I sit on his lap, face mere inches from his. I wait, not moving any closer nor away. I can feel the internal debate and indecision well up within him, a struggle to keep a promise he made so many years ago to help me become clan head in whatever way he could. I could tell him a plan has been in the works for years, since Hiashi proposed that false choice, but I won't. I want this, him to give in. I don't know why, maybe it's because of Tenten. How unfair, I told him to move on but it still hurt; imagining her receiving the affections that should have been mine and only mine. There are several of his firsts I'll never receive so I will have this, Uzumaki Naruto going back on a promise for me.

I feel him start to break, debate nearing its end. It would be so easy to push him over the edge, a few sweet words but I won't. I once had to muster the courage to approach him, every step to his apartment felt like a journey unto itself but it was worth it, now I want him to do the same, to chose me consequences be damned. And he did, a chaste kiss lasting only a fraction of a second as if he's reached some grand bargain within himself. He won't hold unto that lie for long, I already feel it and I know he does. He'll need more now. I wrapped my arms around his neck and move just a little closer, I feel the heat on his face and grin, I've won and we both know it; any delay is just ego. I'll allow it, I'll let him save face this time, you sacrifice for the ones you love, right? The second kiss is deeper and longer and he wraps his arms around me. I struggle to fight back a smile, he's given up and I know I'm in control. What happened next got lost in a whirlwind of passion, lasting minutes or hours? I'll never know but before we let sleep take us I hear

"I love you Hinata-chan" and I can only smile as he holds me against his chest.

Morning greets us and it's the mixture of emotions on his face is, frankly, adorable. I know he has questions but I have some things to get in order before I can give them to him.

"I know you must be wondering what this meant, all I ask is you give me until tonight."

"No problem but there is something I need to tell you. I was pulled into a meeting with the clan heads, Hiashi levied some accusations and… I kinda lost my temper."

"You didn't hit him did you?"

"No but that might have been better. I dared him to threaten me and then implied, lightly, I'd… umm"

"Kill a lot of my clan if he did?"

"Kinda?"

I giggled. I know he's worked on it but his temper is a flaw of his and being screwed with by any authority figure sets him off. Hiashi is his natural enemy so I can't even really be mad.

"I'd prefer if you didn't attack my clan members."

"How strong a preference?"

"Fairly."

"Fine, Hinata-chan, I won't stand alone against the largest clan in the village. For you." he laughed but the subtext is clear. Temper he may have but he doesn't make empty threats and I'd hate to see what he'd do to someone that endangered Tsunade or Shizune.

"Ever the romantic, Naruto-kun. As much fun as this has been, I must return to the compound as Hiashi and I have business."

"So, I'll see you tonight?"

"Most certainly."

A quick shower and a change a clothes later and I'm off to the compound. It's a short walk but I take the long way as I reflect on how I got here. It likely started when I was 9 or 10, I don't remember when but I know it was around that time I stopped caring what Hiashi thought of… well anything. Overly critical and needlessly cruel and never thought it could be counter productive. In the entirety of the Hyuuga clan history there had not been a female clan head, surely they can't think that an accident. But don't question any of the gendered assumptions built into our traditions! Kami forbid. I learned early on that tradition is one of the many ways the cowardly and the powerful cling to the status quo. The fact that I realized our taijutsu style was actively fighting me when I was a child went to show me that no one wanted to see it. As if a Hyuuga's never been defeated before, such arrogance.

Anyway, when I stopped caring about Hiashi's opinion I became free. That's why his words were just background noise the night of the preliminaries. How can you be mad I tied with a prodigy? But he's a cadet branch member so you must be better! But you labeled him a prodigy! Irrational, simply irrational. I should be annoyed but I can only smile, something I got from Anko-sensei. "Don't let stupid people annoy you, they are here to entertain you," she said. I found the truth of the quote later as I was nursing a kunai wound when she initially said it. The disappointing Hyuuga and the Snake Mistress. Quite a pair we made. While Kurenai-sensei made us great trackers and gave us strong foundations, what I learned from Anko-sensei is what prepared me for ANBU service.

"Why do you want me to train you? It's not for some boy?"

"Not entirely."

Rolling her eyes, Anko goes to respond but is cutoff.

"Look, my grand ambition and reason for being isn't "some boy". I want to be the head of my clan but to do that my claim must be undeniable. They only respect combat ability, Kurenai-sensei can only take me so far and it isn't far enough. She may make us the best trackers but I need something more and as one of the best kunoichi in the village I was hoping you could get me closer to my goal. With that said, there is a boy. One with near limitless potential that is actively being held back. If he ever gets a decent sensei and half a chance he'll be something special and special in our world attracts enemies. I can't be weak if I want to be with him."

Anko nods in approval. "Ok, not bad motivations but that does leave the second part of the equation.

Why should I train you, gaki-hime?"

"Because there is a lack of serious kunoichi in my generation so why turn down one of the few who are?"

"What if I don't care about that?"

Shrugging, "Not sure. But I am a firm believer in reciprocity so what can I do for you?"

"I'll have to think on it. Meet me at the Forest of Death tomorrow after your team training is done.

Merciless but never cruel, every aspect of my skill set improved and I'll be forever thankful to her. I'll have to treat her to lunch when this is over, maybe share a story or two. She did make me promise to tell her how good the "fox gaki" was in the sack when I finally got him. I think it was initially to try and shock me then it just became a source of curiosity. I wonder if he's still in bed, damn, should have gotten one more ride in. I am doing a terrible job of focusing, nothing underlined this point better than not noticing two of the largest chakra signatures in the village standing right by me.

"Are you ready to do this, Hinata-chan?"

"Yes, Sandaime-sama."

"And where are you coming from, it is quite early."

Danzo-sama seemed entirely too amused by his barb and I try my best not to blush,

"I had a previous engagement."

A ghost of a smile could be seen on his face, "I'm sure you did."

"Good morning Hinata-sama" a guard greets me.

"Hello, can you send word for my father and the elders to convene, we have honored guests and some issues to discuss."

"Of course."

I lead my two co-conspirator's to the courtyard. Three years isn't a long time but it can feel like it, I can't help but remember how it started

"Hello, Danzo-sama, thank you for meeting me."

"Of course, Hinata-san, what can I do for you."

"I have an issue and it involves your student. Naruto requested permission to court me and Hiashi, in his infinite wisdom made me chose between seeing Naruto and being clan head. I know not his reasons nor do I care but he's gone too far this time. I seek your aid and your guidance to show Hiashi the error of his ways."

"Before you strip him of his position?"

"Exactly."

"So, what are you thinking?"

"I don't want to harm the clan but allowing it to stagnate would be fine. Hiashi and the elders are predictable so knowing what opportunities to target wouldn't be difficult."

"What do you need from me?"

"Contacts, council and initially capital. I intend to join ANBU soon so I'll have enough money to fund it after that but I'll need help for the initial funding."

"Ah, not a bad idea. The amount of bounties ANBU officers collect is substantial. I don't like your father, I believe your clan is generally out for themselves first, village second and I really don't like people screwing with my student. You have your partner, Hinata-san. Let's meet back in a few days and go over some initial plans, we'll be starting immediately."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Sandaime-sama joined almost two months later, shortly after Naruto's apartment caught fire and things really took off from there. The Hyuuga were, frankly, living off past successes. Almost no one enjoys doing business with our clan but our track record allows for a certain amount of inertia.

When people were given a choice between stuck up assholes claiming false nobility and someone who understood that I'm not doing you a favor by gracing you with my presence, they took the alternative. Eagerly.

As for Naruto, I'm happy he got a family out of that ordeal but I'd be lying if I didn't say my heart broke when I heard. We shared so much time together in that apartment, my home away from home and I'm sure he felt the loss as well. I swore, if it had been intentional I'd have hunted said person down and made puddy of their internal organs. To learn it was Ino's father was just sad, as in pathetic. All because he put Ino on the trail of something he actually did? It boggles the mind.

"Hiashi-sama and the elders have gathered and are expecting you, please follow me."

And we did, only to be greeted by the stern faces of our most esteemed members. Even the one I busted up a little bit ago. I find it adorable how he avoids me so of course I wave. Yea, you're my bitch forever and ever now, grandfather.

"Hinata, why have you called this meeting and what are the Sandaime and Danzo-san doing here?"

"I've come to discuss your failure in leadership as clan head and how you have allowed the Hyuuga to become stagnant."

"How dare you!?"

"How dare I not? We have not seen significant growth in years, all under your guidance with the help of the existing council. None of you have been able to pull us out of the rut we have been experiencing because none of you are capable. For too long we have adhered to a dogmatic approach, it has made us predictable, as shinobi or business people we need new ways. Someone with the insight to face new challenges. Tell me father, how long did it take you to uncover the business concern that was actively undermining you?"

"How do you know about it?"

"The very fact you have to ask only furthers my point. We are that concern, we are the ones that have been predicting and countering your every move. You couldn't handle competition, as soon as someone tried to get what you wanted you faltered. It is time for new leadership."

"You dare challenge me girl? You betray your clan and have the gall to call for my removal?"

"I fail to see how I have betrayed anything. Am I not a member of this clan? If I am them as clan head, the contacts and opportunities I have developed would certainly go to benefit the clan."

"I demand to know why."

"You demand nothing from me!" she said with an impressive amount of venom.

"Now is the time to be held accountable, Hiashi. You're a failure as a clan head, a father, a man in general. The Hyuuga can do better and under my stewardship we will."

"I refuse to step down."

"Then I challenge you, here and now."

"I re.."

"You can't refuse. I am the recognized heiress, it is well within my rights to challenge for leadership. Come Hiashi, stand before your failure of a daughter."

"You've grown arrogant, I separated you from that boy far later than I should have. His taint is all over you."

As Hiashi finished an impressive amount of killing intent flooded the room. "Mind your words Hiashi, speak of Naruto in such a way again and I may be tempted to strike you down myself," Danzo said.

"Is this why they are here, to fight your battles for you?"

"It's sad you can't even see what genuine affection looks like. No, I brought them here because they are my partners, I brought them so you could see how easily I outmaneuvered you. I need no one to fight my battles for me, I'm still a shinobi."

"And you imply I am not."

"Only to save the time of out saying it. You're just a politician that can fight." I'm sure a smirk looks wrong on my face but I don't even care, it worked. Thank you Danzo-sama for telling me Naruto said that. Hiashi's beyond pissed and will accept the challenge.

"I ACCEPT. And when you lose you will be stripped of your position and branded."

"Ha! I'll kill you and ever main branch elder before I let you brand me. Not that I'm going to lose, mind you."

Hiashi is now livid and it just goes to show that the Hyuuga don't admire strength, just the appearance of strength. They want people they can control, they disdain the truly strong.

"Fine, girl. Father, call the match. You all will be a witness to me putting down this disgrace."

"So much talking, so little action. Come, Hiashi-chan, no more hiding behind your position and stern glares."

We square up, he's going to rush me. He'll fight textbook and try to overwhelm me. If I had my ninjato I'd show him the error of his ways but I don't actually want to kill my father… for the most part. Still, his predictability is my greatest weapon. I'll embarrass him and then put him to sleep.

"Hajime"

And of course he tries to rush in, use his superior reach against a smaller blah blah blah. Does he really think he's the only person to try this. My dual water whips prove the folly in his strategy as he narrowly avoids one hitting him in his left eye. Ah, good ole' water whips. A favorite training tool of Naruto

"Gama-chan, what's with that?"

"This is a water whip, it's a training aid. Gets the best result."

Twenty minutes later

"Faster, Hebi. If you're going to be on this squad, if people say I trained you then I want you fast."

"You sure you just don't want me, Gama-chan"

The swift crack of the whip across my ass was his only response. I didn't feel the need to point out that every time he's hit me with that whip it's been on my ass. Gama might be telling me some things about himself. Ass man that likes to spank, I'll file that away for later. I feel another assault on my posterior.

"Too slow, and lacking focus, Hebi"

He's let to figure out a way past my water whips and it isn't even fun anymore so I dispel them. Oh, here comes another rush, how original. Fine, time to end this. As soon as he is within Striking distance, I jump, performing a corkscrew in the air, hitting him in his shoulders and in the back of his head, right at the brainstem. He falls unconscious. I make it look easy but Hiashi is actually strong and if I fought in the traditional way I wouldn't beat him but fights are about winning, shinobi should be primarily instrumental in their fighting philosophy. What's best is what works, what they don't suspect and what ends your enemy with you taking as little damage as possible.

"Impossible."

"Are you going to call the match Hioshi? Or should I attack a defenseless man?"

He wants to sneer, I see it in his eyes but he knows better.

"Winner and new Matriarch, Hinata Hyuuga."

"Thank you, Honorable Elder. As your new Matriarch, I would like to start fixing the errors of my predecessor. Hioshi, Hizami, and Hitoshi, you will be going to three different locations within Hi no Kuni. Each is a location with a new business associate, I would like you to oversee our affairs."

"Impossible, we make up the majority of the elder council."

"And how are you to advise me if you do not understand the directions I am taking us? Also, are you not members of the clan?" Getting no response, I continue, "Then, as your clan head, I have the right to assign any clan member any task I deem appropriate and I have assigned each of you a task. I expect you ready to leave by nightfall, I will request three separate C rank missions from Tsunade-sama."

"Why can't some branch members be our escorts?"

"Are you going to question every decision I make? They won't be escorting you because I'll be meeting with the entirety of the Cadet Branch, we have some things to discuss. If there is nothing else, gentlemen, dismissed." I say as I turn and leave.

Walking out of the compound with Sandaime-sama and Danzo-sama, they wait to speak until we have exited the compound.

"Most impressive, Hinata."

"Thank you, Sandaime-sama. I assume everything is ready when the honorable elders reach their destinations?"

"Yes, they'll be all but cutoff from any powerbase or influence for the foreseeable future." said Danzo.

"Excellent. Well, I have to see Tsunade-sama. Thank you both, for everything."

"Of course."

"You're welcome, my girl."

"Hello, Shizune, is Tsunade-sama free?"

"She is just finishing up a meeting and has some free time afterward. Plenty of time for us to chat, so how are things. Did you make a man of my little Naru-chan." she said, smiling.

"We enjoyed ourselves. Thank you again for getting him out of the compound."

"No problem, running errands for me keeps him humble and reminds him of the natural order of things."

"You enjoy torturing him entirely too much."

"It's such fun, he has no choice to take it like a good little brother."

We share a laugh and then see the door to the Hokage's office open, people exiting. As they clear out Shizune goes to the office, likely to announce my presence.

"The Hokage will see you now."

Entering the office I give my formal greeting, "Hokage-sama" I say with a slight bow.

"Good morning, how may I help you?"

"Well, there are a few things. First, I would like to officially tender my resignation from ANBU as I have just been made the head of my clan."

"Congratulations" she says with a genuine smile.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama. I would also like to request three C-rank escort missions for tonight."

"Sure, just give the details to the mission office, the teams are on standby."

"Finally, I am in need a seal master, would Jiraiya-sama be available tonight?"

"I believe he has been hanging around the village, I'll inform him to meet you at your compound tonight. What time?"

"Six should be perfect."

"Was there anything else?"

"No, Hokage-sama, that'll be all."

"Ok. Oh, Hinata"

"Yes, Hokage-sama?"

"Make sure Naruto clears out some space for you. Lugging a bag back and forth is inefficient and men never think about that sort of thing."

"I-I, good day, Hokage-sama" I say as I flee from her office, hearing her laugh in the background. The Hokage being aware of your sex life is just too awkward to deal with right now.

The day proceeds, I meet with both Kurenai and Anko sensei to share my news. Both congratulate me and I thank them for helping me getting there. Even Shino had an open, for him, show of emotion when I told him. The Elders having left an hour ago worked out for me as Jiraiya is not arriving. Fortunately, I had the entire Cadet Branch in a meeting area.

"Are you prepared for this, Jiraiya-sama?"

"Yes, the documents you provided me made the seal removal an easy solve."

"Good. I won't delay on this."

Walking into the meeting room, I begin,

"For too long there has been a division between Main and Cadet branch members. This has kept us from being a true family. I mean to see an end to that division starting today. Jiraiya-sama has found a method of removal and we will begin this process today. You will be free from the bondage you have wrongfully had to endure. I only ask that you aid me in creating a new Hyuuga clan. One free from the pervasive arrogance and fear of change that we were once known for. The transition to a new way will not be easy but monumental change never is."

I see the disbelief written on their faces and I can't blame them. I'm sure most of them believed me to be a failure as well, having little interaction with me. Jiraiya stays for about two hours before his dwindling chakra reserves require he cease for the day.

"Now that it's no longer a secret, I'll teach Naruto the process and let that stamina freak handle the rest."

"Thank you for everything, Jiraiya-sama."

I should be implementing plans for the transition. But it will hold until tomorrow, I owe someone a conversation.

On the way to the Senju compound felt similar to the first I ever went to Naruto's apartment. I was so nervous that day. The walk from the academy to his apartment took twice as long as necessary as I kept considering turning around and going home. I remember walking up his stairs, my legs shaking uncontrollably and when I knocked on his door, even I felt it was so light he wouldn't hear it. But he did and greeted me with a warm smile.

"Hi, Hinata!"

"Ano, hi, Naruto-kun. Happy birthday," I said as I handed him his present.

"Thank you, Hinata. You didn't have to do this. Would you like to come in for some tea?"

"I-I'd like that."

He looked at that walrus nightcap like it was spun gold and I never forgot how that small gesture impacted him. In my reminiscing I didn't realize I was standing at the front door of the Senju main house. I knock and am instantly greeted by the sun given human form, in a black tank top and black sweatpants.

"Hi, Hinata"

"Hi, I believe I owe you a conversation. You free?"

"Yea but not, here, follow me."

It was a relatively short walk to our destination, the Senju Waterfall.

"Why here specifically?"

"I'll tell you after you're done."

Ok, why the secret? Um, whatever.

"I'm the new clan Matriarch."

"Congratulations, Hinata. You've achieved your dream. I'm glad that business group of yours worked out"

"No, not yet. I.. wait, how did you know?"

"Hanabi mentioned it when I came back, then I'm accused of being involved. That night you pay me a most welcomed visit and now you're the clan head."

"Good deduction."

….

"Hinata, what's wrong?"

"I don't know. I thought about this day for so long and now that it's here I don't know what to say. My clan is going to go through a massive upheaval with what I've done today. There will be so much to do and it's all on me now."

"Why? Why is it all on you?"

"Because I can't show any weakness in my position, they'll be looking for the slightest fault to oust me."

"And I still will have my responsibilities as a shinobi, I'm not retiring, not yet."

"Hinata."

"And then there is the Akatsuki, we have no idea what may be going on with them or what that would cause the other villages to do."

"Hinata"

"And there's just so much, What do we do? You're a clan heir and I'm a clan head, how do we resolve that?"

I was startled when I felt his lips on mine but he stayed there long enough for me to get over my shock and return the gesture.

"Hinata?"

"Yes?"

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

"Just like that?"

"Just like that."

"Yes, I will be your girlfriend."

"Yatta!"

"Things won't be easy."

"Easy is boring."

"We'll have a lot to figure out."

"We aren't going to figure it out tonight so instead of worrying about it, dance with me."

"Here?"

"Where better to dance than a moonlit waterfall?"

"There's no music."

"Then will have to make our own" he says as he scoops me in his arms and carries me to the pond under the waterfall."

For the rest of the night we would dance to a song only heard by two.