Full Summary ~

Left broken and alone Hyūga Hinata reaches a fork along the straight and narrow road she has followed all her life. Thrust into a battle decades old, she learns of the true nature that surrounds the success of a Great Village. As an orange masked man holds out a leathered hand to tempt her away from the village, new introductions start her on the road to recovering what she lost in her childhood.

Years pass. Her rank rises as she gains new friends and family to fight beside.

But happiness in the shinobi world lasts for only a fleeting moment no matter how tight one holds it.

Precipice — Chapter One

"What if I fall?"

"Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?"

Erin Hanson

Always stronger.

Always faster.

Always better.

Better than yesterday. Better than what they thought of her. Better than what she thought of herself.

"Urgh!" A high-pitched grunt escaped the bluenette's pink parted lips. Her scarred and bleeding hands struck the splintering log. Hit after hit, pain reverberated up her arm like the deep slice of a kunai.

A pained cry filled the empty clearing as she collapsed onto boney knees. She grasped her wrist with a gasp, crawling to lean against the abused log. Staring down at her broken hand her vision clouded over as her tears pooled.

Bitting her quivering lower lip, she shook her head.

'How can so much pain occur under such a beautiful sky,' she thought as the stars winked down at her. 'I can't… I can't anymore. Please…' Her heart laid heavy in her chest as tears streaked down her face.

In a land where thousands of hero's resided, no one was there to save that single girl from her suffocating despair. No knight in shining armour, which every girl was promised. No man in a red cape, swooping down and carrying her away. There, in the dead of night, no one was there to save her… except herself.

Hinata peeled open her crusted lids. The mocking sun's rays shone down, burning her tear strained eyes. Managing a squint, she surveyed the area. Only the rustling of trees could be seen. A few scarce voices could be heard in the distance. With the sun peaking over the horizon she knew it to be early morning.

Her eyes drooped to her lap. Her mind was now silent but all that furthered was the hollow feeling that slowly consumed her.

Hinata tilted her head, focusing on her broken hand. She twitched her fingers, not flinching as a her joints burned from the movement. She did it again, stretching, bending, and flexing against their pleading cry.

Her dead eyes lifted.

With a resigned sigh she stood, putting most of her weight on the training post. With a few wobbles she righted herself on cramping legs.

With her eyes on her scuffed sandals she did not enjoy the scenery as she shuffled along the well-worn path that connected this training ground to her tiny abode. Further she walked, deeper into the forest that surrounded the village walls. The sounds of the village mellowed to silence, now only her heavy breaths and the ruffling of leaves met her ears.

She was wasting away at only thirteen years of age. A shell of who she used to be. Her old clothes hung off of her thinning body. Her cheekbones stark against the sunken hollows of her cheeks and eyes. Oiled hair clung to the back of her neck, her bangs clumping and thin. A hastily thrown bandage covered her forehead.

Using her good hand she twisted the knob of her run down shack: her home. Despite the circumstances she loved the place. Isolated, quiet, quaint—it fit her well. A minuscule smile adorned her face.

"Is that a smile I see?"

Hinata's eyes snapped towards the sound. Chilled air rushed into her lungs.

Her shoulders slumped in relief, "Ka-Kakashi-sensei." The twenty-three year old Jōnin sensei leaned casually against her kitchen counter.

Kakashi let out an awkward chuckle. "Sorry," he scratched the back of his head. "Didn't mean to scare you."

"You-you can't s-sneak into people's houses," Hinata chastised in a whisper.

"Didn't sneak," Kakashi clarified. "Door was open."

Hinata closed her eyes as another sigh escaped her.

Kakashi's eyes darted down to Hinata's hand. His brows drew together before his expression melted in sympathy. He brought his eyes back as Hinata's opened. "I didn't see you this morning," he picked up an apple from a bowl to his left. Inspecting the Red Delicious, he turned it side to side. "I came to check up on you. Since I'm so considerate," he flashed a smile behind his navy mask.

Hinata's eyes dropped down.

Kakashi mentally berated himself. 'Stupid. Idiot. This is why I don't try to help. Really this is the Hokage's fault.'

"I wanna," Hinata bursted out, breaking Kakashi from his thoughts. She swallowed, trying to ignore her fluttering heart. "I want to join a team again."

Kakashi's visible eye grew wide. "Oh."

"I-I mean…" Hinata's voice drew off as she gathered herself. "Thank you for training me in your spare time. I just, I just want to… get stronger."

"Oh."

The sides of Hinata's mouth tipped upwards in a despondent smile.

"Are you sure you're ready?"

Hinata's eyes narrowed, her lips pressed together. "How long did you take off?"

Kakashi's visible eye glimmered in mirth, enjoying the bite-back the shy girl had developed around him, no matter how rare. He held up his hands in mock surrender. "That was a bit different, but," he drew out the word, "I see your point."

Hinata's cheeks tinged pink at her outburst. "S-sorry, I-"

"You better head off to the Hokage Tower then," Kakashi interrupted. "Hokage's more likely to say yes before noon." Seeing Hinata's questioning look he added, "There's a meeting with the Clan Heads."

Hinata smiled that same despondent smile. "Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."

Walking to the door he brushed past Hinata, messing up her hair with a swish of his hand.

Hinata didn't turn as she heard the door close. "Thank you…" she whispered as her hands clenched into fists.

Steeling her nerves she tried not to think as she readied herself for the day, washing off yesterday's grime and sweat.

She was scared. Terrified. Her hands wouldn't stop their shaking. Only the pain in her broken joints grounded her. But, she was also tired. Tired of everything. Tired of life. What did she have to lose?

Hinata's chin length hair blew in the wind. Feeling a piece get stuck to her chapped lips, she absently tucked it behind her ear as she stared up at the looming Hokage Tower. It was a symbol of prosperity, strength, and hope to the entire village. Hinata couldn't help but notice its chipping paint.

With an exhale she took a step forward. And another. And another.

A bead of perspiration dripped down her neck as she walked through the occupied halls. Nothing good had ever come from walking here.

Shinobi of all levels chatted without a care, awaiting their next mission or celebrating a successful one; trained enough to ignore all the missing life. They turned their heads as she passed, giving out looks of pity like pocket change on the street.

Hinata shrunk into herself. Tucking into the collar of her sweater she inhaled the comforting scent. Her heartbeat raced as she approached the door that led to the Hokage's office.

"How can we help ya?" A voice teased from in front of her.

Hinata lifted her head to meet the chocolate eyes of one of the Hokage's guards. There were two; one on either side of the door. She had seen the one that spoke on a few occasions. His brown hair was slick underneath his hitai-ate which tied like a bandana. A senbon sat in his mouth, rolling side to side with each flick of his tongue.

"I, um, I need to speak to Hokage-sama… please." Hinata's eyes darted back and forth between the two special Jōnin. She shuffled back under their inspection.

"You do, do ya?" The same guy asked as he pulled his mouth into a smirk.

Hinata's cheeks tinted pink. About to speak, her words got stopped on the tip of her tongue as a voice boomed out.

"Genma! Stop messing around and let her in. I'm tired of you-"

Genma cleared his throat calling Hinata's attention, "Go ahead." He jerked his head towards the door.

Hinata froze with wide eyes and a parted mouth. She'd never heard the Hokage raise his voice before. 'Maybe I should come back later,' doubt reared its ugly head. 'I shouldn't burden him. He's already done so much for me.'

"No ya don't," Genma grabbed hold of Hinata's shoulder, pushing her towards the door when he caught the look in her eye. "See if you can fix his mood," he grumbled as he shut the door with a menacing click.

"S-sorry. I-I-"

Hiruzen lifted his head up from a folder filled to the brim with papers, its seams beginning to tear. He smiled. "Hinata," his raspy voice, thick from age, filled the room. "I should be the one apologizing." He lowered his voice conspiratorially, "Sometimes the only way to get them to focus is to… be a little more strict."

Hinata gave a single sharp nod. "Of course, Hokage-sama."

The wrinkles along Hiruzen's face softened. "Now," he shut the folder, "What can I do for you today?"

With a strengthening breath, Hinata didn't hesitate, refusing to allow her anxiety to seep into her words. "I would like to be placed back onto a team."

If Hiruzen was surprised he hid it well. "Hmm," he leaned back into his chair. "What brought on this change?"

Hinata peered down at her hand. The bruises had darkened, decorating her palm and circling up her fingers. "I'm tired… I-I want to become stronger." When her eyes returned forwards, she noticed Hiruzen's gaze narrowed on her hand.

"Stronger?" His brown eyes peered back into Hinata's. "I am almost certain this is not for revenge, unless my senses are already failing me."

"N-no, I stand, I stand by my decision," she spoke softly. "I want to protect… I want to give my life to Konoha."

Hiruzen's eyebrows shot upwards, making his forehead crinkle. "Protect," he mumbled with a hidden smile.

Hinata waited, her nerves growing louder at each passing second.

"No. I'm sorry, Hinata. There are currently no open spots on any of the teams. I will keep you in mind while deciding next year's. I suggest you try to stay in as best shape as possible until then."

Her heart sunk to her stomach, but this time no tears flowed. 'What do I have to lose?' She reminded herself. "What if I was a - a - a substitute?!" She hurried.

It became increasingly more difficult for Hiruzen to hide his smile. "A substitute?"

"Yes," Hinata was racking her brain, trying to explain herself; she needed this. "If, if a team needs an extra for a mission… Or if someone is sick or injured… I-I could, would fill that place." Noticing the Hokage's doubt, she added, "I-I would have trained with them, so… there, there would be less chance of error." Her voice shrunk smaller and smaller as the words left her.

"Are you questioning your Hokage?"

Hinata gasped, her eyes widening.

"Good, because I would have too if I were you," Hiruzen took pity on the timid girl, breaking his farce. His expression turned back into one of content.

Hinata's mouth gaped.

Hiruzen chuckled. "You will start tomorrow." He leaned to the side, opening a drawer and pulling out a single sheet. "Training Ground Eight at seven a.m."

Hinata snapped her mouth shut before dropping low into a bow. "Th-thank you, Hokage-sama."

"The only thanks I require is your success. I have faith in you, Hinata, but only through having faith in yourself will you succeed."

Hinata rose, those simple words warming her. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

"Let this old man get back to his work," he brushed off her thanks. "Be ready for tomorrow. You're dismissed."

Afraid to push her luck, Hinata gave another bow before turning to leave. Walking out, she turned to close the cumbersome door. She sighed, her shoulders slouching.

"That bad?"

Hinata, peeking at Genma from around her falling hair, remembered the Hokage's first words to her. She gave an affirmative nod, bitting her lower lip and casting her gaze to the ground.

"Damn it," he groaned as he plopped his head back against the wall with a thud.

Hiruzen rubbed the palm of his hand down his face.

"Starting her off with that team?" Kakashi voiced his uncertainty from his propped position in the windowsill.

Hiruzen exhaled. "If she cannot succeed with them then she will fail with the rest."

Kakashi remained silent, staring at the bustling streets.

"I know you are concerned for her, but she has great potential," Hiruzen continued. "The world has hardened her into a way she should have never been; such is the world. Her once greatest weakness—compassion—has been brought into question in her mind. If she can find a balance she will be just what I am looking for."

That caught Kakashi's attention. His eye darted to Hiruzen. "I see."

Hiruzen gave a nod of his head. "For now continue to watch her. She is at a crossroad, let us not lose her to the wrong step."