Disclaimer: I only claim that I own the idea behind the ending of this which is a long ways off... enjoy...

Chapter 11 – Secret revealed

(Recap)

Hinata's confidence continued to grow with the daily training, as did Naruto's skill. That was until about a month later Hanabi challenged Hinata to a bout after she had gotten home after an exhausting training round. Hinata had also just added weights to her training bands and was slower than she thought. Hanabi took advantage of this and brutally beat her.

(End recap)

Naruto had just arrived after forgetting something and found Hanabi attacking an unconscious Hinata under the eyes of an elder and Neji. He quickly intervened taking quite a beating himself. He then took her to the hospital. She woke up seeing Naruto holding her hand and staring at her with a worried look on his face.

"Hinata… are you ok? You had me worried there…" He quietly said. His speaking brought the others in the room to see that Hinata had woken up. "If I had not gotten there when I did…" He broke down and tear streamed from his eyes, he buried his face in the sheets on the side of the bed.

Kurenai look at her with concern. "Hinata are you feeling better now?"

Hinata looked at Naruto tear welling up in her eyes then turned to Kurenai. "I hurt but otherwise I think I am ok."

"Apparently your sister, was still hitting you when Naruto arrived, you were unconscious at the time." Shino said frankly. "Naruto was able to stop her but he was also injured." Hinata gasped, not only was Hanabi attacking her after winning the match she also attacked Naruto. She then noticed he was also in a hospital gown. "He had several ruptured organs and but was able to get you here before collapsing. Apparently he is in better condition than you." Shino raised an eyebrow, "he heals very quickly. They say he will be ready for duty tomorrow. You also heal very quickly, not as well as Naruto. They said you should have died from your injuries. But will be able to leave in a couple days."

Several things shocked Hinata. One Hinabi's attack was so brutal that it should have killed her. Naruto defended her to the point of nearly being killed, and had the stamina to take her to the hospital. Both she and Naruto were healing at astonishing rates. She started to cry, feeling overwhelmed. Naruto looked up at her and she grabbed him in a hug not wanting to let go. He had again saved her. How could she be so weak?

Kurenai smiled and put a hand on Shino's shoulder guiding him out. Outside was she saw Hiashi, walking up to him full of anger. "How do you… How do you defend your other daughter nearly killing two of my students, and one for trying to defend the other? They both nearly died." She moved closer to his ear, "and without the Kyubi he would not have made it here. Do you realize this?"

Hiashi pointed to a side room. "Please come with me. We have some things to discuss." They entered the room and closed the door. Hiashi took a deep breath. "Naruto is not the only one who has a sealed entity in them." Kurenai looked shocked. "Hanabi has been disciplined and will not have matches with Hinata without proper supervision. As for Hinata, she had something sealed in her just before they attempted to abduct her when she was three. We think it was a minor fox demon but we cannot be sure as the only thing we had was a fox statue that was broken in her room. This information is not known, not even within the clan. As far as Naruto goes… I trust him with my daughter's life. When I entrusted Hinata to you years ago, there were several concerns that I had. The clan was pressuring me to improve her at all costs, including her life. So if I sounded harsh then I apologize, it was for Hanabi and the clan elders to hear. Honestly since she has been on your team she has been improving steadily, but the elders are not seeing enough improvement. Hanabi I am sure is being pushed by the elders. Do you have any questions?"

Kurenai was just flattened by the frank honest response she had just heard from the leader of the Hyuga clan. "Why was Hanabi so cruel to Hinata? She could have killed her. From what I heard from the doctors and my other student, Shino, the spirit sealed in Hinata is healing her just as the Kyubi is Naruto. I as their teacher would not ask them to rely on that type of power to save them. As it could fail or they become so used to it working that they take unreasonable risks and die from arrogance."

Hiashi hung his head. "Hanabi was not raised with her mother, and resents Hinata for knowing her at least some, and Naruto also knew her. The elders are also poisoning her mind with her superiority and pushing her to see Hinata as an enemy. I am doing what I can to fix this but it is not easy. The problem I have noticed in the matches is that Hinata is not able to bring herself to hurt Hanabi. As before I leave Hinata in your care, please discuss this with no one as it will cause more problems right now."

They both left the room in silence. Waiting outside the room were Kakashi, Sakura, and Kiba. Kakashi looked as Kurenai. "Sorry to hear your students were hurt, I came to see how Naruto is doing. He and Hinata seem a little indisposed at the moment. You appear to have a good team that cares for one another."

Sakura looking down, "I came to see how Hinata and Naruto are doing. And apologize to Naruto. I hit him the other day for no reason."

"I came to rub it in that Naruto got his butt kicked by a kid." Kiba jokingly explained, as Kurenai knew that Kiba and Naruto were friends, one of the few he did have.

They opened the door at Kakashi's insistence. Naruto and Hinata were at her bed, they were still holding hands, both with red puffy eyes. At seeing the others Naruto immediately put on a smile. "Hi you guys! What is up?"

Sakura walked forward and handed some flowers to Hinata, and turned to Naruto. "I am sorry for hitting you the other day. I had no reason to, I was just frustrated and needed to vent. I know I should not have taken it out on you." She bowed to him.

Naruto lost his smile and looked to the side. "It's ok Sakura… Just please only hit me if I deserve it." The smile returned to his face, while scratching the back of his head. "Heaven knows I make a fool of myself too often." Hinata giggled at his statement.

"How are you doing Naruto?" Kiba asked with a concerned look on his face.

Naruto got a grimaced look on his face. "Well my pride is shot. I got beaten to a pulp by a seven year old." Both he and Kiba laughed. "Otherwise I am doing pretty good, and I will be out tomorrow. The great news is that Hinata will be out the next day." He squeezed her hand, which she returned. "Oh, Kurenai Sensei, did you let Gai Sensei know?" Kurenai nodded. Kakashi looked at Naruto and then at Kurenai.

"Well Naruto, as usual you are full of surprises. I won't even ask how you know Gai. I am glad to hear you are doing better, both you and Hinata. And by the way Naruto, the Gentle Fist style is a devastating style to be attacked by. Next time I would avoid it if at all possible. Well, my team has to go, come on Sakura, Kiba. We have some training to do." With that the three of them left, leaving Kurenai, Hinata and Naruto.

"Ok kids. You guys heal up and we will have a light training session in two days, but be ready to work after that. I will see you then." Both nodded in agreement.

"Sorry Hinata…" Naruto again looked sad.

"W… What? Why are you sorry Naruto-kun?"

"Well for a couple reasons. First, I was not able to stop Hanabi from hurting you. I failed in protecting you. If you are mad at me and don't want to talk to me again I would understand."

Hinata shook her head. "You brought me here even though you were severely injured. How can I be mad at you? And the second reason is?"

Scratching the back of his head, "Well… I got your sheets soaking wet from crying." They both laughed at that even though it hurt to laugh. "I am going to go rest a little. You want the drapes drawn in between our beds?" She shook her head no. As he crawled into bed and lay down she blushed and then giggled. She noticed that he was wearing boxers with ramen on them.

She lay back on the bed thinking. 'He has saved me again, I care deeply for him. More so than I can explain, I never want to be away from him. He gives me strength. But I need to become stronger.'

Naruto lay back on his bed trying to think. 'I know the Gentle Fist was strong, but man. It felt like she took my arm and body out of commission. I wonder… Should I tell her? How would she react? She is my friend after all.' Naruto stared at Hinata who looked away from him while blushing. 'That is so cute the way she blushes.' A stern look crosses Naruto's face. "Hinata" he says softly.

She turns to him with a worried look on her face. "Yes Naruto-kun?"

"I am sorry about something else." A look of shock appeared on her face. "I have a secret…" Raising his hand to forestall any comment from her, "I know why almost everyone hates me. I should have told you when I found out. But I was not sure how you would react." Her face became impassive, and she just nodded, so he continued. "You know the story from twelve years ago?" She nodded. "When the Kyubi attacked the Fourth killed it?" She nodded knowing what was coming next she tried to stifle the tears in the corner of her eyes. "Well he was not able to kill it." He looked at her but was surprised that she did not have a shocked look but one of being ready to cry, sympathy and concern were written all over her face. She still said nothing, so he continued.

"Well no one can kill a beast as strong as the Kyubi. So he sealed it in an infant." Looking at her he saw tears streaming from her eyes, he felt them coming from his own as his vision blurred. "That infant was… me." He turned away, feeling the hot burning tears running down his face, just waiting for her to reject him. "I understand if you hate me, and no longer want to be around me."

There was silence for a minute, he then heard soft crying. He turned to see Hinata crying into her hands. This continued for a few minutes, her sobbing slowed. "Oh… Naruto… I could never hate you. I… I…" she started to cry even harder, turning buried her head in her pillow and continued to cry. 'Why can't I tell him how I feel? I am so weak.'

Naruto was stunned, he had just revealed earth shattering information to her and she was the one who seemed to be in pain. He got out of his bed and walked over to her side saying "I'm sorry" repeatedly. He tried to reach out to touch her shoulder but could not raise his arms, he wanted to comfort her, but could not. He lowered his head in shame, as he could not even comfort his friend, his very first friend. Tear continued to roll off his cheeks. He did not understand how he could cry so much. Finally after a few minutes he was able to raise one hand and touch her shoulder. He expected it to be slapped away after all he was the container for the Kyubi and should be reviled. But what happened next stopped him full in his tracks. Instead of slapping his hand she reached up and pulled him to her, burying her head in his chest still crying.

He finally heard her voice, quiet and sincere. "It is ok, I know. I could never hate you."

He smiled, and started to cry tears of joy. "Thank you Hinata."

They stayed that way for an hour. When Naruto finally noticed that Hinata had stopped crying and was not moving, he pulled her a little bit away from his chest and noticed that she was asleep. He also noticed she had a beautiful face. He laid her down on her pillow gently. He then walked back to his bed and fell into a deep sleep.

"Good morning kids." Exclaimed the Nurse as she woke both Naruto and Hinata. Hinata looked over at Naruto wanting to talk to him about what they were talking about yesterday but did not want to push it more. "Are you both ready for breakfast? I understand young man you are to be release later today. Is that right?" Naruto nodded. She smiled and pinched his cheek, "I am glad to hear it, and you didn't even try to escape like you usually do." Hinata looked very surprised. Naruto chuckled. "You're a very lucky girl." Looking directly at Hinata. "Having such a handsome guardian." Naruto smiled, blushed and scratched the back of his head. Hinata just blushed, three shades of red. The nurse put a tray in front of each of them, "now eat and get your strength back."

Naruto lifted the lid for the food. A look of almost disgust crossed his face. "How am I supposed to regain my strength if I can't even tell what it is you're feeding me?" Snickering at the nurse, "are you sure it isn't poisoned?" With that comment she swatted him lightly on the head. Eliciting an "ouch" and chuckle from both of them.

Hinata realize this nurse was someone that Naruto trusted, thus the reason for the playful banter. It brought a smile to her face and a small laugh from her. Both turned to see Hinata laughing lightly at their antics. 'I am glad there are some like Kurenai, Kakashi, and this nurse who appreciate Naruto.'

They started to eat. Hospital food was nutritious but not the most flavorful. After the nurse left with a pat on Naruto head and a wink at Hinata, Naruto put his chopsticks down. "Hinata?" She looked at him, his look was serious. "Do you remember what we talked about last night?" She nodded yes as tears again started to well in her eyes. "I just wanted you to know why they hate me and wanted to make sure you would not be angry at me or hate me for it. I have been hated for so long and didn't know why. I only found out…"

"From Mizuki Sensei," Hinata finished his sentence.

He looked at her seeing her with tears welling in her eyes. "H… How… How did you know?" Was all Naruto could ask.

She had to tell him at least this, if not her feelings. "I was so sad that you failed that I looked for you, there was something I wanted to tell… you." The last word came out as a whisper. Gathering her strength, "I found you near the shack, I was about to approach you then I saw the scroll." Naruto turned his head in shame. "I figured you had a reason for it. So I let you try to train with the scroll. I saw how hard you worked to get the jutsu to work. After you were able to do it a couple times successfully Iruka Sensei showed up. I saw the fight, and how he protected you. I was happy to see someone else cared about you. I heard Mizuki Sensei call you the Kyubi, and his explanation about it. At first I could not believe that you were the Kyubi, but it explained so much about how you were treated." Naruto felt like his heart was going to fall out of him. "But then I realized you are not a monster. You pulled pranks, more for attention than anything. And who could not forgive you for how harshly, my clan threw you out." At that she turned in shame, and tears were falling free.

"I know you were… are not a monster, as no one was ever hurt by what you did and how you were always nice to me. The weakling of the Hyuga clan." She raised her hand to stop him from talking. "I watched the battle." She turned back to him, still having tears, but with a smile on her face. "I saw you repeat the jutsu, the Kage Bunshin, but to such a large extent I was floored. I saw you defend Iruka Sensei, and stop Mizuki Sensei."

She paused trying to collect herself. "I left then and said my good bye to you as I could not face you. As I would not see you any more, I was crushed. But the next morning I went to the academy and was so happy to see that Iruka Sensei had passed you. I figured it was from being able to use that jutsu that he passed you. I was afraid to tell you that I knew your secret, fearing that you would be mad at me and not want to have anything to do with me. When we were selected for the same I team I was elated. Please don't be mad at me for not telling you before."

Naruto chuckled. "Hinata. How can I be mad at the one person who was my friend before I could remember? As for not telling me, I was the one with the secret, not you. It means a lot to me that you did not say anything. I know the adults know but I don't think that anyone our age knows."

A/N: Thanks for the reviews Chewie: feel better now. Hanabi did do a number on Hinata but did not kill her, close but no go... Also blame the council not Hanabi she is only seven and is taking direction from an elder and we are told to listen to our elders... :D

Dragonchips: Babies... that is a good one, that would be around chapter 150 or so if not later ;) He still has to win the girl save the day and be home by his curfew... wait he has no curfew... Oh well enjoy... there is more to come.

Truths revealed and life goes on. Truth be know I like happy endings. Keep the reviews coming. Any constructive cretiques would be nice. As I have stated before I have around 18 chapters I have written so far. I am cleaning them up before posting and trying to keep them to around 2k-3k words per chapter. Chapter 10 and 11 were one to begin with so I found a good place to break them and create a cliffhanger. Hope you enjoy this next installment.