Also if you as a reader would like to review to send either critique or compliment you are more than welcome. Reviews are my only feedback on what my reader thinks, so please review to tell me what your thought on this chapter is. Once again thank you for deciding to read this story. Hope you enjoy! To all my readers who have reviewed this story, I would like to personally thank you, and I will try my hardest to develop this story to provide you enjoyment. Nevertheless enjoy this chapter. I mean it when I say these chapters could not be possible without your wonderful reviews.
Final Update for this Chapter: 11/2/2005 9:25 PM
Chapter Word Count: 9780
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or anything part of the manga. I am doing this fan fiction for fun and not for profit.
"Personal Thoughts"
"" Dialogue spoken
(Notes)
BOLD – Kyuubi & Anaish speaking
Chapter 7 - Shedding a New Leaf
To the lucky individuals whose life consisted of normalcy, peace and happiness, they would have found several minutes as a passage of time of no importance. Several minuets many believed could be relived in another instance of time, because they were content with the way of life. However if one had a life filled with darkness, sorrow, and pain, then the brief period of sunshine is a breath of heaven, one they many would have die to kept on living in.
At the current peaceful hidden village of leaf, the normal occurrence of the sun setting into the abyss, as the full day of events came to its conclusion, where many were began the need for relaxation. Although naruto and Hinata walked through the town, the sun setting would allowed a peaceful walk, however with their troubled minds, their walk to the Hyuuga manor felt more like a sentence to death.
Although they are considered to be young children, they have matured to the age of 12, where their maturity is beyond those around their age due the horrors they have endured. During the length of time they have met, mutual respect and admiration towards each other have developed, as they become more than friend during the time spend training. So used to being in close company to each other had given each a sense of support, one that they realized might not be there and that mere thought alone shocked their foundation.
The various amount of butterflies, which tormented Naruto's stomach would do nothing to ease the discomfort he felt about, the meeting that is soon to be taken placed. Naruto realized that in his life, he was destined to have the worst possible thing happened, as just when he felt he had something in life, something he enjoyed only to be told it would be taken away from him.
"Why is that when things are going good in my life, sadness shows it ugly head…sigh…if I act like this then how will Hinata feel" as Naruto glanced at the troubled Hyuuga heir, Hinata.
As Naruto glanced at the trouble heir to his left, he noticed that Hinata had her hands held together accompanied by her trademark twiddling of her thumbs, for Hinata's heart is consumed with dread at the future preceding that is about to happen. The heir's fine line brows crunched in stern concentration, as strains of sweat appeared on her smooth forehead. The single thought of, "How…how am I going to do this?" raced through her mind like wildfire.
Naruto realized that Hinata had inched her way into his life, and in such a way he thought was not possible. He never felt the care and comfort one can achieve by having such a wonderful friend. During the previous weeks of hard training, Hinata had been on his mind constantly. Hinata had made such an impact on our favorite blond hero that even during the time he engulfed ramen at his favorite ramen stand had been interrupted that Naruto would pause in the middle of eating, and would think about his friend, Hinata. The sight of Naruto not engulfing his ramen, shocked several people who knew of his ravenous appetite of the ramen, to the point that even many were worried when his got cold.
However our dear blond ninja is at the moment confused, for he is filled with different emotion he was not accustomed to. Not sure if these are related to the creature stored within him or a new development that had happened, he did realized on thing. He was able to bear the burden, glare and loneness with the friendship of a once shy timid Hyuuga heir. Naruto realized that although he learned the techniques rather quick, he knew that without Hinata's help, he could not achieved the level he is at right now. Currently, his existence in the village, Naruto had found nobody else that owes his admiration, and respect more then the young Hyuuga heir, Hinata. In his small list of precious people he protected, Hinata is the one he will go at any lengths and be there for her in her need of aid.
As the two friend walked through the paths that lead to the Hyuuga mansion, the failed to noticed a figure in the background, that kept a close eye on their safety. Jiraiya realized that Naruto had endure such a treatment that no such child should be forced to face in their early years of childhood. The toad-sannin is not only amazed but admired the strength of will Naruto carried in order to withstand all the various treatments. If Jiraiya had not been instated as an undercover agent for protection, many of the villagers would have no idea what would have took them out. Nevertheless Jiraiya also remembered that similar people usually flock around each other. For there is Naruto, seen to be a demon in front of many, and never given the thought of day while Hinata was seen to many to be a weakness, one that should be eradicated. And then finally he, one that many claimed did not have the abilities to become a full-fledge ninja for he never took the life of ninja seriously. Jiraiya had been often overlooked by his once genius friend, Orochimaru, for he had worked to the brink of death to be seen as a competent ninja. Jiraiya could not find the irony how life came in full circle as once again; certain individuals followed the same path.
Hinata may not have known, but she had also gained the respect of Jiraiya, an accomplishment not achieved even from elite Jounins. Some how friends of Naruto had became Jiraiya's friend, and those that he ensured to protect, therefore he trailed the two unsuspecting young shinobi as they walked to their destination. However small creatures appeared before him, a carrier messenger used by the draconian clan, a creature which carried resemblance of a dragon but smaller, a wyvern. Jiraiya recalled that these types of creatures are only used when they carried messages of critical importance. Jiraiya placed one last glance at Naruto and Hinata, before he returned back to his clan.
As the two worried shinobi continued their dead walk to the mansion, Naruto noticed several times how worried Hinata looked. Since the moment the Hokage had given them the message, he remembered, the shy timid heir had a severe frown on her usually cream-colored face, and Naruto could not stand how much troubled Hinata looked so he spoke aloud so suddenly, that it made the poor heir jumped.
"Hinata…please don't worry I will not let anything bad happen to you so please please show me your warm smile", as Naruto gently placed Hinata's hand in his hand.
The sudden warmth of Naruto's hand forced all thoughts of her family vanished. All her fears and despair floated away from her world. The only thing she could do at that moment was look straight into those bright blue eyes.
As far as she remembered, Naruto's blue eyes always caused a flutter in her heart, the same eyes that memorized her ever since she saw them. Naruto's eyes burned with so much compassion and determination, a beacon in the shadow that screamed Naruto would accomplished any obstacles. To Naruto and Hinata time froze as the two friends just locked eyes, both did not dared to break eye contact.
For Naruto and Hinata who are at a young age were not capable for the required passion needed for different type of relationship, but they developed a certain degree of companionship they gave them a sense of acknowledgment. As they continued to stare into each other's eyes, they could no helped feel drawn to each other's eyes which hold fountain of various feelings.
Accompanied by two distinct youkai, there mutual respect and friendship had grown to be cemented together as they trained together. For Naruto, he had never felt the companionship he got from Hinata as a friend, and this to from a female counterpart. However he realized that nevertheless if he were to gained any other friendship, Hinata's friendship to him had made the greatest impact and forever be part of him in his heart. For Hinata which started as an admiration of this boy to the point where she had viewed Naruto as godsend and had a shocking revelation. As their time together she witnessed the mask Naruto had formed, which was removed when the boy was around her. To Hinata, it showed that Naruto was a human being just like everyone; because of all the things he had faced and he carried emotion just like everyone else. However Hinata realized that she had developed a different type of feeling, a strong sense of protection, caring and wanted to be near the real Naruto at all times, the one she had became close friends with. The two had not realized how long they had stared into each other eyes, each lost in deep thoughts, but eventually they broke contract upon the sound of the crowing crows.
Only then did they realize that the sun had gone further in the dark abyss that they had stood and stared at each other for quite some time. Feeling embarrassed for his action, Naruto tried anything to get out of the awkward moment as he said anything to stop the nervous feeling he felt, "I think we should continue to your house Hinata", but still confused when he remembered that Hinata had not move her head away but also had stared the same way he had been.
"Hai…lets…go…N…Naruto-kun", as Hinata was surprisingly is quite out of character as her trademark blushing is non-existent, but furious that she had to stop her extensive analysis of those deep cerulean blue eyes.
As the Naruto and Hinata headed toward the mansion, they noticed that there was an uncomfortable silence existed between them. As a hushed silence where the two shinobi could not understand what had occurred, whether their friendship had changed, or would it hold strong enough to endure the future obstacles. However the young blond shinobi may had matured to the point that would have left many in awe, bur could not keep what he had felt inside anymore so he did what he thought to be the most logical thing to do, he voiced his thoughts to Hinata. Since the time Naruto had arrived in this world, his chance of friendship has been no existent, primary due to his unique condition. Therefore it's only logical that Naruto had built quite an insecurity that he may do things that would endanger his friendship, and his friendship was what had saved him from loneness.
"Hinata about before I am sorry I don't know what happened but I…I just don't understand what was happening, but I don't want to do something that would cause me to lose your friendship…I hope you can forgive me", as Naruto unable glanced into Hinata's eyes, but instead he continued to stare the ground.
Hinata was baffled at how Naruto should be asking forgiveness, when it felt so normal and good to her. She then realized that Naruto had not given an appropriate chance of making friends, and realized that maybe Naruto greatest fear lied in being alone. Of course Hinata wanted Naruto to know that she would always remain his friend, because Naruto had gave her a friendship that allowed her to endure her own torture called family.
"Of course Naruto-kun…how…how can you even think about asking for forgiveness…I trust you Naruto-kun more than I do myself…you have become a dear friend that had helped me get through my own problems."
As Hinata wiped out any insecurity Naruto may had, however she would do the ironic thing as she repeated what Naruto had just done as she stated her insecurity, which felled in the category of getting her family acknowledgment.
"I…I just need your help to get thought this dilemma…I don't know how I can tell my family the news…I know they won't understand they will try to keep contain at home. Do you know N…Naruto-kun that I have to developed ways of sneaking away from Neji and my father, Hiashi when I come to train with you. At first I always told them that I was going to the academy so they didn't bother to keep a close eye on me. However they became suspicious when I would return home all worn out. I would even have to hide the training weight the Hokage-sama had given me. My family…family is just like a closed gate stopping from me from doing the things I want to be free from here and I don't know what to do anymore", as Hinata recalled the various ways her family would made her felt she was useless, like she had no place in the household. How what she did meant nothing, that she was just an outsider, a mistake that shouldn't have happened.
"Sometimes I wish that sometimes horrible just happens to me…that I just die and leave this ruthless life and family. Naruto-kun…I can't take this anymore I…I can't fight them anymore. I am too afraid to more forward Naruto-kun…I don't what the future anymore…I don't want to live and find out Naruto-kun", as tears that were kept hidden behind her pearl eyes, were about to spilled free down her cheek. Naruto's eye became hardens once her hard the treatment someone so kind had received.
As Naruto heard the suffering and agony Hinata faced from her family, the young boy's broken heart went out for the young Hyuuga heir. To Naruto, he felt had just received hundred kunai pierced into his heart. Often times that can only come to a pure hearted individual that even through they have wrong doing conducted upon them, he never wished suffering on others. However those that conducted agony onto those innocent is just something that erupted a killer rage inside him that required him perform retribution. Nevertheless Naruto was more concerned of the depressed heir that he buried his rage and forced his attention once more on Hinata.
As Hinata had her tears unchecked roll off her eyes and down her cheeks, while her hands were clenched in sorrow. Even with tears that left trails down her face, she continued her sad tale.
"Do you know Naruto-kun…that I can't even live peacefully anymore when I am near my family? They only see me as worthless heir…but why do they hate me so much. What I have I done so terribly wrong to make them act that way. No matter how small a person is, don't they still have feelings…why they become happy when they see me hurt am…I that worthless Naruto-kun?" as her voiced got louder with each words, until she had practically wailed out her emotion due to the hatred she received from her family.
For Naruto had no idea what he could say or do for he was at lost what to do that would eased Hinata's suffering. Naruto was confused at why he felt a strong desire to be there and somehow shield the tormented Hyuuga heir from her troubles.
"Hinata...to tell you the truth…I don't know what I can say to help you feel better but I will tell you something right now Hinata you are not worthless. You are not worthless Hinata because you wake up each day and try to face your family. To able to do that every day takes strength and courage. I know how it feels Hinata I have to do the same thing every day but it is possible because I get to see you, my most trusted friend whom I care a lot about", as small smile appeared on Naruto's face once he remember how special the Hokage and Hinata had became.
Hinata heard what Naruto said only to felt the comfort from her friend that she had stopped her crying, and noticed the slightly slumped form of Naruto. The young shinobi overwhelmed by the suffering as well as the burden he carried, the blond shinobi looked beyond the horizon before him with his back turned towards Hinata. Naruto's trench coat swirled into the air from the incoming wind gust, as his blond wild hair swayed into the late evening. As Hinata continued to look at Naruto, she released that Naruto looked beyond his age.
Naruto troubled mind hold various thoughts which forced him to forget his environment as he stared into the sunset as he tried to control the sea of pain as he recalled his childhood. The pain he was forced to endure each day had caused the young boy the mere thoughts of suicidal attempts however he realized he would just grant their wishes, and become a coward who ran away from his problems. Naruto vowed he continued to improve, because if he were to become stronger he would gain acknowledgement and be respected as a person. He continued to get each day, where he hoped he would gain new skills, knowledge, and maybe acknowledgement. Therefore it was quiet obvious Naruto knew if not felt exactly what Hinata is forced to go through, however the problem existed that Naruto had no idea how he would express it to Hinata to help her endure the pain. As the sun continued its descent, Naruto still had his eyes locked on the sun, and attempted some way of expressing his opinion.
"Hinata true nobody knows what the future may bring but that is what makes one fight for future. For one is always hoping that that future will bring happiness instead sadness. There is hope that in the future things will change and get better. Hinata you have already shown to the world you carry great strength and courage. You were just showing it to the wrong people. So what if your family doesn't see your inner strength. I say it is their loss"
As Naruto's words of encouragement absorbed into Hinata's mind, and as she listened to Naruto, her spirits slowly but surely began to rise. Hinata realized that all the things she had accomplished were mainly possible because of Naruto. Not matter when or how she would fail, Naruto always encouraged her to continue. No matter what the danger may have befallen, Naruto protected her which gave her a sense of security.
"Hinata there are others who care about you and see your extraordinary strength. Things in life never come easy because life is never fair. Life is just a big test on how you will accomplish all the obstacles. I will tell you one thing Hinata nothing comes easily in life and quickly. In order to accomplish something you must work hard and long. Think life is like a mountain, because you can not get to the top just by jumping there. Instead you must make small steps and with hard work slowly to reach the top. But don't worry Hinata I am always there to help you and you can always use my hand to give you support", in which Naruto hoped he gave Hinata the one thing he wanted for this entire childhood. The young shinobi wished that just once someone would come along and just extend their hands to help him get back up to continue his way. Often time one would not realized how the simple act of can lift a person out of a hole and be placed on top a pedestal. However Naruto received a life example how much an extended hand can do to a depressed friend if not a person.
Just that small gesture of Naruto having his hand extended for Hinata once again further reinforced her admiration and deep respect she had for him. Hinata never realized that there was a certain fondness growing inside her of the blond boy. That feeling of fondness and fear that she would be forced to leave had given her the courage needed to tell her family she what she wanted if not just to be with her closest friend.
Suddenly Naruto found himself engulfed with a pair of soft hands and noticed that Hinata had hugged him from behind. "What…what is she doing?" as being hugged by a girl made Naruto felt uncomfortable feelings which resulted in him having a red blush appeared upon his cheeks; he had not noticed that Hinata's face was bright as a tomato. "Thank…thank you Naruto-kun…you have lifted a great burden for me…and I to will always be there for you to give you my hand for support" as Naruto turned around quickly to Hinata's last statement only to be surprised to see Hinata smiling which warmed Naruto's heart extremely.
"Um…no problem Hinata…but I think we should be heading to your home since it is getting dark now", as they both noticed that only a small portion of the sun is still above the horizon. Therefore Naruto and Hinata continued their journey and found themselves at the gate of the Hyuuga Mansion.
As they approached the gates of the Hyuuga Mansion, Hinata had asked Naruto to hide behind her, which did not take much effort as the darkness had developed plenty of shadows for Naruto to sneak into. To Neji it only appeared that the lone heir had finally returned home. Naruto could not comprehend why he was needed to be hidden behind Hinata; however Hinata felt she should show examples why she will became the future Hyuuga heir.
As Neji stood there, he realized he saw a movement behind Hinata, and activated the Byakugan, and was shocked to see the dead last Naruto behind him. Although he remembered how he was completed terrified from the last meeting, his pride had grown even larger as he would not be overcame by a weakling as Naruto. For Naruto this is nothing new, however he now realized that words make very little difference and instead focused more his action as his new voice.
Neji stood in front of the gate with its trademark, I am greater than you pose, for that only showed his insecurity that he would be forever linked as the bottom pile in the Hyuuga clan. That alone had been the main reason, driving force or even anger as to why such a weakening as Hinata will forever be considered above him. Neji had yet to realize that strength isn't always measured in power, but other components are required to truly become strong.
Nevertheless, in a snake-like sneer, Neji voiced his displeasure as harshly he was possible, "What took you so long. I hate waiting for you all the time and why the hell is he with you", as Naruto began to walk around Hinata and remind Neji what happened last time, except Hinata stopped Naruto as she grabbed hold of his hand, "Please Naruto-kun…I need to speak with them all", as Naruto quietly subdued himself, which made Neji smiled at how easily controlled Naruto became.
"Neji I suggest that the next time you speak with Naruto-kun, it would be a in a pleasant tone, otherwise I will show you the full wraith of the branch seal. However I do not need the shortcut in order to take care of a low-life branch such as you. As for now I request the presence of my family before me in the meeting room", which clearing wiped the disgusting smirk Neji had adorned upon his face.
"Neji I believed I issued you an order that should be completed as soon as possible", as Hinata pulled an equally surprised Naruto along as she walked pass the stunned Neji. Neji could not be sure if he was stung or proud that Hinata had taken command, but nevertheless he would decipher what is going on, and therefore retrieved the family before Hinata's presence.
Naruto and Hinata's stomach were filled with even more butterflies when Neji brought the whole family into the meeting room. The meeting room is built in a rounded circle design structure with dark crimson wallpaper. The ceiling had been raised to give it a dome affect, with being completely coated in a golden color. The walls contained books shelf with various volumes of information about the village. Hiashi, Hanabi and Neji appeared in the meeting room upon the request of Hinata.
Hiashi wandered why for once the silent and shy Hinata had managed to build enough courage to request the presence of the family before her. "Hinata what is the meaning of this…I don't have the time to discuss minor and insignificant matters with you", harshly said by Hiashi in the same manner as Neji's venomous tone.
As Hinata heard the harshly spoken voice of her father, fear and dread crept back into her heart and mind. The fine wall of confidence she had built had came crashing down and this resulted in the same timid and shy Hinata they are all accustomed to. Hinata struggled to get the words out of her mouth, the words she needed to tell her family, the words that bound her desire to get stronger. Instead she found herself stammering, which resulted in the members getting extremely annoyed, as they believed this is still the same shy and worthless heir Hinata.
Naruto sensed Hinata' discomfort due to the fact he realized how she looked when she was nervous. It started with her stammering, then came the twiddling of her thumbs, her downcast eyes and then her forehead would be covered in sweat. Naruto walked towards Hinata, which made his presence known to the family and placed his hand upon Hinata, "Go on Hinata…you can do it ...remember I am hear to help you", as he gave her one of his foxy-grin which again made her heart flutter. She remembered that Naruto would always be with her, and therefore Hinata regained the composure she needed to address her concern to her family.
Hiashi realized that Hinata had developed a sense of confidence that had been missing for quite awhile and is curious as to how much of an affect the young blond boy had upon Hinata. In fact once Hiashi noticed the stiff upright statue her posture, as well as her eyes no longer cast downward to avoid shame but opened wide as to measure the people gathered before her. The way her head is held high, and the intense concentration behind her eyes displayed to Hiashi, overwhelmed him with joy that he may had finally seen the potential heir he always knew that was hidden. "Can it be possible that she is finally ready and grown to fit into the role of the heir that is needed for this clan?"
"Father over the last several months, I have been with Naruto-kun and being trained under Hokage-sama. I have gotten much stronger, however if Naruto were kept on staying here he will continue to face many great danger. So the Hokage-sama had ordered a friend to come and take Naruto for further Training. Yet I cannot leave him because he is my only true friend. I have become stronger only because of him, and so I have decided that I will also leave with Naruto to be train as well", given in such a strong voice from the usually quiet Hinata, that family were left speechless.
The family were first shocked that Hinata had disappeared to be trained, that she had taken the effort required to become stronger and also the fact that she was with Naruto and Hokage-sama. They had not realized that Hinata processed the ability to actually hide her whereabouts from her family, only to return and vocalized her decision to continue her training outside the village. At that moment Hinata gained a small amount of respect from her family as well as proud she had finally decided to reveal her true self.
Although Hiashi was quite proud of Hinata had shown a backbone, his father's protective instinct returned in full vengeance. He would not allow Hinata walk out the village without being assured she is capable of protecting herself as well as showing to him how determined she is to get stronger.
"What do you mean you will be leaving and that too without even discussing with us, your family", while deep down Hiashi was overwhelmed with joy that maybe now Hinata might act like the heir she is destined to be and make her own decision. However that didn't mean that he would make it easy for her, and struggled to develop a worthy test for her to reveal her determination and skill, only to find Neji had started for him.
Neji could not believe what he had heard. The mere thought that Hinata would be given the freedom to leave the village struck a cord within Neji, because he had been cursed to be forever caged and not be free. Neji never did understand the change that appeared within the shy Hinata, to this more commanding and confident Hinata. He recalled just a moment ago how Hinata had cruelly placed and reminded Neji his place, something he never imagined possible from the quiet if not extremely polite girl. Neji felt the only way he be given a chance of freedom would be to become stronger. For in some ironic way, Neji also seek acknowledgement, acknowledgement that he is not just some caged branch member, but a human with the freedom of not being burden by a seal. This angered Neji to a great extent as he had always hoped that if everyone saw Hinata as a weak shinobi, and himself became stronger, they would be forced to acknowledge that he is the strongest Hyuuga and once he had that he could showed which house was stronger. However the past couple of months, Neji had noticed that Hinata has been getting stronger, and he felt threaten at the speed of her growth. The only person who he could have done this Neji believed was the blond boy Naruto.
No longer able to control his emotions, Neji had begun to lash out with anger and insults towards Naruto. However Naruto had known that he is inside the Hyuuga Mansion and the fact this is Hinata's family, he had decided to maintain complete control and not let his anger out. No matter how taunting and harsh the insults were Naruto never gave in as he always responded calmly, "Neji I am not here to fight I am here for Hinata", which only infuriated Neji further.
Just because Naruto had managed to controlled his anger, that didn't mean that another person would, for the first time in Hinata's life, and raging fire of anger had been unleashed. For Naruto to just stay and take all the barrage of insults just for her sake was too much, because all the time she had been with him, she found him to be caring and considerate. A boy nobody gave the chance to take a look at as she noticed the glares he would get and could not helped feel the same when she was near her family.
Yet all those harsh glares and insults may have left a wound deep within his soul, he never showed they affected him as well as not dampening his desire to become strong. Hinata admiration and respect grew every day she had met him, as Naruto would refused to let his anger get the best of him. He struggled but maintained a cool head; although he had often time wished they knew how he felt his life experience opened his eye as he resisted insulting or harming another individual. Hinata always felt a confident aura that surrounded Naruto as a form of shield to protect himself from the exterior harm he was forced to face. Hinata had spend quite an ample amount of time and all the determination of not giving up Naruto projected each day had somehow grew upon her too. Naruto by far had became a special and important person to Hinata and she was determined that Naruto will not be forced to be tolerated anymore abuse.
Deep inside Hinata another phenomenon had developed, for Hiashi realized that another form of energy had swelled and sensed her charka increased. What Hiashi saw inside Hinata shocked him as he noticed the signature of another fox demon. Hiashi at that moment did not know what to do and was clearly bewildered.
"Hinata my dear…I know what you are feeling are you going let your friend be insulted like that way", as Anaish renounced her appearance by a white burst of charka expelled around Hinata, which was noticed by Hiashi, Hanabi and Naruto. Hiashi maintained his balance as he exerted the appropriate charka needed to keep his balanced, while Hanabi went behind her father who found himself placed with hands of her youngest daughter that is desperate not to fall down. Naruto also managed to maintain his balance, however to him the new chakra felt familiar if not comforting. Inside Naruto, Kyuubi had recognized that charka signature, "No that can not be possible, I saw her died before me?", as Kyuubi's frantic state overloaded the link he carried with Naruto, as he faded back into the mind of the young mind, he is overwhelmed with various questions.
The new voice, almost a soft whisper she heard in her head forced her to stop her journey towards Neji in mid stride. At first she looked around franticly and wondered how she may have heard her mother's voice. She noticed Hanabi had clung upon the robe of her father as both Hiashi and Naruto stood before her. She noticed that Neji had still continued his assault of words upon Naruto however, she realized that Naruto's focused upon only her. Once again she wondered if she had got the point of madness that resulted in her hearing voices.
"Huh who said that?" as Hinata began to feel afraid that she had gone crazy and heard various voices. She had been certain that she had heard a voice similar to her mother's.
"Look I will tell you later but for know just thinks I am your guardian angel", replied Anaish in her attempt to calm the hectic girl whom believe she had gone crazy.
"O…okay", as Hinata felt her body being re-energized by a flow of power she had never felt before but to her it felt warm and inviting, that she allowed it to flow throughout her. Naruto's and Hiashi's eyes widen once they felt a spike in Hinata's chakra level, where Hanabi was alarmed as she never realized that the sister she always beaten may have been hidden her abilities which scared her. While Neji who had been infuriated with anger and rage had reacted uncharacteristic and resulted in his continuation of insults.
"Look Hinata dear, you had controlled your emotion too strictly throughout your childhood. I found that to be harmful to your self growth and to tell you the truth you have to follow your heart sometimes. So tell me are you going to stand there and let Neji insult Naruto?", as Anaish knew very well what the answer would be, because if she had been in her shoes she would have demolished anything that she cared about.
"No…no one insults my Naruto-kun", as her proclaimed loyalty of her only friend had engulfed her with a sense of protection for those she considered important to her. Nevertheless with her emotions that had been held so tight had begun to unreeled, her charka and Anaish's charka merged a little which resulted in Hinata's had turn a creamy white.
"Are you going to let the one person who is always there to support you to be humiliated in front of your family?", as Anaish felt the growing rage, and could not help but marveled at how loyal Hinata had became to her friends, even it there is a stronger emotion beneath there, however she realized they would cross that bridge when it came.
"N…no", growled Hinata as her hand burst with white charka which alarmed Hiashi because he had no idea what had happened before him, and often times individuals are distrustful of things they do not know.
"Well then what are you waiting for go shut that boy up I know that blond boy would do it if someone said something to you", realized that Hinata did not processed the chakra needed to maintain the link between them as she infused with the new power and felt she may needed on last nudge in the right direction.
Neji completely unaware of what would have fallen upon him as he was in the middle of his insult nevertheless stopped what he was going to say, as he feel a hand placed on his shoulder which forced him to turn around. What he saw surprised him and the family member as he is came to face to face with Hinata's charka infused punch which sent Neji flying through the air and wedged into the wall.
Hinata is first alarmed, and then scared at what she had just committed. As she glanced down onto her hand she realized they are now surrounded by a white glow, which felt like her hands consisted of warm mittens. Even through she belittled herself that it was very unlike of Hyuuga behavior, she was extremely satisfied by her action.
"There you go dear…let it all out you have been too shy to express your emotions let it all flow", as Anaish amused by gentle voice sang through Hinata's mind.
The action of Hinata which sent Neji wedged into a wall, first surprised and anger Hanabi, because all the time she had a fought with her sister, she had been easily beaten. To come back here and send Neji, already considered to be an elite Hyuuga without much of an effort made her felt that Hinata had kept her true capabilities back. Right there, Hanabi's world collapsed as she realized she would lose her acknowledgement form her family and her father. She had always hoped Hinata would acknowledge her as a sister but all the time she had to train removed the possibility of her spending time with her sister. However it came to her knowledge that she is indeed powerful and one day hoped she would gain that kind of power.
Hiashi at first had to keep his laughter in for it was indeed would be improper to see him on the floor laughing at first the bewildered expression Neji carried as well as seeing her once weak daughter come alive. Any doubts that he may had to keep Hinata in the village vanished however he was more interested on where this might go so he tried to keep himself in the background, which worked as nobody paid any attention to him.
Naruto of course could only look at Hinata with awe and amazement, for he had never seen a girl hit a guy that hard and that far. He could only whistle in admiration at the work done by what everyone thought to be a timid Hyuuga. "Wow look at him go" as Naruto watched the arch formed by Neji as he was flung form his spot to the wall before hitting it hard. "Nice s…shot Hinata", as Naruto noticed Hinata looked furious and shook with fury, therefore Naruto thought it was wise to clamp his mouth shut.
Hiashi once again noticed that Hinata was surrounded by a white aura of charka. Hiashi finally realized that this Hinata was not the same shy and timid heir everyone knew. In fact the Hinata that had walked in was the not the same Hinata from before. He realized that Hinata had grown and gained confidence from what he gathered to training along Naruto. Hiashi once again glanced down to his younger daughter who has still clung to his robe as watch the scene before her with wide-eyes. He wondered if what he did to her oldest daughter was the correct and right way to do, even if he had achieved the result he had been seeking. However he knew that he could not do to her daughters anymore and vowed himself to treat them better and hopefully they would let him into their lives once more. Hinata came to gain the permission to train outside the village, but she had succeeded in gaining her father back into her life. Naruto may have not realized but he had opened the hearts and minds of hollow-minded individuals, which will not be the last throughout his career.
Being thrown into a wall only angered Neji more and as he forgotten the treat of the branch cursed seal, he charged toward Hinata. Neji moved in close vicinity of Hinata quickly and right before he started his method of attack, Hinata appeared to vanish, before she once again appeared behind Neji. Time spent training with the Third Hokage had gave Hinata many benefits as her stamina grew with the training weights, Hinata's speed had increased incredibly. As Anaish's charka was infused into Hinata, her speed was amazing, she moved fast enough that made her appear to vanish in fact she moved at a very high rate of speed.
Neji realized that Hinata is not the weak heir she was previously and activated his Byakugan as does Hinata. What proceeded next was that Neji charged towards Hinata, with intent of breaking her every bone. However the attacks that were thrown at her were accustomed to Hinata's eye due to her special training, and were slow enough for her to react as she easily dodged them. Naruto was pleased that all the training had paid off as he yelled more encouragement for Hinata. Both Neji and Hinata continued their battle as they used their feared Gentle Fist Taijutsu however it seemed Neji received more hits then Hinata.
Hinata was actually surprised that she was able to successfully parry and dodged all of Neji's attacks, and she was not the only one who was surprised. Never before had the family seen this side of Hinata before. For once the family realized that Hinata had grown, and grown strong.
Neji then grabbed several shurikens out of his hoister and threw them towards Hinata, where she hastily replied "Hakkeshou Kaiten". As Hinata began to spin and whirl around she drew charka around her and hoped she had performed this technique correctly. She was relieved once she saw the outer blue shell which prevented any of the projectiles to harm her as it bounced and dropped harmlessly to the ground. Neji was once again surprised that Hinata actually had the ability to perform the technique. Hinata glanced toward Neji and saw him stand there in shock. She utilized his shock, to which she quickly picked the kunai from the ground and flung them at Neji. As Neji saw the lethal projectiles raced towards him had finally brought him out of his shock and he quickly performed the Hakkeshou Kaiten to which he successfully did which saved his own hide.
Neji became even more agitated that Hinata dodged his attack, but he was secretly pleased that Hinata had become a worthy rival and maybe his respect as well. Nevertheless he had never lost to her before and he would not allow that to happen know and realized he had one more trump card up his slave. His patronizing smirk was the only sign Hinata received before he replied, "You are in my Field of Eight Divinations". As he performed his attack, "Hakke Rokujuu Yonshou", to which alarmed the family members for they were afraid Hinata might be harmed, but left Naruto confused.
Normally Hinata would have panicked at this movement, and in her sense of panic she would have already had lost. However with her training and the support she received from Naruto, she had not panicked, but started thinking of a plan on how she would avoid the deadly attack. "Oh no I must not let Neji hit me if he does I don't think I will be able to defeat him but he will not go away hurting for insulting my friend", as more rage and anger flared within Hinata.
Once Neji had initiated the sequence for the prized technique, he dashed forward with his forearm extended with the intent to close up charka spore as Neji yelled, "Two Strikes!"
Even with the attacks that raced towards her in the blink of an eye, Hinata instead calmly recalled all her trainings in her hopes of finding something that would be useful to protect herself.
"Okay Hinata here he comes, come on focus more charka into your legs and remember to keep on rotating, remember what the Hokage-sama had taught you, use the centripetal force to add more momentum", as Hinata was too focused on her avoiding the attack that she had subconsciously drawn more charka within herself and fused it with Anaish's chakra.
Neji performed the first two strike, however Hinata was still able to dodged the attacks, "Good I was able dodge those two strikes", as Hinata's speed was faster then before and left a hazy after image which allowed her to escape the attacks.
Neji continued nevertheless as he furiously tried to land enough hits upon the speedy and evasive Hyuuga heir,
"Four Strikes!" cried Neji as it was followed up quickly but the next few strikes.
"Eight Strikes!"
"Sixteen Strikes!" each time Neji drew even deeper within himself to gain more speed and power into the attacks, while Hinata tired even hard to avoid the strikes that would close her charka points.
"Thirty-Two Strikes!" as once again Neji continued his attack and appeared he had finally managed to land hits upon Hinata as the amount of strikes became too many to avoid.
"Sixty-Fours Strikes!" as blood started to leak out of Hinata' mouth, for having her charka points closed, her ability to dodge the attacks was greatly reduced, however with the secondary source of charka, she was still able to avoid the majority of them.
"Hakke Rokujuu Yonshou!" voiced in a battle cry from Neji as he completed one of the most advanced techniques of the Hyuuga Clan.
Even with her great speed, Hinata felt the tremendous pain usually associated with the deadly Hyuuga Technique. Even after the terrible ordeal, Hinata had still managed to stand, and with the help of her demonic chakra is slowly reenergized her body and charka points to the point that she can still continued the battle.
"Hinata!" yelled Naruto after he noticed Hinata had spat out blood from her mouth but looked she can still continued to fight to amazement to the rest of the family presented. As he saw this unique technique he was amazed at the combination of accuracy and speed Neji had managed to hit his strike. As always his hidden thirst of new technique, and as he witnessed a brand new technique before him, he had turned towards Hinata's father with a questioning gaze.
"Hakke…what…what is that?" as Naruto was unsure what this technique was, nevertheless Hiashi replied to Naruto's hunger for knowledge as Hiashi described the special technique which allowed the user of Byakugan and Gentle Fist to force charka into 64 opening points also called tenketsu throughout an opponent's body. The continuous rapid strikes allowed the opponent very little time to defend. Also by forcing charka at the opening points of the body's inner coil system, this disabled the opponent's ability to use charka thus severally putting them at a disadvantage", as Naruto's eyes widen at the explanation and could not decide at who he should be more amazed, Hinata for avoiding the attacks or for Neji, a branch member performed an advanced Hyuuga technique.
"However I am very impressed that Hinata dodge a majority of those strikes which is a near impossible feat to accomplish. I am pleased that she had become strong, as she process a noble heart as well the ability to protect what she desire, something I had always hoped she would fulfill as an heir."
At this point, Neji had performed beyond his capacities due to the fact nobody had pushed him this far. He had performed two complicated technique as well as conducted them at a very high speed that were beyond what he was more than comfortable with. He had pumped a tremendous amount of charka to even his speed to the point of Hinata's combined charka. However he had never developed the required training to maintain the strain of the high speed and the endurance of high amount of charka.
A weakened and drained Neji stood his ground as Hinata replied in a strong voice, "It is my turn, Hakke Rokujuu Yonshou!" and even though Hinata had most of her charka closed, the training with Hokage and Naruto had given her enough strength and endurance as well as a defenseless Neji allowed her to perform the advanced technique. However Hinata's speed of her attacks was still a lot quicker then Neji even if she was severely tired, but compared to Neji who is drained of all Neji, even the smallest movement was too much. Nevertheless her endurance training had upheld as she used deadly precision to complete the closing of all the 64 chakra points.
However when Hinata strike the opening point, she was able to add a little more of Anaish's charka into Neji which caused him a great deal amount of pain due to the fact Hinata wanted vengeance for all those cruel words. Hinata then proceeded to complete one of her favorite if not simple combo as she placed her last charka infused fist deep within Neji's cut, which cause him to bend over as well as blood dropped to the ground from his mouth. While Neji is bowed over, Hinata then continued the assault by quickly and swiftly connect Neji's jaw with her dangerous uppercut fist that lifted Neji into the air. As Neji floated in the air, Hinata first added some charka to her foot to give her more of leverage, as she grabbed on of the Neji's leg and began to spin, with Neji being swung around by Hinata. After Hinata had felt she had gained enough momentum from the spin, she released his leg, which left Neji once again reunited with another set of wall. Only this time he had hit the wall hard and slide down unconscious.
"You go girl!" as Anaish was relieved that Hinata had vented her emotion physically. However Hinata could not maintain the charka needed to keep the link opened, and therefore Anaish will slowly receded back into Hinata's mind, with no window to the outside world. "Well until next time take care!" which left the normal looking Hinata, as her whole body shook from the extensive battle she went through and was covered with sweat where she was ready to fall down due to fatigue.
Hiashi knew Neji was unconscious due to the wonderful reunion Neji had with the wall. Still with her eyes ready to closed shut, even if she was more inclined to drop to the floor and fall asleep. Hinata remembered what she had came here for and continued to her slow journey towards Hiashi before she drives her point across her father that it was her choice to train with Naruto, and she will continue to do so. "There is no way you are going to deny my wish Father", as Hinata hoped she had sent her message across and did not appeared weak before her father.
Hiashi was taken back when Hinata had desperately voiced her decision, however he was relieved that she had grown and saw the potential of a powerful heir.
"I see Hinata; if that is your choice then yes you have my permission good job Hinata, and good luck in furthering your training", which caused many diverse reaction to different individual. For Naruto and Hinata had their mouth open in shock, as well as surprising the rest of the family. Hanabi had fainted quite a while ago as she saw her sister decimated Neji and could not handle the new information quite well.
"What…just like that you will let me go?" as Hinata stared in disbelief at the fact that she had just seen her father agreeing and smiled at her.
As Hiashi saw the various shocked faces, he could not help chuckled at the amused scene before him. Nevertheless he continued to talk with his daughter who is still in shock that she is having a polite conversation with her father, "Of course, however I am not going to let my daughter just go out like that"
Hearing the word "Daughter" surprised her even more as Hinata never heard his father call her daughter and almost caused tears to her eyes. Hiashi noticed the tears that began to build within Hinata' eyes, and felt a tremendous guilt as he realized that she had probably been through her whole children with the thought he had hated her.
Seeing her face her father responds, "What just because I don't show you care and love, doesn't mean I don't love you? You are supposed to be the heir. If I were to give you special treatment do you really think you would have gotten as strong as you are right now?" which struck a cord within his heart, for he realized that even if the treatment he had faced so far had been tough, he had gotten stronger because of it. He realized that life would be hard, but you take what you received and continue to life you life as you see it.
Hiashi realized that Hinata may had not knew that, so he felt he will explained what he may believed to be the greatest thing a person can learn, "Hinata in life there are two paths one can take. The easy path or the hard path, sure the easy path is quicker and require less effort, however it is not the correct path to take in life. The hard path will always be unbearable and slow, tasking every ounce of your ability. However the trials and hardship will force you to struggle through your life, but it will only make you stronger Hinata", as Hinata placed that word of advice from her father deep within her mind.
"However I do not intend to let my daughter go just like that you boy…I can tell that you are the source of strength for my daughter…for that I thank you for encouraging her and helping her become stronger…I hope to see you more of you", However before both Naruto and Hinata could rejoice in joy, Hiashi cut through their happiness with a stern voice, "Yet I am not just going to let her go like that for you will have to face my test"
Naruto faintly smiled as he determined to do anything that would allow Hinata to come with him. The fact is that Hinata had grown into a wonderful friend to him, someone how helped him escape the shadow of hell.
Hiashi had walked to the middle of the room which allowed sufficient space for both fighters, as Naruto followed afterward and stood before Hiashi. Hiashi could have sworn he saw a red spectacle image of a fox above Naruto, but thought otherwise that he may have been seeing things. Somehow a gust of wind had bellowed into the meeting room which made Naruto's trench coat swirled into the air, as well as his eyes glistened with fire.
"My Name is Uzumaki Naruto I have and never will leave a challenge unanswered give me your worse I know I can handle it", as Hiashi noticed a flare of red charka surrounded Naruto for a brief seconds. Hiashi realized at that moment that Naruto can be quite intimating when he was serious, however Hiashi was not affected by it.
Nevertheless Hiashi can tell that Naruto processed a well of courage as he explained his reason for Naruto being tested, "Find Naruto, I can rest in peace if I now I have capable bodyguard with her so show me how strong you really are?"
After Hiashi's statement, Naruto had glanced back towards Hinata and hoped she would forgive him if something were to happened to him or her father. However Hinata noticed the questioning gaze of Naruto and gave him a smile as well as her a nod, before she responded with, "You can do it Naruto-kun I believe in you"
After Naruto had heard that someone believed, Naruto had everything he needed to prevail in this test, and Naruto returned his gaze upon Hiashi before he gently prepared himself in the appropriate stance to fight for his friend's freedom.
"Do not hold anything back Naruto for I will not, I want you to show me if you are truly the right person who will accompany my daughter"
"Show me Naruto do you have the heart and courage as you parent had, I also want to see how strong you have become so far Naruto", as Hiashi readied himself to test Naruto's skills.
A/N: Like or Dislike? Please Review!
I would like to thank all my readers who had reviewed my work. If you have felt it was worse then before please tell me what you have found lacking. I will try to make this better for your reading enjoyment. Of course if I am doing thing right, please drop a review saying so, pretty please. I am sorry this took a long time, but I wanted to make it good. Please read and review
The Infernal light in Darkness Crimson-Strike
