Kō stumbled out of his room at the crack of dawn. The swirling emotions over the possible results of his Jonin trials had made it nearly impossible to sleep. Naruto had been up for a little bit. There was coffee and a bit of breakfast.
The Jonin hopeful did a double take at Naruto's place at the table. "Naruto! Why is there a shot glass?"
Naruto tore a chunk out of an apple. "Oh, I didn't want a full cup of coffee 'cause it makes me piss, but I needed the caffeine."
"Don't scare me like that. I haven't really slept." Kō grimaced as he poured a steaming cup.
"Bah, you don't need to worry. You'll be a Jonin by the time I come back to get ready for the festival." The boy's confidence was welcome.
Kō quickly downed the cup. "You aren't wearing orange."
"WHAAT?" A cry of utter shock shattered the morning stillness. "But… orange is like my trademark color when I'm not on missions! I don't get many opportunities to wear it!"
"You are escorting the heiress of the Hyūga clan to the festival! You will be held to the highest of standards!"
It wasn't fair! Naruto couldn't argue with Kō's 'Authority Figure Voice'! "I won't wear any orange."
The boy actually sounded like he was in pain! Kō decided to soften the blow. "I'll pick out your clothes. Naruto, just have fun tonight. You and Hinata-sama have been working very hard and deserve this."
The hug caught the Hyūga a bit off guard. "Thanks nii-san! I've got to go! Yuji-sensei will eat me alive if I'm late!"
Naruto exploded from the apartment. Kō braved Naruto's room and headed to the boy's closet. The outspoken blond would revolt if the outfit was only black. Naruto would claim that he would look too much like 'that jerk Sasuke'. So, dark blue is practically a requirement. The Hyūga quickly selected a suitable outfit and checked the clock. It was time to head out.
He took a quick, calming breath and headed for the Hokage's tower. Kō wondered what missions or training his family was undergoing.
"YOSH! My most youthful pupils! As a reward for stoking the flames of your youth on our C-ranked mission and so that you may enjoy the most youthful festival tonight, we will only continue training for another hour before doing a single D-rank mission!" Might Guy's voice boomed throughout the village.
Rock Lee began questioning why Guy-sensei was cutting back on their training so much. The other members of Team Guy took the opportunity to catch their breath.
"I hope the D-rank is quick. I have to get ready for tonight!" Tenten tried to keep the girlish glee from her voice.
Neji nodded. "I don't think they appreciate how much time it takes to wash long hair."
"You really need to share how you keep your hair so nice." Tenten teased as the chorus of 'Lee' and 'Guy-sensei' came to an end. Neji was thankful for Tenten. She was an island of sanity in the sea of insanity that was Team Guy. Which, Neji supposed, is why he was looking forward to tonight.
"My Eternal Rival, Tenten-chan! Guy-sensei wishes for us to run to Training Ground Twenty three before we spar!" Lee shouted in a bombastic tone that rivaled his idol and teacher.
Neji gave a slight bow of the head. "Then let us go."
"Yosh! If I cannot beat you there my Rival, I shall fight you with an extra twenty pounds of weight!"
The two boys took off at a swift pace with the lone young woman following at a more reasonable speed. "Is there a boy in Konoha who isn't trying to show out right now?"
Yuji –sensei shook his head. "Naruto-kun and Kiba-kun, stop trying to show out. Stealth is a state of mind. You both are still trying to be separate from your surroundings. I want you both to realize that you must become part of your surroundings. Get down and try it one more time."
The team emerged from the forests. Kiba crossed his arms. "But Wantanabe-sensei, we're getting better at this!"
The Jonin smiled at the Inuzuka. "Indeed, I just want you to be the best you can be. Kiba-kun, I know you can do better. Your clan is famous for its abilities in tracking and hunting. Act like you are tracking a boar in this exercise. They are nearly as panicky as humans."
"Yuji-sensei, I've never been hunting. What should I do?" Naruto asked hesitatingly.
"Kō-san mentioned that you like to pull the occasional prank." The blond rubbed the back of his head sheepishly while Hinata giggled a bit. "When you are hiding from your 'victims', how do you do it?"
The Uzumaki thought for a bit. "I become very, very still. I try not to even think of moving. It's hard to hide from a bunch of angry Byakugan users."
"Alright, I want all of you to try again." Team Four leapt into the forest and their Jonin instructor followed them into the woods. He could notice the signs of their passing. Wantanabe's students had been in too great of a rush to hide their tracks fully. However, they did an exceptional job for being fresh out of the Academy. Yes, they did an exceptional job.
"Excellent work all of you! You may come out now." The Genin dropped down from their hiding places. "Team Four…"
Yuji was enjoying the anticipation building in his students. "Follow me to the Tower. Let's hope that Hokage-sama has a mission available for us."
"YES!" Wantanabe couldn't help but share his student's enthusiasm.
Sarutobi Asuma, Shirakumo Hayama and the Hokage reviewed the reports from Kō's Jonin trials. The Hyūga prided themselves on their exceptional control. It took the years of practice and every ounce of discipline Kō possessed not to sweat bullets. The three men across from him held his future in his hands!
"Hyūga-san, I see in your files that you have Lightning as your primary element and Water as your secondary element. That combination is highly unusual in your clan, is it not?" The Hokage chewed on his pipe as he spoke.
"You are correct, Hokage-sama. The Hyūga Clan consists primarily of Doton users. Raiton is common, but rarely as a primary element A Water Elemental type is exceptionally rare."
The aging Kage made a few notes. "Your actions during the third examination were unorthodox. The proctors note that you achieved your primary objective and even secured one of the enemy ninja for interrogation. What of the bandits and second ninja? They could have slipped away during the confrontation and been in position to continue preying on the nearby civilian villages."
"I do not dispute the possibility, Hokage-sama. However, my Byakugan has a range of nearly a kilometer and if I direct more chakra into my eyes I extend my range to nearly three kilometers. The bandits' path was known to me. I am confident in my Bloodline Limit. If required, I could have passed the objective to members of the relief squad and continued to shadow and subdue the brigands." At this point, not even Kō's ingrained Hyūga poise could keep sweat from beading at his temples.
Silenced reigned for several agonizing seconds. "Thank you for the clarifications. I have no issues concurring with the recommendations of your proctors. Hyūga Kō, I am pleased to promote you to the rank of Jonin."
"Thank you Hokage-sama!" Kō bowed politely.
"You are dismissed, Jonin Hyūga Kō, Asuma and Shirakumo. Also, Jonin Sarutobi, please thank your Genin team for their patience." The Hokage ordered in a voice filled with pride.
"Sir!" The three Jonin departed quickly.
The Hokage shuffled his papers and awaited the teams that would be arriving for their missions. As usual, Team Guy would probably be first. Might Guy was an exceptional Jonin in many ways. Hiruzen just wished the man could be quiet. At least in the morning.
The Kage known as the Professor steeled himself for a cascade of YOUTH as the door opened. He didn't even hide the relieved breath he exhaled when Team Four arrived.
"Morning Jiji!" Naruto almost shouted. The blond was loud at times. However, the Third was thankful Naruto knew when to speak at a more restrained tone.
"Ah, good morning, Team Four." The Hokage returned the Shinobi team's bow with a slight one of his own.
Wantanabe-sensei stepped forward. "Good morning Hokage-sama. Team Four is reporting for a D-rank mission."
"Excellent! Let's see…" The Hokage shifted through the stack of missions. He knew Naruto and Kiba would bristle if their first mission was walking dogs or painting a house. Instead, he chose a mission that while equally mundane at least appeared substantial. "I need you to deliver a shipment of goods from Land of Tea to the Hospital."
Wantanabe Yuji and Hinata quickly prevented Naruto and Kiba from voicing their disappointment. The boisterous pair decided that if the delivery was for the hospital that it must be important. Team Four was dismissed by the Hokage.
"I wonder what we'll be delivering." Naruto mused.
Hinata thought for a moment. "Since it's the hospital, the delivery is probably Quinine."
"What's so important about that?" Kiba asked as they passed the Hokage's secretary.
Yuji turned to face his charges. "It'll keep you from dying of malaria when you take a mission in a tropical region."
The firm declaration from their Jonin commander erased any lingering doubts Naruto or Kiba had about this D-rank mission.
"This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce all those lectures about duty you received in the Academy. A mission doesn't have to be a glamorous assassination or rescue mission to be vital to the survival of Konoha. Even simple D-rank missions like delivering shipments to merchants, the hospital or private citizens are important. This mission, for example, will probably help save the lives of a fellow Konoha Shinobi one day. Other D-rank missions will not be as obviously important. There is every chance we'll be painting a house or searching for lost pets. Missions like this give us a chance to build relations with clients and the civilians of Konoha. Our village is not like Iwa, Tani or Kumo where the civilians live in fear of Shinobi. Other missions will give us a chance to practice your skills in situations where your actions have consequences but will not put your lives in danger. C-Rank missions and higher will come in time, but don't rush ahead. Missions are not games. They are the lifeblood of Konoha."
Team Four pondered their teacher's words. Unfortunately, they did not get to ponder long before their thoughts were rather loudly interrupted.
"YOSH! Look, my Eternal Rival! It is your most youthful cousin and adopted relative!"
Neither Hinata nor Naruto had actually seen Neji's 'Eternal Rival' before. Naruto found himself wishing that he wasn't seeing him now. Neji's Eternal Rival was wearing a green spandex bodysuit with orange leg warmers. Hinata whispered to Naruto and Kiba that she remembered his name was Lee. Kiba and Naruto barely heard her as they were recoiling from Lee's enormous eyebrows and bowl cut.
"Indeed." Neji controlled his amusement at the reactions of his cousin and younger friends. "Good morning Naruto and Hinata-sama. Have you seen Kō?"
Naruto's horror was replaced by anticipation. "I saw him this morning! We must have just missed him! Did he make Jonin?"
"He did indeed." Neji spoke with pride. Naruto shouted excitedly and hugged the closet person.
Kiba pushed away. "Calm down dude."
"YOSH! While my team would enjoy joining you in your youthful celebration, we must secure a mission!" Naruto's excitement and anticipation were quickly replaced by horror again. Neji's instructor was a vision of the terrible future that awaited Konoha when Lee became a Jonin.
"Guy is correct. They need to get their own mission and we have our own." Yuji calmed his student and Team Four and Team Guy parted ways.
Hinata nearly tripped when Guy shouted. "GOOD MORNING HOKAGE-SAMA!"
Hiashi laced the seal with chakra and hid the letter behind a more mundane correspondence. Fūinjutsu was not his strong suit, but he possessed a rudimentary knowledge of the art. The head of the Hyūga clan rose from behind his desk and walked over to the corner of his office. He wasn't entirely convinced that this level of security was needed because the letter wasn't being transported by a shinobi or civilian courier.
"Here is my annual letter. Send my regards to Jiraiya-sama."
The Toad nodded and croaked before disappearing in a cloud of smoke. Hiashi exited his office and walked the grounds of his Clan's compound. The appearance of his brother was welcomed even though the visit would be brief.
"I assume you have sent the letter to Jiraiya-sama?" The Branch Family head asked.
Hiashi nodded. "I have. The Summoned Toad just returned to Jiraiya-sama. He is always eager to hear about Naruto's progress."
"If he is so interested, why is he never here?" Hizashi could not understand Jiraiya's unwillingness to visit Konoha.
"Truthfully, I am not sure. He claims that he must personally maintain Konoha's Intelligence Network, which I suppose is true. I invited him to visit with our Clan during this year's Chunnin Exams."
Hizashi smiled. "I hope he accepts. The Toad Sage is a connection between Naruto and his father."
"Indeed. Brother, I have a meeting with Hideko-san. I will keep you informed of any developments."
The twins parted and Hiashi made his way to Hideko's quarters. The Councilor was sitting in a comfortable looking chair and staring out of a window.
"Forgive me, Hiashi-sama. I fear I am in no condition to rise at the moment." The man's speech and breath was labored.
"You do not need to apologize, Hideko-san. If you wish, we can reschedule."
Hideko coughed, but quickly composed himself. "That is not necessary, Hiashi-sama." He waited nearly a minute before rising and walking across the room. An observer who had not witnessed the opening of the conversation would have believed Hideko to be in perfect health. "Would you care for anything?"
"No, I am fine. What do I owe the pleasure of this meeting?" The Hyūga attempted to read each other's body language for clues.
"I am going to resign my position on the Council and reveal my condition. Tradition requires that the next name on the register take my place."
Hiashi ground his teeth. That 'tradition' was going to place two of his greatest foes on the Council. Yoshinori and Takeshi would no doubt do everything in or above their station to challenge Hiashi on his policies.
"There is another tradition. I am well in my rights to nominate my own successor as long as the Clan head acquiesces to my decision."
That tradition was rarely used because the Hyūga feared one bloc of the Main Branch gaining near permanent control over the entire Clan.
Hiashi maintained his near unnatural poise. "Who would you nominate to take your place?"
"Minoru, son of Umeko."
"You would elevate a bastard child to the Council?" Hiashi was taken aback.
"I would elevate my bastard child to the Council." Hideko spat.
Hiashi took a calming breath. There had been many rumors of Minoru's parentage. However, Hideko's name had never been connected to Minoru. "I meant no disrespect Hideko-san. It is just that Minoru's heritage was an unknown. There is also the issue of Minoru being in the Branch Family. The Clan nearly disposed my father for nominating a Branch member to the Council twenty-five years ago."
Hideko leaned against a counter. "I know, Hiashi-sama. I love my son and his mother. I envied you for the open love you shared with your wife. I think that regret and envy is what is causing my current condition. I could only dote on Ume and Minoru in secret. Could you imagine what would happen if I married a Branch Family woman? You know as well as I do that I will not live to see the end of the year. My soul won't rest easy if I do not openly acknowledge my son. The Clan is changing, Hiashi-sama. The actions of you, your brother and your children are responsible for building a bridge between the Hyūga."
"If I remember correctly; you initially opposed Hinata's position as heiress."
The dying man nodded and retreated into memory. "I did. You must understand, Hiashi-sama that my opposition was out of concern for her reaction to Hiromi-sama's death. Hinata-sama withdrew for months. If the Uzumaki child had not rescued her from her stupor, I am not sure what condition your daughter would have slipped into."
It was true. Hinata had been devastated by Hiromi's death. The Clan head could see how Hinata's behavior might have planted doubt in some of the council. Hiashi seethed that Hinata was nearly robbed of her birthright because she was mourning her mother.
"I will gladly support your nominated successor."
Hiashi smiled. The elevation of a Branch Family member to the Council would swing more support to Hiashi's faction of the Clan. A substantial division was forming in the Hyūga due to Yoshinori and Takeshi's rabble rousing. However, the dissidents were a clear minority. Minoru's appointment would hopefully secure a large enough portion of the unaffiliated Branch members for Hiashi's faction. Hopefully, the Loyalists would be so numerous that the Dissidents would be cowed into merely opposing Hiashi politically.
Hideko grabbed an ornately carved cane. "Hiashi-sama, would you care to accompany me to thank Minoru-san for this fine cane?"
Naruto directed half a dozen clones through the halls of Konoha General Hospital. Hinata's hypothesis had been correct. Team Four was delivering medical supplies that included Quinine. He had a lot on his mind. Foremost, Naruto was mulling Yuji-sensei's words from earlier. D-rank missions were likely to be tedious and boring. Naruto was sure that he would complain about the missions not being 'real' Ninja missions.
The Materials Manager signed the last form and handed it over to Yuji-sensei. "Excuse me, Wantanabe-san but how long can your Genin maintain that technique?"
"Oh? Ah, Naruto-kun's Kage Bunshin. He can maintain such a small number for a long time. Naruto-kun is very good at that technique." Yuji spoke softly so Naruto wouldn't hear his compliment and get a big head. "Is there anything else we need to take care of?"
The Materials Manager shook her head. "No, your team has been a huge help."
"We were happy to help." The Jonin turned to his Genin. "Team Four, time to return to Hokage-sama and report the completion of our mission."
The Ninja made their way through Konoha's busy streets. Kiba was quizzing Wantanabe about serving as an ANBU Hunter-nin. Ninja matters were the farthest thing from Hinata and Naruto's minds at the moment.
"Ne, Hinata-chan, where should we eat? I mean, we always eat at Sayuri's and Ichiraku's."
Hinata nodded. "A change would be nice. Let's not make plans! We'll just find a place when we get hungry."
Naruto was about to tease Hinata about her excitement over being spontaneous when a brown cat with a ribbon on its ear burst from the bushes lining the street. An angry Sasuke erupted from the same bushes a moment later.
"Naruto! Where did that damn cat go?"
"Uh, it headed down the street towards the hospital." Naruto was dumbstruck. Sasuke actually thanked Naruto before leaping away.
"Sasuke to Sakura and Shino, the target is heading for the hospital."
Kiba whirled around. "What the hell was that?"
"Kiba-kun; that is the infamous 'Tora Retrieval mission'. I can say with absolute certainty that you all will come to hate that hell-spawned feline."
Akamaru growled as his human partner questioned the Veteran Ninja. "All cats are hell-spawn, what makes that one any different."
"Oh, you'll see." Yuji's cryptic tone was not comforting to the Genin.
Yuji-sensei had remained at the Hokage's tower and dismissed his Genin team. The male portion of Team Four had been shocked when Hinata rushed off in a cyclone of girlish glee. Hinata was always the most reserved of the group. The Hyūga heiress had always been the eye of the hurricane that was Naruto and Kiba.
"It's really sinking in now isn't it?" Naruto asked between bites of barbeque.
Kiba swallowed. "That everything has really changed? Yeah, I guess it is."
"I mean, today was only a D-rank but lives depended on it. Then, I kinda help Sasuke on his mission and he thanks me. Yesterday, we all had a conversation that didn't collapse into insults."
"When you're right, you're right." Kiba paused. "The pay was pretty good for the mission. You could have bought enough to fill you up, dude."
Naruto finished his meal. "I want to make sure I have enough for tonight."
"Naruto, buddy, you're getting way too worked up about this. Just have fun tonight. I don't think Hinata's going to judge the date by how much bank you drop."
Naruto considered Kiba's words. "Nah, Hinata-chan's not like that, but… She's my best friend and she deserves it."
"If you say so." Kiba tossed a bone to Akamaru.
"Say, Kiba what are you going to do? I thought you didn't have a date."
Kiba grinned. "I don't. I'm going to pick up some civilian chicks. I mean, Akamaru and I'll have to fight'em off with Gatsūga."
"Civilians?" Naruto was a bit skeptical.
"Yeah! I mean, I'm a talented and handsome shinobi! I've got Akamaru! I'm awesome. This is one of the best idea's I've ever had!"
Naruto handed over the check and the money. "Whatever, Kiba. I'm going home. I need to get ready too and I want to congratulate nii-san on his promotion."
The two parted ways and Naruto made his way back to his apartment. Kō was sitting on the couch snacking on something Naruto didn't recognize.
"Congrats nii-san!" The newly promoted Jonin was tackled from behind.
Kō coughed to clear his throat. "Thanks Naruto."
"You have to tell me all about your trials! Come on! We have plenty of time!"
The Jonin rose from his uncomfortable position. "First, I had to demonstrate that I had at least two Elemental Affinities. I had to demonstrate a good number of jutsus."
Naruto leapt up. "Can you teach me some of them?"
Kō shook his head. "Many of my jutsus were Hyūga techniques and the others are C-rank and above. You aren't quite ready for them yet."
"Ah man!" One of Naruto's favorite activities was learning new jutsu.
"Come on, you need to start getting ready." Kō pushed Naruto into his room. "In a way, you helped me pass the final exam."
A light appeared in Naruto's eyes. "Really?"
"Yes, really. I remembered how you like to pull the occasional prank. You have done anything like that recently, have you?"
Naruto gulped at Kō's Authority Figure Voice. "No."
"I'm glad to hear that. Anyway, I captured one of the 'enemy' ninja by using the rope trick you pulled on Neji when you were nine."
The blond grinned as he checked out the clothes his older brother had picked out. "Yeah, I thought Neji was going to kill me. He hates spicy food."
"Well, I used a variation of that to subdue the enemy. The proctors were impressed." Kō dodged the dirty clothes that Naruto tossed at the hamper.
"Well, I am a kickass ninja." Naruto finished checking out the clothes. "Wow, you are better at picking out clothes than I am. Heck, you're almost as good as Hinata-chan."
Kō laughed. "It's one of the other secret bloodlines we Hyūga have. Our clan has the best taste in all of Konoha."
"What's the other one?" Neji had informed Kō that deadpan humor was completely lost on Naruto. Kō decided to milk the fact for every ounce of amusement.
"Oh, you'll find out one day."
The older Hyūga left the room when he was sure that there would be no argument over orange or the lack thereof. Several minutes of productive work later, Kō heard Naruto fumbling around his room.
"Are you ok in there?"
"Yeah, knocked something off the dresser. I'm almost done." Naruto shouted back. "Nii-san, are you going out too?"
"I might head out for a little while." The door to Naruto's room opened and Kō walked over to inspect his little brother. He made a few quick adjustments. "There, now you are ready to be unleashed upon the world!"
Naruto nodded. "Thanks, nii-san!"
"Remember the curfew Hiashi-sama gave you." Kō pointed out. "Naruto, tomorrow we have to catch up on everything!"
"Ok, see you later tonight!" The Jonin chuckled as the blond Jinchūriki rushed out. Naruto had tried so hard to look calm. He failed to hide his excitement and nervousness.
Ah, to be that age again.
Hanabi opened the door to her big sister's room. Hinata had been a whirlwind getting ready for tonight. Everyone in the Compound had noticed her excitement. There had been a few grumbles from some of the elder members of the clan that the heiress's excitement was 'un-Hyūga like'. The sisters were so thrilled about the festival that the annoyance of the old men didn't even register.
At first, Hinata ignored them because she was so thrilled about tonight. Then, she ignored them because Hinata was panicking. 'There's not enough time!' and 'I'm not ready!' became Hinata's most common phrases.
"Onee-chan!" Hanabi said politely as she watched her big sister finish her hair.
There was no response, so Hanabi repeated herself. Hinata was fretting over something that Hanabi couldn't see from where she was.
"ONEE-CHAN!"
Finally, a response! Hinata 'eeped' and turned around. "What is it Hanabi-chan?"
"Guess who's here?" The young Hyūga asked in a sing-song tone.
Hinata paled. "He can't be here! I'm not ready!"
"You look amazing! Relax."
Hinata looked at her sister like Hanabi's Byakugan had turned into a Sharingan. "E…easy for you to say! You're ready!"
"So are you! Deep breaths, sister!" Hanabi coached her sister along. "Everything is going to be wonderful!
"O…ok."
Hanabi laughed. "It's going to be better than that! I think we're finally going to discover a way to keep Naruto from talking for a little bit!"
"Yes sir." Naruto nodded as Hiashi reminded him of the curfew.
"Where are you planning on dining tonight?" The Clan Head continued the interrogation.
Naruto fought the urge to gulp. "We… we haven't decided. On the way back from our D-rank, I asked Hinata-chan about it. She says she wants to be spontaneous."
"Very well." Hiashi's follow up was cut off by Hanabi announcing Hinata was finally ready.
The Sandaime Hokage approaching Naruto and announcing that the blond was the Third's immediate replacement and would be receiving free ramen forever would not have registered at that moment. It took the miniscule amount of spare focus to avoid dropping the flowers Naruto had bought earlier. The only thing being processed by Naruto's mind at the moment was Hinata. She was wearing a lavender kimono with a subtle pattern that resembled peacock feathers. The obi was aqua and matched the edging of the kimono. Naruto wanted to tell Hinata how beautiful she looked, but he only managed to force out a few 'wows' and 'gorgeous'.
"I told you, onee-chan!" Hanabi wore an ear-to-ear grin.
Hinata was also caught off guard by her date's appearance. She had not been reduced to monosyllable compliments and staring slacked jawed like Naruto. However, she had a light blush and a smile. Her reverie was interrupted by a single loud breath.
"Hinata-chan, these are for you." Naruto overcame his shock and handed Hinata the flowers. Hiashi was standing off to the side with his Byakugan active. If he saw a Cactus flower or Coriander, Naruto would never leave the Compound alive. Hiashi's concerns were laid to rest when he saw a few White Lilies. Hinata, for her part, was focused on the purple lilacs, white carnations and lavender. And was that Mallow?
Oh, I hope father doesn't ask questions about that!
Hanabi wasn't as familiar with the language of flowers as her sister, adopted big-brother and father. She just thought it was sweet that Naruto got a huge bouquet of flowers that were all Hinata's favorite colors.
"Thank you, Naruto-kun." Hinata smiled as she accepted the flowers. "They are beautiful."
"Almost as much as you are." Naruto froze when he heard Hiashi amused 'hmph'.
Hanabi nudged the blond. "Nice one."
"H…hanabi-chan, can you p…put these in a vase and take them to my… my room?"
The younger girl nodded excitedly, but gently took the flowers. "Have fun!"
Hinata and Naruto waved as the girl skipped down the hall. Hiashi nodded in their general direction.
"Enjoy yourselves."
Naruto bowed. "Of course, Hiashi-sama."
The couple headed out with a smile on their faces.
Mizuki made his way through the teeming mass of people. His contact was waiting at Satoshi's Shithole. When his under-the-table employer's had first contacted him, Mizuki had felt a pang of guilt. After his dressing down by the Hokage, all that guilt had faded away like mist.
How could the Sandaime favor a demon? The Professor's vaunted wisdom was clouded! The entire Hyūga clan was consorting with that… thing! The teacher shook his head. He had to keep his emotions under control. The bar was surprisingly quiet. Granted, most of Konoha was attending the Fall Festival. Mizuki nodded to the bouncer and paid his cover charge.
The contact was never the same person twice in a row. Mizuki's only constant hint of who he was meeting was the food and drink order of his handler. They always ordered steamed dumplings and strange clear liquor from the Land of Bears. An empty glass was always placed upside down at the end of the table.
Mizuki nodded at his contact. The man was a heavy set man with a broad nose and a shaven head.
"A lot of stars out tonight." The large man said as he poured a glass of the liquor for Mizuki.
Mizuki accepted the glass. "I wonder if any'll fall?"
The man was satisfied with the coded greeting. "You are punctual."
"I try. The drop is at the northern edge of Training Ground Eighteen under the shortest pine."
The large man downed his drink. "The curriculum you are passing to us is more valuable than you think. Until we can find a safe way to return to our traditional methods, you are helping us secure the future of our village."
"Isn't that sweet? I just want to save enough money to retire on some beach in Tea Country."
The large man glared at the spy. "Whatever. How is the future leader of my village?"
Mizuki poured himself another glass of the liquor. "He is progressing nicely. The boy hasn't awakened fully, but is paired with a talented Jonin."
The Handler nodded. "Good, he will be our first true Kage. The Path has been laid before him and he is progressing swiftly."
What is The Path? Mizuki had asked once about The Path, but his handler at the time remained utterly silent. After finishing the alcohol and dumplings, Mizuki left the bar. He was going to collect his payment and dream of palm trees and white sand. The Hidden Village of the Leaves deserved whatever fate Mizuki was guiding it towards!
"Four throws left! Can this young man win something for his pretty girlfriend?" The stand vendor worked the crowd. Naruto had hit three of the targets including two of the moving ones. He needed to hit with his remaining throws and hit at least one more moving target to win one of the biggest stuffed animals. The vendor had seen his hitai-ate and used the more 'difficult' Shinobi course.
Man, these things are horribly balanced. Naruto groaned a bit. He took aim at one of the small moving targets and centered himself. The crappy practice kunai nailed it. The Genin fist pumped. He waited for the next moving target to appear on the course. The throw was on target once again. Naruto casually hit the final required target with a smile.
"We have a winner!" A few of the civilians clapped while the vendor asked Hinata what she wanted.
"I'll take the toad." Hinata said politely. Her blush hadn't turned off the entire time Naruto was trying his hand at the game. She wasn't used to be the center of attention like this.
"Where should we go next, Hinata-chan?" Naruto was wearing a broad and triumphant smile.
"Ano, let's find a place to sit for a bit." Naruto grabbed Hinata's hand.
The Hyūga and the Uzumaki navigated through the crowds and found an empty bench. It was in a secluded area. It was the first time tonight that Naruto could hear himself think.
"Naruto-kun, thank you for tonight."
Naruto chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "You're welcome. This has been fun hasn't it?"
"It has! Oh, did you hear that Sasuke is here with Sakura?"
"Oh, so that was the cause of the wail from earlier?" Naruto asked with a laugh.
"I think I'm ready to grab a bite to eat. Let's get something before the fireworks!"
A few minutes later, they arrived at the restaurants. Ichiraku was covered up, which made Naruto happy. It was his favorite restaurant and if he wasn't eating there tonight it made him glad to see Teuchi doing well.
"Have you ever had Oden?" Hinata's voice drew his attention away from his friend's establishment.
"I don't think so, want to try it?"
Hinata nodded. "I don't know, it's probably messy."
"Yeah, we can always try it later. How about Tonkatsu?"
"Sure!" Naruto grabbed Hinata's free hand and they headed towards the nearest restaurant. Naruto caught a glimpse of Kiba in the midst of several civilian girls. Most of the civilians' attention was on Akamaru, but Kiba didn't care. Kiba nodded at Naruto and mouthed 'boo-yah'. The blond bit back a snort of laughter.
"What is it Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked as they waited for a hostess.
Naruto shook his head. "Our dear teammate Kiba is enacting his brilliant plan to pick up civilian girls."
"Why would he do that?"
"It's Kiba." That, at least to Naruto, explained everything.
The Hostess led them to a table. The girl recognized the Hyūga heiress and became the single most polite person in Konoha. Unsurprisingly, the highest ranking employee came to take their orders. Naruto and Hinata passed the time just talking. They didn't mention the Academy, missions, their conspiracy to change the Hyūga Clan or anything serious. Naruto confessed that Hiromi had been the one that sparked his love of gardening. Hinata told stories of how her mother had taught her to press flowers. The food arrived and they ate quickly.
"I think Kō suspects that we're planning a prank." Naruto said as he finished his water.
Hinata, thanks to years of etiquette training, did not spit out her drink in shock. "What?"
"He asked me if I'd pranked anyone recently. I told him I hadn't, but he gave The Disappointed Look."
"I… I'm sure he's just being a responsible adult."
Naruto shrugged and motioned for the check. The manager quickly came and collected everything. He practically begged Hinata for a positive review to her family. Naruto and Hinata headed out.
"Come on, I found the greatest place ever to watch the fireworks yesterday." Naruto flashed a knowing smile.
"How did you find it yesterday? When? I mean, you were with Kiba and me practically all day yesterday."
The Jinchūriki laughed. "When Hizashi-sama was teaching me Kage Bunshin, he told me that when the Bunshin dispels, it transfers the memories to me."
"Amazing!" Hinata was in awe. She knew that jutsu took an incredible amount of Chakra. The lavender-eyed Hyūga would train even harder to increase her Chakra endurance. That skill, if everything Naruto had told her was true, was one of the most useful Hinata had ever heard of!
"It is, come on; I just hope we don't run into any ANBU."
Naruto flashed his famous mischievous smile and guided Hinata towards the spot. "Where are we going, Naruto-kun?"
"I'm not telling! It's a surprise!"
"Could you at least tell me why there a risk of running into ANBU?"
Naruto was taking a roundabout route to his destination. "You'll know why when we get there!"
After a few minutes, they reached a chain-link fence. There was a locked gate. Naruto fidgeted with the lock. Hinata quickly realized it hadn't been locked at all.
"I unlocked it yesterday." The boy answered the unspoken question.
Realization dawned on Hinata. "This is the Hokage Monument!"
Naruto grinned as he fished out a hidden blanket from a bag. He set up the blanket on top of the Yondaime's head. "I told you this is the greatest place ever!"
The Hyūga Heiress activated her Byakugan and swept the area. "No one's here but us."
"Nope!" The Uzumaki helped Hinata take a seat. Moments later the fireworks started. She trusted Naruto completely. She hadn't expected him to be so right about this spot.
"Thank you Naruto-kun." Hinata quickly kissed Naruto on the cheek. For once, Hinata caused Naruto to blush a hundred shades of red. As the fireworks continued, she rested her head on his shoulders.
Naruto only had one thought. This night isn't long enough.
Author's Notes: Again, sorry for the gap in updates. I've had a bunch on my plate recently, but hopefully now that things aren't so crazy I'll be able to pick the pace up again.
Translations of the Language of Flowers/Hanakotoba
Cactus Flowers: Lust
Coriander: Lust (See why Hiashi was prepared to kill Naruto over those two flowers potential presence?)
White Lilies: Purity/Chasity (This was chosen so Hiashi wouldn't Jukken Naruto into Shippuden)
Purple Lilacs: First Emotion of Love
White Carnations: Sweet and Lovely, innocence, pure love, faithfulness
Lavender: Faithful
Mallow: Consumed by Love (Ino put those in. That may or may not be in an omake (first one ever) next chapter)