Chapter 1

Hello everyone.

This is my new story! As requested this is the prequel to my story Back. A Kakashi/Hinata.

REMEMBER: I'm French and I try my best in English but you'll have to pardon me for my mistakes. I also want to remind you that writing is a hard job especially in another language. I also try to update every 4 days (every week at least).

That's why I really need your reviews to continue.

Thank you and enjoy the reading!!

Chapter 1.

The meal has been lively, as always.

Kiba told many jokes, making people laugh. Choji ate the meat grilled in the middle of their table. Shikamaru would surely soon begin a serious discussion with Shino and Ino was already flirting with the server as he passes near their table. Naruto didn't get tired of making the court to Sakura. And Néji and Tenten just tried to prevent Lee from drinking alcohol. All of them were laughing.

A lively meal just as it always has been.

The small group of ninjas liked to gather time together regularly around a meal. It was quite exceptional that they all would be present in Konoha at the same time. This evening was a real godsend.

They loved it, a small moment of relaxation before returning to the reality of their world. The dangerous missions they used to risk their lives at every moment. A world, cruel and brutal which have been all they have known since early childhood.

A lively meal and yet Hinata was silent, sitting between Shino and Ino, she stood arcs, eyes immersed in her bowl. Muffled in one of her enormous jackets which have hid her so well from the eyes of others. She did not say a single word since the beginning of the evening. She had not mixed with any conversation. She watched. More than once she would have wanted to give her opinion on any debate but one of her friends would always cut her and her small voice frail and timid did not weight. At best her cheeks would burn, at worse she would stutter while playing with her fingers. One way or another at the end her ideas would seem confused and disjointed.

She was the first Kunoichi to cross the door of the restaurant that night and while all boys present have welcomed her, none of them had complimented her as they were excited to do so upon Sakura, Ino and even Tenten arrival. She knew that all her friends cared for her; they would have given their lives to protect her or come to her rescue. But in the end it just seemed that her presence did little difference. She had simply felt not really needed… invisible…

Hinata listened to all the conversations, but not participated in any. There was a time when Kiba told one of their adventures on mission and had addressed to her to support his words but finally he had not even expected her to pronounce a word and soon restarted on new details.

Finally Hinata got up and apologised to her friends before withdrawing. They all more or less noted her departure. Naruto had not noticed, too busy to convince Sakura the merits of an appointment with him. Hinata lonely returned to the Hyuuga mansion. The head filled with thousands of thoughts one more bitter than others. She had crept into her bedroom without a sound. Then leaving her body immersed in the beneficent water of the hot bath she had prepared in the bathroom attached to her room, she cried.

She cried again and again, until her pearly eyes had been just burning and red.

XXX

When Hinata stood out of the bath, it was already late and the water was cold for long. Before catching a towel she stopped in front of the mirror and not at ease with her own body she instinctively covered her chest with an arm. Realizing the sudden uselessness of such a gesture Hinata froze.

"I'm not even capable to look at myself … All I do know is blush or stammer. Worse I fade when someone touches me or even comes too close to me… I've never been able to discuss with Naruto Kun without fainting after a few seconds… I'm not even strong… I recline on Kiba Kun and Shino Kun… They protect me and I am a burden… "

Hinata would have liked to cry more but her eyes were empty of tears for she had already cried too much.

The words of her father sounded in her mind. "Crying is a sign of weakness. A ninja shows no emotion. "

He had never wanted to make her suffer consciously but each of his words would feel like a dagger which would sink in her chest. He wanted no doubt lead her to be tougher and more resistant but he only would succeed to raise doubts about herself, her capacity, and even the interest of her life…

"I know he thinks that I am unworthy of being the head of the clan. He doesn't regard me as his heir… He would have wanted Néji Kun as his son… I am weak and whatever I do I stay weak to his eyes… He would doubtless prefer that I would have never come to the World… "

Hinata had tortured her soul several times over recent years and she always knew she would eventually collapse on her bed before falling asleep, a restless sleep full of nightmares. Life would then resume its course the next day until the next crisis of conscience would come. While brushing her hair, she suddenly stopped, contemplating her face in the mirror again.

«Enough…Hinata you're soon to be 16… How much longer will you live this meaningless life…? How long will you accept this fate without fighting…? It is from you and you alone that your future depends on … Fight…Fight to be the one that you want to be… Fight to earn their friendship, their esteem… Fight to be recognized… Fight to exist… Fight… "

Hinata fell asleep finally. A sleep without dreams, determined not to suffer anymore what her life had always been. She took a decision. Maybe the most important decision of her life. And she was determined not to give up. Never would she bring down her arms again. Never would she leave dominated by others… She would be the master of her destiny or would not be at all… She would be different…

XXX

The very next day Hinata had took her destiny in hand. She had tried first to do it alone, training in the woods at night or after the mandatory sessions with Kurenai. She first developed the techniques she knew long ago, improving, shaping and adapting them to her nature.

She could change her attitude but not change what Mother Nature has made her. Where certain were pure strength she was smooth. Where others were anger and impatience, she was calm. Where some were an extroverted temperament, she was reserved. Where others ninjas were noisy, especially a ninja of her knowledge, she was silent…

She had developed her own techniques derived from those that everyone knew. But after two months of training alone, she realized she needed the support of other people.

She observed each of her friends. All had a unique talent. She asked them to help, each of them almost. She asked them to shine her ignorance.

Shino and Kiba were the first. During their training with Kurenai she had begged them not to hold their moves. Although it was difficult to convince them, they finally agreed and began to lead her tough life for her greatest delight. She was improving as time passes but wanted more, always unhappy with her talents.

She then requested the support of other people from her entourage. Choji had an impressive force; Lee was an undisputed master of taïjutsu. Shikamaru helped to develop tactical plans. Néji helped her discover more of the potential of her inheritance. Tenten teach her to handle weapons with greater agility and fluidity. Sakura and Ino taught her in medical jutsu and also tried unsuccessfully to bring her in shopping session, which always ended the same way. Sakura, Ino and Tenten emerged hands full of packages of all kinds after trying all sorts of clothing and Hinata was returning home empty-handed, having not once removed her jacket.

She had originally decided to improve her capabilities as a ninja before changing what she was as a person. The task seemed too difficult… Her shyness was less present and she spoke a little more but she still felt uncomfortable with her own body and especially with what looked near and far like a possible physical contact with men.

She had not dared to ask the help of Naruto, still feeling unable to hold a simple conversation with him.

After several months of a frenetic pace, she felt better with herself. His comrades welcomed the colossal progress she made and even Hiashi, her father had notice her efforts although he quickly added that they were not sufficient.

On the evening of her 16th anniversary, she organized for herself a small party at a restaurant in the city. For her greatest joy all her friends had responded. The party took place smoothly and that evening, Kurenai submitted an idea that would forever change her future.

XXX

A few days earlier the woman had had an idea somewhat crazy, but the more she thought about it, the more it seemed excellent. The idea had its way and finally the young sensei had decided to implement this plan so interesting that she had imagined.

She had found other sensei at one of their evenings at Gai's apartment. She then took Kakashi a little apart and explained what she had in mind.

"Kakashi Kun! I would like you to do something for me, please! "
Kakashi had vaguely looked up from his book to give her a bit of his attention. "What do you want Kurenai Chan? "

With a broad smile she said then. "You may notice that my student Hinata Chan has undertaken a drastic training. She began by training alone and then only to increase her abilities she sought the support of her comrades. Today she has already greatly improved, but she needs a sensei to learn new things. "

"What are you talking about Kurenai Chan. You are already her sensei. "
"Hai! But I would not be a great help. She has a heredity I don't understand that is why I can not give her any advice. In addition I am a woman… "

"Yes you are indeed…" Answered Kakashi amused.

"What I want to say is that Hinata Chan is so discreet and timid. She needs to be pushed and I am not able to rush her, I have an almost maternal love for my pupil. "The young woman confessed.

Kakashi listened carefully. Kurenai saw that she had not yet dodged a potential refusal so she then added. "Naruto Kun income, but he is still mostly training with Jiraya Sama and Sakura Chan is the apprentice of the 5th. Maybe you could give her a bit of your time to help her a little? "

Kakashi thought. He never spoke much with the young Hyuuga. They had almost never shared mission. He appreciated the girl but never really knew her and she was just so quiet he paid little attention to her. But he felt a little alone and the boredom often came threw when not on mission. Occupying his time in other thing then walking in Konoha and reading could be interesting and entertaining.

"Why not." He answered casually.

The gaze of Kurenai illuminated. "I will submit to her this idea very quickly. If she accepts she will bring herself to ask you. I just wanted to make sure she wouldn't have to face a refusal of yours. This little one strives to become a different woman and I do not want her to give up. "

Kakashi nodded his head slightly; his eyes again plunged into his book.

XXX

Three days later, at the party for Hinata's birthday, the teenager seemed flourished, although still too timid. She sometimes seemed a little panicked but she had the courage to organize something for herself and alone. Kurenai saw the miracle for what it was and felt a growing pride for her pupil.

Taking advantage of a little quiet later in the evening, Kurenai addressed in particular to Hinata.

"Hinata Chan! It is a wonderful evening! "
"Hai! Kurenai… Sensei. "

The two women moved a little apart. And finally Kurenai said. "I am very proud of the work that you began. Your skills are increasingly obvious. "

Hinata became red immediately. "AAArigato Kurenai sen-sensei! "

Hinata was trying hard to overcome her stuttering. She worked to eradicate it but when she was embarrassed it was difficult to control it.

More seriously the young woman said. " I think you have to move to a new type of training. And it would be best to appeal to someone other than me to help you. "

Hinata was watching her sensei, shocked. "A-Another person? I Kurenai sensei I… I do not want to t-train with… "

Kurenai stopped her. "You will still train with us but I think you should seek the assistance of Kakashi sensei! "

Hinata remained motionless. "I don't e-even know Kakashi sensei! "

"Hai! I know. But he has free time to devote to your training when he is not on mission and he has the Sharingan… He understands better than anyone what Byakugan is… Apart from the members of your clan, of course… I am sure he could bring you much more in control of your techniques… He won't spare you, and he is regarded as one of the best ninja of Konoha… "

Hinata breathed deeply. "Why ... Why would he d-do such a thing. He will probably not want to lo-lose his time… "

Hinata felt her lack of confidence resurface.

Kurenai smiled. "If you do not request it, you will never know… But do not forget that Naruto Kun and Sakura Chan both train with other sensei as well. He will accept more easily to help you since he doesn't deal full-time with their training anymore! "

Hinata thought. Kakashi was one of the best ninjas of Konoha. She knew that long ago. But she barely knew him and the idea to confront him terrified her. But she also thought that with a little luck, she could move closer to Naruto passing more time with people he cared for.

Gradually the idea made its way into her mind and she thought about it with increasing interest. It was finally decided after a few days. She would ask him. Ask him to become her sensei.

XXX

Kakashi though he expected the visit of the young heir of the Hyuuga clan was surprised to find her one morning at his door. She has grown. He kept the memory of her when she fought against his cousin at the first Chunin exam. Now the teenager had been refined and she had lost her childish traits to transform herself into a pretty young woman, as much as he could judge since her face was still leaning toward the ground.

She looked desperately at her feet, cheeks red. He had even thought for a moment that she was feverish. She had asked him with all the timidity that characterized her to take into account her demand. She wanted him to give a bit of his time for her training and Kakashi felt amused when he saw the impressive number of emotions that seemed to cross the face of the young Kunoichi.

He watched with great amusement indeed and finally acceded to her request, ending her visible anguish. She looked up at him, surprised and calmed down. She had smiled shyly, uncertain.

This student would certainly be very different from the members of his team. He did not know yet how much. He wanted to test her as he was with all new students and gave her an appointment the next morning pretty early on a training ground, indicating her not to have breakfast.

Hinata silently nodded her head and greeting him respectfully, she returned home.

Kakashi had truly enjoyed this short interview. Hinata was so shy he would surely enjoy teasing her later on. He went to turn toward the Hokage tower to report. He should already have done it the previous day.

The idea of Kurenai was interesting indeed. It might occupy his days at other things than roam in Konoha.

He was walking in the main street of the village, not in a real hurry to join the official tower; he wondered how his new pupil would be during the tests that he had planned for her the next day. She was visibly different from all the students he had led until then.

He just did not know yet how much…