Naruto vs Sasuke: The Aftermath Chapter 40: Three Months of Life without Naruto, a naruto fanfic

Chapter 40 Summary: Life has continued on in the Village Hidden in the Leaves without Naruto. However, that isn't to say his presence has not been missed and many people strive forth to improve themselves as they anxiously await for him to return.

Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath

Chapter 40: "Three Months of Life without Naruto"

"Knock, knock, knock!"

'Who could be pounding on my door this late at night?'

Sakura thought to herself, as she groggily stumbled out of bed and towards the door. Not even realizing her state of attire consisted of nothing more than a small t-shirt and pink panties. Opening the door she nearly fell to the ground in shock, as she was staring at a tall grinning blonde-haired handsome young man with very recognizable whisker like marks on his cheeks. Sakura looked on in astonishment and stammered with disbelief.

"Nar, Naruto-kun is that really you?"

"Yeah Sakura-chan, it's me."

"Naruto-kun you're back from training, it's so wonderful to see you, I've missed you so ….. mmmph!" Sakura exclaimed before Naruto caught her in a passionate kiss, before whirling the confused girl around and slamming her back first into the now closed door.

Sakura moaned in pleasure and seemed to melt into the kiss, as she snaked her arms around Naruto's neck pulling him close to her body. Naruto's hand immediately slid under Sakura's t-shirt and cupped one of her pert breasts which he began to fondle softly.

"Naruto-kun what are doing?" Sakura moaned in surprise.

"I want you Sakura-chan!" Naruto huskily growled with passion into her ear before reaching down to the waistband of Sakura's flimsy pink panties and roughly tearing the thin garment away from her body.

"But, but what about Hinata?" Sakura barely managed to gasp out in a haze of lust as Naruto attacked her jaw-line and throat with a flurry of kisses and nips to her heated flesh.

"I care about Hinata-chan, but after I left I had a lot of years to think about who I truly loved. After awhile I realized that I was with Hinata because I couldn't be with you. I thought the love I held for you would disappear with time, but it never did Sakura-chan, it only grew stronger. I know now it's you that I truly love Sakura not Hinata." Naruto stated before ripping Sakura's t-shirt in half and quickly capturing one of her breasts in his mouth to suckle on it voraciously.

"Yes……oh Kami, yes……..Naruto-kun!" Sakura screamed out with wanton passion; as she attempted to move her arms down to fumble with the buckle of his pants to release that which she desired most to feel.

When Naruto felt his manhood freed from its confines and brushing up against the moistening folds of the girl he still held pinned to the door, he released his suction like grip on Sakura's breast with his mouth and asked.

"Sakura-chan, I need to know, can we be together now, do you love me?"

"Hai Naruto-kun we can be together! I do love you and I always have! Please take me now and make me yours forever!" Sakura quickly cried out, as she felt something very hot and very hard prodding her entranceway before lifting her legs to encircle Naruto's waist.

"That's all I needed to hear Sakura-chan, now prepare to become my woman!" Naruto replied in a deep and sultry voice before pulling his hips back.

"Yes Naruto-kun make me your woman!" Sakura squealed out in delight.

"As you wish Sakura-chan!" Naruto roared, as he slammed his hips forward and…….."

"......Rinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng!!!!!!!"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Sakura screamed out in frustration before bringing her fist down onto the alarm clock next to her bed and smashing it to pieces.

Sakura flopped back down onto her bed in aggravation, as she could feel the moisture of her now sodden underwear sticking to her body, as she said to herself.

"Not another dream about Naruto-kun, it's like Kami is punishing me with these dreams now that I know I love Naruto, but can never have him."

Rolling out of bed, Sakura made her way into the bathroom and flipped on the light to stare at her heated face and disheveled hair in the reflection of the mirror before commenting with disappointment.

"I wouldn't mind these dreams so much if they didn't always end at the point where he's about to take me!"

Heaving a heavy sigh, Sakura stripped off her t-shirt and underwear and stepped into the shower. As the hot spray of water hit her face and cascaded down her body, all Sakura could silently think about as a lone tear rolled down her cheek is was when she would see Naruto again?

Hinata was nervously poking her index fingers together as she sat in the waiting area outside of the Konoha Council chamber. It was a surprise when an Anbu messenger escort arrived at the training field that morning and informed the young Hyuga girl that her presence was requested at the Council meeting currently in session. Hinata had no idea why the Council wished to see her and the Anbu who had escorted her revealed nothing. However, looking around the waiting room, Hinata took note that she was not the only person the Council had requested.

As Hinata gazed across the room, she saw an older Genin shinobi was staring at her with an arrogant smirk on his face. Hinata recognized the man a few years older than her, as he belonged to one of the minor clans of the Leaf village most of whom held a dislike for the major clans of Konoha due to their status. Averting her gaze from the shinobi, Hinata heard him say with contempt and disdain ringing in his voice.

"I don't know what you did to get here Hyuga, but I doubt it's as impressive as what I did to be here. Maybe my clan will finally get the respect it deserves instead of it being lavished upon your overrated clan."

Shifting around nervously and still poking her fingers together Hinata gulped, as she heard the formidable oak doors to the Council chamber creak open and an Anbu guard bade all of them to enter. Taking a deep breath before hesitantly rising Hinata walked into the Council chamber and stood next her older Genin companion and nervously waited to see what would happen next. It was then the young lavender-eyed kunoichi heard Tsunade call out.

"Yumichika Ayasegawa step forward and present yourself to the Konoha Council."

Flashing a snide grin towards Hinata the older shinobi stepped forward and walked up to a dais in the center of the Council chamber and faced all the Councilmember's. It was then that Tsunade spoke once more and announced.

"Yumichika Ayasegawa for your meritorious service as escort guard in protecting a merchandise caravan on route to the Land of Waves against three C-ranked bandits after the rest of your team had been injured or killed long enough for reinforcements to arrive. You are hereby upgraded from Genin grade level 7 to Genin grade level 3, congratulations."

A look of shock spread across Yumichika's face as he was obviously expecting a much greater promotion. The blonde Hokage inwardly smirked at the disappointment on the young shinobi's face. This show in front of the Konoha Council was nothing but a farce as far as Tsunade was concerned and only initiated to appease Hiashi Hyuga and Danzo. In truth she had not wanted to promote the young man at all seeing as his Chunin commander had been severely injured and the rest of his squad had given their lives dispatching the other twenty bandits that had attacked the caravan. While Yumichika somehow had managed to avoid getting injured from the ordeal, no doubt from hiding according to his injured commanders report. However, the Ayasegawa clan was a fervent supporter of Danzo and Hiashi in an effort to keep his subordinate happy had pushed for the young man's promotion in the Shinobi Council. Fortunately, even Hiashi was unable to convince the rest of the Shinobi side of the Council, who votes on military advancements to promote the young man to Chunin. An upgrade in his current rank is all the young man would get and more than he deserved, as the blonde Hokage ordered.

"You are dismissed Genin Yumichika Ayasegawa!"

A forlorn and sullen shinobi stepped down from the dais and resumed his previous spot next to Hinata, when he then heard Tsunade announce.

"As for the rest of the members of Team #18, it is the Shinobi Councils decision that their commander Ikkaku Madarame be promoted from Chunin grade level 5 to Chunin grade level 1. Also that Team #18 members Renji Abarai and Momo Hinamori be promoted posthumously to the rank of Chunin."

Yumichika gritted his teeth in rage upon hearing this while Hinata smirked slightly at the turn of events that had befallen her fellow Genin when she suddenly heard Tsunade call out.

"Hinata Hyuga step forward and present yourself to the Konoha Council."

Hinata walked over to the dais and nervously stood before the Konoha Council. Looking around she saw all the clan heads were giving her reassuring smiles save for one clan head. Hiashi Hyuga could only grit his teeth in anger and glare at his eldest daughter whom he had cast out of the clan months earlier. The Hyuga leader was seething at what was about to take place, as Tsunade proclaimed with pride.

"Hinata Hyuga, not since the days of the Third Great Shinobi war has a kunoichi been given a battlefield promotion in rank……….until today. Due to your courage, skills, and intelligence you helped to eliminate of a force of 33 Otogakgure Shinobi attacking both you and your Sensei Kurenai Yuuhi. Of which no fewer than seven low to mid grade level Chunin and one Sub-Commander Jounin were personally dispatched by you."

A collective gasp could be heard from all the civilian councilmember's after hearing of Hinata's exploits before Tsunade continued on.

"Because of your actions, it allowed reinforcements to arrive in time and eliminate the remaining Otogakure forces that had invaded the Fire country and which posed a viable threat to Konoha. Hinata Hyuga, for your meritorious service in doing this the Shinobi Council has unanimously voted to promote you from Genin grade level 5 to Chunin grade level 5. Let it also be noted that Ms. Hyuga has become the youngest kunoichi in the long history of Konohagakure to be given a battlefield promotion in rank breaking the previous record held by me. Hinata Hyuga, please remove your coat and accept your Chunin vest with pride and the appreciation of this Council and the people of the Village Hidden in the Leaves."

The blonde Hokage then stepped around her desk and presented to Hinata a Chunin vest. As Hinata apprehensively removed her coat more than a few eyebrows were raised by several people in the room at the young girls stunning voluptuous figure. After bowing to the Hokage with respect, Hinata attempted to put on the vest only to realize she couldn't zip it up due to her……….attributes. Blushing with embarrassment, the young Hyuga girl softly stammered to Tsunade.

"It, it won't fit Hokage-sama."

"No Hinata my dear, it appears it doesn't, but we can solve that."

Tsunade then walked over to her desk and pulled a box out of it. Opening it up, the blonde Hokage retrieved another Chunin vest, but this one being much older than the one Hinata was struggling with. Handing this new vest over to the young Hyuga girl, Tsunade smiled as it seemed to fit Hinata like a glove before the Sannin stated with delight.

"That's my old Chunin vest Hinata and I can't think of a better or more special person for me to give it to then you. Wear it proudly Hinata dear, you've earned it.

"Arigatou (Thank you), I'm honored to wear this Hokage-sama."

"No Hinata the honor is mine for not only do you deserve your promotion in rank for your deeds on the battlefield. But I am also presenting to you the Nidaime Medal of Valor."

"The, the Nidaime Medal of Valor I, I don't deserve such an honor Hokage-sama. That, that award is to pay tribute and respect to Shinobi of the Village Hidden in the Leaves who have fallen in the line of duty." Hinata stammered in awe as that award has always been presented posthumously to its recipients.

"Hinata, the Nidaime Medal of Valor was created in honor of my uncle Tobirama Senju for the self-sacrifice he made during the First Great Ninja war to allow his student and the man who would become the Sandaime Hokage and many others who would become leading figures of the Leaf village to escape from enemy territory. The Nidaime sacrificed his life to save those he felt were the bright young flames who must protect the village. It is an exceptional act of heroism; to voluntarily sacrifice one's personal safety and life for the sake of others."

"Ho, Hokage-sama, I, I'm alive so I did not make such a sacrifice."

"Nonsense Hinata, you made exactly that same sacrifice when you chose to give what little remaining chakra you had after your battles to Kurenai and Kakashi to keep them alive. If you want to nit-pick about accepting this honor while still living, technically you did DIE by your actions in the field. It just so happened that your death annoyed me greatly and being the medical genius I am, I brought you back to life. Now stop talking such foolishness about how you are undeserving of this honor!" Tsunade groused at the young Hyuga girl, as she placed the medal around Hinata's neck.

Hinata's ears were then greeted to the sound of clapping, as all the clan leaders of the Shinobi side of Council stood-up and applauded the young Hyuga girl. All the while sending enough killing intent to the civilian councilmember's causing all of them to rise and join in giving a round of applause to her as well. Even Hiashi bowed under the peer pressure of the other clan leaders and reluctantly stood and joined in the standing ovation for his eldest daughter's deeds on the battlefield.

Even though the stoic Hyuga leader showed no emotion, inwardly he was furious. Hiashi had never bothered to look into the details of how Hinata had been injured and merely assumed she had gotten hurt because she was weak. So he had absently signed off on the recommendation for promotion with the rest of the Shinobi Council without even bothering to see who it was for. It wasn't until later that Tsunade had informed him of who the promotion was for. So it infuriated the Hyuga patriarch to no end that the daughter he considered weak and unfit to rule the Hyuga clan was now being extolled with the highest honors by the Hokage and the Konoha Council itself for the strength, courage, and selfless sacrifice she had shown.

After the ovation for Hinata began to subside the leader of the Nara clan and Chief Shinobi Strategist for the Leaf village Shikaku Nara spoke up and asked.

Hinata in reviewing the reports of the Otogakure incursion incident I personally want to commend you on the strategy you came up with for defeating so many opponents that were facing you. Your use of a hit-and-run tactic against the enemy while making your escape to retrieve reinforcements was brilliant. So brilliant in fact, I'm adding to the curriculum of the Konoha Shinobi Academy to be taught to future generations of Leaf village shinobi. How did you come up with such tactic to use?"

"What strategy did Hinata come up with Shikaku-san?" Chouza Akimichi asked with curiosity.

"Why don't you explain it to my esteemed colleague Hinata."

"Well, well Chouza-san the strategy I used was to keep the enemy scattered and confused while they pursued me, never allowing them to assume any type of group formation. Every shinobi has a different top speed, so I kept running knowing that their fastest ninja would get to me first. I then quickly disable or kill him before the rest of his comrades can arrive and then resume my retreat. Then the next fastest shinobi pursuing me eventually catches up and I disable or kill him and keep running once again. I just kept repeating that process to pick off the pursuing enemies one by one."

"That indeed is an impressive stratagem you devised Hinata to eliminate several enemies while retreating at the same time to gather reinforcements. Are there any flaws or weaknesses to this tactic?" Inoichi Yamanaka commented with appreciation.

"I must correct you Inoichi-san, but I was not the one to devise this tactic. It was taught to me by Naruto Uzumaki and he should get credit for its conception not I. The tragic flaw of this long hit-and-run strategy Inoichi-san is that is requires an unbelievable amount of physical stamina to maintain it. If this stratagem is to be taught at the academy Shikaku-san, they need to be aware of this flaw."

Hiashi and several members of the Civilian Council openly bristled upon hearing Naruto's name spoken. Ignoring them, Shikaku spoke up once more and stated with assurance.

"Thank you Hinata, I can assure you both the strengths and weaknesses of that tactic will be taught at the academy. All I need to know from you is what you would like name the stratagem?"

Hiashi grinned at the thought of a shinobi military strategy bearing the Hyuga name for future generations to learn. However, his grin quickly disappeared when he heard his eldest daughter say with conviction.

"I believe it should be called the Uzumaki Maneuver Shikaku-san to honor the person who first thought up the strategy."

"Troublesome, I can appreciate you wanting to honor the inventor of the tactic Hinata. But it's a long-standing military tradition that it is the person who first implements a devised strategy that it bears that person's name in some form or fashion." Shikaku stated with slight regret.

The grin returned to the Hyuga patriarch's face, as now Hinata had no choice but to have the maneuver bear Hyuga name. But once again his devious grin quickly vanished, as he hears Hinata say with passion and fervor.

"Then I would like to name the strategy the Naru/Hina Maneuver Shikaku-san."

"The Naru/Hina Maneuver……….I like it, it has a pop to it!" Shikaku openly declared.

"I agree and by the power of the Hokage's office and the Chief Shinobi Strategist for the Leaf village I do hereby approve that the tactic shall now be referred to in the future as the Naru/Hina Maneuver." Tsunade announced with smirk, while staring directly into the seething pupil-less eyes of the Hyuga Clan leader sitting across from her in the Council chamber.

The blonde Hokage then dismissed Hinata and brought her gavel down upon her desk signifying the end of the Council meeting. As both the Shinobi and Civilian Councilmember's began exiting the room, the original Ino-Shika-Cho trio couldn't resist giving the Hyuga clan leader a sarcastic jab on the way out, as the man had remained seated and motionless literally rigid with rage.

"I would congratulate Hiashi-san for training such an amazing young girl, but isn't that the same Hinata you cast out of your clan because she was weak and untalented?" Chouza asked with amusement.

"I guess getting away from your clan Hiashi-san has toughened the young girl up a bit don't you think?" Inoichi then commented.

"It's most troublesome, but who do we congratulate for making Hinata into such a fine kunoichi then if it isn't Hiashi-san here?" Shikaku questioned in mirth.

"Well I suppose some credit should go to her Sensei and teammates, but I think we know where the lion's share of the credit goes to instilling into Hinata the confidence to turn herself into such a quality Leaf village shinobi." Chouza remarked before pausing as all three men loudly chorused together.

"NARUTO UZUMAKI!"

As all three clan leaders left laughing at Hiashi stewing in his own juices, they failed to notice the Hyuga patriarch crushing the arm rests of the chair he was sitting in with the palms of his hands.

A smile graced Tsunade's face as she watched the pink-haired young kunoichi attempt to revive a fish lying on medicinal scroll on a table before her using precision chakra control it allow it to breathe even out of water. It was astonishing to the blonde Hokage how much Sakura had improved in the use of medical Ninjutsu. To come this far in only three months, Tsunade hadn't seen such talent like that since Shizune. And considering all the suffering and loss the girl had gone through within the last year, it was a wonder to Tsunade that Sakura was able to even function at all. From the desertion of the boy Sakura thought she loved to his betrayal and rape of her. Sakura's abandonment by her parents and the loss of her friends because of her own betrayal leading to her being stripped of ninja rank for one full year. And finally the most heart-wrenching loss of all was of the young man Sakura now knew she loved with all her heart and could have been with, had she not foolishly thrown away all of her chances to be with him.

It was amazing to Tsunade that the girl's spirit hadn't been broken by now. Even the death of her father last month did little to weaken the perseverance and determination Sakura was showing in being Tsunade's newest apprentice. The young girl had thrown herself into the Slug Sannin's training and teachings almost to the point of exhaustion at times. When Tsunade had to physically stop the girl from training herself to death and asked Sakura why she was pushing herself so hard. All Sakura would say is that she was keeping a promise to Naruto. Before he left the blonde shinobi had requested one thing for Sakura to do while he was gone.

"Train hard and become stronger Sakura. Don't let what that bastard did to you destroy your life. Become the great kunoichi I believe you can be Sakura."

"I promise Naruto, I will."

Apparently, this had become Sakura's own version of a promise of a lifetime and Naruto's belief in her had ignited a fire within the young kunoichi to make his belief a reality.

'The talent you have to instill inspiration in others is extraordinary Naruto. It's the most important quality you possess which will make you the greatest Hokage this or any village will ever see.' Tsunade thought to herself with admiration before a cry filled with glee rang out.

"I did it shishou (master, teacher)!"

Looking over to the table, Tsunade could see the fish enveloped in a green chakra bubble flopping around. Smiling at her newest pupil, the blonde Hokage replied with praise.

"We done Sakura, that's a most difficult technique to learn and you did it in such a short amount of time, I'm proud of you!"

A smile lit up on the young pink-haired kunoichi's face upon hearing her master's compliment. And Tsunade was indeed proud and also a little relieved as well at Sakura's accomplishment. Shizune had openly bragged to the blonde Hokage the day before that Hinata had learned the technique earlier in the week. Since Tsunade had named Sakura her apprentice after Naruto's departure much to her first student's objections that it should have been Hinata and of Shizune subsequently naming Hinata her own apprentice. An unspoken rivalry had developed between the two teachers at which student would end up being the better medical shinobi through each of their teachings. So far, the difference in talent was so negligible between the two young kunoichi's no one could say with absolute certainty which one was the better of the other.

"Shishou, what are we doing next?"

"Now Sakura it's time for some physical training between you and me." Tsunade answered with a smirk before throwing her arm around the young girl and walking them towards the door.

"Oh nooooo!" Sakura groaned before dropping her head in defeat.

Tsunade merely laughed at her pupil's reaction of going out to spar with her while teaching Sakura her super strength style of fighting. The spars were indeed brutal and usually left Sakura covered from head to toe in bruises, hence the kunoichi's reluctance to participate. But Tsunade knew once Sakura had mastered the style, she would be a force to deal with just as she is on a battlefield

When Hinata returned to the training field after her encounter with the Konoha Council, she was greeted with much praise and accolades from all of her friends for her promotion in rank and of being honored with the Nidaime Medal of Valor.

"Man, a promotion in rank and awarded the Nidaime Medal of Valor, that's so cool Hinata! What do you think about that Akamaru?" Kiba queries to his canine familiar.

"Bark, bark, bark!" Akamaru voiced his approval from atop his master's head.

"Yes, it is quite an achievement, congratulations Hinata." Shino stoically stated in his monotone voice.

"Yeah, (munch, munch) congratulations Hinata (munch, munch) you deserve it." Chouji commented in-between eating his trademark barbeque potato chips.

"Way to go girl, kunoichi's rule!" Ino exclaimed, while pumping her fist in the air.

"A most worthy award to given Hinata, you should feel very proud." Neji declared as he gave a respectful bow to his itoko (cousin).

"Congratulations Hinata, no one deserves it more than you." Tenten proclaimed in earnest.

"It's great to see a kunoichi get recognized for their accomplishments no matter which village they are from. Congratulations Hinata, I'm happy for you." Temari stated with a smile.

Temari then turned and shot her boyfriend a glare, as he had been lying on the ground the entire time gazing at the clouds. Clearing her throat to gain his attention the Nara heir looked over and said.

"Congratulations on your promotion Hinata, I can't think of anyone better or more deserving of it from our class."

"Don't forget about Hinata being awarded the Nidaime Medal of Valor in your good wishes Shika-kun."

"I didn't forget Mari-chan."

"Well!"

"Well what, I told you I didn't forget about it troublesome woman."

"So aren't you going to congratulate Hinata for it?"

"No, I'm not."

Shikamaru's answer to Temari shocked everyone present save Hinata who suspected why the Nara heir didn't want to extend his praise to her for the award and she didn't blame the young man one bit.

"What's your beef with Hinata getting the award Nara?" Kiba angrily growled.

"Yeah, quit being a lazy-jerk and congratulate her Shika-kun!" Ino ordered to her lifelong friend.

Suddenly, Shikamaru found himself on the defensive for his refusal to congratulate Hinata on being awarded Nidaime Medal of Valor. After being bombarded with one recrimination or question after another by his comrades, the Nara heir was about to snap when Hinata suddenly yelled out.

"Stop it all of you! Shikamaru-kun doesn't have to congratulate me and has every right to feel the way he does about me being given this award!"

"Hinata what are you talking about?"

Hinata ignored Ino's question and walked over to stand before Shikamaru before looking up at him with doe-like lavender colored eyes and softly said.

"Shik, Shikamaru-kun, I never got the chance to apologize to you. I'm sorry I had to lie to you during your rescue mission, but it was the only thing I could think of to let you allow me to save Kurenai-sensei and Kakashi-Sensei. If you knew the truth of what I was attempting, you would never have let me do it and Kurenai-Sensei and Kakashi-Sensei would have died and I couldn't allow that to happen. Those two people are precious to both me and Naruto-kun and I did what I had to save them. I'm sorry I had to lie to you and I agree with you that I don't deserve the award, but I don't regret what I did. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me as I cherish our friendship, but if can't I understand."

Shikamaru sweat-dropped as he heard Hinata's heartfelt apology while staring at her tear-filled glistening eyes and the contrite visage she bore on her face and thought to himself.

'Oh Kami this is troublesome, Hinata's not even using Ino's puppy-dog eyes jutsu on me, but that look on her face and the sound of her voice it's mesmerizing in its sincerity. Oh who am I kidding, it's impossible for anyone to be mad at Hinata when she looks at you like this. You're a doomed man Naruto if she ever unleashes this look on you.'

"Please don't cry Hinata, I wasn't trying to make you feel bad. I wasn't mad at you, just upset that you had lied to me about the extent of your injuries and then Tsunade goes and pins a medal on you for it."

"I, I know Shikamaru-kun, I tried to refuse the honor because I don't deserve it, but Lady Tsunade wouldn't let me."

"No, you do deserve the honor Hinata. What you did to save Kurenai and Kakashi-Sensei is the very definition of valor. But that didn't stop me from blaming myself for the condition it left you in afterwards knowing I could have stopped you but I didn't."

"That wasn't your fault Shikamaru-kun, but mine."

"Maybe, but that still didn't change how I felt."

"I'm sorry Shikamaru-kun, can you ever forgive me?"

"It's troublesome Hinata, but when you look at me like that, it's impossible for me not to forgive you. Now turn that face off before I go into a diabetic seizure from it."

Hinata giggled at the Nara heir's last statement before she wrapped the young man up in a hug which he returned in earnest before whispering in her ear.

"Naruto would be so proud of you Hinata."

Hinata's embrace of Shikamaru tightened a bit, as she dearly wished it was Naruto that she was hugging at that moment.

When Tsunade and Sakura returned to the hospital from training the blonde-haired Hokage spoke with admiration and approval of her young pupil.

"You did much better in spar today Sakura, before long you're going to be giving me a run for my money."

"That's very kind of you to say Shishou."

"Kindness has nothing to do with it Sakura, it's the truth. Now, seeing as it's getting late, would you like to join me and Shizune for dinner?"

"Thank you Shishou, but I think I want to get cleaned up and go and visit my father today."

"Alright Sakura, but make sure you're not out too late. You've got a full day ahead of tomorrow between training and your shift at the hospital; I don't want you to be tired."

"I won't be too late Shishou, thank you." Sakura replied before running off to her room that she now occupied within the hospital.

Tsunade shook her head sadly, as she thought about Sakura and her father. It had been heartbreaking to Tsunade when she had finally told the news to Sakura that her parents had absolved their rights to her and officially abandoned the girl, thus making her a ward of the village. However, instead of feeling hurt or angry about it, Sakura had remained calm and merely asked if she could speak to them one last time. Tsunade had been hesitant at first to allow this, but ultimately conceded and now wished she never had given in.

The blonde Hokage had accompanied Sakura to her former home to support the girl during her reunion with her parents. Thank Kami she had, as Ishi Haruno had willfully and full of spite spewed forth various insults and obscenities towards her daughter upon the visit. So vicious was the woman that she actually attempted to physically attack her own daughter which prompted Tsunade to rise and was about to knock the Haruno woman through a wall, but was beaten to it by her husband Taro as he slapped the woman to the floor. For the first time in his life, Taro Haruno had actually stood up to his evil hellion of a wife and ordered the woman out of his sight while he spoke to their daughter. When Ishi refused to leave Tsunade stepped forward cracking her knuckles and releasing killing intent, which caused the Haruno matriarch to go running out the backdoor in terror. Tsunade then sat in the kitchen and drank tea while Sakura and her father had a very emotional and tearful conversation in the other room.

After an hour, both father and daughter entered the kitchen smiling. Tsunade could see both had dried tears on their face, but at that moment they were happy together. Taro kissed his daughter goodbye and told Sakura that he loved her before asking the young girl to wait outside while he spoke to Tsunade. Sakura did as he asked and Taro Haruno turned to Tsunade and gave an honored bow to his Hokage before saying in a most penitent tone of voice.

'Hokage-sama, I know I must wait a year to petition you to have my Sakura-chan removed as a ward of the village and returned to me. But I'm here to tell you that as soon as I'm allowed, that's exactly what I will be doing. I also realize that you don't have to accept that petition, which is why until that day arrives I will do everything in my power to prove to you that I am a worthy father and shinobi to be allowed to regain my parental duties with my daughter, which I never should have relinquished in the first place. I deeply regret my actions in doing that and in allowing my wife to dictate all aspects of our life and family. However, I can assure that ends today. My wife can either accept Sakura-chan back into our lives when that day comes, or get the Hell out of our lives, the choice is hers. But the days of Ishi Haruno ruling our household and family are finished!'

Tsunade smiled at the memory of Taro Haruno's words and final declaration to her. When he had said it, it never occurred to the Slug Sannin that those would be the last words she would ever hear from Sakura's father. It was quite a shock to Tsunade when an Anbu patrol reported to her the very next morning that Taro Haruno had been discovered dead outside of a tavern. His death initially attributed to a broken neck caused by a fall down a flight of stairs. When Tsunade received the autopsy report everything seemed to confirm that Taro Haruno had gotten drunk and had accidentally fallen killing himself in the process. However, something about the whole incident nagged at the back of Tsunade's mind, which prompted both she and Shizune to pay a late night visit to the morgue and perform a second autopsy, where the truth was soon discovered.

(Flashback 4 weeks ago)

"There's no doubt about it Shizune, Taro Haruno did not die from a drunken accidental fall, but was murdered!"

"Are you certain Lady Tsunade?"

"Quite certain Shizune, as the Medic Nin who performed the initial autopsy apparently thought no one would question what happened and didn't even bother to cover-up the obvious signs of murder."

"What signs do you speak of Lady Tsunade?"

"Well first off, what did the blood work show you when you tested Taro's blood?"

"There was no alcohol present in his system Lady Tsunade."

"I'm not surprised."

"But his clothes were soaked in sake Lady Tsunade according to the Anbu report and a broken bottle was found next to him."

"I've no doubt whoever killed Taro poured the contents of said sake bottle onto his already dead corpse and left the bottle behind after breaking it. However, aside from that and the blood, I'm certain Taro wasn't even killed where the Anbu found him and had been moved there by his killer from another location."

"What makes you suspect that Lady Tsunade?"

"All of the bruising and lacerations Taro received from his supposed trip down the stairway were all inflicted post-mortem. The color is all wrong for bruises indicating burst blood vessels in deeper tissue layers from a blunt injury to a living body. Which one would assume would occur from a fall down a flight of stairs. As for the lacerations Taro received, if you notice some of them are quite deep. Yet there is very little blood around them indicating that his heart had stopped pumping blood long before Taro took his fall. Also the Anbu report made no mention of a significant amount of blood at the scene where they discovered Taro. So I am absolutely positive that Taro was murdered somewhere else and then transported to where he was found before his killer or killers then took his lifeless body and tossed it down the stairway."

"But who would want to kill Sakura's father Lady Tsunade? I looked over his file and he was a fairly non-descript shinobi and his career was rather uneventful to have gained any enemies."

"I can't tell you who committed the murder Shizune, but I can tell you which clan they are from…………..Hyuga!"

"Hyuga Lady Tsunade........how, how do you know this?"

"I know this Shizune due to the type of fracture in Taro's neck which is what killed him. You see most fractures occurring from a great fall are never clean and are usually jagged or splintered in nature. However, Taro's break was almost perfectly vertical in nature. Also the fracture coincides perfectly with a tenketsu point in that area of the spinal column. In short, only someone with the ability to see tenketsu points and be able to send with almost surgical like precision a stream of chakra through it and sever Taro's neck cleanly killed him. And you and I both know there is only one clan with the ability to do all of that………the Hyuga clan."

"But why would someone from the Hyuga clan want to kill Sakura's father Lady Tsunade? As I said Taro was a minor shinobi and never even had any interaction with the Hyuga clan in his whole life to make an enemy of any of them."

"You're correct Shizune, but we do know of one Haruno that has been interacting with the Hyuga clan the past several months and had recently become an enemy of Taro Haruno."

"You don't mean……"

"That's right Shizune, I believe Taro was murdered at the behest of his own wife and Sakura's mother…..Ishi Haruno!"

"Why would she do this Lady Tsunade?"

"I believe that evil, vindictive, and spiteful whore did it Shizune because Taro had finally grown a backbone with the woman and was no longer going to put up with her shit. I fear Shizune the day Taro protected Sakura and struck Ishi down, he had inadvertently signed his own death warrant."

"What are going do Lady Tsunade?"

"Nothing!"

"Nothing Lady Tsunade!?"

"There's nothing I can do Shizune! Sure I can prove that Taro Haruno was murdered and I can even make a case at who the perpetrators were. But I can't prove which Hyuga actually committed the crime or the motive behind it, as it's all speculation on my part! If I try to press the issue, all I will be doing is forcing Hiashi's hand in the Council to assert his control. He's been relatively quiet and is still basking in the limelight of the villagers for his removal of the Uchiha's Council seat and noble clan status. If I file charges against him or his clan which I cannot prove, it will only cause turmoil within the village and in the end, I will lose!" Tsunade exclaimed with disgust.

"So Hiashi and his slut Ishi are going to get away with murder, is that what you're telling me Lady Tsunade."

"I don't like it anymore than you Shizune, but for the time being yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. I'm still working on my plan to wrest control of the Konoha Council from Hiashi's grasp, but I'm not ready yet. Once I am ready and if I'm able to succeed, I can reopen the case for further investigation. But until that time, officially Taro Haruno has died from accidental fall which fractured his neck killing him instantly, as the initial autopsy first reported."

"I understand Lady Tsunade, but what are you going to tell Sakura?"

"I'm not going to tell Sakura anything for the time being. The girl is slowly recovering psychologically from everything that has happened to her these past several months according to Keko Yamanaka. I'm not about administer another crippling blow to Sakura's psyche by telling the girl that her father was murdered and that her mother is likely the one who sanctioned the killing, but we can't prove any of it. Perhaps one day Sakura will be strong enough to handle the information and I will tell her. But right now I think it is best for her recovery not to know."

A nod from Shizune indicated to the blonde Hokage that her apprentice understood her reasons for not revealing the truth to Sakura. With nothing left to say, Tsunade slid Taro's body back into his morgue compartment while Shizune went about cleaning things up from their late night autopsy excursion.

(End of Flashback)

As Tsunade entered her office, she flopped down into her chair before reaching over to open a desk drawer and pull out a bottle of sake and a cup. Pouring herself a drink, the Slug Sannin quickly downed it before leaning back and thinking to herself.

'I'm sorry I can't reveal the truth to you Sakura, but one day I shall.'

As Keko Yamanaka walked over to the hospital to give her monthly report to Tsunade about Sakura's mental health progress, she was growing concerned about part of the young girl's recovery psychologically. When Keko arrived, Shizune escorted the woman into the Hokage's office and announced her arrival to Tsunade who greeted her.

"Good morning Keko-san how are you this fine day?"

"I'm doing well Hokage-sama, but I'm very tired. Ino decided to throw an impromptu party for Hinata last night to celebrate her promotion and the award the girl had received. Unfortunately, someone I suspect Kiba, brought some sake to the party and let's just say trying to keep a reign on a slightly inebriated Konoha 11 should be ranked as an A class mission in the future Hokage-sama."

"Ha, ha, ha, I'll make a note of that for the future Keko-san and please call me Lady Tsunade."

"Hai Lady Tsunade."

"Now Keko-san, how is Sakura's progress coming along from your counseling sessions with the girl?"

"Well Lady Tsunade considering everything the girl has gone through, she's making great strides in her recovery. I think much of that has to do with you taking her on as your apprentice and in providing her a stable home life."

"I'm not sure I would call providing a small living quarter at the hospital for Sakura to live in as providing a stable home life."

"It's much better than the alternative of a crowded orphanage Lady Tsunade. And since Sakura's entire focus is set upon becoming the best Medic Nin she can and to learn all of your teachings. The hospital has indeed become a very stable environment for the girl. Also, you need to realize Lady Tsunade that you've become a crucial figure in Sakura's life now. I mean between the abandonment of Sakura by her mother, her father's untimely death, and the loss of all of her friends especially Naruto. The faith you've shown Sakura in making her your apprentice and the belief you have in her that she can be one of the best Medic Nin's ever is a lifeline to the girl. She wants to prove that your faith and belief in her was not in vain. One of Sakura's biggest fears is that she will let you down as she has so many other people in her life, in her mind anyway."

"Well I wish I could do more for the girl, but I'm afraid I used up all my sway with the Council just to keep them from stripping Sakura of her shinobi status for life and keeping her out of prison."

"Inoichi never told me and if you don't mind me asking Lady Tsunade. How were you able to accomplish Sakura only receiving a one year suspension of her shinobi status and two years probation after that?"

"I merely argued that no sentence or imprisonment could punish Sakura far worse than what she had experienced at the hands of that Uchiha bastard and his men. A few assholes on the civilian side of the Council tried to argue in defense of the little Uchiha monster and that Sakura's ordeal and injuries couldn't have been that bad. Well they all shut up and towed the line after I produced photographs showing in graphic detail exactly what had happened to Sakura because of their precious Sasuke-kun."

"And that's all it took Lady Tsunade?"

"Well that along with that pompous ass Hiashi Hyuga making another grandstand speech denouncing the Uchiha clan, as an evil scourge to all of Konoha and its citizens. After that the Council had very little interest in how severe Sakura's sentence was to be."

"Thank you for telling me Lady Tsunade, forgive my curiosity about it. But knowing all I can about Sakura's life since the Uchiha encounter helps me in my counseling sessions with the girl."

"There's nothing to forgive Keko-san, you're doing a splendid job with Sakura in helping her to recover psychologically from what happened. Now, you said Sakura is making great strides in her recovery, that's good to hear."

"It is Lady Tsunade, but there is a condition that Sakura has developed that I fear if we don't overcome it, it will handicap the young girl for the rest of her life."

"That sounds serious Keko-san, what is this condition?"

"I think its better that I show you Lady Tsunade. Where is Sakura right now?"

"Right now I believe Sakura is in the children's ward of the hospital."

"Is there a two-way observation mirror into that ward Lady Tsunade?"

"Hai Keko-san there is."

"Then allow me to show you a demonstration of the condition I'm talking about."

A few minutes later both Keko Yamanaka and the Hokage were in the observation room gazing through a two-way mirror watching Sakura help, play, and generally babysit all the young children in that ward. Upon a signal from Keko a female nurse entered the ward with arms bundled full of bedding material. The young nurse called out to Sakura to help her with the items that she was carrying which Sakura happily did. After the nurse left, Sakura resumed her tasks with all the kids and Tsunade asked with confusion.

"Keko-san, I saw nothing to indicate any type of condition with Sakura."

"Just wait Lady Tsunade." Keko replied, before signaling a male orderly to carry into the ward some boxes full of toys, books, and other assorted items for the children.

As the male orderly entered the ward, his arms laden with the boxes he called out to Sakura for some help. The young kunoichi immediately froze and the smile on her face was immediately replaced with a look of fear. Turning around Sakura inexplicably began backing herself up into a corner of the ward away from the male orderly while saying in a voice tinged with terror for the young man to just leave the boxes by the door and she would attend to them later. After the orderly had left the room, the rigid posture of Sakura's body relaxed and she tentatively resumed what she had been doing previously.

"You see what I'm talking about Lady Tsunade."

"I saw Keko-san, but I'm not really sure I understand what I saw?"

"What you just witnessed Lady Tsunade is not uncommon among victims of sexual assault. Especially assaults as violent and terrifying as Sakura's was inflicted by the hands of several men. Sakura has developed Androphobia Lady Tsunade which is an abnormal fear of men. This phobia is usually the result of some violent or terrifying act by a man or men, such as childhood abuse or in this incidence rape. I don't know if you heard about the incident last week Lady Tsunade about Sakura's assault on one of your Jounin shinobi?"

"What are talking about Keko-san? There was no assault reported to me by Sakura upon any of my shinobi, especially a Jounin. In fact the only Jounin I know that came into the hospital for any type of medical treatment last week was Ebisu for a broken jaw. Which he said came from a training mishap with the Konohamaru Corp."

"Well technically I suppose that's correct Lady Tsunade. You see last week I decided to take Sakura out for a walk during one of our counseling sessions in park. While we were there Ebisu-san was training the Konohamaru Corp and Moegi got hurt and skinned her knee badly. Sakura saw this and rushed over to heal the little girl's knee which she did. Unfortunately, Ebisu-san show of gratitude for doing that was to bow to Sakura before quickly taking her hand and kissing it while thanking her. Sakura's immediate reaction to this was to scream before punching Ebisu-san into a nearby tree breaking his jaw before Sakura then dropped to the ground and went into a panicked almost catatonic state of mind. So panic-stricken was Sakura I had to get her back to my office as soon as possible and mildly sedate the girl just to calm her down. I'm surprised that Ebisu-san didn't report the incident Lady Tsunade."

"I'm not, Ebisu is one of the most prideful bastards I know and he probably didn't want it known that he was laid out by a mere Genin with one punch."

"Well anyway Lady Tsunade, if we don't get this condition rectified with Sakura, I fear it will hinder any possibilities in her life for happiness and success."

"Is there anything we can do solve this Keko-san?"

"The use of medication in combination with hypnosis can be successful in the treatment of fears in some cases Lady Tsunade. But first and foremost we need to desensitize Sakura gradually to men. By gradually increasing Sakura's contact with men in non-threatening situations this can help reduce the anxiety she now associates with men and hopefully with time eliminate it completely."

"Any ideas about how we go about doing this?"

"Well it would help if the man we introduce in a non-threatening situation was someone Sakura already knows. Naruto would have been the ideal candidate considering the deep feelings she has for him. But with him gone, that only leaves the males of the remaining Konoha 11. I don't think any of them are inclined to help Sakura right now seeing as everyone in that group still harbors some anger and distrust of her for what she did Lady Tsunade."

The blonde Hokage frowned at hearing Keko's last statement, but realized the woman was probably right. Suddenly, Tsunade had an epiphany and commented out loud.

"That may be the answer for both of their problems!"

"I'm sorry Lady Tsunade, what did you say?"

"I think I have an idea about how to help Sakura along with someone else as well Keko-san. Come with me back to my office and I'll discuss the matter with you and if you agree we will implement my plan tomorrow."

"Hai Lady Tsunade."

Hinata had avoided the traps her opponents had left with relative ease thanks to her Byakugan which was able to spot them before they could be sprung. However, the young Hyuga girl knew that those traps would not be the only obstacles her foes had planned to use to stop her and would more than likely attack her directly now. Using her infamous Kekkei Genkai Hinata scanned the area between her and the target she was to reach. Although the majority of her adversaries were doing an excellent job of hiding themselves from most shinobi, nothing could remain unseen from the Byakugan and Hinata quickly spotted the first two foes she would have to deal with and sprinted out to meet them. Upon reaching the center of the training field, two separate shouts rang out from either side of her.

"Bubun Baika no Jutsu!" (Partial Multi-size Technique)

"Gatsuga Style!" (Dual Piercing Fang Taijutsu Technique)

Suddenly from an enormous bandaged covered fist flew out of the surrounding forest from Hinata's right. While two fast spinning tornados erupted from the left side of Hinata out of the forest. The young Hyuga girl immediately shouted out while pumping chakra into her legs and hands.

"Hakkeshou Kaiten!" (Eight Divination Palms of the Hand)

Hinata then began releasing a large of amount of chakra from her tenketsu points. While at the same time began to spin like a top, creating a whirling vortex of chakra that acted as a 360° degree shield surrounding her which nullified both attacks. However, before her opponents could regroup, Hinata stopped releasing chakra from her hands which allowed a small gap to open up in her Kaiten defensive shield. This allowed Hinata to grab with one hand onto the bandages of the giant hand of one confused Chouji Akimichi, while grabbing the clawed hand of her other equally confused opponent Kiba Inuzuka.

Before the clan heirs knew what was happening, they suddenly found themselves being whirled around at dizzying speeds before Hinata let Kiba go and he hurtled back first into a tree. Hinata quickly followed suit and released Chouji and sent him careening into Kiba who audibly gasped as the air quickly rushed out of his body when Chouji slammed into him. The Hyuga heiress then turned her attention to the Kiba look-alike standing off to the side and reached into her bag to pull out a large rawhide bone before tossing it to the Kiba clone. With a puff of smoke and a joyous bark the clone disappeared revealing Akamaru who happily caught the rawhide bone in midair before landing on the ground and began chewing on it voraciously.

Pausing for a moment and smiling at the sight of the happy canine, Hinata quickly turned around and ran off once more towards her objective. The lavender-eyed color girl had only run about 200 yards when Tenten suddenly appeared and thrust a kunai forward. Hinata barely had time to grab her own kunai and block the incoming thrust. Tenten then grabbed another kunai with her other hand and Hinata did likewise before both kunoichi's smiled at one another and attacked. It was an impressive display in the use of kunai's, as both girls' hands and arms were moving in a blur both in attack and defense. Neither kunoichi seemed to be able to gain the upper hand, as the sparks flew from their weapons contacting and the resounding clanking noise they made echoed throughout the forest.

After several minutes of this stalemate, both Hinata and Tenten leapt back from one another panting and smiling at each other. Tenten decided she needed to attack Hinata from a distance and with smirk on her face she pulled out a sealing scroll and opened it to reveal her weapon of choice to use……..a Kyoketsu Shoge.

Hinata's eyes narrowed upon seeing the weapon, as this was the first time she had ever set eyes upon this unique chain weapon and took in its features. The young Hyuga girl took note that the weapon had a double edged blade, with another blade attached at 90 degrees to it. The weapon was also attached to what looked like 12-18 feet of chain which ended in a large metal ring. As Hinata watched Tenten expertly whirl the weapon around she could deduce the wide range of applications it could be used for in battle.

The blade could be used for pulling slashes as well as thrusting stabs. The chain could be used for climbing, ensnaring an enemy, binding an enemy, and many such other uses. The long range of the weapon combined a cutting tool with the capability to strike or entangle an enemy at what the user perceived to be a 'safe distance out of the way. When in the hands of a skilled warrior, this weapon could even be used to entangle a sword and rip from the opponents hands rendering them harmless. Tenten was indeed such a warrior and was certainly going all out to use such a weapon against Hinata, as she heard the weapons mistress say.

"Just concede Hinata, I don't want you to get hurt from this."

Hinata merely smirked before covertly reaching into her weapons bag and grabbing some smoke grenades before saying.

"I can't do that Tenten and there's no need for me to. I fear your arrogance and overconfidence which I assume you've picked up from my cousin has already led to your downfall."

Hinata then let loose with the smoke grenades which exploded and quickly blanketed the area in a dense fog.

"Shit!"

The weapons mistress cursed, as she quickly launched her Kyoketsu Shoge towards Hinata's last known position that had been visible to her. When it impacted nothing, Tenten hastily attempted to retract her weapon, but by then it was too late as she felt several Juuken strikes impact her body. A final strike to the base of her spine took the legs out from under Tenten and she crashed to a heap on the ground unable to move. All she could do as the smoke dissipated is watch the Hyuga heiress run off towards the objective she was suppose to have protected and failed to do.

Hinata was starting to get fatigued, as the battle with Tenten and taken much for her to defeat the weapons mistress. However, the young Hyuga girl refused to quit and pressed on before the ground erupted before her and Ino popped up striking out with a vicious Taijutsu strike which Hinata barely blocked. Activating her Byakugan, the lavender-eyed kunoichi immediately dropped into her Juuken stance and attacked the Yamanaka heiress. However, much to Hinata's astonishment the Taijutsu style Ino was using was quite effective in blocking or avoiding all of her attacks. Fortunately, the Juuken style she was using was just as effective in blocking or avoiding all of Ino's attacks as well. After several minutes of this stalemate, both Hinata and Ino leapt away from one another panting and smiling at each other before Hinata asked.

"I don't recognize that Taijutsu style Ino-chan, it's very similar to my clans Juuken style."

"It's a serpentine style of Taijutsu that Anko-Sensei has been teaching me Hinata-chan. You're right it is very similar, but while I can't focus chakra to my finger tips to shutdown the tenketsu points of my opponent's body like you can. There are still biological pressure points on the body that I can target to cause physical damage instead of chakra damage like you're able to do."

"I see, it is a most impressive style Ino-chan and you seem to be learning it very well from Anko-Sensei."

"Thanks Hinata-chan, but flattery isn't going to get you out of this fight. Are you ready for round two?"

"As Naru-kun would say, bring it Ino-chan!"

The Yamanaka heiress then sprinted forth at amazing speed getting set to unleash a series of lightning fast strikes. However, as she approached the Hyuga girl, Hinata suddenly lifted her right sleeve to reveal a needle launcher and pulled the launch cable of the weapon taut before letting it loose. Instantly, five poison tipped needles were launched at their intended target…….Ino.

"Oh crap!"

Ino exclaimed, as she twisted and turned her body in almost snakelike fashion in an attempt to avoid and dodge the incoming projectiles, which she did masterfully save for one needle. Upon its impact, the poison took effect almost immediately and Ino fell to the ground cursing herself for the stupidity of using a frontal attack on the Hyuga kunoichi. After checking to make sure her friend was alright and administering the antidote, Hinata began her trek once again towards her goal. Using her Byakugan to scan what was ahead of her, Hinata noticed that her next foe was standing calmly in a small field a quarter of a mile ahead of her. When the indigo haired kunoichi reached the clearing she bowed slightly in respect and greeted her opponent.

"Shino-kun."

"Hinata-chan"

A silent nod in understanding was communicated by both shinobi, as Hinata raced towards her teammate and Shino stretched his arms forward, as a multitude of Kikai bugs began flowing out from inside his coat sleeves and heading towards the young kunoichi. Hinata skidded to a stop and activated her Byakugan while bringing her hands up clasped together in a prayer like fashion before calling out as the insects descended upon her.

"Shugo Hakke Rokujuuyonshou!" (Guardian Eight Divination Signs 64 Palms of the Hand Taijutsu Technique)

Using her near perfect chakra control Hinata brought forth her own personal Taijutsu style she had developed using the Hyuga bloodline abilities. Hinata began to emit chakra from her palms and move her arms in sweeping pattern movements to provide a full 360° degree range of protection for her body. Hinata's arms were moving in a blur, as the chakra she emitted was cutting down any target which dared to penetrate the protective sphere such as Shino's Kikai insects. After several intense minutes, Hinata deactivated her Byakugan and took a deep breath, as the exertion of that technique was very taxing to the young kunoichi. However, as taxing as the technique was to use, it was also very effective as evidenced by the thousands of dead Kikai insects laying on the ground in a perfect circle around her. Stepping over the husks of insects, the Hyuga heiress walked over to her friend and teammate and said with regret.

"I'm sorry about your Kikai brethren Shino-kun."

"There's nothing to apologize for Hinata-chan. Those Kikai that attacked you were near the end of their life cycle anyway. When I proposed to them that they would be helping to train one of my comrades, they were grateful to end their existence in such a noble fashion rather than just fading away."

"They, they were volunteers Shino-kun."

"Yes Hinata-chan they were. So feel no sorrow or shame for taking them down. Now hurry along, you still have one more obstacle preventing you from reaching your goal. However, be careful as you know this opponent will not hold back on you and is your most dangerous foe yet for you to face."

"I know Shino-kun, thank you." Hinata replied, before giving her teammate a hug and racing off to her final goal.

A half mile away Hinata burst onto another clearing and finally came in sight of her objective, a large bell cast in bronze hanging from a makeshift wooden support frame. However, the young kunoichi's gaze then fell upon the young man standing between her and the bell, a man who had eyes the same as hers………Neji Hyuga.

As Hinata approached her cousin he commented with admiration for her and arrogance for himself.

"Most impressive Hinata of how quickly you reached here and of how relatively unscathed you appear to be. It appears your other opponents weren't nearly as strong or as skilled as I thought them to be. However, you know that is not the case with me, so you should give up now. Because you know I will not fall as easily as they did."

"Am I to assume I'm included as one of Hinata's weak opponents who aren't skilled and fell so easily to her Neji Hyuga?" Tenten shouted out in anger towards her boyfriend, as she and the rest of Hinata's previous foes stepped out of the woods onto the field.

"Ten-chan no…….I mean I wasn't talking about…….umm I didn't mean!" Neji stammered in distress.

"Kick his ass Hinata!" Ino exclaimed with fury.

"Yeah, show that arrogant prick who the real Hyuga prodigy is!" Kiba growled out.

"Bark, Bark!" Akamaru agreed.

"Go get him Hinata (munch, munch)!" Chouji chimed in.

"We believe in you Hinata." Shino calmly stated with conviction.

Buoyed by her friends confidence in her, Hinata smiled and the fatigue she had been feeling was replaced with a sense of determination and resolve, as she dropped down into the Hyuga Juuken stance while activating her Byakugan and motioned Neji to come forward by saying with vigor.

"You want some Neji-niisan then come get some!"

Neji's reply was to smirk before he too dropped down into the Hyuga Juuken stance while activating his Byakugan and said with haughtiness.

"As you wish Hinata, but don't say I didn't give you a chance to concede."

Both Hyuga shinobi then charged at one another and began to battle reminiscent of their fight in the Chunin exam.

After 15 minutes, both Neji and Hinata leapt away from one another, panting heavily and both of them with several tenketsu points shut down. Unfortunately, Neji had still proved to be the superior of the two when it came to the Gentle Fist style of fighting, but Hinata had narrowed the gap significantly. However, Hinata knew he had caused more damage to her then she had to him and would not last much longer in this battle. It was then that Hinata remembered the objective of the exercise. Hinata waited as Neji charged her before pulling out a kunai and seemingly throwing it at him, which the Hyuga boy easily dodged and said with contempt.

"Please Hinata, that throw was pathetic! I didn't even need to use the Hakkeshou Kaiten to deflect it and………."

"CLANG!"

The resounding sound of the bell clanging interrupted Neji's admonishment and he pulled up to a stop when he heard the sound of applause coming from the woods. Looking over, the Hyuga prodigy saw Shikamaru Nara step out of the woods clapping along with the Hokage's assistant Shizune who was also clapping. Soon everyone was giving Hinata an ovation save Neji who looked confused and asked with irritation.

"Why is everyone clapping, this training exercise isn't done? Hinata has yet to defeat me!"

"Troublesome, she doesn't need to defeat you Neji. Or did you forget the objective she was given for this exercise? All Hinata was required to do was to go from a set starting point and get to the bell and ring it. She fulfilled those requirements ending the exercise and she did it in under an hour, that's very impressive Hinata."

"Yeah, way to go Hinata!" Kiba whooped.

"An exceptional feat you just performed." Shino commented.

"Whoooooo, you go girl! You rocked this exercise Shika-kun came up with to train you!" Ino exclaimed with delight.

"Great job Hinata (munch, munch)!" Chouji added in between bites.

"Congratulations Hinata, you were amazing! I can't believe how good you've become with a kunai!" Tenten remarked, before turning to her boyfriend and asking in icy tone of voice.

"Don't you have something to say Neji Hyuga?"

"Yes I do. Hinata not only have you improved with the use of a kunai, but your Byakugan and your Gentle Fist style has also improved dramatically. If this exercise was any indication of your advancement in strength, skills, and intelligence, then you are well on the way of becoming the badass kunoichi as Naruto put it he is expecting to see upon his return, congratulations itoko (cousin)."

"Arigatou (Thank you) Neji-niisan, thanks to everyone, it means so much to me that all of you are willing to help train me like this."

"Hey Shikamaru, this exercise was pretty awesome! Do you think it could help any of us out as well?" Kiba queried.

"It's troublesome, but I don't see why not? We'll just need to change the parameters of the exercise to tailor fit the person who is running the gauntlet that day."

"Cool, I want to see if I can break Hinata's time!"

"Good luck with that Kiba, because I estimated it would take Hinata well over an hour to complete the exercise if she was able to do it at all on her first try."

"Then it gives us all a goal to shoot for." Neji commented.

"Well, none of you are going to shoot for it today and Hinata now has medic Ninjutsu training to learn, so the two of us will be leaving you all to your own devices the rest of the day." Shizune declared before she and Hinata waved goodbye and suddenly Shunshin'd away to the shock and awe of everyone present.

"I didn't know Hinata had learned to do Shunshin." Ino exclaimed with surprise.

"It's troublesome, but at the rate Hinata is improving, she's going to be kicking all of our asses before too long.

A shroud of silence overtook everyone present upon hearing Shikamaru's declaration, as they all silently wondered how truly skilled Hinata may eventually become.

"Lady Tsunade I do not wish to be rude, but I do not think I am capable of helping out in the children's ward of the hospital in my present condition."

"Oh hush up Lee, I'm not asking you to do anything strenuous, just watch over the kids and help out the young woman who normally sits with them when you are able, that all." Tsunade replied, as she pushed Lee's wheel chair along the corridor.

Lee merely huffed in disapproval but knew there was nothing he could do against the buxom blonde Hokage, as she wheeled him to a stop then helped him out of the chair and onto his crutches. As they entered the children's ward of the hospital, the green clad Genin gasped when he heard Tsunade announce.

"Sakura, I've brought you some help today."

Sakura turned around and immediately froze upon seeing Lee and Tsunade thought to herself.

'Damn, that's not a good sign!'

The Slug Sannin then took a quick glance at the two-way observation mirror where she knew Keko Yamanaka was observing everything and wondered what the woman might be thinking right now. Keko had been a little hesitant about Tsunade's plan to use Sakura to help Lee overcome the grips of depression and Lee to help reduce the anxiety Sakura now associates with men. It's not as though Lee wasn't a good candidate to help Sakura, as he was part of the Konoha 11 that had at one time been Sakura's closest friends. Or that Sakura wasn't a good candidate to help Lee considering the boy once held and still might deep feelings for the girl. Keko just wasn't sure that throwing two people together each with significant psychological issues would help either person out in anyway. But as Tsunade pointed out, they didn't have any better ideas for the two young shinobi, so Keko reluctantly signed off on the plan.

"That, that's very kind of you to do After Shishou, but, but I can manage on my own."

A brief moment of pain flashed across Lee's face before he grimaced and said.

"You see Lady Tsunade, Sakura-chan doesn't need a useless wreck like me interfering with her duties and getting in her way. I should just go back to my room."

"Stay where you are Lee and you're not a useless wreck and you won't be interfering with Sakura's duties or getting in her way. Sakura you've needed some help in this ward during your shift for quite awhile and I have finally found you some. Now, do you have some sort of personal problem with Lee that will prevent you from working with him?"

"N, no Shishou, I, I don't have any personal problems with Lee."

"Good, now come over here and help Lee get settled and I'll check in on the two of you a little bit later alright."

"Hai, hai Shishou."

As Tsunade exited the ward, she hurried over to the observation room and let herself in and asked.

"So Keko-san, what do you think?"

"I don't know Lady Tsunade; it's not off to a promising start. Sakura merely told Lee to have a seat and has been explaining things to the young man from a distance."

"You're right that isn't very promising."

"Well, let's give it some time Lady Tsunade. I'll stay here and observe the two of them and see how they interact."

"Alright Keko-san, I wish I could stay with you, but the duties of a Hokage are endless. I will check back with you later on, but if you need me just inform the nurses' station outside."

"Hai Lady Tsunade."

When Tsunade flopped down into her chair, she absently gazed at the clock and audibly growled in disgust as it was almost midnight. Exhaling a heavy sigh as the day's events had drained her energy, she opened her desk drawer and pulled out a bottle of sake with a cup and set them down on her desk. Pouring herself a drink and downing it quickly, her thoughts turned to her newest apprentice's mental health and Tsunade shook her head in frustration. Upon returning to get Keko Yamanaka's report several hours later at the hospital, the news had not been positive.

Keko observed that while Sakura did appear to grow a little more comfortable with Lee's presence around her as the day went on. The pink-haired kunoichi still kept her distance away from the young man which merely exasperated Lee's already growing depression about himself. If this behavior continued from Sakura towards Lee, Keko stated she would have no choice but to recommend that they put a stop to Tsunade's experiment. Just as the buxom blonde Hokage was about to down another drink, a heavy pounding suddenly erupted from her door. Openly grousing about who could be bothering her at this time of night Tsunade swung the door open ready to verbally berate whoever it was when she suddenly stopped and stared at two shinobi she had not expected to see who both shouted in unison.

"We want to get married!"

Author Notes: What's this, an update from Kingkakashi after only three weeks from his last update, something must be wrong? Well, you're right, I lost out on a job I really wanted and thought that I had gotten and I learned that soul-crushing news on Friday. So I've spent most of this weekend drinking copious amounts of vodka and in-between my drunken episodes working on finishing this chapter about 10-14 days sooner than I had planned. So you're welcome, as my misery has granted all of you this update sooner than expected.

First off I want to apologize to all of you for the opening scene of this chapter. I don't when Lobo took control to sneak in his Naruto/Sakura lemon which was very long and very descriptive. But fortunately I was able to catch it in time and eliminate most of it. Although Lobo did make a valid point that since Sakura now knows she loves Naruto, it only stands to reason at her age that she might experience those types of dreams about him. He just wanted me to take Sakura's dream to its climax literally which I refused to do.

Yeah you refused because you're a miserable, chicken-shit, worthless meat-bag of a vessel!

Quiet you lowly cur! I just pray you haven't hurt any of my readers psychologically, now take that!

Kingkakashi presses the remote he is holding activating a sizable electric charge to the shock collar demon Lobo now wears around his throat.

Arrrrrghhhhh!! Damn you vessel, I swear I'm going to eat your face one of these days!

Yeah, yeah, promises, promises! Anyway, once again my apologies to anyone who was traumatized by the opening scene, just remember it was only a dream Sakura had nothing more.

I do have to say to your readers I thoroughly enjoyed all of your screams of anguish, pain, and rage as you read that scene. I especially took great pleasure in the torment and suffering from your readers I'm Solo, kitsunegamer375, Kingswriter, Naruto Reincarnate, Maru15, and N.K RAWKS. All of whom in the past have threatened me with physical harm to my supreme demonic being. Your pain was the most delicious of them all……..arrrrrrrrghhhh!!

Kingkashi releases the remote button and says

Shut up lobo!

What??? I'm just saying don't they know if I die you die spineless meat-bag vessel!

Not another word out of you Lobo or I'm going to erase from the DVR the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show you recorded.

You, you wouldn't do that! I mean that would be like me erasing the Victoria's Secret Runway Show you DVR every year.

If you think I'm bluffing try me you evil Wolf demon!

Grrrrrrrrr!!

Yeah, yeah, growl all you want, but another word from you and that show is history. Now, where was I? Oh yeah, sorry for this interruption, now I can get back to my author note.

First off, I wish to thank everyone both old and new readers who took the time to review my last chapter, it's much appreciated by me. You all had a lot to say about the last chapter which was cool to read. So, I'm very curious to see what the responses to this chapter will be from everyone. Because, this chapter is the first of several AU/Original chapters from me which will be showing the lives of the other characters back in the village without Naruto. As well as some chapters showing Naruto and Co, and their life away from the village. Once again thanks to everyone who gave a review, as it does help a writer get the thoughts and opinions of the fans of a story. And remember, reviews are the motivation that helps give any writer the will to continue on with their tale. Also, to any readers who are staff members to any C2 communities, please feel free to add my story to your community if you feel it is worthy of it. I won't mind, I swear. I'll even pinkie swear if I need to?

Hottest Anime Girls Poll:

The poll is still going on and quite strongly I might add. In a short amount of time it's already garnered over 450+ people who have voted on it. So if anyone of you hasn't checked it out yet, please do. Also to any authors of stories out there who read my tale, if you are willing please copy and paste the following to add into any chapter updates you might post in the future.

Have you ever wondered "Who is the hottest, sexiest, most beautiful girl ever created in the world of anime?" Well now's your chance to vote for your own Top 10. Kingkakashi besides having a great story has set-up a poll about this very question on his profile page. Help answer and settle this issue once and for all.

I'm trying to get as many people as I possibly can to vote on the poll because I've never seen one done to the scale I have on this particular question. So any help you all can provide is much appreciated by me. Thanks to everyone and I hope you have fun with the voting. And believe me when I tell you, picking 10 choices isn't as easy as you would think it be on this poll. (Lol)

Comments with regards about the poll results so far:

The Bleach and Naruto women still dominate the Top 10, and there is a real fight for third place on the poll between (Bleach) Yoruichi Shihoin and (Naruto) Kurenai Yuuhi. I am also impressed with the showings of a few other women on the poll.

(Final Fantasy VII) Tifa Lockhart and (Rosario+Vampire) Moka Akashiya both have been impressive with solid holds within the Top 10.

All three of the women from Full Metal Alchemist are also doing much better than I ever expected on the poll.

Of the Inuyasha women Sango has widened the gap between her and Kagome. That is a pleasant surprise to me.

Finally, of the Tenjho Tenge anime Maya Natsume is still outdistancing her sister Aya Natsume. I figure you're either a Maya fan or an Aya fan if you're familiar with that anime. I'm a Maya man myself, so I'm very pleased with these results so far.

End of Poll Comments

Now, onto everyone's favorite section Kingkakashi's rants on the manga yaaaaaayyyyyy!

Once again back to I have very little positive things to say about the last few issues of the Naruto manga!

#483 – This chapter starts off interesting, but ultimately it's a letdown. Sasuke offers Sakura the opportunity to join him provided she kills Karin to prove herself. Sakura hesitates as she's trying to decide whether or not to kill Karin or try to kill Sasuke. Unfortunately we will never know what she would have decided upon as Sasuke didn't give her enough time and attempted to shove a Chidori through her back. Kakashi shows up in the nick of time to save Sakura. Then Kakashi and Sasuke prepare to fight each other, with Kakashi lamenting that now he knows how the Sandaime felt about Orochimaru, end of chapter.

#484 – This chapter starts off with Sakura healing Karin and shedding tears which is her greatest talent by the way about Sasuke. Meanwhile, Naruto is racing to the scene still debating about what he will do about Sasuke….the idiot. Sasuke is a psychotic at this point and attacks Kakashi. Amazingly (thanks to Kishimoto) Sasuke is still strong enough to go toe-to-toe with Kakashi even though he nearly killed himself in defeating Danzo…….yeah, this is very believable. Kakashi attempts to still convince Sasuke to return to the village and the side of good. But as I said Sasuke is a fruit-loop by now and refuses to listen. In a moment of weakness due to overexertion of his eyes, Sakura makes an attempt to kill Sasuke but guess what she hesitates (what a shock) and as Sasuke is about to kill her Naruto arrives to save her. I swear every opportunity Sakura has been given to gain millions of fans all over the world she always fails miserably. I suppose a bright spot to Sakura not killing Sasuke is that it would refuel the fans out there who want a Naruto/Sakura pairing in the manga and a dead Sasuke might help to facilitate that.

#485 – Team #7 has reunited with Naruto's arrival. Naruto tells Sasuke he understands why he is doing this and Sasuke tells Naruto he's full of shit essentially. Sasuke then goes on an insane rant about the Uchiha clan and how destroying Konoha will bring about their revival. Naruto brings out some clones to keep Kakashi from trying to kill Sasuke while he rushes in with a Rasengan and Sasuke charges forth with a Chidori. The two attacks connect and then we get some sort of weird scene of Naruto and Sasuke talking in some sort of alternate dimension. What's sickening is Naruto telling Sasuke how he wanted to be like him and how he's glad he met Sasuke. The emo-Uchiha tells Naruto nothing he's said has changed his mind and that he will destroy Konoha and kill everyone in it. Sasuke tells Naruto the truth that he has only two choices, one to kill Sasuke and be a hero or two, be a loser that Sasuke kills the choice is his to make. Naruto stupidly refuses to choose either option and we get the rather weak and pathetic cliffhanger of "What is Naruto's third option?"

Yes, I'm still thoroughly disgusted that Kishimoto hasn't done anything yet with the Hinata confession to Naruto now reaching 49 issues.

As always, if anyone wants to discuss my story in greater detail, just shoot me a PM. I enjoy talking about the story with any readers who really have an interest in it. I'll try to respond back to you as quickly as I can. Also some readers ask me questions in reviews, but if you have your private messaging disabled, I can't respond back. Now I'd like to give a shout out to a couple stories that I recommend and hope you all will checkout when you have the time.

"After the Storm" by Narutoenthusiast: I highly recommend this story as Narutoenthusiast is one of the best writers on this site and I have recommended many of his other tales in the past. I'm especially excited about this story as it is his first foray into writing a Naruto story with Hinata as the pairing. In all of NE's previous stories he always used a woman significantly older than Naruto, but he still made those pairings work and be believable in his stories. So I'm very anxious to see how he will develop a pairing using everyone's favorite Hyuga princess. The beta for this story is another writer that I've highly recommended in the past Kyuubi123. And when NE wishes I will act as a sounding board to him for any ideas he has for the tale. So with three highly skilled literary minds contributing in some form or fashion to this story, I believe it will turn out to be a superb tale before it is completed. It's only one chapter deep so far so catching up on it will be quite easy.

"I will always be there for you Narutokun" by spazzgirl: Many of you might recognize this author as a die-hard fanatic for Naruto/Sakura pairings in stories and you would be right. However, a couple of years ago I convinced her to give a shot at writing a Naruto/Hinata pairing in a story and she did. It's a nice little romantic one-shot with a little bit of lemony goodness of the two together. And though I couldn't convince spazzgirl to leave the darkside. I think you will enjoy her brief visit into the light that is Naruto/Hinata. So give her some love when you read her story.

On a side note, have you checked out my new story "Supreme Genetics – Creation of a Bloodline" yet? If you haven't, don't forget to do so. The link to the story is on my profile page and the story is being co-authored with Hefster. In my own opinion, that story will become one of the better Naru/Hina/Saku stories out there.

Now please be kind and leave precious valuable reviews on all of these stories.

Take it easy and be good!

Kingkakashi

School Time:

Haughtiness

Definition: Blatantly and disdainfully proud.

Etymology: Medieval Latin to Middle English 15th Century.

Part of Speech: Noun