FROM THE IMAGINATIVE MIND OF PINOY GAMER

IN COLLABORATION WITH [ENTER TEXT HERE PRODUCTIONS]

PRESENTS

Nindō

[Nindō (忍道) - Ninja way; it is the way of the ninja, their motto, belief, or "dream"]. Protect the people precious to me for they are my strength. They fuel my Fire, my Will, against the encroaching darkness. Never will I falter from my nindō, my creed, my promise. I am Hinata Usagi...and this is my story.

CHAPTER TWO

KONOHAGAKURE - April 6th, One Year before Rookie 12's Graduation

Though it took her awhile to get in, Hinata opened her eyes and smiled. Finally, it's good to be back at my Mind Palace.

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When she was nine years old, she once overheard her father talk to Inochi Yamanaka, the Yamanaka Clan Head, over tea. The Yamanakas, according to her lessons, were a special ninja clan that can infiltrate the mind, wreak havoc in it, and heal and take care of it. During the tea discussion, she heard that while only a Yamanaka can do some mind jutsus, anyone can create what Inochi dubbed a 'Mind Palace' – a special area in the mind where one can hold their secrets and be a safe recluse as well.

Intrigued by the concept (and wanting a really special place to hide from everyone where she can do her own stuff without someone watching over her), Hinata started discreetly asking her classmate, Ino Yamanaka (Inochi's daughter), about it. Although she was suspicious, Ino helped her out since she also wanted her own Mind Palace (her father apparently didn't want her to have one until she graduated from Ninja School).

After a few blunders while becoming close friends, Hinata and Ino got to make their own Mind Palaces (though she never did state the reason why she wanted it in the first place, no matter how many times Ino asked). Upon entering hers for the first time, she was greeted by a rare sight – a brunette version of her stood in the middle of her room (Hinata designed it that way, since she needed a place where she can mentally rest and at least be very familiar with).

"Who are you?" Hinata asked in a surprisingly stutter-free way.

The clone turned to her, frowning first before grinning. "Ah, the outer has finally entered her mindscape! Welcome, welcome to my humble – or rather – our abode!" she said as she walked up to Hinata.

When Hinata tilted her head sideways, a look of recognition appeared on the clone's face. "How rude of myself, silly me, to forget to introduction." she said, scratching her neck before extending her hand. "I am Himari and I'm, how would I put it…your inner you: the incarnation of all things that you want to be yet cannot express outward."

It took Hinata less than a second to realize what the clone meant. "Your my…opposite self, then. T-the things…the things I can't be." she replied, mumbling the last part as she closely inspected her clone.

This brunette Hinata was completely opposite from her in terms of demeanor and attire. While Hinata would be typically shy, Himari had that cocky look on her face and looked completely confident. Her dress, while similar in design, were clothes that Hinata would NEVER wear at all: an opened light purple jacket with the sleeves rolled up, VERY short shorts, a dark blue tank top (that at least covered her breasts), and black stockings – as if she was flaunting it to the world.

"What do you mean 'things I can't be'?" Himari asked angrily, apparently hearing what Hinata had mumbled. "Bitch please, the only reason I have these 'things' you say is because you have them but don't want to show them."

And then she went on ranting on how she was literally pissed that Hinata was always submissive to those around her, pointing out that as clan heir, she should have used her position to change the outlooks of the Hyuuga Clan AND change the system. She only stopped ranting when she noticed Hinata mumble looked close to tears, mumbling an "I'm sorry…"

Sighing, Himari hugged Hinata before staring into her eyes. "Sorry about that rant but this would have been your attitude if you tried to express yourself more often."

"I…I just…can't." Hinata replied sadly. "It just scares me if I do something wrong, Father will get angry at me and everyone will look down and Neji will spew more about Fate…"

Hinata went on and on while Himari stayed silent, an amused look on her face as she watch her Outer ramble on and on. "You're rambling, Hinata."

Hinata stopped mid-rant before blushing furiously. "Sorry…"

"Nah, no more of that sorry." Himari said dismissively. "Both of us do ramble on so yeah, everything's a-okay."

An awkward silence fell over them before Hinata broke it by asking "Um, can you explain what you are?"

"Oh, I'm basically your Inner you." Himari explained nonchalantly. "We're basically mental manifestation of all your suppressed emotions, characteristics, and wants. Say, if you know a sweet little girl, her inner will probably be a sadistic person who constantly swear – all the time."

Pondering over it, Hinata asked "So if I were a stuttering, shy person, my inner would be confident with a loud mouth?"

Himari rolled her eyes. "Of course I'm confident and yes, I do have a loud mouth."

A confused Hinata just stared at her Inner before face palming, finally realizing what she had said. "Great, my Inner is an immature brat." she groaned as facepalmed.

Hearing the comment, Himari laughed loudly. "I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship."

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Hinata could still recall the memory perfectly as she spied a figure staring out the room. Her mind palace was her domain, her refugee – and after what she learned from the day – her happy place.

"Well, well, looks like the exiled princess graces me with her mere presence!" a rather loud voice similar to Hinata greeted her.

Giving off a tired smile, Hinata replied "Hey Hima, how are you?"

Himari raised an eyebrow as she turned to her outer. "Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?" Hima asked rhetorically. "I mean, I'm your sentient consciousness – I should be acting as your psychiatrist!"

Chuckling, Hinata just shrugged. "Fine, be my psychiatrist Hima." she sarcastically replied.

"Oh wow! Hina's giving me a sassy reply!" Himari mocked gasped at Hinata's sarcasm, wiping an imaginary tear from her eyes. "My teachings have finally been understood by my pupil!"

Hinata just rolled her eyes at Himari's actions before ungracefully flopping down on the bed. Her Inner, having been sitting by the desk, sat at the foot of it and asked "Kidding aside, you okay Hina?"

"Sort of, yeah." Hinata started, giving a small smile. "I mean, Aunt Nosuri is cool and all and I still get to be a ninja."

"But…you're a civilian and an exile." Himari replied bluntly, getting a nod from her Outer. "It ain't bad…well, probably the exile part but come on – Sakura's a civilian and she's doing great!"

Hinata gave her an unamused look as she sat up. "She started as a civilian – I'm from a ninja—"

SLAP

"Dammit Hina!" Himari shouted as Hinata rubbed her jaw. "Who gives a fuck! Naruto's an orphan yet he's still making waves among the ninja forces because of his pranks are like civilian-level traps for ninjas – and that's saying something! Sakura's a—"

"—a genius among the civilian because of her mastery of her chakra and rumored to be the Top Kunoichi of the class, alongside Sasuke Uchiha." Hinata finished, still rubbing her jaw. "I know, I know, your family doesn't determine your path, you make your own, yada yada yada."

Flopping down the bed, she gave a sigh. "I know Hima, I know…it's just hurts that I'm still set aside for others."

Himari was silent after that, letting Hinata stare at the Palace ceiling. "You know what," Himari began slowly, unsure how Hinata would react. "It might actually be a good thing."

When her Outer didn't react, she continued. "I mean, look at it – you are no longer under the shadow of your clan and peers. You won't be considered as a weak Hyuuga since you are no longer one – that way, you are free from the cage of those backward bastards!"

Hinata didn't reply immediately, contemplating with her words of wisdoms. Granted, it was true – she was no longer a Hyuuga and could be freed from its stereotypes. However, what would she be – an Usagi or a Hyuuga? What about her friends, Ino and Shino, think about her? Will her teacher, Iruka, suddenly get confused with the sudden name change? What about—

"Everything will be alright Hinata," Himari said with conviction, jarring Hinata from her deep concentration as if she knew what was going in her mind. "If everything else fails, I'll always be here for you."

"Thanks Hima." Hinata replied after a few minutes of silence. "It…it means a lot."

"I'm your inner, Hina." she grinned, mischief in her eyes. "I'm always in you."

"…I'll pretend I never heard the last part."

Laughing out loud, Himari flopped down the bed with her head at Hinata's feet and propping hers at headrest of it. "Anyway…" Himari announced, changing the topic. "What do you think will your auntie will do tomorrow?"

Hinata gave her a confused looked. "How did you know about that?"

Her Inner shrugged. "I really don't know what happened." she replied, propping herself up. "When you were outside of here, I started hearing whispers in the room. It was soft at first before it gradually grew loud enough for me to start hearing the whole conversation."

Hinata frowned. That wasn't how Himari found out information from the outside – it was usually either her telling her Inner what happened or she saw it from the window (which acted as a visual radio for her, without a sound though). Before she could reply, Himari frowned and said "Heads up, auntie wants to wake you up with water."

Then the room went black.

# # # # # # # # # #

"I still can't believe you did that…" Hinata grumbled at her aunt, who was standing in front of her in the garden laughing. While she might be shy and timid, everyone in the Hyuuga Clan house knew to never wake Hinata up so early in the morning – she was a groggy and angry that she would beat up anyone who disturbed her from her sleep with the Gentle Fist - Neji learned that first hand when he rudely woke her up one time...and that was before she was taught the technique!

Sadly, her aunt did not care about what Hinata wants. Having stood at the end of her bed, Nosuri threw a bucket of ice cold water at her – resulting in waking her up, falling down the bed, and thinking she was attacked. Now here she was, standing up in the Usagi garden in a sleeveless shirt and training pants as the orange hues of morning appears over the horizon.

"Get used to it, squirt!" Nosuri replied, grinning madly as she entered a ready stance. "By the time you go back to the academy, your fellow classmates will be blown away by the sheer awesomeness of us Usagi!"

Groaning, Hinata retorted "Aunt Nosu—"

BLOCK!

As if someone took over her, Hinata watched as her left arm blocked an attack from Nosuri's fist only to feel a gut punch immediately. Not stopping, her aunt delivered two more punches that knocked Hinata down immediately, spread eagle on the ground.

"Ouch…what the he—"

"Rule One of any worthwhile ninja: Your enemies don't give a fuck if you're ready or not – they will act at any moment, any time." Nosuri lectured, her jolly tone no longer there as she took on a more serious tone. "Get up, Hinata – the day isn't over."

Shaking as she stood up, Hinata stared at her aunt. "Aunt…Nosuri—"

Duck and roll now!

Again, that weird feeling happened again as she let her instinct (could it be her instinct?) took over and did as the voice ordered. "Aunt No—"

Grabbing her hand, Nosuri pulled her closed as she delivered a punch to her stomach before headbutting her. "Listen well Hinata," Nosuri coldly began as Hinata coughed and tried to stand up. "Rule Two: Once the fighting starts, nobody cares about what you are asking them – unless you're talking to your—"

"STOP!" Hinata screamed, hot tears forming on her eyes. "What the hell—"

SLAP

Silence reigned the garden-turned-training-field as the Hyuuga exiled looked shocked as Nosuri's slap stopped her from continuing. "I thought you want to get better? Don't you want to protect your love ones?" Nosuri sneered mockingly, crossing her arms as she circled the exile. "What was it you said last night…oh yeah, you strive to be better to protect the people you care about! At the rate of things, you'll become a failure – just like what the elders predicted."

Something snapped in Hinata, something she never felt coming from her but always directed at her. She didn't know what it was but she didn't care – it gave her strength she never knew. With a roar, launched a flurry of punches at her aunt. Some connected and some didn't, but all Hinata cared about was hitting her aunt—

—only for her to be sent crashing into a tree's trunk and fell flat on the ground. Her strength quickly disappeared as quick as it came, replaced by pain to her back and stomach. Trying to stand up, she felt a boot on her back that forced her back on the ground. "Rule Three, Hinata." Nosuri's voice said gently, the coldness earlier gone. "Never get riled up by the taunts of your enemies – no matter how much the truth hurts."

"Why?" Hinata replied simply, rolling her body to look up at the sky. She heard Nosuri sigh before copying her niece and lying down on the ground.

"Do you want to know how I got the Anbureizu, Hinata?" Nosuri replied as the orange hues of the sky slowly became yellow.

Not hearing any reply, her aunt continued. "You see, my team and I were on an impromptu mission to rescue someone. We managed to get her back but…we were ambushed on the way back." Nosuri said slowly. "Our team was forced on to the defensive – blocking attacks and protecting the kidnapped. However, we were already tired – all of us low on chakra, Kushina was wounded, and Minato knocked out.

"There were only two of us left standing – Milo, my teammate, and yours truly. Thing was, our backs against a cave where the other two took refuge and I was sporting a sprained ankle." she said, laughing bitterly. "Thanks to that, I became an easy and slow target – only Milo to push me out of the way take a hit meant for me. That damned bastard…he just had to be heroic.

"Milo and I…we had a special connection. He just had this…charm that made him lovable – and I fell for that hard. I always kept asking myself why I loved that bastard even when he was annoying as hell." Nosuri recalled, Hinata hearing a tint of nostalgia coloring her tone. "Turns out, he had a thing for me as well – sadly, he just had to die before we can act on it.

"It was on that day I realized that being a ninja wasn't about glory, fame, or power. No, it was all about having sacrifice, duty, and honor: sacrificing yourself for the good of all, following the duty of the Will of Fire, and honoring those who gave their lives to make us reach where we are. Milo did all three when he saved me: he sacrificed himself to protect me as I was the only obstruction to the cave's entrance; he followed his duty to the Will of Fire by protecting his family from anymore pains; and he honored our sensei's rule that he never abandon his team, no matter what."

Hinata sat upright and leant against the tree, her anger to her aunt diminished. Nosuri following her by sitting next to her, the exile letting her as she slowly understood what was being taught to her. "He could have easily let me die, you know? I was the weakest link, easily thrown away – but he didn't, he gave his life to ensure that I live. A part of me died that day, the only person I loved died in front of me as the world went black. I woke up later back in Konoha Hospital, Minato and Kushina waiting for me to wake up. Turns out, I went on a blind rage, throwing Fūton jutsus left and right with disregard to my chakra levels.

"I later learned from sis that, according to the elders, I woke the Anbureizu by accident. While nobody in the clan had the eyes, there was enough scrolls to get a basic understanding of how to use it. The scroll was pretty neat actually, it can only be read by using these eyes." Nosuri pointed out, tapping her eyes.

"Back to the topic at hand, the point is, Hinata, being a ninja isn't all about fancy moves and saving the day – it's about protecting those you hold dear in your heart, no matter what the cost. Achievements and glory are nothing without anyone there to celebrate it with, retelling your adventures isn't fun without family or friends listening to it, and it's never fun to come home to an empty house – trust me."

Her aunt then looked at hear straight into her eyes, as if she was staring at Hinata's very soul and judging it. "So tell me, Hinata, do you still want to live to protect all the people you hold dear to your heart because they're the ones that keep you alive…or do you want to wallow in your misery."

Hinata looked back at her aunt, taking in all that Nosuri had said directly to her. Taking a deep breath, she gave her answer.

"Hai."

# # # # # # # # # #

For the next two months, Hinata went through hell.

Her day would begin with her aunt sneaking in on her as she was sleeping, waking her up and the most bizarre yet effective manners that would still surprise her no matter what she did to stop it. Though tame, most of her methods usually involves Hinata screaming bloody murder at the perpetuator with Nosuri laughing at her niece's pain. Afterwards, Nosuri would then teach Hinata some taijutsu forms and make her niece get a hang of it before having a meal

Meal times in general were peaceful and Hinata could actually rest and fill herself up before going back to the hellish training her aunt would subject her to. Thankfully, all their meals were large enough to keep Chōji Akimichi, a classmate of hers, full as well as give her the required energy to survive her training.

After breakfast, Hinata and Nosuri would spar using the taijutsu form taught earlier in order for Hinata to master the basics and advance forms of it. When asked why she had to learn different forms of taijutsu, Nosuri just chuckled and said that while mastering a single form of taijutsu was the norm, knowing multiple forms allows you to mix and match them become unpredictable – and unpredictability causes an opponent to commit a mistake and giving one an advantage.

After lunch, Nosuri would teach Hinata how to control the Anbureizu (or Izu, "Because saying Anbureizu is a mouthful, Hinata." Nosuri answered to Hinata's question). While the concept was mostly similar to using the Byakugan, Hinata found it harder to use and move around it while it was active. Nosuri would make Hinata do exercises using the Izu: point out the object she wants, walk around the house with it on, switch visions from Izu and Normal in quick successions, and many more that just simply tired her a lot.

Once they were done, Hinata would help Nosuri in the making dinner and the chores afterwards before Nosuri would teach her with managing the Usagi Express paper works, given that Hinata was the heir of the entire business. The two would look at the finances, daily reports, and other papers before bedtime, Nosuri giving out tips, info, or corrections in what Hinata was handling.

It was rinse and repeat everyday for the next two months, with the weekends Hinata's only rest time from any hellish training her aunt had in store for her (though Aunt Nosuri would still wake her up in the most bizarre ways imaginable). Those days, however, were used either stay in bed until lunch to catching up with her friends Ino and occasionally Shino (whenever she got the chance to visit him). Overall, Hinata got a hang of it within the month – with a little extra help from Himari.

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Hinata just arrived at her Mind Palace when Himari suddenly hugged her out of the blue. "Okay, you would not believe what just happened!" she exclaimed happily.

"You mean besides the beating I took earlier?" Hinata replied dryly. Another effect of the Mind Palace on Hinata was she could act opposite to what everyone knew about her: if she was shy, uptight, and quiet on the outside, she was noisy, loud, and carefree inside the Mind Palace. "You would know, as the windows in here are basically TVs for you."

Himari shook her head, still grinning. "Not that – something else happened. I could literally feel everything!"

Hinata looked at her, frowning. "What do you mean 'feel everything'."

"It was like…I could sense what you could touch, taste, hear, smell, and see!" Hima explained giddily. "The moment you woke up I suddenly found myself in your shoes – only in a 360 view version! I was scared shitless as everything felt like a movie – you know, you can see and hear things but you're not the one moving about. Then when your aunt tried to punch you, I shout 'Block' in surprise and moved to blocked it—"

"Wait, that was you?"

"—and you followed my command! I then saw her aim for the gut but I couldn't do anything and—"

SLAP!

"Ow!" Himari replied, rubbing her cheek as she glared at the Outer. "What in Kami's name did you do that for?"

"You were rambling." Hinata replied with an amused look on her face before frowning. "Okay, let me get this straight – when I woke up, you saw yourself in my place?"

Himari shook her head. "It was more like how you see things when you enter Byakugan mode but only limited to what you saw and feel with your sense – which I know you can't have in Byakugan. And oh, I also I have limited contact with you since you heard my shout."

Hinata jumped to the bed stared at the ceiling. "What the hell is going on…" she muttered as Himari lied parallel to her.

"Maybe it's the Sealing fault…or maybe it's a plus from the Izu." Himari said, getting a nodded from Hinata. Suddenly, Hinata sat up straight before swearing, earning a confused look from Inner.

"You do realize what this mean, right?" Hinata asked excitedly, only to get a confused look from Himari. "It means you could finally feel the outside!"

Understanding what her Outer meant, Himari gave a shout of joy. "Oh fucking shit yes!" she screamed, jumping up and down in the Mind Palace before looking sharply at Hinata. "Wait, you could hear me when your awake, right? That means I could be your radar or something, telling you when someone's going to attack or surprise you and shit!"

Hinata realized the implication and laughed out loud. "You're right! Oh Kami, this is going to be awesome!"

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Though the first two weeks were mostly trial-and-error, by the end of the third week they managed to utilize it to an effect, managing to synchronize their actions: Himari would shout or say what Hinata needed to do in a split second and Hinata would immediately do it quickly. They didn't tell Nosuri as they didn't want to lose any form of advantage against her and Himari wanting to fully test all the things they could do (there was also the fact if they did, it may make Hinata look crazy).

While it was a work in progress, Hinata was grateful for Himari's help. Himari could point out some flaws in Nosuri's attack – it was small but hey, if it gave Hinata an advantage, she would use it. Occasionally, Himari would provide tips or encouragements whenever Hinata was having a hard time during her summer-long training.

So when Hinata opened her eyes as her alarm clock rang, it took her a few moments to realize that Nosuri didn't do her 'Wake Up Attack'.

This isn't a dream, right Hima? Hinata thought, carefully looking around her room for any notion that her aunt was about to attack her.

Don't you remember the discussion last night?. Himari replied, laughing. Tomorrow's the start of your classes, Hina, and she told you last night that she won't wake you up anymore.

Hinata blushed, now recalling the discussion last night, before getting out of her bed, slowly making her way out of her bed. Opening the door, slowly made her way downstairs to the smell of pancakes. "Hinata, I know you're awake!" her aunt suddenly called out, causing her to stiffen. "Come down here and set up the plates as I prepare the food!"

Ten minutes later, the table was set and the two began to eat. "So, what are the plans for today, Auntie?" Hinata asked, no longer stuttering (true to her promise, Nosuri made sure that Hinata would stop stuttering - though how she did it still made Hinata shiver in fear).

Nosuri chuckled as she ate. "I need to pick up an order of mine from a specialized weapon store then visit the memorial stone. Afterwards, you can have the rest of the day to yourself while I meet a friend of mine outside of the village."

"Please tell me it's not that pervert sensei…" Hinata groaned, causing Nosuri to laugh.

Hinata had met her aunt's former sensei, the great Toad Sage Jiraya of the Sannin, when he unexpectedly dropped by when Nosuri was out. Of course, having been born to a noble line, Hinata was courteous and played the dutiful hostess while the two waited for her aunt to return...that was until she discovered that Jiraya was actually a (to quote him) 'Super Pervert'. (Hinata knew her aunt still had pictures of the beaten up Jiraya hidden somewhere).

Two hours later, the two changed into their civilian wear (Nosuri in green cargo pants and navy blue shirt and Hinata in navy blue pants, light orange colored shirt, and an unzipped cream-colored hooded-jacket) were leaving their house to explore Konoha in their (Hinata did have a mini-panic attack an hour ago when she saw her eyes had changed from whitish purple to light amber but Nosuri manage to assure Hinata that was the side effect of the Izul, though Hinata wasn't really sure how to feel about that). "I am so thankful our house is just near the Main Road." Nosuri said as they made a left and exited into the said road of Konoha.

Konoha, like most Hidden Villages, had civilians living in it alongside Ninja Clans. However, given the protectiveness and (though nobody wanted to say it) eccentricity of the Ninja Clans, Konoha was divided into two parts – the western side of Konoha was for civilians while the eastern side was for the Ninja Clans. That said, civilians and ninjas do end up living together as most of the ninjas (without a clan, that is) live in the Civilian Quarters. The training grounds for the Ninjas, on the other hand, were scattered at the edges of Konoha, giving everyone a buffer zone between the residences and the wall that protects it.

Meanwhile, the business that sustain the life of any ninja (weapons shops, groceries, restaurants, etc.) were found in the Main Road of Konoha: a single, wide road that stretch from the Hokage Tower straight to the Village gate. Here, one can find any shop where they can buy (or sell) the things they need. It was in this area where the two Usagi came upon.

"Okay, first things first, I have to visit a weapon shop to get something." Nosuri said as they headed north, towards the Hokage Mountain. "If you like what I'm getting I might give you one once you graduate from the Academy."

"What exactly are you getting, Auntie?" Hinata asked as they came upon a small shop called 'The Dragon's Claws: Your One-Stop Shop for Specialty Weapons!'. Opening the doors, Nosuri and Hinata entered and was greeted to the sight of Neji (still indifferent as ever), a girl in pink sleeveless qipao-style blouse, and two men in…

…is that green spandex? Himari said as Hinata tried to rub her eyes to check she wasn't seeing things. Oh shit, it isgreen spandex!

This has got to be an illusion. Hinata replied before putting the Illusion release signs. "Kai!"

Nothing's happening Hina! Himari exclaimed in horror as Hinata then turned on her Izu. The image burns into our mind, Hina! It's even worse than Naruto's kill-me orange!

Nosuri just laughed at Hinata's mini-crisis as the four people at the counter looked towards them. The girl in the blouse seemed to know Nosuri as she raised her hand and said "Ms. Usagi, I didn't expect you to be here so soon!"

"What have I said about calling me 'Ms. Usagi', Tenten?" Nosuri replied with eyebrows raised but smiled anyway, nodding to the taller green spandex guy as the two Usagi made their way to the counter.

"That I should call you Nosuri." Tenten said with good humor. "Let me just get your order, I think my dad placed it at the back."

As the girl (Tenten) left, Nosuri gave the green spandex guy a questioning look. "Still looking youthful, Gai."

"YOSH!" the tall green spandex guy wearing a flak jacket – whose name was Gai – exclaimed, before laughing out loud. "Of course I am still youthful, Nosuri, much like you are! I didn't know you buy your weapons here at my student's store?"

"And I see you manage to convert one of them to become a follower of youth. Rock Lee, I believe?" Nosuri asked, turning to the other green spandex wearing guy (who suspiciously looked like a mini Gai).

"YOSH! I am Rock Lee." Lee said, beaming so bright that his teeth was suddenly sparkling as he smiled at them with his thumb stretched towards them. As Lee began talking with Nosuri, Hinata (who had edged closer but was blindsided by the energetic and bright display) looked at Neji questioningly.

"Are they always like that?" she asked, getting a sigh and a nod from the Cadet Hyuuga, looking as if this was a common question being asked to him. "I feel so sorry for you…"

"Thank you—"

Wait, did Neji just thank us? Tell me that did not just happen!

"—exile."

…okay, false alarm. Himari commented while Hinata just rolled her eyes, getting a confused look from Neji.

Just then, Tenten came back carrying a small box, interrupting an explanation about 'Springtime of Youth' from Lee as Gai and Nosuri watch. "Here's your order, Nosuri!" Tenten said as she opened the box, revealing two bracer with some sort device stitched to it. "We made use of the designs you gave my father with the box. The bracers can now be attached to your wrist via seals, meaning you just have to channel your chakra into this seal for it to tighten."

Doing as instructed, Nosuri inspected the whole thing before flicking her hand. Suddenly, the device on her wrist released a long, thin blade that twisted back and forth in a 180o degrees – forming it into a makeshift knife. "What is that?" Hinata asked suddenly, voicing out the question of the others.

Kami, that blade is awesome! Hey, can you ask Auntie if we can have one?

"The Hidden Pivot Blade!" Tenten said proudly, smiling brightly (not like the one Lee made earlier, thankfully). "A way to assassinate people without using a hand-held weapon in the most discreet manner!"

"Have you tested it? I know you love getting to test these blades." Nosuri said, grinning at the now blushing Tenten.

"Yup! The blades were stress-tested and are made with chakra metal – and because of the pivot points, one can now make it a climbing ax or a knife in quick succession." Tenten said excitedly before sighing dreamily. "Please, Nosuri, can I get one of these?"

Nosuri chuckled before looking at Tenten in the eyes, using the same look when she would give Hinata to do something incredible. "You do know that these blades can only be crafted with the given instructions, right? Well, if you can…I don't know, create a unique upgrade – one that isn't found in any of the manuals I gave your father…I'll allow it."

Tenten dropped her jaws as she heard Nosuri's answer. "HELL YEAH I'LL MAKE A UNIQUE UPGRADE!" Tenten exclaimed passionately, causing Gai and Lee to suddenly cry in joy and Neji to face palm. "I WILL MAKE THIS HIDDEN BLADE MINE!"

"Lee," Gai suddenly said, tears freely flowing out of his eyes. "Tenten is now burning with so much passion and youthfulness that is blinding like the fiery sun above that shines down upon us!"

"Yes Gai-sensei," Lee replied, crying as much as Gai. "Our comrade has finally blossomed into a beautiful red rose who can turn her deadly thorns into something so wonderful and captivating."

"LEE!"

"GAI-SENSEI!"

"LEE!"

"GAI-SENSEI!"

"LEE!"

"GAI-SENSEI!"

"Wait, how is there a sunset behind them?" Hinata suddenly exclaimed when a sunset appeared behind the two green, spandex-wearing, and crying ninjas, turning on her Izu to see if it was an illusion – only it was still there.

Oh shit, it's not an illusion! How the hell is that possible? Himari screamed in her head as Hinata tried to do dispel it (without success though).

Nosuri just laughed at Hinata's predicate while Tenten and Neji just sweat dropped at the antics of their sensei and teammate. "Kid, when it comes to Gai, you'll learn just to go with the flow." Nosuri said before turning to Tenten. "Make sure to finish it before this year's batch graduates, okay? Oh, get me one of the training blades as well, okay?"

Wait, did Auntie just saytraining blades? Oh Kami, she's going to teach us!

Tenten just nodded before scurrying off, no doubt looking for what Nosuri wanted. "Are you going to train me in one of those, Auntie?" Hinata asked as she felt Himari do a mini-victory dance. "I mean, it's nice and all…but why?"

"Do you need a reason to improve?" Nosuri asked, raising an eyebrow at her niece. Hinata shook her head, getting a smile from her aunt. "Then there you go. Besides, your mom use to have one of these during her Genin days."

Neji just scoffed. Think we can beat him next time and shove that fate crap up his ass?

Thankfully, by then, the sunset illusion was gone and Gai was now standing beside her aunt as if nothing happened. "I see you are still dangerous as ever, Nosuri." Gai said with a grin. "Even if you are no longer a ninja, you burn with the passion of YOUTH!"

"Wait, you're not a ninja!" everyone suddenly exclaimed, looking directly at the two adult.

By Kami, from the training she gave us, you'd have thought she was a Special Jonin! Himari said to Hinata. She has got to be pulling our legs, right?

Nosuri nodded, looking a bit confused as she returned the hidden blades. "Yeah! I returned my headband around the end of the Second Great Ninja War but I supported multiple missions during the Third one." she said before looking at Gai. "You should show my Bingo Book entry to them later, Gai. I bet it'll ignite the passion of youth in them."

We have to look at the Bingo Book later. Hinata said to Himari, getting a hum of agreement from her Inner.

"B-b-b-but you buy our ninja weapons all the time!" Tenten exclaimed, shock evident on her face as it mirrored what everyone had right now. "And whenever I see you test those hidden blades, you act way stealthier than us – and we have one of the highest stealth grade in our batch!"

"And the way you dressed up when you picked your niece up clearly proves you are a ninja!" Neji added (it did not escape Hinata that Neji did not insult her at all. Then again, they were in the company of friends, so Neji may have some tack after all). "Even some of the older Hyuuga honor you as if you were some war hero!"

"'Cause I am a war hero." Nosuri replied simply, sighing as she picked up a three-pronged knife on the counter display. She twirled it around, smiling sadly as if it brought back memories before putting it back on the display. "Brush up on the Bingo Book kids, it'll tell you my story. Come on, Hinata, let's go. Tenten, I'll send someone to pay and pick it up later – just send the bill to the office, will you?"

"Uh…bye guys!" Hinata said simply, waving at them as she caught up with her aunt. As they exited the store, Hinata asked "So…you're not really a ninja?"

Nosuri simply gave her a grin. "Yup. I'll tell you more once we visit the Memorial Stone – I want you to meet someone." she said, before pointing towards the Yamanaka Flower Shop. "Let's buy some flowers first."

Entering the store, the two Usagi saw Ino's father, Inochi, conversing with a rugged and imposing man with two scars on his face, both wearing a black trench coat over a grey uniform while civilians mingle about, looking for flowers. Nearby, a long-haired, blond girl in a purple outfit consisting of a high-collared blouse and matching apron skirt was watering the plants nearby.

"Well, well, well…if it isn't the Rabbit Princess! Has she come to grace us with her mere presence?" Ino replied, smirking as placed her hand on her hips before turning to her aunt. " Hello, Nosuri-san! I'll have one of my cousins get your order."

Hinata shook her head, chuckling. "Nice to see you to Ino." she replied, smiling warmly.

Ino had been one of the few people to know the real reason why she was banished from the Hyuuga Clan - and was the one who helped spread the lie that it one of the agreements made between the Hyuuga and the Usagi. Hinata could still fondly recall that day she told her…

# # # # # # # # # | # # # # ## # # # #

"WHAT?"

"Ke-keep your vo-voice down, Ino!" Hinata whispered meekly, looking about to see if anyone heard Ino scream. Thankfully, they were in the quieter part of the park the two had decided to meet. It was the week after her exile when Ino bumped into Hinata at the marketplace and Nosuri allowed Hinata a chance to talk with her friend about it.

Ino looked sheepish but narrowed her eyes towards Hinata. "Why would they exile you? You're like the most wonderful person here! Hell, even the civilians love you!"

"Hy-Hyuuga Clan poli-tics are far more brutal th-than most of clans." Hinata explained, giving a self-deprecating chuckled. "The elders…are pr-proud and con-conserva-vative and want things to never change. Since I-I don't share their views on how to-to manage the clan…we-well, that's the reason why I'm a Usagi now."

"Oh you poor girl…" Ino replied, hugging Hinata. "But what was that your aunt said about an agreement between the Hyuuga and Usagi?"

Hinata just shook her head in mirth. "I think she made that up on the fly. From what she told me last night over dinner, nobody knew I was actually exiled. I think she said that just to start a rumor, given that there were some civilians here."

Ino just nodded as they made their way to a bench. "I may be able to help with that, you know?" she replied nonchalantly, giving a sly smile that Hinata knew Ino had a brilliant plan to spread it. "What do you say? Not only do we protect you but we can pay does old coots back!"

Hinata started smiling. "I-I love it wh-when a plan comes to-together."

# # # # # # # # # | # # # # ## # # # #

It took another week, but it was worth it - the news spread like fire on how Hinata voluntarily gave up her position as the heiress of the Hyuuga to become a civilian, endearing her more to the civilians - who started calling her 'Usagi-hime' and spreading the tale on how she was 'disgusted' by how uncaring the clan was to everyone and thus exiled herself from them.

The two Usagi had a good laugh about it and the Hyuuga elders could do nothing against it - even her sister Hanabi helped by telling she would 'try to change her sister's mind by changing the clan for the better in order to seek her forgiveness' to anyone who would hear it.

"You ready for school tomorrow, Ino?" Hinata asked Nosuri handed the money to her.

Ino just chuckled as she shook her head. "Of course, I can't wait for the rest of the class see the more mature and sexier you." She said, smiling before grinning mischievously. "Though…I wonder if this new 'you' will actually talk to your resident orange prankster?"

While Hinata Hyuuga would become red just thinking about Naruto, Hinata Usagi just blushed a little bit and squirmed a little. Naruto…was as sunny as her name went – full of joy and laughter no matter he went down. He was like…

I still prefer Sasuke-kun though, Hima thought dreamily, cutting her monolouge. So sexy and mysterious…

Shut it, Hima, let me daydream!

Ino just laughed at Hinata's blushing face. "Looks like you got some spirit in you, Hina! Will the class be seeing the two Naruto fangirls-slash-cousins dish it out in training?"

Hinata just shook her head at the mention of her cousin, Hitomi Hyuuga. A Cadet Hyuuga around her age, Hitomi was also smitten by Naruto's personality but is slightly more vocal about it: while Hinata spied from the shadows, Hitomi actively tried to get Naruto's attention…to little success. Apparently, while Naruto can outrun and outsmart most Ninjas (except for those he likes or is better than him), he literally had no idea that there were girls that actually like him (according to Karin, his cousin, Naruto felt that no one will actually 'like' him that way).

"I'll have to ask her tomorrow. My 'transfer'," Hinata replied, smiling sly. "To the Usagi Family made things difficult for us to talk."

"Yeah, I figured." Ino answered, laughing as she handed over the flowers. "See you tomorrow then!"

Nosuri waved at her niece as she ran off, smiling. She was certain Hinata was going to visit that genin friend of hers, a Hana Suzuki according to her notes. It's good that Hinata has a senpai like Hana, Nosuri though as she made her way towards the main gate. Activating her Izu, she spotted two ANBU tailing her - no doubt new recruits sent to be broken in.

It had been a long standing (but unofficial) agreement that ANBU would use Nosuri and Jiraya's unofficial visits to Konoha as a training missions for their recruits. Given their ability to blend into the crowd, Nosuri and Jiraya would test how long it would take for the ANBU recruits to trail them - the recruits failed if they lost either of the two in less than an hour. Overall, it was a fun process that allowed both sides to keep themselves at top shape.

Let's see how long they can trail me… Nosuri thought evilly as she put on her hood and turned left, diving straight into a crowd of civilians.

Two hours later, Nosuri leaning against the tree atop the Hokage Monument, the two ANBU hopefuls combing the western district of Konoha for her. They were good, she'd given them that - they may have lost her twice but they quickly managed to find her again - but she managed to slip pass them after entering a cloth shop, exiting the back before reentering the shop again and exiting the entrance of the first shop while the two thought she moved to another shop.

"That was evil of you to do, Suri-chan." Jiraya said, chuckling as he appeared besides her.

Nosuri shot him an amused look. "Not my fault they didn't cover both sides." she replied, turning off her Izu. "How long did yours take?"

"Less than an hour," Jiraya replied, slumping down against the tree. "Left a clone of mine peeping at the hot springs before high-tailing out of the place, then poofed it after thirty minutes passed! You should have seen their faces when I dispelled the clone - the horror on their faces would be in my next book!"

Nosuri shook her head, smiling. "Boys…" she muttered before look at her sensei. "Anything new?"

Suddenly, Jiraya become serious. "I did - one of my spies got wind of a mass migration of missing ninjas heading for the Rice Country. From the report, all of them were heading in the general location of where the snake set-up his base. Unfortunately, my network in the country isn't fully developed, I take it your as well?"

Nosuri's mouth thinned, thinking hard - Rice Country was outside Nosuri's network, given the economic hardship the region was experiencing and UE having little to no reason for building up branches there. Her only resource to actually get info was… "I think I may have a way in," she replied, "though I'll have to run it to them up first. Any luck with my tip?"

Her sensei shook his head. "Nothing definitive, but something did happen." he answered, crossing his arms. "Those Hyuuga elders are planning something, especially with the build-up of land shares in Wave and a subsidiary of theirs partnering with the Gatou Corp."

Nosuri nodded, mentally recalling her report on the elders. Thanks to her cover of training Hinata, Nosuri slowly began tailing the elders whenever they met, allowing her to investigate Hiashi's claims. Turns out, the elders WERE planning something but so far, Nosuri got nothing substantive about it - even with her sensei's help, they've only manage to uncover tiny bits of pieces of a unknown big picture.

"We can check all the land holdings the Hyuuga's have or their subsidiaries in each nation," Nosuri suggested. "Compare it with the previous years and this year and see if there are any increase and where."

Jiraya nodded, agreeing with her assessment. "I do hope this isn't a repeat of the Uchiha…" he muttered darkly.

Nosuri grimaced at that, recalling that event as well. While many thought Itachi Uchiha going bonkers resulted in killing his clan, the two spies knew better - it was Nosuri who caught wind of the coup d'etat Clan Head Fugaka Uchiha was plan, confirmed by his eldest son Itachi. Though she wasn't in Konoha at that time, the Usagi head knew there was a plan in place to counter them - only for it to go pear-shape due to an 'unexpected interference' from a rouge Uchiha, which resulted in the infamous Uchiha Clan massacre.

Thankfully, there were three survivors of the massacre: Mikoto Uchiha (Itachi's mother), Sasuke Uchiha (Itachi's brother), and Izumi Uchiha (Itachi's fiancee). Out of the three, it was only Sasuke who survived without a scratch - Mikoto was wounded in the left leg while Izumi nearly died had not Kakashi brought her to the hospital. Unfortunately, Itachi was forced to take the blame to hide the fact of the coup d'etat while being order by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, to hunt down the perpetrators.

"Izumi's still teaching in the Academy, in case you're wondering." Nosuri commented, gazing at Konoha against the setting sun. "She and Iruka are the only teachers who don't give a rat's ass against Naruto."

Jiraya hummed in agreement before standing up. "Well, I better be off then!" he said, stretching his back. "I'm going to drop off another present at the Uzumaki residence before making my way to sensei - he'd want to know what we found out."

The two gave their goodbye before Jiraya leapt off, Nosuri staying where she was. "Took you long enough." she commented as a figure (dressed similarly to her) appeared besides her, stepping out of the tree's shadows to gaze into Konoha. "Report."

"A Novice team has been ordered to enter Rice Country after Master-Sensei read your report, senpai." the figure said, kneeling. "They've been ordered to trail the incoming missing ninjas and see where they're headed, as well as report any potential discoveries to you immediately."

"Huh...and here I thought I had to send in a request to him." Nosuri mused, smiling. "Anything else?"

The figure nodded. "We lost the Seventh Shield to the Seven-Tails Hunter, while the Seven-Tails jinchūriki disappeared without a trail." he said sadly, causing Nosuri to wince. Losing the Seventh Shield was bad enough - it's members were two highly skilled Mist ninjas who later on became samurais after fleeing their hidden village, becoming a unique ninja-samurai duo - but to lose the Seven-Tails jinchūriki was even worse. "Master-Sensei has ordered all forces to be on the lookout for her while all Shields are to keep a close watch on their wards."

"Do we know if Akatsuki has her?" Nosuri asked, sparring the kneeling figure a glance.

"No senpai, the Shield and Hunter team only clashed because they were in pursuit of the jinchūriki." the figure reported. "According to our sources, she had plans to deflect to another village - to where, we have no clue as of yet."

Great...not only is the snake making a village but we have a loose jinchūriki out there. Nosuri thought grimly. "Am I allowed to share this information?"

"Yes senpai."

"Good. Inform Master-Sensei that Konoha will be informed immediately while I'll be extending my stay here in Konoha indefinitely." Nosuri ordered, bringing out her bo staff as the figure stood up. "For Heikō."

The figure slammed his fist on his chest. "For Heikō." he repeated, disappearing into the shadows just as Nosuri transformed her bo staff into a glider, flying off into the night sky.

AWESOME NOTES & NOTIFICATION:

Welcome to the relaunching of Nindō, formerly known as "The Chronicles of Hinata Usagi".

First, I would like to thank Apollo's Raven 432 for still faving and following this story even if I haven't touched it since 2016! Special mention to the 35 viewers who read this during its alpha stage - I know it really wasn't up to your taste but hey, thanks for reading it regardless.

Second, I know you're all wondering why I relaunched this fic. Simply put it, the first draft sucked so bad that even Donald Trump would wanted this gone. Now, after doing editing, revising, and rewriting, I am proud to say that this new version is FAR MORE cleaner than the first version (though I suspect that there will be still some minor mistakes in this new version but that's a worry for another time!).

Third, this will be first AND only update for this year - if any of you have read my Halo-Star Wars story, you would know that I am currently in a mini-hiatus to focus on my original fiction story. I will be updating my Fallout Story soon so all my stories are fully updated before the year ends and probably go back to this once I've finished all my previous commitments.

Finally, kindly review, comment, and/or give constructive criticism (no bashing or flaming please, we are all civilized people here - that includes you, Mary - unless of course you're using your 'praising' spam bot this time). All authors need love and reviews from all readers to keep on going and - as such - it would warm their hearts of you review their stories you've read.

Paalam and have a great day!

Pinoy Gamer