This didn't turn out quite how I thought it would, but here's the chapter.

Chapter 5: The Hyūga Affair

I knew there must have been easier options for me to try and befriend Hinata. However what I hoped to do wasn't easy, and I knew it wouldn't be as easy as just walking into their compound. Even if I did try that a few times.

For one, the Hyūga clan was just as big as the Uchiha clan. Maybe even bigger if you don't count civilians. It was going to be much harder to form a positive relationship with them then it was with the Nara's and the others. It was also more important with all the connections they have to other departments.

Uchiha are either in active service or with the police. Nara are known to be in T&I as well as drug research, which the Yamanaka are as well. They also supply Konoha with a surplus of herbs and plants to be used for medication and poisons. Akimichi are connected to almost every restaurant in Konoha and a good number of the food merchants.

The Hyūga though, they can be found in the hospital, in T&I, patrol, as well as desk jobs. Apparently the Byakugan makes it really easy to find files, or that was what Shisui told me.

It made sense though. The Hyūga was one of the founding clans, and they doesn't have a questionable history like the Uchiha. No, they just make slaves out of the branch family.

Moral standing aside, they have the power known as influence which is something I need if I want to keep my family alive. Hinata is my best shot with how she is my age and the heiress, and I can remember a failed kidnapping that happened on her third birthday.

A Kidnapping where her father killed a foreign ninja, and to avoid any wars, his brother, Neji's father, was sent as a sacrifice. If that can be avoided, if I or Itachi or Shisui or anyone from our clan can be the one to save Hinata, that would mean the Hyūga have to pay their respects.

Assuming that I remember that information correctly and I really am not in a alternate universe where the kidnapping is never going to happen.

"Imouto."

"Ita-nii!" I yelled when I noticed Itachi was back, abandoning my 'notes' in order to jump on his back.

"I have to say, I'm wasn't expecting you to still be here."

"Why wouldn't I be here?"

"Ka-San makes it sound like whenever you are left alone you try to leave the clan grounds." Itachi said as he walked us out to the back.

"I just get bored." I said in response.

I wasn't sure when Hinata's birthday was, but I knew it was in December. So I've been testing to see how far I can get before someone is sent after me. Then once I figure out when Hinata's birthday is, I can sneak out and go to the Hyūga compound on the excuse that I was bored. Once someone is sent to get me, which takes about ten minutes i've noticed, I'll try to stall until they notice the kidnapped either sneaking into or out of the compound.

Not the best plan, but there wasn't much I could do personally. I don't have time to befriend Hinata and get invited to the party.

"You should ask one of us then."

"You guys are busy though, I can take care of myself for a few hours." I said, since that is true.

"I'm sorry Imouto. I'll try to make it up to you." Itachi said after a pause so long I didn't know what he was apologizing for at first.

"You shouldn't apologize for something that's not in your control." I said off handedly.

"I suppose." Itachi said and I could just hear the faint smile on his face.

To my surprise, we didn't stop in the backyard, and continued walking until we got to the more civilian area of the compound.

"Where are we going?" I had to ask, noticing that I never really bothered to explore this area.

Connecting with the rest of the clan was on my to do list, but It wasn't as time sensitive as befriending all the clan heirs and heiresses. The academy doesn't start until you're seven, and that will be too late.

"We're getting a treat since you stayed home by yourself for so long." Itachi said and I rolled my eyes.

More like he was rewarding me for not 'running away'. At least Itachi seems to realize that positive reinforcement works better the negative. Or maybe he just wanted a treat. Itachi is only 8.

"Itachi-kun! Been awhile since i've seen you around. How's the Accademy been treating you." A middle age man with black hair and black eyes said.

He was definitely a Uchiha, even with the lack of clan symbol on his clothes. I wonder if it was because he was a civilian. Maybe there was some kind of rule where only Uchiha who become Shinobi are allowed to wear the symbol on their clothing, otherwise they can just have the red and white fan hanging outside of their house. Or shop in this man's case.

"I graduated last year Akiko-San." Itachi said like the little gentleman he is.

"I think I remember my daughter saying something about that. And who is this with you?" The man said looking to me with a real smile.

I was starting to wonder if Shisui was the only one in this clan who could plainly show positive emotions on their face. Nice to see there was others, even if they weren't Shinobi.

"Hi, I'm Chiyome!" I said still on Itachi's back.

"Nice to meet you Chiyome-chan. Are you Itachi's little sister?"

"Yep!" I told him as Itachi finally let me slid off his back.

It was one of those bar style restaurant that didn't have a door but flags that you have to duck under. I followed Itachi as he took a seat on one of the stools that I had to climb up.

I can not wait until I am taller.

"Now what do you want? I have some Botchan Dango already being made for the new year festive at the end of the month." Akiko suggested as he started messing with all the pots and pans in the back that were already being used.

"I'll have that. Imouto?"

"Mitarashi!" I yelled earning a few chuckles from those already eating.

Mitarashi might be type casted for children and women, but it was sweet and I like saucy things. In my mind it is much better then the three color ones, but that might just be because I'm not a huge fan of red bean paste.

"And green tea!" I added before Akiko completely turned around.

"Of course."

Itachi got his before I, but he still waited before beginning to eat. The dumpling were still a little hot, but it was worth it. I wondered why Ka-chan never brought me here before.

"Itachi-kun?"

I turned around along with Itachi to see a girl maybe a year or two older the Itachi come up.

"Izumi-San." My brother said with a nod that had me laughing at the girls uncomfortable expression.

"You really don't need to call me that. Izumi is just fine." The girl pleaded before noticing me.

"Hi I'm Chiyome." I said before plopping another dumping in.

"I know. Itachi and Shisui talk about you all the time." She said with a small grin.

It seemed that my brother did have friends. She had the Uchiha clan symbol on her back, but she seems friendly with him. Not like that disconnected respect that I see most of the clan treat my brother with.

"Izumi-chan you're back. How was class?" Akiko said, coming out from the back area to talk.

"Good. Sensei suggested I take the test the next time around."

"How old are you?" I asked, figuring that was a perfectly normal question for a three year old to ask.

"I turned ten a few months ago. How old are you Chiyome-chan?"

"Three!" I said, even holding up three figures as I thought.

Even though we weren't at war at the moment, it seems like kids still graduated early. Itachi is a freak, but I also assumed he was just the exception. But Shisui also graduated when he was ten, though that was because his grandmother Misaki didn't want him to graduate too early. I thought that 12 was the normal age just because of Naruto's class, but now I wonder if that was just a special situation.

"And you're going to become a ninja like your Nii-San?" Izumi said with a giggle as she sat at the bar with us.

"Yep."

"I haven't seen you around. How are your mission?" Izumi asked and I pretended to be focused on my food.

"We are going on our first c-rank soon. It is in the village, but they need extra patrols for the peace treaty with Kumo."

I paused for just a second, realizing that they must have been the one who kidnapped - will kidnap- Hinata. That means her birthday must be some time in the upcoming week.

"Chiyome? What's wrong?" Itachi asked, and I cursed inside my head.

Of course he noticed.

"Isn't Kumo bad people?" I said with what I hoped to be an innocence look.

"We fought with them in the war, but they are coming to stop the fighting. It will be fine, and even if it wasn't, I will make sure you are safe." Itachi said and what right does an eight year old have to say something like that?

"Okay then." I said regardless of my true thoughts, barely listening as Izumi continued to talk to Itachi.

Now I just need to figure out the exact date of Hinata's birthday. Shouldn't be too hard since I bet the whole clan needs to go and that means lots of presents. I'll be sure to go with Kaa-chan on shopping trips so I can listen in on gossipers.

Fugaku came home late, like he has been doing ever since the Kumo ninja arrived. It has been a long week with Konoha police working over time, but tonight was their last night in the village. It couldn't come any sooner in Fugaku's mind.

It seemed that everyone was already asleep. He could feel the presents of Mikoto above him, and Itachi in his room.

But not Chiyome.

With a frown, Fugaku checked the room of his youngest child, already knowing that she wasn't there. For some reason, Chiyome who has been a perfect child, devolved quite the wanderlust once she turned three. Shikaku found it funny that she ended up in the Nara woods and befriends his son the same day. Fugaku didn't really care since the clan elders were already happy with Itachi, Chiyome wouldn't have to be pushed as hard with her training.

It has happened a few more times, most worrying was when Shisui found her hanging around the Hyūga compound for some reason, and Mikoto ended up telling Chiyome to leave a note if she leaves.

'Got bored. Taking a walk. Be back soon.' Were the messy words written on the letter left in Chiyome's room.

Any other day, Fugaku would trust the the patrollers or even ANBU to keep an eye on Chiyome, but with so many watching the Kumo-nin Fugaku isn't going to put blind faith on that. With how overworked his people have been, Fugaku didn't need to imagine what it was like for the rest of the force.

Even Itachi was too tired to notice that Chiyome left, and Mikoto has been back on active duty for a month now, even though it has mostly been during the nights.

Fugaku body flickered to their roof, taking a quick look to see if she was anywhere in the compound. When it became obvious she wasn't, Fugaku first checked the small shopping area, then the town center, before fearing that she was over by one of the clan grounds.

Fugaku hoped it was the Nara, but he had a feeling there was a reason why Chiyome has been asking about the Hyūga so often. She must have seen something there the other day and knew she couldn't just ask to visit like with her friends. It was quite a ninja like reaction to wait until people were asleep before figuring out the information yourself, but Fugaku had a bad feeling he just couldn't shake.

"Chiyome."

The three year old turned around, her mid length hair spinning out behind her, before looking at him in shock.

"T-tou-san?" She asked, blinking a few times.

"You can't sneak out of the house at night. If your mother or brother wake up with you gone they would have worried regardless of the note you left."

"Sorry. I wasn't trying to sneak out. I thought they knew."

"They are both very tired. And I think it is time for us to go to bed as well." Fugaku said noticing how Chiyome kept looking at the wall that lead to the Hyuga grounds.

She wasn't even near the gate to get in, so Fugaku wondered what here gained her attention. It couldn't have been the people. None of them would be interesting enough for his daughter.

"But I haven't finished my walk!" Chiyome said with a yawn that she bit off halfway.

"Why don't we walk back home then?" Fugaku said right before he caught something out of the corner of his eye.

A figure jumping out of the Hyūga compound.

With barely any thought, Fugaku's Sharingan spring to life as he went through his mind of who should be guarding this area. Only to realize that it was a minute between two patrols. The perfect moment for someone to slip in.

"Chiyome, go to the gate and tell them there was an unidentifiable Shinobi was leaving their compound." Fugaku said quickly before following the person.

"Okay." He heard his daughter say before he was too far away.

It didn't take long to caught up with the Shinobi, and even less time for Fugaku to notice the cloud symbols or the child paralyzed in the person's arms. Of course they weren't here just for peace treaties. Kumogakure is too power hungry for that.

"In the name of Konoha police, release the child or you will be killed." Fugaku said as he waved a genjutsu over the Kumo-nin.

The Shinobi only fell for it for a moment, but that was all Fugaku need to disarm and place a chakra sapping tag on him.

"Good thing I didn't have time to change." Fugaku commented before calling in reinforcements as he grabbed the Kumo-nin and the girl.

I only just finished telling the guards what happened when Tou-San came back.

"Uchiha-San." A new voice said and immediately the guards stood up and bowed.

"Hyūga-San." Tou-San said with thinly covered disguised. "This Kumo-nin was found escaping with this girl. I intercepted and immobilized him. The girl seems to be unharmed beside a paralysis seal that was on her."

The man looked to Hinata who looked so tiny with all the adults around her, before nodding.

"We should talk to the Hokage about this at once. Your daughter can stay in my home if you wish."

"That might be for the best." Tou-san said, though it looked like he was eating lemons.

I gave Tou-San a brief smile to show I was still doing fine before he left and the guards motioned for me and Hinata to go into the compound with them.

"We should go, don't you want to see your Ka-chan?" I asked when Hinata didn't move.

She looked shocked, and I don't blame her. Being abductive during the night would be scary for anyone, let along a three year old.

"Do you want to hold my hand as we walk?" I asked holding my hand out as Hinata stared at it.

I heard a few sniffles before she grabbed it. Though grab might be a strong word since it was more like she put her hand next to mine. While we walked it got stronger, and I let myself think about what just happened.

Tou-San was the last person I expected to come, but it went better than I thought. I didn't even notice a fight, and the bad guy wasn't dead which means that things are already different then from canon. As long as Hinata's dad doesn't kill him during interrogation, Neji's father wouldn't have to be used as a scapegoat.

"Hina-chan!" A woman cried from the doorway of the biggest house I have ever seen.

"K-Ka-c-chan." Hinata said so quietly that I could hardly hear her and I was standing right next to her.

I moved to remove my hand to let Hinata go to her mom, but the girl refused. Instead I was forced to walked over along with Hinata who was now crying too much to walk straight.

"Oh sweetheart. It's okay. You're safe now." Hinata's mom said pulling Hinata into a hug after she finally let go of my hand.

"Here, let's come inside and I'll make some tea for us all." The woman said and it took me a moment to realize she was including me in that statement.

"Thank Hyuga-San." I said as I removed my shoes and walked in.

No sooner then I put the guest slippers on did Hinata grabbed my hand again. I could see through her bangs that her face was covered in snot and tears and I got flashbacks to when I was stuck babysitting Makoto and Rina. It was almost enough to have me pull away and walk away.

I gave her a smile regardless of my thoughts, and we both walked into the kitchen.

I'm sure it was a very cute sight.

"So you are Fugaku-san's daughter?" The woman asked as she turned around from the kettle, smiling at the sight of Hinata.

"Yep! I am Chiyome. Nice to meet you." I said, making an awkward bow since Hinata was still holding on to me.

"Nice to meet you too Chiyome-chan. My name is Hikari, and I see you have already meet my daughter Hinata."

"We're friends now." I boldly said, and since Hinata got closer to me I figured she agreed.

Or just liked me too much as a teddy bear. Might go either way with how the night was going.

I talked to Hikari was we had some rosebud tea, and I found out that she was pregnant, which I was surprised about since I couldn't remember if Hinata had a sibling. Doesn't mean too much since the kid would be three years younger and therefore would be around Konohamaru's age. I never payed much attention to the younger kids, so it might as well slipped my mind.

"Why don't you two go to bed. I'm sure Hina-chan wouldn't mind sharing her bed with you." Hikari said and I felt Hinata nod on my shoulder since she has been nodding off.

If I wasn't also completely exhausted, I might have argued more because I ready don't mind sleeping on a sofa or the floor, but instead I just nodded and was out before my head hit the pillow.

Thank you everyone who is following/favorited this story, and special thanks for lizyeh200, Natasha-Tenshi, Tsuki, and CasJeasnne for leaving me a review last chapter! Tell me your thoughts about this chapter and/or this story.

Also, I have a family tree that I posted on my tumblr however I misspelled Shisui's name as Shishi, and Izumi should be born in 64 not 67. Link is iftheworldendsinflames . tumblr image / 158219825794 (just remove the spaces)

Thanks for reading.