To anyone still reading this story, here is a new chapter ^^"

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto™, but I do own the ocs in the fic. If you would like to burrow them, just ask.

- (Line Break) –

Ch.4- Trouble on the Path

Shun sat on the ground, watching as the sun rose and his team was still asleep. He rolled his eyes at his idiot teammate Shenzu, whose legs were on the sofa while his top half was on the floor. Tenshi was curled up in a ball next to Hinata and his sensei was sleeping peacefully. Shun was always an early bird even if only went to bed an hour ago, he'd still be up earlier then anyone. He sat in a pair of black shorts, but was horribly embarrassed when he was forced to sleep without a shirt. At home it was fine with him, but while on a mission, and with a female sensei, it bothered him that two females would have to see him. He decided to go into the bathroom and change back into his shinobi attire; as he got up, her heard Tenshi mumble in her sleep and Shenzu say something about being hungry. "Typical," Shun rolled his eyes and went into the bathroom with his pack.

"Hm," Tenshi rubbed her eyes and stood up, "man, this mattress sucks." She stretched and looked around the room, not noticing that someone was missing. "Better get changed before that moron gets up," she smirked grabbing her pack and walking towards the bathroom. She opened the door and went wide eyed and red faced at the site before her. Shun stood in the bathroom, in his shorts only, an armor plate over his chest, and was currently wrapping his arms up; trying to tighten a piece by pulling with his mouth. He looked up at her with a bored expression on his face.

He dropped the piece of tape in his mouth, "It's called knocking Tenshi." Tenshi slammed the door close and just fainted. Shun sighed when he heard her hit the ground, "Damn," he opened the door and picked Tenshi up, laying her down on the blanket he had slept on for the night. "Troublesome," he walked back to the bathroom and locked it, and continued to bandage himself up and then put his jacket on.

"Stupid…..." Shenzu snored, "little angel *snore* can't do anything right-" Shenzu suddenly jolted up and completely fell off the sofa. "Ow," he groaned and sat up. He smirked when seeing Tenshi lying where Shun was suppose to be sleeping, "I knew that ass wanted to sleep with Tenshi."

"No," Shenzu looked up to see Shun come out of the bathroom, glaring at him. "She fainted and I placed her there to rest moron." He threw his pack down and stood before the white haired genin. "Go get dressed and I'll try to wake her."

"Who died and made you queen," Shenzu glared, doing what he said none the less.

"I'll tell you whose about to die if you don't shut your mouth," Shun glared at him as he closed the bathroom door and locked it. He looked down at Tenshi and kneeled beside her, "Get up Tenshi," he gently shook her shoulder, "you need to get up now." He sighed and was this close to picking her up and dropping her in a tub full of water. "Dear Kami," he sighed now roughly shaking her shoulder, "why does this happen to me?"

"Hm Sh-Shun," Tenshi said drowsily and curling into the fetal position, "go a-away." She tried to shoo him away, but Shun just pulled her up into a sitting position. He let her lean against his chest but he went beat red when she wrapped her arms around his torso and cuddled into his chest. "Warm," she mumbled to herself.

"I knew it!" Shenzu yelled as he stepped out of the bathroom, "I didn't know you had a thing for that thing," he smirked at Shun's red face. "This better not become a problem because I need to sleep at night-" Shenzu got a book to the face, "Hell! Where did you get that book?"

"You better hope that I don't end your life in your sleep you moron," Shun glared at him and slowly tried to move Tenshi off of him. "She won't let go, and I can't wake her up." Shenzu just rolled his eyes and took hold of Tenshi and pushed a spot in her neck. She yelped and quickly let go of Shun and glared back at Shenzu.

"Your welcome ass," Shenzu glared at Shun, who just nodded and stood up. Then he got smacked in the back of the head with another book, "Where are these books coming from?"

"I told you not to touch me in my sleep you sick perverted teme," she glared at him and then looked back at Shun with a blush. "A-and sorry about before," she quickly got up and ran into the bathroom and locked the door.

"Why am I the one always getting hit," Shenzu groaned sitting on the ground and rubbing the bump on his head.

"Learn to keep shut," Shun said softly and began to put away the blankets and pillows the three had pulled out. "We should be getting back, since it'll take about two days to get back to the Leaf and report on a mission completion." He closed the closet that was stuffed and sat down on the sofa with a sigh, "I believe this has been a great experience for us."

"It was pretty fun," Shenzu smiled softly and glanced over to a still sleeping Hinata. "But it'll be sad once Hinata-sensei goes back to her regular work," Shun nodded in agreement. "Let's hope we get another mission with our bipolar sensei." Tenshi walked out of the bathroom, brushing her hair and then braiding it back. "For a girl, you change pretty fast," he smirked as she glared at him. "Come on," he huffed, "that was, like, a complement."

"I don't need a complement from you," she huffed and took a seat on the bed and looked over to Hinata. "Maybe we should wake up Hinata-sensei, I want to go home." Tenshi said softly and held herself, "I miss the Leaf village, everything here is so different."

"It's a new experience," Shun said not looking at anyone, "you'll see that the more places you visit the more you'll appreciate where you come from." He stood up and walked over to Hinata, "let's get her up and get out of here." The three spent a few minutes trying to find a way to get Hinata up, shooting down any idea that came to Shenzu's mind and then deciding that it's best to go with it and just shake her awake. "Hinata-sensei," Shun said as Tenshi nudged her slightly, "we have to leave." Not even a fidget; then an idea came to mind. "Umi said if you don't get up, he'll personally come up here and get you up himself." Hinata bolted up, pushing Tenshi off the bed and causing the two boys to jump back in fright.

"I'm up," she said quickly and threw off the covers, "I'm up." She looked over shyly at the three genin just staring at her, "S-sorry, I had a very long night." She rubbed her head and got out of bed, in black shorts and a black t-shirt to go with it. "I-*yawn* I'll go change, we'll check out, and then get a quick breakfast before heading out." Hinata got up and trudged over to the bathroom.

"I see she's not usually a morning person," Shun said with a smirk.

"What gives you that idea?"

"She didn't even bother to grab any clothes," as he finished Hinata opened the door and grabbed her pack, a blush running across her nose.

- (Line Break) –

Tenshi walked between her two teammates, who she had seen shirtless all while on a mission with her female sensei. Hinata walked behind the three, rubbing her temples and trying to get over a light hang-over. They had just checked out of their hotel and were headed towards the nearest eatery to enjoy a good breakfast. Tenshi couldn't look at her two teammates and refused to even make a sound, in fear of squeaking. She had to admit, that she found her teammates attractive that also made her want to barf and punch her self in the stomach; it was hard to admit that kind of stuff. They were her team, and having affections toward them could affect the mission.

"I can't wait to get out of here," Shenzu smiled to himself and walked with his arms behind his head. "Get back to the Leaf and go see who has to catch that stupid cat now." He chuckled and even Shun had to smirk.

"I need to get back to my training," Hinata said softly as she led the three into a small tea shop. She smiled down at the three, "and I'll have to check in on you guys now too, huh?" She gave a light laugh as all three blushed and looked away. They sat down in a booth, the three on one side and Hinata sitting across from them. "This has been a great mission," Hinata smiled resting her head in her hands.

Shun nodded and leaned back in the booth seat, "it's been interesting and I hope to come back here soon," just as he finished Umi plopped down in the seat next to Hinata. Shun sweat dropped, "I take that back."

"Agreed," Tenshi and Shenzu said in unison.

"I heard that you're heading off Hinata-chan," Umi said softly looking over at her. "Why don't you stay a few more days?" he pouted cutely as Hinata looked away with a light blush.

"I'm here on a mission and we need to be getting back soon," she glanced down at her just served cup of tea and smiled. "I'm very sorry I can't stay longer," she took a drink and smiled.

"Too bad," he said drinking his own tea. He then looked over to the three kids with a smile, "I didn't even get to train you yet." He ordered some dangos and other sweat dumplings and glanced back at the three, "So," he said with a smirk, "are you guys going to miss me?"

"I won't be missing you stalking our sensei," Shenzu scoffed and smirked at him, "but I'll miss this place."

Shun put his glass down, "You are a great shinobi Umi-sensei, but it seems that our short stay didn't allow me to get to know you better then I would have liked too." He picked up a dango and ate it. "Though," he swallowed and looked back at him, "I have deiced to take up your 'business' and watch over her." Umi smiled but then faulted when he heard Hinata.

"Watch over whom?"

Umi began to panic slightly and tried to think of a good excuse. No way was he going to tell Hinata that he had asked her team to keep tabs on her and who she went out with. "A-A s-summon, Mi-Misa," he looked over at her with a smile, "I don't use her very much and she can't be un-summoned." He put two fingers in his mouth and whistled loudly, causing the whole shop to look back at them. A small black hawk flew into the shop, scaring the customers, and she landed on the back rest of their booth. "She's very good at delivering messages and she'll come at the call of a loud whistle." He looked back at the hawk and smiled, "you be good to Shun," he moved her over to Shun's shoulder; "he'll be your partner in crime." The bird cawed happily, but upset the others.

"Umi," the manager yelled, "what did I tell you about bringing that blasted bird here?"

"Misa is a loving bird," he glared back, "she wouldn't hurt a soul-"

"Ow," Shenzu shielded his head from Misa, who began to peck at his head. "Call off your demon bird!"

"I'm actually enjoying this," Shun smirked and petted the birds head. "I guess you and I will be great friends Misa-san." Tenshi laughed along with Shun as they watched Shenzu try and protect his head from Misa's pecking and Umi tried to get her to stop. "Alright," Shun chuckled, "that's enough Misa." She suddenly stopped and sat on Shun's shoulder grooming her self. He petted her head and smiled like a little kid.

"It's nice to see you smile Shun," Hinata said looking at him with a smile of her own, "it suits you." He looked away with a blush on his cheeks. Hinata giggled and looked over to Umi, "Thanks for everything Umi, everything." She smiled lightly and tried to keep down her blush. "We better get going guys," she looked at the three genin as they finished up their sweets and drinks. Hinata couldn't help but giggle at Tenshi, whose face was covered in sauce. Tenshi blushed and whipped off her mouth with a napkin and didn't look up. Umi got up and let Hinata move out of the booth, "Will you walk with us Umi?"

"Might as well," he smiled putting his arm around her shoulders, "This will be the last time I'll be seeing you until I come to the Leaf Village myself."

- (Line Break) –

Hinata got on the boat and gave one last wave to Umi, "I promise to come back as soon as I can. And I'll bring the three along with me." She smiled as the three just groaned to themselves and sat in the boat, waiting to get back home. Hinata took her seat and motioned for the sailor to start; he nodded and soon the dock and Umi disappeared from site. Hinata looked around, and found it odd that there was this much fog and it wasn't even that early either.

"So how long will it take us to get back sensei," Tenshi asked putting her pack on the ground and sitting at the edge of her seat.

Hinata shrugged and looked over at her, "maybe two or three days. But you don't have to worry about that right now," she ruffled her hair. "Sleep if you like and I'll be sure to get you up."

"Excuse me," they looked over to the man steering the boat and he stopped the rowing, "we have trouble. I can't see ahead of me and I fear that we are being surrounded by enemy ninja." He spoke with a soft voice and had a serious look on his face. "I'm no fighter, but if we keep quiet and keep the light off, they could pass is by." Hinata nodded and activated her Byakugan; he had been right, the boat was being blocked off by three boats, with about two men in each one.

"We're going to be robbed," she looked down at the three as they tensed up and sat stock still, "or attacked. They must know who we are," she crotched down and spoke even softer. "You are to stay on the boat and not leave this man unprotected;" before they could protest she put a hand up, "that's an order." Hinata slowly walked off the boat and stood on the water, her Byakugan still active. She went strait for the boat in front of her, and the three had lost sight of her. All they heard were grunts of pain and the clang of metal against metal.

"We have to help her," Tenshi said looking at the other two, but before they could respond, three men surrounded the boat standing on the water. Tenshi tensed up as the three guys smirked at the genin. Shun pulled out a kunai and held it out, and Shenzu pulled out his own; though Tenshi was still stock still.

"Awe," the biggest one mocked the three," What are you little brats going to do-" he was cut off when Hinata kicked him to the side. She smiled at the three, but was then pulled down into the water.

"Sensei," Tenshi yelled but one man grabbed her and picked her up. She wriggled in his grip, but he was much too strong, "Let go of me!" He just smirked until Shun pounced and pushed the guy to the ground; he let go of Tenshi, but she fell into the water. Tenshi broke the surface and began to panic and trying to get to the boat, but the current was moving her away.

Shenzu looked to the sailor, and after he nodded he dove into the water and swam after his teammate, "You better beat the hell out of that guy Shun." Shun stood on the water and nodded, he then went for another burley man. Shenzu grabbed Tenshi and moved her to his back, "Hold on and stop yelling." He swam back to the boat and groaned as Tenshi held onto him very tight, "You're going to choke me-"

"Sorry," she said loudly, her eyes shut tight. "A-and thank you Shenzu, I-I owe you."

Shenzu rolled his eyes, "I told you to stop yelling and don't mention it, ever," he said pulling her into the boat. "You stay here and protect the boat guy." He jumped out to the water and ran over to the first guy he saw, and pouncing on him. "Time for fun," he smiled sadistically, but as he got a kunai in one guy and was then thrown a distance away.

"Idiot," Shun muttered as he starred into the eyes of the man before him. His eyes were a dark blue and the man before him was on his knees and about ready to kill him self. Shun let him go before he caused too much damage to his mind. Hinata resurfaced, and so did a body; she threw him onto an empty boat with the other knocked out thieves. She walked over to the body before Shun and threw them into another boat. Hinata began to tie them up and looked over to the sailor.

"Can you take them back to the Mist docks," she asked throwing everyone their pact and helping Tenshi stand on the water. He nodded softly and Hinata moved all six men into the boat. She paid the man and then some more, "That's for dealing with my students."

"We are all right you know," Shenzu said rubbing his soar muscles. He grunted, "I think I pulled something."

"Maybe you'll learn to think before you act next time," Shun said as Misa came back and landed on his shoulder.

"Where was that stupid bird?"

"Misa was watching in the sky," Shun patted her head, "if it got to be too much, she would contact others to come and help." He looked over to Tenshi, "Are you alright Tenshi?" She looked away and just nodded, they began to move out, but she stayed back. Hinata noticed and kneeled down next to her.

"Is something wrong?"

"Sensei," she began to sob and hold herself, "I wasn't even any help to anyone. I just got saved and then stood on the boat like a weakling," she took in a few shaky breaths and whipped her eyes, "I was a burden to the team."

Hinata looked at her with a soft face, "This was your first real encounter with enemy ninja Tenshi," she smiled at the little green haired girl. "Next time, I know you will be ready and will end up being the one to lead the others into the battle." She stood up and motioned for her to come, "Let's get off the water, before the other two beat us to the shore."

- (Line Break) –

Shun and Shenzu slumped to the ground, just getting out of the water; Hinata and Tenshi sped along and knelt to their sides. "You've used too much chakra," Hinata said softly as the two just lied on their backs and panted heavily. "We need to move, staying this close to the shore is unsafe," Hinata bit her thumb and slammed it on the ground, "summoning jutsu." As the smoke cleared a large wolf stood in its place and bowed his head to Hinata, "please, carry my two students." He nodded and waited as Hinata moved Shun and Shenzu, so that they both sat on his back. He slowly walked behind the two girls, who lead the way.

"Where are we anyway," Tenshi asked looking around the forest for something familiar.

"We are just on the outskirts of the Leaf," Hinata said not looking down at her, "we'll keep walking in north and soon enough we will find the path to the village." She smiled and glanced back down at her. "I'll be counting on you to help me take care of them, and we'll have to make something other then fish." Tenshi nodded with determination and they began to walk until it got too dark to see past their own arms. Hinata began to make a fire and pulled out some things that could help them cook a good meal, while Tenshi sat up Shun and Shenzu against the wolf.

"Gentle," Shenzu muttered holding his side and glaring at Tenshi, "Kami, your about as gentle as a bull." Tenshi was about to hit him, but stopped herself and just walked away and stood by Hinata as she cooked dinner. He looked up at them and then over to his red haired teammate, "Are you dead?"

Shun smirked lightly as his eyes were still closed, "You'd like that wouldn't you," they both just smirked at each other. "I'd hate to admit this, but you did well. I'm glad that a moron like you got put on my team."

"Thanks….I think?" Shenzu said slightly happy and confused at the same time. He sat up a little and looked back over to Tenshi and Hinata as they served two bowls of, what looked like, soup. "There is no way I'm eating right now," he held his abdomen, "I think I'm about to lose my breakfast." He fell to his side and just stayed in the fetal position. "Just save me some for later," Tenshi sighed and went over to Shun.

"Tenshi," he said softly, "I'm not in any condition to eat myself-"

"I'm going to feed you," she said softly and held out a spoonful of the soup, "that's what teammates are for," she smiled warmly, "right?" Shun gave a faint smile and opened his mouth and was content with her feeding him. Hinata on the other hand was trying to get Shenzu to eat, but he refused. "Just eat the damn food you moron," Tenshi glared at him.

"Come make me you little b-" Hinata quickly shoved a spoonful of soup in his mouth to keep him shut. As he swallowed and glared at her, "What was that for?"

"What did I say about cursing Shenzu," she said softly holding up another spoonful for him to eat, "and if you don't eat you won't have energy for the walk back to the village." She smirked, "And I'm not going to be carrying you all the way back to the village that's for sure," she smiled lightly and just kept feeding him until half of his soup was gone and he lied back down and slept. Hinata stood up and looked over at Shun that had fallen back asleep while still sitting against the wolf, but Tenshi just sat by the fire and starred into the flames with a fading look in her blue eyes. She sat down next to her and sighed softly, "Thank you Tenshi, this would have been a lot harder without you."

"Sensei," Tenshi looked up at her, "did you ever feel weak and useless?"

Hinata felt the memories flood back into her head al those years back and she could feel all those same feelings come back along with them. Every time she had tried to prove her self worth and show that she wasn't weak; every moment that had crushed her own self esteem and made her doubt her own abilities and power. Hinata quickly shook her head and looked away, "You should get some rest, I'll wake you guys at noon and we will head off again." Tenshi decided that it would be better if she didn't push the question and lied down beside Hinata slowly falling into a light sleep; though Hinata was the one who starred into the flames now. Not being able to stop all those memories from coming back to her, she began again to doubt everything that she has with her. Maybe it was all luck, she would never know. She could have made it to jonin before her peers because she was a Hyuga, and no one had ever stood up against the large clan. Hinata felt her breathe catch in her throat and wanted so badly to know why she had gotten jonin, or anything at all to be exact. Was it just because of her family? The same one that didn't even like her that much? She sighed sadly and watched as the flames died down into just burning embers and the sun setting to the point to where Hinata was truly sitting in the darkness of the early morning.

'Was it all a lie?'

- (Line Break)-

The four walked along the dirt road, the sun shining bright and the birds singing their soft song, and even Shun looked like he was in a good mood. Hinata on the other hand looked sleep deprived and horribly sad for someone of her nature. The three genin had noticed early on in the morning but didn't have the nerve to ask her if she was all right. Shenzu had taken the lead of the group while Hinata stood in the back like always and Tenshi and Shun took the middle and seemed to be in a comfortable silence with one another. Hinata took it upon herself to keep look out for more bandits and thugs, but she also seemed to be distracted by that of her own thoughts and worries. She couldn't help but also cast glances at Tenshi, who might have seen through her mask and saw all the hurt that Hinata had hid within herself. Hinata couldn't bear the thought that the little genin was holding her secrete as well and now also carried the burden of it. Hinata just tried to stay awake long enough to get to the village and then get some sleep.

"Sensei," Shun said looking up at the blue haired women, "what are you going to do when you get back to the village?"

"I guess sleep is one thing," she said with a smile, "then I'll have to report in for missions and then get some well needed training done." She couldn't help but keep her smile on, these three had brought a new light into her world she wasn't going to let past event get in the way of that now; she was going to enjoy life right now and that was that. Hinata also thought about getting back and relaxing, which was sounding better and better every moment. "What are you three going to do when we get back?"

"Sleep," Shenzu said practically dragging his feet across the ground, "I'm tired and I'm gonna take a shower when I get back cause there is sand in places where it shouldn't be."

"Ew," Tenshi looked at him with disgust, "I could have gone my whole life without hearing that."

"Now you don't have to," Shenzu smirked as Tenshi glared at him.

"I'm going to go tell my dad all about the mission and he's going to praise me on my first out of the village mission," she smiled to herself brightly and spun around.

"I'm going to eat," Shun said dully. Hinata looked at him oddly as Shenzu rolled his eyes and Tenshi just giggled.

"He may not look it," Tenshi started with a smile.

"But this guy has a stomach like a black hole," Shenzu finished as he got a look from Shun. "Well, it's true." He then turned away from the boy and then looked ahead. "How much longer until we get home?" he looked up at Hinata.

"I'll say in about another hour of walking and then we will be at the village gates," she gave him a smile and put her hands behind her head. She smiled lightly and looked at the three, "I'm going to go check on my sensei on her kid." Hinata looked at the three again and gave them a soft smile, "I bet that you three could stop by and meet her and the little one too. Kurenai-sensei loves to entertain and having company." She stopped and began to stretch as the three looked at her oddly; she looked at them back with a confused look, "what?"

The three stood before her and Shenzu was the one who began to speak, "What in hell's name are you doing?"

Hinata stood up and smiled, "Number one, you need to not swear, and number two, I'm getting ready for a run." She smiled and got down in a running position, "The winner of the race gets eternal glory and the looser gets laughed at and pointed at." She smirked as they got down into position and she began to the count down. "3, 2, 1, GO!" Hinata, Tenshi, Shun, and Shenzu took off in a deep sprint towards the village. Hinata laughed as the three had been able to keep up with her and then she began to go a bit faster and faster but it seemed that Shenzu and Shun were in their own little race so Tenshi was the only trying to catch up with her. Hinata smiled as the green haired girl ran to keep up with her, but then it seemed that Shun was on their tail and Shenzu was close behind. Hinata only laughed and went faster.

"She's got longer legs!" Tenshi yelled as she began to fall behind Hinata.

"Nice excuse," Shenzu yelled with a smile and tried to catch up with the jonin.

"Stop wasting oxygen," Shun yelled at the two and was beginning to pass them and was getting close to Hinata. He had the determined to beat the blue haired Jonin and prove that he indeed was the best. Hinata looked down to her side and smiled as the red haired boy was trying to catch up to her and he kind of was. Hinata was impressed by the male's speed and she only kicked up her own a bit more just to keep ahead of him. She knew that Shun was a bit ahead on physical and mental strength but that only meant so much. Hinata was at the bottom of the totem pole when it came to strength in comparison to the others of her class, but in the end she was second to make jonin out of all of them; but it still meant something. She watched as the others pushed to catch up but they looked down right tired and about ready to pass out. Hinata shook her head and looked on ahead to see that the village was coming into view and a little sadness hit Hinata. This was going to be the first and last time she had her own team and she was going to miss their time together. Hinata pushed them aside and remembered that she had bigger things to deal with at the moment; like how she was going to get out of an arranged marriage with a man she did not know. Her mind was so lost in thought that she didn't notice the three get ahead of her and were trying to be the other to be first through the gates. Once she did notice Hinata only laughed and smiled at them and slowed to a walk and spent her last moments with them with a soft smile on her lips.

"I win!" Shenzu shouted as he also panted for breath as Tenshi and shun stood at his sides also huffing. "I so," he took a deep breath, "kicked your asses."

"Y-You," Tenshi huffed a bit more; "you pushed me! Ch-*huff* cheater!" Tenshi pointed an accusing finger and had a glare on her face. "I would have won *huff* if you hadn't of pushed me, cheater *huff*!" They both glared at each other and then Tenshi broke it and looked at Shun. "A-And you! You nearly tripped me to!"

"Hinata-sensei said to win," Shun used the excuse well, "what kind of shinobi lets themselves get tripped?" Tenshi was about to rip Shun a new one, but Hinata came up and put her hands on Tenshi's shoulders.

Hinata smiled at them, "Come on guys, lets report to the Hokage, get a mission well done, and get paid." The three nodded and gave their own unique smiles and walked off in the direction of the tall red tower, all happy to be back in their own village.

(Line Break)

Hinata sat on her building's roof, taking in the site of her well beloved village that she had always loved to come back to after a hard mission. She had changed into the standard Jonin attire since Hinata was to be on guard duty tonight. The Hokage wanted to give Hinata the night off, but Hinata knew that Shikamaru would kill her if he had to cover for her again. Hinata said that she'd drink something with caffeine in it and be able to up for the night. Parting with the three genin and been harder then she thought, but when she saw Kakashi come through the doors to pick up his team, she knew that it was now or never. Hinata gave them one last goodbye, a hug for Tenshi, and waved as they walked out with the grey haired male who only smiled and thanked Hinata for watching over them. She now just sat there and got ready for a long night of starring at the moon and making quick scans with her Byakugan here and there since she was a bit paranoid during the night. She pulled up her hair into a tight ponytail so that it kept out of her face and jumped down to the street bellow and walked to her post a bit earlier then she would usually go. If she was right, Shikamaru would still be up there and she could sit and talk with him; he was always good with plans and coming up with things.

Hinata thought back to what Umi had said to her, that he willingly run away from everything that he had in his village so that he could be with her. Her face grew hot at the thought of it and then she remembered that there was another man that she would not meet until her wedding and her leaving meant great risks for the village and her clan. Hinata could imagine that her running off to be with another man would not only offend this other clan, but anger them as well; she could stand the thought of the clan claiming war with that of the Hyuga clan. She sighed and walked up to her post and began to climb up the steps to the watch tower. Hinata was given the rear watch station since her Byakugan could see more land and then that kept the village in a sense of safety knowing that the back was just as protected as the front. As she got to the top, Hinata smiled as Shikamaru was already standing there with a senbon placed in his mouth.

"Hey Shikamaru-kun," Hinata smiled to him as she took her spot and crossed her arms over her chest. "Did I miss anything while I was gone?"

"Sakura said yes," Shikamaru said only glancing at her and saw that Hinata was void of emotion that it almost made him worry. He sighed lightly and went back to scanning the forest, "Choji discovered another great place to eat, Shino is coming close to breeding a bug that can track people, and Kiba is not as annoying as before." He smiled lightly as her heard Hinata give a light laugh and then the two were again engulfed in the silence of the night. "What was your mission? I heard Kakashi ended up getting your original mission."

"Yeah," she nodded, "I ended up getting a mission to the Land Hidden in the Mist," she pouted when she heard the male net to her snort. "And what is so funny Pineapple head?"

Shikamaru shook his head at her childlike behavior, "Well Blueberry head," he smirked as she once again made a pout, "I recall that a certain Jonin there is not very fond of you. Hoshi was her name, hm?" Hinata nodded and Shikamaru put his hands behind his head and just leaned back against the wall, "How was it? You two finally get along?"

"Actually," Hinata said, "I was the substitute sensei for Team 12: Shun Mizuru, Tenshi Takashiro, and Shenzu Tanahashi. It was quite enjoyable to say the least," she gave a light smile and made a quick scan with her Byakugan. "Those kids are really nice and I hope that I get to train with them again."

"Why not get your own genin team," Shikamaru suggested to her as he pulled the senbon out of his mouth and just played with it. "I bet that they would allow you to have your own team; you've get the skill for it."

"My plates a bit full at the moment," she gave a bitter smile and then glanced at him, "Why don't you?" Shikamaru thought for a moment and then just muttered 'troublesome' under his breath and Hinata only laughed a bit. "You're a good teacher, and not to mention that you love to teach."

"I taught at the Academy already and that was enough," he closed his eyes, "those little monsters were a handful and you have to get up so early…" he just trailed off and Hinata just got that he was done talking about that subject. "You know Hinata," he looked over at her, "you really should be at home sleeping, and so should I."

"I didn't think that you would want me to leave you here for another night by yourself," she smiled lightly. "And I miss coming out here and watching the clouds float by the moon." She gave a light soothing sigh and Shikamaru looked up to see just that; it was truly a peaceful site and the two just enjoyed it in silence.

(Line break)

This was a very short chapter since my ideas have been lacking at this story, but I'm not giving up yet. This will be on Hiatus for a while longer but I'm not giving up just yet. I need some more time and some more plot bunnies to reproduce and fill my head with ideas. ^^