Title : Growth

Author : Flame Catalyst

Disclaimer : I don't own any of the Naruto characters, It all belongs to Masashi Kishimoto-sama……..I love that guy!

Summary : In the lands of the shinobi events are coming to a head. In these turbulent times new enemies will be made, new alliances forged, and in the eye of the storm the outcasts will join together to change the course of history. NaruHina

Here it is the next chapter! (finally) Sorry for the delay but the finals have been evil and have taken most of my time.

A huge thanks to my beta David, who despite being in the middle of exams looked over the chapter.

Also for some reason FF.net didn't show the separators I used to differ between scenes, I'm going to change the usual into = IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Chapter 8

The sun had began dipping in the sky as Naruto made his way to Konoha hospital, the usually energetic boy all but dragged his feet as he approached the large building. And it wasn't entirely to do with the reluctance he felt visiting Sasuke.

As part of Lee's training Naruto now wore weights around his legs and arms just like his new 'sensei'. Not that he minded, Naruto would do almost anything to gain Lee's and Gai's taijutsu skills, that is save wearing the same tight spandex suits that the two eccentrics favored (he had been offered one of his own).

At first the weights had simply felt strange, but after two hours of heavy exercise Naruto silently began to curse them and the effect they had on his speed. Finishing the days training he had said a hasty sayonara to Hinata, Neji and Lee, hurrying to reach the hospital before visiting times were over.

Since their return he had only been to see Sasuke once, unlike Sakura who had been spending all her free time with their teammate, much to Naruto's irritation.

'No, no, it doesn't matter that he almost killed me, and after I spared his life. Stupid Uchiha' Naruto grumped silently.

That's what hurt the most. His team mate of more than a year had attacked him with the full intention of ending his life, Kyubi regeneration or no. After all they had been through together: Zabuza, Haku, Orochimaru…. At the snake senins name Naruto winced, it was after their confrontation with the 'snake bastard' that Sasuke had began to change.

'I really thought I was getting through to him too' the Genin thought despondently as he entered the hospital, automatically begging the walk to his rivals room. 'All because of a stupid cursed seal and his revenge'

'Quit your whining kit, so that dark haired brat tried to kill you, he failed. It's not like you almost killed him is it?' taunted Kyubi's harsh voice, it appeared that the demon had decided to join his mental conversation.

'Oh so you're talking to me again are you? Anyway you were the one who tried to convince me to kill him. And I didn't anyway' Naruto countered projecting the image of himself giving Kyubi the finger. (the middle finger that is)

Instead of throwing a fit the fox seemed to be amused at the comment (and gesture).

'No you didn't, did you. I must admit the level of control you showed was very impressive, you are more than you appear'

Naruto snorted then replied 'Of course I'm more than I appear, I've got a big ass monster fox sealed inside me! Anyway be quiet now, I'm here'

Chuckling softly the fox receded from his mind as Naruto arrived in Sasuke's ward. Approaching Naruto saw a cat masked ANBU posted at his teammate's door, feeling a stab of uncertainty he approached.

"Hey, why are you guarding Sasuke's door?"

As the guard turned Naruto could feel his cold stare even through the mask "That" he stated confidently "is none of your concern"

"Of course it's my concern he's my team mate!"

"Listen brat, why don't you run along and play at being shinobi because I've got a job to do here" the guard replied lightly resting his hand on the hilt of the katana jutting from his right shoulder.

Training with Lee's weights hadn't done anything to improve disposition "No, you listen cat face, tell me why the hell you're guarding Sasuke's door or I'll beat your ass into the ground!"

"Naruto!" a familiar voice shouted.

Turning, Naruto saw his third team mate Haruno Sakura standing behind him, her arms crossed her normally cheery face set in a stern expression.

"Stop bothering the ANBU, Tsunade-sama and Jiraiya-sama are inside and they don't want to be disturbed"

"Well he could have said that" Naruto answered glaring at the ANBU who had decided ignoring Naruto would be the best option.

"What are you doing here anyway" she asked irritably as they walked down the hall to the canteen.

"What do you think, I'm here to visit his royal pain in the ass"

Instead of Sakura's usual screech of 'Naruto!' Followed by a bop on the head for insulting Sasuke the pink kunoichi simply stopped in her tracks.

"Why did you decide to visit today?" she asked. The anger in her voice would have warned any sane person to continue with caution, however this was Naruto.

"Well I finished training, Lee-kun, he gave me these weights, look! They're just like his" he exclaimed, waggling his hands and feet to show the attached weights "then after that I decided to see how the arrogant Uchiha was doing" he finished grinning broadly.

Sakura's brilliant green eye's narrowed in anger.

SMACK

Naruto's head was jerked backwards at her full handed slap.

"You think you can just walk in here when ever you feel like it!? How can you treat Sasuke-kun like this, he's your teammate!" Sakura screamed at the shocked blond as he rubbed his stinging cheek "You've only visited him twice since you got back, don't you even care whether he gets better!"

The surprise in Naruto's cerulean eye's turned to anger at the kunoichi's outburst "I've had things to do, like training. I need to get stronger-"

"Yeah, yeah, you want to become the next Hokage, I've heard it all before" she scoffed.

Shaking with indignation Naruto realized this was probably the angriest he had ever been with his pink haired team mate.

"Actually, I was going to say I need to get stronger because last time, your precious Sasuke-kun nearly killed me, if it hadn't been for Hinata-chan……" he trailed off uncomfortably.

Looking at her usually lively team mate so subdued only irritated Sakura further 'He thinks he's got it hard, I don't even know if Sasuke-kun will ever wake up'

'I don't know, it was a pretty low blow making fun of his dream'

Hearing her inner voice sympathize with Naruto's plight and knowing that it was right only heightened her anger.

"I'm surprised you managed to pull your self away from Hinata, I've seen you two. You train together every day"

"So what?!" Naruto replied loudly, anger rekindled at the implications in her voice.

"Oh it's nothing!" Sakura screamed, face turning red "It's just I thought you of all people would have more loyalty to Sasuke-kun who's supposed to be your friend !"

"Bah. He lost my respect, why do you expect me to treat him the same after what happened!?" Naruto shouted back his own face darkening.

At this point the two members of team seven were standing inches apart screaming at each other, much to the dismay of passing hospital staff.

"Fine!, I'll look after Sasuke-kun, you go and spend your time with that weirdo Hyuuga"

Naruto's face went from tomato red to sheet white in seconds, and when he spoke again his voice was deathly calm "Sakura", hearing him speak her name without the usual honorific shocked her.

"In the last two weeks Hinata-chan has helped me more than you ever have. She has taught me new skills, helped me train and believed in me. She saved my life and stood up for me in front of the villagers. Hinata-chan is a very precious person to me. Don't ever insult her in my presence again" His piece said Naruto turned away from Sakura ignoring the stricken look on her face.

'I cant be bothered with this, I'll visit Sasuke later' he thought as he walked away from his stunned team mate.

Soft laughter entered his mind as Kyubi joined him once again.

'My, my, she didn't seem too happy with what you just said. But then again, the truth always hurts doesn't it?' the demon said with relish.

'Would you just shut up already?! Naruto thought furiously blocking the creature from his mind.

Walking angrily from the hospital Naruto didn't even notice passing a very tired Neji.

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Uchiha Sasuke lay on his hospital bed unconscious to the world.

Two weeks in bed hadn't helped his complexion, making his pale skin contrast sharply with his onyx colored hair. At irregular intervals the unconscious boy would twitch or moan showing signs of the battle that was taking place deep within him. On his neck the cursed seal burned, going from it's usual inky black to a glowing red.

Wiping sweat from his brow Tsunade sighed in relief "He's going to be ok. It seems all the medical jutsu's I used on him are finally beginning to turn the tide"

"I don't understand Tsunade, I thought you said the Hyuuga girl only knocked him out" Jiraiya spoke from the other end of the room. The legendary sennin relaxed on a chair his bushy white hair curled in his lap like a sleeping cat.

"That's what started this whole mess. While he was conscious Sasuke was keeping the seal in check, making sure it didn't overwhelm him or damage him, but he was knocked out so suddenly he didn't have time to take any precautions, leaving the seal to leech off more and more of his chakra. All the jutsu's I performed on him are helping him regain chakra and fight back, I think he'll be awake in a few days"

"Hmm" was Jiraiya's only response as he took a pipe from his pouch and put some tobacco into it.

"Baka! Don't smoke in here" Tsunade shouted, seeing Jiraiya light his pipe. Leaping across the room she cuffed him making the open pervert drop the pipe onto the white hair gathered in his lap. Yelping Jiraiya leaped off his seat as the pipe embers began to set his hair on fire. Hastily grabbing a glass of water he doused the small flames that had appeared.

"Hey watch it! How am I supposed to attract the ladies if my hair's been burnt off" he grumped wringing out his now wet locks.

"Jiraiya the day you get a girlfriend is the day I kiss Orochimaru"

"Who said anything about a girlfriend? I prefer the love' em and leave' em approach" he replied giving her his best cheesy grin.

Sighing the Fifth decided to leave it, instead broaching another more serious topic "The reason I asked you to come with me today was because I wanted to speak with you about Naruto"

"What's the kid done now?" the toad sennin replied with a mock groan.

"He hasn't done anything, it's just I've received some information regarding Itachi. He's heading this way with that shark of a partner and I have no doubt what they want" Tsunade answered, her voice turning grave.

Instantly Jiraiya's joking exterior disappeared "They're after Naruto again, damn the Akatsuki we don't need this with Orochimaru breathing down our necks. You want me to take him away again don't you?"

Tsunade nodded "You're a shrewd old pervert when you want to be, yes I want you to take him. Even if I increased security here to maximum the Akatsuki would still find a way to enter and turn Konoha into a killing ground. With you he will be moving constantly and you'll be training him, he wont leave you alone until you show him a new skill" she smiled fondly at Naruto's tenacity "I've no doubt in a few years Naruto will be able to hold his own against any Jounin and maybe some of the S class criminals"

"Humph" Jiraiya exhaled thoughtfully "I was getting bored here anyway and did you know they've hired security guards for the women's baths?, I suppose I might as well move on. Yeah I'll do it, we can set off tomorrow"

Tsunade let out a huge sigh of relief "I thought you'd make it harder for me" she punched him gently on the shoulder, a familiar gesture which she had repeated many times when they were children "thanks toad face, it's good to know I've got you firmly in my corner, unlike a few people I could name"

'Toad face' her childhood nickname for him surprised Jiraiya, she hadn't used it in years. Letting nostalgia wash over him Jiraiya smiled down on the shorter woman.

"No problem flat chest" he replied using his own nickname for her while dodging a not so soft punch "but what do you mean by what you said before, who's being difficult?"

Tsunade scowled "It's the Hyuuga. They were refusing to cooperate with some of the plans I've made for the village. They not so subtly said they would continue being difficult until I approved of marrying off young Uchiha over there" she said pointing to the bed stricken Sasuke "to their heiress"

"What!?" laughed Jiraiya "the one who broke his nose? Now there's a good foundation for a relationship. Hope you told them where they can stick their proposal" he finished still chuckling.

At Tsunade's guilty look Jiraiya stopped laughing "You…. didn't agree did you!?" he asked appalled.

"Damn it I need them behind me, where the Hyuuga clan goes the others follow. If the Hyuuga decide to get difficult about this it could cause chaos and I don't need that right now. Konoha needs to be strong in case the Hidden Sound attacks again"

"Regardless Tsunade, you know what Sarutobi-sensei would think of this. He was never a fan of arranged marriages but this is below even that, you're going to all but force Uchiha to marry. What about the Hyuuga heiress, how does she feel about this?"

"Hiashi said she was pleased with the match" she muttered defensively.

However Jiraiya continued staunchly "I cant agree to this, Sarutobi-sensei would never…"

"But I'm not him! I'm not Sarutobi-sensei!" Tsunade all but screamed, shocking her former team mate.

Jiraiya watched horrified as Tsunade broke down, tears leaking out of her eyes, her shoulders convulsing in gentle sobs.

"I-I'm trying Jiraiya, I really am. But-but Sarutobi-sensei made it all seem so easy. They don't respect me like they did him. I have to fight for every decision I make and then make sure it's carried out. It's hard, I don't know who to trust" she cried raising her hands to hide her tear stained face.

Even though he was more terrified than he had ever been in his life Jiraiya instinctively engulfed his oldest friend in a hug. Awkwardly he patted Tsunade on the back while trying to comfort her "Shhh" he murmured against her hair "It'll be okay"

For a while she cried, finding a simple release in letting go of her emotions. But after a few minutes the weeping slowed as Tsunade began to regain control.

"I need you to back me up on this toad face" she said softly, sniffling as she got her crying under control "I know you're not happy with these events and neither am I, but I need someone I can depend on, as you can see the stress is getting to me" she chuckled a bit as she pillowed her head against his chest.

Jiraiya who had never been more terrified in his life managed to mutter an affirmative. He realized that he was probably the only person in the village who would ever see this side of Tsunade and was a little honored at the trust she displayed in showing her weakness.

"Well sort it out, by the time I bring Naruto back he'll put that snake to shame" he said comfortingly.

Ending the embrace Tsunade took a handkerchief and wiped her eyes and nose "Thanks for that Jiraiya, I guess I just needed to blow off some steam"

The toad sennin smiled nervously "Just as long as you feel better"

With a last loud blow of her nose Tsunade put the handkerchief away, looking much better, she smiled at her friend evilly "Now," she smiled, her eyes still red rimmed "lets discuss the missions you will be undertaking. Don't think this is going to be some pervert holiday, I need you to achieve a couple of things' Jiraiya watched in trepidation as Tsunade removed a large scroll from her robe and began reading from it "First I want you to travel to wind country to see how the detainment of the sand diplomats has affected their council, then I need you to pick up an iron wood cutting from up north, after that…"

As the mission list increased Jiraiya's mournful groan could be heard through the entire hospital.

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Darkness had touched the land and the first crickets started their songs as a shadow moved stealthily from the entrance of the Konoha dungeon.

The figure of Hyuuga Kan easily avoided the sentries posted at the doors as he began his trek home.

Mizuki had already gone ahead to hide in the huge forest surrounding the hidden village and would remain there until he was needed.

Short black hair whistling in the wind Kan's eye's almost glowed in the moonlight, he smirked as he leapt through the forest. Mizuki had played into his plans like a dream. The desperate fool would have done anything to escape his prison, and who could blame him?.

In a forest clearing a mile from the Hyuuga citadel he stopped, the image of Kan begin to blur slightly.

As seconds passed the Hyuuga's skin seemed to melt and then began to flow across his body arranging it's self in a different formation. His hair went from a short black to a lengthy silver reaching his knees. The skin on his body and face began to form creases and wrinkles, liver spots appearing on almost translucent skin. Blue veins and tendons bulged out as flesh seemed to fall away from hands that had been thirty years younger only seconds before. His nose elongated as his pale eye's inched away from each other. Last of all facial hair seemed to burst to life growing several feet in seconds.

Transformation complete the image of Kuugen stepped from the shadows where Kan had been only moments before.

Panting Gansaku breathed in the crisp night air. It was always an interesting experience changing, good thing he didn't need much to assume someone's form. He had managed to take a few of the real Kan's hair's to achieve this mission.

Still panting from his exertions Gansaku stood and simply enjoyed the beauty of the night.

Crickets sang as fireflies moved through the night like little blue comets. He could faintly hear the frogs and toads join their croaks with the chirps of the crickets, as overhead a mottled owl flew in search of prey. The forest seemed like a living, breathing entity, all illuminated by a half moon hanging above the tree tops. A beautiful night, made all the more beautiful by the fruition of his plans.

After some small contemplation he had decided it was too risky simply killing Kan in cold blood. Needing to destroy his opponent without being uncovered Gansaku had searched deeply through the knowledge and memories of the man who he now impersonated. During this search he had found a very interesting memory involving a disgraced Chunnin who had tried to betray the Leaf. Mizuki. A man with nothing to lose and everything to gain, the perfect pawn for Gansaku's master stroke.

The fool would attempt to poison Kuugen, however since Kuugen was in fact Gansaku the same man who had set him the mission the white haired Chunnin would of course fail.

Mizuki would then be captured and be convinced to talk. He had heard that the Yamanaka clan had some interesting jutsu's to loosen captive's jaws, not to mention Morino Ibiki, the Leaf's torture specialist. If the assassin refused to speak his employers name out of some twisted loyalty they would take care of the rest, Mizuki would speak the name Hyuuga Kan. And if asked to point out his employer then would do so without hesitation, Gansaku's transformations were flawless. This elaborate rouse would end with the execution of Kan, after all, attempted murder was treason and treason was punishable only by death.

'You're a mean man. If mum was here she would smack your bottom' hearing his thoughts a child spoke within his mind.

"Be quiet child" During one of the voices rants Gansaku had found he could communicate with the entity.

'I'm scared' it whined piteously 'I don't like the dark. You said you would let me out of here if I was good, I've been good now let me out' the tiny voice demanded.

Gansaku sighed, to quiet it's constant screaming for it's mother and brother he had promised the boy to release him from the darkness he now inhabited but only if he kept quite. The problem was he didn't know how.

The boy was a side effect, an anomaly that should have ceased to exist when Gansaku's summoning ritual was completed. Yet the boy had a tenacious spirit and had refused to leave his own body even as Gansaku's essence was poured into it.

'You promised you'd let me out!' the tiny voice rose to a shrill scream.

By now Gansaku was familiar with the routine. The spirit went through a cycle. It would disappear for a an hour or day but would then suddenly appear, initially the child would be lucid and calm. But that was until it realized it was trapped, things rapidly deteriorated from there. The boy would scream for his mother's or father's comfort, for his brother's helpuntil the shrieks and screams of fear eventually tired him out. If he knew how Gansaku would have happily destroyed the unwanted resident in his head.

But recently he had found a way to quite the voice, the solution lay in memories. Not in his, but the spirits. Taking the boy's memories of his past life Gansaku created an illusion allowing the child to relive moments of happiness. As the boy's screams of panic began to escalate Gansaku chose a memory from the spirits mind. For the next hour the boy would relive learning how to fish with his father.

The screams slowed, then stopped as the memory took hold 'Dad, Kej stole my fishing stick' the voice complained drowsily as it was sucked into the memory, leaving Gansaku in blissful peace.

A rumble from his stomach reminded him that he had not eaten for a while and would be required to eat the human's dead food when he returned. Groaning at the thought the stone cold food Gansaku readied to leave. However just as he was about to leap a firefly passed several feet away from him catching his attention, fixing his pale eyes on the hapless insect he got a better idea.

Opening his jaw's wide Gansaku launched his tongue from his mouth easily catching the fly on its sticky end; an instant later he retracted the tongue and ate his prize.

'Delicious'

Bugs had such a nice crunch to them. Turning his head he saw another firefly and deftly caught it in the same manner. He suddenly remembered another interesting piece of information he had come across while searching through Kuugen's memories.

'The Aburame Clan………now that would be a meal fit for a king' Unconsciously licking his lips with an overly long tongue Gansaku decided to go sample a few more of the nights delicacies before returning to the Hyuuga citadel.

'Who knows I might be able to catch up to that owl'

He set of into the night in search of more prey.

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Something very odd was going on, Hinata decided as her maids ushered her to the main hall of the Hyuuga citadel.

The second she had arrived home from training she had been practically set upon by her attendants who had hurried her into the bath room begging her to quickly bathe and dress in her best robes, her father's orders apparently.

There had been excited whispers and murmurs as she had entered the compound earlier that day. She had just brushed it off as her imagination, there were no feasts or celebrations taking place for another month or so. Yet the entire citadel seemed charged and ready, for what Hinata did not know. She had seen huge crates of food being brought in, heading no doubt for the kitchens, closely followed by barrels of spirits and wine. Uneasiness filled her, all the people she met seemed to have a knowing shine in their eyes.

Her three maids had giggled when she had asked for information tittering about not wanting to ruin the surprise. All surprises associated with her home had never been good ones, her unease had only deepened.

As they approached the huge oak double doors which led to the main hall Hinata gave a nervous swallow and indicated for her maids to open the entrance.

The door opened, creaking loudly as its ancient hinges voiced their protest.

Beyond the door the hall stood full, it seemed that every member of the clan was in attendance making the huge rooms seem cramped. All around the hall candles stood brightly illuminating the area. Long wooden tables hugged the length of the room leaving its center free for dancing and any other entertainment the lord Hyuuga saw fit to hire. At these tables sat the clan members, from the greenest Genin to the most experienced ANBU they sat not in their nin ranks but in family groups, all chatting and laughing happily. Everyone was looking their best, dressed in their finest robes and kimonos, hair had been brushed or gelled, makeup and jewels added and the room smelled softly of the various perfumes and aftershaves that had been applied. In their own corner the children played happily with each other, knowing nothing of rank and the part it would play in determining their future in the clan.

At the doors creak the room began to quiet, all eyes turning to the entrance to see their heiress make her appearance.

Forcing her back straight Hinata kept her eye's level as she entered heading for the opposite end of the hall where her father sat at the head table with the other Hyuuga elders. She walked until reaching the center of the hall and as was tradition waited for her father to speak.

She stood there on display in front of the entire clan. Taking calming breathes Hinata resisted the urge to lower her head and clasp her hands together nervously 'I don't know what this is about but I will not show weakness' she promised herself.

So she stood in an outward expression of calm dressed in her own finery, the focus of which was a pure white kimono. The kimono, which had belonged to her mother, was made from the finest white silk imported from the village of Hidden Grass. In the bright lights of the main hall it shone like newly fallen snow, the sleeves lightly tied around her arms with pale violet strings of lace designed to complement her eyes. The weave and cut of the fabric were exquisite giving the young girl an air of grace and dignity. A short braid hung in front of her right ear, on it hanging a small diamond pendant that shone in the candle light like a falling star. Elegantly made up and lightly perfumed by her maids Hinata seemed five years older, showing the beauty she would bloom into.

Turning from his talk with Kuugen, Hiashi saw his daughter and smiled with pride "Daughter, you look beautiful tonight"

Unsure of how to take this rare praise Hinata simply nodded, behind her, her maids fanned out taking their own seats leaving the Hyuuga heiress alone and feeling all the more vulnerable.

"Does she not look beautiful?" Hiashi asked the assembled clan to approving nods and cheers "our most exquisite flower will do this clan proud"

By now everyone had their glasses raised and was happily cheering or toasting to Hinata's health, everyone that is save Kan who sitting on her father's right looked less than pleased with Hiashi's speech.

She couldn't help the crimson that slowly stained her cheeks at her clan's approval. To a girl who had at best been viewed the pity by most of her family members this instant approval was incredible.

But the question still begged to be asked 'Why are they so happy?'

"Father, what is this celebration for?"

"Aah yes we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves" he smiled, putting his sake cup down Hiashi rose gracefully and fixed his pale eye's on his daughter.

"Hinata, today is a monumental day for our clan" even though he spoke with a large smile on his face his eye's flickered uncertainly "I have finally found a husband worthy of you"

Dead silence greeted those words as the whole clan held their breath, waiting for their heiress's reaction.

As the words registered Hinata felt the blood drain from her face suddenly she felt nauseous, her knees began to buckle but she managed to stay standing, she would not let them see her distress. 'Why didn't he tell me in private?' she thought anger battling against her shock and dismay.

"W-who?" she choked out giving in to the irrational hope that it could be Naruto.

Hiashi clearly saw the shock his daughter was going through but gritted his teeth and continued as if he hadn't, 'In the long run she will thank me, this is for her own good'

"Daughter, your future husband is to be Uchiha Sasuke"

As the words left Hiashi's mouth the tiniest spark of hope Hinata had been holding went out as her dreams were crushed. The young girls shoulders sagged down as if suddenly a great weight had been placed upon them.

In desperation she forced her self to speak "B-but father I don't love him" her voice trembling.

For a moment Hiashi's eyes softened " I know it seems unfair now but in time you will learn to love him. When I married your mother I felt the same but over the years we grew to-"

"Father, please, I do not wish this"

Looking at the pain in his daughters eyes Hiashi cursed himself for what he was about to do 'You give me no choice Hinata, I didn't want to force you into this'

"Are you willing to let me down again Hinata?" he spoke his voice heavy with disappointment.

"Father I-"

"Are you willing to disappoint the whole clan, to destroy theirs and my trust in you?"

Scanning around the hall Hinata looked around at her family. Her sister, the elders, main house members, branch house members all looked back at her with looks of shame and disapproval. Was she letting them all down? Was her marriage to the cold Uchiha heir so important to them she wondered with dismay. But when finally her eyes met with her fathers she felt a sickening pain in the pit of her stomach. It always came down to this, she was going to fail her father again, she was going to make him hate her. With that thought the last of her resistance ebbed away.

Seeing the last of the fight go out of Hinata Hiashi nodded sternly and then turn to the rest of the clan sake cup raised high "Now let us celebrate, a toast to my daughter, the future wife of the Uchiha clan heir!"

The cheers were slow in coming but tentatively began and built up until the entire hall was trembling with shouts of approval.

The sudden surge of sound and emotion overwhelmed the young girl, the sound all around her seemed to distort. The cheers and yells of her clan she heard only in tones, it was unreal, this couldn't be happening to her. Finally her head sagged down as she fought an intense urge to weep in despair. She wallowed in misery for the loss of her dream 'Naruto-kun…..what am I going to do? I'm so weak and stupid, I can't stand against this decision'.

And as she despaired a voice sounded through her mind trying to gain her attention. Hinata ignored it, building walls around her thoughts as she let her inadequacies once again consume her. But the voice would not leave, crashing against her erected walls over and over, slowly bringing them down, and finally when her defenses were shattered she had no choice. Hinata listened.

'Are you going to give up so easily on your dreams? Are you so eager to return to being the weak and shy girl who couldn't stand up for her self?' the voice asked scathingly, the tone suddenly reminding her very much of Neji.

'What can I do!?' she screamed back at it 'My father has spoken, he is the clan head and I am nothing but a disappointment to him. How can I get him to change his mind?" she asked, almost begged the voice hoping against hope that it had the answer.

'You still haven't learnt anything have you? You still see yourself as the same person who failed her father? The voice asked in exasperation.

'Aren't I!?' Hinata replied growing angry.

'The hell you are!' the voice suddenly roared, then continued in a calmer tone 'I will tell you what you have achieved Hyuuga Hinata. You've stood toe to toe with Neji who at the time you were terrified of and you didn't give up. You defeated Uchiha Sasuke, so called genius in combat and challenged Shikamaru the brightest Chunnin if not ninja in the village in tactics' as the voice spoke of the events they flashed through Hinata's mind. 'When protecting a precious person you shed your shyness and stood down a vicious man with a vile tongue' a picture of the cowering barber finally flashed in Hinata's mind as the voice finished it's tirade.

Then in an almost desperate voice it spoke again 'Naruto acknowledges your strength, why do you refuse to see what he does? You have grown strong Hinata, you have changed'

As the voice had spoken Hinata's despair had at first turned into surprise, then resolve. Suddenly she realized why her father had chosen the main hall to tell her this news 'He thinks I'm less likely to refuse in a room full of people' for the first time in her life she felt utter fury towards father.

'My own father tried to manipulate me like a game piece on the shougi board' the galling truth was he had almost succeeded.

Sensing Hinata's anger reach it's peak the voice spoke once more 'Now………….is it time to fight back, or are you going to let these conceited fools dictate your life?'

'Arigato. I will fight back; I think it's time a few home truths were finally revealed' Hinata answered, her voice steel.

The voice chuckled sinisterly 'I've been waiting for this moment for so long' it said as it began to fade away from her mind.

'Wait! Who are you? What are you?' she cried after it.

'I am a facet of your self' it replied softly, the voice echoing before vanishing completely.

While Hinata conversed within her mind the cheers of her clan slowly lessened, then stopped, as they witnessed Hinata's reaction. To the assembled Hyuuga it seemed as if their heiress was slowly collapsing in on herself like a wilting flower, then just as she was about to fall Hinata stiffened. They watched with curiosity and a touch of unease, was she going to faint?

Ignoring his daughter's strange behavior and deciding to take her silence as a positive response Hiashi continued "The marriage will take place as soon as possible and no expense will be spared, your wedding day my daughter will be the finest this village has ever seen"

Again silence greeted his statement, Hiashi watched as Hinata stood head bent and gently swayed. His fake smile disappearing at his daughters strange behavior, he was about to demand a response when Hinata spoke; "No" she whispered.

"What did you say?"

Hinata's head suddenly shot up, her eyes locking onto her fathers. She raised her voice "I said if you believe that you can buy my approval then you are sorely mistaken"

For the first time Hiashi saw anger shining in his daughters lavender eyes, for the first time he saw defiance, and even as he mentally recoiled in surprise at these emotions he felt his own fury begin to build.

"What!" his shout of outrage echoed around the now deathly silent hall.

"I refuse to marry Uchiha Sasuke" Hinata answered calmly her voice the ice to Hiashi's fire.

Hiashi was shocked, before him his daughter had transformed from a scared little girl into a very angry and determined young woman. For the first time in his life Hiashi saw the woman he had always hoped Hinata would become. However it was unfortunate that this transformation only made his job harder.

"I will not allow this insolence Hinata! I didn't want to do this but willing or not you will marry Uchiha Sasuke!"

"You can't make me" Hinata coldly replied.

"Oh my daughter but I can, while you are a member of this family and the heiress of this clan you will do what I tell you!" Hiashi's face contorted in anger as he glared down on his defiant daughter "You have always been a disappointment to me. Always mediocre, and never accomplished, your skills as a shinobi are pathetic. I had hoped to give you this opportunity to serve your clan honorably but it seems instead you will have to be forced kicking and screaming like some common peasant"

The harsh words seemed to rock Hinata as she unconsciously took a step backwards, her cold exterior falling for a moment. Her eyes filling with tears, fists clenched and trembling with emotion she forced herself to ignore the pain in her heart.

"So quick to blame me, father, but sometimes a failed student is the result of a failed teacher" Hinata murmured.

"You dare to accuse me for your weakness when your sister has thrived under my care!?" Throwing his sake cup down in fury. The cup sailed through the air before landing in front of Hinata sending rice wine and porcelain shards everywhere.

Completely ignoring the smashed cup Hinata began walking forward, her eyes fixed on her fathers as she spoke. The Crunch of the cup underneath her feet mingling with her words "My sister doesn't expect any different from you, she only knows the cold and cruel old man you have become, but I knew you before you changed. Even though I was young I still remember when you took joy in life"

Stopping until only the table separated her from Hiashi Hinata continued in her cold voice, tears still dripping from her face "Before her death you used to encourage and praise, now all you do is criticize and scorn. Since Mother died you've turned into a ruthless man with nothing but ambition in your heart, you will do anything to further this great clan!" she mocked, arms spread wide, gesturing around her.

The last statement was the truth, plain and simple. Everyone old enough to remember knew so. Since the death of Hyuuga Ichido (AN: Ichidou translated from Japanese means ray of hope) Hiashi had irrevocably changed, the death of his twin a year later had not helped matters.

Hearing his innermost pain spoken by his own flesh and blood made the clan leader lose all control, "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK SO TO YOUR OWN FATHER!" Hiashi's roar echoed around the hall scaring some of the more timid children to tears.

"To call yourself a father is an insult to all the other fathers in this room, since the age of five you have treated me as nothing more than a heiress of this clan. A heiress that you found lacking in every single little way!" Hinata finally shouted looking up at the man she had tried so hard to make acknowledge her.

"I-I" the young girl stammered as she finally lost control of her cold façade "I always thought that if I tried hard enough, pushed myself harder, that you would smile at me like you used to…….like I remember you smiling when I was young" she gave a harsh chuckle shakily wiping the tears from her face "But you've forgotten haven't you? You've forgotten how to smile; you've forgotten everything but the clan. Well have the clan. But you won't twist my life to suite your ambitions"

Hinata turned to the rest of the hall and called out in a clear voice "From this day forward, I, Hyuuga Hinata renounce my name and title" turning back to her father she shook her head sadly before continuing "I renounce this clan and all ties with it"

Looks of shock and surprise were evident on most of the faces witnessing the power struggle between father and daughter. The strangest reaction coming from the elders table. To Hiashi's left Kuugen looked angry enough to start screaming himself while to clan leaders right Kan gave Hinata a sad smile and a gentle nod surprising the girl. She would have thought that her former sensei would be happy for her while her father's councilor would loudly object to such a decision.

Now it was Hiashi's turn to stumble back in surprise, the look of pain and growing horror on his face wouldn't have been worse had Hinata reached across the table and stabbed him with a kunai.

'My god what have I done'

"Hinata" he gasped suddenly sound so much older than his 41 years "Hinata, Sasuke has the potential to become the greatest ninja in this village. There wasn't a better match I could have made for you. This is the right decision my daughter, you will thank me in the years to come" the stricken clan leader pleaded with his daughter, reaching a trembling hand to touch Hinata's cheek.

Stepping back Hinata avoided her father's hand shaking her head tears once more falling from her eyes. "No father, it's over. I've had enough" with that the young girl turned from her father and started for the huge double doors at the end of the room.

"You cannot leave! I will not give you permission" Hiashi desperately shouted at his retreating daughter, his own lavender eyes becoming clouded with tears.

Stopping at the outburst Hinata turned her head until her eyes met Hiashi's, endless determination making her lavender orbs dance in the candlelight "Then I demand a trial by combat"

If Hinata's earlier statement had caused a hubbub this one caused a complete uproar. Various members of the clan rose to shout their protest while at the main table a few of the elders looked to be suffering from coronary failure. Kuugen, red in the face seemed to be one of them. But it was her father's reaction that held her attention.

Hiashi was stunned. A trial by combat had not been held in two generations. The trial involved a brutal fight between the invoker of the trial and any Hyuuga member the clan leader saw fit to take them on. Should the invoker win they would automatically gain the right to leave the clan with no future reprisals to be feared. Every trial ever called had ended with a death, more often by far being the invoker who fell. In the three centuries since its first invocation only two invokers had survived the fight and gained the right to leave the Hyuuga clan.

"You stupid girl! You can't win!" Hiashi roared, his eyes finally overflowing.

Ignoring him Hinata continued down the room "Please open the door" the girl asked politely as she reached the two stunned attendants located at either side of the ancient oak doors. But it seemed as that the excitement of the night was getting to them as their only replies were to gawk at their one time heiress. Repeating the plea gained the same response.

Growing angry with the now screams of various clan members as they argued among themselves Hinata decided to open the doors herself. Rolling the sleeves of her delicate Kimono up to her elbows she entered the same stance she had earlier that day in the training ground. Hands positioned at her waist, fingers pointing to the ground she inhaled deeply. Hands glowing with a soft blue nimbus she focused all her anger into the blow.

With a resounding CRASH the huge doors were thrown opened instantly silencing the hall. Heads turned in her direction as more than one person gawked at what the supposedly weak child had achieved.

Exiting the stance Hinata began to walk away but was once more interrupted by her father.

"Hinata stop this instant!" Hiashi commanded, his normally imperious voice a mockery of it's self.

But the girl continued walking, disregarding the command.

"You can't win!" he screamed.

"I'll be the judge of that" And with those words Hinata formerly of the clan Hyuuga left her home leaving chaos behind her.

The story spread like wildfire through the village, by next morning everyone had heard about the rebellion of Hyuuga's heiress. That girl would disappear the same morning and would not return to Konoha for the next four years.

After the initial gossip had passed most forgot about the young rebel, but in the Hyuuga citadel everyday as he sat at the head table to pass judgment on his clan Hiashi saw the huge oaken doors staring at him from across the room, a small palm perfectly imprinted in each door, reminding him of the daughter he had lost.

Author Notes:

I might have made Naruto a bit OC when he was arguing with Sakura, I'm sorry about that I suppose it's just my personal dislike for her coming through ;;

She was very bitchy this chapter but I want to stress this isn't how Sakura is going to act all the time, she's just very stressed out. So comments against Naruto's dream and the nastiness towards Hinata were just stress induced outbursts.

The hardest part of this chapter to write was the last scene with Hinata in the Hyuuga mansion. I found it very hard to keep Hiashi in character while making him remorseful and guilty when he finally realized what he'd put Hinata through. Also Hinata got another surge in determination this chapter, the voice that urged her on isn't going to be a living entity like Kyubi or the even scarier Inner Sakura, It was just a tool used in this chapter to make Hinata angry enough to stand up to nasty ol Hiashi. Well anyway I hope the scene turned out all right and everyone enjoys the chapter.

As for next chapter there will be more Mizuki. Also Gaara, Temari and Kankuro will be making their first appearances in the fic.

Reviewers:

As always the reviewer roll of honor

Wormkaizer, Anon, Xoni Newcomer, kadashi the wandering reviewer, Gopu, Drekko, EmeraldBlossom, Cookie6, EfrainMan, oOoshortayoOo, Devinj2000, Copy-Nin-Kakashi, The Dark Necromancer, Judiann, Emotwo, Licht Sieger, Gemin16, Crutches, The Prime Minister, Daniel of Lorien, trutenor, Edha Ohn, Mikeh, Ahyanah, Rune-Rune, SacredGoggles, Falcon-Rider, Kuwabaras pupil, David, Valkun, hikariko, DarkFusion, xero-ghost, Toruxxx, Sirus183 and kai013.

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