Chapter - 29

Hinata approached Ichiraku the day after her date with Naruto. It had been everything she had ever dreamed a date with him would be. However, unlike Ino her chakra was still the lime-green that signified that she still had doubts. However she had also noticed that it was a lighter green then before almost yellow to which she figured may have reflected the jealousy she was feeling towards the other girls.

She sighed knowing that she would have to tell Tsunade as it was Hinata's job to inform the Hokage about the various changes in their chakra colors. As well as to occasional scan the village in order to make sure that other kunoichi weren't operating there under someone else's influence.

But with her own chakra moving further away from the red that she sought. She had decided to talk to Ayame. Maybe finding out how the waitress viewed her place in Naruto's life would help Hinata come to terms with hers. Entering the stand, she tried to smile as she heard the content humming of Ayame. But found it difficult as she wished she had never learned about the changes in their chakra.

"Hello welcome to Ichiraku," Ayame said with a bright smile welcoming her.

Hinata forced one onto her face, but noticing there were other customers frowned since it meant her questions would have to wait. Ordering a bowl from the menu, she ate slowly hoping no new customers would arrive. After an exceptionally long wait the last customer left leaving Ayame free to chat about more Naruto related topics.

Hinata could see that she was eager to ask about her date with Naruto, but before she could the Hyuuga inquired, "Ayame do mind if I ask you a question."

"Sure Hinata."

"Why don't you have any doubts about Naruto?"

Ayame pulled back not expecting such a question. Tsunade had told her much of what they learned and when she had asked what hers had turned to, was told red as well as what that meant. She hadn't inquired about any of the others but guessed Hinata's wasn't and that it bothered her. Ayame thought for a moment before giving the most honest answer she could come up with, "Because I'm finally where I want to be and I don't really care about what it took to get here."

Surprised at the waitress's answer Hinata asked, "It doesn't bother you that Naruto probably wouldn't have chosen you if he hadn't been given that jutsu."

"No, not really," was Ayame's chipper answer.

Hinata's frown deepened having said something similar to Naruto when he had asked her after they had been together. "What makes it true for her?" Hinata thought and could almost feel the color of her chakra growing more yellow.

Ayame noticed her words had a negative effect on Hinata as the Hyuuga looked down at the bar in thought. Wondering what she could do to help bring the girl out of her funk she said, "You probably don't know this, but Naruto broke my heart." Hinata looked up surprised so Ayame continued her story, "I first met him when I was seven years old. He was about four, and was constantly causing trouble for the people at the orphanage."

"He didn't always live in his apartment?"

"No, he lived in the orphanage until he entered the ninja academy," Ayame answered. Picking up where she left off she said, "He was avoiding the head lady whom he covered in paint. I guess she had been ignoring him for no reason, at least that's what he claims. However, I would tend to believe him because when I found him, he was crying over it. My mother had just died and my dad had to bring me to work since the stand wasn't as prosperous as it is now."

Ayame smiled sadly remembering the day she found Naruto crying behind the stand. "I invited him in and although looking back on it my dad had been nervous he still let me give him a free bowl. As you can imagine from that day on he was our number one customer."

"But how did he break your heart," Hinata asked riveted by what Ayame was telling her having no idea of Naruto's life before the Academy.

"Well two years later he would enter the academy and meet her," Ayame said a little bitterness entering her voice. "Up until then I would see Naruto ever day and he would tell me all that was new with him. I found myself slowly falling in love with him and then…"

"Hey Ayame," Naruto had said as she began to remember the day.

"What is it Naruto," Ayame had replied blushing a little as she brought him his bowl.

"Today was great; I can't wait to become an awesome ninja. But I saw the most beautiful girl in the whole world today. I think I'll ask her out tomorrow."

A nine year old Ayame felt her heart break at the news and despite wanting to say something to the contrary said, "…That's fantastic Naruto. I'm sure she'll say yes."

Focusing on Hinata as the memory faded Ayame said, "Well as I'm sure you know Sakura said no, having already formed her crush on Sasuke. But Naruto being Naruto never once grew discouraged and continued trying to make her notice him, while I just kept cheering him on." Letting the sadness she felt fade Ayame said, "That's why I'm actually happy he found that jutsu. I mean he treats us all equally, as well as with respect and recognizes that we are individual people."

Hinata nodded and although she felt the jealousy that had been welling up inside her fade. Was forced to admit she didn't feel any closer to joining Ayame in the red chakra category. However just before she was about to pay for her meal and leave Ayame said, "I don't think your problem stems from Naruto so much as your place in his desire to unite the villages."

Hinata looked at her in a way that said continue so Ayame said, "I know Naruto picked me for no other reason than he had feelings for me. But for you and the others you actually have ways you can help him achieve his goals. I'm actually a little jealous."

Hinata smiled kindly saying, "I'm sure Naruto considers having a steady supply of ramen as a vital part of anything he hopes to achieve."

Ayame laughed musically saying, "I suppose you're right. But I think your doubts stem from your shyness and if you don't mind my saying lack of assertiveness."

"What do you mean?"

"Well from what I've been told, it's easy to see why he went after Tsunade, besides the fact that he does care for her. Yet from what I understand Ino was chosen as more of a test subject. It just worked out that she would be the future head of the Yamanaka. But you were chosen for your position. That doesn't mean Naruto doesn't care for you, but I imagine if I was in your shoes I would fear disappointing him."

Hinata nodded surprised Ayame had hit the nail on the head. However Ayame delved deeper into what bothered her then even she had saying, "You have a sister correct. I've seen her with your father from time to time."

"Yes…" Hinata answered wondering what Ayame was driving at.

"She hasn't been branded with the Cage Bird seal. Isn't that normal procedure for siblings?"

"I…I'm a disappointment to my father. I suppose that if I had failed to become a shinobi, I would have been branded and Hanabi would already have been named heir."

Ayame nodded saying, "That's where I think your doubts stem from."

"I don't understand, you already said that when you said I fear disappointing Naruto."

"True, but not for the reason you think. I think that if you ended up in the branch family you fear Naruto would simply move on to your sister and seduce her for her position because you failed to achieve it."

Hinata felt almost shocked at Ayame's assumption, but couldn't deny it. Her father had never denied he felt Hanabi was a better choice for the head of the clan. Hinata supposed that considering that almost since Hanabi was old enough to walk she had been the darling of the main house, did feel that it was possible should Hanabi be chosen as heiress that Naruto would seduce her and that Naruto would find Hanabi was a better lover than her as well. It was silly, Hinata supposed on the face of it, but since Hanabi seemed to excel at anything she put her mind too, felt it was a genuine concern.

Paying for her meal Hinata stood saying, "Thank you, Ayame it was most enlightening." Leaving the stand, Hinata wondered if the best way to confront her doubts was to ensure that such a situation never happened in the first place.

*****************************