Hinata stood on duty, hands clasped behind her back. She had been assigned as escort for the Kazekage when he arrived to view the third test of the chuunin exams. She waited patiently with the other escorts, Naruto and Shikamaru. When everyone became chuunin, the original three man genin teams were dismantled. In its place was a system of what seemed like "musical ninjas." The music played and when it stopped you were on a new three man team. She said that it was so you could be familiar with your teammates and their abilities, no matter who they are.
Hinata half listened to Naruto complain about how long they had been standing there. It had really only been about 10 minutes, but if you listened carefully to Naruto you thought it was more like 10 hours. Admittedly the day was rather hot, but they were standing in some shade. Shikamaru was leaning against the tree, just waiting quietly. He was probably anxious to see Temari again. They had been going out steadily sense the incident 2 years ago. Temari was now one of the people that Hinata would hold hands with when she was in town. Nothing like a misunderstanding to bring people together.
Naruto had seen Temari and Hinata walking down the street once. The first thing he asked was whether or not Shikamaru was man enough for Temari. Temari's response had had Hinata blushing for the rest of the day. Primarily because Naruto ran off and told everybody who would stay still long enough to listen just what had been said.
Hinata was slightly shaken out of her thoughts when she saw the Kazekage and his gaurds come through the gates of Konoha. Earlier it had been decided that Hinata would do the talking, because Naruto might embarass everyone and Shikamaru didn't want the task.
"Greetings Kazekage-sama," Hinata said formally, "and welcome to Konoha."
Gaara, the Kazekage, looked at her and nodded his greeting. Hinata was used to quiet people, having been teamed with Shino for many years, so she wasn't too disturbed by the minimal response. If he needed to say something, he would. So, she continued to smile warmly at him and those accompanying him.
"The third test won't take place until tomorrow, so there will be plenty of time for you to rest from your journey. We're here to show you to your lodgings and answer any questions that you might have. So if you'll just come this way..." with that she turned and lead the Kazekage and his gaurds through the city. Some gaurds asked about the latest gossip, which Naruto provided with relish, or about the contenders in the matches or where to find the good food.
When they reached the lodgings of the Kazekage, Gaara stopped the procession. He then nodded at two of his gaurd, who walked into the lodging first, to see if there were any traps. It hurt a little that he felt that this was necessary, but people tend to have long memories when it came to those who carried demons. While his gaurds were in the building, Hinata activated her Byakugan, just to triple check. Hinata was nothing if not thurough.
"Shikamaru," Hinata started, "There are two extra chakra patterns in the building."
Hinata continued to watch what was happening inside the building. The new chakra patterns moved closer to the gaurds that Gaara had sent in. Soon the four met in the room that Gaara was supposed to occupy. They seemed to stay there for a while, possibly talking. An exchange of some sort was made, and one of the gaurds placed something under the Kazekage's bed. Hinata relayed all this to Shikamaru, then deactivated her byakugan as the gaurds left the building.
"All clear Kazekage sama."