Theme and Variation

Pairing: Sasuke x Hinata

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: From the last post to this one, not much has changed.

Momo-kun-chan: Heehee, yes you have the right fic. I just changed my user name is all. hugs everyone YOOOOOOSH! So many wonderful reviews. You're all too kind. =D

Haha, now since everyone seems to enjoy my unique writing style, I hope to continue to live up to your standards. I had quite a lot of trouble starting this chapter. I think I got it, after the umpteenth try --;, because I finally realized what I was missing. ; I have been asked to go into further detail of how Sasuke noticed Hinata. Will do. Oh, and the request for a longer chapter has been answered. Thank you and read on. XD (If this chapter is crap, plz forgive T.T)

-

"I thought the Hyuuga's were the strongest clan in Konoha. Pathetic." His scowl dug deeply into his dark brow.

"I-I'm sorry…"

"Sorry won't cut it if you or one of your teammates dies." The words hot like burning venom.

She hung her head and whimpered. Her legs were still frozen in the sitting position she'd fell in. Mud stained her capris and jacket as she'd been pushed out of the way of a stray attack.

The young Chuunin re-pocketed his dirtied kunai and turned on his heels. "Get up. The fights over."

He turned to the approaching team that he led. "We're moving again. Let's go."

The loud blonde whined as he crossed his arms and pouted. The pink haired girl followed with an obedient smile; she was soiled with blood, but it wasn't her own. The remaining two boys headed in the fallen kunoichi's direction.

"You okay?"

The indigo haired girl gave a weak smile and nodded. "I'll be fine. Thank you for asking."

"I said let's go! We're wasting time!" The leader was getting impatient.

"Yeah. Yeah." The blonde made it his business to walk slowly.

"Come on. We'll help you up." Her original teammates offered.

The girl shook her head. "No… I can do it myself thank you. I… have to learn someday."

The leader Nin snorted hearing the comment. "Like that would happen…"

-

The mission registration process had changed quite a bit from going to the Hokage then heading out. More things had to be stamped and check and signed, the whole lot was supposed to be more efficient; however, it was unfortunately time taking as well. As her documents were being filed, Hinata busied herself by twiddling with random straps of her backpack, poking her fingers together, biting her lower lip... just random things, a person did without thinking about it.

Hinata had been patiently waiting behind the large, wrap around counter of the office. There was nothing truly special about it as some might think. An ordinary solid white room with dark green trimmed walls; there were a few spots that were peeling, but nothing a fresh coat of paint couldn't handle. A couple of regular sized windows were found around the area. Perfectly placed so they would catch the light from all parts of the day, just as it did now, turning the office into a mild shade of saffron.

She'd been here many times before in her Genin and Chuunin years. All of the times with Kiba and Shino, who were like the closest older brothers she'd had, but now, this was the final process of doing her duty with a new partner. Sure, there were joint missions of Seven and Eight, forcing her to change her routine a bit, but now the group was down to two. Usually with multiple people, work was divided into everyone's strong points. In a dyad, where one was lacking, the other had to pick up the slack, or fail.

That was one of her main worries of the day. Hinata couldn't seem to that shake off the feeling that somehow this mission would be botched to the point where Sasuke would have to fight off ever enemy Nin while she stood in the side lines. Not that there was a doubt in her mind that the Uchiha couldn't handle a team of opposing shinobis, but she couldn't bare the look of disappointment that would follow when she'd froze up in during a battle.

She could vividly remember the missions with him long ago. He didn't even try to go easier on her like the others did. Sasuke was blunt and to the point when pointing out her errors. Hinata immediately folded each time.

That was something Hinata didn't want at all after this mission. The heir was more than determined to hold her own. She had gotten stronger from the last joint mission together just one lone year ago.

Nevertheless, the thought of their mission alone brought that uneasy feeling of anxiety in a nearly unbearable amount.

They had been assigned to aid in the transportation of a relative of the Raikage's back to the Hidden Cloud Village. Ice immediately chilled in her stomach as a numerous bad memories flooded back to her consciousness, but Sasuke did appear to share the same uneasiness of the situation. He was more or less turned off by the simplicity of the task.

"Kakashi-sensei, you can't be serious."

The expression that Sasuke had worn was still fresh in the Hyuuga's mind. Lips pressed thin until its corners sunk, a brow cocked incredulously, a firm face taut even more so than the usual. It was evident that Sasuke had expected more from a supposedly top rank mission. A lot more. He had done escort jobs in D rank missions for crying aloud.

Hinata had remembered quite well the flash of irritation that passed over the one uncovered eye of the silver haired scarecrow. With elbows resting on the worn desk that he was sitting behind, Kakashi casually answered. "True it may seem simple, but this is an A rank mission."

Sasuke gave him another glare that read, "Oh really?", without the requirement of moving his mouth. Hinata remained silent, apprehension running her mute.

With a deep, but suppressed sigh, Kakashi had explained all of the hitches to their mission. Aside from previous conflicts between themselves in the past, the Hidden Cloud and the Leaf had finally become allies during the past years, and the gracious Hokage had offered the aiding proposition in a form of an assignment.

Secretly, the Fifth was just trying to keep the peace. Who would want an accident to occur while leaving their land? No one. Especially now with the rising conflict between the Cloud and the Hidden Stone. Rumor has it, that the Hidden Grass is in an alliance with the Stone, and plan to attack the Raikage by any means necessary. This includes targeting the family, hence the need for a strong pair of escort Jounins to help them cross the border to Thunder Country smoothly.

Hinata recalled shuttering at the word "strong". Oh, she really had to be this time. If she didn't, not only would Hinata have failed her teammate, she would most definitely start a war of some kind. Having unnecessary bloodshed on her hands, and conscience, was something she did not want, knowing a conflict would result in innocent casualties. Not only that, the Hyuuga family has had some friction with that particular village in the past, so she had to be extra careful as well.

Without much more of a complaint, Sasuke, who was obviously still peeved, had accepted the task. Hinata bowed a thank you to Kakashi, even though she didn't know exactly why, and scurried off like a dutiful pet behind the already descending Jounin. She'd quickly caught up with him in the winding corridors of the northern end of the building.

There, she'd offered to tie up the last few ends while he waited outside. Hinata didn't mind doing that part at least, and besides, Sasuke looked as she needed some fresh air, rather quickly. That always helped her to be calm sometimes.

On the other hand, Sasuke had told her it was alright but Hinata insisted, timidly as ever though, being careful not to offend his pride. Much to her surprise, he'd agree simply from the second try. Hinata had expected a glower of some kind, but not a dirty glance came her way. The oddest thing was what he said afterward.

"I could come with you, you know. If you want that is..."

Hinata couldn't see his face because his back still was turned. In spite of his heavy voice, Hinata nearly up picked on a hidden tone within it, or so she thought. Maybe she was just hearing things.

"No... That's okay. I can handle it. Thank you." Hinata walked around from behind so that she was in front of him, and reached out for the scroll he still held. She kept her head down and focused on his hand so she didn't have to look him in the eyes.

As he reacted up, their bare fingers grazed as the scroll was transferred between them. Scarlet washed over her pale cheeks but her hand didn't pull away as quick as her mind told her to do. She was sure that Sasuke probably would have, but he didn't, it lingered a while. Despite his coarse and strong touch, they were as warm as she'd remembered from before. They had that certain gentleness that caused her face to blaze into a rosy shade of pink, and her heart to peculiarly flutter like a nest of butterflies.

Unfortunately, the briefly pleasant moment was spoiled when another shinobi team came down the hallway. It was none other than Rock Lee and Sakura. Lee was telling Sakura something, but it didn't seem she was listening at all. Her dull emerald eyes were despondent, until her glare landed upon the opposing pair. They immediately blazed like a bonfire when they locked directly into Hinata's lavender tinted orbs. The Hyuuga winced and attempted to move her grasp away but Sasuke held firm.

"Good luck on your mission, Sasuke-kun." Sakura's glare shifting into a sweet smile as she looked to her former teammate. Sasuke only cast her scowl, causing Sakura to fume inwardly.

"Let's go Lee-kun." With that, the pink haired kunoichi coiled herself around the arm of her partner and quickened her paced to the exit. Lee looked flustered but nonetheless happy.

Sasuke held an expression that read, 'What the hell was she still trying to prove?' as Hinata managed the courage to look up.

"I... should get going..."

Sasuke looked annoyed. Hinata recoiled. "If you're worried about her-"

"I'm not!" Hinata blinked with surprised at her own outburst and hung her head. It was lie. She knew it, but she didn't know why. No, she did know why, she just didn't want to face it. "I should get going anyway... It shouldn't take too long..."

Hinata pulled the scroll from his grasp as she moved. Her hands felt immediately cold but she continued anyway.

The clock ticking in a monotone rhythm as Hinata glanced up to watch the rotating hands; it seemed a lot louder in the placid office. A good half an hour had passed since then. Hinata hoped that she wasn't taking too long to finish up, with the registration personnel taking their dear sweet time. Hinata personally didn't mind, but she didn't want to upset Sasuke even more so than before.

Suddenly, Hinata had found blood rushing to her face again. It was as if his touch was on her hand again. Hinata was startled of how long it seemed to last, beside the point it was only a few seconds, but she honestly enjoyed it. It was… nice. Very nice indeed. Just as that thought began to flood once more, Hinata felt the presence of three familiar auras coming from behind. She promptly looked over her mesh-covered shoulder, blushing madly with unknown embarrassment.

"Oi, Hinata-chan!"

-

By the light breeze traveling over the village, a wind chime tinkled in the distance, while causing the small koi pond to ripple beneath the small bridge that Sasuke was waiting on. He was leaning back with ankles crossed in a lazy fashion and his elbows resting upon the red painted rail behind him. His head slanted down the path toward the large building to see if anyone else was coming. Nothing. Not even a small stir of the door.

With a somewhat bothered sigh, Sasuke shifted a bit but didn't change his position. What could be taking her so long? He could tell by the position of the sunlight tingling on his skin, quite some time had past. It was understandable to wait thought. Many shinobis had to get their missions today, so maybe there was a line. He closed his eyes for a moment just as the wind rustled his clothes.

Damn Sakura, was his first thought as he flexed the newly bandaged fist. Sasuke was still miffed by her interference. It was difficult for him to get things out in the open as it is without the excessive chagrin. Sakura could be so… annoying sometimes. Hopefully, there would be another opportunity. Most likely it would be difficult for a chance to present itself again.

Just then, he'd suddenly wondered how long the mission would be. He'd forgotten to ask that.

In the serenity of the moment, something buzzed by his side. It was barely noticeable at first, but then it soon became louder as if it was coming closer. The moment the annoyance buzzed past his ear, he carelessly swung at it with a troubled hand. A insect no doubt. The damn thing was rather persistent too.

Sasuke opened narrowed eyes at the biggest bee he had ever seen. It was easily the size of his thumb, and it insisted on swarming around him. Sasuke was sure he didn't smell like anything sweet, that he knew of, but the bug didn't seem to be like the normal ones you would find in the wild flower fields either. It may have sounded crazy, but it was more like the bee was trying to profile him as if conducting an interrogation.

His face marred with a frown, Sasuke was half tempted to pull out a kunai and slash the little beast, but he didn't dare risk his cool image by spinning around like a mad man and swinging a weapon around at "nothing". It was funny how people show up right when something was over, leaving you to look like you've lost it.

Finally seeing an opening to squash the pest in one swing, the bee retreated. Instead of flying away to find a random flower, it landed on the finger of his "master". A sour scowl dripped into Sasuke's dark features.

"What do you want?" Sasuke's voice was dismal but threatening. So, he sent the bug. What was this guy's problem anyway?

Shino only looked bland as ever behind his tall collar and remained silent. The air suddenly became tense between the two.

"Well?" Sasuke raised his tone a bit.

"I just wanted to let you know, to take care of Hinata-san. What you two did yesterday didn't go unnoticed, and I hope your intentions don't bring her any grief."

Sasuke snorted. "I wasn't planning to."

With a slight tilt of the head, the Aburame let the rim of his shades slide a touch off the bridge of his nose. Sasuke raised a brow with mild alarm; no wonder he kept them covered with shades.

"I'm sure." Shino sounded as if he was smirking but his expression read other wise as he replaced his sunglasses.

Chouji suddenly appeared munching on a full bag of chips; obviously, he was fresh from the store with his morning snacks. In the same minute, he and his partner vanished into thin air, but not before Shino gave another knowing look to the Uchiha.

Not a full moment after, the doors of the old building swung open and revealed three people moving toward the bridge. He wasn't even paying attention to Kiba, that seemed to be feeding Akamaru something in his hoodie, but more of Naruto and Hinata, who were standing pretty close to each other. To make it worse, Hinata even giggled slightly at one of Naruto more than likely lame jokes. With this, Sasuke's sulk molded into a full-blown brood, but he wasn't the type to start screaming his head off on a whim. He was going to do what aggravated Naruto best, play it cool.

"Oi, Sasuke!" Naruto greeted rather loudly as the trio approached.

The brunette Jounin gave a snort then a smirk. "And you wonder why I still call you dobe. You're always dead-last."

The blonde shinobi puffed his cheeks before he grinned confidently. "Ha! I'm not the only one! You're last too, Sasuke!"

Sasuke shrugged off the comment nonchalantly and crammed his hands into the pockets of his dark colored shorts. "Wrong again. We were just leaving."

Hinata seemed vaguely surprised at Sasuke's reply. She'd seen the two quarrel before, but this was one of the times Sasuke had brushed it off. Maybe he wasn't still mad from before, Hinata hoped.

"Ready?" Sasuke said, as he turned halfway around to address her. He was already at the edge of the bridge.

"Oh, alright." She nodded and waved behind her as she walked farther to the overpass's end where Sasuke waited for her to catch up. "Good luck, Naruto-kun, Kiba-kun."

Naruto stopped long enough from his personal rant about a certain person being so smug, to flash a smile. "Later Hinata-chan."

"See ya Hinata. Be careful." Kiba gave a short wave as Hinata nodded in agreement.

Naruto snickered. "Yeah. Sasuke's a real pervert. You might want to be careful around him."

Hinata blushed intensely.

Sasuke only laughed under his breath and retorted, "I'm not the one who was caught reading Kakashi's Icha Icha, Naruto."

Now it was Naruto's turn to blush and scratch the back of his head sheepishly. "How many times do I have to tell you? The book fell open!"

Hinata looked even more stunned while Sasuke released a casual 'Che…'. Kiba laughed and petted Akamaru's head. If he was going to be a sneaky perv, at least be good enough not to be caught. That was his own personal philosophy.

As Naruto was busy trying to plead his case to his newly appointed teammate, Sasuke turned on his heels to the apparently flushed woman. "Come on. We should get moving before the morning gets too late."

Hinata nodded quickly, too disorientated to verbally agree and proceeded down the stone pathway.

Within a few minutes of the walk, the pair eventually reached the center of town. The markets and restaurants were just coming alive as early shoppers hurried along to find the most convenient bargains. Not only did the bargain hunters peak at this point, it was also known that the busybodies of the town also began their prying at this hour.

Hinata nearly forgot until she heard gossiping giggles of nosey middle-aged women as she and Sasuke past. Their words danced by her ears tauntingly. It was all astounded murmurs that the last survinving member of the Uchiha clan was walking nearly arm and arm with a girl without chasing her away, and with the Hyuuga girl to top it off too.

Feeling the cool chill run down her back of anticipated rumors, Hinata could only imagine what her father might say. True, she didn't live in the main house mansion anymore, she'd been on her own for a few years now, but her father can still be quite influential on her life. However, Hiashi didn't seem to care what Hinata did unless she didn't disgrace the Hyuuga name. She was pretty sure this would spread around like wildfire.

They were on a mission. Couldn't everyone see their supplies? That was all. Right? Why she was even thinking about 'being an item' was beyond her for the moment.

Somehow, her mind trailed from annoying questions as she blankly glimpsed at Sasuke's back. His gear looked light, compared to hers; no doubt, it was only full of weapons.

"Hm… Sasuke…?"

He looked by his side as Hinata called modestly. "Ah, did you need anything else? I mean… are you sure you have enough equipment?"

"It's fine." He answered without much contemplation.

Sasuke already had what he needed most. The most efficient weapons were all placed in various pouches and holders that were close in range to be used in battle. This backpack only had some first aid things and a few articles of clothing, just in case. He hadn't been thinking about spending more than the necessary time with this job.

"Did you find out how long the mission was?"

Hinata nodded and thought for a second before the tid-bit clicked in her head. "The scroll said a week or two… depending on how long it would take to get there and back."

With a slight nod of the head, Sasuke took in the information. He knew the quickest route to the Thunder Country. It was a day or two to get there; this weighing on how many stops and run-ends they'd gotten into on the way. Besides, the extra time could prove fruitful by being away from the hounding eyes of the village for a couple of days.

-

Upon reaching the borders of the Leaf, a caravan was being set up for the travel ahead. In front of the caravan stood an individual dressed in luxurious robes. It appeared as if the person had never worked a day in their life. From a distance, you could have sworn it was a woman, but up close, the person turned out to be a man.

"The Leaf shinobis, I assume." His voice was as snobby as he looked.

Hinata bowed as Sasuke let out a disgusted snort. He could tell this guy was going to be a whining bastard.

"Hm, you look nothing special, but I guess you'll due." The man turned pompously on his heels and began to order the loading men, in a very squeaky pitched tone, to help him inside the transport.

Hinata was confused for the forth time that morning. Well, what else did she expect? This wasn't supposed to be an easy job.

"Which end did you want?"

Hinata looked lost at her partner. "…End… of what?"

"The caravan."

"Oh…" Hinata felt ridiculous that she hadn't been listening. "Um, it doesn't matter to me. Which ever end is fine."

"You should take the back then while I'll look out from the front. That way we'll have both ends covered just in case of an ambush."

"A-alright." She nodded nervously at the new thought of being attack from all angles, but she masked it long enough until she was in the shelter of the caravan.

Now there was no turning back. Hinata was determined keep the silent promise that she'd made for every recent mission that she'd been through; to try her best and never let her teammates down. The easy thing was to get the mind set for the task, but the hardest thing was to keep up enough nerve to follow through.

Once the last sorts of luggage were tied down with sturdy ropes around the top, the driver instructed the horses to process from the village.

Thing were still relatively calm since the group had yet to leave the borders of Fire Country. As of now, they were traveling through the lush forest that surrounded Konoha in a blanket of green. The sun sprayed the jade earth with specks of gold as it poured through the tiny spaces between the leaves. The tall canopy of trees had wild and unbound roots that forced passageways into the road. Birds flew around ever so often, filling the tranquil moment with a couple of content chirps. A river walked beside the trail, reflecting bright spots of the sun as well as providing the calming sound of rushing water to the passing area. The flora eventually began to disperse as they moved near the boundaries of the present country.

Hinata felt that same unease form in the pit of her stomach once they past the border-guarding nins of the Fire. The group was officially no longer in the safety of their village. This was foreign land, and enemies could be everywhere.

Choosing to avoid the small village that was north of their current position, the caravan turned east to another path that led to a neighboring forest. This was an unfamiliar place to either Sasuke or Hinata, so their scanning skills had to be put to good use as of now.

Performing the well known seals of her hands, letting her chakra flow between them, Hinata activated her Byakugan. Now she could see a good distance into the shaded parts of the brush than before. Thanks to her bloodlines, Hinata could fully see Sasuke as well. Wide sturdy shoulders underneath the pale gray shirt; his neck was craned upward to check the trees for spies of some kind. He would probably find something before she did anyway. Enemies would most likely attack from the front, unless they were smart.

Both relieved and wary, Hinata hadn't seen any traces of the enemy from every direction she could see. Only now and then, a deer or a squirrel came into view but that was it. The hardest part of scanning was to look for something that looks out of the ordinary. Then, a few degrees to her right, a blur moved past her sight. At first, it would seem like a bird, but when she looked again, there was something odd about it.

"Sasuke…" Hinata whispered only loud enough to be heard within the caravan.

His dark hair brushed over his shoulder as he glanced behind. The glimmering black eyes look to her with expectancy. She then nodded a signal that something was coming up from behind. Sasuke nodded his own response and signaled her to meet him up top. In mere seconds, the two Leaf nins appeared on a thick, moss covered branch just above the caravan as it continued to move like normal.

"Which way?" Sasuke asked in a hush tone as he crouched next to Hinata.

"That way." She pointed to the right.

"Can you see how many?"

Hinata shook her head. "No, it's moving too fast."

"I can handle that." In the blink of an eye, black morphed into red as three little seedlings surround the pupil. His Sharingan would be able to track the movement best.

The wrapped hand reached behind and pulled a kunai from its pouch as Hinata pulled a senbon from its holder. Sasuke couldn't help but smirk at her weapon of choice. Lightweight and slender but could be highly dangerous. Much like her, if he did say so himself.

"Let's go."

Without the stir of a single leaf, the small team moved through the treetops in amazing stealth. They were side-by-side but far enough apart, so they wouldn't crash into each other.

Sasuke must have spotted it. Hinata thought by the way that she saw him move into a specific path. A few more seconds of bounding heights, Sasuke paused and crouched down again in the cover of some nearby foliage. Hinata landed soundlessly beside him and waited as well.

Only the light sound of their breathing was heard as they waited, enhanced eyes still searching. By the side Sasuke was hunkered down, Hinata spotted a bird coming closer. It was an ordinary bird, the type that was common around the area, but they were usually one solid color. This one had white on the end of its tail.

Hinata gasped inwardly. An explosive note!

With an aimed flick of the wrist, Hinata tossed the needle. It pierced through the slip, sending the bird into a panic as the paper was carried away. It soared without a sound as both Sasuke and Hinata focused their attention and waited.

Silence. Silence. Like a flicking lighter, the explosion flared from the lower depths of the of the forest floor.

With the same similarities of falling dominos, enemy nins from the Stone and Grass fell from the treetops. Some had been caught in explosion's blast, while others moved to attack.

With a war like cry from her partner, Hinata watched as Sasuke leapt from the shrouding leaves, crimson eyes blazing with determination, and attacked the first shinobi with astounding accuracy and power.

Hinata swallowed heavily; it had suddenly become dry. Her body unwillingly trembled.

This is it. Go Hinata. You have to. You can't let him down. I won't!

"Byakugan!"

Veins doubled around her usually meek eyes as every nin came into sight.

Filling in between her fingers a hefty arsenal of senbon, Hinata jumped from the branch. Combining her weapons with her Byakugan, she coated each one with her chakra and targeted the holes in the opposing shinobis' bodies. One, two, three went down as a vital chakra hole had been hit.

Sasuke, as expected, was doing very well on his own. He seemed to not have a scratch on him while everyone else had been slashed with the bloodied kunai he was still holding. Reaching by his thigh, he placed a small number of shirukens around his fingers and tossed them toward an approaching shinobi. The man was taken down with instantaneous collision. Now jumping feet higher so that he was off the ground, Sasuke had avoided some flying stars as they punctured the ground.

The enemy sides were dwindling.

Now out of senbons to throw, Hinata moved in closer. It was time to use her Gentle Fist style. Running to a ninja easily twice her size, she drove her palm into his back. She could see the chakra passing through his body as her counter energy hit the heart. The shinobi crumpled into a heap as she moved up the levels of branches to the other nins. Though Hinata truly hated to kill, there was no other choice. They obviously didn't feel any remorse for her, so what else is there to do.

Suddenly, a masked shinobi appeared from behind. His kunai soar a direct path to her side.

"FUUMA SHIRUKEN KAGE KURA!"

The large shiruken rocketed through the air and stopped the coming assault. From up above, Sasuke stood upon a limb and caught the returning shiruken as it came back to its origin.

With a weak smile of relief, Hinata landed to a branch just below his and crouched down on one knee. That seemed to have been the last one. Hinata thought, looking around and wiped the back of her forehead.

"Look out!"

Hinata's head jerked up. It was Sasuke. He'd already jumped from the branch. Hinata finally spotted the descending kunais about to rain upon her.

Sasuke watched wide eyed as Hinata was about to become a full-fledged pincushion. He could probably stop about half with his Fuuma Shiruken, but here was so many.

The mind raced, adrenaline rushed.

Move Hinata!

Despite his mental screams, Hinata stood firm and closed her eyes.

Ah! What is she doing? She'll be killed! Sasuke forced his body to drop as he attempted to go to her aid. He ran faster and faster down the completely vertical trunk of the tree.

Closer. Closer.

Not enough time.

Too late.

"Hakkeshou: Kaiten!"

Digging his heels into the bark, Sasuke stopped as the blue whirl of chakra rotated around Hinata's form. Every weapon hit the shield and fell to the ground in a lifeless clang. The chakra wall fell as Hinata paused from spinning in its center. She looked a bit worn but she hadn't been injured.

That must have been one of those Hyuuga techniques I've heard of. Sasuke thought as he looked back up to the canopy. That was most likely the reinforcements. I'll handle the rest of them.

Ram, dog, hare; his hands entwined as chakra passed through them.

"Katon: Housenka no Jutsu!"

The chakra then gathered to his mouth before he placed two fingers to them. The fire spilled out in the form of multiple fire balls. They burned brightly with heat as they sliced through the leaves. Howls and cries rang through the air. Whatever didn't get set a flame had been skewered; there had been kunais hidden within each one of the flaming balls.

Hinata look up again to the fiery sky. That was… the second time he's came to help me. For some reason, Hinata felt more grateful than ashamed. She'd tried her best and they were a team after all.

Giving a little smile in Sasuke's direction, she'd wound up spotting something behind him in the distance.

Ah! Another one! Her eyes immediately fell on the nin's hands. They were doing seals and a lot of chakra was flowing to them. No…

"I won't let you…" Her voice was barely a whisper as she rose shakily to her feet. "I won't."

Simply attacking wouldn't due, she had to prevent the nin from doing jutsu at all. Extending her arms forward, she then slid her feet apart and made her arms parallel to her legs.

"Hakkeshou: Rokujuu Yonshou!"

Hinata could see the shinobi in her range of vision. Alright. Go. Propelling her legs, the Hyuuga ran directly toward the Grass nin.

Sasuke had just finished his Mythical Fire Flower Technique when he realized Hinata charging across the lower log. His Sharingan coated eyes followed her path up to higher branches until she was above him. She was running directly toward the enemy Nin.

The Grass shinobi had seen her coming and stop the seal in just enough time to pull out a kunai. Sasuke step forward in fear. Hinata jerked forward.

The blade pierced. The shinobi let out a deep chuckle, but was soon surprised when her petite body puffed into a log. Kawarimi.

"What the?!"

He was too slow to react. Hinata turned on her heels. "Two strike!"

Another turn. The shinobi was trapped. "Four! Eight!"

Hinata could see the chakra holes blow out like old Christmas lights as her arms attacked in one fluid motion. Her face was set in a serious expression but she was shaken to the core with nervousness. This was a difficult skill and she'd only practiced it a dozen times or so. Hinata hoped against hope that she could finish.

"Thirty-two!"

She smiled inwardly. Her goal was in sight. One more.

"Sixty-four!"

The last hit struck dead center. The man screamed as he flew backward. He lost his footing and fell to an untimely death among the forest floor.

Sasuke watched the whole thing in silent awe. Man, she'd improved greatly over the last year since their last joint mission. Such precision. He was glad his Sharingan was there to catch each strike.

But wait?

What was wrong? She was still in the same position as the attack ended. Forearm raised, the other hand with two fingers erect, why hadn't she moved? Sasuke took another step closer.

"Hinata…"

Her arms dropped, the body swayed on legs that turned instantly to jello. Hinata involuntarily leaned back. Sasuke broke into a mad dash. He didn't wish her to end up like the other shinobi just now.

Hinata let out a fragile gasp as her feet lifted from the branch. Her body was numb. Oh no, I used too much chakra. She winced as she attempted to make her hands move. No good.

An energy was moving her way. Sasuke.

Sasuke…? I'm falling. I can't stop...

Her lips never moved. She was in a daze.

The wind whistled in her ears as indigo hair washed in front of her eyes. Gravity pulled faster and faster. Air left her lungs as she collided.

Strange, she'd anticipated more of an impact from that far a fall. The ground was a lot softer than she'd expected too.

And warm.

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Momo-kun-chan: Review and I update a lot faster. All suggestions welcome. XD Thank you. Laters.