When news of Naruto's return reached Hinata's ears, she was overly-ecstatic. The bad thing was…he was already sent out on a mission.

"What?! So soon?" He chuckled as her smile dissipated into a look of disappointment. "Did you see him at all, Kiba-kun? Or…is it just a rumor…?"

He shook his head. "It's real alright, confirmed by Lady Tsunade herself. I didn't see him, but he should be back soon."

She brightened up quickly at the idea of seeing Naruto again. There was so much she wanted to tell him, so much she wanted to show him. "Would he even listen, though…?" She questioned herself mentally, suddenly feeling herself overcome with worry. "He might have even forgotten about me…"

"Cheer up, eh?" She felt his fingers ruffle the hair on her head, causing her to break from her thoughts and look at him in annoyance. Her eyes immediately softened when they met his, though. They were as careless as usual. "We'll go see him together once he comes back!"

She suddenly forgot about how he just deliberately messed up her hair, slight hope returning to her. Naruto wasn't the kind of guy to ignore people. "O-Okay."

"Are you guys forgetting someone?"

Oh great, they forgot again. Poor Shino.

"Ohhh, no! You too, Shino. We were saving you for last 'cause…'cause you're the best!"

They managed to avoid Shino's sulking that day.

0o0o0o0

Naruto had to admit, the last thing he excepted when he returned to the village was news of Gaara becoming Kazekage.

It took him by surprise at first- soon after he felt envy and jealousy, only to be accompanied by pride and satisfaction. Gaara and he were the same, initially. Both were feared and rejected, shunned and despised; they both were Jinchuriki, and that was reason enough to be overwhelmingly happy for his friend to become a Kage, it even gave him reassurance that his dream was not as hopeless as many people tried to convince him to be.

It was understandable that he was extremely upset upon hearing his friend got kidnapped when he first arrived, ultimately making it his duty to go and retrieve him. Besides that, he was genuinely shocked at just how much his teammates had really changed.

Tenten was more mature, and it seemed as if she was able to put up with Gai-Sensei and Lee more than she used to. Her choice of attire was rather intriguing, yet, at the same time very appealing. It much resembled Neji's in the sense that it allowed her to be both agile and flexible in her movements.

Now if he had to pick someone who had changed the most, it'd definitely be Neji. Not only did his choice of clothing seem much more appealing, his attitude changed largely as well. He was very calm, but he did appear to get slightly overwhelmed when it came to people worrying over his wellbeing. His hair was also slightly longer, which was traditional of the Hyuga clan. Even Naruto knew that (which brought him to question why Hinata kept her hair short?)

If there was one person who didn't change, it was definitely Lee. Not his clothes, not his hair, not even his brushy eyebrows. He still remained the flamboyant, energetic, hot-blooded adolescent they've always known him as. That was fine though, in Naruto's eyes. In all truth he would have been disappointed if Bushy-Brows were to change at all.

Sakura was different as well. She most definitely shaped out- her forehead didn't seem so large anymore. Not only that, she excelled in her medical capabilities, not to mention she could easily send Naruto flying with no effort. As noted by Jiraiya, she certainly closely resembled her master.

Naruto had to admit, the fact that he bore such a great impact on somebody else's life left him questioning himself. It made him feel immensely happy, and now Gaara was rid of his 'curse'. The One Tail was extracted at the cost of his own life, and was retrieved by the cost of another. They were all very thankful.

"Is it my father's curse? " The auburn-haired male contemplated, "Or perhaps my mother's wishes?"

Regardless, he could always find reason enough to carry on when he witnessed the determined look in his now rival's eyes. Not only were they determined- they were fearless. Furthermore, when he saw the cheering faces of the many villagers whom settled in his village, it also brought out some hidden determination within him. It was a large reminder that the Akatsuki was now targeting them, and Naruto wasn't too far behind. He's been preparing for 3 years to hold his own, but his training was far from over. He still couldn't properly suppress and control the demon within him, and it could easily take over his body. Not only that, he still had much collaboration techniques to perfect with the Toads Jiraiya had become acquainted with.

He wasn't even concerned with that as they returned home, nor was he concerned with the fact that his teacher was incapacitated and had to be kept in the hospital for 2 weeks. He was only focused on the fact that he would need another teammate to find Sasuke, and he really didn't care who.

Hinata had just left her home for a mission with Kiba and Shino. It was B-ranked, so she wasn't too worried, although she was a bit sad that she wouldn't be able to see Naruto. The mission lasted a week, and it was simple scouting and mapping. They caught many missions like that, as they were considered the most useful team in Konoha.

When she heard Kiba's loud voice in the distance, it didn't surprise her. She couldn't help but to wonder who he was arguing with, though. Most likely Shino, but, when she drew closer, she quickly realized it was definitely not Shino he was arguing with. It was the boy's voice she's gone way to long without. Naruto. Kiba was arguing with Naruto.

She allowed a gasp to escape from her longs, more audible than she intended it to be, as she pressed her back against the fence. She waited so long for this, almost three years, yet she found herself extremely nervous. Her face flushed, and she swore she could hear her heartbeat as thoughts raced in her mind.

"Hinata? Is that you?"

She felt her body go completely rigid as she turned to see his face right in front of hers. She was never good with close bodily contact.

"Why are you hiding? Hey, Hinata?!"

She fainted.

"What did I do?!" Naruto couldn't help but to question himself. It wasn't the first time she did that. He's hugged Hinata before, and he's held her before when she became scared or injured on different missions. It always felt like she was about to collapse, if not she already had fainted. Was she allergic to him?

"Oh great look what you did! Hinata?" Kiba sighed, crouching down. "I hope you didn't hit your head."

"She still does this?" Naruto asked, lifting her up below her neck and knees.

Kiba sighed as Naruto walked her over to a tree. "Not since you got back."

"Hmm…" He lied her down gently, resting her head against the tree. He was surprised slightly by how long her hair had gotten. It was really pretty.

"Anyways, seriously! You have Akamaru, just let me bring Hinata or-." He looked back at Shino, who was sulking at being forgotten. "Just let me bring Hinata!"

Before Kiba had the chance to respond, Naruto had already ran over to Hinata.

"Don't say anything and come with me!"

"'don't say anything and come with me…?' Ehh…?"

She fainted again.

When she came to, Naruto was replaced with Kurenai-Sensei. Disappointing, but expected. She was smiling, crouched down to her level as she examined her wellbeing. "Are you alright, Hinata?"

She felt an awful throbbing pain in her head, though she doubted it would render her abilities. "Y-Yes, I'm sorry."

Kiba started laughing in the background. "I knew it! First time you see Naruto and-."

"Kiba!"

The rest of Naruto's day was quite interesting.

He met his supposed teammate, who was just plain weird. His name was Sai, and his choice of attire was rather odd, not to mention his skin was paper white! He also had some weird obsession with his dick. He wasn't going to be the one to question that.

He also met his new superior, Captain Yamato. He was also odd at first, and it almost seemed like he was making it a hobby to scare the living daylights out of him. Within the following weeks though, he started to consider them friends rather than just forced comrades. When he had his first encounter with Sasuke in over three years, he was shocked. Shocked out of his wits, in fact. Sasuke had grown physically and mentally- he was much stronger, and it shook him. The kid he used to so utterly hate, and then eventually consider a brother, has become so completely darkened with that sense of hatred and revenge. A captain, an ANBU member, an exceeding medical ninja and a Jinchuriki were overmatched by a single Uchiha. It could be considered sad. Naruto didn't consider it such, though. In fact, his resolve didn't waver at the slightest, it only strengthened. He felt livelier as ever as he returned, more than ready to begin intense training. He had to work on his Rasengan, on collaboration jutsus; he also had many people he wanted to talk to!

He still considered Sai weird at the end of it all, but at least he was sure of Sai having no ill intentions. Especially after he declared it his goal to express his friendship to his comrades. He no longer fake smiled.

Hinata was blissfully ignorant of what Naruto was going through, which he would consider her lucky, because all in all it was fairly stressful working with new people. Hinata never had to deal with such a problem, due to the fact the higher-ups considered it necessary a Byakugan user would only work with other sensory-type ninja, which it would be reasonable to assume she knew most of them. This wasn't luck on her part; she usually took the time to get to know her comrades. Shino seemed to especially like this about her, since Kiba was the complete opposite.

Ironically enough, she returned back from her mission right before Naruto did. Most of it was spent listening to Kiba's endless teasing of how she fainted over Naruto, in which she utterly regretted. Despite endless amounts of mental and physical training, she still wasn't able to control her rapid heartbeat when he was even spoken of. It used to be admiration, then infatuation, now she didn't even know what to call the foreign feeling which overwhelmed her in his presence. Was she allergic to him? That would have probably been foolish to consider, but she almost turned to that conclusion seeing she could work well with anyone else in Konoha.

When she returned from her mission, she allowed herself to indulge in these different thoughts, the total time she saw him amounted to less than a minute, so how come she couldn't help but find herself constantly smiling for the previous week? And he had gotten so broad, so tall and so much more mature. She flushed thinking about it, yet couldn't help but acknowledged the light, happy feeling overwhelming her being.

Now, what did he think of her? She wished to know so badly, although she would never bring herself to ask such a question. Besides, she was well aware she wasn't the only person on Naruto's mind. He was happy to see everyone.

She sighed, collapsing onto the purple sheets of her bed.

Meanwhile Naruto just arrived home, and man, was he happy. That mission sure took a lot out of him, but thankfully he had a few days to rest.

He didn't even stop to have a cup of ramen as he navigated his way through the dark apartment, feeling around so he wouldn't trip over something stupid and break his arm. When his body came in contact with the bed, it was indescribable, the bliss he felt at that very moment.

With that, he fell asleep in his bed, empty stomach, fully dressed and didn't even bother to take off his shoes. No one couldn't deny that's typical of Naruto.

0o0o0o0

The next morning Hinata woke up as early as usual, attended morning training with Neji, Hanabi, and her father.

She watched from aware when walking with Shino and Kiba as Naruto laughed with Choji and Shikamaru. "What are they doing?" she couldn't help but to wonder; they seemed to be having much fun. Sometimes she wished she could be more outgoing like Kiba, or one of the other chunin.

"What are you looking so gloomy for?!" Kiba's voice rang throughout the area, and it startled her. Surely Naruto had heard him.

"K-Kiba! I'm not…" She looked away, knowing he would surely be able to see right through her.

Sure enough, Naruto noticed.

"Hey Naruto!" Kiba waved, "Come over here, will ya?"

She felt her heart hammering in her chest as she grabbed the hem of Kiba's shirt, shaking her head. She did not want to further embarrass herself by doing something stupid like fainting.

He simply smiled and patted her head as Naruto ran over, oblivious and cheerful as ever.

"Yo guys! What's up?" The blond chimed. His hair was as wild as ever, but it would be weird if he were to style it. It matched it bright orange jump suit, his whole appearance just screamed "Naruto!"

"We haven't seen you for 3 years and that's all you greet us with?!"

Naruto scratched the back of his head, biting his lip. "Hey, I talked to you guys a few weeks ago…"

"That doesn't count!" Kiba glared jokingly; Naruto laughed as Shino began his sulking process.

She didn't even look at him. She couldn't. She couldn't risk fainting or making a fool out of herself in from of him, or Kiba; perhaps she could hold onto the little pride she had left.

"Hey Hinata, what's wrong?"

Or maybe not.

She lifted her head slightly to be overwhelmed by him. His facial expression had worry written all over, such contrast to his normal happy tone.

"Eh?" He firmly grabbed her shoulders, causing her to tense up. "Don't tell me you're going to faint again!"

She tensed more; Kiba broke out laughing.

"I…I won't…" She bit her lip, because she was almost positive she would have if Naruto kept touching her even like that.

She suddenly got pulled into his chest, and her eyes widened. He was embracing her, and she swore at that distance he could probably hear her heartbeat.

"I missed ya, Hinata!"

Kiba smiled at them. He knew she was a strong girl, and was confident she would be able to get over her one weakness; Naruto.

"Naruto-kun!" She squeaked, holding onto him for support. Her knees were about to give out on her and she didn't need to fall into him like that.

"Eh?" He questioned, wondering why she was so tense. Did she not like him? He certainly did not like that thought, not to mention he couldn't understand why in the world such a sweet girl like Hinata would hold something against him. Did he ever do anything to her?

"…I-It's nothing." She muttered, resting her forehead against his shoulder. He let out a sigh of relief and realized just how comforting it was. If he were to describe it…it would be very sensual- embracing a girl. Yet he somehow got the feeling that it wouldn't be the same if he were to do it to Sakura or some other girl.

"Aww, how cute!" Kiba teased, grinning.

"Aw, shut up, Kiba, we haven't seen each other in a long time!" He stuck out his tongue, placing his hand over the back of her head protectively, preventing her from moving. She could not believe it, not only was he embracing her…but he was defending her as well!

"Don't faint, don't faint, don't faint." She kept repeating in her head, she did not want to ruin the one and possible only moment she would get with Naruto.

"Hey, you haven't seen me in a long time too! Where's my hug, huh?" Kiba grinned, he was having fun with this, although he knew it would be smart not to take it too far if he didn't want Hinata to ignore him all day again.

"..And mine…?" Shino asked. What?

Naruto raised a brow, questioning the sexuality and sanity of her teammates. Like, it would be totally cool if they were bisexual or homosexual or whatever, although he couldn't see Kiba like that and Shino wasn't even fit to be with anyone. It was kind of weird, however, that they demanded such hugs. In fact, the only people he would consider it not weird to demand a hug would be…well, never mind, it would be weird regardless who it was.

He let his hold loosen much to her disappointment, and turned to face the boy and his dog. "What are ya talkin' about? Now you guys are just being weird…"

Hinata rested her hands on her chest, trying to calm down as she watched the two converse rather oddly.

"We're just jokin', right, Shino!?" He laughed, glancing over at his teammate. He did not appear to be joking, although you couldn't really tell through that heavy clothing.

"Yeah…'joking'…because…that's what friends do, right, Naruto?"

Naruto looked at them with a horrific expression.

"Hinata…" He murmured, gently grabbing her wrist. "We should uh, get out of here. I think your teammates are uhhh…just…"

She didn't know how to respond, so she looked at Kiba for help. He only winked at her. What a help, Kiba. She returned her gaze to Naruto and nodded slightly, seeing as though there would be no way she could possibly reject him.

"'Kay! Bye….Kiba, Shino…." Hey eyed them questionably before gently pulling on her wrist, leading her away.

She followed silently, glancing up at him every once in a while. His eyes were so blue, so clear, so happy! She wished she could stare into those azure eyes all day, but, her goal wasn't to creep him out.

"Hey, Hinata!" He suddenly blurted out, turning to her. "Remember right before I left? Like, right before I left?"

She met his eyes, confused. "Uhh…Y-Yeah, I think so. Why?"

"Remember when we went swimming?!" He grinned, gently letting go of her wrist to express his excitement. This brought a smile to her face.

"I-I do, why?"

He glanced to the side, as if he was thinking, remembering what he promised himself concerning her, and then returned his gaze to her. "Let's go there tonight! Just you and me; we can talk, does that sound good?"

She had never expected him to ask her that. Maybe when they were little and they used to be lonely, but now she was just a shy girl and he was the most popular guy in the village! What compelled him to take her out swimming again?

She avoided his eyes nervously, fidgeting with her fingers. "Um…"

It took a moment before it appeared he was hit with a sudden realization. "Oh, you…don't want to go? That's okay, too!"

"N-No!" She burst out, surprising him. "Of course I want to." She said a bit more quietly, averting her eyes again.

He smiled at her modesty, how cute could she be? Nonetheless he was ecstatic she accepted, it was something he waited for nearly 3 years. "Thanks Hinata! I'll see you tonight, then!"

He quickly ran off, startling her. "Naruto-kun…seems so excited…" She thought, it was just then she realized how red her face must have been. She was happy, too. This meant that Naruto didn't forget all about her and more so he still considered her a friend. In all honesty and despite her fears, she didn't expect that of him, since when has he started abandoning people?

"Hey, Hinata! What's up?" The sudden slap on the back caused her to jump, quickly turning around to face Kiba. He had learned to read her expressions like an open book, it's not like it was hard to read her, anyways.

"Don't tell me." He grinned, "Naruto asked you on a date! Didn't he?" He quickly backtracked, realizing his sudden tone of voice. "Wow…didn't mean to sound like one of your girl friends there, Hinata…but seriously, did he?"

She glanced at Shino, who was behind him, as if silently asking for help. Of course he didn't say anything, you never want to get in between a canine and its prey.

"N-No Kiba, it's not that…"

"Then what is it?" He smirked, "Your face is all red, you can't hide it from me!"

Sometimes she wondered if Kiba just liked to verbally torture her. Would it be so much trouble to just let up once? She felt her cheeks burn and she avoided the questioning glances of her teammates, wishing she could head home to get ready already.

"I'm just kidding, Hinata." He patted her shoulder. "Jeez, you look like you're about to keel over!" She felt the sturdy grip on her shoulders, steadying her as her world spun.

"I-I'm sorry," She stuttered, leaning into him for support. "I just don't feel good." She wasn't lying, though she certain she wasn't sick. If Naruto knew just how anxious she was, he probably would have felt supremely guilty asking her to spend time with him, and possibly would have avoided it altogether. He was slowly becoming aware of this trait in Hinata, although he was still clueless as to why.

Shino quietly stood in the background, where he belongs, along with Akamaru as Kiba worriedly fussed over her. "Hey, Hinata! Hinata? Stay with me, Hinata."

The brunette was kind enough to escort her to her house, a bit reluctant to leave her. She reassured him Neji would be there and eventually got him to go. She felt bad, for worrying her teammates so much, but it was hard to help. She could go through training on almost any subject plausible, but for liking a boy? Could she even bring herself to ask her elders, or even Neji about that?

She stumbled inside the estate, navigating her way through corridors. The first thing she did was scarf down a glass of water, and sure enough Neji eyed her questionably. She didn't bother to strike up a conversation as she resided to her bedroom, closing the door unenthusiastically. She would have to get ready quickly, and with that, try to calm herself down as well.

Meanwhile, Naruto was strolling down the popular streets of the village, happy and carefree as ever. He was heading home, too, but taking the long way. It was enjoyable: listening to the various conversations, inhaling the intoxicating smell of something freshly baked, simply feeling the warmth of the breeze on your skin.

"Hey Naruto, are you listening?!"

He jumped, for the first time in a long while he was caught off guard. "Sakura-chan?"

He turned to see his pink-haired friend looking quite annoying, a contemptuous look spread across her face. "Jeez, you can be so oblivious, ya know? I was calling out your name since you turned onto this street!" She quickened her pace so they could continue walking together.

He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry, Sakura. I'm just so happy, so I kinda didn't notice everything else!"

She tilted her head, "Happy…hm, why is that?"

"No reason." He grinned, relaxing. "What are you doing, anyways?"

"I just have to go report this to Lady Tsunade," she said in a casual tone, referring to the papers in her hand, "what about you?"

"Ahh," he sighed contentedly, "I'm going to see Hinata tonight!"

"Oh, really?" She smirked, "A date?"

He shook his head, biting his lip, "Nah! Well…no, nothing like that. I just haven't got to talk to her much since I came back, ya know?"

She nodded. "Suuuure. Anyways, this is where we have to part. So I'll see you later!"

He waved his goodbye as he watched her hastily walk towards Ino before whispering something in her ear. They both snickered; that worried him slightly as he turned, returning to his home.

"A date? Yeah, right!" He sighed, continuing down his path. "Like I could ever get a date with her…"

When he arrived, he quickly opened the door to find the usual mess. It made him sigh. Usually, he couldn't care less about the mess which would overwhelm everyone else. He quickly went around, picking up trash (which consisted mostly of ramen cups), picked up spare clothing. It was rather surprising how putting in so little effort could earn such large results as he examined his now decent household.

"Nice." He commented, stripping off his clothing. "I'd better hurry before I'm late!"

0o0o0o0

He arrived shirtless, merely draping a towel over his shoulder. It wasn't quite sunset yet, but pretty close, and he couldn't help but to find it strange when he didn't find Hinata at their destination point when he got there. She usually was one to arrive early.

He shrugged it off as nothing, taking off his shoes and throwing them near a tree. He rubbed his shoulder- it was sunburnt. He has grown used to these types of things ever since he left the village. That said, he eagerly jumped into the cool water, seeking its soothing capabilities. It shocked him at first, the comfort from the warm air nearly being stripped away all at once, but once he grew used to it he wouldn't get out if someone begged him to.

"Naruto-kun?"

"Ah!" He gasped, turning around. There she was, wearing shorts and a large sweater over her bathing suit. He didn't expect any less. "Hinata? Oh, hey!"

"I-I'm sorry…did I scare you?" She held her towel close to her chest, shutting her eyes. "I didn't mean to."

"No!" He said nervously, shaking his head. "No, no, no, no! It's just been a while, ya know? Come on it, it's cool!"

She opened her eyes, looking down at him with uncertainty. For a moment he thought she was going to reject, but eventually, although hesitantly she took off her jacket. He didn't stare at her while she did so, even he was aware that would make the most normal of people uncomfortable. When he turned back, he couldn't help but to notice how her swimsuit was orange! It was so different from what he expected he couldn't help but to laugh. It's not like it looked bad or anything, it was just odd seeing such a flashy color on such a shy girl.

He snapped out of it when she jumped it, squeaking.

"Cold?" He asked in a casual tone when she resurfaced, "I guessed I should've warned ya, huh?"

She shook her head, her hair fanning out in the water. "It just surprised me."

He smiled. "So, have you gotten any better in swimming since I left? Didn't you have trouble or something?" It was his way of trying to start a conversation with her.

"Yes." She said shyly. "I have…thanks to you, Naruto."

He raised a brow. "Thanks to me? Nah, you're the one who achieved it, Hinata! You're a strong girl. Don't underestimate yourself; I knew you could do it!"

Her face turned red. "You knew…?"

"Hm? I can't here you!" She was mumbling again, why did she always do that around him?

She shook her head. "It's nothing, N-Naruto-kun." She needed to calm herself down. Neji forced her to give him a detailed explanation on where she was going before she left (hence why she was late). He probably would of just let it be if it weren't for the fact that she looked like she was going to faint, but, he was often concerned for his younger cousin. He wasn't too content with the fact she would be seeing Naruto alone (being full aware of her feelings), but wasn't going to play the father role in her life.

He raised a brow. "Hey, Hinata, why are you so quiet all the time? And are you sick or something?"

"N-No." She replied quickly, her face heating up. "I'm sorry…I'm just…" She mumbled, "shy."

"Shy?" He laughed, "Shy of what?

She lowered herself into the water in an attempt to conceal herself, trying to avoid his question. He waited, but not for long.

"So what is it?"

She knew he wasn't going to let it go, and she was the one who backed herself into the corner. Might as well answer him. "Y-You…"

He tilted his head, as if comprehended what she had just said before breaking out into laughter. "You're shy of me?! Really? Why, am I scary?"

She shook her head violently. "N-No! I'm sorry…"

His laughter eventually died out as an awkward silence settled between both of them. The realization that he was the reason she appeared so uncomfortable slightly tore at him, as if he was making her suffer in some way.

"I'm sorry, Hinata." He muttered guilt obvious in his voice. "I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." It was very out of character of him, to suddenly remain so calm, but nonetheless it made it much easier to converse with him.

"No, Naruto-kun. It's n-not like that." She leaned forward slightly, reaching out to grab his hand, which was quite bold on her part but also felt necessary. "I like…spending time with you…"

His eyes lightened up as she spoke, a smile returning to his face. "Really? So…hm…" He thought up reasons as to why she would be so shy, yet enjoy spending time with him. Was he intimidating…or?

It hit him.

She liked him.

It took him long enough to realize, especially considering almost everyone else in the village knew about it. What he couldn't comprehend, however, is why such a pretty, strong, not to mention royal young lady like him of all people? He had unspoken heritage, he lived alone in a small apartment, and for the longest time no one seemed to approve of him. He suddenly felt a jolt of happiness at the realization that someone liked him. Sure, he had many friends now, but thinking back, not a lot of them were too kind to him back in the academy days. When everyone glanced at him, muttering how troublesome of a boy he was, whenever he looked at Hinata she just smiled.

He jolted forward despite the water's resistance and hugged her tightly. It took her by surprise.

"Naruto-kun?" She questioned, confused at his sudden reaction. "A-Are…you okay?"

"Hinata." He smiled, pulling back slightly. He didn't even realize how weird that must of came off to her, suddenly hugging her like that. "It's nothing; I just really miss seeing you, that's all. You need to tell me everything that has happened while I was gone!"

She looked up at him, still overcome with that sudden shock. "You…want to know…?"

"Of course!" He leaned against the wall, getting a clear view of her perplexed facial expression as he felt himself relax. "Then I'll tell you everything that has happened to me."

That's how their night carried on; she was able to tell him her whole story, about family issues slowly being resolved to funny moments she had with Kiba and Shino. To her surprise, Naruto patiently listened to all of it, sometimes laughing, sometimes giving his feedback. He was a lot more interested in her suddenly. He wanted to know what pained her, what made her laugh, her interests and dislikes; he wanted to know why he felt so connected to someone he barely conversed with. He found out partially- her father's abandonment along with her own cousin's (although he already knew somewhat of that). He wanted to punch the man in the face for giving up on someone who was so clearly strong, but his opinion slightly changed upon learning that he was giving her a second chance. It made him even happier to know that it was ultimately because of him that his perspective had changed, but still, he was aware once the damage to someone's soul had been done, it takes a long time to heal. Even now, when the young blond is surrounded by smiling friends and mentors daily…he can never help but to realize that in one point of their lives, they thought of him as a nuisance. A little kid who had been shunned for something he couldn't help. That's why he couldn't help but to sympathize with the pain she bore, feeling compelled to try and take it away all at once. She was following him, now, and she was becoming strong for him. In all honesty, he didn't know how to react, even though he was aware that many people had changed because of him. He never considered himself a hero because of it, it had been one of his goals to change how people see other's since he was a small child. Those who told him he was just being naïve now watch in amazement as he seems to change people's fates left and right.

He was an amazing kid, especially to Hinata.

After coming to this realization, he decided it would be okay to reveal most of his ideals to her. They were two of a kind, and perhaps by reaching for the same goal, they would be able to change this world together.

"Do you know what Pervy Sage always told me?" He looked at her. After so much talking her stutter tended to fade away, and she was definitely more bold in speaking and her word choice. He had to admit, he definitely preferred that over painstakingly trying to figure out what she was saying, but he wouldn't mind either way.

"What did he tell you?" She questioned, looking up at the sky. The moon shone brightly.

"He told me…" he began, recalling the moment, "that his goal was to achieve peace in this world. He doesn't know how, at least not yet, but I'm his protégé…so, if he fails, it's my job to achieve it!"

She glanced over at him with wide eyes. "World peace? Do you really think that is possible?"

"Of course." His eyes glistened, "just look at Gaara, or Neji…or Grandma Tsunade. They've all changed! Same with your father, right?" His enthusiasm made her smile.

"You're right. If anyone is able to achieve that…I think it would be you, Naruto-kun. I'm positive you will become Hokage, and bring Sasuke-kun back to the village."

"Of course!" He grinned in somewhat of an arrogant manner, yet genuinely. "Do you really think it's possible, though?"

She nodded. "I used to be…very gloomy. Now, especially when I look at you…I can believe in anything, Naruto-kun."

He felt immensely happy, inspired as she put her confidence into him. He couldn't wait to continue on his path, seeing where the world would take him- take them.

And when they both gazed at the moon, he realized he could make anything possible.

I'm sorry I took so freaking long writing this. I've been sick for the last week, and the medicine I take makes me pretty loopy, so I figured it probably wasn't such a good idea to be writing on it, thus my writing time has been fairly limited. Also, the lack of reviews is fairly disheartening….it may not seem it, but I take into account every piece of feedback I get, and adjust my story according to it. It's also very motivating, so seeing no reviews is the equivalent (at least in my mind) "no one's enthusiastic for this story". I've even considered scrapping it a few times, and probably would have if it weren't for my friend who has helped me out (thanks Jasper!). Anyways, to those who review, thank you very much. Same with those who read. I'll be starting school in 2 weeks, hopefully I can manage to squeeze one more chapter out before then, and hopefully it will be even longer. Thanks for reading!