It's been a long time since I update this. Sorry for the wait. I'm not sure if I love this chapter, but the next one should be better.

Part Two: Hinata

Lady Hinata was not to be disturbed. Or at least that was the message that had been relayed to Naruto by Hanabi Hyuuga. According to the teenager, her sister was currently unable to meet with the Hokage to discuss "personal matters," because of clan related business. The Sixth Hokage sent the girl away with a sealed letter and an order. "Deliver this letter to Lady Hinata," the blonde muttered gruffly.

Hanabi bowed and left quietly. The paled eyed teenager was perplexed by the usually joyful Hokage's attitude and her sister's recent self seclusion. What exactly had happened between the two friends?

Hanabi and Hinata had always had a strange relationship. During their childhood Hanabi had viewed Hinata as her weaker rival for the Hyuuga's head position. However, her feelings of superiority were shattered once her father abdicated his position and turned over control of the clan to Hinata. That same night, Hinata had branded Hanabi with the caged bird seal. Hanabi had changed that night; the once cocky and carefree teenager had become a quiet and tamed member of the Hyuuga Clan. Neji had once said that all Hyuuga's were slaves to the Hyuuga clan, and in Hanabi's mind that made her sister her master. And Hanabi loved Hinata as much as a slave could love their master.

Arriving at her sister's study, Hanabi stopped and bowed to the guard at the door. The young man nodded back and smiled kindly at the talented teenager. "Do you have a message for Hinata-sama?" Hanabi returned her cousin's smile. "It's a letter from the Hokage Neji-niisan." Hanabi held out the letter to Neji. Accepting the letter Neji nodded. "Hinata-sama's meeting her advisors. You're excused from anymore errands for the day, Hinata-sama's orders." Hanabi bid Neji farewell, and headed towards the training grounds. Her mind focused on her sister and the Orange Hokage's recently weird behavior.

A cup of green tea slowly chilled as it remained untouched. One advisor noticed this fact while the others rattled on. Unimpressed by his fellow advisors inability to read their advisee's mannerisms the older man interrupted their spat.

"Have you spoken with the Hokage about this?" He asked sternly.

"Clan business belongs within the clan. Once a decision has been made I will inform the Hokage of… my decision." Hinata answered emotionlessly.

Unimpressed by the girl's "poker face" the man chided the young leader. "The Hyuuga clan has established itself as a trusted member of Konoha. I'm aware of your history with the current Hokage; however childhood friendship has nothing to do with Konoha politics."

Silver pale eyes stared into pastel lavender eyes, in the end lavender looked away. Having lost this battle of wills Hinata muttered "I will inform the Hokage as soon as possible."

The victor nodded and closed the book Lady Hinata discreetly refrained from looking at. "Such a decision should be made with the upmost care. I trust that you will make the right decision in time, Lady Hinata. Until then your advisors shall look into this matter, to present you with the information necessary to make the best decision for the sake of our clan." With those words their meeting had come to an end.

The outspoken advisor remained while the others left. "It would be in your best interest to pay attention to the suggestions of your council on this matter."

Lady Hinata stared at the older man before laughing gently. "My advisors are unaware of their leader's affinities. Whatever should I do? Establish a new council perhaps? "

Annoyed the old man looked away from Hinata. "You've grown far too cynical Hinata. As your advisor I am proud, but as a father I'm disappointed."

Hinata chose to ignore his comment.

Hiashi stood up and looked at his daughter. "You were chosen to be my successor. I have faith that I've made the correct decision. " His words masked their true meaning, but Hiashi knew Hinata understood.

"Yes father…you shall not regret your decision."

Hiashi left, without uttering another word.

Hinata closed her eyes, as a familiar and welcomed presence entered the room. "How would you like to be a member of my council?" The young woman asked.

Neji rolled his eyes. "I prefer ANBU missions, over running someone else's life."

"So do I," Hinata replied solemnly.

Neji regretted his choice of words. "I didn't mean…"

Hinata waved off his excuse and smiled. "I was just feeling sorry for myself." Opening her eyes Hinata fixed herself in her chair. "You should take Hanabi to your next sparring session with Lee-san and Tenten-san. She relies on the Hyuuga fighting style too much."

"I will do that Hinata-sama." Neji answered before handing Hinata Naruto's letter. "By the way Naruto sent that letter with Hanabi-chan."

Hinata accepted the letter and deposited on a stack of papers on the corner of her desk. Unwilling to explain what occurred between herself and Naruto, Hinata ignored Neji's look of confusion, and dismissed him for the day.

Later that night, Hinata read Naruto's letter.

Hinata,

Are we going to leave things the way they are between us?

I hope not. Even though we don't agree on much these days, I still consider you one of my closest friends. Do you remember when I became Hokage? I still remember how you cried silently in the background, while everyone else congratulated me. You were always quietly cheering me on, but it wasn't until that day that I realized how much you believed in me.

I believed in you to, as well. After we unsuccessfully tried to track Sasuke down using that stupid bug all those years ago, I knew you were strong. The day you became the leader of the Hyuuga clan I wasn't surprised. You proved to everyone that dedication and hard work could pay off in the end. We both had to fight for everyone's respect and we did it. In a way we did it together.

I'm sorry, but I won't apologize in this letter for what I said, because I want to apologize to you in person. I want to tell you that I was being an idiot. I didn't mean what I said. I never meant to hurt you in any way shape or form. At least that's what I might say if I saw you in person.

Always,

Naruto Uzumaki