Chapter 3: One's Past

"Hey"-normal talking/thinking

"Hey"-Bijuu talking/thinking

"Hey"-Jutsu

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Hinata was watching her two new teammates spar with each other. She was teamed up with Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame, and their sensei was Kurenai Yuuhi. The Hyuga and her sensei watched on as the two sparred going back and forth. It had been a week or two since they had all been put into teams. When she saw Naruto come in the morning of their team setups she was over joyed. But when she found out that she wasn't going to be on the same team as him, her heart sank a bit.

Flashback Jutsu:

It was lunchtime and as usual she sat by herself thinking as she ate, "Well, it might not be all bad, not being on the same team might help me become a little more confident in my own skills since I won't be able to train with him much. Then all of a sudden she heard the all too familiar, "Hey Hinata-chan!" from behind her as her crush came and sat beside her.

"Hey Naruto-kun", she replied, mildly surprised that she didn't "eep" when he called her.

"So have you got to meet with your teammates yet?"

Hinata shook her head, "No not yet".

"It's too bad we're not on the same team. But we'll at least get to train with other people. Plus I get to show Sakura-chan how much better I am than that teme Sasuke.", Naruto chuckled a bit and held his arm like he was flexing a muscle inside the sleeve of his orange jumpsuit.

The only thing Hinata knew to do was chuckle along with him, even though her spirits took a very nasty dive.

"Hey maybe we could meet up and spar whenever we get a chance to see each other outside missions and all.", the blonde added.

Hinata nearly froze at the words "see each other", but managed to say, "Y-yes that would be great."

After lunch as she was walking back to class thinking, "I wish you would at least look at me like you look at her."

Flashback Release!

"Okay that's enough", the genjutsu mistress said. "Now that we're done with warm ups let's go get our mission for the day.

As they walked to the Hokage tower, Kiba said, "Man Shino why don't you ever fight back in our spars?" His ninja hound Akamaru barked in agreement. Shino just kept walking straight and said, "It was a light spar, so I didn't see a real need to fight seriously with you. You leave enough openings that I could defeat you in a few simple moves."

"WHAT WAS THAT?", Kiba yelled.

"That enough you two", Kurenai interjected. "I swear to Kami this one is going to be the death of me", she thought to herself indicating Kiba. The Inuzuka, while a capable fighter, was loud, brash, and doesn't really think before his actions. This got him into a lot of trouble. On top of that Kurenai could tell that he had a crush on Hinata. It was pretty easy to see being that he always hit on the poor girl trying to ask her out, only for her to politely decline. Every…single…time.

Shino, as far as Kurenai could tell, was the more anti-social one of the group. He never really talked unless it was absolutely necessary. Or if he felt like he had been asked a stupid question. In which Kiba's case was always to him.

But the biggest mystery to the red-eyed sensei was Hinata. She always looked like she was thinking about something. She didn't have to worry about the young hyuga's confidence too much. But when it came to Kiba always asking her out it was beginning to wear on the girl. She knew that the girl had a crush on the Uzumaki. And that they had trained together as much as they could since their first year in the academy. And by what she could tell, both Shino and Kiba knew who she had a crush on, much to the chagrin of Kiba.

When they got into the Hokage's office the old man said, "Ah Kurenai, came for your team's mission?"

The group bowed, "Yes Lord Hokage"

"Well I don't have any D-rank missions for your team, I do have a mission that requires another team for assistance. It involves Team seven."

Hinata shot to attention, "That's Naruto-kun's team. Please let him be alright." She tried to hide what she was feeling, but with a jonin, chunin, and the Hokage in the room, they were the only ones who happened to notice the genin's reaction.

"What happened?", Kurenai asked.

"It seems that the simple escort mission that they were on has taken a slight turn and they will need assistance. You are to catch up to them and assist them in their mission in the Land of Waves."

"Yes, Lord Hokage", the group said.

After the group exited the room, the Hokage chuckled a bit. "Be careful out there Naruto. I have a feeling this mission will change your life."

Oh how right he was.

As Team eight assembled at the gate, Kiba said, "Sweet our first mission outside the village. Finally a chance to stretch our legs. Right Hinata?" he practically yell/asked.

"Yeah", Hinata replied. Shino just nodded.

"Alright then let's head out", Kurenai announced.

And with that the group headed out at top speed to meet up with team seven.

It took about most of the day to catch up and the scene they had happened upon wasn't what they had expected. They found Kakashi Hatake, the jonin of team seven lying on the ground with four people surrounding him.

"Looks like we got here just in time", Kurenai said.

"Kurenai-sensei, what are you guys doing here?", Naruto's teammate Sakura asked.

"What do you think we're here for, we're your back up.", Kiba said cockily. "You guys look like hell."

The girl shot him a look but turned back to the semi-conscious Kakashi. "In any case", Kurenai began, "We'll need to take him somewhere to recuperate and regain his chakra."

An old man that was with team seven came up, "I may be of help. My name is Tazuna. My home is not far from here."

"Then lead the way Tazuna.", Kurenai replied. And with that the group, with Naruto and Sasuke carrying an unconscious Kakashi, headed to Tazuna's house.

Later on at Tazuna's house

After getting to the bridge builder's house, they met Tsunami, Tazuna's daughter. It took the rest of the day, but the next day Kakashi soon came to and explained what had happened. It turned out that a missing nin named Zabuza had attacked them, aiming to kill the bridge builder. But before Kakashi could strike a fatal blow, the Swordsman of the Mist was killed by two senbon needles to the neck.

"So if I were to guess what's to come, would I be guessing right?", Kurenai asked.

"What do you mean Kurenai sensei?", Naruto asked.

"It would seem that Zabuza is still alive.", that sent shockwaves through most of the house, especially team seven.

Naruto punched his hand, "Dang it! I thought we'd be rid of him by now! How can he still be alive?"

"Remember the Hunter-nin?" Kakashi pointed out. "Hunter-nin are supposed to burn the body of the missing-nin they have been sent to hunt while keeping the head to present as proof of their capture."

"So what are we gonna do?", Sakura asked.

Both jonin shared a look, and then looked back to the genin. "Train"

Naruto couldn't help but yell his excitement, "Aw yeah! Finally training!"

Hinata smiled at Naruto's antics. She had really missed him a lot; though she tried to hide it her best, everybody in the room noticed, save for Naruto.

As they walked outside and into the forest, Kurenai asked Kakashi, "So, how is your team?"

Kakashi sighed and said, "Well, Sasuke is the strongest of the group but he's a loner. Sakura is more interested in Sasuke than training. And Naruto is…well Naruto." Kurenai chuckled a bit, "Well what is your team like?"

"Kiba is hot-headed, Shino is silent unless most necessary, and Hinata seems a bit more or less shy."

Kakashi nodded, as they finally came to the spot they were heading to. It was far enough from the house that it won't get caught up in any training that they assign, but close enough that they would be able to get to the house should something happened. "Now let's get started. Today we will be working on your chakra control."

Naruto's face fell, "Agh why aren't we learning any jutsus!"

"Shut it dobe and listen.", Sasuke said with his hands still in his pockets.

"What did you say teme!", Naruto bellowed.

'Thwack!' Sakura punched Naruto on the head and yelled, "Baka! Leave Sasuke-kun alone!"

While the rest of the genin were paying to the spectacle that unfolded, Kurenai noticed a certain Hyuga tense up. Almost as if she was ready to fight. Kakashi also had noticed but decided to leave the matter to the genjutsu mistress.

"Well Naruto", Kakashi started, "you're going to climb this tree."

"How are we going to do that?", Kiba asked.

"Like this", Kakashi then made a seal with his hand and walked up the tree.

The genin had looks of wonder on their faces, while Shino raised his eyebrows. Then Kakashi threw a kunai down to each of them. And after Kurenai explained on how to mold their chakra, the genin got started. Sasuke and Kiba got a few steps before falling back down. Naruto only got two steps in before falling on his back. Shino made it a third of the way to the top. While Sakura made it to the first branch and stopped. It was then Hinata noticed that she was still on the ground watching the others. "I guess it's your turn huh Hinata?", Naruto joked. He then felt a jab to his arm. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Leave her alone Naruto! She doesn't need you bothering her!", Kiba yelled.

"Ok ok sheesh! I was just joking!", Naruto yelled back. Then he walked up to Hinata, "Sorry about that Hinata I didn't mean it."

Hinata just smiled and said, "It's okay Naruto-kun, I know you were joking."

She then proceeded to walk up the tree. All the way up the tree.

"Well well, it seems you have your own prodigy Kurenai.", Kakashi said.

"What do you expect Kakashi-sensei?", Naruto said with a big smile. "Hinata always has to keep up on her chakra control most of the time."

Everyone except for the Hyuga in question looked at him like he was crazy. "And how would you know that dobe?", Sasuke said while trying to keep himself calm from watching Hinata get farther than him.

"Well teme, me and Hinata used to hang out. In fact we used to spar with each other."

"Who would want to hang out with you baka.", Sakura said. "Let alone spar with you. You probably always got beat by her."

At that Naruto got quiet, which incited a taunting laugh from Kiba, "Ha ha, I knew it! Once a dobe always a dobe. He would never be able to beat Hinata!"

Naruto just kept his head down, hiding his eyes. Hinata wanted to say something. She had to say something , but Kurenai beat her to it. "That's enough all of you."

"That does give me an idea though. How about we do some spars."

Kakashi nodded, "That sounds like a good idea. Okay, Kiba, Sasuke, you two first." The area was big enough for the two to find a spot to stand before getting into stances. The fight didn't last long. Kiba's fast movements weren't fast enough as Sasuke was beaten within a few minutes. To everyone's surprise, Naruto didn't say anything at all. They have never seen him so quiet.

Sakura and Shino were next, but she basically gave up at the first sign Shino was going to use his insects.

And then finally came Naruto and HinThe two jonin were really looking forward to seeing if what the Hokage had told him was true. "Let's see if what the Hokage said is true."

Hinata walked out into the space but Naruto was still as a statue. "What's the matter dobe afraid of getting beat by a girl.", Kiba taunted.

"Leave him alone Kiba it's not like he actually stands a chance.", Sasuke said dismissively.

Then everyone got quiet when they heard Hinata, "Naruto-kun!" The blonde shifted a little but still didn't respond. "Naruto-kun look at me." Naruto raised his head to look at her. The look in his eyes pained her, but she had to tell him something to get him back to the way he was. "Remember…remember the vow we made to each other the first day of the academy?" She ignored the shocked expressions and focused on the cerulean eyes that nodded their remembrance. "Well…I still remember as well…and if you don't spar with me...it'll be like breaking that vow. And…", her head was down, but as she raised it up her resolution shown through, "…I…I won't forgive you!" The shock on Naruto's face changed to admiration as he smiled and walked up. After he was about six feet away from her he said, "Thank you Hinata-chan. I really needed that. And I do remember. I never go back on my word. Believe it. (Just wanted to do that one time at least)"

"Um…your welcome Naruto-kun.", Hinata replied with a mild blush, but she shook it off.

"It has been a while since we last sparred. Are there any rules Kakashi-sensei?", Naruto asked.

"Just no chakra", their sensei replied.

Both nodded, and after a brief pause, Kurenai called "Begin!"

Both Naruto and Hinata ran at each other. Their speed didn't surprise everyone, but what came next did. Hinata threw a juken strike at Naruto, who in turn ducked and threw a left uppercut. But Hinata parried it away, spun and threw another strike towards his head. At the same time Naruto spun the opposite way and swung his arm, a testament to his brawler fighting style. As soon as his arm hit Hinata's, Naruto held it there. Both stood for a moment still as statues, their eyes deadlocked onto each other. Then they all of a sudden backed off and kicked each other in the chest, knocking the other to the ground.

Naruto shot up and threw a punch down. Hinata rolled and scored a round house kick once she got up. But Naruto instantly shook it off and charged back in, throwing punch after punch. But the blonde also was trying to dodge the heiress' blows that she was throwing.

While all this was going on, the other genin stared in awe. They knew Hinata was the top of the class in taijutsu, but to see the proclaimed deadlast going toe-to-toe with her. "Is this…happening?", Sakura said. She along with the rest of the genin stared wide-eyed. (Well you could say Shino's eyebrows were raised).

"Naruto is going matching Hinata move for move", the beetle user said.

"That's impossible! Naruto must be cheating or something!", Kiba bellowed.

Sasuke almost felt cheated, the dobe of the class was keeping up with the Hyuga girl. Not only that, but landing hits. Had he been holding back? He gritted his teeth in frustration.

"He told you didn't he?", Kakashi chimed in. "Remember, he did tell you that he and Hinata used to train together since the first day of the academy."

"But he's the dobe of the class! He shouldn't even be able to land a hit on her.", Kiba exclaimed.

"That actually makes sense though", Shino said getting everyone's attention.

"Whataya mean?"

"A Naruto said, he and Hinata have been training with each other since the first day of the academy. Therefore, they have had time to memorize each other's moves and adapt accordingly. I would also go to say that if he wanted, Naruto could use the katas of the Juken itself. Though not to the extent that a Hyuga is capable of. And Hinata could also deliver a punch with an impressive amount of force if need be."

Then, as if on cue, Naruto's and Hinata's fists bypassed each other and landed in their opponents faces! The force of the blow knocked the two away as they sprawled out on the ground. As they stood up Hinata's knees shook a little. Her stamina had increased from all the sparring with Naruto over the years, but she was still winded. But the consolation was in front of her has Naruto got up, breathing just as hard as she was.

Naruto had to admit, it had been a while since he had sparred with Hinata. Normally he wouldn't be that tired. Man…he was slacking. "You're getting rusty Naruto-kun", he heard the brunette say with a smirk on her face. He recognized that one. The only time she ever really smiled was when they were sparring after he had gotten her to open up. That was probably because most of the time she was winning, which was kind of fine with him, but he didn't know why.

"I could say the same to you Hinata-chan", he replied.

"That's enough.", Kurenai said. "We'll consider this a draw."

"Awww we were just getting started.", Naruto said with a smirk.

"There will be enough time for that later.", the genjutsu mistress replied. She also saw a hint of disappointment in the young Hyugas eyes. Then it finally clicked. Hinata is trying to get his attention through combat. Not very subtle, but if it pays off it pays off. "Now back to tree climbing."

Later on that night:

The day ended with Naruto, Sasuke, and Kiba finally getting all the way up the tree. After they got in they settled down and ate. "Once again I'm sorry for have lied to you about this.", Tazuna said during their dinner.

"It's okay old man.", Naruto replied, not showing the least bit of respect. "Once the bridge is done it'll help everyone, right?"

Tazuna was about to answer when all of a sudden a new voice came out of the door to the table of the kitchen. "It's not going to matter. You're all going to die anyway."

"Oh Inari, come and say hello to the ninjas that escorted your grandpa.", Tazuna's daughter Tsunami had said.

First thing the young boy did was hug his grandfather. Then he turned to the ninjas.

"You guys don't stand a chance. Gato will kill you if you don't get out of here."

Naruto scoffed, "Like I'm afraid of an old midget."

"Gato is no joke kid", Tazuna said. "He commands a small army of thugs and sends them to do his bidding. Taking from money, to even people, to sell them into slavery." Sakura and Hinata shuddered at that thought.

"And anyone who gets in his way is killed.", Inari finished. "So just forget about this stupid mission of yours cause if you keep going on with it you'll die."

"Inari…", Tsunami started.

"It's true mom! The same thing that happened to dad is going to happen to them!"

"So I guess you didn't inherit his bravery.", Naruto chimed in.

"You don't know what it's like!", Inari yelled. "You don't know what it's like to lose someone close to you! You act so smug just because you're a ninja!"

Everyone that was in the room looked over to see Naruto slowly get up and walk over to the boy, who didn't take his eyes off the older blonde and stared at him defiantly.

Then all of a sudden Naruto smacked his hand on top of the boy's head, causing Sakura to yell, "Naruto!" But she felt Sasuke grab her arm and looked down to see him shake his head for her not to interfere. Sasuke knew the reason why Naruto had did what he did. He understood what the boy was talking about but he did not have to blatantly insult them to get his point across.

"Now listen to me…you little snot. Have you ever been blamed for something that you didn't? Have you ever been beaten up because the kids you tried to play with lied on you? Have you ever been treated so badly and hated for a reason that wasn't your own? Have you ever laid in your bed wondering where your parents were? Wondering if they abandoned you or not?!", the boy stayed silent. Naruto let up a little so the Inari's eyes met his. "I didn't think so. Now I may not know what it is like to lose someone, but what I've been through is just as bad. I may not have anyone but you don't see me crying about it! So unless you actually want to help, I suggest you stay out of our way.", he then took his hand off of the boys head. "We don't need any dead weight holding us back." The sheer tone of Naruto's words permeated throughout the room like the hidden mist jutsu. As Inari tensed up Naruto turned to walk out, he stopped to push his seat in and bowed to Tsunami. "Sorry for my outburst. Thank you for the dinner Tsunami-san." And with that he walked to the door he stopped as he got there and turned his head, saying, "You're lucky you know that? At least you still have a family." And then, he walked out into the woods.

The house was silent for a few moments before Hinata broke the silence, "I'll go after him." She looked to Kurenai who nodded and after thanking Tsunami for the dinner she walked out to look for her crush.

"What…what did Naruto mean by what he said?", Sakura asked

"Naruto is an orphan. He's pretty much had only himself for most of his life.",

"He must have had it rough.", Tazuna replied.

"Many would say that. Back in the village he used to pull pranks. Most likely that was just to get attention." Kakashi then turned to Inari who was still standing there. "I know he seems a bit brash but what he is saying is correct. We will protect your grandfather from getting hurt. And that is a promise."

Inari raised his head, his eyes filled with tears, nodded and walked back into his room.

The rest of the time was spent in silence as Kakashi volunteered to wait for Naruto and Hinata.

In the forest:

As she walked through the forest, Hinata heard a low thumping that started to get louder. She found Naruto punching a tree. It had become a habit of his to get his frustration out. He heard Hinata walk up but kept punching it. His hands were bloodied from hitting the tree. But then all of a sudden he felt a weight on his back. He looked down to see the cream colored arms of a coat wrapped around his waist.

"I'm sorry you feel like this", he heard the Hyuga say.

"It's not your fault. I'm the one that ruined the dinner.", he said chuckling slightly to himself.

He turned to Hinata as she let go. She looked down at his hands, and to say the least they were messed up.

"I can fix those", she said as she reached into her coat and pulled out a brown container and some bandages. After wrapping Naruto's hands, he thanked her. As they walked back, a realization suddenly hit Hinata, "I had been hugging Naruto-kun." And for the first time in a long time, Hinata was blushing.

"Hey Hinata are you alright?"

"Uh, yeah I'm fine heheh." "Thank goodness its dark out."

Later on:

Hinata and Naruto talked as they walked back in. "Are you sure going to be alright Naruto-kun?"

"Yeah, I'll be alright.", the blonde said before smiling.

"That's good to know.", said Kakashi out of nowhere, nearly scaring the youths.

As he walked off he said, "You're gonna need that energy so rest up. We have at least six days left."

"Before what Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi turned back to them with a serious look in his eye.

"Before Zabuza returns."

Man, finally! This has been my longest chapter yet. The next chapter is going to probably be shorter.

And as a bonus I'll give you a sneak preview:

I…I hate you so much! I'll…I'll…I'LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THIS!

Read and review please!