"Citizens of Konoha," read the announcement posted all over the city. "We regret to announce the tragic death of a young ninja. ANBU Black Ops reported early this morning that Hinata Hyuuga was kidnapped two days ago and murdered. Her body has not been recovered but there is evidence to suggest that she died of a loss of blood. Black Ops report that her killer might really be Shindo Kobayashi, the legendary ninja that resides in the mistiest parts of the mountains. It is truly shocking that Shindo has jumped right out of a child's horror story, that he does exist. Hinata leaves behind a father, a little sister and a cousin. We mourn the tragic loss of this promising ninja."
Hanabi stood close and clutched Naruto's jacket as if she feared she would fall should she let go.
"It's not fair, it's not fair," Hanabi whimpered.
That sinister orange glow began to surround Naruto.
"You want blood, boy! So take it!" Naruto could swear he heard that detestable Fox whispering.
"Hanabi," Naruto gritted his teeth. "Would you let me be your sensei?"
Hanabi looked up at Naruto.
"I swear, if it's the last thing I do," Naruto put his hands on her shoulders. "I'll find the man who killed Hinata and I'll cut his throat. If you let me teach you what I know, together we can find that man!"
Hanabi gripped his jacket harder.
"I accept," Hanabi nodded. "I'm sorry, my sister never talked much about her friends...what did you say your name was?"
"Naruto," he replied. "Naruto-sensei."
Years had passed. Naruto was now 18 years old. Hanabi had just celebrated her 13th birthday. Naruto had made Hanabi a killer. He would enter her in small competitions to test her skills. Hanabi won every fight, sending all her opponents straight to seek medical help. They would never stop training hard and working no matter what.
Naruto let Hanabi sleep in his house in an extra room he had once used for training before he graduated. To earn some extra money, they devoted some of their time to working at a large restaurant with a strange name: Gurume-San, which translated to "Mr. Food Freak". The restaurant was so big it even had a small gift shop inside. Hanabi spent all her time in the kitchen as a helper to the chef, while Naruto worked shifts bringing in inventory and doing stocking. There were two others who worked the same shift as Naruto, Kiba and a girl named Hoshimi. Naruto didn't like to be around Hoshimi very much because she looked a little like Hinata, save the long hair and long face.
But today Kiba was out, and Naruto was stuck with her. He didn't look in her direction for almost an hour while they sorted her merchandise that had just arrived.
"You live alone, Naruto?" Hoshimi broke the silence.
"No."
"You live with another? A girlfriend, maybe?"
"My student."
"Student?" Hoshimi stopped what she was doing. "You live with your student? Are you comfortable with that?"
"It has to be done," Naruto replied flatly. "Her father died last year and her cousin wouldn't even house a potted plant."
Hoshimi giggled.
"How old is your student?" Hoshimi asked, going back to her work.
"13." Naruto replied.
"I see. Is she behaved?"
"Yes."
"Why are you so quietly, Naruto?" Hoshimi asked. "You seem rather glum."
Naruto shook his head, frustrated. Hanabi walked in and stopped beside of Naruto.
"Sensei, my shift is finished," She said. "Do you want he to go home? Should I stay here?"
"You can go if you want," Naruto replied. "You need rest from the day."
"Thank you," Hanabi bowed and turned to go.
Naruto continued to the stock, when he began to hear a noise he hadn't hear from Hoshimi all day: silence. He looked over at her, and she stared blankly in Hanabi's direction.
"What?" Naruto coldly said to her.
Hoshimi turned to Naruto finally.
"That girl is your student?" Hoshimi asked quietly.
"Yes." Naruto replied. "Why?"
Hoshimi said nothing. She finally smiled and continued working.
"She just looks like a very strong young woman," Hoshimi said. "You've trained her well."
Naruto nodded. "Thanks."