Chapter 12: A Voice From Heaven
In the middle of the busy streets, Mebuki was shopping for some things in case her daughter might go on a mission with her new team again. Hanabi was with Konohamaru and his friends and knew it would be better if Hanabi can socialize with people her age more.
But as she was walking, her mind was thinking about Danzo showing up and repeating what he said about him and her would've been one. 'Hmph! Like I will go around and having my daughter be a mercenary! That bastard better not lay a finger on Sakura or I will crush him!' Mebuki said with conviction.
Just then, Mebuki heard a conversation and it was close by. It was sounding like Tsunade as she approaches to where her talking would be. And with that, Mebuki figures where it was coming from: Ichiraku's.
"For the last time: I'm not being in your book!" Tsunade said clearly.
"But come on! You look so beautiful and have the talent to impress many fans!" Jiraiya begged.
"Your fans are perverts who wants to look at my chest! Forget it!" Tsunade declared as she slurps her noodles.
Jiraiya grumbled, "You are no fun at all."
Mebuki enters inside to greet them both. "Lady Tsunade, Master Jiraiya! What are you doing here?"
The two Sannins turn to see Mebuki standing behind them and Tsunade became the first to speak up. "Good afternoon, Mebuki. Me and this guy here are enjoying our lunch break."
"I see," replied Mebuki.
"So what brings you here? Coming here to enjoy some ramen?" Tsunade spoke to the Haruno woman.
"No, I was just going around and shopping for some things for my daughter if she ever goes on a mission." Mebuki answered. "Actually, I was glad to see you right now. Do you mind if I talk to you for a minute?"
Tsunade could tell that Mebuki was being serious at this time. "Understood. Sorry I have to leave, Jiraiya."
"Oh, don't you worry about me! I'll be okay. And I promise to not spy for research! That last hit almost put in a coma!" Jiraiya said while rubbing his head.
Tsunade giggles softly. "At least you've learned your lesson. I'll be back and tell Shizune I'm with Mebuki." As Jiraiya nodded his head, the two women were walking down the path. "What is it that was important?"
Mebuki sighs deeply and looks at the Hokage. "I wanted to talk to you about what happened from the Sound incident."
Tsunade nodded and said, "Continue."
"Ever since those Sound ninjas infiltrated the village and attacked Sakura, I was worried. I was curious to how they know the area of this place and secretly enter without getting detected by ANBU or the ninja hounds." Mebuki stated.
Tsunade replied, "I agree to that. But something tells me that this goes deeper than anything I ever imagine. From Ibiki's report, he said that the leader spoke of someone here in the Leaf Village giving information in secret and seeing if they can get their hands on Naruto."
"But Naruto was exiled! Why would they still try to invade the village for only him?" The Haruno woman asked.
Tsunade sighs and said, "Even if he's exiled, Orochimaru would not only obtain Sasuke's powers, but use Naruto as something to sell on the black market. Somehow, we can't tell who it might be that's helping that snake."
"Well, there might be a few I can think of, but I highly doubt they can plan it and work out a deal with the Snake Sannin." Mebuki informed Tsunade. "Also, I ran into Danzo the other day."
"Danzo? Why was he talking to you?" Tsunade said as she was surprised that Danzo could be a people person.
"That bastard was talking nonsense and I told him to go away. But after he left, I found this." Mebuki took out a silk cloth from her pocket and shows it to the Hokage.
"Where did you get that from?" The blonde woman asked.
"Found it after he left. Do you think you can have Ibiki look over it? I think it might have something to do with the Sound." Mebuki suggested.
Tsunade nodded and took the cloth. "I'll make sure of it. Don't worry, it won't be hard to know who was going for Naruto and attacking Sakura and her team."
"Thank you, Lady Hokage." Mebuki bowed and left as Tsunade took a good look at the cloth in her hand.
'I know exactly who is behind this. Just wait until the council meeting.' Tsunade thought as she head back to her office.
-The Forest-
"CANNONBALL!" It was the sound of joy as Naruto swung from the ropes and made a huge splash into the lake. The teens were relaxing by the lake as they took a break from their departure from Takigakure. Naruto came out from below and shook his head to dry off for a bit. He heard applauses from Hinata and Fu as they rated his performance.
"Way to go, Naruto! I'm gonna have to give that a 10!" Hinata cheered.
"Hehe! Thanks, Hinata!" Naruto said as he looks at Tech and Dante.
"Move aside, Naruto! Let the pro show you how it's done!" Tech smirked as he got ready.
Hinata and Fu were enjoying the nice scene while under the shaded tree. "Don't you just love it when you have your favorite people just having fun?" Fu asked.
Hinata nodded. "It's great, Fu. I'm just glad we can get to know each other better. It's the first time I ever have girl time with another female."
"Did you ever have one while you were back home?" Fu implied curiously.
"A few times. But I kindly said no when I was shy back then. I was even invited to a slumber party and had a great time." Hinata answered.
"I see." Fu replied as she sees Tech doing a dive bomb at the lake. "Say, Hinata?"
"Yes, Fu?" Hinata asked.
Fu looks directly at her and said, "Have you ever fell in love with anybody?"
That question made Hinata blushing scarlet red as she looks away. "Um...w-why would you a-ask that?"
"Well, I was curious. I fell in love with Tech because he was the only guy to care for who I am. He saved me from danger and would do anything to make me smile." Fu stated while still looking at her friend. "Did that ever happen to you?"
Hinata thought about it and looks back at everything Naruto has done for her. But in reality, she helped him through his pain. Hinata took a deep breath and said, "It did from a lot of times."
"So...who is he?" Fu asked.
"Promise me you won't tell anybody?" Hinata said.
"Cross my heart, Hinata. I won't tell a living soul." Fu said while doing so.
"Okay." Hinata sighs deeply and answered. "I'm in love...with...N-N-Naruto."
Fu gasped in shock and said, "For real?!" Hinata nodded. "Aww! That's so sweet! What made you fall in love with him?"
"Well," Hinata explains, "I was young and my father puts me in another match with my sister. I wanted to prove to him and the entire clan that I was strong and confident. But that failed as I lost the match. My father was disappointed in me and he called me a disgrace and a failure. It struck me hard and my sister tried to help me up. But I was in depression that I got up and left the compound.
"After I was running away, I came across some bullies and they all ganged up on me. One of them shoved me and I just sat there helpless without my family to help me. They soon called me names and started to hurt me more. But before it could go worse, I heard them grunting and fist punching. As I open my eyes, I saw three of them down for the count. Before I could say anything, someone lend me a hand."
"And that would be Naruto, correct?" Fu interrupted as Hinata nodded her head. "So, what happened?"
"He helped me up and asked if I was alright. But soon, I just wrapped my arms around him and cried. He was there for me and saved me from those bullies. I controlled myself and properly thanked him. Before I got his name, Ko came and took me away from him. As I soon left, he just waved goodbye and smiled. I did the same and I prayed that I can see him again.
"When I was at Ninja Academy, he was there and I decided to meet with him and introduce myself to him. Naruto told me his name and I told him mine. From that moment, we were best of friends. He took me out to his favorite places and shows me the best view of the Leaf Village. Once I got home, Naruto gave me a hug and told me to see him soon. I made that promise and hope to see him the next day.
"But it was worse that my father told me to stay away or he will be forced to branding me with the Caged Bird Seal. I tried to tell him to reconsider, but...he slapped me. I was crying hard and went to my room. I was scared that he did that and it hurt me that I had to suffer. But before I knew it, Naruto came from the window and was wondering if I was okay.
"So I told him and he soon understood. Naruto was sad that I can no longer see him again, but he said that we can still be friends no matter what. And with that, Naruto and I made a pinky promise and will always be there for each other in secret."
Hinata finished her story and looks at Fu who was crying from the ordeal. Hearing how much Hinata have been through, it was so touching that Naruto saved her life. Fu wrapped her arms around the girl and said, "Hinata. That was so sweet! That's the nicest thing that anyone has ever done! I think you two might be the cutest couple in my book."
Hearing Fu's words made Hinata blush red. But it can be a possibility that she hopes it would happen for the both of them. Hinata smiled and hugged Fu back. "Thanks, Fu. Do you think he might love me as well?"
Fu giggled as she wiped her tears away. She looks at Hinata with a smile. "Like he can ever reject your feelings."
"Thanks," said Hinata as she looks to see the boys talking while standing on water. "Say, Fu, do you think we can go somewhere to eat? I spotted a town nearby and thought we might talk more."
"Sounds like a great idea, Hinata! But first, let's surprise the boys before we go." Fu said as she took off Tech's jacket and revealed her blue two-piece bathing suit. Hinata giggled and took off Naruto's old orange jacket and showed off her black one-piece swimsuit.
Tech said, "And I'm telling you that I made the big splash!"
"Come on, Tech! Dante can back me up on this! I have the biggest splash than you!" Naruto retorted.
"Um, guys?" Dante chuckled nervously as he was deciding what to do.
"OH, BOYS!" The guys then turn and see the girl swinging from the ropes and shouting, CANNONBALLLL!" Together, Fu and Hinata dive and send some water hitting them in the face. Knowing how it turned out, they know who won...and it just went south for Naruto and Tech.
-Tanzaku Town; Crimson Lotus-
The teens were dry and inside one of the best eatery in the gambling town of Tanzaku. While exploring, Naruto was telling them how this was the place he met his godmother and Fifth Hokage as he accepted a bet to make the Wind Release: Rasengan technique in one week. He even told them that he made a huge winning from a lottery ticket! They were sitting in the booth and enjoying their favorite meals.
"So, you telling me that you are a jinchuuriki like Fu? What was the tailed beast and when did you had it?" Tech asked while an apple pie.
Naruto answered, "I became a jinchuuriki since I was born after my father risked his life and sealed it inside of me. it was the Nine-Tailed Fox and the most powerful one of all the Bijuus."
"Oh, yeah! I've heard rumors about it. They said that the Nine-Tailed Fox was relentless and can destroy half a mountain with just one attack with its tail!" Dante added. "How is he now?"
"He's calm for the moment, but I think Kurama is just waiting for the right time to one day be set free." Naruto replied.
"Kurama?" Tech, Fu, and Dante questioned.
"That's the name the fox was called," answered Hinata. "But Kurama had a bit of a soft side when saving Naruto from everything put in front of him."
"But what about you, Fu?" Naruto asked.
"This one is a girl and she goes by Chomei: The Seven-Tailed Beetle. Hell, Tech sometimes calls me 'Lucky 7' since good things happen to me in strange reasons. Can't say but it was like a miracle." Fu stated.
"So you have good luck no matter where you go?" Hinata asked curiosly.
"Eh, only a few. But I didn't care. I'm just happy to be alive and meeting new people. I don't mind one bit." Fu said with a smile.
"Same here," said Naruto as he took another slurp of his ramen. Upon eating, he spotted something that caught his sight. "Hey guys, check it out!"
Naruto pointed to the direction and the others look as well. They see a sign that says:
Karaoke Night
Come and take the stage to show off you incredible singing talent!
Grand Prize: 750,000 Ryo
Participants are welcome by going onstage!
Event starts at 7 PM!
"Wow, a karaoke night! I haven't been in one for a long time!" Fu exclaimed.
"Same here as well." Hinata replied in a soft tone.
Naruto looks at her and asked, "You sing?"
"I used to when I feel sad or depressed. I even sung one for Hanabi to put her to sleep." Hinata said with a blush. "But I'm too shy to do that in front of people."
"Really? You know, I wouldn't mind hearing you sing one day." Naruto said sincerely.
"How about tonight? If me and Hinata compete, one of us can win the money! It can also be fun no matter what! Care to try, Hinata?" Fu pleaded.
"Well..." Hinata was unsure to sing to the crowd. But what made her think clearly was that Naruto wanted to hear how well she sings. With that in mind, she made a decision. "...I'll try what I can."
Naruto starts to smile brightly. "Sweet! I know you will do great, Hinata."
"Thank you, Naruto." Hinata smiled as she blushed red.
As it was 7 PM, a couple of people were showing up at the eatery. Karaoke night turns out to be great as everyone was singing good songs. Although a few weren't so lucky, they manage to have fun as always. It was close to the end as Fu and Hinata were the last two to perform.
"Um...I don't know about this." Hinata said nervously while pressing her index fingers together.
"Don't worry, Hinata. Just have confidence. I bet you are going to blow the roof off this place!" Fu stated with a huge smile.
Hinata just sighed as she heard the crowd applauding. "Well, it looks like you're up, Fu."
"As long as I have luck on my side, I'm cool." Fu said as she head towards the stage. A waitress came up to center stage and announced Fu. The green-haired girl waves to the crowd and to her friends as she chose something that suits her boyfriend's likings.
[Uverworld-Colors Of The Heart]
Ano hi boku no kokoro wa oto mo naku kuzure satta
Kowarete saken demo keshi sare nai kioku to
Kurayami ga hitomi no naka he to nagare komu
Mou iro sae mie nai ashita he to shizumu
Wakari aeru hi wo tomedo naku sagashita
Ushinau tame dake ni ima wo ikiteku
Mou dame da to hitori kodoku wo daite mo
They're coming tonight...
Hikari he terashiteku
Negai tsuzukeru omoi itsuka irodzuku yo to
Oshiete kureta kokoro ni ikitsudukeru hito
Nanimo kamo hitsuzen no naka de umareru Colors
Mou ichido kono te de asu wo egakeru kara
Itsu no ma ni ka boku wa nakusu koto ni mo nare
Te ni ireta mono sae yubi wo surinuketeku
Namida ga kareru mae ni kiki takatta kotoba wa
Ima wa dareka wo sukuu tame ni
It's all your fate. You gonna do that.
Hikari ga tsuyoku nareba yami mo fukaku naru to
Kiduita toshite mo osoreru koto wa nai yo
Nanimo kamo kokoro no hate ni umareru Colors
Mou hitomi wo hiraite mitsumerareru kara
Kanashimi no Breath
Sore wa sagashiteta iro wo nijimaseru yo
Oto mo tatezu ni
Negai tsuzukeru omoi itsuka irodzuku yo to
Oshiete kureta kokoro ni ikitsudukeru hito
Nanimo kamo hitsuzen no naka de umareru Colors
Mou ichido terasu yo hikari no yubisaki de
Just drawing... Colors in light and darkness
And take it... Colors in light and darkness
Ima wa todoka nai yasashii iro mo
Subete wa mata kono te de egaki naoseru kara
Fu finished singing and the crowd was cheering for her. Tech was whistling and Naruto and Dante were clapping. Fu giggled and looks at Hinata at the back and winked.
Hinata was scared at first, but she knew that Naruto was watching her. 'If Fu can do it, then so can I! I can't disappoint Naruto!' She thought as she went out to face the crowd.
Once she went out, the crowd was amazed to see a Hyuuga in person as this was the first to see one performing at a young age. Hinata was startled a bit, but she sees Naruto mouthing out, 'Good luck' to her. The blunette smiled softly and had the waitress coming out to her.
"Miss Hinata, is there any song you want us to play for you?" The redhead waitress asked in a whispered. Hinata nodded and silently gave her an answer. "No problem."
As the waitress came down, the song starts to play. And once Hinata got the mic, she took a deep breath and sang.
[Hitomi Takahashi-Aozora no Namida]
Hitorikiri kurayami no naka
Kimi no namida no imi wo shitta
Megau basho fumi dashi takedo
Daremo kizutsuketaku nakute
Umi wo wataru kaze wa kyou mo
Mayowazu ni ashita ni mukau no ni
Kokoro wa doushite ugoki dase nai
Donna unmei ga matte irun dav rou
Kuya mitaku nai yo umareta koto
Kanashimi no naka ni yuuki ga aru
Kagayaki tsukamu to shinjite iru
Furi shikiru aozora no namida
Itsu no hi ka egao ni kaeru yo
Isogi ashi oikaketa kaze
Yubi no aida wo surinuketeku
Shinjiru koto mada kowai kedo
Todomaru koto wa mou shinai
Tsuki ga sotto kata wo tataki
Minamo utsushitekureta kiiromichi
Mayou koto sae wasurete yuku yo
Nanimo nai asu ga matte itemo
Nanika wo umidasu te ga aru kara
Kimerareta michi mo kaeteyukeru
Tsuyoi omoi ima komi ageteru
Koboreteta aozora no namida
Ashita ni wa kitto hareru kara
Miageta saki he to
Aruki daseru hazu
Dokomademo yukeru
Jibun naku sa nai nara
Donna unmei ga matte irun dav rou
Kuya mitaku nai yo umareta koto
Kanashimi no naka ni yuuki ga aru
Kagayaki tsukamu to shinjite iru
Furi shikiru aozora no namida
Itsu no hi ka egao ni kaeru yo
The crowd went crazy as Hinata made everyone cheer her name. Her friends were applauding and saying how awesome she was. But more importantly, Naruto was the one who really cheered for her shouting, "Way to go, Hinata! You rock!"
Hinata smiled and blushed after hearing Naruto saying that to her. That was all she needed as she took a bow.
-Lunar Inn-
After successfully winning the cash prize, thanks to Hinata, the teens were inside a nice hotel with good spacing and two rooms connected. Fu and Tech were out to enjoy the city and Dante locates the nearest ramen shop. It was now Naruto and Hinata in the room as Hinata came out of the shower with only her black nightshirt on.
"I'm finished, Naruto." Hinata said as she closed the door.
Naruto, who was watching television, looks behind him and sees Hinata. He smiled and said, "Hey, Hinata! How do you feel?"
"I feel great. A nice, hot shower is all I needed." Hinata replied. She sat down with Naruto and notices he had his tadpole cap with him. "Naruto, what's that?"
Naruto looks to where Hinata pointed at and answered, "Oh, this is something I always sleep with when I was young."
"How did you get that?" Hinata asked curiously.
"It was giving to me as a gift on my 8th birthday. I never thought that someone would actually care to give me something on my own birthday." Naruto looks saddened expression. "It really hurt me that I get the worst treatment and get those villagers to assault me. Every birthday was the same pain I ever had and it was getting to that point that I couldn't take it anymore.
Hinata couldn't help but feel so much sorrow to her crush that she knew the lifestyle of a jinchuuriki is. Seeing the glares and hatred of each villager made it clear how she enraged by the situation. Hinata tries her best to hold back any tears as Naruto continues on.
"But on my 8th birthday, I was giving this hat as a gift by someone who wrote a note and wishing me a happy birthday. And on my other birthdays, I was given other gifts: a small toad wallet, a coupon for unlimited ramen, and a red scarf in case I get cold. I was so happy that...someone really cares for me." Naruto shed a tear as he continued. "It made my life much better and wishing I could thank them for everything. I only want to meet them and show my gratitude of any kind of way."
Naruto then felt a hand on his and sees traces of tears pouring down. He looks up and sees Hinata smiling as she had tears coming down her cheeks. He was confused to why she was crying for and smiling at him for. Before he would say anything, Hinata spoke to him in a quiet tone. "I don't mind you saying it, Naruto."
The blonde ninja was still confused to what she meant. But as it turns out, Naruto realized something that made him gasp. "Hinata...i-i-it was...you?" Hinata nods her head. "Those gifts were from you? You're the one who wished me a happy birthday?"
Hinata nods her head and said, "I saw you feeling down and sad that you deserve nothing more but the best birthday ever. You hid behind the mask for too long for me to realize the pain you kept inside and it hurts to see you try to put on a smile and wipe the pain away. I saw you cry yourself to sleep and suffered much when Sakura rejected and punched you. I was mad at myself for being less confident and not being there for you sooner.
"After my father forbids me to see you again, I couldn't help but cry and seeing how you were treated since that day." Hinata starts to sob as her heart was aching from that memory. "You were my first friend and I felt so alone without anyone to talk to besides my sister! I hated myself for not standing up to my father and you were getting killed! I-I-I'm s-sorry, Naruto! I might be just a burden to you a-a-and I'm w-weak as my father will s-s-say! I-I'm a disgrace to-"
"STOP!" Hinata gasped as she heard Naruto shouting at her. But what made her utterly speechless was that Naruto had tears pouring out faster to his cheeks. His face was soaked and his body trembled constantly. He couldn't take it and hugged the poor girl. "N-N-No more. No more, did you hear me?"
"N-Naruto?!" Hinata said silently as she can hear him sobbing.
"Hinata...d-d-don't...ever...say it was your fault. You are the sweetest and kind-hearted girl I have ever met. When I heard that you and I cannot see each other, it really tore me apart to see that I lost a friend I just met. I didn't mean to ignore you on purpose; having to suffer from the villagers like I did. If you ever get close to me, I might lose you from the beatings from the angry mob. You were the only person to actually accept me for who I am and not a monster. I'm sorry I haven't notice you until this situation."
Naruto released his hug and looks to see how she understood him clearly. "Hinata, would you ever forgive me for being a total idiot and not being there for you? I would do anything to have you forgive and I promise to be there for you as a true friend."
Hinata felt her heart beating calmly as she looks at her crush through his eyes. The blunette could never hate him for nothing he didn't do. Hinata smiled softly and said, "Naruto...I could never be mad at you. I accept your forgiveness and know that I believe you. And if I didn't get the chance to being around you before this, I will always consider you as my best friend."
After hearing those words, Naruto smiled and wiped away his tears. "Thank you, Hinata. And I thank you again for making my birthday very special. I owe you one."
Hinata shook her head and placed her hand on his cheek. "The only thing I want to see is your handsome smile. The real one."
Naruto nodded his head and did so for Hinata. But for the two teens, they were mesmerizing each other's eyes. Cerulean blue met lavender as they were getting a bit closer without thinking of what they were about to do. Both their hearts were beating hard and each can feel their breaths shortening. Naruto and Hinata were leaning closer as their lips were inches. But as they were close...
(SFX: KNOCK! KNOCK!)
Naruto and Hinata paused as they realized what they were doing. They backed away and were blushing furiously. But for a few seconds, they smiled at each other as Naruto pulled out a cloth. He used it to dry away Hinata's tears and silently thank her for everything.
Naruto came to the door and sees Tech and Fu with a huge worth of winnings! "What the..?!"
"I told you I am lucky! We are going make that Whirlpool Village shine with gold! Come on, Tech! We are going to rock this town!" Fu exclaimed as she went inside and Have Tech follow along to the next room.
"If you need us, we will be counting this. Wanna join?" Tech offered.
"Nah! I'm just going to watch a movie with Hinata." Naruto replied.
"Hey, we won't bother you. Later!" Tech said as he enters the other room and closed the door.
Naruto chuckled as he looks at Hinata. "We have some crazy friends."
"You have no idea, Naruto." Hinata giggled. "Care to join me? I picked out a great movie for us to watch."
"Sure," said Naruto as he walks over to his best friend and enjoy a nice movie with Princess Gale.
To Be Continued...
Sorry for ruining the perfect NaruHina moment, but I will not have them be a couple just yet. Just give it a few chapters and I'll make it happen! Also, thanks for the views and I hope I can get more soon because my other fic is bombing like crazy with many views! This is Crow saying 'NaruHina rules!" Later, my fanfic readers/writers!