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xXx//Right in Front of You//xXx
-x-x-Chapter One-x-x-
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Summary: Hinata needs to find a husband to help her to lead the Hyuga clan. When Hiashi tells the Hokage to make it a mission, Tsunade sends the most unlikely person. NaruHina SasuSaku NejiTen
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"Find a husband for Hinata Hyuga."
The room had gone quiet and the air seemed tense. Tsunade looked at her student calmly, her finger now tapping on the hard wood of her desk. As if bowing her head out of shame, Sakura gazed at the floor, not sure of what to say. Through some thought, the words had finally reached her lips.
"Tsunade-sama, I don't think I can do this mission."
The Hokage raised an eyebrow at the pink haired kunoichi. Curios eyes stared into emerald ones, as if waiting for an explanation.
Sakura sighed, knowing what the look meant. Soft lips lay partially open, once again, not sure of what words to let escape. An elegant hand was brought up to her forehead, brushing back a few strands of hair.
"Hinata likes Naruto; I can't find a husband for her knowing this."
That wasn't an answer she wanted to hear nor was it one she was expecting to hear. She knew when she had first gotten this mission request that it wouldn't be easy to find someone to do it.
The Gondaime crossed her arms and looked down a bit, thinking seriously about the matter. Her eyebrows came together in an aggravated manner. This mission would be difficult for her student. She was well aware of the strong friendship the heiress and Sakura had.
Earlier that day, Tsunade had gotten a visit from the heiress herself. She wasn't alone for her father had accompanied her, as well as her cousin, Neji Hyuga. The clan leader had told her about his concern of Hinata leading the clan.
"Tsunade-sama, I trust that my daughter will be an excellent clan leader, but with her shy personality and lack of ability to be confident in herself, I would like someone there to fix these problems when the time comes."
"What would you like me to do?"
"I am requesting a mission: to find my daughter a husband who will help her to lead our clan."
Tsunade would glance in Hinata's direction a few times, noticing how the girl's clear eyes stared sadly at the ground. Not only that, but Neji would scowl every few seconds.
"Tsunade-sama?"
The blonde haired woman snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her student, a frown beginning to form on her face.
"Well, if you aren't willing to do the mission, I'll have to ask Ino or Ten Ten." She was getting ready to call Shizune but was interrupted by the girl standing in front of her.
"If I won't do it then surely Ino and Ten Ten won't. They know how Hinata feels about Naruto too. "
The Hokage closed her partially open mouth and looked down again. Now she was getting frustrated. Not one of Hinata's closest friends was eager to do this mission, at least not anyone who knew how she felt. This would become a problem for her, seeing as how this mission came directly from Hiashi Hyuga.
"I need to find someone who would be willing to do this mission, someone who knows Hinata but isn't bothered by her feelings."
"Tsunade-sama, I can't believe you would accept this mission in the first place. I mean, you're aware of-"
"Sakura, the head of the Hyuga clan wants his heir to get married. I can't refuse such a mission, not from the biggest clan in Konoha. Besides, Hinata knows about the mission, and she has no choice but to accept."
The kunoichi frowned and began to stare at nothing in particular. She didn't want this for Hinata. She'd always picture her and her friends being with the person they love. Not that Naruto really notices Hinata anyways.
'He's just a stupid, hyperactive, ramen-eating ninja who is completely oblivious to the fact that Hinata likes him Yup, he doesn't have a single…'
"…Hold on…"
Then it struck her. Pink lips began to shape up into a smile as green eyes glistened with excitement. She knew what to do, who to send. The only one who would do this mission with nothing to hold him back. The ecstasy was clearly visible on her pale face.
Tsunade looked up at her pupil, tilting her head slightly.
"What is it?" She was wondering why Sakura suddenly looked so... thrilled.
"I know the perfect person for this mission."
xXx
"A mission!"
Sakura flinched at the sound of his loud voice. Naruto, now being 17 and a jounin at that, has not changed one bit.
"Oh yeah! What is it? Do I get to escort someone important to a village while battling off S-class criminals on the way?"
"No, you have to-"
"I know, I have to capture a spy lurking around the village and beat information out of him!"
"That's not-"
"Wait! I have to find the Akatsuki hideout and take out all of the organization members!"
"Naruto-"
"That's it isn't it? I have to go and find-"
"NARUTO YOU IDIOT, THAT'S NOT IT!!!"
He looked at her with bewilderment in his bright blue orbs. Arms folded, the blonde ninja narrowed his eyes at his teammate.
"Sakura-chan, you're not making any sense."
An irritated sigh escaped her small lips.
"Just come with me to see the Hokage, she'll explain everything."
She didn't wait for him to say anything, just turned around and started to walk. Naruto followed her and, not wanting to make Sakura even more upset, kept his mouth shut. There weren't many people on the streets of the village. All that could be heard was the soft wind that slightly rustled their hair. A small smile formed on Naruto's face as he enjoyed the light breeze. The kunoichi hadn't noticed though. She was lost in her thoughts, thinking about why she was bringing Naruto to the Hokage.
"I know the perfect person for this mission."
"Who is it?" Who could Sakura possibly be talking about?
"Naruto."
That one name made Tsunade fall off of her chair. She quickly regained her composure though, and stood up.
"N-Naruto! Why?!" Okay, so she hadn't completely regained it.
"I know it sounds a little weird, but he's the only one that doesn't know."
Slowly sitting down in her chair, the Gondaime opened up one of her desk drawers, pulling out a glass and a bottle of rum. Upon seeing this Sakura's right eye began to twitch.
"What are you doing?"
"I am relieving the stress."
"What stress?"
"The stress of Naruto finding a husband for the heiress of the Hyuga clan." She picked up the full glass of rum and slowly brought it to her lips.
"So then you are going to give Naruto this mission."
Her hand abruptly stopped as she swiftly put the glass down.
"I have no other choice. Why? You thought that I wouldn't consent?"
"Well…no…I just realized that having Naruto find a husband for Hinata might hurt her."
Tsunade's next words sounded a bit harsh, even to her.
"Sakura, Hinata has to learn to deal with it. She has no choice but to get married. Having Naruto with her will help her to realize that she has to live with that pain, and eventually get over it."
Yeah, those words were harsh alright. Even though she hated to admit it, Sakura knew Tsunade was right.
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"Okay granny, what's my mission?"
The Sannin suppressed the urge to get out of her seat and punch the jinchuuriki. Sakura had done it for her anyway.
"Naruto, don't be so rude!"
"OW!"
Both hands quickly came up to soothe the large bump forming on his head. He rubbed it and looked frighteningly at his teammate.
"Sakura-chan, you hit pretty hard."
"Enough fooling around. Naruto, you're here for a mission that was originally assigned to Sakura."
"To Sakura?"
This confused him. Why was he being assigned Sakura's mission?
"Yes, to Sakura."
"Why are you telling me then?"
"I… couldn't do it."
"What do you mean? What is it?"
Sakura quickly glanced at her mentor, the tension she had felt before came back back, slowly building up.
"Her mission was to find a husband for Hinata Hyuga. A husband who could boost her confidence and help her to lead the Hyuga clan."
Naruto was even more confused. Why couldn't Sakura do this mission?
"Sakura-chan, how come you couldn't do this?"
The kunoichi brought a hand behind her head and laughed nervously.
"I-It's just too much pressure looking for a guy to help lead the Hyuga clan."
As suspicious as she seemed, Naruto still believed her. He put on his cheesiest smile and stood up straight.
"Hehe, don't worry, I can do this mission. It can't be that hard right?"
Tsunade sweat dropped, his confidence wasn't enough to stop the feeling of anxiety she had. She placed her head on top of her joined fingers, getting ready to explain the contents of the mission.
"There is no specific time in which this mission needs to be completed. Until it is though, you will be staying at the Hyuga mansion. As soon as you leave this tower you will head home, gather your belongings, and head to the mansion. Do you understand?"
Naruto hadn't been paying attention. As soon as she had spoken her second sentence, his mind went into its own world.
'I'll have to stay there! But what if they don't serve any ramen? Awwww man! How troublesome. Great, now I sound like Shikamaru. Ugh, I can't live without my ramen! This is-'
Sakura put both hands on her hips while tapping her foot impatiently. When she took a closer look at the ramen-loving ninja's face, she noticed that he was in his own little world.
"NARUTO WILL YOU ANSWER ALREADY?!"
"GYAH! I UNDERSTAND!"
Her teeth looked sharp andthere was a vein popping out of her head. She looked like a monster.
'Geez, Sakura sure does look scary when she's mad.'
The Gondaime closed her eyes in satisfaction. Naruto may be clumsy, but he always pulled through in the end. She knew this, and yet she felt a bit of doubt in the pit of her stomach. There was no other option though, and so she was forced to depend on him.
"Good. Now you both may leave."
They nodded their heads in unison, then turned around and left.
xXx
Naruto looked outside at the setting sun. Sapphire eyes shimmered as they gazed into the colorful depths of the sky. The orange and yellow mixtures gave a feeling of warmth and contentment.
He didn't know how long he was going to be on his new mission. In a way, he was kind of excited about it. The Hyuga clan has always been a proud and prominent one, providing generations of powerful ninja. While there, he could train with Neji and maybe learn a few things about the Byakugan.
The thought made him grin as he finished packing his things. He tied his bag shut and slung it over his right shoulder. As he headed toward the door, he took one last look at his empty room, and then left.
The jinchuuriki had never gotten a mission like this. It made him wonder how Hinata was taking it. The both of them had been on plenty of missions together, but he still didn't know her very well. All he did know about her was that she was shy, lacking in confidence, and was one day going to be the head of the Hyuga clan.
"Does she even wanna get married? What if she doesn't wanna get married? What if she's being forced to? Of course she is! If she wanted to she would find someone for herself. She shouldn't be forced to. That's not right!"
The blonde haired ninja continued to talk to himself while his feet unconsciously took him to his destination. Realization struck him when he noticed his feet had stopped. As he looked up, his eyes were met with the humongous site of the Hyuga mansion.
His hand clenched his bag tightly as he headed toward the entrance. Upon reaching it, he lightly knocked on the door and waited for an answer.
The door slowly opened to reveal clear eyes, long bluish hair, and flushed cheeks.
"N-Naruto-kun?"
Hinata had answered the door. Her face went from flushed to looking as red as a tomato. Naruto was startled to see that the shy girl had answered the door. He was expecting a servant of some sort. With how big the house was, you'd think that they had one.
"Oh, hey Hinata. I wasn't expecting you to answer the door."
She lowered her head and stepped aside.
"C-C-Come in"
He casually walked inside and took in his surroundings. The mansion wasn't only huge, but clean. There was nothing spectacular about it though, it was very plain and there was plenty of space to add more.
He turned to face Hinata after feeling a light tap on his shoulder.
"N-Naruto-k-kun, why a-are y-you here?"
He didn't like the way she stuttered. He made a mental note to himself to help her cut the habit. Then it hit him. Why was Hinata asking why he was here? Shouldn't she know?
"Huh, I thought…"
Now he remembered. this mission wasn't meant for him, it was meant for Sakura.
"Oh wait, Sakura was supposed to do this mission. I'm here to do the mission Tsunade gave me! Ya know, the one to help you find your husband!"
"…oh…"
She looked… sad. Naruto couldn't help but feel bad for her. He guessed that she really didn't want to get married. Glancing towards the window he noticed that the sun had gone down. His bag was starting to feel a little heavy.
"Uh, Hinata, can you show me where I'm staying, so I can put my stuff away."
She must have forgotten that he was there because she looked surprised when he had said her name. Their eyes met, but she quickly looked away and nodded.
"Y-Yes."
The heiress walked timidly ahead of him. She made her way upstairs while Naruto followed closely behind. They stopped about five doors to the right of the stairway.
"H-H-Here is w-w-where y-y-you w-will be s-staying."
Just like the rest of the mansion, his room was huge, clean, and plain. There was a window on the far end, and a dresser next to it. His bed lay in the center with another dresser across from it. He laughed as he ran inside.
"Thanks Hinata!"
He jumped on the bed and placed his hands underneath his head. He dropped his bag on to the floor and turned his head to the clear eyed girl. One again, she looked down and blushed.
"My… f-f-father w-w-will t-t-talk to y-y-you t-t-tomorrow. G-G-Goodnight N-N-Naruto-kun."
He gave her his usual smile, but she just looked down miserably. His smile faded with the look on her face. He would help her to find the man that she wanted, he promised himself that.
"Goodnight Hinata."
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End of Chapter One
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Sorry the first chapter is so boring (And if I didn't do so well). It's just to start off of the story. It'll get better as Naruto and Hinata spend more time with each other. (She won't be stuttering for long either.)