Naruto, Hinata the rest of the Konoha Eleven and their sensei's were fighting an incredible war against Orochimaru and all of his forces.
Smokin'Oken was also taking part in the battle, on the side of our heroes.
There was noise and mayhem everywhere.
Then Smokin'Oken shouted out.
"Bwahahahahahahahahaha! I'm switching sides. Watch and weep, Konoha!"
"Which side I'm joining? I'll make my own side! I own the Narutoverse!"
The very next second, complete silence reigned over the battlefield.
Smokin'Oken's PA, who had a barrier around him that completely nullified any sort of attacks on his person, came to him and said he'd made the biggest mistake of his life.
Then, pandemonium resumed, with one target – Smokin'Oken.
Konoha was double-teaming with Orochimaru, and attacking Smokin'Oken.
"WHY THE FRICKIN' HELL AM I BEING HIT BY BABY RATTLES?!?!"
The PA said something to him.
FINE! FINE! I DON'T OWN THE NARUTOVERSE, AND ANY CHARACTERS BELONGING TO IT! ALL BELONGS TO MASASHI KISHIMOTO.
The attack on Smokin'Oken stopped.
"Now, I can fulfill my own dreams of world domination with my nullifying barrier!", said the PA.
The rattles that hit Smokin'Oken, magically flew to the PA, attacking him.
Now, he was the center of all attacks.
Needless to say, the PA died a gruesome, horrible death.
So kids, moral of the story is, good little fanfic authors who do not provide a disclaimer, will meet the same fate as my PA.
Once again, I don't own Narutoverse or/and any of its characters.
Damn, I'll be needing a new PA after this.
"Carry on, guys"
The fighting resumed.
At the training posts
There were two days before the finals of the Chunin exams, when he had to face Neji Hyuga.
Naruto was seriously training at the training posts, when he, kind of, felt a presence watching him.
He turned back to see that the presence was actually Hinata.
"Ne, Hinata-chan. You don't have to sneak upon me, you can always come and talk to me anytime you want, you know that, right?", asked Naruto.
Hinata stuttered, trying to make a reply, while moving to Naruto, standing one foot in front of him.
"Um, y-yes, Na-Naruto-kun, its j-ju-just that , um, I w-wan-wanted to g-g-give you this ointment-"
And before Hinata could complete her statement, a girl appeared out of nowhere.
She had the deepest blue hair, and fierce, grass like green eyes. Strangely, she was wearing black pants, and a red T-Shirt that....
"Hey, is that a chibi me eating Ramen on your T-Shirt?", asked Naruto.
"Whooooooohh! I am in the Naruto world. And what do we have here?", she asked, narrowing her eyebrows at Naruto and Hinata, who were staring at her, confusedly.
The newcomer's eyebrows shot up like a rocket. "Naruhodo, you're Naruto Uzumaki, and you're Hinata Hyuga, aren't you?", she asked.
Naruto answered, for Hinata was still stuttering a bit. "Um, yeah, and who're you?", he asked.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Hana Aikouka", she said.
"Right, um, how did you come here?", asked Hinata, her stuttering gone for a bit. Strangely, she felt kind of confident.
"I just got here. We can worry about how, later. Now let's get to the main matter. Naruto-kun, Hinata-chan, I want your word, that what I am going to tell you, will never be heard by another, unless I say so. What I am going to speak to you about, are S-rank secrets, and the Hokage could kill me for speaking of it.", said Hana.
"Hai!", both replied, one confidently – for, it was his nindo, his ninja way – the other, a bit stuttering, but with the same confidence – for that was her nindo, her ninja way too.
'Fine, let me start by confirming a few things. Hinata-chan, please be brave, OK?", she said.
"Um, yes!", replied Hinata.
"Right", said Hana, diving into the main matters. "Naruto-kun, you hold the Nine Tailed Fox, inside of you don't you?"
Both Naruto and Hinata were surprised, Naruto because he didn't know how Hana knew, and Hinata because she never knew about it at all.
"Hey, ho-how did YOU know about it?", asked Naruto, stunned.
"Never mind about that, again", said Hana.
"Fine, but I-we want an explanation later, OK?", asked Naruto, and for Hinata too.
"OK, now let me recount your life up to now. You were born on the tenth of October, you've failed the Genin exams thrice, you beat the crap out of Mizuki who was your 'teacher', so to speak, your team mates are Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno, your Jonin Sensei is Kakashi Hatake, the legendary Copy-Ninja, your team defeated Zabuza Momochi and Haku in your first A-Rank mission, your specialty is the Shadow Clone technique, you can summon the Toad Chief, Gamabunta, and your other teachers were Ebisu, and Jiraiya, the Toad Sage, or should I say, Ero-Sennin?", she rattled off.
Naruto was floored. Stunned. Shocked. That someone knew so much about him, other than Old Man Hokage, and Kakashi-sensei, that is, was unimaginable.
Hana continued. "And you, Hinata Hyuga, your birthday is the 27th of December, your hobbies are reading books and pressing flowers, your teammates are Shino Aburame, and Kiba Inuzuka, your Jonin Sensei is Kurenai Yuhi, the Genjutsu Mistress of Konoha, your style is the Jyuken, you were once almost kidnapped by a Kumo Jonin, and.........."
At this point, Hana walked towards Hinata, and whispered something in her ear, which made her faint. Promptly.
Naruto was angry. "Hey, what did you tell her?", he asked.
"Oh, don't worry, Naruto-kun, its something that stays between girls", she said, giggling.
Naruto started scratching his head, now confused. Then he remembered the situation.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu", he shouted. He then ordered his clones to get water, when Hana stopped him.
"Wait, Naruto-kun, let me try this. Mizu Parapara no Jutsu", she said softly.
A small rain bearing cloud hovered over Hinata's face, and rain gently drizzled onto Hinata's face, waking her up after ten seconds or so.
The cloud disappeared, and Hinata sat up. She took one look at Hana's smiling face, and her face turned a deep shade of red.
"Don't worry, Hinata-chan, I won't tell it to anyone, for now", said Hana, offering a kerchief to Hinata, for wiping her face.
Hinata wiped her face,gradually losing the red shade, and gave back the kerchief to Hana, who put it inside a pocket in her pants, and then continued.
"I have been right so far, haven't I?"
She was met with two affirmative nods, but then Naruto had a question, for Hinata. Sensing it(it was obvious, Naruto was looking at Hinata frequently), Hana took out a book and started reading, being nonchalant towards the pair in front of her.
"Right, um, Hinata-chan. Aren't you surprised that I hold a demon inside of me?" asked Naruto.
"Um, so what, Naruto-kun? A-as f-far as I'm c-concerned, you a-are Naruto-kun, a twelve year old boy, who has a g-grand am-ambition of w-wanting to become a H-Hokage. I c-could care l-less about the d-demon inside of you", said Hinata, with determination shining through her pale lavender eyes.
"Hinata-chan", said Naruto, finding a new sense of respect for the stuttering, shy girl. Never again would he call her weird.
"Oh, Gods! I am so giving you a helping hand!", saying that, Hana moved towards the pair, who were very close to each other, and gently shoved their heads into kissing each other's mouth.
Naruto and Hinata were 'shocked', by the kiss, which they would both describe later, as pure electricity,
And also by Hana's antics.
After the initial shock, though, their minds were racing as they were kissing.
Naruto realized that all the small things in his younger years, were all courtesy of Hinata. The goggles, the orange jumpsuit, and a few more birthday presents, all had had a lavender flower like a signature, and then he understood who was behind all those gifts. He then realized that he had feelings for Hinata.
Hinata, on the other hand, was almost feeling faint. Here she was, her lifelong dream a success, kissing Naruto. She was all of a flutter.
As soon as they'd thought all of these, their kissing became more intense. Hana, who was the one who caused this scene, was watching with shining eyes, and a big smile on her face.
"Yes! Yes! Finally these two have got together!", she said, jumping up and down. She was so hyper at the moment.
Hinata and Naruto broke apart for air. They stared into each other's eyes, and resumed the same activity as they were doing a few seconds ago.
Behind them, Hana was cheering like mad for the two of them.
This went on for the next quarter of an hour, after which, the two kissers fell to the ground, and rested their backs on the training posts.
They were staring into each other's eyes, again.
"Ne, Hinata-chan. Do you wanna go out on a date after the finals are over?", asked Naruto.
"Hai, Naruto-kun", replied Hinata, breathless.
"OK, that was the best thing I've ever seen you do, Naruto", she said, glomping onto both Naruto and Hinata. "I love you guys", she said having a huge smile all the time.
When she released them from the glomp, Naruto and Hinata both caught Hana in a group hug with smiles on their faces too.
"Are we friends?", asked Hana.
The reply was swift and simultaneous. "Yes, we are!" and "Yeah, of course!" were the reply from the other two.
Hana relaxed herself into their group hug. But for now, she was going to help Naruto and Hinata with their budding relationship.
'I've made my first move, let's see what else I'm able to do.' thought Hana
The three broke from their group hug.
Hana said, "Guys, I know you want to continue with this relationship – either of you should have shouted out loud if you did not like it. So here's something from me – take it slowly. Start off as friends, know each other more through your dates, define your limits, and then decide if you truly love each other. And.... ", trailing off.
"And what?", asked Naruto.
"Um, never mind about that, we'll talk about it later. Now, Naruto-kun, I have to tell you about something", said Hana.
"And what's that?", asked Naruto, becoming serious.
"Your legacy", said Hana. "Hinata-chan, please do not tell this to anyone, even your family. Though some of them might know about this, please do not tell them about this, right?"
"Hai", said the person in question.
"Naruto, you're the son of the Fourth Hokage", said Hana.
"Hahahahaha, you must be joking. Me, the dead last, the 'dobe', the dropout, the idiot, the fool, the demon,-"
"The Jinchuuriki, the Savior, the True Hero, you, yes sir, are the last remaining, and the only, I might add, legacy of the Fourth Hokage", said Hana.
To say Naruto was shocked, was an understatement. He was floored.
"You mean, I'm actually the son of my hero, the Fourth Hokage?", asked Naruto, positively bewildered. Hinata hugged him from the side with a single arm.
"Yes, do you want to know more about your family?", asked Hana, and then realized that Naruto would want to know, regardless of being asked or not. "Wait, scratch that. You would want to know anyway, right?", she asked.
Naruto nodded, and asked Hana to continue.
"Right, your father was Minato Namikaze, the most revered and the most powerful ninja, during his tenure, and before, as a Hokage. He was famous for his Hiraishin no Jutsu, AKA the Flying Thunder God Technique. He was so powerful, that a flee on sight order was issued to his enemies, if they ever encountered him. His Genin team comprised of Rin Inuzuka, Obito Uchiha, and Kakashi Hatake-"
At this point, Naruto interrupted Hana, "Kakashi-sensei's Sensei was Dad?"
"Yeah, just so. Do you want to know how he got his Sharingan eye? Well, it was during the first mission with Kakashi as a Jonin. Their mission was to destroy a bridge, which was instrumental for carrying supplies for Iwagakure. Minato-sama planned to cause chaos at the front lines, to distract the Iwa ninjas, while allowing the other three to destroy the bridge. But, tragedy struck in the form of an Iwa ninja, who had kidnapped Rin for info. Kakashi and Obito had an argument on whether to continue the mission or to save Rin. Kakashi's father, Sakumo Hatake, who was also known as the White Fang of Konoha, was in an instrumental mission where he chose to save his friends at the cost of the mission. Subsequently, the same friends and Konoha were not happy with him for failing the mission, and thus he committed suicide. Kakashi, who was affected a lot by this, chose to adapt to the rules of the shinobi more than his instincts and emotions. Therefore, he always put the mission in front of his comrades' lives. Then, Obito left Kakashi, saying his line, which Kakashi adopted, 'Those who break rules are trash, but those who abandon their friends and comrades are even worse than trash'. Struck by what Obito said, Kakashi followed Obito, and found him in a bit of a jam with an Iwa Jonin. He moved to defend Obito from the Iwa Jonin's back attack, at the cost of his left eye. The shock of Kakashi's attack awakened the Sharingan in Obito. The Jonin then used a rockfall technique to bury the two in a landslide. Kakashi escaped, but the left side of Obito was fully impaled. The two had managed to kill the Jonin and rescue Rin, before the rockfall hit though. So, Obito, who knew he was going to die, asked Rin, using her medical jutsu, to implant his remaining Sharingan eye into Kakashi's damaged left eye socket. Then Kakashi managed to perfect his Chidori – you know about it, right?", asked Hana.
"Chidori?", asked both Hinata and Naruto.
"OK, let me explain it this way, the Chidori basically involves channeling chakra into your hands. The amount of chakra channeled is so much, that the chakra is visible to the open eye. It alters the nature of the technique, basically converting it to electricity. This technique involves a large amount of chakra, and the user has to move very very fast, in a line in order to successfully use this technique. Hinata-chan, can you find the defect in this technique, and why Kakashi can use it perfectly?", asked Hana.
"Um, let me think for a bit, Hana-chan.", said Hinata.
After a few minutes, during which Naruto remained silent only because he was figuring out why, Hinata came out with the answers.
"The user has to move in a line with high speed, in a straight line, this means only one thing – tunnel vision.", said Hinata.
"What's tunnel vision?", asked Naruto.
"Well, Naruto-kun, if you run with high speed, in a straight line, you can't focus or see anywhere else other than your target. That sensation is called as tunnel vision. With the Sharingan, though, that trouble can be removed. The Sharingan picks up each and every movement within the user's eyesight. That's why Kakashi-sensei perfected it after he got Obito-san's Sharingan eye.", said Hinata.
"You're right, Hinata-chan. Full marks!", said Hana happily.
"But why can't I use it?", asked Naruto.
"Wait a minute", said Hana, rummaging through her pant pockets. "I'm sure I have some of those here.", she muttered to herself.
"Ah, here we go.", she said, handing a small piece of paper to Naruto and Hinata each, and taking one for herself.
"I got these recently. Now, try channeling chakra into your piece of paper.", she said.
All three concentrated for a few seconds. Then, Naruto's paper split into two, and both halves started crumbling.
Hinata's paper became soggy, and fell.
Hana's paper started burning and curled into ashes.
"What just happened?", asked Naruto.
"These, were chakra attuned papers made out of a special type of wood. They're extremely attuned to chakra. Their purpose is to find one's elemental affinity.", said Hana.
"Elemental affinity?", asked Naruto.
"Yes. Each ninja's chakra is attuned to a specific element. Your paper split into two, which means your elemental affinity is towards the element of Wind. Hinata-chan's paper became soggy, which means her elemental affinity is towards the element of Water. Mine burnt, which means my chakra nature is Fire.", said Hana.
"But, my paper crumbled too, after it was split in half. What does that mean?", asked Naruto.
"That means, you have a secondary affinity to the element of Earth. One more thing, your nature type means that you will only require half the amount of chakra normally needed, to use a jutsu of that type.
For example, it will be easier for Hinata-chan to learn Daibakufu no Jutsu than for either of us. It will be hard especially for me, because I have a fire nature. Fire is weak against water. Understood?", asked Hana.
"Hai!", came two replies.
Naruto, for once, felt everything was crystal clear, and he enjoyed the lesson too.
"Uh, Hana-chan, let's continue", said Naruto.
"Yeah, right", said Hana. "Kakashi perfected it and got his first kill with it. His fame hit the sky after his first success as a Jonin. Well, that's how he got his Sharingan.", finished Hana.
"Wow!", said Naruto, whistling. "Maybe that's why Kakashi-sensei's more partial to Sasuke, because he's the last Uchiha. Anyway, thanks for the story, and you were talking about my dad right?", asked Naruto.
"Yes", said Hana, continuing, "Well, some of his techniques are your birthright, you know?"
"Really? Can you teach me these jutsus?", asked Naruto, becoming hyper.
"Actually, no, but I do know someone who can teach them", said Hana.
"Maybe that person is Jiraiya-sama?", asked Hinata, speaking for the first time in a while.
"How did you know that?", was Hana's question, while Naruto's reaction was "Whaaaaaat?!?!?!".
"I just guessed", said Hinata.
"That's right, Hinata-chan. Jiraiya-sama knows some of Minato-sama's jutsus. We'll have to ask him. Yes, Naruto-kun, I know, you're bursting to ask why the hell we have to rely on 'Ero-Sennin' for this. Well, Jiraiya-sama was Minato-sama's sensei", said Hana.
"Oh man, how many surprises can my poor heart take? Ero-sennin was dad's Sensei?", asked Naruto.
"Yes, and Naruto, please give Jiraiya-sama some respect. He was half-way, if not fully, responsible for your dad's success, and he is incredibly proud of Minato-sama. The fact that he couldn't save Minato-sama from his death saddens him a lot."
Understanding what Hana said, Naruto grudgingly agreed to call Jiraiya as Gama-Sennin.
"Well, then, your mother, I do not have much info on, other than the facts that your last name is her last name, and that your mother's name was Kushina Uzumaki, but I do know three things. Your mother loved your father very much, and neither abandoned you, if you've ever thought like that."
"Arigatou, Hana-chan. That's a relief. And, what about the third?", asked Naruto.
At this, Hana started using her hands, to fan herself. "She was one HELL of a kunoichi!"
"Really?", asked Naruto, and he saw that Hana was nodding so fast that he felt her head might fly off.
"Well, its been a tiring day. Tell you what, I'll treat you both at Ichiraku's for Ramen. OK?", asked Hana.
Both agreed, and they left for Ichiraku's.
The next day
"Right", said Hana-chan, who found Naruto and Hinata gathered at the training posts. She'd just taken a kip at the training posts for the night after Naruto and Hinata had returned home.
"Do we need to find Gama-Sennin for anything?", asked Naruto.
"Yes, we will need to find him. I have to tell him something.", said Hana.
"So, how are we going to find him?", asked Hinata.
"Let's see."After thinking for a bit "Yeah! That's right!", exclaimed Hana, coming up with an idea.
"Naruto-kun, please create some shadow clones.", said Hana.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu", said Naruto, creating five clones. "Now what?", he asked.
"Please transform them using your Oiroke no Jutsu.", said Hana.
"Oiroke no Jutsu", said Naruto, transforming himself and his clones into busty blond women.
"Naruhodo, now I understand why males pine after this form of yours, especially Jiraiya-sama.", said Hana.
Hinata, unexpectedly had a nosebleed, which did not go unnoticed by Hana.
"Right, can you put some bikinis or something like that?", asked Hana.
After a single seal, all the clones of Naruto and the original were sporting red bikinis.
"Right, where now, boss?", asked one of the clones to Naruto, who gave a questioning look to Hinata.
"To the hot springs!", said Hana, with fervor.
There was an awkward silence after that.
"You mean, Gama-Sennin's hot spot? I might be a boy, but I don't want you two to be peeked at.", said Naruto.
He was bonked in the head by Hana.
"Baaaaka! The two of us won't be going. You are.", said Hana.
"What are you two going to do then?", asked Naruto, rubbing his head.
"Perimeter surveillance!", said Hana.
"Um, we're going to search for Jiraiya-sama from outside, right?", asked Hinata on seeing Naruto's confused look again.
"Yes, Hinata-chan. Now, let's go!
At the Hot Springs of Konoha
Naruto and his clones made a big fuss of entering the hot springs, which attracted Jiraiya like magnets.
He was watching the action from behind the bushes, when someone said "Got you!", from behind him.
He turned back to see that he was caught by two young girls. Then, Naruto, who'd heard Hana shout, came.
"Right, Jiraiya-sama, we need to tell you something.", said the blue-haired girl.
"Well, whatever it is, missy, I ain't gonna listen to you.", said Jiraiya, preparing to leave.
"You won't hear about it, even though it concerns Sarutobi-sama's life?", asked Hana, who was met with three gasps.
"Hokage-sama's life?", asked Naruto and Hinata, while Jiraiya said, "Sarutobi-sensei's life?"
"Yes, it does. But this is not the place to talk about it. Follow me.", said Hana, jumping away, followed by the three.
At the Hokage Mountain, top of the Yondaime Hokage's head
"Right, Jiraiya-sama, just in case, could you put up a silence barrier of some sort?", asked Hana.
Jiraiya pulled out a paper with the kanji for silence written on it, and slapped it on the ground.
"Right, now tell me.", said Jiraiya.
"Right, Jiraiya-sama. You know of Orochimaru's involvement in the second stage of the Chunin exams, right?", asked Hana.
"Yes, what about it?", asked Jiraiya.
"You know that Orochimaru is planning an invasion of Konoha, right?", asked Hana, who was met with an affirmative nod.
"Well, you might not know that the village allied with Otogakure in this invasion is, Sunagakure."
"What? Suna is allied with Oto?"
"Yes, that's true. Also, Suna has a secret weapon – do you know who it is?"
"No! Who is it?"
"It is Gaara."
The remaining three were stunned. How did Hana know so much?
"Well, what?", asked Hana.
"Why is Gaara a secret weapon?", asked Naruto.
"It is because he is like you, Naruto-kun. He is also a Jinchuuriki."
"What? Gaara is a Jinchuuriki?", asked Jiraiya, surprised.
"Yes, ask Naruto-kun. He has heard first hand from Gaara, what his life's been like."
Jiraiya gave Naruto a long glance, under which Naruto sighed.
"Yes, he is, Gama-Sennin."
"Gama-Sennin? Why aren't you calling me Ero-Sennin? And how can you trust this kid?", asked Jiraiya.
"To answer your first question, its because I respect you for how Dad became so famous and powerful under your tutelage.", said Naruto.
"Nah, most of it was Minato himself, I only helped a little.", said Jiraiya, and then when he realized what he said, shut his mouth. He had gotten carried away by the pride he felt for his former student.
"Don't worry, Gama-Sennin, I know that the Yondaime Hokage was your student and my father. I also understand that he must have very powerful enemies, if his enemies were instructed to flee on sight. I won't go about broadcasting that fact. Even if there is a danger of doing so, these two will shut me up, hopefully.", said Naruto, when Hana and Hinata nodded simultaneously.
"You know about Minato? Who told you?", asked Jiraiya weakly.
"It was me. I told him about it.", said Hana.
"Right. Fine. Now, about the invasion.", said Jiraiya.
"Make sure, somehow, you're able to stay near Sarutobi-sama. Don't fool with that request, please. If you really value your sensei's life, make sure you are near him during the Chunin exam finals. I really can't impress the importance of this action enough. Stay near Sarutobi-sama.", said Hana, wringing her hands.
"Alright, alright, I'll somehow be near Sarutobi-sensei during the Chunin exam finals. Is that OK with you?"
"Yeah, while you're at it, I've confirmed that Naruto-kun's nature type is Wind, so could you teach him one or two wind jutsus?"
"Give me one good reason as to why I have to teach this brat two wind jutsus!"
"I'll give you three. One, he has respect for you, more so than before. Two, his father was your student. Three,", at this point, Hana went to Jiraiya, and started whispering into his ears.
Jiraiya's face went from anger to blank to happiness, and finally, to pure bliss.
"You'll do that for me?", asked Jiraiya with shining eyes, to which, Hana replied, "As long as you meet a few conditions, I can do that."
"Fine", said Jiraiya, who smiled for the first time since the start of their impromptu meeting. "Consider it done."
Back, at the Training Posts
The three, and Jiraiya got to the training posts of the training grounds where Hana had made her appearance.
Jiraiya started to speak. "Since we have limited time in our hands, Naruto, you're going to have to extensively use your shadow clones for the job. Since these two are here as well, I'm going to give you an hour to teach the two Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, while I sit down and think about what you, missy,-"
"The name's Hana. Hana Aikouka.", said Hana.
"Right, Hana, told me", continued Jiraiya, when he was interrupted by Naruto.
"How will shadow clones help my training?"
"Right, create a shadow clone, you brat!", said Jiraiya, angry at being interrupted.
Simultaneously, both Jiraiya and Naruto shouted, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu".
A clone each of Naruto and Jiraiya were created.
Jiraiya instructed his clone to take Naruto's clone into the woods.
After sometime, the real Naruto shouted out, "Oh, man! How the hell could I lose to you in rock paper scissors?"
Then only, did Naruto realize what he'd shouted out.
"That's right, Naruto, shadow clones are best used for reconnaissance missions. What the clone learns, is learned by the user also. This means that you, who can create hundreds of shadow clones, can learn things that take months in hours!", said Jiraiya.
Naruto, seemingly on the edge of hyperactivity, calmed down, and, surprising all those present, bowed down and said, "Arigatou, Gama-Sennin".
"Excellent, brat, you're learning some manners.", said Jiraiya, looking particularly smug, and then, he made the mistake of looking at Hana.
Hana gave Jiraiya a look, under which Jiraiya quailed, losing his smugness.
"Fine, here's your hour. I'll be sitting down by these trees", muttered Jiraiya.
An hour later
Naruto had managed to make sure that they got the jutsu down.
Though they wouldn't be able to make the army Naruto could right away, but they would be able to make one clone, and that would actually be enough for them now.
What surprised them though, was the fact that Naruto had successfully taught them the jutsu. He didn't seem to realize, how good a job he'd done.
"Well, we're done for now, so why don't we take a break and then call Jiraiya-sama? I have some snacks the three of us can share.", said Hinata, in her trademark soft voice, who took out a box containing six rice balls and three sticks of dango.
The other two thanked Hinata, said "Itadakimasu", and dove in with gusto into the snacks.
After they were done, the three reported to Jiraiya, who got up.
"Right. Here is a small but useful wind element jutsu : its called the Teikietsu Shouheki no Jutsu. Basically it creates a cyclone of wind, with the user in the center, and can be used both as a short range offense attack and as a defense. It operates similar to the Rotation technique of the Hyugas, but instead of chakra, you will be using wind. There are a few more uses for it, but I'll leave it to you to figure it out.", said Jiraiya.
He demonstrated the technique, and did so again, allowing all three to pay close attention to how it worked, and after doing it, showed them the hand seals.
"Alright, Gama-sennin, I'll find out those uses, for sure. Kage Bunshin no Jutsu", said Naruto, immediately creating the clones and starting to practice on the jutsu. Two of them approached Hinata and Hana, who immediately understood their purpose, and started sparring with them.
All three were so immersed in their work, that they barely heard Jiraiya saying he'd meet them tomorrow.
All three stopped for a mini conference.
"Oh, man! Gama-sennin deserted us.", said Naruto.
"It's OK, Naruto-kun", said Hinata, in her usual delicate voice, "he did say he'd be back tomorrow, right, Hana-chan?"
"Yes, Hinata-chan, he did. So, let's spend the day training, hit Ichiraku's for lunch, and I know of a truly fantastic place, which we can hit for dinner. So......", trailed off Hana.
"So what?", asked Naruto.
"Chop chop", said Hana, bonking Naruto on the head again, and returned to her spar.
At Ichiraku's
After half a day of intense training, all three kids were ready to flop down and sleep.
Naruto had managed to perfect Teikietsu Shouheki no Jutsu only halfway. But still, it was a far cry from what he had begun with.
Also, he got a few tricks which would be handy against his upcoming opponent, Neji Hyuga, when he'd dispersed the clone that was fighting Hinata.
Despite their drowsy mood, they managed to drag themselves to Ichiraku's, before entering which, Hana pulled Naruto to the side, saying "Just a second!", to Hinata.
"Naruto-kun, I realize that you really aren't the one for table manners, but can't you at least slow down while eating your food?", asked Hana with an annoyed look.
"What do you mean Hana-chan?", asked Naruto. "It's not like I'm scaring anyone.......", he trailed off when he saw Hana look at him in that way. (OK, not THAT way. YOU know WHAT way.)
Naruto immediately quailed, even more so when Hana said, "Yes! It's Hinata-chan."
"Fine, I'll slow down while I'm eating, OK?", said Naruto.
The three then entered Ichiraku's, and gave their orders.
Hinata was surprised with the change in Naruto's eating habits. Though, she did hide it.
The three stepped out of the shop.
"Fine, we're done here. Let's meet after two hours at the same training posts, for one of the remaining legs of the training. Sayonara, Naruto-kun, Hinata-chan.", said Hana, skipping away. Both felt like they heard Hana skipping away singing, "I love Japanese suffixes".
"Right. Kage Bunshin no Jutsu.", said Naruto, creating some shadow clones which immediately rushed out of the building.
"U-um, what were those for, Naruto-kun?", asked Hinata.
"Forgive me if I'm gonna look like an idiot, Hinata-chan, but what do you say we rest at my apartment?I know for a fact that your house is a bit farther from here,, and that your room is even deeper inside the Hyuga compound, and we're both tired.", said Naruto.
"W-wait, Naruto-k-kun, h-how do you k-know that my room is deep inside the Hyuga c-compound?", asked Hinata.
At this statement, Naruto gave that silly, sheepish look. You know, that look where he puts his hand behind his head and scratches it. Saying "Hehehehehehe!".
Hinata gasped, in a supreme moment of understanding.
"It was you, wasn't it, Naruto-kun? You were the one who painted graffiti all over the Hyuga compound walls from the inside, five years ago, for days together, weren't you?", asked Hinata, to which Naruto affirmatively nodded.
"Hai, Hinata-chan, it was me.", said Naruto, still with that look.
"Naruto-kun! Your skill in stealth has to be at least Jonin level. I heard that you escaped every single day, though of course, your name was never mentioned to us. You had continued to evade the ANBU as well as the Hyuga ninjas everyday. My God, Naruto-kun, you have potential that very few have.", said Hinata, surprised. She also started to sniffle, tears shining in her eyes.
"Well, if they'd known it, they would have made me a secret weapon or something like Gaara. So as twisted and crazy as it sounds, I'm kind of happy that the people of Konoha just shunned me like this and left me like this. I can feel happy, sad, anger, hate, I can laugh, cry, jump up and down, and be silly in general.", said Naruto.
"Oh, Naruto-kun.", said Hinata, jumping straight into Naruto's arms, crying.
Naruto, who had zilch experience with crying girls, just did something he felt comfortable doing – holding on, allowing Hinata to cry for a few.
After some time, when Hinata stopped shedding tears, Naruto pushed her chin up, using his thumbs to clear Hinata's face which was full of tear tracks.
"Look at this way, Hinata-chan, at least now, if I ever raise a child, I know what I have to do if he is spurned by the people.", said Naruto, closing his eyes.
"Not if, Naruto-kun. When, not if.", whispered Hinata into Naruto's ears.
In the few moments in which Naruto had closed his eyes, Hinata's lips had curved into a beautiful smile, which increased the radiance of her face.
"Hinata-chan", said Naruto, completely surprised.
"Yes, Naruto-kun. When, not if."
Saying this, Hinata leaned onto Naruto's mouth and impaled her lips upon his.
A full size smooch fest began, and went on for the next few minutes, when they broke for that molecule that's chiefly responsible for our survival. They made their way to Naruto's house.
At Naruto's house
Figuring Hinata would be more comfy with the bed, Naruto decided to take the couch, and laid the now sleeping Hinata on his bed.
Making sure that Hinata was comfy of course.
He then laid himself down on the couch, thinking about how his life became different because of one person who had arrived from somewhere else.
Hey, he never did ask Hana about she came here, after all.
That, hopefully would be revealed soon. As much as he wanted to jump the gun and ask Hana about how she came, he realized that he would inevitably know the answers for many questions soon.
For now, though, he shifted his mind towards more, different, and risqué thoughts, like Hinata-chan, and their budding romance.
He turned and slept like a rock for the next two hours.
Still at Naruto's house
Hinata woke up, thoroughly drenched.
"Aaaaaahh", she squealed, waking up.
She was breathing heavily, heaving up and down.(She's just a kid, perverts out there!)
Then, she saw Naruto looking at her, with a frightened expression.
"I'm sorry, Hinata-chan. I'm sorry, Hinata-chan", he said, over and over again.
"U-um, uhh-uhh, N-Naruto-kun, c-c-could you do something about this wetness?", asked Hinata, shivering.
"Right. What to do what to do what to do what to do what to do what to do Got it!", said Naruto.
"Futon:Teikietsu Shouheki no Jutsu", shouted Naruto.
Suddenly, a kind of big cyclone of wind surrounded Naruto, which made a mess of his room.
It also did make Hinata lose her jacket.
After a few seconds, Naruto managed to tone it down to a gentle whirlwind, and got Hinata completely dry.
He then retrieved Hinata's jacket for her, saying all the time how sorry he was.
Hinata, being her usual, shy self, of course, forgave Naruto every time he apologized and when he wouldn't listen, took a page out of Hana's book, and bonked him in the head.
"Ne, Hinata-chan, not you too?!", asked Naruto.
"I'm sorry, Naruto-kun, but that was the only way to make you stop.", said Hinata, worry evident in her face.
Naruto calmed down, processed what Hinata said, and then said "Arigatou, Hinata-chan".
"Oh, I forgot, let me help you clean up this place.", said Hinata.
"Don't worry, Hinata-chan, I'll clean it up myself", said Naruto, proceeding to use his trademark jutsu.
"What time is it, Naruto-kun?", asked Hinata.
"Time, to go meet Hana-chan.", he replied.
They left the house at the mercies of the shadow clones, who dispersed themselves after they were done with the cleaning, leaving a satisfied Naruto.
At the Training Posts
"What took you guys so long?", asked an irate Hana.
"Well, things came up and....", trailed off Naruto.
"Um, can we begin our training?", asked Hinata.
"Fine, we might as well", said Hana.
Still at the Training Posts
The sun had set, just a few minutes ago.
The three were done for the day.
"Right, Hana-chan. How come you haven't told us yet, about yourself?", asked Hinata.
"Um, well, the thing of the fact of the matter of the matter is that..", stuttered Hana.
"Spit it out, Hana-chan", said Naruto.
"I really don't think I can explain everything to you guys, yet. Just, wait for, like um, 4 years or so. You'll get full explanations, along with proofs.", said Hana.
Hana was met by half lidded glares.
"I'm really sorry, but if I told you now, you guys wouldn't believe me. Seriously.", said Hana.
After a minute of silence, Naruto said, "Fine. But we will want detailed explanations. For sure."
"Fine with me.", said Hana.
The three were lying down, looking at the sky. They were lying down, spread eagled, linking their hands with each other.
"Hana-chan?", asked Naruto.
"Yes?"
"I really don't know how or why you came here, but...."
"But what?"
"Arigatou!", said the voices of Naruto and Hinata.
Hana started beaming. "It's my pleasure", she said.
All three got up at the same time.
Naruto attacked Hinata's lips with his promptly.
Hana, sat back and watched the scene for a few minutes with a look of pure bliss.
"Hinata-chan, Naruto-kun, I hate to break up this party, but, seriously, I'm kind of getting hungry."
"I guess you're right. So let's go.", said Naruto.
"Um, Hana-chan, didn't you say that there was a 'truly fantastic place which we could hit for dinner'?", asked Hinata.
'Oh yes, I almost forgot!", said Hana, bubbling up with enthusiasm. "I know the perfect place for dinner. Its called Curry House Cooking Ganesha!"
"Curry House Cooking Ganesha?!", asked Naruto.
"Yes! They serve all sorts of curry there. I know they guys that run it too. Those guys have gone through a lot of stuff. But their redeeming point is their curry. Its something else! They have different types of curry for different types of people – diet curries for the girls, Ramen curry for guys like you Naruto-kun, and lots more.", said Hana, in hyper mode.
"The place has got Ramen curry? I've gotta try this", said Naruto, becoming hyper himself. Ramen was one of the few things that could, from this point, truly send Naruto into hyperactivity.
"Let's go!", said Hana. The three left.
At Curry House Cooking Ganesha
The three entered the shop.
It was a modest, normal looking shop, with bar like seats and tables alike.
"Hello, welcome to Curry House Cooking Ganesha, where you can get the type of curry you like!", said a cheery woman, who was dressed in a waitress' outfit.
She took one look at Hana, and ran up to her and hugged her. "Oh, my goodness, Hana, its been a really long time. How are you doing?", she asked.
"Oh, I'm fine, I'm fine.", said Hana, releasing herself from the warm hug.
"Meet my friends Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga. Guys, this is Yui Sonezaki", said Hana.
"Pleased to meet you both!", said Yui, "And please call me Yui-san, if you wish."
"Same here", said Naruto, speaking both for himself and Hinata.
"And where is your boyfriend, Yui-san?", came a question from Hana.
"Oh, he's out to handpick some of the ingredients. Why don't you three get a table while I bring you some rassi?", said Yui.
"What's rassi?", asked the ever clueless Naruto.
"You just taste it and see. You'll understand.", said Yui, and came back with three glasses of rassi for the three.
Naruto drank it all in a single gulp.
"Hey, its sweet", said Naruto.
"Mine tastes like mango", said Hinata.
"And mine is salty, as usual. You know me too well, Yui-san.", said Hana.
"Yes, well, I give the same explanation I gave to Shinji-kun. The point of knowing the customers' preferences, is to please them.", said Yui.
Just then, someone opened the door and came through. Yui left the table to meet the person.
It was a man, of maybe some twenty four years, who wore a bandanna, and was holding something like a cigarette between his lips.
"Customers, Yui-chan? Could you get them to wait for a bit?", asked the man.
"Its Hana-chan.", said Yui.
"Oh, is it?", said the man, popping over to the table where our heroes were sitting.
"Hi there, Hana-chan. How are you doing? And who are these two?", asked the man.
"Oh, hi. Guys, this is Makito Koenji. He's the chef around here. Makito-san, this is Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga.", said Hana.
"Nice to meet you two", said Makito, shaking their hands.
"Same here.", said Naruto.
"Um, is that a cigarette in your mouth, Koenji-san?", asked Hinata.
"This?", asked Koenji, pointing to his mouth. When Hinata nodded, Koenji produced three similar sticks, and gave one to each, telling them to bite into it.
"Cinnamon!", said Hinata, surprised.
"Yep, its very beneficial to the body and health, and I as much a cinnamon addict as I am a curry addict.", said Makito, adding, "Please call me Makito-san."
"Right, um, so, let's get to the.. um, the...... the eating! Yeah! That's what we came here for, and here's my order – I want ground beef curry.", said Hana.
"Curry Ramen for me!", said Naruto.
"Um, I'd like yam ball curry.", said Hinata.
"Yup, your orders will be here in fifteen minutes, please wait until then.", said Makito, donning an apron, and slipping behind the counter.
Fifteen minutes later, their orders were served by Yui.
"Here you go, guys! One ground beef curry, curry Ramen and yam ball curry.", said Yui, adding "Give a shout if you need anything else!", before leaving.
Hinata rather liked the yam ball curry. It was delicious. But, she saw the look on Naruto's face, and was, um, surprised.
Hana, was enjoying her curry too.
Naruto, though, was in heaven. Never had he experienced curry. He liked the curry itself, and combined with his beloved Ramen, it was the least he could do to stop himself from ascend the flying chariot to the aforementioned place that most people want to reach if they die. Naruto could have been elected as Hokage that very moment, and for that moment, it would not have mattered to him at all. He was in heaven with his curry Ramen.
After they were done, they settled the bill with Yui, who told them to spread the word about this place, as it was relatively new, and told them to visit again.
They left telling goodbye to both Makito and Yui.
Outside Curry House Cooking Ganesha
"We're done here. We'll meet tomorrow here, for a full day's shopping. I will pay for all that we buy, so just bring yourselves here, OK?", said Hana.
"But why do we have to go for shopping?", asked Naruto.
"Hinata-chan, would you like to do the honors?", asked Hana, and on seeing Hinata reply negatively, proceeded to bonk Naruto on the head.
"Baaaaka! Its mostly to remove the kick me sign that is plastered all over your body!", said Hana.
"She means your orange jumpsuit, Naruto-kun, and a few other things.", said Hinata, knowing that Naruto was giving confused looks.
"Fine, I'll do it!", said Naruto.
"Goodbye, Naruto-kun, Hinata-chan.", said Hana, and she left.
Hinata and Naruto proceeded to go kiss kiss for a few minutes, and hugged each other. They both made their way to the Hyuga compound, where Naruto gave one last, long kiss to Hinata and left.
Outside Curry House Cooking Ganesha
Naruto, Hinata, and Hana had come exactly at the same time, at nine in the morning.
"Hello, both of you. Ready for your shopping trip, Naruto-kun?", asked Hana, brightly.
"Hai!", replied both Naruto and Hinata.
Tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock..... DING!
Outside Curry House Cooking Ganesha
Loaded with the day's shopping as the three were, they decided to drop everything at Naruto's house, as what Hinata and Hana had purchased for themselves were very little.
Hinata and Hana had a great time bonding with each other, while poor Naruto played the part of the middleman, the guy being dragged by women all over the place.
But he couldn't deny that the changes were great.
Naruto had gotten a black flack jacket, underneath which he wore a gray full hand shirt, and black pants, all of which bore a medium sized orange spiral similar to his seal mark, at strategic points – he had wanted orange so badly, that the girls conceded this mark on his shirt.
He'd also gotten black sandals, and a black utility pouch for shurikens and kunais.
Talking about weapons, Naruto had bought a whole new set of shurikens, kunais and a giant shuriken.
The girls had not bought any outfits, though. But they did buy some shurikens and kunais.
They'd also bought some books on which, surprisingly, Naruto had shown some interest.
Since they'd bought additional sets of Naruto's clothes, they were loaded.
All in all, they were content.
Then, Hana said, "Oh, Naruto-kun. Thanks for bearing with our, pushiness. For tomorrow, we'll meet here at seven in the morning. Hinata-chan and I are going to help you by giving you a few tips, aren't we, Hinata-chan?"
On seeing that Hinata agreed, Naruto exclaimed, "Fine, but we're in front of this great curry restaurant, and not eating when we're near such a place is torturous!"
At this, both Hana and Hinata giggled, and Hana linked arms with both Naruto and Hinata, and entered the shop.
At the park near Ganesha
The three sat on one of the benches.
"Tonight's a full moon night", remarked Hana.
"There are lots of stars out there, and the moon looks very beautiful.", said Hinata, clasping her hands.
"But, seriously, Hinata-chan", said Naruto, whispering, "to me, you are more beautiful than the moon."
"Na-Naruto-k-kun", said Hinata, blushing madly.
"I'm really serious, Hinata-chan, have you seen yourself when you smile? Your face is so radiant like the moon, so brilliant, I feel that I'm understating it.", said Naruto.
"He's right, Hinata-chan", said the remaining female member of the trio.
"Naruto-kun", said Hinata, losing her blush, smiling.
"See? You're proving my point by-", at this point, Naruto's lips were cleanly sealed with the pearly lips of Hinata's.
At this point, Hana took out a flute and started playing a tune which fit the mood.
The intensity of the couple's kissing increased, as Hana played her flute with closed eyes.
Hana stopped playing as soon as the two broke apart.
"Well, Naruto-kun, Hinata-chan, I think its time I left. Bye!", said Hana, leaving.
"Was it just me, or did Hana-chan's voice sound a bit choked?", asked Naruto.
"I think you are right, Naruto-kun. She knows that we are her friends. Hopefully, she'll approach us with her problems in time.", said Hinata.
The two took one last look at the moon, admiring its beauty, and jumped away.