Hey, hey!

So, last chapter Hinata came back from three months of rehab. She also came back a bit different. This chapter is a good hurt/comfort type of chapter. So, enjoy!

Naruto opened the small white box Hinata had given him earlier this morning. It was late into the evening now and team seven minus Kakashi were at their favorite spot near the lake. Naruto saw that it was a simple piece of paper, decorated like it was a gift card. "One free back massage. Any time Naruto-kun asks."

Naruto smiled brightly at the paper. "You just got back Princess and you're already gifting like this?" Hinata smiled at Naruto before she looked at the water, lightly playing in it. The water was much too cold to swim or put her feet in it.

Naruto laid his head in Hinata's lap and looked up at her. "Talk to us. Tell me what you don't want anyone to know." Hinata smiled as she cupped Naruto cheeks. "Like what?" Her tone was soft and playful. Naruto smirked as he looked at her. "Seriously Hinata!"

Hinata rubbed Naruto's hair. Soothing his hyper activeness, "I am being serious. Ask me whatever you'd like. I will tell you." Naruto closed his eyes briefly to enjoy her touch. He then looked up at Hinata and his face grew serious as he bit his bottom lip. "Does it hurt? To know that the village won't approve of abolishing the caged bird seal."

Hinata tilted her head and looked at Naruto with an amused smile. "Yes. It hurts a lot. I feel like no matter how hard I would have tried, the future me still would never be able to abolish the seal. Even if I were to change how my clan thinks of me."

Naruto reached up to touch Hinata's face. "You felt like you were trying for nothing. I get it." Sasuke was on the ground sitting beside Naruto and Hinata. He grunted at Naruto's comment.

"Trying for nothing is a nice way of saying they were toying with you. The council and all those stuck-up people in the Hokage's building were toying with you and your clan. Giving the idea that you could do something if you showed them commitment and strength."

Hinata and Naruto looked at Sasuke and he arched a brow at them. "Let's not sugar coat this conversation. It's too much that needs to be addressed."

Hinata somberly nodded her head. He was upset with her. They had the right to be upset with her. To ask her whatever they wanted and to actually get an honest answer. Naruto looked back at Hinata and played with the bangs on the side of her face. Taking in how long they grew. Seems like Hinata wasn't cutting her hair anymore.

"Why didn't you tell us what you found out Hinata? Why didn't you tell us you had the urges to drink? I feel like you just shut everyone out and went back to your old habit of relying on your family."

Hinata looked at Naruto and a single finger from her touched his chin. "I…was so angry and terrified at the same time. I guess, being kidnapped the first time didn't harden me for the second experience. I did…very bad things just so they wouldn't hurt Neji-nii-san anymore. When I found out I should have trusted the both of you but it's like…I couldn't. I do trust you two, but I was scared that if I told you about what I discovered…I wouldn't be able to go back to the Hyuga compound and drink. I guess…my addiction took over and I turned into a VERY ugly person."

Hinata's face was scrunched up and she looked absolutely sick of herself. "I never took Kakashi-sensei seriously when he said I wasn't ready to go back home. When he said I should stay in his home. I didn't know that I really had a problem. Kakashi-sensei was trying to save me from my father seeing my true colors and I should have listened."

Hinata's eyes became somewhat hazy as she looked off in thought of how she felt that night. "I was angry at myself for needing my father. For needing Neji. For needing help. I always need help. I am always the burden. As soon as I went into the kitchen for water I checked the typical cabinets that the older adults place their alcohol and I didn't even care. I consumed a whole bottle…then I realized it had been so long since I had that much alcohol at once I threw half of it up. Then I took another bottle. Then I cried because I was so pathetic."

Hinata smiled at how silly she was behaving that night before she looked at Sasuke. "Once me and Neji found everything to be true. I guess, I umm. I had a moment of darkness consume me. My father just, he just seemed like the only way for me to get out of the situation. I needed his help at that point. I begged for it because I guess I realized I hit rock bottom. I couldn't show my face to you or Naruto-kun. Not like that."

Sasuke nodded his head as he looked at Hinata. She had a mental breakdown. She planned to relapse that whole night. There was nothing anyone could do about it the moment her father came to get her and Neji. "Being away for three months. Do you think that really solved anything? You've been sober longer than three months before."

Hinata had this cute pondering look on her face. Even Sasuke had to admit it was adorable. "This one was different in my opinion. Before I was in a controlled comfort environment. You, Naruto-kun, Kakashi-sensei. In his home. That was all controlled. Even on missions. It's within my comfort, so I could control it. Being somewhere that everyone is in need of help for some type of addiction. Doing counseling, with my father and Neji even coming for the counseling really helped me. Only I can determine if it will stick, I have to really want it…and I do."

Naruto and Sasuke both looked at Hinata like she had her head cut off. Naruto was the first to voice the 'what the hell' moment. "Wait…your dad and Neji went to therapy with you? I've been knocking on your family's door three times a day since you left. When the hell did he do that?"

Hinata giggled at how Naruto and Sasuke really looked confused. "My last 30 days my father came for a week and Neji came for a different week. My father said you were 'a lost puppy' and would frequently come to the compound. He said I had some type of hold over you and Sasuke-kun."

Naruto thought about it again and there was like a gap where Hiashi wasn't answering him and it was a housekeeper shooing him and Sasuke away. After some time it went back to Hiashi.

Naruto smiled at hearing Hinata giggle again. He was happy she got therapy. He thought all ninja's should seek out mental help if they really needed it. It shouldn't be a sign of weakness because Hinata was anything but weak.

Naruto looked at Hinata and played with her hair again. "Well you do have a hold over us Princess. That's why it hurt that you didn't tell us. That you weren't honest, BUT I will respect that you were going through something. Maybe in the future whatever you're going through we can go through it together. Ya know?"

Hinata smiled and closed her eyes. "I really am sorry about all of this. I didn't want to come back to you or Sasuke-kun without some type of progression. I will only get better from here. That way when you come back from your training trip I will be everything you want and better."

Sasuke silently looked at Hinata and thought back to Neji talking to them. When Neji said that Hinata was doing this for Naruto and him. That was the only reason she accepted help from Hiashi. She realized that she couldn't do it here in Konoha and she didn't want to let them down. "Stop apologizing. There is no need. We understand now."

Sasuke scooted closer to Hinata and Naruto. He then placed an arm around Hinata's waist. "We're young. You needed your father even though it killed you to admit it. Trust me, I get it. As we grow, you tell us when you are in a dark place. Understand?"

Hinata laid her head on Sasuke's shoulder and sighed in content. She missed this greatly. Being around Naruto and Sasuke. Feeling their love and comfort. She missed it. "I understand."

Naruto felt his eyes grow heavy but fought the sleep off. They weren't home and Hinata now had a curfew with her father. Naruto let him know that Hinata was with them and that they would be responsible for her location until she was home. Hiashi trusted Naruto when he said this. That's why it was so important for Naruto to bother Hiashi everyday about Hinata. To build a rapport with him. "So. What's your plan Hinata?"

Hinata closed her eyes peacefully and hummed at Naruto for him to elaborate. "If I were you. I'd be pissed at what I found out. I wouldn't forget what the village has done. To my father, my uncle. Neji. How it affected how you grew up. I'd want to do something. You and Neji are the closest now, than what you two probably have ever been. Neji passed his jonin exams and almost disappeared from the face of the earth. Now he's back and he submitted his Anbu packet. Spill it Hinata."

Naruto looked up at Hinata and her eyes were cracked open as she looked down at him through her thick lashes. She could see his light blue eyes had taken on a cool blue tint to them and he looked serious. Meanwhile Hinata's own eyes held a grayish white look to them. Gone was the soft lavender-white look. She had an eerie look to her. "Naruto-kun. Where did you get this from?"

This sounded like something their sensei, her father like figure, came up with. He pieced everything together about her. Only Kakashi could figure her out so well. He has been the only one out of everyone, aside from Neji, to see the real side of Hinata when her addiction took over. So, Kakashi knew just how manipulative and dark Hinata could be.

Naruto caught the change of behavior and didn't miss a beat when he saw the gears in Hinata's head start to turn. She was connecting the dots on how him and Sasuke figured all of this out. "Where did I get it? I'm not telling. Now I have a secret that you don't know. Spill it Hinata. Give us the heads up this time."

Hinata felt Sasuke squeeze her closer to him. Silently telling her he agreed with Naruto.

Hinata let out a sigh. She didn't want to get them involved. Still, at the same time, she didn't want to push them away.

"I just want the names. The names of the people that voted against my family. Many of them retired or stepped down. My father is now on the council and he has no clue who made the primary decision and no one will tell him. I want to find out the names and I will proceed from there. When I turn 18 I will resubmit the motion to abolish the seal including everyone that currently holds it. Only using it as punishment within my clan. If I have the list of names, I can find who is still on the council that opposes it."

Sasuke nodded his head in understanding. "So the people on the list that are no longer on the council. What about them? What is the point of you knowing them?"

Sasuke and Naruto saw a black vein crawl across Hinata's neck before vanishing. Hinata looked down at Naruto with a frown because she had nothing positive to tell him. Her intentions were all malicious and vengeful.

Naruto smiled and tapped Hinata's chin, like she did to him earlier. "Revenge is eating you alive Princess. Do you think that will really make you feel any better? Killing off who's on that list."

They could see what Hinata really wanted. She wanted vengeance. She wanted that more than fairness at this point. Hinata wanted heads to roll.

Hinata furrowed her brows in slight confusion as she thought about it. "Yes. It would. Please do not worry about me." Sasuke actually smiled at what Hinata just said.

Don't worry? Really.

"So, will you be following Neji's footsteps? It would be easier for you two to move around Konoha as Anbu. No one would really think anything about it." Sasuke at this point didn't care what unethical behavior Hinata was going to do. After finding out what they did, he supported Hinata unconditionally.

So far Konoha has hidden the secret of Naruto's parents and Hinata's clan. Sasuke just wouldn't be surprised if something came up about the Uchiha clan. So, whatever Hinata had planned he supported her. So did Naruto. They were just grilling her because they were tired of being in the unknown.

They wanted to support her properly. So, they had to know everything.

Plus, be able to pull her back if she got too out of hand.

Naruto and Sasuke made that silent promise at the end of the second round of the Chunin exams. When Hinata cried on the cot. They promised that they were going to change things for her. The level they were now. They couldn't do much for Hinata.

When they get back. They'll be able to do a hell of a lot more. They were bettering themselves for her as well.

Sasuke felt Hinata nod her head on his shoulder. "That is my plan. I've been trying to train my best with Neji and my father to reach Jonin level and to pass the exams. Will you two be taking the exams while on your travels?"

Naruto looked at Sasuke before nodding his head. "Unfortunately due to known terrorists looking for me, we won't be coming back to Konoha to take them. Other villages will hosts theirs around the same time and we have permission to take theirs."

Hinata had a disappointed look on her face. Naruto smiled brightly at it. Amused that Hinata actually expressed her disappointment. "Aww Sasuke, take a look at her. Princess is upset we won't be stopping by to visit her. We don't have to see how bad ass you are while making Jonin Hinata. You definitely show us every moment we're around you. Especially during training today."

Sasuke grunted at this. "A bow and arrow really surprised me. You using it as fluently as I use my sword with the same elements. It was interesting to see you do that." Naruto laughed at this and looked at Sasuke. "Just say it was hot. You thought she looked hot using the same elements as you."

Sasuke gave Naruto an annoyed look, but his cheeks dusted pink revealing that Naruto was right. "Shut up dobe."

Naruto chuckled before looking back at Hinata. "Yeah. Your taijutsu was always good, but now you're like crazy good! What was that one move you use that makes your hands glow blue and turn into lion heads?!"

Hinata blushed at the praise, "Well, it wasn't easy to learn. You need the Byakugan to operate it effectively. It's called twin lion fist and it drains the chakra network of whoever I touch it with. It takes a lot of chakra control and focus believe it or not. Our gentle fists and palm strikes involve such force and strength. Fire that Hanabi had and strength that Neji had along with my father. I came to realize I lacked what they had so…if I eliminate the chakra and strength from my opponent. I could take them down just as easily as my other family members."

Naruto and Sasuke looked at Hinata completely intrigued with what she was explaining. Sasuke furrowed his brows a little in disappointment. "So, if you were to have children. Unless they had the Byakugan, they couldn't learn the jutsu you created?"

Naruto caught on to what Sasuke was thinking and blushed at the thought of having children with Hinata. "Teme. Oi! What the hell. We're 15!"

Sasuke looked at Naruto and rolled his eyes. "Shut up. It's just a question." Naruto glared at Sasuke. "A question that you were thinking about personally." Sasuke didn't seem to see the problem or big deal with him asking on a personal level. "So?"

Hinata's face was burning bright red at this point. She was fighting for the right not to faint at this point. "Umm. Unfortunately it wouldn't be possible. Constant visuals of you and your opponent's chakra network is necessary. Also, umm…the elders in my family has deemed this jutsu to be a high level Hyuga technique that only the main house in our family can use. I don't agree with it, I feel if you can master it, then you can train and use it. However, trials and tests should be made to see if you are a good candidate for it."

Naruto smiled at Hinata in awe. "You're so damn cool Princess. Bow and arrows. Training in fire and lightning. Twin lion fists that is high level! You're awesome!" His eyes trailed from her eyes to Hinata's lips and his eyelids lowered as he zoned in on them.

Hinata seemed not to notice the change in Naruto's demeanor. "No! You and Sasuke-kun are the cool ones. I have been awe struck at your ability to excel with your Rasengan, Naruto-kun. Your speed is on a level I have never seen before and I am excited to see this Sage mode Lord Jiraiya is going to teach you. Also, Sasuke-kun. The way you are able to discover new levels with your Sharingan on your own is amazing. You're mastering your swordsmanship and your Chidori is advancing very far. Kakashi-sensei has told me you were able to unlock your third Tomoe while I was gone. Please tell me how."

Sasuke's face mimicked Naruto's now as he looked at Hinata. "You were kidnapped by my brother. After I unlocked my second Tomoe in mist, I realized I had the Sharingan the whole time. The Uchiha massacre, the whole encounter, I guess I forgot I even activated it. I activated the second Tomoe we all know against Haku. I guess just…losing you unlocked my third."

Hinata looked at Sasuke with guilt. She felt awful about all of this. About the kidnapping and about going to rehab. Leaving them. "I'm sorry about being kidnapped by your brother. I wish I was stronger so you weren't put through that."

Sasuke smirked at Hinata. "Do you hear yourself? How is it your fault? Under no conditions did you know Itachi was at the gates. You went to protect your sister. You and Neji were captured and knocked unconscious. You were beaten to submission and did what you had to do to survive. Why would I be angry? You came back to me."

That last statement made Hinata let out a girly 'eep' sound and cover her face. Showing that Hinata still easily became flustered by light affection and flirting. She carried herself with much more confidence and fierceness, but it was nice to know that when alone with Naruto and Sasuke, they could bring out her true nature. Sugar and Spice.

Naruto finally couldn't resist. He leaned up and kissed her. It was a quick peck on her lips, but it was the first kiss they've had since Hinata came back. Over three months of not kissing Hinata was miserable. "You came back. Bloody. Beaten. Destroyed, but you still came back. You went to rehab for me. For Sasuke. You're really special to me Hinata. I only have two weeks left with you and it's not fair."

Naruto leaned his forehead against Hinata's and the two closed their eyes. Sighing in content. Hinata cupped Naruto's cheeks and smiled as he leaned into her touch. "When you two come back. I want to be perfect for you."

Naruto shook his head. "You are perfect Princess."

Naruto leaned back and looked at Hinata before looking at Sasuke. "You and Sasuke are perfect. You two should really understand your worth."

Sasuke tilted his head as he looked at Naruto. "Same for you." Hinata nodded her head in agreeance with Sasuke. She looked at Sasuke and the two shared a moment. He looked at Hinata's lips for a second before looking back at her eyes. Hinata now could read what Sasuke wanted and leaned over to give him a peck on the lips.

It was quick. A tease. Sasuke has always been the one to advance whatever they were doing, but Hinata had already laid out her rules a while ago. This was torture. "We should get you back. Your father has a curfew for you."

His eyes unfortunately couldn't un-focus from Hinata's lips. Hinata looked up at him and gave a shy, reserved smile. The blush on her cheeks darkening. She wouldn't voice it. She didn't have the courage for that, but she did pull Sasuke in for a full kiss. Surprising Naruto by pulling him into the kiss as well.

Naruto tried his hardest to have a serious face in front of Hiashi when they dropped Hinata off. The older Hyuga watched Hinata enter their home and he looked at Naruto and Sasuke as they gave a respectful bow to him. Hiashi acknowledged them, but it looked like he wanted to roll his eyes before shutting the front door.

When the door shut Sasuke elbowed Naruto and glared at him. It wasn't for long because his own small grin covered his face as the two turned around to head home. "Dobe. You almost blew it."

Naruto continued to smile like a love-struck teenager as he faced Sasuke and walked backwards. His hands in his pockets as he looked at Sasuke with lazy eyes. He studied the young Uchiha and his smile widened. Naruto leaned over and Sasuke stopped walking as Naruto fixed Sasuke's Chunin vest collar.

"Your hickey Hinata gave you is showing."

Naruto covered the darkening spot and straightened himself up when he was done. "What about me? Am I fine?" Sasuke studied Naruto the same way and nodded his head indicating that Naruto was fine. Still, the two of them had a boyish smile on their faces. "Ohhh man Sasuke."

Naruto walked beside Sasuke as he had new found pep to his step. "Two weeks isn't enough, but it was worth the wait." Sasuke nodded his head in agreement. Hinata had initiated their first make out session. Going as far as leaving love bites among one another. It was a big step for all of them. Especially for Hinata to start it.

Naruto and Sasuke had experimented with one another multiple times. So, they both knew what one another liked and were familiar with each other at this point. It was easier for them to grow familiar with each other. They had no family to restrict them.

So, doing these things with Hinata. A female. It was exciting. New. Hinata was softer, gentler, the sounds she made were sweet. Hinata's innocence even after everything she's been through never faded. Having this experience with Hinata made Naruto and Sasuke feel complete. That missing piece was slowly all coming together.

The next morning Hinata left out of her home in the same chipper mood she was in when she came home last night.

Last night, was a good night.

She let a lot off her chest. She talked to Naruto and Sasuke and finally started expressing herself the way she wanted to, and to top it off the two were accepting Hinata's dreams. She felt like she was able to open up more. Never has Hinata felt like she could express herself like this before.

As Hinata walked through the village she made her way to Sasuke's apartment. She has learned since Akatsuki was after Naruto, that he hasn't been sleeping in his apartment.

"Well hello there."

Hinata paused at the familiar voice. "Sensei?" She smiled at Kakashi and watched as he ushered her politely to continue to walk. "Mind if I take a stroll with you? You're heading to Sasuke's right?" That's right. Hinata's father made it so she was constantly watched and escorted 24/7. She hasn't earned her freedom back yet.

This was her sensei though, so she was happy. Hinata suppressed the urge to blush and quickly nodded her head. Kakashi placed his hands in his pocket and casually walked along side Hinata. Waiting for her to address the elephant between them. "Umm. Sensei?"

Kakashi simply hummed as a reply. Encouraging her to speak. "You were right." Kakashi looked at Hinata as they walked. An interested look on his face, but he remained silent and let her finish.

"I was moving too fast. I wasn't taking the time to appropriately heal myself. I thought making it over just one month of being sober was enough. I thought I was fine and even later in life could drink recreationally. I've learned that whole time, that was my addiction. That I wasn't okay, and that it was just binding it's time. Waiting for the chance to tempt me, because I would give in."

Hinata walked slowly and stared off into the distance as she unloaded on Kakashi. Words of genuine remorse spilling out of her. "I…knew I was going to relapse that night in the hospital. I think I always knew and I think you knew as well. You had the best interest for me and I did not heed your warnings sensei. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and not drop me as a student. I am truly sorry at how I've been."

Kakashi now looked at Hinata like she was insane. Such an innocent girl. After everything Hinata has been through, THIS was what was heavy on her heart and mind? Her sensei's forgiveness? The dedication to traditional values Hinata carried was insane. "Hinata. I'd never drop you as a student. Look…Do you know why I went as far as to open my home to you Hinata?"

She looked at him with those wide, doe eyes of hers. Hinata shook her head and Kakashi chuckled at her. "You remind me of my father. He didn't have a substance abuse problem from what I know of, but he suffered very heavily from depression and inner demons. It tore him apart inside and out, until he couldn't take it anymore. That night, when you said you didn't want to live anymore. I imagine that was the pain filled face my father had before he ended up taking his life."

Hinata looked away from Kakashi. Completely ashamed of herself from that night. She was so intoxicated and out of tune with herself and reality. The days when she was drinking just went by in a blur.

"You see Hinata. You told me you weren't hurting yourself and you weren't lying. You were being honest because that's really what you believed. You didn't see that alcohol was killing you. Your mind, body and soul. It wouldn't have killed you instantly, like how my father killed himself, but it would have gotten you to commit the act sooner or later. Whether by suicide or by health decline, like your mother. I just…didn't want to see that happen again to someone that I grew to care for."

Hinata swallowed the urge to cry. Her bottom lip trembled, but she refused to let the tears fall. She nodded her head in understanding, feeling absolutely awful for making Kakashi go down such a horrible memory. "I'm happy you're on the right path now Hinata."

"I am not completely out of the woods. This is a life long ordeal that I caused for myself, but I will keep myself focused. I will never let you down again sensei. I'll never let down team seven again."

Kakashi stopped walking and this made Hinata stop as well. He looked around the area and noticed it was pretty deserted. Giving them privacy. Kakashi could see Hinata had all of these emotions bottled up and probably had been thinking about having this conversation with him for a while. He smiled at Hinata under his mask and actually opened his arms to her. Giving her an invitation for a hug.

Hinata looked at the gesture and never had someone older do this to her. Naruto and Sasuke hugged her and held her, but that was on a different level. This felt different from Naruto and Sasuke. Hinata was stuck, not really sure on what to do.

Kakashi almost rolled his eyes as he pulled Hinata into a hug. He held her close to him and actually cradled the back of her head. It was loving and enduring. What a father would do for his child when she was in need. Kakashi closed his eyes and smiled when he felt Hinata grip the back of his vest and burry her face toward him.

Hinata cried. The last time she cried was when she felt disgusting for relapsing. She didn't feel disgusting here. She felt relieved.

These tears weren't like when she was caught and ridiculed for her actions by her father. It wasn't like when she had to sew herself back up. It wasn't like when she was terrified that she was going to lose Neji. It was a cry that someone other than a lover, cared and comforted her.

Kakashi patted Hinata's back. He knew eventually everything would get to her. You cannot go through what she has gone through and not breakdown. Kakashi was good at seeing through broken ninja's masks because he was one of them. It was fine. It was normal. Sasuke cries. Naruto cries, even though he'll argue you down and say he doesn't. It was normal to cry from trauma. Even as a ninja.

"My father would have been very proud of you Hinata. Especially how you handled being kidnapped. You wanted to save your comrade. The mission didn't come first. Neji did. If my father could do anything different, I think taking your mindset from that very moment would have been one of them Hinata. Lady Tsunade says that it's frowned upon, but I think you did the right thing."

Hearing that meant a lot for Hinata. She did degrade herself for doing what Itachi wanted her to do, but she didn't want Neji to suffer anymore. If it was just her own life, then she could handle it, but Neji, Hinata couldn't bare the sight of seeing him in pain.

Kakashi waited out for Hinata to let her pain and sorrow out. Afterwards, she gently let go of him and took a step back. She wiped her puffy eyes with her off white kimono sleeve before she looked up at Kakashi with a smile. "I've never did that with my father. He's taken me to rehab, went to counseling with me and has done everything a father would do to protect his child. Yet, we still interact like business partners more than anything."

Hinata lightly laughed at how her relationship with her father really was. How it always would be. "My father will never apologize for anything he's done to me or let happen to me. As long as I do as he says, bring honor to our family and follow his plans, he doesn't care what I do. We talk like business partners. Not like father and daughter. The relationship that he has with Hanabi is what I craved for years, yet I feel like I get that with you. Except you're not my father, you're my sensei. It makes everything so complicated."

Kakashi patted Hinata's head and the two continued to walk. "It's okay. Naruto views Iruka as a father. A long time ago, Iruka saved Naruto from almost dying by a traitorous bad Konoha ninja that worked in the academy. It's a long story that was told to me, but if Naruto ever tells you. That's how he learned shadow clone jutsu. That's how he created his first real bond. With Iruka. Sometimes a sensei can be really good. To the point that they've become family to you. It's an honor to be viewed that way by you Hinata."

Hinata smiled and nodded her head. She could still sense Kakashi wanted to talk more about something. He still looked curious. "So, from what I know Hinata. What has happened to your family in the past, it's not something that I would think anyone could forget. Matter of fact, that's a lot of anger your father has hung on to for years."

Hinata gracefully tucked her hands in her kimono sleeves as she molded them together. She hummed this time. In agreeance with Kakashi. "You said your father has plans. Can you tell me what the Hyuga clan has in store for their future?"

Hinata shook her head. "I cannot. I can promise you that I will not bring dishonor to you or lady Tsunade."

Kakashi slowly nodded his head. "Neji joining Anbu. Many advantages with joining Anbu. Advantages and disadvantages, if you let it consume you. Will that be a path you take Hinata?"

Hinata was quiet for a moment. Just staring off into the distance. "I believe that is something I will try to do Kakashi-sensei."

Of course it is. Hiashi wasn't training Hinata this hard for nothing. "Well, I must ask, because I am a ninja of the leaf village. A sworn protector of it, just like you Hinata. Are you planning on doing anything to harm the village?"

Hinata looked over at Kakashi and shook her head. "Of course not. This is the home to the Hyuga clan. The place Naruto-kun wants to be Hokage. I would never do anything against Konoha, neither would Neji or the rest of my clan."

Kakashi looked at Hinata and searched her eyes, "Does Naruto and Sasuke know about all of this already?"

Hinata nodded her head before looking straight again. "I've told them everything. All of my intentions." Kakashi turned his head to look down the road as well. He made an 'oh' sound, like he had an epiphany.

Naruto and Sasuke weren't going to stop her. That's basically what Hinata was telling him. They would side with her.

Naruto and Sasuke now were strong. Kakashi knows for a fact when they get back, mentally and physically healthier. They would be a force to reckon with and Hinata was basically saying those two were on her side. Whether she was right or wrong. Not too many people would be able to challenge them, especially if Naruto learns everything he can from his God father.

Kakashi was beginning to feel like all three of his students were manipulators.

However, there was no threat right now. Hinata wasn't saying much, but Kakashi could read in between the lines and still saw no threat to Konoha. Hinata's family intentions are unclear, but there were some things that were very clear to Kakashi right now. "I get it now. I was right all along with my theory."

The two finally made it to Sasuke's apartment complex and now Hinata and Kakashi just stood facing one another. Hinata had this composed facial expression, like she wasn't just crying moments ago.

Kakashi could be compassionate when he wanted to be, but when he had to be something else, he could be that as well. Now wasn't the time to be compassionate.

"The way you talk now Hinata. You know what you want. You have goals now. That's good. In the beginning you seemed to switch a lot and really were confused on how to go about certain things. You seem more direct now. You answer questions as if you are 100% sure of the answer, because why wouldn't you know the answer. People that call the shots typically are the ones that know the final answer to things."

Hinata didn't show any signs that he was wrong. She didn't look confused or anything. "I remember your brother Neji telling you that he would no longer give you any resistance. That whatever you wanted to do, he'd do. It is very uncommon for someone like Neji, who is so traditional, to join Anbu, but if you told him to. That would be different."

Again. Hinata didn't object. Or show any signs that he was wrong.

"Your father has 'plans', but let's be honest. Neji hates your father. Very much. Even after he bailed the two of you out. Neji hates him. Neji isn't listening to Hiashi. The branch family isn't listening to Hiashi. They're listening to you. You follow your father's plans because his plans are just like your plans."

Hinata tilted her head as she looked at Kakashi. "I guess only a father can read his daughter so well. Are you angry with me?"

Kakashi patted Hinata's head again as he shook his head. "No. Actually I'm pretty proud of you. I'll be watching your progression."

End of chapter.

So, I labeled this chapter, 'Confessions' because that's literally all that this chapter really was. Expressing themselves to one another and gaining acceptance.

I wanted to show the reason Kakashi has a close relationship with Hinata. She reminded him of his father when it comes to mental health and their calm personalities. I wanted to make Kakashi a little more open and present for his students.

Naruto and Sasuke. Those boys are head over heels and don't care what the hell evil thing Hinata has going on. Sasuke more so taking a darker approach. Naruto more observant. I wanted to point out that Hinata doesn't control Naruto and Sasuke, they all have a mutual understanding of one another and listen to each other.

Someone wanted to know how long Hinata was playing this manipulator card. The moment she told Neji they had to go back to Konoha. You'll see in later chapters why she wanted to go back. The alcohol was only one of the three reasons. Naruto and Sasuke the second. There is a third.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. See you Saturday!