Hey, hey!

Not much to add. I hope with the site glitch on Saturday you all were still able to read the last chapter, 'Year One', before this one! Well, nothing else to report. On with the chapter.

'Flashbacks'

'Letter writing'

Neji stood near a river. He sat on the ground beside two children. They had to be around the age of 11 or 12. Neji wanted to say something to the children, but he was very adamant on not speaking to targets while on Anbu missions.

Plus, what could he really say to them that wouldn't put them in a panic? Sorry you're about to die?

Neji was currently in his Anbu gear as he sat near the riverbed. He was sitting on his bum and had one leg drawn in to his chest and the other stretched out. He watched as the water was unsettled and hectic. There was a lot of commotion going on within that rapid water.

He could see fish in the surrounding area flop and flee. He could also see the arrival of a school of man-eating fish. Piranha's. Soon the water turned dangerously dark and it wasn't a lot of hostile movement anymore. Just a large dark bloody circle.

Neji watched as a small body emerged from the water. She was dragging a mutilated very large body that looked like it was picked apart by said piranha's. Neji looked at the body that emerged and her small frame. "Congratulations Eagle. Your first Anbu mission has been successful and complete. You are cut loose from needing to be partnered or supervised. You are now a certified Anbu member."

Hinata still had her Anbu mask on and looked like she was just fighting a bear or something. She looked over at Neji and he could sense how confused she was. Hinata was told she would be alone this mission. "All rookies on their mission to certify themselves are told they will be alone and unsupervised. While in reality they are all supervised. Very heavily actually. I was here watching you fight this whole time."

He watched her fight. He watched her get tossed around like a rag doll by this giant ogre.

Hinata slowly nodded her head. She looked to the two children tied up to the side. She had left a clone with them while she fought. The clone tying the children up until she came back. "So. You have these two children, Eagle. They are his offspring's. Look at their faces. The angry looks on their faces. They're hurt. Their father is now dead…and you did it. Surely they'll never forget or forgive what you have done to their father. You know our code as Anbu. You know not to leave any trace that you were around."

Neji looked up at Hinata, tilting his head curiously. If she was going to challenge Konoha and take the lives of their civilians, then she needed to harden herself. Hinata had to understand life was not fair or always right. "So. What will you do…Hi-na-ta Hyuga."

Hinata snapped her head towards Neji. He said her name. They for sure would always remember her name if they lived. Anbu was never supposed to disclose their names. It could put their life in danger.

Neji did that on purpose. So she'd make the harsh decision of taking their lives.

Which she did.

Year two.

Late into the night. When everyone in the village of Konoha was sound asleep. Two Anbu members were 'guarding' the west side of the village. Near the home of Mr. Lori. A recent retired man from the council position of Konoha.

The two leaped on the balcony of the elderly man's home. Neji stood up straight and Hinata crouched down. Two pair of eyes matched the moon shining bright behind them. Veins surrounded their face and Hinata silently pulled on the balcony's sliding door. Mr. Lori left his balcony unlocked.

It must be nice to not have a care in the world. To feel so safe.

Hinata crawled into the home and Neji walked in. He placed his mask over his face and was now covered by the mask of a phoenix. Hinata followed suit. Covering her face with the mask of an eagle.

Neji stood over the sleeping body of Mr. Lori, while Hinata crept up on the sleeping form of his wife. Hinata tilted her head as she looked at the innocent looking women. She quietly lifted her hand up and pointed out two digits to the elderly woman's body. She quickly and sharply shoved her two digits into the sleeping woman's neck and watched how her body went limp.

Mr. Lori stirred at the slight movement beside him and opened his eyes sleepily. Only to widen his eyes at seeing two dark souls in his room. Before he could scream at seeing the state of his wife, Neji covered his mouth and yanked him out of his bed.

Hinata walked over to him as Neji shoved the man in his study chair that was near his bed. This is the room that the safe was in. With all the documents. Neji stood behind the man and held his hand over his mouth while Hinata stood in front of him and spoke. "Be quiet. Or I will kill her in front of you. Your wife isn't dead at the moment."

Neji looked up at Hinata, but quickly regained focus back on Mr. Lori. The elderly man took deep breaths and slowly after some time, stopped screaming. Neji still kept his hand over his mouth, just in case.

Hinata looked at the safe behind her before she looked back at Mr. Lori. "I will only ask this once. So do not lie to me. Understand?" She watched Mr. Lori quiver as he nodded his head in agreeance. "Where is the original signature voting ballet done against Hiashi Hyuga on the caged bird seal. Give it to me."

Mr. Lori nudged his head to the safe and Hinata looked back at him after looking at the safe. "What is the code?" Neji finally let go of his mouth and watched Mr. Lori take giant breaths of air. "Please. You don't have to do this. Whatever that bastard Hiashi paid you, I'll triple it! I knew he would come for me sooner or late-"

Hinata smacked him. Back handed him on the spot, it caused blood to burst out his mouth and a nasty bruise to form. Hinata grabbed Mr. Lori's thin hair and gripped his cheeks. Her hands glowed green and the nasty bruise soon started to fade. She didn't want to leave behind evidence.

She must thank Tsunade for being so adamant on her learning medical ninjutsu. It helped Hinata learn to cover her tracks. "What did I tell you earlier? I. Will. Not. Ask. Twice"

"Shall I go over to his wife?"

Mr. Lori shook his head quickly from hearing the male Anbu's voice. "Okay. I'll open it!" Hinata yanked him from his seat and shoved him to the safe. She gripped the back of his neck to show she would snap it if he tried anything funny. In a matter of seconds the safe opened and Hinata watched Mr. Lori dig in the back of the safe for a moment before pulling out a scroll.

Hinata shoved him back to his seat and took the scroll from him. She opened the scroll and sure enough it was the signatures and votes of everyone from that day. Hinata eyes looked up at Mr. Lori, but he didn't notice because of her mask. "He voted to deny the request to abolish the seal."

Neji leaned against the desk and faced the former councilman. "Why would you do that?" Mr. Lori looked up at Neji and shook his head. "People with dōjutsu need to be contained. Back in those times, major clans were being tainted and needed control. Hiashi was in over his head. He didn't understand what he was requesting. If the Hyuga clan ventured out the village, that would be detrimental to us."

Neji remained quiet as he stared at the man. The silence further caused the man to panic, "Look. Danzo was going to overrule anyone that wanted to abolish it anyways. There were a few that wanted to abolish it, but you don't understand the power Danzo had over the council back then. You didn't oppose him. He was the head of the council and what he said was law."

Neji crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Hinata. "Your call."

Hinata looked over at the elderly man before looking back at his wife. "Mr. Lori. I will give you an option. You can either die alone, or you can die together with your wife." She watched the man in front of her shed silent tears and lower his head. Trembling. "Please. I beg of you…don't do this."

Hinata looked at him and even though her face was covered. Mr. Lori could tell she was disgusted. "If I have to ask again I will just force you both to have a heart attack." The man in front of her continued to cry and it grew louder. "Me. Please don't hurt my wife. She has nothing to do with this. She's always been innocent."

Hinata nodded her head and stood in front of Mr. Lori. In a flash two digits hit his scrotum and another two digits hit the center of his collarbone. The two Hyuga's watched as he gasped for air and grip his chest. Showing that he was indeed falling into cardiac arrest. Neji leaned over and caught him, feeling Mr. Lori slowly slip away in his hold. After the older man's movement stopped, Neji lifted him up and placed him in his bed.

"Are you sure you want to leave his wife alive?" Neji looked at Hinata and tilted his head, watching as Hinata emptied everything that wasn't currency from the safe and close it. Like it was never touched. "Yes. She can live."

Neji looked at the sleeping woman. Hinata had only knocked her out, made sure she was sleeping soundly and wouldn't wake up during the interrogation. "It will be an interesting morning for her. That is for sure."

The two slipped out into the night like nothing ever happened. They went home, they weren't on shift for the night because they had a mission in a few days and didn't want to be exposed. Neji caught Hinata as she almost collapsed to her knees when they reached the Hyuga garden. She snatched her mask off her face and took deep breaths. "I think…I am going to be sick."

He lowered Hinata to the ground and let her rest her head on the grass. Hinata knew her body, because she indeed puked all over the ground near her. He watched as she maneuvered away from the vomit and still crouched on all fours.

Neji shrugged his shoulders. "You didn't throw up your first Anbu mission, but you do now. Still, you did the right thing. I'm impressed. Sadly, this adds to the list of things me and you keep under wraps and don't tell people. At this point the list is getting ridiculous. I expect you to tell Naruto and Sasuke some things, but I know you Hinata. You won't tell them every detail of your life. Me and you aren't ready for that yet."

Hinata nodded her head as she took several calming breaths. Taking in Neji's hidden meaning. "On the list, everyone that wanted to abolish the seal. Their names were scratched out. On the final document we first saw from the Hokage's vault, it said it was a unanimous decision, but that authentic document showed more people agreed with father than this man Danzo. He made them change their minds."

Neji sat on the ground beside Hinata and let out a sigh. "That man Danzo is dangerous. I've been told several times that he cannot be trusted and if he feels like you're a threat. He'll have you killed. Once he finds out about the death of Mr. Lori, he'll surely check the safe that was in his home. He'll figure out someone is after him."

Hinata nodded her head and slowly opened her eyes. "I'll be ready for him."

Once Hinata and Neji got inside, cleaned and changed, Hinata sat at her desk and started to go through the scrolls and paperwork she took from Mr. Loki. Her room was dark aside from the mini night light she had on her desk. Just slightly lit so she could read.

Thank goodness Hinata was a fast reader. She went through the documents fairly quickly. Some worth keeping, some not. "You're going to need a bigger room sooner or later Hinata. You've outgrown this room."

Hinata looked up and saw Neji in a white cotton shirt and tan pajama pants. He had on a tan pair of slippers and his tan robe, like he was going to go outside. "You should have told me you were going to go through the documents now. I would have helped."

Hinata smiled and slowly shook her head, "I didn't want to bother you. You haven't seen Tenten today." Neji smirked as he took a pile of scrolls and papers and sat crisscross on the floor. His hair was out it's ponytail and Hinata could see he had did his routine hair regime. Neji didn't want to admit it, but he was the type of male that liked to pamper himself.

Neji ran his hands through his hair and opened a file, "Don't be ridiculous. Besides, I wanted to take you somewhere tonight. So, have you found anything good?"

Hinata scrunched her eyes a bit as she looked at a scroll that had a stamp to seal it shut. The stamp looked familiar. It was old and a little smudged, but it looked like a fan. Like the Uchiha fan. "I think so."

Neji looked up at Hinata and tilted his head. "Open it." Hinata did as he said and held the old paper to the light. "It's an executive order. Marked for ten years ago."

The second attempted by Lord Third Hokage has been again rejected by Uchiha Itachi.

Itachi has been offered the honor of defending his village by taking out an internal threat against Konoha. That threat has been revealed to be the Uchiha clan. Uchiha Fugaku, the clan's leader and several more key Uchiha leaders have decided to throw a coup against Konoha.

Itachi is an honorable ninja that is not apart of this tainted coup. Our Hokage has proposed Itachi with the opportunity to honor his village and be the one to eliminate his clan. This is the second attempt that Itachi has denied the request.

End of meeting.

-Meeting resumed-

It has been exactly one week since our last meeting on the second rejection of Itachi Uchiha. Lord Danzo, executive chairman and the Third Hokage's shadow, has spoken to Itachi.

The rejection has been revised and Uchiha Itachi will be the one to eliminate the Uchiha clan for the sake of the good people of the hidden leaf village. This will take place in three nights. The only request Itachi has brought to this meeting is the life of his little brother, Sasuke Uchiha, to be spared.

This council grants the request. Sasuke Uchiha will be untouched following the Uchiha massacre.

-End of meeting.

Neji sat up from his relaxed position slowly and looked over the document Hinata had read out loud. "Danzo will definitely be looking in that safe for these documents. You have to send this to Sasuke and Naruto." Neji looked at Hinata for a moment before he spoke in a low voice. "You might have to go with them. I don't think it'll be safe for you to stay. What if Danzo pinpoints it's us that killed him."

Hinata looked at Neji and frowned. "No. I will not be scared off and I will not leave you or our clan for what I have done. I will protect the Hyuga clan. No one will touch us." Neji stared at Hinata and matched her frown. Not liking how stubborn she was being. "Do I have to contact the Uzumaki and Uchiha boys myself to convince you otherwise?"

Hinata blinked before a light blush dusted her cheeks. "I stand firm on what I said brother. Please have faith in me." Neji arched his brow before he shook his head, "You are so stubborn. If you're going to be that way, then pack up these documents and seal them away. Then follow me."

Hinata didn't question him and sealed everything away. Neji gave Hinata her robes and the two leaped out her window, back into the night life. They traveled through the treetops, making sure they were seen this time. In a more relaxed, off duty approach.

Hinata looked around the area and noticed that they were getting closer to the home that Neji was trying to purchase. He's been going back and forward with the bidding war for some time. When they finally arrived at the home, Hinata noticed a light on in the inside.

Neji looked at Hinata and smiled at her before he pulled out a key to open the front door. Hinata eyes widened as she watched Neji walk into the home. She quickly followed after him and when she walked in she saw Tenten sitting at the huge kitchen table. She was talking to Hiashi and smiled when she saw Neji come in.

Hiashi turned and looked at Neji and Hinata before he smiled. "Lovely home Neji. Not bad." Neji politely bowed to Hiashi and smiled at Tenten as he walked over to her and hugged her. "Did everything go fine Neji? Hinata?"

Hinata smiled at Tenten and then looked at Hiashi. "I think…things will get worse before they get better." Hiashi looked at Neji before he looked back at Hinata, "Well, I guess this is a good time for Neji to give you his proposition."

Hinata looked at Neji confused before he tossed a pair of keys to her. "Come live with me and Tenten. It'll be safer for me and you, plus it'll show the unity of the main and branch family."

Tenten rolled her eyes as she looked at Neji and then smiled at Hinata. "Plus, Neji really wants his little sister to stay with him. He's been trying to figure out for weeks how to ask you."

Neji frowned at Tenten, but still had a light blush on his cheeks. Hinata smiled at the two of them before she nodded her head. "I would love to. Are you sure though? I do not want to impose on your space." Tenten walked over and gave Hinata a big hug. "Hinata! Don't be silly. This is going to be great!"

Naruto-kun & Sasuke-kun,

It's hard to believe that we're all 17 now. Neji is 19, and already a home owner. Guess who he has invited to live with him? Me! At first I thought he was doing it out of pity, but he genuinely wanted me to live with him. I have decided to temporarily move out of the Hyuga compound.

Biggest news of it all. It was my father's idea as well. He finally trusts me.

I am a little scared if I am being honest. I have never been in a home living alone with peers around my age group. Kakashi-sensei is a father to me when I lived with him, so this situation will be very different.

So, this is the good news.

The bad news, I rather you take this letter and read in private.

Ready?

It is not foreign as ninja's to take a life. It still bothers me to take a life honestly. It bothers me even more when I have to take the life of a fellow Konoha citizen. I have no regrets for killing him though. He was a retired Konoha councilman and held many secrets regarding the village. He also vetoed for the abolishment of the caged bird seal.

He had a safe. A safe with many, many secrets. Attached to this letter is the scroll that has another scrolled sealed in it. (A little funny).

Based off the information me and Neji have discovered, Neji wanted me to leave Konoha and be with you. I may have put a target on my back if it is even hinted that a Hyuga has committed the murder. The person that is behind all of these horrid acts is a man named Danzo. He is a dangerous man. However, I told Neji that I will not leave our clan and I am sorry. I will tell you what I told him. I will not leave. Please understand.

This is a war.

I would love your feedback. I haven't went through everything from the safe yet, but this was something I really think you needed to know. Do with it as you will.

Love,

Hinata

Naruto read the letter out loud as Sasuke opened the scroll and removed the hidden scroll. The young blonde looked at Sasuke as his other half re-read the scroll over and over again. His Sharingan burned bright and Naruto could feel the intense rage coming from Sasuke.

"What does it say?" Sasuke gripped the scroll and wouldn't let Naruto take it at first, but after a few more soft tugs, Sasuke let go. Naruto read the scroll and slowly his eyes started to widen. "Oh, shit…oh shit."

Sasuke looked at Naruto and the first thing he thought about was what Hinata said in the letter. If Neji advised Hinata to leave the village, then she was in danger. "We need to find Itachi, and Hinata needs to leave Konoha. She should be here with us."

Naruto bit his bottom lip and hated to disagree with Sasuke on this, but he had to. "No. Hinata doesn't want to leave." Sasuke gave Naruto a sharp look. His anger that he worked so hard on suppressing, slowly starting to consume him. Naruto watched as Sasuke's curse mark started to grow across his face.

"Are you fucking stupid?"

Naruto took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He's learned over time to NOT give into Sasuke's picking. It proved to be hard sometimes, but Naruto proved to be more level headed than Sasuke since arriving to turtle island and training. "No, but Hinata clearly said she is not leaving. You can't make her. She'll resent you."

The two were alongside the beach of turtle island. They had ventured far from Jiraiya to read the letter in private that Hinata had sent. Sasuke had stopped walking and looked at Naruto with fire in his eyes. Sasuke was a pretty passive person. If he didn't want to do something Naruto wanted to do, Sasuke could easily be talked into it by the young blonde.

Sometimes Sasuke could be a, 'just go with the flow', type of guy lately. As Sasuke got older and explored more of the world, he learned that he was just a part of this world and that nothing in life revolved around him. The only people that thought he was the center of their world were the people that loved him, so he decided to make them his world in return.

Now reading this letter. Sasuke didn't want to have regrets like his brother. Tormented, regrets.

So, Sasuke was working on him and became a much more relaxed person. That was until he was worked up enough. Not a lot of things could work him up, but this, this worked him up a great deal. "She's in danger. Now she's moving out the Hyuga compound. What if they find out everything she has done?"

Sasuke didn't care if Hinata killed 500 Konoha citizens. She was his and he would protect her no matter what. Especially after finding this out. Hinata was stuck in Konoha in a fucking war zone. How could he just leave her there?!

Naruto arched his brow at Sasuke. He gave Sasuke a lazy look, but it was chilling. The warm breeze that the beach provided them didn't stop the chills Naruto was giving off. "Then…I'll go get her Sasuke. I love Hinata and I want her to be happy and independent, but I'm not going to let anything get that bad."

Naruto leaned into Sasuke. Watching as the young Uchiha eyes widened slightly at Naruto's changed behavior. "Chill out Sasuke. Don't get that way with me. I'm on your side." Naruto leaned his forehead on Sasuke's and watched as Sasuke's curse mark receded. It didn't happen often that this happened to Sasuke, but Naruto learned over time how to control it if Sasuke didn't want to.

Naruto learned when to be dominating and when to be submissive with Sasuke. He was curious when he reunited with Hinata how the roles would be. Naruto wasn't stupid. Two years in. Hinata planned to kill that retired councilman when she first discovered him by hanging with Ino and Sakura.

She just had to build up the nerve. Reason why she opted to join Anbu. She needed to harden herself and figured being in a unit that was dispatched for more deadly mission, she'd grow the nerve to take a life.

Apparently she finally built the nerve. It made Naruto curious on what particular mission pushed her to be like this.

Naruto could see why Hinata wanted to stay. She was out for blood. She was networking. She was changing on them and didn't want himself or Sasuke to see her like this. She didn't want them to try to convince her to stop. The only reason she disclosed this information was because it was heavily impactful on Sasuke and she loved Sasuke.

This Hinata made Naruto nervous and excited to see again.

Sasuke closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. He felt Naruto cup his neck and relaxed in his hold. "It's been two years Naruto."

Sasuke missed her. Plain and simple.

The first year. Naruto had been the one on edge. Constantly impatient and snappy with anyone that crossed his path. He just wanted to speed everything up so he could get back to the village. Over time, Naruto started to realize that a lot of his problems weren't a quick fix. He had to dig deep and really understand who he was.

Who his father was. Who his mother was and what he really wanted. Naruto has made steps. Big steps. Big enough that he didn't feel a danger to Hinata anymore, but he still had something he wanted to talk to Hinata about.

Both Hinata and Sasuke because a lot of time Sasuke and Naruto were separated during training. Naruto didn't have the heart to tell Hinata that him and Sasuke were separated for months on end, because he knew she'd worry.

Since arriving to turtle island and really working on himself and training heavily on his mind, body and soul. It's been a journey now worth it.

Now that it was well over the second year. Sasuke was starting to feel the effects of it. Sasuke had reached the age of 18 and was starting to feel incomplete. At first Naruto thought it was because of Itachi. That Sasuke was angry and antsy that Itachi was still alive. That he hasn't avenged his family yet.

After having time to themselves and Naruto really getting the chance to talk to him, Sasuke was feeling incomplete because he hasn't started his other goal. He wasn't even close to starting a family with Hinata and Naruto. Building the Uchiha and Uzumaki clan back up. Now that he was older, he was starting to see things in life differently.

Patience was something Sasuke has gained since this journey. This moment right here probably was the first hot headed moment Sasuke has had the whole second year. True, this was probably because Sasuke was in a controlled environment, but it has proved to provide a foundation on how Sasuke should handle his anger.

Sasuke learning patience was perfect for this situation right here. He hated to admit this, but, Sasuke was almost happy that he learned patience and listened to his sensei's and waited to pursue his brother. Now his viewpoint of Itachi was up for debate. The hate and betrayal Sasuke has felt for his brother from over a decade was now being challenged.

In reality Sasuke wasn't really angry in this moment. He was hurt. He wanted comfort. Naruto being here for this moment right now helped, but having Hinata here would be exactly what Sasuke needed right now.

Naruto closed his eyes and pulled Sasuke in for a hug. Sasuke laid his head on Naruto's shoulder and gripped him. "I know Sasuke."

"How much longer do we need to be gone for?"

Naruto let out a sigh and ran his hands through Sasuke's hair. "Hmm. Pervy-sage said another year."

Sasuke grinned at this. "You snap year one, me year two. Hinata will be last." Naruto made an 'oh' face and smiled, "Tsk. You think Hinata hasn't snapped already? She's secretive remember. She's probably just not telling us how many breakdowns she's having."

Sasuke grunted at this. That made him feel even more antsy honestly.

"Hinata has been alone. Who knows what she is really thinking or feeling. If she's being tempted by other people. Or if she is tired of waiting." Naruto said this with a smile. He felt Sasuke drop his arms limp to his side, "You're not helping dobe."

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "Look at our situation. Look how Hinata might see things. She doesn't know we are separated most of the time. She thinks we have each other to lean on 24/7. That's not true, but we have been a lot more…close. If you catch my drift. That's pretty selfish from us."

Sasuke pulled back from Naruto and glared at him. A light blush dusted his cheeks. "I'm a selfish person. You know this. Hinata knows this."

Sasuke ran his hands through his hair and turned to look at the ocean. "I just found out my brother didn't want to murder our clan. That he was pushed and ordered to by the council of my home village. That he refused them twice. The same people that are suppressing Hinata's clan. The same people that used your clan as a chakra mill. So yes. I am on edge at this moment, all I can think about right now is Hinata. It's better than falling into a depression over my brother and my clan again."

He felt Naruto wrap his arms around him and pulled Sasuke to his chest. "I know. Cope with this situation the best you can for now. We'll be there for Hinata soon enough. Okay?"

Sasuke wanted to say no, but it had to be okay for now.

"Where do you want the box hun?" Ino was carrying a medium size box as she walked into Neji and Hinata's new home. Hinata was unpacking in the kitchen and looked at Ino, "Oh! Please just set it on the kitchen counter. Thank you so much for all of your help Ino. It was so nice of you guys to help us last minute."

Ino smiled at Hinata and turned to look at Shikamaru coming inside the come huffing as he had the larger box. Ino pointed to the ground beside her and Shikamaru gladly placed the box on the ground there. He looked at Ino slightly annoyed for a second, but soon smiled when Ino gave him a bright smile and squeezed his hand in appreciation.

Little things made Shikamaru and Ino happy.

Hinata smiled at seeing them. They were such a breath of fresh air to see as a couple. "Thank you Shikamaru for helping with the move. I really appreciate all of your help as well."

Shikamaru looked at Hinata and jokingly waved her off. "Don't worry about it. We're all friends here. This is what we do for each other Hinata. This is a nice place too. Where the hell did Neji get the money so fast to pay for this place?"

Hinata blushed at the blunt question. She watched Neji come out the room that was his with several now flattened boxes. Neji smirked at Shikamaru and leaned on the counter next to Hinata. "What kind of question is that? I work just like you Nara."

Shikamaru grinned at Neji and looked around the large home. "Yeah, yeah. This house screams Hyuga money though. Your uncle spot you the down payment?" Years ago, Neji would have snapped at the question. Now, he just laughed. "No, the house is paid fully off."

Shikamaru eyes widened and even Ino looked flabbergasted. "What?"

Neji waved off the looks. "My father's inheritance. When he died he left me an inheritance that I gained access to when I turned 18. I'm sure even the Nara's heir gets an inheritance." Neji grinned at Shikamaru. Hinting that he wasn't the only one from a well-off clan. Nara's have a monopoly on the medicine industry all through the nations. Everyone knew that.

Shikamaru shrugged his shoulders, "I get what you're hinting at. Us Nara's are useful, I get it, but we're not…how do I say this. Money hungry. Hyuga's are known for having their hands in everyone's field. Medicine, technology, weapons, banks, trading routes, oil, shit even the paper industry. Admit it. You guys have your name and fortune attached to everything. Money is always flowing into your clan."

Again Neji shrugged his shoulders and gave Shikamaru a smug grin, "So what? It's called equity. Back when these businesses and products had no money to start up, the Hyuga clan was able to supply that. For a small piece of their business forever. Our clan is constantly gaining investments. Sometimes they work out and sometimes they don't. Hyuga's didn't out last many others for centuries because we were just 'noble'."

Neji looked at Hinata, who smiled back at him. "We're all seeing. In every aspect."

Neji smiled when Hinata said this, "Exactly."

Shikamaru smirked at Hinata and Neji. The new generation of the Hyuga clan was going to be lethal that's for sure. He would make sure to grow close ties with them. Hinata was silent, but he could tell she was the leader. No longer the juggle between her and Hanabi. The way Neji stuck beside her and gave her the upmost respect showed her title status.

Something happened when those two were kidnapped that solidified this.

Shikamaru told himself that he would find out eventually.

Sakura came into the kitchen with everyone else and smiled at Hinata. "Hey Sunshine. Come look at what I did to your room." Hinata turned and looked at Sakura curiously. The pink-haired beauty leaned close into Hinata's personal space and gave her an alluring smile.

Something Hinata did not catch at all.

"Oh. Okay. Thank you so much for all your help Sakura! You didn't have to do anything special for me." Sakura took Hinata's hand and pulled her to follow, "Oh, I wanted to. Don't be silly, who wouldn't want to do anything for a pretty girl like you, Hinata."

Sakura walked by Ino with Hinata tailing behind her. Ino eyed the two as they went into Hinata's room and shook her head as they disappeared. She watched Sakura shut the door and before she shut the door, her and Ino made eye contact. Ino could see the mischief in Sakura's eyes.

Once the door was shut Ino turned back and looked at Neji. "Watch out for Sakura. Her hormones are out of whack since hooking up with Kiba. I swear that guy showed her a world that has turned her into a pineapple horndog."

Neji tilted his head as he looked at the door. "Trust me. My uncle has already warned Hinata about Sakura. Believe it or not he has more faith in you Ino than Sakura. He says Sakura is too sneaky. She's sweet, a hard worker and has great potential, but sneaky."

Ino sighed as she started to unpack the kitchen boxes, "Sakura is just exploring. Kiba and her are…enjoying themselves. Not in a traditional standpoint, but they'll settle down eventually." Neji and Shikamaru eyed Ino as they noticed she was avoiding eye contact. Shikamaru frowned. "Ino. What is it?"

Ino grumbled and peaked up at Shikamaru. Crap.

"Sakura has voiced her interest in Hinata. Kiba is fine with Sakura pursuing Hinata, that's how their lifestyle works I guess. I told Sakura to knock it off, but she thinks Hinata would like what she has to offer. So, yeah. She's going after her crush right now. Hinata is obvious to all of this. She has tunnel vision. All Hinata is focused on is her clan and team seven."

Meaning Naruto and Sasuke.

Neji rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Hinata will have to just handle this herself. She needs to experience teenage drama at least once before she becomes an adult. As long as Sakura doesn't ruin Hinata's mind frame for our mission in the next two days. By the way. Are you two prepared?"

Shikamaru groaned. Already feeling tired at the thought of going on a mission. "Yeah, yeah. You and Hinata just be good Anbu and watch over my team."

End of chapter!

Hope you enjoyed the read. Just to let you all know. This is not a cheating-fic. None of that.

Things will get a bit testy now that our cherry blossom has her eyes set on a certain Hyuga. So stay tuned for that.

Now, I do write Hinata as a dark character. She is a bit dark in this and I want to show the Hyuga dynamic in this story. I think her and Neji, if paired together more could be pretty dangerous. Neji would push her out her shell more. Be realistic with her. So I wanted to show that here.

Sasuke now knows about the Uchiha massacre and how that happened. He was the second to break out of the three. Now, Hinata's turn.

See you Saturday!