Hi peoples!

Surprisingly I was able to get this chapter up, since I've had it a little rough from the ways of life. But this story will be completed no matter how long it takes!

At the very least this chapter is something to give, although it's far from perfect. Still have much that needs to be done.

Spelling mistakes I'm sorry for.

Read and Review!

Now onwards my dears!


Hinata had been keeping a very close eye on her sister since she found out her little secret. She wasn't going to hesitate to have Hanabi taking into custody should she do anything she considered out of line. Seemed as though her hidden message had gotten to Hanabi as she was doing a very good job of behaving herself; mostly due to her fears concerning Hinata's wrath but also because Hanabi was trying very hard not to make herself look like an even bigger imbecile then she already was. As much as she wanted to admit to her sins Hanabi was also aware that her stubbornness was making her reluctant to do so. That was the part of her she wished she could get rid of once and for all. Unfortunately Hanabi didn't exactly have a say into what her mind kept telling her since she knew that Hinata was watching her like a hawk. Anything she tried to say was immediately back lashed with foul words.

It wasn't just Hanabi that Hinata was focusing her attention on. For the first time in a long while she had received a letter from Naruto. He had explained to her the recent actions he had partaken with Neji in; apparently the two of them were getting close to finding a somewhat reasonable solution in dealing with the Hyuga but at some point she was expected to step in and lend a hand. The bluenette knew that sooner or later there was going to be a conflict. As much as she wanted to do something about right now, that would be a bad idea.

Naturally Gaara would know more about this since he was the one that was keeping in touch with the Hokage. Hinata didn't like having to consult with Gaara about this; but he had kinda been pulled into it as well since her bastard father had dragged a neighboring important figure into this shitty mess.

She would wait a little longer before taking action, as of now she wasn't sure if she could do anything with only so little to go on. There were other things that needed her attention anyway. Hinata wasn't sure what Hanabi had spoken with Kazu about, but she knew that if she wanted to at least know where her sister was coming from she'd have to go to the source itself. Damn it all.

She had asked Kankuro to accompany her to the prison the very next day. Hinata honestly wouldn't have minded going by herself but she felt a whole lot safer knowing that someone was there to back her up when needed. Kankuro and Temari were already aware of Hanabi's actions she took it upon herself to tell them everything. Now the two of them were on her side in making sure no more hasty decisions were made.

"Hinata, you sure that this is a good idea? Gaara won't like what you're doing. I don't think you'll get anywhere with him".

"Kankuro-san do not fret over me. I already know what to expect from him".

"Then why do this?".

"I told you before; I want to know what Hanabi was planning. The best way to figure it out for myself is to learn what she was talking about with Kazu".

The brunette gave her a lopsided smile "I suppose so. But I want you to know that you don't need to handle this alone".

Hinata could only nod "Yes I know".

By the time the pair made it to the prison Hinata had somehow convinced herself that all would eventually work out in the end. Even if this was a total waste of her time at least she had tried for her own sake. If this didn't work she had already made up her mind that she'd figure out a way to force Hanabi to talk one way or another; it was all that she could think of for the life of her idiot sister.

"I swear I can't catch a break with you people. No sooner the little brat stops coming, than another little lady shows up".

Hinata wasn't fazed at all. She knew better then to let him intimidate her.

"So whatcha here for doll? Come to have a good time or what".

The bluenette didn't even blink "I do not wish to take up too much of your time. But I want a straight answer on what I'm about to ask".

Kazu raised an eyebrow "This concerning the kid?".

Hinata gave a sharp nod "Yes. My younger sister was speaking to you for some time. If you would please tell me what you discussed I will leave you alone".

"I didn't tell her much; mostly just messing with her is all. Though she did ask if I was the one responsible for the death of that bitch".

"You mean Matsuri?".

"Well duh, she was all convinced that I did it. Well I'll tell you now that it wasn't me".

Hinata had to resist the urge to face palm. Of course Hanabi would ask such a foolish question. What was she expecting from her?

"So do you have anything to say to that? Our investigation is still underway".

"Well if it isn't the little boy trying to act like a man. Can't tell you much but I will say this perhaps it's best to look in the places you wouldn't expect".

Kankuro looked rather confused "The fuck does that mean?!".

"Just a little friendly word of advice is all. I'm not the best person you should be speaking too for the time being. But that doesn't mean I won't leave hints here and there when I feel like it. I'm a prisoner after all got nothing better to do".

"Did Hanabi mention anything about the Hyuga?".

Kazu couldn't help but grin "Come to think of it, the little squirt did. Normally I'd have no reason to talk but your gorgeous and I have a soft spot for gorgeous women so I'll humor you".

In the back of her head Hinata felt a bit empowered; at last she was getting a lead even if it was small. "Well what did she ask? Tell me everything you can remember".

"Hmm first she asked about your daddy and why I got dragged into this nightmare. Then she asked if I still had any sort of connection to the Hyuga in any shape or form".

Hinata resisted the urge to play with her fingers "Do you?".

"Nah, not anymore. Maybe at some point I did but that was a long time ago".

"Is there anything you know now that you're not telling me?".

Kazu simply waved her off "I can't say what I don't know can I? The twit thought that I'd have all the answers and shit like that. She looked so disappointed in herself when she found out that I didn't".

Hinata brushed some of her hair behind her ear; she was trying not to show how steadily angry she was getting. Seems as though Hanabi couldn't do anything right; all she was doing was making things even worse than they already were.

The bluenette couldn't help but feel that she was played. Hinata had been drilled in her early years to recognize deception and lying but for some reason she was finding hard to call it out. Either she was losing her touch or Kazu was really good at fooling people. Clicking her tongue in irritation lavender eyes turned away. She hadn't gotten far; she didn't expect that she would. But she was definitely come back again in the future to pry again. There had to be something that he wasn't telling her for whatever reason.

"Very well then, I'll leave you alone for now. But this is not over yet".

"I'll be here waiting babe. Don't worry about that".

Upon arriving home, Hinata was in for a complete surprise because no sooner had she made her way down one of the many halls to check on her daughters that she came face to face with a certain raven haired man nearly giving the poor woman a heart attack.

"S-Sasuke-kun! W-what are you d-doing here?".

The Uchiha had to reach out a hand to keep Hinata from going over. Was she honestly that surprised to see him? Wasn't quite the reaction that he anticipated, and then again Sasuke kinda just showed up without a word of warning to begin with.

"Hinata I need to talk to you".

"O-Oh!". Her face flushed when she realized how loud she sounded in the empty hallway. "Ano? Sasuke-kun why are you here? What did you want to talk to me about?".

"I was doing more work in Oto. Naruto asked me to come here and inform you".

Hinata looked a bit dumbfounded but nodded anyways. Why would Naruto go out of his way to have Sasuke come and talk to her in person? It seemed a little strange but she figured that Sasuke would explain to her something important if he had actually taken the time to come all this way.

"Shouldn't we go to Gaara-dana he needs-".

"I'll talk to your husband later; right now you have to hear what I have to say". That had been Sasuke's way of saying to stop talking and listen up.

"I came into contact with the Fuma clan".

"What?!".

"Originally Naruto wanted me to do a bit of digging to find out what kind of connection the Hyuga had with the Fuma in the past. You already know about the dead deal that Hiashi made with them correct?".

"Yes I do".

"Well recently I was hearing rumors that the Fuma are once again growing desperate for a power source since they are unable to boost their numbers for some reason. I don't know if it's because they're still under Orochimaru's influence or if they're just being selfish. But it seems as though once again the clan is looking to the Hyuga for a solution".

Hinata really wanted to bang her head against the nearest wall. What in Kami's name did she do to deserve all of this?! Too many things were happening all at once. Would she ever get a moment's peace?

"Is that all?".

"No, apparently Hiashi has been sneaking around from what the rumors say. It may be a little too soon, but I hear that this time he's not targeting you or Hanabi he wants your kids".

Hinata felt like she wanted to gag. He wanted her daughters? For what purpose? She had known before that at some point her father had wanted Hena for the sole purpose of the Hyuga. But what didn't like was the possibility that Hiashi was potentially planning with an outside party. The intentions sounded evil and she'd be damned if her precious daughters were killed right before her eyes.

"Hiashi is aware that your sister despises him, he also knows that he can't reach you directly because you are married to Gaara. The two of you combined are little too much for him to handle; the only other alternative depending on what Hiashi's motives are is too steal your kids since they are far less likely to fight back".

Hinata felt like she couldn't breathe. It was no wonder that Naruto had asked Sasuke to come. Now she definitely had an excuse to move things along as quickly as possible. But unfortunately for the poor woman the fear for her children had caused her to pass out. Sasuke had been nice enough to catch her so that she didn't hit the floor and he couldn't help but give a somewhat sympathetic look for the unconscious bluenette. He may not have known her that well in the past, but nevertheless Hinata was a good person and he could appreciate that.

The sound of small footsteps caused his attention to look elsewhere and he came face to face with a rather frightened looking Hena.

"Little one I am not a threat. I am here to help your mother; I would find it helpful if you would bring me your father we have to talk about something important".

"Is Mommy ok?".

Sasuke gave a smile small to reassure her he wasn't dangerous "Your mother is fine, she just fainted".

Not really understand what was going on the small girl decided to trust the stranger in front of her and quickly ran in the opposite direction to her father's office. Sneaking a quick glance at the unconscious Hinata the Uchiha truly did feel sorry for her.

XXX

When Sasuke did eventually speak with Gaara about what he had been doing the first reaction that the Kazekage had was to confirm if it was all true. Despite Sasuke's corporation the two had never exactly been on good terms with each other. Yes the raven-haired man had changed, if one wanted to point out the differences; but there was still that very old sense of rivalry between them from all those years ago. As such Gaara was still a bit weary of the Uchiha he couldn't exactly forgive him for his past actions even if Naruto said that all was well.

But he'd listen to what had to be said. He would respect him in that manner.

"I will be blunt. I still cannot see past your sins Uchiha, but as a husband I will take your words as the truth but that doesn't mean I can't act right away".

"Whatever, I'm just doing what was asked of me". Sasuke was never one for showing mannerism and he wasn't about to start now. He was however content that he had finally did what he was supposed to; he had no idea what Naruto would ask him to do next.

"I'll be taking my leave; if I find out anything more I'll let you know".

So as quickly as the Uchiha appeared he was gone just like that. But not without doing one last thing, when Hinata awoke Sasuke had patted her shoulder wishing her luck before disappearing. She wasn't sure what that meant. She couldn't figure out that man for the life of her, but it he was kind enough to show a little bit of moral support she was grateful for that.

With all due respect Hinata didn't know how much more of this drama she could take.

Hanabi was a slightly different case, she convinced herself as long she kept the leash short Hanabi wasn't going to cause any more trouble. But this was entirely different; her no good father just wouldn't let up till he got what he wanted even at the cost of others.

What would she do?

Hinata wasn't in a position where she could barge in and demand that the insanity stop. She knew that there were people working hard to step on the brakes and from the bottom of her heart she appreciated that. But at the same time she couldn't exactly have someone else doing all the work for her. It was all quite frustrating really.

She felt arms wrap around her waist from behind and her head lowered in guilt. At the moment she wasn't really sure if she wanted to see Gaara. She absolutely hated the fact that she had to rely on him so much; she was supposed to be the one trying to solve this. It couldn't be helped though, this was not a problem that only one person could handle. She really wished that it was she was tired of her father.

"Sasuke-kun told you everything didn't he?".

"Hm, I was worried about you".

The bluenette wanted to chew her lower lip but refrained from doing so. Even if she threw a tantrum like a child that wouldn't do her any good; she'd have to find another way to let out the anger that was boiling in her heart.

"Gaara-dana this had to stop".

"I won't let anything happen to our children, I will protect them and you with my life".

"But what would my father want with them? He can't seriously think that he'll benefit from all of this madness. All it's going to cause is more destruction and pain". She clenched her fists in frustration.

"I have no choice but to go to Konoha, I must put a stop to this".

"Hinata-".

"Gaara-dana do not try to talk me out of it. We both know that inevitably I will confront my father".

"I didn't say don't go. But let me offer you this instead".

She turned around so that he could have her full attention. "What is it then?".

"Let me go first, I'll help tie any loose ends and then when that it taken care of I'll let you go then since it will be much easier with firm evidence and I will back you up".

The bluenette thought for a bit. Her lavender eyes were filled with some internal conflict, all the red head could do was wait and see what her answer would be. It wasn't that Gaara was trying to prolong what would eventually happen; but this was his way of trying to reassure that Hinata's safety was taking into consideration. If he could review any and all things that Naruto and Neji had been working on that would help put his nerves at ease plus it would give him a chance to learn more about the Hyuga that he didn't have access too in the past. Even if she did say no he would found a way to go without letting her know he was just that determined.

"Will you be alright? I don't want you to get hurt".

He smiled "I should be asking you that. Don't fret over me; I'm here to help you. We will make it through this".

Hinata nodded "When will you go?".

"I'll contact Naruto; I want to get there as soon as I can".

She still didn't look any better, Gaara knew that it would probably be a while till his wife would be truly happy but until then all that could be done was to wait and see what would happen.

"Hinata I'm right here".

She leaned into his touch as he cupped her face "Please do not belittle yourself. I know that you're strong".

She moved her head forward till her forehead touched his grateful for his encouraging words. It was still a long tough ride ahead.

And were gonna stop here.

This chapter really took me a while because I want to keep the story moving without making it seem like it's holding up. The next chapter Gaara is going to Konoha, wonder what's in store for him?

If I get plenty of reviews there's a chance I may have the next chapter up a bit sooner. Just saying is all.

Goodbye dears!