Burning Star

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Summary: Hinata is tired of being the disgrace of the clan so she sets out to change herself, to get stronger and become the top ANBU member in Konoha, losing her love for Naruto, who when he comes back realizes it's going to take some work to win her back.

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Chapter Four:

Everyone paused, and turned to stare at the two of them, waiting to see her reaction. Hinata refrained from rolling her eyes, sighing mentally at how they still didn't believe her a bit when she told them she didn't love Naruto anymore.

The funny bit was that she wasn't surprised at her reaction, she had always known they wouldn't have believed her. She could see where they were coming from though, she had loved and been obsessed (she never liked to admit it, but she technically had stalked him for a little bit) with him since she had been a little girl, all the way back to the Academy days.

For years he had been her Sun, her shining light, the person she would have done anything for, and now to think she thought of him as only a mere friend, someone who had helped her in her time of need, it was unbelievable, down-right shocking.

But, Hinata reasoned to her-self, they would see she no longer loved him when she didn't blush, faint, or stutter when she answered him back. Satisfied with her thought, she smiled at Naruto.

"Hi Naruto," her voice was, as always soft, but it was the first time she had addressed Naruto confidently, "It's really good to see you again."

She sensed everyone deflate slightly, and she lightly smirked to herself, feeling happy she had proved to them her point. She hadn't been lying, and now they knew that.

Naruto blinked at her for a second, before grinning widely, "Hey! You're not sick anymore!"

She blinked, before sheepishly grinning. Naruto had always thought she had been sick, as, whenever in his presense, she had constantly blushed, stuttered, and fainted. Even after three years he was still the same dense, though well-meaning Naruto.

"Yeah, guess you could say I finally recovered."

They stayed with Naruto a little longer, chatting and catching up with him. He told them about his various adventures with the 'Pervy-sage' with exuberant hand-movements, and various exaggerations.

He also talked about his training, and Hinata smiled at seeing how hard he trained. She had no doubt he would become Hokage, and knew no one deserved the title more than him. As usual hearing him talk about his training only inspired her to work even harder, to become stronger.

Hinata doubted that would ever change.

They eventually split up, seeing as Naruto had to go see the Hokage. Shikamaru headed with Chouji to his favourite barbeque shop, while Ino went back to the flower shop, having to complete her shift. Lee went off to find Gai-sensei, shouting about 'The Power of Youth', while Neji and TenTen, shaking their heads and looking exasperated, trailed after him. Sakura went off with Naruto, and Kiba had left to go to the vet's to pick up Akamaru.

Shino and Hinata were the only one's left, and they walked together in a comfortable silence through the market-place.

"I hear Neji's become Jonin," Shino stated quietly.

Hinata smiled, knowing what Shino was leading up to, "Yes, he has."

"I do not doubt your decision Hinata, I only wonder why you did not take part in the exams as well. You, as I know, are currently stronger than Neji."

"Shino thank you for the compliment-"

"It was not a compliment, I was merely stating facts."

She smiled again, "Still it means a lot to me. But I wasn't ready to become Jonin yet. I may have become strong physically, but my other capabilities weren't as developed yet. I had yet to learn about medicine, such as poison and antidotes, as well as strategy. My physical strength won't be the only thing tested in the exams."

Shino nodded accepting her facts, "Those are good points, but if Neji was able to pass, no disrespect towards your cousin, wouldn't you have been able to as well?"

"No, Neji has more knowledge than me in those aspects. As of now I am just physically stronger. Besides I want to take the exams with you and Kiba."

He paused, "But Hinata-"

"No, Shino. I know you and Kiba don't want to become ANBU, just Jonin. So, I want to do this one last test with you guys." Her voice was firm, leaving no further room for arguments.

"As you wish Hinata," they both turned to leave, but Shino turned for a moment, "I am glad you are my teammate, and not just for waiting to partake in the exams with Kiba and I."

Her eyes glowed, "I feel the same way about you and Kiba."

Not wanting to go home yet Hinata wandered about Konoha, eventually stopping at a park. She sat down at a bench, and sat down admiring the cherry blossom trees. They were her favourite trees, and whenever she had the time she would sit and look at them, just basking in their shade. They represented everything she believed in.

The shortness and beauty of life. Joy and happiness. As well as innocence, as ironic as that was considering her occupation.

She closed her eyes, and was in calm silence for a while, before a friendly shout caught her attention.

"Hey Hinata!" TenTen grinned, as she waved and ran up to sit by Hinata, "What's up?"

"Nothing much, just relaxing." She smiled.

"I could use that," TenTen groaned, "Just finished a training session with my team."

Hinata giggled, "Had fun?" She teased.

"Please. I'd like to see how you faired with someone like Lee on your team."

"True."

They stopped talking after that, just relaxing and unwinding their nerves. Soon, though, TenTen appeared to be fidgeting. Hinata cracked open an eye and glanced at her friend.

"Something wrong?"

"Well, I was just wondering," she looked to be in a mental argument with herself whether to ask Hinata or not, facial expression uncomfortable.

"You can ask me anything," Hinata reassured TenTen, wondering what had gotten TenTen so nervous.

"OK," TenTen breathed out, "I hope this isn't too personal, but you weren't affected by Naruto at all today?"

Hinata groaned, "TenTen, I've told you already, I don't love Naruto anymore. All I feel for him is mutual friendship."

She didn't look convinced, "But you've liked him for years Hinata."

"I know, " she tried to be patient, "but my feelings have changed." Her tone showed she did not want to discuss the topic anymore.

TenTen caught on, and sighed, "Alright Hinata, I believe you."

"Good, because it's the truth. Now, didn't you say something about this new type of weapon that came into your shop yesterday?"

When TenTen left Hinata rubbed her head tiredly. She was tired of people always doubting her on that particular subject, the only person who hadn't questioned her was Shino, but she had a feeling he didn't believe her.

It was beginning to irk her, how one would think she would hang on desperately forever, just continously like a guy who never noticed her. She may have been shy and weak at the time, but she hadn't been stupid, actually that was wrong. It had taken her a long time to realize to let go, to realize that all of it wasn't worth it.

She shook her head in frustration, telling herself to stop being so bothered about all of this. Right now she didn't have time to worry about this, she had to work hard to become ANBU captain, and love and all this drama would only get in the way. She took a deep breath, and told herself to forget about all of this nonsense, to focus properly on her goal.

She got up, stretched, and decided to head home. Today had been a lazy day, tomorrow she would have to work harder, and get back to training seriously. She began to head home, and ran into Ino a few minutes later.

"Hi Hinata!" The blonde grinned widely, ice-blue eyes sparkling.

"Hi Ino," Hinata smiled softly in response.

"So," Ino turned sly, wasting no time in small chit-chat, "Liked seeing Naruto today?"

"Of course, seeing a friend after such a long time is always a pleasing experience." She refused to answer Ino's not-so-hidden meaning.

"You know what I mean," Ino rolled her eyes.

Feeling tired, and already having to deal with TenTen about the same thing, Hinata answered back a little irately, "I do not like Naruto Ino, I view him as a friend. I've told you that before."

Ino waved her hands dismissedly, "Sure, sure, and Shikamaru's not lazy. C'mon Hinata, stop lying to yourself!"

"Ino."

"OK, fine! Gosh, have it your way, you don't like Naruto. Happy?"

"Thank-you, and yes. Now, excuse me, but I have to get home." With that she left, not wanting to talk anymore. She was annoyed, and hated talking when annoyed. The entire conversation was strained, or went sour. Right now all Hinata wanted to do was have dinner, take a relaxing shower, and go to bed.

Ino watched her go, and shook her head slowly. "You don't fall out of love that easy Hinata."

Naruto yawned as he exited the Hokage tower, feeling tired after such a long day. Sakura trailed after him slowly, rubbing her eyes lethargicly. He smiled as he remembered seeing all his friends, feeling ecstatic to be back home.

"It's so nice to see Hinata healthy again! I'm happy she's not sick anymore!" He announced with a grin. Sakura stopped rubbing her eyes to roll her eyes at him.

"Naruto?"

"Yeah?"

"You're a baka."

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A/N: I haven't updated this FOREVER. Hope you liked this chapter!

Please review :) I use them to slide down rainbows.