Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto™ but I do own Wolf the demon and the plot of this story.

- (Line Break) –

Ch.9- Between the Kages and Akatsuki

Hinata sat along side her two friends as they ate a very late dinner, since it was almost midnight. But Hinata was very hungry and had eaten her fill. While on the road, Hinata was use to eating on the go, or just not eating at all; it was nice to sit down and just eat till she was about ready to burst. Hinata smiled as she saw that Choji had specially made their late dinner. He said it was thanks to her that he gained the courage that he asked his father that he could teach him to be a ninja as well. Choji was still one the best cooks Hinata has ever met and eaten from, but she would have to test his fighting abilities now. Hinata had gotten through her third bowl of ramen, and was about to start another, until this pleasant noise filled the air.

"I want to see Hinata Hatake now!" Hinata couldn't think which would be better, running away or hiding. Sakura had stormed into the shinobi's lunch area and looked about ready to rip off someone's head; Hinata just hoped it wasn't hers. Hinata had decided that running would ruin her image and hiding would be just another reason for the princess to find her and kill her. Hinata stood and waved her hand in the air like she was flagging her down. "You," Sakura growled under her breath and strode over to her, "don't even think for a second that I don't know what's going on. You and the Hyuga clan are once again trying to show off and take over the title of the Hokage; well that was a nice act you did but I'm not fooled-"

"I'm very sorry Princess Sakura, but it seems that you are mistaken, but I am-" Hinata was cut off when Sakura gave her the order to stop. This was one of the reasons Hinata hated her job, she had to obey or she would be in huge trouble.

"I don't want to hear you're filthy lies Hyuga," she glared one last time. "Tomorrow I want you in the Hokage's throne room at the rise of dawn and we will discuss this little situation." She turned on her heel and left the room in an awful silence that made the room very awkward and cold.

Hinata sighed, "I better get some sleep in before morning," she looked back at the people, "and please don't let me ruin your dinner." She walked off and smiled as the doors closed behind her. She wasn't surprised at all that Sakura would come to the kind of assumption; it was a common thing to worry about when the Hokage has very powerful nobles in the country. Hinata would have assumed the same thing since this isn't the first time the noble family was accused. When it was apparent that the Uchiha clan now had three of its member in the Akatsuki, the others feared they would use that little advantage to take out Lady Tsunade, but it had been false. What wasn't false was that the Hyuga clan had been surprising silent about the whole thing; they once didn't even acknowledge that the Uchiha family held very strong positions in the castle; which itself was suspicious. Hinata took no mind to it, if the Hyuga clan was planning something she'd be the first to stop them, it was her job.

She walked through the door of her house and came to the horrid site of the three jonin, Gai, Anko and Kakashi, sitting around the table with playing cards and Anko was removing her shirt. "Oh dear Kami my eyes!" Hinata looked like she was gauging her own eyes out; Anko glared at her. "Good Kami," she kept her eyes closed, "what are you guys doing!"

"Strip poker," Kakashi said in a monotone voice, like it was okay.

"How about put a warning on the door!" She accused all of them. Anko was about to strip, but the other two males had been clothed (Fan-girls: AW) She glared at them as Anko just left her shirt on. "Why would you think it was okay to do this at midnight?"

Kakashi shrugged, "I thought you'd be out celebrating with friends, and I have friends too." Hinata just stared at him with shock and then walked to her room and closed to door behind her. Kakashi looked back at the three, "Royal flush"

"Strait," Gai smiled as Anko just groaned loudly and once again proceeded to remove her shirt.

(Line Break)

Hinata woke up early, hating the fact that she only got about six hours of sleep and she needed more at the moment; if she had the chance she wouldn't have gotten up until it was time for dinner. She ran her hand through her hair and reached into her drawer and pulled out some undergarments, a pair of black pants and a tight sleeveless black shirt to go with. She wasn't one to love bright colors and her cloak covered her whole body anyway. Hinata stepped out of her room and walked to the bathroom only to have Kakashi swoop in and slam the door in her face. Hinata glared at the door, "You dirty old man! You waited for me so you could do that!"

"That may be true," she heard him say and heard the humor in his voice, "and it was all worth it."

"First you scar me for life from your game last night, and now you cut me off as I go for a shower." She sighed and leaned against the wall and frowned, "My day is not going well." She knew that it would only get worse since she had to go meet Sakura or she would end up getting very familiar with the gallows. Hinata didn't know why the girl was so upset that she was the mage that had become a very big icon in the village of Konoha, but that didn't mean she was going to become queen. Hinata only guessed that Sakura didn't like the fact the girl she picked on was now in charge of protecting her and the village; not to mention Hinata got a sweet party which the whole village came to. Hinata just waited for her sensei to finish and then she would get ready on her way while Kakashi reported to missions or the duty of following Tsunade around in the castle.

Hinata wasn't too keen on the fact that whenever she was in the village, she was put to work with having to deal with that of the noble people that always seemed to come here for meetings and talk of keeping peace and the trade. There was also the fact that a new Akatsuki had been chosen to follow the Mizukage, and Hinata had yet to meet that last member. Another thing to worry about is that the Akatsuki would be following her around all day since she could either be a: threat, or fun play thing. She also didn't like that she might have to take part in following around the Kages and she knew that she'd get stuck between the Kazekage and Mizukage. Hinata just ran her hands through her hair and held her clothes close to her chest, "Come on Sensei," she pounded on the door, "I want to get a shower in before I have to go see Lady Sakura for a meeting."

Kakashi opened up the door in a bathrobe and bath cap on his head, "You must meet with the daughter of the Hokage?" He walked out and looked at her, "why do you have to do that?"

"She's mad that I'm the mage everyone's been talking about and she wants to be sure that this isn't some kind of joke." Hinata sighed going in and closing the door. "So wait for me and we can head to the castle." He gave a nod and went back to his room to get dressed and she showered and changed. Hinata didn't shower for long since she was in a rush and quickly dried and changed her clothes. Hinata stepped out of the bathroom as she brushed through the last of her hair and put on her belt that had her scrolls and deck of cards attached to it. She found her new Leaf necklace that she had gotten from her ceremony and placed it around her hips so it hung nicely. She walked over to the door and slipped on her shoes and stumbled into the kitchen for some food. She shuffled through the cabinets but there was nothing since they only got back yesterday. And anything that was there was rotting and Hinata reminded herself not to ever open the fridge again. She huffed and just turned around to see Kakashi throwing on his cloak and threw hers at her. "Thanks sensei," he nodded and she put it on a she followed him out.

"I guess I won't see you until the afternoon," Kakashi said in a light voice and glanced down at her as the two walked. Hinata nodded and pulled her hood up to her hide her face. He gave a light smile, "It won't be that bad Hinata, Lady Sakura can't do anything about this since she is not Hokage just yet." He pulled on his hood as they approached the castle and made their way through the front door, "Just remember your manners and this will be done and over with." Hinata nodded and she went to the throne room as Kakashi went to the Hokage's to get his missions or tasks for the day. Kakashi saw that threats were low and it seemed that he will get nothing but paper work and training for a while.

Hinata took a deep breath and two shinobi opened the doors for her and let her in. There Sakura sat in her seat beside her mother's throne and behind her stood the Akatsuki Sasuke Uchiha. Karin and Temari stood in the room and just waved at Hinata lightly since they were not angry with her; behind Temari and Karin somewhere were their Akatsuki or Anbu –since Orochimaru was not a Kage, just a Lord-. Hinata just wished she knew who. She moved to stand before the pink haired princess and watched as she looked at her with a glare. Hinata just tried not to roll her eyes and then escape out of the conveniently opened window.

"So," Sakura started as she stood up and walked down to Hinata, "how is it that the Hyuga has a Mage and we just now learn about it?"

"I never told the clan of my abilities," Hinata spoke calmly not watching as Sakura circled her, "and once they found out I had already been with Kakashi-sensei for about seven years. Not to mention I was long ago banished from my clan at a young age; so to be politically correct, I'm no longer a Hyuga." She then waited as Sakura took her position in standing in front of her again. "In all truth I am more Hatake then I am Hyuga."

"Or the Hyuga had found out of this ability and got rid of you so that they wouldn't rise suspicious," she said pointing an accusing finger at her.

"I'll assure you that Lord Hyuga had no idea of it and learned it just the other day," Hinata said still looking straight ahead. She hoped that the hoods shadow hid her eyes since she was just about ready to roll them at the treatment she was getting. Sakura just sneered and walked back to her throne and daintily crossed her legs and her arms over her chest. Hinata sighed, "I must be on my way now Lady Sakura," she bowed lightly to her and the two other girls and then gave Sasuke a nod, "Have a nice day." With that Hinata walked out of the room and gave a sigh of relief when the doors closed behind her, "I never want to do that again."

"Yeah," she looked over to see Suigestu and a male she did not know both stand off to the side by the wall in Akatsuki cloaks. She took notice that they both had large swords on their back, but this other male had light blue hair that was short and a bit spikey and he looked to be wearing headphones and also had on some glasses. Suigestu smirked, "Dealing with the royals is pretty rough." Suigestu nudged the Akatsuki beside him, "Don't be shy introduce yourself man."

The other male stumbled foreword and blushed as he fixed his glasses, "I-I'm Chojuro," he bowed and then backed away again, "nice t-to meet you."

Hinata smiled and bowed back to him, "honor to meet you Chojuro-san," the other male just smiled and again there was a light blush on his cheeks. Hinata hated to admit it, but his blush was very cute to her. "What are you guys doing away from Lord Mizukage?"

"Kisame-teme is taking care of it," Suigestu stated in a bored manner and waved his hand, "he told us to wait outside since it was getting pretty tense in there and he didn't want anyone to escape, but Chojuro said he could feel things cool down so we bailed."

"You're going to be out of a job like that," she said as she walked towards the rooms the Kages would be in and the two followed without a word. "Or you'll be demoted to jonin or even chunin." She smirked at the two, "And then I will make fun of you forever."

"Please, we are the best of the best," Suigestu put his arm around Chojuro's shoulders, "they could never replace us." Chojuro just blushed and looked down at his feet as they walked ahead. "But you on the other hand," Suigestu smirked and walked in front of her with his back in the direction of where they were walking too, "you seem to be that one in a million find. You control more than two elements." Hinata went a bit stiff at the fact that was just told and she was sure that if everyone began to figure out that, there would be the question of why. He took notice of it and decided to push the subject a bit more, "A bit odd, even for someone who could be called a prodigy, almost….un human."

"Oh right," Hinata smirked at him, "Coming from the guy with sharp pointed teeth. What's your excuse?"

"It's a rare trait among my people," he pouted a bit, "and the entire swordsmen have pointed teeth, even the Mizukage before Lord Haku did; he was once a swordsman as well." Chojuro nodded shyly from his spot beside Hinata and she glanced over at him. He caught her glance and blushed lightly; he opened his mouth and there were the same pointed teeth that Kisame and Suigestu had. "See that Mage-chan, all the same," Suigestu smiled and the three stopped before the two large doors that had opened up to the Hokage's office. Hinata pulled her hood back up so that it hid her face and the two boys buttoned together their cloaks so that the high collar hid the bottom of their faces. "Something is wrong…" Suigestu trailed off as his hand was against the door.

"I can't e-even sense K-Kisame-dono," Chojuro gripped his swords handle as Suigestu did the same. Hinata's eyes began to glow a dark purple and with a light touch of her hand, the doors were pushed open with a large guest of wind. The three jumped in and Hinata nearly fell back anime style. The three stood on the table as the three Kages and one Lord looked up at them with amused faces; other than Tsuande since she looked to want to kill them. "Y-your instincts w-was a bit off Suigestu-san…." Chojuro put his sword back.

"Shut up," he glared back at him and put his own sword back. "Where are the others?"

"We let them have the day off," Gaara smirked as he tipped his hat foreword.

"Kisame-san said that you two had run off and we, as leaders," Haku motioned to the others of the table, "are able to take care of ourselves for the moment." He looked up to Hinata and gave a light smile, "But I welcome you, Mage-dono, to stay as long as you like." Hinata blushed from under her hood and turned away from him. The three excused themselves from the table as a few maids came to clean up and sever new drinks. "Please, Chojuro-san, Suigestu-san, go on to the shinobi kitchen and the others should be there as well."

"Mage-dono," Gaara glanced up at the girl, "Be sure to inform my sister she must return to her room before nightfall, if you would be so kind." Hinata nodded and gave the group a low bow, along with the other two Akatsuki. They exited the room closing the door behind them. Gaara glanced at Tsuande, "She's grown quite a bit, ne?"

"Indeed," Haku answered without really thinking. The others looked to him and he only blushed lightly and tipped his hat down to hide his face.

"Hm," Orochimaru smiled lightly, "I remember that age," he sipped his tea lightly, "I always seem to forget that you two are merely boys, not just Kages."

"I have no time to be a boy," Gaara clarified to the dark haired man, "and we were discussing plans for the future of our countries. May we please get back to that?"

(Line break)

Hinata happily enjoyed what she could make of a late breakfast even though a few certain Akatsuki were beginning to become a bother to her. The Sunagakure Akatsuki Deidara was about ready to set fire to their Akatsuki who was Tobi. The masked male was doing nothing but acting like a child and everyone else was able to just tone him out. Sasori Akasuna had taken it upon himself to do nothing but fiddle with his puppets that it began to annoy Hinata at the sounds of his tinkering. Itachi was content with eating dangos and listening to Kisame going on about whatever they were talking about. Orochimaru's jonin guard Kimimaro and Kabuto did not seem to like being where they were and just sat away from the large group. Sasuke was relieved of his own duty and hung around Suigestu and Chojuro since they were the youngest of the group. Hinata thought it odd that the cafeteria was so empty; there were usually a handful of people in here since breaks were all taken at different times. She guessed that with the Akatsuki in here the others felt a bit intimidated by their presences. Hinata also found it odd that the four leaders were so carefree about letting their Akatsuki and jonin just go off and 'hang-out' with one another. In the earlier years of the kingdoms no Kage would be caught without their guard in fear of losing their life to an assassin.

"Humph," she leaned back against the wall of the kitchen with her hood still hiding her face, "stuck with none of my friends." Hinata glanced at the door once more in hopes that they would come in and give her some company. In all truth Hinata could go out and get some missions from the Council at the other end of the castle; she didn't have to stay here if she did not wish. But with her luck she'd have to fill out reports since mages were only used on high level missions and at the moment, most of the nations were in a state of peace. The best she could do was go out and catch bandits or teach at a school house. She knew her history very well and would be of benefit to the younger generation. Kaito, Yume, and Ami would all be in classes for training and she didn't feel like sitting through that with them. So this was indeed her last option, to follow the Akatsuki around for the moment and hope that the day gets more interesting. She closed her eyes and thought this a good time to catch a few z's that were very much needed-

"Mage-chan~!" Hinata was tackled to the ground by the bubbly Akatsuki of the group and happily laid his head on her chest. Her face burnt a dark red and she was sure that she was going to pass out. "Tobi thinks that Mage-chan should come eat with Tobi and his best friends! We all can eat until we explode~!" Hinata starred up at the masked male and she found it odd to see one red Sharigan stare at her through the whole of mask, and it began to spin. Hinata had never seen the Sharigan in action and now that she was, she felt her lids lowering as they began to get heavy. She could only assume that she had a dreamy look on her face and that the male had that Uchiha smirk on his face. Hinata was surprised that no one had come over to them, but she was unaware of everything as a gloved hand caressed her face and she couldn't stop it. "Mage-chan is so cute…" he said lightly.

"You idiot, un!" Deidara yelled as he pulled the male off of her, but Hinata made no move to get up. She just starred at the high ceilings as her head swam in confusion and she was unable to move any of her limbs at the moment. While Tobi ran off in tears for being yelled at, Deidara looked down at the girl, "You need some help, un?" Hinata didn't hear anything but something that sounded like muttering to her; her vision was still blurred a bit and she felt something grab her hand and was they were licking her palm as well. Deidara groaned as he pulled the girl up to her feet since she was acting like a rag doll at the moment. "Oi," he looked at her as he had his arms wrapped around her waist as he tried to make her stand, "you still in there, un?"

"Sh-Sh-Sha-Sharigan…" she mumbled under her breath as she looked up at him with dazed eyes. Deidara blushed as he looked at the innocent face that was also dazed in confusion; it was so damn alluring to him and he was sure that his nose would start bleeding soon. But at the word 'Sharigan' made it very clear at what had happened to her and he sent a glare in Tobi's direction. The short haired Uchiha happily sat on a table telling stories but all of the Akatsuki and Jonin knew that there was something very evil within that Uchiha. Hinata on the other hand leaned up again the male, and once Deidara let go of her she put all her weight against him. He didn't expect her to become so heavy and the next thing Deidara knew was that he was falling back on the ground along with her. He smacked his head pretty hard on the floor and she landed not too lightly on his chest, abdomen, and….lower region.

"Dear Kami," he bit back a groan as he lifted himself on his forearms and looked at her. Hinata's hood was not anymore and her hair was sprawled out about her head and even covering some of the floor. She slowly moved her head and looked back at him with her chin digging into his lower chest. "Y-you okay, un?" Deidara nearly squeaked out as she shifted and rubbed up against a certain area between his legs. Hinata gave a light groan and just stared into his one visible blue eye.

"Nice find Deidara," Kisame had taken a notice to the little mishaps that happened to the blonde and though he'd get a better look at it. He stood close to their feet and smirked at them, "Never thought you'd find a girl that could stand you."

Deidara blushed red and glared at him, "Just help me get her off."

"You sure," he smirked again, "I can leave you two alone…"

"Tobi used Sharigan on her and know she's all dizzy eyed," he said sitting up and holding her up so she would stay sitting up as well. "Now get her off," Kisame nodded and easily lifted her up with one arm and let her lean up against her. "You know how to get her to snap out of it?"

"I did learn an ancient trick from an old medicine woman up in the mountain," he said as he sat her down on a table. Hinata was slowly gaining back her thinking and body movements, but she was just staring at the floor. Kisame clapped his hands together and began to mutter something under his breath and then got close to Hinata's ear and whispered something. Deidara jumped as Hinata's face turned a bright red and she jumped up and screamed with steam coming out of her ears. Hinata quickly ran out of the room and slammed the cafeteria door behind her as she left. They all looked at Kisame who was smiling brightly at a job well done: "Told you I knew a trick."

"What the hell did you do, un?"

"I brought out a major emotion in her which always causes the brain to react and I chose to embarrass her," he said matter-of-factly. "Didn't think she'd take it that bad though," he rubbed his chin but then smiled again, "Oh well, it still worked."

"You're an idiot Kisame," Itachi said as he shook his head and then glared at Tobi, "and you cousin." Tobi stiffened and looked down knowing that he was to be scolded, "I hope that you are happy that she will most likely not press charges; keep Madara at bay."

"Tobi promises Itachi-chan…" he said lightly feeling ashamed of his self.

(Line Break)

Hinata's face burned red as she quickly turned a corner and pressed her back against the wall of the castle. She hoped that the dark walls of stone would cool her over heating body. There are a lot of things in the world that Hinata does not need to hear; one good example was what Kisame had just told her. This sure did make her get out of her daze but it might have made things very hard for her. Kisame said that Haku once had a dream…about her…an erotic one. Just rethinking it made steam blow out her ears and if she saw the male she would surely faint or run away. She didn't want to offend him but, now, she didn't want to be near him either. Hinata tilted her head back and closed her eyes, she just wanted to go home and sleep away the day. There was no way she could go on with the day or dealing with either Akatsuki or Kage-

"Mage-dono," she stiffened as the soft voice of the Mizukage drifted to her ears, "what brings you here?" She glanced over at him and quickly bowed while putting her hood back on her head. "At ease Mage-dono," he smiled and chuckled as she just slowly stood up and avoided eye contact with him. "Come on now Hinata-chan," he smiled softly as he removed his hat, "you are indeed my equal, no need to act so formal around me." He watched as her face began to turn a deep shade of red, "Is something the matter," he got a bit closer to her and put his hand on her shoulder. Hinata quickly stepped away from him and shouted out something that sounded like 'I'm sorry' before she took off down the hall and disappeared around the corner. He tilted his head to the side as his mind filled with question. What had he done to make her so skittish?

Hinata blindly ran out an opened window and took off into the village streets in hopes of finding a place to cool down. She ran into the forest towards a side river that she knew was there. She slowed her run until she was towards the river; she huffed loudly as she took her seat at the water's edge. She threw her cloak aside along with her blue sandals; Hinata dipped her legs into the cool water and grabbed some water in her hands to cool her hot face. She hadn't known how long she had been there but it wasn't long enough until she felt another familiar presence that didn't even try to sneak up on her anymore. She kept staring down at the water while the figure in the corner of her eye lied down in the grass on their belly. She watched as their hand made ripples in the water.

"Sasuke," she said but she couldn't really think of anything else to say after that.

"Hinata," he responded as he dragged his fingers of the water.

"What…." She asked while slowly moving her feet back in forth in the water.

"I thought we were playing a game," he said and glanced up at her, "saying names back and forth until we ran out."

"You win," she dipped her hands back in the water and rubbed the back of her neck as to cool her down.

Sasuke smirked, "I always do," Hinata laughed lightly. Sasuke moved so that his body was parallel with that river and so that his head was on her lap. She did not question him, she was actually used to it from Wolf, and he did this all the time, whether she liked it or not. He was surprised that the she had not freaked or asked him to move, but why question a good thing. She had a comfortable lap anyway. "You ran out pretty fast, what happened?"

"I got a little sick and thought I was going to empty my stomach," she lied easily almost like she was breathing. She looked down at him and couldn't help but admire how cute he looked when he was at peace; there the great Uchiha lied with his eyes closed and soft breaths escaped his mouth in light sighs. She lightly moved the hair out of his face and smiled warmly at him.

"I hope you aren't going to take advantage me," he smirked as he opened one eye to look at her.

Hinata pouted with a blush on her cheeks, "I might just push you into the river and how does that sound Sasuke?" She looked away from him as he chuckled in a deep voice that sent a shiver through her body. "Maybe you shouldn't look adorable as you sleep."

"Adorable?" He questioned with a smirk.

"Yeah," Hinata smirked at him, "it's so much better than looking at your grumpy awake face. Maybe that's why no girl approaches when your eyes are open." She laughed as he seemed to pout at the statement. "You're such a baby," she pushed him up into a sitting position and got back to her feet. She put her cloak back on with her hood up and slipped on her sandals, "I don't feel sick anymore, I'm going to go get some reports done for the day-" she was cut off as an arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her into a hard chest. "Geez Sasuke what's up," she looked over her shoulder and up at him, only to find that cool and emotionless face the Uchiha men were known for.

He spoke softly, "How is it that…you are so different?" Sasuke eased his eyelids lower so that the look on his face softened, "Tell me Hinata, and why is that I can talk to you, and not feel afraid to show you…show you how I really feel?" Hinata felt her cheeks turn a faint pink as he began to lean in a bit closer to her, as he began to close his eyes ad that even her eyes began to close. She felt his breath on her lips, "Tell me," he almost pleaded to her.

"I..," she tried to look for the right words, "I don't know," she opened her eyes and looked into his own. They just stood there not really knowing what else they should do. Hinata finally spoke up, not taking her eyes off of his, "We…we should get back…"

"You both should," the two looked over to see that Itachi stepped out from the shadow of the tree, "I hope you never leave the castle like that Sasuke, you have a job to protect the nobility and you can't do that while flirting with the Mage." Sasuke scoffed as his cheeks turned a light pink; he let go of Hinata and disappeared in a step. "Mage," she looked back at Itachi, "you have a job as well, no more slaking off." He then disappeared in just a single step that made Hinata roll her eyes.

"When did he become my boss," Hinata asked mockingly as she made a hand sing and vanished in a swirl of wind and then appeared at the castle entrance, but she could not enter. The Kazekage stood at the door with Temari at his side. Hinata quickly stepped aside and bowed, "Honor seeing you again Kazekage-sama," she spoke in a strong voice.

"No need for the formality," Gaara spoke as she stood straight. He gave a light smile, "I hope that you could join me for a walk later Lady Hatake."

"Oh please, Kazekage-sama," she shook her head, "I am not worthy of such a high status of a name as your own. You may refer to me as Mage."

"I believe," he smirked as he tipped his hat back, "that as the Kazekage I can address you how I please."

Hinata felt a smile pull at her lips, "That is very true, my apologies for not respecting that power."

"I also can ask you to address me in certain ways," he lifted her chin up to look at him, "and you may refer to me as Gaara." Temari smiled at the pair, and took it as her cue to walk on. She gave a light motion of her head, and as she walked to where the family was staying for the night, a shadow followed very close to her, but only one shadow.

"A-as you wish," Hinata stuttered out as her cheeks burned. It seemed like everyone was having a 'who can make the Mage turn the reddest' contest. "I would feel honored to join you Gaara…-san." She added at the end; Hinata could not just throw out everything she had been taught. He smirked lightly and with a nod of her head he said his goodbye and walked off in the direction Temari had gone. She sighed lightly and looked to her left to spot the Akatsuki that stood beside her. "What is it Akasuna-san?"

"I've never seen him so happy," he said, "which makes everything so much harder for him." Hinata wanted to question what he meant but Sasori was already gone. She only walked into the castle and went to the mission room; reading through reports will help clear her head.

(Line Break)

Hinata sat at the table beside the book case as she held the brush in her hands; she wasn't actually given reports, but more of a research project. They council and the Hokage have noticed that there had been a lot of sightings of demons being seen around forests of the village and even close to castle grounds. Hinata could only guess at whom that was and she was sure that he wasn't the only one. Long ago had she learned the Wolf had many friends that loved to meet her and give her wedding gifts that she tossed them out the window when given the chance, but it didn't matter the gifts had all found their way into her closet and now sat their collecting dust. Her job was to come up with a seal to keep them out and to alarm the Priest about them sooner. But Hinata couldn't make them. Her prototype seals caught fire, and Hinata almost set herself on fire multiple times. The seals upon her arms triggered the seals and it only confirmed her worries…she was getting very close to becoming a demon.

"Hey Hinata," Kakashi entered the home and hung his cloak on the hanger, "what is this I hear of you and the Kazekage having a 'date' later today?" he smirked as Hinata's cheeks burnt up red. He took a seat across from her and watched as she pushed a tag, the paint brush, and then a piece of paper that had a seal drawn on it. "Why do I have to do it?"

Hinata just laid her head on the table, "I set off the seal, that's why." Kakashi just smiled his sad smile from behind his mask. He easily did what was asked and placed the tag in a case that would allow Hinata to carry it around without setting it off. "I can't hide it any longer sensei," she looked at him with concern, "I'll be setting off this seal left in right if it gets put up. I'll be found out and burned at the stake for what I am."

"Don't say that," he said reaching across the table and grabbing her hand, "I am going to find a way to save you, no matter what." Hinata smiled lightly and he let her go and crossed his arms over his chest, "Now," he started, "back to the matter at hand." Hinata gave him a questioning look, "You and the Kazekage are getting a little too close for my liking."

Hinata blushed pink, "It's just a walk…between two friends." She fiddled with the hem of her cloak. "No need to get so worked up about it."

"I am not worked up," he huffed, "I'm just slightly concerned with it is all."

"Shut-up old man," Hinata smirked at him, "you just need to date and stop worrying about me so much. You trained me yourself and know that I can watch out for my own safety."

Kakashi nodded and then handed her the box with the seal in it. "Just be sure that you remember your place Hinata," he looked to her with full seriousness, "you were born to serve the Hokage and this village, nothing more and nothing less." Hinata just looked away and almost tried to ignore her sensei's comment; but he was indeed right. She was born to serve. She had known what was to become of her life, Kakashi was still single at his age but he looked to be kind of happy. Though Hinata did see who his friends were and she wouldn't want to have anyone she liked meet them either. Hinata nodded and got up, "Where are you going?" Kakashi watched as she lightly picked up the case.

"I'm just going to turn this in and then come back to rest up so I can take the night watch shift." Hinata said as she walked out the door and waved back at him, "Don't wait up sensei," he waved back and they both took their leave. Hinata walked down the street and held the case in a pocket on the inside of her cloak and she could feel the heat trying to burn her. Hinata wanted to throw the case deep into the woods and never look at it again and just tell her Hokage that she lost it. How could the Hokage do this too her? Force her to make something that could lead to her death. How could she? She was going to be murdered by the Priest that was dressed in bright orange. That was the last things she would see, bright and beautiful orange. The whole town will watch as she was tied to a stake and cursed her to a hell as the Hokage announced another well-done on the behalf of the Leaf Village. She would saw that Hinata was tricked into catching herself and how their great new priest was going to take out the demon.

Hinata stopped at the bottom of the steps to the castle large doors and the box was getting fairly warm. She looked at the box and then back up at the castle…she sighed and walked up to the door with heavy steps. Hinata nodded to the guards that opened the door for her and walked to the Jiraiya's office to drop off her box. Hinata sighed when she saw the door was open and the priest was sitting there at his desk and writing. She knocked on the door, "Sir," she said lightly as she stood in the doorway, "I have that seal that Lady Hokage requested."

"Did you finish it completely?"

"No sir," she shook her head, "but I know that the seal is right for it."

"Just set in on my desk," he said as he went back to his writing. Hinata walked in and set the box on his desk. "Hold on…" he looked at the box, "is there smoke coming from your box?" Hinata flinched and looked at the box.

"Uh…" she blushed red and rubbed the back of her neck, "maybe it is not that good." She then quickly ran out, "Bye Sir!" Hinata was gone in a mere second in hopes that he would not question her or think she was a moron. She ran out of the castle and tried to catch her breath as she sat on the bottom of the steps. Hinata hoped that no one had caught her running like a madwoman since her life was hard enough. She let out a deep breath when she made it back outside and she took a seat at the steps.

"Well look at who we have here," Hinata looked up to see Naruto crouching down in front of her with a goofy smile, "shouldn't you be off talking to a tree?"

"Shouldn't you be peeping at the woman's bath," she snapped back and they both just stood there glaring at one another.

He huffed while his cheeks burnt red, "Just…get off of the castle stairs. You're a Mage not a homeless person."

"I can sit where I ever I feel like," she said stubbornly as she slightly turned away from him and crossed her arms over her chest. He groaned and smacked her shin with his wooden staff. She gapped at him, "Did you just hit me?" She stood up as he laughed at her red cheeks and glare; Hinata delivered a swift kick to his chest and smirked as he fell back down the stairs. "How did that feel you blonde haired jerk?" She yelled at him while pointing accusingly.

"You want to dance Mage," he got to his feet and pointed the staff at her.

"I want to fight Priest," she smirked as a dark purple formed around her hands. He smirked and right as he was about to run at her, something grab the back of his collar and pulled him back to his bottom. "Kiba-san," she smiled lightly.

"Moron," Kiba looked at Naruto, "you really want to fight right here? In front of the Hokage's castle with the newly appointed Mage," he smirked as Naruto pouted. "Why don't we all get along and buy me some dinner," he smiled at the two.

"Why not," Hinata shrugged and walked down to the two, "as long as he promises to play nice."

"Bite me," he said back.

"Don't be getting Kinky Naruto," Kiba pulled him back to his feet. "I thought you were in love with Lady Sakura?"

"Shut up Kiba," Naruto pouted as he dusted off his clothes.

"You guys are so cute," Hinata teased as they walked to the dining hall.

"I said shut up!" Naruto glared and blushed as the two laughed.

(End)

Wow…how long has it been? ^^" Sorry about that guys, I knew a few people really liked this story and just forgot all about it since I was on such a role with one shots, the gb series and other things. I will try really hard to get back to this story, I just hope people are still reading it. Ja Ne.