Thank you to all that reviewed this fic. I appreciate all the great comments, sorry to those that think I update slow. It's just a busy month, with all the celebrations going on, of course, nobody wants to miss such a wonderful occasion. Anyways, I'll cut this short by saying Merry Christmas to everyone again and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR! XD

To Faith Hathor: I find your review very amusing, for once someone managed to see right through me and this story... LOL! xD Just read the chapter and see for yourself what I'm talking about, because you absolutely read my mind! Already had an Idea for this chapter LOL! Thank you for reviewing XDD

Everyone that commented: THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING, YOU MAKE ME VERY HAPPY! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Manga spoiler: (read if you dare)

Did you know that Kyuubi's real name is "KURAMA"? I just figured that out when I read the new manga chapter... awesome right? LOL! And Naruto's got an Allie... mwahaha!

Flashback:

"Heaven kick of pain!"

"Rotation!"

Sakura was sent back flying but twirled and landed on her feet, sliding a few feet away. Hinata although she was protected flew feet away as well sliding on her back and moaning about how it hurts. She tried to sit up but her body won't let her, she slowly moved to her side and cried in pain.

"uhhh..." Hinata touched her side and it felt like cracked ribs, one of the debris must have hit her. She couldn't see with all the dust and her rotation was too slow to deflect the first few debris.

Hinata coughed up some blood.

"A while ago Sakura's got hit by Hinata-san's Palm heel strike and it damaged her internal organs and mostly Sakura's lungs. She's acting on the drugs on her body, she's suppose to be paralyzed but the drug took off the paralysis and only maintained the anesthesia."

Naruto bit his lips.

"Tell me she's okay, tell me she can go on. If she can't I'm... I'm stopping this match."

(Training Ground 55)

The battle went on relentlessly as the two clashed their fists and palms together for one epic battle to see who would win Namikaze-Uzumaki Naruto's heart. Sakura as confused as she is, is very well versed in the knowledge that she doesn't love him like that. The only reason for her to be messing with their relationship was because she was too hurt to realize that she can never experience that kind of love from Sasuke. At that very moment we see her vulnerability, she was too focused on trying to achieve a lost love with Naruto to even realized that it was never achievable. Naruto loved her as a sister, as a teammate, and nothing more than just that. What she sees is Naruto falling for some other woman and gave up his love for her.

Jealousy, envy and hatred rises while logical reasoning, true love, conscience and common sense go down hill for her. She was acting on rage which leads most people to have a breakdown at some point. Sasuke really messed with her and by the minute this fight rages on, it's getting worse.

Hinata as dedicated as she is to win this fight, can't help but feel aggravated at some point. She had waited years and years for Naruto to notice her and just when the timing was impeccable, she got her wish but got a rival at that too. She could never understand why it was so important for Sakura to ruin their relationship, when Sakura knows that it is wrong, why would she still go for it? Hinata was on the verge of breaking her patience with this other woman claiming to love Naruto like she loved him. Hinata was kind, gentle, caring and loving, while Sakura was loud, at times annoying and bossy and would hurt Naruto countless times just for telling a joke. It's not true love, that is called 'Friendship'. Hinata would do anything for Naruto, even if it meant being killed for him, because to her that was the best way to return every favor he did for her.

Who wouldn't do that to the man they love? After countless times of being lonely, those two clash as one. If she can't have Naruto, nobody else can. To her, Naruto deserves more than just a strong woman, he deserves someone who would love him forever. She thinks that is the best way.

Naruto on the other hand, is freaking. He could see those to meet face to face tearing each others hair off just for him. He could understand Hinata trying to win him, but Sakura? That, he cannot comprehend at all. He was worried that those two would get hurt, because one Hinata was his most precious person and two Sakura was his best friend too, just like Sasuke. He hates to see either one of them get seriously injured. If it comes close to death, he'll stop the match, because he has faith that Hinata can make Sakura see her mistakes.

"Get up Hina-chan..." Naruto bit his fingernails as his body began to shake. Clearly he knew that everyone else was looking at it, but he payed no mind, he has the right to be worried.

Hinata coughed up more blood and touched her side, it was beginning to burn. The large rock practically broken her ribs. She looked up wincing at the pain, she could see Sakura slowly standing up and preparing for another attack. She can't have Sakura win, her broken ribs were just luck, she needed to prepare for another hit just like the first one. Clearly, Sakura had something in mind.

"Get up Hinata. Last one standing wins!" Sakura scowled and brought up a fist. "Is that all you got? I thought you were better than this, I thought that the Hyuga's were superior and yet you can't even fight a woman from a civilian family."

"Shut up!" Hinata shouted, everyone else was struck back by her outburst.

"Excuse me?"

"Do not BRING my family into this, this is our fight! You cannot put rankings or heritage in it! That doesn't even count, just because I came from a high-class family doesn't mean that I am as stuck up as some others. We cannot compare each other like this, we are kunoichi's of Konoha..."

"I don't care..." Sakura bit her lips.

"What a-are y-you?"

"You people always think less of people like me, what about now? You're seriously injured and your ribs are cracked, you can't fight me. Just surrender and I'll go easy on you!"

"And give up Naruto-kun?"

Hinata pushed herself back up and scowled at how the pain ran through her body. Sakura eyed Hinata carefully wondering where she gets the strength to get back up just like that. She knew she hit her pretty hard so why is she still thinking she can defeat her?

"I would never hand over Naruto-kun to you! Just because you told me so doesn't mean I would do it! Do you even know Naruto-kun's nindo? Sakura-san?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I stand by what I say." Everyone was taken back by her words. "Or I will never give up... or even I will never go back on my word! That is Naruto-kun's nindo, that is MY NINDO! I also stand by what I say that I will never give up on this fight! I will stand and fight you til this is over! I will never give up on Naruto-kun, even if it means it will kill me, I will never hand him over!"

"Hina-chan... be careful..." Naruto's words ran through Hinata's mind.

"I will fight back Naruto-kun..." She thought. "For you and just for you to see what I'm capable of."

Hinata dashed straight at Sakura while Sakura had no time to prepare. Everyone noticed the speed Hinata projected at such short notice. She stopped in front of Sakura and brought her palm straight at Sakura's head, Sakura bent her head down to avoid it and cast a punch of her own straight towards Hinata's stomach. Hinata saw this and twisted her heel, pushed chakra on her feet and jumped behind Sakura. Sakura was stunned and before she could react any further she could see Hinata form a stance that everyone knew.

"Eight Trigrams Thirty-two palms!"

Sakura closed her eyes for the in coming impact as she could hear Hinata's voice counting her demise. First two strikes and another two more, the third one made four strikes, the fourth with eight fast consecutive strikes and the last was sixteen consecutive strikes making a total of thirty-two. All thirty-two made in only a few seconds and Sakura was sent flying into a tree.

"Damn it!" Naruto couldn't take it anymore. What he was seeing was a bloodshed. He could feel Hinata's pain, why was she still going, why was she so bent up on Sakura? Why wasn't he trying to stop the fight? All these questions flooded his mind.

"kit..." The Kyuubi spoke in his mind. "Trust your mate and she will grow stronger."

"Damn it..." Naruto saw Hinata's bad condition. "I do... I believe in her... I know she'd win..."

"Kit, she's a lot stronger than what most of you take her for. I can feel it."

"Of course she is... why do you think I love her so much?"

"Good looks perhaps? You never know... Gaki..."

"Shut up... I love her for other reasons than just that... to me... she can see right through the idiot they all think I am... because of her... I see what I'm capable of... just another... failure... that never gives up..."

"Kit... someone's talking to you... better listen to them..."

"Naruto don't you think it's time to stop this?" Shikamaru spoke to him from behind and touching his shoulder, he flinched at the touch and turned to his friends.

"No, if we stop this match..." He took a deep breath. "Their rivalry will only escalate. If I break anyone of them and tell them off, the other will just fight. We can't... can't interfere. It's just like... me and Sasuke... so... trust me."

"I hope you're doing the right thing." Neji spoke. "Hinata-san's life is in your hands."

"I know that..." Naruto bit his lips.

"Yeah, being the Hokage and all, we trust you know what you're doing." Lee spoke this time, sighing. "I hope Sakura-san will stop this nonsense. I take it they are both hurting inside."

"I'm just glad I'm not in this cat fight." Ino chuckled earning a few stares. "What? I'm just saying that if I fought 'forehead girl' I'll get pummeled in a few seconds and If I angered Hinata, wow that's a new one for me. She's a mystery when angered."

"Those two must really love Naruto-kun so much." They stared at Sai. "I'm only saying that they are fighting for him, am I correct."

"Yeah you hit the spot." Shikamaru sighed. "Troublesome fight, they're gonna get each other killed. Naruto and Hinata are already dating, so Sakura has less chance to win him."

"I know!" Ino laughed. "The relationship rivalry is killing me! Though I'm glad Naruto chose Hinata, I mean Naruto and Sakura being together is just a no no... right?"

"They would be a fighting couple then..." Chouji pouted. "Be glad and hope things would work out right."

They all heard a scream coming from Hinata.

"Hina-chan!" Naruto shouted. "What the hell happened?"

"Uhhh..."

Hinata's knees suddenly gave out as she grabbed her side and began to cough blood again. She could see Sakura pushing the broken trees away from her and standing back up. Sakura too, was coughing up some blood but she didn't look like she was in pain.

"That paralysis jutsu... seems to... work... just fine." Sakura panted and began to walk towards Hinata.

"T-that's n-not p-possible..." Hinata coughed. "I hit you with the Gentle fist. You shouldn't... be walking... just fine... I..."

"I have anesthesia running... through my body..." Sakura smirked and stopped right in front of her. "I can't feel any pain you... dig out for me... that's the reason I can still fight."

"Sakura-san... s-stop this..." Hinata looked her in the eye. "Your body is already severely shattered on the inside. I c-can s-see... you-ur... chakra flow is messed up... and your lungs will... give out... a-any moment."

"I'm a medic-ninja..." Sakura winced at a few numbing pains in her body. "I know and I'm capable of fixing myself from my injured state."

Sakura raised another fist and was about to bring it down when Hinata raised both of her arms, Sakura realized this was bad and she was still in Hinata's range so before the punch could hit she used chakra on her feet to get out of they way before Hinata could execute her attack.

"Protection of the Eight Trigrams Sixty-four palms"

Hinata rotated her hands as fast as she could dissolving part of the ground she was kneeling on. Sakura barely made it away from the attack, her legs however got hit and was slightly fractured but Sakura began healing it. Hinata cursed at this, she only had a few knowledge with healing and her cracked ribs were too severe for her to heal on her own.

"The pain is too much..." Hinata thought as her Byakugan disappeared. She was too exhausted to bring it back. "I need another strategy... cough... my Byakugan will take a few more minutes to come back... I have to stop my Sixty-four... palm protection... cough.. cough..."

She needed to think of a way to get Sakura in her range without her having to dodge and heal herself, but what other attacks could she do? She only knew a few jutsu's that weren't being used by the Hyuga's. Maybe that would work. Sakura smirked at her like a mad woman and began to wince when she noticed the anesthesia began to wore off, the pain on her body began to rise and she could feel the restriction from her lungs as she could barely breath.

Hinata stopped her protective eight trigrams and rested her hands back to her broken ribs, that took a lot on her and by moving her arms like that it was bothering her ribs to a severe state, the more she moved her upper body, the more the ribs separate.

Sakura took something from her pouch and threw it at Hinata. Hinata dodged this and flipped backward increasing the pain coming from her chest. Purple smoke came out from what Sakura threw, and she cursed when Hinata dodged this.

"Sleeping gas bomb?" Hinata thought. "Why would Sakura-san use that?"

"That got her to leave me alone for a while..." Sakura smiled. "Such a waste though... Another one... let's hope this works..."

Sakura took another object from her pouch and held it up high, it was a smoke bomb, round and covered in paper. She was taught how to make these by Tsunade. She threw it on the ground she was standing on and her sight began to disappear. The thick gray spoke was released on the spot and nobody could see her. Everyone knew that Hinata's Byakugan temporarily worn off because of her tired state and the only one who could see through the smoke was Neji and his Byakugan.

"What's happening Neji?" Naruto asked with crossed arms. "What's sakura-chan doing? "

"Oh my gosh, She did that on purpose didn't she?" Ino shrieked. "I thought she was going to throw that smoke bomb at Hinata! Thank goodness..."

"Girl, Sakura's smarter than that..." Tenten eyed the battle. "They're both thinking of a strategy, and both of them are countering the other. It's just a neck on neck battle, it's a matter of who gets hit first and who has the better luck. As of now, nobody's going to win."

"Neji?" Naruto asked again.

"Apparently Naruto-kun, she's healing herself..." Neji frowned and looked closely at Sakura's chakra. "I can see she's focusing healing chakra on her fractured leg and her severely tattered lungs... she's taking this time to fix herself."

"What do you mean?" Kiba growled and fangs were showing.

"She's using medical ninjutsu to heal the pain in her body." Naruto answered for him. "The Palm heel strike Hina-chan did must be too powerful even for the drugs. The paralysis was too strong and the anesthesia was too little to bring her to the end of the battle."

"She's fixing herself?" Shino wondered. "What about the anesthesia you were talking about earlier? If it's too little wouldn't it still numb her body."

"Ruff! Nnggaarkk..." Akamaru layed on the ground, screeching in despair. "Mm..ruu..."

"It's alright Akamaru, Hinata will win this." Kiba reassured his worried dog. "She's our teammate, we have to cheer her on. Don't worry."

"The anesthesia has worn off." Everyone turned to Naruto.

"How do you know?" Sai wondered. "I don't see Sakura-san showing any actual physical pain at all. She looks fine earlier, only Neji could see her chakra flow."

"I can sense it..." Naruto frowned and closed his eyes. "It's wearing off, that's why she's starting to heal part of her injured body. She can't heal all of them but she's minimizing the pain running through it. Hina-chan's in a tight-spot already and Sakura-chan's pretty much on the advantage with medical training."

"What about Hinata then?" Shikamaru walked up to the others. "She's just kneeling there, what about her condition Neji? I'm sure you can see it better than you see Sakura's."

"Yes, I do." Neji sighed and clenched his fist. "Hinata-san is currently unable to move for the time being. The attacks done to her were severe that her rib cage is broken, any movements on the top of her body may lead to any more serious injuries. Her body is trying to numb the pain and is still coping."

"A-anything e-else?" Naruto's stuttering voice worried everyone, he was focused on the showdown in front.

"Yes, her Byakugan has disappeared momentarily because of exhaustion, she won't be able to attack Sakura's tenketsu without the Byakugan and she could only do as much with her broken rib cage. Naruto-kun, I suggest you stop this match immediately."

"I..."

Naruto was in turmoil, he knew that Hinata could win this fight but the longer this fight breaks out the faster and closer Hinata is to dying. That broken rib cage needs to be fix and she has to be brought to the hospital, the sooner the better. Naruto was worried about her and was at the same time worried about the trial with Sasuke. He can't have Hinata in the hospital while he speaks with the Kage's. It just isn't right, and better yet, if he stopped this fight, Hinata can be healed by Tsunade at a fast pace. The broken rib will heal if brought to the hospital sooner but if Hinata keeps struggling at this fight, she won't make it at all.

Hinata took some soldier pills and got back up on her feet, just a few more hits and she can finish this. The thick smoke began to clear revealing a smirking Sakura back on her feet. She's also in pain but it was much less with her healing it. Hinata wiped the blood from her chin and took another stance, this time, she wasn't going to hold back.

"This fight has gone off long enough!" Hinata shouted. "Naruto-kun, I hope you're watching."

"I agree!" Sakura screamed and got into her battle stance. "My last shot at winning this... last one standing will win this match... I have to... win."

"GENTLE STEP: TWIN LION FISTS!" Hinata shouted as two chakra shaped lions head were formed in both of her arms, she gritted her teeth and propelled herself forward directly at Sakura.

"CHERRY BLOSSOM STRIKE!"

Sakura punched the ground she was beneath in and jumped out of the way. The debris flew around Sakura thought she managed to hit her but coming out of the smoke was Hinata with rage in her eyes and a determined look that she won't back down. Sakura cursed and continued to dodge Hinata's attacks but was a useless attempt as Hinata's muscle memory was too strong even without the Byakugan. Hinata's attacks hit their mark, right on the chest, on her arms, on the stomach and near her legs. Sakura couldn't keep up with the speed so she jumped high in the air while dust and dirt flew all over. Sakura, ready to prepare one of her chakra infused attacks, didn't realize that Hinata planned this all along. She twisted her body in pain preparing to execute her masters attack when all of a sudden Hinata was in her view.

Hinata jumped through the rubble and twirled kicking and lashing out on Sakura. This time with no more mercy. Sakura could barely keep up anymore as Hinata was determined to finish this quicker than she thought. One last kick and punch coming from Hinata when Sakura twisted Hinata's leg and counter punched a hit on stomach. Hinata was sent back flying and Sakura falling almost unconscious.

"HINATA!" Her friends shouted.

"HINA-CHAANN!"

(The fight has ended)

Naruto shouted louder than anyone else, before any one else could react Naruto was there already. Naruto reacted fast, his friends only saw a yellow flash from the spot he was standing on. Next thing they knew Naruto caught Hinata from hitting the tree nearby and they all rushed to help. Ino, tenten, Sai, chouji and Lee rushed to Sakura's aid. Sakura was caught by Lee and was later punched in the head by a fusing Sakura. Her body was shaking and her breathing was erratic, her eyes were dropping and she could barely stay awake. Hinata did a number of attacks on her and her body was completely numb, she could no longer get back up on her feet and tears began to stream down her face.

On the other side of the training grounds, Neji, Kiba, Akamaru, Shino and Shikamaru were at Naruto and Hinata's side at once. Neji checking Hinata's broken rib and the others comforting her. Hinata pushed them all the way and tried to get back up on her feet, she struggled but Naruto helped her up on her feet and she pushed him gently, with her standing on her own. Blood dripping from her mouth onto the grass.

"I... I.. w-win... S-sakura-san... l-last one s-standing..."

"Y-yeah..." Sakura's voice was weak and preferably defeated. "A b-bets a b-bet... s-sorry... Hinata... I... was o-only jealous... of y-you and N-naruto's r-relationship, I l-lost sign of anything human about m-me... I'm s-sorry..."

"I.. forgive y-you Sakura-san... a-as f-friends do..."

Hinata winced at the pain her body was emitting. She could see Sakura crying and being carried by Lee bridal style and the others following behind them. They walked towards Hinata and the others and the others managed to cheer Hinata for such a great match.

"Great job kicking ass Hinata!" Kiba shouted.

"Yeah great match..." Ino smiled. "You too forehead girl..."

"Let me put you down Sakura-san..."

Lee placed her near the tree to rest a bit. Hinata closed her eyes and her knees gave out, Naruto caught her just fine and carried her bridal style to the tree next to the one Sakura was leaning on. Everyone including Sakura was looking at those two. Neither of the two spoke but it was very well known that those two were contemplating both of their emotions towards each other. Emotions mixing. Love, annoyance, worry, fear, lust, weakness, vulnerability, and ever success.

Naruto smiled and wiped the tears falling from Hinata's eyes. She didn't even know she was starting to cry. Naruto sat next to her and Hinata leaned her head on Naruto's shoulder while Naruto caressed her cheeks and fondled with her hair. 2 of the ANBU appeared in front of them, they were watching the whole scene from afar and only waited when their aid was needed. Shikamaru took action and told the ANBU to search for Tsunade and make her come here immediately, that there were two injured chunin's. The ANBU complied and quickly took action and 'shunshin' away.

"Hina-chan, just wait a little longer." Naruto whispered in Hinata's ear. "Tsunade-sama will be here in a few minutes so just hang on."

"T-thank y-you Naruto-kun..." Hinata closed her eyes and kept her head rested on Naruto's shoulders. "F-for.. believing... in me. For... trusting me."

"Of course." Naruto smiled, still whispering to her. "I love you and I know you can handle yourself just fine. I'm glad you won. That speech you did a while ago was one heck of a turn on and not to mention you fighting like that I..."

"Narruuttoo-kuun!" Hinata whined.

Hinata's face went red and she pounced on Naruto using her fingers to separate Naruto's cheeks. She was completely red from head to neck. Naruto was chuckling while the others were staring at the two couple, not knowing what those two were laughing about, but they seem fine. They looked at Sakura's direction and her head was lowered and they could hear her sobbing. Hinata yelped in a bit of pain and Naruto stopped her from moving any further and pushed his lips to hers and quickly let go.

"Careful." Naruto chuckled. "Wouldn't want your injury to get any worse. Just rest, Tsunade-sama will be here soon. Don't worry."

"Y-yes..." Hinata blushed because their friends were smirking at the two. Naruto doesn't seem bothered though as he settled Hinata at the trunk of the tree and stood up.

"What now Naruto?" Shikamaru questioned and everyone else eyed Naruto intensely.

"Alright, what happened here will never leave this training ground." Naruto spoke in a serious tone, meaning he meant business. He eyed everyone. "Everything you heard and saw will remain in your memory and if any of this event catches the ears of the villagers they will be punished. The last thing we need is an uproar from the clans and villagers. As to the Hyuga clan, none of this will reach their ears either. Mostly because Hiashi-sama will kill me for letting Hinata get hurt like this..."

"I'm f-fine Naruto-kun..." Hinata protested.

"Still... I don't want word to get out. Is that clear for everyone." Each of them nodded at him and smirked as if they enjoyed the said event. They'll have to talk to each other and share whatever they came up with. "Alright that's good... I'm glad that went well... now where's Tsunade-sama... we really need her to heal Hina-chan and Sakura-chan's injuries."

"I'm right here gaki." Tsunade walked towards them, frowning with her arms medic ninja's were behind her, the trained field professionals.

"Baa-chan... good timing." Naruto took a deep breath, he was overjoyed at her arrival. Finally Hinata was going to get treated.

"Thank goodness you're here Tsunade-sama." Ino sighed in relief. "The two injured are over here."

"The ANBU told me about this fight Hinata and Sakura had." She took a deep breath. "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU TWO THINKING FIGHTING WHEN THERE IS A MEETING GOING TO HAPPEN IN ONLY A FEW MORE HOURS? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN THE KAGE'S HEAR ABOUT THIS, THEY WILL THINK LESS OF KONOHA NINJA'S FIGHTING OVER SUCH SILLY RELATIONSHIPS. YOU ARE NINJA, YOU CANNOT USE WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO SEE WHO IS THE STRONGEST! THAT'S JUST TESTING WHATEVER YOU HAVE AND BREAKING PROTOCOL AND NOT TO MENTION ENDANGERING YOUR COMRADES."

"Tsunade-sama..." Naruto tried to calm her down, sweat dropping at the process, but then again...

"AND YOU NARUTO, YOU ARE THE 6TH HOKAGE NOW. SEEING THAT YOU ARE HERE AND ALIVE THAT YOU WITNESSED THIS FIGHT AND YOU DID NOTHING TO STOP IT. FURTHER MORE YOU KNOW WELL THAT HIASHI HYUGA WILL HAVE AN UPROAR IF HE FOUND OUT HIS ELDEST DAUGHTER HAD A FRACTURED RIB AND FOUGHT IN THIS DESPICABLE NINJA FIGHT. DO YOU KNOW HOW WELL THAT GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HYUGA'S WILL AFFECT THIS ENTIRE ECONOMY! DO YOU KNOW THAT NARUTO? YOU ALSO HAVE HINATA'S HAND IN A POSSIBLE MARRIAGE AND YET YOU WOULD LET HER GET HURT..."

"Tsunade-sama..." Sakura spoke up, earning a few stares at her. "It's my fault. I provoked Hinata into fighting me so that I can see what was wrong, she sort of helped me with my... emotional problems and made me realize that i was wrong..."

"SAKURA!" Tsunade shouted, releasing her fury. "YOU ARE MY STUDENT AND I TAUGHT YOU EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT BEING A MEDICAL NINJA AND YET YOU BETRAYED MY TRUST BY STEALING A FEW DRUGS IN THE MEDICAL BAY! I KNOW YOU TOOK IT FOR REASONS BUT I WILL NOT TOLERATE SUCH MANNERS. YOU ARE MY STUDENT SAKURA AND YOU KNOW VERY WELL NOT TO ANGER ME, NOT TO MENTION YOU DRAGGED THE SOON TO BE HEIRESS TO THE HYUGA CLAN! YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO EVEN DO THOSE THINGS! I AM APPALLED BY ALL OF YOUR BEHAVIOR!"

"I really am sorry Tsunade-sama..." Sakura lowered her head as she began to shake. Crying was the only way for her to cope with the pain instead of bottling it all up. Her coping mechanism.

"AND YOU KAKASHI!" Tsunade glared at the one eyed man. "YOU AND GAI HERE AT THE JOUNIN'S AND YOU KNOW WELL THAT WE CANNOT TOLERATE SUCH ACTIONS. I HOPE THAT YOU ARE NOT WELL VERSED IN THAT BOOK OF YOURS WHILE THIS WAS HAPPENING. THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS, THE BLAME IS ON YOU TWO. AM I MAKING MYSELF CLEAR. I SO HAPPEN TO STILL BE THE 5TH HOKAGE AND I WILL DEMAND DISCIPLINE."

"Yes ma'am." Kakashi sweat dropped, hiding his fear.

"With all due respect ma'am, we only did it for the battle of youth." Tsunade payed no attention for Gai's further comments about youth and what not.

"I'll be taking Sakura then. " Tsunade walked over to Sakura and laid her on her back and began to heal her. "It looks like Hinata has done a great deal of internal attacks on her, it should be over in a few minutes but we have to take Sakura to the hospital to treat other injuries. Medical team, take her to the hospital, I'll tend to her later."

The medical team carried Sakura to the hospital and her friends were left behind. They saw Sakura mutter the word 'sorry guys'. They could all understand that this was finally over but they will have to talk again some time soon, just to clear things out. Sakura would make sure she would apologize for all the things she's done to her friends and giving them attitude. Hinata would make sure the bet was made and that she will help Sakura recover from her downhill experience and help her win back Sasuke and have Sasuke win back trust. With Hinata and Naruto helping, things will go back to normal and team 7 will truly be reunited.

Tsunade began to heal Hinata's wounds and the broken rib cage with the help of the other medical teams, Hinata held on to Naruto's hand like it was life or death. It hurts, you could feel the bones in your body moving and healing back to the way it is. Tsunade made Hinata take off her black sleeveless shirt to reveal nets under it, the other guys turned around while Naruto stayed there wondering why the others turned around. Ino and tenten crossed their arms at Naruto.

"Why are you two staring at me?" Naruto asked still holding Hinata's hand.

"Does the word Girls..." Tenten spoke.

"And privacy..." Ino continued. "Mean anything to you..."

"I have privileges you know." Naruto smirked. "Being the Hokage and all, I have rights to check on those who are injured and besides me and Hina-chan have been together for a while now and I happen to be Hina-chan's..."

"NARUTO!" Everyone else shouted.

"WHAT?" Naruto shouted back.

"Give the girls some privacy and let Tsunade do her job." Shikamaru frowned. "What a drag this day has been... just get over here and let them heal Hinata."

"It's fine Naruto-kun, I won't be g-gone..."

Hinata smiled at him and he let go and walked to the guys. He would glance from time to time but he trusts Tsunade would do a great job healing Hinata's broken ribs. Naruto ans everyone was quiet, waiting for Hinata to be healed and contemplating what they think of Sasuke coming back and Sakura breaking down and fighting Hinata. As of now, nothing was normal, as far as they all know, everything is on the verge of being broken and it's their turn to fix it. Naruto sighed in relief when he saw Tsunade stand up, pulling Hinata with her, he saw her wince when she stood up but looked perfectly fine. Naruto grabbed her and embraced her and she returned it with a smile on her face.

"Thank you Tsunade-sama..." Naruto let go of Hinata and hugged Tsunade. Tsunade can't help but laugh at Naruto, although mature as he is, a bit of his childhood remains in tact and Tsunade is pleased that it stays that way, it keeps him at bay with everyone.

"You alright Hinata?" Kiba asked walking up to her with Akamaru running next to Hinata to be petted, Hinata touched Akamaru's head and started caressing the dogs fur.

"I'm fine, Kiba-kun." Hinata smiled at them. "Tsunade-sama managed to bring back my fractured ribs to it's rightful place but it will take a while to fully heal, so not much movement."

"That's right so Naruto..." Everyone glanced at him. "No excessive movement at all... not until she's healed, give her a few days and she needs to visit me and she'll be fine... understand Naruto?"

"Like I would do anything like that Baa-chaan..." Naruto turned red and everyone else laughed with them, Hinata on the other hand turned red as well, the joke wasn't funny because it was being put on them. Both really looked like a couple now, with all the red on their faces.

(a few minutes later)

The medical team left with Tsunade to help Sakura who was still in the hospital. Tsunade promised that Sakura will be able to attend the Kage meeting and bring out her proposal for Sasuke's punishment. She also promised that he'd heal her enough to be able to bring her to be able to move again but she was going to need the help of one of the Hyuga's and she'll give out a reasonable excuse for it.

Everyone was still contemplating their thoughts. Team Gai was more worried about Hinata and Sakura's condition than anything else. Team 10 was on neutral, more worried about what they should say about Sasuke's punishment, honestly Chouji didn't know what to say and Ino didn't know what to react and Shikamaru was thinking on how to fix the said problems and getting advantage over it. Team 8 was struggling a bit, Shino didn't like or hate Sasuke as much but the hate was still there and he knew he had to speak of the truth, Kiba was pissed that Sasuke was here in the village and he had no clue what to tell the Kage's at all. Hinata trusted Naruto and would speak the truth.

Team 7 was a bit gone at the moment. Kakashi had to contemplate his feelings for the Uchiha, he did teach Sasuke most of his techniques today yet he modified them to an extent that he can't. He also had crimes of provoking Sasuke for ever leaving and he did have problems with his teams... oh such a pain... Sakura was at the hospital, thinking of what she would do, there was still a bet they made. Naruto, well he was too busy with Hinata and making sure she was okay but he had a plan in his mind. Sasuke Uchiha, right... where was Sasuke?

"OH MY GOD! I FORGOT DAMN IT! I'M SO DEAD!" Naruto jolted up from his sitting position with Hinata and everyone was startled at his sudden outburst, they haven't heard Naruto shout like that in years. What was causing the blonde to react that way? He looked frustrated and was trying to pull the hair of his blonde head.

"Woah Naruto!" Kiba smirked. "What's gotten into you?"

"I completely forgot about Sasuke-teme! I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE HELL HE IS RIGHT NOW!"

BOOOOooommm!

That hit everyone square in the face, Naruto lost communication of Sasuke as well as his whereabouts. He even said that nobody was watching him. Everyone else was just furious at him, how can he let such a simple matter go undetected. Sasuke was practically a missing nin, criminals of betrayal, murder and other acts of rebellion and the man is just running free on his own in Konoha without any guards whatsoever.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Shikamaru face-palmed.

"That didn't even cross your mind?" Kakashi crossed his arms. "It never occurred to you at all? What was the last thing that happened with you two?"

"I assigned him to a D-rank mission." Naruto said sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

Everyone seat dropped and face-palmed at him and each of them began to shout at Naruto for his idiocy. It never occurred to him that he'll lose track of Sasuke with such a simple D-rank mission, he could hear everyone voice out their words on how stupid he was and about giving Sasuke a D-rank mission where he wasn't even part of Konoha anymore.

"Guys... guys calm down..." Naruto sweat dropped as well, they weren't going to stop until they were to fill relief. Naruto was glad Sakura wasn't here though, she would have beaten the daylights out of him for losing track of the guy.

"He's a criminal and you give him a D-rank! A STUPID D-RANK MISSION, even so he can get people killed with just this as a cover up!" Kiba blurted out.

"AARRfff!"

"He's gonna kill people if I you hadn't lost you sight over him!"

"It never occurred to you he might slip away?" Shino spoke with no emotion.

"Why didn't you put ANBU on guard over him?" Shikamaru wondered.

"Wait, I'm sure Naruto-kun has an explanation..."

"Shove it Hinata... Naruto should be thinking straight he's the Hokage..."

"Tenten is right, that just puts Naruto-kun's standard equal to us if he can't even maintain the Uchiha."

"Neji-nii-saaann!" Hinata whined. "Naruto-kun is..."

"Perhaps his dick is too small..." Sai complemented and laughing at his own personal joke, nobody thought it was funny though, everyone thought it was just a pathetic random line.

"WHAT THE HELL SAI? WE DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!"

"Hey, leave Sai-kun alone..."

"KNOCK IT OFF INO~"

"Naruto-kun has lost all of his YOUTH TODAY!"

"Quit it guys!"

Naruto had enough and he was about to shout when they heard a familiar sound. Birds chirping continuously and a shout from afar can be heard. They all turned to the other side of the training field, hearts were beating loudly and rapidly. The sound was getting closer and everyone was ready to fight. Each were forming their fighting stance when they heard a voice they are all familiar with. It was Sasuke Uchiha's voice...

"Come back here you pesky little..." They all heard from Sasuke say. "Agh!"

"Did I just hear right?" Kiba started rubbing his ear with his pinky. "Did I hear right?"

"Did he just trip on something?" Tenten made a face.

"He's chasing someone?" Ino asked, everyone glanced at Naruto for questioning.

"Did I ever mention that it was a D-rank mission?" Everyone shouted at Naruto saying 'Yes' and he just ignored the saying the answer to their questions. "I assigned Sasuke this just to stop him from doing anything else and to keep him busy... well I take it he doesn't like it..."

"He's using Chidori... Naruto." Kakashi eyed him and made a scary face which Naruto shuddered from.

"I think he has a logical explanation for why he's doing that..." Naruto grinned in a fake manner and tension was building up with his friends. Still he was glad Sakura wasn't here to see this, though it might change her mind about it.

"What mission did you give him?" Neji asked.

"Well..."

Before Naruto could tell them what mission he gave Sasuke, a really fat cat with a ribbon on its right ear emerged from the bushes with a really pissed off Uchiha following closely behind with his chidori still armed. Everyone sweat dropped at the scene taking place. The cat was Madam Shijimi's, the fire daimyo's wife. The cat was 'Tora,' the cat they chased when they were kids. Everyone glared at Naruto preferably stating that this was just ridiculous. Why would anyone give Sasuke Uchiha a D-rank mission chasing cats? It's just absurd. They all wondered what kind of convincing it took for Naruto to make Sasuke do the D-rank in the first place.

Tora ran behind Naruto and grabbed Naruto's legs with it's sharp claws, Naruto yelped in pain but that pain subsided when he saw Sasuke running right towards him. He heard Sasuke yell "Get out of the way dobe!" but Naruto couldn't move with the cat digging it's claws on Naruto's legs. Naruto took the shot, moved slightly to the side grabbed Sasuke's arm and threw him to the tree behind them, everyone else braced for the impact of the chidori hitting the trees.

Sasuke rubbed his head and stood up, the cat was still hanging onto Naruto for dear life. Naruto picked the cat up by it's fur and gave Sasuke a look.

"What is it?" Sasuke frowned.

"What were you trying to do to Tora?" Naruto complained and held the shaking cat. "I told you the Fire Daimyo's wife wanted the cat alive, why were you trying to fry it?"

"Do I look like I was trying to fry the damn thing?" Sasuke countered as he dusted himself.

"Yes!" Naruto shouted back. "With you running around with a chidori, anyone can mistake you from killing the cat. They might even mistake you for trying to kill them."

"Good point dobe." Sasuke admitted Naruto was right, he was just pissed at the cat for being damn good at hiding and running. "I was trying to paralyze it so it would stop running, and you told me that I should just catch the cat by whatever means necessary. I was orignally planning on cutting it's legs off so it would stop running away."

"That's not what the Fire Daimyo's wife wanted." Naruto got bit by the cat and it ran away again, hiding by the bushes. "Ooppss... looks like you have to catch it again. Sorry."

"You even let it get away." Sasuke scowled and walked up to them. "It would have saved the genin's the trouble of catching the thing. Too handful. You catch it, I'm tired."

Everyone eyed the Uchiha, this is clearly a different Sasuke. He was wearing different clothing, was talking and was more social and he was back to arguing with Naruto. He was a bit more gentle with the words and more expressive at that too. It actually shocked anyone to see Sasuke right now, how much a short period of time changed him. Maybe it's because of Naruto constantly chasing him down, he just let fate decide what to do with him and just go with the flow of how life works.

"This is Sasuke-kun?" Ino shrieked.

"Hnn..." He groggily looked at her, not even caring. "Yawn... Hey Naruto, when is this meeting gonna start?"

"This is Sasuke?" Kiba laughed hard, he was already on the floor rolling. "This... is.. him? SERIOUSLY? HAhaa! You've got to be... kidding me..."

"Shut up Dog breath." Sasuke hissed and walked up to Naruto and behind him. "You, answer my question."

"The Kage's aren't here yet, so give or take a few hours." Naruto looked at Sasuke worriedly. "Hey, you feeling alright? You seem dazed or something."

"Been running for a while now, chasing that cat..." Sasuke yawned and rubbed his eyes. "Give or take a few training grounds before we even got here. I'm done chasing that pesky thing. Look for someone else to chase it... and yeah, I am exhausted."

"I'm checking his chakra and it's all over the place." Neji said earning a few looks of worry. Really? Worry? "His chakra is slowly coming back but it's taking his energy with it, he won't be as energetic as Naruto-kun will be."

"For once, I'm happy that way." Sasuke smirked. "So you finally told them about me?"

"Yes, it wasn't easy..." Naruto sweat dropped. "But don't worry, everything will be fixed once the Kage meeting takes place. Why don't you go home and rest and I'll come back for you later."

"Wouldn't work..." Sasuke frowned. "Hate that house of yours. Hate you..."

"At least we know Sasuke is still Sasuke." Shino spoke.

"No arguing about that." Tenten muttered.

"Where's Sakura?" Sasuke asked. Why would he even ask where Sakura was? Odd? Sasuke was never the type to worry about someone and to notice if someone wasn't present. "She still mad?"

"..."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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