Hey, hey!

Thanks for all the love! The story is finally moving along, and it's only going to pick up from here. Once again, just read carefully so you can catch the truth and lies. They will come full circle in the next two chapters. I'm excited for you all to see how it all comes around.

Yes. Hyuga clan is gone. No more Uchiha or Hyuga clan, I had to do it!

I love Naruto in this story. I always wanted to write him like this, so I'm seeing how ruthless I can make him. While still being the clever, funny, feisty Uzumaki we love. He's funny still, but a dark funny.

Well, on to the story!

Sakura curled into herself as she leaned on Sasuke and the two of them sat on the floor in the lobby of the interrogation unit. It was Sasuke, Sakura, Neji, Tenten, Lee, Ino, Shikamaru, Guy and Kakashi. All sitting there waiting to be interrogated.

Well except for Ino, she was actually assisting in the interrogation.

Sakura trembled slightly, still in a state of shock. She looked up at Ino, who was avoiding her eye contact. They've been in this lobby for what felt like hours and the whole time Ino hasn't looked at her once.

Ino looked so angry. So out of touch with what was going on. Since joining Anbu and transferring out to interrogation Ino has been very good at keeping her emotions in tac. Right now though, Ino just looked like she wanted to explode with anger. No sorrow or mourning was present on her face.

This caught Sakura's attention. Was Ino refusing to mourn and putting all her emotions into anger? Sakura was livid with the Hyuga clan as well, but Ino was taking her seething to another level.

What did Ino know that she didn't?

Ino hasn't looked at her. Hasn't shed a tear. It was like Ino was indifferent to the idea Hinata might be DEAD. She more so looked like she was just angry that they were all in this room.

This immediately put Sakura up on alert, "Ino." Said person still paid more attention to her paperwork. Waiting for Ibiki to take the next person to the back, instead of looking at Sakura. "What Sakura."

Sakura frowned at this, "Look at me Ino."

If steam could be let out of Ino's body than Sakura would have seen it creeping out Ino's nostrils. Wait. Was Ino angry with her? "Yes madam."

In all reality Sakura was Ino's superior. Sakura was in the elite team seven. The Hokage's pupil and the person Lady Tsunade was going to pass everything down in regard to everything medical. The Hokage's respect and passion for Sakura was far superior than the one Ino had with her/ Sakura was untouchable and unbeatable. She excelled past Ino.

In the past that would have infuriated Ino to no end. Now? Not at all.

In Ino's mind, she should have seen this coming. Sakura befriending Hinata and herself again. Leaning on them for mental support so she could excel in life. Then disposing of them when Sakura was ready to stand on her own two feet. It was de ja vú all over again for Ino. She should have never opened herself to Sakura again.

Ino was still unmoved from looking at her 'best friend' puffy cheeks, red eyes and disheveled appearance. Ino held animosity against Sakura, but for some reason she couldn't hate her. She still loved Sakura dearly as friend. Just at this moment, this emotional moment.

Both females just couldn't see straight.

Immediately Sakura saw through Ino's bullshit and shot up and grabbed Ino by the collar. The force of Sakura knocked Shikamaru out the way and when Sakura was angry like this almost no one could separate her from her target. "Don't you 'Yes madam' me! What happened to Hinata?! She was supposed to be our friend do you not CARE."

The two women squabbled for a moment. Ino obviously not as strong as Sakura, but not willing to let her friend over power her, "You of all people Sakura. You of all people have a lot of nerve to question my friendship with Hinata. Where were you when WE needed you?" Sakura froze at hearing Ino and knew exactly what she was talking about.

When Ino and Hinata were burning out in Anbu. When Ino was almost killed by Sasuke. When Sakura should have kept up with Hinata and her family issues.

"Are you being serious right now Ino? Don't do this right now…WHAT HAPPENED TO HINATA?!"

Ino eyes widened and she pointed a finger in Sakura's face. She bared her teeth at Sakura and looked ready to say the meanest things she could to her longtime friend. Ino weighed the pros and cons. She told herself not to stoop to that level. To not let her anger of the situation take over.

The situation that she chose to assist in.

However, Ino wasn't that mature of a person. She leaned over to Sakura's ear as Sakura still had a hold on her. "This is all your fault. I hope you know that."

Sakura looked at Ino and to refrain from hitting her friend she punched the desk Ino was writing on and broke it in half, "If you're going to act like this Ino. If you're going to hide shit from me. At least tell me where Naruto is!" Sakura refused to truly believe Hinata was dead, but Ino wasn't giving her any hope right now either.

Ino gave her a deadpanned look, "Out searching for the person strong enough to take out the Hyuga clan you fucking moron. You think anyone could have stopped Naruto once he found out what happened?"

Shikamaru silently looked at Ino. She could sell this to Sakura, who was an emotional wreck right now. No way their village leader was going to go for this. He himself was a bit lost at what Ino was aiming to do. What happened couldn't possibly be taken as Ino's fault. Why was she hiding information?

Sakura eyes widened as she couldn't tell if Ino was being honest or not. She was feeling more and more conflicted. Her gut was saying Ino was lying, but everything was so surreal. Maybe she just didn't want to face the fact that Hinata was really dead. "Ino."

Ino closed her eyes and looked off to the side to Shikamaru, who was looking at her with dark eyes, "Sakura. Let me just do my job. Let us get to the bottom of this. Please."

Neji was quiet in the corner of the room as he looked at Ino with sharp eyes, blood still covering his clothing. He walked into the Hyuga compound before anyone even knew of the massacre and saw ALL of the bodies. A memory that will forever be engraved in his mind. That being said, he wouldn't have pursued Sakura if he saw Hinata's body there at the compound.

Ino was lying. If the female Nara was willing to lie to Sakura, than she was willing to lie to the Hokage and anyone else. Her allegiance wasn't to Konoha. Who was it for then? Hinata?

Ino looked at Neji only for a moment. Her eyes were telling him not to say a word.

This answered Neji's question. So they were on the same team, now he knew for a fact Hinata was still alive.

Ibiki came into the room and scanned it only for a moment before he found Neji and made eye contact with him. He motioned for Neji to follow him with his head and Neji immediately stood up and left the room.

Sasuke watched as Neji left, he took note at the quick eye contact Neji and Ino shared with one another. Sasuke then looked at Shikamaru.

The Nara was quiet as usual, but he looked slightly bothered. Something was off. Two people in this room were acting as if someone they deemed a close friend was not dead and like Naruto wasn't missing. Sasuke had his suspicions that the Nara was so quiet because he was coming up with alibi's and scenarios for not only his wife, but to cover for Naruto and Hinata.

It was becoming very clear to the young Uchiha, that Naruto had a stronger relationship with the Nara than with Sasuke. Naruto relied on Shikamaru more and liked how he was so reliable. There lies the heavy question of who the brains of the village was really loyal to.

Sasuke knew Shikamaru was part of the Nara clan. Along with the Hyuga clan, the Nara clan was beyond faithful and dedicated to Konoha. However, even Sasuke noticed since they were young, Naruto and Shikamaru were close. They would get into trouble together and Shikamaru spoke to Naruto well before Sasuke did. Before anyone did really.

Naruto would always talk about how Shikamaru was going to be his advisor when he became Hokage. So, it was very clear to Sasuke that if anyone were to steer the Nara clan away from Konoha it would be Naruto and only Naruto.

That being said, Sasuke didn't believe that the Hyuga girl was dead not even for a second. With Naruto's anger from finding out Hinata was dead, then the whole village would be in shambles. Naruto would have went into a rage before he could even think straight enough to go after the murderers.

Plus the breakfast. It was still hot. What was with that?

The way Hinata and Naruto were talking last night it sounded more of a goodbye like they were never going to see them again. Like they were leaving. Not like Hinata was going to die. Maybe that was why Naruto had been so distant lately and so cold towards Sakura. He didn't want to have to miss them maybe?

The incident response to this was weird too. Not everyone that Sasuke thought should be here were actually here being questioned.

Where were the people that trained this Hyuga? Her Anbu co-workers? He heard from Sakura that crazy snake lady Anko trained Hinata heavily after they graduated the Anbu program. Of course him and Sakura were the last one's that saw her, but why exactly was Neji there? He wasn't even in the village when this happened. It was like perfect timing that Neji arrived in the village after the massacre.

Whoever did this knew Neji's schedule. Was close enough to him to know when he wouldn't be around to protect his family.

Sasuke paused as he was stuck in thought for a moment. It was very convenient. Like whoever massacred the clan wanted Neji to be the first to see the scene. To be traumatized. This would clearly enrage someone fully. It enraged Sasuke when he was first on scene for his family.

Yet. Neji was more concerned about Hinata than he was upset and angry that his family was murdered. It was clear Neji had nothing to do with the massacre, but why was he not as upset. Where was his anger? His fury. Sasuke didn't understand.

Now Sasuke was wondering if the Hyuga girl was really that malicious. That evil. Did she taint Naruto? There was no way Naruto contributed to this massacre because it would have been so obvious that Naruto was there. His attacks are overpowering and leaves it's mark. Hyuga's were known to be silent killers.

Plus it was the fact someone Sasuke believed was a really good friend of Naruto's looked far more stressed than he looked upset about a massacre. The Nara knew something.

"Okay. That should conclude things. Wait here. The Hokage will be in shortly."

Sakura didn't fail to notice how Ino stiffened at knowing the Hokage was about to come to speak to them. It looked a little like Ino became pale.

Ibiki came in with Neji in tow and had the older Hyuga sit back in the corner he was at while he left the room. Now things really weren't adding up. Sasuke watched as Ino went to go sit beside Shikamaru and how the Nara quietly held her hand like he was trying to tell her to relax. Like he was trying to tell her to not make something obvious.

Sakura followed Sasuke's eye sight and looked over at Ino and Shikamaru for a moment before looking back at the door waiting for Tsunade. "Something's not right. You feel it too right? It doesn't feel right Sasuke."

Sasuke was quiet for a moment before he looked at Sakura, "Just follow your gut feeling Sakura. Don't trust people just because they have the answers to everything." The Nara family always had an answer to everything in Sasuke's eyes.

Sakura slowly nodded her head and in a rare public display of affection Sasuke placed his hand on Sakura's knee to comfort her. Sakura turned and smiled at him for a moment before her head snapped back at the door when she heard it start to open.

Tsunade came into the room with a grave frown. She scanned over the room of people and her eyes rested on Ino for a moment longer than everyone else. "Okay Neji. You're cleared. You didn't massacre your family and weren't in any way, shape, or form associated with it."

Neji frowned at Tsunade. Well no shit.

Tsunade eyes drifted over to Ino, "Amnesty, Ino. Now is the only time I will be doing this for you. Only because you were a student of mine. Be a woman, own up to your shit."

Ino said nothing as she stood up and stared at Tsunade. She had a thin layer of sweat on her and was clenching her jaw. The anger Ino felt earlier crept back on her face. So Ino wasn't just angry with Sakura. After seeing Ino's reaction, immediately Sakura realized Ino had indeed lied to her. "Ino?!"

"Shut up Sakura."

"Be quiet Sakura."

Both blondes said this as they looked at one another. Ino was a Yamanaka, there was no way Tsunade was going to get the truth out of her through an interrogation. Even through the worst torture. Even if Tsunade got Ino's father to come down there. No way he'd harm his daughters mind. Even if she was a traitor.

Ino had to want to tell them the truth. "Lady Tsunade, I don't understand what you mean."

Those eyes coming from Ino. Tsunade never seen such malice come from the young blonde. Tsunade leaned against the door and looked at Ino, "Neji didn't massacre the Hyuga clan. How the hell would he kill the main branch other than poison? Looking at some of the autopsy's so far. It's no trace of poison. Sorry Neji to go into such detail, but still, lets thank the heavens you were out of distance when the cage bird seals were activated. The main reason you were to be questioned was because it was all just too convenient."

Said person said nothing and waited for her to continue.

"A Hyuga is the only answer when conducting the autopsy. Whoever activated the seals on the branch family and obliterated the main branch had techniques that only a skilled gentle fist user could do. Now Ino…why did she do it? Even Neji knows Hinata's body wasn't in that compound."

Ino was quiet again and took a deep breath after Shikamaru squeezed her hand again before she let go of him. She didn't want him to get caught up in this because Ino knew this was going to be painful. "Hinata didn't do anything. I don't believe you. I know she wouldn't touch a branch family member. You're lying-"

"TELL THAT TO THE FUCKING DEAD INO! ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID!"

Tsunade was upon Ino in seconds and held the young Yamanaka by the collar with much more malice and force than Sakura. "Where is she Ino?!"

Ino just let herself get manhandled. Accepting her consequences for what she had done. The force and chakra Tsunade was putting onto Ino made her voice strain and she could barely breathe. "I don't know where they are."

Ino grew silent again and looked at Tsunade with dull eyes she had looked at Sakura with earlier. Ino knew the primary reason for their Hokage's anger was because she wanted to know where Naruto was. Obviously if she found Hinata they would find Naruto. Tsunade bared her teeth at Ino and slammed the girl so hard against the wall Ino made an indent.

Shikamaru frowned at what was happening. Why was his wife the target of aggression for everyone. Just because Ino and himself weren't exactly physical with their style of fighting, didn't mean they were to be taken lightly. Shikamaru was growing tired of this bull shit.

Tsunade almost snarled at Ino, "Putting you and Hinata in Anbu was the dumbest thing I could have ever done. Letting Hinata stay in and letting you venture off to interrogation was even dumber on my part. You two could have easily planned everything around everyone and know how to get away with a massacre. How could you Ino?! I TRUSTED you!"

Just like her training a blank mask came over Ino's face. Did Sakura and the Hokage really think they could pull at her heart strings? When she was the one before Naruto came along to welcome Hinata in her home when Hinata was bruised and battered from her father. When Ino was the one to BEG everyone to focus on Hinata and the Hyuga clan because violence was brimming and getting uncontrollable within the clan.

Ino had enough of everyone acting as if this massacre came out of nowhere. Everyone played a guilty part in this, "Hinata didn't do anything. I believe her."

Tsunade looked at Ino confused for a moment before she looked down at Shikamaru who looked at Tsunade just as void. She let go of Ino and figured Shikamaru was beyond upset that Ino was handled so harshly. "Wait. You didn't even know she was going to do this did you? Did you even know there was a massacre?"

Giving up on Ino, Tsunade looked at Shikamaru. The young Nara frowned and sighed as he stood up to help Ino from the wall, "This morning Hinata came by my apartment of course looking for Ino. She asked Ino for a way to get out the gates undetected. She wouldn't tell me or Ino anything."

Tsunade looked between Ino and Shikamaru, they had absolutely no idea what was going on. Ino was just being there for a friend. Of course Ino was going to defend Hinata and not question her motives. The two females built a bond. So Ino not only served as a means to get Hinata out the village, but also as a distraction.

This wasted a LARGE amount of time. "Did she look disheveled? Any signs that she was in a fight or anything?"

Ino looked off to the side refusing to answer and Shikamaru rolled his eyes at his wife, "No ma'am. She looked clean. Fresh. Naruto wasn't with her either."

Sakura surveyed at how upset Ino looked. She believed her anger was more so pointed at the situation and how the blame was all on Hinata than anything else. Sakura had to agree with Ino on this. There just had to be a better explanation on what happened, "Lady Tsunade, why…I mean how is it possible that Hinata has to be 'the one' to have done this?"

Tsunade sighed as she tried to collect herself, she almost broke Ino's neck over a misunderstanding. "Well this is what the investigators are coming up with Sakura. However, how would we KNOW if Hinata is not in the VILLAGE for us to talk to. That seems awfully suspicious doesn't it? I can't pin it to you Ino, but I am sure you knew something was wrong with Hinata when she came to you and you chose to not ask."

Tsunade turned back to Ino, "I need to talk to Hinata. We need to clear this up. Are you saying she didn't tell you ANYTHING, other than the fact that she needs to get out of the village?" Ino finally looked at Tsunade and still had a frown on her face, "I swear that's all she said to me."

Tsunade glared at Ino. The young blonde probably told Hinata not to say anything else to her.

The angered Hokage turned and looked at Sasuke, "Uchiha. Sakura said something about Hinata leaving food at your home this morning. That breakfast that was left at your doorstep. Was it hot or cold? If it was still warm when you guys noticed it that means Hinata can't be too far gone. She could have went to Ino's, then the massacre, and then the bakery. Or vice versa. Either way the bakery is in the mix of all of this. We need to know how much time ahead she has."

Sasuke looked at Tsunade with an indifferent look, "I can't remember."

The room suddenly grew cold. Tsunade gave Sasuke an icy look, "Excuse me? What do you MEAN you can't remember? Do you know how this makes someone that's in your position LOOK? You better start remembering."

Sasuke didn't seem phased by the threat. From what he was hearing it really just sounded like the Hokage wanted Naruto back. Like she was going through great lengths to get someone she adopted into her family back home. When in reality Sasuke believed wherever Naruto was, is where he wants to be.

Sasuke hated that Naruto went to look for him when he left the village. He was sure where ever Naruto was right now, he didn't want Sasuke or what was left of team seven to pursue him. Just like Sasuke didn't want to hurt Naruto or Sakura. He was sure Naruto feels the same way.

"It was early in the morning. I barely could register hearing a knock on the apartment door. Neji was yelling, Sakura was screaming and crying. It was chaotic. I barely could tell if the bag was hot, cold or even warm."

Sasuke couldn't do a lot of things right for Naruto in the past, but he would try his hardest to help him now.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes at the intensity in the room. What was this going to solve? "Even if he remembered or not if the bag was hot or cold. What does this prove? With all due respect Hokage-sama. You're excluding Naruto from a lot of this. What if Naruto went to the dessert shop? The whole timeline is screwed up then. What if you find Hinata's location and encounter Naruto WAY before you encounter Hinata? Do you think Naruto is going to let Hinata go into custody for treason and murdering her clan. Even if you just want to 'talk' to her. We've established Hinata is alive now. So, whether she did it or not. Naruto and Hinata went on the run for a reason. Do you really think Naruto is going to let you touch Hinata?"

Tsunade grew quiet for a moment before she stopped glaring at Sasuke and looked at Shikamaru. These were all Naruto and Hinata's closest friends, even Neji had a strong allegiance to Hinata over the whole Hyuga clan. Asking them for help was wasting her time right now, but this was the reason they were called into this room. The whole plan was to keep an eye on the primary, possible accessories to the Hyuga clan murder.

Sasuke looked over at Shikamaru and was impressed. That whole time he was sitting in the corner quiet he really had thought everything out to mess with the Hokage's way of thinking. A true strategic ally for Naruto.

Plus. Just like he thought. The Nara's had an answer for everything. So an ally for Naruto, but not an ally for Konoha. Sasuke was torn at this moment. He loved Naruto. He wanted to help Naruto as much as possible, but his loyalty would stay with Konoha. He could only hope Naruto didn't put him in a situation to choose.

Tsunade sighed with frustration, "Yamanaka and Uchiha. You'll be heavily monitored. I don't have any punishments for you two right now, but just know you two are on a thin fucking line during this investigation. As of right now, Hinata is prime suspect for this massacre."

"Well. By tonight we should be in rogue territory. Most ninja's affiliated with villages wouldn't dare cross these territories. So, won't be much to worry about. Well, Konoha wise come tonight."

Naruto and Hinata moved quietly through the day. They had left Konoha in the morning, but earlier in the morning when there was no light and had been traveling all day in stealth. Naruto's clones of him and Hinata didn't disperse until 8 in the morning when he was sure people had seen them walking around the village and the breakfast was dropped off at Sakura and Sasuke's apartment.

At this point in time Naruto and Hinata couldn't trust anyone. Not Shikamaru, not Ino, not Sakura and not even Sasuke. Shikamaru was probably angry and annoyed with having to cover for Naruto right now so, he would give his friend time before reaching out to him again.

Naruto didn't know if Sasuke would tip Tsunade off on anything they've recently talked about or even about something as miniature as the breakfast. This just meant they were on a timed schedule when it came to traveling to the rogue territory.

Hinata had been absolutely mute the whole time traveling. She still had blood splattered on her clothing and looked absolutely distraught. Naruto hated to see her like this, but now wasn't the time to stop for comforting. He told her when they left the village that she had to be strong, that she couldn't stop until he told her to. He was going to get her to safe territory, Hinata just had to trust him and push through.

When the duo made it into unmarked territory they found themselves near unclaimed ports. A lot of vessel transports happened in this area along with a lot of crime. The civilian workers declared this area to be a ninja-free zone and that led a lot of room for corruption and violence.

Still the people that lived around the port was fine with it and if they weren't going to pay for the service, than there would be no ninja's there to aid them.

The area was a free for all. Businesses that were actually dumb enough to use this port all got their equipment and cargo robbed. If they didn't have their belongings robbed it was because they were transporting illegal items anyways and were supported by some type of criminal. This particular port area was now recognized as being for the black market, and the people in the area just seemed okay with it. Not a care in the world.

It was the shittest place Naruto could think of that he was sure no one would come looking for them. They needed time at least to strategize and not worry about being chased.

Naruto watched as Hinata looked around the port and immediately clutched her black cloak tighter around her. Naruto wanted to joke that these people didn't care that under her cloak was blood soaked clothing. However, judging by Hinata's grim expressions he could tell now was not the time.

Sometimes he forgets, while Hinata's life wasn't roses, she still wasn't exposed to such ruggedness. Even himself to a certain degree wasn't exposed to such violence thanks to living in Konoha. However, growing up in the orphanage Naruto still understood how to go into survival mode.

He understood how to stop people from beating him.

He understood how to find a way to get money when his piss poor allowance ran out.

He knew how to get food and overall how to survive without someone being there for him.

Hinata was going to struggle.

Naruto took Hinata's hand and squeezed it. Maybe a horrible idea to do around such people because now these strangers knew their weaknesses. Yet, Naruto wasn't really concerned with that.

When Hinata looked at Naruto he frowned at her and pulled her closer to him. All he could see was a broken woman and he wasn't going to stand for that right now. "Hold your head up high Hinata. Don't look scared, not even for a minute. These people will eat you alive if given the chance. Just stay focused and follow me to find a decent hotel."

He gave a slight smirk when he saw Hinata square her shoulders back and raise her head as she looked past him. She nodded her head and the two went to find a decent looking hotel.

Hinata wasn't going to lie. This place was absolutely horrifying and looked disgusting. She had never been exposed to such unethical ruthlessness. This is where rogue ninja's flourished at? No wonder they were such slime when she came across them on missions. Would she end up being such slime?

Wasn't she already?

When the two made it to a decent looking hotel she thanked the heavens they had an available room for three days. That was plenty of time to come up with some type of plan. They needed to sit down and rethink life.

Maybe if they just went back to the village in a few days the Hokage would understand why Hinata did what she did. Or she would simply have her killed or imprisoned for life. Maybe, just maybe she deserved it?

The man at the front desk looked at Hinata with a dull look at first. He was an oversized bald man that looked as if he hadn't changed his grease stained shirt in a few days. When he smiled Hinata could see all of his plaque buildup. "Say. How much was this one? She looks expensive. Don't you wanna share? I'll make the three days free if you give me an hour or two with your call girl."

It was important not to make a scene. Not to cause any fights. To make sure word did not get around that they were here. So, if Naruto blew his cool on this low life right now than they would have to go on the run again. Hinata gripped the back of Naruto's cloak and tugged on it lightly so the bald oversized man wouldn't see her.

She was telling him it was okay and to calm down.

It was not okay, not in the slightest though to Naruto.

Naruto already was staring scorching holes at the man and it took every ounce of control in him not to rip the man to shreds. "I'd rather pay you. She's mine and I don't share."

The man looked at Naruto before he smirked at him, "So you say. They're all the same. Pfft, whatever, I'll take your money and I'll see her down the road at the red light district later." The man gave Naruto his receipt and room key. Though his eyes followed Hinata as she followed Naruto to their room.

Naruto swore he wasn't going to forget that man's words when they finally checked out.

When they made it into the room they were beyond delighted to see that it was indeed a pretty decent, clean room. No roaches or other critters from what Naruto could see. He checked the bathroom to see if it was in good shape and the small kitchen was decent as well. The appliances were dirty, and he was sure they didn't change the sheets…ever, but it was still well above the rating he was thinking.

This didn't stop Hinata from walking to the bed and stripping it. She pulled out a scroll that she had stored some things in for the road and pulled out blanket and sheets from Naruto's apartment. She sprayed disinfectant on the bed and placed their own sheets and blanket on the small bed. She'd say it was full size.

Naruto had a queen size bed in his apartment, so she had to do some tucking, but she got it to work. She had worn disposable gloves while doing this and took off the gloves and washed her hands in the bathroom before she came back into the room and took off her cloak. Naruto was already sitting on the bed and had taken his cloak off.

He was looking at her and his eyes that had been hardened this whole time traveling had finally took a gentler look.

Hinata was so relieved.

"I'm sorry if I came off like an asshole or anything Nata. I was just trying to get us as far away from Konoha as possible so we could lay low."

They were definitely far. Naruto set an insane pace and was moving at a speed Hinata never had to endure before. Most of the time he had to have her ride on his back so she wouldn't slow them down. There was no way Konoha could guess where they were or how far they've gotten.

Naruto knew most of the people back in Konoha thought of them as babied. Weak. That they would need to be in an established village or with some one that Naruto knew. So, without a doubt they had a leg up already.

Hinata laid a towel down, sat beside him and smiled, "It's okay. You were just trying to take care of me. Thank you for doing all of this Naruto. You…You didn't have to do this. I-I didn't want to get you involved in all this because I didn't want you to get tied up in such a horrible thing."

Even though she smiled at him, Naruto could tell she was everything but okay. Her family was gone. "Hinata. They couldn't get away with what they did. Bad things were happening, and your father even said that it wasn't going to stop. I know you're hurting. I know Hinata."

Naruto cupped her cheek and leaned over to place his forehead on hers. Hinata closed her eyes and let out a heavy, trembling sigh, "I hurt, but I don't want to feel this hurt Naruto-kun. I hurt and I'm scared. I didn't mean…everything happened so FAST. We can't be on the run forever."

The two sat in silence. Taking in the moment and finally being able to absorb one another's comfort. "Hinata. Don't be scared. I'm here and I promise no one will put a finger on you. No one, especially from Konoha, will touch you."

He leaned back to look at her and the two stared into one another's eyes, "Your pain. The hurt you feel. You can feel it as much as you want Hinata. You deserve to feel. Don't suppress your emotions."

Naruto let go of her face and pointed to his chest, "I feel pain here." He then pointed to his face, "I don't show it here. If you show it here people will take advantage of you and out here they'll probably kill you. Do you understand? Out here I want you to be in Anbu mode 24/7 unless we are somewhere safe and alone. Okay?"

Hinata looked at his deep blue eyes and nodded her head in understanding. Naruto took her hands and kissed them, "When we are alone. You can show them with me all you want. I will never push aside your feelings because you never pushed mines aside."

Her eyes widened as she looked at him, "I love you Naruto-kun. I love you so much."

She leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder and Naruto knew she was silently crying to herself, "I love you too Hinata. I love you more than you would ever know."

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Hope it cleared some things up. Well except for the main question of what happened during the massacre lol.

The journey for Naruto and Hinata are just starting. Surely they need to build alliances...

See you all next week!