(Author's Note) Hey guys. So, this is my first story. I'm hoping for it to be full length, but, well, only time will tell that. So this is going to take place after the Pain attack and Naruto has just come back to the village. Please go easy on me for the first chapter while I get the characters down :3. Without further ado, let's get this show started.

Naruto felt wondered look breaking out into a wide grin at the sight of the entire village cheering at him. He had done it: beaten Nagato and his sixth paths of Pain and convinced him to restore the lives of those lost in the Leaf. He looked out at the faces of his friends. His eyes passed over Shikamaru, Kiba, Choji, Ino, and… Hinata. He closed his eyes. Thank God she's alive… Her words from before rang in his ears.

"Because… I love you, Naruto."

His grin spun off to the side a bit. That was something he was going to figure out. He tilted his head, now oblivious to the crowd around him. Not only had he learned of Hinata's feelings, he had also discovered the truth about who his father was. There were things he had to get figured out. If only he knew where to start… maybe with-

Naruto was broken out of his reverie by a hand falling on his shoulder. He looked up to see Kakashi looking down at him, his eye crinkled in a smile. "You did well. I'm proud to say that I've been a part of your life thus far." Naruto smiled at him, a lump forming in his throat.

"Thanks, sensei." His voice cracked on the last word. Kakashi just squeezed his shoulder, then nodded for him to look up. "Watch out."

Sakura was approaching, giving him a death glare. "You IDIOT!" She exclaimed as she brought her fist down on top of his head. Naruto found himself on the ground, nursing his head.

"What was THAT for?!"

She glared as she started to walk back. "You could've been killed! I can't imagine what may have happened if you weren't so damn lucky!"

Naruto sighed. "I don't think I'll ever get women."

Kakashi chuckled as he held out his hand to Naruto to help him stand. "I wish I could give you advice, Naruto. Unfortunately, I think holding out hope for Sakura may be useless. However," he said with a twinkle in his eye, "I heard a certain Hyuuga admitted to a certain orange ninja some very serious feelings."

Naruto grinned at him, his cheeks reddening. "Maybe I'll talk to her, Kakashi-sensei."

His sensei nodded at him, starting to back up a bit. "You should. You deserve to have someone special in your life."

Naruto noticed his movements. "Where are you going?"

Kakashi shook his head. "Time for your hero's welcome."

Naruto quirked a brow "Eh? What do you—Ack!" Naruto yelped as he was swarmed by a crowd of people surrounding him, all asking him about his fight with Pain and congratulating him. They grabbed him and put him on their shoulders, tossing him into the air. Naruto let out a laugh. Finally, he was getting the recognition he had always dreamed of.

The crowd, however, got bored quite quickly. There was work to be done. The village had to be rebuilt, and people wanted to make sure that their families were all accounted for. Naruto looked around, and found that the only people still around were Tsunade and Kakashi. He saw a drape of long, dark blue hair fading into the distance. Holding up a hand to stall whatever Tsunade was about to say, he started racing after Hinata. "One second, Grandma Tsunade! I have to do something!"

Tsunade sighed. "What's up with him, Kakashi?"

Kakashi smiled behind his mask. "Young love, Lady Tsunade."

Naruto stopped when he was within speaking distance of her. "Hinata!"

Hinata turned to him, blushing profusely. "N-naruto?"

He smiled at her. "I have to thank you."

She looked up, but still couldn't meet his eyes. Her face grew redder. "Thank me? F-for what?"

He shook his head. "Hinata. Without your confession… I couldn't have beaten Pain. I owe so much to you."

She finally met his eyes, the blush on her face leaving momentarily. "Really?" I… helped him? He thanked me?

He stepped closer to her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Really." He pulled her to him, hugging her. "Thank you so much." He whispered.

Her blush had returned in full force. He's… hugging me? Is this real life? She slowly brought her arms up to hug him back. "Thank you, Naruto."

Naruto smiled, then a thought occurred to him. "Hinata?"

She smiled, closing her eyes. "Yes?"

"Did… did you mean what you said back there?"

Her eyes shot open, and she suddenly felt the need to faint. "Oh… Um, well, you see, I was just so worried and then-suddenly-Pain-had-you andIwasn'tsurewhatelsetodoandsuddenly-" Naruto put a finger to her lips, stopping her from her panicked blabbering.

"Hinata," he said, tilting her head back so he could see her. "It was just a yes or no question." He grinned.

She blushed again. "Right, sorry. Um, well, Y-yes. I meant it Naruto."

He closed his eyes. "You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that."

She quirked a brow. "What do you mean?"

He looked away for a second as he thought. "I've never been told that I'm loved… I'm so happy that someone feels that way." His voice cracked again, and he felt tears welling up in his eyes. Damnit, he thought, why am I being such a baby? He looked back to her, a huge grin spreading across his face to hide his inner distress. "So, now that the village has been destroyed, do you have time to go on a date with me?"

Hinata was grateful that she had the sense to shout out "Yes, absolutely!" before she fainted. Now her dream was becoming reality.

Naruto laughed to himself as he caught her. "I guess some things haven't changed yet." He stiffened when he noticed the presence behind him. He turned quickly to see the Fifth Hokage shaking with silent laughter. Naruto gave her a sheepish look. "Uh… I can explain."

Tsunade waved him off. "No need. I heard the bulk of the conversation."

Naruto gave a sigh of relief. "So, what were you going to say to me earlier, Grandma?"

Tsunade made a face at his nickname for her, but went on anyway. "Well, the village is in your debt, Naruto. Now, obviously it's going to take time for us to rebuild the village, but I want you to know that the whole village owes you. If you ever need something from me, you only have to ask." She smiled at him.

Naruto returned the smile. However, the jovial expression was short lived. "Actually, can I ask you something?"

She nodded.

"Do you… do you know if anyone saw me? After I—" His voice cut out. He couldn't finish his thought, too afraid of the answer.

Tsunade frowned. "I don't think so. Most of the village had already been destroyed by that point, including the people in it. If anyone had seen the spectacle, it would have been your fellow ninja, most of whom already know about the Nine-Tails. That said, I'm not going to go around saying anything. It would be for the best if the younger generation was kept in the dark."

Naruto nodded. "Thanks, Tsunade."

She smiled kindly at him again. "No problem. Now go out there and help us rebuild the village!" With that, she sped off, leaving Naruto holding a still very unconscious Hinata.

"Hey, wait, what do I do with her!?" He looked down at her unconscious form, and couldn't help but smile.