Chapter 12

Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto

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As the teams made their trek back to Konoha, there was a feeling of accomplishment and relaxation between them. For the jonin, their students had performed far beyond what could have been asked or expected of them. For the genin, they had just completed their first mission, and the fact that it was an A rank mission made it all the sweeter.

Naruto was currently talking to Hinata about his sword and how it reacted during the battle.

Kakashi and Kurenai were making light conversation about how they believed their genin were some of the best in years.

Sakura was once again talking to Sasuke, who simply ignored her.

Kiba was talking to Akamaru and sneaking glances at Haku.

Haku and Shino were walking in a comfortable silence with each other.

As the gates came into view, most of the genin present let out a sigh of relief and were thinking about seeing their families again.

Naruto tensed slightly, which didn't go unnoticed by Hinata.

"What's wrong Naruto-kun?" She asked softly.

"Sorry Hinata, it's just that after being in wave for so long and having the people treat us all like heroes, it's hard to come back here and face the villagers again." Naruto said with a small hint of sadness.

Hinata looked at her long time crush with a mixture of sadness and anger. She was sad that Naruto had to go through so much hate from the very people that he was protecting every day that he was alive. She was angry that they couldn't see him like she did. He was kind, gentle, caring, strong, and would willingly put himself in harm's way for those he cared for. He was everything a demon wasn't.

Hinata grabbed his hand as they walked through the gates into the village. Normally, any physical contact between them would be enough to cause her to become hesitant and shy, but she was becoming more confident with herself and she wanted Naruto to know that he wasn't alone.

Naruto was surprised and confused when Hinata held his hand. Nonetheless, Naruto squeezed her hand slightly and willingly accepted the display of comfort.

Kakashi and Kurenai both witnessed the exchange with mixed feelings.

Kurenai was happy that Hinata was becoming more comfortable around Naruto, outside of combat situations.

Kakashi was looking at all of the glares sent Naruto's way with a sigh.

'Minato-sensei, you would be ashamed of the way your son is being treated.' He thought, though he did smile when Hinata grabbed Naruto's hand.

Naruto wasn't the only one to be slightly apprehensive to be in Konoha. Haku had never been in a village since she was a small child and Zabuza found her. Being around so many people made her uneasy and the stares she was receiving for Zabuza's sword made it even worse. She felt a hand grab her's and looked up at Shino. He said nothing but the slight squeeze he gave her hand was enough to calm her down.

The group walked to the Hokage's tower to provide their report, and for a few present, to try and correct a problem made a few months ago.

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Sarutobi looked up from his paper work when he heard that Teams 7 and 8 had returned. As they walked in his eyes focused on Naruto, who stared right back without a hint of emotion.

'It seems that he is still upset with me.' Sarutobi thought with a grimace.

His thoughts were interrupted when he laid his eyes on the slightly older looking girl that came in with the group.

"Kakashi, Kurenai, who is this?" Sarutobi asked, looking at the two jonin.

"My name is Haku Momochi." Haku said as she bowed to the old leader.

'Momochi? Where have I heard that before?' Sarutobi thought.

"Maybe you should tell me everything from the beginning." Sarutobi said to the jonin.

After the retelling of the mission, Sarutobi found himself stunned. That these genin would be faced with an A rank mission their first time out of the village and find themselves facing not one but two jonin opponents was amazing. That they not only survived but completed the mission was absolutely astounding. In particular, the description of how Naruto, Hinata, and Shino had worked together to overcome a much larger attack force brought Sarutobi to the conclusion that he was correct earlier when he thought he had made a mistake. Now he knew that he had made a mistake in separating them. Truth be told, if they didn't work so well together then the mission could have been a failure.

"I see." Sarutobi said after hearing everything. He now had an idea of what had happened and had a few questions for the jonin and for Naruto as well. That sword was unlike anything he had ever heard of and he was going to find out where he got it from. But first he needed to finish up with the matter at hand.

"I want to say congratulations to you all. You have performed above and beyond what could be expected of you. To continue on with the mission even after being lied to showed your integrity. To fight against such dangerous opponents and come out victorious showed your strength and ability to work as a team. Now I want you all to take some well deserved time off. Haku I will give you an apartment to stay, but I must ask. Will you become a ninja of Konoha?" Sarutobi asked the young girl.

"I would like that, if you will have me." Haku said with a small smile.

"Very well, normally we would have you start in the academy, but because of the unique circumstances, I will promote you to chunin level." Sarutobi told the girl with a smile of his own.

"Thank you Hokage-sama!" Haku said, giving another bow.

"Think nothing of it. Here is the address to your apartment, and you should take some time off as well." He said as he handed her keys to an apartment and the address.

"Alright, I want Kakashi and Kurenai to wait here for a moment, everyone else can leave." He said as the genin all nodded and left.

After the genin were gone, Sarutobi took his seat and looked at the jonin before him. He had made his decision about the teams and was preparing himself for the argument he believed would follow. He was surprised to see that the two jonin seemed very comfortable around each other. After the teams were created, Kakashi and Kurenai could barely be in the same room together before they were at each other's throats, but now it seemed that they had come to some sort of understanding between each other. Sarutobi sighed, he was sure that what he was about to say would have them arguing between one another again.

"I think that this mission has shown me that a change needs to take place." Sarutobi said looking at them both.

Kurenai had a smile on her face after hearing this, which didn't surprise Sarutobi at all. Kakashi's expression or lack thereof, is what confused Sarutobi. He was sure that Kakashi would object, but Kakashi just nodded his head in agreement with him. Also, Kurenai didn't seem surprised by Kakashi's lack of response.

'What could have happened between them on that mission?' Sarutobi thought in confusion.

"I completely agree Hokage-sama." Kakashi said.

"What?" Sarutobi asked still confused.

"You were right; we did allow our pasts to affect our decisions. Naruto and Kurenai brought this to my attention during the mission. If you could have seen how those three worked together, then you wouldn't be surprised by my willingness to have Naruto join Kurenai on team 8. Without them, Kurenai and I would probably be dead." Kakashi said.

Sarutobi could only chuckle. Only Naruto would be able to make Kakashi see the error of his ways and get through to the jonin. Kakashi was notorious for being late, but few knew the reason behind this. He was always late because he spent hours looking at the memorial stone that held the names of all of Konoha's fallen shinobi. Kakashi would spend hours there, his thoughts dwelling on those he had lost.

Sarutobi was happy to see that Kakashi was slowly letting go of the past as this was a very difficult thing to do, he knew from experience.

"Well I'm glad that we are in agreement. Naruto will be placed on team 8 and Kiba will be placed on team 7." Sarutobi said.

"Thank you Hokage-sama." Kurenai said with a bow.

"It should have been this way before, there's no reason to thank me." He responded.

"The only thing that I worry about is if they will be ready for the chunin exams." Sarutobi added.

"I don't think that will be a problem." Kakashi said with certainty.

"Are they truly that impressive?" Sarutobi asked.

"You have no idea." Kurenai answered with a smile.

"I have a feeling that the chunin exams will be very interesting this time around." She added.

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As the genin were leaving the tower, they began to split off and head their separate ways.

"I'm going to get some ramen, anyone want to come with me?" Naruto asked.

"I'll come Naruto-kun." Hinata said with a smile.

"As will I." Shino stated.

"I would like to but I need to find out where my apartment is." Haku said.

"I can show you were it is!" Kiba said with enthusiasm.

"On second thought, I will show you where it is Haku." Shino said quickly.

"Hey! I can do it just fine." Kiba said with a small growl.

"Oh? Correct me if I am wrong, but you still need to recuperate from your injuries. There is no need to strain yourself." Shino said calmly ignoring the growl.

"It's okay Kiba-san, you should go rest. I'm sure Shino can show me where it is." Haku said a bit embarrassed.

Kiba looked dejected when Shino and Haku walked away, and made his way home.

"Would you like to walk me home Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked hopefully.

Sasuke looked disgusted with what he was seeing as well as the question that was asked of him.

"Get it through your head Sakura. I have better things to do then go on a date with a weakling like you." He said as he walked away.

Sakura lowered her head at the rejection and began to walk home with tears in her eyes.

Naruto glared at the retracting back of the Uchiha. Sakura may have not been that strong, but she was trying to improve herself. She was even starting to become a nicer person, and Naruto didn't enjoy the way that Sasuke seemed to carelessly hurt other's feelings.

"Sakura, why don't you come with me and Hinata." Naruto said to the obviously distressed girl.

Sakura looked up in shock.

"Are you sure? You really wouldn't mind?" She asked softly.

"Not at all. You don't have a problem with it do you Hinata?" Naruto asked.

Hinata looked like she would object but when she saw how distressed Sakura looked, she simply shook her head.

"See its fine, let's go." Naruto said as he began to walk in the direction of his favorite food.

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As the three came upon the ramen stand, Naruto rushed in and jumped onto his stool.

"Hey old man!" Naruto yelled with a smile.

"Narutuo, how's my favorite customer?" Teuchi asked as his daughter Ayame came out of the back to give Naruto a hug.

These two were some of the first people to acknowledge Naruto when he was young. Teuchi didn't care about the fox held within Naruto and was one of the first vendors to actually sell food to the young genin. Ayame was Teuchi's daughter and had brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. She thought of Naruto as a younger brother and was always looking out for him.

"I'm fine. We just came back from our first mission and I am starving." Naruto said with a smile as he ordered a dozen bowls of ramen.

"Hey brat!"

All three genin turned to see Anko running down the road at full speed with Iruka in tow. Anko grabbed Naruto in a headlock while she checked him for injuries. Iruka mean while was trying to keep her from strangling the poor boy in an attempt to see if he was alright.

Hinata, Ayame, and Teuchi laughed at the three's actions, while Sakura looked around feeling a bit out of place.

'They're all so comfortable around each other. I feel like I don't belong here.' She thought sadly.

Hinata noticed Sakura's silence and decided to ask her about it.

"What's wrong Sakura?" She asked.

"Oh, it's just that you are all so comfortable around one another. I feel like an outsider. Maybe I should go." Sakura replied sadly as she stood up and walked outside.

"Don't leave Sakura." Hinata said as she quickly caught up with her.

"Why should I stay?" She asked.

"Because it looks like you really need a friend right now." Hinata said.

"That's why Naruto invited you. He saw how you were so depressed about what Sasuke said and he thought that you needed someone to hang out with you so you could feel better." She added.

"Really? I never knew that Naruto was so perceptive." Sakura admitted with some embarrassment.

"There is a lot about Naruto that many people don't know. He is very kind and would never hurt anyone needlessly." Hinata said with a look of admiration in her eyes.

"Is that why you like him, Hinata?" Sakura asked.

Hinata blushed slightly but nevertheless answered.

"It is one of the reasons I like him, but there is so much more to him." She admitted.

They stood in silence for a moment, listening to Naruto interact with the people he considered to be his siblings, before Hinata asked Sakura a question that had been bothering her for a while.

"Sakura, why do you like Sasuke." Hinata asked curiously.

"Because he's so cool!" Sakura said, her fangirl coming out.

"And?" Hinata asked calmly.

"And what?" Sakura asked confused.

"Is he kind? Does he encourage you when you are feeling down? Does he comfort you?" Hinata pressed.

Sakura looked at Hinata and began to think about what she had heard. When she really thought about it, she couldn't think of one time that Sasuke had treated her with anything other than indifference or scorn. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that chasing after Sasuke had hurt her as a ninja and a person. She had given up her friendship with Ino because both wanted to win Sasuke's heart; in doing that she had lost her first and best friend. As she grew she found that most of her actions were determined by Sasuke. She had grown her hair long because she heard that he liked long hair. She dieted because she heard that he liked skinny girls. She refrained from training to hard because she thought that he wouldn't like the scars and bruises that accompanied training.

After thinking on all of this, Sakura felt horrible. She realized that she was actually a worse ninja because of her obsession with Sauske.

"Sakura, you are a nice person and you could be a great ninja, but I think that you need to get your priorities straight. I like Naruto, but that doesn't stop me from striving to become the best ninja I can be. In fact, he pushes me to become better. It's one of the things I like most about him. He never puts me down or belittles me like my old clan used to do. He always encourages me and helps me whenever he can." Hinata said.

"I think that you should find someone who embodies all that you want in a boyfriend. I think that if you are truly honest with yourself, then you will see that Sasuke isn't the person you truly want to spend your life with." She added.

"You want to marry Naruto?!" Sakura whispered with surprise.

"I wouldn't mind being his wife someday." Hinata said with a large blush on her face.

Sakura was stunned at the admission. Hinata was only thirteen and yet she was already thinking about the man that she would marry. When Sakura calmed down, she thought about it and had to admit that Sasuke wasn't someone she would have liked to be married to for the rest of her life. She shook her head to clear her thoughts.

"Thanks a lot Hinata, I have a lot of thinking to do. Tell Naruto thank you for me, when he gets out of that head lock." She said with a smile as she turned to walk home, she truly had a lot to think about.

"One question Hinata, how can you be so sure about your feelings?" Sakura asked as she paused.

"All I have to do is think of everything I could ever want in a boyfriend or husband, and I always find that Naruto fits the description perfectly." Hinata answered with a smile.

"Are you every going to tell him that?" Sakura asked.

"Maybe one day, when I am sure of his feelings toward me. I don't want to find out that he doesn't think of me that way and have it affect our friendship." Hinata said.

"Okay, Thanks again Hinata." Sakura said as she turned to leave.

After Sakura left, Hinata walked back to find the three ninja had finished their comedic fighting and Naruto was busy explaining what had transpired on the mission.

"Then I kicked Aoi's butt and then my new friend Haku brought Gato to us." Naruto said to Anko and Iruka before he went back to eating his numerous bowls of ramen.

"I must say that I am impressed, you've come a long way Naruto." Iruka said with a proud smile on his face.

"What do you expect Iruka-kun, he is our little brother and I know that I taught him well enough to be able to handle a few A rank ninja." Anko said with a wide smile on her face.

"By the way, were you two on a date?" Naruto asked with a teasing smile on his face.

Iruka blushed at that, though Anko just smiled.

"And what if we were? It looks like you and Hinata are on a date as well." She said with a teasing smile of her own.

"We are not!" Naruto yelled with a small blush on his face, Hinata's was much larger.

Naruto looked over at Hinata to see how she took Anko's comment only to see that Sakura had left.

"Hinata-chan, where did Sakura go?" Naruto asked.

"She said that she had some thinking to do and to thank you for offering her ramen." Hinata said, being knocked out of her thoughts of her and Naruto on a date.

"Well, I'm glad that she is feeling better. Sasuke has no business hurting other people's feelings like that. I still can't believe that we are on the same team." Naruto said with an angry tone.

"Me either, I still owe Kakashi a kick in the"

"Anko-chan!" Iruka yelled.

"Oh lighten up Iruka-kun" She said with a smile.

They stayed and conversed with each other for a while. Anko talked to Hinata to find out how she was progressing with the serpent taijutsu style and even told her some new skills to learn and practice to improve herself. Iruka and Naruto talked between each other about how Naruto had improved and how Iruka was doing with the academy. They continued to catch up with each other until it was time to leave. Anko and Iruka left together, as did Naruto and Hinata.

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As Naruto and Hinata walked back to her house, they conversed on what happened on the mission as well as what they thought they would face in the future.

As Hinata watched Naruto talk and smile she felt confirmed in what she had told Sakura earlier.

'Even after everything he has gone through; he is able to smile and laugh and is so considerate of those around him.' She thought as she smiled and laughed along with him.

When they came to Hinata's house Naruto hesitated for a moment.

"What's wrong Naruto-kun?" she asked concerned.

"It's just that I realized that we won't be working together on our next mission. I kind of forgot that during the battle on the bridge. We worked together so perfectly. I can't believe that we were split apart." Naruto said in frustration.

"It's okay Naruto. I'm sure that everything will work out eventually." Hinata said, trying to comfort him.

"I hope you're right Hinata-chan. It's just that I would give anything to be on the same team as you and Shino. It looks like all I can do is make the best of where I'm at and hope that the old man changes his mind." Naruto said dejectedly.

Hinata hated to see Naruto upset and grabbed his hand to comfort him. Naruto was once again surprised by the physical contact between them. He looked at her and saw just how hard it was for her to be separated from him as well. He clutched her hand in a silent attempt to comfort her as well as thank her. They said nothing for a moment; they simply enjoyed the peace they received from each other's comfort.

"Oh there you two are." Kurenai said as she walked up to the genin with a huge grin on her face. The two genin instantly split apart with matching blushes on their faces.

"Kurenai-neesan, where were you?" Hinata asked after composing herself.

"Oh, I was held up with the Hokage, working out a few minor issues." She said, her smile never leaving her face.

"I guess I'll be off then." Naruto said as he turned to leave.

"Wait a minute Naruto. You don't know where the team is meeting tomorrow." Kurenai said with her smile growing.

"What do you mean? I'm not on your team remember." Naruto said with a hint of bitterness in his voice.

"Oh yes you are." Kurenai said.

"What!" Naruto and Hinata yelled simultaneously.

"That's one of the things me and the Hokage discussed. As of now you are officially a part of team 8." Kurenai said, her smile growing.

Naruto was at a loss for words. He couldn't believe his ears.

'I'm on team 8? I'm on team 8!' he thought as his smile grew until it encompassed his entire face.

He jumped up with a cry of excitement and instantly wrapped Hinata in a hug and began to spin her around. Hinata blushed slightly at the contact, but was laughing in joy along with him.

Kurenai watched all of this transpire with a feeling of accomplishment. She saw the joy the two displayed and knew that Shino would be just as happy, though he wouldn't express it nearly as much.

'So team 8 is finally in business. I can't wait until the chunin exams come up. Everyone will be in for a great surprise.' She thought as she too began to laugh at the joyous mood.

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Naruto woke up the next morning in a great mood.

'Today is the first day of training with Hinata and Shino as a legitimate team.' He thought with a smile as he hurried to get all of his equipment. AS he prepared himself his eyes fell onto his sword.

Naruto walked over to it and picked it up with a curious expression on his face.

'I just don't get it. What was that strange power that overcame me during the battle? Where did that attack, Dragon Strike, come from?' Naruto thought as he inspected his blade.

He felt none of the power that had strengthened him during the battle. He didn't even feel the slight rush of emotion that he felt before the power boost. Naruto shook his head in confusion and decided to take it with him.

"Well whatever you are, I'm glad that you're on my side." Naruto said as he turned to leave.

"What do you mean? It's a sword."

Naruto turned swiftly and was met with the same figure wrapped in a black cloak.

"What do you want?" Naruto asked curiously, he had long sense gotten used to the figure's surprise appearances.

"I just wanted to congratulate you on completing your first mission, as well as successfully using the sword I gave you." He said.

"What do you mean successfully? Do you have any idea what happened?" Naruto asked.

"Of course I do. I must say that I am impressed that you were able to use the Dragon Strike so soon. You must have been listening to the sword." He replied.

"But what was that feeling? What was that rush of power that overcame me? How did I know to use the Dragon Strike?" Naruto asked, becoming frustrated.

"That is a secret!" He said as he turned to leave.

"Wait!" Naruto yelled as he drew his sword and slipped into the kenjutsu stance that Zabuza had taught him.

"I want some answers and I want them now!" Naruto yelled.

"That's an impressive kenjutsu stance." The figure said without turning around.

"But do you really think that it's a good idea to threaten me?" He added from behind Naruto.

Naruto didn't move as he felt the cold steel of a sword pressing into his throat. It took him a moment to realize that the sword was his own. The mysterious man had somehow appeared directly behind him, and taken his sword in the span of a second.

Naruto was feeling very nervous. If he wanted to, the man could kill Naruto where he stood instantly.

"You know you shouldn't anger those that are stronger than you. And you should never underestimate an opponent." The man said menacingly as he pressed the blade into Naruto's throat a bit harder.

By this time Naruto began to sweat.

'Oh man! What am I going to do?!' He thought when he suddenly felt the pressure at his throat disappear. Naruto instantly went on guard.

The figure was gazing at the blade, completely ignoring the young genin.

"If you want answers then I suggest you ask you tenant. He will be able to tell you everything." He said in a calm voice, as if he hadn't just had Naruto's life in his hands.

"My tenant, you mean the Kyuubi? How am I supposed to talk to him and why would I want to?" Naruto asked cautiously so that the figure wouldn't attack him.

"Have fun Naruto." The figure said as he placed the sword down and began to walk away.

"Have fun? What do you mean?" Naruto asked.

"I mean you should enjoy the coming few weeks, because I don't think you'll be having much fun soon after." The man said as he continued to walk away.

Naruto refrained from asking what he meant. It seemed that whoever this person was, he still refused to answer questions he didn't want to.

When the man had disappeared, Naruto took his sword and sheathed it. He then went to join his teammates and find out what they were doing for the day.

'Have fun? I'm with Hinata and Shino now. What could possibly ruin that?' He thought as he turned to leave.

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Here's chapter 12. I know it was a bit slow but the chunin exams are coming soon and I can tell you now that you will not want to miss it. Naruto may want to tread carefully with the mysterious figure from now on. And what could Kyuubi know about the sword? Till next time, Kyuubi123 out!