Chapter 7

"On to the next subject!"

Hinata sighed as she sat through the usual topics that Tsukihana announced. Each one was the same old thing. Naruto did this. We want him there. Blah blah blah. She almost even dozed off. While she was usually up to anything related to Naruto, at the moment, she found her mind wandering back to the training ground and she could only wonder what her blonde idol was doing at the moment.

Her eyelids started to flutter, but she was brought back by a resounding crack on her desk, and she looked up in shock to see an annoyed Tsukihana.

"Wow," she said, "Now I know how Iruka-sensei feels."

Hinata blushed in embarrassment and attempted to save face, "W-well, is there anything n-new that I should know?"

Tsukihana smiled devilishly and Hinata began to regret her question, "Well, my dear Hinata-chan. As you know, I have been doing some snooping around about our little blonde, and I have found very important information that may affect our club."

Hinata raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

Tsukihana huffed and put her hands on her hips, "If you had been paying attention, then you would know what it was. I mean, even Satoshi-kun was paying attention."

"Hey!" came Sabishi's indignant squawk.

Tsukihana waved him off, "Anyways! As you know, October is coming up, and I just happen to find an interesting tidbit of something that happens around then.

"Th-the Kyuubi festival?"

Tsukihana frowned, "Now that you mention it, yes. In fact, now that I think about it, what I'm talking about happens on the same day." She furrowed her brow in contemplation, "It's no wonder that we don't see him out during the Kyuubi Festival."

Hinata frowned, "Y-you do realize th-that I still have n-no idea what you're talking about."

Tsukihana grinned sheepishly, "Heh heh, sorry about that," she straightened, "Well, on the day in question is Naruto's birthday!"

Hinata gasped in shock. How could she have not even known his birthday? After several years of stalk-I mean, observing him, how could she have missed it?

Tsukihana nodded, seemingly reading her mind, "I know, I know, I was shocked that it took me so long to find it out."

Sasuke spoke up, "So what, you guys want to throw him a party or something?" The three gave him a deadpan look, making him sweat drop, "So's that a yes?"

Tsukihana rubbed her hands together, "Oh this is going to be fun. As you guys know, the actual day is a few days away, so we have plenty of time to prepare. Hinata!" she turned to the girl in question, "I have a list of supplies that I need you to grab. I have already asked Iruka-sensei and he said that we could use the clubroom to throw our surprise party, so we'll start on the decorating while you're gone." She shoved a list in the timid girls hand before turning her around and pushing her out the door, "Now, shoo!"

Hinata sighed good-naturedly as she made her way toward the store. Her list consisted of streamers, party hats, and other gizmos to use as party favors. She entered into the store and saw a flash of orange before she was knocked down onto her butt. As the haze from her collision was clearing up, she heard a gasp.

"I'm so sorry, Hinata-chan!" she felt a strong hand clasp her own and pull her up. She blinked a few times and she jumped back with a start when she saw a familiar shock of blond hair.

"Hinata-chan, are you okay? You're turning red again. I hope you aren't getting sick." Naruto said to her.

She looked away quickly. Don't faint. Don't faint. Don't faint. For an added help, she pictured her friends beside her cheering encouraging words. She sighed in relief as the feeling of lightheadedness started to fade.

"I-I'm fine, N-Naruto-kun," she said, "You just c-caught me by surprise."

Naruto frowned, "Sorry about that," his face lit up again, "I know! I'll help you with your shopping to say I'm sorry!"

Hinata's cool went right out the window at the thought of spending a day with Naruto and she lit up like a red light bulb and promptly passed out. The last thing she heard was a frantic Uzumaki calling her name.

Her eyes fluttered open and she was shocked to see a worried Naruto peering down at her. When he saw that she was awake, he broke into a flurry of frantic questions of if she was okay, if she was sick, if she was injured or stuff like that.

"I-I'm fine, N-Naruto-kun," she said, then she blushed again, "I-if you w-wanted to come shop with me, I-I w-wouldn't mind."

Naruto smiled, "Great! Whatcha shoppin' for?"

Hinata gasped. She had just offered to let Naruto shop for his own birthday party. She was going to have a difficult time getting past him. Then again…

"Well," she began, "I'm out shopping for a birthday party that's coming up."

Naruto began bouncing on the balls of his feet, "Really? When is it? Who's it for? Do I know them? How old will they be?"

Hinata snickered at his barrage of questions. She loved him, she knew that, but even she had to admit he wasn't exactly the sharpest one out there, "W-Well. It's soon. I don't w-want to share who it's for yet. You do know th-them. And they'll be eleven."

Naruto jumped up and down, "Awesome! I want to get them a present too! What do they like?"

Hinata shrugged, "I-I'm not sure."

Naruto went downcast, but he brightened quickly, "Maybe they'll become my friend too if I get them a present! Since I don't know what they like, I'll get them ramen! That's a good fail safe."

Hinata smiled, "Alright, w-we can stop by Ichiraku's when this is o-over. We can even get a b-bowl while we're there."

"Sure!" he chirped.

Hinata turned away to hide her blush. Did she just ask him out on a date and he happily agreed? Oh she was so good! Soon, he would be hers! She quickly sat up from the park bench he had laid her on and made a reach for her list, only for it to be snatched up by her blonde companion.

"Ah ah ah. I'm here to help, so I'm going to do most of this!"

Hinata smiled and followed him back to the store. As the day went by, Hinata found her shopping trip more exciting than it usually was. Naruto would carry all the bags and tell stories to make her laugh. The whole day, she just felt like she was flying. She almost regretted it as they walked up to Ichiraku's. Almost.

As he placed the items in a corner and the two jumped up onto adjacent stools, Hinata couldn't help the bright blush that came from their close proximity. That is, until Naruto spoke.

"Oi! Oji-san, Ayame-nee-chan, I'm hungry!"

Hinata frowned at his impoliteness, but the hearty laugh from the man stopped her reprimand, "It's nice to see you again, Naruto-kun," The old man gained a devilish grin, "Who's your date? She's very pretty."

This caused the two pre-teens to sputter indignantly while Hinata's face lit up even more. After a few seconds to compose himself, Naruto wailed, "Oji-san! Hinata-chan's just my friend! Don't be a weird old perv."

Hinata felt her heart sink at the declaration. Of course she was only his friend. He probably wouldn't even want to date her. She couldn't do anything right. Now he was going to hate her , then he would push her away, then her membership to Naruto's Nomad's would be revoked, then-

"Oi! Hinata-chan! Are you alright?" Naruto was waving his hand in front of her face, unknowingly interrupting her deteriorating thoughts.

She 'eeped' and almost fell off of her stool, but Naruto caught her, "Careful, there." He said gently.

She blushed again at the contact. Don't faint. Don't faint. Don't faint. She waited until she didn't feel woozy anymore and she sat up slowly, "S-Sorry about that, N-Naruto-kun," she said.

The old man behind the counter scratched his chin, "Say, are you the same Hinata that Sabishi-kun talks about?"

Hinata brightened up at her friend's name, but she hid it behind her bangs, "S-Sabishi-kun? Does h-he come here often?"

He snickered, "Ever since the first time a few weeks ago, it seems that Naruto brings him in every chance he gets. Those two seem to be really getting along."

Naruto smiled, "Well, Oji-san, this is Hinata-chan! She's also my friend! I'll also have to bring Tsukihana-chan in so she can meet you too!"

The man brightened, "Oh? You have another friend?"

Naruto nodded eagerly, "Yup! It's so cool! I practically have my own fan club like Sasuke-teme!"

Hinata snorted and began to choke on her water. This of course caused Naruto to become frantic and he patted her on the back, "I'm sorry, Hinata-chan! I was just joking!" he cried.

She giggled and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "I-It's alright, Naruto-kun."

Naruto sighed in relief and Hinata giggled again. He had no idea how close he was to the truth with his statement. She turned to Naruto and braced herself, "S-so, Naruto-kun, tell me a-about yourself."

Naruto cocked his head to the side in concentration and Hinata started to think about how cute he looked, "Hmm. There's not much to say. I don't have that many friends, so I don't go out that much." Before Hinata could wince, Naruto brightened up, "I know! I'll tell you about the latest prank!" Hinata nodded, happy for the subject change and he took it as a sign to continue, "So anyways, there was this guy with this really bad toupee…"

"…and I made this huge explosion that sent them all flying and they never even knew it was me!" Hinata giggled at his story, and she opened her mouth to comment and ask for another story, but she stopped when she noticed the sun setting. Naruto seemed to notice this too, so he smiled, "Well, Hinata, it was really nice talking to you, but I have to go home now. We should go out together again later."

Little did he know, those were the worst words he could have used at that time. As soon as he said it, he turned to leave, so he did not see the poor little girl slump to the floor in blissful unconsciousness. Fortunately, she was in a corner, so she didn't fall in front of someone and get trampled. The old ramen stand owner smiled at the timid little girl and he walked over to gently wake her up.

Her eyes fluttered open and he smiled, "My apologies, Hyūga-san, but I need to close up soon. Naruto has already gone home.

Hinata looked downcast, "Oh," she then brightened again as she remembered Sabishi's request, "Oh yeah, I-I wanted to ask i-if you had c-catering as a service."

The old man quirked an eyebrow, "I don't think I've done it before, but I suppose I could try."

Hinata smiled up at him, "G-great. W-we're throwing N-naruto-kun a surprise b-birthday party, and Sabishi-kun asked m-me to see if you w-would be w-willing to provide the food for the event."

His smile widened, "I would have loved to try, and the fact that it's for Naruto-kun's first party makes me even more eager to try. I'll even give you a discount! Th' name's Teuchi Ichiraku and we have a deal."

"Hinata Hyūga," she took his hand and shook, but when she pulled back, she frowned, "W-what do you mean his first party?"

Teuchi frowned, "Naruto-kun hasn't had a real birthday party before."

Hinata stood up quickly and spoke frantically, "Thank you for the help Teuchi-san. I will contact you with information on the party later. I need to make it to an appointment before it's too late."

Teuchi waved as she rounded the corner.

XxOxX

Sabishi was putting up some of the last of the decorations when the door to the clubroom slammed open. Hinata burst in, overly flustered.

"I-is everything a-alright, Hinata-senpai?" he asked.

"No!" she cried, "Naruto-kun has never had a birthday party before!"

Tsukihana gasped from her spot atop the seat in the back of the room, "Truly? Oh Kami it's a good thing we got to him when we did!" she took up a thinking pose, "We're going to have to work extra hard on the party to make sure it's perfect!"

Sasuke snorted derisively, "How exactly do you plan to do that? There are only four of us and it will be difficult to convince anyone else to attend. After all, No one in our class really likes Naruto due to parents keeping them away."

Tsukihana sent him a dirty look, causing him to cringe.

Sabishi waved his hand, "I-I have an i-idea."

He shared and the four of them prepared for the party. The days flew by as they made their preparations, but it seemed the day was finally coming up. It was the day of the party and Sabishi was seated in his usual spot, stewing in anticipation for the party after school. By popular vote, Sabishi was nominated the best person to distract Naruto long enough for them to put up the finishing touches. As Iruka was releasing them from the last period, Sabishi walked over to Naruto's desk.

"H-hello, Naruto-senpai," he said quietly, "I-I was wondering i-if you would like to join me at Ichiraku's."

Naruto brightened up, "Sure! It's always fun to have more company. I'm just a bit surprised that you are the one asking this time."

Sabishi smiled weakly, "I-I just wanted t-to hang out today before the Kyuubi Festival starts later."

Naruto blanched, "Kyuubi Festival? That's tonight? I might not be able to come then. I need to be out of sight when it starts."

Sabishi went downcast, and Naruto seemed to notice and became frantic. He started waving his hands around and plastered a fake smile on his face, "It's fine! I'm sure nothing will happen while we hang out."

Sabishi smiled and he turned around to lead Naruto away. The two boys made their way down the street, talking about nothing important. When they finally made it to the restaurant, Naruto furrowed his brow when he saw the shutters closed. There was a paper taped to the front and it said:

Closed for the Kyuubi Festival

Naruto frowned, "Wow, this day just gets better and better."

Sabishi put a hand on his shoulder, "I-It's alright, Naruto-senpai. I'm sure that we could talk in the club room at school."

Naruto quirked an eyebrow, "But I thought that I wasn't allowed into that club."

Sabishi did his best to wave it off, "It's alright. It should be done with the club, and you didn't want to be outside so it's a good escape."

Naruto seemed to think about it before he nodded happily, "Okay, I guess that sounds good. I wouldn't mind."

Sabishi smiled," Great!" He grabbed Naruto's wrist and pulled him toward the academy. Minutes later found the two standing in front of the dark class room. Sabishi reached for the door and gently pulled it open, letting a small sliver of light leak in.

Sabishi flipped the switch on, and everyone jumped out.

"Surprise!"

Sabishi looked beside him to see his friend's reaction, but he was shocked to see no one there. He looked around frantically and snorted when he looked up and saw a trembling Naruto hanging from a light fixture,

"What's going on?" Naruto squeaked.

Sabishi looked down and rubbed his toe in the ground, "W-well, we found out that y-your birthday w-was today and we w-wanted to throw you a surprise b-birthday party."

Naruto went wide eyed and flipped to the ground. He looked between Sabishi and the room full of smiling people. His face lit up in a brilliant smile before he tackle-hugged Sabishi.

"Thank you Thank you Thank you." He yelled before running into the room to mingle. Sabishi led him around showing him what was what.

"Hinata and Tsukihana teamed up with Fumei and the three decorated the club room. Iruka-sensei happily joined the celebration and we were able to get Teuchi-san and Ayame-san to provide food. They even made a cake for you!"

Naruto was practically glowing, "You guys are the coolest friends ever!"

The group sat down, smiling at Naruto as Teuchi and Ayame brought around ramen to serve. The smell of broth and sound of laughter filled the air as they listened to Naruto's storied of his latest pranks. Iruka even promised not to get onto him for them since he was the birthday boy. The group was so enthralled in Naruto's latest escapade that they almost didn't register when the cake was brought out.

Teuchi had been very meticulous with it and created a cake shaped like a tipped over ramen bowl. The two '1' shaped candles were set up to look like the chopsticks.

Naruto gasped, "It's so beautiful!"

The room was filled with good-natured laughter, "Thank you, Naruto-kun," Teuchi said, "I wanted to make it the best it could be since it's such a special occasion. After all, if you hadn't been born, then we all wouldn't be as happy as we are now."

Naruto blushed and looked down, "Thank you." He said quietly.

Tsukihana decided to speak up, "Okay, so! Blow out the candles and make a wish!"

Naruto smiled at her, "I'm as happy as I can get. There's not really anything more I need right now."

Tsukihana pushed him playfully, "Quit being so corny and just do the deed," she said.

Naruto sighed and rolled his eyes before he smiled and blew out the candle. He looked around, beaming and Tsukihana interrupted again.

"Presents!" she yelled.

Iruka laughed as he wheeled the cart full of wrapped gifts. Naruto's eyes went wider as he saw the cart, "I-is that all for me?" he stammered. His answer was a bright smile and he jumped up to help move the presents onto the floor next to his chair.

His first was a gift wrapped in a paper with that same strawberry pattern on Tsukihana's lunchbox. His face lit up as he pulled out training shuriken and weights. Next he pulled out a simple silver present from Iruka. When he pulled it open, he smiled that Iruka had gotten him some story books.

He was surprised when Teuchi came up to him and handed him two tickets for an all you can eat buffet. He gave a questioning glance, "Why two?"

Teuchi smiled, "Do you recall that time you were shopping with Hyūga-san and you told her you were going to get ramen for her friend with a birthday?"

Naruto's eyes went wide and he looked over at Hinata, "You mean that was for me? You've been planning this for so long?"

At the girl's timid nod, his smile brightened. The next gift was given by a boy in a high collared green coat and sunglasses. He also wore a large baseball cap with small strands of black hair poking out. Tsukihana clapped him on the back and smiled, "This here is Fumei. He's got a present for you too."

Sasuke in his disguise reached out and handed Naruto a scroll tied with a gold string. Naruto eagerly opened it and was delighted to find that it was a new training exercise he could use. He happily shook Sasuke's hand and reached for the next one. He unwrapped the box and scratched his head at the small cylindrical container.

"What is it?" he asked.

Sabishi stepped forward, "W-well, I asked Hinata-senpai to help m-me and she let me u-use her herb garden to m-make you some healing salve n-in case you are injured during training."

Naruto beamed, and seeing that there were no more presents available, he exclaimed, "You guys are the greatest! Thanks so much for everything!"

Tsukihana nudged Hinata forward and she stuttered out, "N-Naruto-kun, Th-that's n-not a-all th-that we g-got for you."

Naruto perked up, "Huh?"

Hinata blushed and pulled Naruto out and behind the school beside the swing that she knew he usually sat on. Tsukihana motioned toward the boys and the three of them snuck into the bushed to listen in. Tsukihana was so excited because when they had planned to make this the best birthday party, Tsukihana had convinced Hinata to finally confess her love to the young blonde. She held in a squeal of delight as Hinata turned to him, blushing.

"W-well," she began, "Th-there's something that I-I've wanted to say for a while."

Naruto quirked his head to the side, "What do you need Hinata-chan?"

Hinata took a deep breath and she reached in her pocket and pulled out a beautiful green gem necklace, "Naruto-kun I just wanted to say that you are one of the greatest people I know. You're so kind and brave and hardworking, and you never give up. I just wanted to let you know that-."

Tsukihana brightened and leaned in close…

"-Our small group thinks that you are wonderful."

Tsukihana fell on her face. That little weasel, she thought, She still didn't confess her love.

"I wanted to give this to you to remind you how special you are to all of us and that we don't want you to change ever."

She placed the gem in the awestruck blonde's hands and she bowed.

Naruto looked at the necklace before looking at the girl in front of him then switching between the two. Tsukihana sighed. It was clear that she wasn't going to confess so that meant there was no need for a private moment.

When she walked into the clearing, she saw that Hinata had become frantic and she was standing over a crying Naruto. Thinking something was wrong, Tsukihana and the others ran up to him. They immediately leaned down to check on the blonde, but when he looked up, the smile on his face was almost blinding, and before anyone could react, Naruto jumped up and embraced them in a gigantic tackle group hug.

"Thank you!" he cried.

XxOxX

Sasuke made his way down the road, thinking about the events that transpired. After Naruto had finally let them go, they had continued, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Sasuke was just glad that Naruto was too dense to recognize his voice. He was happy to say that his identity remained intact.

He couldn't help thinking about the party. The fact that they were able to bring such happiness to such a frail boy made him smile. The party would have to be called a success. He figured that another 'mission' assigned by that Tsukihana would be all wrapped up.

He really had no qualms with helping Naruto. That is, of course, if he wasn't caught. After spending time observing him and seeing him react to unreasonable situations, Sasuke had found his respect slowly growing for the boy. He could only sigh as he turned into his empty compound and rounded the corner. If only all of the plans could go this well.

Owari

This actually took me a while to do because I would get halfway through before scrapping the whole thing. I did that a few times. I'm starting to run out of ideas, so I might end this story soon with a nice ending that doesn't discontinue it. I'm still not sure if I'm going to add Shino or not.

K,bye!