Battle Scxrs

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Grey/Label

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Chapter 2: The Reasons, Worries, and Confessions

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Hinata sat silently in the bed of her hospital room, passively staring out the window nearby at a full moon as it glowed in a clear star filled sky. Despite the appealing perspective she couldn't bring herself to fully enjoy it. The reason the same as usual...her family and her clan, her failures forever filling her thoughts.

Failure is not an option, Hinata. You're my eldest daughter and as such, I've naturally always held high expectations for you…and your sister as well. I hoped for more out of you as the eldest, yet while Hanabi has only progressed, you seem to be completely static in every aspect of your training. Even Neji has far surpassed Hyuuga standards despite less opportunities and resources. Yours is both an embarrassment and an affront to the Hyuuga name. It is a matter that I simply may not, can not, abide by.

I don't wish to be overly cruel, but I've been very patient in waiting for a sign of your growth as both a kunoichi and Hyuuga clan heir; even arguing the point, against my better judgement, on your behalf against our clan's elders... Who would much rather see me name Hanabi the clan heir and move on from you.

That said, I no longer have a choice. Though I presently know it is outside of your capabilities, I shall give you this chance... Should you fail to appear in the Chunin Exam finals, know that you may very well be branded a secondary branch Hyuuga and that Hanabi will be trained in your place as heiress to the clan. I will also no longer continue to train you in any capacity as doing so would prove of no use or benefit to either myself or the clan.

Do or do not, but Hinata there is no such thing as trying. Trying does not result in success...as you have so aptly shown. I've come to believe the clan elders were right all along, that I've wasted years of effort on you with nothing to show for it… And that in doing so I've unintentionally set the clan's plans for future prosperity back.

Do you understand? Do you understand the gravity of your situation?

As the faint glow of moonlight gently lit Hinata's room; partially catching her face in its soft glow, a single tear streaked down her pale cheek with a shimmer of moonlight while recalling her father's words from before the Chunin Exams began. He'd said it all to her with Ko, Hanabi, and Neji present...not that it added any further weight to the situation. Honestly, she'd never felt so hopeless, so helpless in her entire life.

"Yes, fa-father, I under...I understand." Hinata gently answered the memory full of yearning and despair.

All she could do was to bare down and try, try, and keep trying again. Only it seemed like the more she tried, the worse she performed, the less able she became. Unfortunately, there was no such thing as 'trying' in the Hyuuga clan's eyes.

She gasped, hiccupping and on the verge of truly crying as she tried not to think about her situation or the fate that awaited her. 'Surely, circumstances can only get worse from here on out,' she rationalized thoughtfully.

At the same time Hinata was completely unaware that while she quietly wept, she'd attracted an eavesdropper during her late night lamentations.

Standing and leaning against the open door of the threshold to Hinata's room, Kori leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and head shaking in disapproval. Although the young Hyuuga's rehabilitation wouldn't officially begin for two days, Kori arrived at Hinata's assigned room to check in on her and to introduce himself. However, doing so only made his worries about the girl's potential and ability to improve via his hand truly realized.

Despite only knowing what he'd read about Hinata from her personality, academy, psych records; he now felt he'd severely underestimated just how damaged and insecure the girl truly was… And that was his mistake, one he wasn't keen to repeat. He had yet to formally speak with her and had felt that the earlier he began, the better off they'd both be. That wasn't a mistake.

'Good foresight on my part if I do say so myself, and I do say so.' He arrogantly patted himself on the back in thought.

Hell, he wasn't going to be getting much rest tonight and from the looks of things Hinata wouldn't be either, so he might as well get things moving forward. He sighed quietly, 'Kami help me though. I really must have lost my damn mind even considering to take on this...girl.'

Kori pushed off the wall and cleared his throat to gain his young patient's attention, "good evening, Hyuuga Hinata-san. My name is Kori and..." He introduced, only to trail off, suddenly feeling more woeful than he had after being demoted and put on limited duty. He was woeful because as he spoke, Hinata had damn near fallen out of bed, startled by even his relaxed entrance.

Meanwhile, Hinata breathed, feeling as if her heart had leapt up into her throat while blinking large pupil-less eyes in his direction. Kori could only place his palm to his face, scarcely able to believe it happened.

'This has to be an obscene joke; how could anyone sneak up on a Hyuuga to begin with? Who let this wilted flower become a fucking ninja?' Despite himself, Kori muttered into his hand feeling his frustration level rise from a one to a six instantly.

"...Ano..." Hinata tried quietly as she took notice of the young medic who'd just startled her, suddenly feeling further ashamed about her shortcomings. It seemed no matter the situation she could always manage to reveal how truly pathetic she was. Pathetic, hopeless, useless…

Hinata realized that he was a medic going by his white iryo-nin haori and the hitai-ate tied loose around his throat. She'd caught him saying his name as Kori-san, but that was it. She blinked teary eyes slowly when he only stood by the door, face palmed into both hands.

Kori looked up thinking he'd suddenly heard a mouse squeak, only to realize it'd come from Hinata who was staring at him through those pure white-lavender eyes. He sighed again. Hiashi was definitely a pompous asshole, but in that moment he couldn't help but sympathize with the Hyuuga clan head.

It seemed that the strongest, most influential clan in Konoha with a bloodline said to rival that of the nearly extinct Uchiha possessed an heiress that at first blush, seemed to be as useless as a civilian in a ninja war. It was, she was…

'She's fairly pathetic… There's just no other way for me to put it right now. Anyone can improve with dedication and hard work along with a little help along the way but...Kami, help me. This is bad.'

Hinata wilted, lowering her head in shame and embarrassment.

Just as Kori began to lose himself in mild regret; he actually felt like crying a little, that he was reminded of something. The Chunin Exam Prelims had actually shined a little light on the situation. 'That's right!' He reminded himself.

He remembered the Inuzuka telling her to drop out of the exams if she pulled the branch house Hyuuga as her opponent. The girl must've had zero luck because that's exactly what happened. Hinata had called him brother, but the kid was on fire from the start and just hadn't seemed to give a damn about her affections, or the fact that he was taking his anger out on her for something she had no control over.

Hyuuga Neji chose to toy with her using demoralizing mind games and insults to try breaking the girl's spirit, which he only partially pulled off thanks to the loud blonde kid yelling his support of her. Hinata snapped out of all negative thoughts and actually focused on her match then, fighting Neji as fiercely as she could despite being outmatched and having her person, emotions, and spirit ruthlessly assailed just moment prior… Thanks to his higher ability he physically destroyed her anyway, but she'd absolutely refused to back down…

Honestly, he might have to build this girl up from a bare foundation… 'But, that's the type of shit I love. Give 'em hell… No matter what. She couldn't, but she'd tried anyway.' He thoughtfully eyed the girl, 'that's what matters most...she'd known she had no chance, but it didn't keep her back. Alright, Hiashi… Just you wait.'

Kori now realized that Hinata's painfully shy, mental hang-ups, and demure nature belied the type of potential that was rarely found. A potential with no ceilings was highly coveted...by him anyway, never mind that ugly Chunin Exams loss. That was simply a snapshot in time, already forgotten. 'She could be an absolute savage of a kunoichi, Kami, just give me the time.'

He had no doubts now that he could push her along such a path with the correct approach and if she were willing. That didn't mean that doing so wouldn't be daunting, because it would be. It also didn't hurt that Hiashi would owe him for making her into an ideal clan heir, a true Hyuuga heiress. Gaining Hiashi's favor would definitely serve his purposes well, as the man would have cause to provide his influence, support and or endorsement to his causes. That could go a long way; so far that those already supporting Hiashi would also have motivation to support Kori as well, no matter their reservations.

Politics often worked that way and it was an incredibly shallow way to do things, in his opinion. Especially when it came to matters that could have far reaching, even world altering effects...but such was life, and also none of his concern.

Meanwhile, Hinata could only blink with curiosity as Kori continued to just stand by the room's entrance. To her it seemed like he was in some sort of a daze thinking about...something. The odd turn of events was throwing Hinata off, leaving her completely uncertain of what to think. Something that only served to raise her already high anxiety level.

"Ano… M-medic, medic-san." She tried again, tone soft and demurred as she tried to get his attention while shyly fiddling with her bed sheets in face of the awkward silence perpetuating the hospital room.

Finally she was able to relax a little when the young man suddenly blinked and shifted his attention towards her, appearing slightly embarrassed by his own actions.

"My apologies Hyuuga-san," he coughed lightly. "As I was saying… My name is Gen'ya Kori, please feel free to call me Kori though." He introduced himself properly as he prepared to explain himself. He hoped to get the girl to open up to him at least a little while he was here. "You see, I couldn't help losing myself in thought due to the circumstances." He finally stepped into the room and over near her bed, choosing to take a seat in one of the visitor's chairs nearby.

"I want you to understand that this case, your case, will be a bit of a special situation. Not just for you, but as well as myself."

Hinata took the moment he paused in his explanation to let his words and what they could mean sink in. She realized he'd done so as a means of gauging her reaction, so she spoke up. "Wha, what do-does that m-mean? Am I injured worse than ori-originally thought?" Hinata inwardly cringed at the hesitation in her speech.

Kori smiled an approving smile, nodding. "Both are good questions, Hinata-chan. I'm glad you asked me that," his smile professional but also kind. He made a mental note of the moment Hinata seemed to sit up a bit straighter and relaxed more, holding her head up at his small sign of approval.

That was a good sign considering he had yet to work with her, or make any truly meaningful gestures. He would have something to work with if she responded that much to so little sign of approval, which told him the girl was probably starved for positive reinforcement.

"In the long run it isn't much to worry about. Your injuries were numerous and somewhat substantial, but we were able to deal with the worst of it during your operation hours ago." Kori told her honestly, taking in the obvious scent of bleach from the sanitized room.

"When I say that yours is a 'special situation', I mean more in how your recovery will be handled." Kori could tell he had the girl's undivided attention as she had yet to even blink as he explained himself.

Hinata wasn't sure what to think, her initial feeling being that of worry and concern. Anytime the word special was used in reference to herself, especially by anyone from her clan, it was usually to make her feel ashamed, defeated, worthless, and depressed...not to mention useless. So much so, she'd even considered suicide more than once. She would then remind herself of her 'noble baring' and the shame that the clan and her family would suffer if she did. Despite that, she could never hope but question if they would even care if she took her own life.

For that reason and so much more Hinata next found herself surprised by Kori's next words.

"Hiashi-san and myself came up with a plan to see you fully recovered and gained in strength earlier tonight." Kori embellished, leaving aside that it had really just been his idea; however unintentional it may or may not have been. She didn't need to know all that though, it was beside the point.

Hinata gasped, "MY..!" She paused, realizing she'd accidentally gotten loud. "My fa-father, w-with you, did tha-that?" She hesitantly inquired and with more than a little confusion. It just didn't seem possible! She'd been certain this was it; that her Chunin Exams failure would officially see her father washing his hands of her and herself disowned. Forcefully relegated on her lonesome to the Hyuuga's secondary branch of the clan or ousted from the clan all together.

'So he, he saved me further shame and embarrassment?' Hinata silently questioned.

She eyed the young medic closely. Had he truly spoken up for her? And if he had, just why had he? Who was this man that seemed to go out of his way for her? Hinata looked down at her lap, fingers twiddling together with more energy as her cheeks burned and colored softly at what her thoughts were suggesting. She hadn't felt so pleased since Naruto spoke up for her before her fight with Neji and she warned herself off questioning such a gift too thoroughly.

'Should I be getting my hopes up though?' Whenever she did she received a not so subtle reminder that she really shouldn't, but as she shyly peeked at Kori-san, she couldn't help notice how genuine he looked. His eyes were kind and his amused smile wasn't in a taunting gesture, but a response to her blurting out in surprise just moments ago. She blushed a deeper shade when his smile widened, gently squeaking at being caught and quickly looking back to her lap.

Someone… Someone she didn't know before now, sticking up for her was such a sublime belief that she didn't bother to consider an ulterior motive. She simply didn't want to. Neither did she think Kori could be doing so to gain her father's favor. Thus, Hinata immediately chose to fully believe in him as her healer and medical care taker, only interested in her well being, recovery, and improvement.

She felt so light with happiness she could've fainted, but she kept herself from doing so.

Kori coughed lightly, regaining her attention, and then continued. "All that said, I'll personally be in charge of and see to your rehabilitation based training and overall recovery for the next couple of months."

"O-oh…" Hinata sighed softly and lowered her gaze again, feeling that she'd forgotten something important and her heart sinking. She suddenly felt selfish. 'Does this mean I'll no longer be permitted to…' Her thoughts slowly spiraled off.

Watching Hinata go from floating on cloud nine to suddenly seeming as if a storm cloud was raining over her head, Kori just barely suppressed a sigh. 'Major confidence and self-esteem issues if a thought or two could cause such a drastic change,' he noted. He was able to read just where the girl's train of thought was going after making his announcement. Still, he wasn't going to just assuage her worries. The girl needed to grow a backbone and one way he could see to that was to get her comfortable with speaking up on her own and questioning things she wasn't sure about or didn't like. However, he guessed he would have to do a little hand holding until then.

"Oh? You don't seem pleased with the arrangement; could there be an issue? Be at ease, feel free to ask me any questions you like." Kori encouraged, leaning forward in his seat to get the girl to re-engage, but not so close that her meekness would keep her from looking at him. He didn't wish to scare her, at least not yet, so he acted to disarm any negative emotions she may have been feeling.

Hinata began to shake her head negatively, but paused when Kori brought her gaze to him by leaning forward and keeping his voice even. "No!... We-well...I couldn't help wondering. Will this mean I'll no longer be a member of Team 8…" She trailed, not phrasing her words as a question since she didn't want to seem like she was challenging him and risk alienating him or making him angry. That was often how her father responded to many of her questions in the past.

She really needn't have worried about such a thing. Kori thought he'd used phrasing that would help her realize the answer to that question as Hinata was very sharp, but he chalked it up to her overlooking it during her excitement.

Kori smiled chidingly and gently shushed her. "Silly girl," he chuckled with another well performed smile of kindness which got a bashful smile and a gently spoken, 'sorry if I-I asked something silly', from Hinata as she shyly pulled at the bed sheets. She was blushing sheepishly now and the young medic was suddenly struck by how cute the girl could be despite possessing many traits he found annoying. He'd never openly admit it, but he liked a demure sort of woman; although he really didn't have an ideal type.

"I don't make those calls, Hinata-chan. Only the Hokage has control of such things. As such, you'll remain with Team 8 lest Leader-sama says otherwise. I'll be working with you on a fixed schedule until after the Chunin Exam finale. Afterwards, you'll continue with your team as usual and our time together will be set before and, or after your team responsibilities and missions. That's not to mention any clan duties. Understand?" Kori provided her an encouraging smile; he could appreciate her feeling responsible to her team mates.

Hinata breathed a small sigh of relief, even smiling faintly as she nodded. "Thank you for clearing it up for me." She bowed her head, the very image of well groomed politeness.

"It's no problem at all. Now, I suggest getting a lot of rest. We begin in two days." Kori grinned, standing up from his seat and departing.

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The following evening Kurenai decided to confide in her close friend, Anko Mitarashi, about what she'd seen and overheard concerning her little 'plaything', Gen'ya Kori. Due to their often conflicting schedules the elite kunoichi, two of Konoha's so-called 'Ice Queens', were relaxing over sake and dango. A preplanned meetup at one of their favorite watering holes; which catered exclusively to the ninja of Konoha above the age of eight-teen.

"… And just why do you insist on calling Kori-kun my 'boy toy' when you know we're just close friends and former apprentice-mates to the same traitorous bastard?" Anko complained while playfully scowling. "Besides, he's still a little… Well, never mind!" The purple haired kunoichi shrugged, realizing a little too late that she was sounding defensive, and grinned sheepishly. "…He's just fun to tease since he's always so serious!" She huffed, again defensively.

Kurenai just rolled attractive ruby red eyes at her friend. "Anyway… I found him confronting Hiashi-sama. I guess the staff at the hospital already knew he'd be hard on his daughter even after being operated on and had Kori deal with him, which actually made me pleased. However, after telling the pompous jerk he wouldn't be allowed to see Hinata, Gen'ya-san came just short of guaranteeing to make Hinata into a better kunoichi." Kurenai shook her head, dismissive of the claims she remembered Kori making and added, muttering, "as if I couldn't do that myself… Rubbed me the wrong way, even if it is only for while she's his patient."

Anko lifted a thin eyebrow in surprise and curiosity, Kurenai nodding at her expression in agreement. The purple haired Anko then frowned deeply. "Can't help but wonder why; that doesn't sound like Kori-kun…at all. What's that all about?" She openly wondered.

"Exactly!" Kurenai exclaimed just as she knocked back another saucer of sake. "I can give credit where it's due and he's definitely a prodigy. A battle-medic hasn't come out of Konoha since Tsunade Senju. He works hard and he takes his work seriously, but that's one selfish man if I've ever met one, so why go out of his way like that? Knowing him, he'd defintely consider Hinata someone beneath his attention outside of medical responsibilities…" Kurenai said, coming just short of ranting. "He's all about himself, unless it concerns his work and I know he couldn't care less for Hinata, never mind Hiashi."

Anko just shrugged before swallowing more sake, only she drank directly from the bottle. "Well, one plus one equals two. You're talking about Hiashi Hyuuga, knowing Kori is ambitious and given his recent struggles...he's likely trying to get one over on the guy. Get him to owe him or earn something exorbitant from him… That's what I'd do, if I found cause to anyway."

Anko found herself frowning when she witnessed Kurenai smirking victoriously at her. "Exactly right, and I'd already hidden myself with genjutsu. So, I stuck around for a bit."

Kurenai knew Anko well, so despite her relationship with Kori, she knew the mistress of interrogation and torture wouldn't go behind her back to Kori about it. Anko tended to mind her business and sometimes even went out of her way to avoid finding out other people's secrets...sometimes.

Anko only shook her head with a knowing little smirk. She knew Kurenai could barely stand Kori, and for more than one reason. "So, what happened?" The Konoha interrogator inquired while taking another swallow of alcohol from her sake bottle. Interest a little piqued.

"Well, he began muttering to himself, contemplating openly while in the middle of the hallway. Initially, he seemed to regret what he said to Hiashi-sama about Hinata-chan." She tapped her index finger against her cheek thoughtfully. "I can't blame him for that, Hinata's lack of confidence is crippling on the best of days; put that together with the abuse and other factors and well…"

"Uh-huh...and then what?" Anko asked, starting to sound bored with the topic already. She believed she knew how this little tale would end. She sat forward, crossing her legs in a very feminine manner while propping her elbow up on the table top and resting her chin into an open palm.

Kurenai blinked, once again surprised by Anko. How she could go from all out tom-boy to the very picture femininity at a moment struck Kurenai and it was just one more thing she had yet to figure out about her friend. She guessed it was just one reason she drew so much male attention, despite her borderline psychotic ways. She'd seen many hesitant or even fearful men admiring her from a distance and despite whatever hang-ups they might have felt about approaching her, they never failed do just that anyway.

"Well, he smiled a conceited sort of smile and began detailing what and how he'd treat, train, and then gain Hinata's loyalty. That didn't bother me as much as I thought it would, but overhearing what he hoped to gain from doing those things and what he'd do once he did…" Kurenai briefly paused, a dark look falling over her eyes. "Just the way he looked and spoke about it… It was obvious he has less than honest intentions." She downed another saucer of sake in usual ladylike fashion. "Granted, I know that if anyone could get through to her, he'd have a good chance of doing it. I want to see Hinata realize her potential, but not at the risk of him gambling with Hinata's life."

Anko just burped after another drink. "Well, of course anyone would hope to gain favor with that Hyuuga asshole. In any case, it's normal to expect something in return for their hard work. Personally, I think it's a non-starter. Kori-kun can absolutely be an asshole as well, but he's a redeemable asshole. I don't see him going around like that pale faced bastard with purposefully harmful intentions…" Anko sighed and rolled her neck. "...He's nothing like that bastard he and I learned from. That said, what do you plan to do about it?"

Kurenai smiled secretively, "nothing for now. I might inquire about it with him face to face. Or maybe Rin-san, or Hokage-sama...but I'll sure as hell be keeping a close eye on him, and then…" She shrugged carelessly. "I'll see. If he hurts or takes advantage of Hinata then all bets are off." The red of her eyes gleaming with hostility. "Kiba was released from the hospital earlier today. I plan on taking the team to visit her when able and I'm going to ask her directly how her treatment has been going."

Anko scoffed. "That shy, timid little thing...you, confronting her? You really think she'll be honest when she's so accustomed to the mistreatment of her clan, that she won't just grin and bare it." Anko did not pose her words as a question. She knew that little Hyuuga would sooner blame herself before admitting to being harmed. The girl would think she deserved it based off what Kurenai told her about the girl.

Kurenai sighed. "That's true," she willingly admitted. "She'll blame herself for any harm she experiences, no matter what." The raven haired woman knew that much. "However, I know my team well. If I press her the right way, I think she'll be honest. Failing that, Kiba could get it out of her; he might be crude but he has a knack for getting her to open up...even if it does pressure her a bit. Or, Shino's concern for her well being could do it."

Anko just nodded, not too convinced. It sounded like her friend was trying to reassure herself more than anything, but it wasn't her concern at the moment. "Good luck with that. Anyway, enough with this! The girl will keep for awhile, so relax! Let your hair down and get drunk with your best-friend...barkeep! Another bottle over here!" Anko called out while refilling Kurenai's saucer.

"Anko…" Kurenai trailed, a tone of warning to her voice.

The snake summoner waved her friend's worries off. "I know, I know, I'll stop before then. I can't afford to burn down another bar to the ground… Besides, that place was a dumpster anyway, I did the village a favor! Now, toast!" She held up her nearly empty bottle of alcohol.

Kurenai could only shake her head, smiling. "Oh, Anko…" She sighed in jest. Times with Anko were times she decided to just go along. It was easier and sometimes better that way.

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= The Next Afternoon

Kori found himself sidled at his desk within the small office space he'd been assigned after loosing access from the large posh office space he once possessed. He grumbled, shifting in his chair as he recalled it was just one more after effect of his past actions. Initially, he hadn't cared that he'd lost the live in office space, but now he felt it only served as a temporary jail cell. Especially in that his smaller work area was connected to Rin's executive office for her assistant. As she hadn't regularly needed an assistant, the area had never been used as anything other than a temporary storage space for files. It was just large enough to support a decent sized desk, one guest chair, and a cot which sat unmade near the corner by the one window in the office. He'd pulled the blinds closed after returning from a working lunch, shading the room in a dim comfortable warmth.

'…Making these changes could not only decrease the probability of a field injury, but also prevent it. I mark examples as Senju Tsunade, Uchiha Shisui, and also…!?' Kori's pen dragged across the page as his thoughts were suddenly cut off. He startled and looked up in sudden wariness.

"… …" He stared at his open office door. He'd left it open so that anyone who might need him would know he was in his office, but as the door was open and there was no sound coming from the hallway it led to, he shook the feeling off. He glanced at the second door at the side wall opposite the window, the door that led to Rin's office.

'I know I heard something,' he considered as he next sent out a pulse of chakra. 'Nothing…huh.' Tentatively, he went back to his paper. 'Agh, got damnit!'

"Kai!" He called out angrily and aggressively pulsed out a large wave of chakra, purposely using more than he needed.

The hue of Kori's eyes dimmed turning dull, appearing exhausted as he stared up at the now closed door to his office. "I keep an open door policy, you know? You only needed to knock…" Kori's tone of speaking was apathetic by all rights, given his visitor. "Please, have a seat…Kurenai-sensei."

"…I'm not your sensei, Kori-san." The raven haired master of genjutsu whispered softly, causing the hairs on the back of Kori's neck to stand on end as she leaned over him from behind. As she did, Kori's senses picked up on something that hinted of apples and cinnamon. A very womanly scent which assaulted his nostrils pleasantly by way of those long, wavy locks as she leaned forward and lifted the paper he'd been working on from his desk. "Thank you for your hard work." The illusionist said accusingly.

As Kurenai took the paper from his desk, he was just quick enough to catch what was written there, and it wasn't what he'd been thinking he'd been writing. "!" Kori's surprised eyes switched onto the kunoichi as she stepped passed him. He hadn't tried to stop her because the moment the paper was in her grasp, and he was loath to admit this, but he wouldn't have been quick enough to take it back in that moment; too stunned to react. A mental sigh passed through him and rather than panicking, he reclined in his comfortable office chair, choosing to watch as the Jonin kunoichi sat in the one spare seat across from his desk. "…But Kurenai-sensei, of course you are. I learn so much from you where genjutsu is concerned, how I could I not consider you a role model in that light?"

Kurenai's expression betrayed no emotions. On the inside, she was pleased to hear that statement. Despite Kori's resigned tone when he'd said those things, he'd meant it…and she appreciated the sentiment. He only sounded resigned because of what just transpired.

Anyone who knew Kurenai would say the one topic she was most outspoken about was genjutsu. Especially in that it was considered a weak field, usually used by 'weak' kunoichi when that just wasn't true. It just lacked the sexiness of ninjutsu. As a iryo-nin, Kori was especially suited to specialized fields like genjutsu and fuinjutsu. While he wasn't a master of either field, he was more than a journeyman in both, and she was woman enough to admit that. Despite their relationship being what it presently was; in the past the woman sparred against him many times using only genjutsu. While he always lost those spars against her, he'd always managed to surprise and push her to step up her game; keeping her on her toes. Now that she thought about it, she somewhat missed those opportunities...

'Damn him, he got me.' She mentally scowled when she realized where her thoughts turned and noticed Kori smiling at her in amusement.

A shimmer passed through Kurenai's blood red orbs and Kori's smile immediately disappeared. "There was no need to use the genjutsu," Kori switched his gaze from her momentarily. "I was expecting you'd come by eventually, I would have told you the truth." He licked his lips and shifted in his seat as he set his gaze back onto hers.

In response Kurenai just held up the paper in her hand as if to say, 'oh, really?'. She brought the paper down to her eyes again, then peered back at him with a piercing gaze. "I…somehow doubt that, Kori-san."

Kori just sighed, quickly glancing from the paper and back to Kurenai. 'Damn woman caught me in a multilayered genjutsu. I hadn't heard anything, that was just one part of it. Another to trick me into perceiving nothing when I pulsed my chakra to sense nearby chakra signatures. I can't even tell when the genjutsu caught me, I only wrote half a page so not long. She tricked me into thinking I was working on that paper, when really I was writing down what I thought and planned for Hyuuga Hinata. This bitch…too good.' He hummed, hiding his thoughts and getting his mind back on track. Meanwhile, Kurenai was getting the feeling he'd just called her something of a derogatory term in his mind.

"In any case… Well played, my lady. However, I'm serious, I would have spoken honestly about your student. Hinata truly is a pathetic example of a kunoichi and is ill suited for service…" Kurenai's eyes narrowed dangerously at his words, "for now anyway…and I do plan to rectify that. Yes, I will be harsh with her, I will push her. Only, I won't take the strict disciplinarian approach that all Hyuuga seem so find of. She worries more than she should, it makes her hesitate…worried about hurting someone. That is one of the first things I will get her to overcome and you know what I'm talking about. It's not a knock against your abilities as a sensei, but Hinata's a delicate flower, you love that girl and she is very kind…too kind. Do you really think, given how you feel for the girl, you could do what I plan to do to help her?"

When Kurenai's glare intensified and she immediately opened her mouth to respond, Kori held up his hand to stop her and spoke again. "I mean well and truly push her, Kurenai-sensei. You both have an established relationship, its too late for you to switch up your approach in teaching her…even if you wanted to, it would backfire given your relationship. I can't afford to act ignorant anymore and I realize now. It's my job to see Hinata healthy and physically capable again, and that's all…and I could do that and leave it be. But I'll tell you why I jumped on the chance to train her a little…I see hot molten lava in that girl's broken eyes. She's hungry, starving for a chance…and I-I believe in her potential. Potential is immeasurable by all means and nearly limitless, I will see she realizes it within these next two months. I will be harsh with her, but fair…and yes, having Hiashi Hyuuga owe me for it will be quite the bonus for me. I'm not being entirely selfish, and I'm not going to taint or kill the girl. You might greatly dislike and distrust me now, but you know me better than that."

The office was sick in its silence and Kori sighed out. He'd said more than he wanted to, really, more than he should have…but seeing Kurenai look at him with such loathing actually…hurt. He was an asshole, stubborn by all accounts, and he didn't give a damn what people thought of him…but something in Kurenai's eyes bothered him. He just wasn't sure what it was at the moment. "Ahem…So, what do you think?" He sighed out lamely. He could shrink to nothing in front this woman's gaze right now. She really could be intimidating when motivated.

Kurenai was still glaring at Kori, but not with as much heat as before. On the inside she was actually quite taken aback by his words and it left her feeling a little speechless, as well as suspicious. The Kori she knew now didn't talk like that, nor did she like how he was looking at her, and that was guilty. He looked guilt ridden and she had a difficult time envisioning this present Kori with the Kori of the past. He'd made it abundantly clear just who and what he was years ago, so why this now? And why with her?

Kurenai closed her eyes thoughtfully. This hadn't gone anywhere near how she'd expected it to, but she was still angry. She figured by now, they'd both be hip deep into a heated argument with him telling her to 'kick rocks', that's exactly how he'd say it too, because Hinata was under his purview for the next two months and he didn't give a damn about her or her petty worries…but it'd been the exact opposite.

'Just what the hell is going on? I feel like I might catch a headache trying to see deeper into this and I can't handle him right. I don't know what this is or what he's playing at, but this isn't Gen'ya Kori. Fine…' Kurenai found herself sighing as well, feeling drained for some reason as she stood from her seat.

"Well, I'm going to hold onto this in the meantime. Hope you don't mind…actually, I don't care if you do. I'll keep this between us for the time being, but if you overstep your bounds just once; I won't hesitate I'll just ruin you. You dug your own hole Gen'ya, no one's going to feel sorry for you, and I won't let Hinata be dragged down with you. Just know, I will be speaking with the Hokage about you. I can't trust in your pretty words, people rarely change, and I couldn't look Hinata in the eyes if I did nothing to look out for her."

Kori ran his right hand through his hair, finally breaking eye contact with Kurenai as he leaned further back into his chair. "Fair enough, Kurenai-sensei. I don't have anything planned for Hinata today, so feel free to bring her team around…stay as long as you like." He said cordially, standing as Kurenai turned to walk out of the office leaving the door open after departing.

"…Fuck me." Kori rubbed his face into his hands as he sat back down in silence. He looked to the papers stacked on one side of his desk and lifted another blank sheet from it, placed it down before him, and started over on his notes.

. … . … .

Hinata slowly awakened at sunrise, the strength of the early morning sun rising over Konoha brought light to the village and filled her room with a cool warmth. "Nn-hmm," sitting up in bed and stretching her arms out to loosen up her back and arm muscles, Hinata slid the bed sheets aside and silently slipped out of the bed to place bare feet on the cool tile floor of the hospital room. She brought herself to stand before the window and gazed out at the village considering. 'Right about now I'd be home, going through the motions...likely failing in a spar against Hanabi-chan, or disappointing my instructor with the weak form of my Jyuuken.' She thought it was a good thing she felt especially recovered and rested. 'Something tells me I'll need it, Kori-sensei seems like he'll be just as strict an instructor as father.' She sighed, being an early riser most of her life made her feel a slightly off balance after waking up later than usual. 'I'll just have to get over it, no one wants to hear excuses and I don't want to give Kori-sensei cause to regret putting this faith in my recovery.' Mind filled with self-doubt, Hinata stifled her sigh as she turned away from the window.

Just as the young Hyuuga maiden made her way towards the bathroom, still wearing the hospital gown she'd been admitted in, a few knocks arrived on the door to her room. "Yes? Come in." She answered in a soft, but regal tone of voice, stopping in her tracks.

She watched as the door quietly opened. Hinata blinked when the head of a nurse poked through the crack in the door. "Oh, Hyuuga-sama, good. You're already up and looking quite refreshed!" The medical woman smiled and made her way into the room carrying a small black gym bag.

"I was just about to get washed up," Hinata informed quietly.

"Oh, perfect then!" The nurse smiled as she stepped over to the bed and placed the bag down on top of it. "Kori-sensei asked that I bring you these gym clothes and escort you to the hospital's rehabilitation area soon as you're cleaned and dressed up."

"Very well, I shall be ready within the hour." Hinata nodded in acceptance as she took the bag into her hands and bowed slightly to the nurse. "I thank you." Hinata smiled pleasantly.

The older woman returned her smile politely and briefly bowed. "Of course, Hyuuga-sama. We wouldn't leave you to find it on your lonesome after all. I'll be waiting just outside once you're ready. Please, feel free to take your time." With that the nurse turned to leave the room closing the door behind her with a soft click.

One half-hour later Hinata stepped out of her room feeling just a little insecure, which was nothing new to her, but the nurse escorting her didn't seem to pick up on it. That, or she pretended not to notice. A bare smile met Hinata's slightly flushed, embarrassed gaze as the nurse's eyes looked her up and down.

"Great," the woman exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "The clothes fit you wonderfully, Kori-sensei got your body type just right!" While the nurse sounded pleased, Hinata was feeling doubtful with the way the clothes fit her. She couldn't help the blush that rose to her cheeks when the nurse revealed Kori-sensei had been the one responsible for getting the size of her clothes right. She didn't know how, but her thoughts were going towards the gutter and she fought to beat the suggestive thoughts out of her mind.

Hinata looked down over herself again. The clothes she was provided were completely black with the top being form fitting and sleeveless, if not a little tight, at least she thought so. She felt more than a little exposed. Even worse was the matching pants that hugged up her legs and budding hips, stretching down her ankles to the black shinobi sandals with a short heel tied to her feet. Their style was different than her usual footwear, but it was the only piece of her attire she felt comfortable in currently. It was almost dreadful for her to dress as she was, despite knowing they were typical gym clothes. She just hoped the pants weren't too thin as to reveal the lining of her underwear. She was too aware of the form fitting top revealing the budding endowments of her chest. There was a reason she wore baggy and loose fitting clothes along with her oversized hooded jacket. Which she'd have worn if it hadn't been ruined after her fight against Neji-nii-san.

Hinata sighed as she turned her attention to the nurse again. "Please, follow me. Kori-sama is a very punctual person, so we don't want to annoy him by being late to your first session, now do we?" Hinata only nodded in silent agreement.

She found herself quietly hoping that the young medic-nin wasn't as ruthless as her father tended to be during her time training with him in the past. 'Kurenai-sensei was really worried that Kori-sensei would do something to hurt me...she let me off once I agreed to tell her should anything untoward happen, but then, that would just alienate Kori-sensei wouldn't it? He wouldn't hurt me though, right? He is, for all intents and purposes, my doctor; so it should be fine...right?' Hinata wondered as she made her way to the hospital's ground floor with the nurse. When she noticed they were passing through the check in/reception area however, she became curious; seemed the nurse was leading them towards the hospital's exit.

"Uh-hum...wh-where are we going?" Hinata timidly inquired.

The nurse glanced her way questioningly, "hm? What do you..? Oh! You mean why are we leaving the hospital?" Young Hinata had spoken so quietly that she'd barely heard the girl say a single word.

"The hospital needed a larger area to house its rehabilitation center as more responsibilities were approved for it." The nurse considered something before continuing. "Really, it's more like a science center. It not only helps shinobi to recover, but also studies chakra and the varying effects in the ninja body, along with physical and athletic study like biomechanics, efficiency, injury prevention, medical/chakra/fuinjutsu theory studies, etcetera. There's also a small dorm where some patients stay for tests. The hospital had all the necessary resources just not the space; so it's a detached location. It's nearby though...its sort of hidden by the rear of the hospital and is somewhat new. That's likely why you didn't know about it." The nurse smiled kindly.

Hinata remained silent at the nurse's side as they departed the hospital. As they stepped outside the sun beamed down from overhead from a sparsely clouded blue sky as she was soon led to a small stone path edged by trimmed rose bushes. The path guided both females along the east side of the hospital towards its rear, just as the nurse had said. Near the end of the path was a round-a-bout with a large, flush tree planted at its center.

Hinata couldn't help smiling as she stepped around the tree basking in the sunlight, the imagery lightened the young Hyuuga's heart as the location soon arrived to her pupil-less gaze.

Institute of Shinobi Sciences and Recovery. In comparison to the hospital building that shaded it, the building was much smaller. It stood two stories proud; between the hospital and the large tree a few feet back, it was very much hidden. Unseen lest one traveled the red brick path leading to it. Built in a modern fashion with function in mind, it was a mostly brick foundation with large glass windows making up the majority of its facade. The style suggested a flashy and expensive presence when its design was actually cost efficient. The building's namesake was spelled out over top the entrance in clean, white lettering with Konoha's leaf insignia purposely made to serve as an awning over the entryway.

At two stories tall, the building managed to stand imposingly over Hinata; causing the small to receive a not so subtle reality check of her situation. It all made her hyper aware of the fact that whatever went down here...this was likely her very last shot to be recognized as anything more than a failure in both her father's and the clan's eyes. That's if they hadn't already made up their minds and this was just a test to reassure them she would never be more than she was today...which, if they told it, would be 'nothing' and 'no one'.

Hinata was pretty certain they had their minds made up, but then Kori-sensei seemed to truly believe otherwise; if his words to her a few days prior rung true. Thinking back over their sit down in her hospital room she couldn't see Kori-sensei being a party to their plot, if any were in play. For better or for worse, she was sure she'd find out.

At the front door of the institute's entrance rested a small intercom and button, which the nurse pressed. A soft buzzer could be heard from the speaker and scant few seconds of silence passed before a soft clicking signaled a reply.

"Institute of Shinobi Sciences and Recovery." Hinata's eyes widened imperceptibly as a voice on the other end announced the facility's name. She could only imagine what the inside of the place must've been like. Shinobi sciences, recovery, performance, theory...it all entailed a very long list of categories, sub-categories, and she'd have been lying if she denied that her interest was very piqued about the goings on within such a place dedicated to the research of many things inherently ninja. Many of which appealed to Hinata's more ninja support leanings and she wondered what they would think of the healing balms she created by hand. She quietly noted to herself to show Kori-sensei when the chance arises.

What was more… If the young iryo-nin could make it so she wasn't absolutely and painfully useless or quite so pathetic as she currently was one-hundred percent of the time, maybe just fifty percent of the time. Well then...she'd quite honestly take that as a win. Even then, Hinata knew that wouldn't be enough for her family to no longer consider her a complete waste of Hyuuga DNA.

"Yes," the nurse responded into the intercom while the diminutive Hinata's mind whirled with thoughts of the facility's responsibilities. "Here to escort Hyuuga Hinata for her appointed time with Kori-sensei."

A short pause followed the nurse's announcement before the reply came. "Yes, we've been expecting her. Wait for the buzzer, then open the door. Thank you, and welcome to the Institute of Shinobi Sciences and Recovery." The sound of another buzzer followed the announcement, then a repetitive clicking noise that startled Hinata, signaled the entryway unlocking.

"...And here we go," the nurse smiled to Hinata as she held the door open and in doing so pulled the young Hyuuga from her usual round of deep worry, anxiousness, and lamenting. "Try not to worry so much, Hyuuga-sama. Kori-sensei is a fine medic. He is rough around the edges, but purely dedicated to his patients and his work. Think of this as an end and a beginning...the end of a previous you, the beginning of an improved you. If you've heard unpleasantness of him, then I suggest leaving such preconceptions here, and only bringing a dedicated mentality. Dedication is all he'll ask of you…" Assuring Hinata, the nurse held her smile.

Hinata blinked but smiled a small smile. It seemed the nurse mistook her self-deprecating for nervous energy, which she was nervous, but...the Hyuuga maiden decided not to think too much on it and passed the nurse to step inside. She didn't want to be rude by correcting the woman when she was being so kind, and her words were extremely helpful in the end. Despite the positivity, she had heard some takeaways of Kori-sensei's personality and habits, and she was still uncertain about the young man she had yet to train under.

In the end, Hinata simply gave the nurse a meek and polite smile. "H-Hai, and thank you." She bowed her head gently while stepping inside with the nurse following after.

. … . … .

AN: Pacing and patience. A lot of Hinata established here, like I wanted. We got to see a good bit of Kurenai as well as where she and Kori stands. What's between them and what'd he do to earn the misfortune? How did he come to find himself with Anko and Orochimaru at one point? We'll see… I would've made things longer, but pushing a chapter to establish the better parts of the story to say 10,000 words or 20 pages in word would be overkill. The good is soon to come however. Next chapter will definitely see things ramped up and Hinata and Kori's first session together is going to leave both parties frustrated and feeling disillusioned.

To clear some things up for those thinking about pairings. As of now I have none planned, but a few will come to play and be an important part of the story. Hinata and Kori's relationship is that of hopeful student and reluctant teacher, Kori and Kurenai one of mutual dislike, Kori and Anko mutual respect and friendship. The scope is limited between a handful of characters right to focus on laying the foundation to the story, the world will expand. Thus the pacing and patience. Reviews are always appreciated...