bunnyguest: Nope, Naruto and Tsunade won't be close in this story. And Naruto won't be getting the necklace either. Not to say Sasuke will, cause he won't, but that thing will be staying with Tsunade this time.
Shinobi of life: While Naruto won't be doing 'research' he will be getting advice before his date.
EroSlacherMicha: You get a very small hint at the end of this chapter but don't really learn the full brunt of it until next chapter.
.kitten: Haku won't reappear until the Shippuden years so it'll be a long time before you find out what happened to her.
naturokurosaki: You're the only one to notice that about the previous Hokages, and you're right, they pretty much belong to Obito now unless Orochimaru releases the jutsu which he likely wouldn't do since he'd see no point to. As for the Toad contract, Naruto doesn't feel the same way about it. He feels that if he had Toad summons in addition to the Rasengan and fuinjutsu skill, he'd be copying his father too much.
Epic Bloody Poison Goddess: Thanks for the compliment, and no Sasuke and Tsunade are not going to end up like canon Naruto and Tsunade. They'll see each other as someone to respect since they're both the last of their respective clans but otherwise they'll simply be cordial to one another since Sasuke isn't one for getting close to people and he kind of ticked Tsunade off when they first met.
Death-Prince-3: Now that you point it out, it does sound like I'm bashing Kakashi slightly in my summary… Oh well, people can just read and see that I'm not. As for your questions though; no, Naruto will never forgive Anko, I can't really answer Orochimaru or Kabuto using the Edo Tensei on Koji or Sakuya since I'm not sure yet and then if I do, it won't be to face Sasuke, Sakura or Hinata.
Authors' Notes: First off to all of you, I am very sorry this took so damn long. Real life has been very hectic with work and trying to get into college since my high school diploma doesn't seem like it will cut it if I ever need a new job, which is very possible since there have been rumors about my current workplace closing down. (I hope not) Plus, if you'll recall I said a few chapters ago my friend gave me his old laptop when he got a new one. Well it's pretty much reaching the end of its life since it's been having trouble turning on occasionally and it would actually be cheaper for me to get a new one. Hence I'm still saving for one. But I'm also getting side-tracked by all the Pokemon X & Y news and even went and rebought Black 2 to get back into the swing of things so I'm not sure when I'll get a new laptop. But I promise that I'll never stop writing this. In fact one good thing that came from all of this is that I now have a notebook where I'm writing basic plot outlines for all of my stories instead of keeping them mostly in my head, where things get lost or change into entirely new things on a daily basis. For this story and my Shinku Akuma story, I actually have a basic outline entirely written up all the way to an ending. Now I just need to flesh those little ideas out and type them up for all of you to read and enjoy.
Hopefully that won't take too long but considering my money and life situation…
25 – Promotion and Date
"So, I heard you've got a date tomorrow night." Jiraiya commented as Naruto walked out of the hospital. Sasuke and Sakura had left shortly after the blond woke up since he was going to be fine and Jiraiya had waited for him so that they could talk. Since his teammates had come out before him while he got himself checked out and cleared to leave he asked them if Naruto was okay and Sakura was all too happy to inform him of the dinner planned between Naruto and Hinata.
"What's it to you what I do with my time?" Naruto snapped before sighing. "…Sorry. Just a little irritable right now. That genjutsu is something else." Jiraiya nodded but waved the comment off with a small grin.
"It's alright brat. And I'm taking an interest because if I'm right then this is the first date you've ever been on. Got any plans for it?"
"Uh… we're gonna go get dinner somewhere that she likes. That's about all I've got." Naruto admitted with a raised brow. "Isn't that a good date?"
"Well for a first time I suppose it works. But don't you want to wow her or something? I mean you wouldn't have asked her out otherwise, right?"
"She asked me."
"Oh really?" Jiraiya mused. Sakura had only mentioned a date and with who, she left out which party had been the one asking. "Well that changes a couple things then. Come on, we can talk over a good meal. Kami knows how much you could use one after a hospital stay." The man offered before Naruto shrugged with a sigh. He was new to dating and Jiraiya was supposed to be a role model and his godfather. As much as he didn't get along with the man on some things, it wasn't like he could turn to anybody else.
Well maybe his sensei Kakashi.
…On second thought he was still single after all this time. As long as Jiraiya kept the perversion out of his advice then Naruto would accept his words.
"So, let's start with something basic. What are your thoughts on this girl?" Jiraiya asked as the two started walking down the street. Naruto didn't know where, he was just following the man so figured it would be a place he wanted to eat at.
"Well, she's beautiful. She's also the Hyuuga heiress so there's clan issues if things actually get serious."
"Okay, that's a good start. A pretty face is always welcome and a strong clan can be good or bad depending on how things go but we'll come back to that. How about as a person? Do you know anything about her personality or hobbies? That sort of stuff." The Sannin commented as they turned into a small sit-down restaurant. Naruto noted that other than the people working as cooks or waiters, every customer was a shinobi, which told him this was a shinobi only spot. He'd have to remember it in case he wanted food later without the ass-kissing civilians coming to him since his heritage was out.
"She's kind of shy and quiet, stutters a bit as a nervous habit too. But that's kind of cute in a way so I don't mind. I know she's against the Caged Bird seal her clan uses and that she wants to untie the two houses but other than that only some small things. Like apparently I was in the same class as her before graduating early back in the Academy and my old 'never-give-up' attitude inspired her to try harder. Which is still weird I think cause back then I was a nobody and yet she admired me and still does to an extent." Jiraiya chuckled at that while they both placed an order for some tea and then Naruto ordered a small plate of rice while Jiraiya asked for a steak. "But I can say we're friends at least. Not very close, but still friends."
"Well that's a good start. And apparently she's likes you enough to want to be more than friends. Now-"
"If you make any perverted comments her I'm gone." Naruto interrupted. Jiraiya gave him a mocked looked of pain and even put a hand to his chest in false hurt.
"Oh Naruto, do you really think so little of me? Don't answer that." Jiraiya shot out as he saw the blond open his mouth to speak. "I am a very perverted man and proud of it, but I can see you're actually being serious and hoping for some real advice here so I'm going to be serious in turn. Trust me, being perverted on the first date is only really advisable if the girl starts it first or if you don't really care about a long term relationship. Which are you going for here?" He asked and Naruto simply shrugged. "Just gonna let things go where they may huh? Well alright, you're still young so that's fine, even if she's a clan heir and your one yourself. You've both still got a few years before anything major is expected. Now, as I was saying before you interrupted me, one thing you'll want to keep in mind is that you should always be kind and courteous. Also, listen to what she says so you can hold up the conversations. A compliment here and there is never a bad idea either. With me so far?"
"So far I could've guessed all of this without any help Jiraiya."
"Well good. It may seem like common sense but you'd be surprised at just how much it works and at just how UNcommon it actually can be. Bringing a gift of something like some flowers or candy is kind of cliché but at the same time it's still a nice gesture if you're being serious on it. Don't let her pay for anything unless she's stubborn about it, a true gentleman covers the bill no matter the cost. If the place she decides on has a dance floor, offer her a dance or two. If it has some extra entertainment she enjoys, make sure to get it for her. This is only your first date for both of you so don't worry too much about if you're going overboard or if you're nervous. I can assure you, not only will she be nervous but every guy feels this way on their first dates. Also, even though you may not have anything planned it's okay. She asked you and this is short notice. Plus as you're both ninja, she should understand the value of simply enjoying your time together without having to worry about anything else. And as a clan heiress to Konoha's richest family, I'm going to be honest here and say I doubt anything you buy her could ever truly impress her. Stick with simple and with meaning rather than the extravagant." Jiraiya finished as their food was brought up. Naruto nodded as the two started eating in silence together, the blond thinking over the advice. Honestly while most of it was stuff he had already guessed, it was still good since now he knew. Plus he really wasn't sure what was going to come of this, if anything did at all. Naruto considered Hinata a friend, true, but he currently didn't have any romantic feelings for her. Whether or not that would change remained to be seen but he was willing to give it a chance at the very least. She did seem to like him so it was the right thing to do.
"Thanks Jiraiya."
"No problem Naruto."
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"So Naruto's up now?" Hiruzen asked as Tsunade returned to his office after leaving the hospital. She had spent most of the day there with Shizune before telling her apprentice to take over things while she went back to speak with the old man. The blond women nodded her head to his question as she figured he'd be the patient he'd want to be told about mostly. "Did he seem alright?"
"I don't know the kid personally so I can't answer that but physically he'll be fine with a couple of days of rest before getting back into the swing of things. So just ask his teammates or sensei to check in on him and tell you about any differences." Tsunade commented so he nodded. "As for the hospital, it's actually running smoother than I expected from how Jiraiya made it seem. I can see where a few things can be fixed or updated but other than that all I really need to do is teach them more about medical jutsu and I can have Shizune start a class for that once I take the hat from you. Plus, it'll help get more medics in our shinobi forces so there's that as well."
"Ah yes. That's good to hear Tsunade. Also, if you'd like you can start the medical program I had to reject in the Second War. Now that we're at peace and with the revenue we're getting from such a showing in the exams, we can fund it without issue."
"I'd like that sensei." The blond woman replied with a smile. "Now, is there anything I need to know about your job before I take it next week?"
"Only a couple things but I'll still be here to help you with them as much as you'd like. A Hokage can name their advisors and have up to three. If you'd like I'd be happy to take one of the spots as yours. Currently my advisors are my old genin teammates and Shimura Danzo."
"Never really liked him sensei." Tsunade cut in and he nodded with an understanding smile.
"Yes, we have drifted apart since our youth as he's gotten more militaristic over the years. Then there was the Root problem a few years ago and while I officially shut it down I'm almost positive he still has it going behind the scenes. I'd like to shut it down permanently but can't find the evidence to fully do so. Still, other than his shadowy dealings with his Root, Danzo has been surprisingly quiet these last few years. I had to stop him from getting his hands on Naruto early on in the boys' childhood but ever since he became a ninja the man has been silent concerning him. The only other thing worth noting about him is that he wants to keep a very strict eye on Sasuke to ensure he doesn't turn out like his brother Itachi. At first I agreed with him but within the recent year I've been seeing more and more that our young friend will be fine."
"Maybe when he learns to respect his elders he will be." Tsunade quipped as Sarutobi chuckled. "But I guess that works for now. Maybe Jiraiya can get some info on Root so that we can shut it down for good and lock the old war hawk up. Anyways, I'm getting hungry and you promised me and Shizune dinner."
"That I did. So let's grab young Shizune-chan from the hospital and go to my home for a nice meal."
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The next day was quiet for most, just another day really. However for Naruto, the blond wasn't feeling good. He had woken up in a cold sweat screaming, the only reason nobody else heard was because he had long ago set up silencing seals around his room so that noise wouldn't go out. This wasn't the first time his nightmares had him screaming and he didn't want to disturb anybody else with his trouble. However there was something new in his tormenting dreams.
"Watch. Watch and see what you failed to protect."
Itachi's words were now permanently etched over the nightmares, telling him of how it was his fault. He had known it was his fault since it had happened. Had he not gone to Iwa with Koji and Sakuya then they would have survived. Had he been stronger then they wouldn't have had to sacrifice themselves to protect him. It was all his fault; Itachi's genjutsu had really just been rubbing salt in the wound.
After a shower and breakfast the blond had simply sat on his couch and tried to clear his mind for tonight. Later he'd be going on a date with Hinata and he did not want to burden her with his troubles. However trying to think of his upcoming dinner with her only brought other thoughts into his mind. Thoughts of his old teammate that he loved, the orphan Sakuya.
How could he even be thinking of going on a date with someone else? He loved her, and right before she died she confessed her own love for him. How could he betray that by trying to have a date with another girl? Sakuya meant more to him than that. To this day he'd still say he loves her, even though she's been dead for so long. He knew she'd want him to be happy, true, but he still wasn't over her. Just how long was a person to mourn a lost love before it was considered okay?
A knock on his door got his attention so he sighed but got up to answer, revealing it to be an Anbu member with a bird mask. "Hokage-sama requests your presence." The blond nodded so he vanished in a Shunshin (Body Flicker) as Naruto put on his sandals and headed for the man's office. Once there he found that he wasn't the only one inside. Waiting in front of the old Kage's desk were his teammates, his sensei, Nara Shikamaru, his sensei Sarutobi Asuma, Rock Lee, his sensei Maito Gai, Aburame Shino, and his sensei Yuhi Kurenai. Taking a spot next to his teammates Naruto gave a small nod to them as his mind was thinking of reasons they could all be there.
"Well, now that you're all here I can tell you just what you're here for." Hiruzen began, giving the genin a grandfatherly smile. "You are here to be told of your results in the Chunin exams." Upon the finishing of that sentence the faces of all the genin lit up slightly as they were interested in knowing if they would be promoted out not. "Aburame Shino, your opponent forfeited his match and then the Invasion kicked off before you could battle Sasuke in the next round. As such you didn't get a chance to fight at all. However I heard of what you did in the Invasion and am very proud to know the next generation is working hard. I am sorry I cannot promote you at this time, but know that I and the judges will be watching for you the next time you enter."
"Thank you Hokage-sama." Shino spoke with a nod as Kurenai placed a hand on his shoulder. The man smiled in turn before moving onto his next genin.
"Rock Lee. You had a short but intense battle against Uchiha Sasuke in the opening match and demonstrated very skillful and strong taijutsu before being pinned and submitting. However before the match even began you admitted a weakness by telling your enemy you could not use ninjutsu or genjutsu. Then during the Invasion, you and your team helped clear out civilians and defeat a few of the Oto shinobi you came across. Much like Shino though, I am unable to promote you at this time but I and the judges await your next attempt."
"I promise I shall do my best to succeed next time Hokage-sama! My flames of youth will not be diminished from this minor setback to my career!" The boy cheered as Gai cheered from behind him. The aged Kage chuckled and nodded before moving to his next genin as Gai and Lee began to speak with each other about new training regiments to help ensure Lee's promotion next time he took the exams.
"Nara Shikamaru." He stated, a little loudly to both get Lee and Gai to realize they were still in his office and to get the boy's attention as he was doing his best to sleep standing up. Both of the green spandex wearing ninja apologized and quieted down as the lazy genin's eyes snapped open before returning to their bored look as he focused on the village leader. "You only had one match in which you skillfully evaded and then maneuvered your enemy into a trap before forfeiting due to a lack of chakra. While you lost, all the judges agreed that had that been a real mission with back-up, you assuredly would have won since your support could have dealt with her once you had caught her. Your aid in the Invasion, quickly planning and executing very high level traps and maneuvers for yourself and teammates against Oto ninja, had also been taken into account. It is with pride I now promote you to the rank of Chunin in Konoha's forces." He declared as he pulled out one of the green vests the ninja of that rank wore. Shikamaru took it with a sigh as he realized his workload was now going up.
"Troublesome."
"Haruno Sakura." Sarutobi began again, turning his attention to the pink haired girl. "During the Exams you very skillfully used misdirection and low level genjutsu to lure your opponent into a trap before using a high level genjutsu specifically targeting a known strength of your enemy, making it a weakness instead. That coupled with your aid in the Invasion has given me great pride to grant you the rank of Chunin as well." The Kage declared before pulling out another vest and handing it to the girl. Naruto offered her a small smile as Sasuke and Kakashi congratulated her for her promotion. The girl slipped the vest on before giving a bow to the Hokage, the smile on her face never once leaving.
"Thank you Hokage-sama. I'll do my best."
"I know you will Sakura. Now, Uchiha Sasuke." At his name, said genin stood a little straighter and focused on his leader as Sarutobi smiled. "During your match against Lee you showed great skill with the blade you gained from Momochi Zabuza, as well as proficiency in two elements. Both are skills the likes of which Chunin of many years have trouble gaining and are things usually left to jonin. I was also informed that the other genin of your class followed your basic plan after escorting the civilians from the arena to the shelter so I know you have a tactical mind along with those skills. You are doing your village proud my boy, and I hope you can continue such great work as a new Chunin of the village." Sarutobi declared, handing the genin a vest of his own. Sakura gave him a quick hug, that for once he didn't scowl at or tell her to get off, as Kakashi patted him on the shoulder and Naruto gave a grin at his teammate. Knowing he was next as the last one left Naruto turned to face the Hokage to see the man giving him a knowing look and smile as well.
"And finally Uzumaki Naruto, the Kurai Kitsune." With that sentence everyone else focused on the Kage as he started speaking. "Your match in the Finals was unprecedented, facing down not just a very powerful foe but a jinchuriki with the ability to transform into his contained biju. And yet despite this, you not only rose to the challenge but excelled and surpassed any expectation for you. Taking down any biju, even the weakest of the nine, is an S-class task and you did it single-handedly. And then afterwards you went on to eliminate many shinobi of Oto and Suna during the Invasion, even taking out one of the giant snake summons that were brought into play by Orochimaru's forces. It is known you also defeated a highly powerful Oto ninja, burning and scarring him beyond recognition with an elemental Rasengan (Spiraling Sphere), something even your father the Yondaime failed to create. Having you at genin level is frankly a waste of such a skilled shinobi. You would have gotten this much sooner had you had a team to compete with but know that now nothing is holding you back from your rightful promotion. Congratulations Naruto-kun, you've earned this." Hiruzen finished as he handed Naruto the last vest he was holding out of sight for the young ninja before him. Naruto took the vest in slight shock as everyone else offered their congratulations. Despite knowing he had the skill for the rank and even guessing that his promotion was a sure thing, he was still surprised to actually get it. The blond slipped the vest on over his jacket and ran a hand down the front before grinning widely as he looked up to the Hokage to see him smiling in turn towards him.
"Thanks jiji."
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"You called for me Orochimaru-sama?" Kabuto asked as he walked into the Hebi Sennin's personal lab. Orochimaru himself was overlooking a few notes while chained to a wall was a man so bloody it was impossible to tell what he once looked like. If not for the slight movement of his chest giving away his breathing, one would think he was dead. If anyone knew even the slightest bit about Orochimaru's habits, they'd know the man probably wished he was.
"Come here Kabuto, I want your opinion on something." The Sannin motioned as the silver haired teen walked forward to see Orochimaru was going over the intelligence gathered on Naruto and Sasuke. "You've told me how adamant young Sasuke-kun is against joining me so it will have to be forced in his case, but what of Naruto-kun? I believe if I offer him help against Iwa he would join of his own free will. What do you think?" The man asked as Kabuto nodded his head.
"Well yes and no. I think he'd accept the offer, so long as it wasn't you asking."
"Explain."
"From what I know of him, he doesn't really like you much. So even if you could destroy Iwa today and asked him he'd likely say no off principle alone. On the other hand, if the offer came from someone else, someone he trusts then he may be willing to put his dislike aside and work alongside or under you."
"Kukuku, that's all then?" The pale man mused before turning back to the man chained to the wall. "Then you go recruit him. If you can get him to come willingly then by all means do so. Offer him my aid against Iwa, some power if he seems interested, whatever you feel will work."
"Besides serving you, is there anything you'd like in return?" Kabuto asked, since he knew Naruto would be skeptical if he was told Orochimaru would want nothing in return but loyalty. The older man paused for a moment before picking up a scalpel and walking over to his prisoner.
"If he can, I'd like him to free Tayuya and bring her back. Or bringing Sasuke-kun with would work as well." The man replied before pausing and looking back to Kabuto. "Actually, make those possible choices. What I want for sure is Juugo to be killed. With him in the state he's in he's no use to me; however he knows enough about my operations that it'd be an inconvenience to allow him to live. Not only that but with Tsunade back in Konoha, she might be able to synthesize a type of counter-agent for my curse seals from his blood. Tell Naruto-kun he must kill Juugo, and if he brings Tayuya and Sasuke-kun to me as well then I'll owe him a favor." Kabuto nodded as he left, knowing that Orochimaru wouldn't pay back any supposed favor at all. In fact, he wasn't even sure on whether or not the man actually would help Naruto destroy Iwa or not. On one hand it was a major village, making it hard to take on as their failed attack on Konoha just proved. On the other, all the potential research subjects in the village could be gathered easily after or even during the village's destruction. It left Kabuto wondering what the man would decide in the end if Naruto joined him.
With his business taken care of, Orochimaru smiled before raising the scalpel and turning back to his subject. As the blade cut through skin the man began screaming making Orochimaru realize he forgot to put him out with anesthesia. Oh well, not like it mattered now.
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"Okay Naruto, this is just a simple meal. If something comes from it then so be it. If not, then oh well. You don't have to be nervous. Just be calm, be cool and… I have no idea what I'm doing…" Naruto moaned as he stood in front of his mirror. He had gotten into somewhat casual clothes of a button up blue shirt and black pants while he wasn't wearing his headband, letting a few of his bangs fall forward on his face. He had been trying to get ready for his date later but was sadly getting himself lost in thoughts of doing something wrong and ruining everything. Jiraiya told him every man felt like this during their first date and that it was nothing to worry about. He had then given the blond some rather good advice so Naruto knew a bit of what to do.
It didn't change the fact he had nerves about everything.
"Come on, I fought a biju and beat it! I completed a jutsu even my father couldn't do! I'm a feared ninja in the Bingo Book!" He shouted at himself before spinning around and walking out of the bathroom. "And none of that has anything to do with dating! Gah! I'd rather face an army." He whined before grabbing his wallet and checking the time before sighing and heading out, locking the door as he left. The blond did his best to calm down on the way towards the Hyuuga compound as he went over the basic plan for the night in his head. Dinner at a place of her choosing, he'd be the gentleman and pay for everything, and then afterwards a walk through one of Konoha's parks if she felt up to it. Simple and easy.
Then why did he feel better facing that snake in the Invasion?
Finally reaching the Hyuuga compound Naruto stated who he was and why he was there to the gate guards, even though he was sure they already were forewarned about him. They weren't surprised at all and seemed to have been waiting on him as one of the two lead him to the main building that served as the home for the Clan head and his family while telling him Hinata was getting ready and would be out momentarily. Naruto was simply told to wait here for here before the guard left to return to the gate. The blond was only waiting for a few moments before he heard footsteps and turned around expecting to see Hinata walking up.
Instead it was her father and the clan head Hiashi.
"So you are the one my daughter is going to dine with?" He asked, knowing full well who the boy was. He had actually been waiting for him to show up so that he could speak with him before they headed out. Behind him staring at Naruto in curiosity was his younger daughter Hanabi, Hinata's little sister.
"Yes Hyuuga-sama." Naruto replied with a short bow.
"Tell me, what are your plans for tonight?" He asked as Naruto straightened his posture at his tone.
"Dinner at a place of her choosing and a walk through one of the parks."
"I see. What are your intentions towards my daughter?" Hiashi asked as Naruto was now starting to internally sweat. Hiashi's blank face and neutral tone were not helping matters at all.
"None sir. She asked me out."
"None? So you see this as simply a dinner and nothing more? You have no plans for the future?" Something warned Naruto that was not a good answer, despite nothing in the man's tone or on his face showing it.
"Well, not yet I mean. Hinata is beautiful and I'm honored she's interested in dating me but I hardly know her really. I mean no disrespect but right now, I don't think I can plan anything because things may change and I wouldn't want to force something on her should her feelings change. It wouldn't be fair to her." The blond explained as Hiashi nodded his head slightly.
"That's it? What does that matter?" Hanabi chirped in, surprising both males that she was actually listening in and had an opinion on the matter. "You're apparently shinobi royalty due to your heritage. It will be expected of you to marry someone of power and prestige eventually and none can compare to the Hyuuga in that regard. If you ask me then this should be just a formality dinner and you should just marry her since you won't get anyone better and it's what your station demands." She stated. Hiashi narrowed his eyes, knowing Hanabi picked that kind of logic up from the Elders of the clan and not him as he hadn't started her on anything but combat training at this point and time while Naruto scowled.
"Well I didn't ask you and you shouldn't go on about things you don't fully understand." Naruto responded coldly. "There's more to life than power or prestige plus mine was hidden from me until only a couple years ago so I didn't grow up with all of this political knowledge. Besides, I could care less that she's from a great clan. When it comes time for me to marry, I want someone I can connect with and who's strong. My parents had many enemies and I've built up a few of my own so she'll need to be able to protect herself if things get bad. Not only that but I don't even care about rebuilding the Uzumaki clan or continuing my father's line or anything of the sort. If it happens then it happens, if not then oh well. Bloodlines or riches matter very little to me and I don't care what you think about it." Hanabi scowled both from his tone and in confusion about why he wasn't acting like she had been told someone with prestige should. Hiashi on the other hand kept his face blank but was inwardly pleased to know how little Naruto cared for power and heritage, it meant should he and Hinata get together that she'd be cared for because he actually cared for her and not for her Hyuuga name.
"While a bit rude about it, I happen to agree with him Hanabi." Hiashi said, shocking both of the younger ones. "Your mother was not a very prestigious woman Hanabi, not until after she married me and learned such things for appearances sake. What matters most in a relationship are the feelings the two have for each other. Naruto-san understands this, which is why I am fine with his admittance to not planning beyond tonight." The man admitted as Naruto nervously nodded his head. "However, that said you will understand why you will be killed if anything happens to her." He threatened as the blond nodded quickly. "Good, then have her returned by ten o'clock without trouble." With that last comment he turned and walked away, Hanabi sparing him one last glance before following him. Naruto let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding before rubbing the back of his neck.
'Does every parent do that? Or just the big clan ones?' He though before hearing footsteps again and turned to see Hinata walking up. The boy instantly had to suppress a blush as she was wearing a lavender sundress and had put on a light amount of makeup to bring out her eyes. "Um… hey. Ready to go?" He asked as he got his blush under control. The girl had a blush of her own but nodded her head before placing her hand in his as he offered it. The two left the clan compound before Naruto spoke up. "So, where do you want to go?"
"Th-there's this nice place near the Hokage's o-office that I l-like." She pointed out so Naruto nodded and she led him to a small sit down restaurant. While there weren't many people there, the few that were noticed the Hyuuga heiress as well as the recently reveal heir to the Yondaime coming in together. Naruto rolled his eyes as the whispers started while Hinata only blushed more before a waitress came up.
"Can I take your orders, Namikaze-sama? Hyuuga-sama?" She asked as Naruto scowled.
"Yeah, for one you can drop the –sama and two, it's Uzumaki, not Namikaze. I may be his son, but I'm keeping my mothers' name." The woman looked shocked before nodding slightly as Hinata was now looking at him in curiosity with her head tilted slightly. "Alright then, could we get a couple menus then? I've never been here before and don't know what you have."
"Of course. I'll be right back then." The woman promised before walking away quickly, Naruto sighing slightly before turning back to Hinata and seeing her look.
"Um…"
"Y-you won't be taking y-your fathers' name?" She asked and he shook his head.
"As much as I respect and love my dad for what he did, I've grown up as Uzumaki Naruto. It feels right to me compared to Namikaze Naruto. Plus, my father was an orphan while the Uzumaki were an actual clan so by law as the last of the clan I'd still be forced to have my mother's name anyways." The blond explained as she nodded in understanding and the waitress came back and handed out two menus before leaving again to give them a few minutes.
"I-I also heard from S-Sakura-san how you never r-respected Sasuke-san j-just because of his h-heritage. Is that w-why you d-don't want others to c-call you –sama?" She asked and he thought for a moment before shaking his head.
"Not really. The way I look at it, if that person hasn't done anything personally to earn that respect then I'm not going to give it. And I don't want to be called –sama because these people aren't using it because of anything I did. They're calling me that because of my father, plain and simple. Had I not let my heritage out then I doubt any of them would've used it, in fact I know many of them would still hate me for being Kyuubi's jinchuriki. That's not respect, that's just sucking up to me because of guilt and hero worship towards my dad." Again Hinata nodded so Naruto turned down to his menu and started looking it over. "So, since you've been here before, any suggestions on what to get?"
"Th-the steak is really g-good." Hinata started as the talk shifted to lighter topics.
XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX
"I can't b-believe you did that t-to your own s-sensei." Hinata said in between her laughs as Naruto recounted a prank he and Sakuya had pulled on Kakashi. The two had finished eating and were now walking through one of Konoha's many parks while Naruto was telling tales of some of the things he had done with his old team.
"He's always showing up late, it was just too easy to target him. Hell, Sakuya-chan and I practically considered it a crime not to." The blond boasted with an easy grin. He had actually been enjoying his night so far, minus Hanabi's words and the small part with the waitress. Hinata was soft-spoken and stuttered due to a few confidence issues but once he got her to open up a little he found a caring girl that loved flowers and cinnamon buns, which she ordered a few of for her dessert as it was originally why she chose that spot since she claimed they made the best in the village. Hinata on her part found that Naruto was simply a teen that was trying to hide his pain and enjoy as much of life as he could, something she was happy to help with as she had been blushing every time she got him to smile. He just looked so handsome to her. "We may have never gotten him but it was still good practice for our trap work since each prank was better than the last and by the end of things he actually started sending clones in first as a sort of safety against whatever we'd try."
"I u-understand why Naruto-kun. S-some of those p-pranks sound mean."
"Nah, it was all in good fun and he knows it. There was one time we got Koji-nii's dad though."
"Really?"
"Yep, Kakashi-sensei invited him one time to help with our training and we had a prank all set to hit sensei when he showed up. Instead, Daichi-san showed up early and set the trap off. Unlike Kakashi-sensei though, he didn't know we'd do this occasionally and thought it was safe. Instead he stepped onto the training grounds and was suddenly covered in pink paint and feathers while me and my teammates were struggling not to laugh. Wrong target yeah, but the sight was just too funny not to. By the time Kakashi-sensei showed up Daichi-san was chasing us around the training grounds to get back at us." Naruto recounted with a smile, remembering the day fondly. Hinata kept laughing lightly before letting out a breath and looking up at the night sky with a smile of her own. Looking back to Naruto to see him smiling made her blush again before she took a quick glance down at his arm as an idea crossed her mind. Slowly she reached out and took his hand in hers making him stiffen slightly before looking down at their hands before looking back up to her face and seeing her smile with a blush. Glancing back down the blond decided to let it go with a very slight smile.
"Come on chibi-kun, Koji's waiting just up ahead." Sakuya cheered as Naruto was breathing heavily from the training he had just put in. Seeing him barely move the orphan girl shook her head in amusement before grabbing his hand and dragging him to his feet and pulling him after her. "Come on, we're going to go get some food to celebrate that last mission we did."
"Uh Sakuya? Could you let go of my hand?" The younger blond asked as the girl only tossed him a smirk over her shoulder.
"What's wrong? Scared of holding hands with a girl?" She teased as he blushed lightly but let it go as she giggled at his blush.
Naruto gasped and pulled his hand out of Hinata's to hold his head as it started hurting. He also turned away slightly to hide how his eyes had teared up from the sudden memory of his old crush. Hinata looked worried but when he turned back he acted like nothing happened and tried to brush it off as they kept walking. She noticed though that he didn't re-take her hand and had even stuffed it into his pocket, meaning she couldn't grab it again. Things seemed to go fine all the way back to the Hyuuga mansion. "Well, I guess this is good night."
"Y-yeah…" Hinata muttered, the moment he had pulled away not entirely forgotten yet. "S-so I'll s-see you later r-right?" She asked as Naruto smiled lightly.
"Yeah. I had fun tonight so I wouldn't mind another date sometime." He admitted, getting her to smile and give him a hug. Naruto blushed as she said good night and then in a spur of the moment decision she placed a kiss on his cheek before pulling back and heading into the compound. Naruto only stared at her retreating form for a moment as a hand rose and felt his cheek where her lips had just been. With a glazed look the blond turned and started walking back towards his own apartment, his thoughts on the given kiss. 'She kissed me… The only other time I've gotten a kiss was…'
"Happy birthday Naruto-kun." Sakuya cheered as she had a blush on her face from the sake she had been drinking. Koji had already passed out at his table while Kakashi had left a few minutes ago. Naruto could easily say this was the happiest day he could ever remember as his teammates and sensei had come over to spend time with him instead of going to the Kyuubi festival going on outside. He also noticed that Sakuya had started calling him –kun after a few cups of the drink.
"You've said that already Sakuya." The blond pointed out as the two of them were on his couch. She just shook her head and pulled him into a very tight hug.
"So what? It's your birthday so I'll say it again and again! Happy birthday ~ happy birthday ~ happy birthday ~!" She started singing lightly as she took another drink from the cup she as holding. Naruto laughed and took it in stride since he wasn't really against getting hugged by the girl. Sakuya trailed off for a moment before pulling away from Naruto and staring at him with the most serious face she could muster in her drunken state. "Naruto-kun… I know it's your birthday… but there's something I want from you. A present of my own, okay?"
"Well what is it?" He asked, slightly confused to what she could want. The girl stared a second longer as her blush seemed to deepen.
"Well… I want you to call me Sakuya-chan." Naruto went wide-eyed for a moment before smiling and nodding his head.
"Okay, Sakuya-chan!" He chirped and she suddenly lit up with a large smile before hugging him close again. The blond only tried to pull back because she was smothering him but once he got some space she suddenly darted down and kissed his cheek.
"Thank you Naruto-kun."
"Uh… you're welcome Sakuya-chan…" The blond muttered, still trying to wrap his head around the fact she had kissed him.
Naruto flinched as the memory went through his head before sighing and looking down as he kept walking home. Despite feeling nice during the date with Hinata, suddenly he felt horrible with himself. How could he be so callous towards Sakuya? He had, and still did, loved her. What was he doing going on a date with another girl? 'Hinata's nice… but can I really be with her when I still feel for Sakuya-chan?' He thought before shaking the thoughts out of his head as he reached his apartment.
As soon as he placed his hand on the handle his mind was lit with information from the seals he placed throughout the house and he was put on edge. Someone the seals didn't recognize was inside his home! Quietly taking a glove out of his back pocket and slipping it onto his right hand, the blond unlocked his door and crept in. He silently closed the door behind him before pushing a small bit of chakra into the glove to pull out Sakuya's old weapon and gripped it in both hands. Naruto took a few careful steps into the apartment before spinning around and swinging the blade up to try and decapitate the person who had appeared behind him. He was quickly blocked by a kunai and pushed back but before he could attack again the figure spoke up.
"Naruto stop! I just came to talk!"
The blond froze at the familiar voice before turning on a light to reveal silver hair and glasses on his face. "Kabuto…" Naruto muttered before scowling. "What the hell are you here for traitor?"