"I'm sorry, but I don't think you have much longer to live. Your heart just can't take the stress."

She was tired of hearing those words. Tired of hearing the bleak, negative diagnosis from the doctors. Why did she even bother? Every time they went to see a more qualified specialist, it did not change the outcome. No matter what doctor she saw to monitor her condition, it was always the same apologetic words. Neji was tired of it too. Even though they didn't want to, most of the appointments turned into pointless arguments with the doctors that left Neji and Hisako in sore, downtrodden moods.

Today was no different.

Hisako's and Neji's gazes were dropped in defeat and fear as they quietly strolled through the hospital's courtyard. She knew what she did with Sasuke the other day was reckless. But, she was so overwhelmed with the idea of seeing Itachi again, that she didn't think straight. Even though it probably shortened her life exceptionally, she couldn't regret her actions. Because now she knew, without a single doubt in her soul.

Itachi was innocent.

She didn't know who was pulling the strings. She couldn't figure out who had ordered him to do such a horrible thing, but someone was pulling the strings. Just by the way he answered her question. He did it for power? No. No way. Itachi would never do something like that just to test his limits. Top it off, not even Itachi was strong enough to massacre an entire clan if that clan decided to fight back. Especially the Uchiha Clan. So why? Who? She had no idea.

She felt her heart restrict painfully in her chest and it made her stop, doubling over in pain. Neji tried to keep her upright, but the most he could do was keep her from falling to the ground. He got them both down to the ground as Hisako coughed, her hand gripping Neji's vest as tears streamed down her cheeks. This pain was far worse, far more intense than any of the other times. She wasn't sure that she could even get a breath in. Her vision blurred.

"May I?"

Both Neji and Hisako looked up to see a beautiful blonde woman with her hair in two low ponytails. She wore a grey kimono top with dark blue pants and a green jacket. She had a diamond-shaped mark in the middle of her forehead and she radiated with power. Her honey-brown eyes regarded the two Genin in question.

"Who-"

"Who is she?" Jiraiya before anyone could respond, stepped up beside the lady, motioning with his hands, "Why, this is the lady I was telling you about! The brave, the gorgeous the-"

"Oh, cut the crap Jiraiya!"

That's when realization dawned on both Hisako and Neji, "You're Lady Tsunade!"

Lady Tsunade smiled at the two and nodded as she kneeled down, "I saw your medical report, Hisako Uchiha, right?"

Hisako nodded her head.

"Well, Hisako, you're lucky to be alive. But, I think there's a way I can save your life."

"Wh-what?" Hisako practically screamed, and for the first time in a long time, she felt her chest swell with hope.

"But first, we need to stabilize your condition to give me time to create the operation that will save your life,"

"Create an operation? You mean you're just going to make something up?" Neji asked, his expression disbelieving.

Lady Tsunade turned her brown eyes to Neji and gave him a grave nod, "Yes. Your friend, Hisako, needs a new heart."

"I was told that's never been done. That it's not possible," Hisako replied.

Lady Tsunade laughed, which took both Genin by surprise, "That's why I'm creating my own heart transplant surgery. But, it'll take me some time and research. So, I'm going to have to do something different to stabilize the heart you have now until I can give you a new heart."

Hisako's head spun, and her body swayed against her will. Lady Tsunade and Neji both reached out to grab her. Lady Tsunade's hand went up to rest over Hisako's chest, right where her heart was. Her hand glowed blue and Hisako immediately felt a wave of relief wash through her, her pain and the dizziness subsiding almost immediately. She sighed, her shoulders sagging forward.

Lady Tsunade's expression didn't lighten any as she continued to ease Hisako's discomfort, "Although, it seems like your heart is in worse condition than I thought. Hisako, I understand you just met me, but, I believe I have a way to help you. It'll take me the rest of the day to prepare, but, will you report back to the hospital tomorrow morning for surgery? I'm going to need to stabilize your heart quickly if I want to save your life."

"T-tomorrow?" Hisako stammered, blinking in panic at the prospect of such a sudden surgery.

Her hand trembled in Neji's, and he tightened his grip on her hand staying silent.

Lady Tsunade sat back, her gaze never leaving Hisako's, "Yes. I know it's sudden, but I also know it's the only way to save your life,"

"What are the risks?" Neji asked.

"The risks are it won't work. I'll just have performed open heart surgery and it won't have any effect. Or, it could work too well, and her heart may not be able to handle being able to pump as easily. Of course, the regular risks remain. Infection, blood clots, bleeding, etc. But, on the flip side, if I don't perform this surgery to help stabilize her heart, Hisako will be dead by the end of this week. If I perform the surgery and it's a success, not only will she be stabilized and will it buy me the time I need to develop a heart transplant surgery, but, she'll be strong enough to return to easy missions."

The information sat heavy on their shoulders and both Genin were silent as they contemplated Lady Tsunade's words.

"What's the recovery time like?" Hisako asked, her voice quiet and she had some fear in her voice too.

"A little over a month. Open heart surgery isn't an easy surgery. But, it's the only way to save your life."

"Hisako, you need to do it. This could be your chance at life," Neji whispered, his lavender gaze turned to Hisako, his eyes were so gentle and kind, "you won't be alone. I'll be with you. And Sakura. We'll all get you through this."

Hisako nodded, even though she felt panic at the idea of an open heart surgery taking place just tomorrow. That didn't give her a lot of time to prepare.

"Then I'll see you first thing in the morning," Lady Tsunade replied, standing up, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go prepare."

It was silent between Neji and Hisako for a few minutes as they left the hospital. Hisako's gaze was dropped and fear coursed through her blood. She had to respect the lady everyone has been practically calling a miracle worker when it comes to the healing arts. Everyone had faith in Lady Tsunade and her abilities. So, Hisako had to trust her as well. Because she didn't want to die by the end of this week.

She wanted to live.

But, there was still a chance that she could die tomorrow during the surgery and then everything would have been useless. She stopped dead in her tracks, tears welling up in her eyes. Neji stopped too, his lavender gaze trying to catch Hisako's emerald eyes but, she wouldn't look up.

"I want to go to our hill, Neji," she said so quietly Neji barely caught it.

It took him a moment to realize what Hisako was even talking about. Their hill? Have they ever claimed any hill as their own? That's when he realized it. It was the hill they always meditated on together. The hill overlooked the entire village. The one they always went to together. It was their hill. The hill where they had their first kiss. It all made sense. He gave her a small smile, the one he only reserved for her.

"Then let's go."

Neji scooped Hisako up in his arms, one arm under her knees, the other bracing her back as he jumped from roof to roof towards their hill. Hisako was silent the entire time, in fact, it almost looked like she was going to fall asleep in his arms but the tight grip she had on his neck told a different story. She was terrified. And Neji didn't know how he could help her.

Once they got to the hill, he set her down and sat next to her. She was trembling like a leaf and her knees were pulled to her chest. Her green eyes were misty with tears she refused to shed. Neji couldn't take it anymore. He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms securely around her as she shook. Eventually, she stopped shaking like his embrace was the only thing keeping her together. He rested his chin on her head and she finally spoke. For the first time in hours.

"I'm scared."

"I would be worried if you weren't," Neji replied, his voice calm and emotionless.

Despite his own fears and worries, he had to stay calm for her. He couldn't let her know that he was scared too.

"I don't know if I can do this."

"If you don't, you'll die."

"I know," she whispered back, turning her face into his chest as she sobbed.

They heard rustling in the bushes behind them, and they turned around to see Guy Sensei walking towards them. They both went silent as Guy silently came up and sat down in front of them.

"Guy Sensei?" Neji asked, looking behind Guy to see where he even came from.

It was like Guy Sensei just appeared out of thin air.

"I was notified of what was going on with you by Lady Tsunade," Guy Sensei started, his black eyes grazing over the only female assigned to his squad.

Guy's chin trembled, and tears streamed down his cheeks. This took both Hisako and Neji by surprise and Guy leaned in, pulling Hisako into a tight hug sobbing into her hair.

"I'm so happy! Because of Lady Tsunade, I won't have to lose you! My precious student!" Guy cried.

"B-But, I'm, I'm terrified!" Hisako argued, tears streaming down her cheeks as she sat bewildered by Guy's hug, but she didn't make any moves to break out of it either, "I don't know if I can go through with it."

Guy Sensei pulled away, his large hands resting on Hisako's small shoulders, "Hisako, when Lee was hurt fighting Gaara, it was one of the most difficult days of my life! At least, that's what I thought until I held you dead in my arms. There is no pain greater than losing one of your students. Which is why, I can't lose you. We can't lose you."

"G-Guy Sensei," Hisako muttered, her voice quiet.

"Hisako, go to the hospital tomorrow. Get that life-saving surgery," Guy Sensei paused, sniffling through his tears, "and if the worst should happen, if you lose your life on that operating table then, I will go with you."

"Wh-What?" Hisako screamed, her eyes widening as large as saucers.

Neji was taken aback by Guy's words too, his jaw dropping.

"I am your Sensei, Hisako! Which means, I cannot let you go into a life or death situation alone. If you're going to risk your life, then I will too! So go into that operation tomorrow knowing that I am standing beside you! And so is Lee, and Neji, and everyone else in this village. Because we all need you Hisako!"

Hisako sat there too stunned to speak, her salty tears flowing freely down her cheeks and onto her hands that were resting in her lap. She closed her eyes, and threw her hands to her face as she wailed, her entire body shaking with her sobs. Guy Sensei joined in too, and Neji felt his large arm wrap around him as he pulled his two students into a giant bear hug, sobbing into their hair.

"I know, I know! But, you can do this, Hisako! We believe in you!" Guy Sensei exclaimed as he rocked his two students back and forth in a soothing movement.

Neji grimaced in annoyance. This was not his idea of pleasant. But, there was no way to get out of this embrace. Guy Sensei's arm was too tight around him so all he could do was endure this embarrassment.

Hours later, they sat alone on their hill together again. The sun had set over the horizon. The entire time, they've sat here, Hisako was tucked under Neji's arm secure and protected. But, it was time to return to the Hyuga Estate. Hisako needed to get some rest before the operation tomorrow morning.

"It's time to go home. You need to get some rest," Neji said quietly into her hair.

Hisako didn't move, "I can't sleep."

Neji frowned, and pulled away from her cocking an eyebrow at her, "You haven't even tried.

She finally turned to look at him, a pout on her face, "I can't sleep."

Neji sighed and moved so he was facing her directly, "It's anxiety based on the upcoming operation, it doesn't change the fact that you still need rest."

While he was saying this, he had been slowly removing her headband from her forehead so that she wouldn't notice.

"I'm not sleeping," Hisako insisted, her green eyes still misty from crying, "what if I die tomorrow? I want to stay awake, to take in every moment to-"

"Hisako, you're not dying tomorrow. And I'm not giving you a choice, you need to rest. This stress isn't good for your heart."

Hisako puffed out her cheeks in defiance and shoved her finger in Neji's chest, "Oh, what are you gonna do? Huh?"

Neji pressed his pointer finger on a chakra point directly in the center of her forehead, over her third eye. He infused some chakra into that point and he saw the moment her eyes fluttered closed and she lost consciousness, falling forward. He caught her in his arms, holding her to him.

"I'm going to make sure you get through tomorrow, Hisako, because, I love you."

It was the first time he'd used that phrase before. Even though he had just knocked her unconscious, maybe those words would still reach her subconscious. He still couldn't bring himself to tell her those words while she was awake, those words felt too heavy. Too new. He knew he loved her, had loved her for a while now, but, to say that, declared something he wasn't sure he was ready to declare yet. But, he would tell her. Tomorrow. Before the operation.

He would tell her that he loved her.

The two of them stood in front of the hospital entrance. Neji almost had to drag Hisako here. She knew this needed to be done, but the operation jitters had been so unbearable she almost locked herself in her room. But then, she was reminded of what Guy Sensei had said, had done for Hisako yesterday. His conviction, passion, and love for all of his students.

For a long time, she thought that Guy Sensei really only cared for Lee. She thought that he cared for Neji and Hisako on a more surface level. More a Sensei and student professional relationship. The type of relationship that was emotionally detached from their students. But, seeing how Guy Sensei acted yesterday, it revealed a side of him Hisako never knew about. His undying devotion to all three of them, and right now, his promise to Hisako, was the only thing that seemed to get her legs to move.

He didn't have to make that promise. In fact, Hisako would have felt better had he not made that promise. But she could understand why.

She wasn't sure how she did it. Her legs felt like a ten ton weight as she took a step toward the hospital. But, that was when Neji grabbed her hand, pulling her to a stop.

"Hisako, wait for a moment,"

Hisako turned to face Neji, her hand trembling in his and she felt herself begin to lose her nerve. Maybe she couldn't do this. The way Neji was looking at Hisako, the intense stare he was giving her, set her on edge. She forgot to breathe as she stared into the depths of his lavender gaze.

"What is it?" she asked, her voice just above a whisper.

Neji took a step towards her, leaning down so she felt the warmth of his breath on her ear.

"I need you to know, before we go in there, that," he paused and his voice dropped so low she could barely hear him, "I love you, Hisako."

Hisako gasped, her eyes going wide and blurry with tears as Neji pulled back. His hand cupped her cheek as his eyes searched hers for any signs that she didn't feel the same. But, she returned his feelings as she always had.

"So make it out of that operation alive, okay?"

Hisako let out a low whimper, her chin trembling as she meekly nodded her head. She brought her hand up, covering his as she leaned into his touch closing her eyes for a moment.

"I will. I-I love you too."

The words felt so foreign on her lips. She wasn't sure she even said it right. But, she knew this needed to be said. Her future was so uncertain with this injury. She could die today. Or die in a week. Or a month. Whatever. Those few words had to be said. Their feelings had to be conveyed. In case they never could again. They almost lost that chance. The day of the final Chuunin Exams. The day Hisako died.

Neither one of them was willing to make that same mistake twice.

The operation took a total of six hours. It was the second most grueling six hours of Neji's entire life. The first was the day Hisako's heart had stopped and they found out she had congestive heart failure. He paced the length of the waiting room probably a hundred times. Guy Sensei and Lee were both there as well as Kakashi Sensei and Sakura. Hisako's entire support system was here to pray for the best as the hours continued to tick away.

But, Neji noticed that Sasuke wasn't present. It pissed him off to realize that Hisako's own cousin wouldn't be here to support her during a crucial and dangerous medical operation. Sasuke really was in his own world. And Hisako needed to stop caring for him as much as she did. Because it was obvious the feeling wasn't mutual.

"I don't get it! They said the operation was only supposed to take three hours!" Lee shouted, grabbing his crutch to go to stand up from his seat.

"Hold your horses, Lee. This is open heart surgery. Lady Tsunade needs to take her time. We can't rush these things," Guy Sensei replied, holding a hand out to stop Lee, "let's just be patient."

"Guy's right. No news is good news," Kakashi agreed, the same book in his hand that he always read.

"Has this type of surgery ever been done before? The heart is such a complicated organ!" Sakura chimed in, her sea green eyes wide with anxiety as she looked between all of the men.

"She's not dead," Neji finally spoke, his lavender gaze looking in the direction of the OR.

"What?"

"Neji?"

"I know she's not dead. I can feel it,"

"You're right, she's not dead," a feminine voice spoke up.

A girl with short black hair and dark eyes turned the corner turning to give the group a small, confident smile, "Lady Tsunade and I just finished up. There were some complications which is why it took longer than expected, but she's recovering. I can only allow one person back there to be with her right now, she'll probably be regaining consciousness soon."

"Lady Shizune!" Sakura exclaimed, rushing over to the black haired girl's side.

Lady Shizune was Lady Tsunade's personal student and her personal aid with almost everything.

"That's amazing! I knew Lady Tsunade wouldn't fail us!" Guy Sensei exclaimed, jumping up from his seat.

Lee jumped up too, throwing his good arm in the air, "that means Hisako will be okay!"

"For now," Lady Shizune reminded the group, "This is only a temporary fix until she can receive a new heart."

The energy in the room shifted again and a few of them let out heavy sighs.

"Right. But, this is still a step in the right direction! So do not lose hope!" Guy yelled.

"Alright, who wants to go see her?"

"I will," Neji replied, his voice calm and quiet.

Lady Shizune nodded her head, "Follow me."

Lady Shizune took Neji to a secluded room. Hisako was lying unconscious on a hospital bed, hospital equipment was hooked up to her body, the machines beeping in a rhythmic pattern as she slept.

"She'll need to stay in the hospital for at least a week for observation and to make sure we can manage her pain. Open heart surgery isn't an easy one to recover from," Lady Shizune informed Neji.

"I understand," Neji replied not making eye contact with her as he pulled a chair up to Hisako's bed and took her hand in his.

"One last thing, the drugs are going to make her loopy. I wouldn't give what she says too much thought."

Neji was too focused on Hisako and didn't even hear her warning when Lady Shizune walked out of the room.

He began what felt like the longest hour of his life. Waiting for Hisako to regain consciousness.

Finally, her eyes fluttered open, her gaze was blurry and disoriented from the drugs. But, when her eyes met Neji's, she had a small smile on her lips.

"Neji?" she asked, her voice a hoarse whisper.

Neji felt relieved at seeing her regain consciousness and he sat up, leaning towards her. His hand instinctively went up to brush a strand of hair out of her face, "I'm here."

There was a small sigh, "I'm glad. I'm glad you're here. I love you so much."

Tears streamed down her cheeks and Neji's knuckles brushed against her cheek wiping them away as she continued, "I don't know how I can live without you."

"You don't have to," Neji replied, his voice quiet.

She squinted her eyes, her chin trembling, "No, I-My destiny-It won't let us. Fate doesn't want us to be together,"

"What? Hisako, what are you talking about? Your life is here, in the Leaf Village. Beside me."

"I'm the Suspended Hyogakage," she sobbed, grimacing like she was in pain, "If my village is to be rebuilt, I will be forced to lead. But, I can't leave you!"

Neji was stunned silent for a few moments. This was it. The big secret that she's had to keep from everyone for all these years. The responsibility, the burden she's had to carry. But, to him, it didn't matter. If something like that did happen, they'd figure out a way around it. Destiny didn't have to decide their future anymore.

"I'll be here, we'll figure it out if it ever happens. But, right now, you need rest. No sense in working yourself up over thoughts of the future. Just focus on healing right now."

He moved to sit on the edge of her bed, her hand in his while he gently stroked her hair, trying to lull her back into sleep, "I'll be here when you wake up again."

He saw her eyes flutter back closed and a few minutes later, she was asleep again. But, he had a feeling this was going to be a tough recovery.