Gomen! Gomen! Gomen! Gomenosai! I know, I know. I'm SUPER SUPER late with this update. But have mercy! I've been sick and absolutely swamped. High school is not that easy ya know. Plus I had to watch my best friend and brother perform my church. They sorta, in a way, praise danced (it only lasted like 1 minute but they still did good.). Also, I've been working no this chapter. I tried to make it longer but not too long. But enough of my chit chat. Here's what you've been waiting for. ROLL FILM! Lolz.

Aishiteru, Hinata-chan

Chapter 17

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With another growl, Rumiko kicked the board that was slung across Hinata's body and pivoted. The large plank flew through the air only to be caught in her awaiting hand and pitted against Ryo's sword.

Ryo, who had been fighting a completely different battle, was a little worn out. That was good on her part.

Unfortunately, Rumiko had grabbed a poison-coated blade with her bare hand. As we speak, the deadly poison was cursing through her veins. But, thankfully this poison would not take full effect for a week if left untreated. And she knew the antidote. When she got a break, it would come in handy.

'I just need a second,' she thought, formulating a plan in her head. She pulled her right foot forward and behind both of his legs. Ramming him with all of her body weight, she pushed him over her leg and kicked him with her opposite limb. As he went rolling on the floor, she jumped away and pulled a vile from a pocket in her shirt.

Inside the clear, glass vile was a pale blue liquid. Drinking or pouring over wound would be equally effective. Deciding to keep some just in case, Rumiko poured a miniscule amount on her left hand. It immediately began started to steam, showing that the healing was in commence.

However, while she treating her wound, her father had calculated a plan. His broad sword was replaced with his preferred senbon. As she replaced the top of the vile, Ryo sprang forward.

Being part Hyuuga, Rumiko had exceptional eyesight. Despite not having the Byakugan, she could still see slightly beyond 20/20 vision.

The Half Hyuuga thrust the plank at her father, batting away the opposing arms and legs coming toward her. She witnessed him toss the senbon needle toward her head, but she ducked and cut the chakra string by which it was connected.

Hinata's eyes widened. 'How did she see that without the Byakugan? ... Maybe…' She turned and crept toward the crouching Tomuro.

"Tomuro-nii-san," the heiress called softly, earning a glance in her direction. "I have a plan to help Rumiko-nee-chan."At his raised eyebrow, she continued. "I need your help and a lot of chakra."

With only a moment's hesitation, Tomuro nodded and turned to her. "What did you have in mind?"

Rumiko saw their exchange but ignored it, for fear of Ryo taking notice as well. Her plank still keeping her father at bay, she opted to buy them some time. That meant stalling him with conversation.

That also meant unearthing painful memories for them both.

"I can't believe you!" she growled while pinning his left arm with the piece of wood.

He looked at her with a look of genuine innocence and confusion. "What can you not believe, my daughter?" His expression would have made her feel bad, but the insane light was still lurking in his green eyes.

"That. This. If you are really so proud of my being your daughter, why are you trying to stop me from doing what's right?" Her glare softened slightly. "She's my family too, Tou-san."

Rumiko flinched when she saw the anger, sadness, and… hurt?- she saw in his eyes before being violently shoved to the floor. She blinked and Ryo had a kunai pressed against her throat.

"Don't EVER call those purple-eyed bastard traitors you family!" he growled in her ear. "They sent her to… to kill your uncle. Have you forgotten?"

"T-Tou-san…" She watched with wide eyes as a tear made its way down his face.

"I-I… I loved her. I… really thought she felt the same." He got a distant look in his eyes. His daughter knew he was going back to that day.

The day her mother tried to kill her father.

Was that better? Longer? Not detailed enough? Feedback Please!!! I WILL UPDATE THIS WEEKENED! Even if I have to stay up ALL NIGHT!!

Okay you guys. You know the poll I gave on my profile? Yeah? Well, I'm leaving it up until the end of March. So VOTE VOTE VOTE! Act like this is the 2010 census. Lolz.

okay. I'm good now.

ja ne,

-Tsunei-chan