Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you'll miss them.

-William Arthur Ward

Naruto Uzumaki was ecstatic; he was finally back in Konoha after his 5 year-long mission to oversee the reconstruction of the shinobi world. Kaguya and Madara had left behind so much devastation that people wondered if it would ever be possible to laugh, smile, or live like they used to. Lady Tsunade had been worn out after the war and Kakashi-sensei had been named Hokage after she stepped down.

At first Naruto was disappointed but realized that his age was still a factor. His experience in battle was admirable and revered but his maturity still needed work. Tsunade offered him the chance to travel to devastated villages as a form of aid from Konoha and to establish ambassador like qualities into the knucklehead. It wasn't much of an offer really as it was a command.

"I'm a ninja for Kami's sake!"

Tsunade's left eyebrow twitched. This brat! "You need this to grow and develop. It would be hard for someone to question your candidacy if you have all the desirable traits of a Hokage. Strength isn't everything."

It wasn't as awful as he thought it would be. Civilians and shinobis praised him in every village he visited. It was a welcomed change from the looks of revulsion he was accustomed to as a child. Konoha had changed their attitude after Pein's attack but to see others outside the village acknowledge him was rewarding as well.

Naruto arrived late at night and the only ones to greet him at the gates were Tsunade, Iruka and Sakura. Sakura ran up and hugged him tightly.

"Kakashi had a long day and promised to take you out for ramen first thing in the morning. Sasuke's…well you know him. We'll definitely set up a nice team dinner soon."

He nodded in agreement.

"Your new house isn't ready yet but your old apartment is available until everything is set up," she continued.

"It's fine, I'm just glad to be home. Iruka- sensei, how about some ramen?" Iruka laughed out loud and they set on their way to Ramen Ichiraku. Old man Teuchi had retired but his daughter Ayame ran the business. It was past business hours but they had left it open in anticipation of Naruto's arrival.

.

.

.

Heh, I can still put it away. Iruka shouldn't have offered to pay. Naruto giggled to himself and walked around the village.

Those still awake and walking about greeted Naruto with a simple wave which he returned. He found himself near the Hyuuga compound. Hinata, I wonder how you've been.

He decided to pop in by her room to get a glimpse of the girl who always had been supporting him. The Hyuuga guards were patrolling but after a lot of patience, he found his opening and their blind spot. He tried glancing at her bedroom but she wasn't there. He was alarmed because it was late, where else could she be? Soon he heard arguing voices in a nearby room. He leaned close and hid his chakra even farther.

"He's a monster. I forbid it."

Hiashi.

"He's a hero! After all he's lost and all he's did for all of us, you still call him a monster?!" Hinata's voice was still soft but had much more conviction than he had remembered.

"Are you willing to lose it all because of him? Your title, support, and your family?"

She still loves me?

"I think the question is: are you willing to take everything from me because of him? I can live without this title but it would hurt me to lose the support of my father and my family."

Naruto was stunned and apparently so was Hiashi as he didn't hear a retort. "I'll give you a few days to think about what I said."

Hiashi responded, "I think that you need to think about this as well. You cannot lead this clan while being with him. There'll be conflict."

"I know."

Movement inside the room signaled that she was getting up. "Where will you go?"

Naruto leaned closer to the window to look in.

"I have someone to see."

She leaned down to where Hiashi was stiffly sitting and kissed his forehead. "I'll be okay."

She loves me! Oh, Hinata I wish I could've burst in and carried you away.

However, Naruto didn't want to seem as desperate and it would be hard to explain to the Hyuuga why he was sneaking around in the first place. He ran to his old apartment and began to clean like crazy. He wanted to make her feel at home. He thought about changing from his ninja outfit to his pajama's, that Tsunade had left at his place but they were embarrassing. Little bows adorned the pajamas.

Haha Granny. He paced back and forth, waiting for her arrival.

A knock at the door woke him from his slumber. "Naruto! Wake up!"

Sakura?

"Kakashi-sensei and I are waiting for you out here."

He stretched his arms and twisted his neck. The old couch wasn't the best place to sleep.

Where's Hinata? He thought that perhaps she went to another friend like Tenten or Ino. After all how many people were aware of his return? Even if she knew, she was probably too polite to come around late at night when he hadn't given her a clear answer to her confession yet.

I can't wait to see her.

"Give me ten minutes!" Naruto changed his clothes and went to wash up. He didn't want to look like a slob when he saw Hinata.

"So where's Sasuke?" Naruto hadn't seen his best friend since his return. He had briefly caught up with some of his friends but hadn't even seen the former avenger.

Kakashi didn't look away from his book, "I think he's at home. I tried to go get him, but then I remembered the last time I came into his home uninvited. Let's just say, he's… touchy about things like that."

Naruto could just imagine Sasuke chasing their sensei away, chidori in hand. He laughed and summoned the courage to ask something. "Have you seen Hinata?"

At this Kakashi did look at his former student now comrade. "Not recently. Hyuuga matters have kept her quite busy."

Naruto nodded and continued walking. Maybe I'll ask Tenten or Ino.

They didn't know where she was and assumed she was at the Hyuuga compound. Kiba and Shino gave him the same answer. Naruto thanked them and walked away.

They don't know either. What if she was coming to me but someone got her. The thought of a hurt Hinata crossed his mind. I should've just walked in and walked out with her!

He resolved to track her down without unnecessarily worrying everyone in case it was a false alarm. The one person who wouldn't gossip about the 'rescue mission' would be Sasuke.

He will need some convincing but Sasuke wouldn't let me down.

Naruto sprinted towards the renovated Uchiha compound. It wasn't as big as it once was but Naruto had convinced Tsunade to grant him some land before he left for his mission. He would compliment Sasuke on the renovation later. He zeroed in on his bedroom and knocked on the window, a habit adopted from his teacher. Before he could open his mouth, he noticed two figures in bed.

Sasuke turned around and walked towards his bedroom window. He opened it and looked around. Nothing.

"Sasuke?"

He walked back to his bed and snuggled closer to his hime. "It's nothing."

Naruto couldn't breathe. It was unmistakable. He'd seen her hair sprayed out over the pillow next to him. The ache in his chest worsened when he realized that she wasn't talking about him to her father. He sprinted to the Hokage Monument where he always went to clear his head.

When? How? He felt anger towards her but felt guilty soon after. Did I wait too long?