Naruto angrily stomped towards the woods. His clenched fists hung at his sides and his eyes blazed a wicked blue. Sai had once again crossed the line. He actually had the nerve to ask Sakura out!

He's got to be on drugs. Like she would ever even consider him. She loves Sasuke, she has to. That's supposed to us help us bring him back. Her love! Stupid dumb Sai!

Deep down, Naruto knew it was jealousy that was angering him. He felt so alone when new couples formed, especially when it was within his circle of friends. First, Shikamaru and Temari, then it was Tenten and Neji. Even Shino managed to find his better half. Now, Naruto was completely alone. True, he knew Sakura would never even consider Sai in a romantic way, but he wasn't going to let his lack of love ruin Sakura's. It wasn't fair to her. She deserved love, and if not with Sasuke, then someone else who she loved. He would in no way hold her back from that. Naruto was contemplating a life without love when he fumbled over a branch and twisted around onto his stomach, face in the dirt. He heard a light gasp and he slowly looked up. Standing in front of him were a pair of feet, then legs, stomach, chest…

"Hinata-san!"

Jumping to his feet, Naruto rubbed the back of his neck and grinned his cheesy grin. Mustering up what courage she could, Hinata smiled politely and murmured,

"Hello Naruto-kun."

Naruto felt awkward. He always did around Hinata. She was so quiet; he actually had no idea what to say around her. Whistling, Naruto began,

"So, how about this weather? Pretty nice, huh"

Hoping for a response to his spiffy conversation starter, Naruto's face fell when all he got was a nod of her head. He was in no mood for this.

"I guess I'll talk to you later Hinata-chan. I have some things to do plus I have a meeting with Tsunade later."

"Oh, alright Naruto-kun."

Hinata watched him walk away and she huffed loudly once he was out of earshot. Thinking out loud, Hinata raged,

"Once again, another perfectly good opportunity, wasted! No matter what I come up with to say, every time I actually see him, I turn to mush! I just can't talk to him without wondering if I'm going to ruin my chances forever. Why is this so hard? I know I love him. I know I do. But I'm too scared to even look at him. I guess that's just how things will always be. I'm such an idiot! Why do these chances always slip through my fingers? Oh, I know why, its because your so stupid Hinata! Get over your stupid fear and just say one full sentence, just one!"

After a few more verbal insults to herself, Hinata departed from the woods. She too, had a meeting with the Hokage she had to prepare for.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

As Naruto walked back to the Village, Naruto did some more thinking about himself.

I don't think I'm ever going to find someone to be with. And, I think I'm alright with that. I mean, I'm satisfied as long as my friends are happy. Who cares if I'm always going to be alone. I don't need someone to make my life worthwhile. Being Hokage should do that for me anyhow!

Feeling not at all any better, Naruto continued on to the Village with a heavy sigh.

Once Naruto reached his place of residence, he saw a note stuck to his door from the Hokage's office. It was reminding him of his meeting with Tsunade.

Hn. That's strange. She never reminds me. Maybe it's really important?

Checking the time that he was being summoned for, Naruto crumpled the paper and threw it into his trash bin. Wandering around his home for a little while, trying to kill time, Naruto picked up a framed picture taken long ago. It was the one with Sakura, Kakashi, himself and…Sasuke. Sighing once more, he set down the picture. Looking at it, being reminded of when there wasn't a care in the world and everyone was happy, was depressing. Naruto remembered the promise he had made to Sakura two years ago. His promise to bring Sasuke back home. He'd been gone almost five years now, and so far, every time they thought they had him back, he managed to escape once again. Naruto knew both he and Sakura could not continue on like this. Always having a false sense of hope. Watching Sasuke come and then disappear. Well, he knew Sakura couldn't continue like that. Naruto could tell that when Sakura saw Sasuke, a little bit more of her broke. Naruto could see Sasuke as often as it took, but to watch Sakura slowly fade, that he knew he couldn't handle.

Sasuke. That bastard! How could he be so careless? I hate him!

Naruto knew his thoughts weren't true. Sasuke was his brother in a way, and he wasn't ever going to let him get away with everything that he'd done. That he was doing.

Breaking away from his thoughts, Naruto realized his brooding had killed the time he needed. Making sure he looked halfway decent, Naruto departed from his house, and made his way over to Tsunade's office. He hoped this new mission would take his mind off of Sasuke. Something needed to.

Author's Note: So, that's chapter one. And, I think that was the hardest chapter that I'll have to write. I have them all planned out, but this one had the least amount of notes and was more difficult to write than the rest I think. Anyway, let me know what you think. Send me a review or even just a PM. Anything in relation to your thoughts on this fic will be appreciated.

P.S. This is my first Naruto chapter AND in combination with that, it's also my first Naruto and Hinata fic. Have mercy upon my soul xD