Hey everyone!

Here's the newest chapter so I hope you enjoy.

I will try to update a little sooner since I kept you all waiting on the last couple of chapters.

You all are so good with me, and for that I am most thankful.

But as always read and review!

Now onwards my dears!


Temari was staring down at her infant son with a look of uneasiness.

Shikadai having been born a few days ago was sleeping peacefully in her arms. Shikamaru and Temari were happy to have had their son, but his timing for arrival could've been better. Suna was still in the process of trying to solve their crisis and prevent a civil war from happening. The tension was still quite thick and it left everyone a bit on the edge and nervous. It was almost like a time bomb except you didn't know when it would drop or who would drop it to begin with.

The sandy blonde was worried for her youngest brother. Gaara had been working non-stop for the past few weeks to try and find a solution and it was starting to take its toll on him. Temari had wanted to help him, but being a new mother Gaara had refused to let her. Shikadai was her top priority right now and he had made that very clear. He had not wanted his sister to be torn between political affairs and her family. But that still wouldn't stop her from worrying about him. Gaara was still her little brother after all.

But it wasn't just Temari that was worried. Hinata was also feeling the pressure that her husband was going through. She hadn't seen him since that last meeting and that was weeks ago.

She had tried everything she could to help him but each time he refused. Gaara really didn't want his family to be involved with this and he was taking every caution necessary to ensure it. As much as she didn't want to do this, Hinata had to force herself to let her husband deal with the problem. She figured that in time he would be willing enough to let her help but for now he wanted to be left alone with it.

Besides it wasn't like she didn't have her own problems.

Despite Hanabi's improvement Hinata still feared that something wasn't right with her. Perhaps her sister would never be normal again considering all that had happened in the past year.

That was part of the reason Hinata was concerned for her, but she had this hunch that Hanabi wasn't telling her something. Since returning from Kumo Hanabi didn't seem to be herself. But what was the strangest part was she no longer mentioned their father. For the longest time Hanabi had wanted to kill him but now it seemed that she didn't know what to do anymore. Hinata could only know so much and she was trying to encourage her younger sister to talk to her about her feelings. She had made it clear to Hanabi that should she ever run into a problem she was to discuss it with her. Thing was every time Hinata tried to get something out of her stubborn sister she refused to reply let alone look at her and it was becoming a constant irritation. The bluenette had an idea of who her sister was thinking of and she was wondering whether or not it was a good idea to travel to Konoha.

"Lady Hinata you looked troubled".

She was forced to put her thought process on hold when Baki's voice broke the silence. He was currently holding a large stack of important papers no doubly Gaara would have to look through. Baki had been a huge help for her husband, having years of experience Baki knew exactly how to help with finding a solution and these past few days had been nothing but trouble for Gaara since he was way in over his head with so many things. Hinata made a mental note to thank Baki later for his help, he deserved it.

"Please excuse me, I simply have a lot to think about at the moment. That including my husband".

Baki's sharp features softened a bit "I assure you that Gaara will be alright, he had my support and I will do whatever is necessary to find a peaceful resolution for the sake of the village".

Hinata nodded "This is not the first time this has happened am I right?"

Baki shifted a little "No...I can only remember one other time from my all years when a crisis of this magnitude occurred".

Hinata raised a delicate eyebrow "Really? May I ask when".

"Long ago when the Fourth Kazekage was among us, Sunagakure's military funds were low and we had no way to pay them off from neighboring lands. An emergency meeting was called to discuss it, and that when the idea came to preserve a weapon that could potentially help the village my means of using the Shukaku".

Hinata's eyes suddenly widened when she realized what she just heard. Baki was talking about Gaara's birth. She had been told by him at some point how he came to be, but she never realized that his birth was on a level too big to comprehend.

"I see...so is there hope?"

"We will see my Lady".

Baki then walked past her and Hinata was drifting back into her thoughts. Left to ponder on if she should go back to Konoha once again.

There was only one option at the moment and Hinata wasn't sure if she was ready to have another talk with her sister. But it was necessary if she wanted to come to a decision for traveling to Konoha. After a bit of tracking she found her sister in her room staring out her window. She had a rather blank look on her face and she looked like she had been crying earlier due to the few lingering tears that stained her cheeks.

"Hanabi".

She didn't turn around as her sister walked forward and embraced her. "Why are you crying? Did something happen?"

Pearl orbs looked up into lavender ones and Hinata could see the regret in her eyes. But what was she regretting?

"Nee-chan I've been thinking about what you said about mother. That story you told me awakened something within me. But I've been having a hard time coming to terms with it".

Hinata looked confused "What do you mean?" Hanabi wiped her eyes before speaking "I've been thinking about father; perhaps I'm the one who's been wrong this whole time". Something clicked in her mind and Hinata hugged her sister tighter "Hanabi father had no excuse for abusing you the way he did. It was me that should be at fault had I thought about it more I wouldn't have allowed this to happen to you. I didn't think that father would stoop that low, just because he wanted to take his anger of me out on you". Hinata mentally kicked herself, she had thought that they were making progress but clearly she was wrong. Her sister was still in the aftershock of the whole experience and she probably will be for some time. Damn it! Just when she thought it was safe to consider letting the past go something always had to occur forcing her to hold onto it. "I'm sorry Hanabi, I didn't mean for any of this to happen".

"Nee-chan it's not your fault".

"Hush! It is every bit my fault. I'm the one who got careless for my actions and you paid the price".

Hanabi wanted to argue with her. But she didn't have the energy to do so. What good would fighting come with anyway; it would only lead to more conflicts which was something that neither of them needed. There had been too much hatred in the past and neither of them wanted to continue with it.

For a long while the two sister stood where they were. Tension was starting to build up around them, and it was starting to become too much. "Hanabi I need to ask you something". "What is it?" Hinata tilted her chin up to have her full attention "If I go to Konoha to once and for all settle things with father would you be able to let go?"

Hinata's question sounded very strange to her. She didn't understand the meaning behind it. "What? Nee-chan your not making any sense. Father is stubborn he won't listen to you. The last time you tried talking to him you nearly lost Hena. Is it really worth taking that risk just for me? You have a family here". Hinata gave a sad smile "I know, but I can't live with myself knowing that your still suffering from my bad intensions. I don't want to see you like this anymore. It sounds rather silly, but I really do want to put the past behind us. We can't keep waiting in the shadows for something to happen and unless we put an end to this now I can't say that the future will be certain for anyone".

Hanabi could see where her older sister was coming from but that didn't mean she liked the idea. Hanabi's devotion for Hinata was strong and she didn't know what she'd do if their insane father hurt her again. She couldn't do it alone, she wouldn't be strong enough to handle it. Hinata may be the strongest person she knew but even warriors have their weaknesses.

"Nee-chan if you do plan on going to Konoha then take me with you".

Hinata opened her mouth to speak but her sister raised a hand "I have something I want to say to father too. Trust me I've learned my lesson you don't have to worry about anything. I just want to be by your side".

The bluenette wasn't quite sure what her sister was playing at; Hanabi could very well be trying to fool her but it was too hard to tell what her intensions were. Surly she was not planning anything, she couldn't really in her condition the risk would've been too great to take. Hinata was at war with herself was it really a wise choice to allow her sister to follow her. There was no telling what would happen should Hanabi make once false move. But at the same time, it wasn't a good idea to leave her here. Hanabi needed something to keep an eye on her and at the moment there were too many things happening to make that possible. Hinata groaned as she shook her head while Hanabi waited for an answer.

"I'll think about it".

Hanabi nodded "I promise you Nee-chan I'm not trying to prove anything".

Hinata thinned her lips "We will see".

"For the last time Kiba the answer is no!"

The dog ninja growled lowly "Don't be a bloody moron there won't be any harm done!"

Naruto narrowed in eyes in great irritation. He would rather be doing anything else but arguing with his friend. Kiba had been acting strangely for the past few months obviously still hung up in some old feelings for his ex-teammate, and then suddenly decided to barge into the Hokage's office demanding that he go to Suna to see Hinata.

He had his reasons as to why he wanted to go but he wasn't about to tell Naruto; he wouldn't understand anyway. "Just let me go, I only want to talk to Hinata". "You've never been worked well with anything, Shino told me everything he mentioned that you said a few nasty things about Gaara is that true?!" Kiba clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles were turning white. He would've punched Naruto in the face in frustration if it wasn't for his title as Hokage. "Why the hell should it matter to you. That guy had nothing to do with Hinata and me". Naruto muttered something under his breath as he shook his head. They had been arguing for a good twenty minutes and Naruto for the likes of him couldn't understand Kiba's intentions; he knew that it had something to do with Gaara it simply just didn't concern Hinata. "Idiot! This is something I just got to do". "Tell me why then, why do you of all people need to go to Suna right now!" Kiba grinded his teeth in anger as his face flushed a bit "I...it...I have something I want to tell Hinata is all". Naruto looked perplexed "What?" Kiba lowed his head refusing to make eye contact "I don't want to cause trouble I just want to talk to Hinata there's something I need to tell her".

Naruto still didn't look convinced but for some reason he could sense that Kiba really was true to his word when he said that he wanted to talk. It sounded stupid but Naruto usually didn't mess up when it came to these kinds of things.

He exhaled through his nose loudly running a hand through his hair. "Whatever if you want to go then go. But with two conditions you take Shino with you, and you behave yourself. I don't want to hear a single word about any trouble that you caused or else you have to pay the consequences". Kiba resisted the urge to smile "Fine, fine I'll be back in a week". Naruto shrugged "Good riddance then just keep to your word". He glared at him "And next time maybe it would be nice to knock before you burst in to make demands!".

Kiba merely waved him off as he exited the office to go and find his friend. Of course when he told Shino that Naruto had actually let him go to Suna the incest specialist was in disbelief. It wasn't like he didn't want to see Hinata also but at least Shino had enough sense to pick his fights unlike Kiba who acted irrationally. He would only come by orders of the Hokage. Shino was probably the only one who could restrain Kiba due to years of working closely with him. If anyone knew what he was thinking then Shino would.

It would be a few days later that the duo and Akamaru found themselves walking through the desert to Suna. While Shino had mostly kept to himself for the time being he had a few questions that he wanted to ask concerning Kiba's intensions. He knew that he was hiding something from him and he had a hunch that he knew what it was.

"Kiba why do you want to see Hinata?"

The question caught him off guard and he scratched his head nervously. "Um...you know just to catch up is all, I have yet to meet that baby girl of hers. I hear she's a really sweetheart".

If Kiba could see past Shino's dark glasses then he would've seen doubt in his words. It wasn't the whole truth but at the same time it wasn't a lie either.

"Mmm then tell me this what do you hope to achieve when you do eventually speak with Hinata. Do you honestly think she would still return your feelings after all this time". Shino had known for a long time that Kiba did have feelings for their dearest friend, it had been that way for years but he never worked up the courage to tell her because at the time Hinata was still crushing on Naruto and being young and foolish Kiba would've seen Naruto as a competitor.

"She doesn't love you I hope you know that".

The dog ninja growled lowly in warning. He would never hurt Shino but he didn't know how long he could hold his temper.

"I'm not trying to push your buttons, you need to understand that you missed your chance. Hinata is married and has a child now. She won't return your feelings no matter how much you want her too. You should've known that you could never have her".

"I'm not a damn baby! I get it already". The Inuzuka took a few deep breaths to calm himself down he knew that his friend was speaking the truth but it still felt like pouring salt on a wound.

"Sorry, didn't mean to snap at you. Believe me I'm not going to do any harm I just want to talk is all there's something I need to say to Hinata so that I can get it off my chest".

The bug ninja shrugged "Fine I'll take your word for it. Because we're friends but don't think that I'll go easy on you if your temper gets the better of you. I'm under orders by Lord Hokage to make sure that all goes peacefully".

"Yes well I would assure you that-what the hell!"

"What is it?"

"Up ahead call me crazy but it looks like a girl".

Shino looked in the direction that his teammate was pointing and he was very much surprised to see the outline of a girl lying face down in the sand. The two shared a look with each other before sprinting over to her. Akamaru was the first to reach her and he sniffed her a bit nudging her with his nose before letting out a low whine. "What is it boy? You smell something?"

Akamaru nudged the girl again and Kiba kneeled down to get a better look. The girl looked about their age, she was wearing torn and worn down clothing that covered her dirty and scared skin. She was practically skin and bone and he could smell blood on her. Shino placed his hand on her shoulder and waited a moment as his insects gave him some sort of message. "She's still alive but barely". Kiba gently turned her around to get a look at her face. She had short brown hair and her eyes were closed, she also had many scratches and bruises that littered her face and she had a nasty scar on her throat covered in dry blood and sand. It was amazing that this woman was still alive at all considering the condition that she was in. Akamaru barked twice and Kiba nodded in agreement. "Your right we can't leave her here. We'll have to take her with us so that she can get some help".

Shino didn't move a muscle as Kiba lifted the unconscious woman up and placed her over his shoulder. "You just gonna sit there all day. Let's go we've got to get to Suna, this girl needs to get to a hospital". Shino slowly got to his feet with an uneasy suspicion washing over him. He wasn't sure why he felt that this girl seemed untrustworthy but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Shino was always very observant with his surroundings, and he was picking up some strange vibe from their unexpected passenger.

Keeping his thoughts to himself for now the three of them continued to walk through the desert. Suna wasn't that far now but they were kinda in a rush to get there so that they could try and save the woman who still hadn't woken up and mostly likely wouldn't for some time.

It was a few hours later that they finally got to the village. After stating their business to a couple of guards stationed outside the stone walls they were allowed to enter. Normally they would've gone straight to the Kazekage to inform him of their arrival but the girl still draped over Kiba's shoulder needed medical attention immediately.

Letting out an irritated growl Kiba looked to Shino. "I'll try and get her to a hospital you go and tell his highness about our arrival". Shino nodded and walked off while Akamaru followed his master to try and get the girl some much needed help.

Shino was quick to arrive at the Kazekage's tower. It had been suspiciously quite when he walked down the streets to his location but he brushed it off there were other more important matters to deal with.

It was Baki that he ran into when he reached the door to Gaara's office. "I am Abraume Shino of Konoha and I am here to deliver a message to the Kazekage". He kept his voice confident and calm for his own sake, Baki gave him a suspicious glare before speaking "Go ahead it, and make it quick". Shino nodded his thanks before entering the office and come face to face with Gaara who was currently trying to go over some documents. He raised an invisible eye brow when he saw who it was.

"Shino...this is an unexpected surprise. What brings you here to Suna?"

"I was requested by Lord Hokage to act as a escort and supervisor for my teammate Inuzuka Kiba". Gaara didn't even flinch when he mentioned Kiba but mentally he was face palming himself. "Oh? And why has he come".

"He wanted to speak with Hinata about something. I'm afraid you'll have to ask him if you want any answers but I must tell you of something important". Gaara made a gesture with his hand motioning for him to continue. "While traveling through the desert we came across a woman". Gaara was listening closely now "Tell me of this woman where did you find her?" "Not too far, perhaps maybe about a few miles from the village. We found her unconscious and in need of serious medical attention". Gaara crossed his arms over his chest "Can you tell me what she looked liked?".

"She appeared to have fair skin with short brown hair. I don't know what color her eyes are but from her clothing she looked like she was wearing an outfit that would indicate she might belong to this village". Shino then noticed Gaara tense a bit and it suddenly felt like it got a lot colder in the room; or maybe that was just his imagination. "My teammate is taking her to a hospital as we speak, we do not know her condition but she was very close to death when we found her".

Gaara nodded slowly as his eyes burned in fury. He had a very good hunch on who it was that his wife's teammates found in the desert and he wasn't too pleased about it.

"Thank you Shino I will have someone escort you to your room. I must make a visit to the hospital right now".

Walking out of his office, Gaara clenched his fists tightly trying to keep his anger under control; if what Shino told him was true then he had to make absolute sure that it wasn't some sort of lie, if she truly had returned he needed to know right away. It didn't take him long to figure out where Kiba was he didn't have time to waste his energy on the dog ninja and he ignored him as he had a nurse tell him were this woman was not bothering to pay any attention to Kiba's annoying voice as he followed him through the hospital. It a few minutes she had lead him to the room where the woman was staying and when he got a look at her his face scrunched in rage.

Guess who's back.

I have an idea in my head now it's a matter of trying to put it together.

Next update will probably be in about two or three weeks.

I am going to make this story worthwhile.

Reviews are as usual much appreciated.

So until next time!