The two Uzumakis entered the Hyuuga compound and walked toward the main house. The size of the building was amazing. It had only one floor but it had many doors and walkways. Once they got to the front entrance, the doors opened up to a young Hyuuga woman.

"Uzumaki-san, please follow me", she said.

They followed her for about five minutes before the lady stopped in front of two oak doors. She motioned for them to wait as she walked through the grand doors. Soon after she left, she reappeared in the doorway.

"They are ready for you Uzumaki-san, please enjoy the food", the Hyuuga said while bowing.

They both entered the doorway to see a grand dining hall. It had wooden floors, a granite fireplace, a massive round oak dining table with many chairs, and a silver chandelier over the table attached to the high ceiling. Once announced by the guard, the men bowed to their hosts and proceeded to their assigned seats. The Uzumakis sat across the table from Hiashi and his daughters as the elders took seats on the left side of them. Naruto was surprised to see the third Hokage at this meeting, but he didn't care because the old man was family to him. Small conversations went on between the three groups (Hyuuga, Uzumaki, and Hokage)while they ate, before Hiashi decided to get down to business.

"Uzumaki-san, I understand you wish for a marriage contract between Naruto-san and my daughter, Hinata...is that correct?"

"That is correct Hiashi-sama, young Hinata-sama has strong feelings for the boy and he is just now learning what those feeling are", responded Hideo.

Hiashi looked at the boy for a while. He then called one of the elders to him and discussed something with the aged man. After five minutes, the old man nodded and returned to his seat as the Hyuuga leader looked at Hideo.

"I'm sorry Uzumaki-san but there are some factors that stop the contract. First one is the fact that Naruto-san is leaving the village, any marriages will have to remain here to protect the Byakugan. Second Naruto-san doesn't have the greatest reputation in the village, and that would reflect on the Hyuuga Clan. The third factor is the most important, I promised my wife before she died that I will never allow a contract to determine our daughters' lives."

The news crushed Naruto and Hinata. The blonde might be new to the feeling of 'love' but he knew that Hinata was always kind to him. She was always helped him, from ninja tool practice to academics. True, the Hyuuga had a hard time teaching because she was nervous but she TAUGHT him when others abandoned him. Hideo didn't like the answer either, he didn't care about their bloodline. The only thing he wanted was for Naruto to be happy. Choosing his words carefully, Hideo replied.

"I understand Hiashi-sama, I'm sorry we couldn't come to an agreement. Hinata-sama, I wish you the best in the future. As I told Naruto earlier, the family motto is 'heart and courage'. Give your heart to the one you love and always protect them."

Both men stood up and bowed to the Hyuuga leader while thanking him for his hospitality. The look on Naruto's face was the same look he gave when he cried in his apartment out of loneliness. Hinata wasn't faring much better, she attempted to cover up the fact that her father's choice destroyed her. The third Hokage felt bad for the young couple, everyone knew how Hinata felt but seeing Naruto hurt just as bad was a bit of a surprise. Once outside the compound Hideo looked down at his nephew before talking.

"Naruto, I know how you must feel right now but you are still young. Once we leave this garbage dump of a village, you will find someone. Everyone in Uzu knows your burden but no one hates or blames you, they only see you as Uzumaki Naruto Uzu shinobi and future clan leader of the Uzumaki."

Naruto's face brightened some but his heart was still longing to feeling Hinata's heartbeat again. It will take time to heal and being out of this 'village' would be a good start. He allowed a small smile to cross his face as they walked toward his apartment. The action didn't go unnoticed by his uncle which made him feel better.

'I might have failed here Naruto, but I will NOT fail you again.', Hideo thought.

Once they got inside Naruto's apartment, they noticed a window broken and nothing important was stolen. Luckily Naruto had hidden places throughout his apartment and he placed his packed stuff along with his new clothes in said places. While picking up the broken glass, Hideo was fuming with anger and hatred toward this once great village. The blonde looked at his uncle as he talked.

"Don't let it bother you ojisan, we are leaving in the morning right?"

"Yes, I think you are a lot like your father...your mother would've spent the night hunting them down", the red-head responded.

When the glass was picked up and the broken window covered, both men went to bed dreaming of a brighter future at Uzushiogakure no Sato.

TIME SKIP: NEXT MORNING

Naruto woke up to the smell of eggs and bacon. He walked into the kitchen to see the large redhead setting two plates on the table. Hideo looked up to see Naruto approach.

"AH good morning Naruto, eat up because today we are heading home.

The blonde nodded with a smile as he started to eat the breakfast laid out before him. Once every bit was gone, they took turns for bathroom refreshment. When Naruto left the bathroom, he saw his uncle drying his hair in the living room. Figuring that the man needed a few minutes, Naruto made sure everything was packed before lifting the back onto his back. He then went back into the living room where his uncle was holding a headband.

"Naruto, it give me great pleasure to make you a Uzu ninja. Wear this headband with pride and always know that battles are like whirlpools, both are always unpredictable", he said as he handed the blonde said headband.

The teen looked at the headband and saw it was just like the Leaf's but instead of a leaf there was a circle with a swirl, much like the Uzumaki symbol on his haori. Making sure it wasn't upside down by asking his uncle, Naruto place it on his forehead and tied it around his head. He then walked in to the bathroom and looked at his reflection. What he saw felt right, like he was meant to always be a Uzu nin. Shortly after the two men walked to the main gate only to see the entire rookie nine (basically the ones that passed their team test), their senseis, and the Hokage. Everyone saw Naruto's new headband and knew it was official, and after a few good byes, the Hokage spoke up.

"Naruto, live a good life and never let your will of fire die. I'm sorry, I could not stop all the attacks or the vandalism that was done to you. I hope one day, you can forgive me."

The blonde looked at the old man with a smile and hugged him. Once he back up he began to speak.

"Jiji, I don't blame you. You just need to do a smart test on these villagers though."

The Jonin senseis laughed along with the Hokage as the students were confused. Naruto felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see his uncle.

"Come on Naruto, it's time to go home. After all, the Uzukage can't be gone too long."

Everyone was blown away by this new information. Naruto snapped out of it quickly and slipped a note into Hinata's hand before being lead through the gate. Once the blonde was out of view, everyone left to meet up with their teams except Hinata. She stayed behind to read the note once everyone was gone. After making sure she was alone, she began to read it.

Hinata-chan,

I'm sorry that I could not stay, my clan needs me in Uzu. I would've gladly gave that up if your father didn't have one major fact against me. He is right, the village hates me and if we were together then they would hate or harm you. Now I'm going to tell you why they hate me but you must never tell anyone else or the Hokage will kill you. I'm afraid it's the law that if anyone but me and the Hokage speak of it, they will be sentenced to death.

Now the reason I am hated is because twelve years ago the nine-tailed fox attacked the village, killing many good men, women, and children. The fourth Hokage could not kill the beast because it was too powerful. Instead he sacrificed himself to seal it into a newborn baby. That baby is me, but I am not the fox. I am his Jail, his Jailor, his warden, and when I die...I'll be his executioner. I just want you to know that, it was nice while it lasted. Maybe one day we can be together but if you fall in love with someone else, I will not blame you. I want you to live a happy and safe life. Thank you for being the first person to give me love. Thank you so much Hina-hime.

heart and courage,

Uzumaki Naruto

Hinata was crying openly in the street. She was so emotionally drained that she fell to her knees clutching her love letter from her crush. A few minutes after that her sensei, Yūhi Kurenai, found her at the gate still but on her knees with her shoulders shaking. Quickly rushing to her, Kurenai tried to cheer her up when she noticed a not in her hand. She grabbed the letter and was sad for her student after reading it.

"Hinata, everything will be alright. You might be with him in the end, that's why you should enjoy the journey of life and not skip to the end."

Hearing her sensei's wise words, she wiped her tears away and re-read the letter as Shino and Kiba showed up. Putting the letter away in a pocket, her team-mates helped her up. It was the beginning of their ninja lives and her's started out bumpy. As they walked to their training ground Hinata was thinking.

' 'Heart and courage' give your heart to the one you love and always protect them' She smiled and thought, 'Naruto-kun, no matter if I love you in the end or not...I will protect you with my life because my nindo is your family motto!'