(A/N – I don't own Naruto. Slight update, wasn't pleased with it from before. Over-tired eyes do miss a lot!)

Much preparation and little sleep was done over the next day, Hiashi did not, in fact visit his bedroom. The wedding ceremony had gone beautifully. Hinata was a vision and her resemblance to her mother was uncanny. He had cornered Hinata and told her to remain strong. He had told Neji to protect their clan with everything he had and went over all the resources at his disposal, making him aware of all the locks and traps and giving him all the keys.

Hiashi hurried to the servant's quarters and into the central meeting area. He had called a meeting with the lead staff that would support Hinata, Neji and Hanabi. They knew all the comings and goings and would really be the first line of defense for them. If it squeaked in the Hyuga household, this group would know. Raurenu, especially. She had been Hakuro's personal assistant, trusted confidant, mid-wife and deepest contact outside of himself. She now held the head of household status; nothing had moved behind the walls of the Hyuga compound without her knowledge and approval for long years.

Hiashi gathered the mask he had shown all since that fateful day and addressed the group that had hushed upon his arrival. Raurenu walked to the front of the crowd. As she glanced at him, she remembered suddenly the much softer and happier Hiashi she had known before the death of Hakuro. She made his introduction, "Please be silent, and listen to the words of our leader, Hiashi."

Hiashi began, "I will be leaving for an undetermined time shortly. Dark days close in on us and your allegiance is more necessary than ever. You must be the first line of defense for the clan. You will report to Neji each morning and evening and interrupt him if anything unusual occurs. He is responsive and strong and you know that Hinata possesses great strength and foresight. Raurenu, you have the greatest range in genjutsu and I will talk with you at midnight each night . You will initiate--activate your Byakugan and I will make the connection. I know that nothing gets past you, but please do your best – our way of life depends on it. "Hiashi-sama, many years have passed in my servitude of the main branch. My love for Hakuro has never died and I serve on. I will never leave my post. I love her family as my own, having delivered your daughters and acted as servant to all of you my whole life. I remain loyal. I will look after things here, my lord. I will report to you each day and give my life, if necessary hoping that I will finally go to be with my beloved daughter, Hakuro."

Hiashi's long, deliberate strides carried him into his chambers. He opened his door with tiny hairs bristling on the back of his neck. He walked over to his bed seeing a scroll propped against his pillow. He recognized the seal on it being of the Uchiha house. Hiashi stared at the scroll, concentrating to make sure no bomb or specific jutsu surrounded it. Not sensing any, he took the scroll in cautious hands. Hiashi hated the idea that anyone could have entered the Hyuga compound, much less his own chambers unbidden. He had hoped there was a little more time before Itachi mustered the resources to make his threats so boldly.

Hiashi twirled into a lethal attack when a smooth female voice asked "Dammit Hyuga, when will you be ready?" said Tsunade grabbing the scroll from his hands. "This is rubbish!" she said as she made the paper burst into flames. What she saw in Hiashi's eyes troubled her deeply.

Hiashi's scanned the room, settling on the beautiful woman seated casually in chair beside his bed. One foot was braced on the side of his headboard, one leg draped gracefully over the other.

"Hokage-sama" he began. He was cut off, "not anymore, and good riddance of such pomp! When can we leave? He must have come here within a 2 hour span.. We must put some distance between ourselves and the village. He will be getting my 'confirmation' that his note was received as we speak."

"I have been here my whole life, Tsunade." He said picking up his knap-sack and following her out.

"The only thing that is certain is change, Hiashi". she said as they fled through the trees, speeding along..

They continued their trek outside the walls of the city.

"How can I feel like I have done right, taking such power from my village, which I love, Tsunade?"

"How would you feel if you had stayed and invited him to stay? We must believe we have done the right thing. I am one of the "Legendary Sannin" and you strongest of the Hyuga clan. What shall stand again this strength? I feel ill tempered from the interruption of my life and the threat against my village. This fight will cost him dearly, I'll make sure of it!". Tsunade ground out.

They glided along through the trees, both watchful and ready to strike.

"Hiashi, the nerve damage from that jutsu is devastating but he will recover in a matter of days. However, who knows where his body will have materialized. I'd love to be a fly on the wall!" purred Tsunade.

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Neji and Hinata entered the main chambers of the Hyuga complex that had been Hiashi's and would now be theirs. They walked out onto the balcony that overlooked the gardens that Hinata had tended so faithfully. "Neji, I have known you all my life. You are my closest ally and my best friend. If anyone knows what normalcy is here, it is you. This is not normal!. What has happened here? I think we must at least double our watchful eyes!"

Neji smiled pulling Hinata into a warm hug, "Such beauty and brains to boot, I am truly blessed. Hiashi has even successfully frightened me this time too, Hinata. We must perform our duties, though. We must keep the peace, and patrol our lands. We must not fail in these things. I will keep my promise and I will protect you.".

Hinata felt a little shock as Neji's warm lips captured hers softly, silently asking permission. It was granted.

"I am surprised, Neji. We have been friends and we have been enemies and now we are family. Is there any aspect of my life that you won't touch?"

"Yes, the hurtful ones" He breathed, standing behind her and wrapping his arms around her protectively. Hinata gazed out onto the gardens and used the peacefulness of this time to hone her senses, searching for Uchiha Itachi. She sensed him, knew his injuries were extensive and prayed that the jutsu would delay him as long as her father and Tsunade needed.

All the village slept a little less peacefully this night. The air hung heavy and the mood balanced on the head of a pin. Much unrest.