Hinata P.O.V
I open my eyes, expecting to feel the cold ground of the bathroom. Instead, I am inside the makeshift bed, tuck away as if I was truly in a loving home. I gaze around, feeling my stomach churn as I recall my recent beating. If he calls this training, then I will hate to know what fighting is to him. I sit up, catching a glimpse at my pitiful state. The bruises are most definitely progressing to the purplish hue.
I look at my pale hands, nibbling on my lip. The milky skin is just a bitter reminder of my mother. Everyone else has a fair complexion, yet here I am looking pale as a ghost. My mother seems to brighten every room, much to the contrast of her eldest daughter. 'My little hime, you will be a strong warrior hm?' That's what she would tell me. I ball my hand up, why did you have such high expectations? Is there something I can't see? I rest my head on my knees. Maybe.
Two weeks later
I have progressed in training, solely to avoid leaving broken down. I can last at least ten minutes with Naruto, before the true beating begins. It doesn't bring much joy to me. As I brush my teeth to start my nighttime routine, I hear an odd sound. Naruto had left earlier, telling me in his gruff manner he has business to attend to. I can only assume it's a mission due to the scroll and ANBU. I quickly shut off the water, perking my ears to hear another noise. My door is lock, so it's debatable if whoever is up there will come down here. Naruto makes it his upmost important task before leaving. I can guess he knows that I can easily escape while he's gone. I jump as I hear the click of my lock. I back into the darken corner, squinting my eyes.
A large figure walks down the stairs, cautiously. I recognize it as a male, only due to the stature. He looks around, feeling around for the light switch. I hold my breath, hoping he will just give up and walk back up the stairs. It seems luck is not in my favor, as the lights flood the room, we make eye contact. It's like a silent standoff, especially since he stiffens up. The shock wears off soon after and he smirks, a devilish look flooding his face.
"You are that missing heiress ain't ya?" He asks in a lazy tone, eyes raking over my body. I feel extremely expose in front of him, making me cross my arms across my body. I stay silent, still watching his movements.
"So, someone has you lock up? For what?" He continues, purring as he begins to take steps towards me. "Have you been a good little good for them? Will you be one for me?" I barely register that he's implying I am a sex slave before he's lunging. I narrowly dodge him, my heartbeat starting to pick up. I knew the vile things he would attempt to do to me if caught. I immediately make a run for the stairs. I make it to the midway mark before I am yank down the stairs. I feel every hit on the stairs, making me whimper. I hear a maniacal laugh. It's like a switch goes off in my head. I twist and shoot my free foot forward, catching this man in his chin. He loudly curses and grips his chin, letting my leg go.
I quickly gather myself, launching forward with precision. I connect into the man's throat with my chakra infuse hand. He stumbles back, slipping down the few steps. I can feel the rage before I see it. He stands up, straightening his back. He slips his hand into his pouch, revealing three kunai. My blood runs cold this isn't a civilian burglar. He is a ninja, or has some training.
"I see I have to break you first?" I Dodge the first kunai, only to bump into the wall, making me remember I am still partial on the steps. I take a step up as I watch him. He grins realizing I am in an uncomfortable position. He launches the next two at rapid speed. I know trying to dodge left or right will have a terrible effect. I immediately fall back, landing on the hard stairs. The two kunai hit a wall somewhere out of view. I quickly stand, backing up several steps, placing as much distance as available. I glance back seeing I have two more to be at the top of the stairs.
This gives him time to throw another kunai, skillfully so that it cuts my cheek. I grit my teeth to ignore the scream. I take a breath and finally settle in a stance. His face darkens with excitement. He bounds up the steps, throwing a fist. I block it, sliding my feet to the side to prevent tripping. I counter with using his body weight to flip him up the stairs, slamming him into the ground. I use this momentum to fling myself up the two steps and into the hallway. I can hear a sharp gasp escapes him, before he rolls to his feet.
"You bitch!" He roars, running forward. I jump to the side, using the wall to bounce off. I land behind him, twisting to hit his pressure point in his arm. He isn't like Naruto, he can't dodge me, but his strength is concerning. The muscle on his arm saves him from in capitation. I cry out when he spins around, grabbing me by my hair as I attempt to dance away. He grins, crazed. He pulls viciously, before kicking hard at my ankles. I fall to my knees, eyes wide. He lifts his fist, right as I strike out blindly. He hisses but doesn't relent from his hold. I see that I have hit his leg, correctly. His leg wobbles before giving out. The rage in his eyes is evident. He other hand grabs my throat.
The pressure gets tight immediately. I desperately try to free myself, striking repeatedly at his open points. I can tell that they have effect, but the pure adrenaline is keeping him going. The lack of oxygen makes me feel so dizzy. I realize with growing concern that he's going for a kill. A kill I for once don't want. I don't want to die! Please someone! A tear falls as my vision begins to go blurry.
Suddenly, the pressure is gone. I slump forward gasping for air, shaking so violently. A warm hand grips my shoulder. I react quickly, rolling away even in my weak state. I crawl toward what I can only assume is further in the hallway, vision still blurry.
"Please…Please! Someone help!" I cry out, begging anyone to bring help. The same warm hands grab me, lifting me from the ground. I am then cradle against a chest. A familiar chest, I only relax when I see the signature blonde hair. As my vision clears, I see Naruto, in all his irritate glory. He looks at my, eyes boring into mine. I can't help the choke sob that pushes past my lips. I try to twist to see where the man is. Naruto easily tightens his grip so that I am solely pressed against his chest. He walks towards my room, eyes never leaving mine. As we step down the stairs, he breaks eye contact to survey the room. A frown forms on top of his pursed lips. He stops midway, turns around and walks back up. I then get a small look at the man's state. There is a kunai in his back, shove with so much force. Naruto gets to a door and opens it. It's a spare room and he sets me on the bed. He stares, never uttering a word which worries me even further.
"Stay here." The command is icy cold, making me lower my head. This is once again Naruto we are talking about. He leaves and returns within five minutes. He holds a blanket and some tissues.
"Clean yourself up…you did good enough to hold him off." I widen my eyes, gingerly taking the items. He didn't just compliment me, did he? Naruto stands there, watching me before walking out, closing the door. I lay down, the adrenaline leaving my body. As I fall asleep I hear my door open, a warm hand brushing the cut on my cheek.
"That fucking bastard," A low growl resonates, "Touching what's mine."
Morning
I wake up early, touching where I thought someone touch me. I must be having a fever dream from the fight. I slip my finger across what I can guess is a bandage. I hum knowing that I did not put that there. I gather my clothes and quickly go to the dojo. As soon as I step in, I stiffen
"Neji-niisan…" I whisper, as if what I see in front of me is a ghost. Neji turns, eyes softening almost immediately. He smiles that warm smile reserve for me.
"Hinata-sama…"He utters. I rush to him, eyes watering. My arms wrap around his waist as I take in his familiarity. It's a safety blanket to me as I smell his signature smell. He wraps his arms around my waist placing his head on top of mine. I want to know so much, how did he find me? Why is he here? He beats me to the punch as he speaks, so softly.
"Why Hinata? Why would you try to take your life?" The pain in his voice only brings shame into my chest. A strangle sound escapes me as I try to place together a response. A familiar voice speaks up from behind us.
"She told me everything was too much Neji. I really appreciate you coming here." It's Naruto's fake voice. This way no one knows he isn't stupid. Naruto holds his wide smile as he steps into the dojo. Neji tightens his grip, squeezing me before letting me go. I immediately step back, looking at Neji.
"I think it's a little callous of you…to not tell anyone you decide to stay with Naruto until you felt better or that you want special training," Neji begins his lecture, instantly my face gives way to confusion. I peek around him, and Naruto's smile has a hint of warning in it. I can only assume that he told some story for why I am here. I turn to look at Neji and nod my head, mindlessly.
"I.. urm I feel like he was my best option especially since he's so kind," I mumble, almost gagging on the lie. Neji smiles again and nods to Naruto, who gives him an enthusiastic thumbs up. I barely stop the eye roll. Neji runs a finger across the bandage on my cheek, eyes narrowing a little. I smile reassuringly and pat his chest.
"So, what's the reason you are here?" I question, causing a smile to appear on Neji's mouth.
"Naruto called me here since I am in the family, I should know more about our abilities than him, help you hone them." I can only nod and quickly walk to the middle of the room.
"Okay Hinata-sama come at me" Neji orders. I come at him with speed and can see his surprise.
"You are progressing well Hinata-sama but your hits need strength and more accurarcy" Neji informs me. That can explain why my attacks on Naruto and the man seem feeble. Neji takes one of my hands, flips me. I yelp but giggle as I feel Neji-niisan tickle my side.
"Now as you can see if you were more accurate you wouldn't be tickled right now," Neji laughs. I know he miss me, because he is rarely goofy. I swear I feel a murderous intent behind me. I don't even throw a glance back; I know who is behind me. I fall into the almost only happy patern. I puff out my cheeks at Neji.
"Niisan be more serious" I whine, gently pushing at his hands. He looks surprise before settling into his stance and I settle in mine. When he nods, I go into action I stab my fingers forward to put his arm in a useless state. I miss calculated, slipping past him instead. This mistake got me a jab in my side, making me stumble back. I dodge the kick, grabbing his leg and pulling forward, sending him hopping on one leg. I dart forward and slam my palm in niisans shoulder. The imbalance causes him to fall to the ground. As I start to drop my foot, he rolls out my way, proceeding to launch a palm towards me face. I block, activating my byakugan, making Neji give a proud clap. I move forward and do eight trigram sixty four palms.
"You're still sloppy Hinata," Neji blocks most of my jabs, but I still got a couple in. In the end my attack was sloppy and untrained, so I did a little damage. Neji was panting a bit before he came forward and jabs his two fingers in my stomach. I drop to my knees and slump down, growing tired. Neji gasps and comes to my aid. He picks me up and cradles me.
"Forgive me for being so hard Hinata-sama!" Neji dramatically cries, I give a loud squeal. I flail my arms, eyes wide.
"Neji stop being dramatic and put me down," I giggle. Neji smirks before putting me down. Naruto politely clears his throat and tilts his head. He smiles big, almost making his eyes close.
"Neji how do you think she is doing?" Naruto asks, I notice that his cheery tone is slightly lower. Neji barely notices but living with him helps me notice it quickly. Neji turns, showing his usual deadpan face and nods in satisfactory.
"She needs to work on her accuracy, but it seems that you are improving her pretty well," Neji pats my head, ruffling my hair up. I swat him away, and smile as he laughs. Naruto gets a dark look in his eyes.
"We do appreciate it, Neji! This is usually our mediation time so she can recite what she has to live for though…same time tomorrow?" Naruto asks, his smile no longer big. I can see he's on the defense. Neji nods, gives me a tight hug and follows Naruto out.
"See you tomorrow Hinata-sama." I wave back to him and smile. When I hear the door close, I drop my happy mood. I know Naruto is angry about something. Instantly he's back in front of me, stone face. He grabs my face, tightly.
"So happy to see him? I thought you had no one?" Naruto mocks, pulling my face closer. I struggle against him. Naruto growls so low.
"He can't protect you. You tell him the truth and I will not show him mercy like I show you." He threatens. I grit my teeth, before I grab his arm, gripping it.
"Okay Naruto," I whisper, shaking. He smiles in a chilling happiness. He leans to my ear, tickling it with his warm breath.
"No one can save you from me. Run to him, run to the village or run to the world and I will burn the very ground you walk on. You're my toy. My property. My privilege to capture. Never forget."