Wow. That just took me FOREVER to update. Sorry guys. I had trouble thinking of a good idea for this chapter and when I finally did, I didn't have time to write. By the way, I'm still not sure of this chapter. The next chapter won't come soon. Sorry, but I want to write and post my InoXChouji one-shot. Chapter 12 will come in November. That I can promise. Love ya guys!
P.S. My friend Kiba Inubake has posted his story. It's called Kabuto's Revenge . Check it out for me, 'kay.
Adjusting the position of her right foot, she relaxed into a more comfortable stance. The air wavered an eerie silence. No one accompanied the clear field expect for the girl. Pale lavender eyes shifted back and forth in a searching manner. The bulging veins around her eyes indicated she was ready for the attack.
In the mist of the shadows sat two undefined figures. They were still and rigid. No doubt calculating their next move to subdue the dark-haired beauty. In a split of a second both of the shady individuals vanished.
The young girl grew more tense. The enemy was on the move and she had to be ready for anything. She watched the two figures with her all-seeing eyes. They had grown better at not being detected by her ability but could not escape the blood limit completely. She watched through blurry vision as they moved three kilometers away from her. Both had separated and were on either side of Hinata. They were moving as one now, each taking a kunai in their right hand and slicing it through the air. That air was not empty though. Hinata had seen the thin almost invisible wire that each man had snipped.
In an instant hundreds of kunai ripped through the surrounding trees. They were coming down fast and in large numbers. All of them heading for one target. The girl had to act fast. Assuming the position faster than the eye can comprehend, the young woman began chanting her attack cry.
"Shugohakke Rokujūyon Shō!"
Charka extended from her hands. Coming out as long sharp blades. Her arms began working in a fast yet organized fashion. The charka worked with her quick motions. It created a charka barrier. Working both on offense and defense.
The raining kunais would shatter upon impact. One after the other, the metal weapons were destroyed. The unique technique that the girl had formed would not allow any harm to befall onto her. When the last iron blade was obliterated, Hinata willed her attack to stop.
As soon as the young maiden lowered her arms she was tackled by a bound of white fur.
"Akamaru!..haha..stop!"
A large wet pink tongue attacked Hinata's face. Leaving a trail of warm saliva in it's path. The big white dog showed no mercy.
"Oi! Akamaru! Get off of Hinata!"
Giving one last affectionate lick Akamaru relenting complied to his master's command. Sitting up Hinata tried to wipe off the slobber that coated face, giggling all the while.
"You have improved."
Looking up she saw her silent genin teammate looming over her. Smiling she accepted Shino's hand which helped raise herself from the ground.
"Really?"
She knows Shino would never lie to her but it's something she had to make sure is accurate.
"Are you kidding me?!"
Hinata snapped her head around upon hearing her dog-loving friend.
"That was nothing compared to last time! You completely held your own. Nothing had gotten past you! I don't know what you've been training with Naruto, but whatever it is it's working."
A heavy blush covered the dark-haired beauties cheeks after hearing such a compliment. However the praise didn't end there.
"For once I agree with Kiba. The training sessions you have part taken in with Naruto have proven to be most beneficial for you both on and off the field."
Baffled by Shino's statement, Hinata was about to ask what he meant by 'off the field' but was interrupted by an angry Kiba.
"What do you mean 'for once'?!"
The only reply that Kiba received from Shino was a slight adjustment to his dark sunglasses. This just further tested Kiba's patience.
"You think your sooo much better than me don't you? Well I got news for you! Your not!"
Hinata gave a small sigh. They always seemed to get into fights over nothing. They were just so different from each other that they were bound to clash. Yet they never let their bickering escalate into anything serious. Neither one would attempt to it, but they're best friends. Brothers almost.
"We should get indoors."
Shino ignored the ranting Kiba and explained his reasoning. Casually directing his attention Hinata.
"My bugs detected high levels of moisture in the air. It should be raining shortly."
"Hey! I'm talking to you!"
Kiba was getting more irritated at Shino's behavior. However Shino paid him no attention.
"Are you hungry Hinata?"
"Maybe a little."
That's it. Kiba is now officially pissed.
"You won't talk to me. Fine! Then I won't talk to you! See how you like it!"
The thought of 'finally after all these years' crossed Shino's mind. He stopped himself however when he saw Hinata's big pleading eyes.
"Shino-kun"
Giving a long sigh, Shino took the look of a tired father trying to manage his rowdy kids. Why did he always have to be the responsible one? Taking long quick strides Shino made his way over to Kiba. Instead of apologizing, the insect-user ninja grabbed the collar of Kiba's leather jacket and began dragging him to the heart of Konoha.
"Hey! Let go! I'm not going anywhere with you! You can't make me!"
A small smile shown on the Hyuga heiress's features due to her friends antics. They're odd, but she wouldn't change that for the world. Smiling still, she followed her adopted brothers.
Rain was a understatement. It was pouring! They were only a few feet away from the establishment, when the ice cold water began to fall from the sky. When they finally set foot into one of Konoha's top-ranking restaurants their clothes were slightly soaked. It was a good thing Shino said something when he did otherwise they would have been drenched. Shivering slightly the dark-haired women spoke with concern in her voice.
"Will Akamaru be okay?"
Unfortunately none of the indoor dining facilities allowed animals. Even if they were considered to be highly trained ninjas.
"Ahh, don't worry about Akamaru Hinata. He'll be fine. Heck he's probably already made it back home by now."
Leaving the conversation as is, the trio walked further into the restaurant in search for a table. They were about to claim a vacant sitting area near the window when they heard a familiar voice. Well it was hard not to, when the said person was screaming their names.
"Hinata! Kiba! Shino! Over here!"
Three dark-haired heads turned to see their over-excited blonde friend.
"Does he have to be so loud?" grumbled Kiba.
Hinata giggled at her friend's overenthusiastic attitude. How could she not be happy to see Naruto? The three teens made their way over to the ramen-lover's table. Apparently their old teacher Iruka was joining Naruto for dinner for he sat at the same table.
"Hey Iruka! How's life treating you?"
Kiba was the first to recognize the chunin teacher. Iruka's scar crinkled when he shown them a heart-felt smile.
"As good as it can. Just treating Naruto out to dinner."
The trio turned their attention to said person. The blue-eyed, whiskered faced boy was practically jumping out of his seat with excitement. He's always been happy to see his friends.
"You guys going to eat?"
"That is usually what food establishments are used for."
Naruto ignored Shino's sarcastic comeback and decided to pull down a rather flustered Hinata to sit next him in the booth.
"Then we should eat together."
Kiba gave a grin to Hinata. Knowing all to well what that cherry hue blush was about.
"Sure Naruto we'd love to join you guys."
Hinata mentally cursed Kiba. It's not that she wouldn't love to join Naruto to dinner. Heck, she would love that! She just knew what that grin was about. And it wasn't anything good.
Both Kiba and Shino took their seats next to Iruka, across from Naruto and Hinata. The 'dog boy' still had that grin on his face.
'He better not do what I think he's going to do.'
"Soooo, Naruto"
The orange clad teen perked up immediately upon hearing his name from Kiba.
"I heard that you saved our little Hinata here from some bandits."
The grin that is 'oh so Naruto' appeared on the blonde shinobi's face.
"Sure did."
Kiba nodded thoughtfully.
"That's a pretty heroic thing to do isn't it?"
Naruto's grin brightened.
"Yeah. I guess it is."
A hint of mischief glinted in Kiba's eyes when Naruto said this.
'Uh oh. I don't like where this is going.'
"You know, it's always customary for the hero to receive a certain prize for saving the damsel in distress."
The blonde shinobi tilted his head in confusion. Shino's eyebrow rose. Obviously curious to see where Kiba was going with this.
"Really?" asked the curious blonde.
Kiba's mischievous wolf grin could not get any bigger.
"Yep."
"Like what?"
Hinata's eyes were incredibly huge. She knows what he's going to say. And damn him for it!
"A kiss"
Naruto's eyes were now matching Hinata's. But before that healthy blush could reach his cheeks, Kiba spoke again. Speaking directly at Hinata.
"From the fair maiden herself."
"Can I take your orders?"
The embarrassing and completely mortifying situation (in Hinata's case) was brought to a halt by one of the restaurant's waiters. The waiter himself took a look at the scene before him. Two incredibly flustered teens, a grinning trouble-maker, a stoic introvert and a content yet slightly amused man. He shrugged, finding nothing out of the ordinary. Iruka decided to further defuse the situation by speaking first.
"Yes you can."
After the orders were taken Hinata and Naruto felt more comfortable. It was still awkward but they were at least out of the fire.
"So Hinata how's training going?"
The dark-haired beauty directed her gaze to the one who spoke. Her old ninja academy teacher.
"I've heard a lot from Naruto. He says that you can be one tough opponent."
Obvious shock lit up Hinata's face.
"He has?"
Iruka gave the Hyuga heiress a warm smile. He nodded his head in response.
"Oh well, it's been going fine. But I don't think I'm as strong as Naruto says I am."
"What do mean!?" The polite small talk was interrupted by their fellow hyper ninja, Naruto. "Of course your that strong Hinata. Those bandits didn't get a hold of that scroll did they? You have to stop thinking so lowly of yourself."
The young kuniochi gave a heavy blush to Naruto's praise.
"Thank you Naruto-kun. I'll try to think more positively of myself."
A genuine smile appeared on Naruto's face upon hearing such words.
"That's what I want to hear."
The two were so caught up into the conversation that they didn't notice three sets of eyes analyzing their every action. Shino had already concluded that Naruto has been doing wonders for Hinata's self-confidence. This just supported his reasoning. Kiba couldn't get that grin off his face no matter how hard he tried. As much as he loved to teased Hinata about her crush he would not let his comments get in the way of them being together. Hinata's happiness is what matters and he couldn't remember a time when she looked more happy than what she does now. Iruka knew of Hinata's crush on his favorite student ever since he had taught them in the academy. And just like he thought back then, he approved whole-heartily. Naruto needs someone that can calm him down and make him look at things in different perspective. But more importantly he needs to be needed.
Clearing his throat, Iruka took pleasure in seeing his 'once upon a time' students faces snap back into reality.
"Well it's good to hear that your improving Hinata."
The blushing beauty locked gazes with her old teacher.
"Thank you."
It felt like he was trying to tell her something through those brown eyes. It felt like he was saying 'I approve'. But of what? It almost felt like he was approving of something more that her improvements in training. Hinata swallowed a huge knot in her throat. Speaking the best that she could, she muttered a soft comment.
"W-would you p-please excuse me."
The men nodded a 'yes' to the young women. Bewildered to hear her stutter after not doing it for quit sometime.
Hinata had to get out of there. There was just too many emotions and thoughts running through her head at the moment. She had to clear her mind. But of coarse fate has a funny way of working. The rain from outside still clung to the soles of her shoes. Not remembering this important fact, Hinata quickly stood and tried to walk away from the scene. It was only natural that she would slip, causing her body to fall forward and crush into the waiter before her. The food on the tray that the waiter was carrying flew through the air and landed on two customers that were sitting at the table next to their own. The man at the table was not to happy to be interrupted by (and covered by) a different assortment of chow.
"HEY! Watch it! Some of us are trying to eat here!"
The customer tried his best to try and wipe off the sticky mess on his shirt, all the while boring his unkind eyes down at Hinata. His rude comment and cold stare towards Hinata immediately made Naruto's blood boil.
"Hey! Why don' you watch it!"
The man squinted his eyes at Naruto.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me! It was an accident! You should apologize!"
"Apologize? For what! I'm the one that's covered in food!"
"Yeah but you didn't have to be a jerk about it!"
One of things that Hinata did not like was fighting. In her experience, fighting never ended without sorrow or heartbreak. She could tell by the way that Naruto's eyebrows were creasing and how his lips were slightly curling into a scowl that he was just getting started. She wanted to stop it but her voice was failing her.
"I'm not apologizing to your little girlfriend. It's not my fault she's such a uncoordinated klutz."
That did it. Before the man could even blink he was thrown against the wall by one very pissed off Naruto Uzumaki. His large tan hands held a firm yet not too tight of a grip on the man's throat. His cerulean blue eyes bored into the man's own frightened ones.
"Nobody EVER insults my friends. ESPICALLY my best friend."
His voice was so cold that it sent shivers down the man's back. Nodding dumb fully Naruto released his grip around the man's throat. The man slid down the wall, those blue eyes never leaving him.
"Excuse me sir."
Naruto's cold hard stare was broken when a man placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder. Turning around he saw a big man wearing formal robes and a very business-like expression on his face. More than likely the owner of the restaurant.
"You've caused a lot of commotion here son. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
Naruto turned his attention back to the man on the floor. His expression immediately turned to one of disgust.
"That's alright. I've suddenly lost my appetite."
Hinata stood frozen. Naruto's statement continually ran itself across her mind.
'Best friend. He called me his best friend.'
Her state of mind was brought back to earth when the front door slammed. Naruto had left.
"Naruto-kun."
Gathering herself together Hinata ran to the front door. She has to make sure she heard him right. It just seemed to good to be true. Slamming the door open, Hinata ran into the gloomy streets outside.
The rain was hard and cold. It felt like a thousands needles were pounding their way into Hinata's flesh, leaving a icy feeling that chilled her to the bone. Her clothes were already soaked. The heavy weight made it even harder for her to run in the storm. But she ignored the pain and difficulty, she had something more important to worry about. Speaking of which, she could now spot a patch of yellow hair in the distance.
As she reached Naruto, Hinata began to slow down. He was just standing there. His back turned towards her. She studied his posture for a second before speaking.
"Naruto-kun."
"Hinata"
His voice was soft and settle. Much unlike the guy from earlier. Hinata's breath caught in her throat when he turned around. His eyes held so much emotion that it would take anyone's breath away.
"What are you doing out here? You'll catch a cold."
Hinata torn her gaze from Naruto's. She couldn't answer him while looking at those eyes.
"Looking for you."
Naruto gave her a dull nod in return. The rain had flattened his hair. Making each strand stick to his face. Composing herself, Hinata asked him what her heart was dying to know.
"Did you mean it?"
Naruto's brows knotted in confusion. The dark-haired beauty shifted back forth and nervously. The swishing of water was heard beneath her feet. She further explained herself.
"When you said that I was your best friend. Did you mean it?"
Realization as well as a warm smile lit Naruto's face.
"Of course."
Lifting her unique pale eyes Hinata stared into Naruto's blue ones.
"But why…why would you want to be my best friend."
Confused, Naruto answered with the thought that first came to mind.
"Why not."
The Hyuga heiress still looked doubtful, so he continued.
"You're the most understanding, thoughtful person I know Hinata. You care about others when you don't have to. You listen to people rather than judge them. Your loyal to both your friends and your words. You try your best even if it means it means to sacrifice. Your kind, smart, honest and trustworthy. So…why wouldn't I want to be best friends with someone like you?"
Hinata bowed her head. Not to hide her blush but to hid the joyous tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.
"Really Naruto-kun? You mean that."
Stepping forward, Naruto wrapped his arms around Hinata in an embrace. The hug caught Hinata off guard and all she could do was gasp in surprise.
"Of course I mean it Hinata-chan."
Now, Hinata let the tears run freely. There was just too much happiness to keep in. Returning the embrace, Hinata rested her forehead on Naruto's shoulder and softly whispered in his ear.
"You're my best friend too Naruto."
The two teens continued to embrace each other. Both feeling secure and safe in the other's arms as the storm surrounded them.
The Next Morning
"Ino where are you taking me?"
"I told you Hinata. It's a surprise."
Hinata gave a loud sigh. She had been sleeping in the warm comfort of her bed when she had been violently shook by the blonde kuniochi. (How she snuck in without being detected by the Hyuga's eyes in beyond Hinata.) As soon as Hinata was out of bed, Ino insisted (more like demanded) Hinata to get ready. Ever since then the poor girl has been dragged around by a determined blonde.
'I hope that whatever Ino has planned won't cost me my sanity.'
"Alright! We're here."
Turning her attention to the destination Ino had chosen, Hinata's face contorted in confusion.
"The Konoha Hot Springs?"
Ino nodded her head eagerly.
"Yep sure is."
"But why-"
Hinata was interrupted by flyer that was put right in front of her face.
"You see this."
"Uhhh, yes Ino. It's a flyer for the annual Konoha Summer Festival."
The flyer was taken from her face and in it's place a devious smiling Ino.
"I thought it would be the perfect place and time to start goal two."
"Goal two?"
Even though Hinata knew all the steps of goal one and their purpose, Ino never really explained goal two. Either way, the dark-haired girl did not like that look in Ino's eyes. It spelled mischief.
"Hinata. It's time to put the girl in girlfriend."
Ohhh yeah, not good.
Notice: I suck at grammer.
Happy Halloween everyone!
Next chapter: Putting the girl in girlfriend
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto. I'll let Hinata have that liberty. (wink wink)