I jumped out of bed and moved over to Hanabi's crib checking to make sure she was still sleeping. I got ready for the day.

I brushed my hair out and put it into a high ponytail with my s bangs out framing my face the same way mom used to do it. I looked over some of my bruises, put some healing cream on and wrapped bandages around them.

I went into my closet and put on my outfit: A lavender too with slits on the sides, black shorts, my gloves, ninja sandals, and my kunai pouch. I went and picked up the now awake Hanabi and brought her over to Uncle Hizashi's home for the day.

I know I can't leave her home alone with my dad for now. I just hope that one day he will see Hanabi for herself not as what killed mom. I handed off Hanabi to Uncle Hizashi and Neji came out of his room. Linking our arms, we bid goodbye to Uncle and Hanabi and left for the Academy. Finally, I get to see my friends again, it's been months. I hope they cant figure out the problems, I'm not a great liar.

Oh Yes! I finally get to meet and befriend Naruto. I started skipping in excitement next to Neji. I looked over and saw his smirk.

"You sure are excited for the Academy, why? It's not like you aren't strong enough to graduate already."

"Nejiiii, I finally get to see my friends and make new ones, plus it's my pathway to becoming a real shinobi, how can I not be excited!" Neji rolled his eyes, but his face darkened at the mention of my friends. He is the only one who knows about my issues at home.

"It is your destiny to be the best stop playing ignorant like you will not be." I pouted. That title is for someone else.

Why does he talk so fancy and princely when he is barely older than me. It's so annoying because he makes me look dumb when he's not even trying.

"Whatever." Neji chuckled at my annoyance.

"Save that for your teachers. Little miss, I act like a boy." We arrived at the academy and Neji gave me a quick hug, apologized for not being able to attend my introduction ceremony, and headed off to his class. I walked over to the group of kids my age looking for a familiar face.

I saw all of the kids with families smiling and happy ready to support their kids, and my heart clenched in pain. Mom is gone and dad is so different, he wont even come to my ceremony. I stood off to the side of all the other kids when my eyes were covered.

"Guess who?" A familiar voice giggled. I snapped around and hugged my blonde friend tightly.

"Ino I missed you so much." Ino giggled at my affections. She hugged me back just as tight.

"Hinata I missed you too, why'd you disappear like that?" I looked between her and her parents, I noticed Inoichi's eyes watching my reaction intently. I blushed and looked away sheepishly.

"Uh, heh, sorry about that I was just dealing with some stuff with my mom and Hanabi ya know."

"Oh yeah sorry. Oh well, at least we're together now!" She shouted, giving me another quick hug. I looked up toward Inoichi and he was eying me with suspicion.

I pretended not to notice. Ino and I talked for a good minute before Shikamaru strolled up to us, hands in his pockets looking up to the sky. I smiled at his lazy attempt at pretending to act like he didn't care, his eyes gave it away, when he looked at me, they were filled with happiness, love, worry, and relief. I walked up to him and gave him a hug, which he returned albeit unwilling.

"Troublesome girl, Ino was worried and talked my ear off when you disappeared." I knew that was Shikamaru speak for him missing me, and by the smirk on Shikaku's face, he knew too.

"I missed you too Shika. Maybe now we can play shoji again, if I remember correctly, I still have more wins." I said giving him a cheeky smile. He returned it with a lazy smirk and a mumble of 'troublesome'.

I looked at Shikaku and Yoshino and gave them a slight bow in greeting. I payed close attention to Shikaku, he was watching me as close as Inoichi. It was unnerving, I knew they would figure it out sometime, I hope I can hold off their suspicion for longer so I can solve the issues with my father without outside involvement. Shikaku studied me intently, whispered to Inoichi, then spoke.

"Hinata-san, where is Hiashi-sama? Surely you didn't come alone." He asked with a knowing tone. Damn him and Inoichi and their genius, they know already. I grabbed my wrist that was covered in bandages, that action didn't go unnoticed by them and Shikamaru, who grabbed my hand in reassurance.

"Oh yeah, father said he was too busy and sadly couldn't make it today!" I said putting on a cheerful act. It fooled everyone except the people I needed it to. Shikaku hummed in understanding and exchanged glances with Inoichi. Choji came around and gave me a big hug, even going to share a chip with me.

Even with the addition of Choji, the parents focus was on me. I saw Kiba, his mom, and his genin sister Hana so I called them over to take the attention off of myself.

Kiba's boisterous personality worked wonders and he drew all of the attention on himself and his taunting of me for hiding out afraid of sparring him. I laughed along with him, his loud presence helped me calm down some. While we all conversed, waiting to be invited in, I saw the people I was hoping to avoid for now. I tried to look away, but Itachi's eyes caught mine.

I excused myself and went over to them bracing myself for the hug Mikoto would give me. Instead of a hug, I was greeted with a tense atmosphere from everyone except Sasuke.

I exchanged greetings with everyone and tried to figure out why everything was so tense.

Oh shit, I forgot, this is when Itachi disobeyed his mission from Fugaku to get into the Anbu to attend Sasuke's entrance ceremony. That means its time to start putting my plans into action to protect Shisui.

I should still have almost 2 years before Shisui's death, because the massacre doesn't happen until Sasuke is 8, he is six now, but I need to pay closer attention now. They all gave me a once over and Mikoto grasped my hands.

"Hinata-chan, what happened to you. Why are you covered in bandages? Why have you been locked up in your compound?" She spoke in her motherly worried tone.

"It's nothing, just some training accidents. I've also been helping father take care of Hanab since mom isn't there this time." Mikoto's eyes twinged in sadness before she pulled me into a hug. It was nice and warm, I haven't felt a hug like this in a while. I enjoyed he embrace until I felt eyes blaring into me. I looked at Itachi and noticed his sharingan and him frowning. He gave me a look that said, 'we'll talk later'.

I finally turned my attention to Sasuke, who looked so happy to have his family with him to start the academy. He bounced over to me a huge grin on his face.

"Hey freak, are you excited? I am, I'm going to be the top student in class like Aniki was. I've been training a lot and I'm probably the strongest kid in our year." I grinned at the obvious jab.

"Duckbutt, do I need to kick your ass again to make you remember, I'm the strongest?" I smirked in triumph as he glared/pouted at me. A chunin teacher came out of the building and began to have us gather to start the ceremony. Thankfully nobody asked where my father was again.

All of my friends and their families joined me in the ceremony and we sat and listened together. The ceremony was basically congradulating us on taking our steps in our shinobi journey and informing us what is to come. I looked around to all of the students in my year and recognized Ami and Shino. I didn't bother looking for Naruto since I knew he has already been in the academy for a year, since the Hokage let him join early.

I brought my attention back to the ceremony as the chunin, Aoi i think was his name, brought the introduction to a close. Then, to my surprise, the Hokage came out. Lord 3d looked exactly like I thought he would, old. He welcomed us and began to announce the classes.

Not surprisingly I was placed with all of the rookie 9, and Ami sadly. Sasuke smirked at me as we were announced in the same class, Ino and Sakura cheered, Kiba and I high-fived, I hugged chino, and Shika rolled his eyes telling me how troublesome it was before throwing his arm around me in a lazy embrace. How right Shika is though, this will be troublesome but oh so fun!

After the ceremony ended, the parents were forced out and all of us students got to meet our teachers. Iruka was way younger looking than I expected, he looked to be about 18. I don't know why I thought he would be older, I just did. He was wearing a typical chunin outfit, navy blue ninja pants and a navy blue long sleeved shirt, and the infamous ugly green chunin vest zipped up.

He gave all of us a smile and we followed him into classroom 237. I walked into the classroom and immediately sat in the far back right corner. Sasuke came to sit next to me and all hell broke loose.

All of the girls were surrounding him trying to get the seat next to him, most of them didn't even know his first name, they all called him Uchiha-kun. A few even had the nerve to tell me to move so they could sit next to him, but with Sasuke and I's combined glares they left me alone.

Ino and Sakura were not part of the mob, but I could see the hearts in their eyes and the twitch to want to come sit by Sasuke. Sasuke looked freaked out, since he's not so brooding, he looked more terrified than anything. Funny.

I looked around at the other seats around me Shikamaru sat in front of me, Choji and Ino next to him, Sakura sat in the row next to Ino with Shino beside her. Kiba was in the row next to Sasuke and I. A few other boys were scattered around, I still couldn't see Naruto though. He is either late or he will join the class later in the year. Finally, Iruka-sensei got fed up with the fangirl screeching and made them sit down. None of the girls got to sit by Sasuke, instead he left it open for the late student.

I could clearly see the disdain Iruka-sensei had when he said 'late student'. Yay, Naruto will be in my class. Sasuke stiffened at the thought of another person sitting next to him, so we switched seats.

Iruka-sensei introduced himself to us and told us a bit about the next few years and how we should all work hard and be friends blah blah blah. I was ready to follow in Shikamaru's footsteps and go to sleep when the classroom door slammed open. I held my breath, only one person would enter the classroom like that.

I knew I was right when a mess of gold and orange came tumbling into the classroom. Oh my gosh he's adorable. Naruto stood up and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Sorry I was late..." He began, but Iruka-sensei cut him off.

'Uzumaki, you're LATE! I don't care to hear any excuses brat. Go sit up by Hyuuga-san, it's the only empty seat left." Iruka-sensei basically shouted in annoyance with Naruto, his uncomfort with the boy was obvious. As soon as Naruto began to head my direction, I heard the whispers of the kids around us.

"Hey thats the boy my mom said to stay away from"

"Yeah I heard he's a demon"

"Ugh he's creepy." Naruto's face immediately looked crestfallen as he heard the whispers and saw the glares pointed at him. I clenched my fist in anger, holding myself from attacking the assholes around me. They are so cruel to him and don't even know him.

Sasuke and Shikamaru both took notice of my anger and sent me comforting and confused glances. I took in a few deep breaths and Naruto sat beside me. He kept his head down and wouldn't look at me. It's crazy to think that this shy boy grows up to be THE loudmouth Naruto Uzumaki.

It was hard to see such hurt on his face, I know the pain of alienation and being alone so well. I reached my hand out and tapped Naruto on the shoulder. He looked up at me with a fierce glare.

Brushing it off, I gave him the brightest smile I could. Naruto looked shocked at my expression, then he looked behind him, and back to me. I stuck my hand out to him, not paying attention to Iruka-sensei's introduction speech any longer.

"Hiya, I'm Hinata, whats your name blondie?" I asked. He yet again looked shocked and confused at my kindness in speaking to him.

"Are you asking me?" He asked nervously twiddling his fingers. I deadpanned and withdrew my hand, I know he's ignored and hated but geez cant he tell I'm trying to talk to him.

"Duh, who else dummy, whats your name?" He seemed to glower at my name calling, then brightened when he noticed I was just playing with him.

"Oh, I'm Naruto Uzumaki dattebayo! And Hey! I'm notta dumbass you weird eyed girl, Imma genius dattebayo!" He said pointing his thumb at his chest. I had to contain myself from squealing in excitement at his verbal tic. I've been waiting for this for so long!

"I'm just going to ignore the comment about my eyes. Nice to meetcha Naruto, I can see we're gonna be great friends." Forgetting his fake anger at my name calling, he seemed to shut down when I mentioned friends.

"You really want to be friends with me?" He asked with child like hope gleaming in his eyes.

"thats what I just said. You and I are friends now duh." I said to him. He looked like he was going to cry, but instead he jumped up in joy, fist pumping the air as I laughed at his actions.

"HEYYY I have a friend, even if she has weird eyes dattebayo!" It was then, we noticed everyone staring at us dead silent, mot of them looking at me in disbelief and thinking I'm crazy. Naruto looked uncomfortable again and quickly sat down. I glared at anyone who decided to give him mean looks.

"Uzumaki, since you decided to interrupt our class, you can be the first to introduce yourself to the class." Iruka-sensei said annoyed. Wow put the kid on the spot like that, dick move. I know he gets better, but it pisses me off. Naruto looked nervous and before he could start, I stood up.

"Hold up, I was the one who caused the commotion, I made Naruto shout, I should be the one having to go first not him. So stop picking on him like that, I thought you would be more mature then the dim witted assholes who treat Naruto like crap, Iruka-sensei." I sneered.

He looked taken aback by the perfect Hyuuga princess using such disrespect and foul language. My friends looked at me in understanding, they know I don't like bullies. Naruto looked at me in happiness. Iruka-sensei's expression turned from shock to shame. He looked at us then nodded.

"If that is what you wish, I apologize for the misunderstanding Uzumaki-san. Hyuuga-san, since you cause the commotion, you will begin the introductions to the class." I nodded in acceptance and smirked at my win.

"I'm Hinata Hyuuga I'm 5, turning 6 in December and I'm heir to the Hyuuga clan. I like my friends and family, shoji, proving people wrong, and training. I dislike bullies, losing, the stigma that women will always be weaker than men, and tea. Blech."

Ino, Kiba, Choji, and Sakura snickered while Shika and Sasuke rolled their eyes. "My hobbies are like my likes, and my dream is for me to know and you to hopefully never find out." I ended with a cheeky smirk and a bow, before plopping back into my seat. Sasuke went next, he didn't say much, except how he wants to beat his brother, but it was sweet compared to the brooding kid he is in the anime, he even said he liked me well indirectly but still. Then came Nartuo.

"My name is Naruto Uzumaki dattebayo! I'm 5 and gonna be 6. I like ramen of all kinds and my new friend Hinata-chan. I don't like waiting for my ramen to cook and I don't like reading or writing. My hobbies are pranks. My dream is to be the greatest Hokage then people will stop being mean and have to respect me dattebayo!"

I almost freaked out hearing the famous words, but I contained it to a huge smile and gave Naruto a fist bump. Just to piss him off during the other introductons, since they mainly revolved around Sasuke for the girls, I whispered into Naruto's ear.

"Maybe I'm going to be Hokage, or duckbutt over there, what then blondie?" I taunted with a smirk as I watched him get annoyed, there is the Naruto I know and love.

"No way, I'm gonna be Hokage dattebayo. You guys are my rivals now and I wont lose."

"Sorry to burst your bubble, I don't want to be your rival, I already have one and he doesn't like sharing."

"I don't care, you are still my rival, along with Sasuke-teme, if he really is strong." to which Sasuke put in a 'Hn, dobe' but Naruto didn't hear him. I did though and smirked at Sasuke. And so it begins, the rivalry of the ages.

For the rest of class, we had introductions and got our school books. When the day was over, we all left the school and I waited, having hope that dad would pick me up. I saw everyone leave with heir parents except Naruto and I.

I gave up on waiting and began to walk to the Uchiha compound instead of going home. I should probably talk to Itachi and say hi to Shisui-nii if he is home from his mission. On the walk to the compound, I noticed the small chakra's following me. I decided to ignore it since they couldn't do any real physical damage.

I stopped and was roughly thrown to the ground. I looked up to see one of the boys from my class, Diachi, and a few older boys with genin headbands on, one of them was a Hyuga branch member. They all gave me sick grins.

"So you're the supposed Hyuga prodigy. How lame, you got thrown to the ground so easily." The Hyuga, I think his name is Ren, scoffed at me. Not in the mood, I just looked at him blandly which seemed to infuriate him. He threw a kick to my side and I just grinned at him.

"Is that all you got?" I asked. Then the other boys decided to join in.

"You're an  ugly little girl." I just deadpanned at the new boy speaking.

"You know, your friend has the same eyes right?" I asked like he was an idiot. That just made them lose all temperament. RIght as a kick was swing at me, a flash of blonde jumped in front.

"Hey you jerks, leave Hinata alone, if anyone gets to fight and insult her it's me." Instead of listening, a punch was thrown by Ren knocking Naruto to the ground with blood dripping down his chin. At the same time, the other older boy stepped on my bandaged injuries from my father. Since they were fresh, I winced and he smirked in triumph. Finally Diachi spoke up.

"I told you she was friends with the demon. We should take them both out." I stood up, shoving the boy off of my leg, and growled at them.

"You can pick on me all they want but nobody hurts my friends in front of me." Just as I was about to activate my Byakugan and end their shinobi careers, Shisui flashed in front of me. I could tell by the way the boys cowered, he had his Sharingan activated.

"Lay one more finger on her and her friend and you will all be executed by my hand. You do realize that she is the Hyuga heir, and tightly in the Uchiha head family. You have no power over her and will be taken down in an instant. So to save your imbicyllic ways, leave now before I make you."

Like frightened kittens, they all scurried off pushing one another. Shisui turned around and looked me up and down frowning. Instead of saying anything, I jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly. His frown was replaced with a huge smile at me.

"always getting yourself into trouble with people bigger than you." He chucked.

"Whatever Shisui-nii, you know I can take them. Anyways, I didn't need you since blondie decided to save me." Shisui put me down and turned his gaze to Naruto.

Naruto flinched waiting for the beating or hate but it never came, instead Shisui smiled at him and thanked Naruto for coming to protect me. Naruto was overjoyed and began to brag about how he would never let his rival and friend get hurt by anyone. Accepting his response, Shisui deemed him safe to be left alone with and flashed back to bug his 'precious 'tachi-chan'. When he was gone, I put my full attention back to Naruto.

"Thanks for jumping in to save me. You're gonna be a good hero someday."

"I know! I'm going to be the best hero dattebayo! Why were they picking on you?"

"I don"t know." I lied, no way was I gonna say its because of him.

"It's the same with the villagers, they pick on me and stare at me with those eyes, but I don't know why." He said sadly. I ran up and hugged him.

"Don't listen to them. I like you already, they are just so wrong about everything." His megawatt smile returned.

"Yeah! Don't listen to those guys either, your eyes are pretty, I mean they are weird and kind of scary, but it doesn't make you ugly dattebayo!" I laughed at his attempt to reassure me of my eyes being cool.

"I can make my eyes more freaky, wanna see?" Naruto nodded enthusiastically and stared in fascination as I turned on my Byakugan. I looked at Naruto and damn, he really does have massive chakra reserves that swirl inside of him like a whirlpool.

I could see the fight between the blue and red chakra, the blue winning, but still thrashing around. No wonder he has terrible control, his chakra is erratic with his massive reserves. Mine is easy to control even at its large size for my age because it flows, not calm, more like a buzzing, but still flowing naturally.

I am going help him and make him stronger before we reach genin. I shut off the Byakugan and told Naruto that over ramen tomorrow, I can tell him about it. He was so excited he ran off to go tell his 'jiji'.

When he was gone, I finished my journey to the Uchiha compound and right at I stepped in the front door, I was whisked inside and thrown on the couch.