Renewal [Rewrite]

~16~

The sixth year had finally arrived, and tensions were high.

While we didn't spend time learning new skills, this year was being used as a way to test out knowledge and review older topics like math, geography, and history.

All those who remained had toughed it out through thick and thin, making it past the toughest challenges. Unsurprisingly, a huge portion of the students remaining were clan children, with the few civilian kids including Sakura and myself, although I still have an advantage over Sakura since I live with an experienced shinobi.

"Listen up everyone!" Iruka shouted, silencing the class. "While the graduation exam has a written test, the physical test is worth 80% of your final mark. I want all of you to do your best."

Many people had the same reaction as a realization seemed to dawn on them. Tomorrow was exam day, the morning dedicated to the written and the afternoon for the physical test. After that, we'd become genin and be split into teams with a new sensei who would lead us. None of us would have much time for friends, especially if we are in different squads.

"Rest up for tomorrow, class!" Iruka exclaimed. "Get a good night's sleep and come prepared tomorrow morning!"

Iruka dismissed us and I quickly stood up, hurrying over to catch Hinata before she left the room.

"Hinata!" I called out to her.

Hinata turned around and bowed her head. "S-sorry, I didn't hear you coming."

"That's alright, but I wanted to ask if you could come over today?" I said.

"I-I don't know, but I can ask as soon as we leave." Hinata replied.

"Sounds good," I said. "Besides, I know Tenzo will spot us and run over."

We left the class together and went outside, where students were meeting up with their parents and heading home. And their stood Hiashi Hyuuga, in all his stuck up Hyuuga-ness.

"Yuuto-san," He greeted. "How are you?"

"I'm quite fine, and yourself Hiashi-sama?" I diplomatically replied.

"I am well." He stiffy said.

"Otou-san," Hinata said quietly. "I was wondering I-If I could go over to Yuuto-sans and Tenzo-sans place for a while."

Hiashi looked down at me for a moment before nodding. "On two conditions, you must be home by 7:00 pm and Tenzo-san must be 100% okay with that."

A hand suddenly landed on my shoulder.

"It is no problem at all Hiashi-sama!" Tenzo smiled. "I'll be sure Hinata is home before 7:00."

"Then I will see you later," Hiashi said before gracefully walking away. "Goodbye."

"You're both so lucky." Tenzo sighed. 

"Lucky?" I asked. "How?"

"Hinata's dad is the leader of the Hyuuga clan, making Hinata the next heir by birthright," He explained. "I doubt he would trust her in the hands of anyone he didn't think was strong enough to protect her. Especially after what happened years ago."

Hinata frowned and clenched her fists, now I was curious.

"What happened?" I couldn't stop myself from asking.

"I was almost kidnapped." Hinata spat, saying nothing else.

I let the subject drop. "So should we start heading home then?"

"Y-yeah."

~~~~~

The next morning I was up bright and early, making sure that I looked and felt my best. I wore my gray undershirt, black pants, black shinobi sandals, dark green overcoat and my round black glasses. My yellow eyes were bright and alert after resting all night and my hair was in a neat bun on my head, tied up with a black elastic. My skin was still pale, unfortunately, that much never changed.