a/n: Ah! It seems I've upset some people with the Sasuhina comment. I promised hints. There will not be a sasuhina coupling at all, if anything just a friendship. However, it's the hints that will give Naruto the wrong idea. That was the point of the comment.
Also this bonus chapter just revealed a lot more than I thought it did. WAAAAY MOREE.
A Good-bye From Five Years Past
The pair stood in the Training Ground 4, silent for a few moments. Then, Naruto slapped his teammate on the back, causing his concentration to break. Sasuke stumbled forward from the sheer force of impact.
"What the hell was that for, idiot?!"
He stopped. Naruto was being odd, there was a hard glint in his eyes and he was oddly tense. 'Is he...?'
Naruto blurted out", Do you look like Hinata?"
It was Sasuke's turn to be speechless. He barely even knew the girl. She was slightly less annoying than the other kunoichi, and so he tolerated her. Right now, his fascination rested with what she was hiding. Even when he was escorting her back home, not once had she even used her Byakugan to scan the area, and when he had asked why, she skirted the question with damn half answers. If anything, he hoped to high heaven that whatever was going on within the Hyuuga clan would not result in something like what happened to his own clan. Whatever happened, he would put the peace of Konoha, before anything else.
Sasuke returned the favor to Naruto, slapping his head. "Are you jealous or something, because it's not a good look for you."
Naruto stopped rubbing his head, and his gaze drifted to the lake. Sasuke sighed, he was having an 'ahah!' moment.
"I-I guess I am…"
Props for Naruto's honesty at least. Sasuke shifted slightly. If anyone had the power to prevent turmoil or whatever, it would be Naruto.
Rumors of the Hyuuga clan's political prowess not just in the Capital, but in the other countries had been swirling around for years. But it was only recently, that whispers of a growing rift had begun to circulate.
"Naruto."
The man in question turned towards his rival. And it was times like these that reminded Sasuke why he was their future Hokage. "Sasuke-teme, what do you know about the Hyuuga clan?"
Five Years Ago….
Tsunade sighed as she perused the application in front of her, disregarding the fidgety girl standing in front of her. After several tense moments, she finally looked up, her honey gaze unreadable.
"You want to become a part of the Diplomacy Corps?"
"Y-yes, Tsunade-sama," Hinata replied, uncertain. She nervously tucked a short strand of hair behind her ear. She played with the hem of her flak jacket, waiting for her fate to be announced. She needed this. Really needed this if things were going to be okay.
"Based on your application, I would say you are more than qualified for the position. In addition to that, you're polite, tactful, quick-witted, and open-minded. All perfect qualities for the job."
Hinata visibly sighed in relief. This was good; it seemed that years of Hyuuga political and etiquette training would finally pay off.
"However, I want to know the real reason behind your choice."
"E-excuse me?"
Tsunade smiled wryly, and laced her hands under her chin. "Come now Hinata-chan. I highly doubt it's because you enjoy political intrigue and ass-kissing the hell out of higher officials."
Hinata blanched at Tsunade's blunt and slightly vulgar description of the job. It would not be that horrible, she was sure. Based on her past experiences with the many Hyuuga political allies, there was more to the position than that. But the truth was that…
"I c-cannot utilize the Gentle Fist as efficiently as b-before, because of…of" She trailed off, gesturing towards her right eye and the healing bruise hidden beneath layers of hair.
"Are you running away?"
"No!" Hinata denied vehemently. She was not a coward; she simply needed time. She needed time to get stronger; time to deal with this new disability and time to find herself again. Otherwise, things would be very difficult with the Hyuuga clan and she feared that with these complications, her promise to Neji would be unfulfilled. This would buy her that time.
Tsunade's eyes widened at the passionate denial. "Then what?"
"I c-could l-lose my title if they f-found out. Everything w-would b-be ruined. I just need s-some time."
Tsunade nodded in understanding. "What else have the Hyuuga put their grubby paws in Hinata?"
"N-naruto-kun's Hokage c-candidacy. They have d-direct ties to the council in the Capital."
Tsunade was floored. The arrogant Hyuugas had political reach as far as that. This could utterly devastate Naruto's chances of becoming Hokage. If the council did not approve him, even if Konoha were to approve him, there would be a slim chance of even getting him into the Hokage's robes without provoking an all-out civil war with the Capital.
"Will you be able to handle the pressures of the job? The constant travel, the arguments, and the intimidation?"
"Of c-course, Tsunade-sama. I th-think my trai-"
"Hinata, I'm not asking about your training. I'm sure you'll do brilliantly, what I'm asking is will you be okay?"
Hinata remembered why she was doing this; for her family, for Hanabi, for Naruto-kun and for everyone else who would benefit by having him as Hokage. She would do this. She nodded firmly. "I can do this, Tsunade-sama."
'There she is, the Hinata from the war.' Tsunade smile proudly and slammed her hands on her desk, causing papers to fly everywhere and startling a waiting Hinata. 'This might be good for her after all, just one thing left."
"What about Naruto? Wouldn't you rather he know abou-"
"No. He's b-busy fulfilling the r-requirements. He has S-sasuke-san to compete against and has enough to h-handle. This is m-my family's p-problem." Hinata reasoned, her hands fiddling excitedly. 'Besides, he already thinks I'm weak enough.'
Tsunade was surprised, the two had been getting closer this past month, and she thought that Hinata would want Naruto's support, as she always had.
"B-besides, I cannot a-always rely on his s-strength. I need to d-do this on my own."
"So you won't tell anyone?"
"If I d-did, th-they wouldn't let me go through with it." Hinata's spine straightened and her eyes narrowed in an attempt the tears from falling. She would miss everyone.
Ino was bored. Another morning running the flower shop and no customer's in sight. A tinkling bell announced a visitor. 'Finally, a person!'
Ino bounced out from around the counter, cheerfully greeting her patron. "Welcome, how can I help you?"
A small squeak and an answering greeting had her looking up. "Hina-chan!"
"Good morning, Ino." Hinata smiled brilliantly, clutching a small piece of paper to her chest.
"What's that Hina? Do you need help with something?"
Ino was excited. Hinata was the only other person who could understand the beauty of flowers. Both had hobbies involving them, however Ino's focused on using the ephemeral beauty of live ones while Hinata's hobby attempted to preserve them. And she was the only other girl who knew about the secret language of flowers.
Hinata nodded the affirmative, her short hair swinging vigorously. She was dressed casually Ino noted, with dark pants and a blue sweater. Ino smoothed her own yellow apron and extended her hand, silently asking to see the paper.
Ino's eyes widened at the long list of blossoms. "You want to buy all this Hina-chan?"
"Y-yes."
"What's the occasion? Is it for Naruto?" Her eyes narrowed slyly, teasing the blushing Hyuuga.
"N-no! I-It's just I'm k-kind of going on a flower p-pressing spree a-and-"
"Just teasing Hina!" Ino interrupted, seeing that the girl was so flustered she was about to self-combust. She gestured towards the red-faced girl, indicating that she should follow her. Ino practically bounced to the store room, professionally and gently picking out Hinata's requested blossoms. Because there were so many, Ino did not even have time to think about their individual meanings, their colors and fragrances blurring as she went from one to the next.
Finally, when she was done, she lead Hinata to the work bench were they made small talk as she expertly clipped the thorns and dead leaves and packed the flowers into cold boxes to preserve them. Finally, she handed the completed package and list to Hinata.
"Here you go Hina-chan" She said brightly. She was further surprised when Hinata reached into the box and pulled out a single white jasmine, its delicate petals curling outwardly towards Ino. (1) She handed it to the startled blonde, smiling. "Thank you, Ino."
And with that, Hinata gracefully exited the store, clutching her box of blossoms. A bemused Ino returned to the front counter, a jasmine flower carefully tucked into the pocket of her apron.
The bell tinkled again a few minutes later, a confused looking Sai roughly holding a bunch of wine colored amaranthus flowers. (2)
"Stutters-chan gave this to me. Why?"
He was further bewildered when Ino began laughing uncontrollably.
"Hinata Hyuuga, I welcome you to the Diplomacy Corps." Tsunade smiled at the girl.
"R-really Tsunade-sama!" Her eyes brightened, a thousand thank you's on her lips, but before she could even utter one, Tsunade popped her little bubble with…
"Under certain conditions of course."
Hinata deflated. Of course, there would have to be with Tsunade-sama. There always was.
"Condition one, no one, outside of who I approve, can know of what your mission is. You cannot tell anyone, partly because of what could happen if your clan found out and mostly because of the sensitivity of political talks and deals. You will carry some of Konoha's most important secrets, and discretion is imperative."
"Hinata-chan?" Sakura looked surprised as the petite kunoichi stood in her doorway, a large neatly wrapped basket held in her hands. "Come in!"
Hinata smiled gratefully, placing the basket on Sakura's breakfast table, marveling at the creams and beiges of the girl's decor. Sakura peeked through the transparent wrapping, scrutinizing the assortment of dried herbs and teas packed neatly. Out of place, was the small box of kusa mochi (3), placed on top.
"Uhh…So what brings you here so early in the morning? Not that I mind you visiting." Sakura inquired somewhat unsure. It was not to say she disliked the little Hyuuga, simply that she did not know her very well. The fact that Hinata was kind of dating Naruto (although neither of the two would admit it) bothered her a little, mostly because the girl was all Naruto could talk about the past month. (She pushed these feelings to the side, knowing it would do no good.)
Hinata still had a small, gentle smile on her face. Her huge eyes nearly swallowing her face in a myriad of emotions so mixed, that Sakura had a harder time reading her than usual. She nodded towards the basket.
"Umm, Th-that is for you and S-sasuke-san."
Sakura looked carefully at the basket, beaming excitedly when she saw exactly what Hinata had given her. "Hinata! This is amazing! How did you get these mullein herbs (4), they're so hard to find here?!"
Hinata's tiny, tremulous smile grew, glad that her gift had pleased the health conscious medic-nin. "Ano, I have a small herb garden, so I though you would like it."
Sakura's eyes sparkled as she thought of all the wonderful curative properties packed into the basket. The mullein herb alone could be used to treat anything from respiratory infections to vascular problems. "Thank you, Hinata. I love it, and I'm sure Sasuke-kun will enjoy the tea."
Sakura then turned towards the girl. "But what's the occasion?"
Here Hinata paled. "Umm…I w-was just working in the garden and I noticed you seemed a bit stressed, so I thought it would be a n-nice present."
A pang of guilt swept through Sakura as she remembered her earlier feelings towards the kind girl. Still it was odd, such a nice present all of a sudden. But she would not look a gift horse in the mouth, and so decided not to press on with her questions. The poor heiress looked ready to faint anyway.
Sakura offered another thank you and an invitation to tea. Hinata politely refused and said she needed to run some other errands. Sakura cheerfully waved the girl off, not noticing the heavy slump of her shoulders as she walked out.
"Number two, you will pick one trusted comrade and confide in them. You will contact them and me through monthly reports or letters and they will accompany you on your first diplomatic assignment. Because you said your team would most likely stop you if they knew of your condition, pick someone unbiased."
Tsunade gazed at the girl, knowing that this would be the hardest stipulation. If Naruto's flaw was being intrusive, then Hinata's was that she never wanted to rely on others for help. It was not from arrogance, but rather insecurity and not wanting to be a burden. And if she had to compare the two flaws, the second could prove the most fatal.
'Hinata will learn to speak up. But this injury of hers cannot be revealed yet.'
Tenten and Hinata quietly sat by Neji's grave, giving their weekly offerings to their mutual loved one. It had been about a month after the war when they found each other here and had decided to hold these visits together, seeking solace in the other's company. Lee would sometimes join them, despondent at the loss of his rival. Today however, he had opted for training to ease his pain and had left the two kunoichi alone.
"Tenten-san?"
"Hinata-chan. I told you, you don't have to be so formal."
A small giggle had Tenten looking at the Hyuuga. She never laughed when visiting Neji's grave. Hinata looked up apologetically and wistfully. "I used to tell Neji-nii-san the same thing when he would call me Hinata-sama."
Soon the two were laughing together, comparing memories of the brave man they both missed. They quieted after several minutes, the silence broken by Hinata's whispered question.
"Tenten-san, I want to thank you and Lee-san for helping me with my taijutsu training these past few weeks."
"Huh? It's no problem Hinata-chan, I'm sure Lee is just as happy to be able to fight another Gentle Fist user. Though we were both surprised that you wanted to learn Guy-sensei's Hard Fist style, it's the very opposite. And you haven't really used your Byakugan, yet you've still learned so much."
"W-well…I…Tenten-san, I trust you very much and I know Neji-nii-san d-did too, so I'm going to tell you." Hinata said, a determined and grim look crossing her face. She relayed the entire affair to Tenten, including how things were relating to Naruto and why she was the only one who would know.
A shocked and slightly flattered Tenten replied quietly "Thank you, Hinata-chan. I promise your secret's safe and I…I'm going to go with you on your first assignment."
Hinata looked up surprised and grateful. Tears pooled in her eyes as she thanked the bun-haired girl profusely.
"Condition three, you will need to have monthly check ups by a physician in whatever village or country you are visiting. It's a hassle, but it's necessary. I will not compromise your health and it would not due to have my ambassador vulnerable to attack. You will be a protector of precious information, so be prepared."
She gave a slight bow, winded from the training session with a certain Rock Lee. She smiled, she was getting stronger already. But this, this would be that last time she would see her energetic teacher in a while.
"Lee-san!" She handed him a box of chamomile tea, as thanks for all his work with her.
His bushy brows rose, confused as to why she was handing him tea. "Thank you, Hinata-chan! I will treasure this precious gift!"
Hinata laughed, his enthusiasm was contagious. 'Almost like Naruto-kun…'
Lee asked, "But what is it for?"
"I-it's to thank you for being my teacher these past few weeks."
He gazed appreciatively at the box, still confused by why she gave him this particular tea. Thinks brows furrowed over his large eyes. "W-wha-"
"Chamomile means 'energy in adversity' in the language of f-flowers." She explained gently.
The grin on Lee's face spread as he hopped up and down. "YOSH! THANK YOU HINATA-CHAN!"
Hinata nodded. These conditions were very reasonable.
"Condition number four, you will come back immediately if I send for you, regardless of what you're doing."
The small kunoichi groaned internally. This was understandable as well, but if Tsunade was even given the slightest reason, then her time as an ambassador could be shortened drastically. As it was, she was not even sure how long this mission was supposed to be for.
"Don't roll your eyes at me Hyuuga Hinata!"
She stood straight, not wanting to anger one of the legendary Sannin.
"Dinner's ready!" Hinata chimed as she and Kurenai-sensei laid out the numerous dishes they had spent hours preparing in Kurenai's tiny kitchen. The smell wafted through the small partition and into the living room where Kiba, Shino and Akamaru were all entertaining a very fussy Asuma-kun, his chubby arms flailing as he tried to catch one of Shino's insects.
The hungry men rushed towards the table, even the normally stoic Shino was eager to sample Hinata's and Kurenai's wonderful cooking. The delicious beef hot pot was accompanied by creatively molded rice balls and carefully prepared grilled salmon.
"Asuma-kun," Hinata lightly cooed as she picked up the bubbly baby and placed him into his high chair, laughing at his actions.
Kurenai smiled, seeing her team together and laughing again. She was indescribably glad that they had all made out alive, and she thanked her lucky stars every day that her surrogate family was still intact. "Hinata, you can eat now."
Hinata turned smiling towards her teacher and mother figure. "It's okay. I want to feed Asuma-kun."
She was startled then when a pair of arms grabbed her around the waist and pulled her towards the remaining chair on the table. She squeaked as she heard a gruff laugh. "Come on, Hinata-taaan! We're going to feeed jooo."
Shino cringed at Kiba's attempted baby voice and Kurenai took over feeding a giggling Asuma-kun. A loud chortle and ping announced a carrot's journey through the air. It landed on Shino's glasses, comically sticking on for several moments before sliding off.
The air remained silent, before being broken by Asuma's giggles. Then everyone began laughing, even Shino's quiet huffs rang through the apartment as Team 8 had their dinner; all but one unaware that it would be their last in a long while.
Kurenai admired the bouquet Hinata had brought, a gorgeous arrangement of yellow and purple pansies (5), interspersed with honeysuckle (6).
And Hinata's smile became melancholy, because she knew she was being selfish with that message.
"That's all for now Hinata-chan." Tsunade finalized tiredly. She was getting too old for this sort of thing. She rubbed her temples and clarified one last detail.
"You have a week to get your affairs in order. You know the rules."
Shikamaru frowned as he looked down at his and Choji's gifts from the Hyuuga. Something was up. Choji remained unaware, munching on the freshly made box of cinnamon rolls Hinata had baked all for him. He did not care what her reasons were, he was simply glad to have a friend who could cook as well as Hinata.
'Troublesome…should I ask or not?'
Hinata suspected Shikamaru knew and silently pleaded with him not to say a word. He sighed; it was not any of his business anyway. He remained silent, even as Hinata left. He tightly clutched his new shogi set, being careful not to crush the white poppy fastened to the top. (7)
Hinata smiled in gratitude, her hands clasped in anticipation and bittersweet glee. She bowed to her Hokage and made her way out the door. She was stopped by Tsunade's voice.
"Try and find a subtle way to say good bye to everyone, especially Naruto."
Then the door clicked shut, signaling to Tsunade that it was okay to resume drinking.
The fall night was awfully clear and chilly; the numerous stars glittered above, winking to the world below. Dead leaves (8) littered the grassy field and the squeaking of the wooden swing could be heard as its petite occupant swung back and forth, her short midnight hair moving with her.
Naruto glanced thoughtfully at the girl, his eyes cobalt in the intensity of his emotions towards her. Why had she wanted to meet out here tonight?
The abrupt stopping of the swing caught his attention. He waited for a response.
"Naruto-kun."
That was odd. No stutter or blush accompanied his name. Then again, she had been getting better at dealing with his presence and the past six months had helped him appreciate the redness and the inarticulate sounds. Heck, he had even come to think they were very adorable.
She did not look at him, opting to gaze at the sky, her silvery eyes like stars themselves. She tugged uncomfortably at her navy sweater, the cold biting through.
"Hinata-cha-"
"Thank you." She stated quietly, still not looking. It was then he noticed something shining on her cheek make its way down. She was crying. He lunged forward, needing to comfort her, to stop whatever was making her sad. She looked so broken and it hurt to see her like that.
She was not shocked when he hugged her. This was simply him, a way for him to show he cared. She relished the moment, knowing that it stemmed from her apparent fragility and feelings of friendship, not love. 'Not like with Sakura.'
"Hinata-chan, thank you for what?"
She froze. It was time.
"For giving me time. For letting me stay by your side and giving me a chance."
Naruto stepped back, confusion written across his face. What was she talking about? Of course, he had given her a chance. She was wonderful Hinata. Kind, beautiful and smart, and though at the beginning of their relationship he may have still love Sakura, that was becoming less and less of a problem.
She looked up at him again, and softly reached for his whiskered cheek. His eyes widened, she had not done that since the war. She had never been so bold. He relished the sensation, a blush coming to his face.
"Thank you l-letting me love you."
Then she kissed him on the cheek. He stiffened, shocked by what she was doing.
She then pulled away, softly caressing his face as he did and stepped out of his loose embrace.
"You're free, Naruto-kun.
And there she stood, like a piece of the night sky fallen to the ground. Shining with all its mysteries and trembling with the entire unknown. And it took a while for Naruto to register what she had just said. No, no…this was not how it was supposed to be. This was not normal. This was a dream, Tomorrow, everything would be fine and he would meet Hinata for Ichiraku's like always, maybe do some flower pressing, or heck even just lay down and talk…
She turned to leave, a sad smile gracing her face. Before she could leap and disappear like the insubstantial form of some specter of the night, he grabbed her tiny arm.
"W-what do you mean I'm free?"
She looked shocked, surprised at his response.
"I'm not free. I don't want to be…I mean…we still have time to get to know each other…"
She was sobbing now. "Naruto, it's over and I have to go."
She wrenched her arm from his grasp, not looking at him.
"G-goodbye Naruto-kun."
He only stood there, speechless. He called after her. "Hinata!"
She stopped, her back still turned towards him.
"It's not over! I promise, I'll try harder. Just…we'll talk t-tomorrow okay?"
"…"
"Okay?!"
She looked back at him, and smiled a sad smile, wishing for nothing more than to be able to do just that. She gave an empty promise. "Sure, N-naruto, tomorrow w-we'll talk."
Then she left, her heart breaking in time with his.
A/n: 1-white jasmine- you are cheerful and graceful, 2-hopeless not heartless,
kusa mocha is made from mugwort, an herb that means happiness. 4-mullein- health, good nature
forget-me-not, 6-Bonds of love, Generous and devoted affection, 7-sleep, 8-dead leaves mean sadness
Ah, I also apologize for Naruto seeming like such a…hmm jerk, to put it lightly. But there's more to him, and I have not shown it yet, considering this fic seems to follow Hinata more than anyone, we'll find out who he is now gradually, and with time.
Sadly, Neji is dead in this fic, so yeah…
Please keep in mind that Hinata is very flawed too, before and after the five year period. And it will be her turn to be called out on it, later.
