Naruto couldn't believe it… It had been a few years since he had started his sword training. Okay, maybe that was a lie, not a few years, a good handful of years really. Smiling to himself, he was practicing his sword stances with Jiraiya hidden away in the forest. Sure, he hated the idea of lying to Hinata and her father, but when they had seen the results of his training, they had decided to let it go. For now anyway. Naruto wasn't sure why, but he knew… no, he sensed, that they were worried about him from all the training and the quick progress he had made in his hand-to-hand combat, and his swordsmanship.

Hiashi had mentioned that maybe, he was from a warrior clan that had been wiped out. Most warrior clans tend to learn fighting quicker than others, maybe he was from one of those clans and his birthmark was the symbol of said clan.

With his arms stretched out, the wooden sword held tightly in his hands he couldn't help but stare at the birthmark on the back of his hand. What could this mark mean in the first place? He knew that it had to mean something, it just had too. Just like the weird symbol on his stomach, it was just another mystery.

'Who am I? What happened to my family? Who were my parents and where did I come from?' thought Naruto with a sigh before he went for a swing. His training had helped him through a lot, even with some of his anger. He didn't know why it was, but he had seen how he was when he was angry, more so when it came to Hinata. After all, she was his best, and only friend… the one who saved his life. Feeling his lips curve into a small, soft smile, Naruto let out a sigh as he gazed up at the sky. He couldn't believe that this was his fifteenth year of life.

Hard to believe, that he had been training for so long and he was just about there to be Hinata's personal guard. Sure, he knew that he still had a lot to learn in fighting and swordsmanship but, what he did know was enough to keep her safe.

Breathing deeply, Naruto closed his eyes as he tried to focus more on his training, he had to be careful when he was fighting. He knew that, had to keep a clear head and keep his focus on the battle, when he was in a battle. Though, he still had some trouble with distractions, it was hard not to think about something when it crossed your mind.

"Naruto." Came a voice, causing the blonde to turn his head and stare at the older man as he entered the clearing. Jiraiya hadn't changed much since he had started to train the young boy, or in Naruto's case, the young man. Though, the only thing that had changed, was that Jiraiya seemed a little happier than he was before. Not that the blonde was complaining about that, no, it was that the man was a pervert.

"What's up old man?" asked Naruto with a smirk before he set his sword aside for the time being. Jiraiya gave Naruto a small glare for a moment before he let out a soft sigh and took a seat on a tree stump. Naruto grabbed his own seat on a bolder that was in the area, though he would prefer a stump since stone was harder but, beggars couldn't be choosers now could they?

Taking a deep breath, Jiraiya looked down at the young man before him before saying "I think it is time for you to have a real sword. You have learned the basics and more. Though I still want you to keep going with your training." Naruto could only stare with wide eyes, he was ready for a real sword? That would be amazing though, how would he be able to hide such a thing in the first place? There was no way that he would be able to hide it no matter what he did. "Do not worry, I have had it planned out for you. Since you need a sword, I had one custom made for you. This one is harnessed with chakra. You know what that is right?"

"Yeah, my teacher said we can use chakra to give ourselves a boost in strength and speed." Naruto said with a nod of his head.

"Good, I had one made for you. It took a while to gather the right materials since making a sword like this takes a lot of time. You can go into the village tomorrow to pick it up. Though, I want you to tell Hinata that you need to go and get something. Mention that someone had offered to make a sword for you and you went to pick it up." Jiraiya said with a small smile on his face. Well, that wasn't too far from the truth at the very least so it wasn't a complete lie. "The sword can harness your chakra, strengthen it among many other things. As for what that is, you'll have to discover that yourself. It is the wondrous things about being a warrior."

So this was something that he had to discover on his own? Great, just freaking great. Letting out a soft sigh, he ran a hand through his spikey blonde locks as he tried to think on something that he could do. Though before he could even speak, Jiraiya had broken the silence once again. "Also, while you're at it, I hope you are not planning to be Hinata's guard dressed like that." Naruto looked down at himself and frowned. He didn't see a problem with how he was dressed, so what was the issue? "Naruto, you are not dressed like a proper guard. Not to mention, you are her personal guard. You need to give yourself some flare boy!"

"Okay, though what do you think I should wear?" asked Naruto with a frown.

"Not really sure yet." Jiraiya said with a sigh before looking up at the sky. "Though, it is late, I think this is enough training for today. Head on home and I'll see you in a few days, with your new sword alright?" Naruto nodded his head before he took off. This was going to be interesting, he was finally getting a sword! This was awesome!

Naruto had managed to get to the village the next day. Though, Hinata had wanted to go to Izumi's shop to get some new clothes that she had ordered for today. Apparently, there was a meeting with Hinata, with her father and other Lords of the lands. As her personal guard, Naruto was to join her for the meeting. Yet, he still wasn't keen on being part of the meeting, he would be bored out of his mind that was for sure.

As he sat near the counter, Hinata in the back as she tried on the many kimonos that Izumi had made for her. He hummed gently to himself, wondering when he could go and pick up his sword, there had to be something that he could do yet, ugh, he couldn't leave yet! Damn it all, of all the times that it had to only be him watching Hinata it had to be on the day that he also had to pick up his new sword. Of all times.

Letting out a soft sigh, the young man leaned against the counter as he tried to think of what he should do at the moment to help him pass the time.

"Naruto." Came Izumi's voice, causing him to look up at the older woman. Her smile was still as bright as it was when he first met her, over the years, Naruto wouldn't lie about this, but he saw Izumi as an older sister. She was always there for him and Hinata, more so when one of them needed someone to talk too. Maybe she sensed that he was bored while he waited for Hinata. "So, talk to me, what have you been doing lately? I know you leave at night from what Hinata tells me. She is worried about you." Frowning a little, Naruto turned away, not thinking that it would have caused her any kind of worry in the first place.

Taking a deep breath, closing his eyes as he tried to think of a way on what he should, or could say to Izumi. "I have a teacher I guess you can say. Someone that is teaching me how to use a sword." Opening his eyes a little, he looked up at the woman, saw how she stared at him with her own hint of worry in her gaze. "Don't be so worried. I am learning a lot, even though I did kind of bug him until he trained me. When he learned of my reason why I wanted to learn so badly, he reconsidered."

"He decided to teach you?" Izumi said with surprise.

"Yeah, and it's been great so far. Though, he doesn't like how I dress if I'm to be Hinata's guard." Naruto said with a frown.

"Well… he isn't wrong." Izumi said with a frown.

"Oh not you too!"

"Naruto," Izumi began with a soft smile. "You have to understand. IF you are to protect Hinata from anything, you need free movement which, from what you do have on, you don't have much of. Even I know that and I'm not a fighter." She just giggled a little before making a suggestion. "How about this, I'll design a nice but cool outfit for you, and you can pay me back when you can. Okay?" Hm, he wouldn't mind something else to wear. Not to mention, if Izumi was right then he'd need something else to wear instead of this thing.

It would be rather interesting for when he would be able to have something a little more appropriate for when he was to protect Hinata. "Okay, what do you have in mind though?" asked Naruto with a frown on his face.

"Just wait and see, it'll be a nice surprise. Do not worry, I do have an idea for what it should be." Izumi smiled brightly before turning her head and smiled more. "Here she comes." Izumi said before moving aside the small curtain. How did Izumi know that Hinata was coming out now in the first place? Tilting his head, he took a deep breath as he stared as he saw the Hinata's hair pulled up in a curly ponytail with a lavender flower sticking out the side.

Yet, that was when he felt his breath hitch in his throat and his heart skip a beat.

She stood in front of her best friend. Wearing a beautiful white kimono with black branches that held beautiful pink cherry blossoms, both on the branches and that seemed to be blowing in a gentle breeze, giving it a more natural beauty to the design. His heart was beating faster as he looked up and stared at Hinata's concerned face. Blinking his blue eyes a bit, he gulped as he said "You look great Hina-chan." He figured it was best to stick to her nickname for now. Letting her hear it would, (hopefully) show her that he was okay. Though, as for why he reacted the way he did, he had no idea.

Hinata smiled, it seemed to have cheered her up at the least. Grinning his usual wide grin, Naruto happily said "I bet you'd have to beat guys off with a stick Hina-chan!" Naruto said with a chuckle, causing Hinata to giggle a bit.

"Maybe, though I won't marry unless its outta love Naru-kun!" Hinata said with a soft smile on her face. Naruto had to admit, Hinata had such a nice smile. Shaking his head, the young man nodded his head to her. It made sense, why else would she want to marry anyone unless it was out of love in the first place. Doesn't everyone want that in the first place?

"Hey, Hinata, I have to go somewhere. Someone had a weapon made for me for all the hard work I've done for them." Okay, it wasn't really a lie. Yet still wasn't the truth either, if he was honest with himself, he didn't think that he would ever tell Hinata the truth.

"I'm gonna head out, I think the carriage will be coming around to get us." Hinata said with a smile before walking out of the store, leaving Naruto alone with Izumi. Well, he had enough time to grab the sword if Hinata was willing to wait. If not, he could easily walk. The walk wasn't that hard for him thanks to all of his training, his endurance was after all better than most people his age.

"So, Hinata looked cute eh?" came Izumi's voice, a hint of a teasing tone to it. It had caused the blonde to turn to stare at her with a frown on his face. "I bet you thought that she looked beautiful huh?"

Blushing faintly, Naruto turned away as he said "Of course she did. Hinata looks amazing in anything she puts on." Naruto grinned, all the outfits that she had worn over the years, he had to admit that she looked amazing though… he had to admit it, this time around… his heart had skipped and he felt like he couldn't breathe. But why though? What was so different compared to now?

"Careful now Naruto, or else your face will be as red as that fabric roll over there." Naruto glared at Izumi for that comment and he was about to speak up until she held up her hand to silence him. "Naruto, you are young and may be just starting to discover women, just remember that a woman is more than appearances." That just confused him, what did she mean by that in the first place? "You will know what you had felt when you saw Hinata, maybe today, maybe tomorrow but you will discover it at some point. When you are ready, come talk to me okay?"

"Uh… okay sure." Naruto said with uncertainty before he walked out of Izumi's store and started to make his way over to the Blacksmith. Hoping, praying that the sword was there just like Jiraiya had said. Though, he wondered if there was some kind of price that he would have pay this guy as well. He wasn't a hundred percent sure of it.

Looking up, he saw that he hadn't had far to go pick it up, that was… rather odd if he was honest. Shrugging his shoulders, Naruto started to walk in and saw a man wearing soot stained clothes and, were those burned holes in his clothes? Tilting his head, the young man walked over to the counter as he asked "Excuse me, I was told that you would have a sword for me? My teacher said that I could pick it up."

The man turned, face hidden behind some kind of mask though for now he wouldn't complain. Even though it was creepy to hide your entire face. "What is your teacher's name?" asked the man.

"Jiraiya."

"Ah, yes so I'm guessing that you are Naruto." Chuckled the man before he left to go into the back room, only to come out a short time later with a sword covered in orange and black cloth. "Jiraiya had handed me all the material to make this sword. It is a powerful one at that, able to harness your chakra at will, able to protect yourself against demons if they so much as try to harm you. So long as you have this sword, you are safe from demons. Not to mention, you can easily kill them without any issue."

No matter what, he just couldn't handle the idea of killing demons. He wasn't sure what it was, or the cause of it, but images flashed through his mind for a brief moment, he grabbed his head for a moment as he caught a glimpse of grey, yellow, red and… crimson? "Hey, kid you okay? You look kind of pale." Blinking slowly, Naruto looked up and saw that the man had tilted his head, most likely out of confusion from Naruto's strange behaviour. "Want me to get Jiraiya?" asked the man.

"No, I'm okay. Though, I don't think I'll use the sword to kill any demons, but I will use it to protect Princess Hinata." He hated that, hated that he had to call his best friend by her title while he was out in public. It angered him, yet he knew that he couldn't do that, he had to remain calm and composed.

"You say that now, but wait until you are driven to kill a demon. Then you will do what you have to, in order to protect humans." Said the blacksmith, causing Naruto to sigh and frown. He still didn't believe it for a second, he wouldn't allow himself to kill a demon. There had to be some other way to get them to stop attacking. How that was, he didn't know, he'd figure it out but for now, he was fine with the way things were. "Anyway kid, you gonna look at it or what?" asked the man with a smile clearly heard in his voice.

"Oh, right." Naruto unraveled the cloth from the sword and blinked in shock. The sword was a normal looking katana, yet the hilt was wrapped in black and orange cloth, the guard looked like a fox's head, sharp teeth were clear in the metal, at the bottom of the cloth, it looked like a fox's paws held together. Did Jiraiya tell him to use a fox or something?

"Jiraiya said that you pretty much reminded him of a fox. Wanted to go with it, so here we go." He chuckled a little before holding out a sheath as he said "Now, can't have a sword without a sheath eh." Nodding his head, Naruto held onto the sheath, much like the sword it was wrapped in orange and black in colour. The sheath was black with a ring of orange near the top and bottom. It was amazing, yet he couldn't help but frown at how much this had to have cost. Just as he was about to open his mouth, the man chuckled as he said "Jiraiya already paid for everything. Do not worry, just head on back and protect Princess Hinata." Looking up in shock, Naruto blinked his blue eyes in confusion before he gave a big grin.

"Thank you so much!" He chuckled before he placed the sword in the sheath and started to make a mad dash to see Hinata, showing her the sword. He had no idea how he could have gotten so lucky, but at the moment he didn't care! He had just about everything that he needed to make him a true warrior.

Naruto yawned softly, after he had shown Hinata his new sword, she had asked him how he had been able to afford such a thing. He had said that it had already been covered and paid for. He only had to use it in order to protect her. That was the only thing that he wanted, to keep his best friend safe, nothing more and nothing less. Yet, as soon as they had arrived back to the mansion, he had no time to change into something more presentable for the meeting was going to be underway soon.

'God, this is boring…' thought Naruto as he heard the other lords speak about some stupid stuff. Most of it, he had no interest in. Though, his gaze would soon fall onto Hinata, how was it that she could look so calm and well, not bored? It was something that had surprised him, Hinata had her whole attention on the meeting, and it was something that he couldn't do even if he wanted too. He just, well, didn't have the patients for it. It was rather amazing that he hadn't screamed yet.

"Lord Hiashi, if I may ask, why is your daughter and that boy joining us in this meeting?" asked one of the lords.

"My daughter is to take my place one day. This is to help further her training, as for the boy, he is Hinata's personal guard. He may be young, but he is powerful for his age and can hold his own during training." Said Lord Hiashi with a calm expression.

"But has he tasted real battle?" asked one of the lords.

"No, he has just been placed on guard today. He will learn over time." Calmly said Hiashi.

"I see." Calmly said one of the lords before shaking his head and sneering at Naruto. Did he know that lord at all? As far as he knows, he doesn't. Either that, or he hated the idea of Naruto being in the room. Oh well, he would have to just deal with it. "Anyway, I would also like to bring up the constant demon attacks Lord Hiashi." Said the lord with a sigh.

"I know, the attacks are more frequent. It is rather strange that the demons are attacking us so often now. They haven't attacked this much in hundreds of years from what I have been told." Hiashi said with a frown on his face. So, demon attacks haven't been going on like this for years it seems. Yet, he had no idea why that was. There had to be something that was happening, what it was, he had no idea but, maybe there would be some clues that he'd discover while protecting Hinata. There had to be something out there anyway.

"What do you want to be done about it?" asked Hinata with a frown, causing Naruto to turn his gaze back to the blue haired young woman only to stare at the lord.

"We need more men out there to fight them back. Yet, most of the men do not wish to risk their lives for so little. We need to increase the tax from the villagers to help increase the army's numbers." Said a Lord, causing Naruto to glare for a moment.

"Why though? Obviously we all have more than enough money to fund it ourselves. Why make everyone's lives miserable by taking what little money they make when we can easily use our own. If my father allows it, I'd gladly give a share, and I'd advise you all to do the same and fund money." Hinata said softly, yet sternly. Naruto just stared at Hinata with wide eyes, only to stare at Hiashi who smiled with pride at his daughter for suggesting that. "My father agrees. I shall fund what I can to help, we need to think about the villagers, both in safety and in their funding. What money they do make, should be used on their family and needs."

Naruto couldn't help but feel a little bit of pride for Hinata. No, not a little, a lot of pride of his princess. How she thought about others, how she cared for people more than she did for herself. How was it that someone whom had never really interacted with other people before him, care so much for people in the first place? Was it part of her personality or, was it taught to her? No, he knew that it was her soul, a soul that was full of light and love. It was something that told Naruto, that Hinata would make a great leader someday, when she was to take over, the lands would be in good hands.

Soon, something felt rather, off. There was something in the air that sent chills down his spine. Frowning a little, the young man was about to speak until a crash had caused him to gasp and look up in shock. It was an Oni Demon!

"Everyone get out!" shouted Naruto as he whipped out his sword, time to get some real life experience in now! Narrowing his eyes, he tried to pump his chakra into his sword, yet the blade didn't seem to react. Damn it all! He saw the Oni Demon thrust its hand out to grab Naruto, causing the teen to jump out of the way before slashing his blade at its wrist. Cutting the hand off from the wrist. The demon howled in rage and swung its other hand at Naruto, causing him to hit the wall with a yelp.

"Naruto!" shouted Hinata.

No, he couldn't give up, he still had to keep her safe! Jumping up onto his feet, Naruto rushed forward, jumping up onto the demon's one arm that still laid near the ground as he ran up the demon's limb. "Okay Demon, I hope you've had some fun, but I'm gonna have to force you to leave!" He hoped that the demon would give up at the least and just take off without hurting anyone.

Jumping into the air, Naruto let out a battle cry before his eyes widened from a sharp burning pain in his side. Slowly, he turned his head to the side and saw that one of the Oni's claws had jammed into his side, just below his rib cage. "Naruto no!" shouted Hinata, who could only watch as the Oni Demon tossed Naruto aside like he was nothing more than a rag doll. Damn it, his first battle and he was losing already?! Damn it all! Laying on the floor of the smashed room, his vision starting to fade in and out and his life's blood spilling out of his side.

"Ah! Naruto help me please!" cried out Hinata in fear. Naruto's eyes looked up and stared at Hinata as the Oni Demon started to lift her up. It tilted its head to the side and sniffed at her… only to lick its lips. Hinata's cries of fear started to reach new heights as she struggled in the demon's grip. Tears started to appear in her eyes as she stared at Naruto, pleading, begging, and praying that he would save her.

At that moment, Naruto felt something bubble below the surface. It was hot, searing every fiber of his entire being. He could feel something, a hidden part of him telling him to get to his damn feet and save Hinata. To do everything within his power to save her. For if he didn't save her that he would have possibly lost everything other than his own blood. Blinking slowly, Naruto wanted to say something, anything but his voice didn't seem to want to work for him.

You just going to lay there and let her die? Some friend you are!

'What can I do? I can't move, I want to save her more than anything!' thought Naruto, no idea who he was talking too.

You are pathetic. You had all that training, and yet you couldn't save your only friend! A friend that you vowed to protect no matter the cost! Not to mention, that friend had also saved your life when you both were children! Are you just going to let her die?!

'No… I… I won't let her die! I won't allow her to die!' thought Naruto as he started to push himself up.

That's right, feel the rage, the desire to protect! The desire to kill what is attacking something that is ours! Do what is right and take it out!

Naruto rose to his feet, his sword tightly held in his hand as his head was lowered. His breathing was short yet sharp, his blood pumping in his veins as he felt something surge through him. He wasn't sure what it was, though for now he just assumed that it was his anger, his rage, his hatred toward this demon. "Get the fuck away from Hinata!" shouted Naruto as his vision was taken over by a deep crimson.

Naruto groaned softly as he started to open his eyes. Blinking slowly, he saw that he was in the medical room, what happened? The last thing he remembered was fighting that demon, then nothing. It almost seemed like it was nothing more than a dream, or a nightmare. He didn't know really, maybe that hadn't really happened. Pushing himself to sit up, "Gah!" only to end up gasping out in pain as he held onto his side. The same side that the demon had impaled him on.

"Naruto!" shouted Hinata, causing the blonde to look up at the princess as she rushed into his room. Her hair was down, if he was honest, he liked her hair down more than anything. Preferred it that way more than anything. "You're finally awake! You've been asleep for a few days!" Wait what?!

Groaning, Naruto held onto his side a bit as he asked "What do you mean a few days?! What happened?" He had to know, had to know what he had happened after his sight was drenched with red. That was the last thing he saw, the last thing he remembered. Hm, even that odd voice was gone. That was, rather strange now that he thought about it. Why did he have that voice and why did it sound just like him? Maybe he was delusional from the wound and blood loss.

Hinata frowned a bit before helping Naruto to lay back down and grabbed a seat. "You… I don't know how to explain it Naruto." Hinata began before biting her lip. It seemed that retelling him about what had happened still confused her, or was at least hard for her to say. "You didn't act like yourself. You almost seemed like a completely different person. You fought like some kind of wild animal killing to survive."

Wait, killing? Did he… "Hinata, what happened to the demon?" asked Naruto.

"You sliced him into pieces with your sword. I had never seen you act like that Naruto, it was as if killing the demon gave you some kind of great enjoyment or at least made you feel better knowing that it was dead." Naruto stared in horror, he didn't even remember that! Had his anger taken control over him? Had the blood loss made him lose control or at the very least blacked out where his anger just took hold over him? He had no idea, but he knew that he couldn't allow that to happen again. Narrowing his blue eyes, Naruto calmly said "I won't allow it to happen again. I'll train harder so I will never lose control over myself again!"

"Can you be sure on that?" asked Hinata with a frown.

Naruto quickly sat up, grabbed hold of Hinata's hands between his as he gave her a serious expression. "I vow, I won't ever allow myself to lose control like that ever again. I'll train hard, I'll train day in and out to get better. I won't allow you to fear me Hinata, I don't want that." Giving her a sad frown, he added "You are my best friend, okay my only friend, but you mean so much to me that I don't want you to fear me because of what happened today." Hinata stared at him with wide eyes, tears started to build in her eyes before spilling over. Of course, Naruto panicked. "Ah! Hinata! I'm sorry! I wasn't trying to make you cry!"

"No it isn't that!" Hinata sobbed out. "I… I had thought that I had lost you back there in that fight. I was scared that the you I know, had vanished after you killed that demon. I was, just so scared." Naruto frowned a bit hearing that. Gently, he cupped Hinata's face in his hands, using the pads of his thumbs to wipe away her tears. "N-Naruto?"

"Hinata, you will never lose me. I guess you can say I'm too stupid to stay down and away from you." He gave her a soft smile, which got her to smile in return. "Hinata, I will always come back to you. No matter what, because-" 'Because I think I love you.' "You're my best friend."

"You're my best friend too Naru-kun." Hinata said with a smile, a smile that was so bright that Naruto's heart started to quicken within his chest once more. God why did she have to have such a lovely smile? Her smile, to him almost matched the pureness of her heart, just like how she was during the meeting. How was it, that he was just noticing this now of all times? Why hadn't he noticed this years ago? Maybe he really was stupid. "Now, you should lay back down and rest Naruto. You won't get better if you don't."

Chuckling a little, the blonde released Hinata's face before laying back down. The pain in his side returning to him much worse. Cursing under his breath, he held onto his side before noticing that Hinata had already left. Well, that left him alone to his thoughts. Looking up at the ceiling, he wondered what that voice was, why did it talk to him like that? Had it taken control over him?

Maybe.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself before placing a hand over his chest. Feeling his heart beating quickly within his chest when he thought about Hinata. She had looked amazing in the kimono, yes but, around then it had been a mere thing. Only his heart skipping a beat and his breath hitching. Seeing her in the meeting, the way she spoke about the people and how she offered to throw in her own wealth to keep her people from giving up theirs for the army. 'Hinata, you are as pure as an angel, I don't deserve you. You're friendship, or your heart.' Taking a deep breath, he whispered "I can at least keep you safe, that is more than good enough for me. I-I'm sure of it, that is all I want from this. Nothing more." Before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep.