uploading another chapter tonight because I feel like this chapter goes smoother with having the other chapter as well. With that being said, lets jump into this chapter!

"My God Naruto, is it that bad that you're willing to suffer a heat stroke by wearing that damn jacket zipped all the way up while training… again!" Naruto really wished Sakura didn't always put him out in the spot light like that. It was demeaning for heavens sake! "Sakura just leave it be why don't ya! I just don't want to take my jacket off. Just because teme doesn't mind showing off to you doesn't mean I want to!"

"THIS ISN'T ABOUT SHOWING OFF TO ME YOU BAKA! It's about your health!"

"So, you say." Naruto grinned at the quick-tempered teammates of his, "Like I said I'm fine, training is over, and I still don't want to take my jacket off." Sakura frowned at this, "Whatever, at least Shikamaru has the balls and brains to not cover up in this weather." Naruto still not biting the bait, "Well good for him." He smiled again at the angry/annoyed huff Sakura gave off.

Team seven, now including a fully recovered Sasuke, were going to get ramen before they headed home for the day, Naruto made it his mission to get Ichiraku ramen at least functionable after the invasion. Everything was coming along well, but there was still more to get done in the village. Everyone was pulling their weight in rebuilding and preparing for the up and coming war. War brought in money and builds the economy, sad reality.

As they made it to the temporary ramen hut the group found Hinata alone eating. She looked very relaxed, Naruto the other day commented on how he believed the rehabilitation was working for her. Even if she despised it with a burning passion, it was doing good for her.

The trained ninja therapist was able to deal with Hinata's outburst and help Hinata find her Zen to suppress the curse mark. She was a month in, and while it was time consuming and was hard in the beginning, she began to become more open to it and find it useful.

She learned verbally sharing her time with Orochimaru helped with the healing and suppressed emotions. She shared with her father and Neji her struggles and some of the things she had been through. She had never seen her father cry, not even with the sacrifice her uncle made, but recently the more she shared her stories the more the man shed tears. It was still weird for her to see her father express such emotions compared to when she was younger, and he basically told her she was trash and useless. She still struggled in that department in regards of forgiveness and caring; some things would never change she suppose. She would go into deeper emotional troubles with Naruto and she learned that she wanted him more than she let on.

Hinata quickly sensed Naruto's presence and turned around to see him and his teammates. She wondered briefly if she hadn't been captured would she have a connection with the old team eight like what Naruto had with team seven. Sometimes thoughts like this really bothered her and she had to remind herself it was okay to feel that way and it was important to share her feelings. She thought it to be a bit mushy, but sometimes it helped her.

"Hello." It was really awkward coming out of her mouth and she realized that she was still on the socially inept side and didn't really know how to talk to other people normally without a hidden dark intention behind it.

"Hinata, I'm surprised to see you without Neji." While Hinata thanked the stars that Sakura was a talker and conversation starter she noticed the side glance Naruto gave her. He was offended by the statement. "She's not a dog, she can go places without Neji."

"It's okay. She is not exactly wrong. Neji isn't a fan of ramen, so he doesn't care if I go here without him. Like I always say, if Neji-nisan wants to find me than he will." Sakura ignoring Naruto's comment grinned at Hinata, "Oh I see, so whenever you want to get away from Neji for a bit you say you want ramen." Sakura gave a light chuckle to this and Hinata not being able to help herself from her usual anti-normal teasing went further, "Yes, but I usually do not go get ramen from here." She gave a light chuckle after she winked back to the now quiet Sakura and left the comment at that and Naruto sent her a look that said she clearly failed at fitting in at that moment.

He laughed at her attempt and found it cute, he walked over to her and left behind a burning hot red-faced Sakura, who was stuck between being flustered and shock. "You should get used to this Sakura, Hinata isn't going anywhere and I'm sure this will be the new norm for us when it comes to the dobe." Sasuke walked by Sakura with a grin and sat to order his food.

Naruto noted how Hinata always sat against the wall so she couldn't give too many people the option to sit next to her. They had been working on her social skills, her actually talking to people about her and Ino's time with Orochimaru was making it easier for others to understand. He was annoyed that she had to relive her trauma just for people to like her again, but she told him it was okay and part of the process.

She even spoke to Tsunade about everything, the two talked a lot and Hinata shared with the female sannin that she was in fact not alright. That she didn't think she was worth the space on this land. Tsunade was learning that the old Hinata never really left in the self-esteem department, she just got worse. It was a blessing Ino was there with Hinata the whole four years, otherwise she was sure the Hyuga would have killed herself.

Suicide in the beginning of Hinata being released from prison was a major concern of the people close to her. Tsunade one of the few people knew that this was a problem for Hinata way before the Pain invasion.

Neji would spend nights awake making sure Hinata was okay and some nights even spent the night hushing her to sleep in her bed. Naruto accepted more of the responsibility not really trusting too many people around Hinata. He'd listen to her, talk to her and even scold her for thinking so dark sometimes.

Rehabilitation and exercise seemed to keep her mind from growing too dark, she was locked up for almost a month, has been doing rehabilitation now for over a month and just recently two days ago her and Naruto started being intimate again.

Granted the way the Hyuga initiated it was different than what Naruto expected, but he wasn't complaining by a long shot.

It was something he NEVER experienced before, like an orgy. He surely would not be telling this story to anyone else, ever. He secretly enjoyed it though, it brought out a different side of him and he would be lying if he said Ino being intimate with Hinata wasn't attractive. They stayed the whole night and left early in the morning due to Hinata waking him up, telling him he was going to be late training with his team.

Hinata stayed at Ino's, Shikamaru promising to take both women to therapy. He rushed to his home, took a quick shower and damn near sprinted to the training grounds just to be right on time. Very unlike him, they all knew Naruto was always eager to train and usually was there early training by himself. He gave no opportunity for his teammates to take in his appearance because upon seeing them he immediately zipped up him jacket and stated it was a bit chilly from the morning breeze.

Anyways.

Naruto could tell Hinata was getting better; she was a long way from where she wanted to be, but she wasn't giving up and that was enough for him. Leaving out without a Hyuga with her was a big deal, Naruto was nervous at first but Ino told him Hinata was a big girl and could handle herself. She also told him that what Hinata and herself had been through was something that would take a long time to recover from. He could tell Ino wanted to be there for Hinata a great amount, she had been the rock for Hinata for so long. However, Tsunade, Shikamaru and the rest of team ten had to heavily remind the Yamanaka that she too was suffering and needed the same care as Hinata. So Ino has spent the same amount of time as Hinata in building herself back up.

Having a strong circle was important. Having people around them that didn't constantly try to convert them to their old personalities was important. It was important for people to be okay with the way they were now.

Naruto sat beside Hinata and his hand made its way to her back, briefly rubbing her back until he saw her relax more. He loved comforting her, and he secretly just loved touching her in general. He learned that he was possessive, almost obsessed with Hinata. He loved her and someone like Sasuke had to point out that Naruto loved hard, it was his natural personality. It was almost smoldering like. Naruto loved Hinata to an extreme level and would do anything for her to succeed, whoever he saw as a threat to this he personally would deal with them.

Hinata gave a soft smile to Naruto, "Oi Hinata. You started eating without me?" He faked a pouty face and Hinata smile widened, he was too good for her she swore. Sasuke ignored the public display of affection but Sakura arched a brow at it amazed at how Naruto was complete mush around the Hyuga. She didn't know a lot going on with Hinata after the Pain invasion, Tsunade keeping a tight leash on her file and meetings with Hinata. She supposed if Lady Tsunade was in better spirits with Hinata, than the Hyuga must really be coming around.

"Naruto, please eat mine. I had only but two bites, besides I had a bowl before this one." Naruto placed his elbow on the counter and leaned his head against his fist, "This was for me all along wasn't it?" He spoke low so their conversation was just for them, he watched as Hinata grinned at him, "I don't know what you mean Naruto." She gave him a look that made him want to hurry up and finish the ramen so he could go and have some privacy with her. They had not had a private intimate moment in months, sexual moment, yes they had that two days ago. However, as for being alone and intimate, no they have not shared that in quiet some time and he'd choke you on the spot if you'd say he could be without her for a little longer.

"Yo! You two lovebirds. Did you hear me?" Naruto frowned and turned to Sakura to see Kakashi was now beside her, this wasn't good. "The Hokage would like to see us in her office, you included Lady Hyuga." Hinata arched a brow at this and placed a hand on Naruto's thigh when he attempted to get up, "I know you're hungry. Finish eating first."

Team seven plus Hinata came into the Hokage's office and there waiting was the full team ten. "Everyone's here, nice." Tsunade pulled an envelope out her desk drawer and tossed it over at Hinata, "This is from Jiraiya, he's been doing some snooping for you since you saved his life. He came by last night and gave this to me and asked if I could give it to you. He said now you two were even." Hinata was hesitant but picked up the envelope and pulled out pictures along with written reports, she skimmed the information over and looked at Ino to come over. Ino made her way over and looked at the information as well, both women becoming dangerously quiet. Ino then spoke up,

"So, Kabuto is working with the Akatsuki. Just great, he looks a fucking mess too." Ino looked over the pictures Jiraiya was able to gather of Kabuto, the scaly features, shorter hair, inhuman body. He looked a fucking mess, he experimented one time too many with his body and his admiration for Orochimaru was just sick.

"He's helping by fueling the Akatsuki army as well. Our time of preparation is coming to an end." Tsunade spoke up looking at the young Hyuga for any signs of trauma. She had been working with Hinata every step of the way to help the young woman with her struggles, as so many had expected Hinata was far worse off than Ino and the Yamanaka knew that as well. Reason why she always acted as a shield for the young Hyuga.

Hinata looked at the information over and over, she should have taken care of this parasite a long time ago instead she was too busy going off the deep end. She frowned and looked up at Tsunade, the woman could tell immediately Hinata was going into a dark place and the look she shot Hinata said it all.

'Keep it together'.

Hinata took deep breaths to herself, her hands were turning white how hard she was gripping the papers though. She wanted to kill him, she wanted to feel warm one last time, just one last time.

She nonchalantly placed the information back in the envelope and gave it to Ino. She than dug her hands deep in her pockets and told herself to meditate with Neji immediately after this. "So, what would you like for us to do with this information…Hokage-sama." Tsunade arched an amused brow at Hinata, "What do you want to do with the information Hinata?"

"My rehabilitation therapist would not approve."

"Off the record than."

Hinata closed her eyes. A familiar rush overwhelmed her, and she could already smell the iron. She missed the smell, the feel and the excitement. When she opened her eyes, a familiar cold blank look took over on her.

Ino looked at Hinata and excitement took over the blonde bombshell, "Hell yes! My hime is fucking back." Hinata reached into her thigh pouch and pulled out one of her scalpels, giving Tsunade a chilling stare, "I won't do it if you or Naruto are against it, but I'm just asking. To let me have my way with him. Let me just bend the morals…one last time. Just this last time, and you won't regret it…Hokage-sama." She was looking at the scalpel in fascination and she was getting the familiar adrenaline rush, she had to be careful not to dive in too deep or she'd lose it all again.

Tsunade looked at Hinata up and down and smirked, "You're an unstable, dangerous, murderous, cold-hearted ninja. Ino has been disrespectful to me and everyone in my office numerous times, and you yourself have even tried to kill me. You two have the worse mental health I've seen in a long time, and you two should probably not participate in the upcoming war... BUT you two are my little psycho's and I say go after that annoying little fucker. I don't want him to slither his way out like Orochimaru always did."

Shizune gasped beside Tsunade, "You wanted them to go after Kabuto this whole time, that's why you maxed out their rehabilitation hours!"

Tsunade dramatically threw her hands on her desk and gave Shizune an obvious look, "Well of course, like I said I don't need another Orochimaru running around here. Kabuto is all yours, you two do what you want with him. HOWEVER, I want nothing but 100% loyalty and your best work during this war in return, do you understand."

She watched as Hinata bowed down and was followed by Ino, when the two females rose up Tsunade was met with corrupt-dark smiles. "Oh Hokage-sama, if you let me have my way with Kabuto you'd see the best skills me and Ino have to offer. I'll even let you choose what body part you want of his dead lifeless body."

Tsunade sweat dropped at the statement, "That's not necessary. I worked with you two long and hard because I know you two are worth it. It's not about potential either, you actually HAVE that spark. You two are worth the time and effort of saving and you deserve to get vengeance against that bastard that helped put you two through hell. You didn't let these men pave the way of your life Hinata, you're still fighting, and I believe you guys deserve an award for that. So, I'm giving you the free range of Kabuto. In return you're my kunoichi's…only during the war. I'll let you decide your future after that."

The two women could agree with this, Ino smiled as she saw light come to Hinata's eyes. She felt the girl was a little dull lately. Of course, being around Naruto, Neji and herself was the only time she felt Hinata looked content, but Ino knew Hinata was on a different level now. Her goals weren't to just lead the Hyuga clan and be happily married in love. Hinata was a deadly kunoichi till she drew her last breath, she was a killer in the dark and she was damn good at it. Being here, caged her in, being out the gates Hinata flourished. The rehabilitation was definitely what she needed, but Hinata had to find her path and her happiness on her own afterwards. Whatever the case, Ino wasn't going anywhere, she would be there cheering Hinata on, whether it was here in the village or not.

The estimated date to be prepared was finally given and everyone was dismissed. Hinata and Ino walked out of the Hokage building and it was like watching them the day they came back from the village months ago. Shikamaru frowned at this, it was like watching months of work go down the drain, he was sure Hinata was going to relapse and thus causing Ino to do the same. He didn't like this one bit, and he fucking knew the hours for rehabilitation was ridiculously long!

"So, you're cool with this." Shikamaru looked at Naruto as he spoke, he didn't really care if Hinata, Ino or anyone else heard. Naruto gave him a side glance and pushed his hands into his pockets. "I'm not sure yet. You think she'll relapse?"

"I think it's too soon."

"I think neither of them will forgive us if we stopped them."

Shikamaru's frown deepened, he knew Naruto was right. Ino would never forgive him, this was something she had to do. This was something to bring her honor and peace. If Asuma had not made it through that mission he would want to avenge his name. He would have been upset if Ino or Tsunade wanted to block him from going. He knew that this was important to Ino and Hinata, but at the same time he knew it was toxic for them as well. It was too early, especially for Hinata. He feared she would give into her bloodlust and go ape shit on a killing spree when they should be working together. This was making her a liability, both her and Ino. He wouldn't admit that Hinata was starting to grow on him, but he would just say that he didn't want anything bad to happen to her.

Hinata and Ino obviously heard the two young men and decided against commenting. They were too excited, the excitement more evident on Ino then Hinata. Hinata excused herself from the group stating that she had to get back to Neji. Naruto frowned at her, he felt like she was distancing herself from him until she asked him to walk with her along the way.

As the two walked Naruto kept quiet and waited for Hinata to speak, just like he did in the beginning. "I was serious. If you are not okay with this Naruto, then I will not pursue Kabuto." Naruto took a deep breath, thinking before he opened his mouth, a rare moment. "Are you okay with pursuing Kabuto, or do you feel the urge to pursue Kabuto, like you need to? Is the urge to pursue him because of vengeance or because you just want the thrill and are given free range to do it again?" Hinata was silent and this made Naruto sigh, "You're far from being out of the woods when it comes to your mental health Hinata. This could be the push that forever throws you over the edge and you might not be able to fight your way back. Or you might tell yourself to not fight your way back… I'd never tell you not to do this though."

Hinata looked over at him a little shocked by his last statement. "Naruto? I do not understand exactly." Naruto stopped walking and so did Hinata, he turned to fully face her, and she saw as his eyes were dark cool blue, "No. I am not okay with this, I'm terrified actually because I have this feeling that I might lose you. But…I'm not going to hold you back because since day one Kabuto has been your agenda. I'm sure granny thought this over a million times too before she called you in her office. We're trusting that you'll come back to us Nata, that you won't lose your soul out there in the battlefield. So do your best out there and fucking end that Kabuto bastard."

He leaned over and in a conservative manner kissed her forehead. When he pulled back he saw Hinata look at him with a raised eyebrow, "Hmm Naruto? That is not a proper kiss."

"Oh, but Lady Hinata, this is not a proper place….I can find us a proper place."

"Yes please."

This chapter was okay, something that had to be addressed to move on to more interesting things. Reason why I wanted to release another chapter tonight with it. So I'll see you all next chapter!