I adopted this from heavenhawk

Disclaminer: I do not own Naruto or Ruronin Kenshin

"Hey, who are..." Normal talking

Kasumi/kyubbi talking

Inner thoughts

Normal thoughts

-Last Time-

-At the Hokage's Tower-

Naruto and Hinata both made their way in and were both told by the secretary to go up to Hokage's office. They knocked on the door and the Hokage told them to come in. The Hokage was sitting at his desk while an unfamiliar man to Hinata was looking out the windows of the office. Naruto instantly recognized the man but stuttered out, "Kenshin-san?"

The recognized man turned around. He looked the same as he left except for a curious cross-shaped scar on his face. "Well, it has been a long time, hasn't it Naruto?"

Ch. 9

Family and Chunnin Exams

Kenshin walked over to Naruto and gave him a quick look before ruffling his hair. "Well, it seems that you have grown up quite a lot, Naruto." Naruto responded, "And you still look the same when you left 3 years ago. What brings you back to Konoha?"

"Well, I have decided to fully train you in the style of Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū. And, also to tell you of your heritage." Naruto's eyes widened at what Kenshin had said and started to tremble. He knew how powerful the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu, having seen it several times when they had been attacked by bandits and missing ninja while traveling the lands. All his opponents had been finished in one move and Naruto had always pestered Kenshin to teach it to him while he was receiving sword training. He distinctly remember one day when his question got a different answer.

-Flashback-

"Kenshin, please teach me the style of Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu." Naruto whined while they were going through basic strikes with swords.

Kenshin rubbed his eyes and quickly pulled out his sword. "Defend yourself, Naruto" Naruto could barely react before his sword was knocked out of his hand and he fell to the ground, with Kenshin's blade at his throat. "Now, I am going to tell you once on why I will not teach you the Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu." He pulled his blade back and Naruto sat up, clearly shaken at what had just happened. "Naruto, what is a sword?"

Naruto was confused at the question. "Isn't a sword a weapon?"

"Alright, then. What does a weapon do, then?"

Naruto said apprehensively. "A weapon is used to kill."

"That's right, Naruto. A sword is a weapon. Swordmanship is a method of killing. When directed at someone, one person will come up the winner and the other dead. I do not like to kill, but I do it to protect the people that are close to me. The Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu is a something I feel you do not need in your young life. I will teach you swordsmanship but I will not teach you Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu unless the need arises. Understand?"

"Hai, Kenshin." Naruto had absorbed the lecture and kept it in his mind.

"Now, let's continue our training, shall we?"

-End Flashback-

"Why have you decided to teach it to me now, Kenshin?"

"I believe it is time for a new student and you are the only person I choose to teach it to. And with that aside, I will now inform you of your heritage. But seeing it is an S Class secret of the village, I think Hinata should leave the room."

Naruto shook his head. "Hinata-chan is my closest friend. I think what is said will not be spread around."

"Alright, then." Kenshin pulled out a picture from off the desk off of the Hokage's desk and it had the picture of the Fourth Hokage. "Who is this person?"

Hinata spoke up. "That is the Fourth Hokage of Konoha."

"Correct. Now, what are his accomplishments?"

Naruto spoke this time. "He helped in numerous battles in the Second Shinobi War with his Hirashin (Flying Thunder God Technique), and he sealed the nine-tailed fox."

"Wait a second, Naruto-kun. What do you mean by sealed? Everyone knows that he killed the nine-tailed fox."

Naruto sighed and took a deep breath. "What they taught at the Academy was wrong. The nine-tailed fox has too much charka to be killed. So the only way to defeat it was by sealing it."

"That means the fox was sealed away into some sort of object, right?"

Naruto tried to say that the nine-tailed fox was sealed in him but nothing came out. The Hokage saw his dilemma and cut in. "Hinata, the nine-tailed fox charka was too great to be sealed into an object for it would eventually break from it confinement and wreak havoc on the world again. It would have to be sealed into a human being to ensure its confinement but not just any human being, it had to be a newly born baby."

"Well. Why not an adult shinobi? They would be able to use the charka from the nine-tailed fox, wouldn't they?"

"The charka coils of an adult are already developed to a point if the immense charka of the nine-tailed fox was exposed to them, they would probably die due to the sheer amount of charka that would be released into their coils."

Naruto was trying to speak during this explanation and was having an internal battle with himself and Kyubbi.

"I am telling you Naruto. She won't push you away even if she knew that you had me sealed in you," Kyubbi insisted for the hundredth time.

"I know, Kyubbi. But I don't want to tell her."

Kyubbi sighed. "Fine, Naruto, be that way. If you don't tell her, someone else may tell her and give her a story that is entirely different from you would tell and that could push her away." She drifted away and Naruto came back from his small trip to hear the Hokage say something about a newborn being sealed with the nine-tailed fox.

"- and that is what happened. The Fourth sealed the nine-tailed fox into a baby and that baby lives today."

Hinata spoke out. "But Hokage-sama, something as dangerous as that should be watched at all moments. We don't know if the seal is weakening or possibly even breaking right now. The nine-tailed fox could have even taken over the mind of this person." Hinata continued on with several more reason while Naruto felt his spirit slowly falling down with each reason Hinata provided. Hinata noticed Naruto's falling demeanor and asked, "Is something wrong, Naruto-kun?"

Kenshin and the Hokage watched carefully to see how things would develop and wonder if Naruto would say he was the baby and how Hinata would react.

Naruto looked up at Hinata and said, "I am the baby that was sealed."

Hinata's eyes widened in shock and fear and backed away from Naruto. Naruto could only watch with sadness at Hinata's reaction but he continued. "The Fourth sealed the nine-tailed fox into me. I don't his reasons or his motives other than the fact that I was chosen. I did not choose to do this but I will accept it as I can do nothing about it now. You can tell that the nine-tailed fox has not done any of the things you have stated before but nothing changes what it did 16 years ago. I know that villagers talk behind my back and shinobi and villagers alike would like to see me dead. But, Hinata, what will you do?"

Hinata could only look at Naruto before rushing out of the office without looking back. Naruto looked at her sadly and felt something happen within himself before turning back to Kenshin and the Hokage.

"Naruto, she just needs time to sort her thoughts out. Give her some time," said Kenshin. Naruto just nodded his head turned back toward Kenshin. "So, do you know who my mother and father were?"

"Uzumaki Kushina. That was your mother's name. I believe she came from the Whirlpool Country. Unfortunately, she died during childbirth due to a lot of stress." The Hokage pulled out a picture from one of his pockets in his robe. "Here a picture of her."

Naruto took the picture sluggishly and in it was a woman with red hair. "May I keep this?" The Hokage nodded his consent and Naruto stowed it in one of his pockets. "Well, who was my father?"

"I think all will make sense if I give you this." Kenshin handed Naruto a framed picture of the Fourth Hokage. Naruto stared at the picture for several seconds before his eyes widened. "You mean my father, Namikaze Minato, the Fourth Hokage is my father?"

Kenshin and the Hokage both nodded their heads. Naruto placed the picture on the Hokage's desk and turned to leave the room.

"Naruto, where are you going?" asked the Hokage. Naruto just looked back with saddened eyes and continued walking, leaving the office with a quiet click of the door. The Hokage looked at Kenshin. "Will Naruto be okay?"

Kenshin looked out the window. "The boy is strong and rarely shows his emotions. But, this may prove too much for him to handle at once. I think he will let down his mask down and he is going to be an emotional wreck. I don't know whether this will change him but I am going to watch him so he doesn't do anything drastic." Kenshin opened the window and jumped out, disappearing in the air.

The Hokage took out his pipe and lit it and puffed several clouds of smoke. I can only wonder how Naruto will come out of this.

-Nighttime on the Hokage Monument-

Naruto was absentmindly playing his flute, staring out at the lights and sounds of the village. Kenshin appeared behind and sat down. "It seems you have improved on your skill with the flute, Naruto."

Naruto stopped playing. "What do you want, Kenshin? I don't fell like talking right now?"

"And moping around, trying to avoid people will be any better? Tell me, Naruto, what is going on in your mind right now?"

Naruto stood and spread his arms. "My father, Namikaze Minato, the Fourth Hokage …why? Why me of all people to seal Kyubbi in me? I understand that how could he sacrifice someone else child if he couldn't even sacrifice his own son, but is this how it wanted to be? To be hated for something out of my control? To be hunted down by people that curse your very existence and want me dead because of it? I am surprised myself that I haven't cracked and tried to kill everyone who even looked at me funny but that's not what hurts the most. The look of fear on Hinata's face back in the office hurt more than the anger-filled eyes and hatred-filled voices."

Kenshin put an arm on Naruto's shoulder. "If you were not the one who wasn't sealed with Kyubbi, who would it be then? Sasuke? Sakura? Hinata? I understand that you have to carry a great burden but if given the choice, would you make someone else take on the burden of holding Kyubbi?" Naruto shook his head in response. "Then you understand what it means to be a Jinchuuriki."

"What are you talking about, Kenshin?" Naruto queried.

"Power of Human Sacrifice. It is your own power that helps to keep the Kyubbi in her jail. I understand that Kyubbi has no ill will against humankind but everyone else in the world doesn't know that. Your father understood what he was sacrificing for himself and you, but he hoped that people would be able to see pass the fact you were sealed with Kyubbi but probably deep down inside he knew they would shun and harm you. But it's up to you to choose what you want to do with your powers, to protect the people who shun and fear you or to bring about their ruin and cause death."

Naruto took a deep breath. "I want to protect all those precious to me, but if it means protecting the people that hate me, so be it then even if they don't want my protection."

Kenshin stood up and dusted himself off. "Come on, let's go to your apartment and get some sleep."

-Meanwhile at the Hyuuga Manor-

Hinata was lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling, tears stains streaked across her face. She had said many things about keeping the container of the nine-tailed fox under watch at all times and making sure that person wasn't allowed to do anything dangerous without even realizing that she was talking about Naruto the entire time. She heard a knock on the door and she turned away. "Go away. I don't want to talk right now."

The door opened and Hiashi walked in. "Well, daughter. Maybe I want to talk with you." He sat down on her bed. "What's wrong, Hinata?"

"I don't want to talk about, father." Hinata barely whispered.

"Does this involve something with Naruto?" Hiashi questioned. Hinata visibly stiffened and Hiashi knew he hit the nail right on the head. "What happened with Naruto?"

Hinata gave a sigh and started in a weak voice. "Today, I learned that Naruto has the nine-tailed fox sealed within him."

Hiashi's eyes widened and asked with a harsh tone. "Who told you this sort of information?"

Hinata flinched under his voice and squeaked. "Naruto told me."

Damn. I did it again. "Naruto told you. Hmm….." Hiashi thought for a bit before asking another question. "How did you react?"

Tears started to form on the edge of her eyes. "Before Naruto told, I was saying thing to keep the person who was sealed with the nine-tailed fox under control and under watched or even imprisoned so they wouldn't be able to do anything. I did this without even realizing it was Naruto who I was talking about. Naruto probably hates me now."

Hiashi put a comforting hand on Hinata. "Hinata, you are strong and beautiful just like your mother was. Don't let this crush your spirit. Go to Naruto and apologize to him. He is understanding and will forgive you. But for now, you need to rest." Hiashi poked a pressure point on Hinata's neck and he slowly drifted off to sleep. Haishi walked out of the room and gave a one last look at Hinata with a small smile on his face.

-The Next Morning-

Naruto woke and looked at the time. "CRAP!! I'M LATE!!" He leapt out of his bed and quickly threw on his clothes along with his mask. He went into the kitchen and saw Kenshin was enjoying a nice pot of tea. "Thanks for waking me up, Kenshin."

Kenshin smiled serenely back "You're welcome."

"Gah, Kenshin!!" Naruto dashed out the floor to try to be there before Kakashi got to the bridge for their team meeting. Naruto rushed to the bridge and when he got there, he sighed in relief that he had gotten to the bridge before Kakashi had gotten there.

"Wow, Naruto, you are really late." Sakura stated. They waited for about another thirty minuets before Kakashi appeared in front of them. "Since you all are here, today we don't have a mission. Instead, I am going to give you these." He handed a slip to each of them. "I have recommended you guys to participate in the upcoming Chunnin exam that is happening in out village this year. Sign them and meet at the Academy at 9:00 clock tomorrow at Room 301 if you would like to participate. See you all later, then." Kakashi shushined away and left the three genin to their own thoughts and they all parted in their own directions.

Naruto walked over to a training ground and saw that Hinata was training by herself. She was slowly moving her hands in her own style. Her eyes were closed and Naruto was entranced by the way she was moving before he realized he didn't really want to talk with Hinata at the moment. He proceeded to go away but stepped on a branch and the cracking of the branch alerted Hinata, who eyes snapped and instantly activated her Byakugan. "Who's there?"

Naruto walked out of the trees and stepped out. "Hey, Hinata."

Hinata looked away and a full minute of an awkward silence before Hinata spoke up. "I'm sorry, Naruto."

Naruto looked up and quickly responded. "It's not your fault, Hinata. You didn't know and you reacted to your emotions." A look of sadness appeared on Naruto's face. "My only question now is, what do you see me as?"

Hinata went up to him and stood in front of him. "Where is the seal?" Naruto lifted his shirt and pumped a little charka to reveal the seal on his stomach. Hinata touched the seal with her hands and Naruto moved slightly from feeling Hinata's soft hands on his own skin. "Does it hurt, Naruto?"

"No, it doesn't. Kyubbi is actually much nicer than everyone thinks. She is as kind and as compassionate as you, Hinata. Maybe someday, I will be able to take you to go talk to her." He pulled down his shirt. "You are the best friend I person could ever had. Wanna go get some lunch?" He offered her his hand which she readily took. Infuriately, being in such close contact with Naruto made her light-headed and she tripped over her own feet, causing her to fall over on Naruto and being in the same position as in the Land of Waves, lucky for both, it would end up differently. Hinata moved her hand up and grasped the fabric of Naruto's mask and pulled down. She was spellbound by his face and slowly moved her face forward until their lips were mere centimeters apart. Hinata could feel Naruto's breath and his heart beating furiously in his chest and she pressed her lips up against his. Naruto couldn't explain what had come over himself and Hinata but she couldn't deny that he was enjoying it, though.

Inside Naruto's mind, Kyubbi was doing sort of a victory dance seeing Naruto finally kissing Hinata. About time, damn it. After years of seeing each being best friends being oblivious to each other own feelings.

Hinata and Naruto parted lips and they laid is spot without moving for several moments before Hinata got off of Naruto and started to go into panic and shy mode. "U-Uh, I-I'm s-s-sorry, N-Naruto-k-kun. I-I got c-caught in the m-m-moment and-"

She stopped when she felt a finger on her lips. "Don't worry too much, Hinata-chan. I enjoyed it, too. Now how about we get some lunch?" Hinata wrapped her hand around his, leaned on him and whispered to herself "I love you, Naruto."

"What was that, Hinata?" Naruto asked looking down at her.

"Nothing, Naruto. Just nothing."