Disclaimer: I do not own any aspect of Naruto. Naruto is the property of Masashi Kishimoto and probably Shonen Jump, with license to Viz Media

Author's note: I love Hinata's character, so much room to grow. This is my first posted fanfic. Hope you like it. Please read and review.

Post-time skip plus another few years. The rookie nine are now 18 years old. Everyone has grown up so there is some OOC since it is my interpretation (or wishful thinking) of how the character might become.

To Change Hyuuga
Prologue

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata called out to her friend.

The energetic ninja turned around. "Hey Hinata-chan, how are you?" He waited for her to catch up to him.

"I'm o-okay, how are you Naruto-kun?" she replied. Ugh, she still had her bad habit of mumbling when she was around him. As she caught up to him, they began walking together.

"I'm great! Team Seven is back together even if Sasuke is still sick. I can't wait for him to get better so we train together." He said enthusiastically.

"Oh, that great Naruto-kun! Are you going to busy with missions now that Sasuke is back?" Hinata asked.

"Humm, I suppose so, but Granny-Tsunade hasn't mentioned any yet. Actually I'm on my way to meet her now because the Sand Shinobi are visiting and I want to see Gaara." Naruto picked up his pace a bit as he began to think of his friend. It had been a strange friendship, but Naruto knew that Gaara was one of the few people who would ever be able to truly understand what it was like to be the vessel of power and destruction. Gaara know what it was like to be despised and feared. Gaara knew what it was like to be just like Naruto. They had a bond born from an unspoken deep mutual understanding. It was a bond that nothing would ever break. Although Naruto and Gaara only saw each other a few times over the years, they both were on the same path. They were both looking for acknowledgment and acceptance. They looked for this the only way they know how. "Gaara has been Kazekage for several years now, but I'm going to be Hokage one day!"

Hinata smiled at her friend and former crush. He was always so passionate about his goals. "I'm on my way to see Tsunade-sama too. Maybe you can introduce me to the Kazekage." She jogged a bit to keep up with Naruto's pace.

"Sure! But haven't you met him before? He's been here a few times and I thought you met him during our first Chunin exams." He asked.

"Well…," if you count the time when Kiba, Shino and her were hiding from him while he made it rain grass shinobi blood. "N-no, I don't think you could say that I have met him." she finally replied.

"Hey just remember, even though he is Kazegage and he used to be really….umm….bloodthirsty…" Naruto trailed off. " He is really a good guy. Deep down. And he cares about his village too." Naruto finished lamely.

Hinata laughed. "Don't worry Naruto, I know that the Kazekage is supposed to be one of the best leaders the Sand Village has had in a hundred years." Of course the last Kazekage was Gaara-sama's father, the man who conspired with Orochimaru to invade Konoha. Perhaps that it was not that hard to be the best Kazekage in a hundred years. But Hinata always tried to believe the best in others. Besides it was in her best interest to believe that the Kazekage was a good man. Or at least a relatively good man.

The Hidden Sand Village and the Hidden Leaf Village had been reliable allies for six years, since shortly after their first Chunin exam. Hinata was hoping that the Kazekage, Gaara-sama would be a good ally to her and to the Hyuuga clan.

Hinata had been planning on meeting the Kazekage today. It would be even better if Naruto-kun were around to help break the ice. Naruto was very good at starting conversation. Hinata smiled at the beautiful blond ninja next to her as they began to climb the steps to Tsunade's office. She would always admire his strength and determination. A part of her would always love him for helping her find the strength to change herself.

They walked together toward Tsunade's office with Naruto talking continuously about his new jutsu that he wanted to show Hinata. Hinata smiled and then interrupted him, "Naruto," she said suddenly.

"eh," He looked at her expectantly.

"N-Naruto, do you remember what you said to Neji when you fought him in the Chunin exams?"

"which part?" He scratched the back of his neck as he recalled that day 8 years ago.

"You said, 'when I become Hokage, I'll change the Hyuuga for you.'" Hinata looked thoughtfully at the fifth Hokage's door. They had arrived.

"Sure I remember, I meant it too!" Naruto exclaimed brightly.

"Naruto." Hinata said quietly. "You won't have to. I'm going to change the Hyuuga." She reached forward and knocked on Tsunade's door.