Hinata's True Strength(New)

[Kaden]

I thought the old one was childish, so with the help of some great writers, I'm re-writing it. Don't worry, it'll have the same characters but with a different, hopefully more mature look to it. Let me know what you think!
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Chapter One: Swirling Mist & A Hushed Welcome

Mist gathered in thick swirls around the pair as they slowly made their way down the beaten and worn path. It caressed their tired bodies, beckoning them to sleep, sleep eternally. The older man dropped his head but jerked it back up snorting loudly. The fog swirled around him and gently crept across his face, closing his eyes. The old man dropped like a stone, fast asleep.

Blue chakra flashed and exploded in the enveloping fog, burning it back. Eyes ablaze the younger blonde haired man forced his chakra in an ever-widening circle, pushing the fog back further and further. “Come on Jiriya-sama, open those eyes!” said the blonde man.

The older man sleepily opened his eyes, his name calling him out of his peaceful sleep. “Eh, Naruto? What is going on? Come on just a little more sleep.” Jiriya’s eyes snap open. Genjutsu! He leaps to his feet and goes back t back with Naruto. “Good job kid.” Jiriya said. He peered into the diminishing fog. A jutsu that uses water. Could it be a jutsu from the Hidden Mist Village? Jiriya stares harder into the gloom.

Naruto kneels down onto the ground. He performs a quick series of hand signs and gently presses his hands into the ground. “Chakra no Find Jutsu.” He whispered. Thin, almost invisible lines of chakra scatter out across the ground all around him. A vibration comes from several of the lines to his left. Bingo! Gotcha now, believe it! He nudges Jiriya with his shoulder and Jiriya nods, signaling he understood the message.

Both men shot off in different directions, one to the right and the other to the left, trapping their unknown enemy in the middle. Naruto leaped up onto a tree branch and crossed his fingers over one another. “Kage Bushin no Jutsu!” Numerous clones stood on the tree branch and they all jumped down on the figure, dog piling him

Jiriya came in on an angle from the left, barreling in on the figure, a chakra sphere swirling in his hand. “Rasengan!” he said as he tapped the figure. The figure went spinning through the air and crashed into a tree. Jiriya heard Naruto drop onto the ground behind him. “Be careful kid, he’s not totally unconscious.” Jiriya said as he walked over to the figure, Naruto not far behind.

A pale shaft of moonlight shone down on the fallen shinobi’s face, illuminating the masculine features and the Sound Village forehead protector. The man was young, a little younger than Naruto. His hair was messy and rakishly covered one eye; his eyes were brown and struggling to stay open. Blood trickled out of a corner of his mouth and dripped onto his dark colored tunic. Jiriya knelt down, pushed away the hair covering his eye, and stared at the young man’s face. “Baka, he’s quite resilient. He is merely unconscious. Let’s notify the guards of him when we pass through the gate.” Jiriya said as he stood up. He looked at the young man once more and then turned at resumed his slow, measured pace back to the village. Naruto nodded and fell in step beside him.

~_*_~

Naruto crested the hill looking down on Konoha early in the morning, pale moonlight reflecting off the fog. A slight wind blew eerily through, parting the swirling fog, allowing the weary travelers a brief glimpse at the place they once called home. Imposing walls stood seemingly impregnable, cutting through the dense fog, creating a sharp contrast in the night. Naruto’s footsteps seemed to echo in the still night air, as he got closer and closer to Konoha.

Two guards stepped out of the fog and crossed their staffs, refusing the travelers to enter the village. “Who are you? What business do you have in Konoha at this late hour?” one guard asked harshly.

“Gee, Aman-san, you really don’t recognize me? I was the one who gave you a copy of the fourth Make out Tactics when it hadn’t even been published yet.” Jirya said. He crossed his arms over his chest and pulled a pouting face.

“Ji-Jir-Jirya-sama?” Aman said. He walked closer to Jiriya and peered at him through the gaps in the fog. Realization crossed his face, as he realized that it was indeed the Legendary Sannin. “Jiriya-sama! You are back! How good it is to see you!” Aman said.

Jiriya smiled and shook the guards hand warmly. “The same pleasure I extend to you also my old friend. And this strapping young man is none other than….” Jiriya said. He made a motion to turn around and mention whom Naruto was.

“My name is Riku Shana. I met Jiriya-sama on a pilgrimage of mine, and he graciously extended the offer to see your renowned village. How could I refuse?” Naruto said as he shook both guards’ hands and then bowed to each of them. Naruto kicked Jiriya in the leg to keep his old teacher quiet. He shot a warning look at him and slightly shook his head. Jiriya’s good humor quickly returned and the pair was escorted into the village and ushered into the Hokage’s Tower.
~_*_~

Jiriya and Naruto thanked their escorts and walked down the narrow corridors to the Hokage’s office. Soft, rich carpet muffled the sounds of their feet and light wood paneling absorbed the moonlight. “How come you are using a transformation jutsu Naruto?” Jiriya said.

“Akatsuki and plenty of others are still after me, that ruse we pulled won’t work much longer. The less people that know I’m actually here, the better.” Naruto said. He looked straight ahead. Unbidden thoughts flashed across his eyes, but it did no good for him to dwell on them.

“Understandable. Still, couldn’t you have been a foxy lady or something?” Jiriya said. He looked Naruto up and down and shook his head in a forlorn matter.

Naruto grinned at his eccentric sensei. He looked down at himself and shook his head. His appearance was one of an older man, clothed in a billowing tunic and pants. He had a cloak wrapped around his shoulders to obscure his form and his usual spiky blonde hair was now a mixture of brown and black braids. He looked, Naruto thought, a retired mercenary come out of retirement for one last mission.

Jiriya shook his head one more time and knocked softly on the door to the Hokage’s office. A young woman in a dark colored tunic opened the door with a small pig at her feet. “Ah, my good Shizune, how good it is to see you. It is I, Jiriya, the lustrous Toad Sage, returning in the dead of the night from his mission six years ago.”

“Jiriya, you old pervert, get your sorry self in here now!” a sharp voice called from deep within the room. Shizune smiled and opened the door, giving the duo room to step inside.

Naruto and Jiriya stepped over the threshold and stood at sharp attention before a young blonde sitting behind an oversized desk. The woman did not even look up but continued writing furiously on a piece of paper. Without warning, she threw an empty bottle of sake at Jiriya, aiming for his head. Naruto flashed in front of him and caught the bottle with one hand.

“Eh? Looks like the newcomer has some skill in those old bones of his.” Tsunade said, looking at the pair for the first time. Her lips tugged in a smirk and her eyebrows threatened to disappear into her hairline.

“Riku-san was never much for improper greetings there Tsunade. Why this one time….” Jirya said. Tsunade kicked her desk, sending it barreling towards him cutting his story short. Naruto did not even blink and brought his right arm straight down, neatly smashing the desk into two pieces. The pieces stopped right in front of him, splinters falling to the ground. He looked up, glaring at Tsunade.

“Not only did you improve his speed, it looks like you improved Naruto’s chakra control as well Jiriya.” Tsunade said, crossing her arms over her chest. She tilted her head to the side and gave a cocky grin.

“What?! How did you know it was Naruto?” Jiriya said. He looked at Naruto and then Tsuande, and back again.

“His transformation jutsu was flawless, but no one can quite give me that particular glare that Naruto can. It’s something to do with the eyes…” Tsunade said.

A loud poof echoed off the walls and smoke billowed across the room. Naruto stood in front of Tsuande, towering over her. He looked down, with angry look on his face, but the look melted into a huge grin and Tsuande felt herself leave the ground in a crushing hug. “Granny Tsunade! Man, I have missed your spastic temper these last six years. How have you been?” Naruto said. He lowered Tsunade back onto the ground and gave her a huge cheeky grin.

Tsuande looked up at Naruto and gave him a once over. The enormous amount of energy still pulsed from him, but it seemed to hum softly, instead of overwhelming her as it did in the past. He was much taller now; over six feet tall and his shoulders were broad and powerful looking. Naruto also seemed to gain some weight, and judging from the hug, he put on a substantial amount of muscle. The biggest outward change though, was his attire, his orange jumpsuit was replaced with a soft red jacket with his traditional spiral symbol on the back and he wore midnight black pants. The look gave him a much toned down appearance….a more……..mature appearance. Could this really be the Naruto I sent out, all those years ago?

Naruto laughed and started to walk around the office, exclaiming surprise at all the new objects, or reminiscing with the familiar ones. Jiriya smiled knowingly at Tsunade and gently shook his head. “He’s a much different shinobi then the one you last saw. The events…..changed him.” Jiriya said. He looked sadly over at Naruto and looked up at the heavens his lips moving as if in a short prayer.

“What do you mean events? What happened?” Tsuande said sharply. She walked back around her desk and sat down in her chair resting her chin on her hands. Her gaze was piercing, and it alternated between Jiriya and Naruto who had come to stand back by his sensei.

Naruto and Jiriya shared a look, before Jiriya slowly started to speak. “Well, for one, the Akatsuki has suffered a tremendous loss, which has caused them to speed up their timeline.”

“What do you mean loss?”

“Naruto and I destroyed two of their bases in the Land of Waves and Naruto here, fought and killed Kisame-san.”

“You killed Kisame-san? Well well, that brings them down another notch. Sakura-chan and Elder Chiyo killed Sasori-san and Team Asuma effectively shut down Hidan-san. Itachi-san’s body was found last week; apparently Sasuke-san killed him.”

“Sasuke-san? Where is he now?” Naruto said. His gaze was quick and steady, different then it was before this mission. Tsuande was struck once again by the maturity it showed.

“He was last seen in the Land of Lightning.” Tsuande said carefully, looking at Naruto’s face, gauging his reaction.

Naruto smiled and nodded. “Good, that teme is still alive then.”

“Tsuande-chan, I’ve been up for the past 48 hours, and I really could use some sleep. Can Naruto-san here give you the mission report tomorrow?” Jiriya said. He stretched his arms above his head and gave a huge yawn.
“Hai, you two definitely deserve that.” Tsuande said softly. She nodded her head and reached under her desk for something. “Naruto-san, here. I think you are old enough to have these.” She held out a sheathed katana and a ring of keys.

Naruto walked over and took them from her, running his hands over the sheathed katana. A look of awe was on his face. “My father’s no?”
“Hai. The keys are to his safe here in Konoha and……to your house down on the East side of town, down by the docks.” Tsuande said. Her tone was gentle, but had an undercurrent of apprehension.

Over the years, Jiriya had taught Naruto that giving the enemy information via body language was just as fatal as speaking it. After practicing every day, Naruto mastered his facial expressions and body language, allowing him to receive stunning information without batting an eye. It took all the willpower he had, but he kept his face blank, devoid of all emotion. “Arigoto, Tsunade-sama.” Naruto said. He bowed and left the room, walking down the darkened hallway.

[HyuugaHinata]

Oh, wow... I really love it. Great work! Oh, and his name is spelled "Jiraiya" ^_^.

[Crimson]

-sigh-....As much as I hate to admit it....It was better than before....And definitely worth the read ^^....But....I stand by everything I said before...>.>....

[Kaden]

-sigh-....As much as I hate to admit it....It was better than before....And definitely worth the read ^^....But....I stand by everything I said before...>.>....

Oh, why thank you. *snickers* No really, that means alot coming from you. Thank you.

Oh, wow... I really love it. Great work! Oh, and his name is spelled "Jiraiya" ^_^.

Hmmmm, okay I'll fix it in the next chapter. I'm halfway done with it anyways....
By the way, one of my peer readers said that Naruto is way to serious and OC, do you think so?

[Crimson]

Oh, why thank you. *snickers* No really, that means alot coming from you. Thank you.


Ya...It better be....xD...jk....You're welcome :^^:

[kaasuten]

I thought naruto was in character.
it was better than the last one. =D And that last one was amazing.

good job kaden. 10/10

[Kaden]

Thanks everyone!

[uchiha123123]

*jaw drops* wow that is all I can say in a good way

[Styles Clash]

Dude this is awesome! 10/10

[uchiha123123]

I can give you an Idea for one of the villans you have seen on of mine

[Kaden]

Chapter Two

~_*_~
Naruto stood before his parent’s home and looked up. The house was three stories all and ivy curved around the intrinsic architecture. The house was boarded up, fortified against time it seemed. With lead feet, he climbed the steps to the porch and crossed it to stand before the door. With shaking hands, he found the key and inserted it into the lock.

Unbidden images flashed before Naruto’s mind, quick and fleeting. A tall blonde man laughed as he carried a woman across the porch. Flash. A woman laughed as her child spun in circles on the porch. Flash. The setting sun cast a warm glow on the man and woman as they stood side by side looking out at Konoha.

Naruto fell to his hands and knees on the porch, sweating and gasping for breath. His eyes were wide, his face pale and his body was trembling. What caused that? Unsteadily he rose to his feet and inserted the key once more. No images came to his mind so he unlocked the door and pushed it open. A cold draft of air met him as he stepped into the house.

The foyer was dark and had a musty scent to it. Naruto walked over to a lantern and poured some chakra into it. The lantern came ablaze and cast a warm glow over a portion of the room. Naruto saw that the furniture was covered in thick coverings. He pulled one off the wall and an enormous picture of the Leaf Village symbol presented itself. Upon closer inspection, writing could be seen. Naruto’s throat became tight and he turned away. He pulled another cover off a piece of furniture and fell into a couch. He closed his mind and suppressed his chakra, forcing sleep to come upon him.

~_*_~

Konoha became alive as soon as the sun’s first rays struck the Hokage’s faces. Shopkeepers opened their stores, shinobi left on missions or returned from them and academy students raced to their classrooms. Villagers trickled from their homes and started flooding the streets. Hinata Hyuuga carefully made her way through the streets and headed for the docks. Last night she had picked up Naruto’s chakra signature during her meditation hour and had felt it fluctuate rapidly. She felt his anguish from clear across the village and it frightened her. She decided that she would visit him on impulse, without really thinking about it.

Hinata turned around the corner onto a less crowded street and stood in front of the house where she had felt Naruto’s chakra. A slight breeze blew her long hair around her and she took several steadying breaths. Nervously she walked up to the door and raised the heavy knocker. What if he doesn’t recognize me? What if he doesn’t know who I am? Has he found a girl? Maybe this is not the best time to be here… A sudden spike in Naruto’s chakra startled Hinata. The burst was burning, scalding her mind. Naruto was angry….very angry.

~_*_~

Naruto ran up the tree, flipped off halfway up, and landed on a branch opposite the tree. Sweat rolled freely down his bare back and a low growl escaped from his throat. He gripped the kunai tightly in his hand and glared at the man below him. “Sasuke is not like Itachi!” Naruto screamed. Anger licked his insides and he dove down off the branch.

Jiraiya put one foot behind the other and twisted his body slightly, deflecting Naruto’s reckless charge. “Sasuke killed his brother out of revenge and anger. That’s only one step shy of his brother’s cold and apathetic fury.” Jiraiya jumped into a tree branch, evading Naruto again. “The sooner you realize this, the better.” Jiraiya said. He crossed his arms across his chest and stared down at Naruto.

“If being smart means abandoning the teme, then I’d rather remain a fool my entire life! I never back down on my word that is my nindo. I gave my word I’d bring that teme back, even if I have to crush every bone in his body!” Naruto said. His eyes became red and wisps of red chakra swirled at his feet.

Jiraiya sighed and was about to make retort when he saw Hinata hiding behind a tree. With a small smile, the Toad Sage vanished in a cloud of smoke.

Naruto dropped to his knees and threw back his head, yelling a bestial yell to towards the heavens. “Jiryaaaaaaaaaaaa! Get back here!” Naruto dropped his head and shook with a whirlwind of emotions. The red chakra receded and Naruto was still kneeling, but tears ran down his face and dropped steadily onto the ground.

~_*_~

Hinata could feel Naruto’s anguish. Whatever he and Jiraiya had been talking about deeply affected Naruto. When I have always seen him, he was smiling and laughing. He was happy, and nothing could get him down. To see him broken like this…

“Hinata-chan, what do you want?” came the throaty voice of Naruto. He was on his knees and but still had his back to her. His shinobi instincts were still sharp, even through his emotional breakdown. Her powerful chakra emanated from where she silently stood, but across the distance came….understanding and…..genuine concern. He wiped his eyes and put back on his stoic mask, born out of need and walking in Death’s shadow.

~_*_~

Hinata stared at the smoothness of his back and drank in all his muscles, admiring them as they shifted beneath his skin. He really has become quite a man over these last six years. She blushed, as she realized what she was thinking.

~_*_~

Naruto got to his feet and turned around, prepared to tell the Hyuuga heiress off, but his retort stuck in his throat when he saw her. Hinata-chan is that really you?

Hinata was no longer the wallflower she was six years ago, instead before Naruto stood a woman of gentle strength and a fierce determination. Tranquility and maturity beyond her years replaced the shyness that had once shown through on every action she had made. The Byakugan that gave her clan such great strength faded behind the care in her pale lavender eyes and her long raven black hair framed her angelic face. Finally, instead of the big, obtrusive jacket, she wore a white kamino with delicate calligraphy written down the sleeves. Naruto stared at her unabashedly.

Hinata blushed but walked over to him and gently placed a hand on his arm. She didn’t speak a word, just offered him a simple caring gesture.

Naruto snapped out of his daze at her gentle touch. Warmth spread through him at her touch and his posture softened at the genuine concern in her lavender eyes. He looked down at her hand and then back at her. Is this really the same Hinata I knew from six years ago? The girl that fainted every time I came near? Jiraiya had teased him mercilessly over the period of the mission about Hinata, and many long nights did Naruto stay up pondering her actions, her words, and what they meant to him. “Gomen, Hinata-san, I am sorry I startled you.” Naruto said softly.

A loud crashing noise startled the two-dazed shinobi and brought them back to reality. Hinata retracted her hand and stepped away from him. Naruto scooped up jacket while putting on his t-shirt and when Hinata’s back was turned, disappeared in a soft puff of smoke. Hinata turned around at the sound, but all traces of Naruto were gone.

~_*_~

“I still don’t get what you where doing there in the forest all by yourself Hinata-sama.” Neji said as he steered her through the congested streets of Konoha.

“I was…..taking a walk Neji-nii-san.” Hinata said. She kept her head high but her gaze was averted.

“Hisashi-sama requests your presence back at the manor. Several prominent figure heads in the Hyuuga main branch are meeting for the tri-annual main and lesser branch class meeting.” Neji said. He pushed away an obnoxious merchant who was doing his best to sell them fried rice balls. He steered his younger cousin through the main gate to the manor and held open the door for her to walk through.

Hinata’s mind was still stuck on Naruto’s tear-stricken face and the great display of raw emotion she saw back in the forest. She barely heard what Neji was telling her as she took of her sandals and put them in their proper place. She was vaguely aware of him pushing her up the stairs and opening the door to her room. It took several seconds for her to snap out of her daze and make herself presentable enough to attend the meeting downstairs.

~_*_~

Naruto sat upon the Hokage’s faces and stared down at Konoha. The battle-torn village stood in good condition, with several new districts growing around the older ones. Hinata’s face was fixed in his minds eye, and her gentle touch still burned on his arm. Unconsciously he rubbed the spot while trying to sort out the whirlwind of thoughts spinning in his mind. She was not afraid of me when she saw Kyuubi’s chakra. She did not even speak a word, just walked up to me and...baka, what am I thinking? That’s just the way she is. There’s nothing more than friendship in her actions, she can’t possibly still care for me after all these years. Naruto lay back down on the ground, hands behind his head, staring at the clouds in the sky. Right? Right?

~_*_~

A/N: Thank you for all your reviews! I take in your requests and comments seriously.

1) More NaruHina. Please be patient! It is going to develop, but I am trying to do something different. I am trying to present them as more mature over the past six years.

2) The Akatsuki. Yeah, I know that not all them died yet, or have even thought about dying. I only got rid of Kisame because I needed a significant benchmark for Naruto and it seemed fitting. After all, Kisame has a HUGE amount of chakra and so does Naruto. Battle of chakra endurance eh?

If you would like any more changes or have any other requests, email me at tempered_adrenaline@yahoo.com, or post it in your review. Thanks again!

[Crimson]

You never cease to amaze me with your chapters....Never....Language use and all....I'll make this simple....I...loved...it.....^^

[Kaden]

Baka, its not that good of writing. I already found five grammatical errors.... Thanks kid.

[Crimson]

-sigh-....You put yourself down too much....So what?....A couple of grammar mistakes....Oh no.....It's the end of the world....>.>....Sure...I'm only 13....I don't know the big bad world of high school or anything yet....And you probably think since I'm 13 I'll say just about anything is good....But I don't....I'm very...Critical....Even to my closest friends....Even to people I don't know....You, my teenage friend, are good....No amount of self deception can possibly change that....-sigh-....I never planned on saying something like that....Guess I'm so tired it's making me talk smart!...Well...Smart-ish ^^'....

[HyuugaHinata]

That was absolutely great. Wow..I love the way you write. And I like how you're not rushing into the NaruHina relationship. It's much better this way. ^^

[Kaden]

Thanks everyone. Chapter Three should be up soon. As always, if you have a request or a idea for the story, PM me. I'll be glad to work it in some how. Aint that right Miss Akina? XD

[HyuugaHinata]

Yep ^^. It's really nice of you to do that for your readers :).

[Kaden]

Jiraiya calmed his temper with effort. “Tsunade you know as well as I do that Naruto will never accept this mission you’re going to try and force on him. That kid has worked himself to death to get to the point he is at now. And you want to dishonor his efforts by giving him a solo A-ranked mission requiring the Jonin rank?” Jiraiya shook his head, turned, and looked out the window. “Cleary you have forgotten who Naruto is.”

“I have not forgotten who that brat is!” Tsuande said as she slammed her hand down on the desk with a resounding smack, splitting it in two.

“I just figured I would play on his eagerness to prove himself. This is not a mission that just anyone can pull off. Its fricken almost impossible in absolutely every sense.” Tsunade said as she reached down into the splinters of her desk and pulled out the mission report. She walked over to Jiraiya and started waving it in his face. “See this? See it? It’s an order from the Fire feudal lord for the assassination of his political rival.”

The report piqued Jiraiya’s attention and he slowly grabbed the report out of Tsunade’s shaking fist. “Assassination you say?” Jiraiya scanned the report, his eyes quickly analyzing the material and formulating strategies based on the information given. “Nope. He won’t do it.” Jiraiya pushed the report back into Tsunade’s hand, ignoring her dumfounded look.

“Why ever not?! It’s a Jonin level mission, and he’s was always complaining about never having a hard enough mission….” Tsunade said as she shook her head in disbelief, reading over the mission report for the hundredth time. This practically has Naruto written all over it.
~_*_~
Naruto walked back down from the Hokage Mountain and changed his appearance. He pulled his cloak around him and whipped out a cane to walk on. Once again, his image was that of an elderly man, his powers a mystery but his eyes were clear and bright. He nodded to the two guards at the gate and walked into Konoha.
~_*_~
Hinata bade her Hyuuga relative’s goodbye with a strained grace. A messenger shinobi of the Hokage had appeared in the middle of the Council chambers and had begged for an audience with the “Lady Hinata” during the height of the meeting. Her father had given a slight annoyed nod and Hinata quickly ushered her guest outside.

“Forgive my intrusion milady. The Lady Hokage has a mission for you and begs an audience with you as soon as possible.” The messenger said while bowing his head.

“A mission for me from Hokage-sama? Yes, I will come, as soon as the meeting is over.” Hinata said in a gentle tone.

“But the mission is effective immediately!” the messenger said looking up with a startled expression on his face.

Hinata’s eyes tightened and a pale fire awoke in her lavender eyes. She tilted her head to the side and looked at the messenger. “The mission can be spared another hour.” Her tone was still gentle but the messenger nodded quickly and flashed off.

Now, as the last guest was walking out the door, Hinata walked up the elegant main staircase.

“Hinata, wait a moment.” Her father said from the bottom of the staircase.

Hinata turned with her hand resting on the top of the banister. “Yes father?”

“How long will you be gone?”

“I am not sure father. I will stop by and pay my proper respects before I leave.”

“Thank you Hinata.” Hisashi turned and disappeared into his private writing alcove.
~_*_~
Naruto made his way through the crowded street, gently pushing through the crowd with his cane. Konoha’s business giant had awakened over the years and now, Konoha was the center link connecting all the other Hidden Villages through commerce. He looked up at a towering building in one of the new districts and shook his head before moving on.

“Did you hear? One of the Legendary Sannin, the one called Jiraiya returned in the dead of the night last night.” A villager said.

“I did, but he returns with another elderly man, not the mischievous Naruto.” A second villager replied.

“Is it possible he died?”

“Heavens no! The boy is too strong for that. They probably just got separated.”

“Well good riddance, that boy brings nothing but trouble wherever he goes.”

“How can you say such a thing? That boy saved us from the last attack on Konoha. He went into battle with that sand shinobi, Gaara, and came out the victor!”

“And where was he when the village was being destroyed by the Sand and Sound shinobi? Where was he when the Third Hokage died?”

“How foolish you are my friend. The sand shinobi Gaara was a Jinchuuriki as well, and a murderous one at that. Not now, of course, he had a major change of heart, all thanks to our Naruto! Anyways, had he been allowed to transform completely, Konoha would not be here today. Naruto went toe to toe with that monster and won. Besides, he was under orders to leave and back up Uchiha Sasuke who was going after Gaara.”

Naruto moved away and mingled in with the crowd. They believe me. Well at least some of them do. Still, it is a nice start.

“Riku-san! How good it is to see you. Care to have a drink with me?” Jiraiya said as he clapped an arm around Naruto’s shoulders. He steered Naruto into a darkened restaurant and sat down at a table in the back corner. “Be quiet and listen. Tsunade has a mission for you. A-Rank. Assassination type. Sssh! Just listen. You leave tonight. Do not worry, you will not be going alone, you will have a beautiful lady kunoichi to help you out. Details are here.” Jiraiya said while slipping Naruto the mission report.

Naruto picked up the mission report and scanned it over quickly. He got
up and started to walk out of the restaurant.

“Riku-san, don’t be a cold stranger. You deserve this.” Jiraiya said while saluting him with his drink.

“Pervy Sage, if there ever was something I learned from you, it was always to find the happiness in every hard mission.” Naruto said. With a last grin and a wave, Naruto walked out of the pub and headed for the Hokage Tower.
~_*_~
Hinata heard the sound of approaching feet and stepped off to the side of the street. Akamaru tore down the road, a dust cloud billowing out behind him. Not long after came the heavy footsteps of his master, Kiba. Kiba stopped short when he saw Hinata walking down the edge of the street.

“Oi Hinata! Where you headed off to?” Kiba said while giving her battle ready appearance a once over.

“Hello Kiba. I am on my way to the Hokage Tower; Lady Tsunade has a mission for me.” Hinata said. She saw the Tower in the distance and sped up her pace.

“Baka, maybe I can come along too! Akamaru and I have been looking for a hard mission.”

“Sorry young chap, that position belongs to me.” Naruto said. He stood outside the Tower door, arms crossed and leaning against it.

“Oi! Who the heck are you? And what is this telling me what I can and cannot do? I am a Chunin, a full-fledged ninja old timer. You better watch your mouth or….”

“Kiba-kun, its alright. This man is my partner for this mission. I’ll be fine.” Hinata said. She knelt down and scratched Akamaru behind the ears.
~_*_~
Naruto leaned against the wall and looked at Hinata. Her lavender hair hung loosely off to the side and framed her pale face. She was laughing at Akamaru’s antics and a smile graced her face. Beautiful. Naruto was just content to let everything be, a warm feeling residing in his chest.
~_*_~
Hinata let go of Akamaru and stood up. She caught Riku’s intense stare and blushed slightly. His eyes are the same color blue as Naruto-kun’s. I wonder if he knows him? She waved goodbye to Kiba and stood facing the door, looking at Riku.

“Sorry milady, here you go.” Naruto said as he stood up off the wall and held the door open for her. With a small flourish of his hand, he motioned her on through. “Tough luck mate.” Naruto called back to Kiba as the door slammed shut.

“Um, Riku-san?” Hinata asked as they made their way up the staircase.

“Yes milady what is it?”

“Have you….have you seen Naruto-kun? I saw him this morning but he left before we could have a conversation.”

Naruto cringed on the inside at her sad tone. I was such a dobe, leaving her like that. She really did want to talk to me. “Sorry milady, I haven’t seen him. I’ll let him know that you are looking for him though.”

“Arigato Riku-san.” Hinata replied softly while looking down at the floor.

Naruto sighed inwardly, but he opened the door to the Hokage’s office.

~_*_~

“You little twerp! You were supposed to be here and hour ago Naruto!” Tsunade said. She heaved a heavy book and chucked it at him as he walked through the door.

Naruto reacted instinctively. He grabbed Hinata by the waist and spun around, smashing the book with his free hand. It fell gracefully into the trash bin. “Obaa-chan what the heck was that for? I told Jiraiya to tell you….whatever. I’m here now.” Naruto said.

Tsunade was not listening. She was smirking at the pair and had her hands on her hips. “Going to let go of Hinata there Naruto?”

Naruto quickly looked back at Hinata and assessed his current position. One third of his brain was kicking himself because his henge, his disguise was now useless. The second third was embarrassed that he was holding Hinata so…..tightly. The final third was secretly screaming happy things as he was holding her so close and she was not fainting. Finally, the more reasonable part of his brain won, and he let go of her, to hear Tsunade’s sniggers. He glared at her. Baka, now she has this over me…

Hinata’s initial reaction to Naruto’s embrace was to snuggle closer. Naruto-kun, he’s actually home....The shock wore off and she turned a light shade of pink with embarrassment. Then the name rang in her head again. “N-n-Naruto-k-k-kun?”
~_*_~
A/N: Haha, call me evil for leaving you at such a cliffhanger. In actuality, I have to go check up on my little brother, and I felt bad not getting this out to you sooner. Before the questions arise, let me explain two points:
1) The OC’ness in Hinata and Naruto is deliberate. I decided to put them back on track a little bit with the way the reacted at their first real, substantial physical contact.
2) The A-rank mission is a given. I mean come on, Naruto disappears for six years in training with one of the Legendary Sannin, masters the art of keeping a henge up for extended periods of time, and kills Kisame with Jiraiya? Puh-leeze, this should be no problem. (Right? Right?) I know Naruto likes to work his way up to the top, but I need another way to introduce his newfound strength.
3) And the NaruHina has begun. Sorry it took so long.

[uchiha123123]

nice dude i am intrested again

[Akamaru]

Very nice its really interesting ^_^

[Crimson]

....What can I say?...Another chapter I liked ^^...And it actually made me laugh...:^^:

[Tohno Takaki]

now you have to bring our the next chap of that. it was awsome. way better than the last one

[Kaden]

Wow, um....*grins* thanks everyone

[uchiha123123]

you rock

[HyuugaHinata]

That was great! I really liked the ending part. It was cute x3.

[Kaden]

“N-N-Naruto-k-k-kun?”

~_*_~

Naruto sighed and dispelled the jutsu with a big poof of smoke. With regret, he let go of Hinata and stepped back, his head down and his hands in his pockets. “Hai…. Hinata-san.”

Hinata stared at Naruto and a smile graced her face. He has grown so much in the past six years! She remembered the comfort and security that she felt when his arms circled protectively around her and a slight blush crept onto her face.

“A…..HEM! Not to break up this nostalgic reunion or anything but…..there is the mission still at hand.” Tsunade said. She grinned an evil grin at the duo and placed her hands on her hips.

“Hai. Sorry Hokage-sama.”

“Yeah, yeah Obaa-chan. Got it.”

“NARUTO!”

~_*_~

Time passed relatively quickly when the two shinobi left the….temperamental office of their Hokage.

“Hold on a second Hinata-chan.” Naruto said. He molded some chakra.
“Henge no Jutsu.” Naruto became Riku Shana once again and opened the gate of the Hyuuga Manor for Hinata. She blushed but walked on through.

The Hyuuga Clan was well known for being prestigious and quiet. At town councils, their pale dull eyes betrayed no emotion and the spoke quietly. There was no doubt however, of their strength in the way of the shinobi and in politics. The Hyuuga Manor was a physical state of their power in Konoha. Naruto resisted the urge to keep checking over his shoulder to see if he was being watched.

Hinata sensed his uneasiness and reached out to rest a hand on his arm. The manor is a cold place. Naruto has not been inside the courtyard before. I should have expected this. She felt Naruto relax under her hand and she withdrew it and stood before the front door. Neji appeared from the shadow.

“Neji nii-san, I have returned to speak with my father.”

“Of course Hinata-sama. Your father is in his study. Who is this?” Neji said. His pale eyes focused in on Naruto.

“Riku Shana.” Naruto said. His tone gave nothing away.

“This is my partner on my mission. Tsunade assigned him to me….for back up and my protection. Hinata said. Neji nodded and opened the front door to the Manor, motioning them through.

~_*_~

“And the Hokage-sama gave you this mission specifically?” Hisashi said. He stared out the window of his writing alcove, hands clasped behind his back.

“Hai father. Riku-san and I should be back in a couple months time. Just in time for the Kyuubi remembrance ceremony and the festival.” Hinata said. She felt Naruto tense up at this comment, but resisted the urge to look over at him.

“Riku-san, I trust that you will protect my daughter on this mission. You will write to me once a week with details on how the mission is going and how she is doing.” Hisashi said.

“Hai Hisashi-sama.” Naruto said. He bowed.

“Good. You must perform well on this mission Hinata. Your future as clan head depends on it.” Hisashi said.

~_*_~

The pair walked in silence along the path outside Konoha. Hinata was still embarrassed and to ashamed to talk to Naruto. He was nervous but angrier at how Hisashi had treated his daughter.

“Is he always like that Hinata-chan?”

“N-n-no Naruto-kun. You must understand being in a clan family is much different then being in a regular family. He is right to keep testing me.”

“You honestly believe all that crapp? I mean, I am not one to talk, having no real family of my own. But still…”

“Ano Naruto-kun. I forgot.”

“Ah, don’t worry about it. I have gotten over it. Besides, I have a real big family back in the village. Hinata! Duck!” Naruto said. He had turned to face Hinata and give her a big smile when a storm of senbon, shuriken and kunai honed in on them. He acted without thinking, tackling her to the ground and shielding him with her body.

“Arigato Naruto-kun. Ano, I’m not very good at dealing with surprises…” Hinata said. She was blushing a slight pink at his proximity.

Naruto reached down and pulled Hinata to her feet. “No, you are perfectly capable of fighting these jerks yourself. But, since I am the perfect gentlemen, I’ll help!” Naruto said with his trademark grin. He twisted her around so they were back to back. “The odds couldn’t be better. I get five shinobi and you get the other five.” He was still grinning and a wisp of his chakra escaped from his clenched hands.

Hinata could not help it, she grinned too. Naruto-kun is…so confident, so sure in our ability to win this fight. I…I…I will fight and do my best not to let him down. She stood on the balls of her feet and expelled a huge breath. “Byakugan!” She settled into a guard stance and lifted her gaze to meet those of her attackers.

“A Hyuuga huh? Imagine how much the boss is going to reward us for bringing her in.”

“None you jerk!” Naruto said. He leaped into the air and punched the bandit in the jaw with a tremendous punch. The other bandits seemed to snap out of their imaginary stupor and rushed in on Naruto. He grinned a small smile and at the last second jumped straight up into the air. The bandits crashed into one another and Naruto landed safely on the outside of the mob. “Heh, need to be better than that!” Naruto said as he crossed his fingers. “Shadow Clone Jutsu!”

The bandits rushed in with kunai drawn. Naruto had never been taught the fine art of taijutsu in a classical sense. Even on his mission with Jiraiya, the Sannin had given up on trying to mold the young man’s boundless energy into a standard taijutsu form. Instead, Naruto’s form seemed somewhat like a mix of raw power and intense focus. He utilized his clones extra limbs and gave out rapid orders, his fighting style described as “controlled chaos.” Dust billowed out around the battle zone amidst the shouts of the bandits and the laughing of one crazed shinobi.

~_*_~

Naruto linked arms with one of his clones and whirled him around in a wide circle. The clone lashed out and kicked two of the bandits within range. Naruto let go of his clone at the height of the spin and the clone shot like a wayward missile towards a fourth bandit, bowling him over and finishing him of with a quick jab across the face.

The two remaining bandits came in from opposite sides and rushed Naruto with kunai at the ready. “I learned this one from Kiba-san, but I’ll add my own twist. Leaf Village Taijutsu: Double Clone Attack!” Naruto said. He conjured a clone and charged the bandits. “Aiyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!” The real Naruto delivered an aerial kick at the bandit on the left while the clone slide tackled the one on the right, breaking his ankles.

Naruto landed and grabbed his bandit by the lapels of his tunic and threw him into the air with a grunt. “Now!” The clone jumped up after the bandit and kicked him in the stomach with a chakra enhanced shin kick, doubling the bandit over and knocking the wind out of him. The bandit crashed back to the ground into a tree. “Heh, that’s right. The future Hokage is here!” Naruto said as he raised his hand in the victory symbol.

~_*_~

Hinata could not see how Naruto was doing because of the dust surrounding his fight. She heard his jubilant shouts and taunts however, and trusted him to remain unscathed. The five bandits surrounded her in a circle and drew kunai.

Hinata had realized that she was not ever going to be as adept as Hanabi or Neji when it came to Jyuuken. She had given up on trying forcing her body to learn those steps and maneuvers. Instead took an unorthodox approach to her fighting style.

Every day for the past year, she had visited the Konoha Library and took out books on dancing and chakra control. She would return to the Hyuuga Manor and shut herself in the study to read these books and pore over the theories. She took detailed notes and slowly, an original fighting style came to life. It was not very distant from the Jyuuken style; instead, it was more graceful and fluid, like dancing. Hanabi had walked in on Hinata’s taijutsu training and had made the comment “….your style reminds me of the kunoichis of old. Before mother died, I would watch her dance, just as you are doing now.”

~_*_~

Hinata blocked the downward slash of one bandit with a high guard. She countered by grabbing the bandits arm and yanking him downwards, driving her knee into his stomach. Capitalizing on his unbalanced state, she planted her foot behind one of his and crosschecked him with an open hand to the throat. He tripped over her leg and fell to the ground. Hinata ducked under a high kick of a second bandit. She let his leg fall on her shoulder and in an explosive movement stood up, tipping him backwards onto his back. She whirled around and blocked another kick from the third bandit with a low guard. Ducking under the bandits counter round house punch, she swept his feet from under him, and palm struck him hard into the ground. The fourth bandit gave a yell and made a downward slash at her shoulder with his kunai. She blocked the attack and shin kicked him twice in the stomach and face planting him into the ground. Hinata resumed her guard stance and centered herself.

~_*_~

A/N: Sorry this took so long! Really I am. I’ve had….some…difficulties here at home, which ended with all my writing stuff being taken away. But, here it is! Personally I think Naruto’s fight is a little mishapish, but he really doesn’t have his own style. And the way they make him fight in the anime is just plain stupid….

[uchiha123123]

are we still having the contest

[Crimson]

Yay! Fighting! ^^....It made me curious though....You wonder if Hinata would actually do that dance and chakra control thing in the show?....It'd be really interesting....and awesome ^^.....

[ayu.chan]

Oh goodness! I haven't been keeping up with this story!
*is ashamed*
I love it. Great job Kaden ^^

[HyuugaHinata]

That was awesome fighting. I love it, too. x3

[Kaden]

“Hinata-chan! Oi, what the heck was that?” Naruto said as he saw the last of Hinata’s attackers fall with a heavy thud.

Hinata turned at the sound of this new voice and proceeded to attack. She spun in the air and delivered a fast spin kick, cracking Naruto one across the face. Naruto spun like a top and tried to regain his balance. A solid kick to the stomach doubled him over and then he was lifted off his feet by an uppercut to the chin.

“Oi! Umph! Whoa! Hey HINATA-CHAN STOP!” Naruto yelled but it was too late, the uppercut sent him soaring into the air and he landed with a hard thud on the ground. Pale lavender eyes with a burning rage were the last thing he saw before darkness overtook him.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

That voice. Hinata knew that voice. She snapped out of her trance and looked down at Naruto’s unconscious form. “Naruto-kun!” She ran over to him and dropped down her knees beside him. “Naruto-kun I’m so sorry! Please wake up!” She cradled his head in her lap and ran her fingers through his spiky blonde hair.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Naruto awoke and groaned when he opened his eyes. Every single bone in his body felt like it had been badly bruised or possibly broken. “Oh yeah, that’s right. Hinata chan beat the living daylights out of me.” He sat up slowly and cringed when the cold compress fell onto his stomach. “She took care of me huh?” Slowly and with fluent mutterings under his breath Naruto got to his feet. “Oi, Hinata-chan where are you?”

“Ano, I’m right here Naruto-kun.” Hinata said softly from somewhere in the gathering darkness.

Naruto walked carefully to the other side of the fire and sat down next to Hinata. She was wrapped up in a blanket and her hair covered her face, but Naruto knew she was refusing to look at him. Gently he took her in his arms so she was situated between his legs and her head was resting against his chest. “Sssh Hinata-chan, it’s okay, I’m okay.” He whispered in her ear.

Hinata started when Naruto pulled her into an embrace but his hold was tight and she could not go anywhere if she tried. Not that she wanted to. After a couple minutes, her tears resided and her eyes became heavy.

“Go to sleep Hinata-chan, I’ll still be here in the morning.” Naruto said as he felt her body drop and fully relax into him.


A/N: I apologize for the lateness of this update and the shortness of it. I am trying to make up on all the lost time for my writing. I wrote a lengthy chapter for Black Moon and Falling Snow, so my energy is fading. I promise the next update will be better. As always, review and let me know what you think!

[ayu.chan]

Awww... That was worth waiting for in my opinion :)
You're an excellent writer ^^

[HyuugaHinata]

That was cute ^_^. Short but still great.

[Kaden]

That was cute ^_^. Short but still great.

yes it was I love it so much .

Awww... That was worth waiting for in my opinion :)
You're an excellent writer ^^

Thanks everyone. Promise the next update will be longer. If you have requests pm me or drop a line!

[uchiha123123]

dude you talent never stops

[Kaden]

Naruto opened his eyes and then shut them. He cracked one eye open and looked around. The clearing remained as silent as a church but something seemed off. He felt Hinata shift and her head lolled to his shoulder, still fast asleep.

Naruto shifted so his hands slipped behind her back but he still appeared to remain asleep. In practiced rapid motions, he formed a series of hand signs.

The jutsu came at half strength because his eyes closed but Naruto found seven chakra signatures scattered around the clearing. He tapped on Hinata’s back in a short sequence.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hinata sighed and snuggled back deeper into the warmth behind her.

She felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her and she tensed. Her cousin Neji had taught her to call up the Byakugan without hand signs and saw Naruto’s famous chakra signature wrapped around her. She relaxed but other signatures were on the fringes of her vision. She felt a tapping on her back and concentrated on it.

One, two rapid, three rapid, one….repeat. Enemy shinobi around…..enemy shinobi around…

She sighed and snuggled deeper into Naruto while she dropped her hand to the inside of his leg. She tapped out a response. Acknowledged. Plan?

Tap, tap, tap, and burst. Make breakfast grab weapons.

Acknowledged. You?

Hinata felt Naruto wrap his arms around her and squeeze before he rose to his feet. After a couple minutes, she yawned and stretched. She smiled at him and murmured a soft greeting.

Hinata stirred their feeble fire. She reached for her bag and drew out some cooking utensils. She saw Naruto walk over to his jacket and feel if it dried during the night. She saw him fiddle with the lining and pockets before he slipped it on. She watched him tie on his head protector and walk over to him

His eyes twinkled and a huge grin crept across his face.
Hinata’s heart melted and she forgot about the impending ambush. She had forgotten how beautiful that smile was and how his twinkling eyes made her heart flutter.

“Hinata-chan…”

Baka! He had caught her staring at him like a schoolgirl. She blushed and ducked her head.

“Hinata-chan look at me…please?”

She looked up and Naruto’s eyes changed to a navy blue. She bit her lip to hold in a gasp. Gone were the mischievous fun loving eyes, she stared into a darker side of Naruto that she had never known existed. She gripped the kunai tighter in her bag and smiled up at him.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Naruto flicked his wrist while he stared deep into Hinata’s pale lavender eyes. He wanted to forget the rage that he drew up around him, the excited growl of Kyuubi and sweep her up in his arms to kiss her senseless. His shinobi’s instincts kicked in at the sound of a scream of pain and he threw another kunai. He saw to of the seven-chakra lines dim and disappear. The other five exploded from the edges of the clearing and he leaped up to meet them.

With a savage yell, he drove his knee into the sternum of the first shinobi he met and heard the man’s ribs crack. He dropped back down to the ground and tackled another shinobi. The rage grew inside of him and his feelings for Hinata grew until they became painful. He shattered the third’s shinobi’s kick with a kick of his own and chopped him across the throat.

Naruto ducked under the spin kick from a shinobi to his left and trapped the shinobi’s foot with his knee. He pushed up and out and the shinobi’s ankle and knee cracked. He fell with a scream of anguish and Naruto stabbed him with a kunai. He rolled aside as the last shinobi aimed to kick him and stood to his feet. Hot tears streamed down his face and he threw the bloody kunai at the last shinobi. The man fell dead.

Naruto dropped to his knees and shook as chakra poured off him in intense blew waves. The chakra spiraled in an intricate criss cross web and tightened around him. The chakra ascended until it spun twenty odd feet above him and shook as if a strong wind blew upon it. In an instant, it strengthened and turned a fiery red. At the peak of the spiral, the strands came together and a ghost-like version of Kyuubi’s head appeared.

“Naruto….”

The tone would send chills down any person’s spine. Malice, poison, fury and death whispered in the typhoon of the intense spiral of chakra.

Naruto remained unfazed.

“What do you want Kyuubi?”

Compared to Kyuubi’s whisper, Naruto’s tone sounded tired and beaten.

“You toy with me…let me out and stretch my limbs…allow me to terrorize the valleys with my mere presence. Let me sink my claws into the shinobi of the Hidden Villages….allow me to exterminate the village Hidden in the Leaves…”

Kyuubi’s voice came from everywhere. A lover’s chilling whisper in the chakra typhoon.

“Sleep again Kyuubi until your time has come. Go back to your fretful slumber and let your demonic eyes to rest. The time has not come for you to walk this world again.”

Naruto’s voice rang out in the storm. His tone cracked the chakra spiral and the strands burst apart. The demonic red chakra fell and swirled around Naruto. He closed his eyes and the chakra seeped into him. He opened his eyes and stared at Hinata.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[Soul]

kwl 10/10

[Kaden]

Chapter Eight:

Sweat pounded off Naruto’s face as he ran through the woods.

“Kill her. She’s tying you down and holding you back.”

He ran faster and took off into the safety of the canopy of the trees. The presence still loomed behind him and it burned the back of his neck.

“You know this to be true little one.”

Naruto drew two kunai and threw them backwards over his shoulder. He heard the primal yell from the presence and poured more power into his legs.

“To resist my power is futile. Become one with me.”

Naruto shuddered and tried to think of another plan to escape from the venomous voice. He felt know kunai, he had used them all to fight of the presence earlier in this almost pointless struggle.

“Give me your mind and body…now.”

The presence struck out and tore through Naruto’s jacket and into his muscled back. He ignored the pain and put it in the back of his mind. Action. Distraction. Death. He needed a well thought out plan, but that took time and he did not have time.

“Gwaaaah!”

Naruto dove to the side and fell off the tree branch as the presence struck out again. He fell and the windfall cooled his feverish skin through the tears in his jacket. He landed on his feet and broke out into a run again.

“Naruto…”

Naruto kept up his pace but cocked his head to the side. That voice did not belong to the presence…it belonged to Hinata!

“Naruto come back to me. You have been asleep for days now. Come back to me please.”

Naruto turned and met the presence as it charged at him. He watched the bestial fury in its eyes increase to the point beyond feral rage as he steeled his own.

“Is this your form of surrender?”

“Don’t think so.”

Naruto rolled to the side as the presence lunged at him, its fangs bared. He got to his feet and poured his chakra around him in a whirlwind of pressure.

“Makai Hinote! (Hell Fire Jutsu)”

The chakra formed a searing form of attack and defense, and Naruto planned to use this new technique to its fullest. The presence snarled and backed away, out of the jutsu’s radius.

“You dare to use my chakra against me?”

Naruto poured more of his chakra into the jutsu and increased the pressure along with the range of the jutsu.

“Bites doesn’t it?”

The presence changed form and became larger.

“You may be the vessel in which my power is contained, but I am the one in control. I am the lord of your body and mind.”

Naruto closed his eyes and clenched his fists. He opened them again and his blue eyes shone like a pale fire. The jutsu curled around his clenched fists and he glared at the presence.

“Kyuubi you are a former lord from a different world. Here in this place I am the one in control.”

Naruto charged at Kyuubi and leaped high into the air. He watched as Kyuubi swirled red with his chakra and opened his mouth. A large ball of chakra exploded from his mouth and hurtled at Naruto. He countered and slammed a fist forward. His hand sliced through the chakra ball and he slammed his other fist down Kyuubi’s still opened throat.

“Kia, release!”

The chakra around Naruto’s hand exploded and Kyuubi exploded from deep within.

Hinata stroked Naruto’s sweaty bangs away from his eyes and cradled his head in her lap. After the intense debate between him and whoever appeared in that wild chakra typhoon, Naruto had collapsed into a semi-conscious state. Hinata had expected this and performed simple healing jutsu. Naruto had responded and his vitals had stabilized but he appeared to be in a coma or inner battle of sorts.

“Say you love me

every

waking moment,

turn my head

with talk of summertime...

Say you need me

with you

now and always...

Promise me that all

you say is true -

that's all I ask

of you...”

Hinata softly sang to Naruto in the hope that he would calm down. His breathing seemed to even out a little and his face lost some of the tension. She smiled and took his hand in hers in a tight embrace.

“Come back to me Naruto…

Naruto stood and looked up at the sky as the last wisps of Kyuubi’s chakra presence disappeared into the light breeze.

“Just remember Kyuubi, I am in control.”

The wind picked up and the leaves struggled to stay on their branches.

“For now….”

“….and always.”

He stared up into the now clear sky and breathed in as deep as he could. The clean air filled his lungs and he relished this feeling of peace.

“Hinata-chan I know you can’t hear me. You’re somewhere out in the physical world and I’m trapped here in my mind for now, but I love you. I really do. I love your smiles and the special one you’ve reserved for me. I love your eyes as they twinkle at the times we spend together and the crazy antics being done back at the village. I know you’re watching me right now and I couldn’t be happier. The most beautiful kunoichi is taking care of my body.”

Rose petals from a nearby tree scattered in the breeze and Naruto smiled.

“I’m safe here in my mind. The world and all of its politics can’t touch me, which brings me a great sense of peace. My dream was to become Hokage, but that’s not my destiny. Or rather, that destiny seems to be eluding me. I’m a shinobi, a warrior, the rock in the many storms. Baka, what’s with me? Hinata I’d just like you to know I love you.”

Naruto closed his eyes and felt the landscape shift around him.

“I’m coming…hold on a little longer.”

Naruto smiled as he felt Hinata’s fingers make their way through his unruly hair.

“Ello’ Hinata-chan.”

He twisted his hand and kissed her palm and then sat up. He chuckled at the soft “eep” she made and the light blush tinging her cheeks.

“Naruto are you alright?”

Naruto stood up and stretched his body as far as it would go.

“Never better.”

He turned and smiled down at her. He held out his hands in an offer to help her to her feet. Electrical sparks ran through his fingertips when she placed her hands in his. He pulled her up to her feet and then started to gather his things.

“We’re actually not that far behind in the time frame of our mission. I say we’ve only lost about a couple hours of travel. What do you think?”

He fought back a grin at the shock on Hinata’s face and then jumped backwards into a tree branch as she charged him.

“Naruto Uzumaki get down here right now so I can beat you senseless.”

He grinned at her and wagged a finger.

“Those aren’t the words of a dignified lady from Konoha now are they?”

“Well for just this one night pretend I’m not a dignified lady and get down here.”

Both of them blushed at her words and Naruto so Hinata hang her head.

“Hinata-chan look at me. I know you meant well and I would never do that to you.”

“Thank-you Naruto-kun.”

A comfortable silence settled down on the pair. The sun started to rise to the noontime position.

“Come on now Hinata-chan. As much as I like staring at you without you noticing, the day is wastin’ away.”

He smiled as the tension fell off her and she nodded.

“Hai.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A/N: Well there is the next chapter. I don’t know if I played it out right, but it makes sense in my head. What do you think?

Recap: The young oblivious couple is on an A-rank mission to assassinate the Fire Lord’s political rival. They have countered and defeated two roving groups of rogue-nin/bandits. After the last group Naruto loses control of his iron grip of Kyuubi and they meet face to face in a chakra typhoon. This chapter picks up on the ensuing battle in his mind.


Chapter Nine:

Naruto flitted between the trees and edged closer to the Fire Lord’s rival’s compound. The thick stone walls loomed above him and the shinobi guards patrolled without breaks. The only way in the compound was through the gates or over the wall and the politician made both damn near impossible. Naruto’s eyes gleamed and his fingers twitched, he loved a challenge.

“Hinata-chan, are you ready?”

“Hai, whenever you’re ready.”

Naruto charged chakra into his feet and flew over the wall. A guard gave a yell of surprise and swung a katana at him. Naruto ducked with a grin and twirled the guard around in a circle until his face met a wooden support pole. The guard’s nose broke and he fell unconscious to the wall’s floor.

“I heard that all the way from here Naruto! How do yo expect us to get in without raising the alarm?!”

“Ah, Hinata-chan, you’ve forgotten that I never was much for stealth. Let’s crash the place and start a party!”

“Naruto I swear if you…”

With a huge grin on his face, Naruto dropped off the wall and into the courtyard…right into a company of shinobi guards.

“Hiya fellas.”

He capitalized on the guard’s momentary confusion and slashed two with his katana. The guards snapped to combat readiness when their comrade’s blood splattered their uniforms and faces.

“Hai!”

Naruto parried a katana stroke and countered with a hilt smash to the guards face. He rolled to the side and cut a guard from belt to chin. The aerial spray of blood blinded another enemy shinobi’s vision, which allowed Naruto to flit to the outside of the circle. He kicked a shinobi aside and shoulder checked another over his back. Another shinobi fell after a couple strokes and the rest stumbled backwards. Naruto grinned a wolfish grin and rested the katana over his shoulder.

“You know this dance is no fun if I don’t have any partners….”

The shinobi paled and a few visibly flinched.

“You’re…a…demon!”

Naruto closed his eyes and called forth some of Kyuubi’s chakra. His whisker marks widened, his fangs appeared and when he opened his eyes, they were red.

“Now what would you say that for?”

With terrified glances at his appearance, the shinobi dropped their weapons and fled. Naruto shook his head and strolled down the empty lane.

“How’s your end going Hinata-chan?”

“Considering all the guards are closing in on your position, very well thank you.”

Naruto’s grin widened at her dry sarcastic tone.

“Now that’s not a very nice thing to say.”

“I think the comment fits the scenario very well thank you.”

“See ya soon.”

The gate to the inner courtyard closed with a loud boom and the defiant orders of the enemies’ chain in command resounded on top of the gates wall.

“Party poopers.”

Naruto flexed his hand and the Rasengan chakra swirled around in his palm. A glint appeared in his eyes and he sprinted towards the gate. He thrust his arm forward and with a loud savage kia, rendered the gate to splinters. Without a break in his stride, he flipped backwards onto the gates wall and dispatched the shinobi.

“Knock knock. Or is it too late for that?”

Naruto dropped down to the inner courtyard and strode up the grand staircase to the main front door. The doors gave an ominous groan and opened. He stepped inside and gave the doors and expectant nod. They agreed to his silent humorless wish and closed with a sharp click behind him.

“Way too cliché. When I meet this dude we’re going to have a serious talk about the whole classic bad guy role.”

Naruto walked around the first floor of the mansion until he saw light down at the end of the hallway. He crept towards the door and kicked it open.

“Fire!”

No less than three dozen kunai and shuriken flew from the opposite end of the room and hit Naruto. The clone exploded in a puff of smoke. Naruto stood on an upper balcony in the room and leaned against the railing.

“Now I know I came here uninvited and all, but is that any way to treat house guests?”

The guards looked up with surprised looks on their faces and then looked back at the door.

“You’re supposed to be dead years ago! The stories said you died on a training mission with Lord Jiraiya and….”

Naruto raised his arms and shrugged his shoulders.

“Sorry to disappoint. You’re the major player on the political field against the Fire Lord no?”

The old man straightened his shoulders and threw back his head in a haughty manner.

“I am.-”

Naruto flickered and appeared behind the old man with his katana thrust into his back.

“You talk too much.”

Naruto withdrew the katana and flipped towards the center of the room. He drew his katana in front of him and crouched low to the floor. His red eyes flickered to all the shinobi guards around the room and he dared them to attack him. None of them moved and they threw their weapons to the ground. Naruto stood up and walked backwards out the door. When the door clicked shut, he sprinted down the hallway and crashed through a window. He flipped in the air, landed on his feet, and slammed his hand into the ground.

“Wind Rasengan Shockwave!”

Blue tipped wind raced across the inner courtyard and upended anything in a twenty foot radius. Naruto’s head snapped up and he took in the damage of the jutsu. A guard hung off a hook in the wall, another lay strewn across a food cart and the rest lay on the ground at various angles.

“Hinata-chan are you alright?”

Naruto raced across the shattered courtyard and out the gate into the outer courtyard. Hinata stood in the center of the courtyard with two kunai in her hands facing off against two cloaked shinobi. His eyes widened as he took in his surroundings that looked like the courtyard he just vacated.

“Great balls of fire what the hell happened here?”

The clang of steel against steel drew him out of his reverie and he saw Hinata dueling the cloaked shinobi. He jumped forward only to feel red hot searing pain through his abdomen. The next minute he was flying through the air and he met the cold stone floor with a hard thump.

“My the dead sure do have a hard time staying dead. Welcome back Naruto Uzumaki”

Naruto craned his neck up to see another hooded man standing over him a bloody scimitar in his hand.

“Cat got your tongue there Naruto? Here, let me loosen it for you!”

The man swung his scimitar in a vertical arc down on Naruto’s head and clanged against the stone. The clone exploded and the man jumped backwards with a pained fill yell as the flames burned his arms and hands.

“You were always so eager to draw first blood Red Moon.”

Naruto stood behind Red Moon with his hand on his blood stained abdomen and his katana in a loose grip in the other.

“And you never could take a hit like a real man Naruto Uzumaki.”

Red Moon turned around and drew his katana upwards. Naruto put both hands on his katana as the stab wound on his abdomen healed.

“Guess there’s no running away for either one of us this time is there?”

“No, no chance.”

Naruto met Red Moon’s violent thrust and parried it to the side. He struck him with his elbow and aimed a slash for his side. Sparks flew in the bloodied night air and both men grunted as their swords collided.

“What do you want Red Moon?”

“You’re headband on my wall and your katana in my trophy case.”

Naruto leg swept Red Moon and thrusted downwards. Red Moon rolled to the side and slashed behind him.

“Not goin to happen. This time I make sure you die.”

The air thickened as Naruto’s chakra level rose. The slash at his leg struck Naruto’s chakra dome and glanced aside. Naruto reached down, grabbed the blade and pulled Red Moon up to his face. With a quick thrust, he stabbed the shinobi through the stomach.

“Gwaaaah! Ugh…”

Red Moon coughed up blood and gargling noises came out of his throat. Naruto pulled his katana upwards and to the side. The blade point came out just under Red Moon’s shoulder and he fell lifeless to the ground.

“Tell Kaden his days are numbered.”

A/N: Sorry, that it has taken me SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long to update. I really do apologize but my creative writing class took up all my writing time. Anyways, that was the first chapter that really used the “M” rating this story is posted for. The next chapter will visit Hinata’s duel with her two mystery shinobi.


Chapter Ten:

Hinata twirled the kunai in her hands and her eyes followed the cloaked shinobi as they circled her. Their scimitars gleamed in the moonlight and their cloaks were a vibrant red. They resembled fairy tale villains from storybooks she read as a child.

“Hyuuga heiress your orders are to come with us. Please don’t make us hurt you.”

Hinata scoffed and her nose scrunched up in disgust. How dare they order her around just because she was a woman.

“And I’m giving you orders to stand down before I’m forced to dispatch you.”

The cloaked shinobi moved as one and struck from opposite sides. Hinata twirled and blocked both scimitar strokes. She knew they were baiting her into using one of the Jyuuken moves but she would not give them that satisfaction.

“Give it up Hyuuga heiress there is no way you can win.”

Hinata charged at one of the cloaked shinobi, struck him with a three hit combo, and left a slice in his tunic. She flipped out of the way, as the partner tried to hit him from behind and her leg swept him. The shinobi hit the ground with a thud and before the shinobi could stand up, she rendered him immobile with four rapid stabs to the major joints of the body.

“You heartless witch!”

She rolled to the side as the wounded shinobi’s partner tried to kick her off. The shinobi attacked with huge powerful sweeps of his scimitar and Hinata blocked each stroke with deft flicks of her wrists. When a particular violent stroke made the shinobi vulnerable, she countered with a quick front kick to the shinobi’s stomach.

“Ooof!”

The shinobi stumbled back and raised his scimitar to ward off a follow up stroke but left his lower torso unprotected. Hinata slid on her knees and stabbed him in both kneecaps. She stood up, knocked his face sideways with a powerful smash of her elbow, and doubled him over with a knee to the stomach. She smashed the butt of one of her kunai’s into his neck and with a cold smirk heard the shinobi’s neck snap.

Clap. Clap. Clap. The noise echoed off the courtyard walls. Hinata spun around in a circle and crossed her kunai in front of her in a high guard.

“Well now, that was quite a show. The Hyuuga clan sure has not dulled in the area of combat. Although, that wasn’t the traditional clan fighting style now was it?”

A large man dropped to the courtyard floor and stood up. The familiar red cloak shrouded his form but Hinata could still discern the massive muscles and barn-door wide shoulders.

“Yeah, they’re still known for kicking butt against ignorant ruffians if that’s what you’re asking.”

Indescribable warmth flowed from the pit of her stomach as Naruto’s voice carried from somewhere in the blood and battle torn courtyard. She saw the man flex his muscles, draw an over-sized scimitar from the scabbard on his back, and twirl it in large elaborate patterns in front of him.

“Ah, I would recognize that voice from anywhere. The famous container for the infamous Nine Tailed Fox Kyuubi…..Naruto Uzumaki.”

Hinata struggled to maintain her emotionless expression. Naruto was the container for Kyuubi? She scolded herself for the momentary lapse in focus and gripped her kunai tighter.

“Seems that my foxy counterpart is just as famous as I am. Aiya!”

A flash of blonde spiky hair flew over Hinata and clashed with the man’s scimitar. Naruto stood in a fierce sword lock with the man that dwarfed him by half a foot. The man shoved Naruto off as if he was an annoying fly and walked towards the center of the courtyard. Hinata maintained the same distance between him and her.

“Naruto Naruto Naruto. Why didn’t you just die like you were supposed to?”

Naruto crossed in between Hinata and the man with his katana poised.

“What do you want Bruno?”

The man name Bruno gave a hearty laugh and his eyes gleamed with an untold lust for Naruto’s blood. He took a menacing step closer and slashed the air with his scimitar.

“Just like what Red Moon said earlier, your headband on my wall and your katana in my trophy room.”

A lesser man would have cowered before the menace in Bruno’s voice but Naruto took a step forward and grinned his famous toothy grin. The grin that he flashed his enemy in recognition of his skills. The grin that he flashed before he beat his enemy senseless. The grin that made Naruto who he was. Hinata could not help the small smile that crept onto her face.

“And just like I said earlier, that isn’t going to happen.”

Lightning crashed down into the courtyard followed by a resounding boom of thunder. The air sizzled with electricity and heat but neither of the combatants noticed. Bruno took the initiative and infused his scimitar with chakra before he swung at Naruto’s midriff.

“Scimitar Spin!”

Bruno’s scimitar appeared to split in two as a bright blue copy spun like a scythe at Naruto. Hinata calculated the defensive maneuvers and blocks in her head. Naruto could block with his katana and let it snap in half or he could dodge and…let the jutsu come at her. Neither sounded appealing to Hinata and she got ready to dodge the jutsu if it came at her. Instead Naruto surprised her and let a shadow clone absorb the blow. How stupid of her to think that Naruto would let the jutsu hit her.

“Nice move. Now it’s my turn.”

Naruto flickered in and out of eyesight and struck Bruno. Bruno seemed to be expecting this and blocked all of the sword strokes aimed at him.

“When do you ever learn that old moves won’t work if you’ve already used them on an enemy?”

Naruto reappeared in front of Hinata again.

“Maybe it looks the same but why don’t you take a closer look?”

Hinata strained her eyes to see the effect of Naruto’s attack and her eyes widened. Bruno was covered in exploding tags on all of his joints. Bruno chuckled.

“A different variation I see. Now what? You are going to blow me up into little bits in front of your girlfriend here?”

Naruto grinned and shook his head. He sheathed his katana behind his back and placed his hands on his hips.

“Nope, that would be too inhumane. You are going to decide if you are blown to bits or not. Move one step and you’ll trigger the release mechanism on the starter tag.”

Bruno’s smile faltered and turned into a scowl.

“Clever Naruto. But I think I’m going to call you on that bluff.”

Naruto shrugged his shoulders.

“You’re call.”

Bruno’s face contorted into an expression of rage and he charged forward with his scimitar high above his head and a loud battle cry erupted from his throat. The exploding tags on his legs went off and he stumbled forward. Naruto moved so fast Hinata did not register what was happening until she heard the soft snitk of a blade piercing the body through armor. She focused her gaze on the two men and saw Bruno leaning in on Naruto and Naruto’s hands all bloody.

“Tell Kaden to leave the Hyuuga Clan alone and that his days are numbered.”

Bruno’s eyes widened in surprise but closed as death came upon him. Hinata could only stare as Naruto withdrew his katana and Bruno fell to the ground at Naruto’s feet.

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Hinata sighed as the cool compress washed away the bloodstains on her arms and she wrung it out before she washed away the grime on her neck. She and Naruto had left the compound and raced through the treetops until the sun started to rise in the sky. Without speaking any words, they agreed to set up camp in a hidden canopy far above the main road leading back to Konoha.

“I’m sorry you had to see that Hinata-chan. And I’m just as sorry you had to hear the awful secret of my past from the enemy instead of from me.”

Naruto’s soft apology rang around in circles in her mind. He had retreated into the shadows of the canopy foliage on the other side of their resting spot. Questions whirled around in her mind and her hands shook from the tremendous nausea in her stomach.

“Well I guess we have to complete this mission as a team, otherwise our teamwork in the future will be compromised.”

Hinata kept murmuring that to herself as she walked across the thick branch and pushed aside some of the foliage to Naruto’s hidden retreat. A smile formed on her face as she saw him sleeping with his arms tucked behind his head. She turned to leave.

“I’m sorry Hinata-chan.”

She closed her eyes and willed her erratic heart to return to normal. His tone was soft and filled with regret that she forgot to pretend to be angry with him. She turned and let the foliage close behind her as she stepped further into the alcove.

“There’s nothing for you to be sorry for. You didn’t ask for Kyuubi to be sealed in you and you protected me last night. Thank you for that Naruto.”

Hinata saw Naruto’s face contort with what she imagined to be pain and regret but it was only for an instant. The emotion disappeared back into his stoic and unreadable mask she imagined he picked up on his travels years ago. How she wished she could still read him like a book and find the right thing to say like she used to.

“But now you feel repulsed by me like the rest of the village. When we get back to Konoha I’ll leave you be and you want have to go on any missions with me anymore.”

Hinata’s heart broke at the pain in his voice that he tried hard to conceal. Nineteen years of abandonment shown clean through his mask of indifference and before the thought finished registering in her mind she knelt beside him and cupped his cheek in her hand.

“No! Please don’t say that Naruto-kun, I wouldn’t want that. I don’t care if the Kyuubi resides in you, I know you’re not like him at all.”

Naruto’s eyes shot open in surprise at her remark and at her touch.

“Hinata-chan, you’re the heiress to the most prominent and powerful clan of Konoha. The effects of being around me on your ascension to clan head would be devastating. I can’t…no won’t let that happen. You’re destiny of being clan head was yours since you were born.”

Tears welled in Hinata’s eyes and she pulled away from him. Naruto smacked himself in his head as the meaning of his outburst registered in his mind. He sat up and knelt before Hinata.

“Don’t get me wrong Hinata-chan, I cherish every moment I spend with you and live for the smiles you send my way. However, I’m the village outcast and well, in time possibly the destruction of the five Hidden Villages, as we know them. The Akatsuki is always one-step behind me so I can’t really make you mine without the thought of them using you to get to me. I care way too much for you to let that happen.”

Hinata looked up and lost herself in his passion filled blue eyes. She saw the pain, regret, and hope swirling there and wondered for a moment how he could be so full of life with all the responsibility resting on his shoulders. But only for a moment.

“Do you mean all that Naruto-kun?”

Naruto inched closer to Hinata and his lips were a breath away from hers.

“Every fricken word.”

Her breath hitched and she glanced at his eyes and then down at his lips, wondering for another moment if he realized the position he put them in. The next moment confirmed her question when his soft warm lips pressed against hers in the briefest of caresses. Her eyes closed and a sweet sigh escaped from her throat. She opened her eyes and saw his eyes looking back into hers with a twinkle in them.

“You call that a kiss Naruto Uzumaki?”

Naruto chuckled and pressed her onto her back on the canopy floor. He hovered above her with is arms supporting his weight.

“Nah, I just wanted to make sure you weren’t going to slit my throat with a kunai for trying.”

A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes but she looped her arms around his neck and played with the hairs on the back of his neck.

“I’ve waited since we first started the Academy for you to kiss me.”

“Guess we should make up for lost time then eh?”

She couldn’t respond before Naruto kissed her again but this time lingered long enough for her to kiss him back. He traced her lower lip with his tongue and she groaned at the sensation while allowing his tongue to explore the contours of her mouth. A breathless moment later, he rested his forehead against hers and stared deep into her eyes.

“You definitely should have kissed me back then Hinata-chan. If I knew every kiss was going to be like that I wouldn’t have wasted so much time fooling around.”

Hinata smiled up at him and pressed a chaste kiss against his lips.

“I think it was well worth the wait.”

Naruto grinned and reached behind him to pull a bedroll and blanket from his back. He rolled over and Hinata fell onto his sturdy chest. She giggled and he pulled the blanket over them. Another sigh escaped her when he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her body as close to his as possible. A feeling of complete protection overcame her and she grasped his shoulders in her fists.

“Sweet dreams Hinata-chan.”

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A/N: Well there you have it. Another chapter, which I hope, makes up for my ignoring this story for such a long time. As always, let me know of any concerns or questions you may have a thanks for reading!


Chapter Eleven:

Naruto awoke to a weight on his chest and soft breathing on his neck. He opened his eyes and saw blue-violet hair fanned out across his chest and ivory skin melded into his own copper tanned skin.

“Morning Hinata-chan.”

He maneuvered until Hinata rested against their knapsacks and the blankets covered her form. A rare smile crept across his face but he turned outwards to begin his meditation.

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Hinata stirred and snuggled deeper into the warm cocoon she was wrapped in. Wait…she was on a mission…how could she be this safe? She opened her eyes in fright but relaxed when she saw Naruto’s spiky blonde hair. His back was to her and it became obvious he was in a deep meditation. She watched him and took in his muscles and form through his black tank top.

“Like what you see?”

Naruto’s deep soothing voice snapped her out of her daze and she blushed. He hadn’t turned around but had sensed her watching him.

“Ano Naruto-kun.”

Naruto chuckled and stood up with his back still to her. He stretched his arms over his head and took in a deep breath.

“Have a nice rest Hinata?”

She smiled to herself and looked down at her hands.

“Yes I did. Did you? I didn’t see you next to me…I mean…”

Naruto turned and sat down beside her.

“I slept well and definitely liked holding you.”

His face split into a wide grin and his eyebrows wiggled. Hinata couldn’t help the blush that spread across her face. However, a teasing light sparkled in her eyes and she met his gaze.

“And you make a wonderful pillow.”

“Well then, with that said, care to accompany me on the rest of the mission milady?”

Hinata nodded and made ready to pack up their mini camp when she was spun around flush against Naruto’s body. Her surprised lavender eyes met with his blue ones.

“Uh uh.”

Hinata smiled up at him.

“Convince me.”

His eyes widened but then a dark shade of blue overcame them. He bent down and kissed her neck in a feather light caress. With deliberate slowness, he kissed his way up to her jaw.

“Convinced yet?”

Hinata’s eyes were lidded, her breathing ragged and her knuckles white from gripping his arms so tight. Sensations wound to a halt when he stopped his ministrations and she whimpered. She came back to her senses and met his dark eyes.

“Fine.”

She stood up on tiptoe and kissed him. He grinned as he pulled away and dropped his embrace.

“Why thank you my dear Hinata. My day can continue now.”

He turned, grabbed his jacket and disappeared to the other side of the canopy. Hinata stared at the spot in anger but the happy feeling won and she packed up her belongings with a small smile on her face.

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Hinata dropped to the ground outside the main road to Konoha. She fitted her attire and wiped a bead of sweat off her face. Naruto moved fast through the day and Hinata refused to complain. Naruto turned back to her and grinned.

“Um…Naruto-kun?”

“Yeah?”

“What are we…I mean why don’t you change back to your normal form?”

Naruto turned back to look at her.

“I am supposed to be dead.”

Hinata’s eyes widened but she knew not to press the issue at that time and place. She nodded and headed through the gate to her home. Neji sat by the door waiting.

“Hinata-san, I’m glad you’re home.”

He rose and bowed.

“Riku-san my uncle would like to see you.”

“Please extend my apologies, for I have a meeting with the Hokage-sama.”

Neji nodded his head and steered Hinata through the door by her elbow.

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“I trust your mission went well Hinata. Neji where is Riku-san?”

Hinata fought not to lower her head at her father’s easy dismissal of her in the scope of bigger things.

“I am sorry to report that he had a prior engagement with the Lady Hokage.”

“Please send a dispatch to him that I’d like to talk to him as soon as possible.”

Neji bowed and shuffled backwards to kneel at the back of the room.

“Is your mission report finished Hinata?”

“Hai father. Riku-san has taken it to the Lady Hokage.”

Hiashi looked up from his writing and studied his daughter. A warm light passed through his eyes and he steeped his fingers.

“If my memory serves me well, your eighteenth birthday is next week. I think your mother would’ve have wanted you to have one. Please make preparations and inform me of them.”

Hinata ran over to her father and flew into his arms to give him a hug.

“Thank you father.”

She bowed deeply after releasing him and exited the room.

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Naruto climbed the staircase and stood before the Hokage’s office. He wiped the grin off his face and opened the door.

“….will attacks off the shores by the eastern end and we will land a regiment by the hour. We will back up the Sand-”

The emissary stopped talking as Naruto’s presence became known. The emissary gave a haughty sniff and collected the documents on the table. Tsunade rolled her eyes. Jiraiya cracked a smile and Gaara’s eyes narrowed.

“Honorable Hokage, I did not know you had another meeting.”

Naruto glanced at the emissary and leaned back against the wall.

“Please excuse my forgetfulness. This man has returned from an extensive mission vital to Konokohagure. Perhaps we could continue negotiations and talks over a nightcap?”

The emissary sniffed again, bowed and left the room. Gaara parted ways with a curt nod and the other council members remained seated.

“Riku-san, interesting timing as always.”

Tsunade plopped into her chair behind her desk and drank from the ever-present sake bottle.

“Lady Hokage perhaps you could explain to us who this man is?”

Naruto fought the urge not to roll his eyes.

“This is a rather private meeting. I’m sure Tsunade and I can handle this debriefing.”

Jiraiya’s tone remained carefree but the underlying tone of disdain was evident. Tsunade nodded and the council left the room with furious glances at Jiraiya and curious ones at Naruto. The door closed but no one moved.

“Here.”

Naruto tossed the mission report on Tsunade’s desk.

“What? No words of-”

Naruto opened the door, ignored Tsunade’s comment and left. He strode down the hallway and burst out the doors. Doves scattered and took to the air in his wake.

“Riku-san grab hold of yourself!”

A large hand grabbed his shoulder. Naruto turned around and shook off the hand.

“Jiraiya leave me alone. I cannot trust a man who breaks his promises.”

He turned and walked off.

“You are one to talk. When are you going to really show yourself?”

Naruto stopped cold. He closed his eyes. Show himself? He would do that when the time came and on his terms. He turned around eyes opened with a demon red glare.

“I live the lie for the protection of Konoha. I live the lie to make sure who I am is dead. This lie is of my doing but also of the nature God has given me.”

Jiraiya flicker and stabbed Naruto with a sealing kunai in the back. Naruto exploded in a puff of smoke.

“Clever.”

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Naruto climbed the jagged rocky path and stood atop faded ruins far above Konoha and the Hokage monuments. The wind tore at his clothes and made his skin raw but Naruto let loose the anger in his veins.

“Gwaaaah!”

Blue-violet chakra erupted from his body and halted the wind around him. Random tendrils formed into intricate webs that flowed around him.

“Kia. Release.”

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A/N: So what do you think? I’m trying to move the story along and fill in the gaps as to what happened with Pervy Sage and Naruto during those six years. Suggestions as to where to go next with the story? Don’t worry, Hinata’s birthday, Sasuke’s debut, and more on what the emissary was talking about are coming up. Thanks for reading!


Chapter Twelve:

The wind gusted across the mountain top and let loose it’s fury on the land’s features. A combination of sand, snow and earth whipped against the trees and rocks.

“Kami this eternal storm is more aggressive than the legends say.”

An old white-haired man wrote in a small notebook and glanced outside of the cave he resided in. His gaze drifted over to his apprentice turned adopted-son.

“Come on kid, snap out of the dream already.”

The old man stood and stretched his limbs. He walked further into the cave, sat down and stirred the fire. The embers crackled and relinquished tiny sparks. The amber glow cast light on the possessions of the two hardy travelers. A large walking staff leaned against the cave’s wall with a knapsack beside it; two slender metallic black katana’s rested against the wall and had a similar knapsack beside them as well.

“Mmmm.”

A groan from the other unconscious traveler drew the old man’s attention. Blue chakra rose from his apprentice’s body and turned red. A fox head appeared and snarled at the old man.

“Lord Jiraiya what is the meaning of the antidote you have coursing through this kit’s veins?”

Jiraiya chuckled and drew a drag from his pipe. He exhaled with a grim smile and cocked his head to the side.

“Tsk. Tsk Kyuubi. The antidote is a precautionary measure against your and the boy’s chakra outbursts. What are you doing to him by the way?”

“I’m showing him what would have happened if he had returned to Konoha two months prior.”

Jiraiya grinned and looked down at his apprentice’s face. Sweat beaded his brow and his bare upper torso. The blanket was bunched in some areas and the boy turned every which way.

“Not a good homecoming then?”

Kyuubi gave a menacing growl that reached deep into the cave and beyond into the caverns.

“He would have died at the hands of the young Uchiha and the Hyuuga heiress would have committed seppuku.”

“Good thing we didn’t return then. Care to tell what the homecoming would be like in a couple of hours?”

Kyuubi grinned a sadistic smile that passed as a warm one in human expressions.

“Much better old man.”

The red chakra returned to the blonde boy’s body and the normal golden hue returned to the boy’s skin. He shook his head, groaned and opened his eyes.

“Some dream huh Naruto?”

Bright cerulean blue eyes met with humor filled brown ones.

“Some dream Ero-sennin, some dream.”

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A/N: No I did not lose my marbles. A sudden idea came to me last night when I was reading some other Naruto literature. Please just roll with it because I didn’t like the original homecoming I had written.

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Naruto shifted the straps of his knapsack and peered down at Konoha from his perch atop the Hokage Monuments. Jiraiya stood beside him and laid a hand on his apprentice’s shoulder.

“Easy Naruto. Your chakra is going to eat away at your skin if it goes any higher.”

Naruto turned and looked at his sensei. He nodded, closed his eyes and forced his chakra back to normal. Still, his fingers twitched and out of reflex drew his twin katana’s from his shoulder sheaths. He twirled them in his hands and his gaze returned back to his former home.

“Nothing’s changed sensei. At least from the way it looks from up here.”

Konokahagure remained nestled between the Hokage Mountain and the fire touched grassy plains to the south. His eyes feasted upon the sprawling metropolis nestled in with surrounding nature. Memories flashed before him as his eyes landed on old landmarks. Fighting Kakashi in the Genin training field. Standing before the Forest of Death for his second examination of the Chunin Exams. A nostalgic feeling settled in his gut as his eyes landed on the Hokage Tower. Just how was Tsunade-chan holding up with the paperwork and governing Konoha?

“I’ve left this place many times kid and every time I come back…you’re right, nothing has changed.”

Naruto closed his eyes and reached his senses out over his old home. He sensed the wheel of fire old Sarutobi had once preached about, the low hum of Konoha’s heartbeat and the thousands of chakra signatures of individual people in Konoha.

“Kid I don’t want to upset your homecoming but we have a slight issue to take care of…”

Naruto turned and looked to where his sensei pointed. A mob was converging on a traveler’s caravan. The caravan pulled into a defensive circle but it became obvious that the measure provided little protection. Naruto looked up at his sensei.

“I know we said your homecoming was to be a secret because of the complications of our training mission but….”

“I get it Ero-sennin. I’ll wear my mask.”

Naruto handed Jiraiya his pack and jumped off the mountain face. The wind whipped at his clothes but the adrenaline rush more than made up for the cold. He flipped over in the air and his feet slid along the rocky surface of the mountain side. He poured chakra into his legs and with a mighty leap landed in the middle of the fray.

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“Aiya! Kitsune for Kyuubi!”

Naruto’s battle cry startled the people in the frantic melee and for a precious moment all movement stopped. He capitalized on this and knocked out the nearest attackers. He saw the forehead protectors of the Hidden Rock village and his blood boiled. Shinobi attacking a civilian caravan was dishonorable and an act of war.

(A/N: See? Told you I would incorporate some of the other things in here…..remember what the emissary said…)

“What the hell? Who is this idiot and why is he wearing a mask?”

A large man with a bigger battle axe shouldered his way to the front of the mob. His cold green eyes bored into Naruto’s intense blue ones and he gripped his axe a little tighter.

“A Leaf shinobi huh? Too bad you came alone. Take him men!”

The moment passed and the melee resumed. Naruto drew his katana’s and blocked the barrage of shuriken, kunai and a few senbon. He flickered and mowed his way through the Rock shinobi holding the woman and children prisoner.

“Earth Style: Bull Rush!”

An overeager rock shinobi performed a series of hand signs and earthen bulls came up out of the ground and charged Naruto. He dropped his center of gravity and brought his katana up into a double cross guard. When the first bull was in range, Naruto infused his katana’s with chakra and sliced the bull clean in half. He didn’t yield any ground as the rest of the bulls charged him. Dust rose from the destroyed bulls and Naruto flashed across the ground

“Hey! What the heck happened to your jutsu?”

The jutsu caster looked startled and shrugged his shoulders in response to his comrade’s question.

“Behind you!”

Naruto spun and kicked another rock shinobi in the head which rendered him unconscious. His katana hilt smashed into a rock shinobi’s throat and the man fell clawing at his closing wind pipe. Naruto glided to the side and parried a kunai slash. He slashed the man’s arm and shoved him aside.

“Who the hell is this guy!?”

Naruto whirled, twirled and swirled(A/N: Sounds like a little kid I know but still….) amongst the remaining rock shinobi. Cries of the wounded, cries of revenge and jubilant cries from the caravan travelers filled the air along with the grunts of shinobi and the clash of steel meeting steel. The last of the Rock shinobi underlings fell with a stab through the right lung, his wordless scream etched for forever onto his face and Naruto stared down the man with the battle axe.

“You’ve got some skill boy. Too bad your talents are wasted with the Leaf Village.”

Naruto twirled his katana’s and placed the left side of his body forward in an aggressive stance.

“My name is Soulless from the Hidden Rock Village. What is your name?”

Naruto didn’t answer and closed his eyes as the wind caressed his face.

“My my. Didn’t your sensei teach you the proper etiquette of battle? Exchanging names is one of the few pleasantries exchanged between two shinobi before they duel.”

“My name is Naruto Uzumaki from the Village Hidden in the Leaves.”

Soulless blanched but recovered and a wild grin crossed his face.

“The same Uzumaki that defeated the Kizuke Fourth Battalion last week?”

Naruto nodded.

“Then the pleasure is all mine Naruto Uzumaki. To the death!”

Soulless threw down his battle axe and drew an oversized scimitar from beneath his crimson red cloak. (A/N: Duh Duh! Ring any bells?) He charged in and with a savage yell he brought down his scimitar on Naruto’s head. Naruto shifted his stance and shoved the blow off to the side. A furious foot battle went on as both men fought for the dominant stance. Naruto won and scored an elbow smash to Soulless’s jaw which sent him backwards a step.

“First blow to you Uzumaki!”

Soulless appeared to be undaunted by the blow and ran in.

“Earth is with us. Earth gives me strength. Earth is my ally and protector. Earth Style: Dust Storm!”

The battleground became a blinding dust storm and the caravan traveler’s lost sight of the duel. They groaned in disappointment and were forced to take shelter in their wagons.

“Aiya! Kitsune for Kyuubi!”

Naruto’s voice rang out from the billowing dust storm and blue chakra flashed out like lightning. Naruto rolled out from the storm and made a series of hand signs.

“Wind Style: Wind Reversal!”

The storm blew as if in a tight constricted tunnel and Soulless once again flew back onto the ground. The wind-fueled dust tore at his skin and he cried out in pain. The jutsu wore off and Soulless rose to his feet. His skin was rubbed raw and blood flowed from cuts on his skin.

“Nice trick Uzumaki. Earth Style: Earthen Army!”

The ground shook and up from the ground rose earthen clones a hundred strong. Half the army jumped into the traveler’s caravan and seized the traveler’s while the other half remained between the two shinobi.

“What now Uzumaki? You release another area devastation jutsu like before and you’ll kill the stupid commoners. You try and rush in and my earthen army will make mincemeat of you.”

The battlefield was silent and all the players stood as still as stone. The traveler’s fear filled eyes looked at Naruto and Soulless leered at him. Naruto’s trademark foxy grin crept onto his face underneath his mask and his eyes twinkled with anticipation. He sheathed his katana and crossed his fingers over one another in an x formation.

“Never pick on the innocents Soulless. It leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of the foolhardy hero. Multi-shadow clone Jutsu.”

Two thousand Naruto’s dotted the battlefield and drew their katana’s.

“Aiya!”

The clones leaned forward at Naruto’s raised katana,

“Kitsune!”

They stampeded forward when he pointed his katana at Soulless.

“For!

The third part of the battle cry was taken up by the clones as they decimated the earthen army.

“Kyuubi!”

The wild charge stopped and the Naruto’s surrounded Soulless.

“Naruto!”

Soulless was kicked high into the air.

“2K!”

Soulless flew higher still as a multitude of punches rocketed him higher.

“Uzumaki!”

Soulless crested a hundred feet from the ground as the clones grabbed his tunic.

“Barrage!”

Four thousand legs pummeled him down into the ground. The clones landed, saluted the real Naruto and poofed out of existence. Naruto drew his katana’s an lowered himself into another guard stance. Soulless rose to his feet and hovered above the ground, dark earth swishing around him.

“Hahahahaha! Well done Naruto Uzumaki! You are truly as great as the rumors say!”

The bubble of dark earth whipped faster around Soulless and a wind storm picked up.

“But I am Soulless of the Hidden Rock Village. I will not be defeated by such a childish move. Come! Let us come together in a furious clash of power! Show me your real power Uzumaki!”

Naruto sheathed his katana’s and closed his eyes. He walked down a familiar sewer tunnel and kneeled, head bowed before the ominous Iron Gate.

“Sifu Kyuubi I ask for your power once more. Please give me your strength.”

Burning red eyes glared from behind the sealed gate and a low growl echoed throughout the chamber. The monstrous demon fox, Kyuubi walked to the gate.

“Naruto Uzumaki. It has been a while since you last came to visit me. Why do you desire more of my power?”

Naruto placed his hands in front of him and bowed lower still.

“Sifu, an innocent band of traveler’s are being attacked by a shinobi from the Hidden Rock Village. I have destroyed the underlings and fought the leader to a standstill. His chakra levels have increased and I do not have enough of my own chakra to defeat him in this next blow. I ask…no, beg of you to give me a sliver of your power to protect the traveler’s and Konoha.”

“You are too kind hearted for your own good Naruto Uzumaki. But your selflessness has touched me. I grant you my power!”

Naruto opened his now demon red eyes and let Kyuubi’s chakra overwhelm his senses. The air around him crackled with a killing intent and wisps of red chakra circled him. Chakra swirled in the palm of his left hand and became double the size of a normal Rasengan. He locked his gaze with Soulless’s and leaped in the air towards him.

“Aiya! Kitsune for Kyuubi! Odama Rasengan!”

The two shinobi met high above the traveler’s caravan in a clash of pressurized chakra. The windstorm and earth rained down on the caravan and a agonized shriek of pain filled the battleground. Soulless tumbled to the ground and caused a crater to be formed on impact. Naruto dropped to his feet and turned his head away. Although he held the Demon Fox inside of him, his own gentle nature hated the thought of killing someone.

“Go. Continue on your way to Konoha. You will be safe when you are inside the city’s walls.”

An elder stepped down from the caravan and knelt at Naruto’s feet.

“My son, what is your name? We wish to know so we can spread the deed of your heroic act all throughout Konoha.”

Naruto knelt so his eyes were level with the elder’s. He grasped his shoulders and helped him to his feet.

“Elder, my name is not important. My only duty is to protect those who are in need. Please, return to your family and enter into Konoha.”

Naruto turned and flickered away.

“Peace be upon you young hero. May your deeds not go unrewarded.”

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Naruto sat and assumed the lotus position next to his sensei atop the Hokage Monuments. He closed his eyes and meditated upon all the events and words of the battle.

“They are on their way to Konoha?”

“Yes sensei.”

Jiraiya smiled but his eyes remained closed.

“Something is troubling you Naruto. Want to talk about it?”

Naruto hung his head and sighed. He had become expressionless over the past six years out of necessity, but his sensei could read through the mask.

“I visited Kyuubi in the height of the battle to request a portion of his power. He granted it to me and me…I…got carried away with his…my killing intent…again.”

Naruto whispered the last part. He had opened his connection to Kyuubi through constant mediation and had learned to ask for his power. If he didn’t and forced Kyuubi to give him his power, Naruto would end up drained and incoherent for a brief period of time. At these times Kyuubi would plague his mind with memories of his rampages and destruction or wouldn’t heal him. If he did ask and power was granted to him, Naruto would be allowed to sit in meditation and ask questions of his demon.

“And?”

Naruto shuddered. The image of his hand burning its way through Soulless’s upper torso remained distinct in his mind.

“I…almost obliterated him.”

Naruto would ask Kyuubi of the extent of his powers and ask to learn new jutsu’s or moves. Kyuubi was always willing to teach, but his methods and jutsu’s were…frightening. Over time Kyuubi had taken pity on Naruto and slowed down his teaching pace and became more gentle in the memories and moves he taught. When Naruto saw an article in a village’s newspaper of several of his friends from Konoha, Kyuubi had let him glimpse the event.

“Jiraiya-sama, I’m afraid. The latest dream I had was a mix of happiness and…sadness. What if those events actually happen? What if I’m not strong enough to face my enemies or Konoha’s enemies?”

Jiraiya turned and took hold of Naruto’s shoulders. The young blonde opened his eyes and stared deep into the old man’s.

“Naruto, Kyuubi has allowed you to see glimpses of the past, present and future of his…precious people and your own precious people for a reason. I don’t know why and from what you’ve told me neither do you. Embrace this life and enjoy it to the fullest. Be merry and drink a lot of sake when the times are right. Find a woman that captures your heart and hold onto her like no tomorrow. Don’t dwell on these troubling issues too much right now. Our homecoming is 200 hundred feet away.”

Naruto smiled at his sensei. Once his initial immaturity gave out, Naruto had grown to learn that Jiraiya’s perverseness was his escape from the trouble of the world. The old man before him had become the closest thing to a father he ever had and Naruto fought tooth and nail for the old man’s respect and for the old man’s privacy. He nodded at the sage’s wise words and stood up.

“Come sensei, I think Obaa-chan has been neglected for far too long.”

The old man grinned and rose to his feet to stand by his apprentice.

“Hai.”

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Naruto dropped his and his sensei’s packs off at the bag check house outside Konoha’s gates. He refused to part with his katana’s and claimed Jiraiya needed his walking stick to move around when asked to hand them over. Jiraiya whispered something in the baggage check man’s ear and the man gave a happy nod while waving them through. After a brief cordial chart with the Chunin gate guards, the long lost duo stepped into Konoha for the first time in six years.

“Ahoy! Home at last!”

Naruto grinned at his sensei’s wide open arms and childish antics but his own eyes twinkled at the up close sight of his hometown.

“Sensei, I think we should…”

“…get your butt into my office now!”

The two men came to sharp attention as a busty blonde woman’s voice rang out behind them. Both winced as she gave them a stinging slap on the back of their head’s and walked in front of them with her hands on her hips.

“I thought I told you two to send a messenger hawk with a letter to inform me of your arrival. Know what I get instead? An inter-nation report stating a young blonde leaf shinobi massacred a platoon of rock shinobi outside Konoha’s walls!”

Jiraiya grinned and leaned on his walking stick. Naruto fought not to let a wild grin creep onto his face at the sight of is adoptive aunt rating and raving and creating a scene in the middle of Konoha’s main shopping square.

“Oi Obaa-chan, it’s good to see you too.”

The woman refused to let her heart win in public so she punched Jiraiya clear across Konoha into her office where he landed in a heap on the floor. She made to grab Naruto’s ear but her hand reached up to his shoulder and he grinned down at her.

“Sorry Obaa-chan, I’m too big for you to do that now. However, I would be honored if I could escort you back to your office. It would be a shame if you were to be attacked on your way back by lecherous men.”

Naruto offered her his arm and when she looped her arm through his, walked down the street to the Hokage’s office.

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“So seems as if you’ve grown into a handsome young man Naruto.”

Naruto sat on the couch in the Hokage’s office and smiled back at Tsunade. She sat behind her desk with a proud affectionate look in her eyes now that they were in private. Jiraiya sat in a wooden chair to by the window and smoked his pipe.

“Hai. He wouldn’t have survived if he didn’t.”

Tsunade looked stricken at this news and pulled up the mission reports on her desk of their time out in the world.

“There’s nothing serious written in here besides some border disputes and rogue nin attacking your camp on occasion.”

Jiraiya turned and leveled his gaze with Tsunade’s.

“Tsunade did you think we would put the important details in there? Naruto has killed Kisame of the Akatsuki and the Fire Lord’s main political rival. The latter was killed when we spent the night at the Fire Lord’s compound and he asked us to perform the deed while we were eating dinner. My spy network has filled me in on the news of Itachi’s death by Sasuke and of Hidan’s dismemberment by Team Asuma. Yes, we know of Asuma’s death and we paid our respects.”

Naruto’s mind glazed over as the major part of the past six years was brought to light and a feeling of sadness, anger and powerlessness overcame him.

“Naruto?”

Naruto’s head snapped back up.

“Hai Granny Tsunade?”

Tsunade looked worried while peering at him over her desk.

“You looked troubled for a moment there. What’s on your mind?”

Naruto didn’t want to lie to his adoptive aunt but couldn’t bring himself to tell her of his own personal struggles. Jiraiya saw the familiar look in his eyes and placed a hand on his old partner’s shoulder.

“Ano Tsunade-chan, give the boy a rest. We’ve been debriefed and our old lodgings are beckoning to us. Naruto’s been through a lot and I for once would like him to sleep without him protecting someone.”

Tsunade gazed at him with a saddened expression and nodded her head. She waved a hand towards the door and blew her nose on a tissue.

“Go. I expect you two ready for missions in two days time.”

The duo bowed and shuffled out the door. Shizune appeared from the corner of the room and gazed at the door they left out of.

“What happened to them…no him Tsunade-sama?”

Tsunade sniffed and with a teary gaze shook her head.

“I don’t know Shizune. Something happened that dampened the carefree light in his eyes.”

The pair of woman reminisced a while longer but after a long cry returned to their administrative duties.

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Naruto opened his eyes and stretched from his make shift bed on the floor. His bed seemed too soft and luxurious to him since his travels on the world’s multi-textured surface so he slept on a bedroll on the floor. Sunlight peeked through the slats in the blinds and the noises of a bustling Konoha filtered through his apartment’s walls. He grinned and rose to his feet. He had slipped into his apartment late last night after the debriefing session in the Hokage’s office and fell into a dead sleep the minute he reached his old bedroom. His apartment was clean, results of Konoha’s maintenance crew and he fingered the familiar belongings. The sound of his front door’s lock turning snapped him from his reverie and he dropped into a low guard stance.

“…he’s not here bill board brow. Shikamaru said he might have returned last night.”

The door swung open and a pink and blonde haired kunoichi’s made their way into his living room.

“Yes so what? He promised me he’d return so I thought I’d leave a housewarming pres…”

The girls bickering halted as they saw Naruto leaning against a support column in his kitchen with his arms crossed across his chest and grinning at them.

“Naruto!”

A flash of pink flew into his arms and her slender arms grasped him in a tight embrace.

“Hello Sakura-chan.”

Naruto’s deep voice rolled across the apartment and he held onto his teammate in a tight embrace also. He grinned at the stunned blonde and cocked his eyebrows.

“Not going to welcome me home Ino?”

The blonde blushed and closed her mouth her reverie broken. She had taken in Naruto’s taller, broader, more muscular form and she shook her head. Checking Naruto out wasn’t in her line of business.

“Welcome back dobe.”

Naruto released Sakura and nodded at Ino. He walked over to his window and opened the blinds to let the morning’s sunlight in.

“So, how have you two been?”

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A/N: No please don’t kill me for the backwards leap in the stories progress! I really struggled whether to re-write the beginning like I just did or continue on with the original story line. I finally decided to settle on this new chapter for a couple reasons.

1) The original plotline wasn’t going anywhere. Argue if you will, but it was becoming WAY too much fluff. Their wasn’t progression at all.

2) With the skirmish outside Konoha as the stories new opener it allows me more direct approaches to the main conflicts and such. I now have the political as well as physical and emotional sides to work with.

3) Plus this one is just sooooooooooooooooooooo much cooler. Naruto is more like himself and the story just has a more dramatic feel.

As always I’m open to suggestions or you can just read for the enjoyment of reading. PM me, e-mail me or post a review and I’ll take in all suggestions. Thanks again and I pray this sudden twist in the story won’t discourage anyone from reading.

~Kaden-san

P.S: Did I explain the dream part well enough? All that happened before was a dream in Naruto’s mind….and we’ll get to see how that plays out. Don’t worries, Hinata’s birthday will still be there….


Chapter 13

The reunited teammates of Team 7 and Ino strolled down the street, laughing, joking and catching up on the previous six years. Naruto would detach himself from the girls from time to time and have animated conversations with his old favorite vendors and merchants. After a brief overview and his trademark grin, the old merchants would sell him ninja gear.

“Hey Naruto, come back here for a second.”

Naruto bowed away from the elderly scroll woman and popped up by Sakura’s side.

“Hai Sakura-chan?”

The kunoichi handed him a poster that held the Kyuubi festival on it. The concealed emotional mask slipped into place and he met Sakura’s gaze.

“So what’s up? Just a flyer about the Kyuubi festival.”

Ino leaned in closer to get a better look into Naruto’s eyes and her spy training kicked in. Even Sakura’s medical observatory skills noticed the dull twinkle in Naruto’s eyes.

“Well, the festival starts tomorrow and continues on into next week. Since your arrival is bound to create a bigger stir than it already has, why don’t you make an appearance?”

Naruto handed the flyer back to her and shook his head.

“Ne, Sakura-chan, I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

He looked up at the sky and let the slight breeze cross his face.

“But Naruto-”

“Gomen. I have somewhere to be. Excuse me.”

Naruto flickered away and left the kunoichi in the middle of the market square.

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Familiar surroundings mixed in with nature’s solitude make any shinobi feel at ease. Kakashi Hatake visits the memorial stone, the Sannin to the archives, Sakura to the park bench or Naruto’s apartment and two shinobi meet at the Genin training field.

“Hey there training posts. Glad to see you haven’t changed.”

Naruto stood with his arms behind his head and stared at the three wooden posts before him.

“Seems as if my apartment and you are the only things that haven’t changed. All my old friends have grown up; the village has sprung up overnight and…”

He trailed off in his monologue and turned around, kunai at the ready.

“Ano Naruto-kun…”

Naruto lowered the kunai and cocked his head to the side.

“’Ello Hinata-chan.”

Pale lavender eyes met his own intense blue and the air temperature rose a couple of degrees. Naruto broke the gaze and stared at the ground as memories of his latest vision flashed before his eyes. Hinata’s lips against his. The smell of her hair. The heat of her body pressed against his own.

“Naruto-kun are you alright?”

His eyes snapped open and he realized he was on his hands and knees. He utilized every ounce of self-control he had been taught and willed his body to stop shaking.

“Hai…Hinata…chan.”

He clambered to his feet and leaned against the middle post. Hinata stood before him now and his breath caught. She was even more beautiful in person then in dream form. Gone was the bulky jacket and black pants. Instead, her slender form was covered with a shimmery white kamino that signified her single and pure status.

“Wow…the vision doesn’t even compare.”

Hinata shook her head and blushed.

“Um what are you talking about? What vision?”

Naruto shook his head this time.

“I said that out loud didn’t I?”

She giggled and he fought to retain the sound in his memory. The tension broke between them and Naruto’s manner lessons kicked in. He bowed low to the ground and waited for her reply.

“Why are you bowing? Please don’t. Please stand up.”

Naruto rose and smiled a real smile for the first time in a long time.

“Forgive me milady, but my initial greet lacked poise and manners in saying hello to a-”
“To a friend. Please Naruto-kun there is no reason to bow. I would hope we could remain friends and not let formalities come between us.”

Naruto bowed his head and shook it.

“Milady, you are of noble status while I am a street orphan. Jiraiya-sensei would be furious with me if I forgo my manners.”

“Normally I would Naruto but in this instance you’re wrong. The Lady Hinata has extended you an offer of friendship and I suggest you take it.”

Tree leaves rustled and the frog hermit landed on his feet. He bowed his head in Hinata’s direction and hurled a kunai at Naruto.

“On your toes boy!”

Naruto twisted to the side and a playful glare was in his eyes.

“Wondering when you were going to attack old man.”

Jiraiya reached behind him and pulled out his walking staff and a short sword. He flickered and disappeared to reappear in front of Naruto with a slash of both weapons. Naruto exploded in a poof of smoke and Jiraiya chuckled.

“Come out Naruto, it’s time for a lesson.”

In a whirlwind of leaves, Naruto appeared at the edge of the training field with Hinata in a protective embrace. The young woman blushed but did not voice any objections. Naruto lowered her to the ground and shrugged off his rusted red jacket.

“Lady Hinata, you are welcome to stay and watch the lesson between my apprentice and I, if you so desire.”

Hinata picked up Naruto’s jacket and walked over to the shelter of the trees.

“Oi! Sensei! Heeeaaaads uuuup!

Naruto charged in with both his katana’s at the ready.

“Foolish young apprentice.”

The blonde spun and made a series of rapid hand signs.

“Wind Style: Wind Slice.”

A razor sharp gust of wind spun from the boy like a scythe and honed in on his sensei.

“Toad Wall Summon!”

The wind struck a solid intestinal wall of a toad and the excess tore into the trees. Jiraiya leaped over the all and clashed with his apprentice.

“Overeager today Naruto-san.”

Both men grunted against the strain of the deadlock.

“I’m feeling lucky today Sensei.”

The men released the weapon lock and jumped back.

“Fighting for the Lady’s favor Naruto-san?”

Naruto growled and Hinata blushed. Jiraiya slammed his staff into the ground and met his apprentice’s gaze.

“Aiya! Kitsune for Kyuubi!”

Naruto swung low and high at his sensei. When the blades connected with his sensei’s he shifted his stance and rolled along the ground. He twisted his blade to the side at the last instant and grazed Jiraiya with the unsharpened edge of his katana. He completed the roll and bounced to his feet.

“Why did you switch blade sides Naruto?”

Both men stood in a guard stance.

“I couldn’t cut you sensei.”

Jiraiya nodded and stowed his weapons. Naruto did the same.

“Did you tell her Naruto?”

Naruto shook his head and stared at the ground.

“Are you going to?”

Once again, Naruto shook his head.

“Not until I understand the vision sensei.”

“Very well then. Our usual spot in an hour?”

“Hai sensei.”

Naruto bowed and Jiraiya walked off. Naruto remained in the position with his hands clasped in front of him and his mind on over-drive. He could feel Hinata’s eyes on him and he turned to face her. He couldn’t bear her gaze and he dropped to his knees with his head bowed.

“Forgive me milady.”

Hinata knelt beside him and placed his jacket by his waist.

“I cannot forgive you if you don’t tell me your trumped up wrong doing.”

I do not deserve your kindness. Not for the pain I have caused you.”

Hinata tucked her feet underneath her and fought the urge to run a hand through his hair.

“Please tell me.”

“I killed your mother milady.”

Hinata gasped and looked down at him.

“No, no you couldn’t have. Kyuubi killed her eighteen years ago.”

Naruto shook and his fingers dug into the ground.

“I am the Jinchuuriki for the Kyuubi milady. His past sins are now my own. I’ve seen the rampages he went on and the destruction he caused.”

Hinata took her hand away from her mouth and gave him a curious but warm glance. It became clear now as to why he wouldn’t accept her friendship and couldn’t meet her eyes. Other pieces of the puzzle that was Naruto Uzumaki fell into place. His inhuman stamina, healing abilities, and chakra levels. Why the village hated him so much.

“Naruto-kun look at me.”

“I can’t milady.”

“Please.”

Naruto shook his head. Hinata grasped his chin and forced him to look at her. Her warm gaze met his terrified one.

“I don’t blame you for my mother’s death Naruto Uzumaki. I’ve seen the records and documents about the attack. The day Kyuubi attacked and defeated is also your birthday. There is no way the blame could be placed on your shoulders.”

“How…no I don’t deserve this kindness.”

Naruto scrambled to his feet and turned away from her.

“Why don’t you Naruto-kun?”

Her voice wasn’t demanding or harsh. Instead, it was gentle and soft almost as if she was pleading with him.

“You’ll find out tomorrow milady.”

“The Kyuubi festival? Is that what’s bothering you?”

“Hai milady. It is the day where the whole village burns to kill me.”

“You don’t know that. You haven’t been here in six years. I think you would be surprised at the village’s changes.”

Hinata stood and embraced him from behind with her slender arms. She buried her head in his back and took in whom he was.

“Milady?”

“No Naruto. Tomorrow you are going to attend the festival as my friend…and personal bodyguard.”

He tensed but Hinata held on tighter.

“If you wish it milady. But your father and the Hyuuga council-”

“Will accept my choice. They’ve wanted me to have my own bodyguard ever since I became the heiress to be the next clan head.”

Naruto slid out of her embrace, turned and grabbed her shoulders.

“I need to see Jiraiya-sama and you need to return home. If you wish it milady, I will meet with your father and ask him if he will accept this proposition.”

Hinata smiled and nodded he head.

“I would like that.”

“Then return home and be merry.”

He disappeared in a whirlwind of leaves and Hinata closed her eyes.

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Naruto assumed the lotus position by Jiraiya on the Hokage Monuments.

“Everything is well with the Lady Hinata?”

“Hai sensei.”

“And with you?”

Naruto gazed down at Konoha and sighed.

“No sensei.”

Jiraiya opened his eyes and grabbed for his pipe. Naruto handed him an already lit one.

“This vision of yours…is the problem ne?”

“Hai.”

“Care to elaborate?”

Naruto gave up on the meditation and flopped down onto his back.

“I argued with you and Obaa-chan. I heard talk of a war with the Rock Village and other small nations. You broke your promise to me and I was in a henge jutsu for I couldn’t show myself in Konoha.”

Naruto stopped and reflected on his outburst.

“You died by the Uchiha’s hands didn’t you?”

Naruto glanced over at the old man.

“Kyuubi told me some of the…more disturbing details.”

“Hai, the teme killed me.”

He turned to look back at the sky and calmed his nerves.

“What promise did I break?”

“That you wouldn’t drag me into a war and use me as a weapon without my consent.”

Jiraiya sighed and drew a long drag on his pipe.

“Naruto you are a Jinchuuriki of Kyuubi. War is indeed upon us. And you must decide if you will fulfill a part of your destiny.”

“So my destiny is to fight in an upcoming battle that could decide whether the five shinobi nations will go into a Fourth Ninja War.”

“Maybe not fight.”

“Peace talks aren’t my strong point.”

A messenger hawk flew in and landed on Jiraiya’s shoulder. The old man withdrew the message, read it and scrawled out a reply.

“I am needed in a war council. Naruto speak with Kyuubi and ask for insight. Meanwhile, I will argue on our behalf for us.”

Jiraiya vanished on the back of a toad and Naruto sat up. He went into a deep meditation and walked down the sewer. Once more he bowed down before the gate.

“What do you want Naruto Uzumaki?”

Kyuubi growled and his read eyes gleamed in the cages darkness.

“Sifu Kyuubi I come in search for guidance. Konoha is heading towards war with the other nations. What can I do?”

The room was silent for a long time. Naruto began to sweat. What if Kyuubi wouldn’t help him?

“I am a tool of destruction not peace. You need to seek another; a survivor of the previous three ninja wars.”

Naruto took a risk and glanced up. Kyuubi stared straight back at him.

“Someone is alive from that long ago?”

“Do not doubt me boy. I know of a monk who lives in the Cloud Country. That is the man out must seek out to answer your question.”

Naruto moved until he was kneeling and stared at Kyuubi.

“Sifu, I don’t know if I have the time for a mission like that.”

The cage trembled, Kyuubi’s whole face appeared and his chakra overflowed the room.

“You don’t have the time? I have been on this world for two millennia boy. Time is irrelevant and is not bound by human restraints.”

Naruto shielded his eyes from the onslaught.

“Gomen Sifu. What do you have to teach me?”

Kyuubi didn’t answer but cradled Naruto in his red chakra. Naruto closed his eyes and opened his mind.

“Be patient Naruto Uzumaki. Learn from my memories and search for your answer.”

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Hinata rose to her feet and looked out the window in the Hokage’s council room. The war meeting had ended and now the shinobi and councilors spoke of other affairs. Her mind wandered from the room and came to a halt on a certain young blonde shinobi. A smile tugged her lips as she remembered the power she felt when she held onto him.

“Excuse me Lady Hinata?”

Hinata focused her gaze back into the room. A young well-dressed man stood in front of her and gazed down at her. Hinata looked up and took a step back.

“Yes?”

The man hesitated, obvious disappointment on his face at her step backwards. He recovered though and smiled at her.

“My name is Bane Hatate, son and heir of the Lord Tusoph of the Grasslands. I was wondering if I could have the honor of being your escort for the festival your village is having tomorrow?”

“Ano Bane Hatate, but I already have an escort for the festival tomorrow. I am pleased to have met you however and wish you happy tidings for today and tomorrow.”

Hinata curtsied, retreated to her cousin’s, and sister’s side. Neji twitched with laughter and Hanabi raised a delicate hand to her mouth to hide her smile.

“Well said Lady Hinata.”

Neji’s eyes remained blank but his gentle pull on Hinata’s sleeve to pull her near his side spoke volumes of his gratitude on how she diffused the situation.

“Tsk, tsk my elder sister. He had such good facial features and structure. You should have given him a chance.”

Hanabi’s smile betrayed her admonishing tone and she rolled her eyes to emphasize the point.

“Arigato Neji. Hanabi.”

Neji took hold her elbow in his usual gentle grip and steered her out of the room and tower. He let go of her elbow and fell in step behind the two Hyuuga women. Hanabi took this chance and rounded on her sister.

“All right spill! You told father last night you had no escort and that there was no need for one. Who is the guy that changed your mind?”

Hinata didn’t answer and paid for some breadcrumbs from a nearby merchant. She walked on and entered the Hyuuga compound’s garden gate.

“Hinaaataaa come on!”

Hinata sat on the pond’s edge and fed the fish, which nibbled the breadcrumbs from her hand. A messenger talked with Neji and then ran off.

“Hinata-sama, a Naruto Uzumaki and Lord Jiraiya are here by your invitation.”

Hinata smiled and stood up. Careful to smooth out her kamino. Hanabi gasped and spluttered behind her.

“Thank you nii-san. Walk with me?”

Neji nodded and fell in step behind her.

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“You appear anxious Jiraiya-sensei.”

Jiraiya stopped fumbling with his pipe and sighed at the gate to the Hyuuga compound.

“The last time I was here…I created an uproar and I fear I lost favor with the Hyuuga’s.”

Naruto grinned and shook his head.

“Relax sensei. You know they’ll forget all about that when my name reaches their o’ holy council room.”

Jiraiya squeezed his staff and glared at the wall.

“Naruto if they make one crack or remark I swear we can leave.”

“No sensei. The Lady Hinata has extended a most…interesting invitation. Our early departure would be rude now wouldn’t it?”

“Sometimes I regret teaching you manners…”

The gate opened and out came several branch members. They flanked the wall and protruded out in a slight line. Hiashi and the council walked out first, followed by Hinata and Hanabi.

“Lord Jiraiya to what do I owe this pleasure?”

Naruto saw the man’s jaw twitch and he stepped forward in front his sensei. Jiraiya breathed easier and placed a hand on Naruto’s shoulder.

“My my Hiashi, you haven’t changed a bit. May I introduce my apprentice Naruto Uzumaki?”

The Hyuuga council stiffened and Hanabi cocked her head to the side. Naruto bowed but his gaze never lost focus. After a couple minutes of tense silence, Hinata rested a hand on her father’s arm.

“Your apprentice?”

“Hai. He has grown powerful but that’s not what this meeting is about is it Lady Hinata?”

Hinata stepped forward and glanced at the branch members that moved to shield her from the two outsiders. They fell back and muttered their apologies.

“Welcome. Naruto-san will you walk with me please?”

Everyone started at her suggestion. Jiraiya held his staff out in an aggressive stance at the branch members that went to grab Naruto. Naruto raised his hands in surrender and dropped to his knees.

“Um…are you sure that’s what you want to do Lady Hinata?”

Hinata walked over to him and extended her hand.

“Of course I do. We have much to discuss if you’re going to be my escort for the festival.”

Naruto took her hand and got to his feet. He fought hard to retain the shudder at the tingles when their hands touched.

“If you wish milady.”

Hiashi stepped forward.

“Hinata this…man…is your escort for the festival?”

“Hai father. You said the choice belonged to me.”

Hiashi stared hard at Naruto who met his gaze without flinching. A breeze whispered and Naruto smiled a grim smile.

“I shall expect you back no later than midnight.”

Naruto nodded his head.

“Don’t make me regret my decision…Uzumaki-san.”

Hinata nodded at her father, ignored the inquisitive stare of her sister and fell in step with Naruto.

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The couple walked in silence, Naruto not knowing what to say and Hinata waiting to ease his troubled mind once they arrived at their destination. When the arrived at the open field outside Konoha’s gates, Hinata dropped all pretenses and fell into the flowers.

“Relax Naruto-kun. My father and the elders aren’t here to judge you.”

Naruto thanked God for that and laid down next to her, mindful of the distance. How he wished he could do what he did in the vision and hold her close to him. Nevertheless, that’s what dreams are, dreams.

“Lady Hinata.”

“Ne Naruto-kun, just Hinata. I am part of the Rookie Nine, not a porcelain doll.”

“Ano Hinata-chan. Why did you pick me as your escort for the Kyuubi festival? I will be fighting most of the time.”

Hinata picked up a flower and picked off the petals one by one.

“Because you are among one of the strongest ninja in Konoha.” Not to mention I care about you a lot. And that you make me weak at the knees with your eyes and smile…

“Heh, that’s an unproven fact. I haven’t fought Konoha shinobi in a while. I’m sure you’ve all gotten stronger by leaps and bounds.”

Hinata giggled at him. He was so selfless at times.

“I’m sure you’ve gotten stronger Naruto-kun.”

Naruto waved a hand in a dismissive gesture.

“Hey if I have to call you Hinata, then I’m plain ol’ Naruto. And yes I have.”

He closed his fist in the air.

“Well there is a tournament at an abandoned village a couple of miles from here. You can enter if you want…”

Naruto propped himself up on his elbow and stared at her.

“Tournament huh? Who’s in it?”

“Most of the villages’ nin goes. The prize is five thousand ryos.”

His eyes sparkled at the thought of fighting powerful shinobi and claiming the money prize. His eyes flicked down to her and over her body at the thought of her watching him fight. Now that was worth all the training and due pain.

“You going to enter?”

Hinata shook her head.

“The tournament is for male shinobi only. The kunoichi sit and watch with the crowd.”

“Why can’t the girls fight?”

Hinata’s eyes softened at his indignant expression.

“It is a custom. Just like the guy’s can’t enter the dancing competition. This is a…younger shinobi tournament.”

Naruto’s eyes widened at her inference.

“You mean to say a teenage tournament. And dancing. And that stuff…”

Hinata giggled again.

“Hai Naruto and that stuff.”

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A/N: Sorry for the additional wait. I had hoped to get this up on the forum by the end of the school day but we had a MASSIVE rain/hail/sleet/freezing rain/snow storm during the day today so…. Anyway, read and enjoy! And if you so feel like it please review!

~Kaden-san

[Kaden]

Chapter 14

Naruto slung his bag over his shoulder and locked his apartment door. He walked down to the street and pulled his cloak closer around him. His features were shadowed but his intense blue eyes shone like fire from underneath his hood.

“Phew, here it goes.”

He strode down the street, careful to keep to the back alleys and arrived at the Hyuuga compound. Before he could knock, branch members slid out of a crack in the gate and surrounded him.

“What is your business stranger?”

Naruto scowled at them from underneath his hood but remained motionless.

“I am here by the Lady’s Hinata’s invitation.”

He knew how he looked. The cloak clung to his shoulders and shrouded his form, rendering him near indistinguishable. It was a dull midnight black, absorbing light with flecks of orange. He smirked, as the cloak’s full potential was not realized until nightfall.

“We have orders for a few guests to enter. What are you? Who are you?”

Naruto shifted so his face became visible from the depths of his cloak.

“I am Naruto Uzumaki. Where the horizons meet sparks a sunrise and sunset.”

“And from those eternal motions comes the cycle of life and death.”

The Hyuuga has stood down and opened the gate. Neji rose from the courtyard and met him.

“Good afternoon Naruto.”

Naruto shook Neji’s hand.

“Hai Neji. The afternoon is perfect for the beginning of the festival.”

Neji smiled and led him into the main house. The walls were a deep warm brown color and intricate woodwork framed the archways.

“Hiashi-sama would like to meet with you before you leave.”

Naruto’s eyes darkened but he nodded. Neji stopped in front of a sliding doorway and opened it.

“Hiashi-sama, Naruto Uzumaki is here to see you.” (A/N: BOOYAH! Showdown commences….)

“Hai Neji.”

Neji nodded his head at Naruto and slide the door shut behind the tall blonde. Naruto remained impassive, Hiashi wanted this meeting, let him run the show.

“You are Naruto Uzumaki, the man my daughter chose for her escort?”

Naruto removed his hood and stared at Hiashi.

“Why she chose you I do not know. However, this is her choice. If she dies, I am sure you know your life is forfeit.”

Naruto nodded. Did Hiashi not know of his bloodline? Hiashi sat down behind his desk and steeped his fingers.

“What is going on in that head of yours?”

“Do you not know of my bloodline?”

Hiashi peered closer at him and recognition dawned in his eyes.

“You claim that birthright?”

“I have but it chose me as well.”

Naruto pulled his cloak and shirt of his left shoulder. Hiashi’s eyes widened in recognition at the flash tattoo on Naruto’s shoulder.

“Well now, seems we have a deeper understanding then.”

Naruto nodded and pulled his cloak back into place. Hiashi bowed his head in mutual respect and agreement and went back to his writings.

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Hinata peered over at Naruto and sighed.

“You could take off that cloak now Naruto-kun.”

“Hinata-chan please….”

Hinata smiled and tugged his hood down. His skin was soft, not at all what she expected it to be but it was tense beneath her fingertips. Before the rational part of her brain kicked in, she traced his facial features and smiled as he closed his eyes.

“Come on the festival waits.”

Naruto opened his eyes and Hinata lost herself in them. Without a word, he pushed her forward by back in to the festival. She stayed close tom him with a secretive smile tugging at her lips.

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“Didn’t Naruto say he would be here?”

Sakura craned her neck to look around the restaurant again. The restaurant was crowd and noisy but Naruto’s blonde hair was absent from the fray.

“Relax Sakura, if he said he’d be here, he’ll be here.”

Sakura glared at Ino but obliged and slunk into the booth. The Rookie Nine with a few exceptions met at an upscale restaurant every Kyuubi Festival to be together one last time before their lives made them go there separate ways.

“Hey, he’s here now with Hinata.”

Sakura whipped her head around and her eyes rested upon the couple. Naruto towered over Hinata, escorting her through the crowd and used subtle gestures of his body to keep a protective circle around her. Hinata’s eyes could be seen twinkling from where she stood and she had a warm grace about her.

“Wow. Look at them….”

Sakura snapped out of her daze at the sound of Ino’s voice and saw Tenten and Ino gazing at the couple. She turned her attention back to them and fought to control a pang of jealousy. A few minutes later Naruto and Hinata slipped through the well-wishers and talkative patrons and made it to the table.

“Hinata! You made it!”

Ino and Tenten slid over around the circular booth to make room for her. Rock Lee, Neji, and Chouji did the same for Naruto on the other side.

“Arigato Ino-chan. You know I wouldn’t miss this night for the world.”

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The conversation resumed but Naruto hung back and watched the banter between his friends. Although he had not seen them in a few years, his attention kept slipping back to Hinata. The way her eyes sparkled at the new gossip, the smoothness of her skin, and her melodic laugh. He treasured her laugh the most because it brought a freshness and sense of belonging into his now cold, apathetic life.

“Eh Naruto, you going to answer the question?”

“I’d have to disagree. There is no reason for us to go to war with Iwa. (A/N: Iwa is the Hidden Village in the Rock)”

Shikamaru nodded with an impressed gleam in his eyes. Ino looked dumbfounded. How did he hear the conversation when while staring at Hinata? She was sure her ploy would bring embarrassment on the soon to be “IT” couple.

“Let’s get out of here. The restaurants to crowded and noisy.”

The group stood up and Naruto once again shielded Hinata with his body from the crowd. His quiet but commanding presence cleared the way.

“Hey Hinata, might want to protect your man…”

Hinata snapped out of staring at Naruto when Ino squirmed in beside her. Without causing attention to be drawn upon herself she glanced around and saw, many girls staring at Naruto with lust filled eyes. Sudden jealousy overcame her and she slid closer to Naruto until her back was resting against his solid chest. She felt him stiffen, but with their current setting, he could not do anything, much to her satisfaction. A second glance around the exit of the restaurant replaced the jealousy within her with smugness. The women now turned their attention to her and their eyes were filled with jealousy. She smiled to herself because she had told the staring women/girls with her action that Naruto was hers and that she had taken a bold step in her relationship with him. Her cheeks tinted a light pink when one of Naruto’s hands rested on her hip.

“Almost there and then the people can stop staring.”

Hinata jumped when his hot breath blew on her ear and her knees went weak. The group reached the door and the air-cooled Hinata’s flushed face. She turned around to glare at Naruto but found his intense blue eyes already upon hers. The couple was oblivious to Ino’s satisfied smirk and Sakura’s wistful one.

“So…Hinata…we’re going to split up and meet back up in time for the fireworks like usual.”

Hinata wrenched her gaze away from Naruto’s and met Ino’s smug one. She fought the instinctive blush and nodded.

“Hai. That sounds wonderful.”

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Naruto pushed aside the crowd, mindful of the distance between the wild festivalgoers, himself and Hinata. She had said a quick goodbye to the rest of their friends and dragged him down the main street in Konoha.

“Stop with the long face. This is a festival and you are going to enjoy it.”

Naruto smiled at her rather childish reason. Didn’t she know that being with her was enjoyment enough for him? As the memories of their day flashed before him, his eyes twinkled. The staring between them over a late snack. The fact that every time a woman would stare at him, talk to him or come too close to him, Hinata would back up to him until she was flush against him.

“Ooooh look at those flowers. Hanabi would love them.”

Naruto chuckled as he followed her into a secluded square where flowers exploded in vibrant colors. He was as she fingered a black one with gold lines coming out from the center.

“What’s wrong Hinata-chan?”

Hinata turned and looked up at him. When had he moved behind her?

“Oh nothing. This is a rare flower that only blooms high up in the mountains.”

“Why don’t you purchase it then?”

Hinata shook her head.

“No, no. It would be improper for me to purchase a flower like this for myself.”

Naruto watched her move on and when she back was turned, he picks the flower from the display. He caught the clerk’s eye, which came over with a smile and took the flower.

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“Come on Naruto. We’re going to be late.”

“Oi, slow down. Isn’t against the rules for a lady to go skipping down the street?”

Hinata twirled and stuck her tongue out at him. She gave an exaggerated sigh and tapped her foot. Naruto flopped down beside her on the bench and looked up at the sky. The moonlight shone down on Konoha and bathed it in silver light.

“It’s so peaceful.”

Naruto sighed and nodded his head. He saw the messenger hawk flying towards them and he knew the moment was ruined. He saw Hinata’s inquisitive glare.

“Hinata-chan…”

The messenger hawk screeched and landed on Naruto’s outstretched arm. He took the message off, read it and scribbled a reply. The hawk screeched again and took off into the night. Naruto stood and Hinata mimicked him.

“Please follow me Hinata-chan. I need to get you back to the safety of our friends.”

Hinata nodded, er gaze saddened but followed him back into the village square. The air was heavy with a saddened tension and their friends noticed it when they arrived at the meeting point.

“I’m sorry to damper the mood but I must leave Hinata-chan with you for the remainder of the evening. Obaa-chan wants to see me right away.”

Naruto watched his friend’s faces fall and another tear opened in his heart. The young men nodded at him and Sakura embraced him.

“I’ll be back soon Sakura-chan. No use worrying ne?”

The pink haired kunoichi stepped back and nodded.

“Come back idiot.”

Naruto turned to Hinata who was flanked by Neji and Kiba. He pulled a bundle of tissue paper from inside his jacket and held it out to her. Her eyes questioned him but he just smiled and nodded. She took the parcel, peaked inside and looked back up at him in surprise.

“Arigato Hinata-chan.”

In a swirl of leaves, he was gone.

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The Konohakahagure Interrogation building was a secluded ominous dark spot on the village’s usual cheerful disposition. The shinobi avoided the area and the civilians felt dread whenever they were near. A cloaked figure moved in the shadows of the trees and walked up to the entrance. The ANBU guards remained stoic as the figure stepped inside. Dimmed passageways led down into the earth and eerie silence followed the figure. A door swung open and light spilled out into the hallway before the door shut and darkness reigned once more.

“Glad you could make it Naruto.”

“Came as soon as I could Obaa-chan.”

Naruto, features still hidden walked over to the window. His intense gaze cut clear into the man hunched in the corner of his cell.

“What did he do?”

Tsunade shook her head.

“We’ve been trying to find out. Ibiki hasn’t broken him yet.”

“Then why did you call me here?”

Tsunade turned away from the window and leveled her gaze at her adopted son.

“I need you to go to the Hidden Cloud Village and retrieve some information about a certain shinobi. Along the way I need you to assemble a team and rescue some hostages.”

Naruto’s eyes lost the gleam and turned to ice. Leave it to Obaa-chan to break a happy mood and remind him why he now stood in full shinobi gear.

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A/N: Dum Dee Dum. Sorry that took so long but I had no place to write. Read and Review as always and let me know what you want to be added.

[Kaden]

Chapter Fifteen:

Naruto sat on the lip of the Fourth Hokage’s chin, sheltered from the elements and from anyone who was trying to look for him. He had closed off his chakra signature hours ago and even in his meditative state kept a wary sense on the surrounding area. The wind blasted the weather worn monuments and a red sun rose on the horizon. Didn’t a red sun mean blood had been spilled the night before? Naruto shook off the thought; he needed to concentrate if he was gong to come up with a battle plan for his mission. He remained divided on the mission components. Half of him liked the idea of having two companions his age on a mission. The last time he had teammates was years ago, before he left on the training pilgrimage. The other half of him resented the idea of teammates. He had been trained to fight by himself or at the most, in with a single partner.

“Neh, seems like I have no choice. Guess it’s about time I find out who my teammates are.”

Naruto stood and stretched his body as far as it would go. After his back gave a couple satisfactory cracks, he walked off the lip of his father’s upper lip. The wind whistled in his ears, his clothing flapped and his eyes teared up, but the biggest idiotic grin spread across his face as he fell. With a simple twitch of his body, Naruto angled for the lake beneath the Hokage Mountain. Little dots became visible as he neared the ground, which he identified as the Academy Students. If possible, Naruto’s idiotic grin widened and he started to spin his body. The momentum of the fall, his body weight and now the added motion of his spin made quite the impact on the water of the lake when Naruto hit. Just for laughs, he let loose with his chakra when he hit and made the water splash even more dramatic and bigger.

“Gwaaah! Who the heck was that?”

“Some crazy blonde man!”

“Itan says he fell from the sun!”

Naruto’s head appeared from the lakes center and his hearty laugh could be heard. He started to swim to sure and when his feet hit the lakeside, he shook most of the water off himself. He looked over to the Academy students and grinned his trademark foxy grin.

“Ahiyo. That sure was fun. If you are sneaky, enough you can do it around two o’ clock. The Chunin are usually lax-”

“Naruto Uzumaki what the heck were you thinking dropping off the Hokage Mountain into the middle of the lake like that? Where you even thinking at all? Sometimes I wonder if you even use that brain of your-”

Naruto loped an arm around Kurenai’s shoulders and grinned back at the petrified Academy students. He winked and turned his attention back to the furious red-eyed woman.

“Ah Kurenai-sensei, good to see you too. Been a long time since I’ve received one of your infamous mothers scolding. By the way, how’s the kid doing?”

Naruto bit his lip to keep from laughing at the rapid change of expressions on the Jonin’s face.

“Naruto what are you doing here? You interrupted a very crucial history lessons about the former Hokage’s.”

Naruto let go of Kurenai and walked behind the students. He knelt in the middle of them and pointed to the first Hokage.

“See the one all the way to the left? He founded Konoha and was this big tough big shot. I think that his eyes look better when painted purple and yellow and he has stars on each cheek.”

Naruto dodged Kurenai as she attempted to grab his ear.

“The Second Hokage was pretty cool too. He had the knack for water jutsu’s. His mastery of it was so great that he could do the most complicated water jutsu’s even when there was no water around. Personally, I think he must have been a loner to practice water jutsu that much. Nah, I bet he was a crackin’ ladies man.”

Naruto’s face widened into a feral smile at the Academy students who looked at him as if he had three heads. With a quick back flip, he managed to dodge Kurenai for a second time.

“The Third Hokage was a dinosaur. He always wore the traditional Kage robes and loved calligraphy. He came back out of retirement. He’s my favorite because he’d always try and out eat me in ramen at the weirdest times at the strangest hours of the night.”

The students were now so shocked that Naruto imagined he could’ve told them the moon was made of cheese and they’d believe it. He slid between Kurenai’s legs and popped up on the railing at the other end of the clearing.

“Now the Fourth Hokage is my arch rival. He was the Yondaime, the Yellow Flash of Konoha. He could level an entire battlefield of enemy shinobi with this special transportation jutsu he created. He also was a master of seals and defeated the great Nine Tailed Fox years ago. Way before you were even born. He’s my rival because it’s said he was and still is the greatest Hokage known to date. Psh. Just wait ol’ man, I’ll squash ya!”

Naruto flickered and laughed as Kurenai almost vaulted over the railing in a final attempt to seize him.

“The Fifth Hokage is the only woman Hokage known to date and is the only Hokage that I gave a nickname to. Since I’m teaching you, a history lesson I’ll keep the less glamorous details in the dark….but Obaa-chan is crazy. Loopy. Wacked out. She’s got it in for me I tell ya….”

The ground exploded beneath Naruto’s feet and he jumped into the air to avoid the fissure. He twisted to the side and saw twin blonde pigtails. Naruto grinned and completed his spin to land on the balls of his feet. He flipped backwards again to avoid another earth shattering punch and landed on the railing beside Kurenai.

“Obaa-chan! How pleasant of you to join us.”

“Naruto Uzumaki when I get my hands on you I’m going to…”

Naruto crossed his arms across his chest and cocked his head to the side.

“You’re going to what Hokage? We do have impressionable Academy students here ya know….”

He grinned as the fact dawned on Tsunade and she let her chakra filled hands fall to her sides. She put on a sweet smile and wagged a finger at him.

“Easy now Naruto. I just might have to pull you from that a ranked mission you want.”

If Tsunade had been expecting Naruto to drop to his knees and beg her not to do that, she was wrong. Naruto’s eyes twinkled but turned a darker shade of blue and his smile turned roguish.

“Alright Obaa-chan. If you want me off the mission then I’ll step down.”

Tsunade’s jaw fell to the floor. Naruto was turned down a mission.

“What are you playing at Naruto?”

Naruto turned his back on everyone and his eyes turned red as he stared out to the horizon. The wind picked up around him and his clothes rustled in the wind.

“You know what was so great about the Hokage’s midgets? They knew what the essence of being a shinobi was and they revered that as if it were their lives. They trained to be the best shinobi they could be and set Konoha’s goals above their own. They were the wielder of the Wheel of Fire, the central pillar of Konoha’s foundations, a father figure to every Konoha citizen and shinobi.”

Naruto turned back to them his face serious. He pointed at each one of the Academy students and gave each a hard glare.

“Don’t disrespect their sacrifices. Train like theirs no tomorrow. Always look for ways to improve yourself. But never, never, and I mean never let the bonds between you and your teammates rust out or break.”

In a flash of whirling leaves, Naruto disappeared into Konoha.

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Naruto dropped down onto the floor of the Council Hall and met the cold stares of the Konoha council with an expressionless one. He sat down in the empty seat in the center of the hall and found a vacant point on the wall behind the council. 13 people, six women, seven men, would decide his fate in the grand scheme of the shinobi’s world of politics. 13 sets of eyes bore into him and tried their hardest to dissect him. He knew they disliked him and wished to detain him in any way possible. He knew this but he still antagonized them and gave them all headaches.

“Uzumaki Naruto, why do you enter this hall in such a disgraceful way for the shinobi?”

Naruto delved deeper into himself and focused on his strategies for the mission in a couple hours time. The audience assembled on the three levels of the Council hall held their breath and sweat dropped when Naruto didn’t answer.

“Did you not hear the question Uzumaki Naruto?”

Yes that would do. If Naruto and his team could form the classic triangle formation and push them to the ocean then everything would work out just perfect….

“Uzumaki Naruto, you are required to respond. It is part of your oath as a shinobi.”

“Forgive my less then conventional entrance Council. I ask for your forgiveness.”

The audience gasped and the temperature in the hall dropped around ten degrees. Naruto’s tone was as impassive as his face.

“You were called here because there are aspects of your mission report that need to be gone over in detail. If you cooperate this will be quick, efficient and painless. You will be able to return to your dwellings and head out in time for your mission later tonight.”

Naruto didn’t respond. His mind had gone back to the strategies needed to obtain complete success on his mission. Many of the councilors sighed and pinched the bridges of their noses. Tsunade waved her hand and the examination began.

“Uzumaki Naruto, you write in your report that your battle with the former Akatsuki member Hoshigaki Kisame was drawn out to a bridge between the Hidden Rock Village and the Land of Grass. However, our own reports indicate that the battle was fought in an open field of rocks. Explain.”

Naruto imagined himself in a dark hallway in the clap house were the hostages were suspected to being held. He tried to picture the dimensions and visibility. The weatherman had predicted a clear night on the night the rescue attempt was to be held via his charts and instruments. If that were the case then he and his team would have to slink along the floor or crawl up on the ceiling to avoid the moonlight, which would shine through the windows. The diagram of the clap house showed the house having large expansive windows. Easy to get in and easy to get out but….

“Uzumaki Naruto answer the question.”

The sound of a hand slamming down on the table drew Naruto out of his session and he sighed on the inside. This meeting was pointless; the council was berating him on purpose. They were trying to bait him into saying something stupid and ignorant so they could hold him back in the shinobi ranks.

“The battle started out on the bridge between the Grasslands and the Hidden Rock Village but Kisame had wanted more space for his water jutsu. The narrow bridge hampered his ability to trap me in a spot where he could slam me with his jutsu and not hit himself.”

“And in allowing the battle to shift to the Grasslands territory you entered a neutral nation. They now can file suit against us for border infringement and nation security.”

“Hai.”

The audience murmured at Naruto’s concise answer. He didn’t deny it or try to explain why the battle had shifted.

“You don’t seem to worry over this fact Uzumaki Naruto. Do you know of the penalties this could put on your permanent record?”

“Hai.”

“And you don’t show the slightest notion of fear. You won’t try and excuse your actions?”

“No.”

His straight answers seemed to unnerve the council because they halted their verbal assault for a few minutes.

“Very well, we will take that into consideration. Uzumaki Naruto did you endanger anyone else’s life while fighting former Akatsuki member Hoshigaki Kisame?”

“No.”

“Where was Jiraiya-sama at this time?”

“Watching from the bridge.”

“Did you warn him of the impending battle and tell him to stay away or did he try and fight with you?”

Naruto slipped back into his mission strategy session and pulled up the mental file of the rank and strength of the hostage’s guards. This was the one uncertainty of the mission. The spies’ reports were vague, incomplete about what the guards looked like, or what their skill levels were.

“Uzumaki Naruto focus your attention back here now.”

“Jiraiya-sama tried to join the fight but I made sure he wouldn’t enter the battle.”

A few of the councilors scoffed.

“How did you manage this?”

Naruto’s eyes flashed with amusement for a second before they became void of emotion once more.

“I played on his weaknesses and used them to my advantage.”

“Stop beating around the bush Uzumaki Naruto. What did you do?”

“I used a ninjutsu and then a combination of a genjutsu and taijutsu maneuver to restrain him.”

“Be specific Uzumaki Naruto.”

Naruto’s eyes flickered again and a ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“I used my Harem Jutsu to distract Jiraiya-sama and then tied him to a tree with chakra enforced bindings.”

Many members in the audience snickered and laughed with the mental image of Naruto’s harem jutsu working on Jiraiya.

“The Council Hall needs to remain silent during the examination. Explain in greater detail Uzumaki Naruto.”

“I am afraid the Harem Jutsu is not something that can be explained councilor.”

The councilor’s looked indignant and their faces turned red from anger.

“Are you inferring that-?”

“No councilors. I am not inferring that you are too dumb to understand the Harem Jutsu. I am saying however that I cannot be accurate in describing the jutsu.”

The councilor’s calmed down one by one and an elder one raised a hand in a suggestion motion.

“Perhaps you can show us then.”

Naruto’s eyes twinkled and he crossed his fingers.

“Shadow Clone Jutsu.”

Twenty Naruto’s appeared in the center of the Council Hall. All of them crossed their fingers and definite smirks where on their faces.

“Transform.”

“Transform.”

“Transform.”

A large cloud of smoke billowed throughout the hall and feminine giggles came from the center. The smoke dissipated and twenty naked young women with an odd relation to Naruto winked, blew kisses and giggled at the councilors. Pandemonium broke loose as the male councilors and other males in the audience suffered massive nosebleeds and fainted where they sat. Tsunade slammed her hand down on her desk and her loud voice resonated throughout the hall.

“Order. I will have order in this hall.”

The commotion died down and everyone looked at Tsunade.

“Naruto, release the jutsu already.”

Another poof of smoke echoed throughout the hall and Naruto sat in his chair, face once again male and expressionless.

“Due to the fact that the majority of the council is not able to participate in the examination, I hereby declare this meeting adjourned for now. Dismissed.”

Naruto rose from his chair and walked out of the door before anyone could make their way over and congratulate him.

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“Naruto-kun?”

Naruto sighed and looked over to the edge of the Genin training field to see Hinata standing at the edge of the clearing.

“Hai Hinata-chan?”

“Would you mind if I join you?”

Naruto patted the ground next to him and looked back up at the setting sun. The sunset was beautiful tonight. The last fiery rays of orange, yellow, red and a light black fought with each other. The effect was one of eclectic beauty, almost masculine. Naruto felt Hinata kneel beside him, her legs tucked beneath her.

“Are you okay Naruto-kun?”

“Hai I’m fine. Just wanted to see one last Konoha sunset before I leave.”

A comfortable silence stretched between the pair. Naruto felt a drop of wetness hit his cheek and he looked up. Hinata wiped her eyes and looked away from him.

“Ano Hinata-chan, what’s wrong?”

Naruto sat up and rested a hand on Hinata’s shoulder.

“I can’t go with you on this mission can I?”

Naruto started but his face softened.

“I’m sorry Hinata-chan, but not this time.”

“Why not?”

Naruto had expected this question but had fought within himself for an answer.

“I can’t risk you being hurt. Your father told me to protect you and if you’re there on the battlefield I can’t concentrate.”

Hinata fell to her side and shook with silent tears.

“You …still…think of me….as that…little Genin…don’t…you?”

Naruto acted on instinct and cradled Hinata against him. He relished the sensation of holding her close to him and he rocked side to side.

“No no no Hinata-chan. I never though of you as “that little Genin” as you call it. To me you were a shinobi just like me, someone who was trying to prove their worth to someone precious to them.”

“Then why can’t I go with you?”

Naruto pulled her closer to him and cursed his hormones for kicking in when her body was flush against his.

“I don’t want to lose another one of my precious people. You are one of my most precious people and I would be devastated if you were hurt or killed.”

Hinata hiccupped and clenched her fists tighter against his jacket.

“Arigato Naruto-kun.”

Naruto grinned against the top of her head.

“Don’t mention it.”

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Naruto halted in front of the Hyuuga compound’s main gate and stared down the guards. After a terse explanation, they opened the gate and Naruto met the ever-present Neji who still sat in the center of the courtyard.

“Oi what the heck do you do all day? Sit and wait for the gate to open?”

Despite his annoyed, gruff tone, Naruto smiled at his friend. Neji’s eyes crinkled like Kakashi’s but he didn’t smile.

“Every day all the time Naruto.”

Naruto shifted the sleeping form of Hinata in his arms and walked closer to Neji.

“Take good care of her while I’m gone alright?”

The Hyuuga prodigy nodded and took his older cousin.

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A/N: Friend of mine wanted another chapter….TODAY so I worked like a slave horse to get this out. I don’t think I did the trial right but I never written one before. As always, feel free to Read & Review and let me know what you want added!

~Kaden-san


Chapter Sixteen:

Hinata opened her eyes and she sat up in shock. She was in her room, in her pajamas and she could not feel Naruto’s chakra signature anywhere. She wrenched the covers to the side and hurried out of her room.

“Hinata he left last night. You won’t find him here for a while.”

Hinata turned in the hallway and saw her younger sister Hanabi at the other end.

“How did I get home? How did I end up in my-”

Hanabi’s small smile turned into a wicked and huge one.

“The blonde guy carried you through the courtyard with you clutching to him like no tomorrow and into the house. He winked at Neji and father before he disappeared into your room. In a couple minutes, he walked out and left. Me being the darling sister I am, rushed into your room and found you under the covers, asleep and changed.”

Hinata resembled a tomato and Hanabi held in her laughter. She though the redness was due to embarrassment.

“I’m going to get changed and then come back to hurt you…”

Hanabi ran for her life.

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Naruto flew across a tree branch and reached for another. Shikamaru and Shino were half a step behind him. The trio had moved fast and the clap house stood like a beacon in Naruto’s eyes. Without a word, they climbed the building until they reached the roof.

“Shikamaru.”

Shikamaru muttered something about the mission being troublesome and disappeared into the shadows literally.

“Shino.”

“Hai.”

The quiet bug master climbed into the chimney and made his way down into the dark depths.

“And now I wait.”

Naruto sat down and assumed the lotus position. The silence netted him but he pushed it aside. The wind caressed him with cold fingers and he shivered.

“Naruto I have an opportunity.”

“Shino?”

“All is well here.”

“Take it then Naara.”

Naruto crawled over to the skylight window and peered inside. The men holding the hostages stored storage at the loft of the building. He smashed the skylight and dropped to the ground with a grin. His part in the mission was to be a distraction so Shikamaru and Shino could get in undetected. The sound of approaching footsteps came his way along with hurried whispers.

“Come on hurry up.”

“Move to the other door.”

Naruto perked at the last order and scanned the room for the supposed other door. Before he could determine where it was, the door in front of him opened and two men charged in. A beam of light came behind him from the other door.

“Only one Leaf shinobi huh? And a clumsy one at that.”

Three more men pressed in behind him and both groups closed in. Some of them drew weapons and other dropped into loose guard stances.

“I’ll be sure to send your head with your headband attacked back to Konoha.”

The man clutched his throat and Naruto stood behind him. The man’s blood sprayed on Naruto’s lower facemask. Anger boiled inside of him and coursed through his veins. The other men rushed in and Naruto dispatched of them as well.

“Never insult Konoha.”

He moved out of the room and shut the door. Naruto stood on the second floor, high above the foyer on the first floor. The floor below was ablaze with light and cast him and the second floor in eerie shadows. A young man walked across the floor and Naruto pounced on him.

“Aiyaaaaaaaa!”

Naruto landed on the man with a knee on his chest and another on his windpipe, which crushed on completing his jump. Naruto moved off the man and closed his eyes. He made rapid hand signs and pressed his hand into the ground.

“Chakra Finder Jutsu.”

Pale blue lines raced across the floor. Three went dead, two turned a brighter blue, which meant Konoha shinobi were nearby, and one pulsed a vibrant red. Naruto opened his eyes and growled.

“Oi Naruto you there?”

“Come in Uzumaki-san.”

Naruto pressed his earpiece.

“What do you want?”

“Shino has pinpointed the leader and I have the hostages secure.”

“I’ll be right there Shino.”

Naruto canceled the jutsu and followed Shino’s chakra signature. He stood in front of the house, Shino to his left, a man to his right and Shikamaru could be seen in the woods with a small crowd of girls.

“So the rescue team is now complete. Didn’t think I was so important Konoha would send a full team after me.”

Naruto walked next to Shino and placed a hand on his shoulder. The other shinobi nodded and retreated to where Shikamaru stood.

“I have to admit, your plan was flawless. The distraction upstairs, the shinobi popping up unexpected out of the chimney no less, and one appearing out of the shadows.”

The wind ruffled the man’s coat and Naruto’s half facemask.

“I didn’t know what was up till you broke the skylight. My men went upstairs and I to the cellar. Lo and behold, my girls are gone and my men dead.”

The man reached inside his jacket and withdrew a seven-foot long scythe. He twirled it around and slammed it into the ground.

“What is your name silent shinobi?”

“That does not matter. I know who you are. Why don’t you show me your true form Reno Sangetsa?”

The man showed no surprise to Naruto’s statement and unsnapped his jacket. The jacket fell away and a crimson cloak fluttered free in the breeze.

“So you know my name. I am not surprised. Everyone has heard of the great Reno Sangetsa. For I am called-”

“Flash Cry, the man with unbeatable speed.”

Reno grinned a malicious grin and picked up his scythe.

“Now you’ve gone and piqued my curiosity. How do you know so much about me?”

Naruto took off his coat and jacket.

“Reno Sangetsa, transform already.”

Reno smirked and made two hand signs. The air around him crackled with chakra and flashed purple. He raised his head and grabbed his scythe.

“You’ve only sealed your death Konoha shinobi.”

Naruto pressed his hands together and closed his eyes. Red chakra whipped up around him, his whisker marks grew more ragged and the red chakra surrounded him. Naruto opened his eyes and red demon stared at purple.

“Ah, now all the pieces fall into place. When I beat you Naruto Uzumaki, I will spread the tale of your defeat all over the land, and my brother Soulless will be avenged.

Reno shot forward and made a thrust at Naruto’s chest. Sparks flew when Naruto drew his katana and parried the strike to the side. Reno’s eyes widened in surprise.

“You’re the only one with fast reflexes.”

Naruto knocked away the scythe with his arm and slashed at Reno. The weapon master twirled his scythe and blocked the blow. He countered with a round house kick, and when Naruto ducked, he swung upwards with his scythe, intent on killing the blonde.

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Red is the color of many things. Red are the color of roses and apples, a status symbol on clothes and the color associated with anger. Red is also the color of blood.

Naruto stood in a defensive guard stance and Reno stood the same. Reno’s cloak was long cut off, with numerous slash marks all along the length. He had a gash underneath his right eye, a long one from right hip to left shoulder on his front and favored his left leg because of a severed Achilles tendon in his right calf. His scythe was notched, almost hewn through on some parts of the staff, but his eyes still gleamed purple.

“You’re good Uzumaki. Toughest opponent I’ve faced in a long time.”

“Tch.”

Naruto had discarded his cloak and jacket before the battle, which left him in a black tank top. His face was muddy and he suffered with a deep gash on his right forearm, but like Reno, still had Kyuubi’s eyes and aura.

“You sound like those friggin Uchiha with their hn’s. It’s annoying!”

Reno flashed in, disappearing and reappearing for brief snatches of time.

“Aaaaaaaah!”

Naruto twisted to the side at the last moment. His arms shook from the effort to knock aside the savage thrust and Reno stumbled past. In a fluid motion, Naruto reached behind him, split his katana in two and threw one of them into Reno’s back.

“Uggggh….”

Naruto walked over to Reno and kicked his legs so he fell to his knees. He pulled the katana out of Reno’s back, wiped it clean and sheathed it.

“Who is your leader Sangetsa?”

Reno coughed up blood and chuckled.

“Cheap trick you pulled there Uzumaki. Using the second sword like that at the end. Didn’t even know you had two…”

“Tactical decision. I had to deceive you. Who’s your leader?”

“Guess that’s the price you want huh? Promise me one thing before I pass.”

“What?”

“Take my headband, cloak, and scythe back to the Hidden Cloud Village and give them to my brother.”

Naruto snapped into a daydream back to when they fought Zabuza on the bridge in the Land of Waves. His request of Kakashi. Naruto let his eyes return to normal, his red aura receded and he sheathed his other katana.

“Sure thing.”

“His name is Kaden Aito, our leader. We are called Kisuke…and…”

Naruto laid Sangetsu down on his back.

“That’s enough. Be at peace in your final moments.”

Reno tried to smile. Naruto retrieved his battle gear along with his own and walked over to his squad.

“Your mission is complete so you can return to Konoha. I have a second one to accomplish.”

“What about your wound Uzumaki-san?”

Naruto grinned and showed his bandaged arm to Shino.

“Good as new. Come on now, I’m sure these ladies would like to return home.”

Shino nodded and turned back to escort the girls back to Konoha. Shikamaru stood his ground.

“What do you want me to tell her?”

An uncharacteristic serious look came over Naruto’s face. He reached behind him, pulled off the Hokage necklace and handed it to the Naara genius.

“Nothing that needs to be said.”

Naruto saw the pity in Shikamaru’s eyes but his friend say anything and left with the others.

“Aiya. Kitsune for Kyuubi.”

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Hinata stood by one of the gates into Konoha and ran down the road when she saw Shikamaru and Shino with a bunch of girls. Sakura ran beside her and her medic’s eyes roamed over all of them.

“Casualties?”

“Taken care of.”

“Wounded.”

“…none…”

Both girls picked up on Shikamaru’s hesitation.

“Well?”

“Taken care of. Man how troublesome…”

Hinata hung back with Shikamaru and Shino while Sakura escorted the girls to the hospital. She saw her look over her shoulder back at them, but saw the medic side win over.

“Where is Naruto-kun?”

“He had a double mission. We didn’t know about it until we prepared to come back here.”

Shikamaru twisted his forearm and out slipped Naruto’s necklace from Tsunade he had won off her. Shikamaru handed it to her and she took it with caution.

“He said nothing needed to be explained or said.”

Hinata understood Naruto’s message and slipped the necklace around her neck. She bowed to her friends and disappeared back into Konoha.

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Naruto drew his cloak closer around him and walked down the streets of Kumo (A/N: Hidden Cloud Village) the streets were narrower than Konoha’s and the buildings towered into the clouds. Kumo consisted of four levels, each disappearing a little bit more into the ever present clouds.

“Chakra Find Jutsu.”

Once again Naruto pressed his hand into the ground and numerous webs shot out from the center of his hand. After a couple of minutes a thread turned golden and Naruto focused his chakra into it. The thread turned silver and vibrated.

“If the Jinchurikki isn’t here, then what is this chakra?”

Naruto stood up and exited the alley. The people moved around him but he closed his eyes and dived into his consciousness.

“Sifu Kyuubi, what is this chakra?”

“This is not one of the Biju. Our chakra has a unique signature. What color was the thread?”

“Silver and the thread gave off strong vibrations.”

“How thick was the thread?”

“It wasn’t.”

Naruto’s eyes widened and he smacked his forehead.

“Yes kitsune, the thread belongs to a child, a powerful one at that.”

Naruto opened his eyes and moved in with the crowd.

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Hinata knocked on the Hokage’s office door.

“Hai.”

She entered the room and saw that a meeting was taking place. Danzo (A/N: Shudder) Tsunade, Jiraiya, her father (A/N: another shudder) Gaara and two or three emissaries/diplomats from powerful politicians were seated at a table.

“Ano, I will come back another time.”

Hinata made to go back out the door.

“Oh no, please come in and take a seat. ‘Bout time the meeting closed anyway…”

Hinata turned towards Jiraiya who sat on a window seat. He was looking out the window and smoking his pipe.

“I know you came to speak with me and I apologize for not meeting you earlier.”

Hinata closed the door and sat down on a couch across the room.

“Jiraiya-sama, I’m afraid you can’t cancel the meeting like that.”

“Oh I know that, but I can get up and leave. And since I represent a third of the Sannin, and stand in the stead for Naruto Uzumaki, one of the two remaining Biju, the meeting can’t continue if I leave.”

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Jiraiya stood and walked to the door. He opened it and motioned for Hinata to go through.

“Jiraiya-san! This is no time for petty personal troubles. The nations are at tension.”

“And I fear they will be for a while Hiashi-san. A couple of hours won’t hurt.”

Jiraiya left the room and Hinata followed on his heels.

“Man’s got style Hiashi, got to give him that…”

Hinata shut the door.

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A/N: Tada! Three chapters in one week. Phew what a drag. Read and Review if you please and as always let me know what you would like to see or have fixed!

~Kaden-san


Chapter Seventeen:

Naruto walked through the gate to the third level and glanced around from underneath his hood. His half facemask was in place and the cloud cover all but named him invisible to the naked eye.

“Where are you?”

The third level appeared to be empty or far less crowded than the lower two. The vibrations in his hand vibrated strongest here and Naruto closed the gate.

“I know you’re here on this level and you’re nearby. I’m on a mission to find you and I wish to speak with you.”

Naruto made a series of hand signs and held the jutsu within him.

“Please, I cannot return back to my home until I speak with you.”

The clouds shifted and swirled around him. He could feel the child’s overbearing chakra and the child’s chakra billowed out around him.

“Please do not let it come to blows. I have no desire to fight you.”

The child’s chakra spiked at those words and a flash could be seen all around the clouds. Naruto slammed his hands together to release the jutsu.

“Wind Style: Clearing Wind Jutsu.”

Naruto infused his chakra with the air around him and forced a twenty-foot circle to be cleared of clouds around him. A small boy at in a corner of the street, knees pulled to his chest and one tight fist raised in the air. Naruto could feel the pressure of the boy’s chakra in the fist and he hurried over to him. He reached out with extreme gentleness and closed his larger hand over the boy’s.

“Aiya Kitsune for Kyuubi, believe it. My name is Naruto Uzumaki, a shinobi from the Village Hidden in the Leaves.”

The boy forced his hand open and an explosion sent Naruto backwards….hard. He crashed to the ground and slid until he hit the gate. Pain flared up his back but he rose to his feet and stared hard through the clouds. He could not see the boy but his chakra remained in the same area.

“Please listen to me! I don’t want to fight you.”

Naruto saw the clouds billow out in a coil fashion and flew backwards as another explosion hit him. He crashed into a market stand and the wooden beams fell on him.

“I don’t want to do this but you leave me no choice.”

Naruto clambered to his feet and made a series of hand signs.

“Clearing Wind Jutsu.”

He pumped more chakra into the jutsu then last time and the clouds cleared in the entire field of combat. Before the child could react, he started running towards him. He forced chakra into his fingertips of his left hand and blue chakra flames appeared on each fingertip.

“Five Prong Chakra Seal!”

Naruto shoved his hand into the boy’s chest and sealed away most of the boy’s chakra. The boy slumped over and Naruto caught him before he could reach the ground.

“I am truly sorry for what I just did. Please believe me when I say this.”

The child’s eyes closed and he passed out in Naruto’s arms. The clouds swirled back in and covered the pair again.

“The brat’s chakra was last felt over here!”

Naruto’s head snapped up as the sound of running feet headed their way. He looked down at the unconscious boy in his arms and made a quick decision. He clambered to his feet and ran down the street.

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“So I see you’re finally awake.”

Naruto watched the boy glance around the room, raise his hand and make a fist while pushing out at him. He chuckled at the boy’s confused face when Naruto was blasted back by a step.

“Sucks doesn’t it? My sensei did that to me when I was a little older than you, but released the seal you’re currently restricted by. Don’t worry, you’re chakra is still there, but eighty percent of it has been sealed away.”

The boy scrambled out of the bed and dropped into a light guard stance. Naruto recognized the stance, it was one of the few neutral ones, a balance between defense and offense.

“I can release the seal if you want, but I wanted to talk to you about two things. After that, I’ll release the seal and you can beat me to a bloody pulp if you want.”

The boy’s eyes narrowed but he didn’t move and Naruto took the chance before the boy could change his mind.

“As you probably already know, I’m not your normal average shinobi. I doubt many people could throw off your attacks with as little thought to them as I did. My name is Naruto Uzumaki, shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village and…Bijuu to the Demon Nine Tailed Fox Kyuubi.”

The boy took all this in without batting an eye and silence stretched between them.

“Guess that really doesn’t phase you does it? From what I saw of your past, I doubt many things could.”

Shock passed through the boy’s eyes before they became blank once more. The boy reminded Naruto of Sai, expressionless, distant and seldom talked. Scratch that, this kid never talked.

“No I can’t read minds and I didn’t go probing through yours while you were asleep. One cursed and sweet thing about being the Bijuu of Kyuubi is the face that I have visions of the past and future about certain people who did, will or have had a huge affect on my life. My guess is that you’re going to do something and….”

Naruto cocked his head to the side and his eyes darkened.

“Sorry kid, chat time is over. We have some unwelcome guests heading down the hallway. They’ll be here…”

The door of their hotel room burst open and a smoke bomb was thrown in. Thick purple clouds covered the room and hampered Naruto’s visibility. He threw kunai at the door and then waded into the billowing smoke.

“Grab Riku and then let’s split!”

“Hai!”

Naruto lashed out with a vicious punch at the direction of the last voice and heard a satisfying crack of fist hitting bone. He took a step forward and kicked to where he thought his dazed opponent would be. He connected and his opponent slammed into the wall of the hotel room. Another attacker jumped onto his back and Naruto saw the flash of a kunai. He blocked the killing slice with the steel plate on the back of his gloves and flipped his teki over his shoulder. The teki grunted as he slammed into the floor and Naruto stomped his windpipe closed.

“Aiya!”

The smoke cleared and the last teki charged Naruto, twin kunai in hand. Naruto blocked the frontal attack and tried to leg sweep his teki. The man jumped over the sweep and kicked Naruto in the face. Naruto rolled backwards and pushed off the wall. He tackled the teki and wrestled the kunai out of his grasp.

“What do you think you’re doing barging into a man’s hotel room without knocking?”

Naruto scored a hit with his elbow on his teki’s chin and jumped up to his feet. The man rolled over backwards and onto his feet as well.

“You kidnapped Riku Shana, known jikken to Takein-sama. My orders are to bring him back with me and kill you.”

Naruto glanced at Riku who stared at the man with intense anger and Naruto smirked.

“Try and take him then. Pretty sure he’s going to dump you on your butt anyways.”

Riku and the man looked at Naruto with surprise on both their faces. Then, for a moment, Riku had a ghost of a smile cross his face before he delivered an aerial kick to the man’s head. The man tumbled to the ground and Riku spun on his foot to check his momentum.

The man scrambled to his feet and glared at Riku.

“Takein-sama will hear of this jikken and you will be punished.”

Riku spun around and closed the distance between them. He punched the man in rapid succession, opening his fist and striking outwards at the same time and the man stumbled back. Naruto watched with curiosity and his eyes widened when Riku leaped high into the air. He spun around and double kicked the man in the chest with both feet. The man crashed into the wall and Riku landed on the balls of his feet.

“Neh, not bad Riku. I could have ended the fight in one blow though.”

Naruto laughed out loud when Riku looked at him, anger and competition in his eyes. Naruto walked over and looked down at Riku.

“I know we didn’t get to talk about the second thing before, but you can’t fight with the seal on. Raise your arms above your head and take a deep breath. I’ll take off the seal.”

Riku shook his head and sat down on the bed. He looked up at Naruto and motioned for him to pick up on the conversation where they left off.

“Um…okay. You’re a strange kid you know that?”

Riku tilted his head to the side and a twinkle of amusement flashed in his eyes before it disappeared.

“Riiiiiiight. Well, as I said earlier, my mission is to come and talk to you. Well, not exactly but close enough. I was supposed to find a shinobi with incredible amounts of chakra around your age and hope to goodness they would listen to me.”

Riku’s curious but guarded eyes tugged at Naruto’s heart and he sighed.

“Screw it. Look, I see how you’re being treated here and I know what that feels like. Up until the time I got back from a training pilgrimage, my whole village hated my existence. Now, the numbers of people seeing me as Naruto instead of Kyuubi is growing, but I’m still doubtful. Why don’t you come back to Konoha with me and we’ll look out for each other.”

Naruto’s cerulean blue eyes locked with Riku’s gold speckled brown ones and an unspoken conversation took place. Riku gave an almost imperceptible nod and stood up off the bed. Naruto grinned and jumped out the window.

“Aiya! Kitsune for Kyuubi! Konoha here we come!”

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Two figures flashed through the canopy of the trees and melted with the shadows of the night. Naruto pressed his body against a tree branch and saw Riku do the same a mere twenty feet away. He grinned, the spare cloak he had given the boy hid him quite well in the shadows of the night.

“Riku-san, there’s a platoon of thugs ahead. I have a head count of twenty. What do you think?”

Two clicks echoed in his earpiece and Naruto grinned.

“Hai. You wanna have a battle plan or do you want to do this as a free for all?”

A single click this time came through the earpiece.

“Alright. You want to do the honor’s of attacking first?”

Naruto felt Riku build up a large pressure of chakra and a flash of purple could be seen in the trees before he released the build up and let it explode on the platoon of thugs. Naruto jumped down from his tree branch and dashed in, katana’s at the ready.

“Aiya! Kitsune for Kyuubi!”

He slashed through five thugs before the shock of Riku’s attack wore off and they started to mobilize. He parried the axe stroke of a burly thug and ducked under the follow up attack of his short sword-bearing partner.

“Oi it’s the Demon Bane of Konoha!”

Utter silence stretched across the makeshift battlefield as all eyes honed in on Naruto. How did they recognize him? He had his half facemask in place, his cloak was on and he hadn’t pulled on any of Kyuubi’s chakra.

“Surprised I recognize your katana’s and the calligraphy etched into their blades.”

To say Naruto was surprised would be an understatement. His katana’s had an identity of his own? A massive explosion rocked the camp and Naruto killed the two men around him. He cut down five more with a kunai attack and countered the knife strike of a thug behind him with a duck and slash to the thug’s throat. Now that he had a little breathing room, Naruto flickered to the center of the camp and stabbed the man behind Riku. He dove to the left as Riku turned around, raised his hand and sent an explosion to where the thug should have been.

“Easy Riku-san, it’s me Naruto. I already took care of that guy.”

Naruto leg swept the man behind him and stabbed him with his katana.

“How many did you take out with your two explosions?”

Riku ducked under a wild punch, countered with a stunning shin kick to the stomach and threw the man over his shoulder. He flashed both hands at Naruto twice before he broke a thugs knee and struck him with a hammer fist to the side of the head as he fell.

“Okay a company is around fifty goes, take a few or give a few. If you just took out twenty one and my fifteen….we have fourteen left.”

Both leaped high into the air as the ground exploded beneath their feet.

“Riku head right!”

Naruto dropped to the ground and threw a kunai at the center of the jutsu.

“Nice try boy but you only killed my clone.”

Naruto twisted in midair to see an old woman above and behind him. She flipped in midair and kicked him with a solid blow to the chest. He flew to the ground and exploded in a poof of smoke.

“Riku now!”

Riku jumped to his feet where he pretended to be dead or wounded by the woman’s earth jutsu and thrust both closed fists forward.

“Kai!”

The woman blasted backwards until she fell and hit the ground with a thud. Naruto was by her side in an instant, katana held at her throat.

“My my, excellent teamwork by both of you.”

“Who are you?”

“I am Sahari.”

“Why were you standing amidst a field of carnage and blood all over you?”

Sahari studied him for a moment.

“They were my tribe’s rivals and we ended the feud between us.”

“So you admit to killing them?”

“Hai.”

Naruto studied her for a moment before he sheathed his katana’s and extended a hand to help her to her feet.

“You will be brought to Konoha for questioning and fair trial.”

“Ah, I’m glad to see not every shinobi I come across is too battle hardened to extend me those due courtesies.”

Sahari stood up and held out her hands. Naruto turned and headed back to Konoha.

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Naruto entered Konoha through the main gate and received many open stares. He ignored them and strode up Konoha’s main street to the Hokage’s Tower. The usual crowd parted without being asked.

“Why are they staring at you Demon Bane?”

“I have no idea.”

Maybe the people stared because this was the fist time he strode through Konoha out in the open and wasn’t trying to stay hidden. The sun shone off his usual wild spiky hair and highlighted his intense blue eyes. Or maybe it was because he had a heavily cloaked boy on his right and an earthen elderly woman on his left. Whatever the reason, Konoha filed in behind him as he stood at the bottom of the Hokage stairs and Tsunade, who had received word of his arrival, stared down at him.

“I have returned with a successful mission Lady Hokage.”

“I see. But you have one more guest with you that does not fit the scope of your mission. Come, we have much to talk about.”

Naruto climbed the steps with a never before seen in him regal grace and his companions followed him. The tower doors shut behind him and a groan rippled through the crowd. Whatever discussions between the wild child and the Hokage were now a secret and the crowd dispersed, the Rookie Nine among them.

“Did we miss something totally cool?”

“Shut up Ino-pig, let me think.”

“What was that billboard brow?”

Shikamaru pulled his feisty blonde girlfriend to his side and sighed.

“Let Naruto and the Hokage work that out. Man how troublesome.”

“But Shika, they’re…”

“My friend let the power of your youth be channeled elsewhere!”

Hinata smiled at the antics of her friends and let go the breath she had been holding since Naruto left a month ago.

“Hey Hinata, you’re wearing the flower you got at the Kyuubi festival.”

Hinata blushed at Tenten’s, Sakura’s and Ino’s stares.

“Hai.”

The boy’s filed away at the evil intentions glares from the kunoichi and the girls pushed Hinata into the park.

“Alright, spill.”

Hinata looked at the girls with mock innocence.

“What? The flower is beautiful-”

“And you don’t get those without someone giving it to you.”

“Sakura’s right. Who is it?”

Hinata looked down and fought the old habit of pushing her two fingers together.

“I gave it to her.”

Warmth coursed through Hinata’s body at the sound of Naruto’s voice. He walked over, took off his cloak and sprawled himself out on the grass beside the bench. A loud squeal reverberated throughout the park.

“Naruto you didn’t!”

He didn’t reply and the wind blew his bangs across his eyes. Hinata wished she could brush them aside but the girls were present and demanding answers.

“Are you two dating?”

“Finally!”

“Does Hiashi know?”

“Can I tell Neji?”

Hinata looked down at Naruto, wondering about the same first question. His face was still impassive and prompted Sakura to kick him. He didn’t flinch.

“Naruto if you don’t answer, I’m going to take away all your ramen!”

Naruto’s answer to Sakura’s threat was to poof into smoke and Hinata also.

“Naruto! Baka!”

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Naruto strolled through the shade provided by the trees, with Hinata beside him. The solitude of the forest soothed his troubled mind and unwound the tenseness in his body.

“Naruto-kun?”

Naruto turned towards Hinata and lost himself in the paleness of her lavender eyes.

“Hai?”

“Are you okay?”

Naruto stopped walking and looked down at the ground. He had expected her to ask questions, but not this one.

“No Hinata-chan.”

He surprised himself and her by letting down his guard and emotional walls.

“It just isn’t fair. Why do the villagers look upon me as some resurrected savior? Why do they get the happiness so freely and shinobi like us have to fight for a small sliver of it?”

Naruto punched a tree and saw the blood trail from his knuckles.

“Why must I be the Jinchuuriki of Kyuubi? Why did my parents need to be sacrificed to keep Konoha safe?”

Naruto followed the punch with a kick that rattled the tree branches. A soft hand clasped the back of his neck and turned him around. He saw the pain and sadness in her before she stood on tiptoes and kissed him. Naruto grabbed her and vented his soul into the kiss, making her shudder. The kiss deepened and both pulled away. Without a word he fell to the ground and she on top of him. He covered her with his cloak and she snuggled as close to him as she could.

“Arigato Hinata-chan.”

“Arigato Naruto-kun.”

The solitude of the forest restored, settled down around them and Naruto willed himself to become one with it. He felt himself drift off into a dream like state and Hinata’s warmth comforted him until the transition was complete.

“What is it Sifu?”

Kyuubi’s red eyes gleamed behind the seal.

“I have another vision for you.”

Naruto shuddered.

“I am sorry kitsune. You will not like this one. But this is what you face now and you need to be prepared.”

Naruto nodded and watched the dream change. He floated above the five nations and saw fighting in each one, some fighting being inter-nation. The landscape changed and he saw the birth of Konoha. Fighting resumed and Suna was formed. Three more scenes transpired until the great five nations were rooted into existence. The fighting took place and he saw many shinobi rise and fall. He saw the lands of the five nations strewn with bodies and great tiers of smoke billowed in the sky.

“This is war. Petty reasons cause them, and the cost is terrible.”

Tailed beasts roamed the land until one by one; they were sealed and given hosts of the different villages.

“Power shifted to a shaky balance. A tentative peace ensued. Three great ninja wars were fought until this balance was achieved. Now, the peace is being threatened and will be in the years to come. What are you going to do about it?”

Naruto settled down on Konoha’s wall. He saw a beautiful sunrise but then it turned into a violent sunset. The contrast was so glaring, so definitive that he took a step backwards with surprise.

“This is your chance. Seek out the monk and listen well to the words that are given.”

The vision faded and Naruto’s consciousness returned to his body. With much effort he opened his eyes and looked down at Hinata. She looked up at him with curious but concerned eyes and he managed a weary smile. He squeezed her tighter and let his head drop back against the tree.

“Naruto-kun?”

“Hai.”

“Your eyes flashed red and your whisker marks grew larger. Did…”

Naruto rubbed her back and let out a small chuckle.

“Hai, I had another vision thanks to the ol’ fox. Sorry that I scared you.”

Hinata sighed, rested her head against his chest and laced her fingers with his. She saw the sharp contrast in her ivory white unblemished skin and his golden tan rough skin. She traced the pale white scar on his left hand and wondered who gave it to him.

“That one is from Kabuto when he stabbed me in the hand with a kunai. Hey Hinata?”

“Hmmm?”

“Would you like to be my girlfriend? I mean, I don’t want to rush you or anything, but I just took hold of you and call me selfish but I like being the only one to be able to hold you.”

Hinata threw her head back and laughed her melodic laugh. She clutched him tighter and buried her face in his chest.

“Hai. I would be honored to have the title of the strongest shinobi in Konoha’s girlfriend.”

“Nani? Nani? Me the strongest? Haven’t we been here before? I haven’t fought-”

Hinata shut him up with a sweet kiss and for his life Naruto couldn’t remember what he was going to say at that moment.

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A/N: Well there you have it, the next chapter and it’s the longest one I’ve written for this story yet. Couple things I wanted to make clear or touch base on in this chapter:

Naruhina:Yes, this time, the chemistry between them is real. No dream form.

Naruto’s Bloodline/Birthright:No the tattoo is not something that happens in the manga or anime. The idea was purely my own. The idea was a spur of the moment thing so…..do I keep it and expand on it, or just let it be?

Naruto’s Sealing:Yes, I gave Naruto the sealing jutsu’s and he’ll probably have more of it as we progress. His dad was a master sealer, so sealing jutsu’s would be easy enough for him to learn.

Riku Shana:Ah, an OC character of mine that appears in all my stories. He has a critical role in this story, but I don’t think it will play out till then end. Don’t worry, he’ll speak, but not for a while.

The Secret Conversations:Yes, I know, you’re probably wondering what the conversations are about every time Hinata or Naruto walk into the Hokage Tower. I’ll bring that up to speed soon.

As always, read and review if you please and tell me what you would like to see. Thanks for keeping up with the story and with my plot twists.

~Kaden-san

P.S: Teki means enemy


Chapter Eighteen:

Naruto broke the door down to the Interrogation Squad Room 300 and flipped the shinobi following him over his shoulder. The interrogator stopped mid-sentence and turned to face him.

“What is going on? Can’t you see that I’m interrogating the prisoner?”

Naruto kicked him into the wall and grabbed Riku.

“That was your mistake.”

Naruto dropped to his knees and stared into Riku’s eyes. They were clouded over and devoid of emotion.

“Hey Riku, hey, it’s me Naruto. Come on now, snap out of it.”

Recognition dawned in Riku’s eyes and he nodded.

“Time to go.”

Naruto ran back out the door and tore down the hallway. He hadn’t made any noise when he came in, and the shinobi guards hadn’t been alerted to his presence until Naruto was down the hallway.

“Stop. We’re going to meet up with shinobi when we try and leave the compound. ANBU level.”

Naruto pointed to the ground and Riku shoved his fist forward. The metal panel gave way and Naruto performed an earth jutsu similar to the one Yamoto did years before. He jumped down the hole and Riku followed.

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Tsunade tipped back in her chair and closed her eyes. She breathed in and out before she re-opened them.

“So let me get this straight. The boy escaped? On his own?”

Kakashi’s eye crinkled and he nodded.

“Hai Lady Hokage.”

“I read in the report that he had an accomplice.”

“The child did but the attacker wasn’t identified.”

Tsunade glared at him and pressed a hand down on her desk.

“Don’t spin with me Kakashi. The child, Naruto and Hinata are missing. Hiashi wants retribution-”

Shikamaru poofed into the room.

“Forgive me Lady Hokage. The old woman that Naruto brought in has escaped as well.”

Tsunade slumped over on her desk and banged her hands down on it.

“That kid is going to be the death of me or the reason I retire early.”

Shikamaru and Kakashi smiled, each in their own way.

“Gwaaah! He knows we can’t afford to send tracker or hunter nin after him right now.”

“Then do we list them as missing nin?”

“No! Naruto must’ve had a reason for helping those two escape.”

“We don’t know that for sure.”

Tsunade stopped mid-rant and stared at Kakashi.

“That’s the only chance he’s not going to be charged as a missing nin isn’t it?”

The men’s silence was her cold answer. Shikamaru shuffled on his feet.

“And what of Hinata?”

Tsunade twirled her chair around and looked out the window. She smiled to herself at Hinata’s trust in Naruto and her defiance to Konoha’s rules.

“Hinata is on a mission as a hunter nin and is charged with the task to bring back the boy and elder woman back to Konoha.

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Hinata flew across the empty space in between the tree branches and landed on another. She pushed off again and hurtled to another branch. Her pack pulled on her shoulders, strained from the way her momentum pushed and pulled on it. She looked down and to her right. The child, Riku sped along with their platoon, and the elder woman Sahari was two steps behind him. Hinata turned her attention back towards the front and saw Naruto pull ahead. The man was a tank, he never got tired and his singular focus inspired her.

“Hinata-chan.”

Hinata turned towards Sahari. The elder woman pushed up off the branch and fell in step with her.

“We are way out of range of Konoha’s borders, the Hokage won’t send any tracker Nin after us for quite some time, and the chances of them doing that, are slim. Why do we push ahead as if the whips of Konoha were on our heels?”

Hinata smiled to herself and looked back at Naruto.

“Naruto-kun is determined that he won’t let any of us get hurt any worse than we already have. He is taking us to a hideout that he knows will be safe.”

The rag-tag platoon burst out of the cover of the forest and landed in a grain field. The wind whistled through the stalks and soothed the tiredness in their bodies. Hinata looked to her right and watched as Naruto strode over to a nearby lake.

“Oi, come on you three, you don’t want to miss this.”

Naruto performed a series of hand signs and slammed his hands together.

“Kai!”

The lake’s surface bubbled and frothed. The water caved in and everyone except Naruto’s, eyes widened in amazement. The water formed a waterfall and cascaded downwards to where no one could see.

“Come on now. We don’t want to give the location away. Just do what I do.”

Hinata’s breath caught when Naruto took a running jump and fell into the roaring water. Riku followed without hesitation and disappeared as well. Sahari and Hinata looked at each other, walked over to the lakes edge and then looked back at each other.

“Now!”

Hinata closed her eyes and jumped into what she thought was certain death. Strong arms caught her and she gripped the owner for dear life. Naruto’s familiar smell overwhelmed her senses and she heard him chuckle.

“If I knew that all it took for you to end up in my arms was to jump into a waterfall, I would have taken you here a while ago.”

Hinata smacked his chest but snuggled in closer. Naruto chuckled and shook his head, but walked further into the clearing. Hinata opened her eyes and gasped.

“Naruto-kun what is this place?”

The simple ledge Hinata had been caught on turned out to be a large cavern. Along the back wall, built into the rock face, was a sprawling complex that looked like four or five medium sized houses.

“Welcome to my humble abode you three. My father built this place before he became Hokage, right after he married my mother. He called it the Uzumaki Manor. Care to see what’s inside?”

“Hai, I for one would like to rest my tired old feet.”

Naruto bowed his head and walked to the bottom of one of the houses. Without letting go of Hinata he pulled on a handle and in a couple seconds the ground beneath their feet shook and started to rise.

“Ingenious use of the natural surroundings neh? You’ll see plenty of those handles all over the manor, but be careful when and where you pull them. Heh, I remember the first time I pulled one, I tripped the alarm and had to run for my life from a senbon hailstorm.”

The elevator stopped outside a small clearing and Naruto opened the door. Hinata realized she was still in Naruto’s arms and tried to squirm out of his grasp.

“Where do you think you’re going? Anyways, I’ll show you to your rooms so you can get settled in and get a well-deserved rest. I’ll wake you in a couple hours so I can show you around and then…we can start training.”

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Tsunade shredded the mission report in her hands and collapsed back into her chair behind her desk. She rubbed her eyes and slid further down in the chair.

“What do you mean that all traces of Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuuga Hinata and his two companions have vanished?”

The ANBU captain swallowed behind his mask and stood as straight as he could. An angry Hokage never yielded good results.

“Squad 1, Squad 5 and Squad 10 have all returned in the dead of the night last night and report zero traces of any them. Squad 1 traveled to Kumo, Squad 5 to Suna and Squad 10 traveled all throughout the Land of Fire. We have not come up with a clue to their location.”

Tsunade resisted the urge to use this man as a punching bag and gave him a sweet smile. She motioned to the door and flicked her hand. The ANBU captain didn’t wait for her to say the words dismissed and he disappeared in a rapid poof of smoke. A second cloud of smoke appeared along with her door opening.

“No worries Shizune, I can let myself in.”

Jiraiya walked into the room and grinned at her with his usual perverted grin. Once the unbreakable ritual of him checking her over was completed he found his usual sit in the window and pulled out his pipe.

“Hokage-sama, Hatake Kakashi reporting in like you requested.”

Tsunade turned her head in the other direction and looked at Kakashi. A vein popped in her head and she gripped her desk until her knuckles turned white.

“Kakashi you’re two hour’s late.”

The white haired Jonin’s eye crinkled in a smile and he leaned against the wall.

“Well there was an old woman who fell in my way and…”

Tsunade sighed and slumped over on her desk.

“One of you better tell me you know where Naruto is…”

“Actually, that’s why I’m here. One of my informants in the southern central part of the Land of Fire reported a sight of the lavender haired, paled eyed Hyuuga heiress.”

Tsunade sat bolt upright and looked over at Jiraiya.

“And?”

Jiraiya toyed with her and took a long drag off his pipe. He blew a lazy smoke circle and looked down at the main streets of Konoha.

“And that’s all I have. Hinata went in, picked up some normal grocery items and then left. When my informant tracked her he lost her after two miles. He was put under a genjutsu and broke free hours later.”

Tsunade groaned and spun her chair so she faced Kakashi. He raised his hands and fixed his mask.

“None of my ninja hounds can track him. They get twenty miles out of Konoha and then scatter like the wind. Naruto placed several scent markers all over the land of fire.”

Tsunade swiveled so she faced Jiraiya and shot him a death glare.

“Look what you taught the boy! He picked up on your fricken disappearing skills better than you thought.”

Jiraiya blew out another smoke ring and a thoughtful look crossed his face.

“When we were out on the training pilgrimage, Naruto came across one of his father’s safes in the Hidden Mist Village. He spent all day locked in his hotel room and read everything there was in that safe. He found something important in their because for the next week he asked to be trained in the different ways of breaking genjutsu and he practiced sealing techniques like a mad man.”

“Where is that safe?”

Jiraiya shook his head.

“We won’t be able to retrieve it. Naruto destroyed the safe and carries whatever was in there in his knapsack.”

Kakashi coughed from against the wall. Tsunade turned and looked at him.

“What is it?”

“We need to go to where my ninja hounds found Naruto’s scent markers and have genjutsu specialists and sealing specialists use every jutsu they know in the area. Maybe we’ll be fortunate and shatter whatever illusion Naruto has thrown up.”

Jiraiya glared at Kakashi and Tsunade raised an eyebrow at the old frog hermit.

“Jiraiya?”

“I can’t believe Kakashi just gave away my secret and Minato’s and now Naruto’s.”

Realization dawned upon Tsunade and she grinned at Jiraiya.

“You mean to tell me that when you disappear, you’re in the area but use genjutsu or sealing techniques to hide? How clever Jiraiya, how clever.”

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Naruto stopped mid-kick and ran away from Riku. The boy looked after him and took chase. Hinata and Sahari looked up and saw the pair leap through the waterfall to the cavern.

“This is out of the norm for them. What do you think it is?”

Hinata continued to stitch up her torn kimono and shook her head at the old woman.

“Naruto-kun has been doing that a lot the past couple days without warning. He keeps muttering things like “the barrier should hold” and “friggin nosey Konoha nin” to himself. I think Lady Hokage and Konoha have tracked us and are trying to break down the barrier we have set up.”

Riku burst back through the waterfall and stopped a few steps short of the woman. Hinata put away the sewing tools and looked up at him.

“Konoha nin?”

Riku nodded and flashed his hands twice.

“Twenty Konoha nin? Wow…I wonder who they are…”

Riku made the classic Yamanaka chakra molding hand sign.

“The Yamanaka clan? What is Naruto-kun doing?”

Riku assumed the lotus position and raised his chakra until it became visible.

“He’s pouring chakra into the barrier? I’ll come take a look.”

Hinata jumped up the ledges to the far edge of the waterfall and sat behind Naruto. With slow, careful movements she moved next to him and rested a hand on his shoulder. He didn’t respond, his eyes were closed in deep meditation and she could feel the chakra that pulsed in torrents in his veins.

“They’re pushing hard against the barrier. I can feel three genjutsu users, Kakashi, Neji, Sakura, Sai and Captain Yamoto. They’ve sent two platoons to find use.”

Hinata gave a soft smile at Naruto’s chakra skills and at his determination to keep his precious people safe.

“Sahari-san and Riku are on their way up. We’ll be ready to defend those two if that’s what they’re here for.”

Naruto broke his meditation and pulled Hinata onto his lap in a tight embrace. She fit herself to him and buried her face in the crook of his neck.

“My father won’t kill you Naruto-kun.”

“But he won’t approve of me or what you’ve done.”

Hinata didn’t answer and thought about what would happen on their return to Konoha. Riku and Sahari flashed up next to them. Sahari smiled at the scene and Riku sat down across from them.

“This is not going to be an easy fight. The three-genjutsu users will be canceled out because they’ll be exhausted from using their chakra to break down the barrier. That leaves five against four.”

Kakashi’s platoon and Yamoto’s platoon appeared above them. Hinata saw them shout orders and then they dropped down. Naruto stood up with Hinata in his arms.

“Let’s run the Wheel formation. That will give us the advantage of speed.”

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Kakashi saw the four of them flicker away just before both Konoha platoons landed on the ledge. The three-genjutsu users: Ino, her father and another Yamanaka shinobi collapsed.

“Sakura and Sai, you’re with Captain Yamoto. I’ll go alone.”

He summoned his ninja hounds.

“Take one with you and let’s split up. Meet back up here when you find them. Don’t engage them; we want to find out what’s going on.”

Kakashi dropped further into the waterfall and reached out for a grip on the cliff. The cliff exploded beneath his hands and he fell down further. This happened every time until he tumbled to the very bottom of the waterfall.

“Okay, now that I’m here, what do you plan on doing?”

Kakashi strained his Sharingan to see his attacker’s chakra color and located a purplish glow above him and to the right. He turned his head and saw another purplish glow at ground level. He turned around in a circle and saw three more chakra signatures.

“Clones.”

An explosion beneath his feet rocketed him upward and a second blew him back into the cliff face. The signatures moved and he blocked a kick, a punch and another kick. The signatures moved back and Kakashi crashed to the ground. He stood up and closed his right eye.

“Alright, let’s see if this works…”

Kakashi threw three flash bang grenades on the ground and the bottom of the waterfall was illuminated in a flash of bright light. Kakashi picked the chakra signature closest to him and his Sharingan swirled.

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Naruto felt Riku’s chakra change down at the bottom of the waterfall and he changed his course to move in as back up. As he fell, he saw the red gleam of Kakashi’s Sharingan and Riku’s unblinking gaze.

“Crap, Kakashi-sensei caught him in a genjutsu.”

Naruto bit his thumb and made a series of hand signs.

“Wind Style: Wind Slice”

A concentrated chakra blast of wind raced down towards Kakashi and Naruto grabbed a handful of shuriken. He saw Kakashi dodge the blast and look up at him.

“Good. He released Riku. Come on kid, snap out of it and help me out.”

Naruto threw the shuriken down at his former sensei and aimed a kick at his face. His attacks were blocked and Kakashi stepped back. Both men stood still and looked at each other as the area settled down after Naruto’s fierce attack. A slight breeze blew through Naruto’s hair and he smiled.

“Good to see you still are light hearted there Naruto.”

Naruto crouched lower and raised his chakra level. He felt Riku mimic him to the “T” and his eyes gleamed.

“No, that’s not the reason I’m smiling. You’re about to see what happens when you threaten my precious people.”

The two young men attacked in perfect teamwork and the silver haired Jonin received a powerful spin kick to the stomach that pushed him backwards. Kakashi regained his stance and opened his normal eye.

“Naruto I don’t want to fight you.”

The flash grenades sparked and the lower waterfall flashed. In an instant, Naruto and Riku were body flickering to the top of the waterfall. Kakashi gave chase but Naruto threw a kunai with an explosive tag at the cliff face and caused large chunks of rocks to fall. Kakashi avoided the falling rocks but when he reached the top, Naruto and Riku were gone. He covered his Sharingan eye and sighed.

“Gomen, Minato-sensei, I might have broken my promise.”

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Hinata dodged right and Yamoto’s tree branch flew over her shoulder. She moved in, ready to close his chakra points when Sakura stepped in with a powerful right hook. Hinata rolled away and stood up by Sahari’s side.

“Hinata, go after the pink-haired kunoichi. Leave the wood master to me.”

Hinata faltered and her gaze locked with Sakura’s. She had seen Sakura’s training program under the Lady Hokage and wondered if her own training was on par.

“Hinata!”

Hinata turned around and saw Naruto and Riku sprinting towards her and Sahari. She took power and confidence from his gaze and turned back to Sakura.

“Captain Yamoto?”

The ANBU Captain turned to her and so did everyone else. White fire gleamed in Hinata’s pale eyes and she took a deep breath.

“I have a proposition for you.”

“Hai, what is it?”

“Sakura-san and I will fight one on one and…if Sakura wins, we’ll be your prisoner’s. However, if I win, you must leave.”

Profound silence was pregnant in the air until Yamoto pocketed his kunai and nodded. He walked over to Sakura and talked with her, with Sai in tow. Hinata felt Naruto’s strong arms wrap around her waist from behind and Riku stood at her hip. She sank back into Naruto’s embrace and ruffled Riku’s hair.

“You’re going to be awesome Hinata-chan.”

Naruto, Hinata and Sahari looked down at Riku, their eyes wide in surprise and then Naruto grinned.

“Yeah, she is isn’t she Riku?”

Riku stared down at Sakura, his silent demeanor back and he clenched his fist. Hinata slipped out of Naruto’s embrace, kissed Riku on the forehead and headed to the center of the ledge, across from Sakura.

“Hinata what are you doing? We were sent to bring back the boy and the elder woman named Sahari.”

Hinata saw the confusion, pain, sorrow and determination in Sakura’s eyes and knew this would be a tough battle for the both of them.

“If you were supposed to bring back those two, then you are also bringing back Naruto and me.”

The gravity of her words hung heavy in the air and each kunoichi knew that the battle was inevitable. Both kunoichi tied their respective forehead protector’s into place and readied themselves.

“A battle for our dreams and desires.”

Hinata activated her Byakugan and Sakura tightened her gloves.

“A battle to see the truest form of taijutsu.”

Hinata analyzed Sakura’s chakra network and saw that Sakura had increased the chakra around her body, a shield of sorts to lessen the effects of Hinata’s taijutsu.

“A battle for Naruto’s heart.”

Sakura sprinted forward and kicked the ground. Hinata stepped to the side of the chasm and waited. Sakura jumped into the air and threw kunai at Hinata. The heiress dodged with a quick back flip and waited again. Sakura landed and aimed a series of punches at Hinata. Hinata ducked and weaved but still didn’t engage.

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“Why isn’t Hinata-chan engaging?”

Naruto knelt down beside Riku and continued to watch the kunoichi. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Sai, Yamoto and Kakashi watching from across the ledge.

“Hinata-chan is trying to bait Sakura is my guess. When she used her Byakugan to analyze Sakura’s chakra network, she must have found something to put her on the defensive.”

“The pink haired kunoichi is quite powerful. If one of those blows were to land, our dear Hinata-chan would be finished.”

Naruto looked over at Sahari and nodded.

“Hai, that is true.”

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Hinata saw Sakura’s chakra field flicker and she smiled. Her opponent was resilient, but no shinobi could attack and defend for extended periods of time.

“Why won’t you attack?!”

Sakura demolished the earth in an attempt to open Hinata’s defenses. Hinata tapped her in the side and sent her off balance. She saw Sakura’s shield fail and switched into an aggressive stance.

“Aaaah!”

Hinata tapped Sakura’s massive punch to the side and flipped behind her. She scored two punches into the back of Sakura’s shoulders before Sakura swung around and forced Hinata to dodge. She noticed Sakura’s shoulder’s sag a little bit and knew her chakra points were sealed.

“Ouch.”

Hinata landed like a feather on her feet and waited. Sakura released another combo that shattered the earth and flickered behind Hinata.

“Got you know.”

Hinata smiled and slid her right foot back.

“Rotation.”

Sakura didn’t hear Hinata’s whisper until too late and Hinata spun around in rapid circles. Hinata’s chakra hit Sakura and she was blasted backwards. She hit the ground, rolled over several times and slid to a stop. She got up and wiped the trickle of blood from the side of her mouth.

“Now you attack. You knew the entire time didn’t you?”

“Hai.”

Sakura jumped to the middle of the battlefield and stood tense, ready to spring.

“Time to do something a little unorthodox.”

Sakura kicked tow rocks and then two more at Hinata. She spun and kicked all the broken pieces of earth from their battle at Hinata.

“Block these.”

Hinata focused her chakra and spun in the Jyuuken style with her own twists. She smiled as her body smiled through the air and spun on the ground. She hit each piece of earth with the gentle fist style and chanted the hits as each rock was knocked aside or shattered.

“Sixty five palm…sixty six palm…sixty seven palm…”

Hinata landed on the ground in front of Sakura, spun around and tapped Hinata on her right collar bone. Sakura’s eyes widened in surprise and she fell back onto the ground.

“How did you…”

“Your chakra focal point is there. The chakra is concentrated at that center and will siphon off the rest of the chakra in your body.”

Sakura tried to move but couldn’t and heard everyone rushing towards them.

“Sakura-chan!”

“Hinata-chan!”
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Chapter Eighteen:

Hinata drew a shaky breath and forced herself not to pass out. Her chakra was depleted, her body sore beyond belief and the darkness threatened to consume her, but she had done it, she had won.

“Hinata-chan!”

Hinata managed a weak smile and saw the ground coming up to meet her, when powerful arms took hold of her. She sank back into the embrace and saw Riku protect her from the stares with his body.

“Hang on Hinata-chan. We’ll be out of here soon. Believe it.”

Hinata clung to Naruto and tried to take some of his strength for herself.

“Take Sakura back to Konoha to be healed and leave us in peace.”

Hinata opened her eyes and saw Kakashi take Sakura into his arms. Captain Yamato nodded and both his platoon and the captain’s flickered out of the waterfall. She felt Naruto wave his hand and place the barrier back to its original form.

“Sahari-san, we need to fall back to the manor. Come on Riku, I need to get Hinata-chan to safety and we need to bolster the defenses.”

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Hinata smiled as the water and air splashed across her face. Naruto sped from ledge to ledge until he reached the cliff side cavern that held the Uzumaki manor. She closed her eyes and heard Sahari-san take Riku to his room.

“Hey Hinata-chan, I need you to let go for a minute.”

Hinata let go and felt herself be lowered until she felt the porcelain of the tub beneath her.

“Arms up Hinata-chan.”

Hinata felt her jacket and shirt slip off her shoulders and her sandals off her feet. She smiled at Naruto’s gentleness and continued to let him undress her without objection.

“Um…I’m going to turn my back so you can finish and get into the tub.”

Hinata opened her eyes when Naruto’s warmth left her and she saw that she still had he tank top and pants on. She smiled again at his gentlemen like manners and rested a hand on his shoulder.

“Naruto-kun…”

He turned around and Hinata pressed her lips to his. The familiar shock waves coursed through her body and she once again felt the feeling of being rooted to the floor. A breathless moment later she started to pull her tank top over her head and Naruto’s eyes widened. He turned around in a hurry but she saw the appreciative stare when he had stared at her midriff for those few seconds. Hinata giggled and tossed her tank top in front of him and then her pants.

“Hinata-chan…please…stop.”

Hinata giggled again and pressed her naked body against his from behind. She kissed the shell of his ear and heard his strangled moan that matched his voice a moment before.

“What if I don’t want to?”

“As much as I want to, I can’t. I can’t claim your body because you aren’t mine…yet.”

Hinata kissed his shoulder, stepped back and slipped into the warm bubble bath he had made for her. When the sound of her being settled in her bath reached his ears, Naruto turned around and sat in a rocking chair beside the tub.

“You were awesome today.”

Hinata blushed and looked down at the bubbles. Naruto hadn’t seen her really fight until today and she was nervous to see his reactions.

“Arigato Naruto-kun.”

Hinata looked up and met his eyes. She smiled at the warmth and confidence she saw in them for her.

“Why do you say thank you Hinata-chan?”

Hinata giggled again, she couldn’t help it when Naruto looked like he did. He had long lost track of the question he had asked, stared at her eyes, then her neck and then lower. Not that he could see anything, she was well below the water and bubbles, but she gave him just enough to tease him.

“Naruto-kun….my eyes are up here…”

Hinata suppressed another giggle when he jerked in his chair and his eyes snapped back to her with a guilty expression.

“I’m sorry Hinata-chan! I’ll leave…um…right away.”

He made to stand up when Hinata stopped him with a soapy hand.

“Gomen Naruto-kun, I didn’t mean to tease you.”

Naruto relaxed under her touch, took her smaller soapy hand in his and gave an embarrassed grin.

“You don’t have to apologize for being damn sexy Hinata-chan.”

Now Hinata blushed underneath his intense stare and compliment. Naruto chuckled, reached behind him and put a fresh pair of clothes out by the side of the tub.

“Sahari-san, um, got you a new pair of clothes, and I’ll um, turn around so you can get dressed ya?”

Naruto turned around and Hinata giggled. She scrambled out of the tub and pulled on her clothes.

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A dainty hand touched Naruto’s shoulder and he shuddered under the touch.

“Naruto-kun, I’m dressed, you can turn around now.”

Naruto obliged and turned around to have his breath catch in his throat. The angelic vision before him burned his eyes but he was doomed to stare. Hinata’s indigo tresses were put up in a bun with and a piece framed her face. She was in another lavender colored tank top and light training shorts. He found it very hard to breathe and did the only thing he could think of, pull her to him and kiss her…hard.

“Naruto-kun?”

Her voice was silenced when he kissed her with a needy passion and he thanked God when she responded in kind. He wrapped his arms around her back and crushed her to him, very aware of her body against his. The sensation shocked him and he stepped back. Hinata looked back up at him with confusion in her eyes and Naruto knelt before her. He took one of her hands in both of his and stared at her.

“Hinata-chan, we’ve been in my home for half a year now and Konoha didn’t find us until earlier today. I was worried non-stop about Riku, Sahari-san and you. Today I felt powerless…”

Naruto looked down at the ground and fought back the tears.

“My two favorite kunoichi…fought head to head today and I could do nothing.”

He tightened his grip on her hands and started to shake.

“But you won…and I’m proud…so proud to call you my girlfriend. I love you Hinata Hyuuga. I love you so much.”

Naruto pulled her down to him and crushed her in his embrace. Not that she minded.

“I love you too Naruto Uzumaki.”

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Kakashi’s platoon and Captain Yamato’s platoon stood at rigid attention as the Hokage paced back and forth behind her desk. Sweat dripped down all their backs and all of them were dressed to perfection.

“There were eight of you and you mean to tell me that you couldn’t bring back four people?”

Kakashi smiled behind his mask and his eye crinkled.

“My apologies Hokage-sama, but there were five of us. The Yamanaka’s had to fall back after they broke down the barrier. That made the sides almost equal at five against four.”

“And you mean to tell me my Konoha shinobi lost?”

“To other Konoha shinobi Hokage-sama.”

Tsunade stopped and stared down at her desk.

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Naruto rolled over in his bed and stared at the clock. 6 A.M. He smiled, crept out of bed and out his room. He made his way down the hallway and slid a door open on the right hand side. He closed the door behind him and slid into the bed across the room.

“Naruto-kun you know Sahari-san is going to get mad again….”

Naruto grinned at Hinata’s automatic response even though she turned to face him and buried herself in his embrace. He didn’t respond and watched her fall back asleep, a smile on her face and one hand woven tight into the fabric of his t-shirt.

“I’m back Hina-chan. I love you.”

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Naruto awoke to a presence in the room and groaned. He pulled the sleeping girl next to him closer and buried his face in her hair. The presence didn’t leave and Naruto sighed.

“Good morning Sahari-san.”

“You broke the rules Naruto.”

He cracked an eye open and glared at the elder woman.

“Can’t I get a reprieve? I just got back from a mission and haven’t seen her in two weeks.”

Sahari smiled but shook her head.

“My rules are final. Get up. We return to Konoha today.”

Cerulean blue and pale lavender eyes shot open at his and Naruto bolted upright. He cast an apologetic look backwards but got an understanding smile from Hinata.

“Nani, nani! What do you mean we’re returning to Konoha? It isn’t that day yet is it? Please oh please tell me it isn’t!”

A pair of slender arms wrapped themselves around his upper torso and a pair of sultry lips kissed his bare shoulder.

“Naruto-kun, my love, relax. Everything will be okay.”

Naruto rested back against Hinata and ignored Sahari’s knowing look. He grabbed hold of Hinata’s arms and looked back up at Sahari.

“What time do you want to leave?”

“By nine. That gives you an hour to get ready.”

Sahari cast a mother-like look at the two of them and shuffled out of the room.

“Man, why can’t I just have one day with you?”

Hinata sighed and slid out of her bed. Naruto’s shirt acted as a night gown and reached just above her knees. She could feel Naruto’s lustful stare and smiled.

“Time to get up Naruto-kun.”

With a grumble Naruto left her room and prepared for the journey.

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Four black figures made their way down Konoha’s main street at noontime. Their cloaks were midnight black and deep hoods covered their faces. One had a purple fleur-de-lis embroidered on the back of the cloak, the second a bright red explosion, the third had a trio of three human miniaturists and the fourth a bright orange fiery demon fox. They moved as one through the crowd and ascended the Hokage front staircase.

“Halt. State your name and business.”

The orange designed cloak fixed the ANBU captain with a demonic red stare. The ANBU captain flinched and told his subordinates to open the door. The cloaked figures moved through the door and it closed with a sharp snap. Inside, the orange designed cloak nodded to the red one and the red one raised a closed fist at the Hokage’s private office door. The door blew asunder and splinters of wood flew everywhere.

“Aiya! What the hell?”

ANBU guards leaped through the windows and stood guard over the Hokage. One fell to a savage combo, a second flew back out the window via a small explosion and two more fell to the wayside by chakra strings.

“Who are you?”

The orange designed cloak fixed both Tsunade and Shizune with the same demonic red stare. Recognition dawned in Tsunade’s eyes and she stoop up with a shaky effort.

“I can explain Naruto, I really can. Please just give me a chance.”

Naruto let loose with a blast of Kyuubi’s chakra and the Hokage tower’s office blew apart.

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The council hall could not fit anymore more people and was silent as death, even though the tensions ran high. The shinobi of Konoha wore their full uniform and civilians were dressed in their finest.

“Where is he?”

“This council meeting is bogus!”

“I hear that he’s going to be stripped of his rank and all honors.”

“That’s not right. It shouldn’t be like that.”

Silence reigned king once again as the center of the council hall shook and trembled. Two squads of ANBU Black Ops stood guard or at rigid attention over the blonde prisoner in the center. The elevator stopped and the party walked to the defendant’s chair in front of the 13 council members.

“The charged Uzumaki Naruto is here at the time of his hearing.”

“Thank you, step back.”

The ANBU bowed their heads and stepped back. An eerie silence settled on the court and everyone held a baited breath. Naruto sat straight in his chair, his black tank top dirty and torn, his hands wrapped in bandages and a band of cloth across his eyes. A smile played on his lips and his head tilted towards the window.

“Good morning Hina-chan, my love. Please do not cry and that goes for you too Riku and Sahari-san. I’m fine, not a scratch on me, these bandages and restraints are just for effect.”

Naruto’s cheerful voice sparked a warm glow throughout the hall and the court murmured at his show of strength.

“Uzumaki Naruto, you are not permitted to speak to the members of the court. Is that understood?”

Naruto dipped his head in acknowledgement and flipped the hair out of where his eyes should have been, if it was not for the piece of cloth.

“You do not seem afraid, even when your shinobi career and your very life are on the line Uzumaki Naruto.”

“Well shoot, I can’t die just yet! The teme is still alive and I promised Sakura-chan I would bring him back. I am not Hokage yet and I still have to surpass the Fourth. I still have not married Hina-chan and helped the other two, Riku and Sahari-san as much as I could. Nope, I can’t die just yet.”

Naruto’s answer stunned silence onto the hall until the Rookie 9 clapped and cheered. Other parts of the hall followed suit and even two or three council members smiled at the young man.

“Silence! Any further outbursts in this hall and this hearing will be closed off to the general public.”

Naruto smiled and a slight breeze crept through the window.

“Uzumaki Naruto, you left this village for a year after you obtained Chunnin status without a mission from the Hokage. You inspired Hyuuga Hinata to follow you. You are also suspected of aiding in the escape of Riku and Sahari. Why?”

Naruto’s smile disappeared and the breeze picked up.

“Because you, council members and Lady Hokage…”

Naruto spat out the word Hokage and everyone flinched.

“…signed an order for two of y precious people, Riku and Sahari-san to be interrogated by any means possible as if they were enemies of Konoha.”

Silence swooped back in on the court and the wind blew off Naruto’s hand and arm bandages, along with the one around his eyes.

“That is the law here in Konoha Uzumaki Naruto.”

“No that isn’t. The suspects brought in by Konoha shinobi are under his or her charge until he or she releases them over to the authorities. That is the law. And you broke it.”

Quiet murmurs could be heard around the hall.

“And when a council member breaks a law and oversteps his or her boundaries, they are suspended fro duty until the present Hokage decides to re-instate them if the Hokage so desires.”

The council sweat dropped and fidgeted behind their desks.

“Which means this meeting or hearing, call it what you’d like, is not within the boundaries of the law and all my supposed charges are dropped.”

Naruto rose to his feet and walked out of the council hall.

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The council hall erupted into a whirlwind of noise, scraping chairs of the councilors and the stamped of feet as the multitude of shinobi exited the building any way they could.

“He won!”

“Is he free?”

“Of course he is. He’s Naruto Uzumaki.”

Hinata raced down the steps, fought against the crowd and burst out the doors to the council hall. She saw a familiar tangle of yellow hair and raced after it. She caught up with him and with a tentative gesture touched his arm.

“Naruto-kun?”

Naruto exploded with a poof of smoke and Hinata jumped back in surprise. She closed her eyes and made a few hand signs.

“Byakugan!”

Her vision enhanced, she scouted the area and saw several of Naruto’s chakra signatures.

“Hinata-sama!”

She felt Neji’s gentle touch on her elbow and she turned her head towards him. She saw the rest of the remaining Rookie 9 behind him.

“What can I help you with Neji-nii-san?”

Hinata deactivated her bloodline limit and hid her face behind her long hair. She needed to find the blonde baka and help him, not deal with her friends right now.

“I just need to make sure you’re okay and Hiashi-sama would like to speak with you.”

Hinata kept check of her anger and nudged her way through the small crowd of her friends each said a word of restraint but she ignored them and body flickered to a roof.

“Please excuse me.”

Hinata pulled out a tri pronged kunai, reversed the seal and threw it onto the ground. Hinata vanished from sight.
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[Kaden]

Oh dear seems I get a lot of views and few comments....so sad....

Chapter 20:

Hinata spun out of the ninjutsu and stumbled until she got firmer footing. She opened her eyes when the vertigo passed and she saw that she was on a rocky ledge, high above Konoha. The wind tore at her clothes and she pulled her cloak closer to her. Leave it to Naruto to pick a windy, cold and barren place in Konoha as a secret getaway. He had an immense liking to the wind and he always amazed her on how he could find such places as this where the natural beauty was untouched.

“Naruto-kun?”

Her voice paled in comparison to the sound of the wind and she sighed.

“Byakugan.”

She looked over the ledge and in the distance made out Naruto’s distinctive chakra signature swirl. Hinata flickered over to him but did not see him. Confused, she scanned the area again and found his signature beneath her feet. Now curious, she walked over to the cliff’s edge and looked down. A lip in the cliff stuck out and she dropped down onto it.

“Marco…”

Her voice carried into the darkness beyond the ledge and echoed off the walls. Her Byakugan lined the way and to escape the biting wind, Hinata walked into the darkness. A pair of red eyes and whiskers caught her attention and she walked over to Naruto’s side.

“Polo…”

Hinata smiled in the darkness at his response and sat down next to him. She touched his arm, deactivated her Byakugan and smiled again when he did the same with his Kyuubi chakra.

“You were wonderful today Naruto.”

He tensed under her hand and she felt a tear. Without a word, she coaxed him to lie down with his head in her lap and she ran a hand through his hair and over his eyes.

“My village…what happened while we were gone?”
Hinata’s heart broke at the pain in his voice and she hugged him tighter to her.

“They tried Riku and Sahari-san as traitors. Obaa-chan signed the order. They almost labeled me as a missing nin. What was Tsunade thinking? That’s not what a Hokage does…”

Naruto clenched his hands into fists at the hem of her kimono. His grip hurt her, but she ignored the pain and kissed his temple since his face was buried into her stomach. She cursed the Konoha elders who had caused him so much pain and felt a flash of anger towards Lady Tsunade. Wasn’t she like his adoptive aunt? Wasn’t Naruto the one who had convinced her to become the Fifth Hokage?

“Hina-chan, I need to get back to the village and protect Riku and Sahari-san. Who knows what the village is doing to them when I’m not there to protect them.”

Hinata held onto him tighter and refused to let him sit up. He tried to maneuver his way out but she activated her Byakugan and closed off his chakra points.

“Hina-chan?”

“Both of them left the village and are on their way to the Uzumaki Manor. They’re safe Naruto, stop being selfless and be selfish for once! What are we going to do when you return to Konoha?”

Naruto looked shocked. Hinata had never raised her voice, let alone yelled at him or anyone before. He smiled, pulled her hands up to his lips and kissed them.

“Don’t worry about me Hina-chan. I have to make sure you’re safe when we go back. What is your father going to say even though you kept writing letters back and forth this past year?”

“Father has accepted my status by your side. He knows that you’ll protect me and that with the current status of politics in Konoha, he says it’s better for me to be with you.”

“Really? He accepts me? And our relationship?”

Naruto sat upright and stared into Hinata’s eyes. This moment was pivotal in their relationship. He wouldn’t destroy her relationship with her father or soil her reputation in anyway, and he steeled himself in case he had to let her go, no matter how painful it would be for him.

“Hai Naruto-kun. He accepts our relationship.”
Naruto kissed her then, his emotions a mess and his chakra blazing, but he kissed her anyway. He smiled as she looked down; too shy to meet his eyes and his heart swelled at her trust in him to let him see her like this.

“Come on Hina-chan, I think it’s time we returned.”

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Hinata held to Naruto’s arm as tight as she could, thankful that their cloaks hid this private moment as well as their faces and bodies. The designs on their cloaks however gave them away and a large crowd started to form.

“Naruto-san, what is your position on the civil war here in Konoha?
Whose side are you going to support?”

Both shinobi stopped walking and processed this information. Naruto’s trial as a tried missing nin made sense now. Why Hiashi supported Hinata in her relationship with Naruto.

“Who started the coup de ta? Who are the leaders and what are the sides?”

Hinata shivered at Naruto’s quiet, hard tone and pitied the person his wrath would fall upon. Silence reigned until a young boy pulled on Naruto’s sleeve. Hinata smiled when Naruto knelt down, pulled off his hood and smiled at the boy.

“That bandaged man Danzo and his Root people started it. Lady Tsunade and the ANBU are on the other side. The shinobi aren’t allowed to
enter on either side because Lady Tsunade won’t allow them.”

“Thank you. Citizens of Konoha hear my voice and listen to what I have to say. Konoha will be whole as it always was and will be. I will not allow this village to be torn apart like it was seven years ago. We are citizens of Konoha, the greatest shinobi nation. We are strong in body and mind and we are not afraid!”

The crowd cheered at Naruto’s ringing tones and let him pass on through. Hinata smiled and thanked God that Naruto couldn’t see the blush on her face from his short but powerful speech.

“Hina-chan, we’re here.”

The all too familiar steps leading into the Hokage Tower stood before her. She saw the watchful eyes of the ANBU guards but smiled when they remained motionless and allowed the couple entry into the Tower. Hinata felt Naruto’s hand tighten his hold on her own and she looked up at him from underneath her hood. His normal blue colors of his eyes were now a stormy grey and he ground his teeth.

“Naruto-kun?”

“This place is different.”

A light bulb went off in her head and she sidled closer to him until her body was pressed into his side. The Hokage Tower was Naruto’s lifelong dream and to see the Tower so empty and lifeless cast an eerie and cold air around the building.

“Don’t worry Naruto-kun. You’ll fix this place in no time.”

Hinata felt him squeeze her hand before he opened the door to the Hokage’s private office and stepped in.

“Hello Lady Hokage. You wished to see me?”

Hinata held back a shiver at the frost in Naruto’s voice and prayed that he wouldn’t always be like this.

“Oh! Wow, hello there Naruto. Can I speak to you alone please?”

“No. What do you want?”

Tsunade sighed and spun in her chair until the back was facing him.

“You are aware of the civil war here in Konoha? And the two drawn up sides?”

“Hai. The shinobi are unable to enter. So I don’t know how I can help you.”

Tsunade’s hand waved through the air as if in a dismissive gesture.

“That idiot Danzo and I have come to an agreement that each of us is allowed to pick one shinobi a piece. He chose your former Team 7 teammate Sai and I would like you to fight on my side.”

Hinata saw Naruto stiffen at the mention of Sai’s name. She could imagine the pain he was going through at the mention of his former teammate choosing the opposite side.

“No. I will remain neutral. My primary job is to protect Konoha and her civilians. I don not want to fight in your war for power. You are the Hokage, deal with it by yourself.”

Naruto bowed his head and jumped out a window at the back of her office. Tsunade spun back around, rested her head in her hands and sighed. Hinata felt a pang of pity for her but made ready to jump out the window.

“Hinata wait.”

The Hyuuga heiress stopped with her hand on the window frame and a foot on the windowsill.

“Promise me he’ll be okay. Please, try and talk to him for me.”

“You broke him Hokage-sama. He might not look or sound like it, but your signing of the order, your allowing of his trial, your sending of Kakashi-sama’s and Captain Yamato’s platoons after us like missing nin and me fighting Sakura-chan…broke him. I’ve said too much already and betrayed his trust in me. Ja ne, Hokage-sama.”

Hinata jumped out the window and landed, crouched on the ground. Her shinobi senses noticed five high chakra level enemy signatures and Naruto’s in the middle. Panic flooded her when the nearest shinobi looked at her and his distinctive Root mask glinted in the sunlight.

“Hyuuga Hinata, please follow us and tell your body guard to stand down.”

“No Hinata. I’ll be fine. Just stay out of this fight.”

Naruto turned so he could see both Hinata and the Root shinobi. Hinata watched as his muscles coiled and his chakra swirled around him in a brilliant shade of blue. The Root shinobi took defensive stances and drew their katana’s. An overeager one stepped forward and slashed at Naruto. Naruto drew his katana’s and parried the blow.

“You should have left us alone.”

Naruto counter-spun and smashed the flat of his katana into the Root shinobi’s temple. The shinobi stumbled back and Naruto kicked out his knee. The man fell forward onto Naruto’s blade and died in an instant. The other Root shinobi stared at him until one snapped.

“Demon of Konoha!”

As one, the Root shinobi leaped into the air and stabbed downward with their katana’s. As one, they flew back when Naruto released his chakra.

“Chakra Explosion Jutsu.”

Naruto took a deep breath in and faced the staggered Root shinobi, his hands clenched into fists and his katana’s back in their sheaths. His hood long blown off let his wild spikes run free and his cerulean blue eyes gleamed bright in the sunlight.

“Tell Danzo, he can forget about me serving under him. And tell him I want Sai. I want to meet with my former teammate and the manipulative jerk.”

The Root shinobi stood their ground and formed a loose circle around him. One made hand signs and slammed his hand into the ground. A second made another series of hand signs.

“Kuchiyose no Jutsu: Art of Summoning!”

“Water Style: Water Bomb!”

The first Root shinobi summoned a giant hawk and pointed his arm at Naruto. Naruto dodged backwards as the water crashed on the ground and the shockwave made him fall to the ground. The hawk took this chance and with a shriek swooped down on him. Naruto dove forward, underneath the outstretched talons and rolled to his feet. He threw a handful of shuriken at the Root shinobi and used his other arm to push up off the ground.

“This one’s for you Sarutobi-sama! Shadow Shuriken Replication Jutsu.”

The handful of shuriken multiplied and numbered at least in the one hundred range. The Root shinobi jumped up and dodged, all accept one. The unlucky one fell backwards, shuriken dotting his chest and eyes wide behind his mask.

“And the rest of you take this! Naruto Rendan!”

Multiple Naruto clones leaped up in the air and kicked the Root shinobi higher. Three were face planted down in the ground, but the hawk summons knocked Naruto aside before he could finish his taijutsu combo. Naruto landed on the ground and skidded to a stop. The hawk turned and swooped back at him, the last Root shinobi on his back.

“I’ve had enough of you silent fish faced freaks.”

A shadow clone swirled chakra in Naruto’s hand Naruto glared up at the Root shinobi. He jumped back up into the air and slammed his hand forward.

“Rasengan!”

The chakra sphere touched the summoned hawk and it exploded. The Rasengan ate its way through the air and collided with the Root shinobi’s chest. Naruto grimaced and pushed his hand through the man’s body. The Root shinobi screamed but it was short lived as he died soon after Naruto’s hand pushed out through his chest.

“I told you to leave us alone. I mean that.”

Naruto landed on the ground, his back towards Hinata and his hand limp. Hinata ran to him but stopped short when he raised his blood-covered hand.

“Hina-chan, I need you to return to the Hyuuga Manor. You’ll be safe there. I’ll return as soon as I can. Stay by Neji’s side at all times ya hear?”

“Hai Naruto-kun. Be safe.”

Hinata turned and walked down the street.

“Hina-chan?”

“Hai?”

“I love you.”

Hinata didn’t turn around and knew he still had his back turned towards her.
A lump formed in her throat and tears welled up in her eyes but she smiled.

“I love you too.”

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Naruto flashed across the rooftops and stopped before an ominous tall gray building. Danzo’s headquarters and Root’s headquarters, the building was non-descript and horrible to look upon. A battered, scarred and bandaged man stepped out into the evening sunlight and looked up, straight into
Naruto’s eyes.

“Hello Uzumaki. Good to see you alive and well. Thought about my offer any more than last time?”

Naruto threw down the bloody facemasks and headbands of the five Root shinobi and they landed down at the man’s feet.

“I have. My answer is still no.”

The man smiled and paced before the building. Sudden movements caught Naruto’s eyes and he ducked. Explosive kunai embedded themselves in the all behind him and exploded with a violent bang. The smoke cleared and Naruto dropped back onto the ledge.

“Uzumaki, I am a powerful man. My record and achievements bear testament to that. That old woman Tsunade cannot help the village anymore and Konoha will fall. Join with me, I am the powerful leader Konoha needs and I will see to it that the village remains strong.”

“Danzo, you’re a master manipulator. You aren’t strong enough to lead Konoha. Tsunade-obaa-chan is, and will make sure nothing happens to Konoha.”

Danzo stopped pacing and glared up at Naruto.

“You’ve chosen her side then?”

“No, I am neutral. I will protect the shinobi and citizens of Konoha.”

Danzo’s eyes gleamed but he turned around and walked back into his headquarters.

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Hinata bandaged the cut on her cheek and glanced around the main courtyard of the Hyuuga Manor. Most of the Root attack force lay strewn out across the ground and the remaining ones were out numbered three to one in the battle.
Hinata drew a kunai and rushed to her sister Hanabi’s side.

“Leave her alone.”

Her voice cut like steel and the nearby shinobi on both sides stopped to look at the soft-spoken Hyuuga heiress. Hinata walked into the fray until she was back to back with Hanabi.

“You will not harm her. You came after me, so fight only me.”

The Root members looked back at Sai, their leader in this attack and he nodded. In a flash of movement, the Root shinobi surrounded the two girls. Hinata pushed Hanabi out of the circle, sheathed her kunai and activated her Byakugan.

“Hinata-sama no, please don’t endanger you’re life like this.”

“Hinata please, refrain from such foolish measures.”

“I can fight, why did you push me aside?”

Hinata smiled at her father, Neji and Hanabi.

“If I am to be clan head, leader of this clan, then I need to be strong and show that I am a capable leader.”

The Root shinobi charged in and swung their katana’s at her. Hinata closed her eyes and moved her hands in every direction. Her hands started to glow and pick up speed until they became a blur.

“Gentle Fist Art: Protection of the Eight Trigrams.”

Hinata’s superior flexibility, agility and chakra control made her chakra sharp, nimble and flexible. Her chakra formed a sharp dome around her and the Root shinobi cried out as her chakra needles tore into their skin and threw them backwards.

“You will not hurt my precious people.”

She directed her chakra back into her body and closed her eyes. Her body felt heavy and the urge to collapse was so strong, but she swooned and stayed on her feet. A sharp, painful cry came from her left and she turned to face the disturbance.

“Neji-nii-san...”

Neji stood tall above Sai, his Byakugan ablaze and his right palm jammed into the bottom of Sai’s neck. Hinata knew Sai was paralyzed from the neck down and walked over to them. Neji had a cut across his neck, ink stains from head to toe and a nice deep gash across his right shoulder, but he stood tall and stoic as ever above Sai.

“Hinata-sama are you well?”

“Hai Neji, I am unhurt. You need medical attention.”

“Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka are on their way.”

Hiashi walked up to them and rested a gentle hand on Hinata’s shoulder. Hinata started and looked up at her father. His silent confirmation and acknowledgement of her for the first time in his eyes made Hinata smile and she leaned into his touch.

“Hiashi-sama, the leader of the attack force is at your mercy.”

Hinata’s smile fell when her father’s hand left her shoulder and he stood in front of Sai.

“You are Danzo’s prized pupil. Did he send you?”

“Hai.”

“What was your purpose in attacking my home?”

“To kidnap the Lady Hinata so Naruto-san would fight against Tsunade-sama. Lord Danzo will win this war and his enemies will perish.”

Neji snapped Sai’s neck at Hiashi’s nod and Sai fell lifeless to the ground.

“Hina-chan!”

The Hyuuga Manor’s main gates blew asunder at the destructive power of Naruto’s Rasengan. Naruto sprinted in, katana’s at the ready and looked around. Hinata and Hanabi giggled, Neji sighed and Hiashi cracked the smallest of smiles.

“Naruto-kun, I’m over here.”

Naruto looked over at them and sheathed his katana’s. His expressionless mask was in place as he walked on over to them. He bowed his head in respect and looked at the damage.

“Uzumaki-san, I trust you have a good reason for destroying my front gates and storming my house like a mad man?”

“My apologies Hiashi-sama. I heard the Lady Hinata was under attack and came to aid her in battle.”

“Not to save or protect her? Aid her in battle only?”

“Hai. The Lady Hinata is more than capable of defending herself.”

Hinata glanced between both men and resisted the urge to press her fingers together. After a tense moment of silence, Hiashi nodded and disappeared back inside. He turned towards them, hand on the door handle and looked straight at Naruto.

“Uzumaki-san, I trust you to accommodate her in your dwelling for the night? The possibility of another attack-”

“There is no problem at all Hiashi-sama.”

Hiashi disappeared back inside and the Hyuuga clan followed, except for the two daughters and Neji. Hinata ran into Naruto’s waiting embrace and buried her face in his chest. Naruto held her close, let her draw strength from him and whispered nothings in her ear. Hanabi giggled at the scene and Neji walked away.

“So this is your boyfriend Hinata?”

Hinata eeped and tried to disappear inside Naruto and he chuckled.

“Hello, Hanabi-sama. I am Naruto Uzumaki, apprentice of Jiraiya-sama and your sister’s boyfriend.”

Hanabi giggled again and color rose to her pale cheeks. She was a miniature of Hinata but had her father’s features, while Hinata had her mother’s.

“Yes I know who you are. I watched you fight in the Chunin Exams seven years ago. You defeated Neji.”

Naruto grinned and his eyes twinkled. He saw Sakura, Ino and Neji approaching and let go of Hinata. She whimpered and looked up at him, fatigue evident in her eyes.

“Be strong for one more minute Hina-chan. Take care Hanabi-sama.
Stay by your father’s side ya hear?”

Hanabi nodded and darted inside. Naruto made a series of rapid hand signs, grabbed Hinata and disappeared in a poof of smoke.

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“Hey Hina-chan, here are an extra set of clothes.”

Naruto walked out of his room and handed Hinata a pair of his sweats and his classic black t-shirt with the Konoha fire symbol on the back. She smiled a tired smile up at him and disappeared into the bathroom to take a shower. Naruto finished towel drying his hair and stared out the window, the towel on his bare shoulders and a loose pair of training pants on his hips.

“Naruto-kun?”

Naruto turned around and grinned at the sight before him. Naruto’s clothes were too big for Hinata, so she had modified them to fit her more petite and curvy frame. Naruto walked over to her and rested his hands on the inch of visible soft skin above her hips. She shivered at his touch and stepped closer to him.

“Now here’s a sight I don’t mind seeing. You dressed in my clothes, hair still damp from the shower and it’s all in one sexy woman called my girlfriend.”

Hinata blushed at his compliment and fell into his embrace. How she had landed as a wonderful man was beyond her and she thanked God that she did. He wrapped his arms around her and scooped her up. She murmured words of thanks and fell asleep from chakra depletion as he carried her towards his bedroom. He placed her in his bed, being as gentle as he could and tucked her in with all the sheets and blankets on his bed. On impulse he grabbed his camera and took a quick picture, thankful she was in a deep sleep.

“Good night Hinata. I love you.”

Naruto slipped a black tank top on and sat at the foot of the bed. He had to enter the civil war that was consuming Konoha; there was no question about it. But what side would he choose? Danzo, he knew by instinct, would weaken Konoha and possibly eventually destroy it. Tsunade had signed some pretty damning documents against him and his latest precious people. If Jiraiya hadn’t made him study different aspects of Konoha’s culture, Naruto wouldn’t be where he was right now. He didn’t have anything against how Tsunade governed the village, only personal issues. And Danzo had tried to kidnap Hinata as bait…

“Jiraiya-sensei, what should I do? What man who calls himself a shinobi, would stoop so low to use innocent hostages?”

His decision made, Naruto stood up and began to dress in his shinobi battle outfit. He had just finished snapping his katana sheath buckles when Hinata stirred and opened her eyes. She took in his uniform and sat up with the covers pulled up around her beautiful body.

“Naruto-kun? Has there been another attack? Are you hurt?”

Naruto sat down next to her and cupped her cheek. He smiled when she leaned into his hand and grabbed his other gloved one.

“Hinata, I need to go speak with Tsunade. My part in this civil war is about to begin, and I need you to return home. Get dressed, I’ll wait outside for you.”

Hinata pressed closer to him and kissed him. She had tears in her eyes when she pulled away and shook her head.

“Stay here, there’s one gift I can give you before you go…”
Naruto nodded and she slipped out of his bed. She closed the curtains to his room almost all the way and left a crack so some moonlight could filter in. She stood off to the side so her body was cast into the shadows and with deliberate slowness, took off her shirt. Naruto started right then, his self control almost forgotten as he drank in the silky smoothness and graceful contours of her bare back. She took off her pants next and stepped out of them. His eyes feasted on her legs and he groaned in disappointment when she slipped her shinobi uniform on.

“Hina-chan…”

Hinata turned around with a sensual smile on her lips and straddled him after she walked over to him. She shivered when he ran his hands down her sides and sighed in content when he kissed the hollow of her neck. She moaned as he sucked on one of her sweet spots there and encouraged him when she pulled his head closer. Her breath left her when he kissed her and she responded with a feverish passion.

“Hina-chan, promise me you’ll be safe and waiting for me when this is all over.”
Hinata rested her head in the crook of his neck and nodded.

“Hai Naruto-kun…”
Sleep overtook her again and she fell deep into the darkness it provided.

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Naruto raced across the rooftops and jumped into the skirmish outside the Hokage’s Tower.

“Aiya! Kitsune for Kyuubi!”

His battle cry shook the windows of the buildings around the battlefield and caused both sides to stop fighting. He moved like a demon possessed and cut down the nearest Root shinobi with fell swoops of his katana’s. The ANBU Black Ops cheered and re-engaged the surviving Root shinobi.

“ANBU Captain, take me to the Hokage.”

Naruto right hooked the last Root shinobi and watched him fall. A falcon-masked man nodded and sheathed his katana.

“Hai Uzumaki-san. Squads Five and Ten, back to your stations.”

The ANBU nodded and passed by Naruto and the ANBU Captain.

“Welcome to the battle Uzumaki-san. You give us great hope now that you fight along side us instead of against us.”

“’Bout time Obaa-chan gets her butt in gear and cleans up this mess.”

Naruto passed through the door, down the hall and up the stairs behind the ANBU Captain.

“Hokage-sama, I bring you Uzumaki Naruto. He wishes to fight alongside us.”

The ANBU Captain disappeared in a poof of smoke.

“Well what changed your mind Naruto?”

Tsunade’s chair swiveled around and she glared at him. Naruto’s face remained expressionless and he stood straight.

“I am fulfilling the mission the Hokage has given me.”
Tsunade snorted and Tonton snorted from his grasp in Shizune’s arms.

“Don’t B.S me Naruto. What happened?”

Naruto’s mask fell and he looked down at the ground.

“Danzo used Sai to try and kidnap Hina-ch…Hinata. That’s not the way a shinobi leads and I have nothing against how you lead Konoha. So I’ll perform this mission as requested and make Konoha whole and happy again.”

“Well said Naruto. You’ll be put on a special team tonight and you’ll have your mission briefing with the rest of my forces in a couple hours.
Naruto nodded and turned to leave.

“I’m sorry Naruto. I did what I did to protect you. I underestimated you again and caused you a lot of pain. Forgive me.”

“Thank you Obaa-chan. I forgive you. Let’s go out for some ramen
when this is all over.”

“Hai. My treat. You bring Hinata too. I want a full recap on what you’ve been doing this past year.”

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Hinata sighed and walked the hallway to the outer courtyard. She saw Hanabi and the girls of the Rookie 9 waiting for her. A flash of orange crested the Hyuuga Manor’s main wall, followed by two black flashes and all three stopped in the middle of the courtyard. Hinata hurried forward and stood in front of the orange clad ANBU.

“N..N..Naruto…kun?”

Naruto took of his mask and grinned down at Hinata.

“Good morning Hina-chan. Came by to see if you’re alright before our mission starts.”

Hinata was engulfed in one of his huge hugs and grinned into his chest. Ino cleared her throat, ruining the moment and Naruto let Hinata down by his side.

“Morning girls. You’re taking care of Hina-chan for me right?”

Sakura smiled and punched him in the shoulder.

“Of course you idiot. Since you’re the only shinobi allowed to fight, Hiashi invited the Rookie 9 to stay here until the whole thing is over. Said something about we need to protect Hinata and each other.”
Naruto grinned and pulled Hinata closer.

“Well don’t bash or pester her ya hear? Kakashi-sensei, Captain Yamato and I won’t be back for a while. So we came to pay our respects and say good-bye, like I said earlier.”
Sakura looked indignant.

“How come they get to fight?”

Kakashi stepped forward, took off his mask and hugged the crying Sakura. She clung to his cloak and buried her face in his chest.

“Easy now Sakura. Yamato and I are former ANBU and we were called out of retirement.”

“But…with…my parents dead…you’re the only father I have left.”

“Here. Take this. That way you’ll still be connected to me.”

Naruto watched in awe as Kakashi gave Sakura his copy of Make out Tactics. His former sensei pulled away, slipped back on his mask and all three men vanished.

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“ANBU Squad 7, report in please.”

“ANBU Squad 7 Captain, codename Weasel, reporting in.”

Naruto hummed with energy as Kakashi wrote down their orders and his fingers twitched with excitement on his katana’s. Squad 7 was perched on a tall tower, deep within Root territory and were the tip of Tsunade’s spear. He traced the design of his tiger mask and grinned. Naruto was ready.

“Alright everyone, huddle up. Headquarters wants us to keep out of sight until the signal is given. We’re the first squad in, so we should monitor enemy formations and numbers.”

Naruto nodded and studied the map with the new intelligence data Kakashi had scribbled on it.

“We’re moving in a Wheel formation, which should give us the
advantage over Danzo’s forces because they’re spread thin. They are protecting all sides and will collapse to contain the focal point of our attack. Yamato, you’re the rear guard and Weasel Two. Naruto…your point man and Weasel three. I’ll be the middleman and adapt to any situation. My codename is Weasel Leader. Questions?”

Yamato looked over back to their headquarters and then down at his gloves.

“There’s the signal.”

Naruto’s right metal guard glove plate glowed green twice and he grinned.

“ANBU Squad 7…scatter.”

Naruto flickered off the tower and landed with his hand pressed on the ground.

“Chakra Locator Jutsu.”

The familiar lines scattered and one line glowed bright red. Naruto sprinted off after it.

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“I repeat...multiple ANBU…aaaah!”

Naruto threw a shuriken at the man in the radio tower and watched him fall lifeless to the ground. He plastered the tower supports with explosive tags and stepped back. The tower exploded and Naruto pressed forward.

“Aiya! Kitsune for Kyuubi!”
ANBU Squad 7, dubbed the “Invincibles” by the Root and “Root Cutter” by their ANBU comrades, decimated the Root formations. Root had not expected them to be right in front of their headquarters and three platoons died before the dust had settled. Root had sent reinforcements from nearby stations, but with two experienced ANBU Captains, Naruto’s tenacity and clone numbers and good teamwork, ANBU Squad 7 was defiant and held their ground. Root squads along the wall were forced to fall back and defend their headquarters, which allowed the rest of the ANBU squads to swarm in and help a desperate Squad 7.

“ANBU Squads move in! Take control of the enemy headquarters!”

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A/N: Okay my hands and arms are tired from typing all this really fast. This is the longest chapter I’ve ever written and I hope it’s one of the best. I have a request of you viewers and reviewers:
What would you like to see in the next chapter?
The next chapter is going to be the conclusion of the civil war in Konoha obviously, but after that…it’s the calm before the storm. So what questions would you like answered? What part of the story would you like better explained? Want more on Naruto’s pilgrimage with Jiraiya? Want some inner details on the year Naruto and Hinata were at the Uzumaki Manor? How bout some characters spar each other?
As always, read and review if you please and let me know what you would like!
~Kaden-san

[Nabuza]

I just read all the chapters and i love what i see. i'm intereested in how the war will finish and what's going to happen between Naruto and Hinata. One thing i did notice tho was the lack of letting ppl know who is talking. i found myself having to reread something and try to fighure out who was actually talking, so adding in Naruto said, or Tsunade replied would make things easier to understand, but i love the story and the way things are described it was really emersing me. Good job and look forward to more in the near future