A New Nindo

Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto I would be rich, I don't. If I did own it I wouldn't be counting my pennies like the pauper I am. I have begun to borrow jutsus from another author, specifically Tokehgecko who has given me their permission. I will point out which jutsus I borrowed in the author's notes at the end of chapter. For more information on the jutsus I borrowed from the author visit TokehGecko's There Where When is Now, Book series. This story does not reflect the ability of any authors I borrowed from. In other words if my story sucks it's not their fault, it's mine. This version of the Naruto story belongs to me; most of the characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto.

Summary: What if you died? What if it was a mistake? What if you were given a chance to step out of your normal everyday life and become hero? I'd grab the chance. This is my story.

Author's Notes:

1) Italics include my thoughts as well as other characters' thoughts. Bold is for the Kyuubi's thoughts.

2) Haku is a girl!

3) Once again I do not write Yaoi, don't worry. I have nothing against it but I just don't see it plausible for Naruto.

4) Since Fanfiction(dot)net removed my Naruto's secret jutsu list I have moved it to my author's profile for all to see. I have made an update to Naruto's secret jutsu spoiler list with a modification of Shunshin, since Inane translates it as body flicker I've decided that while the person is teleporting the technique leaves an after image in the last place the user was. I have also put up a new jutsu called Sokushi.

The reason fanfiction removed my Author Note chapters was because it violated some guideline but I am having trouble finding it can someone show me where the guidelines are located?

5) All character bio info is taken from Naurtofan(dot)com.

6) For pairings please vote for Itachi/Tsume/Kurenai/Anko and Kakashi/Kurenai/OC

Tsume is a name I made up for Kiba's sister.

7) I plan to make Ino and Sakura better ninja because right now they are pathetic. They start off as an insult to all kunoichi in the manga/anime. Atleast Hinata, Tenten, and Temari have some use.

Reviews:

Monaki-Cheung: My story will be different from Naruto story but it will follow same timeline. There will be a Chuunin exam and all that.

Virgil: Yes I asked for permission and plan to use some of TokehGecko's jutsus.

Rhythmic: Thanks for continuing to review, I don't think my action is too good but it will get better very soon because Naruto will be stronger and the fights will be drawn out longer.

Momochi Zabuza: Sorry for the confusion, and I'm glad you liked my first few chapters.

Samurai Demon-God Sekikage: Thanks for your input. I recently read a fanfic called Kyuubisensei where Naruto had a three-way relationship with Hinata and Tenten. So I'll consider a three-way.

Author's Note: I am currently considering a threeway relationship for Naruto and I wanted to know what everyone thinks about it.

Ranma Hibiki: Thanks for reviewing again. I plan to make Kyuubi's relationship with Naruto grow. Right now I feel he has a grudging respect for Naruto. We'll see more of their relationship's growth in the next chapter.

Aikuchi Shikaku: My character will try to prevent both and I have already worked out the consequences.

D-sama: Thanks for your review and maybe it is, you'll have to read to find out (pairings will be very apparent soon).

Daniel Lynx: Thanks for the review and I might give him a sibling if Hizashi lives.

Blackmamuth: Thanks, the review was helpful. I really like your idea for Neji's sister the Hyuuga pervert. If I do make her she will be like Tsubaki or Asaba from Kare Kano. I don't know about her pairing though.

Arnoldstrife: Thanks, I realize Tsunade looks like a babe but then I realize she's "how old now?" Plus she's suppose to be Naruto's mom so she's kinda off limits. But I'll think about his pervert level.

Tombadgerlock: If Neji has a sibling it will be a sister.

Dragon Man 180: All I can say is they'll probably be friends read on to find out.

Ninfan: I do have a jutsu for that it is the Jagan, check out my author profile where my jutsu list is.

Chapter 7: Thief in the Night

I had finally finished my new technique. I was worried that I wouldn't have enough chakra to perform it but I did. However I wanted Kyuubi's chakra for a boost to make it more effective. Haku and I worked together on my plan. Haku was a little skeptical at first about my suspicions but she decided that it would be better to be safe than sorry. We had met Hinata a few times during our short stay in Konoha. She seemed very sweet and shy, a prime target for the Sinobi Gashir.

I also got Ero-Sennin to help out. I decided to call him that because he wouldn't stop calling me kid or brat. So we made a deal when I finally became a Genin he would start treating me with respect and I would start treating him without the lack of respect.

Anyways all it took for him to help was for me to agree to edit another one of his Icha Icha Paradise books. I had always thought it was just words but he had some pretty graphic pictures in there too. Don't get me wrong, I only read and edited. The reason Jiraiya sought out my help was because for some reason his last book turned out an extra 40 profit when I edited it. I didn't think I was a pervert so I blamed it all on my twenty year old memories feeling restricted by my current body. After all I can't think of anyone I knew who didn't think about the opposite sex when I was in college. Well maybe those people who had different preferences but that was beside the point. If you didn't have sexual desires you were either taking a vow of celibacy or had very strong willpower. I don't know because I never encountered such a person with such god-like will.

There was one drawback in being Tsunade's son, I had to dress up and stand next to her and smile while I greeted Gashir. I would have preferred to take down his ass right then and there with Kyuubi but I wouldn't be able to explain my actions.

What was I gonna say? He's done nothing wrong but he will! This isn't the Minority Report.

I even had to bow to the guy. Honestly I didn't want to do that. Back when I was taking martial arts from an old (noble) and respected Japanese family in my world, the act of bowing to your master was showing that you trusted them with your life. I didn't trust Gashir with a newborn pup. He had a small escort with him. They didn't look like much. They seemed to be there more for looks than anything else. In other words they looked weak.

The man with him seemed like some sort of noble, and the woman looked like his secretary. Behind Gashir was another man but he had the smug look that comes from being a higher up's lapdog.

Speaking of Gashir he looked like a shady person, an obvious bad guy. He had his forehead protector slid over his right eye like Kakashi except it was the other eye. He also had a pointy looking goatee on his chin.

Probably needs those bandages on his head to hide his growing bald spot.

Now I was just pouting. When I had to shake his hand my skin crawled. When he shook Haku's hand I wanted to hurl. I didn't feel anything when Tsunade shook his hand, probably had something to do with the fact that she could turn his hand into putty if she was in a fit.

He and the Hokage began discussions and Tsunade signaled it was okay for us to leave. Haku and I immediately made a bee line for the Hyuuga Manor. With Hiashi there at the meeting with the Cloud Ambassador we could have fun without his interference.

We were well known and Tsunade's ward and her son so the guards let us in without batting an eyelash. It didn't take long for us to find Hinata and Neji in the garden. Hinata was performing the tree climbing exercise while Neji watched over her. I was genuinely surprised that Neji didn't seem to have any animosity towards her yet. I guess his father's death is what sparked his whole thing about destiny and hate for the Main House.

This was proved when Hinata fell down the tree and started crying. Neji bolted over to her side with a worried expression.

"Shhh, Hinata-sama. Daijobu?" he asked as he rubbed her back the way you do when someone's coughing.

"Neji-niisan," she sobbed while rubbing her eyes.

Haku had this dreamy look in her eyes, suggesting that she thought it was sweet.

"Kawaii," she whispered to no one in particular.

It was something new that I was learning about this Haku, she liked cute things. Well I guess no surprise there, although I had to admit it was kinda cute watching five year old Neji comfort three year old Hinata (her birthday is next week after Cloud Ambassador). We continued to watch in silence at the unfolding scene. We weren't really spying, just staying in a relatively obscure place without announcing our presence.

"What's wrong Hinata-sama?" Neji asked soothingly.

"You hate me…" She mumbled.

Neji's eyes widened, "No no, of course I don't Hinata-sama."

He tried to reassure her but it didn't seem to work.

"It's my fault you have… that mark …on your forehead…" she said between sobs.

Neji twitched but didn't show any indication that he was angry at Hinata. In fact it was because I couldn't see his face from this angle that I didn't see the soft smile on his face.

"It's not your fault Hinata-sama," said Neji.

It's your father's fault for being a prick but nothings your fault Hinata-sama.

"I know you're angry at me."

She had begun to calm down slightly.

"What do you mean?"

"You don't call me Hina-chan anymore!"

Neji froze.

God, so that's what this is all about?Haha, that's just like Hinata-sama.

"I can't call you that anymore because it wouldn't be proper for someone of the branch house to call a member of the main house like that."

"Then when everyone else is gone and it's only us you have to call me Hina-chan!" she whined.

I was softly snickering while Haku was admiring the scene before her. I was surprised that Hinata was so pushy. In the anime it seemed like she was shy all the time, but maybe it was her father's training that had made her so withdrawn.

"Hinata-sama…" he mumbled, obviously getting a headache trying to reason with baby Hinata.

"Hmm… Neji it's an order!" she said as she pouted with her hands on her hips.

Haku chose this moment to make her presence known.

"That's so adorable," she said, all misty eyed.

I chose this moment to burst out laughing. Hinata reverted to her shy self and Neji joined her in being a tomato. I had gotten to know Neji and Hinata pretty well over the last week, Neji more so simply because we were guys. Hinata and Haku were hiding on one side of the garden while Neji had tea and I had cookies. From the way the girls were looking at us and giggling I could tell they were talking about us.

I looked towards Neji who gave me a knowing nod, we both turned our attention back forward and sighed simultaneously. The girls started giggling again. I had already told Neji my concerns but not Hinata, I didn't want to worry her. Neji took it very calmly and told me how he would keep an eye out. It was better than nothing I suppose.

"Don't worry as a member of the Branch House it is my duty to protect Hinata-sama."

"Don't you mean Hina-chan?"

I snickered at him while the girls came over to see what was funny. Neji refused to answer them which included Hinata's question of…

"Why are you so red Neji-niisan?"

Neji's only response was to glare at me. My only response was to laugh at him.

Being Tsuande's son had its perks. For one I was a welcome guest at the Hyuuga Estate. Still I had to put up with manners and stuff like that. Most of the Hyuugas were as stiff as a board. When you passed in the hall you could feel the tension between the Main and Branch House. Surprisingly Hinata was welcome on both sides. This was mainly due to Hyuuga Guren (Neji's mother) telling the Branch Members what she would do to them if they shattered Hinata's innocent views in any way shape or form. I wasn't there when she said it but somehow the rumor got back to me.

We used the fact that we were welcome to our advantage and decided to stay over this week. By "we" I meant Haku and I. We gave the excuse that we wanted to prepare for Hinata's birthday next week. Hikari (Hinata's mother) was very happy at the thought, it didn't take much convincing on Hiashi's part. Hiashi had long since accepted us because he viewed us as good examples of model children. How wrong he was.

Seems like the Byakugan doesn't see everything, huh?

When Ero-Sennin was finished following Gashir at night he came to me and gave his report. I remembered from the anime that it was dark when Hinata was kidnapped, plus I couldn't see Gashir as someone stupid enough to try it during the day.

During the day Haku and I took Neji and Hinata out. Neji always accompanied Hinata wherever she went and Hinata didn't want to go anywhere without Neji. Seeing them together only reinforced my desire to save Neji's father. I was convinced now more than anything that his sorrow over his father's death is what lead to his hatred and his warped views on destiny and fate.

Whenever the four of us would leave or return to the Hyuuga Estate I would see Gashir every now and then.

Son of a bitch is scoping the place out!

I almost envied Gashir being able to move freely like that. If I were to move around the Hyuuga Estate it would seem suspicious. What other reason to visit would I have other than to see Hinata and Neji. That meant I couldn't leave any traps around. Not that it would really matter, I couldn't set traps out all over. I couldn't tell from the anime where he escaped and I couldn't set traps in Hinata's room. Her room was pretty large like the rest of the Main Family's rooms. Hers was relatively untouched compared to theirs. She only had a few stuff animals and plush toys on the shelves. A few Hyuuga scroll jutsus in her desk and a closet at the far end of the room. There was nowhere I could conceal any traps but that was okay I still had a plan.

As the days passed by we finally reached the last one and I couldn't help but feel apprehensive. I was like an F1 Racer at the starting line ready to go. It took tremendous effort to hide my anxiety and nervousness. Despite all my preparations I knew he was a Jounin and I was still a brat, but my plan didn't require me to beat him.

Night came and everyone bid each other goodnight. I saw the soft smiles exchanged between Hikari and Hinata, the same with Guren and Neji. I silently vowed to protect this small happiness that existed in this cold Hyuuga world.

Haku and Hinata stayed in her room while Neji and I took one of the guest rooms nearby. I had fun talking to Neji when we were alone because he wasn't a stiff then. He was a lot more open but not quite as much as a normal person. All the same that was saying a lot about the Hyuuga. A few hours later I was already asleep.

I began to calm down, after all Jiraiya was trailing him. He'd see Gashir sneaking into the Hyuuga compound and take him down easily. Gashir may be a Jounin but Jiraiya was a Sannin, that meant he was Hokage leavel. I had complete faith in him.

Kid he's here!

Faith that was misplaced! Son of a bitch, he better not be peeping on the women now! Who goes bathing this late at night!

I woke up Neji and alerted him to my newfound information from my tenant. I had long since told Neji and Hinata about Kyuubi. They took it pretty well. I expected as much from Neji since he had already become my best guy friend. Hinata's reaction was surprising as always.

"Is he cute? Can I pet him?" she asked.

Then I swore them to secrecy which Neji understood despite his age and Hinata thought was cool because of her age.

We moved swiftly and quietly to Hinata's room. As soon as Neji opened the door he was blown back by a burst of flame.

Shit! So the bastard is trying to hide the blame by using jutsus foreign to his village?

I waited and listened. A part of me wanted to reach out and drag Neji away from the wall but I knew I would just join him on the floor if I moved past the door. I heard a window click and I dashed in. I saw him escape with Hinata under his arm. Then I noticed Haku on the floor, she seemed knocked out. I woke her up as fast as I could. Time was of the essence. I looked up to confirm my plan had worked.

Step 1 success!

As Haku and I dashed out the window we didn't even try to conceal ourselves. Gashir may be trying to escape undetected but we were under no such constriction. Naturally that meant he was moving much slower than he could. While Haku and I were traveling at our top speed. I had already told Neji to notify the other Hyuugas. After checking him over quickly I was glad to see that the burns weren't too serious.

Gashir was silently pleased with himself.

"Stupid brats, thinking they can take on a Jounin like me? They're a hundred years to early."

"Doesn't seem like it," I said as he rounded the corner.

He stared at me shocked and Haku appeared at the other end of the alley. We had him cornered on both sides.

I knew it, I had suspected that he would try to weave through the city instead of jumping over it, that would attract to much attention. Now he was trapped (Author's Note: not really when you consider skill level).

Step 2 success!

"If you get out of my way you won't die!" he said.

What kind of a dumbass do you think I am! You're not gonna leave any witnesses to implicate the Cloud.

"I'd let go of Hinata if I were you," I said calmly.

He looked at me like I was insane.

"Don't say we didn't warn you," Haku replied.

Then we both jumped up and out of the alley. Gashir was confused until he heard a strange sound nearby. He looked down and saw that it was Hinata, something was burning under her clothers. He jerked her kimono open and was surprised to see the amount of explosion tags. Hinata then turned into Haku.

"Bang…" she whispered.

BOOM!

The explosion caused the surrounding area to cave in on him.

"Well if he was trying to be discreet then that plan's been shot to hell!" I said.

My reason for having Haku sleep in Hinata's room was so that she could replace Hinata with a Mizu Bunshin. When I looked up from Haku in Hinata's room I was looking at Hinata who came out of her hiding place in the closet.

Step 3 success!

I wanted to wait for ANBU but there was no telling how long this little stunt of mine would delay him. I had no doubt he had survived. Even if I didn't then Kyuubi could confirm it for me.

Yep!

His response was followed by an explosion from the rubble. Gashir was breathing heavily and covered in wounds, such as scrapes, cuts, and burns. Not to mention he looked pissed.

Can you blame him kit?

I was amused, so was Haku. Nonetheless we realized the gravity of the situation. We didn't run because he could double back to the Hyuuga Estate before ANBU got here. Instead we led him to the middle of the street. Now that he had no qualms about hiding his presence he threw several Kunai at us. Haku used her superior speed to deflect them with her senbon. I used my chakra punch to destroy a fire hydrant. Water sprouted out from it like a geyser.

We had specifically looked for nearby fire hydrants prior to taking on Gashir. The purpose of trapping him was so that he wouldn't get to far away.

Before Gashir could get close to Haku I threw several shuriken and dashed towards him behind my shuriken with my kunai drawn. He let the projectiles hit him which shocked me for a second until he turned into a log.

Kawarimi?

I saw him appear close by and charged him again. While I distracted him this provided Haku a chance to get near the water. Now with the fresh source of water Haku let loose her jutsus.

"Suikodan no Jutsu!"

When she yelled out her jutsu I broke off my approach. The spraying water from the geyser came together and formed a thick burst of water that rammed Gashir into a wall.

Haku kept the jutsu up and proceeded to ram him through the wall. Without a source of water, her jutsus were useless. She hadn't learned or conditioned herself to perform her jutsus without a water source yet.

Gashir was resilient I'll give him that. He jumped through the opening and charged towards us.

"Damn kids!" he yelled.

We were taken back for a moment by his killer intent. Then we sensed another chakra source approaching. Gashir noticed too because he threw a jutsu at Hiashi.

"Raikurai!" he yelled.

A bolt of lightning quickly accumulated in his hand and launched towards Hiashi. Hiashi already saw it, after all he was battle ready with his Byakugan ablaze. That was a problem, since we were trying to capture Gashir.

"No don't kill him!" I yelled to Hiashi.

He didn't acknowledge me but I knew he could hear me. He couldn't turn his attention from a potential threat.

"Raikurai!"

Several more bolts of lightning flew towards Hiashi. He dodged all of them until Gashir sent a dozen towards him. With nowhere to run Hiashi had to resort to Kaiten.

"Kaiten!" he yelled.

A haze of blue chakra surrounded him before turning into a small hurricane and deflecting the many bolts. The bolts themselves did not disappear instead they merely changed directions and slammed into the nearby surroundings. Scorching the ground, shaking builtings, and soaring through the sky.

So this is Kaiten? Impressive!

While Gashir stood awed I continued to speak to Hiashi who landed in front of me.

"We have to capture him!" I said. "If we kill him there will be all kinds of diplomatic situations we'll have to deal with the Cloud!"

He's right, very perceptive boy.

"What do you suggest," he asked.

I knew this was the first time Hiashi actually acknowledge me as more than just Tsunade's son. At this point in time he was willing to accept my advice.

By now Gashir had moved to far from the fire hydrant for Haku to use as a water source. Hiashi wasn't in my initial plans but I quickly incorporated him since it would work to our advantage.

"Keep him busy for a moment," I said. "Haku and I have a plan to capture him!"

Hiashi was a bit skeptical but realized we were more prepared than he so he followed my instructions.

I had no doubt that Hiashi could take him down but I was concerned with whether or not he could take him alive.

Hiashi attacked and then I performed hand seals for the jutsu I had learned from Jiraiya.

"Always keep your trump card for the end!"

Hiashi took this as a queue to break off his attack.

"Doton: Yomi Numa!"

Suddenly Gashir felt the ground give way and he jumped up but the buildings shook as well because their foundation was no longer solid. As my swamp emerged, Gashir looked smug.

"Not close enough brat!"

"Hmph," I smirked.

"Hijutsu: Makyou Hyoushou!"

As Haku mirrors emerged I couldn't help but let my grin grow even wider at Gashir's confusion.

What the hell's going on?

"The purpose of my swamp wasn't to trap you!"

Could it be?

"Now you understand, the purpose of the swamp was to provide Haku with enough water to perform her jutsu. The fire hydrant was used to illustrate that Haku couldn't perform her jutsus without a water source so you thought you would be safe as long as you got away from it. That was to make you overconfident."

Step 4 success!

Gashir looked at Haku appearing in each of the mirrors of the surrounding dome. Each of the Hakus had several senbon in their hands.

"I told you before that you always keep your trump card for the end."

"Ahhhh!" came the scream from within the demonic ice mirrors.

Haku looked at her prey with confidence. While Gashir was hunched over, riddled with senbon. He was beyond pissed.

"How dare you! You're just goddamn kids!" he raged. "I'll kill you!"

He quickly performed hand seals to ready his jutsus. Haku prepared to throw her senbon again but was too late.

"Byakurai!" he yelled.

Suddenly we heard thunder before a huge bolt of white lightning descended from the night sky and struck Haku's mirrors. They were shattered instantly. I saw Haku's body fly through the air and rushed to catch her. When I did Gashir appeared infront of me a slammed his foot into my abdomen. With the air pushed from my body I fell. Lucky for me Hiashi's Byakugan saw everything. He caught us and stumbled back a little.

He raised his white eyes at Gashir who still had the smirk on his face.

"Always keep your trump card for the end? Isn't that what you said kid?" he said, satisfied with our battered state.

"Hahaha…" I couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny?" he shouted.

His visible eye was irate. He couldn't understand my enjoyment.

"Even if I'm no challenge and Haku is out cold, Hiashi is right here."

Hiashi stood up and I cradled Haku closer to me.

"And you're out of chakra!"

"You don't think I came unprepared to fight a Hyuuga?"

"No but you won't even have a chance," said a new voice.

Ero-Sennin stepped out from the shadows.

If he does his dance intro I will kill him.

"He's right!" I said as I felt new chakra sources arrive.

"Haku's mirror weren't our trump card."

Gashir was a little more cautious since he felt the ANBU around him.

"What do you mean?"

"Everything was to attract these guys and alert them to our location."

Gashir's face was full of shock as he looked around and realized we were in a relatively remote place, part of the forest.

Could it be? This kid alerted the ANBU with his explosion and lured me out here away from the city with her Suikodan no jutsu? Then he bought time with her mirrors and caused me to expend a vast amount of chakra? Who the hell is this kid?

Gashir slowly realized that I had been a step ahead of him the whole time. He was like a rock, weathered down by water into sand. With so little chakra left he couldn't even hope to put up a decent fight with the ANBU, not to mention Jiraiya.

I'll have a talk with that pervert later!

"Not bad kid," he said as he resolved himself for the inevitable capture.

Hiashi congratulated us, so did Ero-Sennin but I had a bone to pick with him later. Hiashi asked us how we knew.

"I wasn't actually sure of anything. I was just worried because the Cloud has always expressed an interest in the Byakugan since the Third Great Ninja War."

Hiashi seemed satisfied by the answer and I used my tired state to mask the truth. I wasn't about to say I saw it on television.

The Cloud covered up their mess nicely. They sent a message saying Gashir was a rogue ninja who assassinated and replace the real ambassador. They went even so far as to produce a body of the "real" ambassador. Meanwhile Gashir spent time with Ibiki in the interrogation room. Now with the ordeal apparently over we resumed preparing for Hinata's birthday.

I noticed Hiashi would acknowledge our presence in the halls when the four of us were together. He even commended Neji on a job well done for alerting the Hyuuga guards despite his battered state. Neji himself was a little angry at himself for being so weak, but his anger was soothed by Hinata's reassuring hand. Nonetheless he vowed to become much stronger and devote himself to training so something like this wouldn't happen again.

"Naruto," he said one day when we were watching the girls do there thing in the garden area. "I want to apologize to you."

"What for," I asked as I looked up at him.

Neji's eyes looked back at mine and he was glad. You see, for Neji to look someone in the eye meant he had respect for you, I understood this and returned the favor. He was glad I thought nothing less of him because of that night.

"Hey man it's not your fault, you were hit by a Chuunin level jutsu," I said. "Haku was out for an entire day when she was struck by that Byakurai."

"Thank you, but that's not it."

"Oh?"

"I'm sorry for doubting you."

"About what?"

"I didn't take you seriously when you told me your suspicions I could have… done something right…"

Neji seemed frustrated at himself and I tried the only way I knew.

"There'll be a next time."

He looked up at me.

"We'll probably all become ninjas and there will come a time to prove your loyalty and strength for Hinata."

"And for the Hyuuga."

I looked at him and realized he was red again. I wanted to chuckle but this wasn't the right time, we were having a serious conversation.

"It would be nice if it wasn't necessary for you to prove it but that's not the kind of world we live in. The Cloud still wants the Byakugan but all their plans are probably scrapped by now. It's too risky for them right now. Maybe ten years from now, they'll try again, but for now we have time."

"Time?"

"Time to prepare and just be us."

He looked at me quizzically.

"Don't forget that you're your own individual and that while you may be devoted to the clan don't forget your devotion to Hinata."

He didn't blush this time because he knew I was serious and not poking fun at him.

I had begun to think Hiashi was an okay guy until I saw a training session with Hinata. Haku and I were watching from a distance. We saw the hard training he put her through but knew we couldn't do anything for her right now. It hurt us to see shy little Hinata go through this. For Neji it enraged him.

How dare he do that to Hinata! She's his own damn daughter, this bastard!

Hiashi felt the growing hostility from Neji and turned to him. Today Neji was alone, his father Hizashi had duties to perform. Hiashi was prepared to teach him a lesson with the curse seal but Neji's only response was to narrow his eyes. He wanted to take it like a man and he did. Neji tried to resist but the pain became unbearable and he grasped his head as he cried out.

Prior to today I thought Hinata was doomed to be kicked out of the Main House, boy was I wrong.

"NO!" she yelled.

Hiashi was confident and didn't even have his Byakugan on, after all he was only dealing with a child. So naturally he was surprised when he didn't see Hinata when he turned back to her.

From our point of view we could see Hinata duck under his guard and deliver a Jyuuken to his stomach.

"Ughh," Hiashi groaned.

He was angry at being caught off guard and proud of his daughter. Even though he was caught off guard it was still an impressive feat because of the gap of power between him and his daughter. He looked up to see Hinata cradle Neji in her lap.

Interesting…

"Seems like Hiashi finally found a source of motivation for Hinata," I said.

On her birthday we celebrated. It was interesting to see how the Hyuuga celebrated. First there was some sort of formal gathering where the Main House paid their respects and the Branch House dropped by unofficially. Apparently Guren had let what happened the other day in the training room slip. The rumor spread like wildfire, surprisingly Hizashi was the last to know, not even Hiashi himself knew he was the subject of the rumor. Many of the Branch members were proud of Hinata and their love and respect for her grew. This was probably because she was the only person right now who was allowed to hurt her father and be praised for it. The Main House was slightly impressed but took no real note of her.

Later their was a smaller dinner which included only Neji and Hinata's immediate family and ours. By "ours" I meant Haku, Shizune, Tsunade, and I.

Suddenly Hikari asked her daughter what she wanted for her birthday. Hinata told her mother how pleased she was with the doll she got from Haku. We all looked up from our meals as she brought it out.

To say I was shocked was an understatement. I was sure that everyone else could notice the resemblance between Neji and the chibi plush doll in her hands.

Neji silently vowed to burn it, but upon seeing Hinata's happy face decided that he'd let her play with it for a few days before he snuck in and burned it.

Everyone except Hiashi found it amusing. He was pouting behind his stone mask.

Geez, my little girl's growing up already.

Then Hinata looked thoughtful for a minute as she looked up at the ceiling with a cute smile. Then she gave her answer which shocked us again.

"I want to marry Neji-niisan," she said with a straight face.

I could hear chopsticks dropping along with jaws, particularly the Hyuuga males. I didn't really think Hinata realized the gravity of what she just said, judging from Neji's reaction he understood. His blush told me he wasn't entirely opposed.

Hikari was the first to break the silence.

"Why do you want that Hinata-chan?" she asked after regaining her composure.

"I overheard Kaasan and Guren-obasan talking the other day," Hinata answered as if that was suppose to answer her mother's question.

Hikari and Guren shot each other a look saying, "Do you know what she's talking about?" After seeing the look in each of their eyes they concluded that they didn't. The males were anxiously awaiting an answer.

"What were we talking about Hinata-chan?" asked Hikari.

"Both of you were laughing and after you said I could stay together forever with Neji-niisan if I married him."

Hikari and Guren paled before wanting to laugh.

"But Hinata-chan only people who really like each other can get married," said Guren as she stressed really as she tried to talk in children's terms.

"That's okay because you said Neji-niisan thinks I'm cute so I'm sure he really likes me and I know I really like him."

Hikari and Guren looked to their husbands for help but found them still slack-jawed.

"Plus I think Neji's cute too," Hinata added before returning to chomp on her cake.

Everyone turned to look at Neji who felt someone's death gaze on him (Author's Note: Do I really need to say who?). Neji couldn't bare to look at his Uncle's face in fear that the Byakugan had some sort of dojutsu that killed you on spot. His rational part said it was impossible but his emotional half said that if looks could kill he'd be dust.

The tension was broken by Tsunade's full blown laughter and then the rest of the women followed with more subdued giggles of their own. Hizahi shot his son a sympathetic look while he tried a weak smile to calm his brother down. Hiashi could only think silently in his gloomy corner.

She's growing up way too fast.

Tsuzuku…

Author's Note: Next time I begun to acquaint myself with Konoha's other noble families. I end up meeting the Uchiha Prodigy, Itachi. Come with me as I discover what really caused the Uchiha Massacre.

Explanation on my views about the Hyuuga Clan and marriage in the next chapter-Truth Behind the Uchiha Massacre. I never said that this would be a Nejihina fic. I understand that the issue of incest is important however this fanfic is not filled with smut so there will be no graphic scenes. I may simply have them being really close friends after all Hinata is only 4 at the end she doesn't truly understand the concept of marriage. I am undecided at this point and may or may not make it Nejihina.

New Jutsu:

Byakurai (White Lightning): A bolt of white strikes down from the heavens

Borrowed Jutsu

Author: TokehGecko

Jutsu: Raikurai