Hi, I'm back with chapter 2! Thank you nameless, ArmorOfGeddon, animefreak, and ty for your reviews and encouragement, and to all who read the 1st chapter. I was going to focus only on the other story because this one was getting hard to write and it's more fun writing about Hoshiakari, but it wouldn't be nice, so I'll finish this story. There's good news and bad news though. The good news is that I've finished writing the ending, and it's really nice (well to me anyway). All I have to do is type and edit :D The bad news is that the events leading to the climax and ending…yeah, well, that's the problem. That's why the next few chapters will probably be a bit late, sorry. It's because those chapters will be full of fight scenes with Gaara training Hinata and analyzing her performance. However, I will get them done somehow. Anyway, this was the best I could do for this chapter, hope it's okay :D. Sorry, brothers won't beta read this one o.o'
Anyway, it looks like Gaara won the voting. So now, it's officially Gaara/Hinata!
Oh, don't forget, read and review please :D Sorry for any spelling and grammatical errors.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto the manga or the anime, they all belong to Masashi Kishimoto, cause if I did, then Naruto wouldn't be as dense as he is.
Oh, yeah, sorry, I forgot. Hinata's dance scene? Not mine, well except for a tiny part I added to make it a bit longer, but other than that, nope not mine.
"normal speech"
"spoken by everyone in the area"
'thoughts'
'thoughts of the other people in response to the previous speaker'
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The next afternoon, the former rookie nine and their respective sensei, Team Guy, Iruka, Temari, and Kankuro all gathered in the Hokage's office.
As they waited for Tsunade to arrive, talk began to fill the air.
Curious, Tenten asked the question floating through all of their minds, "I wonder why she suddenly called us all in?"
"Yeah, and she really seemed tensed earlier." noted Sakura.
Naruto became quiet as he remembered the scene from earlier.
–flashback–
Overjoyed to see his favorite baachan, Naruto ran up to greet her. The look in her face stopped him as he opened his mouth.
"Hey baachan, what's up?" he asked worriedly.
"Not now Naruto, I'm very busy right now. Shizune, have everyone in my office for a meeting by 4:00. Naruto you be there too." With that, Tsunade brushed passed Naruto, rushing to her next destination.
–end flashback –
'She didn't even yell at me for calling her baachan.' He thought worriedly. 'Hope she's okay.' Turning to Sakura, he asked, "Sakura, she's your sensei, do you know what's wrong?"
"No, she wouldn't tell me anything, Naruto." concern also filled her voice.
Everyone watched as the door opened and Gaara entered the room moving towards his siblings.
Moving aside for him, Temari asked, "Hey Gaara, you're back. How was your mission?"
"It was successful." Came the stoic reply.
"Oh yeah, hey Gaara, you were with her earlier. Do you know what got baachan so antsy?" asked Naruto from across the room.
"…" Gaara refused to answer and resumed his quiet stance.
Ignoring the loudmouth as well, Kankuro turned towards his younger brother, "So how was the meeting?"
Gaara didn't even twitch.
Temari decided to take that for an answer, "That bad huh."
Noticing their whispering, Naruto wanted to be in the conversation as well. "Hey, what is it you're whispering over there!"
Annoyed Kankuro replied. "None of your business."
"Hmph, okay fine be that way." He answered back pouting a bit.
"I hope she's okay." Continued Sakura worriedly, bring Naruto's attention back to her.
"Don't worry Sakura. This is baachan we're talking about." Naruto said giving her a reassuring hug and smile.
Meanwhile, standing between her teammates and in front of her sensei, a certain kunoichi's heart was breaking. 'Naruto-kun …every time he hugs or smiles at her…it hurts.'
Tenten, noting that a certain teammate of hers was unusually quiet decided to investigate. "Hey Lee, aren't you going to proclaim your undying love for her?"
"No Tenten." He sighed. "I have finally accepted that the flames of Sakura's love was not meant for me. It seems that my love for her was only of infatuation, and sadly I must now find my true love." Then, putting on a determine face, flames burning in his eyes, and holding up a shaking finger, he continued, "And I will find her! As long as the flames of youth live within me I WILL FIND HER!"
Excitedly, Gai urged him on, "That's the spirit Lee! The flames of youth will live on!"
Everyone watched as the two ran towards one another with tears streaming down their faces, wondering how Lee got to the other side of the room in the first place, and why did he go there if he was only going to run back.
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
A sunset appeared in the Hokage's office. Everyone in the room mentally sweat dropped.
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-sensei!"
"L-"
"Okay, okay, we get it!" They all screamed, well, almost all of them.
'That Gai, he'll never change.' Thought his rival exasperatedly
Leaning over to whisper to Tenten, Naruto asked, "Do they still do that all the time?"
Sighing Tenten replied, "They have their moments."
Shino and Gaara, '…'
Turning his attention away from the commotion, Shikamaru muttered, "This is so troublesome"
Seeing this, Hinata began to ponder. 'Lee no longer cares for Sakura…Will the same happen to me? …No. how can I even think of such a thing…'
However, with the tension in the room broken, everyone began to relax a bit. Unfortunately, the respite was brief. Hearing the door opened again everyone became silent. An exhausted Tsunade entered the room with Shizune close behind. She slowly walked pass the others with no greeting or acknowledgement. Reaching her chair, Tsunade slumped down upon it. Then placing her elbows on the desk, she sighed as she rested her head upon her hands. This was not a good sign for the others. The Hokage rarely if ever, showed such emotions.
Worriedly, Naruto began, "Tsunade-baachan? Daijoubu?"
Sighing she looked up trying to put on a smile, "Hai, hai, Naruto-kun, Daijoubu desu."
They all looked to Shizune for answers.
She only shook her head, silently telling them not to ask. A few moments passed as the others tried to find words to say.
"Why the emergency meeting Tsunade-sama?" Sakura tentatively questioned her mentor.
"Gaara has reported some very disturbing news from his mission. It seems that the Akatsuki is planning to capture you as a result of your relationship with Naruto."
The room erupts in discussion.
"There's no way they're getting Sakura-chan!" Naruto yelled as he protectively wrapped his arms around Sakura.
"Let them come, I can handle them." Sakura angrily challenged.
Thrusting his fist in the air, Lee added. "We will all do our part to protect this beautiful youthful blossom of Konoha."
"Speak for yourself, troublesome."
Angrily, Ino came to the defense of her best friend, "What did you say Shikamaru-kun!"
'Oh Naruto…' thought Hinata sadly, as the other voices in the room faded into the background of her mind. 'If…if only…b-but I must not think of that now. Sa-Sakura needs us.' The conflict between her heart and duty continued. Noticing Kiba trying to get her attention, she turned her mind back to the issue at hand.
"Gomen, what did you say Kiba-kun?"
"I said, 'Don't worry, we're the best of Konoha!'" he repeated.
"Hinata-chan, daijoubu desu ka" Shino asked quietly.
"Hai, gomenasai Shino-kun, I didn't mean to make you worry."
Shino nodded and left it at that.
Soon the conversations grew louder as everyone tried to determine who were the best qualified to protect their friend.
Being diplomatic, Temari made her offer at Gaara's nod, "Hokage-sama, we would be honored to protect Haring-san as part of our alliance with the leaf village."
"No, we should do it, Sakura is my oldest and best friend, and Shikamaru is our resident genius!"
"No, our team is more qualified, and Neji-san has the Byakugan while Lee-san is the taijutsu expert."
"Silence!" Tsunade shouted, reaching the end of her patience. The room became silent once again. "I am grateful that all of you wish to lend your support. However, I'm sure you all remember what happened to Kazekage-sama." She added indicating the former demon-container.
Continuing on she informed them of the day's events, "…Therefore, the council and I have agreed that the most important thing to do is to keep the Akatsuki from Naruto, at any cost."
Angrily, Naruto asked, "What about Sakura-chan?"
"Naruto" She admonished.
"No, he is right Sakura. The Akatsuki is after you now as well. As of right now, two ANBU squads will be guarding you at all times. I wished to tell the rest of to be on your toes as well. You all have some connection to Naruto and they might decide to use that to their advantage if their plan fails."
Oblivious of Hinata's feelings, Naruto determinedly interrupted, "No, I will keep an eye on her. I will protect her!"
Tsunade immediately rejected the idea, "No, you do know that they are really after you Naruto."
Meanwhile, the chaos continued within Hinata and her hand trembled, wanting to cover the aching organ, 'I need to concentrate on the issue …don't think about it. I can't let my emotions get in the way. …Why am I so weak?'
Occupied with worry about Sakura and now concern for themselves as well, no one noticed the hidden sadness in Hinata's eyes except Shino.
The conversation as more questions were brought up and plans were made to ensure that no one was alone at all times. Soon night fell, and as the day took its toll on Tsunade, and she decided to adjourn the meeting.
"Now remember Naruto, you in particular need to be on your guard at all times", She warned him again, "We must make it so that the Akatsuki will never get their hands on the kyuubi."
"Don't worry baachan, I'll be careful." He answered resolutely.
"Now everyone is dismissed, and remember be on your guard."
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A few hours later, Hinata once again made her way to her secret sanctuary for another night of training. Unbeknownst to her, she was not the only person taking a nightly walk. Curious, he silently followed the heiress as she made her way through the dark forest.
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Removing her outer clothing to revealing her training suit, Hinata performed her actions unconsciously, for her mind and heart was still filled with the distractions of her many conflicting emotions. Slowly she walked out onto the surface of the lake and performed her dance perfected by years of practice.
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From the shadows of a tree, Gaara observed the young heiress as she gracefully danced her way across the surface of the water while the trees and moonlight fought to hide and reveal her. Interested, he watched the way her long hair would flair out into a cape whenever she twirled and spun before they wrapped themselves around her again. Making a small leap in the air, she landed on the other edge of the lake only to spin her way back, barely made a sound as she danced to music unheard. Gaara then watched fixated at a Hinata encasing herself in a sphere of spiraling water, creating a silhouette in foaming white water. Ending this scene, she moved on to create small clear globes of water to float around her dancing form. Her steady hand movements were gentle and graceful, yet purposeful and confident. The many bubbles of water then merged with one another and eventually became a thin, clear, pliable sheet that looked to be about 2-3 hand spans wide. Once all the bubbles became one, she spun slightly causing this thin moonlit yet transparent fabric of water to twist around her body. The water slowly became a bubble again and the bubble silently returned to the water.
'I smell salt…'
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Hinata continued her dance as she attempted to calm down her chaotic emotions and thoughts. After a few more minutes, she began to relax again and began to notice another presence in the area. Feeling eyes watching her, her movements started to falter as her nervousness grew and she secretly tried to find the voyeur. Her uneasiness grew and Hinata finally decided to act. Turning away from the presence, she quickly performed the hand signs and activated her kekkei genkai.
"Byakugan!"
Almost instantly, she discovered Gaara standing behind a group of branches. Turning around, she tried to flee only to be stopped as a tendril of sand wrapped around her waist.
'The Kazekage! Oh no, this isn't good.' Hinata froze while the sand gently lifted her into the air and towards Gaara. Unwillingly she remembered the event from the chunnin exam. Sure, he was an ally now and from the other few times she had met him, he seemed polite. However, these facts did little to lessen her fear.
Once there, the two stood there with Hinata staring at the ground blushing as she fiddled with her fingers and Gaara watching her, his arms crossed. A few moments passed and a cool breeze blew, causing the trees rustled softly, and Hinata to shiver a bit. Then she felt as the sand around her waist left and more sand coming towards her. Flinching, Hinata closed her eyes waiting, only to feel something soft wrap around her shoulders. Looking up, she noticed that Gaara no longer wore his cloak and gave him a confused face.
"You were cold." He explained emotionlessly.
More silence passed between the two and Hinata began to fidget with her fingers again trying to come up with words.
"What were you doing?" He asked breaking the silence.
"T-training. I-I am weak, t-t-therefore I n-need to t-t-train."
"Why?"
"To – to become s-stronger f-for my precious p-person, I-I w-want to be s-stronger for my precious person"
'She reminds me of him'
"So you wish to become stronger." He confirmed.
"H-hai."
More silence past as Gaara thought this over. Finally coming to a decision, he responded. "Dance for me."
"Eh! ..um …uh …ah … nani!" Hinata sputtered out blushing slightly, not sure she heard him right.
"…Dance for me and I will train you." He stated.
"W-why?"
Gaara just stared at her.
"Why do you wish to me to dance for you? Why train me?"
Shrugging he replied, "You amuse me."
"Oh." Hinata's shoulders slumped.
Silence continued again as Hinata debated on whether to accept his offer. Finally, Gaara, tired of waiting, uncrossed his arms and turned to walk off. Before taking a step though, he turned his head giving her a side glance and added,
"And you remind me of someone."
Hinata's head shot up at this, and she gave him a questioning glance. But this time, Gaara simply walked off. Hoping that she was making the right decision, she followed him away from the lake.
They soon reached a clearing and Gaara stopped abruptly causing Hinata to nearly crash into him.
"We will train here." He stated.
"O-okay, but …um …I n-need to get m-my clothes." She blushed remembering that she had forgotten them back at the waterfall.
Silently, sand moved to Hinata, holding out her clothes.
Blushing, she thanked him.
"G-gomenasai, I-I will be quick."
Gaara nodded his assent and Hinata quickly ran to change into her dry clothes. Still wondering if she made the right decision, Hinata returned to the clearing. Placing some distance between them, Gaara turned back to fact Hinata and crossed his arms.
"The training will begin, Hyuuga-san."
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Some terms used:
Sensei – teacher
Baachan – granny (grandmother)
daijoubi (said w/ questioning voice)/daijoubu - are you okay?
daijoubi desu - yes (i'm) fine
gomen/gomenasai - sorry, excuse me (as an apology)...
taijutsu - a style of martial arts
kekkei genkai – bloodlimit (it's a special ability that has to be inherited by blood)
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Yeah…he doesn't sound too friendly does he. Well that's okay because he doesn't love her yet, after all they've only had their first conversation, it'd be weird for him to like her right away, even if she's Hinata. Okay, uh I'll stop trying to explain my actions, now -.-'. Hope you liked the waterfall, it seems like it's only thing that would catch his attention. o.o' Sorry if it isn't as good as the first chapter, the office scene was really awkward. Well, hope to see you in the next chapter? o.o'