Konichiwa! Gomenosai! I was a little late in getting this one up and running. But I'm here now! btw I luv luv LUV u guys' revviews! Everyone who has EVER reviewed, UR AESOME!!!!!!! Enjoy the story!

Aishiteru, Hinata-chan

Chapter 13

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"What is your name, Ms. Hyuuga?" Rumiko Sanota asked from her seat in front of me.

"Hinata," I answered, with more force than necessary.

"Ah. Well…" She took a deep breath to begin her tale. "The attack was swift and accurate. The man- my uncle- and his wife were sleeping soundly in their humble apartment. Though, it didn't last long. My uncle was woken by the sounds of yelling and thrashing about.

"After urging his wife to remain in the bedroom, he grabbed a couple of kunai and shuriken before advancing out the door. He soon wished he hadn't" She paused and I could have sworn I'd seen her eyes fill. She looked away and continued.

"My father and his fiancée- my mother- were having an argument. Something about my not having the Byakugan. She told him his genes were dominant over hers. He became angry and tromped around the living room. After letting out all of his anger, he turned to my mother and apologized. She forgave him, they kissed, and my uncle smiled. He turned the door knob, opened the door, and froze." The tears she had tried to hold in fell down her cheeks.

Tomuro put a comforting arm around her shoulders and she leaned into his chest. "When her uncle walked into the door, he saw his wife… with a sword through her heart." He wrapped both arms around her as she started to shake.

"I had woken up and come to sleep with m-my Okaa-san and Otou-san. They were standing outside my Uncle and Aunt's room, faces dripping with t-tears and twisted with anger. I walked in the b-bedroom. Blood was c-covering the sheets, her nightgown was completely s-soaked…" Her response was muffled by Tomuro's chest.

I sat there, caught off guard mostly. The woman I thought was evil, cruel, and fearless, was crying in the arms of her soon to be husband. Cautiously, I reached out and touched her arm lightly. She looked up at me and I smiled.

"I know what it's like. My Okaa-san was killed when I was small. Seeing her like that –all bloodied and broken- gave me my dream to grow up and change my clan's- I mean our clan's- way of doing things. After becoming clan leader, I'll do just that."

Rumiko's eyes widened and she sat up, gaping at me. "D-Demo-"

"You are half Hyuuga and… my half-cousin I think."

She turned away. "Demo… What I did to your friend-"

"Can be cured with your help. I've made it my personal mission to find the antidote to you poison." I took a deep breath. "You're family. And as much as I hate to say it sometimes, you can never hate family." I smiled and grabbed her hand. "Now, will you help my complete my mission?"

She never got the chance to answer.

The door swung open, squeaking as it went, and an old man stalked in. He had all gray hair and some wrinkles, but otherwise looked pretty healthy. Built body, strong-looking legs. But what unnerved me was his eyes. An emerald green with a dark, insane light to them.

'Like Rumiko's, I thought. "Only evil.'

"Rumiko! Are you in… here…?!" His gaze rested on me, staring intently at my face.

Not my face, my eyes.

"Byakugan…" he whispered.

Involuntarily, I eased behind Tomuro as he stepped in front of me. Rumiko quickly wiped her eyes, the sad light in them replaced by a fierce one.

"Well done, Rumiko!" The old man chirped. "You've finally made yourself useful. Now, hand her over so I can get those eyes of hers"

"No."

He turned to her wide-eyed. Then his expression went dangerous. "What do you mean 'no'?"

"I said no. This girl," she pointed toward me, "has shown me more kindness than you have before Okaa-san died. We're not even immediately related! I tried to kill her and take her eyes, thinking it would make you see the worth in me. But, now I know that that would not happen. I would gladly serve under her when she becomes clan leader, if the Hyuugas –my actual family- accept me."

My eyes teared up as I smiled warmly. 'Who knew she'd be the one I would think of as honorable.'

"You are going to regret that my girl" Without warning, he charged at Rumiko. Seconds before his attack connected, Tomuro jumped in. He was knocked across the room, into the wall. He landed on the table and chairs, smashing them both.

"Tomuro-kun!"

"Tomuro-nii-san!"

Rumiko looked at me strangely. I shrugged. "You guys have grown on me, Nee-chan." I grinned when she smiled.

"Let's whoop some old ass, Imouto-chan."

So... Whaduya think? Recap time!

Rumiko's half Hyuuga. Her mother was part of the branch family and her dad was a man from damiyo city. Her uncle was the 1st man to leave Damaiyo City and beg to become a member of Konoha. Her Aunt was the Hyuuga princess, but since she was killed, they gave the title to her younger sister. Rumiko's parents had her before they were engaged and her aunt and uncle didn't have any kids yet... Or did they?

Btw I know that she hasn't finished her family's history, but that will come up when Hina, Miko, and Tomo are fighting her Tou-san. His name will be revealed, too.

Til next time,

-Tsunei-chan