Hey guys, I just wanted to explain why the sparring match between Naruto and Hinata seemed a little 'extreme'.
1) Hinata wanted to prove herself to Naruto which meant that she had to give it her all in fight. No holding back.
2) Naruto has always been the type of guy to go for it. Even though he jokes around a lot, he's still a serious ninja. It also shows that he takes Hinata's ablities seriously as well.
3) I thought it would make the plot better.
I just wanted to get that out. Anyway, back to the story!
In the heart of Konoha, a small yet cozy café attended a crowd of customers. Most of them did not stay more than the time it took for them to receive their food, eat it and rush off to their busy lives. Among the busybodies, sat a calm and quiet soul at a table, by the window. The only noise she made was the silent 'tap' of her pen against her notepad. She would occasionally look out of the large glass window searching for a someone to arrive.
'I wonder why Ino wanted me to bring paper and something to write with.?'
No sooner had the thought entered the young girl's mind, had the door opened allowing another customer to enter. Hinata turned her head towards the entrance to find not only the 'mistress of love' but, a familiar pink-haired comrade as well.
'What's Sakura doing here? Did Ino invite her?'
"Hey, Hinata! I brought Sakura. Hope you don't mind if we all discuss the plan together." Ino and Sakura sat themselves on Hinata's right and left side. It didn't go unnoticed by Hinata how Ino gave her a sly wink when she said plan.
"A-ano I don't mind."
"Good. Cause, even though fore-head girl here, isn't as great as moi, she still could be useful to us."
"Excuse me, miss Ino-pig but, I might just be the one to save Hinata from this pathetic construction you call a plan."
"Pff. Whatever fore-head girl."
Hinata couldn't help but smile at the two girls ante tics. They both had matured during the years both as kunoichis and women. But, put them in the same room together and you can say goodbye to all that maturity.
"So Hinata did you bring the notepad and pen?"
Hinata turned her attention back to the table, hearing Ino's question.
"Y-yes I did. Why did you want me to bring them again?"
Ino waved off her question with her hand.
"I'll explain that later. Right now, tell us about the fight. I already told Sakura about the plan so, don't worry about that."
"A-ano, well it all started when we met at the training ground…."
After retelling her tale, both Sakura and Ino remained silent. Hinata couldn't tell if it was a good sign or not. They had stayed quite for most of the story, occasionally putting in a question or two. But now, they were dead silent. Just as she was about to ask them what they thought, she was interrupted by two high pitched squeals.
"Ehhh! You were right Hinata! That did go better than planned!"
"Yeah! I was worried that Ino's love plan might lead you down the wrong path but, I guess not."
"Pff! Shows how much you know."
Hinata could see a vein appear on Sakura's forehead. No doubt complements to Ino's statement. Swallowing down her anger, Sakura asked Hinata a question though gritted teeth.
"Soooo…when are you going to see him again, Hinata?"
A light pink tinted Hinata's features as she began fiddling with edge of her bulky jacket.
"T-tomorrow at e-eleven."
"That soon huh. Well, Naruto has always been one to jump right into things."
Sakura's gaze turned towards the busy streets outside. She and Naruto have been working together for years now. And as much as she didn't want to admit it, that little baka had really grown on her. Even before the Sasuke disappearance, they had started to become good friends. And when Sasuke really did leave, their bond strengthen instead breaking apart. Much due to their similar determination to bring their friend back.
'Sasuke…he's still out there….I hope he's okay…if not alive.'
"SAKURA! Hey Sakura! Are you even listening to me?"
Sakura's thoughts were soon brought to a halt by a seething blonde, gripping her hands into fists out of anger.
"Oh I'm sorry Ino what were you saying?"
The fire in Ino's eyes began to die down as her resolve slowly kicked in.
"I was just telling Hinata here, that she could complete the second step no problem if she put her mind to it. Don't you agree Sakura?"
Sakura's emerald green eyes shifted toward the pale yet pretty heiress. There was no doubt in Sakura's mind that Hinata was an excellent ninja and an even better friend. She had seen in her combat. She had seen her stand her own against the enemy. All the while keeping an eye out for her fellow comrades. She hadn't missed it when Hinata would offer her friends food or medicine, even when they didn't really need it. Hinata always offered kind words and a shoulder to cry on when needed. She's an amazing person. Even if she has trouble seeing it herself. That's why Sakura agreed to help with this plan of Ino's. That's why Sakura's knows Hinata will be good for Naruto.
'She won't betray him. She won't rip out his heart and leave him to die. If anything, she would mend the pieces of his heart back together for him. She'll love him. Just like how he should be loved.'
"Yes I think Hinata will do a great job."
Upon hearing the statement said girl began blushing. To Hinata completing the second step wasn't impossible…it was just impossible for her.
"B-but w-what…"
"No buts!" screeched Ino, "really Hinata, you have to stop with these lame excuses and just go for it! If don't risk something than you'll be risking everything!"
A long sigh escaped Hinata's lips. Even though she didn't want to admit it, Ino was right. If she didn't go through with this, then she would be giving up everything that she has been dreaming of.
'But I don't know if I can do it.'
Step two seemed simple enough. All she had to do was hold a conservation with Naruto. But for someone like her, who stutters every word, blushes like a madman, avoids eye contact and not to mention is extremely shy, it was like Ino asked her to jump off of a cliff. It be very dangerous and stupid or her to do it.
"Hinata do you remember why I made this a step?"
Hinata cast her pale eyes downwards as she remembered what Ino wrote down for her.
"Ano I d-do"
The reason for the step, were more than one. For one, this was something needed for both of them to start their relationship. It wouldn't do their friendship any justice if they never talked. Also, talking is how you learn about each other. Ino said that they would start talking about stupid meaningless things at first, just like how everyone one does, and then progress into more serious conservations. So, their first talk wouldn't be anything too personal. Which in way calmed Hinata. She loves Naruto but, she's not ready to spill her heart to him just yet. The third reason is to get rid of Hinata's own nerves around Naruto. Well, at least calm them. Ino thinks that by talking and spending more time with Naruto, Hinata will eventually feel more at ease around her love and begin to open up to him.
'It sounds like Ino knows what she's doing. I just hope I made the right choice by trusting her.'
"Well Hinata do you agree with my reasoning or not?"
"Y-yes"
"Good. Now about tomorrow. It would the perfect chance to carry out this step. Don't you think?"
"I-I guess it w-would be."
"I'm glad you agree. Now have you thought about an icebreaker?"
"N-no I h-haven't"
"That's alright. It's why I brought forehead here."
Ignoring the nickname, Sakura spoke up.
"As you already know, me and Naruto already have a good friendship. So, I know what he does and doesn't like to talk about. I'll give you some ideas."
"Make sure you write down all of what Sakura says so you don't forget."
Hinata barely nodded her head. Already thankful for Sakura's assistance.
"But before we brainstorm ideas, there's something important I first have to tell you, Hinata."
Hinata's eyes locked with Ino's. Secretly telling her that she had her full attention.
"Whatever idea you chose, will be your own choice. We will give you ideas but, don't expect us to tell you what to talk about with him. This is a relationship between you and him. No one else. This plan is nothing more than a push for you in the right direction. And whatever idea you pick must lead to a conversation. It has to be two people talking. Not just one telling the other a story about some mission. There needs to be something about the subject that you both can relate to. You need to speak in order for this step to be complete. Otherwise, Naruto will never learn anything about you."
Hinata just sat there trying to absorb all the information at once. She had to admit that she was happy Ino was letting her make her own decisions within this plan of hers. It made her and Naruto's relationship feel more personal. Yet at the same time, she was afraid that her choice might not be the right one.
"Do understand what I'm trying to tell you Hinata?"
Startling Hinata out of daze, Hinata turned towards the blonde and gave her a small smile.
"Ano, I do."
A similar smile shown on Ino's face before saying "Alright then, let's get started."
Hinata walked backed to her compound after saying her goodbyes to both Ino and Sakura. She took a look down towards her notepad. Skimming though the pages of notes she came to the same conclusion she had before her chat with the girls. She still had NO idea what to talk about with Naruto. All of their ideas were good, and Sakura's description on Naruto was really helpful but, none of the subjects felt like the right one. Looking out onto the sun setting in the horizon, one thought would repeat itself in Hinata's mind.
'What am I going to do tomorrow?'
She was still thankful that Ino let her decide what the icebreaker would be but, the thought of choosing the wrong subject matter gnawed on her insides. What if she brought up something that would be either hurtful or embarrassing for him to talk about? Or what's worse, she picked a subject that ended up doing just that to herself? She didn't want to embarrass herself in front of him. What would he think?
Lifting her eyes from the road she had been walking on, she saw the Hyuga gates in front of her. Not only that but, her cousin and his teammates as well.
'They must have finished training for the day.'
Even though they were all jonin now, they would still train regularly together just like they use to. In fact, everyone still did.
"Hey, Hinata!"
The first one to notice the heiresses arrive was Neji's girlfriend, Tenten. They have been going out for two months now, and Hinata has never seen Neji happier. She's even seen him crack a genuine smile or two. Which in its self is amazing.
'Tenten has really changed him for the better. Their just so happy when their together. You can see it in their eyes. I wonder if they'll ever get married. Tenten would make a great sister-in-law. Oh, what am I thinking! They've been only going out for a few months. I'm getting ahead of myself.'
Hinata was about to call back to Tenten when a blur of green enveloped her in a fierce hug. She couldn't help but smile whenever Lee embraced her. Letting go, her cousin's bushy brow teammate looked straight at her and shouted.
"Yosh! You have grown into a even more beautiful flower since the last time I have seen you! The power of youth defiantly resides in you Hinata!"
Her smile grew upon his words, as did her blush. Hinata couldn't help but love Lee. He was always enthusiastic about everything. He never gave up hope. Always striving to be better at what he does. He faces everything as a challenge and at the same time wears his heart out on his sleeve. Either screaming his declaration of love or by showing his affection in an embrace. Hinata sometimes wished she had the courage to do what he could. Some people would think it strange how she admires Lee. Seen as how he is loud, outspoken and challenging while she isn't. But to her it wasn't strange. She has of course fallen for the number one hyperactive ninja in the village.
"Lee, leave her alone."
Hinata took a look behind the green clad ninja to see that Neji and Tenten had walked over to them. Neji no doubt said those words. She could tell from the voice.
"Yosh! But I wanted to ask Hinata if her day was youthful!"
"I-it was fine Lee. H-how was y-yours?"
"Excellent! The training has been most difficult! I can't wait for tomorrow!"
Hinata giggled hearing the painful moans of Neji and Tenten. It meant that whatever training Lee was doing, he was making them do it as well. And from the sound of it, they weren't enjoying it.
"So Hinata, what kind of youthful activities do you have planned tomorrow?"
She knew people would soon find out about Naruto being her new training partner sooner or later. She just wished it was later.
"A-ano I'm t-training w-with so-someone"
"Oh, and exactly who are you training with Hinata-sama?"
Turning her attention towards her cousin, she could not miss the questioning and analyzing gaze in his eyes. He knew she was hiding something. She could never wear a mask around him.
"Na-Naruto-kun"
Three very different sets of eyes widened as Hinata's cheeks turned a soft pink.
"Did you say Naruto? When did this happen?"
Hinata answered Tenten's question with, "Today"
"How did this happen?"
"I-I asked him to sp-spar. He s-said yes. We f-fought and af-afterwards he a-asked me to be his tra-training partner."
"You asked him to spar?"
"Y-yes"
Hinata took her chance and looked at Team Gai's expressions. Lee's smile was so big that it practically covered his entire face, he also had a light in his eyes. Tenten's face was covered in what appeared to be shock and awe. What surprised her the most was Neji's expression. He was smiling?! It didn't look fake either. In fact, it looked like he was proud of her.
In all truth, Hinata couldn't be too surprised. After the chunin exam, years ago, their relationship steadily got better. He no longer held that hate in his eyes, which was reserved just for her. They started having real conservations, not just being contempt with the awkward silence. Soon, Neji agreed to train Hinata. They would met up daily to improve her skills. Until two years later, when she mastered the unique Hyuga fighting style, she know longer was his student but peer. They still train together but, only once a week. They'll fight each other to see how the other is improving and to help each other as well. Somewhere along the way, she knew that her and cousin had became friends. To this day, Hinata thinks of it as her greatest accomplishment.
"Wow Hinata, that's great!" exclaimed Tenten.
"T-thanks"
It was then that their happy moment was interrupted by a low rumble. Coming namely from Tenten's stomach.
"Haha. I guess I'm hungury huh."
A smirk came unto Neji's face.
"Come on, I'll take you to get something to eat."
Tenten had always commented on how the stoic Hyuga did not have a romantic bone in his body. Despite her statement, Hinata could not mistake the light blush rising on Tenten's cheeks.
"Thanks"
"Hn"
Hinata could defiantly see what Tenten had meant.
"Oh! You should take her to the new place downtown, Neji! Yosh! It has the most delicious dumplings!"
"I'll keep that in mind Lee."
Hinata had to suppress a giggle. She could see that Neji was aggravated with Lee butting in on his and Tenten's 'moment.' But the talk of dinner did make her realize that she didn't eat at the café, and was getting pretty hungry herself.
'Ahh. That's it! How could I have not thought about that before. It's something simple yet broad. It would be the perfect conservation starter!'
Without a second thought Hinata began running towards the gates.
"Yosh! Hinata! Where are you heading off to?"
Stopping herself, she turned around and yelled back, "I just remembered that I have to do something." She was about to start running again but she ended shouting, "Good luck on your date!" And with that she was off.
However, before she left she, could of sworn that Neji's cheeks were tinted a light pink. But she would never say that out loud.
Notice: I orginally was going to have the conservation between Hinata and Naruto in this chapter but I just wanted to get this out of the way. Next chapter should just be about Hinata and Naruto. Oh! And sorry if Lee sounded like he was in love with Hinata. He does love Hinata but more in a brother-sister way.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto. What else is there to say?
