Title : Growth

Author : Wolfs Catalyst

Disclaimer : I don't own any of the Naruto characters, I'd tell you who does but I cant spell the blokes name.

Summary : Sasuke's decision influences Naruto's and Hinata's lives more than they thought possible. The pairings are going to be NaruHina with a bit of SasuSaku, ShikaIno and maybe others.

Text : 'Blah blah' = Thoughts

'Blah blah' = Kyubi talking

*Blah blah* = Memory/Flashback

Note: Thanks to all who reviewed last chapter, I hope you like this one too. Keep those reviews coming!

Now about the rating, I decided to raise it because there is a bit of an icky scene later in the chapter, this rating will only probs last for one chapter then go back to the normal PG.

Chapter 6

Walking the halls of the Hyuuga mansion, Hyuuga Kuugen gave a nod and smile to passing friends, family and even servants. With his lengthy silver hair hanging almost to his knees, long moustache and beard reaching his waist he looked like everyone's favorite grandfather. A benevolent smile and deeply lined face only added to the impression. As the eldest of his clan, as well as one of it's ten elders (The ten elders along with the clan head make all decisions required to run the clan) he was deeply respected by all. But for all that he still simply looked like a kindly old man, which was exactly the way Kuugen wanted it. After all who would expect everyone's favorite grandfather to be clan Hyuuga's spy master?

Entering the clan meeting chamber Kuugen walked to his appointed seat. As one of the ruling branch family elders he was required to attend any meetings that were called by his clan head.

The room he entered was circular in shape and was dominated by a large wooden table of the same shape set in the middle of it. Ten plain but comfortable wooden chairs were arranged around the circular table at regular intervals. The eleventh and last chair, almost a throne sat facing the entrance of the room. Made from solid Konoha oak it was heavily ornate. The chair's legs were carved to resemble sitting wolves, their eyes fashioned from chips of amethyst. A twirling pattern resembling clouds dominated the rest of the seat, stopping at a gilded sign that was located just above the users head. The Hyuuga clan emblem. In this chair sat the most powerful clan leader of all Konoha, Hyuuga Hiashi.

Almost regally Hiashi nodded to Kuugen as he took a seat to his immediate left. Kuugen replied with a respectful bowing of his head, no words were spoken. They would wait until the entire council had arrived.

As the chamber slowly began to fill Kuugen thought deeply about what he was about to reveal, if his information was implemented correctly the next few years would raise the Clans power, to levels never dreamed before. Looking around he saw the last of the elders enter.

Finally as all the seats were taken Hiashi officially began the meeting "Greetings to my family" were the first words spoken, those same words had begun every meeting of the council as far back as any Hyuuga could remember. As had the customary response "Greetings and respect, great father" Kuugen intoned with the other nine elders.

"I have gathered you all here today to hear the words of our Spy Master, Hyuuga Kuugen, rise and speak"

Once again bowing slightly Kuugen rose "Arigato Hiashi-sama"

Looking around the table he began to speak "Ever since the return of Uchiha Sasuke two weeks ago, I have been hearing disturbing news from our eyes and ears. Hiashi-sama the news I bring involves your daughter, our heiress" he paused until Hiashi's quick nod told him to continue "It seems that Hinata-sama has been spending nearly all her time with Uzumaki Naruto, for those of you who aren't familiar with the name, he is the child who holds Kyubi within him"

Worried chatter broke out among the elders until Hiashi silenced them with a glare. Turning to Kuugen he spoke, his tone showing his displeasure "It is true that I have forbidden her to consort with the fox child but I do not see why it was necessary to ask me to call a meeting for this reason alone. There better be more pressing concerns to deal with Kuugen"

Slowing his breath Kuugen forced himself to relax 'He is more agitated than I thought, his daughter must be a sore point for him. But is it due to concern or annoyance? I must proceed with caution if this plan is to succeed'

"My apologies Hiashi - sama but there is more to this than meets the eye. After having Hinata-sama followed this past week, and after observing the interaction between her and this Uzumaki Naruto, our eyes and ears have came to a worrying conclusion" Turning to his clan head it seemed to Kuugen that Hiashi was livid about the fact that his daughter's privacy had been invaded without his consent. Hurrying before he could be interrupted by the angry parent he spoke on "It seems Hiashi-sama that she has very strong feelings for him"

At those words Hiashi began to look a little panicked. "What have they been doing, what has he done to my daughter!?"

'Aaah so it is concern that clouds his judgment. Even though she disappoints him with her weakness he still loves her, this weakness could be exploited'

"Do not worry Hiashi-sama" he placated "nothing of a sexual nature has taken place, however it is plain to see that she loves him"

"So you have no proof, only the word of some men who know nothing about my daughter" He felt Hiashi's pale eyes burrowing into him.

"I had her friends and sensei discreetly questioned, most seemed to recall her acting strangely around the Kitsune. Her sensei even let slip that she thought Hinata-sama had a crush on him. I would trust their word, they know your daughter better than anyone. That coupled with the fact that she publicly defended him when they returned from their mission and all this time they have been spending together. It is most suspicious"

Kuugen watched as the anger drained out of his leaders eyes to be replaced by dread, almost fear.

"Hiashi-sama, they are young and impulsive. We must split them up immediately, you know what the consequences would be if they were to mate. If his demon blood were to mix with ours, the child could prove…….. troublesome. Remember the failure of our forefathers to keep our blood within this family, remember the consequences"

"Sh-sharingan" was all Hiashi could gasp out.

'Of course he knows the consequence' thought Kuugen. Almost four hundred years ago, before Konoha had even been formed the daughter of a ruling branch member had started a friendship with the boy of the little known Uchiha clan. The clan's bloodline limit gave them some minor hypnotic abilities and the power to imitate animals. For a short time they had risen to some small prominence due to a particularly brilliant member who created several different styles of taijutsu, all mimicking different animals.

This had soon passed however, at the time of the two youngsters friendship the young Uchiha was the sole heir to his clan, numbering nothing more than him, and his parents. Over the years that friendship had turned into something more until the Hyuuga daughter had asked her clans permission to marry the man. She had been refused, for the ruling branch all marriages were political, the Uchiha clan was considered to be too weak for there to be any advantage in the union. Angry the young woman had demanded to leave the clan intoning an ancient law which gave her that right, if she could win a trial by combat.

Even though the clan leader had chosen his strongest shinobi the young woman had won, leaving the clan without even having her blood sealed to prevent the passing of her bloodline to the child of a foreign clan.

She married and became an Uchiha. At first when their child was born there was laughter among the elders and clan leader. It didn't even have the pale lavender eyes of a Hyuuga, it would never be able to use the Byakugan or utilize the devastating gentle fist combat style. However as the child grew their mirth turned to horror as the Uchiha matured and at the age of thirteen gained the power of the Sharingan. The horror mounted in the years after that as more and more of the Sharingan's abilities were found and used to increase the standing and power of the Uchiha clan. Years passed until Uchiha was second only to Hyuuga in prominence.

A sobering story, and one which clearly showed the reasons for the blood sealing of all Hyuuga brides who were to marry outside the clan.

"If his blood mixes with hers there is no telling how powerful a bloodline could be created, in a matter of decades our clan would be displaced as the most powerful in the leaf. Not to mention the fact that common filth like Uzumaki Naruto are not good enough for Hinata-sama.

"All right" Hiashi almost shouted "I will make sure they are separated, and this time she will obey me"

"Hiashi-sama, I have a proposition that could not only clear this mess up for us, but also be used to our advantage"

"Speak" was the only reply he got.

"The most effective way of splitting the two up would be to find Hinata-sama a worthy husband, who more worthy than Uchiha Sasuke?" Following the statement there was an immediate uproar.

"What, marry off our heiress, are you crazy!?"

"Marry Hinata-sama to that traitor? that's preposterous!"

"The Fifth will never allow this!"

"BE QUITE!" Hiashi roared, instantly silencing the shocked elders.

"There is more you would say?" He said turning back to Kuugen.

"Hai Hiashi -sama. I believe that if we seize hold of this opportunity in the years to follow, the Uchiha clan will be nothing but an extension of our own" By the shocked looks he was getting it seemed that he finally had their full attention.

As he was about to continue his explanation Kan interrupted him, Kan who had been quite through the whole discussion. Saying nothing but listening, always listening.

Speaking from Hiashi's right hand side, Kan was the mans personal advisor. Second only to Hiashi in the clan, he was known for keeping a cool head at all times and was noted a skilled politician and diplomat as well as a powerful shinobi.

"Let me guess if your plan work's one of us will be sent to the Uchiha clan as Hinata-sama's advisor. We will then take over the clan using Sasuke as a puppet?" Kan said calmly waiting for Kuugen's irritated nod before continuing.

"I am sorry Kuugen-san, but your plan has flaws. What about Sasuke's own preferences? I cannot imagine him agreeing to this match. We cant force him to marry someone he does not want to, there will be an outcry in the village if we even try. Then there is the time required to execute the plan, It will take years for the Uchiha clan to repopulate and rise to anywhere near the strength it was before. Then there is the most important flaw of all, as I have said this will take years to come into fruition. The Fifth could find out at any time, such a thing would be disastrous. Hiashi-sama the Hokage could demand your removal as the clan head, such a demand would inevitably cause fighting. Konoha would suffer a power struggle just when we need unity to resist the Sound. The Leaf would destroy it's self"

'Which of course is the entire point' Struggling to keep his face calm Kuugen merely nodded as if accepting the flaws stated, then launched his counter argument. "The Uchiha has lost the respect of our village and our Hokage, I believe with some pressure we could convince her to this match. After all it will serve her purposes as well as ours, Uchiha will be grounded in Konoha weather he wants it or not. I also believe that it will be worth the wait to have the Sharingan at our disposal. As for the plan being revealed, I know I trust everyone here with my life, do you Kan-san?"

A small crack appeared in Kan's façade, the tiniest narrowing of the eyes and a slight exhalation of the breath told Kuugan he had hit home with his slight.

"I do not question the loyalty of my family, but even the best laid plans can go awry. How do you plan to control generations of Uchiha anyway. Curse them with the same symbol we have placed on our own branch house?"

It was a well known fact in the clan that Hyuuga Kan was dead against the seal used to control the branch house. A view that earned him few allies and many opponents among the ruling house. Ironically enough one of his few allies on that point had been Kuugen himself 'Aaah, how things change'

"Nothing nearly as complicated as that Kan-san. I was thinking after their first child is born, to convince Uchiha Sasuke that it would be in his best interests to join his clan with ours. It's happened before, why the Uchiha's them selves absorbed the Katon clan" He replied smoothly.

"This is the plan I have considered…."

As he explained Kuugen noticed most of the skeptical expressions disappearing to be replaced with looks of interest. Only Kan still seemed unconvinced, but as he looked into Hiashi's eyes he silently exalted 'I have them'

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While the Hyuuga elders met to decide her fate, on the other side of town Hinata fought one of the closest battles of her life. A look of intense concentration on her face, the Hyuuga heiress chewed her bottom lip lightly carefully weighing her options. The whole match could be decided with the next move. Across from her, her opponent Nara Shikamaru watched like a hawk, calculating all of her likely moves and countering them.

Eyes widening slightly, she saw her opportunity and attacked.

Picking up the Shogi piece she placed it on her chosen square, smiling at Shikamaru's stricken expression. Carefully he examined the board , then with a mutter of "Troublesome" he joined his hands together in a shape that almost looked like a shinobi hand seal and closed his eyes. Deep in thought Shikamaru concentrated on working out this new problem.

For the last two weeks the members of the rescue team had been visiting the hospital to see their injured team mates, always accompanied by Ino, Ten-Ten and sometimes even Sakura who normally spent most of her time at Sasuke's bedside. Naruto true to his word had brought Chouji ramen everyday, which initially had been pointless as the usually large boy had been unconscious for three days. However on the fourth day of their return Chouji pulled out his coma like state. Ino and Shikamaru were overjoyed to have the last member of team nine back. Shikamaru surprised everyone with his antics when he grabbed Ino and started dancing with her madly as he heard the news. Chouji himself had started eating as soon as he'd woken, but had been deemed too weak to leave the hospital for another three weeks.

Two days after Chouji's recovery Neji woke. His injuries had considered so bad that immediate surgery was carried out by Tsunade her self. Muscles had had to be re grown and attached if Hinata's cousin was to have any movement in his right arm. Luckily Tsunade being a legendary medic nin had managed the operation. Although Neji was heavily bandaged and required help with most tasks, much to his annoyance.

Kiba and Akamaru had taken a short time to heal from their injuries and had been snatched from the hospital as soon as they could walk. According to Kiba's mother "the little pup" wouldn't be let out of the house until she was satisfied. As these words were spoken a haunted look entered Kiba's eyes but before he could beg for help he was dragged off, in the process of being mothered intolerably.

So over the past two weeks, their friends and team mates had steadily become stronger, and naturally more and more bored due to their confinement. It was Shikamaru who had began to bring games of Go and Shogi to the hospital in order to relive the boredom. Everyday they would meet in an empty room and the games would commence. At first Neji refused to play anyone but Shikamaru, eager to beat the other genius at his own game. But after nine losses the Hyuuga prodigy realized that he wouldn't be winning anytime soon and started playing games against Chouji. Who due to Shikamaru's tutelage had become more than a fair player and Ten-Ten who was close to his skill. However in between every game Neji could be seen reading furiously, his head buried in "The Concepts and Strategies of Shogi" stopping every now and then to shoot Shikamaru disgruntled glances. To which the Chunnin of course paid no heed.

So an informal tournament was held each day, with friendly (for the most part) games of Shogi and Go being played around the room. Initially Hinata had decided to stay out of the competitions, she didn't feel confident enough to play and was positive she would lose straight away. But with Naruto's pleading and wheedling she had began to join in. Her first game being played against her crush. Surprising only her self, Hinata beat Naruto quite horribly. After losing every match even the blond Genin had conceded that he wasn't too good at the game, which coming from Naruto's mouth was like saying that he was the worst player ever. Which sadly he very well might have been. Even so after every game he would accuse his opponent of cheating and go into a sulk. For which Hinata was guiltily glad, sulky Naruto looked adorable. However after their game, far from being upset Naruto had sang her praises until her face had turned a permanent crimson, urging her to play the others. Which she reluctantly did, not wanting to disappoint Naruto's faith in her. She had then proceeded to steamroll everyone she played against, much to Naruto's joy and everyone else's surprise. It had been strange, when the familiar feelings of inadequacy began to surface Naruto had been there, his cheers destroying the emotion before it could take hold. Instead a surge of hope and determination seized her. She truly felt, with Naruto by her side to acknowledge her, she could do anything. Well anything but beating Shikamaru that is. The Chunnin had defeated her for the last two days in the finals. Still the games had been close. It seemed that for the first time, Shikamaru was putting an effort into winning the matches.

Hinata silently thanked Kuugen-sensei, after all it was he that had introduced her to the game. She remembered his words as they had began their first game, so many years ago; "A diplomat must keep his mind as sharp as a shinobi's blade, or his mission will fail. Shogi will help focus and sharpen your mind" She had taken to the game well, but her inability to beat her sensei had only reinforced her feelings of inadequacy. Now she realized that Kuugen was an elder and accounted a fine tactician and strategist, her inability to beat him had not come from her failure as a player but simply his greater experience with the game. Looking back, it shocked her at how easily she had given up at tasks she thought were above her.

'I've changed' She realized with surprise.

She turned to the watching spectators. Chouji furiously eating his crisps made the only noise, the steady *crunch* *crunch* coming from his mouth, filled the room. He looked so different Hinata mused, the third Akimichi pill had burned away all his fat and no small part of his muscle, leaving him thin as a rail. Still he was working hard to remedy the fact. The empty snack packets around his chair a testament to his efforts.

Next to him sat Neji deeply entranced in the game. Most of his upper body was bandaged, but the doctors had said that he was making a good recovery, two more weeks and he would be on his way home. Half way through the game he took it upon himself to 'motivate' them to do better. By motivating he meant providing sarcastic comments on their intellects and in Shikamaru's case, his hair. Hinata was sure that some of those comments would have had Morino Ibiki crying his eyes out in no time. Still after every such remark he would give a small smile, taking much of the sting from the comment. The fact that Neji was joking, however crudely shocked Hinata. The battle against Naruto and his subsequent fight against the sound nin must have changed her cousin more than she realized, and Neji had changed a lot. His simply being in the same room as her without acting cold and aloof was the proof of that. That and also that he seemed to be cheering for her to win. Well maybe cheering was a bit optimistic, but he hadn't insulted her hair yet!

Hanging over Shikamaru was Yamanka Ino. Hinata was sure that the only reason she had came this close to beating Shikamaru had a large part to do with her. Ever now and then during the game the blond would lean over Shikamaru's shoulder pointing out possible moves, and it was exactly during times like these that the Chunnin's cheeks would turn a suspicious shade of red. Hinata could have sworn at one point that her opponent had actually smelled Ino's hair as she was pointing out a strategy. The simple truth was the blond kunoichi distracted Shikamaru, giving Hinata a fighting chance of beating the genius.

She knew a crush when she saw one, after all she had held a flame for Naruto as long as she could remember. Not that she'd tried to smell Naruto's hair or anything. Well….only once, and she was sure that no one had saw. While across from her Shikamaru concentrated on Shogi, Hinata concentrated on what she would like to do Naruto's hair as well everything that was attached to it.

The said shinobi staggered into the room, nearly falling under the weight of the countless ramen containers in his arms. "Hey! Grubs up" he cried in his usual perky voice, earning a happy cry from Chouji. "Ten-Ten has to baby sit her brother so she's not turning up today, Lee said he would be here in a bit" Handing out the ramen he looked at the board "So who's winning?"

"Pineapple head is having some problems, he's been backed into a corner" drawled Neji as he opened his ramen with his free arm. Pausing momentarily from his trance like state, Shikamaru gave Neji an irritated look, one which was mirrored by Ino. With a sigh Shikamaru opened his own meal "I might as well make my next move on a full stomach"

Perching on the edge of Hinata's chair Naruto opened his own container inhaling the aroma of hot ramen before it escaped, shyly he asked Hinata if she would like to share the meal. At Hinata's delighted nod he grinned and passed her some chopsticks.

"Well isn't this sweet" Smirked Neji watching the two eating. Hinata's face immediately heated up, Naruto stuck his tongue out at the injured Hyuuga "I'm not that hungry today, so we decided to share!" he shouted defiantly, blood beginning to suffuse his own face. Focusing back on his food Naruto took a prawn and placed it on Hinata's side of the plate, she had told him she liked them.

In Neji's opinion, the behavior between his cousin and Naruto was sweet, so sweet that he could feel his teeth rotting. Unfortunately for the couple, Neji couldn't stand cuteness or sweetness of any kind. Deciding it was his humble duty to make the pair feel as uncomfortable as possible, he began throwing some more barbed comments, trying to embarrassing them further. Naruto knew Neji was only having fun so tried to ignore the rest of the comments. Hinata wasn't having as much luck as him however, her face turning a deeper shade of red with each new remark. Seeing her reaction Naruto decided enough was enough 'Time to fight fire with fire'

"Aah you're just pissed off because your nurse isn't here"

Neji in the process of swallowing his food almost chocked at the comment. It took him several seconds to regain his composure so he could splutter out a "W-what!?"

"Don't play dumb with my Hyuuga! I saw her yesterday" Naruto said getting up from his seat while handing Hinata the food. Immediately he began to imitate Neji's busty nurse. Walking up to the shocked boy Naruto exaggerated the sway of his hips while giving a flick of his head as if to brush away imaginary hair. Pulling the zipper down on his jumpsuit Naruto mimed sticking out his chest. Reaching Neji he bent down until their eye's were level "Oh Neji - sama it's time for your bath" Naruto said in a girly voice. Emulating the nurse nearly perfectly.

"She's nothing like that" Neji almost screeched, his voice breaking. The blush on his face however surpassed Hinata's.

"My don't you Hyuuga men blush prettily" Naruto continued in a ditzy voice, faking a giggle.

Which got a laugh from everyone in the room save Neji of course, who was looking like he would happily choke the hyperactive Genin to death "If both my hands were free…." he muttered darkly.

"Hah! It didn't seem to bother you when she was leading you to the baths yesterday, in fact I would say you were pretty damn happy about being 'tied up' so to speak" Chouji chuckled while finishing off his third container of ramen.

Even Neji couldn't help but crack a small smile for the last statement, his face still the color of the setting sun. Before Naruto could comment on the boy's flaming face, Lee entered the room.

Neji's team mate was in top form. His bob cut hair shining in the sunlight, he grinned at the ninja's in the room. Clad in his green outfit, he looked almost a mirror image of himself before the Chunnin exam. The only difference in the taijutsu specialists appearance were the new weights strapped around his arms. After considering his failure in the exam, Lee had decided he needed more punching power. Gai had happily complied with the necessary equipment.

Quickly he scanned the room, his grin faltering a bit when he realized Sakura wasn't there "Is Sakura-chan still with him?"

There was no need to ask who 'he' was.

"Yeah, they're still trying to figure out how to get rid of the seal. But even Oba-chan cant seem to find a cure" muttered Naruto his previous good mood vanishing at the thought of Sasuke "Not that I care!" he added.

The last statement was clearly false, everyone could hear the worry in Naruto's voice as he spoke of his rival.

Seeing that he had upset the blond Genin, Lee decided to take Naruto's mind off Sasuke in the only way he knew how; "Uzumaki Naruto! I Rock Lee challenge you to a game of Go!!" Lee struck a dramatic pose, his index finger pointed at Naruto in a challenging manner. (A/N I don't know how but Lee can make ANYTHING seem challenging)

The answering grin that appeared on Naruto's face informed Lee of his success "You're on Fuzzy Eyebrows!"

"But first, a bet!" Lee spoke as Naruto ran to get the playing board.

Naruto froze "What? We're too young to bet!" he exclaimed.

"Don't worry Naruto-kun, this bet will not have high stakes. If I win you will call me by my name! While it is good of you to acknowledge my best feature" Lee said pointing at his thick eyebrows "I would have you use my name"

Everyone's sweat dropped as Lee pointed to his 'best feature'.

"So what if I win?" Naruto asked.

"Name your stakes"

Putting his arms behind his head Naruto started thinking "Ok! If I win, hmmm" suddenly his eyes lit up "Aha! If I win, you will train me in your taijutsu style!"

This caught everyone's interest, suddenly Lee found himself the centre of attention……he quite liked it. He studied Naruto closely before giving a nod of approval.

With a loud "Yosh!" Naruto ran and started setting up the game unaware of the evaluating looks he was receiving from Neji and Shikamaru "He's always looking to improve isn't he?" the young Hyuuga asked the Chunnin.

"That's Naruto for you" was Shikmaru's simple answer, turning back to his game against Hinata he made his move "heh, I win"

Looking at the board Hinata couldn't find a way to beat Shikamaru's move. With a nod she smiled at the genius and congratulated him.

"Yay! I knew you could do it Shikamaru" Ino cried, still looking over his shoulder as she hugged him around the neck.

His blush obvious now, he was clearly enjoying the attention. But noticing Neji's growing smirk the normally clever boy blurted out "Cant have a woman beating me"

Ino's happy expression changed in an instant to a dark scowl "Bakka!" she screeched, changing the hug to a choke. With a last smack to the unfortunate boy's head she growled an irritated "Boys!" before moving to watch the begging of Lee's and Naruto's game.

"Nice move 'genius'" Neji smiled looking immensely proud of himself.

Shikamaru's left eye started to twitch as he glared at Neji "How about a game Hyuuga?" he asked sweetly looking from the smug Neji to the Shougi board.

"I'd love one Nara but I'm not about to miss a Rock vs. Uzumaki match" he said sounding glad to have an excuse.

Shrugging Shikamaru joined the others as they moved to watch the other game in progress. Lee's and Naruto's matches had in the two weeks became the best form of entertainment for the group.

Sitting across from each other Naruto were currently engaged in a staring contest to see who would go first.

"I wont lose to you!" Naruto almost wailed as his bright blue eye's began to tear and slowly narrow.

"You can't beat me, Gai-sensei taught me this staring competition technique!" but even as he spoke Lee's big round eyes began to squeeze shut, his own tears making their way down his face. They sat there for another minute both squinting at the other, both determined not to lose until Lee finally lost control and closed his eyes.

"Nooooooo! I lost again, Gai-sensei I failed you!" Shouted Lee on his knee's, drowning out Naruto's tearful cheers.

"Lee, get a grip the game hasn't even started yet" Ino told him exasperated.

The reason Lee's and Naruto's games were so popular wasn't because of the skill of the two players or because of their devastatingly good looks (according to Naruto anyway). But due to the sheer heart both players put into each move. Both were extremely competitive, even the most insignificant move was loudly thought out, boasted about, then executed. The result of course was a very hilarious and very entertaining game.

"You may have won the battle Naruto-kun, but I will win the war!" Lee said suddenly recovering from his sorrow.

"Nobody will defeat the future Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto!" The Genin shot back.

Settling back into her seat Hinata chuckled with the others at the antics of the two passionate shinobi. This was going to be good.

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Kuugen made his way back from the meeting chamber, exultant. It had taken him the better part of three hours of careful explanation to finally sway Hiashi, but he had managed it. The clinch had been returning the long distant members of the Hyuuga under his control. Hiashi like anyone in his position was a very ambitious person. Convincing him to put a obedience seal on Sasuke had been hard, the seal hadn't been used in decades and had a bad reputation having been invented by a criminal nin to easily control slaves. But that too he had managed. The stage was set, now all he needed was the signal to begin the show.

Walking at a leisurely pace through the beautifully maintained gardens he enjoyed the sunlight streaming down on him. His old face cracked into a benign smile, truly this was a great day to be alive.

Impulsively he made his way to a lone Sakura tree and sat beneath it, with a sigh of pleasure he inhaled the scent of the blooms and relaxed letting the sun warm him through. Allowing the trilling birds to lull him to sleep, he dreamt and remembered.

*On days like these his brother and he would run from their home to play in the nearby pond. They would often be scolded because they came home too muddy. Their mother's normally merry face set in a sever frown, but they would wheedle and plead until she laughed at their antics and gathered them both into a tight hug. And he would inhale deeply, letting his mothers smell imprint his mind forever. The smell of baking bread and Sakura blossoms.

He remembered the fireside stories told by their father about legendary warriors and evil demons. Kej and him, sitting on each of their father's knees, eyes wide with wonder. Their mother watching while sewing the tears in their clothes, her warm brown eyes watching over them shining with love.

The scene changed.

Warmth and light disappeared from the room as the fire went out, plunging the small home into almost utter darkness. The moonlight illuminated his mother. Her warm eyes, had turned glassy, sightless. Where seconds before she had been regarding him with a soft smile she now lay on the floor a grimace of horror upon her face, a pool of blood spreading from the large hole in her chest. Father also stared back with sightless eyes, a hoe still clutched tightly in his dead hands. He had died trying to protect his family. Kej struggled against the black hooded men screaming at them to let him go. Finally growing tired of his attempts to break free the man holding him snapped his brothers neck, throwing the limp little body to join it's parents.

In a state of shock he stood and watched his twin die.

'Kej!' he screamed desperately running to his brothers body, crying uncontrollably "Kej wake up! don't be dead, please don't be dead!'

A huge hand gripped his shoulder pulling him away from his dead family "KEJ, MUM!"*

Kuugen woke with a start but the screams continued 'Kej! Mum, help! Where are you!?'

Shaking his head violently he tried to escape the voice but still the screams continued growing more desperate 'Where am I, why is it so dark!? Where is everyone. Dad? Mum? KEJ?!!'

The voice stopped it's screaming, breathing hoarsely. Softly at first then louder and louder the voice began sobbing.

A child's voice shaking with fear cried out uncertainly 'Hello? Can anyone hear me?'

'Please don't leave me by myself, I'm afraid of the dark' It begged.

Using all his will Kuugen pushed the voice back deep into his subconscious, but the sound of the weeping child remained echoing through his mind. Clutching his head in his hands he forced himself to be calm, blowing his cover now could prove disastrous. Looking around the garden he looked to see if anyone else had witnessed his behavior. After a thorough search with his Byakugan he rose from under the tree and forced himself to walk slowly. Beneath his weathered smiling façade fury boiled.

'The brat is growing stronger, he almost took the body while I slept' Kuugen raged silently. As he walked back to his room he forced utter calm on himself. Anger can lead to mistakes which could lead to death, even for one such as him. Walking into his room Kuugen felt the breast pocket of his robes stirring. Looking inside he saw a small door mouse 'It must have crept in while I was sleeping'

Sitting on his bed he took out the small animal, letting it scurry along the palm of his hand while it sniffed him curiously. With it's big black eyes and large ears the small mammal would definitely be considered cute. Softly stroking the mouse Kuugen felt himself fully relax. Taking a small crumb of bread from a earlier meal he had left on his dresser he fed the small animal letting a genuine smile grow on his face. Such a soft and fluffy thing it was.

'Mum was afraid of mice, but me and Kej liked them'

Kuugen ignored the voice. As long as it didn't scream and cry he was willing to leave it alone, these days it took too much effort to keep it fully suppressed.

"What should I call you little mouse?" He asked it as it walked along his fingers.

"What's that? You want to be called Kej? Well Kej you shall be little one" As it reached the end of his fingers the mouse almost fell off his hand. Quickly Kuugen snatched it by it's tail before it fell.

"It's so easy to die, isn't it Kej?" He asked the mouse as it writhed in his grasp, upside down. He remembered Hyuuga Kuugen's death clearly, such an easy kill the kindly old man had been. All it had took was four weeks of surveillance, making sure he knew the old mans every move. He had discovered Kuugen visited the orphanage every week visiting the children, always with a sweet or a toy. The widowed and childless Kuugen had loved spending time with the orphans, it was quite touching really. That was why he had never suspected to be stabbed in the heart by an eight year old boy.

So easy it had been. In his child form all he had needed to do was lie on the street clutching his knee as if in pain as the Hyuuga walked by. Immediately the fool had stopped to help, the look of surprise on his face as the kunai entered his chest had been priceless. Quick work was needed after that.

Flesh for appearance, heart for emotion and brain for intelligence. Each had been sampled before the full transformation had been completed.

In the street he had taken a bite of the old mans arm, immediately morphing into the dying Hyuuga. Quickly then he had dragged the body into an alley to make sure they weren't disturbed. Breaking apart the skull he had tasted the brain next, gaining all the dead mans knowledge and memories. Lastly the chest was opened and bloody heart extracted, with a bite of the still warm organ he felt the old mans emotions enter him. From that moment he had all but become Hyuuga Kuugen and that was why he was here. His transformations were real. Not some pathetic Bunshin's or even Kage Bunshin's. Upon tasting his victims three tissues he could turn into them.

'I could fool Kuugen's mother were she alive' He thought smugly, and of course he could, he had the old mans own memories of his deceased parent as well as every other memory of his life. Not to mention all of his emotions and feelings. He knew all of the old mans' little quirks and habits as well as his feelings towards everyone around him.

So with his unique ability he had been sent to Konoha to cause friction and mistrust between it's clans, the ultimate goal being chaos. He was doing it, when the time came he would give the Hokage a letter with the details of Hiashi's devious plot and arrange for the discovery of Kuugen's body deep within the Hyuuga dungeons. He felt glad he had preserved the body now, it would only add credence to the letter. He himself would simply return to his original form and walk away, simple.

Focusing back on the struggling mouse he idly wondered what was going through it's small mind. Looking into it's dark eye's he saw fear 'I wonder if I'll see the same in Kan's eye's as I kill him'

Kan of course had to die, he was the only one who doubted his plan. The only one who suspected something wrong. But there was no need to hurry, it would all happen in due time. His master would send a messenger, and that's when the real action would begin.

Besides, he was having fun. Such a beautiful world he lived in now, such a different perspective to live life in. So much entertainment to be had, play's to see, music to hear. So much could be done in this pathetic frame that would be impossible in his original form.

Raising the mouse higher in the air he watched as it redoubled it's effort to escape his grasp. He chuckled as it began squealing in panic.

'The only bad thing about this world is the food, it's too cold'

Quick as a flash he struck. Mouth covering the struggling animal's head, he bit down hard. Feeling slight resistance before it's neck was severed. The animals headless body convulsed and twitched, blood dripping from it's neck, covering the rapturous face of the man.

Chewing the morsel, he savored the feeling and flavor off hot blood in his mouth and sighed with pleasure.

"Looks like you die again Kej" he spoke to the headless corpse in his hand and began laughing, trying his hardest to drown out the horrified screams from within his skull.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hundreds of miles away a meeting was being held in utmost secrecy. Two men faced at each other across a dark room, lit by a single candle, their features almost entirely masked by the shadows.

A man spoke, only his arms were visible in the darkness, hanging limply at his sides.

"My agent has infiltrated Konoha, he has informed me that he has taken the place of a Hyuuga clan member. Gansaku only awaits my word. When you reach the village post this letter" he said throwing an envelope to the other man in the room "Four days after you send it go to your old training ground at midnight, Gansaku will meet you there"

"Do you really trust him?" the other man spoke, examining the letter in his hands.

"No I don't, and neither should you. He is the first of my successful experiments, but there may still be some glitches and side effects that I didn't take into account. He may become unstable. However in this mission he will be indispensable. Put up with him, but be wary"

Tucking the letter under his cloak the second man turned away heading for the door, just as he was about to leave the room the other man spoke again.

"You know your mission, bring me the boy from Konoha. Then take the Scroll of Seals, it will be a great tool for furthering my research. If the boy has left with his sensei again do not waste time looking for him, just bring me the scroll. You failed me last time, don't-"

"I know of my failure, it will not happen again" the man at the door said his voice hardening.

"It is good you know of your failure Itachi, because you know the consequences if it happens again.

Blood red eye's glinted dangerously in the faint candle light, a nod of his head was Itachi's only acknowledgment of the threat as he left.

Author Note:

Well what do you guys think? I know there was less Naruto, Hinata and co this time around but I mainly focused in setting up the plot this chapter.

I would really like input about Kuugen (or his real name Gansaku). As my first proper OC he is supposed to be a mystery and will remain so for a while. But I did give a small glimpse into his abilities and a tiny hint about his background. More will be learnt about the voice in his head too (It was a bit hard writing the dream/memory sequence without using the characters name though)

About my portrayal of the Hyuuga clan, I hope they didn't seem OOC. I consider the ruling house members to be e politicians, diplomats and on top of that ninja's, of course there's going to be backstabbing and maneuvering for power!!. Not only in the clan but in the village as a whole. I also hope Hiashi's desire to control the Uchiha clan seems plausible. He and many of the other elders consider the Uchiha clan as their property by blood (at least that's the way I see it)

Now onto my little 'Origins of Uchiha' story. I heard somewhere that the Uchiha clan originated from the Hyuuga, I wrote my explanation to fit into that, although I think the explanation was the Sharingan developed over many years, I kinda skipped that part ^_^;;

Kuugen mentions that the Uchiha clan had absorbed the Katon clan. I just thought the example up, but it does make sense since the clan has a great affinity for fire attacks.

I hope the last scene with Gansaku didn't put anyone off too much, but I wrote it basically to point out that he's a bit of a psycho.

Right! I hope that answers any questions you may have had, if you have more just put it in a review (nudge nudge, wink wink ^_~)

On another note altogether I'm looking for a beta reader, I have mentioned this is my first fic so I don't know anything about the arrangements necessary (Do I pay you guys or what?) I try to read over my chapters but I'm simply bad at grammar and the like. SO if anyone is interested email me at Catalyst_85@hotmail.com

Thanks to all the readers and reviewers.