The Dishonored Raven, the Fox that Never Was, & the Man that Wept
By Pyro Yuki
~Author's Note~ (Please review!)
I had a little fun with Hinata's Nightmare. *Evil lol* Sorry Hinata! (BTW- I love Hinata and Temari as female characters in Naruto. Sakura…well…is Sakura)
If some of you noticed, the last chapter was about the 'dishonored' raven. ;D This chapter explains the 'Man that Wept'.
Also, the last chapter, the part about the Uchiha massacre- I had to search all over for a freaking you-tube clip on it and I was SHOCKED that I couldn't find one! O_O' I had to go onto my anime site and watch the episode. I tried hard not to make it an EXACT copy, but I think I came PRETTY close. I honestly don't know if I should feel sorry for that or not. It DID turn out well.
-.- UGH…I had to do the same thing with Neji vs Hinata and that was TWO episodes!...awe well. Research. :3
Hope this turned out just as well!
Enjoy~~!
… Tends to mean a tiny time skip or some other scene
Italics are the words inside the dream. Sometimes thoughts…sometimes the dream itself. Sorry.
All original characters and story belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I don't own Naruto.
Chapter 7: Hinata's Nightmare
Silence filed out over the Leaf Village until the clock hand hit 1 AM…that was the moment when Sasuke and Hinata Hyuga's screams could be heard from the Hyuga Compound, piercing any silence in the night air.
Minutes before 1AM…
Like Sasuke, Hinata was tossing and turning in her sleep. And just like in Sasuke's dream, Hinata was staring down her own hallway of her inner mind. She had just seen her Mother hold a baby Hinata lovingly to her heart.
"This is the weirdest dream I've ever had…and I've had some crazy dreams before." Hinata voiced out to no one in particular. She continued to see herself grow from a baby to a toddler, to a child. It bothered her that she couldn't see Sasuke anywhere.
Her Father had come to her bedroom that night and had told her what she would see in her dreams after the chakra ceremony. It was a little weird to hear him explain it out to her, but she had wondered what she would see.
She couldn't help but notice that her mother's belly was growing towards the end of the fourth door. She dismissed it without another thought and looked into the fifth door. That's when the problems started.
Hinata watched a scene unfold. Like her, this Hinata had admired her Father's strong and often unmovable will. It was kinda strange that Lord Obito was nowhere to be found but she shrugged. Little Hinata was kicking her legs a little at the edge of her seat. Hinata was surprised at how short little Hinata kept her hair. It was so…dainty looking on her. But what concerned Hinata was that they were at the hospital.
"When will I get to see my new sibling, Father?" Little Hinata turned to her Father. Hinata blinked. Sibling? Is Sasuke here? But isn't he my age?
"Your little brother or sister will be here soon, Hinata. Stop moving your legs." He ordered with slight anger. Both little Hinata and Hinata heard that tone and their eyes widened. Father never took that tone with her before. A sad feeling entered Hinata's chest as little Hinata calmed down.
A doctor came out shortly. His eyes full of joy. "It's a girl! You can see her now!"
"Thank you," Father bowed to him and began to walk away with little Hinata running behind him. He didn't even look at her, but little Hinata knew he probably was just too nervous.
But Hinata was very confused. A girl? Hanabi? But there's no way! I was 10 years old when Mother had Hanabi! I hardly look a day over 3! And where's my brother? Where's Sasuke?!
Sure enough though, Hinata's Mother was holding a newborn baby Hanabi without a doubt. She was holding her just as warmly as she had held little Hinata. Little Hinata glanced up at her Father but was surprised to see his face not budge an inch. Not a smile but not a scowl.
Isn't he happy? I'm happy. I have a new little sister. Hinata's eyes widened as she felt little Hinata's soft voice in her own mind. She wanted to tell her that that was just how their Father was sometimes but even she wasn't so sure about that. This Father didn't seem happy even on the inside. The Father she knew mostly acted like that only to keep an image up around others, but this Hiashi Hyuga never let his feelings show. If he had any at all.
The passing months flew through Hinata's mind as she saw them. It was strange. The Leaf Village seemed different, but what stunned her the most was the Branch members of the family. ALL of them had odd patterns on their foreheads, including Neji, and all had a lowly servant's respect for the Main Branch…like they were truly nothing more than lowly worms at the Main family's feet. Hinata and little Hinata pitied them and it made her sick. Weren't they family? One of them in particular seemed to be little Hinata's personal bodyguard or guide whenever she walked outside the Compound. She was treated like a princess around the Branch family and that irritated her. She could walk on her own two feet just fine without having to step over everyone else. She had been treated with respect before but not like this. It was pure servitude and NOTHING else. No family bonds. Hinata began to notice that because of that, little Hinata was gentler towards everyone than real Hinata had ever been. Hinata could think of herself as a nice person, but THIS Hinata was a down-right ANGEL compared to her sometimes! It was defiantly unnerving.
Little Hinata watched her Father train with the other Hyuga Main family and Hinata felt a familiar desire to be strong like her Father coming from her. Hinata had little doubt she wouldn't. She would try to mimic her Father when he wasn't looking. Then came picture day for the family portrait and Hinata still wondered where Sasuke was. Little Hinata was smiling between her smiling Mother and stoic Father. Hanabi was held in their Mother's arms, sleeping. The photo was snapped.
"Hinata."
Little Hinata looked up at her Father. "Yes, Father?" He had finally paid her some attention.
"You're going to start your ninja training a little early but it is a Hyuga custom that the heir begins early. Be ready tomorrow at the dojo." He ordered flatly. Hinata wondered why he was so stern all the time.
"Yes, Father!" Little Hinata smiled innocently. Her parents both turned and walked together back into the house.
Hinata was about to follow when a thought crossed her mind that wasn't her own. It paralyzed her.
I want to be strong like Father, but gentle and kind like Mother.
Hinata's heel touched the ground but her toes were in the air. She turned sharply to see a smiling little Hinata.
Wh-What?! I…She can't be SERIOUS! No one can be strong and kind at the same time! It makes no sense! But what she was really surprised at…was a growing darkness inside her chest that LAUGHED at this idea the most. It was a weak way of thinking. For a shinobi, let alone the HYUGA Clan heiress. Hinata hoped that little Hinata would see that tomorrow.
The image phased into tomorrow. Little Hinata was dressed in Taijutsu work out clothing and was facing her Father, who's stone-like face hadn't changed.
"Begin!" He shouted at her and to Hinata's surprise, little Hinata flinched. She doesn't flinch! She NEVER flinched from her Father's words!
Little Hinata ran at her Father and struck out in Hyuga Taijutsu style, but Hiashi had been quicker. He slipped to the side and hit the muscle in her lower leg. Little Hyuga yelped and hit the ground.
Hinata flinched at the pain that hit her. Everything little Hinata felt, she did too. And as bad as that sounded, it only got worse. Hiashi was telling her everything wrong with things from her stance to her hits and strikes. Little Hinata's face and eyes conveyed that she was WAY in over her head in taking on her Father and he wasn't letting up.
Hinata had to admit that this version of her Father wasn't all that great…He was very strict compared to her own Father. She had no idea he could even be like this. Sure she had some tough training days but he hadn't been so open to tell her her faults. But he didn't even seem to care that little Hinata was only five years old. He trained her like any of the Main House.
By the end of it, little Hinata was kneeling on the ground, sweating horribly and gasping for breath.
"This shall be good for your first day. I expect you the same time tomorrow." He hadn't even broken a sweat.
"Y…Yes…Father." Little Hinata's voice trembled.
The rest of the training was history, but it all played out around Hinata. Each training was more intense than the last one. And little Hinata was being taught everything about the Hyuga Clan's powerful Kekkei Genkai, the Byakugan. Hinata took it all in. She had learned of it before but somehow little Hinata was personally using the Byakugan in every other training that Hiashi gave her. Pain in Hinata's eyes would come each time she was forced to use and focus the Byakugan for a very long time.
Hinata was getting a little more irritated each time she saw her little self hesitating to attack. If it were her, she'd be attacking with all she had each and every time. It was training. Not time to pick flowers. But little Hinata was just worried about the pain she was receiving and inflicting. Hinata doubted if she actually inflicted anything at all with those half-hearted jabs. Hinata barely have time to notice how tired their Mother was getting.
Hinata traveled two more doors down and she found herself at her Mother's side by her bed. Hinata was watching from little Hinata's eyes, which were filled with tears.
"M-Mother…please don't die…." She was crying. Even Hinata felt her heart wrenched to her lungs. She had lost her own Mother at the age of 10.
"…Hinata," their Mother rasped, lifting a trembling hand to her cheek. "My sweet beautiful Hinata."
Little Hinata took her mother's hand in her own and openly cried.
"It's alright. I'll only be leaving for another place. I'll still…be watching over you. But before I go, I want you to have something." Their Mother took her other hand around something close to her chest and snapped it off. She held it out for little Hinata. It was a tiny amethyst stone carved out into a shining sun.
"To bring you good luck…and to remind you of me. My mother gave it to me and her mother to her. All worn by strong willed Kunoichi of the Hyuga Clan. Carry it to remind you just how strong you really can be." She asked, handing little Hinata the pendant.
"Thank you…M-Mother." Little Hinata cried.
Everything phased out and back into a Hyuga Clan funeral. Little Hinata had tried so hard not to cry, but she a few tears slipped out.
A door later, little Hinata Hyuga was in her first Academy class. She was wearing the necklace under their Mother gave her on her death bed. She was very nervous and fiddled with her two fingers, much to Hinata's anger.
Didn't this Hinata have any dignity or guts at all? It is embarrassing to think we are the same person. I'm much stronger willed than her. She'd tremble like a little leaf if I blow into her ear!
Hinata finally saw Sasuke but he wasn't the same. Every one of her classmates was different. Ino had longer hair and was swooning over Sasuke like he was fudge-chocolate. Sakura as well, maybe even more so. She was crazy for him and was determined to let everyone know it. Choji was the same, but Shikamaru's hair was pulled up in a pineapple-like style that Hinata didn't know if she should laugh at it, or stare. Kiba was more laid back than ever and Shino kept to himself and his bugs…which seemed to always be everywhere.
She also painfully noticed how different Naruto was as well. The Leaf Village idiot. But some things stayed the same. He was confident, determined, always waiting to be accepted. But she was still so angry at Naruto, she wanted little Hinata to just go over to him and slap him right across his-
Wait…why is little Hinata staring at this Naruto all the time?! Hinata's pearl eyes widened as she periodically looked from Naruto to little Hinata to check. She WAS staring at this weird Naruto!
A new feeling crept into her heart making both Hinata's cheeks blush, against Hinata's will, when Naruto's blue eyes glanced her way.
"OH GOD, NO! THIS HINATA IS IN LOVE WITH NARUTO?!" Hinata shrieked at the top of her lungs. The thought horrified her and she stood over little Hinata.
He'll only break her heart…just as he did to hers.
"NO! Don't look at him like that! Don't feel that way when he looks at you! Do you know what he did to me?! He ripped my heart out without even thinking about my feelings and threw it away! That's what he will do to you too! Are you listening to me?!" Hinata tried to get through but she was only an observing ghost in all of this and little Hinata continued to stare at the other Naruto. Hinata also became aware that the other Naruto often stared at Sakura…who was staring at Sasuke. Hinata let out a cruel laugh.
"Is this some kind of sick joke?"
…
Each year, little Hinata's fondness for the determined knuckle-head only grew and Hinata was truly trying to fight it and keep those feelings from her own heart. Little Hinata could HAVE those emotions, but not her!
Tears ran down Hinata's cheeks as she tried to shut it all out. She didn't want to feel this way! She already had her mixed up feelings of Naruto without having to deal with THIS! She covered her ears and closed her eyes shut to block it out, but nothing did any good. It would keep playing out as it would. Years began to pass her by little by little.
This…This soft and weak Hinata. The Hyuga heiress that was later bested by her own 5 year old sister, Hanabi. Hated by Neji for being the reason his father died and for trapping him inside the Branch Family's' bird cage. The Hinata that was love-sick for Naruto Uzumaki. The Kunoichi who couldn't even lift her head high and proud in front of her friends and teammates and also had a nervous twitch around other people.
It disgusted her
She came to the twelfth door, groaning at the thought of seeing yet another hopeless and weak Hinata.
"No! You're wrong!...I…I wanted to…to see if I could change!" Timid Hinata whimpered out to a glaring Neji as she faced him in the second part of the Chunin Exams. Everyone was staring and waiting for Hinata's determination. But as usual, she didn't have much.
The real Hinata answered along with Neji, "You can't change, Hinata. You have little confidence in yourself. You will never change."
Little Hinata looked stricken as Neji went on, "People can't change no matter how hard they try. You could train for years and still not be any better. A failure…will always BE a failure. And despite your bold words, you are really thinking that you want to run away."
"No! Y-you're wrong about me!" Little Hinata whimpered out loud. Almost to the real Hinata as well.
'Is he? If you are so certain of that then open your eyes and fight him. Fight him and prove us wrong!' Hinata shouted at little Hinata.
But little Hinata was trembling in so much fear, Hinata knew it was useless. This Hinata would always be a defenseless and hopeless little sheep. Neji got into a stance with his fingers poised.
"Byakugan!" Neji shouted, opening his white eyes. The veins leading to his eyes were popping out slightly. He was ready for attack.
But little Hinata was freezing up as she stared into the wrath inside Neji's Byakugan. The real Hinata could sighed and crossed her arms, waiting for the impending pain that Neji will inflect on little Hinata.
Neji began to cripple little Hinata even further by telling her all about her insecurities. As usual, it was right on the money. Hinata growled. She didn't like this version of Neji anymore than the other version of her Father. In fact, she was almost certain that if she was in little Hinata's place, she would have attacked him right then and there. She wouldn't have taken any of this crap.
"That does it!" A familiar voice broke through the area around them and Neji and both Hinatas turned to see a very angry Naruto gripping the railing tightly and glaring at Neji.
Naruto?
"Who gave you the right to tell her what she can and can't be?! Go on, Hinata! Show this guy he's wrong!" Naruto snarled out and holding up a fist.
Naruto…
Naruto growled loudly until, "Hinata! You're just going to stand there and take that from him?! Do something!"
Little Hinata's eyes were wide at him but something had gotten focused back in her eyes and she looked back at Neji.
You're right…Naruto.
Hinata raised an eyebrow at the growing feeling in her chest. Was Naruto really THAT imposing on this Hinata? It surprised her.
Little Hinata raised her chin in determination back at Neji. She was ready to fight finally as she stared determinately back at Neji for the first time ever.
'The look in her eye has changed.' Hinata thought as did Neji. Neji was slightly startled but he soon growled, "If you don't forfeit the match…you know what will happen."
Little Hinata raised her arms and made hand signs with her eyes closed.
I won't run away…
An image of Naruto shouting in the First part of the Chunin Exams flashed. "Don't underestimate me! I don't quit and I don't back down!"
Never again!
"No way. I never go back on my word. That's my nindo! My Ninja way!"
No more hiding!
"Byakugan!" Little Hinata shouted, activating her eyes.
Hinata smirked. "Finally! At-a-girl! Kick Neji's ass!" She shouted out, gripping her fist. FINALLY this Hinata showed some backbone! Even though it hurt to see that Naruto was her inspiration.
Little Hinata slowly slipped into a Hyuga fighting stance and the words slipped out of the real Hinata's mouth as well.
"Defend yourself…My brother." Little Hinata finished. Everyone was surprised at her determined look.
Neji looked just as ready to go. "Very well then."
Silence full of friction followed for a time…Then both genin leapt at each other in one movement.
Little Hinata struck first with a cry. Chakra and wind flew out of her palms as Neji deflected it. Then both were locked in close-combat.
It was pretty fierce but Hinata's eyes narrowed. Little Hinata didn't see it, but she could. Neji wasn't just deflecting. He was slipping passed her and hitting her without her noticing. She urged little Hinata to see it too and attack as well but there was nothing she could do. It looked like an even match to almost anyone but it wasn't. Little Hinata did almost manage to strike Neji's stomach.
They went back to their stances. They slightly circled each other. They sprang at each other again for another round. It was the same as the last one. Neji was inflicting chakra secretly into little Hinata's chakra points. Hinata bit her lip as she felt each blow herself.
Finally, Neji and little Hinata went for the final blow. Hinata flinched. It was over. Hinata's heart shuttered painfully and she let out a gasp. She had never felt pain like this before. She stumbled to the ground.
Little Hinata let out a gasp and blood came up out of her mouth.
"That's it? That's all the Main Branch's power?" Neji taunted.
"What is going on?! I saw Hinata hit Neji perfectly!" Naruto shouted out.
Little Hinata was panting hard, gritting her teeth. 'I'm not done yet!' She batted Neji's arm away and made to strike his chest. He just easily grabbed her attacking arm and pierced it with his other two fingers.
Hinata felt agonizing pain in the same arm.
Neji slowly pulled back little Hinata's sleeve to reveal blistering red dots all around her arm. She gasped.
"But…you mean...all this time you…!" Little Hinata gasped.
"That's right. I was striking you the whole time." He told her and shoved her backwards onto the ground a yard away.
"Look Hinata, I'm completely out of your league and that won't change. That's why I'm part of the elite. You may not like it, but it's a fact. I was going to be the winner from the moment you decided not to run away. I was destined to win and you were destined to lose."
Hinata growled at Neji. How dare he say that?! He was good, she'll give him that, but he was extremely out of line here!
Little Hinata was only panting hard. "This is your last warning. Forfeit this match."
"I never…go back…on my…word. Because…that too is my nido. My ninja way." Little Hinata slowly got up and turned to Neji. She had a smile on her face.
Hinata smiled too. Maybe she wasn't as much of a weakling as she first thought.
Little Hinata glanced at Naruto but then looked at Neji to continue the fight.
"Bring it on." Neji growled, ready to fight her into the ground.
But little Hinata's heart convulsed and more blood came out of her mouth. Everyone looked worried for her but Naruto cried out, "GO HINATA! YOU CAN DO IT!"
N…Naruto.
Little Hinata sprang at Neji once more but Hinata knew it was over. She was only worried now that he would kill her. As weak in the Hyuga style as she was, she didn't want her to DIE! Hinata stiffened as she realized that little Hinata was now thinking about Naruto.
Hinata growled, "Get your head out of the clouds, Hinata! Neji might just kill you if you don't!" But as always, little Hinata took no notice and the flood of memories of Naruto had begun. She was fighting Neji with all she had at least.
Naruto…I've been watching you…I've been watching you for many years.
"She's hopeless!" Hinata growled, blocking out her eyes with her hand briefly.
Neji smacking her in the jaw confirmed it. Little Hinata gasped and was shoved back. But she steeled herself and ran at him again.
Only this time, Neji struck her hard in the chest. She went down as more blood came. She was finished.
But before anyone had flinched even one muscle, little Hinata was struggling back to her knees and feet.
Horrified on the inside, Neji glared at little Hinata. "What do you think you're doing? If you continued…you're going to die." He promised.
It doesn't matter…because...Naruto is watching me...he's finally seeing the real me...
"I'm far…from finished." She gasped out, limping forward for more.
"Is that me CRAZY?!" Hinata gasped. Even she would never have gone THIS far for Naruto…would she?
"I know you cursed yourself for being weak…but look, people can't change who they are. Just give up and you won't have to suffer anymore." Is that pity?
Little Hinata shook her head. "You've got it backward, brother Neji…you see, you are hurting and suffering far more than I."
"I'm WHAT?" Neji's pity and mercy was fading out.
"You are all torn up…about the…fates of the Main and Branch families…of the Hyuga Clan."
Neji's rage spiked and he growled in fury. He ran at Hinata with EVERY intention of killing her. Hinata ran to protect little Hinata, even if she was just a ghost.
But the jonin senseis all stopped Neji before he could do anything to her. And it was over.
"You're either really stupid or really brave, other me. But at least…you have some guts after all." She voiced out though she knew it was pointless. She glanced at the passed out Hinata on a stretcher.
"I still wouldn't want to be you though. I'm me and only me!" She pointed her thumb to herself with a confident smile and turned to walk out of the room. But she couldn't leave this time and watched the rest of the year pass by.
She hurt a lot to see Sasuke act so…so CRAZY and hell-bent on some revenge she didn't know about. All she knew was that he wasn't her brother anymore. Why was that?
But it surprised her to see Naruto so willing to put everything on the line for him. Like he couldn't stand the thought of losing Sasuke to his own darkness.
It made her remember his current self. He could do to follow this idiot-Naruto's example. She scowled as he was leaving with some old guy with long spiky white hair. So he was leaving YET again. She changed her last thought about him. He would leave other Hinata just as he left her.
It's the same…just like I thought. Nothing could have changed.
...
Hinata Hyuga opened her eyes from her dreams, staring up at the ceiling, lost in her own thoughts. She glanced at the window. It was already very bright out. The clock on her dresser said 11:30 AM. Hinata looked at the other objects on the dresser. There were a number of pictures.
All of them were of Hinata, Sasuke, or Naruto. She slipped out of bed and walked over to her dresser and looked at all of them.
Hinata, Sasuke, and Naruto's first picture together was at the Fireworks Display many years ago. Naruto had a wide grin on his face with Hinata and Sasuke smiling beside him. She remembered how awkward they all had been when they first started to be friends. The other pictures were less stiffly taken and some had goofy faces on them.
It used to bring a smile to her face but no smile came this time.
*CLINK*
Hinata turned to hear something glass-like hit the floor from her bed. She bent down and picked it up and brought it to her face. It was her Mother's sun-amethyst necklace. Just like in her dream.
Her eyes widened as she stared at it. Her Mother had never given this to her…so how did it get there? She put it around her neck, close to her heart. She loved her Mother…just as much as her weaker self did. She stood up and left her own room.
She tried to shake herself out of this sadness. She was confused about Sasuke but she worried about other things more. Whoever that girl in her dreams was, Hinata was not her. She was angelic but weak until her 12th birthday. All because of Naruto. That boy had somehow become her hope and determination. That Hinata was in love with that Naruto.
It made Hinata feel dirty. Compared to that Hinata's angelic nature, she was a demon. Hinata knew that she wasn't a horrible person by nature but she was more vicious, confident, commanding, and strong willed when it came to training. She would NEVER have let Hanabi best her in training or let that Neji talk to her like that. Wither she would have won or not against that Neji was a whole other thing. She knew that she could have at least held her own well enough. He sure did act strange. He just went on and on about fate and destiny. Hinata wondered for a moment what HER Neji thought about that. He was a year older than her after all. He would have seen her weak self. Maybe he just didn't care or pushed it aside.
She couldn't help but also notice that the Hyuga Clan was divided between Main and Branch families. In her own past, the Branch family members would sometimes help her with tips in her training. But in that past, the Branch just watched her like hawks or stone soldiers. It was intimidating sometimes. Hinata wondered if that was why that Hinata was such a frightened sheep instead of a ninja. But it had to be more than that. That Hinata was scared of her Father's judgment. She wanted to be strong for him but her natural gentle nature stopped her from really attacking. That was how Hanabi bested her. She had no will to fight. Hanabi did. That's why Hanabi wasn't placed in one of the Branch families. She could take Hinata's place as Clan Head if needed.
Rage pulsated through Hinata at the very idea of her own SISTER replacing her. That would NEVER happen. She was strong and had her Father's approval.
A creak of the floor boards made her look up and she faced her brother, Sasuke. Her eyes widened when she saw his red eyes. Both held a Sharingan. She opened her mouth but she didn't know what to say to him. She just looked away and hurried on by. He didn't call after her either.
She had seen those eyes before. While watching the Chunin Exams, she saw Sasuke Uchiha use his Sharingan in battle. If her brother could use it as well…then he was an Uchiha. Somehow that didn't come to much of a shock to her. She had known somewhere in her heart that he wasn't her real brother. It just wasn't possible and her dreams proved that. It still pierced her heart. He was her brother. Not some Uchiha.
Hinata walked out into the garden that she had found Naruto in the day before. It seemed like so many years ago to her though. She sat down on the swing and just dragged her feet in the sand like Naruto had done. The wind blew through her hair and something caught her eye when she pulled some long blue hair out of her eyes.
A white envelope was fluttering between the flowers. Hinata got off the swing and went over to it. As she picked it up she realized that she had seen Naruto carrying it before in his pocket.
Anger swelled in her and she placed her hands to rip it in two halves when she saw her name.
Hinata
It was addressed to her. Blinking with surprise, Hinata slowly opened it up. A folded up letter was inside it.
She tugged it out and opened it. She recognized Naruto's hand writing instantly but also noticed that he had taken the time to write slowly and more clearly than normal. Her pearl eyes widened even more as she read it out.
Hinata, I know that writing a letter isn't like me, but I figured you're now too busy to talk to me much anymore. You know…training day in and day out with your Father and Sasuke. It's graduation time and I just wanted to give you some words of encouragement in case Sasuke or your old man is being an ass.
You're the Hyuga's shining blue treasure, Hinata, and never forget that. There's nothing you can't do. Believe it
-Naruto
Hinata's hands trembled slightly and her cheeks grew very warm. The softer Hinata was very happy to know that Naruto told those words to her. She remembered times when Naruto got so nervous around her when they were alone. His face would get all red and…
Tear drops fell onto the paper. Hinata knelt on the ground, unable to stand properly.
"If you like me so much, then say these words to my face!" She tried to wipe the tears away but more came and the note dropped to the ground.
"N-Naruto!...You idiot! You jerk! You say…something like that but leave me and Sasuke! Are you lying to me?!" She sobbed, unable to stop crying. She had never cried so much before. She had kept crying for what seemed like hours.
She couldn't understand him at all now! Was he the Naruto she liked? The Idiot-Naruto that the other Hinata liked? Or a back-stabber?!
Hinata placed a damp hand on the letter so it wouldn't blow away from her. She finally controlled herself and her emotions and stood up. She made her way to her room and placed the letter inside her dresser where it would be safe. It was the last piece of Naruto that she had left.
She composed herself to not be a crying mess and changed her outfit before leaving to eat lunch. She couldn't cry over Naruto 24/7 like the other Hinata would. It wasn't like her to mope around all day and she needed a distraction badly. Hinata thought she heard her Father shouting in the distance, but she shrugged it off. He was probably yelling at some servant.
Hinata ate her meal in silence and then headed for the entrance to go practice her new Byakugan skills before her training would start. She spotted a bunch of the Branch family members rushing out too. She stopped one.
"What's going on?" She demanded. The Hyuga looked nervous.
"Kakashi has turned traitor and is fleeing the village. We're going after him."
Kakashi was Sasuke's sensei in both worlds. "Can I help?"
"We're enough, Lady Hinata. Thank you, but we got it from here." The man told her before bounding off to follow the Clan members.
Hinata was a little worried about Sasuke's opinion on this and she wondered if she should go find him. But the hollow-soul that looked at her sent a shiver up her spine. She would talk to him later. They needed time alone right now.
…
Hinata had practiced her Byakugan until it hurt to see things that clearly. She hadn't just been training to get her mind off of Naruto. That was pointless. She thought about how she could find him. Maybe if she could just TALK to him...
She returned to her house towards dinner time. Hinata went towards her Father's room to tell him about her training. She had forgotten that she was supposed to be punished.
She knocked on the door and went inside.
"Father? Sorry I'm so la-," She stopped. Her father was sitting at his desk and had a sad look on his face…like someone had died. She had NEVER seen him like that!
"Father?!' Hinata asked, slightly panicked. He raised his head and looked at her.
"Hinata…I'm afraid I have some bad news. Sasuke…Sasuke has left the Hyuga Clan and the Leaf Village with Kakashi."
Silence followed as Hinata tried to take that info in.
"Wh-what?"
"You should know by now that Sasuke wasn't your brother by blood but…I still considered him my son. He's left us now, Hinata. Sasuke left to join those traitors."
Sasuke….is with….Naruto?
She pieced together it in her mind slowly. She lowered her chin. Her bangs covered her eyes.
Hinata slowly turned around and placed her hand on the doorknob to leave the room. Hiashi looked surprised at her. "Hinata? Where are you going?"
"To the Hokage's Office." She answered, her voice colder than ice. A steeled look in her eyes startled Hiashi quite a bit.
…Hokage's Office…
Night had fallen by the time Hinata Hyuga reached the Hokage's Office and was able to see him. Hinata stood in front of Obito. All of the Akatsuki were sitting or standing around the room as well.
"Hinata Hyuga…to what do we owe this pleasure?" Obito asked her.
"You're going to brand Naruto and Sasuke as criminals, right?" She asked. "To be hunted down on sight?"
"That's right, girly." A shark-man answered. "Can't let the dogs get out. All of them."
"Kisame…" The Hokage warned the beast. He then looked at Hinata.
"I'm afraid so, Lady Hinata. They betrayed the Leaf after all. I can't let them get away with our secrets. I can't take your reques-"
"My request isn't to take them off the wanted list. My request is to let me go after them." She stood tall.
A blond haired teen smirked. "You want to chase after them, hm?"
"I want the chance to question them. To at least make them change their minds. Kushina, Guy, Anko, and Kakashi are the masterminds. Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura Haruno are just their puppets."
"And what if they truly wish to follow them? What if you can't change their minds? Then they will have to be branded as criminals and killed on sight."
"Then I'll kill them myself!" Hinata balled her fists to show that she meant it. She may have been crying earlier over Naruto, but those feelings were gone now. Only to be replaced by anger and rage that surprised even her. Not just Naruto, but SASUKE had willingly left her too! She had shoved her softer feelings aside completely. Dark emotions were the only thing left in her heart now. If they didn't change their minds, then she would kill them as part of her Hyuga duty.
Sasuke and Naruto have both betrayed and left me...if I can't bring them back then I'll finished them.
The younger of the Akatsuki let out looks of surprise. Surprised at her determination to find them and hunt them down if need be.
"Are you serious with that statement? You can't turn soft-hearted." Obito told her.
"I've never been more serious. I stick with what I say, Lord Hokage. If they truly have turned their backs on ...us, then I will personally end their lives. I'll train every day until I drop if that's what it takes." Her hand went to her Mother's pendant. It gave all the mothers before her strength, she hoped it would somehow help her now too.
Obito looked into her eyes. He could see she wasn't kidding. But was she really meaning to do it?
"Hahahaha! I see killer in her eyes, Obito. She's serious!" Kisame laughed out. None of the Akatsuki ever liked to address Obito as any of his titles. None but Itachi and Zetsu. They would call him the Hokage but that was it.
"Then I'll test you, Lady Hinata. If you pass, then you'll get training from all of the Akatsuki members including myself. We shall see if you are serious or not. You should also be training very hard with your father. I'll talk to Hiashi-san about this soon. I'll expect you in the afternoon to give you your test."
Hinata Hyuga bowed respectively to the Hokage. "Thank you for hearing me out, Lord Hokage. I'll be going now." She told him and left the room. She began to walk home.
"Zetsu…" Obito called to him.
"We're on it."
…
"…And that is what younger daughter said. Lord Hokage told her that he'd test her tomorrow to see if she is serious. Just thought you should know." Zetsu's clone had told Hiashi from his room. He morphed right back into the wood-work, leaving Hiashi alone in his thoughts.
…Hinata…what is going to happen to you? He silently asked the air. She wouldn't be home for a while, but he was still so troubled. Her voice had been so cold…so full of anger. She was going to make herself go to any lengths to find them and bring them back…or kill them. They had left scars on her heart…and his heart as well, but it just wasn't the same.
The thought of Hinata walking down the dark path Obito and the Akatsuki were going to force her onto broke Hiashi's heart. He felt that he had failed both his son and his daughter. He didn't know the first thing on how to fix this either. It was an unfixable mess that he could only watch. He looked at the window to see Hinata's shadow coming near the Compound. Her eyes were steeled and determined to stick with her word. They were also swallowed by grief and rage.
A tear slid down Hiashi's cheek as he caught the first glimpse of darkness in his first daughter's eyes. He hadn't even wept when Obito took over the Village.
Chapter End~
Author's Note~
I know you guys all expected/wanted Hinata to follow Sasuke and Naruto, but SOMEONE has to walk down the path of darkness. It ain't Sasuke. Just because the summary says 'strong Hinata' doesn't mean she's GOOD Hinata. ;)
I told you I had a little fun with Hinata's chapter. ;)
But I am going to go ahead and give Naruto back his memories as well in the next chapter. And Sasuke and Kakashi meet up with the group.
Note end~
Hinata expected her dream-memories self to be just like her. How WRONG she was! No one likes to see a pathetic version of themselves, especially not a proud Hyuga heiress.
Naruto's last words to her in the white envelope have been found and read, but will they last?
Hinata's sad heart has been turned into rage and the only two things that can stop her now are Sasuke and Naruto, while her Father watches. Unable to do anything.
Next Chapter: Naruto's Ghosts