"Do you understand, Hinata?"
"Yes, Father,"
"Good, then we will arrange a meeting for tomorrow evening. Please go now,"
"Yes, Father,"
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
I headed in the direction of Kiba's house. This was no different than any other day. Not for seven years has this been different.
Though, in my mind. It is different.
Several things contributed to this.
Firstly, today was the first day that we would report to the new Hokage for their mission. The Rokudaime was inaugurated just under a week ago.
---Flashback---
"Today we are gathered to celebrate new beginnings. This is the beginning of a new chapter in the Hidden Leaf Village," Tsunade announced.
A man steps forward from the right of Tsunade. The two figures that were beside him nod as he looks back. The grin on his face couldn't be wider.
"Today, I am stepping down as Hokage. And as my final act as Godaime, I name the Rokudaime, Uzumaki Naruto!"
Wait, I was wrong. The grin did get wider. But, what more would you expect from him?
The eyes of his pink haired teammate begin to shine with tears. The dark haired one allows himself to smile.
Naruto finally speaks.
"Wahoooo!!!"
-well, sort of. He grins sheepishly and chuckles. Then suddenly his disposition changes to serious.
"I've made several promises in my life. I've made promises to protect, to rescue, to change, and to love. And Obaa-chan was right. Today is a day to celebrate new beginnings,"
"Today, I announce the beginning of a new life for me. Not only did I achieve my most important goal, but I will be starting a new life with my teammates. The Haruno, Uchiha, and Uzumaki clans, or at least the three members you know best, are joining together,"
Several members of the crowd began to whisper. What did this mean?
"Also, another new beginning has...begun?" He was unsure of his words. "The revival of the Uchiha clan/Uzumaki clan. To be honest we don't know which. Heh heh. Sakura is expecting a child in eight months,"
How nice, Naruto's starting a family...wait? What?
---End Flashback---
I no longer had feelings for him, but this was really a shock to me.
But not even Naruto's news could hold a candle to what my Father told me this morning.
I know I agreed without argument, but inside I'm spinning.
When I finally make it to Kiba's doorstep, he opens the door before I can even knock.
When I see his smile that hasn't changed in the seven years we've been a team, I wonder.
Can I really marry a man 20 years older than me, whom I've never even met, when the man I want most is standing right in front of me?