Naruto looked into the bucket of water he was washing Hinata's kimono in. He ceased moving his hands about for a moment and the contents of the bucket stilled and formed a calm mirror. His eyes studied his face and moved to look at his forehead. The slave moved a hand and watched himself rub gently where the mark would be placed. The hand came down and splashed the image which dissipated into ripples and waves. Naruto loved his mistress and would gladly lay down his life for her. Did she want to place the curse seal on him because she didn't trust his convictions? Did she doubt his love and devotion? How could he love a woman who didn't trust him at all?

The boy looked around. Did he really feel this way or was it just his nerves acting up? His gaze wandered until he saw another slave cleaning the floor down a hallway. She was putting her back into it and Naruto could tell she was trying hard to make the floor sparkle. Then Hanabi walked by and made a quick hand-sign. She just walked off giggling while the slave clutched her head and reeled in pain. Now he was sure. He had to leave, but where would he go? He couldn't just go home, according to law he was property, and if he ran he must be returned as if he were a runaway dog. Somebody would need someone to shelter him, but who?

He didn't know yet, but he kept sneaking through the clan's mansion, using ever bit of ninja-stealth he could muster to make it out of the Hyuuga home unnoticed. He made it out seemingly without a hitch. He couldn't stop to think about it too long, he had to decide on a destination before he was found out.

He could return to Ino or Anko, but then he'd still be a slave, though a slave without a curse seal was better off than a sealed one. Perhaps he should seek asylum elsewhere?