Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Chapter Two

Eight year old Hinata looks up, feeling Neji's dubious stare from across the room, her cousin stood at the entrance with his arms crossed and eyebrow raised as he read the cover of her book, "Do you need anything Nii-San?"

Neji walks over, entering the library, and taking a seat next to her, "Why are you reading up on Ninjutsu? Elemental Jutsu to be exact."

Hinata shrugs, "I want to learn more about it," she puts the book down after a moment, looking and listening for anyone that might be nearby, before turning to Neji, "You know that I'll be the Head of the Clan someday right?"

"Yes," Neji asks, confused by her sudden question.

"And you know that you'll be right by my side, as we get rid of the curse seal, and bring the Main Branch and the Branch together?"

"Yes."

"Then why is it so shocking that I'd be reading up on Ninjutsu? We both know, that I won't be following tradition when I become Head," Hinata says quietly, "And I don't mind breaking a few rules, and angering the council if it means I won't be subjecting myself to wasting my potential by just using the Clan techniques and my Byakugan."

"The Clan Techniques and Byakugan are our Clan's pride Hinata, there is a reason we only use them, it's to show our strength, that our techniques are all that we need, that we are superior to everyone else," Neji states.

Hinata frowns, "Pride isn't everything Nii-San, one day, that pride will bite us back, and even with all Are knowledge of our Clan's Tehniques, we won't be ready, I'm preventing that Neji, by learning outside our Clan, and learning new jutsu's, I won't be limiting myself."

Neji frowns, a serious expression on his face, "Your father won't approve of this."

"He doesn't know."

"The council will be against it, they might as well start training Hanabi now."

"They don't need to know, and Hanabi's two for goodness sakes."

"This is a dangerous gamble Hinata, learning outside our Clan's techniques is treason," Neji states, "Are you willing to do that? For a few flashy jutsu's?"

Hinata smiles at him, "Neji, I won't limit myself, the Byakugan has so many more uses than how we use it now, think about how I could use my Byakugan in medical Jutsu! Hyuuga have always had the chakra control it takes to become one, but the council has always forbidden it, 'Ninja's take lives, not save them,' that's probably the most stupid and ignorant thing they've said, Ninja's take lives, yes but they also save them too, and not just by using Medical Jutsu, but by protecting our village and keeping us all safe, by going on missions for the sake of our village, they are wrong Neji, and I'll prove that to them by becoming a strong ninja, with both my Byakugan, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu and even Medical Jutsu."

Neji stares at her in shock, "When did you become so knowledgeable."

"It's logic Neji," Hinata states, "I understand if you went to learn only the Clan techniques, it won't lessen my view of you Neji, I respect you, your my older brother, I aspire to be as strong as you, and stronger than you," Hinata says, "But as I said, I won't limit myself."

Neji stares at her silently for a moment, before sighing, "I won't be changing your mind will I?"

"Nope."

"Fine, I'll keep this a secret Hinata, so don't let this blow up in your face," Neji says.

Hinata smiles brightly, "Thank Neji-Nii-San, and I won't!"

Neji sighs, rubbing his temples, "I feel like I aged in the past five minutes, why must you be so troublesome Hinata?"

Hinata looks over at him, "Troublesome? No. Smart? Logical? Yes."

Neji groans and stands up, "I'll see you later at our training session Hinata-Sama."

Hinata giggles as she watches him go, 'Thank you for your support Neji-Nii-San.'

Hinata focused again on the book, "Where do I find chakra paper?" She asks herself out loud.

Line Break

Over the two years she'd been at the academy, Hinata has learned a few things, first, don't approach Sasuke or you'll be mauled by the surrounding females, second, if you are a female, and you like Sasuke, Sasuke hates you, and third, just don't go near Sasuke Uchiha.

Last year during their second year at the academy, the Uchiha Clan had been wiped out by one of their own, Itachi Uchiha, who left only Sasuke alive, to fester in his growing anger and hatred.

Hinata didn't know what to think, she had heard rumors from her Clan elders about the Uchiha Clan, but she never listened, she had met the Uchiha heir only a few times, but from what she had seen, he wasn't a bloodthirsty psychopath, but then again, wolves can hide in sheeps clothing, and she wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. Something just felt off about the entire thing, but she wouldn't waste time thinking about it.

Hinata took her seat in the very back as usual, and beside her sat her seat mate, Shino Aburame.

They didn't speak much to each other, only Hinata's greetings when he arrived, or when she arrived, and goodbyes every day. They acknowledged each other, and that was enough, especially considering how introverted the two were.

Hinata couldn't speak for Shino, but all her interactions with people are from inside the Clan, and the few people she's interacted with at Clan events, but only because she's has to, she'd rather study all day, or train.

"Good morning Aburame-San," Hinata says, looking over at the quiet boy, who only nods in response.

Hinata looked around the room, watching the interactions between her fellow classmates, and was surprised to see Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno yelling and arguing heatedly over Sasuke, 'Aren't they best friends?' Hinata thinks, she wasn't sure, considering they looked about ready to murder each other then and there.

The door to classroom opens and everyone quiets down and scrambles to sit at their desks, she notes that Sakura has taken the seat next to Sasuke, and looked much too smug about it.

She focuses on Iruka as he started the lesson, taking notes and making sure she understood all that he said.

"Your all dismissed for lunch, we'll discuss more on chakra when you all get back." Iruka says.

Hinata stands up and gets her lunch out, she sees Shino sitting at his desk and walks over, "Would you like to eat lunch with me Aburame-San?"

Shino nods and they head outside, and sit on Hinata's favorite bench and eat lunch in a comfortable silence.

Hinata smiles to herself as she takes a bite of her rice ball, 'I think I've finally made my first friend.'

Line Break

Hinata waved goodbye to Shino before leaving the classroom and heading towards the entrance, Neji stood waiting for her at the gates, "Neji-Nii-San!" She calls out to him as she comes closer.

Neji looks at her, raising an eyebrow, "Your in a good mood today."

"I made a friend!" Hinata says cheerfully.

"After two years you finally made a friend..congratulations Hinata," Neji says with a teasing smirk.

Hinata pouts, "That's better than you can say," Neji doesn't respond, knowing she's right.

Hinata and Neji exit the academy and start walking home, 'Neji-Nii-San is more introverted than either me or Shino, he's even more socially awkward, he only really interacts with our Clan like me, but even at Clan Events he doesn't stick around for long, opting to train in the Branch house dojo.'

Neji looks over at her, confused by her sudden silence, "Are you okay Hinata?" He asks.

Hinata looks up at him, "It's nothing, I was just thinking about how you don't like Clan or social events."

Neji scowls, "I'd rather train then stand around for hours pretending like I tolerate other people."

Hinata giggles in response, "Poor Neji-Nii-San, hopefully your genin team can break down your walls and become your friends."

Neji frowns, "So who's your friend?" He asks, changing the subject.

"Shino Aburame," Hinata says, "He's even more quiet than I am, but when he does speak its very thoughtful and insightful, when I graduate, I hope I'm in the same team as him."

Neji nods, "It's good to be on a team with people you know, what would really be unlucky is if you ended up on a team with the Uchiha."

Hinata can't stop the cringe as she thinks about it, "I don't mean to be rude, but being on the same team as Sasuke Uchiha would be self destructive, not only for me, but for our other teammate as well, he doesn't work well with others, and honestly, he's to prideful to recognize their strength."

Neji looks over at her, "I agree, and Hiashi would never allow it anyways."

Hinata didn't disagree, they parted ways when they arrived at the compound. She headed inside the Main House and to Hiashi's Office.

The Head of the Clan looked up when she entered, "How did your day go?"

"Good, I made a new friend," Hinata says, "His name is Shino Aburame."

Hiashi nods, "Aburame's have good heads on them, I'm glad your becoming more...social," he says.

Hinata beams, "Thank you father," she bows before leaving his office to visit Hanabi.

"Hana-Chan!!" The Two year old perked up hearing her voice, Hinata picks her up and Hanabi eagerly wraps her arms around Hinata's neck, "Hi-Cha!"

Hinata giggles, she loved the nickname Hanabi had given her, Hanabi couldn't quite say her name yet.

"Does Hana-Chan want me to read a story to her again?" The little girl nods and Hinata sits on one of the chairs in the room, Hanabi snuggling up to her as Hinata began reading the book to her.

Line Break

Hinata ran through her stances, as Neji watched, "You've gotten better Hinata, your defense is very good, but you need to get better with your offense."

"I know," Hinata says, weaving through the different stances, almost like a dance, "I've been working on a new technique."

Neji nods his head, waiting for her to continue.

"You know how I won't be able to use the Eight Triagrams Palms revolving Heaven?"

"Yes," the technique would be no good to her since she was creating her own version of the gentle fist, "What of it?"

"I've been training on my own, I think if I practice enough, in a few years I may be able to create my own version of it," Hinata says, taking a deep breath as she began her cool down routine.

Neji looks decidedly interested, "I'm guessing I won't be able to see it until you've perfected it?"

Hinata nods, "It will be a surprise for everyone," she says with a smile, "I want to impress my father, how else would I be able to do it then by creating my own technique."

Neji smiles, "I think that will be perfect," he says, "If you ever need help come ask me."

Hinata looks back at him, "I'm gonna do my best to not have to ask you for help Neji-Nii-San, I appreciate all you've done for me but I want to do this myself."

"I understand Hinata, I'm quite excited to see what you've come up with," Neji says.

Hinata smiles, "It'll be worth the wait."

"Of course it will, you'd never do anything for no reason," Neji says.

Hinata shrugs, "I don't know about that, I go out of my way to tease you sometimes."

Neji rolls his eyes, "Like the annoying little sister you are," he says.

Hinata grins, "Your never getting rid of me."

Neji smirks, "Who said I wanted to get rid of you?"

Hinata stands up and holds her arms out, "Can I hug you?"

Neji scowls, "Your all sweaty and disgusting, no!"

Hinata darts after him when Neji takes off, "Come back Neji!"

"Don't touch me Hinata!"

There's a crash, and Hizashi looks down on the ground, Neji had ran into him and had been able to stop himself from falling, but Hinata had tackled him in the few seconds his guard was down, "Neji...Hinata-Sama."

Hinata looks up and smiles brightly, "Hi Hizashi-ji-San."

Whatever Neji says is muffled by the act his face was currently slammed into the ground, Hinata gets off her cousin and pulls him up, "Hello father," Neji mumbles, face red from embarrassment.

Hizashi nods and steps around the two, "Don't let your guard down again Neji," he calls back to them.

Neji glares at Hinata, "I hate you."

"You don't mean that."

Neji grumbles and walks passed her as Hinata bursts into a fit of laughter, gaining odd looks from the Clan members she passes by as she heads to her room.

To be continued...

AN: Alrighty, I'm on a roll.

A special thanks to Sara (Guest) for your review! It made me super happy and I'm glad you like the story so far!

A special thanks to SarcasticSapphireHaltermayno, and Aki666 for following Altered, the story says I have four followers, I didn't get the notification for the fourth follower and I apologize for not including you, and another special thank you to mythologyfreakgirl for favoriting my story!

I'm so glad that you all like Altered and I hope you enjoy this chapter and future chapters, see y'all next chapter! Bye!