This is my fist Fanfiction! Im just trying to set up some background here in the fist few chapters. Hope you enjoy it, and please review!

The italicized words represent the characters thoughts.

Chapter 1

Stronger.

Faster.

Bigger.

Better.

Stronger.

Faster.

Big…

A stifled sob escaped the blue haired beauty's lips as she crashed to her knees, the mind-numbing mantra crashing down with her.

"No!" she cried weakly through trebling lips. The hours of brutal training and the events prior finally crashing down on the normally optimistic girl.

I lost my clan. My team. And now Naruto. Why? Why am I always left alone? Why am I never good enough?

Hinata couldn't forget - no matter how hard she tried - the gut wrenching feeling of finding out that the love of her life had found love in the arms of another girl. She wanted to be happy for him, that the teammate he always loved finally reciprocated those feelings, but she couldn't. After all the pain she had suffered throughout her life this was just the straw that broke the camels back. She had nothing left to strive for anymore. Nothing left to push her to get up in the morning.

All that was left was the looming felling of despair and loneliness.

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The wind whistled and danced with the trees before coming to brush along the pale complexion of the sleeping fourteen year old. Hinata woke to this feeling, a feeling of calm, before recalling the dreary night before. The feelings of dread and abandonment came back and Hinata prepared herself for another plethora tears. But, nothing came. Using her bruised and battered hands she pushed herself off of the crumbling ground to stand stiffly. The world looked just a little bit different from her eyes today. The minuscule change was disorienting for the young girl.

Looking around she recognized the familiar territory of Training Ground C. Hinata took in the damaged post before her, the two on each side not nearly as warn out. Absentmindedly she stretched and curled her fingers, a slight burn radiating from the freshly torn skin.

Hinata stared blankly, confused by her lack of emotional response to both the psychological and physical pain that plagued her. Her father for years had been trying to kill the roots of her emotions that were planted deep into her vey soul, so why did they now choose to wither away? Instead of over thinking the ironic turn her life had made she tried to memorize this feeling. Because this was how a ninja should feel.

Emotions aside and logic in the forefront of her mind she knew now what she must do - make them regret it. She needed to become stronger. Strong enough that respect would be demanded whenever she entered a room. A person like that would never be looked down on or worse, overlooked, again. Instead of having to be protected she would protect them. She would become the strength that she had always looked for from others: Naruto, Neji, her father.

Hinata stalked forwards and absentmindedly went through the few hand signs that caused all of the new damage of the training post to be reversed. With the crisp wood once again free of any blemishes, she turned and walked away from the training grounds. Hinata jumped up quickly and efficiently to the nearest stable tree branch, with a burst of chakra she gained her momentum allowing her to then bound from one brach to the next.

Hinata knew she needed to hurry, knew that this courage wouldn't last long. She had one destination in mind and nothing would stop her from getting there: the Hokage Tower.

A few minutes passed before out of her peripheral a heart warming sight caught her attention. A group of children from the Leaf were causing a slight havoc in the streets below with their innocent game of tag. Their bright smiles and their squeals of laughter caused a small smile to slip pass her newly found mask of indifference. Hinata internally shook her head at herself, I will always be me. This was more than just a passing thought this was a promise for her future.

Hinata found herself slightly out of breath as she looked straight up at the familiar red of the Hokage tower. The building always represented hope and strength in Hinata's eyes. Even with the red dulling from the scorching sun's rays and the paint chipping under natures harsh storms the building still stood tall. Maybe in the future I can help repaint the building, she thought happily while still maintaining her stoic appearance.

Hinata glided through the hallways with ease, no one from the newly promoted chunin to the elite jounin even glancing in her direction. Taking in the scene she hoped somewhere in the near future the shinobi that roamed around her now would be staring at her in admiration Only if she allowed for herself to be seen of course. Hinata turned the corner and took the last few steps up to the office door of the Hokage. Taking one last calming breath she rapped three times, surprising even herself with the confidence the strong sound exuded.

"Come in" a deep raspy voice commanded absentmindedly.

Hinata pushed the door open, a small screech coming from the old hinges. After entering Hinata bowed deeply at the waist, before looking straight into the eyes of the man in front of her. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the third Hokage.

"Good morning, Hokage-sama." Hinata acknowledged politely, her soft tone a stark difference to the hard look of determination in her light violet eyes.

Hiruzen nodded lightly with a slight smile, admiring the strength that the usually timid girl was showing. He of course took notice of the lack of stutter and was wondering what caused for the change. I will have to look into that later.

His all knowing eyes stared back with a tenderness that hid all of the painful memories that lie beneath them. Not waiting a moment he inquisitively responded, "Now what can I do for you this fine morning Hinata? You are not one to meet with me without a purpose."

Hinata clenched her fists at her side for extra courage. "You are right Hokage-sama. I wish to push my training farther due to the recent transpiring with my team and my position in the Hyūga clan," she replied with conviction.

Hiruzen's face softened slightly at the recall of events, for her clan to place blame upon her for the fall-apart of team 8 was disconcerting. At those times family is crucial in the healing process and yet she was shunned instead.

"How do you wish to do this?" he inquired.

Happy to not be immediately shut down, Hinata's confidence grew and she quickly replied, "By requesting training from the other current Jounin leaders. I know that missions must be taken in groups of three, but if ever a member is unable, I would be able to fill in efficiently due to my knowledge of the team after training with them. Also having a kunoichi with multiple skills in varying fields would prove to be a great asset to The Leaf in the future."

Hiruzen's smile grew large causing his eyes to crinkle at the sides and his laugh lines to protrude. This is the first time I've heard her talk so much, the Will of Fire is growing exponentially inside of her spirt, he thought proudly. She is rising to the challenge. He got up calmly and turned around to take in the view of his precious village, this view always allowed for a sense of peace to wash over him, and a reminder of what he was working so hard for. "Hinata."

"Y-yes." Hinata kicked herself mentally for allowing her anxiety to return her stutter at such a pivotal moment.

"What you have done just now proves to me how bright your Will of Fire shines within your soul. You are taking your pains and sorrows and turning them into strength to protect your village. I am incredibly proud of you."

Hinata breathed a sigh of relief and her hands at her sides unclenched. She couldn't stop the timid smile and light blush from appearing on her face from the rare compliment.

"That is why" Hiruzen continued "I am accepting your request." He turned around in time to see Hinata in another deep bow, her her bangs covering her eyes from his view.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama, for this opportunity. I hope I will not let you down." Hinata said passionately.

"Of course you won't, I have complete faith in you Hinata," Hiruzen countered before once again making eye contact. "However, I have a slight change to your proposition. Your teachers will not only be Maito Gai, Asuma Sarutobi and Kakashi Hatake, but also a select few specially selected Anbu members and myself."

Hinata's eyes bulged slightly at the news that the Hokage himself wanted to assist her in her training. I never thought that all I had to do was ask and voice my concerns for them to be dealt with. I always just thought they would see me as a nuisance.

Chuckling slightly at her reaction he proceeded. "In due time I will also send you on a mission to find your final teacher - of course if you can persuade anyone else to train you that is welcomed as well - Senju Tsunade. Tsunade is excellent in medical ninjutsu and will…" he let out a small cough, "should be a great sensei; she is not only the first Hokage's granddaughter, but also my old student and one of the legendary sannin. Knowing both how to harm and how to heal will separate you from the rest and can also be therapeutic. You will see why in the future."

"I understand. When will I be able to start training?" Hinata asked calmly yet curiously.

"Tomorrow. You will start with team Gai in order to build up strength, stamina, and of course taijutsu. This will go on for one month as you will need a strong base before pushing further. After this month you will work with team Asuma in order to work on teamwork as well your mental capability for planning operations and recovering information; this will go on for two weeks. Subsequent to this you will join with team Kakashi where you will be developing your ninjutsu and genjutsu. During this time I will assign Kakashi to provide private training sessions." Hiruzen chuckled slyly. "I also recommend you use the jealousy that Sasuke will develop, by you receiving these private sessions, to persuade him to spar with you regularly; going against the Sharingan will exponentially increase your fighting ability. This is all to lead you up to the upcoming Chunin Exams. No other Genin from our village will be participating due to its location away from the village, but I want to push you to advance."

Hinata swallowed nervously, her ever lacking confidence starting to get the best of her. The self doubt began to grow from the pit of her stomach, evolving into anxiety and even a little fear. However, these feelings stopped abruptly with the recognition of how much faith the Hokage must truly have in her to allow her these great opportunities. This thought hardened her resolve permanently and a new feel of excitement began to hungrily crawl up instead and consume her mind.

"I will contact all of those assisting you in the next two months later today. At 4:00pm I would recommend getting yourself aquatinted with team Gai in order to have a more productive start tomorrow," Hiruzen recommended before adding, "I know you are not on the best terms with Hyūga Neji, but you will need to put aside personal matters to be more proficient in your training. Think of it as side training to control your emotions if that helps."

Hiruzen's stance immediately softened after determining a plan for the young kunoichi, he got swept up in the potential and forgot he was talking to a child, even if the child was a shinobi. He waved his hand in a motion that told her to come to his side and he ushered them both to look out the window while placing a reassuring hand on Hinata's head.

Hiruzen spoke softly, "This is what you will be working for. The safety of our village; all of the innocent people who only wish to live peaceful lives." He looked down at her, "I believe in you Hinata, times will get hard but never forget that. Never forget that confidence and that Will of Fire you showed me today."

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The irritating buzzing of an alarm clock woke Hinata up in a daze. She looked out of the window of her tiny home to still see a few stray stars in the sky, no doubt sunrise was still about an hour away. Hinata always loved looking up at the stars at night, but there was a surreal beauty about seeing them in the pale blue of the morning sky that she couldn't help but enjoy.

Groggily getting out of bed she recalled the day prior when she met the members who would be her new team for the next month. The only person she knew on the team was her cousin Neji - the Hyūga prodigy. They never got along well, but yesterday, after all the looks and comments of disgust and resentment, she thought she saw a slight twinkle of respect in his blank eyes. This was after he found out that it was her desire to push herself to her outermost limits.

Then there was the Jounin leader of the group Maito Gai. He was definitely interesting. Dressed in a spandex, bright green, and way to revealing jumpsuit, paired with distinct bushy eyebrows and a defined bowl cut, interesting, was the only way to describe him. That and youthfully exuberant!

Rock Lee was the other male on the team and Gai-sensei's mini-me. He was dressed in the same bright green jumpsuit and the bowl cut to match. The interesting thing about Lee was that he could only use taijutsu making him overall expert in the field.

I will have to find a way to persuade him to spar with me, Hinata mulled over while tying her weapons pouch to her right leg, over top of her dark blue capri pants.

Lastly, there was Tenten, the weapons mistress. With her hair tied up into two buns on the top of her head Hinata could tell that she meant nothing but business when it came to her training; most girls wore their hair down to still give off an air of femininity, where as Tenten didn't appear to have that concern. It was admirable.

Recalling this Hinata ran quickly into the bathroom to pin a few stray locks off of her face while still allowing her bangs to flow freely in front. Her hair didn't prove to be much of a distraction, it framed her face nicely going just below her jaw line and didn't get in the way of her training. She did a once over in the mirror and stopped when she remembered she wasn't wearing her signature sweater. But, she still refused to wear it. With the training that they were doing today a baggy sweater would only hinder her mobility and she refused to be held back any longer.

Hinata left her apartment a good hour early in order to warm up properly before hand; she was warned of the intensity and did not want to risk becoming injured so early on.

She arrived at the training ground taking in the surreal beauty around her. The evergreen trees were a crisp green signalling the summer months. The sky was a pale blue with streaks of orange, yellow and red spreading through the sky due to the early morning sun rise. It was truly an incredible sight. Perhaps training this early has more than just one advantage.

With that thought, Hinata started a vigorous warmup that included a brief jog around Training Ground C, followed by the stinging pain of stretching out her stiff muscles, and finishing with meditation to become tuned-in to the environment.

She got up to the sound of approaching feet and looked to see Gai-sensei and Lee with bright smiles plastered on their faces.

"Good morning Hinata! What beautiful morning this is to get in some training! Oh and you definitely proved your youthful spirit coming here so early!" Gai proclaimed excitedly.

Hinata could have sworn her ears were about to bleed from hearing someone so loud, so early, in the morning.

Before she could respond Lee jumped in, "I agree, Gai-sensei! But, I will not be out done. Oh no! I shall run around the track on my hands until the rest of the team arrives!" He jogged over to the edge before flipping effortlessly onto his hands to start his laps.

Hinata stared after the ball of energy and couldn't stop a small smile from dancing on her face at his antics. That was until Gai-sensei called her attention once again, this time with a more serious, yet still energetic, tone.

"I just want to warn you Hinata that I will not be going easy on you today. I will push even more than I push the others on my team because Lord Hokage has told me how imperative your success is to the village." He paused dramatically before getting into his 'good guy' pose. "GOOOD LUCK HINATA! I will push your youthful spirit to the limits!"

Hinata's smile deepened, her passion once again appearing in her eyes, when she replied in an sweetly sly tone, "I would not have it any other way, Gai-sensei."

Gai was about to add a few more words of 'wisdom' only to be fortunately interrupted by Neji and Tenten appearing on the training ground.

"Hinata-sama," Neji acknowledge with a slight bow.

"Please Neji-san," Hinata retorted, "we are teammates. That isn't my title anymore, there is no need for formalities."

Neji was slightly taken aback, not only by her lack of stutter, but with the fact that no one from the Main Branch of the Hyūga Clan had ever said such words to him, even if her current position was questionable. No one was aloud to speak of Hinata in the Hyūga Compound - not even question her whereabouts. Only those from the Main Branch knew the entire truth of what happened to the supposed heiress and they definitely weren't going to be sharing. The only reason Neji would be allowed to interact with Hinata was because it was a direct order from the Hokage, however, he was still not looking forward to the repercussions when he returned home to his cage.

"Of course Hinata, and I look forward to working with you." Surprising himself, he actually spoke the truth.

Hinata turned her attention to Tenten, "Good morning Tenten-chan."

"Good morning," Tenten smiled a toothy grin. "You have no idea how happy I am to finally have another girl on the team," she beamed exaggeratedly.

Before anyone else could respond Lee appeared beside the group almost out of thin air yelling his pride for his accomplishment, "I have completed my laps and worked up a fierce appetite for an even greater challenge! Gai-sensei, what will we be doing to train our bodies into peak physical condition today!"

Both Neji and Tenten sighed, apparently used to this 'enthusiasm' by now. Tenten her sigh with a telling look at Hinata, as if saying, 'You see what I mean?'

Hinata only smiled timidly, secretly glad that Lee had brought a much needed start to their training day. I have a lot of work to do.

Following this thought Hinata put on her newly found mask of indifference knowing this was the best way to improve at a rapid rate. Emotions will just slow me down. Her eyes glazed over; the warmth replaced with cunning, the sympathy replaced with indifference.

Her knew team members noticed this stark change and immediately became both curious and concerned with this newly found emotional control but thought better of bringing it up. They all knew what it took to be a shinobi.

By the end of the day Hinata was dripping with sweat, her clothes soaked in a disgusting way causing it to cling to her skin. Her muscles ached, her eyes burned, and she was mentally exhausted from pushing past her own preconceived limitations multiple times that day. Her own stubbornness prevented her from stopping and her own competitiveness pushed her to always take the training one step beyond her team mates. Hinata knew she had gained everyone's respect that day. And it felt amazing.

Now that the official training day was over Hinata removed her stoic mask and a prideful smile plastered onto her face. However, she knew her day was not over yet, not if she wanted to make Chunin in two months.

She looked around inquisitively, only stopping when she found the man she was looking for; Lee. The man whom would be her new sparring partner for the next month, even if he didn't know it yet.

Hinata walked over timidly, her fear of rejection ever so apparent as it began to manifest itself once again. Years of self-deprecation and self-loathing could not be washed away in a single night. Looking up at Lee with bashful eyes and her fingers poking together in a nervous habit she could never seem to break she stuttered meekly, "s-sorry to bother you Lee-kun, but I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sparing with me?" She quickly added, "I-If it's not to much to ask."

Lee was taken aback by the different Hinata he saw in front of him. Never before had he seen such a strong woman in training turn into such a shy and nervous girl in casual conversation. She is either perfectly suited to become a shinobi… or it will destroy her, Lee thought morbidly. However, never one to decline a challenge, Lee accepted, and observed her emotions slide away again when she slid gracefully into the typical Hyūga battle stance.

Wanting to get the most out of the spar Hinata attacked first. She darted forward feinting an attack to the chest with her right hand while her left hand, gleaming with light blue chakra, aimed for his right shoulder.

Lee's quick reflexes prevented this hit while swivelling on his heal to kick Hinata into the nearest tree twenty feet away. Lee didn't even see her get up before she was back in front of him. Her movements were more like a dance than of a martial art, her hands gliding through the air gracefully before turning into daggers aimed at the most vital chakra points.

The fight only lasted three minutes before Hinata was on the ground with a fist barely an inch away from her face.

Hinata exhaled, "you win Lee-kun".

Jumping off of her, while offering her a hand up, Lee plastered a huge grin on his round face. "That was very good Hinata-chan! You blocked off a few of my chakra points in my arm."

With that reminder Hinata efficiently unblocked the chakra points still maintaining her neutral expression. She looked up at him with more of that fierce determination flowing through them. "I would like to ask you to become my sparring partner for the next month. I need to drastically improve my taijutsu abilities."

"Of course Hinata-chan, I would love to try turning some of my youthful abilities towards teaching. Yosh!" He paused in contemplation, "I have two conditions though."

Hinata nodded acceptingly.

"First," he bellowed, "you must train in my style, not in the way of the Hyūga. Second, you must wear the ankle weights I bring for you tomorrow for the remaining month."

Contemplating his conditions Hinata realized training in something other than the Hyūga fighting technique would be incredibly beneficial. It would really through off opponents who once they see my eyes expect me to fight like a Hyūga. The Hyūga techniques could just be a last resort, maybe I can even modify them. And I honestly don't really want to rely on their methods anymore.

Removing her emotional mask once again, while thinking she was starting to feel bipolar, a bright smile lit up her eyes, "I accept Lee-kun."

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The month went by in a blur, even though at the time every fourteen hour long training day felt like her own personal days were long, the training hard, but the rate of improvement made it well worth it. Hinata was always the first one to arrive and the last one to leave, and today, her last day, was no different. She had just finished effortlessly running fifty laps around the village to stop in the familiar training ground. Taking advantage of the serenity, she plopped down into the centre and began her morning meditation.

Hinata loved to meditate. She felt like her senses peaked, as if she saw more than she ever could with her all seeing Byakugan. She could smell the luscious flowers almost half a kilometre away. She could hear the rushing water of a stream she knew to be past the forest edge. She could even feel the energy flowing around her. What… what is this energy? She scrunched her eye brows together in thought. It feels like it is connected to everything. It's everywhere. It can't be chakra, can it? What is it? Maybe…

Before she could analyze it further, she was abruptly brought out of her thoughts when she sensed a familiar green ball of warm chakra bounce towards her, one that she instantly recognized.

"Good morning Lee-kun" Hinata said with a slight smile, her eyes closed in a relaxed manner.

"Ah, you always do impress me with your wonderfully youthful senses. Yosh! I am just so proud at how far you have come this past month," Lee praised happily.

Sighing at the dramatic tone he was using, but still unable to suppress a giggle, Hinata got up and smiled bashfully at her teammate and now one of her closest friends. "I couldn't have done it with out you Lee-kun."

Lee put on his 'good guy pose' before scooping up Hinata into a bone crushing while wishing her well for her up coming training with team Asuma. A stray tear made its way down his face as he talked about children growing up too fast. Hinata just continued to giggle as she was held off of the ground.

This was how the remaining team members saw them only a few seconds later. Neji made quick work of removing the bundle of energy from his cousin; he had found himself becoming closer and more protective of her over the past month. He glared menacingly at Lee before turning his attention to Hinata "I wish you luck as well Hinata. Your strength has improved exponentially this past month. I look forward to sparring against you in a few months, if you keep up at this rate I may find it a challenge."

With this being the closest thing to a complement her elder cousin had ever given her she could not stop the tomato red face that appeared while spluttering, "T-t-thank you Neji-neesan."

His eyes softened fractionally, before stoically nodding and turning his attention to the scenery around him in an attempt to not make eye contact.

Tenten smirked at the usual response of her emotionally challenged teammate. "Same goes for me Hinata, you definitely owe me a spar in the future," she added playfully "usually Lee took all your time."

"Of course," Hinata smiled, "I will look forward to it."

Much to busy with their goodbyes to their new teammate and friend they failed to notice two powerful presences watching them from a distance.

"She is a youthful one that Hinata!"

A deep voice chuckled. "Yes, I have to agree with you. From that day in my office one month ago to now she has not lost her drive, nor her passion. I continue to see great potential in her."

Hiruzen and Gai were talking casually about the new prodigy in their midsts. The wind was blowing around them and calming their senses with its early morning air.

Gai continued with his praise, "Hinata has improved greatly, even one upping Neji in a few of our training sessions. Not only that, but with Lee's help she has individualized her taijutsu style, a mix of the Hyūga style, my own style, and her own impressive additions. It is unlike anything I have seen before."

A bright smile crossed Hiruzen's face. "Alright, let's go over. I want her to get reacquainted with team Asuma before the end of the day."

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Edited - June 15, 2015