Disclaimer: I do not own the Anime/Manga Naruto or its characters. I do how ever own the idea for this plot.
Alright, so! Fourth Chapter is finally out! Yay! Took me a while, right? I'm so sorry. I've just been put under alot of stress lately with... ah well I'm sure you all don't want to hear about my little problems. Anyways I tried my hardest to work on it every day. But stress mixed with lack of sleep, also mixed with having a migraine every day for more then a few weeks isn't very helpful. I would spend more then 4 hours on this chapter a day, and only get a few sentences out. Sad, huh? Its just I wasn't very happy with what I was writing, so I'd end up starting over on one part (many times), then have to go back further into the chapter to get what I just wrote to match with what I wrote before that, so I was having trouble with it. Anyways! On to the comment replies!
Comment Replies:
GingerLeaves: Thank you! I'm trying my best to fix the spelling errors. I'll take more time out to re-read the chapter a few times to make sure I won't miss any thing. But knowing me I'll probably miss alot. xD
Emmeline Creazil: xD Thank you. :3
HeartBrokenHinata: I know, huh? I wasn't really expecting it my self! I was originally planning for Neji to just say she was just some Main Branch Hyuuga member that the whole Clan liked, and the 'Uchiha' part, but then I was like '...Heeeeeeeeey! What if she was Hinata's sister? That'd be awesome!'.
winterkaguya: Shhhh... *whispers* Your questions will be answered in this chapter. ;3
mac2: Neji knows Hitomi because he's older then Hinata. Not only that, but (In this FanFiction) Hinata was born 2 months earlier then her due date, so she was in a weak condition and always sheltered from the out side world. The only people that were able to visit her were the doctors, nurse's, her mother and Hiashi. When she was around 7 years of age or so, she was finally strong enough to leave the hospital and all that stuff, but Hitomi died, so Hinata was never able to know her. That's basically it.
Lilypipo: I can't say if Hitomi was apart of Itachi's team... though I'm sure you all know if she is apart of it or not xD. Yes, Neji and Sasuke knew Hitomi, but Hinata didn't because she was born 2 months earlier then her due date, so Hinata wasn't well enough to meet Hitomi. No, the Jutsu Itachi is after isn't the one Hinata used on Sasuke in the flash back. Itachi already knows about that jutsu since he was the Heir to the Uchiha Clan, and ANBU Captain. The information Akatsuki wanted from Uron was a special kind of antidote and/or jutsu that'll be explained later in the chapters when Itachi appears more and him and Hinata finally meet face to face in the FanFiction. And I can't tell you what he's planning! I'll give alway all of the surprises! That won't be fun. xD Sorry.
Sincerly- MiSS J: Hmm... I never really thought of putting a flash back of Sai hitting on Hinata in the FanFict... but I might just do that now (not in this chapter though. I want to get a few things out before). xD Thank you! And yes, you guessed right. Sasuke did have a crush on Hitomi. Also, I know this story seems like its going to be a whole 'reincarnation' thing as you said in your reply, but... not to give any thing away, but there's a good chance that that won't be happening in this FanFict. ;3
harley944: Yes he did. :3
Tw33ty JR.: :D You'll find out what happens soon enough. I hope it'll meet your expectations. :3
Gaahina_chan: Yay, I caught some one's attention! I feel special now. x3 And thanks!
midnight blue08: Yeppers on the first two things. And the third person apart of the team was said in the third chapter, but I guess I really didn't make it clear enough. It'll be further explained in this chapter. As for the rest of your comment well... you'll just have to find out later! And having speculations is fine. :3 Its nice to see peoples guesses about what's going to happen in the story. xD
Thank you every one who commented! I love you all! And to every one else, you don't have to comment, but its much appreciated and will make me want to get the next chapter out faster. So please review, I'll love you too!
Now, on to the Fourth Chapter of Trust or Betrayal!
From, Somnia.
Previously--
Still with closed eyes, Neji turned and started walking towards the Branch House. " You should leave. Don't want you to be late for your mission. "
" Neji, " Hinata called out, though Neji kept walking. " How did she die? " Hinata's lavender eyes never straying from her sister's name.
Neji only uttered one word which made Hinata's eyes widen in shock and confusion.
" Uchiha. "
' Why didn't they tell me about Hitomi-sama? I have a right to know about my own sister, even if she did die before I knew her... ' Hinata's steps down the dirt roads of Konoha were slow as she made her way down to Konoha's main gates where she needed to be at to start the mission with Sasuke and Naruto. Her eyes never leaving the brown dirt of the road, nor giving any attention to the little kids running by her playing and laughing. ' What exactly do they have to gain from not telling me about Hitomi-sama? I just... I don't understand... None of this makes any sense what so ever...! '
It took Hinata a good 5 minutes of staring at the name carved into the head stone that she remember she had to be at the main gates in less then 10 minutes. Even though she knew she had a mission to do, she didn't want to leave the tomb stone so soon after finding it. The only thing that made Hinata leave the cemetery was only because part of the deal with letting Sasuke still live in Konoha as a shinobi, was that he, and his team couldn't be late in starting a mission, or ending one. Hatake Kakashi was normally Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata's team leader, even if he never went with them on any missions, he still had to report to the Hokage that he showed up to starting, and finishing the mission. It would also still count if one of his teammates were late, and Hinata couldn't be selfish like that and get Sasuke in trouble with Tsunade or the Village Elder's. This little 'rule' also included the team's leader. When Shizune requested Kakashi's company for the mission, Tsunade told him that the mission was to start an hour before it's actual starting time, since Kakashi has a horrible record for always being late.
" Hinata! "
A loud pitch hyper voice pierced through Hinata's thoughts. " Eh? " Hinata looked up with confused eyes but only seen forest making the confusion in her eyes double.
" I called out your name but you walked right past us and out the gate. " Naruto said as he jogged towards Hinata, his hands wrapped around his pack's traps that were around his shoulders.
Hinata turned around to see Naruto slow his pace down to a complete stop. Behind him she could see Kakashi looking at her and Naruto with his book out and Sasuke leaning on the right side of the gate's panel with his arms crossed over his chest, he also was looking at the her with a curious look in his eyes. Hinata turned her eyes back to Naruto's bright blue ones. " I'm sorry, Naruto-kun. I was just... " A smile made its way on Hinata's lips as she tilted her head to the left. " thinking about the mission and every thing. I guess I got caught up in all the thinking. " Hinata laughed lightly and raised her right hand in a light fist and tapped her forehead, in a attempt to throw Naruto off of her worrying. She didn't want to make other people worry about her.
" Oh... Well it just shows your dedication to the mission! That's why you're such a good shinobi, Hinata-chan! " Naruto grinned wide as he and Hinata both made their way to the gate where Sasuke and Kakashi were waiting. Naruto ran towards Kakashi and started asking the laid back looking shinobi some random question about the mission.
Hinata slowly followed Naruto back to the others, but at a much slower pace. When Hinata finally was around the group, Sasuke pushed off of the gate gaining Hinata's attention. Sasuke then tilted his head up then mouth 'What's wrong?'.
Hinata smiled at Sasuke's concern and lightly shook her head while mouthing 'I'll tell you later.'.
Sasuke nodded his head once knowing Hinata would tell keep her word and tell him later. That was another good thing about having Hinata his personal care taker for 2 years. She learned to trust him enough to talk to him about her problems. Hinata even confessed to him one day a few months back that she felt she could talk to him more freely then she can with her teammates and sensei. And Kurenai-sensei was like a mother to her.
" I'm sure you will, Naruto. " Kakashi's bored voice was heard followed by a sigh. " Now then, " Both Sasuke and Hinata turned their attention to Kakashi, knowing full well he was about to tell them their mission. " since we're all back in Konoha again, " Kakashi added, making Hinata blush a light pink while looking down, letting her long indigo bangs cover her face. " This mission's only purpose is to find out what happened to Uron. Nothing else, nothing more. How ever, if the... " Kakashi paused and lowered his voice. " Akatsuki aren't involved with Uron's disapperance, then you'll have to go to Candoglia Village and get the rocks needed for one of our local merchants. " Kakashi turned towards the gates left panel. " You'll be taking this cart so it'll be easier for you three to haul. " He laziedly gestured towards the cart by the panel with a wave of his hand.
" Um... " Naruto looked at the cart, then back at Kakashi. Sasuke and Hinata's eyes locked at the gesture Naruto was making towards the cart. " Who's going to be the one pushing the cart? "
" Not me. " Sasuke said once the words left Naruto's mouth.
" Then I'm not either! " Naruto said with a huff as he crossed his arms over his chest, as if saying what he said was final.
" Now-now you two... " Kakashi said in a bored and barely audible tone of voice, not really caring what was going on as he picked up where he was last at in his book.
Sasuke yawned, not bothering to cover his mouth. " That's fine with me. But just so you know, you pushed the cart pulling on Hinata. "
" Eh? " Naruto blinked before he smacked his hand against his forehead, making a loud smacking noise. " That's not fair, Sasuke! " Naruto pointed at Sasuke. " You put it on her as well! "
" Che. " Sasuke leaned back against the gate's pannel again. " Not really since I said the first one to say I didn't want to push the cart. You could of been more mature then saying you weren't going to just because I said I wasn't going to. "
" ...What? " Naruto asked dumbfound.
" Anou... it'll be fine. I don't mind pushing the cart. " Hinata walked up behind the cart, then took off her pack to rest it on the cart.
" Thanks Hinata-chan, for always being the mature one in the group. " Kakashi said while he walked next to Hinata, and rested his right hand on top of her head while his left hand still held his little orange book. Kakashi smiled through his visible eye.
Sasuke held in the urge to roll his eyes as Hinata started muttering 'Its no proplem' in a low quiet shy voice. She was never really good at being praised on something, and Kakashi tried to praise her every chance he got. ' Tsh, I wonder why.' Sasuke thought sarcastically. Naruto asked their sensei one day when Hinata wasn't there to train with them, that why he always praised Hinata on the simplest things.
Kakashi, like always, took his time to answer. His excuse was " Its very simple, Naruto. Since Hinata-chan is the Hyuuga Heiress, she is pressured to do alot of things, with out getting a simple 'Thank you', or 'Good job', since it's her "Duty as Heiress". Hinata-chan isn't use to getting compliments, or praise, so she's so self-conscious about her self. Don't you think Hinata-chan deserves to be praised every now and then, even if it is 'simple things' she does? She does, after all bring us meals every time we train together, so we won't be hungry and leave the training grounds to get something to eat, so then once we're done eatting, we can continue with our training. And she does this with out us even asking. She's always thinking about us. Don't you think we should try to do whatever we can to boost her ego, so she'll be more confident. Don't you think so, hmm, Naruto? "
This of course made Naruto stutter a few things then look at the ground in embarrassment. What Kakashi said was true, and made Naruto feel horrible since he never really thought of it like that. But Kakashi's real reason for all the compliments on Hinata...
Sasuke sighed.
Naruto's ears perked up. " Hinata-chan, " Naruto jogged towards Hinata while also taking off his pack to lay on the cart. " I'll push it. " He too wanted to be praised when ever he could.
" Naruto-kun, I really don't mind pushing it. You always have to pull the cart... "
" Nah. " Naruto said while rotating his shoulders. " It'll be fine. Besides, I'll just see it as physical training. " Naruto grinned at Hinata.
Hinata crossed her hands behind her lower back then shifted her weight on her right leg. " If you say so. But if you get tired, let me know and I'll take over for a bit. "
" Alright. Thanks, Hinata-chan. I'm glad you're on the team, and that you're not like stupid Sasuke-teme. " Naruto made a scrunched up face at Sasuke's name.
Sasuke held in the urge to roll his eyes again.
" Well, well... " Kakashi finally tucked away his orange book in his weapons pouch he keeps on his hip. " That's very kind of you, Naruto. It seems you're growing up. "
" Awww! Kakashi-sensei, I'm always kind. And I'm very mature! " Naruto raised his right thumb pointed to his puffed out chest, his eyes closed while a grin mixed with a smirked graced his features.
" You keep telling your self that, Naruto. " Kakashi said laziedly, making Naruto's posture sag.
Hinata got away from the cart where Naruto and Kakashi were having their little 'argument', making it over to where Sasuke was standing before Naruto shouted loudly at Kakashi about how he's a better ninja then Kakashi is. And how one day he'll be Hokage.
Sasuke smirked once Hinata was by his side. " I told you it would work. " Sasuke's tone of voice was low.
Hinata looked down, kicking a rock free of the dirt, not choosing to say anything but keep her head down.
This made Sasuke sigh. " And I told you not to offer to pull the cart. "
She winced at his annoyed tone. " I-I know, but he always pulls the cart... I feel bad for doing that to Naruto-kun... " Her words were whispered. Sasuke was the one who came up with the idea to make Naruto pull the cart the next time 'Cart Pulling' was included in the mission. Hinata objected to it at first, but after Sasuke pestered her about how it would be a good thing for Naruto to get the 'extra training', Hinata finally agree, since she, her self didn't want to pull the cart. After spending a few years looking after the Uchiha, she picked up some of his 'habbits', ways he talked, and acted. Admitting she didn't want to do something, and be 'selfish' was one of the things she picked up from him. Though, she still felt bad about it. That, she could never get rid of.
" You'll get over it. " Sasuke's reply was blunt as he made his way back to where Kakashi and Naruto where at. Hinata following closely behind him with her head still down in what she felt was shame. " So is that it? " Sasuke cross his arms over his chest.
" Hm? " Kakashi looked away from Naruto to Sasuke with bored eyes. " Oh, right. " Sasuke's words finally registering in his mind. Kakashi raised a lazy hand to the back of his head then ran his fingers through his hair. His other hand started to dig in his weapons pouch for something. " Basically. You will report to the Hokage every day by carrier bird, and yeah. If the Akatsuki are involved with this mission, you are not to get involved further. " Kakashi looked back at Sasuke, his eyes narrowing slightly in meaning.
Sasuke groaned as his teeth gritted in annoyance and anger. " I know already. The old hag already told me about this. You don't have to repeat it. "
" Uh-huh. " Kakashi's hand finally left his weapons pouch, a small scroll clutched lightly in his grasp. Handing the scroll over to Hinata, Kakashi continued. " If the Akatsuki are involved, you are to return to Konoha as fast as you can. Leave the cart, and the mission in Candoglia village. In case you are unable to make it back to Konoha, due to a fight, before you leave Lime-Stone Village, send a message by carrier bird of what you know so we'll be on guard and wary of what's going on and if you three suddenly disappear with out a trace. But if possible, avoid combat at all costs. " Kakashi's eyes flickered at Sasuke again, causing a inaudible growl from the Uchiha.
" Hinata-chan, you'll be in charge of sending the bird out. Report whatever strange activities that are happening in the village. And remember, one of the Akatsuki is a master at puppetry. He might have a few puppets walking around to keep an eye on things. So be wary. " Hinata nodded. " Every thing else you need to know is in the scroll I just handed you. Also, " Kakashi reached back into his pouch and pulled out a one inch thick bundle wrapped in black worn leather. He also handed this bundle to Hinata. A second wrapped black bundle was hidden on the bottom of the larger bundle. Kakashi lightly tapped his pinky against Hinata's thumb when he has handing the two bundles to her. A secret code him and her made up one day when they were both on a mission together with out any one else. " this is for the hotel room, and other living expensive needed. Like always, Hinata-chan will be in charge of handling the money. "
When Hinata moved to put the wrapped leather bundle in her pouch, she pushed the hidden bundle inside of her jackets sleeve, letting it slide down a hidden pocket.
Naruto groaned loudly. " Why do you always put Hinata-chan in charge of every thing? Every mission she's always in charge of sending the birds and reporting, and she's always in charge of the money! " Naruto started to bounce on his heels to keep some of his frustration in check. He wasn't mad at Hinata, he was mad at Kakashi. " Why don't you ever put me or Sasuke-teme in charge of something every once in a while? "
Kakashi sighed. " Because, Naruto, if you were in charge of the money, you'd buy nothing but ramen. " Naruto opened his mouth to say 'What's wrong with ramen?!' but Kakashi continued hastily. " Though there's nothing wrong with ramen, you three will be gone for 15 to 18 days, and you need to ration your money. Though I'm pretty sure you three each brought your own supply of money, this is just to help with the hotel and what have you, and Hinata-chan is good at making this money last and not spending it on junk food. " Naruto scrunched his face as a light pink tint covered his cheeks. " Now, as for the reports, you're not very good at putting important vital details on a small scroll, because you write big and have a hard time explaining things. You normally leave things out if you don't think that they are important enough to be mentioned. "
" Bah! " Naruto childishly said and turned his face to the side then upward with his hands crossed over his chest, not liking Kakashi's response.
" And I'm pretty sure Sasuke would rather some one else like Hinata-chan deal with both matters since she's trusted to do a good job. "
' Which is true. ' Sasuke thought.
" That's why I never put you two to be in charge of the mission when I'm not there with you three. " Kakashi smiled knowingly. " Hinata-chan is perfectly capable to take care of you two and the mission. " Kakashi's smile grew to 'playful' as his right hand was brought back on top of Hinata's head, in a 'ruffling' fashion, causing the young Hyuuga to blush at the 'childish affection'.
This time Sasuke did roll his eyes but managed to suppress a groan.
" Um... Heeeeeey... Kakashi-sensei... I just realised something... Shouldn't we like... be talking about this mission... away from the gate and in a secluded room? I mean... what if an Akatsuki member is watching and hearing us right now? They'll know we're planning a spy mission. " Naruto blinked in confusion.
Kakashi's visable eye closed as he and Sasuke both sighed. Hinata suppressed a giggle. " Naruto-kun, we're in a light genjutsu right now. If people walk past us, or see or hear us, they'll see and hear a totally different conversation about the sole mission in Candoglia Village. The genjutsu is light enough to where no one will be able to tell that what they are seeing is a genjutsu, and only certain people of Konoha's Special Forces can feel it. "
" Ohhhh... "
" Dumb ass. Could you not feel the chakra that's around us? What if one of our enemies used this sort of genjutsu against you? You wouldn't be able to notice the difference, and end up giving away vital information about your self, us, or the village, thinking who ever was in the genjutsu with you was your friend and not foe! " Sasuke spat out.
" Sasuke. " Hinata tried to make her voice sound stern, but it only sounded disapproving. " Its not his fault he didn't know about the genjutsu, no one told him about it. And he's not supposed to feel the genjutsu. No one is. Only people with strong chakra control can feel the small amount of chakra that's put into these kind of genjutsu's, and not alot people in Konoha are actually able to have the chakra control needed to feel it's light charka usage. "
He sighed. Sasuke didn't argue back. He knew better then to. Because he knew she was right. But still. How did Naruto expect to become Hokage if he had such weak chakra control? And, Sasuke hated it when Hinata would defend Naruto like that. Not because he was jealous or any thing, but because Naruto would always get this happy grin and childishly stick his tongue out at him, just because Hinata 'yelled' at him in her own way. Sighing, Sasuke ignored Naruto's childish gestures and turned back to Kakashi. " Is that it? Can we go now? "
" Ah well, yes. Just remember, avoid combat at all costs, keep a low profile, and don't make any trouble for Hinata-chan like you two did last time you three were on a mission like this. " Both Naruto and Sasuke looked away from Kakashi's gaze. " The damage to the inn was so bad, poor Hinata-chan had to pay for the damages out of her own pockets and clean up the mess, and to also be able to let you three still stay at the inn with out blowing your mission. "
" It wasn't my fault, Kakashi-sensi. Stupid Sasuke-teme was hogging up the bath room by playing with him self! " Naruto yelled out the last part. He was still angry that Sauske was hogging the bath room when he really had to pee badly.
Sasuke's head snapped towards Naruto. A mixture of angry, mad, and a little hint embarrassment was found in his facial features. " For the last time, you fucking idiot, I was not playing with my self. " Sasuke lowly hissed out the last part.
As much time as she's spent with Kiba back when they were still genin, and the last 2 years she's spent going on special missions with Naruto and Sasuke, Hinata still wasn't use to guys talking about such things. It was really only Kiba and Naruto who talked like that around her. When they were still a team, Shino would constantly keep reminding Kiba that Hinata was a shy girl who was uncomfortable when people (mainly guys) talked about sex. And thankfully Sasuke did the same thing when ever Naruto started talking like this, or about some dreamshe had. Though Sasuke was more harsher on Naruto then Shino was on Kiba. Shino used logic to make Kiba stop about his sex drives, while Sasuke used a little logic, then his fists to make Naruto shut up. Hinata's eyes darted away from the three guys she was in front of, not wanting to see a male right now while a conversation was going on about Sasuke... playing with him self. A dark red covered her cheeks.
" Yes you was too! After Hinata-chan was finished taking her shower, you rushed in there even though you knew I had to tinkle really really baddly! Then you wouldn't get out! "
" That doesn't mean I was playing with my self, you fucking dumb ass! " Sasuke finally shouted out, not able to keep his anger in check. " I was just taking a shower! I know how to control my sex drives way better then you! Just because you play with your self every time you go to the bath room, doesn't mean every other guy does!! "
Naruto's face reddened. " I do not play with my self every time I go to the bath room, Teme! Take that back! "
" No, since you're so hell bent on saying I was playing with my self that night! "
" Because you was! "
" Now, now you two. " Kakashi stepped in between Sasuke and Naruto, just in time to make Sasuke stop the chakra flow to his eyes to activate his sharnigan. " This is exactly what I'm talking about. I hate to do this, but Tsunade-sama told me to tell you two that if you two cause Hinata-chan any trouble on this mission, she'll send you two on 2 months worth of D-missions together. " Kakashi blinked at the two boys before continuing. " And also that you can't get Hinata-chan to lie for you two because she is terrible at lying to people she respects. " He said as if he was reading their minds.
Hinata's blush started to fade away once Kakashi intervened between Sasuke and Naruto, until Kakashi said what Tsunade said about her not being a good liar to people she actually respects. Her blush came back. It was true. She could lie to every one just fine. With her Father, the Elder Hyuuga's, basically every one in her family (except for Neji of course), she can keep a straight face when she lies, and they won't pick it up. This, of course, she learned from Sasuke as well. But as usual, the old part of her that actually cares about other people, won't let her lie to people she likes, and respects. At least, not good anyways.
Naruto and Sasuke both groaned and rolled their eyes, meaning they both would 'behave'.
" Now then, I suggest you three be on your way. Remember, follow instructions, don't talk about the mission out loud, keep to your selves, and don't make any trouble for the villages and/or Hinata-chan. " Kakashi waved once before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
Naruto groaned. " Ugh... that guy... I swear man. "
Sighing, Sasuke picked up his pack and tossed it on top of the cart. " We better get going before it gets even later. " Sasuke made his way to the back of the cart then pulled himself on it, letting his back lay on the carts wooden surface, his hands crossed behind his head, and his legs barely dangling off of the cart, his feet almost touching the ground.
" Oi, oi, oi, OI! What the hell are you doing, Sasuke-teme?! " Naruto started to shake the cart, hoping to knock off Sasuke.
" Well since you're pushing the cart, I figured me and Hinata could go ahead and get on so if something goes down even before we reach LimeStone Village, all three of us won't be tired. Don't you think that's a good idea, Hinata? " Sasuke closed his eyes knowing Hinata would agree with him. This was also part of 'their plan'. And since Hinata would agree with him, Naruto would think it would be a good idea, since he always thinks Hinata's idea's are good.
Hinata bit the inside of her bottom lip before replying. " Yes, t-that is a good idea. " Boy she hated lying to Naruto. But at least he wasn't that good at reading people when they were lying, like Sasuke, Kakashi or Tsunade.
" Huh? Well... I guess it is a good idea... I would of let you on it anyways, Hinata-chan. As for stupid Sasuke, " Naruto turned back to Sasuke. " You have to get off every now and then! I don't want to be carrying your lazy ass the whole way! "
Sasuke signed. " Yeah, yeah, yeah... "
The first few hours into the mission was uneventful. Hinata would activate her Byakuugan every thirty minutes, or when ever she felt things were too 'peaceful'. And of course, as usual, Naruto and Sasuke both argued about meaningless things. ' But boys will be boys I supposed. ' Hinata giggled to her self.
" What are you gigging at now? " Sasuke said in a sigh. His posture from when he first laid on the cart changed slightly out of discomfort from being in that position for to long. Sasuke opened his right eye to look at Hinata.
Hinata lightly shook her head. " Nothing. " She looked at Sasuke over her left shoulder. " Just thinking about how childish you two are. " Hinata tried to grin but it came out as a smile when Sasuke groaned and closed his eye.
" So... " Sasuke's voice got low with a hint of seriousness. " You going to tell me what this morning was about? " Hinata's swinging legs stopped as her grip on the edge of the cart tightened. The sudden change in Hinata's aura made Sasuke open both of his eyes to look at the now quiet girl as her eyes stayed focused on the moving ground beneath her. " Its that serious, huh? "
Pale lavender eyes looked above to the over passing tree branches, squinting every now and then when the branches were gaped enough to let the light from the bright sun through. Sounds of chirping birds and Naruto's complaining voice started to fade as Neji's voice from a few hours ago filled her ears. Hinata nodded once. " I-It is... sort of... " Her words were whispered, to not let Naruto know of their conversation. Hinata gulp down the dryness in her mouth that suddenly appeared.
' "Sort of" '. The words echoed in Sasuke's mind. His onyx eyes stayed focused on Hinata. ' If it has something to do with her dumb ass of a Father and him pushing her training, or if it had something to do with Clan matter's, they wouldn't of let her go on this mission and made her stay in Konoha, since 'Clan matters' are more important then the village they live in. ' Sasuke thought bitterly. ' So I wonder what's wrong if it has her acting like this, and its just "sort of" serious. ' Sasuke pushed his upper body up to sit side-by-side with Hinata. " Well, " he started off slowly, looking for the right words to 'lighten' the mood. " when ever you can stop being your self and find the right wording, let me know. "
The seriousness and sadness in Hinata's eyes and facial features faded and was replaced with embarrassment. " Alright. " Hinata's pale pink lips curved into a smile. Even though sadden thoughts of her older sister she never got to meet was in her mind, Sasuke still managed to embarrasse her and make her smile. Of course she knew he was joking, and he wasn't trying to be rude. Sasuke was just being him self, but not wanting to show his concern, and also make her feel better at the same time.
Hinata's hand trembled slightly as she lifted it off of the cart and gently rested it on top of Sasuke's right hand. " Thank you... Sasuke. " Her cheeks were a bright red from such a bold move, though she kept eye contact with the Uchiha.
Sasuke slid his hand out from under Hinata's much smaller one, only to place it on top of hers. His long fingers curled around the palm of her hand, giving it a light squeeze. " Any time. " Sasuke smirked with his words as the color on Hinata's cheeks darkened.
" Oi! "
Hinata and Sasuke both jerked their hands away at lightening speed at Naruto's voice. What was going through Hinata's mind was ' Please don't have noticed our hands were together, Naruto-kun! ' And Sasuke was thinking ' If you seen and are going to make a big deal about it and end up making Hinata uncomfortable or embarrassed, so help you God, Naruto, you will not have a peaceful death. '
" Can one of you pull the cart so I can take a break? " Naruto whined as he tossed his head back to see Hinata and Sasuke up side down looking at him.
Both Sasuke's and Hinata's posture slacked from relief that Naruto didn't notice their hands clasped together. Its not that they were trying to hide it or any thing. Just that Naruto tends to make a big deal out of every thing. " Let take a break. " Sasuke slid off of the cart and stretched. " I need a break too. This cart isn't very comfortable to sleep on. "
" Damn it, Sasuke! Why don't you just pull the cart for a bit? "
" Because I don't want to. Also we should break for a bit since it's around lunch time and I'm hungry. This will give you a chance to rest and gain your stamina back. Its a win-win. "
Naruto sighed as he ducked under the hitch that was connected to cart. " And you call me lazy. Trying to use to me to get out of saying your ass hurts from siting on it all day. " He grumbled under his breath.
Sasuke held his hand out to Hinata who shyly took his hand to help her down off of the cart. A small 'special' smirk was given to Hinata when she was right in front of Sasuke and their eyes locked in... something Sasuke was unfamiliar to for a few seconds.
" Hey! Hurry up, I'm freaking starving over here! " Naruto yelled, breaking the unknown moment between the two.
Hinata giggled while Sasuke groaned.
This was going to be a looooooong mission... Sasuke thought.
---
Around 8:30 pm, Sasuke once again slid off of the cart before Naruto opened his mouth.
" Alright, this is far enough for the night. " Sasuke picked up Naruto's pack only to throw it on the ground by a near by tree. He then picked up his and Hinata's pack and laid them down.
" Oi! That has my cups of ramen in it! " Naruto cried as he ran to his pack and unzipped it to check on his uncooked ramen.
" Whoops. Now then, Naruto, go find a lake and get some water or whatever. Just go do something useful. "
" 'Something useful'?! I just hauled that damned cart more then 50 miles! What the hell did you do besides sit on your ass?! "
" I kept a look out so while you were pushing the cart, no one would attack you. " Sasuke shrugged.
" Hinata-chan was doing that! "
Sasuke shrugged again. " Now go get some-- "
" You get some-- "
This was getting him no where except annoyed. " Your hands hurt, right? "
Naruto blinked in confusion. " What? "
" Your hands hurt from pushing the cart, correct? " Sasuke dead panned.
" Well... " Naruto looked down at his red hands. " Ye-- "
" Then when you're getting the water for our meals and drinking water, you can let your hands cool in the lake water. How many times do I have to remind you about that? And might I also remind you, again, that when you rest your hands in the water, let the water still be in the river or lake, and not in the bucket of water you're bringing back. "
Naruto's face reddened. " That happened once. "
" Whatever, just go. I'll set up the tents, while Hinata gets the fire and the stuff for dinner prepared. "
Naruto ran his hands through his blond spiky hair while groaning loudly before mumbling something along the lines of 'Stupid Sasuke-teme and his stupid smart-ass logic.'
---
Dinner was... uneventful. Uneventful for the 3 anyways. The normal stuff happened, as always. Sasuke and Naruto argued alot about who was eatting most of the meat and leaving alot of vegetables which lead to Hinata separating each other. Which would last a grand total of 2 minutes, then it'd start up again. But thankfully Hinata was use to their bickering and arguing, and knew how to handle them... for the most part anyway.
And finally after an hour or two argument between Sasuke and Naruto about the shifts, Hinata finally found a good shift for every one. Sasuke would take the first shift of 3 hours, Hinata would take the second shift of 3 hours as well, and Naruto will take the last of 2 hours. " Since he did push the cart the whole day. He needs his rest. ", was Hinata's logic of course. Which Sasuke didn't like, because he knew Hinata wouldn't have the heart to wake him up, and just take his shift so he could sleep.
But ' Whatever. We'll end up just staying up the whole night together like always and away from that loud mouth who always interrupts us. ' Sasuke thought with a smirk as he stared at the fire that was burning brightly in the hole he dug earlier to keep the fire under control.
After a few more minutes of staring at the fire Hinata came in the clearing, carrying a white towel and a small hand bag that held her soap and other personal items.
" Welcome back. " Sasuke said as his eyes followed Hinata's movements. The yellow and orange flames dancing across his onyx eyes.
" Thanks. " She murmured as she walked placed her towel and bag in the tent she was going to sleep in, then to the other side of the camp fire where Sasuke was sitting. Taking a seat on a flat stone she found earlier for a chair. Hinata also turned her gaze upon the flames.
Silence fell between the two as both got lost in their thoughts.
" You should sleep. " Finally breaking the silence like always.
" I can't sleep right now. When I feel tired I'll go to sleep. " Was always her reply. But Sasuke knew she was going to stay up with him. Just like he always stayed up with her during her shift.
" Ah. " Was all Sasuke said before turning his gaze to Hinata. " So now can you tell me what happened? "
" Oh... well... " Hinata tucked her long side bangs behind her ears. " When I was leaving for the mission, I seen Neji-kun at the Main Hyuuga cemetary. He was paying respects to my... sister. "
" Sister? " Sasuke raised a brow in question. What would it matter if Neji was paying his respects to her sister?
Hinata nodded slowly once. " Hyuuga, Hitomi. My sister... "
Sasuke's dark onyx eyes widen as he breathed out 'Tomi-chan...'.
" What did you just say? " Hinata looked over at Sasuke with also widened eyes.
" Your sister's name is... Hitomi? " Sasuke started off slowly to see Hinata nod. " Was she the Hyuuga Heiress? "
Hinata nodded again. The frown between her brows deepening. How could Sasuke possible know Hitomi?
Sasuke turned back to the fire, not able to stare into Hinata's confused lavender eyes. " What would it matter if he was visiting her grave? " His voice held a hint of anger. ' Is Hinata jealous of Hitomi or something? Is that why she has a problem with Neji visiting her grave? '
" T-There is no problem with him or any one visiting her grave. I just... " Hinata kept her eyes on Sasuke's face. " I... No one ever told me her name or where she was. "
Sasuke's eyes snapped back to Hinata. " What? "
" I-I... Father never told me about her. Really about her. He told me I had a older sister was, of course, the Hyuuga Heiress. But he never told me where she was buried at, or what her name was. " This time it was Hinata who broke eye contact with Sasuke to look at the ground to hide burning sensation in her eyes. " I passed by her grave so many times, but I never... I never knew it was her's. That she was right there. I never knew... "
" Oh... " Was all Sasuke could say. So she wasn't jealous. ' She's upset because no one ever told her about her sister. ' " Why didn't Neji or one of the Elders tell you about her? And why the hell didn't he, of all people tell you about your sister? "
Hinata's hand shakingly wiped away the tears that almost fell from her eyes. " Father probably told every one to not tell me about her. And as for the reasons... Neji-kun said that he didn't want for me to become jealous of Hitomi-sama, or think I was just a replacement that wasn't good enough for the Title and Clan. Neji-kun also said that... Hitomi-sama was a blessing to the Hyuuga Clan to be the Heiress. "
" She was. "
" How do you know her? Can you tell me about her? I-If you don't mind me asking. "
Sasuke slightly shook his head. " You have a right to know about her. " After a few seconds of silence, he was finally able to sort all his jumbled thoughts and words. " Its been a while since I thought about her. " Sasuke started off slowly. " When we first met, it was of course at a Clan gathering between the Hyuuga's and Uchiha's. I was around 4 at the time, and Itachi... my brother along with Hitami was 12. Though, they met long before. They met when he graduated from the Academy when he was 7. Hitomi was never in the Academy since her father, Hiashi, thought she was to good to be in the Academy, but the old man Hokage passed her as Genin when she was 6. Hitomi and Itachi, along with Shisui who was Heir to the Uchiha Clan, also Itachi's best friend, were put in a special team since they were very talented shinobi. "
' Team Zero. ' Hinata mouthed. Now it all made sense why he was so tense and angry when Tsunade wanted to asign them that name.
Sasuke nodded seeing her mouth the words. " They were the very best. All three of them both made it to ANBU, and were still a team. Itachi was always the leader of their team. Shisui was his right hand, while Hitomi was Shisui's right. She kept both of them in check though. When they weren't on missions, she was the leader of the group. She always... She always knew how to make every one smile. Even Itachi, who always had on this emotionless mask on all the time, she was able to make him smile. "
The pale lips of Sasuke's smiled a small sad smile. " She once told me when Itachi and Shisui were busy with Clan matters that when she first met him, she made a challenge for her self, which was to make him smile or laugh at least once a day. She was so nice... " Sasuke whispered the last part. " Always playing or training with me when ever Itachi was to busy. Which was alot. Most of what I learned when I started off in the Academy, I learned from her. She always got me out of trouble with my dad, or Itachi. I really respected her. Even loved her... "
A sudden dull pain shot through Hinata's heart. Was she hearing correctly? Hinata never knew Sasuke would be so open about this... about his feelings. Why did he tell her that? And why did it bother her so much? It was more then 7 years ago.
" But we could of never been together. Not only was there the age difference, she was in love with some one else. "
Hinata blinked. " Itachi? "
Sasuke's eyes hardened in a small glare. " No. She was to good for him. " He spat out. " It was Shisui she was in love with. Though I don't think Itachi approved of their relationship. "
" Wait... you said Shisui-san was the Heir to the Uchiha Clan... Is that why Itachi didn't approve? Since Shisui-san and Hitomi-sama were both Heirs to Konoha's most powerful clans, Law stats Heirs could never be together. "
" No... That wasn't the reason. " Sasuke sighed at her responce. " Itachi didn't feel that Shisui was good enough for Hitomi. And no, the 'Law' didn't matter to them. Hitomi and Shisui both knew of that 'Law' that Heirs to clans can't get married or be together, so they kept their relationship hidden. "
" Itachi loved her? "
Another sigh. " I don't know. I guess. Though, the 'Law' did come up from Itachi. When Shisui's Father, the Uchiha Clan Leader, died during a mission, the power was going to be passed to Shisui, but since he was only 14 at the time, the Elder's put in a temporary Leader, which was our father. After talking with the Elder's, my dad and Itachi, Shisui went ahead and appointed full leadership over to Fuigku who agreed in a heart beat. So now Itachi was the Heir to the Clan, and Hitomi and Shisui could have a real relationship out in the open. "
" And I take it that Itachi wasn't to happy about him giving the Leadership over to your Father, and making him Heir. "
" Exactly. However, Shisui wouldn't of given the Leadership over to my father with out Itachi agreeing to it first. Even though it was his love life on the line, he would of never did any thing to put pressure on Itachi. Itachi agreed to it, since it would bring Honor to our family, and also make more of a name for the Uchiha since he was already the ANBU Captian. 'Just think, the Uchiha Heir is the ANBU Captain. That would show the Hyuuga's who's better.' That was my father's logic, not Itachi's. He already knew what Father was going to say before Shisui even brought it up to him. And being our father's son, he knew he had to do it, even though there was going to be major stress on him. "
" Ah... A-anou... H-how did she... die? "
Sasuke's emotionless mask slipped back into place as his posture froze.
" When I asked Neji-kun how she died... he said one word. 'Uchiha'. That was it. "
Hinata stared at Sasuke who was unmoving. A few minutes passed and still Sasuke has yet to say any thing. " Sasuke? W-What happened? "
" He killed her... Itachi killed her the night he killed all the other Uchiha's. "
" W-what? " Hinata released the breath she didn't know she was holding.
Sasuke's face dropped into his hands as he tiredly rubbed his face. " One day Shisui and Hitomi were on a mission while Itachi was dealing with Clan Matters. I don't know the details, but Hitomi and Shisui were attacked when they were coming home. Hitomi pushed Shisui out of the way from a killing blow, but she got hit in the process. Shisui brought her back to Konoha with a very small pulse. The Hyuuga's took her in to their compound, not letting any one see her while their medical staff worked on her. None of the Hyuuga's said any thing about her. If she was alright, or if she died. Some how a rumor spread that... She died right when they put her on the operating table, and that's why none of the Hyuuga's was talking. None of them was. Not your father, none of the Elder's, not even any of the Branch members. They didn't say a word when they were outside of the compound. "
" Shisui, along with Itachi tried to sneak into the compound to find out what happened. They couldn't find her. Finally, being full with guilt, Shisui commited suicide in the Uchiha Lake because he blamed himself for her death. His suicide letter was found in his room by my father. How ever... I come to find out that Itachi was the one who killed him, and just made it seem like he committed suicide. "
Tears finally fell out of the Hyuuga's eyes. " W-why would he do something like that? "
Sasuke shrugged. " Probably for revenge for Hitomi's death. Or maybe to get a special Sharingan. Maybe both. "
" Y-You said Itachi killed her... it was him who attacked them? "
" No. It turned out that Hitomi wasn't dead. Just in critical condition in another building. Last time I seen her was when she was going on her mission. I asked Itachi to help with my training, he said he had other things to do, but Hitomi on the other hand offered to help. Though the only time she got to train me was aa hour before she was going to leave on her mission. That was the last time I ever seen her. They say, on the night of the massacar, a few hours before it, Hitomi was released from the compound because she was strong enough to go out in public with a guard just in case something happened. She went straight to the Uchiha cemetery to see if Shisui really did kill him self because her father told her about what happened. I supposed... that's... when it happened... "
" The massacar... " Hinata whispered.
Sasuke slowly nodded. " Itachi never showed me how he killed her, and I never seen her body. But after Itachi fled, and the ANBU cleared out the homes and dead bodies, it was reported that her body, along with her body guard, was found near Shisui's grave. Hitomi... tried to fight back, but since she wasn't strong enough, Itachi got the best of her... "
" T-That's s-so... cruel... How can any body do such a-a horrible act like that to the people they love and grew up with? " She breathed out as more tears fell.
Sasuke let out a shaky breath. " I keep asking my self that every day, Hinata... After all these years, I'm still unable to find the answer. " Sasuke's dark onyx eyes casted up at the cloudless sky above them as he silently listened to Hinata's sorrowful sobs.
After all these years... Hinata never knew about her sister or of her death. Always knowing you had a sister, but never knowing her, or even her name. A few months after the massacar happened, and Sasuke went back to the Academy, that's when he met Hinata for the first time. The first year that passed, Sasuke hated her because she looked like the splitting image of Hitomi, only a younger version. Plus, he was still in mourning over Hitomi's death, and yet, Hinata never once looked sad, or upset at class. An imprint of a spoiled brat who didn't care about her sister, and only cared about gaining the title as Hyuuga Heiress, is what Sasuke pictured Hinata to be. But after unconsciously watching her day after day from hate and bitterness, Sasuke finally noticed that Hinata wasn't the spoiled brat he pegged her as at first. She was the total opposite of what Tomi-chan was, besides being kind to every one she met. The kind of person Hinata was, she would never wish for her sister's death, or to take the title away from her, or to even replace Hitomi.
How could he be so wrong about Hinata and judge her so harshly?
Probably because of the trust he had with Hitomi, and the betrayal he got from Itachi. He didn't want to make the same mistake to trust some one so easily like he did his brother.
I hope you all are ok with what's going on. Corny last part, I know. :P
A/N: To clear a few things up. I'm not following the actual Anime/Manga it self. Yes, Itachi, and Shisui are older then what they are in the anime, but I needed them to be older, so yeah! And if Shisui is Itachi's cousin, well... I didn't know that. I did some research on Shisui, and no one really did say they were actually cousins, that it was just rumors that they were, so I decided to make them friends and not cousins. Also, I'm not sure when Itachi graduated from the Academy and become ANBU, so I just winged it. I know its not perfect, but whatever.
In all honesty, I wanted to keep writing to this chapter. But since there's already 9500+ letters written to it, I decided I needed to end it. There was so much more I wanted to add, but I'll put more to that on the next chapter. And hopefully it won't take me as long to write and put out since I know what I want to write. Its just going to be hard to put the right words out. xD OH! And sorry Itachi wasn't in this chapter. o.o;;
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write them! I'll be more then happy to answer them.
Happy Thanksgiving! (I wanted to put this out that day, but wasn't able to, my bad.)
From, Memorias.