Worth Waiting For

Prologue Hinata

The day Naruto Uzumaki left the hidden village of Konohagakure, was one of the most devastating days of Hinata Hyuga's young life. Not only was her long time crush leaving for a number of years, but she did not even say goodbye.

The young Hyuga heiress sat alone in her private garden, mourning the departure of her secret love. Self-loathing welled up inside her. 'I didn't even have the nerve to tell him how I feel. I was too scared to even see him off. I couldn't even wish him a safe journey' she thought in disgust. ' No wonder he never noticed me. I was too weak and scared to even have a decent conversation with him.'

Scalding tears escaped her Hyuga white eyes. Shame made her face flush red. Wearily she leaned over her koi pond, taking in her watery reflection. Her most notable feature was of course her eyes, those milky white eyes that contained just a hint of lavender with no pupil to be seen. Many people found those eyes intimidating. 'Maybe Naruto thought my eyes were weird' she thought. Next her hair, it was so dark a of a black, that it appeared blue. It was also cut boy short. 'Maybe Naruto preferred long light colored hair…like Ino and Sakura's' she thought.

"No that's not it" she whispered to herself. In her heart she knew the reason that Naruto didn't like her. 'Its because I'm weak. I'm only a passable kunoichi, my juken is a joke, my teammates have to constantly rescue me. Face it I'm pathetic' Hinata again thought to herself.

'How could I, the daughter of Hiashi Hyuga Clan Head of the Hyuga clan, be this weak?' Her father is a powerful shinobi, her mother was a skilled kunoichi in her own right. 'How did I turn out his way?' she questioned herself.

"This cannot continue. I cannot go on this way!" she hissed.

Slowly she arose from the garden bench on which she was resting. Her eyes taking in the grandeur that was the Hyuga estate. She was the heiress to one of the most powerful clans in Konoha, she was raised in a world of power and privilege. Anything she wanted was hers for the taking. So why was she sitting here feeling as if she, Hinata Hyuga was unworthy. "I am a Hyuga. I am worthy. I am a Hyuga. I am worthy." she whispered fiercely to herself.

'No More. No more will I sit here feeling sorry for myself. Naruto deserves someone strong by his side I can be that someone. I will be that someone. When Naruto-kun comes back he will see what a powerful kunoichi I have become. He will notice me. I will get stronger…this I vow' she thought. With a determined stride, Hinata made her way to her room.

Along the way Hinata passed a branch member of the family " Hinata-sama, Hiashi-dono sent me to escort you to dinner" he said bowing low to her. Taking in a slight breath and straightening her spine Hinata replied, her voice holding a new found steel "T-tell my father that I will not be joining the family for dinner tonight. I would also like a tray brought to my room…thank you Hitari-kun." she said before resuming her trek to her room.

The branch member stood there in a state of shock, before she slowly made her way to the family dining room to convey Lady Hinata's message.

Little did Hinata know that her quest to improve herself would lead her on a journey of a lifetime. A journey that would take her away from her home in Konoha, and even further from the one she loved the most.

How was that for a beginning? This is my first Naruto fic, and I have plans for this to be epic length. Though it may not seem like it at times, this story will be Naruto/Hinata. Other couples are up for debate. I'm telling you now I don't do polls. I don't like them. I have my own ideas concerning my story. However if you have a suggestion feel free to PM me. Don't forget to review.