Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or anything associated with the franchise—please support the official release.
Summary:Naruto is being bullied by Kiba, and Hinata comes to help him in more ways than one.
Chapter 1: Healing Wounds
It was a cool Autumn day about half past noon, students at the academy had just been let out for lunch hour and recess. Preteens and children alike could be heard laughing and playing, while others were up to no good.
"Alright cough it up you little loser!" Kiba growled, holding a certain spikey blond child up against a tree.
"No way Kiba! I'm going to kick your butt!" Naruto hollered, finally getting free from Kiba's grip and jumping to the sidewalk next to them.
"Activate: Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto attempted to summon two shadow clones to help him fight his wolf-like classmate. Soon a cloud of dust appeared and Kiba showed a face of concern, only to start a laugh of relief. Naruto spawned two lifeless pale clones that couldn't even stand.
"Uh oh…" Naruto sighed while a sweat mark formed as the clones disappeared.
"Well I was just going to take your money and not beat you up, but I guess since you're a tough guy…I'll beat you up then take your money!" Kiba followed with a punch to the face, causing Naruto to fall back. After jumping onto him, Kiba placed his knees on Naruto's chest and continued the assault.
Once he was satisfied, he searched until finding the blond's wallet. This left a defenseless Naruto to only watch as his money was being taken. Before Kiba was finished, his canine-like nose sniffed around Naruto's bag to find the appetizing meal.
"Is this your lunch? Mph—it's ramen! Smells tasty." Kiba licked his lips menacingly.
"Wait that's mi—"Naruto was cut off by Kiba forcing his foot into his neck.
"Ah pipe down! Unless you want another beating, I suggest you scram. I'll beat you up again, and take the coat off your back." At these words Naruto scrambled to get up and began to run in the opposite direction. That is, until a thought struck him.
I'm no cowered! He got a lucky shot in—that's all, no one takes my ramen and gets away with it! So, what I can't do shadow clones. Big deal! I don't need them. I'm Naruto Uzumaki! And I never back down from a fight! I'm gunna be Hokage someday, and a Hokage would never back down and run away!
Naruto then turned around and ran back toward the wolf boy.
"Oh—so the little squirt wants more huh?! Akamaru, I'm trying to eat so why don't you take this?" A bark of agreement was heard, then Akamaru leaped off of Kiba's head and jump kicked Naruto right in the face, causing Naruto to fall back.
Akamaru sprawled on his chest, clawing Naruto's face in the process. As blood ran down from the stinging cuts, Akamaru began to jump on Naruto's stomach. This continued until Kiba finished Naruto's food.
"Good work Akamaru." Kiba said in a pleased tone, then gestured at his head to which Akamaru jumped back on. "Food was good." Kiba sighed, rubbing his full stomach. "I almost feel guilty taking your jacket." He unzipped the coat and took it from Naruto, who at this point was lying there in defeat.
Naruto decided it was no use. He has me. I guess there is nothing I can do now except cause myself more pain.
"Good cooperation! I thought you'd put up another fight, but I guess you aren't so stupid as I thought. Although…I guess I better make sure." Kiba laughed, pulling rope out of his bag, then he picked Naruto up like a rag doll. The blond started to kick and scream in response.
"Let me down kiba!" Ignoring Naruto, Kiba smirked and slammed him against the nearby tree. Naruto tried to get away with all his strength, but Kiba was too strong. Kiba then bound Naruto's hands. The blond managed to scratch him enough to draw blood, but that was met with a firm slug. Too weak from hunger, Naruto gave in again. After wrapping the rope around Naruto and the tree, the brunette tied the ends into a knot.
"There, that oughtta hold you! Don't worry—if Iruka Sensei asks, I'll say you were tied up." Kiba laughed at his own joke and was accompanied by Akamaru giving a pleased woof.
"Let's go Akamaru! You did good boy, I'll share some of my lunch with you. Who's a good boy?" Kiba and his dog conversed as he walked away, leaving a rejuvenated Naruto kicking and screaming.
"Kiba, you can't just leave me here! C'mon! You ate my Ramen, and I'm starving! Just wait tell I get out you'll be…." Naruto stopped his rambling once he realized Kiba was long gone.
Naruto continued struggling to get out, biting and scratching for several minutes before giving up. Just as all hope seemed lost, Sakura walked by with a book and hot tea raised to her lips.
"Sakura!" Naruto screamed. Sakura hadn't noticed him before due to being absorbed in her literature, but now focused her attention on Naruto.
"Could you help me out?! I'm stuck!" Naruto proved this by flailing around.
"Oh yeah, sure I can help you." she nodded her head and walked over to the tree.
Oh man! She's going to help me—maybe she does care. Wait, no, I'm getting a head of myself. Anyone would do this, right? I mean I would, but if I didn't like the person I wouldn't…Maybe she doesn't hate me…Oh, if she unties me she'll be touching me! Oh, oh boy she's getting closer. Naruto's mind spiraled with his thoughts.
She neared him with a concerned face. "Oh, you poor thing." Her sweet voice carried the words to his ears. Naruto had a faint blush rising to his cheeks, and Sakura noticed this. Right when she was close enough to help, she took her hot tea and threw it at his face with laughter.
"Hahahaha what a loser! You should see the look on your face! Hahaha." Sakura was now pointing and laughing while Naruto's expression turned to a hurt look, causing her to mock him more.
"Ha! Maybe your parents will help you—oh wait! You don't have any because not even they wanted to be around you—no one does! Being tied to this tree is probably the best thing for you. Well bye! Have fun dying alone, loser!" Sakura skipped away, leaving an almost tearful Naruto.
It wasn't because he was tied up, or even because he had hot tea on his face. But it was because his heart was broken. Naruto then went into a depressed state.
I've never had any friends. Why?! What did I do? is it something about my face? Maybe my personality…but that wouldn't explain why complete strangers hate me. Just someone give me an answer! Why must everyone hate me? Only the Hokage and Iruka Sensei are kind to me, and why just them?! Was Sakura, right? Did my parents abandon me because I was so terrible? Maybe the Hokage lied…maybe they didn't die…maybe they just didn't want me! Yes! That's it…no one wants me! Why would my parents be an exception! And it's gone back as long as I can remember.
Flashback
"Finally! I managed to find 250 yen—that's enough to get ramen. I guess I won't go hungry tonight." A happy young Naruto cheered in delight, then went down from his apartment to a restaurant nearby seeing as it isn't safe to walk the streets after dark. He entered a small store called Foods-R-Us and beelined for the counter. As he walked through the restaurant, customers and waiters gave him glares. However, no one stopped what they were doing to acknowledge him, so Naruto didn't notice their displeased expressions.
"What do you want?!" The waiter at the bar sneered in the blond's direction. Naruto laid his money onto the counter and asked, "What will this buy me?"
"Nothing! Now scram brat before I call the authorities!"
"What?! this won't buy me anything?!" Naruto was shocked.
"Ya! Supply and demand. We are running low on food so things cost more!" He spat at Naruto.
"But I haven't eaten all day! And you're the only open shop that's close enough to my home!" At his size, if you strayed far from home at night you were certain to get robbed. Unfortunately, Naruto had learned this the wrong way.
"Not my problem squirt! If you're hungry go through our trash—that's free!" The waiter said with a chuckle, "Now beat it! Or else I'll throw you out!"
Crying, Naruto walked outside and sat down nearby. His stomach growled in displeasure. Naruto didn't realize what was actually going on—he just thought he didn't have enough money. However, that wouldn't solve his problem. So, he decided to go around the back of the building to the dumpsters and dig through the garbage to find something edible.
Once reaching the back, he noticed propped open door and decided to go steal food. After all, he was starving and the man wasn't nice to him. He sneaked in as silently as he could and found himself gazing at a basket—it held several loaves of bread.
Oh boy, young Naruto thought, that oughtta feed me for a week! Naruto grinned to himself at the satisfaction it would bring him. Just as he grabbed six loaves of the bread, a man called out.
"Hey! that kid's stealing!" Naruto then quickly ran out of the building. Although he ran as fast as his legs could carry him, he soon noticed they were catching up.
I got it! I'll take a shortcut! Naruto ran into an ally only to find out it was a dead end, and when he turned around there they were. The three men laughed, but it was the bar tender spoke first.
"So, kid—which bone should I break first?" Naruto could only screamed as the men approached.
End Flashback
Naruto winced at the thought of what went down after that. They weren't out of stock, they just didn't want to serve me! If it were one time I'd understand, but it isn't. It's every time!
Why was I ever born? No one likes me—I have no friends and no talent! Sakura's right…I'm just going to die alone...At this thought Naruto began to cry bitter tears. With her words echoing around in his head.
"Have fun dying alone, loser!"
Meanwhile…..
Oh man, lunch is almost over! I had better run if I want to get to class. Hinata worried while jogging with her textbooks in hand. I can't afford to be late. I must have a perfect attendance, otherwise Father will kill me!
Flashback
"We Hyugas have always had perfect records. Hinata, you shall be no different. I demand nothing but perfection even in the small things, such as attendance. You will not miss a day of school or be late for class under any circumstances, am I understood?" Hizashi cold eyes lingered on her small frame.
"Yes! Understood Father!" Hinata said with a bow.
End Flashback
I don't even want to think what he would do to me. Hinata shivered thinking about it. Suddenly she caught sight of spikey blond hair and an orange track suit out of the corner of her eye. As she came to a halt, it registered in her mind.
That—that's Naruto sitting under that tree. She jumped back now, a faint blush growing from thinking of Naruto being so close.
As her eyes lingered on his figure, she realized he wasn't sitting under the tree but was tied up. I must help him! But then I'll be late and that'll anger Father….
No! This is more important! Her worries for the blond moved her forward. As she neared the boy, she saw that Naruto was crying, battered and beaten, and if you sniffed he reeked of tea.
Oh wow! What could've happened to him? He looks terrible…I've never seen him cry before, the poor thing.
Naruto didn't notice Hinata come up because he was wallowing in his own sadness. "Na—Naruto? Are—are you okay?" Hinata stuttered as concern filled her heart and warmed her cheeks. He looked up, with a freezing body, tear-filled eyes, dried blood on his face, and an uncountable number of bruises and cuts on his face.
"Why are you here!? To make fun of the loser tied to the tree!?" Naruto shouted with pure anger.
"No of—of course not…I was just walking by a—and I saw you…and thought I'd help y—you." Hinata was frightened at the outburst. She wasn't used to this side of Naruto—he was usually happy and perky, not angry and sad.
"W—what? You mean you actually want to help me?" Naruto sniffed, awe struck.
"Of course…you look miserable." Hinata said as sweetly as she could. As she approached him, she knelt down to untie him. Her blush deepened at the proximity of the boy.
"Here, let's untie your hands f—first." Hinata's face was tomato red at this point and her hands had started shaking.
As she untied the rope around his chest, she almost fainted halfway through. Fortunately for the two of them she straightened herself out.
No, Hinata you can't. Naruto is counting on you. After untying him, she let out a sigh of relief. I need more strength that was—her thoughts were cut off by the blond boy latching himself on to her.
"Thank you! You don't know how much this means to me! I'm so glad you came along when you did…I was stuck out here! I can always count on you, Hinata!" Naruto giggled, beaming a huge smile.
Maybe I was wrong…maybe there are people who care about me. To think, she stopped what she was doing to help me! No one ever helps me if it isn't convenient. And a beautiful girl like her, too—what luck! Naruto thought, forgetting about what had previously happened.
All Hinata could do is think in shock—Naruto he is hugging me! Both then stopped at the sound of the school bell. "Oh no, we're late!" They yelled in unison.
"Well uh…sorry for making you late." Naruto rubbed the back of his head with a nervous smile. Oh great, she probably hates now. Nice going Naruto. Naruto thought in regret.
"Don't be silly Naruto, how else would you've gotten back to class? Besides, it is a rule of the shinobi to always help a comrade." Hinata nervously twirled her fingers while her blush burned on her cheeks.
"Oh yeah…that makes sense." Naruto looked down. Oh…Shinobi code, that's right…well maybe that's not it! Yeah, maybe she genuinely doesn't mind me! There's only one way to find out…
"Well I better go I gu—"
"Wait Hinata!" Naruto stopped her before she could go too far, causing Hinata to turn back to him.
"Why don't we walk back together? I mean, we're already late." Hinata's face reddened at that.
"S–sure" Hinata replied with little more than a mumble. Naruto wants to walk with me? Her face went an even deeper red. Oh what do I do? What do I say?! Hinata, just play it cool. Just walk—you don't have to talk.
"Great!" Naruto and Hinata began walking back to class. At first it was awkward, but Hinata finally gained enough courage to talk.
"So how di—id you g—get into that predicament?" Hinata said twiddling her fingers again." What am I saying? Well…I would like to know who did this to Naruto.
Wait! What if he doesn't want to talk about it? Oh no, then he'll think I'm inconsiderate! Or maybe he's embarrassed by it, and his feelings might be hurt! Then he won't want to talk to me anymore! Oh, what have I done? Hinata's mind raced in fear.
Naruto's face darkened "It was Kiba…I was walking to a bench to eat when he took me by surprise and slammed me against a tree. He wanted my money, but I refused, so he beat me up and took my money." Naruto was almost growling by the end.
"He injured you that bad?" Hinata held her hand to her mouth in shock.
"No…Ya see, he let me go but I decided I wasn't gonna give up that easily, so I ran at him to fight again." Hinata smiled at this. I always did like his persistence—he never quits.
"But then Akamaru tore me up and clawed my face. Kiba not only mocked me, but took my jacket, then tied me to the tree. It makes me so mad—I wish I could clobber him!" Naruto pounded his fist.
"That is terrible…I always thought Kiba was nice. He's never been mean to me…but wait! He took your jacket? You must be freezing! Here, take my jacket" Hinata started unzipping her jacket, but Naruto stopped her.
"No, keep it on. We're here." Naruto grinned. "Thanks again!"
"You're welcome, Naruto." Hinata smiled and closed her eyes.
They walked into the building together, then through the twists and turns until reaching their classroom. The first person to react to their entrance was Kiba with a sly smirk. Wow, looks like twerp got free! Guess he's stronger than I thought. Kiba completely ignored the Hyuga girl walking beside the blond. The next reaction was Iruka Sensei.
"Well, well you two sure are late! Wait—Hinata you're never late! I have a feeling Naruto is behind this! Some prank I suppose…Well, Hinata, take your seat—I won't count you as late. As for you, Naruto, it's a week's detention!" Once the words left Iruka's mouth everyone began laughing. Some students even mocked the boy.
"You stink!"
"What a loser!"
"How'd the tea taste?!" Sakura called out, followed with a laugh. Naruto then had eyes of fury.
"I was only late because Kiba beat me up and tied me to a tree!" Naruto furiously pointed at Kiba, making the brunette irritated.
"As if! Don't blame your mistakes on me!"
Iruka grunted in annoyance. "You expect me to believe that? Kiba has had no violations this year. All right Naruto, I've had enough of your shenanigans. I'm failing you for today so get out of my classroom!" He pointed to the open door.
Everyone began to laugh, clap, and cheer. Hinata watched Naruto's face heat up from embarrassment as he hung his head in shame, slowly heading to the door.
What was I thinking? No one would believe Kiba did that, and I'm late all the time…I better just go. All I've done is humiliate myself. Naruto's sadness was written all over his face.
Hinata knew none of this was his fault and in turn felt her stomach churning at the situation. She also didn't believe Iruka Sensei couldn't see the scratch marks that only Kiba was capable of, but that was beside the point.
What do I do? Naruto doesn't deserve this, but…if I tell Iruka Sensei what happened I'll be counted late and my Father will kill me! No…I know what I must do. She then stood up and yelled out.
"Stop!" The whole class stopped laughing, turning their heads in astonishment that Hinata yelled when she barely ever did more than whisper.
"Naruto is innocent! Kiba did tie him up,and I have the rope as evidence." She then pulled it out of her bag and held it for all to see, leaving Kiba feeling shock and anger.
Of course, Hinata let him go. I knew the little loser couldn't get out himself. And then he rattled off to her about it, and her empathetic heart couldn't take it. Or maybe he put her up to it. Yeah! That's it, Naruto is getting such a beating after school! Snitches get stiches! While Kiba was thinking this Hinata continued her speech.
"He didn't make me late! I was helping him, and he was late because he was stuck there." Hinata realized that all the attention of her classmates were on her and immediately felt her face turning a tomato red.
"Kiba, is this true?!" Iruka demanded of his student.
"No, I mean well a….yes…. It is" Kiba frowned in defeat.
"Kiba, I'll speak with you after class. And I guess I owe you an apology, Naruto." At these words Naruto fist pumped and ran back to his assigned seat next to Sakura. Sakura in return stuck her tongue at Naruto.
The rest of the lesson went like normal—Iruka explained the final exam coming up while students chose to ignore him. Kiba sat silently, Naruto goofed off but Iruka sensei didn't notice, and Hinata daydreamed about Naruto.
"Students, I repeat—the final exam is in two weeks. You have the next two weeks off to practice the transformation jutsu so I suggest you use your time wisely!" Iruka eyed Naruto who was making a paper air plane. He sheepishly tucked it away into his pocket.
"Class dismissed. Kiba, stay after class." Naruto ran out of the classroom and was the first out, Hinata meanwhile took her time. And decided to stop by Kiba before she left.
"Kiba, I'm so sorry. It really wasn't my intention of getting you in trouble." Hinata looked down, not wanting to see his face.
"Eh, don't worry, I know Naruto put you up to it. You would've done it for anyone. But as for Naruto—oooh he won't be walk again." Kiba rubbed his fist in his hand while he talked.
"No, kiba…." Hinata shook her head, partly from her rattled nerves.
"What do you mean?" Kiba raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"It's my fault, so don't beat up Naruto. Take it out on me." Hinata braced herself.
"Hinata, listen….I don't have an issue with you, but I do have an issue with Naruto. He squealed, and you know what we do with squealers!"
"I just don't think you should…I mean, don't you feel bad for him?" Hinata's nervousness lessened.
"No! Of course not! Besides, why do you care? Do you have a crush on him?" Kiba said sarcastically. Unfortunately, he had hit the nail on the head, causing the girl's cheeks to immediately become bright red.
"Don't be ridiculous…I mean he is cute—WAIT! I meant cut! His face is—"She was cut off by Iruka Sensei.
"Hinata, you should run along. I need to talk to Kiba." Hinata's face had—if possible—gotten redder from the slip up, not to mention the sweat forming on her brow from it as well.
"Yes, Iruka sensei!" She bowed then ran out of the room. After exiting she found herself outside a minute later. Once feeling the cool breeze on her skin, she dashed toward a nearby tree to catch her breath and force her cheeks to stop flaming.
That was so close…I need to do a better job of—
"Hey Hinata!" Hinata's head whipped up fast and she looked around to pinpoint where the voice came from. Then she saw who was calling her—Naruto Uzumaki was across the street running toward her.
"Hey Hinata, I wanted to thank you for sticking up for me. No one's ever done that for me! You don't know how much that means to me."
"Y-you're welcome." Hinata became extremely nervous, and hid her still red face. Naruto noticed her reaction and felt a pang hit his chest.
"Never mind…" He frowned and started to walk away from her. I'm such an idiot. I thought I had a friend but she's embarrassed to be seen with me! Obviously I'm nothing special—she would've helped anyone. Naruto sighed to himself. I better go home and practice for the stupid exam.
"Naruto, what is the matter?!" Hinata questioned, worry sweeping gracefully across her face.
"I know you're just being nice. You're embarrassed to be seen with me, aren't you?" Naruto wasn't looking at her to notice the shock that was in her eyes.
"No, Naruto that's ridiculous. I enjoy being around you." The words barely left her mouth.
"Then why do you blush and get all shy and quiet whenever I'm around?" When Naruto said this Hinata's heart jumped in her chest.
Oh no! What am I going to say?…If I tell him the truth he will most likely reject me! He likes Sakura after all. And if I don't, I'll hurt his feelings.
Naruto gave her a suspicious look. "Because, uhm, well you see…uh, I like this guy and…I'm afraid if he sees me with another guy he'll think I don't like him."
Oh man, Naruto will never belief that poor excuse. What do I do? I could faint…no that would cause a scene. Oh, I'll Have to tell him! I'm not sure if I can…
"Oh! Why didn't you say so! that makes sense." Naruto chuckled and Hinata let out a sigh of relief. Right! She's not ashamed to be seen with me, she's just awkward with her crush.
A wave of relief came over Hinata only to be taken away at his next words. "So who is he?" Naruto asked with curiosity.
"Uh!" Hinata squeaked. "Naruto, you don't ask questions like that!"
"It's not Kiba is it?"
"Of course not. Why would you think that?"
"Because you assumed he didn't tie me to the tree. I don't know, I guess I figured if someone assumes the best in someone else they must like them, like Sakura does with Sasuke." Naruto shivered a little bit at the thought of Sakura and Sasuke.
"That makes sense. Uhm, are you sure you don't want my coat?" Hinata quickly changed the subject.
"Nah, and you probably need it more than I do anyways." Hinata smiled to herself. He does care!
"Anyway, I'm so happy you don't like that Kiba. You can do a lot better! He's so stupid, that dog on his head might be smarter than him. I mean, it sits on his head so maybe that dog is his brain. I'm so happy he got in trouble. I bet Iruka Sensei threw the book at him! Man, I hope he gets like suspended or something because then he'd have to stay at the academy. It would serve him right!"
"Uhm, Naruto, behind you…." Hinata's eyes widened at the shadow behind the blond.
"Well, my punishment was just a warning. But hey, at least we can get some training, right old buddy?" Kiba cracked his knuckles.
"H-hey there, Kiba I—"Naruto was cut off by getting the wind knocked out of him.
To be continued….
Author notes:
1. Some people might wonder why Kiba is bullying Naruto. Well, to avoid any questions, in certain episodes you can note that Kiba doesn't like Naruto.
2. I'm aware the story is a little fast paced. I get it. However it's my style to write things a little faster.
3. Yes, I do use lines from NarutoxHinata moments from the show. You might say this makes me unoriginal, but I did it for all you NaruHina fans to see if you could spot them.
4. If you are here and you're a Sakura fan, I'd leave. If you thought I mistreated Sakura here just wait. The bashing will get worse, so if you are a fan of Sakura this isn't for you.
5. This is my first time writing a HinataxNaruto story. Any constructive criticism is good. I welcome grammar corrections, but please, could you offer advice on other things like character development? Also what are your thoughts on length? Is this chapter too short or too long? I'd greatly appreciate your input.
6. You guys may think I'm jumping into romance too quick. However, you must remember Naruto is only latching on to her as a friend, not love interest. (Not yet at least) Also, this chapter might seem useless compared to the actual story (because little sneak peek things pick up next chapter). However, remember this chapter because it is important.
7. Remember to give this story a favorite, follow, and review. I'm not sure when I'll create the next chapter—probably this weekend or next week.
8. And I'll see you all soon.
Also, thanks to Princess Muffinhead for proofing this chapter! Go check out her Naruto fanfics.