Hello, my lovely reader. I know it's been a year since I post a chapter but now the wait is over because I'm here with a brand new chapter. But before that, I'd like to thank you all for being so patient with me. This past year has been hell and the beginning of the year wasn't so great either. I've lost so many people to this virius that I've been in a depressive mood for months and school and work doesn't really help with that but when I look back on all your wonderful reviews, I can't help but start to feel happy. Thank you for understanding and for being so patient with me. And please keep in mind that this chapter might not be my best but I'll get back in the groove of it soon. Now to those of you who feel like you need to leave crappy reviews, do us all a favor and don't. I'm not givng up on this story, I don't care if you're not a Sasuhina fan. I will say this as many time as I have to for the point to get across: IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, THEN DON'T READ IT! Now that that's out of the way, please enjoy!

Silence, that's all there was in the Leaf village. Not the sound of villagers bustling through the streets, not the sound of children running around playing and laughing, not even the sound of birds chirping in the morning. Just a dead silence.

It was hard to believe especially because just the day before the Leaf village was at war with the Sand and Sound. So many things happened that it felt like a week instead of a day. After the explosion on the Hokage's tower, hidden Sound ninja revealed themselves, the Third Hokage was trapped in a barrier with Orochimaru and Sasuke had went after Gaara when he and his teammates escaped. Analyzing the situation, Kakashi had given Hinata and Sakura the task of waking Naruto and Shikamaru from the genjutsu. When that was done, he gave them a mission: to go after Sasuke and stop him then find a safe location to await farther orders.

While chasing after Sasuke, Shikamaru volunteered to stay behind and hold off a group of Sound ninja that were following them while the other kept going. As they finally caught up, many things occurred. Sasuke was on his knees, clutching his neck as the curse mark broke through the seal Kakashi put on him, spreading on his arm and face. Gaara, who was going through a monstrous transformation, lunged at them to get to Sasuke. Naruto, Hinata, who was holding onto Sasuke and Pakkun, a ninja hound Kakashi gave them in order to track Sasuke, were able to avoid the attack but Sakura was a second too late and was slammed to a tree, the sand encased around her, trapping her. Sasuke and Naruto try fought Gaara off while Hinata and Pakkun were trying their best to free Sakura. Having enough, Gaara subconscious released the Shukaku, the one tailed beast. To counter Naruto released a large abundance of charka and summon the chief toad, Gamabunta. In the end, Naruto came out victorious. They arrived back to see that the village was also victorious in this war.

However, their victory came at a high price.

The Third Hokage had died in battle.

Hinata stood in front of a full body mirror in her room at the Hyuga Estate. Hiashi had spoken to Kakashi, saying that Hinata should stay with her family during times such as these and Kakashi, while looking skeptical, agreed but offered Hinata a chance to come back the day after the funeral.

She looked at her reflection, her black clothes were straighten, her headband secured around her neck and every hair on her head in place. The only thing off were her eyes, they still were red and puffy from the crying she'd done last night.

She sighed shakily before leaving her room. As she made her way to the gates, she paused when she saw her father standing just a few feet from her in his own black attire. After returning home, she just went straight to her room, not once speaking to him about what had happened during the war or anything else for that matter. If Hinata was being honest with herself, she really didn't want to talk to him about their colliding perspectives, especially not now. She just gave a short bow before walking past him, continuing her way to the exit.

Hiashi remained where he was, watching Hinata with a sad frown. This was not how he wanted things to go when he asked for her to come back. He had hoped he would have a chance to talk with her as soon as she came. Unfortunately, she went straight to her room and stayed there for the rest of the evening. When he went to her door and try to knock, he could hear her sobs from where he stood. Sadly while this tragic event might have brought her home (for a short time), it still wasn't the time to talk.

I'll just have to wait until after the funeral. Hopefully she'll feel up to talking with me then.

Hinata closed the gate behind her and leaned against it and gave another shaky sigh. That sigh soon turned into a choked sob and she bit her lip to try and stop another from coming out.

It was too much. The sadness she felt for the Hokage's death was still there but it was more that. All of the things she had put in the back of her mind were starting to surface. Like when she was in hospital, she was able to let out of her frustration but there was still sadness that lingered from how he called her daughter when he treated her like nothing. And there was Kakashi's seal. It didn't work, the curse mark still spread cross half of Sasuke's body when they were battling Gaara. If nothing was done about that mark soon...

Another sob escaped and this time she covered her mouth with her hand to trap it. She didn't want to let them out, she was suppose to be sad about the Hokage now, not her problems but it was getting harder and harder to hold by the second.

"Hinata..."

Through her blurred vision, she saw Sasuke standing a few feet from her, in his black clothes with his hands in his pockets. His eyes softened at the state she was in and without question, he opened his arms to her. The gesture break her restrain.

Hinata launched herself into his arms and started crying into his shoulders. Everything she'd been feeling since The Forest of Death came rushing like a river and she couldn't stop it. Her fear, her anger, her frustration and her sadness, she let them all pour out and onto the person she wanted to hold her and never let go.

Sasuke said nothing as he held her. He could feel the wetness of her tears on his shirt but they went unnoticed by the broken sobs he heard. He could tell this had to do with more than just the Hokage's death. Maybe it was because of yesterday? Maybe it was because she got into another fight with her father. There were many possibilities to think of but they weren't important now.

He tighten his hold on her and gently patted her head as he felt her cry.

What's important is that I give her what she needs.

They stood there for another couple of minutes until Hinata calmed down. She lifted herself from his shoulder and saw the stain her tears left, she wanted to apologize but Sasuke shook his head. He patted her head one more head before switching from a hug to holding her hand as they left to rendezvous with Naruto.

As they walked, Hinata thought about the times she and her team had spent with the Hokage. One was when he saw them waiting for Kakashi at their meeting point early in the meeting and decided to wait with them until he arrived. Naruto was laughing and Sasuke was smirking while she felt sorry for her sensei as the Hokage chewed him out for about an hour for arriving 4 hours late.

The Hokage may have been the strongest ninja in the village but he was also the most understanding and the kindest man she had ever met.

When they reached the meeting point, they saw Naruto standing there with a sad look in his eyes and a slight frown on his face. The team looked at each other before making their way to the Hokage's building. Sasuke on the left, Naruto on the right and Hinata in the middle, all of them walking side by side with Hinata's hand in each of theirs.

Thunder was booming above Sakura as she stood with her team, waiting for the ceremony to begin. The weather was appropriate, the dark clouds in the grey sky showed what everyone was feeling in their hearts. But for her, it was more than just the Hokage's death. Yesterday, she felt absolutely useless during their mission. When they reached Sasuke and the sand ninja, he was curled up on the branch in pain with strange marks that spread on half of his body, breathing heavily. When she went to comfort, it did no good. He didn't respond to her at all but when Hinata came besides him, she saw how instantly he relaxed and as she consoled him, he grab her hand as he uncurled his body while his breathing improved. And during the battle, they were able to keep Sasuke out of Gaara's reach but in the middle of it all, she got herself trapped in the sand.

Sakura knew she would be too worried about Sauke to focus on the battle or her surroundings, but she hoped that she would be that extra boost he'd need to keep going but instead...

In front of her, she could hear shuffling as people were taking their place in front of her. She looked up and to her surprise saw it was Hinata and Sasuke while Naruto was at the very front with Iruka-sensei and Konohamaru. Her lips began to curl into a smile on how close he was to her but it quickly faded as she noticed a difference in them. They were standing side by side like everyone but they were a bit closer than needed to be. And every now and then she could see Sasuke glancing over at Hinata, as if he was checking that she was ok. But what turned her stomach was that their hands where brushing each other and Sasuke didn't do anything about it, if anything he laced his pinky finger with her and kept it that way.

It's not fair...

Sakura's hands tighten into a fist as a raging jealously washed over her.

I hate this.

I hate that I was too weak to help.

I hate that I'm not on Sasuke's team.

I hate that I can't make him smile.

I hate that it's not me he's looking at.

And it's all her fault.

Sakura's gaze heated as she stared at the back of Hinata's head. If she had just agree to switch teams from the beginning, things would be different. She would've been stronger with Sasuke by her side, she could've passed her exam if he had been cheering for her during the exam and they could've been supporting each like he is doing now with her during this dark time.

Tears build up in her eyes from these overwhelming feelings.

Please, don't make me hate you.

Please just leave him alone, so he can love me.

Rain began the pour as the funeral was underway. As the elders spoke, each shinobi had lined up after receiving a white flower to lay in front of the Third Hokage's shrine.

Hinata looked down at her flower for a minute before looking back at the Hokage's picture. When the photo was taken, his expression showed his determination and his devotion toward his village and everyone in it. She couldn't help but remember how he found her after that day...

(Flashback)

Hinata was sobbing as she sat on the swing of the tree that stood in front of the academy.

The ninja academy.

This is where she would spend all her time now.

Her father had taken her on a walk a few days ago, telling her about his decision to pin her against Hanabi for the right to lead the Hyuga clan. She was already enrolled in the academy but as a part timer. He said the loser would be training and studying full time from now on at the academy instead of inside the estate with him.

But that wasn't what was bothering her. No, it was the memory of her father's face and his words that brought her to this current state.

She knew there was a chance that he wouldn't be happy about her losing to her little sister but she never imagined the anger, disappointment and shame she just faced.

She ran and ran, letting her feet take her to where they led, that's how she ended up here. She was thankful that there was no one round.

"I remember there was a time I too sat there when I was feeling low." A kind voice said.

Hinata raised her head, her eyes though blurry from the tears, she saw the Third Hokage looking down at her with a kind yet concerned expression.

"L-Lord Hokage?" She whispered before quickly rubbing her tears away, trying to look presentable.

"None of that now" He said, gently taking her hand away from her face "Even if you wipe away the tears, I will still know something is troubling you."

She bit her lip, her gaze now on her lap as she tried to avoid his eyes. She didn't want anyone to see her in this sad and pathetic state.

The Hokage frowned slightly at this. He know this method of shielding oneself away from others to avoid the looks of pity others would give them. He has seen it many times to know how the child in front of him felt. Luckily he knew how get people to open up to him.

"If I recall, you are Hinata, correct? Hiashi' s first daughter?"

Surprised, she looked up at him, her eyes wide "Y-You know about me?"

"Yes, part of my duty as Hokage is to know the current leader of each clan in my village and their potential successors." He explained.

"O-Oh..." Her expression flattened again "I s-see."

He studied her for a bit before looking up at the sky "We have such lovely weather today, don't you think?" He smiled down at her "I was thinking about going for a walk, but walks are enjoyed more with someone by your side."

He held out his hand to her "Will you keep me company, Hinata?"

She looked at his hand, then at him before taking his hand.

They walked around the village a bit, having light conversation. This helped with Hinata's mood, so much so that as they walking toward a lake area, she told him about what happened before she ran off.

"I-I could have w-won right then" She said after explaining what happened "If I d-did, then she would h-have suffered a g-great injury. T-They were p-prepared for something l-like that because the h-healers of our clan w-were sitting on the sidelines. Still in the end, I couldn't do it, n-no matter how I l-look at it, I could never hurt H-Hanabi in such a way."

The Third Hokage continue to look at the road they were walking down "Many would not have done what you did. History has shown siblings battling one another for power and it always results in one being gravely injured or in their death. However dispute knowing the consequences waiting because of your loss, you still showed mercy when others in your position would have taken the chance, that is a sign of someone with a kind and loving heart."

Hinata couldn't help but blush, it was the first time anyone had complimented her on her kindness. However her father's words still echoed in her head.

"But father said that the Hyuga needs a strong leader, not a kind one."

"Who says they can't be both?"

Hinata gasped at that and looked up, surprised.

"A strong and unkind leader is your father's view on what a clan leader should be. Everyone has their own view on what things should and should not be. But let me tell you this, my dear girl..

He stopped in the middle of the road, which caused Hinata to stop as well. He looked down and gave her the warmest smile she's even seen.

"Kindness and Love are not hinderances but gifts. Some are born with them while others must learn of them. They are part of the reason why we are in this time of peace, without them there would be only envy and hate and that alone can start a war."

He patted her on the head before looking at the lake below them "You may not see it now but your kindness and love may lead to great change in the future and maybe..."

He glanced at a certain figure sitting on the dock of the lake "It will heal someone's heart."

With that said, he started down the path again. However Hinata didn't follow him at start, she stood there, looking in the direction the Hokage glanced at. She saw a boy around her age with fair skin, onyx eyes and black chin length hair with bangs that hung above his eyes. He was sitting on the edge of the dock, looking out at the lake. The first thing that crossed her mind was that he looked familiar but the rest of the time she though about how lonely he looked.

Is that?...

"Young Hinata!" The Third Hokage called.

She jumped at his voice "Y-Yes?"

"The sun will be setting own. I believe it's time I escorted you back home."

"O-Oh yes, thank you."

Looking back at the dock, she was surprised to see the boy looking at her. Normally she wouldn't be able to look others in the eye but his eyes truly showed how sad and how lonely he was. A feeling was pulling her to try and ease his hidden sorrow but she had to get home, her father was already upset enough as it was.

So she gave him a kind smile and bowed before going after the elder man.

(Flashback end)

Hinata laid the flower upon his shrine and took another look at his picture. That day he helped her see that there was nothing wrong with being kind, that there was nothing wrong with being herself. It's only now that she realize what he was saying, she had her way of looking at things and so did her father, if she wanted him to see the way the Hyuga clan should be, she needed to show him herself.

Soon after the last shinobi paid their respects, the rain had stopped and the clouds started to clear away revealing the blue sky behind them. The funeral came to an end and everyone was going their separate ways except for team 7 as Kakashi had gathered his team before they could leave.

"I know we'll soon be busy with the repairs needed from the battle but luckily we don't have to start until tomorrow, so I figured it's time to celebrate."

"Celebrate?" The teens voiced, giving each other confused looks.

Kakashi nodded "You may not have became chunin but you went farther than most genin did in their first attempt of the exams and I think that's worth celebrating. So how's BBQ sound?"

"Alright!" Naruto cheered, jumping in excitement "You're the best, Kakashi sensei!"

"Thank you so much, sensei." Hinata smiled, then turn to Sasuke "What do you think, Sasuke?"

He gave her a small smile "As long as it's not ramen, I'm up for it."

"Hey, what do you got against ramen?!" Naruto yelled, ready to defend his all time favorite meal.

The team were so caught up in their conversation that they didn't sense when a certain someone came up to them.

"Hinata." A familiar voice called.

Hinata went silent, slowly lifting her head and saw her father standing in only a few feet from them.

"May I speak to you?" Hiashi asked, glancing at her team then back at her, adding "In private?"

The others may not have said anything but they had own thoughts to Hiashi's request. Kakashi wasn't too keen on the idea, given that the last time they spoke, Hinata burst into tears afterwords. If she chooses to speak with him, he can't deny her that right, the man was her father after all. But if she refuse, he would step in if needed.

Naruto was confused about the whole situation. He knew there was bad blood between the main branch and the side branch of the Hyuga clan, thanks to Neji's story and Lee's knowledge of the clan. So why was there so much tension between Hinata and her father when they both belong to the same branch? What happened while he was training?

Unlike the other two, Sasuke's thoughts were a bit harsher. Ever since he found out about Hinata's clan, home life and current living arrangements with Kakashi, he viewed Hiashi as a fool. The biggest fool to ever exist. Because only a fool would be blind to see the pain he was causing to his own child for years. And now that she had match the prodigy child of their clan, he sees her as worth his time. All he wanted to do is grab Hinata and take her far away from this man so he wouldn't cause her anymore pain. And he would have if it wasn't for the look Kakashi was giving him.

Hinata stood there, looking at her father with a blank expression, which unnerved him. She knew this talk was going to happen sooner or later but it will be under her terms.

"Can we go for a walk together before we talk?" She asked.

Hiashi looked at her, his face showed a bit of confusion but mostly relief. It was odd request she asked but maybe this would be good for them "Of course, whatever makes you comfortable."

She turns to her team "I'm sorry about this, I know we have plans-"

"Think nothing of it, Hinata." Kakashi assured as he pats her head "We'll hold of on it until tonight. For now, go with your father."

She gave him a small smile before turning to Sasuke and Naruto "Is that ok with you?"

"Yeah, I mean that's your dad and it looks like it's important, you should go." Naruto said, relaxing a bit as the tension was disappearing.

"Hinata..." Sasuke approached her, his face was blank but his eyes showed his concern "Are you sure about this? You know you don't have to if you don't want to."

She gave a reassuring look and smiled "I'm sure. I talked to him before but it'll be different this time."

He was still skeptical about it but nodded when he saw how serious she was about her decision.

She promised to meet up with them later before walking away with her father.

"Well, I'll go make a reservation, if I don't then we'll never get a table tonight." Kakashi said looking at his remaining students "I'm sure you two can keep yourselves busy in the meantime."

Naruto turned to look at him, he wanted to ask about what was going on but decided it was better to ask Hinata I stead since it did involve her family.

"Yeah, I'll go and keep Konohamaru company. I bet I can cheer that kid up in no time!" He exclaimed confidently, then ran off to find boy.

Kakashi waved him off before laying his eyes on Sasuke, who was still looking in the direction Hinata left in "You're planning on following them, aren't you?"

"Wouldn't you?" The Uchiha turned to him and frowned "When I asked you about how Hinata's recovery was going, you only said that she'll be released soon but under your custody because she and her father had an argument that in tears on her part. Never gave me an explanation of why things turned out like that."

"You know more about her now than you did before thanks to me, so you should be grateful." Kakashi stated, looking him in the eye "I only told you that so you could understand her a bit more but not to involve yourself in every confrontation she's in when it comes to her family. If she wants to tell you about what happened then that's her choice, just like it was her choice to talk to her father alone."

Sasuke scoffed annoyed "Whatever."

He turned his back to him and started to walk away.

"Some advice, stay in their blind spot. You won't be able to close enough to hear them but maybe enough to get the feel of the conversation."

Sasuke paused, looking over his shoulder and seeing Kakashi walking in the other direction, waving him off.

Hiashi had always taken his time to gather his thoughts when he asked to speak with anyone inside or outside his clan. Even while they were in front of him, waiting for him to speak, he would still be thinking and that may cause them to be anxious and on their guard. He would have to cut that habit of his because he did not enjoy being on the receiving end of it.

He and Hinata had been walking for a while, going to different parts of the village with Hinata leading him around. They would sometimes stop and she would just stare at a particular thing for a minute before continuing. In all that time, she had no muttered one word to him but the look in her eyes as they walked showed she was gathering her thoughts. He looked up at the sky and notice the position of the sun has changed quite a bit. There was an hour or so until sunset came and then she would leave to meet her team. He doesn't have much time left, if he doesn't say what he needs to now, he might not get another chance for a while.

Hiashi opens his mouth to speak but stopped when he noticed the area they entered. There were more trees in the area than that of any part of the village and there were almost no one around. To his left, there was a hill and down the small hill a large lake was seen with a wooden dock that almost tainted it's beauty.

He took him a moment but he realized exactly where they were.

This area...Its close to where the Uchiha clan once resided.

He stopped and watch his daughter walk down the small staircase toward the case.

Why did she lead me here?

Hinata stopped at the end of the dock and stared out at the lake.

Hiashi stopped only a few feet away from her.

They stood there in silence for a moment.

"Do you remember the day Lord Hokage escorted me home?" She asked.

Hiashi didn't show it but he was startled when he heard her speak.

"Yes...I do." He replied with slight hesitation.

Of course he remembered that day because he was the same day when he heartlessly told her to go. That day he was so busy about talking to the elder about Hanabi's new role, he failed to notice so much time had pass since Hinata had ran off. One of the branch members informed him that no one had seen her since that morning and the nightfall would begin soon. He was about to order others to search for her when another branch member informed them that she had just return with the Hokage by her side. He went to the gate and true to word, there stood his daughter with the Third Hokage looking at him with solemn expression.

(Flashback)

After having someone take Hinata back to her room, Hiashi turned to the Hokage "Thank you for bringing her back, Lord Hokage. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

"What make you think it was an inconvenience? I enjoyed my time with young Hinata, she is a very sweet child." He said.

"I see."

"She also told me that your successor has been decided."

Hiashi grew stiff, just what did his daughter tell the Hokage while she was with him? Did she do it so that he would give her another chance?

"Yes, as of now my youngest will lead the Hyuga clan when I am unable to."

"And what of your eldest?"

"The Hyuga clan has no use for a heir like her. She will be spending all her time at the academy while I focus on Hanabi."

Something in the Hokage's expression told him that he didn't agree with his decision. Hiashi expected a lecture but instead the old man sighed and turned to take his leave.

"I'll leave with this, Hiashi."

"Yes, Lord Hokage?"

"Everything grows and changes with time, that includes people. If you turn your head away for too long, you'll miss something amazing."

(Flashback ends)

How I wish I would have listened back then...

"This is where he told me that my kindness is a gift but you viewed it as something the Hyuga clan did not need. As something you didn't need..." Her voice grow soft as said the last part.

Hiashi swallowed the guilty lump forming in his throat "Hinata..."

"But..." She spoke, her voice strong again "Lord Hokage help me see that dispute our ability to see through everything, we see things in a different way. You have your view on how a ninja should be and I have mine and I'm not sorry that mine isn't the way you wish it to be."

"And you don't need to be." He said immediately as he couldn't stay silent any longer.

Hinata closed her mouth and looked at him over her shoulder.

"Hinata, the person you are and the ninja you've become so far, you have nothing to be sorry about." He said as his gaze were focused on his feet "I'm the one who needs to apologize.

The younger Hyuga's eyes widen as she was not expecting this.

"You were right to be upset with me that day. These past three years I've acted like you were just a bother instead of my child. In my mind, I've always thought that my actions for the benefit of the clan were the same actIons I should take toward you and Hanabi. It's now that I see some of those actions were wrong because I failed to see the amazing ninja and young lady you are turning out to be."

What he did next shocked Hinata because she thought she would never see it again, much less outside where anyone could see them. In front of her was her father, on his hands and knees the same way he was when he apologized to Neji.

"I am deeply sorry for what I have done to you, Hinata. The words I've said, the feeling of neglect and pain you felt and tears you've shed because of it. Please return home and I swear to you that I will try my best to be the kind of father you deserve." He begged,

The silence that followed was torture for him, then he felt a hands on his shoulders. He looked up and saw his daughter in front of him, pushing him into a kneeling position.

"Father...thank you." She whispered, tearing up "I never thought you would go this far for me."

With a bit of hesitation, he placed a hand on her cheek and wiped alway her tears "I am a stoic and strict man but I will do what I must to right my wrongs. And I have wronged you for too long, I am so sorry."

She gave a small smile at that.

To risk someone seeing him like in this state...just for me...he truly means what he says.

"Will you please come home?"

Her smile faded as a wary look appeared on her face "Do you think that's wise?"

He blinked at her, confused by her question.

"I do believe you when you say you'll be a better father but you and I will still collide with each other."

She helped him to his feet and looked at him with the same determination he saw in her at the hospital "I wasn't kidding when I said I would change the Hyuga clan. I'm going to find a jutsu, a scroll, anything that will remove the curse mask that causes the lower branch to hate and fear the main branch and end this blood feud once and for all!"

Hiashi looked at her, his face showed no expression but his mind was riling. He had hoped that she would give up on this foolishness of removing the curse mark after it was part of the reason why she left home. But no, if anything she looked even more determine than she did a few weeks ago. She was completely adamant about this goal of hers, nothing he said would change that. Part of him wanted to argue but he had just apologized and swore to be a better father. Then a thought occurred to him, maybe he didn't have to worry about this. The curse mark has been apart of their clan since the born of the leaf village. Besides death, there was no known jutsu that could remove it. Eventually she will realize that and give up that this endeavor.

"Very well, Hinata." He finally said "I don't agree with this, but I won't stop you."

Hinata looked at him for a moment before nodding "Thank you, father."

After that, Hiashi offer to escort Hinata to where she was meeting everyone but she declined, knowing that he had to get back to the estate. She said she'll be back home tomorrow night after she spoke with Kakashi. After seeing him off, Hinata decided to spend what time she had left, sitting on the dock looking out at the water.

She heard footsteps approaching from behind, she moved a bit to make room for the owner of those footsteps. They accepted the gesture and sat besides her, both staring out into the lake in silence.

"I'm glad things turned out the way they did..." Hinata said, looking to her left "Did you hear any of our conversation, Sasuke?"

Said person hands twitched as he turn to see the amusement in his teammate's eyes "You knew."

She nodded "I'm the observant one of the team. You did a good job staying in my father's blind spot but you slipped a bit with mine."

"Guess I should be glad it was yours and not his, huh?"'

"Yes, you're very lucky." She giggled.

"So...everything's ok, then?" He looked at her closely "You're going back home?"

"How did you know I haven't been home?"

"Kakashi." He simply replied.

"Why-"

"I forced it out of him. I know you, Hinata. You're the type of person who doesn't want to burden people with your problems." His expression turned determined "I...after hearing Neji's story at the preliminaries, I had to know more about your clan, so I could help you whenever you needed me. I'm just sorry I wasn't there with you at the hospital that day."

Hinata wanted to be upset about what Sasuke did but how could she when her heart was close to bursting out of her chest. Her cheeks were red hot and she couldn't look him in the eye in fear that she'd faint looking into his passionate onyx eyes.

"I-I guess it's f-fine when you p-put that way." She said softly, then her voice turned stronger "B-But next time just ask me directly, ok?!"

Sasuke smirked "Only if you're honest with me."

"You know I will be."

He smiled at her.

Yeah...I do know.

After her heart settled, Hinata looked out at the water, recalling the talk with her father "To answer your question before, Father apologized for everything he put me through and he said he'd be better from now on but..."

He frowned as she voice faltered "But what?"

"I think he's playing me for a fool."

"What makes you say that?"

"You see, there was another reason why we had a big argument. I told him I wanted to change the Hyuga clan."

"Change it?" He repeated, thinking of the information he had so far about the Hyuga clan and then it hit him "The curse mark..."

She nodded, looking down at her hands "I told him I wanted to remove the caste system of our clan and get rid of the marks that bind the branch members to the main household. Before we were going back and forth with each other about the topic and while he still doesn't agree with me, he's letting me do as I please with it."

He nodded as he understood what she was getting at "He doesn't think you'll be able to do it."

Hinata clutched her fists "There was a lot of things he thought I couldn't do but I proved him wrong..."

As she turned to him, Sasuke's heart was pounding when he saw a fire in her eyes grow as her determination did "And I will prove him wrong not. No matter what, I will find a way to free the Hyuga lower branch of this curse mark and bring them and the main branch together as one! I know it won't be easy but I'll do wherever it takes to make that happen."

Sasuke looked at her for a moment, stunned before getting up and holding his hand out to her.

She stared at his hand then up at him and saw him giving her a prideful smirk.

"When I hear you say that, I can't help but know that you'll change people's lives for the better, no matter how they are. You'll make people happy, I know you will."

Hinata's cheeks warmed at that as she smiled "Yeah, I'll make them happy."

She took his hand and held it tight.

Sasuke pulled her to her feet "Come on, we've got to met up with Kakashi and the loser before they decide to hog all the food."

Without letting go of each other's hand, they walked in silence as the sun began to set.

'Your kindness and love may lead to great change in the future'

Hinata squeezed the hand in her.

I will change the Hyuga clan for the better. I'll make Neji and everyone are happy.

She glanced over at Sasuke and smiled.

And I'll make you happy too, Sasuke. No matter what it takes.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I do hope you guys are getting excited because we are closing in to the end. I myself am not sure about it but I think it'll take another ten chapters or more before we get into shippuden. But you can bet that's where all the exictement will be! I've got plenty of ideas! Please leave reviews and keep giving your ideas on the second level on the Byakugan. Like what its power should be and how her eyes should look. I'll try to have the other chapter ready in a month or two. Promise! See you soon and Happy Mother's Day!