Preemptive Author's Note: Wow, I know I cut it close, but I hit a self-imposed deadline! There will be a slight change to the Solvdrage's 2014 Plot ADHD Asylum announcement from the last update of Hanyou: The Musical. That will be explained at the end of this chapter! Please enjoy and thank you for the truly incredible response Misstep in the Right Direction has received!
Haruno Sakura had heard that one of the older students had been ruffling some feathers through her 'intelligence gathering'. The Academy, or most of it, was growing annoyed by the brazenly overt spying. Sakura, however, had every reason to believe that the older girl had the right idea. It didn't hurt that Hinata had vouched for her.
'Might as well,' Sakura thought with a mental shrug.
"Excuse me, Tenten-san?"
Tenten looked up from where she was packing her bag. "Can I help you?"
"Actually, yes," Sakura began. "Hinata-chan mentioned once that you graduated and went through the 'true' Genin test."
Tenten nodded. "I did. It wasn't what I could have expected."
"How difficult is the test?" Sakura asked. "Are there any hints you can give me?"
The older girl nodded with a smile. "You know how boys are dumb?" Sakura laughed at the question. Tenten's smile grew broader. "Well, the best advice I can give is...do your best to keep them from being really dumb."
"Let me guess, your 'intelligence gathering' is your way of finding out how to keep the boys from being dumb?" Sakura asked.
"Got it in one," Tenten confirmed.
"Say, Tenten...Ino-pig and I are going to try to visit Hinata-chan later. Would you like to come with us?"
"That sounds great," Tenten answered happily. "I'll have to let my parents know first."
"I vote we meet at the Yamanaka's Flower Shop," Sakura suggested. Tenten smiled at the response and the two girls separated for a bit. As the young prospective-kunoichi returned to her seat, Tenten decided that this might be one of the better things to happen due to her 'information gathering'.
Team Nine was grateful that Guy-sensei had declared today 'a light mission day'. They had trained for a few hours and completed a single D-rank Mission. The D-rank wasn't strenuous at all, as it was a simply a few deliveries. Naruto actually enjoyed the mission a great deal after one of the clients complimented Naruto on his hard work.
"Yosh! I think we can safely head somewhere to talk. Guy-sensei said that he was going to meet with some of the Jonin about a 'development'." Lee motioned in the nebulous direction of Konoha proper.
"Should we get something to eat?" Naruto asked.
"If you two want to," Hinata replied. "I promised Sakura-chan and Ino-chan I'd meet up with them after the Academy lets out."
"Oh, okay," Naruto acknowledged. "Let's find a place to sit and talk."
"May I suggest the curry restaurant about a block from the Academy? That way we can have our conversation and Hinata can meet her friends without delay!" Lee provided.
"That is an excellent suggestion," Hinata agreed. Naruto simply shrugged his shoulders and smiled. Some curry didn't sound too bad at the moment.
The walk wasn't too long to the little shop. Team Nine took positions so that they had eyes on every window and door, even without Hinata's Byakugan active. Lee and Naruto ordered something to eat, while Hinata simply ordered some tea.
"This is a nice place," Naruto said with a smile. "I think our conversation will go smoothly here. We've all talked about this one on one, but I think we need to say it as a group. Are we ready for a C-rank?"
"I-I think we are," Hinata answered first. She still harbored a reluctance to step outside her comfort zone, but her constant exposure to Naruto, Lee, and Guy-sensei had not only repaired her self-confidence, but reinforced it. "Our teamwork is excellent and we have all made so much progress on our jutsu. We can do this."
Lee was beaming at Hinata's declaration and flashed her the most enthusiastic thumbs-up Naruto and Hinata had ever seen. Naruto, for his part, was very proud of his partner and her growth since getting kicked out of the Hyūga Clan.
"Well, if we have Hinata-chan's vote of confidence, I say we're in good shape!" Naruto declared.
"Yosh! We will plead our case with Guy-sensei tomorrow! I meet with Guy-sensei later today for more training! During out time together, I will discover his feelings on our progress."
Naruto grinned at Lee. "Good idea, Lee."
"Thank you, Naruto. As proud shinobi, we must always be aware of how to best serve our village," Lee said.
"I like the way that sounds!" Naruto laughed. "So, we're set it sounds like?"
Hinata and Lee exchanged a look. "I believe we can convinced Guy-sensei," Lee confirmed.
"Alright! I'm so excited!" Naruto beamed. He cast a quick glance over Lee's shoulder. "Looks like the Academy is letting out."
"Yes, I should probably go meet up with Sakura-chan and Ino-chan," Hinata said with a smile. "I'll see you later."
"Have fun, Hinata-chan!" Naruto shouted as he waved goodbye to Hinata. He was wearing a wide grin as he turned to Lee. "Say, how long do you have before training with Guy-sensei?"
Lee gave Naruto an inquisitive look. "I have a few hours. Why?"
"I want you to meet a few of my friends. It'll be something fun that isn't training," Naruto pronounced with an excited grin.
Tenten was the last to arrive at the Yamanaka flower shop. The other girls were chatting about music and hobbies. "Sorry I'm late, I had to tell my parents my plans."
"Glad you could make it!" Ino said from behind the counter. The other girls turned and waved to Tenten.
"What I miss?" Tenten asked with a grin. Hinata blushed a bit and Tenten laughed. "Ah, quizzing Hinata on what it's like living with a boy?"
Hinata continued to stammer nervously. She wasn't ashamed about living with her best friend, but her friends' good-natured teasing played against Hinata's shy and reserved nature.
"Ano, there's someone I'd like to invite," Hinata spoke up. The girls nodded. If Hinata vouched for someone, they were willing to accept the person. "I'll take you to her Clan's compound."
"Clan compound?" Ino asked. "There aren't many girls our age in the other Clans. If there were, they'd be in the Academy with us or graduated with you."
"Her name is Kurama Yakumo. I'm not sure why she's not at the Academy," Hinata revealed.
Sakura crossed her arms and grinned. "Well, I bet she'd like some company. I can't imagine how crazy not being able to see all of you would make me!"
The plan was quickly agreed upon and the young women went out into the world.
Across Konoha, Naruto, Lee, and the other boys were shamelessly loitering outside of a local shop. They had purchased a bite to eat, but had decided to hang out across the street. Naruto and Kiba were sitting on the top of the fence, Shikamaru was laying on his back in the grass, Chouji was leaning against the fence continuing to snack away, and Lee had challenged himself to test his balance on one of the posts.
"We really haven't had much of a chance to hang out," Naruto supplied.
Kiba snorted and tossed a bit of his snack to Akamaru. "Between Clan training and your Genin team, I'm surprised our parents and senseis haven't figured out a way to train us in our sleep."
"I enjoy training a great deal, but even that would be excessive," Lee agreed. Naruto couldn't believe his ears and simply stared blankly at his teammate. Lee saw his friend's reaction and raised one of his copious eyebrows. "Is something wrong, Naruto?"
"I always thought you'd jump at the chance to train twenty-four hours a day..."
"Naruto, sleep is a vital component in health and recovery," Lee retorted matter-of-factly.
Chouji suddenly coughed and pointed towards a nearby dry goods store. "Check out the getup on those guys."
Naruto and Lee looked at the group. They were wearing simply white robes with a green sash draped around their shoulders. "What the heck are they wearing?" Naruto asked.
"Good question," Kiba agreed and suddenly five faces turned towards Shikamaru.
"We know you're awake," Chouji laughed.
"Troublesome," Shikamaru grumbled. "They're pilgrims. Probably connected to the Old Faith. They're pretty rare. That religion isn't common anymore."
The other five boys made various comments or sounds of faux-understanding. "Hey Lee...do you think they'll be our C-rank?"
"C-rank?!" Kiba and Chouji shouted and dashed over towards Naruto and Lee.
"Well, I'll let you explain, Naruto. Guy-sensei will be waiting on me!" Lee replied quickly.
"Oi!" Naruto shouted and groaned. He really wasn't looking forward to competing with Kiba right now...
"A-Are you sure we won't be intruding, Hinata-chan?" Yakumo asked while wringing her hands together. Hinata and Yakumo had separated from the other girls. Sakura, Ino, and Tenten reluctantly returned home to finish their assignments. Yakumo had greatly enjoyed the chance to socialize with girls her own age. Sakura and the others had been very complimentary of her artwork and boosted her confidence a great deal. It provided the push to allow Yakumo to make this request of Hinata. However, as they approached the training grounds, Yakumo's confidence faltered slightly.
"I am sure that Guy-sensei will not mind. He will probably be excited that someone wishes to embrace 'the Flames of Youth'." Hinata giggled.
Yakumo cocked her head to the side. "Flames...of Youth?"
"Guy-sensei's interpretation of the Will of Fire," Hinata explained. Yakumo hummed as she considered what Hinata exactly meant.
Suddenly, a booming voice shocked the girls out of their thoughts. "Ah! Hinata! It is good to see that you are fanning the Flames of your Youth! I see you are not alone. May I be introduced to your precious comrade?"
Yakumo recovered admirably from the shock of a first meeting with Might Guy. "Good afternoon, Guy-sensei. My name is Kurama Yakumo. It is an honor to meet you."
"The honor is mine!" Guy responded politely and entered his renowned 'Good Guy Pose'.
Before he could continue, Lee jogged up and bowed to his sensei. "I apologize for my tardiness."
Guy laughed and clasped his hand on Lee's shoulder. "You are still ten minutes early from our agreed-upon time! Your punctuality has not been infected and there is no danger of you becoming infuriatingly hip like Kakashi!"
The girls simply watched the exchange silently. Yakumo leaned closer to Hinata. "Who is Kakashi?"
"I-I dont' know..." Hinata replied.
"Ah! Forgive me, Lee! Allow me to introduce you to Kurama Yakumo!" Guy announced loudly.
Lee bowed politely. "It is a pleasure to meet you! I am always glad to meet the friends of my comrades."
Hinata looked back-and-forth between her two friends and noticed a bit of a blush on their cheeks. "T-Thank you, Lee-kun."
Yakumo was glad her long hair was hiding her blush. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but her excitement about Lee's example had become hero-worship. Of someone she had only just met and was already using a familiar honorfic for!
Guy watched the exchange with a subtle grin. He gave Hinata an amused wink before turning to Yakumo. "What brings you to our Recreational Taijutsu Training?"
'Recreational?' Hinata thought.
Fortunately, Yakumo recovered far quicker than Hinata, but was still very nervous about her planned speech. "I-I would like to ask for your assistance. Lee-kun, your example of becoming a shinobi through determination and mastery of one of the shinobi arts has given my Clan great hope. I...I would like to ask that I be allowed to train with you and your sensei so that I may exceed the minimum physical requirements to enter and graduate from the Academy."
"I would be honored! However, your position as heiress and common courtesy require me to discuss this matter with your parents very soon! Today, we will introduce you to the basics of physical training so that you may properly fuel your Flames of Youth!"
Hinata saw Yakumo's expression brighten considerably. "Thank you so much!" The Kurama heiress said with excited warmth.
"I must take my leave," Hinata announced politely. "I hope your training goes well. I will see you tomorrow, Lee-kun and Guy-sensei."
"Have a pleasant evening, Hinata!" Guy-sensei announced proudly. He turned to his apprentice and potential new student, but was considering the subtle hint Hinata had dropped. Lee's tiny moment of recognition had told Guy everything he needed to know. His Genin believed they were ready for a C-rank mission.
'I admire their Youthful enthusiasm. They mastered their jutsu far quicker than I expected. Perhaps they are ready...'
Hinata turned the key to her apartment and announced she was home. She couldn't help but smile as Naruto's excited reply echoed from somewhere in the kitchen. There were many times, now that she was living with Naruto and a member of Team Nine, that her history as a Hyūga seemed distant.
She was happy.
The smells from the kitchen suddenly ripped her from her reveries. It surprised her that Naruto had managed to fill the apartment with such wonderful smells. She didn't doubt her partner, but he had never really seen him throw himself at cooking.
"Hinata-chan! I just realized something awesome!" Naruto grinned as he waved in the direction of the rather impressive meal he had created. "Cooking is like seals! All I ever had to do was follow directions and pay attention to the parts. I might be able to make my own ramen!"
Hinata could only smile and laugh at Naruto's enthusiasm. "I'm proud of you. The food smells amazing."
"Thanks Hinata-chan! I think it'd be fun if we cooked together next time," Naruto revealed as he tended to the last stage of his meal.
"I would love to cook dinner together!" Hinata agreed excitedly. "I'll set the table."
After dinner began, Naruto and Hinata began to focus on the upcoming C-rank.
"I think there's a chance I know who the clients could be," Naruto said as he passed the rice to Hinata.
Hinata accepted the rice graciously. "Oh? Who do you think it could be?"
"When I was hanging out with Lee, Kiba, Shikamaru, and Chouji, we say this big group of Pilgrims. It'll probably take them a few days to rest up and get supplies. At least that what we think," Naruto revealed...mostly. He left out the part that Shikamaru was the one to do most of the thinking.
"Pilgrims? Religious travelers?" Hinata asked. She was curious and the opportunities for personal growth excited her.
"I think Shikamaru said they belonged to the Old Faith," Naruto revealed.
Hinata hummed as she recalled some of her lessons from her days as a Hyūga. "The Hyūga were once members of the Old Faith. Religion fell out of favor after the Sage of Six Paths emerged. I'm not sure why though."
"Oh well, they'll be paying us to protect them later!" Naruto boasted. The conversation turned to how their friends were advancing in the Academy. Naruto and Hinata were both excited for their peers to join them as shinobi.
Naruto and Hinata had opened a window as they ate. Now, as they finished putting away the dishes, some music snaked its way from a nearby building. It was a pop song that Naruto wasn't really familiar with. Hinata had heard it earlier when the girls had gone window shopping in the civilian areas of Konoha. She started to dance after she put away the last of the dishes. She twirled and caught a glimpse of Naruto's...attempt at dancing.
Hinata stiffled a giggle at Naruto's expense, but was slightly caught off guard by the look in Naruto's eyes. "I-Is something wrong Naruto-kun?"
"Nothing's wrong...it's just well..." Naruto didn't finish the explanation, but his slight blush spoke volumes.
"Thank you," was all Hinata felt she had to say. Her intuition was rewarded by Naruto dawning a very warm and pleased smile. "Naruto-kun, have you ever danced before?"
"No, why?" Naruto asked.
"Well, it's just..." Hinata wasn't sure how to address Naruto's 'shuffling'. "I think your enthusiasm is great. Maybe I could teach you some dances one day?"
"That sounds fun! Want to start now?" Naruto asked happily.
"I'd be honored," Hinata said with exaggerated formality. "Now, listen to your sensei..."
Naruto laughed as Hinata began her lesson. She was truly happy.
Might Guy was sitting in a bar nursing a drink. He was deep in thought about his team. Team Nine was clearly eager to test the fruits of their labors. Hinata's emphasis on see during her farwell to Lee was impressively subtle. It would have undoubtedly slipped past a civilian and perhaps most Chuunin. However, Guy was an accomplished Jonin.
'So, I must carefully consider all the facets of my youthful team,' Guy thought to himself. First, even though Naruto had not been present when Hinata had dropped the hint to Lee, there was no doubt Naruto was on board with the idea. It was simply inconceivable that Hinata had not discussed the idea with Naruto. The two were practically one mind.
'My youthful students are no doubt in one accord about their desire for a C-rank and the chance to test their Flames of Youth against the world,' the Jonin concluded.
There was also no doubting their teamwork and motivation. They were all completely in tune with each other. Guy had seen the way they trusted each other and the rather ingenious strategies they had worked on while warming-up or working on conditioning. That was another piece of evidence that they were ready. A final piece of evidence was their skill. Lee had nearly accomplished his goal of opening the First Gate. Naruto had corrected his previous error with Katon: Endan and was a budding Fuinjutsu expert. Hinata was also making incredible strides. She had not only mastered the Chakra Needle, but had begun applying its principles to mastering the Hyūga Clan's Vacuum Palm Jutsu. Lee and Hinata were also incredibly talented at taijutsu. They were encouraging and pushing Naruto to improve as well.
In short, his team were true Geniuses of Hard Work.
"Fancy seeing you here, Guy," Kakashi said as he materialized in the seat next to the Sublime Green Beast.
"I find it a good atmosphere to think," Guy confessed. "The drinks are also good quality."
Kakashi motioned for the bartender to bring him 'the usual'. "I take it you're here because of Naruto."
"Partially," Might Guy agreed. "I just decided that my adorable Genin are ready for a C-rank."
"It hasn't been that long since they graduated. Are you sure that you aren't rushing things, Guy?" Kakashi asked.
Might Guy raised his glass and smiled triumphantly. "Team Nine has already completed eight D-rank missions. Each of my students has mastered a jutsu. I feel they are progressing marvelously."
"I'm impressed Guy," Kakashi said genuinely. "How is Naruto?"
"You would be proud of him. The Will of Fire burns as brightly in him as the Flames of his Youth! He cares for each of his teammates."
"Has he been affected by...well...you know?" Kakashi prodded.
"As far as I can tell there is no...influence...There is no evidence that Naruto is even aware of his heroic and youthful stewardship of Konoha," Guy explained.
Kakashi smiled behind his mask. "Sensei's wish for Naruto seems to be coming true. I think that will help him rest easy."
"I am glad that the Fourth's Legacy is being respected," Guy agreed.
'You have no idea how truly accurate that is, Guy. I wish I could tell you and Naruto...' Kakashi thought hopefully. "Since my team fell apart, I could help train Naruto and Hinata in ninjutsu and genjutsu. If I get a team, I'll introduce them to your 'Flames of Youth' for taijutsu training."
"That is a very youthful offer, Kakashi! I have a feeling that I will have the chance to take you up on that offer soon!" Guy agreed.
"We'll see. It seems Hokage-sama wants to try the Hyūga and Uchiha experiment again," Kakashi confessed.
"I feel as Hokage-sama does, my friend. You can reach those two wayward youths and restore their Will of Fire!"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Kakashi grumbled.
Guy pointedly ignored Kakashi's mood. "After we return from our C-rank, I believe that it would be an excellent time for you to assist Naruto and Hinata! Lee requires specialized training and I can help him with the Second Gate."
Kakashi's visible eye widened. "Your apprentice can already open one of the Gates?!"
Guy smiled at Kakashi's harsh whisper. "My Lee may not be a Genius cast from your mold, but he is truly a Genius of Hard Work!"
"That's good to hear. Konoha could use more of that spirit. Too many shinobi expect glory to fall into their lap just because they were born in this village." Kakashi then caught a dip in Guy's mood. "And don't worry, Guy. As your friend, I promise to only corrupt Naruto with my infuriating hipness. I'll leave Lee alone."
Kakashi's mood brightened at Guy's aghast expression. It lasted for only a few seconds before Might Guy flashed his usual smile.
'It is nice having a dependable friend,' Kakashi thought. 'If only I had a few more, I might've stayed sane.'
Team Nine arrived perfectly on time after completing their usual 5k warmup. Strangely, Guy was waiting at the entrance of the dojo with his arms crossed. He was not wearing his usual exuberant expression and was the stereotypical unreadable Jonin.
"My students, I know you all have been in collusion." Team Nine dropped a bit, but eventually Naruto recovered enough to sheepishly raise his hand. "Yes, Naruto?"
"Does collusion mean 'working together in secret'?"
Guy beamed in his usual manner. "Yes, exactly that! Very good Naruto." His expression slipped back to his stern state. "You all believe that since you have learned Tree Walking, your jutsus and have achieved a state of Youthful Harmony amongst yourselves that Team Nine is ready for a C-rank mission."
The Genin were silent for a moment. Everyone, even the speaker, was surprised by the voice that broke the silence. "W-We are ready for a C-rank mission, Guy-sensei. I believe that we deserve the opportunity to test our growth and become true shinobi. Our teamwork and trust in ourselves won't be able to develop with only D-rank missions."
Might Guy was now convinced. If he had found evidence that Hinata was being pressured into pushing for a C-rank by her teammates, Guy would not have allowed the mission. However, Hinata's conviction and passion had firmly assured that the C-rank was something all of Team Nine wanted.
"Very well. I will support you all in your Youthful Development. There will be no training, and we shall depart immediately so that we may receive a C-rank Mission," Guy announced in his Nice Guy Pose.
His Genin were all visibly excited and filled with a healthy amount of pride. Team Nine followed their Jonin sensei to Konoha's Administration Building near the Academy and Hokage Residence. Guy's smile never left his face and nearly tripled in intensity when he saw a small group of Academy boys give Naruto and Lee respectful nods or youthful shouts of good luck. Naruto and Lee quickly returned the shouts. Guy was displeased, however, to note that the boys were skipping and decided that he would alert the Academy to their habits at a later time.
Team Nine entered the office and the Hokage looked up with a smile. "Ah, Team Nine and Might Guy. It is a pleasure to see you."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," the shinobi of Team Nine said as one.
Hiruzen lit his pipe. "I take it you are here for a mission."
"Yes, Hokage-sama. However...we are not requesting a D-rank mission. I would like to request a C-rank mission, as my adorable Genin have proven their dedication to the Flames of Youth."
Hiruzen listened carefully to Guy's words and observed the posture of the Jonin and his students. "Team Nine has not been out of the Academy for very long. What makes you feel that they are prepared for a C-rank mission."
"My students have all mastered Tree Walking and at least one jutsu," Guy announced proudly. "Most importantly they have sublime teamwork and a dedication to the Will of Fire."
"Team Nine, did you arrive at this decision as a single entity?" Hiruzen asked the Genin.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Hinata answered first.
"Sure did, Hokage-sama," Naruto decided to refrain from calling him Old Man Hokage. It was obviously an attempt to butter the man up. "Sure, Lee and I talked about it when we were fishing, but Hinata brought it up at dinner before I could even hint at it!"
Lee bowed. "We have achieved admirable synergy of our youthful thoughts and actions!"
"Very well," the Hokage declared. "Team Nine, you are hereby assigned a C-rank mission. Your orders are to provide security for pilgrims heading to the Shrine of the Rabbit Goddess. Konoha demands that you represent the village with professionalism and valor. Demonstrate the brilliance of your Will of Fire."
"Yes sir, Hokage-sama!" the Genin acknowledged firmly.
Hiruzen smiled. "The pilgrims will be leaving from the Primary Western Gate at 8:00 tomorrow morning. You have the rest of the day to prepare for your mission. Dismissed."
Naruto and Hinata could barely contain their rolling emotions. They were enveloped in a heady combination of excitement, nervousness, and awe at their current situation. Naruto was thrilled for the chance to take another step towards securing the title of Hokage. Hinata was thrilled that she had taken a very substantial step in recovering from her trauma and exile.
The pair had stopped by Iruka's home to let him know the great news. Iruka had naturally been very worried, but after a long conversation, his concerns had been mollified somewhat. He was impressed by the rate Hinata and Naruto had both improved. After wishing them good luck, and providing them with some first aid supplies and MREs, Iruka spent another ten minutes giving every piece advice he could think of to safeguard the two Genin.
"We'll have to think of something to thank Iruka-sensei," Naruto said as he and Hinata entered their apartment.
"I'm sure we'll find something to let him know how much we appreciate his help," Hinata agreed. "I'm also glad you've learned how to make storage seals. Somehow, I'm not sure we could have carried everything Iruka-sensei gave us."
Naruto and Hinata laughed at the truth in Hinata's words. It did not take Naruto and Hinata long to pack, thanks to Naruto's skill with fuinjutsu and Hinata's natural organization.
"Hinata-chan, I can't imagine going on this mission without you. I trust Lee and Guy-sensei and respect them...but they aren't you. I won't ever trust and respect anyone as much as you. Hinata-chan, you're my partner, and there's no way I'd be doing this without you."
The young woman blushed and, to her surprise, saw that Naruto was blushing too. "T-Thank you, Naruto-kun." It took her a moment to compose herself after the intensity of the moment. "I couldn't ask for a better partner."
Naruto beamed at Hinata and gave her a hug that left her in a state of mental-bliss-overload. "Good night Hinata-chan. We're going to need our rest to amaze our clients and kick some bad guy ass!"
"Good night, Naruto-kun," Hinata whispered. Sleep, to Hinata's surprise, came easily, and her dreams were full of peace and acceptance.
Ichimusai had just finished leading his brothers and sisters in a prayer for a safe journey as the Konoha Shinobi arrived. Ichimusai was an elderly man, but carried himself with an almost regal bearing. His white robes and dark green sash were nowhere as vibrant as they had once been, but Ichimusai considered that a point of pride. He had held the faith for far longer than most. His features were weathered from years of pilgrimages, missionary work, and personal austerity.
"Good Morning! I am Might Guy, Jonin of Konoha. May I introduce you to my Genin Team?"
"Of course, I would be honored to know our physical protectors," Ichimusai said politely.
Might Guy smiled broadly and motioned to his team. "This is Rock Lee, my apprentice. Hinata is the kunoichi of our team..." The Jonin noticed a flash of emotion in the older man. He cast a quick glance to the other pilgrims and caught a few whispering to themselves. 'There is some kind of interest in Hinata. I must be wary. I doubt they know about the Hyuga's Juinjutsu, but I cannot take any chances.'
'This girl...I recognize a spark of the Divine within her! The portents...the stars may be right...'
"And this is Uzumaki Naruto," Guy finished smoothly.
Ichimusai bowed. "A pleasure to meet you all. I am Brother Ichimusai, eldest of this humble congregation."
"Nice to meet you too, Ichimusai-san!" Naruto shouted excitedly and put an arm around Hinata's shoulder. "We're going to make sure that you reach your holy site safely and on time! You can count on all of us!"
"Your youthful enthusiasm will certainly lift our spirits," Ichimusai said warmly. He looked up and saw Might Guy smile briefly shine brighter than the sun. It was a bit disconcerting, but his enthusiasm and confidence buoyed his mood.
It was finally time. Naruto, Lee, and Hinata exchanged eager glances. This was their chance. They were ready to begin leaving their mark on history!
Chapter Author's Note: A few points!
1. You can ask Chewie Cookies, hinatasgreatestfan, Dread Knight N7 and most of the my fellow staff at NaruHina Puritans that I have all my fics planned out. This arc has been planned out for over a year. I've altered a few minor details to mesh better with canon, but it's mostly things like which deity the Pilgrims worship and what color their robes are. The Last and the end of the Manga just happened to mesh really really well with my plans.
2. I ended this chapter a little bit sooner than originally planned so I could make my deadline. I will be starting the next chapter tomorrow after work, so hopefully there won't be another 'long as the extended Lord of the Rings trilogy' wait for an update.
3. Seriously, the response you guys have given me is incredible. I'm truly humbled that everyone has enjoyed this fic so much. I hope to continue to provide quality entertainment for all of you. Please continue to review, even if it is a constructive critique or just a 'great job!'. All comments are welcome.
Now what you have all been waiting for...info on the results for Solvdrage's 2014 Plot ADHD Asylum!
First off...I'm a lying liar who lies. I won't be announcing the winners here like I said I would. (Dodges rotten fruit, salty NaruSaku arguments, Carolina Gamecock 5th place in the SEC rings, etc)
Here is what will happen. The poll will remain open until Six O'clock Eastern Standard Time tomorrow night. At that time, I will post a results "Chapter" in the Plot ADHD Asylum.
A few reminders/ground rules
+Please do not vote for your choices in Misstep or any of my other recent updates. Please review vote only in Solvdrage's 2014 ADHD Asylum.
+PM ME! That is another way to vote. I accept PM votes, Poll votes, and Reviews! Make your voice heard. Feedback sustains my muse!
+Review Vote/PM vote for as many choices as you like! Remember I announced in Hanyou: the Musical that the two vote restriction has been lifted here in the home stretch!
Again, the voting for which of my samples will become full fics is open until 6pm on 12/16/2014!
And finally, I would like to thank all the Salty NaruSaku fans for providing enough salt for Little Caesar's to use on their awesome pretzel crust pizza. It is delicious.