Epilogue
The two walked calmly out of the Hyuuga household, carrying with them all that was truly owned by Hinata, instead of her former family. They were met outside of the compound by not one, but ten other people.
"Naruto, Hinata… what happened in there? The rumors are flying all over Konoha. Even the Nara clan is listening in." Shikamaru was the first speaker here.
"M-most of what you heard is probably true."
Kiba snorted. "Hah! Like the Hyuuga clan would throw out one of their own without putting that cursed mark on her head. Lies, all of it!"
"Kiba, the only reason Hinata is not wearing that seal now is because I cheerfully warned them that any stylus coming within ten feet of her would be put firmly where its carrier would never retrieve it."
The crickets inserted their say here, though none present but Shino would ever know what, if anything, they added.
"So, it's true, Hinata? You carried through with invoking that ancient right? You gave up the Hyuuga name for good?"
"Yes, Neji-nii-san. Though Hiashi-sama may eventually decide to speak to me again, I find myself disliking the name as much as you once did. Uzumaki seems a better fit."
"Uzumaki? Well, I don't think anyone here is surprised about your choice. Except, maybe, that little blond dobe standing next to you."
"Sasuke… well, you're right. Nobody has ever felt that way about me in my life, and I still have to get used to the idea."
"Yes, but love won out! I'm happy for you two!" Lee put in.
"Agreed. Hinata, Naruto, if you ever need Neji-kun or I to help you out, just ask."
"Tenten! Don't forget Sasuke-kun and I!" Sakura inserted.
"Hey, my family can have you guys over for dinner if you ever need it."
"Chouji, is food all you ever think about?" Ino said with a smile.
"Well, almost all."
"Guys… thanks. This means a lot to me. To both of us."
"Y-yes. It does, Naruto-kun."
The twelve friends made their way over to Naruto's apartment, now to be the home of not one, but two people. And all of a sudden, the world did not seem quite so lonely a place for Naruto and Hinata. Even without family, they had their friends, and most of all each other.
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And thus ends this tale. Whatever you may read elsewhere, whatever histories you may see, always remember this: There is always a greater story to tell, and more truth to find, behind the account of any historian. Except, perhaps, one like me. After all, once I saved my husband-to-be on that day, the details etched themselves quite firmly into my mind, and there will they stay until the end of my days. I am all the richer for it.
-Uzumaki Hinata.