Altered Destiny Ch. 2: Pilot
Four Years Later…
Four years had passed since that day and much had changed about Naruto's life, as well as the village itself. The first being Naruto's friendly relationship with the Hyuuga Clan. Because Hinata belonged to a clan that was of a higher social status, Naruto would never again be placed in physical harm so casually as when he was younger; Naruto never really thought much of it. One day when Naruto told Hinata the entire tale she shed tears and promised he would never be harmed in such a manner again; Naruto believed her.
As the sun began to set, nightlife in the business district of Konoha would be alive with activity. It was the perfect place to get a late night drink; it was the best place in the entire village to find a decent fight. Around the rougher residential neighborhoods placed along the slums of the Business District there are three local gangs that possess certain Territory or "Turf."
First were the Mibu Family, known for their ruthlessness in combat and ran by a beautiful yet dangerous woman known simply by the name Tara. Second on the List is the Suzaku Family, known for their shady dealings and dangerous business connections. At last is the Shinobi Family, a band of lowlife ninja rejects who mostly act as body guards for the Mibu and Suzaku Family members. The Ninja council was well aware of the gang situation but as long as the activity didn't stir things up too much authorities usually turned a blind eye to anything going on in the slums.
Naruto grinned to himself as he finished counting his "Winnings" from the Gambling Corner; they usually didn't care how old you were as long as you had money. As far as the games, Naruto lost all his chips shortly after arriving there, but that didn't stop him from helping himself to the pockets of those around him. As luck would have it Naruto was a natural born pickpocket and sometimes he did the act subconsciously, as if the impulse was base instinct.
"Hey there he is! That's that little punk that I saw take your wallet, Boss!"
A voice shouted from the beginning of the alley Naruto was currently walking through, the words causing Naruto to tilt his head and shift his gaze toward the source of the voice. A man and a woman stood straight ahead of Naruto's gaze. The man stood about 5'8, had multiple scars on his arms, green eyes, a muscular frame and black hair; the man was dressed in a worn out set of Chunin Garbs, Naruto guessed him to be a low ranking member of the Shinobi Family.
The woman was roughly 5'5", possessed feminine curves, had scarlet eyes and red hair; she however was dressed in casual yet expensive attire that almost begged for attention, small white feathers roughly three inches in length garnished the collar of a shirt with intricate black and white patterns that suggests the article of clothing was custom made.
"Excellent work, now go earn your pay and teach that brat some manners!"
The woman ordered, the man approaching Naruto in a threatening manner. Naruto put his earnings away and stood his ground, turning to face the Chunin reject.
"Don't worry little boy, if I hear you whimper and cry, I might go easy on you."
The man said darkly, laughing to himself in a twisted manner. Naruto merely grinned to himself and looked up at the towering figure.
"If you're so sure of yourself hit me; show me what you got big boy."
Naruto replied in a sarcastic tone, gauging his opponent's reaction.
"Why you little brat! No holding back!"
The pseudo Chunin yelled out, slugging a heavy right fist directly at Naruto.
He reacted in anger, how predictable.
Naruto thought to himself as he effortlessly dodged the punch and with one quick smooth motion throws the man backward and straight through a window, the glass shattering upon impact. The woman had her mouth open in awe as Naruto went through the pockets and belongings of his fallen foe.
"Aw man this guy is broke, no wonder he took this job."
Naruto said aloud, sighing as he took a cigarette out of its pack and casually lit it up, exhaling the smoke smoothly.
"Please don't hurt me; this was a misunderstanding that's all."
The woman pleaded, taking a step back; she flinched and closed her eyes when she saw Naruto throw something in her direction. When the woman opened her eyes her wallet that had disappeared from her purse was at her feet with all of the money in tact from what she could tell.
"What the hell is up with that guy?"
The woman voiced aloud, a look of confusion and intrigue reflected on her facial expression.
Hinata sighed deeply to herself as she looked out the window lost in thought.
"Hinata are you even listening to me?"
A voice said from Hinata's right, bringing her back to reality and shifting her gaze back toward her friend Tenten.
"Sorry Tenten, I guess my mind drifted again."
Hinata replied in an apologetic manner; cheerfully smiling.
"Were you worrying about Naruto again?"
Tenten asked, sipping her drink as she leaned back in her chair in the restaurant she and Hinata were currently dining in. They were drinking cups of green tea and both Hinata and Tenten were enjoying the atmosphere. When Tenten brought up Naruto Hinata's facial expression immediately changed to one of frustration and anxiety.
"Who cares about that low life? Naruto would rather spend all night looking for a fight as well as drinking up and gambling all the money that ever comes his way, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't end up in a ditch somewhere."
Hinata said. Her tone absolutely heartless as she once again sipped on her cup of tea. Tenten smiled uncomfortably as she thought to herself: Scary…
One Hour Later…
Naruto sat atop the Hokage Monument gazing up at the stars, around his neck was an amulet that held great significance for him. As Naruto looked at the Amulet from different angles it almost had a celestial quality to it. The Amulet was a bright pink stone wrapped in what appeared to be coils of a silver-colored metal intricately woven together into a necklace of a powerful yet extremely soft material; Naruto had yet to identify it.
The Amulet was the only thing left of his Mother that Naruto possessed in this entire world, it was the only thing Naruto could remember of his mother anyway; she had died when he was too young to have a memory of it. Naruto forgot how his mother died; he just knew he was alone. That was, until Naruto met Hinata; Naruto's one true friend in this wide and cruel world.
"Naruto, I knew you would be here."
A voice said from Naruto's left, turning to see Hinata climbing up to his spot.
"May I sit down?"
Hinata asked as she approached.
"Go ahead Hinata, how was your night?"
Naruto asked, putting the lit cigarette drifting between his middle and forefingers to his lips and taking a hit, exhaling and admiring how pretty the smoke appears drifting in the wind.
"I really wish you would stop smoking those things, they give me a headache."
Hinata said in a tone of disapproval.
"What can I say? Old habits die hard."
Naruto said as he put out his cigarette and stashed it away for later.
"Whatever Naruto, you haven't been smoking that long."
Hinata replied, smiling and rolling her eyes at him for being a smart ass.
"I promise I'll quit tomorrow."
Naruto said, laughing to himself as Hinata punched him playfully in the arm. After the contact with the punch Hinata lightly grabbed Naruto's arm and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"You make me worry you know? I know you're strong but there are better ways of expressing it than getting into fistfights with drunks down in the slums. Why don't you become a Ninja with me? As a member of the Hyuuga Family I was accepted immediately without having to do the qualifying exam but if I spoke with Mother she might be able to pull some strings."
Hinata said, hoping her words would get through to Naruto but knowing him for years now she knew he wouldn't let the issue go without at the very least some friction.
"I can find better ways to get stronger than being one of the Hokage's Lap Dogs."
Naruto replied, because Hinata had predicted his stubbornness she couldn't help but crack a smile to herself.
"Do you remember that promise you made me as a kid?"
Hinata asked, her gaze drifting up at Naruto.
"Yeah I do, I said that no matter where you went or chose to do I would protect you no matter what."
As Naruto finished his sentence he knew where this was going and without further argument gave a heavy sigh.
"You're evil, you know that?"
Naruto asked, gazing up at the beautiful crescent moon.
"Maybe only a little bit."
Hinata replied, smiling wide.
A/N: First off as most of you had guessed this story is an AU. This story is my very own Naruto universe that has a time-line separate from the Manga or the Anime. If you have any questions about the characters, their relationships, or the worlds itself feel free to voice your question over a REVIEW or PM me and I will answer all and any questions anyone may have. REVIEW if you care! Peace! – DL555
