Free Time
Chapter 1:
It was a beautiful day in Konoha, and the streets were crowded from end to end with busy citizens, and shinobi returning from missions.
Among them was a group of four shinobi who had just returned from a long mission to the land of lightning. They were assigned the task of protecting an important dignitary on his way back to Kumo, and had run into quite a bit of resistance, but had succeeded in their mission nonetheless, although they faced a few close calls. And though they all survived, they were a little beaten-up
The group consisted of three teens, led by a middle aged woman who appeared to be in her early thirties, the woman had black hair that reached down to just below her shoulders, she wore a black Konoha forehead protect, and she hand brilliant red eyes. Her name was Kurenai Yuhi, jonin leader of team 8.
Amid the group of teens in the group was Kiba Inuzuka, a sixteen year old Chunin with short brown hair, he had distinguishable red fang marks on both of his cheeks, and wore a black jumpsuit, walking beside him was, Akamaru, a fairly large white dog with brown stripes going down his ears.
Standing on the other side was Shino Aburame, another Chunin of the same age. Shino didn't have much of a description, except that he wore an olive green jacket/cloak that covered every part of his body, apart from some of his face, he wears the typical forehead protector, and goggles that completely cover his eyes.
Walking near the back of the group was the kunoichi of the group, her name was Hinata Hyuga, the beauty of the prestigious Hyuga clan, She had long silky lavender hair that went down to the middle of her back, while in the front it was cut straight just above her eyes, with two short strands framing her face; she wore a light cream and purple colored jacket and blue pants, with medium heeled shoes.
They entered through the gate and stopped when they got inside.
Kiba gave a big yawn. "Man, I'm exhausted, that mission really sucked."
"It wasn't that bad Kiba, it was successful after all." Shino responded
"Yea, we did succeed, but only after running into some damn missing A-rank nin from the hidden stone, and nearly getting ourselves and our client killed in the process."
"I-It wasn't that bad, you guys, t-this is how we get stronger." Hinata finally spoke up.
Kiba scoffed. "Yea, I guess so, but it still sucks."
After a while Kurenai chimed in and spoke, "Ok everyone, I'm going to go report this to lady hokage, you all have the rest of the week off to rest and recuperate. Dismissed"
"Sounds good to me, I'm going home." Kiba said. Shino nodded, then looked at Hinata, "As will I, I have preparations to make for our next mission, I'll see you guys later." And with that the team parted ways, with only Hinata standing there.
'I'm hungry, I guess I'll go get something to eat before I head home.' And with that she took off down the street towards ichiraku's.
It was a very pleasant day, it was a comfortable temperature with a cool breeze blowing, and it made her happy, but in her mind there was always something missing in her life that she yearned for nonstop, always something…or someone.
She finally reached her destination, she pulled back the flaps and sat down on the stool closest to the wall, and waited to order her food. After a few minutes of looking through the menu, Teuchi walked over to her and spoke. "What can I get for you darling?"
"I'll take one bowl of miso please."
"Coming right up." He said as he went to the back to begin cooking. Hinata sat there patiently waiting, tapping her finger on the counter, lost in thought about a certain hyper ninja with blonde hair. She was brought out of her thoughts abruptly by a loud voice entering the shop.
"Hey old man, eight bowls of pork ramen, please." Shouted a blonde ninja wearing an orange and black jumpsuit. Teuchi gave a chuckle and responded, "Coming right up Naruto."
When Hinata heard that name, her mind went crazy. She could never stay calm when she was around him, He made her panic whenever he was near and she could hardly say a word to him without stuttering or making a fool of herself in front of the one she loved. So instead she just sat there and ate her food in silence when it arrived. She slowly and carefully picked up one noodle at a time, but from across the stand she could here Naruto slurping away at his. After a little while she heard the thing that made her heart jump up into her throat.
"Hey! Hinata!" Naruto exclaimed with his signature grin plastered on his face.
Slowly she turned to look at him. "O-o-oh h-hi Naruto" Inwardly cursing herself for that dang stuttering habit she just couldn't shake.
"Why are you sitting all the way over there? Come sit by me." He said while patting the stool next to him.
Hinata's face grew to a slight shade of red as she heard that. "U-um o….ok" She stammered as she picked up her bowl and moved down to the available seat next to him. They both didn't say anything for quite a while. Then it was Naruto who spoke up.
"So what have you been up to lately?"
"Not much, j-just a few m-missions"
"That's sounds great, I haven't been on a mission in so long, I really need to go have a talk with granny tsunade." He said with a hint of envy about being unable to do more missions.
Because honestly it had been boring for him lately, since all the rebuilding of the village after pein's attack had severely lowered the amount of missions given since most where held back to assist in construction. So all that Naruto has been able to do is train.
Hinata giggled slightly at the way he addressed the hokage, this earned her a questioning look from the blonde.
"Hehe what's so funny?"
"It's just the name you have for lady hokage is kind of funny."
"Hmph, well she is one." He remarked with a fake pouty lip, to make her thing he was offended by this.
Hinata didn't say anything, but instead she looked away to try and hide her giggles. Naruto peered over at her through the corner of his eye. When he heard her little laugh, a thought popped in his head that he never believed he would:
'You know, she is really kinda cute.'