Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. Of course.
Next morning Aerth's woken up around six and decided he should find some place to train. He didn't know what kind of test he will be put in, but it still is better to train just for case than doing nothing. Not mention he wasn't sure how time traveling affected him. He'd put his mask and overcoat and used The Maze to do searching unnoticed. After hour he'd found good clearing in forest. He's made some shadow clones and starts throwing his new kunais and shuriken, good aim is always appreciated. Besides it will shorten practice time in future when he will buy crossbow. After this he takes time to train his jyuuken moves (even not being Hyuuga and lacking byakugan he can use some techniques). Then finally he'd released both swords and tries to starts developing dual wielding fighting style. Unfortunately, Hauteclaire is bastard sword and using him in the same time as Vigilante was impossible. So Aerth gives up and reverse both blades into sais form. Around noon he'd decided that it's time to eat something, so he go to Ichiraku. As expected, Naruto was already there.
"Hello Naruto, how's morning?".
Blonde boy send him large smile.
"Hello. Better than usual. I have place to eat and peoples still give me a looks but at least stop throwing rocks at me. Even I'm still lonely."
Aerth's ordered miso ramen and though what to do with Naruto's problem. The only solution for now seems to convince Hiashi to lets Hinata play with him.
"Well, I can't help now, but later I will talk to Hyuuga Hiashi. Maybe I can take Hinata to park and then we will come for you, so you two can play."
Naruto's face brighten.
"Really? That would be awesome".
Both eat in silence and after finishing his bowl Aerth talk a litlle with still eating Naruto. After hour Aerth's paid and prepares to leave.
"So see you later Naruto."
In the same time Hyuuga branch member had entered ramen bar and approached him.
"Sir, Hyuuga Hiashi wish to speak with you. He is waiting in his study"
"Very well, I will be in compound soon. Thanks for delivering message."
Aerth decided that keeping Hyuuga head waiting isn't good idea so used The Maze to get there quickly. He has enough good manners to appear in front of study door and not already inside. With knock and after hearing permission he entered.
"You wish to see me Hiashi-sama?"
Hyuuga clan head nodded and takes envelope and small wallet that was lying on his desk.
"Yes, there was Council meeting today and was decided that you will be permitted to take Jonin exam. It will be held for you in next week. It will be two part exam: written test and field test". He gives envelope and wallet to Aerth. "This is special permission for using village library if you need to study before written part. In wallet is something around six thousands ryu. Consider it as payment for your service to my clan."
"Hiashi-sama, I can't take this money. You already paid me by allowing to live here even if I'm not the part of clan.".
Hiashi put his hand of Aerth's shoulder.
"Don't be ridiculous. This room isn't anything special and no one used it for some years. Bringing my wife back definitely must be better rewarded. If you refuse I will feel insulted". "About not being part of the clan I will talk with you after exam."
Aerth sighed.
"Thank you, Hiashi-sama. I have one questions: is Hinata free today?"
Hiashi rised an eyebrow.
"I will have training session with her later, but she should be free around five p.m. why you ask?"
"I though about taking her to park later. I ran into Naruto today and boy is lonely. I think he and Hinata will be glad to play again. I will watch over them so nothing will happen"
Hiashi considered this. He know who Naruto is and he know what may happen if his daughter will be see with him in public. But they play with each other yesterday and nothing bad happened. And civilians was fools."
"I give you my permission, as long as she will be back safely before nine. Should I give you someone to escort"
"Of course, Hiashi-sama, she will be home on time. As for escort it isn't necessary. Is there anything else?"
"No, you can go."
Aerth's left the study and decided it is good moment to talk with Pacman.
"Yellow ball, are you there?"
"Is there any other place I should be?"
"Well, probably not. Anyway, what do you think: should I use this library or not?"
"If you are asking if I can magically give you needed knowledge then my answer is I can't, so better go to this library already."
"Annoying, you are god, doesn't you supposed to know everything?"
"Well, even gods must learn. We do it much faster than humans but still. And I never studied anything about ninja."
"Great. There are still plenty of time before I can take Hinata so I can go study for now."
There was no problem to reach library and after showing permission from Hokage he was free to use any book he wants. Being from world when shinobi like this never exists he has really big gap in knowledge to feel. And only one week. So he made five shadow clones and starts painful studying.
Hyuuga compound, around five p.m
Hinata land on ground again. This time Hiashi bring her down with five hit combo. She managed to block two first strikes, but not next three. When she starts to stand up again, her father deactivates his blood line limit and called training off.
"That's enough for today, daughter. I see slightly progress, not that much I expected, but still. Now go change clothes, Aerth will go to park and you will play with Naruto."
Girl suddenly feel much happier. She'd bowed.
"Thank you, father."
As she'd left, Hiashi can't help but wonder what's wrong. Hinata really improved, this he was sure. But for now she should be much stronger. He starts too worry – now Hinata is heiress, but there is Hanabi. If his younger daughter happened to be stronger he will be forced to put seal on Hinata. There still is possibility to arrange suitable marriage, but there is still time. He thinks about his long gone friend, Namikaze Minato. If only Yondaime has a son then things will be much easier now. But there is still some years before Hinata and Hanabi will spare for title of clan heiress. He leaves the dojo and goes to his wife.
Aerth's appeared after few minutes. Before he return to Hyuuga compound he went for Naruto and left boy in front of gate. There was guards, so nothing will happen. In a way to Hannah's room, where he expects to find Hinata, he ran into person he really want to see.
"Hello, Yukiko. I'm sure we didn't have the chance to see each other today yet."
Hyuuga woman send him one of her cute smile. Today she was less pale, some colours can be seen on her. "Yestarday she probably has make up."
"Yes, it is first time. Nice to see you again."
There was two reasons he want to see her. First, obvious, was that he was attracted to her. Second – he really need new clothes.
"Say, did your offer to go but clothes with me are still valid? If yes then what about tomorrow around two p.m?"
"Yes, it is valid. I must ask Hannah-sama if I will be free tomorrow but otherwise it is fine with me."
"That's great. So see you tomorrow Yuki-chan."
As he left, Yuki slightly blushed. "He called me chan. This is good sign I guess. Maybe Hannah-sama was right."
The evening brings no surprises. Hinata and Naruto've played with each other without interruptions. Villagers wasn't happy seeing Hyuuga heiress with "Demon brat", but they couldn't do anything about it. Next day Aerth go with Yukiko to buy some clothes (he really can't wears the same his whole life) and even flirts lightly with her. The rest of week was particulary the same for him: wake up, go to library, do some training, return to compound, sleep, repeat. On occasion he ran into Yuki and they enjoyed the little time they usually have. It wasn't long before rumours about their romance spreads and brought attention of her father. He naturally know what Aerth'd done, but still want to test his abilities in combat. He refused to give his daughter to someone who can't protect her. So he'd gone to Hiashi and after long talk and visits in Hokage's office idea come to life. For whole week was some incidents involving Naruto. He was attacked by some men. Every time Aerth's appeared on time and attackers have ended in hospital in critical condition. When words about this spread through village citizens start to talk about wraith that is protecting Demon child. So, even without being ninja yet he had already made name for himself: Konoha's Wraith. The source of nickname was naturally his mask and ability to appear and disappear without trace and performing any jutsu, exactly like wraiths from legends. On the last night before exam Aerth decided to sit on top of Hokage's monument. He observed Konoha.
"Tommorow big day. If everything went fine we will became one of the Leaf's shinobi. And we've been supposed to stay low, huh?"
"Yeah, looks like not everything go with plan. Well, to be honest almost nothing went as planned. But look on bright side – you've found a girlfriend."
"She isn't my girlfriend and you perfectly know it. Even if almost whole clan knows different."
"Aw, don't be annoying. You likes her, she likes you. Doesn't deny it. You only need to ask her out and that's all."
"Ha, this maybe works in my world and with common people. But she is from very traditional clan so I probably need to ask her father for permission to dating her. And I've never saw him."
"Well, why not ask Hiashi about him? You remember your promise, right? You're going to became Jonin tomorrow and after end of exam you are going to find her and ask her out. After this you can worry about her father. Of course I always can misjudge you. Maybe you are masochist and you want this nightmares."
"Yeah, yeah, I remember. I'm going to ask her out, but can't help and not worry. Well I can't do anything about it now. Tomorrow we will see. The written part is on ten a.m."
"You are ok about protecting this people? You know their thoughts about Naruto and about us."
"It can't be helped. We both know that there are plenty of good peoples, no point in punishing them because of some idiots. Besides I really like our nickname."
He has return to his room after another two hours.
Next day he wandered around Hyuuga compound. He's wake up early so there was some time before he is expected in academy to take his test. He hoped that he will meet Yukiko, but she were nowhere to be found. This sadden him but he told himself that he will find her later.
At ten o'clock a.m he appeared in academy. Proctor of this part was already waiting. After polite greetings Aerth takes his test and starts writing. He has two hours to complete, but he managed to do it in one hour (this whole time in library really kicked in). After checking the answers proctor confirmed that Aerth has passed. He give him confirmation.
"Go with it to Hokage, he will told you what your field test will be. Good luck"
Aerth want this all over as soon as possible. With access to The Maze he appear in Hokage office after few seconds. He handed sheet of paper to Sarutobi.
"Hokage-sama, this confirm that I pass written part."
Sarutobi checked the paper and nodded.
"Everything looks fine, so there time for field test. We prepared simulation of kidnapping Daymio's daughter. Because this is simulation and all your enemies are Leaf-nins then you can't use lethal force, they wouldn't use it either. Somewhere in village is man that have information where hostage was taken. Data about this man is in yellow folder. You must find him, extract required information and then find and rescue hostage. If she will be free in moment the exam time expired then you pass. You has two hours counting from now. That's all.". Sarutobi smiled. "Hyuuga Hiashi seems to have great faith in you."
Aerth quickly scaned all data from folder.
"I will try not to disappoint him." With that he disappeared.
Aerth reappeared on one of roof top.
"Lets see. I know who I should find. The only problem is where I should start. I doubt he is in public place."
He'd made a couple shadow clones and send them to search forests and training grounds. Now he must wait.
After half an hour one of the clones spotted the target. Clone quickly take kunai and sliced his palm to destroy himself. Immediately his memories return to original.
"Finally". With single hand seal he's destroyed rest of clones and goes to face his target.
Masked shinobi was bored to death. He's waiting in this place for an hour. When he starts wonder if his opponent will be good enough to find him, he spotted someone – old woman with basket. He smirked.
"I'm supposed to fall for that? Pathetic."
He thrown kunai aiming for head. By luck woman spotted something on the earth and she bends down to pick it up. So she only lost her hat, but this was enough to really scare her. She looked with wide eyes on shinobi. He froze for a moment.
"Crap, she is a civilian. I attacked her. Better apologize before someone find out about it."
He run to the woman.
"I'm really sorry, it is big misunderstanding."
Woman has grinned at him.
"No, it isn't."
Before he could respond something hit him from behind and he falls unconscious.
He woke up as soon as something cold and wet reach his face. He openes eyes to see man with white skulllike mask, green polar jacket and brown overcoat. He smiled beneath his leather mask even if he was tied up.
"So that was you after all. You got me."
Aerth's frowned.
"That was my clone. I figured out that you aren't stupid enough to fall for simple henge, but this would work if I convince you that you attacked a civilian. Looks like I was right. But enough talking – you has information that I needs so you has one chance to share them on free will."
Shinobi laughs.
"Yeah, I sure could. But I see no reason to telling you anything. What are you do now – kills me?"
Aerth smirked.
"Believe me, I can get this information without lying a single finger on you."
Aerth's starts praying, asking his god for support. His prisoner has no idea whats going on, but suddenly something changed: fire appeared on Aerth's shoulders. This alone was scary, but nothing in compare to what happens when they eyes meet. Shinobi suddenly has a terrible vision. Konoha was burning, fire was everywhere and peoples was dying on the streets. He witnessed horrible death of his whole family and friends. That was much more than he can endure. Shinobi starts crying and pleaded to stop.
"Training arena twenty. There is dojo, she is inside. Now stop it, I beg you."
Aerth immediately dispels the miracle. He fell pity for his prisoner, if there was more time he will find another way to extract information. But he has only one hour and fifteen minutes left.
"Thank you, sorry for this.". He renders prisoner unconscious before entering The Maze again.
Training ground twenty was forest arena with clearing occupied by dojo building. Aerth's observing entrance to the dojo from his sanctuary.
"Too quiet. So there obviously is trap set."
"Of course. But you should fall for it. Better clear escape rout now. You know you can't use The Maze with her, you are only one that can enter it."
"Can you sense them? Maybe we can take them down one by one."
"I can. There are twenty ninjas, all on high chuunin level. They are in group of two men."
Aerth nodded. This shouldn't be that hard. But still it will take ten minutes to take them down.
Ten minutes later.
Aerth appears in front of entrance to dojo. He know it all was too easy, so probably there is at least one Jounin level opponent inside. He has still one hour, not too much. He sigh. "So much annoying."
He cautiously entered the dojo. On other side of large hall was medium sized cage. Inside it was Yukiko, tied up and gagged but otherwise fine.
"No wonder I couldn't found her earlier. They probably wants to test my concentration so choose her to play hostage. Now it is really annoying."
"I'm surprised you went so far. It doesn't matter, you will no go past me. I have keys to this cage, so you must defeat me first."
Aerth looks in direction of voice. There was another masked man with katana in hands. His face was covered and he has sunglasses so Aerth can't see his eyes as well.
"You're ringleader I assume. Well, I have no doubts you are much stronger than this poor idiots I defeated earlier. Lets end this now."
Aerth took few steps, eyes locked on his opponent. Suddenly he triggers some thick wire and barrage on kunai and shuriken fall upon him. He quickly whispered words of prayer and missiles bounced harmlessly three inches before reaching his body. That impressed his opponent.
"That was unexpected, I was prepared that he will dodge this, not simply ignore. Well, this makes things more interesting."
Masked shinobi assaulted Aerth and was ready to strike with katana. With loud "clanck" blade meets the dagger.
"You aren't only one that like sharp objects."
"Sais, huh? Certainly not common weapon here. Lets see what you can do with them."
Aerth push his opponent away and assault of his own. He tried fast series of stabs but every strike was dodged or deflected. Masked shinobi performed some counter moves, but without effect. There was no time for any jutsu, both opponents was to close to each other.
They tried everything. Kicks, punches, slashes, stabs, but they seemed evenly matched. Every time one of them have upper hand his opponent finds a way to escape. They don't remember fighting on this level before. This fight will not end soon and both of them knows it perfectly.
"Kid, as entertaining this fight is you has time limit. Only ten minutes left."
"I know it, but he is on completely different level. He really knows how to fight, I even can't enter The Maze because of this fight's speed."
"Our mission is to rescue hostage, not defeat everyone on the way. So steal keys and take her out of here."
"Any idea how do this? If this keys was in his pocket then I will find way to distract him. But he has it attach to belt and this makes things difficult. Well, if he can stop for a second..."
And in this moment it hit him. There is a way to stops his opponent for a mere second. He jump away from his opponent. As expected, shinobi go after him. And this is what he nedded. Words of prayer filled the room. Shinobi smirked, this was good fight, but looks like it is over. He was ready to stab him with katana, when suddenly his whole body froze, just bare inch outside his weapon reach. Aerth took his chance, snaps keys from belt and with kick send his opponent flying into wall. He perform hand sign and five clones come to existence. They should keep this shinobi busy long enough. He quickly ran to cage and opened the door. He takes Yuki bridal style and performs shunshin. Only what left was swirling leaves. As expected, clones was easily dispatched, but give enough time. After smoke cleared the only one standing in dojo was masked shinobi. He put katana in holster and smiled.
"What an interested man. He definitely is worth her." Without ceremony he left.
They reappeared in the forest. Aerth cut off ropes and remove gag. He was panting, but it doesn't matter. There is no more enemies and no way someone can catch them in remaining time. Despite his tiredness he'd taken down mask and smiled.
"You're all right Yuki-chan? I will never think that they may use you for this."
She returned smile.
"It's ok, I'm fine. Its not that they force me into it, I have a choice. I really want to see you becoming jounin". "That and for the feeling of being rescued by you."
One of Konoha's Jonin lands besides them.
"Hokage-sama sends his congratulations of passing test. He want you to come tomorrow morning so he will give you hitai-ate and vest."
"I understand."
Shinobi disappeared. Aerth regain his composture and looked into Yuki eyes.
"You know, I was looking for you earlier."
She looked surprised.
"Oh, any particular reason?"
Aerth slightly blushed.
"Yeah, I was wondering – want to eat dinner tonight? With me?"
Now she blushed as well.
"Are you asking me out? Like for a date?"
"Well, yeah, exactly that."
She nodded happily.
"Yes, I will go out with you." Then she saddened. "But you still must ask my father for permission to dating me".
"And who I am to deny my daughter some happiness in life?"
Aerth and Yuki turn in direction of new voice. For Aerth it sounds familiar.
There stood shinobi who was in dojo. But know he lacked leather mask covering face and sunglasses. He definitely was a Hyuuga, even if not the Byakugan then his aura of noble and dignity will tell about his origin. His eyes looked on Aerth.
"My name is Hyuuga Hiroshi, and you're Aerth as I was told. You gave me a really good fight, I didn't expected it. Hiashi-sama told me something about you, but he can't answer any questions about your fighting skills. So I wants to test you and this was really good opportunity. If someone wants courting my daughter then he must be extraordinary fighter so he can properly protect her. You definitely meet my standards so I gives you my blessings to seeing her.". After this his face darkened.
"But hurt her even once in any way and I will hunt you down. Remember this."
Aerth slightly bowed.
"Thank you for your permission Hiroshi-sama. I promise I never hurt your daughter in any way." "Being hunted is too annoying"
Yuki's father nod.
"I believe you. Now I must report to Hokage, so I ask you to walk Yukiko home. Then go meet with Hiashi-sama, he wants see you. "
"I will. I wish you good day, Hiroshi-sama".
With that Aerth and Yukiko starts walking to Hyuuga compound with Hiroshi heading towards Hokage tower.
.
