The Naruto Retrieval Arc

A/N: This story was originally a oneshot Naruhina but I'm decided to make it a full fledged fanfic. I haven't decided on NaruHina, NaruSaku, or SakuNaruHina but I want to do one of those pairings.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. The original characters that appear in this story however are mine.

Prologue

The Night He left.

The moon illuminated the village of Konoha sending its rays of light all around the village as most slept in their beds awaiting the tasks of the coming day.

Ichiraku Ramen was still open for its number one customer as he enjoyed a bowl of ramen. Teuchi and Ayame noticed that their young customer was not eating in his normal fashion, he was taking his time to eat. He wore a black cloak over his head covering his face.

"Hey Naruto what's wrong?" asked Teuchi worried about him.

"Hmmm? What do ya mean?" asking the blond as he slurped some more of his meal.

"You're not acting yourself." says Ayame.

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah don't worry."

"Okay..."

Naruto finished off his ramen and thanked the father and daughter for the meal and prepared to leave.

"Hey Teuchi-san, Ayame-nee-chan."

"What is it Naruto?" asks Teuchi.

"Thanks."

With that Naruto walked away towards the Konoha gate and not towards his apartment leaving the Ichiraku family to think he was going on a mission or something. He had a travel pack so that was all they could think it was. As they prepare to close up they notice Hyuuga Hinata rushing in Naruto's direction with a troubled look on her face. Hinata rushes up behind the cloaked blond as he passes the bench near the entrance to the village.

"Naruto-kun!" she yelled to get his attention causing him to stop in his tracks but not to face her.

"Why...why...why are you leaving...your friends...your dreams...the village."

"I have my reasons."

"But...but...why?" asks the shy hyuuga.

Naruto turns to her revealing his face causing Hinata to gasp her eyes opened wide from shock., his eyes were crimson red slit like a fox his whisker marks darkened.

"Because I'm a monster."

"What...wha..."

"You know of the Kyuubi?" asks Naruto his trademark smile on his face.

"Y..Yes."

"Its sealed within me."

"..."

"And the seal has weakened."

"..."

"If I don't leave I risk everyone's life, I can't do that. Besides no one will really miss me.

"Thats not true! What about Iruka-sensei, your squad...your friends."

"Hinata...this is the only way." says Naruto turning from Hinata and walking past the bench.

"Naruto-kun...I...I..."

Naruto continues to walk away.

"I LOVE YOU!"

Naruto stops in his tracks. Tears swell in his Hinata's eyes

"You've always been my inspiration. You showed me how to be confident in myself, you helped me become the way I am today."

Tears flowed freely from her eyes staining the cloth of her headband. Naruto bows his head his eyes closed in thought.

"I'm serious Naruto, I love you with all my heart...so please...stay." says Hinata her voice soft yet pleading."

"..."

"...I can't."

Naruto lifts his head and begins to walk away.

"Naruto-kun please!"

Naruto appears behind Hinata.

"Hinata...I don't deserve your love, the Kyuubi is slowly taking over me...and I my heart belongs to another...you deserve better."

Hinata's tears continued to fall but no sounds were made, Naruto wraps his arms around her Hinata is unable to respond to this.

"Hinata...Thank you." says Naruto as he knocks her out.

"Naruto...kun."

Hinata lay across the bench on the cold night as a cold breeze sweeps over the area. The only thing to warm the Hyuuga was a certain orange jacket.

"Naruto...kun...please...don't...go." she begs from her sleep.