PART 3

Hinata sighed a quiet sigh, and waited for Hero. It had been a year and she still didn't bother trying to find out his name. In truth, she feared that if she found out his real name, he would completely change.

She heard the grass rustle under feet, and sensed Sasuke beside her. She turned her head and smiled to him.

Sasuke hadn't told Hinata about what he had heard about the plans for her surgery. He was too scared to say. He felt that she might completely change if she could see him.

"Hero-kun, I have a request."

"Yes?"

"Can you help me train?"

Sasuke was dumbfounded. "Why ask me? I need help too."

"But I don't just want to learn the Hyuuga style, I want to learn ninjutsu, and genjutsu. My family refuses to teach me those things."

Sasuke thought about it for a while. "Alright, follow me."

They came to the training grounds of the village. There were three wooden poles and a memorial stone.

Sasuke began instructing Hinata on some basic signs, and jutsu like replacement.

Hinata quickly mastered all the jutsu he taught her in a couple of days.

"Hero-kun, I was walking and I sensed that you were trying a powerful jutsu near the stream. How are you on it?"

"I am getting better. What kind of jutsu do you want to learn?"

"Hmm…perhaps water. Water is soothing and graceful."

Sasuke nodded thinking that it fit her.

"Hero-kun, do you think we will always be friends?"

"Of course!!"

"Will you be by me when I need you?"

"Yes."

"And when I open my eyes?"

Sasuke stopped. He faced her.

Her face lowered and she said, "I'm getting surgery next year. Father told me."

Sasuke didn't look down as he said, "I know."

Her head shot up, shocked. "W-What?"

"I've known for 2 years, but I was too afraid to say. Hinata, you could die!"

"I-I know. But when I can finally see the world, the first face I want to see is yours." She gave him a cheerful smile, astounding him.

"I promise." He held out his hand, and she took it. It sealed the oath he had given. She relaxed, knowing that he would be there for her.

XXXXX

Hinata listened to the song that rang in her ears. It was a sad song. It was crying. She didn't like the song. Because someone had died. And she knew who.

"Good bye dear…" Hinata heard her father say.

Her mother was gone. In her place was a baby name Hanabi.

Hinata escaped from the graveyard.

The heavens seemed to be crying, and the blind girl let the sky's tears soak her skin.

She heard hurried footsteps and knew who it was. Hero.

Hands were on her shoulder. Friendly comforting hands.

"Hero-kun, M-Mother…s-she's g-gone…" her voice was broken and hoarse.

"It's okay…don't worry…she's in a better place," Sasuke said soothingly.

Her trembling body stopped shaking and she relaxed. "Thank you, Hero-kun."

He pulled her to her feet, and led her to the hill where they always spent time together.

XXXXXX

Neji was curious. His uncle had invited Fugaku over. He knew that the two of them had been friends when they were younger, but why did Hiashi invite him over right after the funeral of his wife?

He listened at their door and heard two voices:

"Fugaku, I've noticed something strange about my daughter."

"And what would that be?"

"Hinata…she never seems lost. I let her roam freely, but watched. However, she always escapes. When she returns, she is not harmed or anything."

"My son speaks much of your daughter. I remember once or twice that he implied that she is…unusual for even a normal person."

There was silence for a while, but then Hiashi said, "I intend on extending the limits of her training. She might prove to be a very strong kunoichi."

Neji heard their steps nearing the door and ran into his own room. Shoud I tell Hinata-sama? No…why should I?