"Get up, Hinata!" Tsunade yelled. Slowly, Hinata shakily got to her feet, panting and scraped up, littered with bruises. "Good. Now, again!" She charged the older woman, ducking and weaving as she tried to land a hit on her.

It had been a month of physical training, and while she had improved, she still had yet to land a hit on her mistress. She tried using the body flicker to surprise her, her doujutsu after some prodding, and even going for an animalistic fighting style akin to Naruto's. But her mistress didn't get the title of a Legendary Sannin for nothing.

After another hour, Tsunade stopped her. "That's enough for today. There's another thing I want to teach you." Hinata stood in front of her patiently. "It's something I want you to focus on and really think about. If you can't do it, that's okay. Not even Shizune has been able to. But I think your expertise in chakra control makes you a perfect candidate."

"What is it?" Hinata asked curiously, wiping the sweat from her brow.

"It's something called the Mitotic Regeneration jutsu. It's derived from a jutsu the Shodai Hokage invented. As you know, he had an incredible amount of chakra, something that many of us don't have. To make up for that, I invented a jutsu called the Hundred Healings Jutsu," she explained. "This involves storing chakra into a certain point in your body, preferably the forehead." She pointed to her mark.

"I see. This involves storing chakra to that point in a constant stream at all times, yes?"

Tsunade grinned proudly. "Very observant! Yes, that's exactly right. This involves an exceptional talent for chakra control. You must always be storing chakra into that point, even in your sleep, for three straight years."

Hinata's eyes widened. "Even in my sleep?!" She exclaimed. She had always had amazing chakra control thanks to her family's fighting style and doujutsu, but she had never had to do it 24/7. It was going to be a challenge. She smiled. A challenge she was excited to accept.

Tsunade saw the excitement in her eyes and knew she had nothing to worry about. Now, however, it was time to drop a bombshell for her medical career. "But due to the strain this puts on your chakra reserves, you will not be able to go into battle, nor will you be able to perform surgeries. It will cause you to drop from exhaustion."

Her medical training had been improving in leaps. She had overseen her first surgery a couple of weeks into training with her mistress a couple of months ago and had easily been able to partake in the next one. She paid close attention, took notes afterward, and spent a lot of prep time reading up on the books in the medical library she had been shown. She had even used that time to find a section in a book on Itachi's illness and finish preparing the medications she had for him.

He had only been to see her once since Sasuke left, and she was awaiting his return—something he informed her would be around a month. It had been nearly a month and a half since then, however.

Hinata thought for a moment. "I think I have a way to solve that," she said after an idea came into her mind.

The Sannin tilted her head. "Oh?"

She nodded. "Yes. While storing chakra in that point of my forehead, I can set aside a separate amount to reserve specifically for fighting and medical ninjutsu. A smaller amount, but I believe it's possible with extra hard work and chakra control," she explained, already working in her mind to remedy the problem.

Tsunade wanted to laugh at how casual she was about doing something so incredibly difficult that not even her number one apprentice had been able to accomplish it. She would see if she felt the same way after beginning her training. "Give it a shot, by all means. I would also recommend not using Gentle Fist. You've got a tough road ahead, but I believe you can do it. Get to work on this jutsu. We will not continue training until you've gotten used to putting away the reserves, okay? Dismissed."

Hinata bowed and waited for Tsunade to leave before doing the same. She needed to get to a secure spot before attempting. She needed to be efficient if she wanted to continue leading missions for Minato and training with Genma. She quickly took to the rooftops and headed directly to the Hyuuga training grounds.

She took off her jacket and took a seat on one of the training posts before she went into a strict meditation. She began focusing on that point on her forehead and found it surprisingly difficult, but not as difficult as stretching her byakugan. She also quickly realized that holding this for three straight years was going to be a huge challenge, but not overwhelming. She's not looking forward to doing this in her sleep as well, however.

At the same time, she began storing away a separate amount specifically designed for battle and surgery. It took about an hour to figure out the mechanics of it, but once she had it became easier.

"I'm not looking forward to the nights," she sighed, ignoring the sweat that dripped down her forehead and neck. She briefly thought about cutting her hair, but she had been growing it out since her mother passed and she didn't want to lose all the memories, time, and care she had put into it. Logically, it would be the best move to cut it. It could be used against her. But she then decided that she would never have to worry about that if she was fast and strong enough to never let an enemy catch it and hold her hostage. She would ask her mistress to begin targeting it when they returned to physical training, wincing physically at the thought of having her hair pulled and tugged by the strong woman.

It was important to her though, and she was more than willing to do it.

It was a few hours later when Genma appeared on the training grounds. "Hyuuga-sama, it is time to begin our training," he said, though his brows went high when seeing her drenched in sweat atop the center training post. Her eyes were comfortably shut, and she was in a standard meditation pose, but the amount of sweat didn't match the weather. It was only getting colder as they entered wintertime. "Hyuuga-sama?"

Hinata opened her eyes, breathing slightly heavy. "I apologize, sensei." She had completely forgotten about training with him today, and she suddenly didn't know if she was up for it. A little more ways into her meditation, she realized that she needed to set aside another pool of chakra to use her gentle fist, but now she was reminded about the advanced space-time ninjutsu she had been training in.

"Is everything okay?" He asked. He needed to know whether she was going to be at her best during this session.

"I am fine. I'm currently in the process of learning another complicated jutsu. I am…unsure if I will be able to have any lessons on this until I learn how to control it better," she explained.

"What jutsu are you learning?"

"One Tsunade-sama invented." She pointed to her forehead, and that seemed to answer any more questions he might've had. "I will report to Minato-sensei to explain." She bowed deeply. "I apologize for wasting your time."

He waved her off. "Don't worry about it. I wasn't really doing anything important. I wanted to ask if you had any more of that, um, moisturizer?" He asked, blushing softly with embarrassment.

Hinata giggled and pulled out a scroll. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Healthy skin is very important. And I'm actually going to give you a new product I made. It doubles as a moisturizer and sunscreen for men!"

He grinned at how excited she was talking about it as she searched through her items. "You know, you should think about selling these," he said as he took the small container she held out to him.

"I had some plans regarding that," she replied as she put her scroll away. "Since you'll be the first to use this, please let me know how it is. And, of course, please stop taking it if your skin reacts. And—"

"And don't forget to test it on my hand or wrist first, I know," he chuckled. He knew the drill by now, as they had become well acquainted since he began training her.

Her face went red. "Ah, sorry."

"I think it's sweet. You just want to make sure everyone practices safety." He bowed his head. "I'll see you next time, Hyuuga-sama." Without another word, he disappeared. Hinata sighed in relief, thankful she could multitask while continuously flowing her chakra.

"I think I can do this, Tsunade-sama. I will not fail," she told herself.

In the distance, Shou Hyuuga watched over her progress with proud eyes. When Hinata had come to him weeks ago requesting his presence during her confidential training, he did not hesitate. When she had also requested that he never tell a soul what he saw or heard, he did not think twice. He was determined to follow her until he was no longer of use or she sent him away.

His loyalty, trust, and love belonged to her as opposed to the Hyuuga Elders and even her father. Everything she has accomplished has been for the good of the clan, even for the Branch families. He would follow her to the end.

Hinata waited patiently as she waited for Mikoto to open the door. The last time she visited was two days ago as she had been busy training, but she wondered if Kushina had recently stopped by to check on her. Her sensei had requested to be taken off the shinobi roster to be near in case anything happened to her husband.

Mikoto opened the door and smiled at Hinata. "Oh, hello."

Hinata bowed. "Hello, Uchiha-sama."

The woman stepped aside to let her in. "Please come in, sweetie. I was just…enjoying the garden, I suppose. Though my crops haven't been able to produce much of anything in a few years."

Hinata removed her shoes and slipped into the slippers Mikoto provided for her. "I can take a look at it if you don't mind! I know a bit of gardening."

Mikoto smiled. "Sure. I'll make us some tea. The garden is just out there through the door," she said, pointing toward the back of the house. Hinata smiled and watched as the Uchiha Matriarch filled the teapot with water. She watched her for another second before leaving out the back and taking in the garden.

The overgrown grass, the weeds, the dead crops and flowers, and the…absence of love. Her eyes filled with water as she realized Sasuke had dealt with this alone. The suffocation he'd spoken about had never been any clearer than it had from the moment she and Naruto stepped into the Uchiha home. Truthfully, she dreaded coming to visit Mikoto. It was draining, and she had to be careful about what she said. She felt terrible for having those thoughts and feelings, but a big part of her couldn't blame Sasuke for needing to leave this house specifically.

She felt for Mikoto. Itachi's leaving had really damaged her, but Sasuke had always been there by her side. Trying to pick up the pieces and fill the void Itachi had left in their mother. However, Hinata wasn't a mother, and she knew she had no right to feel disappointed. She tried not to be angry either, but it was difficult…Sasuke was her best friend and the person she loved. It was difficult not to feel anger both at his living situation and herself…as well as Mikoto.

If she had prodded more, not let him change the subject, if she had cared more…maybe he wouldn't have felt the need to leave. If she had come around sooner, maybe Mikoto's mental health could've gotten better to a degree, but she felt conceited thinking that she could've made that much of a difference.

She pulled off her sweater and set it aside before going to the shed in the back corner. She pulled out the push reel mower to get the yard as trimmed as she could. Though she knew Fugaku had been spending more time with his wife, lawn care clearly was not a strong suit, and with the garden being the only patch of grass they had, she suspected he didn't care to keep it neat.

She had been mowing for nearly half an hour, trying to avoid the clothing line poles and ducking under the wire, when Mikoto came out with a tray and sat down on the side. "Hinata! Come take a break, deary."

Hinata took the cup and downed the whole cup all at once, panting. "Thank you, Uchiha-sama. I'm nearly done clearing it up. Can you tell me what you were planting so I can bring some seeds during my next visit?"

Mikoto tilted her head as the Hyuuga sat beside her on the deck, confused by how much she was sweating. "You're sweating so much. Are you okay?" She asked instead.

"I'm learning a new jutsu and it requires quite excellent chakra control," she explained, waving it off. "I'm fine."

The older woman stared for a moment before smiling widely. "You're so strong. Sasuke's going to be blown away by you by the time he comes back! He's going to need to catch up. I hope my boy is eating well," she sighed softly with a sad smile.

"I'm sure Sasuke's doing very well. He's working hard so he can come back to us as quickly as he can. I did hear that the person he was escorting was very important, and he was so impressed by Sasuke that he insisted that he was someone he wanted on his team full-time. He paid quite a bit to extend his mission," she lied. She prayed it was okay to say this. She would run it by Minato when she went to see him later on.

"I'm so proud of him! I hate the idea of him being gone for so long, but I know he's a man and shinobi. He has a duty." She paused for a minute. "Hinata, do you…ever think of Itachi?"

Hinata, who had been pouring herself another cup of tea, froze. "...Yes. I do."

"Are you angry with him?"

"Not anymore."

"Did you ever love him?"

She continued pouring her tea, trying to keep her composure and act as though she hadn't seen Itachi not too long ago. "He was comforting to me. Peaceful. I don't think I loved him, Uchiha-sama. At least, not in that way." Her feelings about Itachi had always been something she avoided. She didn't want to dig too deeply into her relationship with him, even more so now that they were entangled in a dangerous mission.

"I'm very relieved to hear that Itachi hadn't broken your heart," Mikoto said quietly. Hinata didn't want to admit to her that he actually had. "And thank you for being there for Sasuke. As his mother, that's all I want. For him to be happy and successful with whomever he wants."

Hinata smiled but said nothing more, returning to her drink instead.

"I planted tomatoes, peppers, and some fruit. Surprise me."

Later that night, she summoned Shou to her bedroom.

"How can I be of use, Hyuuga-sama?" He asked, kneeling with an aura that screamed loyalty.

"I apologize for calling you in so late, and I apologize for what I'm about to ask of you." She paused and he remained quiet. "I'd like for you to remain here with your byakugan activated as I sleep."

He looked up at her curiously. He would never think to deny her any request, but he was curious. She took note of this.

"Of course, you will be allowed several breaks throughout the night in which you can deactivate your doujutsu and rest your eyes," she stated seriously but not unkindly. "I'd like you to make sure there is a continuous stream of my chakra that is being sent to the middle of my forehead."

He bowed his head deeply. "As you wish, Hyuuga-sama."

Hinata smiled sweetly. "Once again, it seems as though you have saved me. There is no one else I can ask, nor do I trust anyone as much as I trust you and my brother," she admitted. "Your loyalty has not gone unnoticed. Once I become head of the Hyuuga and Uchiha Clans, I will be taking you with me."

Shou's eyes widened as he once again looked up at his princess in awe. "I do not…deserve such kindness."

"I believe you do. I'd like you to protect my future children. There is no one else I can entrust this to. Neji will be going off with his own family eventually, and I will not get in the way. As I will be getting in the way of yours, I will give you my support to marry anyone you'd like, in the Hyuuga, Uchiha, or someone not associated with any clans, as well as a home near mine and generous pay. I hope this will make up for how much of your life will be spent with mine and my children."

She wasn't one to approach someone so boldly, especially none older than her, but she needed to completely gain a hundred percent trust of someone like Shou.

"Hyuuga-sama, you are too kind and generous. I would happily protect your family until my dying breath for nothing more than I have now," he assured her. He had no plans to marry or have his own children. She didn't need to throw in any luxuries.

"I insist, Shou-san. Accept these as a token of my gratitude. Once you have, you will have my full trust, which is not something I just hand out." She needed him to take this. It was sly, but it had to be done. Accepting her offer would mean that he would stay in debt to her and would not stray from trying to pay off this debt. He will remain loyal and never try to go against her.

"I will happily accept your offer. I am to use as you see fit. I will follow you to the end," he stated like the loyal warrior he was. She smiled gratefully and held out her hand. Slowly and with some confusion, he reached out and let her hand rest on his. She grasped it and shook it firmly as though he were an equal in her eyes. Perhaps he was. He smiled softly.

"Thank you, Shou-san. Please, make yourself comfortable. If you happen to see that the chakra flow is thinning or slowing down, wake me."

"Yes, Hyuuga-sama." He sat down by her door and activated his byakugan as she lay down and got comfortable. A bead of sweat ran down his neck. He was nervous. If he were caught in her room, he could be severely punished and even killed. He would never reveal the true reason he was there, and he would never allow her to save him either. He would take any and all of her secrets with him to the grave.

Surprise! We wanted to post up the first chapter a little early as a surprise, and thank you for those who have been waiting for this next installment :)) We hope you've enjoyed this chapter. As usual, no chapters will exceed 10k words, aside from chapter 6. Please let us know what you thought of this chapter and any predictions you have for Hinata's journey while the boys are away.

-hina
NEXT UPDATE: 04/18/25