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Chapter Four

Sunflower


The Hokage festival was more magnificent than Naruto could have imagined. The streets were filled with shinobi and civilians alike dressed in their most traditional clothing. The sounds of their excited chatter was the music of the festival. There were food vendors on every corner and fireworks exploded randomly, lighting up the sky.

"Naruto!" He turned to find Iruka waving at him. "Congratulations, you've done it!"

Naruto grinned at his old sensei. "I couldn't have without you."

"I am very proud of you Naruto!" he said, "You've worked so hard! Enjoy this moment."

Naruto stared at the man who helped him become a shinobi. He held so much gratitude towards Iruka. He was one of the first people to acknowledge him. He was more than a teacher, he was a father figure, and will always consider him as his family.

"Thank you Iruka-sensei!" he said, "for everything."

The older shinobi smiled at his former student, "Come on, I'll get you a bowl of ramen."

"I can't say no to that!" he responded. No matter how old Naruto would get, he could never contain the excitement he felt whenever Iruka treated him to a bowl of ramen.

The older shinobi smiled as they walked towards the Ichiraku stand. The two ninja ordered their favorite flavors and then sat down to enjoy the wonderful food. They laughed at memories from his prankster days. Iruka talked about Konohamaru and how the young shinobi was helping him instruct academy classes. Naruto beamed with pride about his student. He was happy that Konohamaru was doing more than training for his Jonin exams.

As Naruto enjoyed his second bowl of ramen, he watched the various shinobi enter the festival. He saw academy students running around the streets acting out scenes from the war stories they were told in school.

He was observing a group of children acting as the snake, slug, and toad when he spotted Hinata. His breath caught in his throat when her lavender eyes found his blue ones. Everything else disappeared and he only saw her. She was wearing a light orange kimono patterned with dark blue flowers. A light purple sash secured the robe. Her hair was tied into an elegant bun as her bangs were swiped to the side. She was beautiful.

She smiled softly at him then turned to talk to a Hyuga member. He slowly registered the noises of the festivals as everything came back into his line of vision. The ache to see Hinata was relentless.

"Iruka-sensei, thank you for the ramen." he said quietly as he set his empty bowl down, "I need to go meet with someone."

Iruka stared at Naruto with concerned eyes, "Okay Naruto." he said cautiously. Naruto smiled reassuringly as he turned away from his former sensei. His steps were furious as determination set in his features.


Hinata let out a breath of relief. She was happy that Naruto had noticed her. Despite the distance, he made her feel so special under his gaze. She admired how handsome he looked for the event. He chose not to wear his head band which caused his short spiky hair to become slightly unruly. He was wearing an orange robe that had light orange flames on the edges and brown pants.

She smiled as she remembered when he got the outfit. He had pranced into his living room asking her if it looked like something a Hokage would wear. She had told him that it looked like something he would wear. He had grinned at the answer and gave her a quick kiss before rushing back to his room to put the clothes away.

Hinata was brought out of her thoughts when she spotted Neji's former teammates. Tenten and Lee approached her enthusiastically. Although Tenten had chosen to wear a formal white and red kimono, Lee opted to wear his regular green suit.

"Hinata-san, you look so beautiful this evening!" Lee said. Hinata blushed at the compliment, politely thanking the young man.

"How have you been?" Tenten asked, "It's been a while since we've seen each other."

Hinata smiled at the young woman. During the war, Neji would often look at a picture of her. Hinata wasn't sure of the relationship the weapons master had with her brother. She only knew it had to have been stronger than mere friendship.

"I've been well, Tenten." she responded, "I hope you have been the same?"

Tenten smiled, "I hear the Hyuga haven't been the best." Hinata looked away shamefully. She didn't want to burden her with Hyuga affairs. She was afraid to disappoint her over the lack of progress within the clan.

The young woman placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder, "Don't worry. I'm sure you will change them. Neji truly believed you would."

Hinata's eyes widened with surprise at the statement. She realized Tenten was telling her private information. She had never questioned her brother's faith in her. After all, he had helped her grow as a ninja. But knowing he had displayed this faith openly with others, caused Hinata to swell with confidence. She always thought that he would be next to her, helping her change the clan. And somehow, he had been standing beside her the entire time.

"Thank you, Tenten." Hinata smiled, truly grateful for her words.

"Well, Lee and I have some students we want to watch perform." she said, "I'll catch you later."

"Of course!" Hinata exclaimed, "Come by the compound anytime! I need to practice my defense anyway."

Tenten nodded in agreement, waving goodbye as she dragged Lee to one of the performance stages. Behind Tenten, Hinata saw Lady Nishi watching her with intent eyes. Hinata returned the stare with a hardened glare of her own.

The older Hyuga walked towards her. Her long brown robe trailed behind her. "Lady Hinata," she greeted, her voice cold and impassive, "Are you enjoying the event."

"Yes," she responded politely, "Very much." She knew the older Hyuga did not trust her yet, despite her compliance with her demands. But she would not allow it to spoil Naruto's celebration.

"Well I'm glad." she said without any happiness in her voice, " We will have to see if this Hokage can do his job."

Hinata remained stoic at the statement. She smiled softly at the older Hyuga. "Lady Nishi," she said, the politeness in her voice replaced with intensity, "You shouldn't underestimate Naruto-kun. He is the one who saved both the entire village and the world."

The old woman narrowed her eyes, "Saving the world and governing a village are two completely different things." she said, "You should also keep that in mind as our leader, Lady Hinata."

Before Hinata could respond, Sakura Haruno approached suddenly. "Hinata!" she called out. She watched the pink-haired ninja wave frantically at her. She was walking urgently, holding the ends of her red kimono to liberate her movements.

"Hinata there you are!" Sakura exclaimed, "I have to talk to you!"

"Good evening Haruno-san." Lady Nishi greeted in her unfriendly manner. Sakura turned her brilliant green eyes towards the older woman, "Good evening, Lady Nishi." she responded, a strained smile on her face. She quickly turned her attention to Hinata, grabbing on to her hand desperately.

"Where have you been? Ino and I have been waiting for you. " she said loud enough for the entire festival to hear.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Hinata said. Her brain had become suddenly muddled. Did she promise she would meet with the two girls?

"We're supposed to pass out flowers for the memorial later this evening." she said, "Hurry, we have to go to the Yamanaka shop to get them"

Before Hinata could respond, Sakura had pulled at her hand, "I'm very sorry, Lady Nishi." she said, "But Hinata is needed elsewhere right now."

Hinata found herself staring at the Uchiha fan on Sakura's back as she led her away from the Hyuga. Once the Yamanaka store appeared in sight Hinata attempted to let go of Sakura's hand. However, her legendary strength prevented her from doing anything.

"Sakura, what are you doing?" she asked, "I don't remember anything about handing out flowers."

"That's because you never knew about it." she responded casually as she opened the door to the Yamanaka flower shop. She shoved the Hyuga heiress inside.

"I don't know what you mean!" Hinata protested, "I thought..." Her words halted in her throat when she saw a familiar orange robe in front of her face. She slowly lifted her eyes to find Naruto's intense blue ones.

"Thanks Sakura-chan." he said, his powerful eyes never leaving Hinata.

Hinata barely registered Sakura leaving as she continued to look dumbfounded at Naruto. She hadn't seen him in over a week. All of her feelings she had shoved down suddenly erupted. She extended her hand and tenderly touched his robe trying to determine if he was real.

"Naruto," she said quietly, brushing her hand across the fabric of his shirt. Naruto gently grabbed her hand, and pulled himself closer to her.

"I miss you." he said simply as he placed his forehead on hers.

"I miss you too." she said, enjoying the nearness of him. There was a content silence between them as they both savored the other's presence. Hinata reluctantly stepped away from him, knowing she could stand there with him all night.

"You look beautiful." he said as he stroked her orange sleeve, "My favorite color." Hinata had chosen this kimono to match Naruto. She decided to wear it as a small rebellious act towards the Hyuga. It was a small deed, but she still felt successful because of Naruto's recognition.

"You look very handsome." she said, "Just like a Hokage."

He smiled sheepishly, as he placed his hand on his forehead, tossing his short blond hair around. "I don't really feel like the Hokage." His boyish demeanor vanished. Naruto's usual confidence was replaced with a darkened and troubled look.

"I haven't been confident in any of my decisions as Hokage." he admitted, unable to look at her, " Hell, I'm not sure if I've done anything right."

Hinata instinctively reached out and grabbed his face forcing him to look at her. "Naruto," she said softly, "You can't think like that."

"But I do." he said softly, "There is so much shit going on. Everyone has different opinions. I feel like any decision I make will be the wrong one."

"Naruto, you've wanted this for so long." she said concerned by his attitude, "You haven't worked this hard, just to give up at the first obstacle."

He would never understand how she always had the ability to restore his determination. "You know what the right thing is." she continued as she looked at him with unwavering fierceness. " And you have friends who will support you. Even if you fail, you fight until you succeed."

Naruto leaned into her hand as he closed his eyes, "How am I going to do this without you?" Tears began to form at the edges of Hinata's eyes. Helplessness overcame her. She retracted her hand from his cheek, as if the words burned her.

"I'm sorry." Hinata said, "for everything."

"What?" Naruto asked, "There's nothing to apologize for."

"I've ruined everything!" she cried, "I've ruined us, and for what? So I can maintain a divided clan, who will probably never change!"

Naruto eyes softened with concern as he watched the love of his life doubt herself.

"Hinata." he said sternly, his tone surprised her, "You are strong. If anyone can do this, it's you. I know it."

"But Naruto," she pleaded, "What if I can't?"

Naruto gently grabbed her shoulders and smiled, "You can't think like that." he repeated her words to her. Hinata looked at Naruto with amazement.

"The clan is not lost." he said, "They're just stubborn and that can be defeated."

He laughed slightly in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"I don't know how long this will take," he said, "Whether it's a month, a year, or even ten years, I will still think you will be able to change the Hyuga."

He pulled away from her and displayed a grin on his face.

"I wanted to give you this!" he said cheerfully as he pulled a sunflower out of his robe, "They always remind me of you."

Hinata took hold of the yellow flower. She smiled softly as she placed it in her bun. "How does it look?" she asked, turning her head sideways.

"Like it belongs there." he answered, his eyes drifting from the flower, to her eyes, and then to her lips. Hinata inhaled a sharp breath with anticipation as she grabbed onto his shoulders. As if in a trance, she pressed her lips against his. Naruto responded eagerly, pushing himself against her and moving his mouth in rhythm to hers. Her touch set him on fire and her kiss made him want to explode.

After a few moments, Naruto released her, leaving her with a soft kiss on her cheek. Hinata shifted uncomfortably. She knew the precious time they had was coming to an end.

He coughed slightly, "Well, we should probably head back." he said, releasing his tight hold on her.

"Yeah" she agreed somberly. Hinata forced herself to head in the direction of the door. She hesitated as she placed her hand on the knob. "I love you." she said quietly, afraid any movement would prevent her from leaving.

"I love you too." he responded. Naruto painfully watched Hinata open the door, and disappear out of his sight.


Naruto stood on a platform, looking out at the crowd of shinobi. Kakashi stood next to him, his face covered by his legendary mask. They were about to address the people of Konoha. Naruto had been nervous about giving this speech. But, Hinata made him feel ready for anything.

His lips still burned from Hinata's kiss. He subconsciously rubbed his hand over is mouth, as if it would ease the sensation.

"You need to remain calm." Kakashi said to him, his lazy eyes never leaving his perverted book. Even as the Hokage, Kakashi still read Jiraiya's books in public. Naruto frowned slightly at his teacher.

"I am calm!" he defended, "I feel ready for anything."

Kakashi shut his book and stared straight at Naruto. His gaze unnerved Naruto. It was as if he was a genin again and had done something disrespectful.

"I mean about the Hyuga." he said, "If you antagonize them tonight.."

"I'm not stupid!" he interrupted. Naruto had to be careful with his address. If he did anything that seemed threatening to the Hyuga, Hinata would have to deal with the consequences.

"Still," Kakashi continued, "You need to remain calm about the situation. They want you to freak out. It will give them better leverage against Hinata. You understand this right."

Naruto grimaced. He scanned the crowd before him. Hinata stood in the middle of everyone, unable to reach the front. The sunflower was displayed proudly in her hair. It was declaration of their love and something that only the two of them would understand.

"I'm not a kid anymore, Kakashi-Sensei." he said, "I know what I have to do."

"Very well." he sighed as he stood and approached the edge of the stage. He did the seals to amplify his voice. "Shinobi of the Leaf!" he greeted, "I am honored to introduce the seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto smirked. It was just like Kakashi to be brief and to the point. Naruto searched through the crowd again for Hinata. He found her looking at him with encouraging eyes.

He let out a nervous breath, "I'm not really good at this speech stuff." he said, satisfied when he heard laughter resound through the crowd.

"Anyway," he said his tone becoming serious, "Thank you for your acknowledgement and trust. I promise as your Hokage I will protect every leaf shinobi, even if it costs me my life."

He closed his eyes, as his parents entered into his thoughts. He knew Minato and Kushina were watching him. They may as well have been standing next to Kakashi. He could feel their pride in him and it made him confident.

"Because all of you are my life now." he said, "I'm as connected to you as a tree is connected to the ground."

"I won't forget any of you," he continued, "I won't leave any of you and I will certainly not ignore any of you."

He held an unwavering gaze in Hinata's direction. "Because every civilian, shinobi," he paused, "and clan is part of this village.I will uphold the standard of being a leaf citizen to all of you. Because, I am sworn to protect, prosper, and maintain the leaf village. And I will do just that so we can pass down the will of fire to every generation after us."

The crowd erupted at Naruto's words. People were stomping, clapping, and cheering. Confetti fell like snow as people waved banners with the leaf were chants of "Will of fire!" resonating throughout the audience.

Naruto didn't notice any of it. He only saw Hinata, standing in the middle of the crowd. She was as radiant as the sun. Despite everything, she was happy.


End Chapter Four


A/N: So how did you all feel about Naruto's subtle fuck you to the Hyuga clan. I hope you got it, cause it was kind of super subtle, like totally un Naruto like at all. Anyway, as always, tell me what you think

Much Love,

US