Well, here we have it. The first chapter of the second arc. Again, this is dealing with the Kunoichi's reactions to what's gone on in the recent manga chapters. I have taken some liberties and made assumptions on how things would go. This'll probably be where my fic slips off into the slightly AU side of things. Ah well. Anyway, I'd like to thank those've taken the time to review, and those that've just decided to read my little venture into Naruto fanfiction.

And now, I leave you with Hinata to kick things off.

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Baited Breath

Hinata found herself back on the walls of the village once again come morning. She really couldn't help it. Sakura was holed up in her home refusing to see anyone, or so Ino had said. Ino and Tenten were making the most of the time on their hands together, having somehow found grounds of friendship through the common trait of being worried for their teammates, and perhaps something more. Something even Hinata had noticed, listening to them speak on the way to the hospital to visit Rock Lee. But while she was enjoying her time with them when they invited her along, Hinata felt that one of them should wait for any sign of the rescuers' return.

Her hands were together, fingers pressed in their customary position, but it wasn't a gesture of nervousness this time, but one of anticipation. She'd been feeling anxious, a feeling of strange dread ever since she came here. And it kept increasing as she continued to sit and watch. She had stopped her vigil in order to go home, as she likely would have gotten trouble if she broke curfew, but she was quick to return to the gate as soon as the morning permitted.

The feeling of dread had multiplied yet again by the time she returned. Her chest was tight with fear, her breath slightly irregular and she was certain it was more how she was feeling, and not because of the injuries she had sustained a month or so prior to this in her fight with Neji. She figured, that the only way to really deal with it was to wait for sign of anyone's return. She could just wait with Ino and Tenten, instead of here, but she was certain they would understand the choice.

It was only because of the guards below her that she even remembered to eat lunch. She was so lost in her thoughts that the morning passed by, and it was soon time for the midday meal. One of them, someone whom she couldn't remember the name of, brought her something to eat. She couldn't even recall what it was now, the memory faded in the oblivion that was a day spent in a haze. She ate in the same silence she watched in, not even tasting the food. She was so singularly focused on watching the path before the village, and the forest beyond. She had to see something. Anything.

She eventually became aware of restlessness around her. It caused her to tear her attention from the forest ahead, concentrating on the immeduate area around her. Catching sight of a couple of chuunin that were still in the village moving about, they vanished out of sight, Hinata only catching them again as they passed the fence, moving quickly into the forest. She frowned and moved to get down off the fence. Perhaps it was them? They were returning? Hope swelled inside of her, hoping that her feelings of dread would soon be banished, and be tossed away as just simple paranoia. She blinked when one of the guards put a hand on her shoulder.

"You should be inside the gates." His tone was something that Hinata didn't like. It slowly began to eat away at the hope she was just feeling. Her hands lifted, fingers pressing togther for a moment as she realized he knew something. She noticed he wasn't pressuring her, wasn't demanding that she do as was suggested. It gave her a moment to think, and again eyes turned to the forest. Something was going to be returning, she realized, and whatever it was, it was something the guard didn't want her to see.

He knows who I'm waiting for. It wasn't that hard to figure out. Word travels fast in a small village full of ninja, who were trained to gather information. Her fingers pressed together again, her brow furrowed in frustration for a moment. She turned to leave, like she was asked to, but she was stalled by something. Another glance to the forest behind her, and she realized what that something was. Fear. Something happened, something bad, and she came to the conclusion that's why they wanted her to leave. A sigh and she turned to the jounin guard, white eyes turning up to him with a pleading expression. "P..please...I... what is happening?" She wished she didn't stammer so, but she didn't like really confronting people.

Especially since it didn't look like the Jounin wanted to tell her anything. He hesitated, and looked to his companion before looking down to her again. She waited patiently as he wrestled with the idea of answering her question, and then finally, his shoulders slumped in a sign of internal defeat. "There was word sent that two of the genins were reported down." Perhaps it was good that she didn't need elaboration.

The words caused her blood to freeze, and then somehow flow backwards. A hand reached up, her expression of complete horror. "Down? Ho--"

The jounin interrupted her with a hand, "That's all we know. I'm sorry." He paused, and then rested a hand on her shoulder. She didn't know what it was for, but figured it was a sign of sympathy. Regardless, it felt decidedly strange, and made her uncomfortable.

"I have to go," she murmured, tearing out from under his arm. She then did as he requested, turning back into the village. But she was filled with a sudden sense of urgency. She had somewhere to go. Her feet were already taking her there. Pressing against the current limitations of her body, through the streets and the people of Konoha, she ran. She knew where to go, she just hoped she could find it without too much of a problem. She wondered, for a moment, if perhaps she should have gone home first to deliver the news, but she figured this was more urgent.

The shop's bell alerted her presence, and almost immediately, Hinata fell to her knees. She was vaguely aware of a greeting that turned into something resembling a startled calling of her name. She felt hands on her, lifting her up off the floor, and a woman's voice giving direction and asking her the usual questions. Was she alright? No, she just ran all over the village looking for the small flower shop when she just sustained a near-fatal heart wound little over a month ago. While it was fully healed, the body still didn't like to be pressed to its limits just yet. Does she need anything? Yes... But she couldn't find the answer. She was too busy trying to get air into her lungs. But the fact she was breathing seemed to soothe their concerns, she noticed.

She finally glanced up off the floor, since for a moment it took too much energy just to lift her head, and she came face to face with a concerned expression. The woman handed her a glass of water, which Hinata really had no choice but to take. She gave a nod of thanks and took a sip, the motion enforcing her to calm her breathing somewhat. Again, the questions came, and Hinata had to smile faintly. Her mother is really nice. She doesn't even know me, and yet...

Is she alright? "I will be fine," she managed quietly, diverting her eyes away from her face, finding the floor more interesting as she went to stand up. Again, the woman put her hands on her, encouraging her to sit. It was a nice gesture, but Hinata shook her head, insisting she stand up.

"I really ap-apologize for the intrusion, but..." She hated making demands. She hated it, but she just had to speak with them. "I have to see Ino, please." Ino's mother blinked, puzzled at the way it was delivered, but she nodded.

"She's upstairs, in her room, with Tenten--Wait, Hinata!"

Hinata couldn't wait anymore. The moment she heard anything, the girl bolted for the stairs. She'll apologize to Ino's mother for such rude behavior, but this was urgent.

This was something they had to know now.

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"INO! Wait a mi--argh... slow down... Stop, damn it!"

Tenten took off after the blonde girl who, upon hearing Hinata's news, had practically jumped the flight of stairs and flown out the door, leaving Hinata to scramble after the two decidedly faster girls. She was certain that Tenten was chasing after Ino to make her wait up for her, but she figured Ino's reaction was understandable. Once sure she wasn't going to fall over, Hinata was quick to join them. The three of them did get looks from the villagers, and it seemed taht only Hinata took the care to make sure to not run into people.

It wasn't long before the three of them made it to the hospital, Ino was already there by the time Hinata arrived. She felt sure that if Ino could use her voice as a weapon, the Chuunin at the door would have been dead three times over by now. Tenten, upon arriving on Ino's heels, had tried to calm her down, but unlike when they visited the Compound, Ino was having none of it.

"I-ino-san... Please..." Hinata wondered why she was even bothering. If Tenten couldn't get the girl to calm down from the tirade she was going off on, then what chance did she have? By the time the commotion outside had finally attracted enough of someone's attention within to come out and see what the problem was, both Hinata and Tenten had resorted to restraining Ino, each taking an arm. Not that Ino had made any actual motions to strike, but they were really worried just the same.

"What's going on?" asked the newly arrived Chuunin, eyeing the source of the noise that had brought him out in the first place.

Ino's mouth opened but before she could let loose, Tenten's hand snapped up and over her mouth. Hinata took the cue to step forward, and with fingers pressed together, she tried to explain. "Anou... We had heard that there's been, ah, news, about the rescue team."

The Chuunin regarded her as if only just now noticing her, eyes widening then as he took a good look at Ino, still struggling futilely against Tenten's hold. The older genin was easily overpowering her. "Hyuuga Hinata?" He asked. Hinata nodded. He then indicated Ino and Tenten, "Yamanaka Ino and... Tenten was it?" Hinata again gave a nod.

To her surprise, the Chuunin stepped aside, and indicated they could enter. "They've been looking for you three." It didn't make Hinata feel any better about the situation.

With permission given, Ino calmed down, and waited for Hinata to enter first, before she and tenten followed. Once inside, the girls were led through the hallways towards a waiting area. Her brows came down when the first sight she saw was her father. Glancing away from him briefly, she noted two other women sitting further down the hallway as well. Hinata couldn't see clearly from this angle, but she was certain one of them was crying.

"Hinata. Tenten." Hiashi's voice caused Hinata to practically snap to attention. Once that attention was given by both girls, Hiashi chose to address Ino instead. "You. Your house was called a short time ago. Your mother will be arriving shortly." He tilted his head to the side, towards the women. "Your presence is required there. Go, and do not dally."

Placated by confusion, and by the general ominous feel of the area, Ino did as she was told, while Hinata and Tenten waited for what Hiashi had to tell them. Hinata could tell that whatever it was, it was difficult for him to say. She never seen him look so agitated. Both she and Tenten knew better than to prompt the man before he was ready to speak, so they waited for him to speak.

"Two of that party returned," his tone indicated that he was already aware that the girls knew this. He sighed, and the words that followed held a pain that Hinata hadn't thought he was capable of displaying. "Neji was one of the two. He was... gravely injured. He's alive, but..."

He didn't need to finish that statement. Beside her, Tenten gasped and Hinata glanced towards the ground. The last thing Neji had said to her was to not worry, and all she asked of him was to return. Well, at least that part of the request was kept, but... "And... and the other?" Hinata heard herself ask.

Hiashi's eyes flickered in Ino's direction, and after a bit of confused hesitation, Tenten and Hinata also glanced her way. They watched her for a moment, but then, as Ino started to become distraught, they exchanged looks of realization. Hinata glanced to her father, as if trying to seek confirmation, or perhaps, an indication that her assumption was wrong.

Hiashi's features, however, remained cold as Ino let out a heartbroken cry.