Author Note: Alrighty, here we have chapter 2. One thing I noticed myself while checking this one and starting on the third was that I avoid active thinking by telling what they are thinking. While this is a legit way to write does it feel kinda wrong just now. Will try to improve on that part in chapter 3.
So, this together with the first chapter is for building the basic background and the first relations for my story. Starting with chapter 3 will there be a two year timeskip to the start of the Academy times which will surely have differences to the original for logical reasons (Butterfly Effect, change something in the past and you get bigger and more changes as farther you advance in time - or was it the ones about throwing stones in the water and the advancing waves?). Some changes are simple, some might surprise you. But you'll need to wait to see them (still just 45 minutes for writing per day - and at the weekend am I refining the chapters for upload).
Also, there were these two guest "reviews", basicly questions, so I'll address them as well:
1.) It's a clear "no" with a slight "yes" on being a Naruto/Hinata story. The feelings are as in the original, but the base situation is different. Will be more a kind of a Hanabi/Hinata/Naruto triangle - you'll see.
2.) That's what you got a sister for, right? To push you in the right direction - or to be just curious about the things the other sister says. Most things are planned out already and it clearly matches inside the way I want it to advance. To write down one of my favorite quotes as answer (though I would be surprised if anyone knew it):
"This will totally work! ... I mean, I'm mostly positive that it will work... pretty much" - Pascal, Tales of Graces f
Okay, here you get chapter 2. And again, it's okay if you don't cause I'll continue writing anyway, but it would be super nice to get your opinion and/or feedback on my story. It's still my very first one and I would like to know where I stand with it. So please review, if you feel like helping a beginner out.
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A Tale of two Sisters – Chapter 2: Growing Up
Hinata woke up early the next morning. She kinda had the feeling that her sister would charge into her room again and she wanted to be already dressed when this happens. The last time was embarassing enough for her and she had no intentions of letting this become the regular.
Another reason she got up early this morning was because she needed time to think. After reading the book together with her sister was a part of her quite upset about herself, for making such a stupid bet. Another part of her, a bigger one, thought that her current situation was a good one. The rules weren't that bad. In fact was she always nice to her sister in the past, so nothing changed regarding this rule. And her only secret, that she liked the blonde boy since she got saved by him, had she told her sister already. And she was able to keep other people secrets to herself. Not like this gossiping Ino girl from the flower shop. The second rule was covered as well with no change at all.
The biggest change so far was indeed the fact that she went outside way more often in order to accompany her sister. And this wasn't that bad either. At least did she meet new people this way due to her sister visiting them. She planned on befriending Ino the next time they would visit the flower shop. Beside of her gossiping did she seem like a good person, so nothing wrong with trying to be her friend.
While Hinata was still deep in thought did her sister charge into her room, without knocking again. Hanabi stopped right away and pouted, seeing her sister already up and dressed. So much for teasing her again. „That's totally not fair, sis. Why are you dressed already?" Hinata had a slight smile on her face „The last time you charged in was way too embarassing for me. That's why I got up earlier to avoid this situation." Hanabi couldn't help but smile as well. At least was her sister able to realize things bothering her and finding solutions for them. Good chances to somehow find a solution for her shyness as well.
„Anyway..." Hanabi started, slightly bouncing up and down on her feet „I want to go out again after breakfast. And you are going with me, sis. I want to check on some things and we need to talk, away from our family" Hinata nodded, knowing what topic it will be, if their family shouldn't get the chance to listen on them. „Okay Hanabi. Then let's get us some breakfast." She left and locked her room, taking Hanabi's hand and leading her to the kitchen for breakfast.
An hour later were they walking through the streets of Konoha, kinda aimless if Hinata's feeling was right. But she didn't question it, cause her little sister had this one serious look on her face she only put on if something huge was up. After a few more minutes did Hanabi start talking „Hey, sis, remember, no secrets..." her voice was pretty quiet, it really had to be something huge on her mind. „So... about your bet. I was thinking for a while now. You wanted to help me get stronger with it, right? By making the looser pay a super high prize did you want to motivate me to improve that I wouldn't be loosing." she looked Hinata into her eyes, seeing all kind of emotions in there. „You don't need to answer. I can see it in your eyes that I'm right..."
Hinata wasn't sure how to react. She was surprised that her little sister figured out the reason behind the bet. She surely is a smart girl. So much potential. „I... I'm sorry Hanabi. Yes, that's why I brought up the bet. But I thought that none of us would win it. You got strong so fast and I... I couldn't keep up with you. But it's okay. I was thinking about it myself and the situation isn't that bad for me. Yes, I'm somewhat scared. But you are my sister and I really love you. Beside, by going outside together with you am I meeting new people. I wanted to befriend Ino the next time we visit her." Hinata was smiling, a caring and honest smile. „So don't worry, Hanabi. It's really okay"
Hanabi was listening to her sister, looking her into the eyes. She could feel some tears appearing in her own eyes which she quickly wiped away, before hugging her sister. „I feel better a little. Thanks, sis." She held her close for another minute, before letting her go, slightly smiling. „Okay, listen, same bet again. If you manage to win ten times in a row are you free. So better start improving, sis!" Hanabi's worries were gone quickly and she was grinning at her older sister. Hinata couldn't help but wonder if Hanabi was simply an airhead or if she was smart and cunning. Maybe a bit of both. „All right, Hanabi. I agree. Thank you." The situation really wasn't too bad, Hinata thought to herself. It's her sister after all, it might even be real fun in the future. She gave Hanabi a caring smile before they went on walking through the streets of Konoha.
Some time later
They were still wandering around town without reaching any destination at all. Hinata couldn't help but wonder what her sister had on her mind, if she simply wanted to be outside the clan compound with her as company. They were talking about different things, mostly smalltalk. Hanabi pointed out that Hinata should start wearing more fashionable clothes which made the older sister blush slightly. They decided that they should go on a small shopping trip together with Ino soon.
After some while did Hanabi finally spot the blonde headed boy she was looking for. They went in his direction and Hanabi kept her sister distracted by talking, til the boy finally spotted them as well, looking over to them. „Hey sis, we should totally go up the Hokage Monument. The view from atop is great!" Hanabi was smiling, while pointing up the monument with her arm with a big and noticeable gesture. „Uhm, sure Hanabi, lead the way." Hinata was totally confused by her sister. First the aimless walking around the town, now the sudden decision to walk up the monument. Like a little kid without a plan. Sure, she only was five years old, but she is a smart girl. That was so not matching her...
Once Naruto spotted Hanabi walking down the street with her sister did he smile and wanted to walk over to them. He however stopped in his tracks when Hanabi made her gesture toward the Hokage Monument. Smart girl indeed. She remembered what he told her and made this move to tell him to meet up there without approaching him, saving them both the hate, wrath and what else from all the villagers around them. He had a big grin on his face, watching the two sisters walking away toward the monument.
That however turned out to be a big mistake... the villagers around him approached, directing all their hate on Naruto. „Now look at that. The demon is starring at the Hyuga princesses with this ugly grin of his." one man said, ready to punch Naruto any second. „Yeah, he will totally taint them just by looking!" one woman added, backing the man up. „Worse, he is so planning to catch and defile them. Like any demon would do!" a tall chunin added, drawing his sword. Naruto gulped and jumped up and out of the circle of villagers building around him, running for his life and into the next back alley, trying to get away from the chasing mob. He so hated how they treated him. And it would take him some time to get away, too. He hoped that Hanabi would wait for him...
Atop the Hokage Monument, 30 minutes later
„Wow, the view really is great!" Hinata was in awe, watching down on the village from atop the monument. In her seven year young life was she never up here. It was just stunning and beautiful. „Told ya, sis. I like coming up here lately. It's so worth it. And usually there are no people around, making this a quiet place to be." Hanabi was bouncing slightly up and down on her feet, smiling at her sister. She was happy that Hinata liked the view as well. This could be the place to always go to in the future, if they wanted some silence from the village or clan.
They stood there for quite some time, talking about the future. Hanabi pointed out that Hinata would enter the Ninja Academy in two years and that she needed to prepare and train a lot for that. Hinata nodded, knowing her sister was right. She can't deny that even her younger sister was stronger then her. Two years, that seemed to be a long time, but as some say, time is running fast. „Will you help me improve, Hanabi? Will you still spar with me, to make me stronger?" Hinata looked at her younger sister, who smiled in return „Of course, sis. That's the reason why we made the new bet after all, isn't it? I will totally help you!" her smile turned into a grin and she was still bouncing on her feet. She seemed to be happy today and Hinata smiled as well.
„Hey, Hanabi-chan! What's up?" a boy suddenly said from behind them. Hanabi's grin got even brighter while Hinata stiffened up. She knew this voice. Or better, she can remember that voice. This voice is... „Hey Naruto, glad you made it!" Hanabi turned around smiling at the boy, waving cheerfully. It really is Naruto, the boy she admired, the boy she liked since two years. He was standing behind her. This... this is... too much for her and she fainted.
„Oh crap!" Hanabi saw her sister loosing balance and falling, grabbing her before something bad could happen. They were standing atop the Hokage monument after all. Naruto reached the two girls only a second later, helping Hanabi to get Hinata off the cliff and laying her down below a tree in the shadow. „That's the second time she fainted... and both times were you somewhere nearby, Naruto. I guess she really likes you. I told ya!" Hanabi giggled at the slightly blushing Naruto. „You think that's funny? She's your sister. What if she fell down just now?" Hanabi paled at Naruto's words, just realising that they in fact really were close to the edge when Hinata fainted.
Out of instinct did she pull her sisters head in her lap, gently stroking her hair. „I'm sorry, sis, I really am sorry. I haven't seen the danger. But all's good now, you won't fall." she whispered soothingly in her ear, hoping that her sister would hear her in her fainted state. Naruto smiled at this sight, realising that he envied them for being so close. If only he had a family... „By the way Hanabi-chan, nice move to tell me coming up here without anyone else to notice it. I understood it right away." Hanabi continued stroking her sisters hair and looked over to Naruto. „If you understood, why were you that late? I was worried that you wouldn't come and was nearly on my way back down to search you once again."
„Well, the villagers may have not understood your message to me, but they saw me looking at you two. They said stuff like 'the demon will catch and defile the Hyuga princesses' and started chasing me through the village again. Think they tried to kill me this time, if the sword-swinging chunin was anything to go by..." his voice became quieter and angrier with each word he said, while Hanabi started frowning. „That's... just ridiculous. What's the problem of these villagers?" Hanabi was upset. Like totally. Sure, Naruto was pranking them, but from all she understood was he hated even before he started the pranks. It just didn't made sense to her.
„Sorry if you got in trouble because of me..." Hanabi looked down on her fainted sister, still stroking her hair, feeling guilty that Naruto was chased around town today. „Nah, it's okay Hanabi-chan. I'm kinda used to it..." Hanabi felt even more emotions that moment, but Naruto continued before she could say anything. „Beside, I'm really glad I became friends with you. You are the first friend I ever had. I'll cherish that for life, believe it!" he was smiling brightly. „So, why did you call me up here? Wanted to introduce me to your sister? Though I doubt this would work right now. Or decided to tell me about your intrest in the book I got you?" his smile got even brighter, though he would be fine if Hanabi just wanted to hang out with him. He was just glad for his first friend in life.
„I can't tell you about the book yet. But I wanted to ask if you could get me another one?" she tilted her head a little, watching Naruto. „And I wanted to introduce you, yes. But... seems really to be difficult right now." she couldn't help but giggle, still stroking Hinata's hair, wondering how long she would be out at all. Naruto frowned a bit „Another book? Let me guess, again about slaves? Seriously, why are you that intrested in this topic? It's like you would own one yourself." Naruto watched into the sky while talking, missing the slight blush on Hanabi's cheeks. „Uhm, well... I really can't tell you. But... if you would help me again?" her voice was pretty quiet. Looking at Naruto once more did she pull a piece of paper out of her pocket, handing it to Naruto. „Okay, let's see. „Punishing a Slave the right Way"? Uhm..." he was raising an eyebrow at Hanabi, shaking his head lightly. „Well, I guess I can snatch it for you but I would like you to do me a favor in return."
Hanabi nodded, waiting for him to speak on. „You see, because everyone hates me is it hard to live here at all. Most shops don't even let me in and the ones who does totally overcharge me for everything. That's so annoying!" he sighed, trying to calm back down after he got himself upset while talking. „So if you would do some purchases for me, that would be great!" he smiled at the girl which in return looked pretty shocked at him. „They... do what? But why? This doesn't make any sense... I really don't get why the villagers do treat you like that..." she was shaking her head in disbelief. „But sure, we can do that for you. I mean, if my sisters decides to wake up that is." Hanabi's eyes went down to her still sleeping sister who had snuggled herself a bit deeper into Hanabi's lap.
„I'm sure she will be awake soon, don't worry Hanabi-chan. And thanks!" he was smiling again, pulling two pieces of paper out of his pocket, handing them over. „My shopping list and my address. Meet me there in three hours, okay?" Hanabi took the papers and nodded, watching while Naruto left. After a few minutes did she decide to slap Hinata lightly on her cheeks, trying to wake her. „Hmm... don't want to get up..." Hinata was mumbling, snuggling ever deeper into Hanabi's lap. „Common sis, get up already. You dreamed enough for now. We have some purchases to do." Hinata slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. „But the dream was soooo nice." she yawned slightly before finally standing up. „Well, okay, then let's go, Hanabi." both smiled at each other before they left.
„Troublesome..." could be quietly heard from the other site of the tree, were a lazy black haired boy laid behind the bushes, watching the clouds. „That's so troublesome..." he yawned and focused back on the clouds. He heard the whole converstation between the Hyuga girl and the blonde prankster. He just wasn't sure yet what these informations might be good for.
Three hours later
The two sisters approached the apartment Naruto lived in with Hinata carrying the shopping bags. While they were shopping for his stuff did Hanabi explain what he told her to her sister, who was just as shocked to hear what had happened to the boy his whole life. Hinata couldn't understand the villagers at all. After all was this boy so kind and cute and... she blushed. „Oh common sis, if you blush every time you think about him and faint in his presence, how will you ever become stronger? Or tell him that you like him?" Hanabi sighed at her sister. She really wanted to help her, but this might proove to be pretty hard. Also it might have slipped her mind to tell her sister that she already told Naruto about the way Hinata felt for him.
When they got near the appartment did they look around if nobody was paying attention to them before heading for his door and knocking. It took some while before the door finally opened, Naruto carefully watching outside, before brightening up to see the two sisters. Hinata was close to be fainting again, but got slapped across the cheek by her sister. „Don't you dare faint on me again, sis. Pull yourself together, will ya?" Hinata, shocked about her sisters action, rubbed her cheek and nodded slightly. „Okay... I'll try..." she looked down at the ground, trying to pay no attention to Naruto cause she expected to faint as soon as she focuses on him. Naruto was a bit confused what just happened there, but didn't waste a second thought on it. „Well, come inside before anyone notice. I don't want any of you getting into trouble because of me." They nodded and entered his appartment.
It was a small one, consisting of only a living room with a small built in kitchen, a sleeping and a bathroom. And it was... everything but cleaned. He grinned at the faces the two sisters made, seeing the state of his appartment. „See, I don't really get visitors, so I barely bother cleaning up." His words made sense, but still... „I won't be coming again if you don't clean the next time, got that?" Hanabi was the first to get out of her shock, before pulling her sister towards the couch and sitting down. „Anyway, we got the things you asked for." Hanabi motioned for Hinata to put the bags she was carrying on the table in front of them. „Wow, thanks a million!" Naruto got super excited and hugged first Hanabi, then Hinata, who was on the brink of fainting again, before getting another slap from her sister, combined with a glare at her. „Sorry, Hanabi..." Hinata deep breathed, calming down slightly. „I'm good now."
After putting the purchases away did Naruto sit down across the table in front of the girls. „Really, I'm thankful that you bought me these things, believe it! Now I can cook me a few proper meals without worrying about anything. So..." he grabbed into a bag next to his chair and tossed a book on the table, in front of Hanabi. „That's the one you were asking for, right?" Both girls leant forward a little, reading the title. Hinata was blushing a dark red while Hanabi nodded. „Yeah, that's it. Thanks. But how did you get it that fast and then during the day at all?" she was tilting her head to the side, looking at Naruto who just grinned.
He put his hands behind his head, rubbing it slightly. „See, funny story. When I went to get you the first book did I, for no reason really, snatch the one or other additional book. Thought you may come ask for more, so, yeah..." he was a bit flushed when Hanabi started to giggle. „Uhm... y-you asked... Na-Naruto-kun to g-get these b-b-books?" it was Hinata who spoke, her head being crimson red. Hanabi looked at her sister before answering. „Sure sis. After you told me about him got I intrested. And remembering Ino saying that he is pranking the adults did I figure he would be able to get the books as well. After all, it's basicly just a prank." Hinata was breathing deeply, trying not to faint again. He might have got the books for her sister, but he isn't knowing anything, right?
„You still won't tell me, Hanabi-chan?" seeing the blushing Hinata got him again intrested to know why the young Hyuga wanted these books about slavery. She simply grinned at him before answering „Nope, not a chance!" sticking her tongue out at Naruto did she pick up the book from the table to got started on it's contents. The book was build up in a logical order, from slave punishments starting with pretty simple and low ones, like just scolding or small spankings, over denying them some freedoms or a meal up to... Hanabi paled, eyes open wide in shock, not moving at all. That got Hinata and Naruto worrying and they both were at Hanabi's side in an instant trying to get her out of her shock. Hinata pulled Hanabi close, gently stroking her hair and whispering soothing words into her ear.
Naruto on the other side wanted to find the source of her shock, picking up the book and looking over the page Hanabi had open. His eyebrow raised and his mouth twitched, before he read out loud. „In order to set an example with other slaves is it common use that an owner might remove a limb or even kill a disobeying slave, to keep the other slaves in line." Hinata paled as well, hearing that but continued stroking her sisters hair. Naruto was confused as hell, closing the book. „Seriously, why is she intrested in stuff like that?"
Seeing both girls in this distressed state Naruto got up and went into his kitchen, getting them both a glass water. Knowing basicly nothing how to interact with other people or how to treat someone in this state, a glass of water sounded like a good idea to him. Both girls took the glass thankfully and devoured the water, calming down slightly. Hanabi finally was able to think again, mumbling a low voiced „Disgusting" before shivering and snuggling slightly into her sisters embrace. They sat there for some minutes and Naruto just watched in silence, not wanting to disturb them in this situation.
After another ten minutes had Hanabi recovered enough to stand up from the couch. „I can see why these books are for adults... anyway, thanks Naruto. For everything." He smiled at her „No problem at all, Hanabi-chan. After all, we are friends, believe it!" his smile got even brighter and Hanabi smiled in return, nodding. „Oh, before you go, there was one book I grabbed I think was misplaced there. It's titled „Raising Pets". Want to take it as well?" Hanabi was thinking about it while hiding the first book below her clothes. „Hmm, let Hinata take it. She's more a friend of animals then myself." Naruto nodded and got the book from somewhere in his apartment, handing it over to a slightly blushing Hinata who held the book close to her chest. „Th-thank you... N-Naruto-kun." After bidding their goodbyes were the girls on their way back to home, planning to calm down even more. The contents of the book really hit their minds.
Hyuga Compound
The way home happened in absolute silence between the sisters. Both of them thinking about what was written in the new book they got. To say that Hinata was scared would be an understatement. She had thoughts running through her head, that her sister wouldn't be that cruel to her. They loved each other and got along quite well.
Hanabi on the other hand thought about that these things were just disgusting. Who would cut a limp just to proove a point? But then again were they living in a cruel and dangerous world and judging by how the village treated Naruto for basicly no reason there would be people who would cut a limp to proove a point. She however wouldn't. Especially not to her sister.
They sat down together in Hinata's room, finally talking about it. The outcome of this talk was simple: both stated their opinions on the things they recently learned and that they absolutely disagree with these things. Also that they would continue the way they decided already anyway, with Hinata following the three set rules and having all freedoms beside them.
Once these things were settled followed a quite normal day for them. They ate lunch together, sparred during the afternoon with Hanabi winnig by a long shot. They both thought about how they could get Hinata to improve, but couldn't come up with a solution for now. But there were two years before Hinata would enter the Academy, so nothing to worry about yet.
In the evening was Hinata alone in her room, preparing to go to sleep. After changing into sleeping clothes did she decide that she would read a little before finally sleeping. Remembering the book Naruto gave her this day she took it out of her bag and started reading. „Raising Pets", a nice book with tips about raising a pet, that's something one could read in the evening. That's what Hinata thought at least. The book was split into three sections: Raising Cats, Raising Dogs and Raising Ponys. She always liked cats so she went straight for the first chapter and started reading.
It didn't took her long to realise that this book wasn't placed with the slavery books by mistake. No, it fit there real good, to be precise. It detailed on how to raise humans as pets, specifically as cats, dogs or ponys. She started blushing and that increased up to a dark crimson red. When she felt like fainting did she put the book away, to be precise did she hid it in the deepest corner of her room. She felt slightly aroused, but mainly embarassed. She wouldn't touch this book for a long time – best would be to hide it forever that nobody will find it.
A few days later
Hinata was on her way to the Yamanaka flower shop. After all did she still plan to befriend Ino. And doing so by herself, without her sister around, would be a good start to somehow get over her shyness. She was nervous but determined. Even before entering could she already hear the voice of Ino from the inside. „Can't you just once stop being such a lazy ass? I'm not having all day, you know, Shika?" Ino was quite upset at the black haired boy somehow bothering her inside the shop. „Troublesome... My mother told me to pick something up over here. But I don't know what exactly..." „Because you were too lazy to even listen to her. Seriously, I don't understand you at all – oh, hey Hinata-chan!" Ino waved over to the entrance where she saw Hinata enter the shop, totally ignoring that she just scolded her childhood friend. „Ino, you are so troublesome..."
„Uhm, h-hello Ino. I w-w-wanted to talk to you if t-th-this is okay? B-But you seem b-busy right n-now." it was indeed hard to overcome her shyness, but she tried. „You mean him? Just ignore him. Shikamaru is too lazy to be intrested if you pay attention or not. And he won't know what he wanted to pick up here at all for the next 30 minutes or so. So don't worry, I'm free." Hinata was smiling slightly wording a silent appology in the boys direction. „Just troublesome..."
„So, what do you need Hinata-chan? Want to talk about cute boys?" Ino smiled at the blushing Hinata, leaning against the counter. „What? No!" Hinata turned crimson red, but at least stopped stuttering for now. „I came over because I want to befriend you. I wanted to ask you to be my friend." Ino touched her lower lip, pondering the request, but smiling inwards. „Now that's kinda sudden, don't you think Hinata-chan? I don't know what to say now." Ino barely managed to hide the grin that was slowly approaching her face. Hanabi had spoken to her some days ago, telling her of her sisters plans. And she couldn't help but tease poor Hinata. Though it was more then teasing. She tried to push her a little bit, to boost her confidence, to see her determination.
„Please Ino! I really want to have you as a friend. It... it will help me grow! You get along with my sister, so why not with me?" her voice started to shake a little and if you watched closely could you see a small tear building in her eyes. Ino decided to stop the teasing cause Hinata had shown her determination. She went over to the normally shy girl and hugged her tightly. „Hey, it's okay. We are friends. No need to get upset." Hinata snuggled into Ino's embrace and nodded slightly, wiping the tear away. „That means a lot to me, Ino. Arrigato." she was whispering, but it was grateful. She did her first step and she did it alone.
„Girls, so troublesome..." Shikamaru stood at the site, waiting for the girls to finish. „If you are done already, I need to get this bouquet for my mother." Ino glared at Shikamaru, before moving behind the counter to charge him. „You know that this was just rude? This was something important to Hinata-chan and you interrupted it and say it's troublesome. Seriously, you are lazy and rude." Shikamaru just shrugged and paid for the flowers. „You really are troublesome. I won't understand you at all." Backstepping from a punch Ino aimed at his face did he simply turn around, leaving the shop.
„It's always the same with Shika... I sometimes really wonder why we are friends." Ino sighed after Shikamaru left. „Uhm... but isn't it a good thing to have different personalities among your friends? I mean... uhm... like Hanabi and me for example?" Hinata asked quietly, unsure of herself. Ino watched her a moment before smiling. „Guess you're right, Hinata-chan. So, now that you did what you came for... I think we wanted to talk about cute boys, right?" she grinned and Hinata blushed, shaking her head no. „M-maybe another t-t-time!" and there came her stuttering back again. It really was a long way to go.
After bidding her goodbyes to Ino was Hinata on her way back home, but got stopped right outside the shop by the black haired boy who just left moments ago. „Hey, you are the Hyuga heiress, right?" Hinata stopped and turned to the boy, nodding. „Uhm, yes, I guess. And you are..." „Shikamaru Nara. Ino and I are friends since forever. See, I just wanted to tell you that I got to listen on your conversation atop the monument few days ago. The one between you, your sister and the blonde boy. Well, mainly your sister and the boy." Hinata blushed, remembering that she was blacked out most of the time up there. „So, uhm... what do you w-want then?" „Hmm? Oh, nothing really. Just wanted to tell that I got to listen to it accidently cause I was cloud watching on the other side of the tree behind the bushes. I mean, I know how the villagers treat the boy and all and I think it's nice that you befriended him. Won't tell anyone either, no worries. Would be too troublesome. So, yeah, see ya." he waved lazyly before heading his way home, leaving a slightly confused Hinata behind.
Shikamaru seemed to be a strange person, but she was the one talking about having different personalities as friends being something good. Maybe she should try to befriend him as well. There must be more to his lazyness – at least does he seem to be a nice one. So her next step of loosing her shyness and getting stronger was decided. It would be a long way, but she would make it. With the help of her sister and friends, she was sure about it...