Chapter 1: Daylight in Konoha
It had been nearly a year since the end of the Fourth Shinobi War, and it was time of celebration in the Hidden Leaf Village. It was July 7th on the day of Tanabata, Festival of Star-crossed Lovers and this gave the young ninja a chance to be with that special someone.
At the Ichiraku Ramen shop, one blonde knucklehead ninja Naruto Uzumaki slurped down his fifth bowl as he held a festival invitation in his right hand.
"Hmm, I wonder who'd go to the festival with me?"
Just then, he heard light footsteps behind him. Turning slightly, he saw a navy-blue kunoichi walking alone while seemingly lost in her thoughts as her hands stayed close to her face.
"Hinata…" he whispered to himself.
As Naruto sipped his last noodle, he dropped down some coins on the table.
"Thanks for the ramen, gotta go."
The chef just shook his head as he smiled. Naruto ran quickly to catch up with her.
"Hey, Hinata!"
She quickly wheeled around at the sound of his voice.
"N-Naruto…what is it?"
"Uh…would you…" he held up his invitation. "Would you go to Tanabata with me?" he beamed.
Grasping the invitation, she smiled graciously.
"Why…yes, I would. Thank you, Naruto." She replied, blushing with a smile.
"Great! So I'll meet you tonight and we'll have a good time."
"Yes, Naruto. See you tonight."
Meanwhile at the Hokage's office, Lady Tsunade and Hiashi Hyuuga meet for a private meeting.
"What a wonderful time to celebrate, eh Hiashi?"
"Yes, my lady." He replied.
"Would you mind having the festival activities take place in your household, Hiashi? Your home is plenty big enough."
"Oh, yes Lady Hokage. The Hyuuga clan would be honored."
Hiashi paused as a thought came to his mind.
"Hiashi?" Tsunade asked curiously.
"I'm sure my daughter, Hinata will be with that Naruto boy."
"Come now, Hiashi. Naruto is a great ninja and fought well during the war. He'd be the perfect partner for Hinata." Tsunade assured.
"But still just a teenager, I don't approve of that boy's methods of trickery. My daughter's in no need of having interest in a prankster." Hiashi added.
"Have faith in Hinata and Naruto. As much as of a prankster Naruto may be, he's the strongest gennin I've ever seen. She's in good hands…" She assured once more.
Hiashi sighed.
"I suppose you're right, Lady Hokage. But I'll still keep an eye on that boy tonight."
Hiashi quietly thought to himself as he walked down the hall.
"Lady Hokage may be right about Naruto's talents as a ninja, but he better not try anything on Hinata tonight…"
He glared in slight determination.
"…or else, he'll have to face me."