Disclaimer: You think I would waste my time on this if I owned Naruto? On second thought I probably would. But I still don't own it.

Back in Konoha Hinata was indulging in some flower pressing. She greatly enjoyed said activity; it was a quiet introspective hobby that was always soothing to her. Her mind wandered to many topics this way. One such topic was Naruto. She had overheard that he had gotten a C rank mission. This worried her. Not many genin get C rank missions, especially not rookies. But he was already gone, no sense in fretting about how he got the mission. Just a nagging sense of worry about how he was. Was he injured? Was he eating right? Was he sick? Was he…no. Naruto couldn't die. Not till he had made his dreams come true. Hiashi came into the garden, not wanting to disturb Hinata but doing so anyway.

"Hinata. I think there is someone waiting for you"

"What do you mean Tou-san?"

"A certain person who is back from a C rank miss…ion"

Hinata was gone before he finished the word. Hiashi chuckled at the antics of his eldest daughter. Now if only Hanabi would stop demanding that he go get her a boyfriend. He already told her to look for herself, but she refused. Honestly, kids these days.

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Naruto was ecstatic. They had just passed through Konoha's gate. He could barely contain himself; knowing Hinata and ramen were both just ahead, waiting for him.

'Hina-chan! You and me on a ramen date! And I can tell you all about my mission!'

Although Kakashi was rather amused with the blonde genin, his teammates were less than pleased.

"Could you stop bouncing around like that? You're supposed to be a ninja!"

"Hn. Usuratonkachi"

"Screw you Uchiha! You're just jealous I have a girlfriend!"

Sasuke just stalked off and Sakura brained Naruto for ignoring her. As he massaged his abused head Sakura lectured him about why you should not ignore a lady.

"Naru-kun!"

"Hina-chan!"

Sakura, ignored for a second time couldn't help but smile at the scene. The reunited lovers hugging in the street, caring little as to what people thought of them.

'That's so sweet. Now if only Sasuke-kun would feel that way for me…'

Naruto and Hinata then went off to the Ichiraku Ramen stand. Naruto wanted to regale his love with tales of his battles. Shaking his head at his subordinates' antics Kakashi went off to the Hokage tower to give his report of the mission. He couldn't wait till the other jonin heard about his crazy students.

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"And then I threw tons of exploding notes around him, Sasuke set 'em off and it rocked that guy's world! Then this prick Gatou showed up, trying to-"

Hinata was in heaven. Her Naruto was home and safe; she could really care less what he was saying.

"Oh and on the way back here, guess what Kakashi-sensei told us?"

"Ano, nani?"

"He's gonna recommend us for the chunin exams! Isn't that awesome!"

"But the chunin exams are really dangerous! You could get hurt or-"

"Relax Hina-chan. Kakashi-sensei knows all that. But if he thinks we're ready then why not? I'm sure your sensei would recommend you too"

Hinata blushed. Before she could contradict Naruto's words he continued.

"Yeah and then we can pass the exam together! Then everybody will see just how awesome we are!"

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"Jonin who wish to nominate any of their students step forward"

At the Hokage's words three jonin stepped up.

"I, Hatake Kakashi nominate Haruno Sakura, Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke"

"I, Yuuhi Kurenai nominate Akamaru Kiba, Hyuga Hinata and Aburame Shino"

"I Sarutobi Asuma nominate Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chouji and Yamanaka Ino"

"Hokage-sama I object!"

All eyes locked onto the mild-mannered schoolteacher.

"These kids were my students. I know they're talented but they're still just rookies! They couldn't possibly be ready for something of this level. I beg you to reconsider Hokage-sama!"

"Even if you feel that way, they aren't your students anymore. They're shinobi under my command"

The room fell silent at Kakashi's words. Despite Iruka's vehement argument it was decided that all nine rookie genin would be selected for participation in the upcoming chunin exam.

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After their ramen date Naruto and Hinata took a walk around Konoha. Unbeknownst to them, the three greatest of all shinobi were covertly following them. Turning slightly, Hinata called out to them.

"Ano, rocks don't have eye holes"

Okay, it was beknownst to young couple. Naruto just snickered at them. Konohamaru decided to go with a dramatic entrance. The box disappeared in a burst of brightly colored smoke. The three coughing forms of Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon could be seen.

"I thought we could get you today, Oyabun"

"Better luck next time, Konohamaru"

"But you promised to play ninja with us today! Don't think I'll let you get out of this!"

"HA! A real shinobi never takes back his word! That's my nindo!"

Giving a thumb's up to the children Naruto didn't notice Hinata's blush intensify or her contented sigh.

'He's even good with kids…'

She was shaken out of her thoughts when Naruto took her hand in his as they followed Konohamaru and his friends off to play.

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The next day at team eight's training ground Hinata waited for her teammates and sensei. She was always first to arrive, followed by Kurenai and Shino. They come before Kiba and Akamaru, who always came last minute. And as per the usual pattern they all arrived. Kurenai called them together.

"I have a big announcement for you all. As you might have heard the chunin exams are taking place in Konoha this year. I've decided that you all are ready for them"

Realization hit Hinata like Naruto hits ramen. It slowly dawned on her teammates as well. Shin merely adjusted his shades. Kiba on the other hand let off some celebratory howls, joined by an equally emphatic Akamaru.

"I'll be taking the exam with Naru-kun… it's just like he said…"

"I take it Naruto's team has been accepted as well?"

Turning her attention to Shino, Hinata nodded. Kiba's grin grew more feral.

"So he's in this too? Feh. At this rate all the rookies are gonna compete"

"How astute of you Kiba. They are"

Kurenai pulled out three slips of paper. Handing each of her students one she continued.

"This is your pass to get inside the building. Take it with you as you go to room 301 in the academy tomorrow. We're having the day off for last minute training or relaxing. Good luck to you all"