Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Naruto would have spoken to Hinata after she almost died trying to save his life!
Author's note: Hello everyone! I know it's been a while since I last updated but I had some personal things to take care of that held up this update. I hope you enjoy it and as always, please continue to review!
Fuyutaro son: Kushina wouldn't complain about the orange, she had the same obsession with the color that naruto did (Tsunade and jiraiya says so in one of the chapters, and every picture with her in it, except for the ones during the kyuubi attack and after she gave birth, shows her wearing orange of varying shades)
Edaar: The whole clothing thing isn't really about Kushina disliking the jumpsuit or the color orange but more of her maternal instinct screaming that it's a giant bull-eye on her son. I'd say we can put more blame on Tsunade and Shizune for the color scheme than Kushina at this point ;)
froger495: have you picked witch summon he is going to have?if not i vote for foxes,dragons,and or phoenix's
Edaar: I have not yet decided on what summons Naruto is going to get but I'm always willing to consider off-the-wall creatures so if you or anyone else has a particular summoned animal they think would be great to see in the story let me know and I might put them in there! On an off note I can tell you the toads are going to make a major push for him to sign their contract in the near future, particularly considering their history with his father and Jiraiya.
the DragonBard: Why does no one see the benefits of the orange jumpsuit?
Have him keep it, but use it for stealth training! First, they have him try and hide wearing it, and then once he's good enough, they either put bells on it, or seals that immitate the effect of covering it with bells. It's the same idea as putting weights on to increase strength or speed. You're giving them a handicap that they must overcome, thus they are (supposedly) better without it.
Edaar: Hmmmm, very interesting idea *grins evilly*
As for Naruto's chakra control, that's a subject I'm ambivalent about. Remember, he mastered tree climbing as fast as (if not faster) than Sasuke, but they still claim his chakra control was inferior. That's never been really explained.
Edaar: I agree with on that although I tend to think that the root of Naruto's chakra control problems stem more from his age than the amount of chakra. A normal shinobi would learn the chakra control exercises as their chakra pool increased granting them increased control as the amount of chakra in their reserves grows. In Naruto's case we have a boy who had Jonin reserves when he was 12 (Kakashi says he might have more chakra than he does in the wave mission) but never learned anything but the basic academy chakra exercises designed for people with a lot less chakra. So I think Naruto's control wasn't the issue as much as he needed proper training to control the amount of chakra he had. Kind of like having a fire hose vs a garden hose of chakra. Naruto simply didn't have the knowledge or training to control the amount he was releasing rather than it being some innate issue.
Chapter 9: School can be fun?
Kushina was in the rose garden of the Namikaze manor. The roses were in full bloom, their petals flush with varying shades of deep reds and flawless whites. Their scent laced the air with an intoxicating fragrance which seemed to spread throughout the entire manor that time of year. She wasn't sure what had brought her here but sitting on the old granite bench was a young man she knew without ever having to see his face.
His hair was a deep blonde that hung loosely and untamed over his forehead protector. He sat with a relaxed posture but she knew every muscle in his body was ready to spring at the first sign of trouble. She knew every muscle on his well defined body, her hands had touched them, caressed them, and loved them.
She took the first step toward to the bench and the man seated upon it. She felt like she was floating, her heart was pounding and her mind was focused solely on the subject before her. She knew it was a dream, she knew he wasn't real, but she couldn't help but play her part in the drama unfolding around her.
He turned and smiled at her as she approached, his smile reminded her of the morning sunrise. It was a small smile, a simple smile, but it spoke volumes filled with confidence, hope and love. His brilliant blue eyes twinkled with mischief and amusement as he watched her approach. He wore exactly what she remembered, the dark blue shirt and black pants with his green vest, he even had his white coat with red flames dancing on the bottom. She sat next to him and he wrapped an arm around her as she placed her head on his shoulder. Her deep, red hair cascading down his shoulder like a waterfall as she closed her eyes and sighed, her body relaxing, the tension leaving her shoulders and for the first time she could remember in so long, she felt at peace.
How many times had they done this? Hundreds? Thousands? Not nearly enough and every time felt like the first.
"You're just as beautiful as you always have been Kushi," Minato whispered in her ear.
"I miss you so much Minato," Kushina told her now dead husband, "I know this is a dream but I simply don't want to wake up. We do this every night, always here in the garden, always together, and every time it tears me apart having to leave you for reality. I miss you so much."
Tears began to slide down her cheeks as she struggled to hold onto that moment. Minato placed his hand on the back of her head and stroked her hair lovingly as she cried.
"Shhhhh Kushi, it's alright," he crooned to her, "I miss you too, I loved you from our time at the academy and to be separated from you is like a constant pain."
The tears coming from Kushina streamed down from her violet eyes as she tucked her feet underneath her and wrapped her arms around her deceased husband and held to him with all of her strength. Minato smiled at her and kissed her hair, his hand still stroking the cascade of red.
"You were always so strong Kushi and that hasn't changed at all. You can do this, I know you can," Minato told her as she continued to cry, her emotional walls coming down.
"But how Minato? I need you right now, Naruto needs you, why did you have to use the death reaper seal? Was there really no other way? " Kushina asked, her words muffled as she continued to cry into his green vest.
"I wish there had been another way Kushi, how I do wish that, but you know there wasn't, it was either me or the village and I couldn't let the Kyubi destroy the village I'd sworn to protect," he told her.
"What about your commitment to Naruto? To me? To our vows? I know I'm being selfish but I miss you so much and seeing how Naruto was forced to grow up alone and hated, living by himself with no one to support him, no one to hold him at night when had a nightmare, no one to help him with his homework or push him on a swing. I just wish you could have been there, I know you would have loved him so much and been such a wonderful father. Damn you, why did you have to leave!" she told him, her voice raw with emotion and the tear streamed down her face and into his vest.
Kushina began to feel herself awakening, her body knew that soon her alarm would go off and this dream would end, just like the others.
Minato placed his hand under her chin and slowly lifted her face to his, her eyes meeting his, but unlike the other times where he simply kissed her, he held her gaze.
"There is always hope for the future Kushi, and they didn't call me the greatest genius of my clan for nothing, my love. Naruto was never alone and neither were you, love, I was, and always will be there," he told her with a smile.
Kushina blinked as his words hit her, "What… what are you talking about Minato? This isn't how the dream ends…"
Minato smiled at his wife, "Good Morning Kushina."
Kushina's Room, Monday Morning
Kushina was jolted awake, her eyes wide open as the final words of her dream rung in her mind. She pulled her knees toward her chest and clutched the pillow she had unconsciously been crying into during the dream as she thought about the end of the dream.
There is always hope for the future Kushi, and they didn't call me the greatest genius of my clan for nothing my life. What was he talking about? No one ever called him a genius of the Namikaze, he was simply considered a genius of the village, his clan was all but dead, slowly dying along with their memory within the village leaving him the single hope to rebuild it. He had been forced to relearn every technique and jutsu the Namikaze had ever created from scrolls after his parents had died, he was seen more a civilian than a clan member. None it made any sense!
Naruto was never alone and neither were you, love, I was, and always will be there, but it didn't make sense. He was gone, of course Minato was gone. Kushina shook her head. It must have simply been her subconscious telling her what she needed to hear.
Kushina sat in her bed, the words ringing in her mind as she tried to shake it off. After several minutes she shook her head again. Today was Naruto's first day back at school and she needed to get up and going since she was planning on walking him to class and she wanted to look her best. But even as she slid out of the bed and made her way toward the bathroom to prepare for the day the dream never truly left her thoughts.
Naruto
Naruto woke with a spring in his step. He was finally going back to the academy! He couldn't wait to show everyone his new skills. He jumped out of his bed and rushed into the bathroom where he brushed his teeth and took a quick shower before dressing in his new gear. He took a glance in the mirror, blue pants, black shirt, fingerless black gloves and very dark orange bracers all in place. Smiling he sped out of his room and downstairs.
"Good Morning everyone!" He said as he jumped into the room and into a chair almost causing a crash into the table.
Tsunade rolled her eyes at his antics as she sipped her coffee but was inwardly pleased to see his new clothes rather than his old jumpsuit. Strangely Jiraiya had said he would take care of the jumpsuits disposal. Considering he never wanted to do menial tasks she wondered what the hell her old teammate was up too. When she asked he simply said he was just trying to be helpful.
Jiraiya grinned at his godson, "Just remember we have training right after the academy lets you out so don't be late getting home. Kakashi and I talked about and we think you're ready to start learning some of the fighting style techniques from your father's clan. But there is a condition we'll discuss later ok?"
"YAY!" Naruto said as he pumped his fist into the air, "You bet Godfather!"
No matter how times he heard Naruto call him Godfather it still brought a smile to Jiraiya, something not missed by Tsunade who had been surprised by her old teammates sentimental streak where their godchild was concerned, it was almost enough to make her forgive him for not telling her he had survived so many years ago. Almost but not quite.
Shizune was just finishing breakfast and placing the eggs, bacon, and rice on the table when Kushina appeared at the table. He red hair was braided behind her back and she was wearing black ANBU style pants with a single thick red strip running down the sides leading to the Uzumaki swirl on the main pockets by her hands. The top was a form fitting black shirt covered by a dark red sleeveless vest with the Namikaze crest on the back with sleeves that ran just above her elbows where it stopped and was replaced by fighting wraps she had begun to use on her arms and hands.
"Um, expecting trouble Kushina?" Jiraiya asked as he raised an eyebrow at her chosen clothing choice.
"Never know, I want to have a chat with the headmaster at the academy, and we can't be too careful right?" Kushina said with a too sweet smile on her face causing everyone but Naruto to begin to sweat.
The final member of the little family who would be joining them that morning made his way downstairs. Kakashi wore his usual attire and had his forehead protector slanted to cover his Sharingan eye. He yawned and waved at everyone before helping himself to some bacon and eggs. In all the time they had been living together no one had been able to see Kakashi's face behind his mask, although Shizune had decided to make it her personal mission to find out what he was hiding under that mask.
As breakfast neared its completion Kushina placed a hand on her son's shoulder, "Naruto there is something I want to discuss with you. Jiraiya, Tsunade, Kakashi, Gai, and I all talked about it and while we want you to improve and do your best we want you to treat your time in the academy as a mission."
"Huh? What do you mean mom?" Naruto asked with a puzzled look on his face.
"We don't want you to show off too much and don't use any advanced techniques we might teach you and the same goes for Jutsu's unless you are in a life and death situation. By now every nation in the world is either aware, or soon will be, that you're Minato's son and they will be watching you to determine how strong you are. I want you to hold back so when you graduate and become a genin they won't know what hits them!"
Naruto looked down for a moment, he had really REALLY wanted to show off to his classmates how strong he was becoming but at the same time he really wanted to be a good son and he felt really conflicted about this, after all, why should he hold back? No one else was! It wasn't fair!
"Naru, we're not saying you can't do well and fight hard and you should never throw a sparring match but just don't show you're full potential ok? When you graduate you want to have some tricks up your sleeve incase another village tries to attack you or an old enemy comes out of hiding while you're away from the village," Tsunade told him seeing the conflicting emotions cross her godson's face.
"Think about it like this, what would you care about more? Showing off to people at the academy or being able to complete a high level mission and take down high level opponents as a genin? This is to keep you safe, think of it as an infiltration mission. You have to do your very best while utilizing only a few lower level skills to keep your enemy from learning too much about your techniques," Jiraiya told him.
Naruto's brow knitted in concentration as he considered their words before asking the only real question he had, "But, other clans have enemies too right? And their not told to hold back are they?"
"Actually Naru most clans tell their children to hold back from revealing their more advanced techniques, if they know them. If you look at the rankings every year clans like the Aburame, Nara, Akamichi, Yamanaka, and Kurama are typically found near the middle to lower end. It was because they were told to hold back, just like we're telling you now. Only clans such as the Hyuga and Uchiha worried about their rank in the academy because they thought it proved they were superior in some way. Even the Senju clan typically held back until after graduation," Tsunade explained to him.
Naruto nodded feeling more comfortable knowing that some of his classmates were also being given the same instruction by their parents, "Ok, I guess I understand, I can still be awesome but just can't show how totally awesome I am until after I graduate right?"
"Exactly Naruto," Kushina told him with a smile.
Breakfast was finished in short order and the small group left together to take Naruto to his first day at the academy. Sure, Naruto had been to the academy for years before they had come along and he knew the way but for them it was their way of showing support. It was a new start for Naruto and they wanted him to know that. As they went they each began to give him pieces of last minute advice. The normal things you'd hear ranging from "do your best" and "pay attention" to "make sure you respect your sensei" and "if you play a prank make sure you don't get caught!"
The group proceeded out of the Namikaze district towards to the academy. Their appearance had an immediate effect on the people around them, many bowed to the presence of the Namikaze family and their sannin escorts. It was very strange for the boy who had up until days before been the village pariah and outcast, not welcome anywhere and hated by everyone. He didn't know entirely how to react when people would bow and wish him a good day so Naruto decided to take his godmother's advice and be himself.
So it was with a big smile on his face he waved back and yelled 'Good Morning!' To everyone who spoke to them as their little group made their way to the academy.
They arrived at the academy in time to see the other children moving inside and saying their good-byes to their families. As Kushina hugged her son and wished him a good day a small, dark haired girl came up to them. Her escort put on a friendly smile but remained quiet.
"Um, Um, e-exc-use m-me. G-Good M-Morning L-Lady Ku-Kushina, La-Lady Ts-Tsunade, L-Lord Jir-Jiraiya," Hinata said with immense embarrassment at her stutter as she bowed. Tao continued to smile and tried to silently encourage the young child that was his charge but even he felt slight embarrassment at her stutter and shyness, so completely opposite from her sister.
In truth, had it not been for specific orders from her father and the clan elders it was unlikely Hinata would have had the courage to speak to such an assembly of famous shinobi of her village, particularly with one being the mother of her crush!
Flashback
Hinata had been summoned by her father and was waiting outside the door to his private study. She fiddled with her fingers and she hoped he wouldn't yell at her for her poor performance in training earlier that day. She had tried so hard but it never helped, she was always hopeless. She stayed up late working on her stance, her foot work, practicing her attacks and defenses, but no matter how much she tried she could not be good enough to gain her father's approval.
"Hinata, come inside," Hiashi called in a cold, almost monotone voice.
Hinata entered her father's study and bowed before being directed to take a seat before him. He looked at her, his eyes boring into her and she slightly flinched at the hard gaze.
"The elders and I have chosen to assign you to a very special mission Hinata. It is one you are, uniquely, suited too." Hiashi told her tempering the word 'uniquely' with thinly veiled disgust, as if it was a grievous insult.
Hinata looked up at her father somewhat awed that the elders and he had chosen to even consider her for a mission for the clan, "Y-Yes, Fa-father, I-I will d-do my b-best," she told him, again cursing her stutter.
Hardening his eyes even more toward her he spoke and explained the decision of the clan elders, "You no doubt remember the announcement mere days ago when the young boy, Naruto Uzumaki, was proclaimed to the heir of the 4th Hokage, Namikaze and Uzumaki clans and along with his mother's return. The clan views the rise and return of either of those clans as a threat to our prominence and their merger with him as clan heir is a threat to our dominance within the village."
Hinata flushed slightly at the reminder of her fainting upon learning that Naruto was the son of the 4th and the heir to one of the most prestigious clans thought lost in the village.
"You're duty is to get close to the boy and his mother. Befriend him, seduce him, and enter into an arranged marriage that will bind them to the Hyuga. Do you think you are capable of this?"
Hinata was stunned. She was being told to befriend and obtain marriage with the boy she cared about so much. The one who had inspired her for almost her entire life! Her clan wasn't simply allowing her to see the boy but demanding she marry him! She fought back a bought of fainting from the shock and managed a quiet, "Y-Yes Father, I-I c-can d-d-do this."
Hiashi glared at his stuttering daughter, I can't believe they actually think you could purposefully seduce the boy, you can barely talk to someone. Just hold on a little longer, soon I will make sure the last wishes of your mother come true daughter.
Outwardly though Hiashi continued in his cold demeanor, "Very well then, the boy will be returning to the academy Monday. It is best if you begin then, introduce yourself to his mother and those with him, likely Lord Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade. Offer to escort him into the academy and take the seat next to him. Do NOT allow anyone else to introduce themselves first, it is imperative that you be the first to stake any kind of friendship with the boy. He has had few friends and the first to offer such friendship will obtain a special place to him. Once a friendship has been established you will be in a position to move toward a relationship and obtain the ultimate goal of the clan, understood?"
"Y-Yes F-Father," Hinata replied.
"Very well, you are dismissed," Hiashi told his daughter and watched her leave. His face never changing but his soul saddened by the exchange.
End Flashback
Kushina was slightly surprised to see the little Hyuga in front of them but smiled warmly, "Good Morning, it is nice to meet you…"
Hinata blushed realizing her mistake and broke in before Kushina could continue, "I-I'm so-sorry, m-my na-name is Hi-Hinata H-Hyuga," she told her with a bow.
Kushina smiled again, "It is very nice to meet you Hinata."
Hinata had a small smile and blushed slightly under the warm greeting causing Kushina to frown inwardly, What kind of treatment has this child been through that just giving her a warm smile and hello would cause such a reaction? I need to speak with Hiashi.
"Um, I-I w-was w-w-won-dering if, if maybe, you, um, w-would l-like to-to w-walk to-toget-ther into th-the, um, ac-aca-de-demy N-naruto? I-if th-that i-is ok?" Hinata asked with another bow to Kushina.
"That would be fine with me, how about you dear?" Kushina asked her son who had a huge smile on his face. Hinata had never been mean to him before and even though it was just an offer to walk into class together, barely 100 feet maybe, it had the desired affect the Hyuga had predicted.
"YAY! Sure Hinata, I'd love too!" Naruto said with his giant smile as he hugged his mom, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Kakashi before grabbing Hianta's hand and speeding toward the academy while calling back, "See you this afternoon Mom!"
That a boy Naruto! First day back and already a ladies' man just like your father! Jiraiya thought to himself as he grinned at his godson's antics.
Toa smiled slightly at the boy's antics and secretly hoped his confidence would rub off on the young clan heir, "Thank you ," was all he said to Kushina before bowing and moving on to attend his other duties.
Kushina rolled her eyes as she watched her son half drag the little girl through the academy doors, "He might look like you Minato but his personality is completely from my side," she muttered to herself.
"What was that Kushina?" Kakashi asked with a grin visible underneath his mask.
"Oh Nothing, Nothing. I'd say it's time we had a talk with the headmaster of the academy now, don't you?" They each nodded their agreement before proceeding to the headmaster's office.
Naruto
As Naruto got to the classroom he realized Hinata wasn't moving anymore and stopped just outside the door, "Uh, Hinata are you ok?" he asked with concern in his eyes.
Hinata had temporarily fainted from the close contact with her crushed but thankfully Toa had been quick enough to toss some smelling salts under the collar of her jacket before Naruto pulled her into the academy.
A very dazed Hinata blinked several times before answering, "um-um, Y-yes, Naruto, I-I'm o-ok."
Naruto smiled at her, "I'm really glad to hear it, I was worried for a moment you'd gotten sick or something."
Shaking her head because she was unsure she could respond to the concern the blonde boy was showing she assured him everything was ok. No one in the Hyuga clan had ever shown her concern above the assuring the image of the clan was maintained. It felt so odd that the boy leading her into the room had such caring in his eyes, despite what she knew from his childhood and how he had been treated. Hinata wasn't entirely sure how to take it, but rather quickly she decided she liked the feeling.
"Good Morning Iruka-Sensei!"Naruto called at the sight of his favorite teacher.
"Welcome Back Naruto," Iruka said, "It's good to see you, I take it your clan training was put to good use?"
"You bet! I'll be Hokage in no time now!" the blonde told him.
As Naruto spoke with Iruka the rest of the class immediately broke out in quiet whispers at his new clothing and return to the academy. Rumors also began to abound the moment they saw Hinata walking in next to him. With the announcement of his heritage only a short time before his return to the academy the students were still caught in a whirlwind of insecurity and unknown.
Sasuke looked at Naruto with interest and curiosity, curious if the supposed dead last was merely hiding his potential now but ultimately dismissing the thought since as far as he was concerned Naruto was Naruto and a new last name wouldn't change that. But still, part of him was tinged with jealousy at the realization that Naruto had been returned something so precious, something he would have given anything for, his mother.
Ino looked at her fellow blonde and was trying to decide if his new clothes and heritage made him a rival for her Sasuke.
Sakura simply dismissed Naruto tending to side with her mother's opinion that he was still just the dead last and would never amount to anything while Sasuke was a true elite and worth her attention.
Shikamaru sighed and muttered something about troublesome blondes before returning to his morning nap while Choji grinned at Naruto, happy that he had something good for him in his life.
Shino was undecided as to his feelings about the sudden upheaval in the village and determined that he needed more observations on his loud classmate before coming to a conclusion.
Kiba shrugged, he figured he was the top dog in class and a fancy new last name wouldn't change that, only hard work and strength meant anything to the Inuzuka clan heir.
As the classroom continued to vibrate with talk, most of it revolving around Naruto, his clothes, his heritage, or in a few cases, that Hinata was seen walking into the classroom with him, Naruto was finishing up his conversation with his sensei.
"My mom wanted to meet you Iruka-Sensei, I told her about you and she wants to meet you to discuss some stuff," Naruto told his teacher whose eyes widened slightly.
"Uh, sure Naruto, just tell her to stop by any time she would like after class or set up a meeting ok?"
"Alright Sensei!" Naruto said he moved away to find a seat in the class. There weren't many left at this point and he ended up sitting down next to Shino with a spare opening that Hinata quietly took to his right. Iruka took control of the class in short order and began to go over their lesson plan for the coming week.
Kushina
While Naruto, Hinata, and their classmates were safely learning under their sensei the headmaster of the academy was trying to think of any excuse possible to escape his current predicament. He was tied to his chair with a very angry Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze, Kakashi Hatake, Tsunade Senju, and Jiraiya surrounding him discussing how he would be dismembered, electrocuted, skinned and salted, broken into tiny bits, blinded, and all manner of other potentially horrible, yet non-lethal, torture methods so as to prolong the life and pain of said headmaster before them.
Kushina smiled sweetly at him, "You didn't really think you could get away with miss-training my son for almost his entire time at the academy did you? I know all about how the instructors would refuse to answer his questions, kick him out of class for no reason to force him to miss important lessons, teach him improper taijutsu stances and attacks which left wide open holes in his defenses, and all manner of other things which upset myself and his godparents to no end!"
Kushina looked at the headmaster in the eye, her own going cold and hard, "You see, we happened to have a few of your instructors speak with Ibiki and they informed us they only conducted these actions at your direction. While they may have agreed with your sentiment they were at least professional enough not to deliberately sabotage a child's education with the intent of getting him killed. So what I want to know is why you went out of your way to try and get my son killed?"
Sweating at his predicament the headmaster, a balding older chunin who had seen little action in the past few years, came to a decision. Seeing few options before him and knowing if he refused to answer he would just receive an immense amount of pain the headmaster caved, "It-it wasn't mean to kill him! I swear it!"
"Then what was it meant to do?" Jiraiya asked as his eyes narrowed.
The headmaster licked his lips and looked at Jiraiya and back to Kushina, "I was paid to make sure the boy's teaching was incorrect. Lord Danzo promised it was the only way to ensure the safety of the village. He wanted to train the boy because of what is inside him but Lord Hokage refused. I think he thought if the child was treated badly here he would drop out and then he could take him away and train him the way he always wanted too. I swear, he said it was for the best interest in the village!"
"And of course you didn't question any of it, despite that it was hurting a student's education. You were only too happy to help in the scheme weren't you?" Tsunade said as she cracked her knuckles.
A smart man would have taken stock of their situation and wisely kept their mouth shut. The headmaster was not a smart man.
"He shouldn't be allowed near normal people! He's evil! A Monster! He…" and that was the last chance the headmaster got to speak as Tsunade silenced him with strike behind his head. Not enough to kill but enough to render him unconscious while Jiraiya and Kakashi held a very angry Kushina back from killing the man.
"We need him alive Kushina! Calm down! He might have valuable information!" Jiraiya yelled as the redhead continued to break free of his grasp to tear the throat out of the man before her.
It was 10 minutes later and the headmaster of the academy had been turned over to ANBU while a very angry Kushina was still glaring at anything within eyesight. She knew someone had been behind her son's miss-training but for it to be Danzo just made her furious! He had not only stolen ten years of her life with her son but also done everything in his power to ensure he could gain access to him to turn him into one of his pawns! Then and there Kushina vowed that when she found the old war hawk she would end his existence.
Hinata
Hinata tried hard to remain focused on her sensei's words but the close proximity of her crush and the words of her father kept distracting her. She had managed to sit next to him and walk with into class the way her father had told her but now she was lost. She had no idea what to do next. The class had been buzzing the moment Naruto had walked in with his new clothes.
Thinking of Naruto's new clothing she stole another glance at the boy and blushed deeply. She had liked his orange jumpsuit but the blue pants, black shirt, and blue vest really colored made him look simply hot! Her blush deepened as she stole a second glance. She had been so nervous that morning about just talking to him and his family that she had been unable to focus on Naruto's new look but now that they were in class there was little to distract her from stealing glances at the blonde seated next to her.
The rest of the class had taken Naruto's appearance in stride. Most of them seemed to be unsure what to think of their blonde classmate. Sasuke appeared to dismiss him outright while Sakura hardly gave him a second glance before continuing to favor her fan-girl fanaticism focus on the last Uchiha. The other clan heirs appeared to take everything in stride, their parents had probably discussed Naruto's new status with them after the announcement by the Hokage.
It was the remaining civilian and shinobi children whose reaction Hinata focused on. The girls in the class seemed to be split between those who were remaining loyal to the Sasuke Uchiha fan club and those showing signs of interest in Naruto. It didn't take a genius to guess that they were seeing the Namikaze clan name and the potential fortune that being involved with Naruto could bring. This made them dangerous and Hinata wasn't entirely sure how to handle it.
Hinata looked down at her desk and frowned at the thought of the other girls her class suddenly showing interest in her crush. Sure, she had seen Naruto ask Sakura out on dates plenty of times, but secretly she knew Sakura would never agree and never felt threatened by any of it. But never before had she actually spoken with her crush or held his hand and now she did feel slightly threatened by the other girls who she saw giving Naruto glances in class but she simply didn't know how to deal with it.
The boys in the class looked at Naruto as if dazed. They had been raised on stories of the 4th Hokage and his achievements during the third great ninja war. They worshiped him as a hero to a point where it was almost a cult at times. Finding out that the class outcast and dead-last was his son had sent a massive shock through their collective systems and they were still trying to decide how they felt about it.
Hinata sighed to herself, it was all suddenly so much more complicated than it should have been. She had always dreamed of just going on a date, maybe taking a walk near one of the rivers that ran by Konoha or going out to dinner or seeing a movie. There had never been other girls she had to worry about before, clan politics hadn't been involved, but now it felt like she was just being reminded how insignificant she was. After all, why would Naruto want her when he could probably have anyone now? Sighing again Hinata decided to just try her best to be near Naruto like her father had told her and adopt a friendship with him first.
Naruto
Naruto was having the time of his life in his first class back at the academy. He understood what Iruka-Sensei was talking about! Chakra theory, Konoha history, Shinobi principles, it all made sense now after the weeks of study with his godfather and Kakashi! It was so exhilarating for him that he didn't even realize at first when bell rang and they were released for lunch.
Standing up Naruto looked to Hinata who was still seated and smiled, "Hey Hinata, would you like to eat lunch together?"
The shy Hyuga nodded and Naruto's smile got wider, "Awesome! Let's go outside, I know a great spot under a tree we could eat lunch together under."
Hinata didn't trust herself to respond since she was trying to keep herself from fainting at the thought of eating lunch with Naruto and merely nodded again as a small smile graced her lips and a deep blush covered her face knowing that Naruto wanted to eat lunch with her.
Naruto looked to his other side and saw that Shino was getting ready to leave as well and waved at him, "Hey Shino, would you like to join Hinata and I for lunch?"
Shino paused a moment to consider the situation. It would be a good chance to obtain first hand observations of the newly found Namikaze heir and it made sense to share a meal to increase a bond with a comrade to further effectiveness of the unit as a whole.
"Yes. Thank you Naruto," Shino told him.
Together the three made their way outside to a large oak tree Naruto had always sat under to make his instant Ramen. Today though his mother had packed him a special lunch! It was all home cooked and included a much larger supply of cookies that Naruto needed with a note:
Dear Naru, I hope your friends will enjoy these cookies with you!
Love, Mom!
The note was followed by a hand drawn stick figure of a woman giving a victory sign and Naruto grinned, "Hey, my mom packed extra cookies, would you guys like some?"
"Y-yes, th-thank you, N-Naruto," Hinata told him as she accepted some.
"Please extend my thanks to your mother," Shino said Naruto passed him some cookies as well.
It was during the exchange Naruto noticed the bugs coming out of Shino's sleeve and stared for a moment, Shino did not seem upset but did raise an eyebrow over his sunglasses at Naruto's reaction, "Do you dislike bugs Naruto?" he asked.
"Not at all, that's really cool! My godfather told me the Aburame clan has hives inside their bodies for your bugs to live in. So do they eat food you give them? Do they enjoy cookies?" Naruto asked him with interest obvious in his energetic voice.
Shino sat for a moment before answering, "That is correct. At birth we are given a hive which is bonded with our bodies. We feed our partners food outside our bodies which they carry back to the hive inside but in dire situations they can absorb nutrients directly from within our bodies. My partners typically prefer fish to cookies."
"Wow, that is really cool. I guess that way you never have to worry about being alone," Naruto said with a smile.
Shino answered several more questions about his partners during the meal as he observed Naruto. He was slightly surprised when Naruto asked if his partners had a preference in food or if they disliked water, no one had ever asked him things like that before. He began to find himself re-evaluating the blonde boy and decided he would need a much greater time of observation to come to any conclusions with him.
Hinata smiled as she saw Naruto talk with Shino. Hinata had always liked Shino's company because he was quiet and didn't judge her like so many others. When Naruto turned his attention to her she would quietly answer and tried her best to be friendly to her crush.
Near the end of the meal Hinata's attention became focused on the number of girls who were looking over at the trio eating together. They didn't even try to hide their interest in what was taking place. Hinata couldn't hear what they were saying but by the giggling and blushes she knew it was about Naruto and she looked down slightly dejected at the thought of one of them asking Naruto to sit with them tomorrow for lunch, sure that he would rather sit with one of them.
The sound of the bell woke the young Hyuga heiress from her internal struggle. Naruto and Shino had already risen to return to class when she saw Naruto's hand reached out to her, "Come on Hinata, we don't want to be late."
Hinata blushed deeply again and took his hand as he pulled her up with a big smile before following them back inside for the remaining half of class.
Kushina
Kushina, Jiraiya, and Tsunade were waiting for Naruto when the academy classes let out. Normally it would just be one of them to pick him up but they all wanted to be there. Gai was out of the village on a mission and Kakashi were setting up some training equipment for later. The three were talking animatedly about old missions and comrades when they saw a blonde blur exit the build and speed toward them.
Naruto latched onto his mother with a tight hug, "Hi Mom!"
Naruto jumped through the last few steps and Kushina caught him a tight embrace only a mother and child could have. The emotions running around the two were like a force of nature. They were family, and no matter the time stolen from them, the bond between a mother and her child could never be erased or more cherished.
The scene was something that both mother and son had been wanting for over a decade. Kushina had always pictured herself picking up her child at the academy and giving him or her a hug before going home. She had longed for this all through her pregnancy and one of the few memories she had of her parents were of her mother doing this very act for her before she left for Konoha. It was one of the few things she could share with her son that meant the world to her. The emotions running through her were like a jolt to her system, as she realized another of her dreams was finally coming true. She was here for her son, even after all the long years away she was finally able to make good on her promise to always be there for him.
She held her son in her arms and fought back a bout of tears and smiled. Her heart swelled as she finally got to do something that so many others took for granted. Something so simple meant the world to the mother and son who had been separated so long and it was a moment neither would forget for the rest of their lives. The only thing that could make this moment better was if Minato had been with them but somehow she could feel his presence there, as if he was hugging Naruto with her.
Naruto couldn't help but feel like he was bursting with happiness. His mother was waiting for him after class. He had sat in the nearby swing and watched so many times before as mothers and fathers picked up their kids from the academy. They were always so happy, talking about their day and having their parents listen and tell them how proud they were. He had envied them, wished on countless stars, and prayed so many nights that one day he could have this in his life as well and now that he did he never wanted to let it go.
Jiraiya and Tsunade took a step back to let them have the private moment together and just watched quietly as mother and son held each other in an instance where time seemed to stop as both their dreams came true.
Finally reality set in again and time reasserted itself and Kushina had to set her son down smiling happily, "How was your first day back Naru?"
"It was awesome! I understood everything and it all made so much sense so I wasn't nearly as bored or lost a usual!" Naruto told her with excitement.
Once Kakashi had realized how minimal Naruto's knowledge base was he understood why the boy was always sleeping in class. He didn't understand the material being taught and if he couldn't understand it, it became boring and he wouldn't simply ignore it. With the basic knowledge to understand the lectures Naruto found he could pay much better attention and follow the classes much easier and found that helped him stay awake and focused.
Kushina smiled, "We want to hear all about it but I wanted to talk to your friend Hinata a moment, ok?"
Naruto nodded before turning around and following his mother toward the dark haired Hyuga girl and her branch member bodyguard.
"Excuse me, could I bother you a moment?" Kushina said with a smile.
Hinata bowed to the Namikaze clan head before responding, "O-of course L-lady Ku-Kushina."
Kushina smiled warmly again, "I was wondering if you and your father would like to come over this Saturday Hinata? I've been meaning to speak with him and I know Naruto would like to have someone to play with close to his own age."
"Yeah Hinata, that would be so awesome to have you over! You should see the clan district, it's so awesome! I'll show you all around the mansion and I bet you'll love the rose garden!" Naruto said as he spoke a thousand words a minute making Kushina roll her eyes as she remembered herself doing the same thing at his age.
"I-I'll a-ask f-f-father if w-we c-can co-come over S-Satur-urday," Hinata told the red head.
"Perfect, just let Naruto know at school and we'll plan to see you all Saturday around 11 a.m.," Kushina told her with another smile before steering her son back towards his godparents but not before he waved goodbye to Hinata and told her he would see her tomorrow in class.
Hinata's heart gave a tiny jump in her chest at the words, He wants to see me tomorrow? Naruto wants to see me tomorrow, I didn't mess things up too much that he doesn't want to see me again!
"Very good Lady Hinata, I am sure Lord Hiashi will be very pleased," Toa told her as they began their walk back toward the Hyuga manner.
While Hinata and Toa moved to deliver the invitation Kushina had sent to Hiashi, Kushina had other thoughts going through her head for the reason behind the sought out meeting, Once I get Hiashi away from his clan and in a safe location where he can't be overheard maybe I can get to the bottom of this mystery with his daughter. Something is just wrong here, he was never like that before and I can't see him as being someone to change so easily. I just hope that whatever the problem is it hasn't gone so far it can be fixed.
Many Miles Away Later that Evening
A lone Shinobi raced through the hard streets of Iwagakure. His movements were almost desperate, exhausted, and in a mad sprint toward the center of the village. It was obvious that the man had been hard pressed for several days to reach his home so quickly.
He rushed through the tower built into the rocky cliffs of his home and through the doors to his Kage's office. The old Kage looked at him with a raised eye as he saw the state of the shinobi before him. His entire body was stressed beyond the breaking limit and his gear was soaked through with sweat. His eyes were bloodshot showing signs of very little sleep.
"What is the meaning of this?" the old Kage asked.
"Lord, word reached our outpost two days ago from one of our spies in Konohagakure via mole summons. The third Hokage has announced the survival of the Crimson Death! Kushina Uzumaki and that was the wife of the yellow bastard Minato Namikaze! And they had a Son, Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze!
The old Kage's eyes widened at this information and was quiet for a moment, lost in thoughts of his past and the many deaths caused by the famed 'yellow flash', "You did well to reach me immediately with this information. I want you to get some rest before returning to your outpost, dismissed!"
So, you had a son after all you bastard, I suppose if we can't have you perhaps your son will be a fitting replacement, the Tsuchikage thought to himself as an evil grin rose to his lips.