Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
AN: Altered reached fifty reviews as of last chapter and it still amazes me how much this story has grown and it's all thanks to everyone who has supported it by favoriting, following, and reviewing the story. Thank you so much and I hope y'all continue to enjoy reading Altered!
Chapter Twenty-Two
Hinata walked into the Yamanaka Flower Shop and wasn't surprised to find Sakura and Ino chatting behind the counter.
Ino looks over at Hinata hearing the bell, "Hina-Chan!!" The blond squeals before jumping over the counter and tackling Hinata, the Hyuuga stumbles but keeps her footing as she hugs the Yamanaka back, "What brings you around?" Ino asks.
Hinata glances over the blond to Sakura. The pinkette's eyes widen but she smiles at the bluenette, "Did you need something?" Sakura asks.
"Yes, I was wondering where I could find Kakashi-San," Hinata says.
Sakura raises a brow, "Your looking for my Sensei?" She asks, "Why?"
"I just need advice, Kurenai-Sensei suggested for me to ask him," Hinata explains, "Do you know where he is?"
"Yeah, he's on some mountain training Sasuke for his fight with Gaara," Sakura says, "Naruto is out training with someone too. I can't find him either."
"I can ask him after the finals round," Hinata says, "Thanks for the help."
"No problem! But is that all you came here for?" Sakura asks.
Hinata smiles sheepishly, "Not really...I was wondering what kind of training you both do? For more ideas..and I want to learn some new techniques."
Ino shrugs, "I mostly work with my Clan Techniques. I'm not sure whether that can help you."
"I train with my chakra control and my weapons," Sakura admits, "But I don't train enough, I need to start working harder."
"Thank you for the input," Hinata says, "I do need to work my Clan techniques, my chakra control, and my weapons. I'll make sure to add more time into training on control and weapons."
Ino smiles brightly, "I'm glad we helped!"
Sakura nods in agreement, "I'm glad too."
Hinata waves and hugs the two before leaving the flower shop.
Line Break
An hour later Hinata is working on her weapon throwing, she throws the kunai and it hits the bullseye, 'With Naruto's barrage of clones I'll need both the Triagram Techniques and my own version of the Heavenly Rotation for the Finals. I need to work on building my chakra levels up after this,' The Hyuuga thinks to herself.
The hairs on the back of her neck rise and Hinata turns and throws her kunai at the figure standing underneath the trees.
The dull clinking sound of the metal hitting the ground has her on guard as she activates her Byakugan, and almost stumbles in shock as the Dojutsu falls away.
Hinata meets Gaara's eyes as the other Genin steps from the shadows, 'What is he doing here??'
The training ground is silent as Hinata is paralyzed in both fear and shock, 'Calm down self...it'll be alright.'
Hinata takes a deep breath before meeting his eyes head on, "H-Hello Gaara-San..what are you doing here?"
The red heads eyes narrow at her, and Hinata flinches at the glare he sends her, "You are fighting Naruto...are you not?"
Hinata nods, "I am..and your fighting Sasuke-San."
The Hyuuga feels a bead of sweat drop down the side of her face, 'This is so awkward..I've been meaning to approach him but..why did he approach me?'
"Your aware that if you win your battle you'll go up against me correct?" Hinata looks up at him, surprised he spoke.
"Not exactly you...Sasuke-San could very well win the match," Hinata states, "And while I'm not very close to him. I don't doubt his abilities."
"You watched as I defeated a Genin a year older than you all, with more experience, who was obviously stronger. Yet you think he will win?" Gaara asks.
"I don't think he'll win. I'm not sure who will win between you two," Hinata says, "Do you think you'll win?"
Gaara closes his eyes as he crosses his arms, "Yes. I always win...and I expect this time my prey will put up a fight before I kill him," the red head states, "Would you be scared? More scared than you already are of me? If you win your battle, and I win mine, we will surely fight...and I will kill you too."
Hinata glances at his gourd when she see's the gourd shake and tremble, "I will put up my best fight in the event we are paired against each other Gaara-San," her eyes narrow slightly, "I will not be your prey if that happens."
Sand surrounds the red head before he disappears from sight, Hinata lets out an audible sigh of relief, 'I need to work even harder now. With Gaara-San openly threatening me..this could be bad,' The Hyuuga thinks, 'I just hope Sasuke-San is working harder than he ever has and is thinking up a plan to counter his sand.'
Hinata walks over to where Gaara stood and picks her kunai up, 'I need to get stronger. If Gaara-San is this strong as a Genin..there will be much stronger ninja out there.'
She turns and throws the kunai, the weapon flying through the air and landing in the bullseye once more.
Hinata's eyes narrow in determination, she looks up at the sky and sees its midday already, "I need to head back for my training session soon," The Hyuuga murmurs before running back towards the Compound.
Line Break
"Again," Hiashi commands.
Hinata takes a deep breath and begins to rapidly spin her arms around as her hands glow with chakra, "Protecting Eight Triagrams Sixty Four Palms!"
Hiashi watches the chakra surrounding Hinata expand with sharp chakra needles and dissipate as Hinata pants heavily, wiping the sweat from her brow, 'She can use it three times before she becomes to exhausted,' Hiashi thinks, "Good."
Hinata looks up at him, "Can we work on my other Triagram technique?"
"Let's have tea first," Hiashi states, "You shouldn't push yourself to hard. That technique takes a lot of chakra, it's impressive you were able to use it three times in a row like that."
Hinata beams at him and follows her father to the dining room where they settle down with freshly brewed cups of tea.
"Did you find Kakashi?" Hiashi asks.
"He's training Sasuke-San on a mountain somewhere, my question will have to wait until after the exams," Hinata says, "In a way it's good. That won't be able to distract me as I focus all my attention on my current techniques."
Hiashi makes a noise of agreement but doesn't say anything else.
"Where is Hana-Chan at?" Hinata asks.
"I believe Ko is training with her," Hiashi says, "You get distracted with her around and I thought it would be better if you trained without her watching."
Hinata grimaces, "I know...I do appreciate sparring with her though. It increases my speed and stamina since I have my gravity seal on."
"Speaking of, I was curious as to whether or not you'd continue your work with sealing Jutsu. The gravity seal is basic but I'm sure if you read through the other scrolls you'll find more useful techniques," Hiashi says.
Hinata sips her tea as she glances towards a calligraphy on the wall, "Maybe. A sealing scroll could prove to be useful, Tenten-Chan uses her's for weapons. I could use them for more than that..like extra supplies and other things."
Hiashi nods, "Hinata..don't push yourself harder than needed. At the rate we are training you'll be ready for your battle with Naruto."
"I'm not over training if that's what you are implying," Hinata says.
"Then why do you sneak out at night? Ko has let you go several times but he always informs me," Hiashi states.
Hinata looks at him with wide eyes, 'I shouldn't be surprised, Ko is loyal to my father first,' Hinata thinks, "I go to a nearby waterfall and practice my chakra control..as well as my Protecting Triagram technique. I find it's an easy way to build chakra levels as well."
Hiashi nods quietly, "You may go every other night. Starting tonight you will rest inbetween then, you've worked hard enough for today."
"Yes father...thank you for letting my continue to train," Hinata says.
"This is a symbol of my trust in you Hinata. I have faith you will not overwork yourself and you will continue to grow stronger with every training session. Do not let me down," Hiashi states.
"I don't plan to father," Hinata says.
Hiashi smiles, 'At this point, I don't think you can my daughter.'
Line Break
Hinata sat cross legged in the middle of her room, her eyes closed and Byakugan activated as she meditated.
Normally it's forbidden to have your Byakugan activated inside the Main House, but Hiashi gave her special permission since she was only using it to meditate and strengthen herself.
When she first activated her Byakugan she decided she would meditate an hour every day with it activated. Meditating calmed her considerably, so meditating before she went to bed helped her fall asleep easier.
Hanabi sat across from her, the younger Hyuuga meditated with her occasionally, only when she planned to sneak into Hinata's room and sleep alongside her older sister.
The two sisters soon deactivated their Dojutsu and crawled into Hinata's bed.
"What has meditating done to help you?" Hanabi asks curiously.
"The range of my Byakugan has increased greatly, as well as my chakra levels and control," Hinata explains.
"Wow! I need to join you more often!" Hanabi says.
Hinata giggles, "Of course Hana-Chan, I would love that."
To be continued..
AN: Another chapter done! The ending is kinda awkward but I couldn't think of anything else..ending with Hanabi and Hinata moments are cute tho.
To Guest 1: I'm glad you like Hinata in this story! I do like the original Hinata but in this story she's a lot different because of certain events that didn't happen. Thank you for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter and continue to enjoy reading Altered.
To Guest 2: I'm not sure yet, it's an interesting idea and I do love stories where Hinata takes after Tsunade. She actually was Tsunade's student in my other story. As for romantic pairings for both the current Genin and Jounin, I am not sure. In all honesty I haven't really thought of romantic pairings between the Jounin nor the Genin. I'm glad that you like the story and I will think over your suggestions! Thank you for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter and continue to enjoy Altered!
To Guest 3: I had an idea for developing her sealing Jutsu but not majorly, and I have been thinking about her becoming a medic-nin as well. I'll definitely think about that too! I'm glad you enjoy the story! Thank you for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter and continue to enjoy Altered!
To cosmicblader12: Hehe, originally it was gonna be Hinata vs Neji, but me and my Beta wanted to come up with some original fights rather than rehash the ones from the anime. As for Hinata and Naruto..you'll just have to read and find out! Thank you for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter and continue to enjoy Altered!
Guest 4: Thank you for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter and continue to enjoy Altered!
A special thank you to revendextr15 for following Altered! I hope you enjoy this chapter and continue to enjoy Altered!
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I'll see y'all next chapter! Bye!