Authors Note: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO.
First story I've written since I was 14, on a different account though. Hope you like it. Review please for constructive criticism or just plain "Me Like! Continue woman!"
Ch. 1 Decisions
Time. Hinata Understood that all good things took time. Patience. It's something she has trained herself to acquire. After her match with Neji, after drinking in Naruto's encouraging words and his promise, she made it a priority to be diligent, even when the desired results never came. 'If Naruto didn't quit after all the trials he went through, why should I?' This being a continual truth she'd repeat over and over to herself when she trained.
At first, when she was young, her love for Naruto was mere admiration. 'That smile. That confidence. Why is everyone so mean to him? I'd have surely given up, yet he still stands. He resists.' When she'd follow him and see his various sides, she understood that he was like her too. Like everyone. He'd get discouraged. He'd shed tears too. The only difference was that he never yielded to that black dog; the depression, the negative inner-self that told you "You can't". Hinata was always perceptive of what others couldn't see in him. He was a force to be reckoned with, and she wanted nothing more than to get lost in that force. Years of emotional abuse; both from others and herself had smothered her will, but seeing his only fueled her desire to change.
That there, was the beginning where her selfish desires grew. The more change she saw in herself, the thickening in her resolve and her nindo, restored courage and self-worth. It was all inspired by Naruto. 'This boy has done some much for me, and he doesn't even know it.' When at first she wanted to simply express her gratitude towards him, whether through words of encouragement, or protecting him, her gratitude evolved into something more. She wanted to cherish him, and if possible, be cherished by him too.
This scared her. Hinata knew what type of woman she wanted to be. Humble, graceful under pressure and loving. Loving was big because it meant many things she never had much of. It meant accepting, even when that person was the epitome of imperfection. Like her. Like everyone. It meant never being proud or being selfish, but being selfless. Yet here she was; wanting to possess the most beautiful person she knew; her savior. Before when her self-worth was nonexistent, she would've definitely said she never deserved him. But now, now that she knew that anything can be attained if you work hard at it, and believe in yourself, she knew she had an equal chance. If he didn't accept her love, then at least he'd accept her presence in his life. As a friend, a guardian, or a pillar of support. She'd take it.
She made up her mind. I will wait.
Wait until after the war, and grief, and hardship faced with Sasuke and our enemies. When we're back home, and Naruto can finally be at peace. I will wait. Maybe until then, will he finally be able to see me the way that I see him. Precious.
The End of the 4th Great Ninja War
Hinata was so proud. She never once doubted Naruto. She worried, but she never lost faith in him. He defeated Madara and simultaneously brought Sasuke home, and now is regarded as the 'Village Hero'. He deserved this. Finally people aren't blind anymore. They can see just as she does. All this she thought at the front of the village gates waiting his arrival. She arrived at Konoha earlier than Naruto because he had many people to say goodbye to. All the Kage's and his mentor Killer Bee, all of which were elated with the end of the war but sad with his departure.
It wasn't just her though that waited. The entire village gathered together, ready to welcome their hero with open arms. For the second time, since Pein's defeat, the people of Konoha acknowledged Naruto.
The thought of this brought tears to her eyes. She was so happy, and so eager to see his smile when he sees the village greet him. She knew it would be big, with pearly whites that reflect the sunshine, and she was right. Moments later, Naruto walks through the opening gates and hears the joyous roars of his home; for him and his comrades. He smiled exactly as she imagined it, only so much better.
Pushed and bumped into by the crowds that raced to corner him to lift him up and toss him in the air as they did before, she stayed and watched. Filled with joy at the knowledge that this for her and Naruto will be one of the most beautiful memories they have in their lifetimes. She blinked away the tears that clouded her view of Naruto's smile.
"Welcome home, Naruto-kun." She said softly aloud.
Thus, starting her personal quest to win Naruto's heart, or at least his acceptance; One step at a time.
Authors Note: I'm only up to speed with the show, I haven't been reading the manga so the events that occurred about the war in the story, speculation. Hopeful speculation. If you can, please overlook my lack of knowledge and enjoy it as much as you are willing. I'll try asking friends that read the manga to see if I'm not entirely wrong, or offensive. Some people like all the facts in order, its scary. I don't want to disappoint.