Chapter 10
Return to the Leaf village
Only an hour later the sun had come up over the horizon of the mountains. Everyone that was on the mission didn't go to the cloud village entirely, but waited just outside the gate for Naruto. Above all of them was Hinata, who was the most worried. As soon as early morning, a rustle came through the trees and bushes. Everyone looked in the direction, in hope that it was Naruot. Indeed, it was. Naruto came out of the bushes panting heavily and smiling that big fox smile of his. His jacket and shirt were gone from his body, and he was missing a sandal. The only thing that really stayed together, was Naruto's headband. At the sight of him, everyone at the gate jumped and cheered that he had arrived. Naruto, summoning the last little bit of his strength he had, ran towards everyone at the gate, holding the Dragon Scroll in his hand high above his head for all to see. The sight of the scroll caused an even bigger cheer and almost everyone ran to Naruto to congratulate him. The first to reach Naruto was Hinata, who was crying her heart out that Naruto was safe and sound. Everyone then crowded the two of them in their embrace.
"Hey guys! Give us some room here!" said Naruto over the cheers. Ignoring him, the crowd continued to make a lot of noise and cheer for Naruto. Everyone on the mission was glad that everyone survived, and that there were not casualties. Twenty minutes later, Naruto and Hinata Presented themselves to the Raikage once again, kneeling in place before his throne.
"Lord Raikage, we have completed the mission assigned to us. The Sacred Scroll of Dragons has been recovered in mint condition and returned for your eyes to see." said Naruto. He pulled the scroll out of his pants pocket and held it to the Raikage as if he was offering it to him. The Raikgae got down from his throne and met up with Naruto. He outstretched a hand as Naruto gave the scroll to him. The Raikage looked at the scroll to mkae sure a fake wasn't replaced with the original. After the inspection, the Raikage looked to Naruto and Hinata and smiled mildly at both of them.
"Very good. Stand up." he said. Naruto and Hinata followed his orders. The Raikage put a hand on both of their shoulders and smiled a little bit greater. "You're both very strong to have taken this mission and succeeded. I'm glad that this battle is over and won. You may leave for your village whenever you're ready. Thank you... leaf shinobi." he said. Naruto and Hinata both nodded and left the Raikage in his throne room as they headed back to their rooms. It didn't take long for them to pack up and leave, but they decided to clean up and shower first before leaving. Naruto, being the gentlemen he was, went first so that Hinata could have some privacy. Then, after her, Naruto changed and they began to head back to the Hidden Leaf Village. As they continued walking, Naruto began to talk.
"Hinata... about uh well... I was wondering..." said Naruto scratching his cheek and looking away. Hinata looked at him with a small blush.
"Y-Yes?" asked Hinata. Naruto was silent for a second and then spoke.
"Well... um I was thinking... we've been through a lot in the past few days and... well, I think we've become much closer..." said Naruto. Hinata could feel her heart race as she listened to Naruto's words. "The thing is... I'm glad I'm friends with you Hinata... but, I… do you wanna... um..." said Naruto. He decided he would just come out and say it. "I like you Hinata! And I-I wanna be with you as more than just a friend!" said Naruto blushing furiously. Hinata was speechless as Naruto confessed his feelings for her.
"W-What!" askled Hinata. Naruto nodded and looked down a little bit. "Y-Yes... Yes!" said Hinata cheerfully as she tackled Naruto in a fully body hug. Naruto was shocked by her willingness to be with him, but it made him really happy. After the hug, Naruto and Hinata smiled at each other in silence for a while as they held each other's hands. Naruto started to lean in for a kiss, but Hinata pulled away.
"I-I'm sorry..." said Naruto. Hinata shook her head.
"N-No! It's not your fault... it's just... well, I've never kissed a boy before; or anyone for that matter." said Hinata. Naruto smiled and laced his fingers with hers and started down the road.
"Okay then, we'll take it slow." said Naruto. Hinata hugged Naruto tight and blushed.
"Th-Thanks..." said Hinata. Naruto and Hinata continued down the road, hand in hand, back to the Leaf village.
Dun Duuuuuun! There it is! My first fanfic finished and done! It was a long and difficult road trying to write all of this, but it came together nicely! You all have been such great "fans" of my story and I thank you all! I would esspecially like to thank GODHAND Gene for the horrible review you gave me! Your words opened my eyes to the possibilities that I can do for the characters! I'll try and make good use of your adivce and try to apply it to my writing! If you are still not satisfied, then shoot me another review with a return adress so that I may be able to contact you again! Thanks a lot for your harsh words, and I hope they help me later on in my road to becoming a real author one day! Again, Thank you all for sticking with this story until the very end! (Now all I gotta do is start working on the sequal! XD)