Declaimer: I own nothing in this fanfic, but my created characters they abilities and Jutsu and that is about all I own "Goes to corner and starts crying"
Writing: Italic: thought, Bold: Bijuu or summoning speaking.
"People live their lives bound by what they accept as correct and true. That's how they define "reality". But what does it mean to be "correct" or "true"? Merely vague concepts ... their "reality" may all be a mirage. Can we consider them to simply be living in their own world, shaped by their beliefs?"-Itachi
"I ain't such a saint that I can promise to risk my life for strangers. Neither am I scum to sit quietly while people are getting hurt before my eyes!"- Kurosaki Ichigo.
On his way back to the forest, Naruto saw his team running to him. They all had worried looks on their faces, but upon seeing Naruto's small smile; they knew he was feeling better. "So what happened," Naruto asked?
"Well, Gaara went against a kid named Rock Lee," Suigetsu started. "And let me tell you something, that fight was the closest one. The ninja from Suna couldn't believe the damage Gaara was taking, but Gaara won when Lee opened some of his chakra gates." This caught Naruto's attention as Suigetsu continued. "Even with the increase speed and power, Gaara somehow managed to cause his gourd to explode to cushion his impact on the ground. The end result was Lee's left arm and leg being crushed." By the tone in Suigetsu's voice, Naruto could only assume that Lee was far from alright. After telling Naruto how Kiba gave up after seeing Lee and Gaara's fight, Naruto turned towards Yamato.
"I know why you're angry," Yamato admitted with a sheepish smile, but Naruto just shrugged and began to walk away. "Your opponent is Neji." Stopping where he stood, Naruto turned his cold eyes to his sensei. No words were exchange, but Naruto simple returned to his walk. "Come on guys, I think Naruto needs some time alone." Haku looked at Suigetsu who nodded his head, agreeing with Yamato. Giving his friend and teammate one last look, Suigetsu turned and walked with Yamato and Haku.
XXX
Naruto didn't have a particular destination in mind, but he found himself walking towards Ichiraku's store. It had been sometime since Naruto had some ramen, but couldn't really picture eating ramen today. His stomach disapproved of this thought by issuing a growl. Conceding to his hunger, Naruto entered the restaurant. Smiling towards the old chief, Ichiraku issued a laugh. "Well if it isn't our best customer," Ichiraku gave Naruto a gently pat on the shoulder as Ayame came around the corner.
"Is that Naruto," Ayame cried out, "How has the Chunin exams been?" From Naruto's dark looks the two guessed something bad happened. After telling them what happened between Hinata and Neji, Ichiraku turned and began to cook Naruto's ramen. After a few moments of silence, Naruto's food finished, but before the Uzumaki could eat, a shadow fell over him. Turning one eye behind him, Naruto saw Jiraiya staring down at him.
"What do you want?"
Feigning a hurt look, Jiraiya took a seat next to the boy. "Hey, I heard what happened to your girlfriend," Jiraiya spoke, but got no response from Naruto. Jiraiya watched as Naruto ignored him as he ate his ramen. Sighing, Jiraiya reached forward and before Naruto knew it, the bowl of ramen was dumped on his head. As the liquid poured down his head, Naruto's eyes flashed to the hermit. "Now that is a good look for you." Jiraiya jumped just as Naruto slashed the area he was in with his wind blade.
"What do you want with me," Naruto yelled out as he threw the bowl to ground, shattering it. Jiraiya just smiled at the boy. Turning back to Ayame and Ichiraku, Naruto threw them some money. "I'm leaving." Nodding his head, Jiraiya followed after the Jinchuriki. After entering one of the training areas, Naruto turned as Jiraiya landed in front of him.
"You asked me what I want," Jiraiya started as he looked up. "I'm here to train you." A dumbfounded look was what Jiraiya saw on Naruto's face. "I see potential for you and I noticed your opponent is a Hyuga-."
"I can handle myself."
Jiraiya stopped and stared at Naruto. His eyes were set as his blade of wind dispersed. Naruto turned as if to leave, but Jiraiya stopped him with three words. "You will lose," Jiraiya knew at that second he made a small mistake. Turning his head just an inch, Naruto gave Jiraiya a full view of his eye. It was now orange. "That attitude you have about you being able to win will get you hurt. Just because you have Kyubi's chakra and your Futon jutsu doesn't guarantee you anything."
"I'll take my chances," Naruto said as he turned his head once more, but a flare of chakra caught his attention. Turning back to the Sannin, Naruto saw him holding a spinning orb of chakra.
"This is called the Rasengan," Jiraiya stated with a simple tone. "I propose a challenge for you. If you can beat my Rasengan with you wind blade, I will leave you alone, but if don't then you have to let me train you and I'll have another part of the deal ready for you." Growling, Naruto turned around, but Jiraiya's Rasengan disappeared at that moment. "But I have important research to conduct right now, so I will hear your answer tomorrow." Confused, Naruto watched the strange hermit disappear in a whirlwind of leaves. Turning to leave, Naruto began his walk back to the village, but on the way he encountered Hitomi and Mikoto. The two were talking until Hitomi saw Naruto.
"Hello Naruto," Hitomi shouted as she waved the blonde over. Seeing no reason to refuse, Naruto approach the two women with a stone face. "So have you visited Hinata yet?" The question was innocent, but one look into the Hyuga's eyes, Naruto knew she knew what he did. Giggling at the boy's nervous appearance, Hitomi gave Naruto a gently pat. "Hinata woke for a few minutes and she is doing fine. I didn't tell her who sent the flowers, but I can't guarantee my silence for long." The mischievous look in Hitomi's eyes caused a smile to bloom on Naruto's features. Naruto was about to leave when Hitomi spoke up once more. "Oh, and the doctors said Hinata can see some visitors so long as they are quiet." Nodding his head, Naruto left leaving behind a giggling Mikoto.
"Well, looks like someone is trying to play match-maker," Mikoto's accusation rewarded her with a glare from her friend.
"I didn't see you trying to stop me," Hitomi stated, but only got a shrug from the Uchiha. "Anyway, my husband wants to see how he reacts around her when no one else is there." Raising an eyebrow, Mikoto watched as the Hyuga walked away, before following behind.
XXX
Entering the hospital, Naruto headed straight for Hinata's room; much to the protests of the secretary. Entering the Hyuga's room, Naruto saw the girl looking outside. Hinata slowly reached for one of Naruto's flowers and stroked one of the petals. Smiling to himself, Naruto took one more step. Hearing the sound of approaching footsteps, Hinata looked towards her visitor. The blush was almost immediate. "Hey, Naruto," Hinata managed to say through her dry voice. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see how you are doing," Naruto kept his voice level in the hopes of keeping his anger down. Pulling up a chair, Naruto sat down next to Hinata. "I also came to say that I'm sorry."
"What did you do wrong?"
"I didn't interfere before you got hurt."
Smiling softly, Hinata sat up a little on her bed. Giving the boy a forgiven smile, Naruto breathed a little easier. "It wasn't your fault," Hinata stated still wearing that smile. "I antagonized my cousin. So the fault lies with me."
"That's not true," Naruto raised his voice slightly as a slight twinge of anger entered it. "Your Neji tried to kill you." Hinata stared at Naruto with a strange look in her white eyes. "I'm Neji's next opponent and I'll let you know this, I won't be so forgiven." As Naruto went to stand, Hinata lunged forward grabbing the boy's arm. The stare Hinata was giving Naruto was a mixture of fear and compassion.
"Please, don't hurt him," Hinata pleaded with Naruto. Naruto was about to respond when he saw a heart wrenching sight. Hinata was crying. Sighing, Naruto gently sat on Hinata's bed while he wrapped one arm around her shoulder. "He was so nice to everyone, until his father died. Hizashi sacrificed his own life after my father killed the Kumo nin that tried to kidnap me." Naruto's eyes were shadowed by his hair keeping them out of view. "Promise me you will help him." Turning one eye to the girl, Naruto saw the seriousness on her face.
"I promise," Naruto finally said after a few seconds. Even though he had no clue how he was going to help Neji, Naruto was going to at least try. After a few moments, Hinata finally fell back asleep, allowing Naruto to leave quietly. As he left the room, Naruto found a hand descend upon his shoulder. Looking back, Naruto stared into the face of Hiashi. No words were exchanged as Naruto smiled. As Hiashi allowed the boy to walk away, Naruto spoke one last time. "I'll help in every way possible, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to go easy on him." Hiashi watched in fascination as the boy vanished from sight.
"You are a strange one Uzumaki," Hiashi finally announced as he looked at his daughter. Hinata had a contented smile on her face, as if knowing everything was going to be alright.
XXX
Following the sounds of perverted chuckling, Naruto located the pervert hermit spying on women in the spa. "Oh, that's just lov-," Jiraiya stopped when Naruto punched the man in the head, jarring him back to his senses. Turning his head towards the fool that attacked him, Jiraiya stared into the face of a determined Naruto. "I'm busy. You can give me the answer tomorrow." As Jiraiya turned back to his 'research', he heard Naruto inhale.
"What are you doing you pervert," Naruto's shout got the women's attention as they turned and saw Jiraiya's white hair. Ducking out of sight, Jiraiya could feel the killer intent coming from the women. Turning towards the one who caused his predicament, Jiraiya saw that nobody was there. Feeling the presence of death, Jiraiya put on a brave smile as he turned towards the angry group of women. Before the man could speak, the group grabbed the man and dragged him, screaming, behind the bath house. Hidden among the branches, Naruto chuckled as Jiraiya was getting beaten up by the women. "Revenge never tasted so sweeter." Jumping down from his perch, Naruto walked to the closest training area and waited for Jiraiya. Sitting down, Naruto began to take slow breaths taking in the sounds around him. He didn't have to wait long. Hearing the sounds of approaching footsteps, Naruto opened his eyes staring into the anger face of Jiraiya.
"That was a dirty thing to do," Jiraiya's voice was leveled, but Naruto could still detect the anger in him.
Standing up, Naruto looked Jiraiya directly in the eyes. "I'm sorry, but this was the only way to get you away from those women." Seeing the fire in Naruto's eyes, Jiraiya temporary forgot his anger. "Tell me this jutsu will it help against Neji." Confused by the question, Jiraiya nodded his head slightly. "Then I accept the challenge." Before Jiraiya could respond, Naruto's wind blade was already out and ready. As Jiraiya went to try and talk to Naruto, he saw the boy's eyes harden. There was no going back. Letting out a sigh, Jiraiya formed the Rasengan. The two stared each other down as a leaf dislodged from a tree and began it's decent to the ground below. As the leaf hit the ground; the two charged. Swinging his blade around with all his strength, Naruto watched as the glowing orb made contact. Energy from the impact caused the ground below the two began to crack, but that was when Naruto saw it. That was when Jiraiya smiled. Shoving his body forward, Naruto felt the Rasengan begin to drill its way through his wind blade. Rushing more chakra into his blade, Naruto knew what was about to happen. Seeing it a few seconds before it happened, Jiraiya jumped just as the blade exploded, but as the smoke cleared it revealed a injury few Naruto. Looking down at his hand, Naruto watched as the last traces of his wind chakra, used for the blade, disappeared into the air. "You win."
"You forced yourself to lose," Jiraiya's conclusion only made Naruto laugh. "Why would you want to lose on purpose?"
"Because I made a promise, one that I plan on keeping," Naruto stated with a deep burning determination wailing up from his voice. "And that Rasengan is going to help me keep it." Even though he wanted to question Naruto further, Jiraiya knew it would be pointless.
"Well, since I won, I get to train you," Jiraiya stated easily. "But you do remember the other part of the deal, right?" Confused, Naruto tilted his head towards the hermit. "The other part of the deal I get to name." Narrowing his eyes, Naruto awaited Jiraiya's deal. "I want to know everything that Kinkaku and Ginkaku did with you." If looks could kill, Jiraiya knew he would not only be dead, but he would've ceased to have existed. Jiraiya's eyes followed, Naruto's ever move as if preparing for the boy to lunge at him. But just as quickly as it happened; it stopped. A strange calm seemed to fall around Naruto as he stood to his full height.
"Sorry, but that is private info," Naruto's eyes stayed unwavering as Jiraiya looked like he was about to argue. "But I can promise I'll tell you about our life at a later date." Thinking it over, Jiraiya nodded his head in agreement knowing this was the best he was going to get.
"Okay, that will do for now," Jiraiya smiled as he pulled a water balloon from his pocket. "I had a feeling you would try and find me today." Tossing the balloon to Naruto, the boy caught it and kept turning it over. "It's just a regular balloon full of water, but the point is to spin the water until the balloon pops with only your chakra. Now, don't get discourage if it-." A loud pop was heard as water was splashed on Jiraiya's feet. Looking up, Jiraiya saw Naruto holding the remains of his balloon.
"That was easy," Naruto dropped the fragments to the ground. Looking towards Jiraiya, Naruto smiled. "What's next?"
Possibilities flowed through the mind of the frog hermit as Naruto went through the first test in just a few seconds. But curiosity caught Jiraiya and refused to let him go. "How did you do it that quickly," Jiraiya asked receiving a fox smile in return.
"My brothers taught me chakra control when I was little," Naruto stated with amusement. "Rotating water until it busts a balloon is mere child's play compared to what I did." This caused more questions to pop into the man's head, but he held them at bay …for now.
"Well, I guess I'll go retrieve the other part of the training," Jiraiya stated as he vanished in a swirl of leaves. Smirking at the place Jiraiya had been, Naruto lay down on the ground and just watched the clouds float by. As he waited for Jiraiya's return, Naruto found his mind wander back to the time he saw Hinata dancing on the water. The image caused a smile to erupt on Naruto's features, but upon hearing footsteps squashed the smile. Looking up, Naruto barely had time to catch the rubber ball that was thrown at him. Staring down at it, Jiraiya just smirked at Naruto's confusing. "This time you are going to burst this rubber ball with your chakra alone." Narrowing his eyes, Naruto focused his chakra into the ball. Burning bright blue, sweat began to drip from Naruto's brow as he stared down at the ball. With a hiss, a hole had opened up, allowing the air to escape. Looking at the ball in disappointment, Naruto heard a slight chuckle.
"What's so funny," Naruto's fixed Jiraiya with a cold stare.
"It's going to be a lot tougher then just filling the ball up with chakra," Jiraiya stated as he turned his back on Naruto. "You are going to have to learn how to do it precisely." Throwing a couple more balls at Naruto, Jiraiya parted ways with the Uzumaki. Glaring at the man's distant form, Naruto returned his attention back to the rubber balls. Sighing, Naruto picked the balls up and left the training area. All the while, Naruto threw one of the balls up into the air without care. He had to make the ball pop fast enough that it bursts the ball, instead of making a hole. That was when he smiled. Spinning on his heel, Naruto chucked the ball into the tree line behind him.
"I know you're there," Naruto shouted out, "Just come on out." A second later, Naruto was staring into the face of the one person he didn't think he would see, Hinata. The two just stared at one another, neither of them speaking. Working out of his shock, Naruto managed to speak the question on his mind. "What are you doing out of the hospital?"
"The doctors said that they repaired the most severe damage done to me," Hinata stated. "They said so long as I take it easy I could go home, but a doctor would be checking up on me every few hours." Turning around, Hinata retrieved the rubber ball Naruto threw at her. "I think this is yours." It took Naruto a few seconds to realize what she was holding.
"Yeah," Naruto said with a nervous grin on his face. Giving the blond a small smile, Hinata threw the ball towards him. Catching it with ease, Naruto placed the ball with the others in his pockets. Silence overtook the atmosphere as the two looked around.
"What were you doing," Hinata questioned, finally breaking the silence around them.
"Well, I'm training to learn a new Jutsu," Naruto announced, "It should help in keeping my promise to you." This time it was Hinata's turn to be embarrassed. Naruto was spending his month of free time learning a Jutsu to help Neji. Soon, Naruto looked up and saw that night was falling. Sighing, Naruto walked over to Hinata. "Here, I'm going to take you home." Hinata froze once Naruto's hand reached around and grabbed her shoulder. Taking a walk through the woods, the two were greeted with the sight of the woods coming to life. As deer, rabbits, and other various animal life came to observe the two. Hinata looked at Naruto and saw that the boy had a smile on his face. Not a big one, but just enough to say he was contented. "I always liked the woods." Naruto comment caused the Hyuga to giggle slightly. "Oh, and what's so funny."
"It's just that I never pictured you for a nature lover," Hinata admitted.
"Well, I like the peace and quiet," Naruto continued, "That is how my brothers raised me. We stared in wooded areas mostly and kept to ourselves." Noticing the changed demeanor of Naruto, Hinata asked her question.
"You never really explained what they were like," Hinata started earning her a quizzical glance by Naruto. "The only thing I know about them is what the academy told us."
"And what did they tell?"
"That they were monsters who nearly killed our Nidaime Hokage," For the briefest of seconds, Hinata saw Naruto's eyes flash to a very dangerous light, but soon returned to normal. Stopping in the forest, Naruto looked around for a decent spot to sit down. Finding one under the shade of a tree, he escorted the Hyuga to the place. As Naruto sat down, Hinata joined him albeit slower then him.
"I guess a story is needed," Naruto explained watching the various animals around him. Stalling for a second, Naruto began telling Hinata about Kinkaku and Ginkaku.
XXX
As the Kazekage left the desolate cabin, Kabuto watched from the forest trees. When the Kazekage vanished from sight, the medic landed in front of the cabin. "So we keeping him alive," Kabuto asked as Orchimaru emerged from the shadows. "Does he really have that much use?"
"No," Orochimaru announced. "But it will be amusing to see how he reacts when I crush Konoha and Suna into dust." Smiling to his master, Kabuto noticed that someone was missing from their group.
"Where is Kimimaro," Silenced answered Kabuto question. "So it's that bad."
"A shame really," Orochimaru said with a genuine tone of sadness. "He would have made such a fantastic vessel, but now I have a new vessel in mind; Sasuke Uchiha. But until then we have more pressing matters to attend to." Turning around, Orochimaru fixed Kin and Zaku with a paralyzing stare. The two were bound to the ground with the Edo Tensei ritual symbol underneath them. "You have been excellent tools, but your usefulness is at an end." Kin was struggling to get out of her binds, but stopped when Orochimaru placed his fingers together. "But don't fret I have a new mission for you."
XXX
After telling Hinata about his brothers, Naruto stayed silent as he observed Hinata's expressions. At first she looked confused, but after awhile a smile began to form. "So, you guys were really a family," Hinata noted the relaxed smile on Naruto's face.
"Yeah, we never-." Naruto stopped when he noticed Hinata's hand over her chest. Looking towards her face, he saw that she looked to be in discomfort, but was trying to hide it. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Hinata's eyes said otherwise. Sighing, Naruto's hand erupted into Kyubi's yellow chakra cloak. Reaching forward, Hinata was just stared as Naruto placed his hand over hers. The chakra slowly slithered over Hinata's and onto her chest. "What are you doing?" Naruto looked at Hinata and saw her face as red as a tomato.
"I posses some special chakra," Naruto stated. "The chakra I posses allows me to heal rather quickly, but I can also use this with others. Now, that doesn't make me a medic, but I can at least keep someone stable until a true medic comes by." As Naruto removed his hand, Hinata noticed that the pain had disappeared slightly. Just as Hinata went to thank the Uzumaki, she squealed when she found herself on his back. Ignoring her squeal, Naruto began to walk through the woods. "I can't have a wounded individual walk to Konoha, especial someone in your condition. So I don't want to hear any complaining or bickering. This is going to happen whether you like it or not." The tone in Naruto's voice wasn't commanding, it had more of a playful nature to it. Hinata gently laid her head on Naruto's shoulder causing a small red tint to come to the boy's features. That was when he felt the all too familiar pull of his guest.
"You know she is going to find out," Kyubi's low growl was a mixture of hate, but also a tinge of sadness.
"Yeah, I know," Naruto spoke in such a comforting way, as if he was talking to an old friend. "But you want to know something, my friend." Naruto received a growl for his statement. "I'll enjoy every minute before that happens." Severing the connection, Naruto left Kyubi with his words buzzing through his head.
"My friend," Kyubi pondered this small statement. "Is that how he sees me?" Kyubi decided to put the thought into the back of his mind, as he closed his eyes and drifted off into sleep.
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I hope your Christmas is full of fun and merriment as we shift into a new year. Oh, and one last thing, the way this story is going it will most likely be divided between two stories, because this story is already reaching 40 faster then I thought. Anyway until next time, MERRY CHRISTMAS!