And here's Chapter 25. Folks, I am severely disappointed with some of you in regards to the last chapter. I have a rant on my bio page that will deal with that, so I'll leave that there. Some of your reviews were very scathing and although I have thick skin, some of those remarks still hurt. I will be taking a month off from writing any of my stories to review how I write and whether or not it's worth writing anymore. I'm losing my steam and the idiots who snipe seem to be coming out in force. It's not fair to hold me to a higher standard against other Fanfiction authors. I have my own standards and, while I don't meet them all the time, I do a good majority. Read the rant and tell me what you think. For the still loyal readers, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I shall see you in a month. Readers, Reviewers, Thank you...Standing Outside the Fire by Garth Brooks.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
"To what do I owe the honor, Jiraiya-sama?"
The white-haired man leveled his gaze at Naruto and sighed. He felt so old standing there, watching the boy intently as he stood at attention. He had always said that he wanted respect from those younger than him but coming from the blonde…it didn't seem right.
"Now, now, none of that 'Jiraiya-sama' business, Naruto. You can simply call me Jiraiya. You're a student of my sensei as well, after all."
Naruto shook his head.
"It would not feel right. You are in station above me. I have been taught to respect my superiors."
Jiraiya quirked an eyebrow and frowned. Sarutobi had sure done a number on the kid. He'd noticed several discrepancies just from watching him for the duration of the exams, following along behind him and his team, watching his match from the shadows…the toads beside him croaked in mirth at hearing someone respect him and he huffed in annoyance.
"You call me whatever you like then, kid. I have a few things to discuss with you before I turn you over to the toads."
Naruto stiffened a bit and his claws clenched and unclenched.
"What do you need to speak to me about?"
"Your performances over the last few months…and your training before that. You're an enigma to me, Naruto. You have so much skill and yet, when it comes to certain people, you seem to go down to their level. Is it that you don't consider it a fair fight unless it's even?"
Naruto narrowed his eyes as some of the toads croaked in agreement.
"I fight to the best of my ability. Sometimes I am simply caught off guard."
Jiraiya snorted and picked some dust off the front of his jacket.
"Bullshit. You have a power that would be envied throughout the Elemental Nations. You have a pedigree and training that are above anything most others can brag about. You have all of this going for you, but you seem to be stuck in a rut. Even Anko can't seem to break you of this silly little habit."
A growl cut through the air and Jiraiya's mouth turned up slightly in a grin.
"I don't care what you think. I do the best I can. If all you're going to do is insult me, then I shall bid you good day."
Naruto turned to walk off and Jiraiya examined his fingernails.
"Tell me, before you go. Why was it so hard to beat Hyuuga Hinata? Is it because you have feelings for her? Afraid to hurt her? Or was it simply because you really are a coward?"
Naruto's hair stood up on the back of his neck and he whirled around.
"I've had enough of you! You've insulted my sensei, belittled me, and now you've brought Hinata-chan into this! She has nothing to do with this!"
Jiraiya strode up in front of the boy and looked down at him, his height making Naruto crane his neck to look up.
"Again, I call bullshit. That fight was pathetic. I've seen academy students put up a better brawl. You were both too afraid to hurt one another and needed some 'prompting' to get your asses in gear. And proclaiming that you like each other in front of everyone? Get the fuck out, kid. This isn't an after-school special."
Naruto grit his teeth, but remained silent, his teeth bared. Jiraiya took in a deep breath and let a slow grin cross his face.
"Hey, don't feel too bad, kid. It was bad luck. Luck of the draw. You and your little girlfriend just had a shitty match. I know you're capable of more. Both of you. That's why it was so painful to watch. Everyone knows that you two could probably wipe the floor with anyone."
Naruto's jaw unclenched a tiny bit and his shoulders relaxed.
"I'm disappointed that you didn't use your kekkei genkai though. You can't always hold back things from people. Your peers are going to find out what you can do sooner or later and it might as well be sooner. These are your comrades, not the enemy. In the finals, you need to let loose. You can't afford to hold back. There's more than your secrets on the line. There's the reputation of your sensei and your family."
Naruto said nothing.
"I know all about your condition too, kid, and for what it's worth, I'm sorry. You've probably gotten a lot of shit because of it. If it's any consolation though, you haven't had it as bad as some jinchuuriki. Most are reviled in their villages and live as though they were subhuman. It's appalling. You've been fortunate."
Naruto relaxed a little more.
"But, sooner or later, your friends are going to find out what you are. If you like that girl as much as you said you did, then she's going to have to be told. Your teammates might know and they might accept you, but some won't. That's something you'll have to deal with unfortunately. You can't hide who and what you are forever."
Naruto stood still for a moment, wondering if Jiraiya was going to continue.
"Is that all?"
Jiraiya nodded his head and Naruto glared at him.
"I've never met you before and suddenly you come barging in and telling me what's what. I don't like that. I don't know you. You might be revered as a shinobi, but that doesn't mean you know squat about me."
Jiraiya threw his head back and laughed long and hard. Naruto frowned and crossed his arms.
"I don't see what's so damn funny."
Jiraiya wiped a tear from his eye and smiled down at the boy.
"I know all about you, brat. I've known everything that's gone on with you since you started to walk."
Naruto blinked, not believing what he was hearing.
"And how, pray tell, do you think you know anything?"
Jiraiya swept his hand out in an arching motion, covering the toads in the clearing.
"Them. They've been watching you since you were little, Naruto, making sure that relatively little harm came to you. They've been watching you and waiting for the day that they could step from the shadows to meet you face to face."
Naruto looked around the man to all the toads, who had wide smiles on their faces and were waving at him. He raised his hand hesitantly, gave them a slow wave, and turned back to Jiraiya.
"They've been stalking me? You've had them stalking me?"
Before Jiraiya could defend himself, a hacking laugh was heard from the small pagoda.
Ah, don't bother, Jiraiya-chan. This boy needs to see it to believe it. Come over here, Naruto. It's time we had a little chat.
Naruto's eyes widened as he heard the toad speak. He knew that summons had that ability, but to actually see it in action…it was somewhat unsettling. He hesitantly made his way over to the elderly toad and sat down cross-legged. The toad smiled and thumped its cane on the ground.
Yes, yes, you've grown into a fine young man. A bit on the silly side with some of your ideals, but nothing we can't iron out. Ah! Introductions, how silly of me. My name is Fukasaku, one of the Elder Toads. It's a pleasure to finally speak with you.
Naruto nodded his head dumbly and bowed at his waist.
"It is a pleasure to meet with you as well, Elder. To what do I owe this honor?"
Fukasaku grinned and cut his eyes to Jiraiya.
Seems someone needs to take a lesson in manners from the boy. You were never this polite.
Jiraiya snorted and sat on a rock not far away.
"I can't imagine why in this motley crew."
Fukasaku waved his cane threateningly at Jiraiya and cleared his throat.
Well now, where to begin?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Fukasaku put his webbed foot to his chin and rubbed back and forth, before stroking his beard in thought. He had much to discuss with the boy and so little time at the moment. Perhaps…he had been too hasty…
"Fukasaku-sama, I don't mean to be rude, but my sensei is waiting on me. I have a tournament to train for."
Fukasaku rolled an eye around to Naruto and grinned.
Underneath that polite exterior, you're really a rough-and-tumble child, aren't you? The mere thought of conformity and rules appalls you. We know of your pre-ordained profession, of the office you must take. It wasn't fair to force all that on you, was it?
Naruto set his jaw and shook his head.
"My grandfather is merely doing what needs to be done. I'm being groomed to take his position in a few years. While it is not my wish, it is my duty as a ninja to honor the wishes of my Hokage."
Fukasaku blinked and drummed his toes on his staff.
A generic answer. Naruto, we, the toads of Mt. Myouboku, know that you love your family and that, even though you are at odds with him right now, that you idolize your grandfather. We've watched you as you've grown. We saw you train yourself to the bone with Maito Gai. We watched as your uncle bolstered your mind. We watched as your sensei, Kurenai, began to slowly bring you out of your shell and make you more accessible to the people around you.
The elderly toad frowned at Naruto's seeming disinterest in his recount.
Jiraiya is right. You have so much talent, so much skill, and yet, you do not use it. That is wasteful and an insult to your sensei. Perhaps our coming here so soon was not advisable. You are still too immature. It is not yet time.
Naruto rose to the bait and Fukasaku smirked to himself.
"Why don't you tell me why you came here before you make assumptions? You've been stalking me since I was little so the least you owe me is an explanation."
Fukasaku thumped his cane on the ground again with as much force as he could muster and Naruto felt the ground shake slightly. The other toads ribbited in annoyance and he cut his eyes around to them.
Make no mistake, Naruto, our interest in you goes back quite a ways. And we have not stalked you. We've been watching over you all your life. We came here because the time is coming when we will have to name a new summoner. Jiraiya, as you very well know, is the current summoner of the toads. You will be our next summoner.
Naruto blinked and slowly rose to his feet.
"I am honored by your request and I will give it consideration."
It was not a request. You are our summoner. The great Elder Toad of Mt. Myouboku saw this in a vision. Our paths were destined to cross from the very beginning. You are the heir apparent to the toads.
Naruto bowed at his waist and dusted off the seat of his pants.
"I am honored that you think so highly of me that you would want me as your summoner, but I am tired of people telling me that it is my destiny to do things. I will give your offer consideration. I am going to find my sensei now and begin my training under her. I would appreciate it if you would not follow me anymore. Good day to you all."
Naruto shunshin-ed away from the area and Jiraiya let out a heavy sigh. This had not gone as he had planned. He looked up when he heard Fukasaku chuckling. The old toad motioned to one of the younger ones and it took off in Naruto's direction.
"What's so funny, Elder? This was a complete disaster."
Fukasaku finished his chuckling and gave a hacking cough, clearing his throat.
A disaster? Oh no, Jiraiya-chan. This was quite an eye-opener. Even if all this hadn't been preordained, then I would still want that boy as our summoner. He's the only logical choice.
"I fail to see your logic in any of this."
Of course you would. You haven't been around as long as I have. We're going to offer that boy something he's never had before though. An unconditional friend, one who seeks him out.
Jiraiya quirked an eyebrow and looked out to where the young toad had hopped away.
"So…that's why he was here."
Fukasaku nodded and began to laugh again, as did the rest of the toads.
Mhm. Somewhat nostalgic, isn't it? After all, their parents had such a great relationship…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto walked back along the small path to Konoha, his mind in turmoil as he went. The toads wanted him as a summoner. Him! That was a great honor indeed. The Yondaime had been the summoner after Jiraiya and the toads were revered as one of the strongest summons. He had just walked away from one of the noblest summons, telling them that he would think about it.
…he must be out of his goddamn mind…and yet…it felt good to tell someone he'd consider it. He'd never had the opportunity before. He could only hope that he hadn't totally messed up his chance.
As Konoha became visible over the horizon, he smiled. His sensei was waiting for him and she would be supremely happy that he had decided to come back to her. No doubt the toads wanted Jiraiya to take him under his wing, but Naruto was loyal to a fault. Kurenai was his sensei, offers be damned. He straightened his back and continued on when he felt something plop onto his head. His eyes swung upward to meet an orange face, with a webbed paw waving at him.
Hiya! My name's Gamakichi! Pleased to meet ya!
Naruto blinked and grabbed the little toad by its jacket, holding it in front of him.
"Why were you on top of my head? I told your elder that I didn't want any of you following me."
Gamakichi puffed up in annoyance, which was quite comical given his position.
Hey, I came on my own! I just wanted to meet you, you know? My dad fought with the Yondaime and you really look like him.
Naruto brought one of his hands up so that Gamakichi could sit on it and held the toad a few inches from his face.
"You're the son of GamaBunta? But he was huge…you're kind of…shrimpy…"
A wet sound smacked his forehead and he rubbed at the sticky saliva before glaring at the equally annoyed toad. Gamakichi had just hit him with his tongue.
I'll get big like my dad one day! We toads grow really fast; I'll have you know!
Naruto chuckled and grinned.
"Then explain the elder…"
Fukasaku-sama is a special case! Besides, he's powerful enough that he doesn't need to be big. His power comes from within and…his wife is really scary too. They usually fight together…and with each other…
By this time, Naruto had sat down beside the path with Gamakichi on a stump. The little toad intrigued him.
"Why do the toads want me as their summoner?"
If you want to know that, you have to accept Fukasaku-sama's offer. That's not for me to say.
"What if I don't accept the offer? Will you go away?"
I don't know. We'll just have to see. Until then, I'm going to stick with you. Being here is kind of fun and I've never had a human friend before!
Naruto blinked and looked at the toad for a moment before shrugging and standing up. Gamakichi watched him as started to walk away.
"You do whatever you like, Gamakichi. I have to go train now."
The blonde took no more than two steps when he felt a familiar weight on his head again and a smiling toad became visible in his field of vision.
Well, let's go to practice then. Your sensei was really pretty. I bet she likes toads. Probably thinks they're cute. Mmm…maybe she has some candy for me.
Naruto snickered and walked on. At least with the little toad around he wouldn't be bored. From the bushes behind them, Jiraiya smirked.
'Gamakichi and Naruto, huh? That'll be a hell of a pair.'
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Kurenai sat in a dango booth with Anko, fuming over her dismissal by Jiraiya. Her biggest fear at the moment, despite reassurance from Anko that it would not be so, was that Jiraiya would take her student from her. She was only recently a Jounin and her specialty was genjutsu, not Naruto's style at all. Her eyes brightened slightly as she saw her blonde student coming down the street and her heart stopped when she saw what accompanied him.
Naruto strode into the restaurant, called out his order to the chef, and sat down beside Kurenai as he said hello to Anko. The two women stared at him in wonder until Anko's playfulness got the better of her.
"What is that ridiculous appendage growing out of your head?"
Naruto sighed and lifted Gamakichi off his head, setting him on the table. He wasn't going to rise to Anko's baiting. Kurenai's response was immediate.
"Eeewwww! Naruto! Get that filthy thing off this table immediately! You don't know where it's been!"
A 'thwap' was heard throughout the restaurant and Kurenai gingerly touched her forehead, bringing down sticky saliva on her fingers.
I'm not filthy. And I've changed my opinion of you, lady. You're not nice at all!
Kurenai grabbed a napkin out of the dispenser on the table and wiped the saliva off her forehead in disgust.
"You…you…you disgusting little frog! How dare you do that!"
Apologize! I'm not filthy. And I'm a toad, damn it!
Kurenai was about to squish the toad when hands suddenly enveloped him and Anko crushed him to her chest.
"Awww, isn't he cute? And he can get under Kure-chan's skin as well as I can!"
Naruto simply watched the women carefully as Anko showered Gamakichi with affection and fed him some dango, much to the little toad's delight, while Kurenai growled and continued to rub her forehead, long after the saliva was gone. With a final clenching of her hand in Gamakichi's direction, she turned her attention back to Naruto.
"So, how did it go? I see you came back with a toad. Does that mean that Jiraiya offered to train you?"
Naruto smiled and shook his head.
"No, he didn't offer to train me. The toads want me as their summoner."
Anko dropped Gamakichi onto the table with a thump and Kurenai dropped the glass of tea that had been halfway to her mouth, shattering it on the floor. Naruto's eyes shot from one to the other nervously.
"Was it something I said?"
Kurenai shook her head in disbelief and apologized as the waitress glared at her disapprovingly.
"They want you to be their summoner? What did you say?"
He shrugged and picked at the dango on his plate.
"I said I'd think about it."
Anko reached across the table and smacked Naruto on the forehead.
"You dumbass! Summoning creatures don't usually seek out a summoner! You've been given a great honor and you said you'd think about it? Are you insane?"
I like her. She's got a good head on her shoulders. Pop would probably like her too.
Anko looked down at the little toad with curiosity.
"Who's your father?"
GamaBunta.
"Scratch that, Naruto. You're not insane, you're suicidal. And why is the son of GamaBunta traveling around with this idiot?"
I'm here to hang out with Naruto. I've never had a human friend before.
Kurenai ignored the two once more, even though having the son of the famous summon was a little unsettling, and took a deep breath.
"Naruto, we'll start training tomorrow. Today has been a large tax on my patience, having to deal with a rude pervert and then Anko…and your little toad friend as well. I'll meet you here tomorrow, at seven sharp. I'd suggest you tell the Hokage about this little development."
Naruto frowned as Kurenai began to stand and grabbed her arm, motioning for her to sit for a moment more.
"I'm sure he already knows. He always knows."
"He doesn't know everything, Naruto. Sometimes it's best to tell him yourself."
He nodded and his face suddenly became grim.
"Which of you decided that Hinata-chan and I needed a little 'motivation' during the exam?"
Anko grinned and bounced in her seat.
"Ooooh, ooooh, that'd be me!"
Her only warning was the clenching of Naruto's teeth and she barely swept Gamakichi off the table before Naruto's knife was imbedded in the wood, right where the toad had sat. She blinked in surprise when he growled at her.
"Don't ever interfere in a match of mine again, sensei. Ever."
Anko tightened her lips and gave him a short, concise nod. She knew he'd be upset if he found out, but hadn't expected a threat. Perhaps she'd given him too little credit…he could show a ruthless side after all…
Kurenai watched as he took the knife back and sheathed it before she sighed and reminded him that they were training tomorrow. He waved as she threaded her way into the crowd and turned back to his dango, idly picking at it. Anko stood as well and deposited Gamakichi back onto the table.
"I've gotta go too, kiddo. I've got men to torture and Ibiki to annoy."
Naruto waved as the scantily clad woman meandered off and reached down absently for his dango, only to grasp thin air. He glanced at the table and found Gamakichi wrapping his tongue around the skewer.
Mmmm-mmm…that was some good stuff. Hey, can you bring me here tomorrow? That dango is delicious.
"Why are you still here? And who gave you permission to eat my dango?"
Gamakichi cocked his head and licked his lips.
I'm here because I want to be your friend. You seem like a cool guy. And your dango was delicious and you weren't eating it. I figured it was fair game.
Naruto sighed and rose from his chair. He might as well see his grandfather and get it over with. Maybe he'd visit Hinata afterward. That thought brought him back to what Jiraiya had said. He was sure it would be awkward between the two of them for a while, since they'd kind of publicly admitted they liked each other.
It wasn't love, but it was a start.
He started to walk out when that familiar weight appeared on his head again.
"How the hell do you keep getting up there?"
Hello? I'm a toad. I can jump really high. And your head isn't a bad ride. Your hair is really soft…do you condition it?
Naruto just growled and kept walking toward the Hokage tower, ignoring the stares from the people along the street, pointing and whispering about Gamakichi. It was going to be a long day.
Ooohhh, that growl was cool, bro! Do it again!
…a really long day…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sarutobi leaned back in his new, fluffy chair and sighed contentedly. The old one had started to lose some of the padding in it and he just had to replace it. His old bones demanded it. Jiraiya had dropped by early in the morning with the elder toad, Fukasaku, and the two had told him of their plans for Naruto. Sarutobi had said he would leave it up to the boy, seeing as he rarely had a say in what he did. He had watched everything through his scrying globe though.
He was extremely happy to see that Naruto conducted himself with dignity in the face of Jiraiya and Fukasaku, using the lessons and manners that had been hammered into him. He hadn't broken decorum until Jiraiya began to poke and prod at him. As he packed his pipe with a certain cherry flavored tobacco, one he hadn't tried yet, he heard the telltale sound of Naruto speaking with his secretary.
The old man sighed and lit the pipe with a snap of a match, taking a few drags to get the smoke going. His door creaked open and his grandson strode in with a toad atop his blonde mop. He smiled at the sight and decided that he could be cordial if Naruto could be.
"Ah, Naruto. What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here today?"
Naruto felt a twinge of guilt as his grandfather spoke to him in a cheery tone. Several weeks of coldness between them were almost washed away…almost. Youthful spite wouldn't allow it totally though.
"Hokage-sama, I was visited today by Jiraiya-sama and Fukasaku, one of the elder toads of Mt. Myouboku. They want me to become the summoner for the toads. I was seeking your counsel on the matter."
Sarutobi sighed and slumped in his chair slightly. It seemed that Naruto still held a grudge against him. He, however, would take the high ground in this. Grudges could not be held forever, after all.
"This is a matter for you to handle, Naruto. It is most extraordinary for a summon to seek out a summoner. Most summoners sign a contract and then the creature gives them a test to prove their worth. You have a golden opportunity here. I would suggest you not waste it."
Naruto nodded his head and Gamakichi bounced back and forth, drawing Sarutobi's attention.
"And who is your little friend there?"
Naruto scowled and lifted the toad off his head, setting him on the oaken desk.
"He's not my friend. His name is Gamakichi and he's been following me around."
It's a pleasure to meet you, Hokage-sama. I'm Gamakichi, son of Gamabunta.
Sarutobi laughed and took a drag on his pipe with a smile.
"Ah, illustrious company you keep, Naruto. The son of the boss of the toads…I do hope the two of you become fast friends."
Naruto felt a grin tugging at his lips, but resisted.
"Well, I guess I won't have a choice but to become friends with him since he won't leave me alone."
"Splendid. I'm sorry, you two, but I have a bit of paperwork to do. And Naruto? Remember that your choices have consequences. Make your decision with care."
The old Hokage winced when his grandson's lip curled up slightly and the boy stood stiffly. That had been the wrong choice of words.
"Hai, I will, Hokage-sama. Good day."
Sarutobi sighed heavily as the door to his office slid shut and he slumped in his chair. The tobacco didn't taste as good as it had now and he knocked his pipe out.
"I always was a better ninja than a politician. Can't even say the right words at the right time to my family…"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto's next destination before heading home was the hospital. Hinata, as far as he knew, was still admitted due to her concussion. He asked the receptionist for her room number, rolled his eyes as the woman regarded a waving Gamakichi on his head, and strode down the hallway to the stairwell.
So, is this chick your girlfriend or something?
"Or something. We're not a couple. I'd like that, but there are certain things she doesn't know about me yet."
He felt Gamakichi nod his head.
Oooh, okay. You mean the fact that you're a jin…
The little toad found a hand slapped over his mouth and he was lifted off Naruto's head, nose to nose with a serious blonde.
"I'm serious, Gamakichi. If you want to continue to pal around with me for the time being, then you can't say anything about my…condition. That's a secret and it's not but for those who I want to know. So keep those lips of yours shut."
Gamakichi nodded again and began to squirm in Naruto's grip before the boy realized he'd cut off the toad's air supply. A large gulp of air was sucked in when his hand was removed and Gamakichi glared at him.
All right, all right. I'll keep you secret. You didn't have to try to kill me.
"You're becoming more trouble than you're worth. Maybe I should dump you in the pool outside the hospital."
No way! I wanna meet your girlfriend.
Naruto stopped in front of the door to Hinata's room and looked up through his strands of hair, to see Gamakichi looking down.
"She's not my girlfriend. We wanted to try to date, but her father put the kibosh on that until we're older. So we have to wait."
Aww, that sucks. Why not date another girl then? Think of it as practice.
Naruto threw his arms in the air in a huff.
"Because that's not how I do things! Now hush. Come to think of it, why did I even agree to let you tag along with me?"
He could feel Gamakichi grin even though he couldn't see him.
Because you think I'm interesting and that it might be fun to have me around.
The boy quirked an eyebrow and frowned.
"I'm pretty sure that I didn't say that out loud."
You're surprisingly easy to read at times.
"Whatever. Be quiet while I talk to Hinata-chan."
He took a deep breath and slid the door open. He could only hope that she wasn't mad at him.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hinata had been sitting up in bed, reading a book while taking the required one-day's rest from a concussion. The medic-nin had patched her up extremely well and she wouldn't have to stay the usual week, which she was glad for. Her father hadn't been too upset with her performance when she told him who she had fought, but he had still been disappointed, surprisingly in both of them.
"The two of you were acting like children. That has no place in the world of ninja. You both come from noble families…it's time you both acted like it."
While that had been the only reproach from him, it had still stung. Yes, they both could have done better…but the situation was an awkward one. She hadn't wanted to hurt him and if it hadn't been for that genjutsu, she doubted they would have fought at all. She didn't know who cast the thing, but it had gotten the desired effect. They had fought, although she was left with a feeling of doubt, like Naruto still hadn't gone all out.
She pursed her lips and sat the book down, looking out the window. A bird flew by and circled back to land on the windowsill. Hinata smiled and apologized to the creature for not having any crumbs or crackers at the moment to feed it. The bird cocked its head to the side and flew away when it heard voices outside her door.
Hinata smiled when she heard Naruto's voice, but she couldn't recognize the second one. It was a little more high-pitched than anyone their age…perhaps it was Konohamaru tagging along behind his older brother again? The door slid open and Naruto stood there with a very…orange…hat on his head…and it was waving at her.
Hinata took one good look at the toad on Naruto's head and her hand flew to her mouth, covering up the giggles that threatened to spill forth. Naruto rolled his eyes and slid the door shut behind him.
"Yeah, yeah, get it out of your system. I've been getting laughed at all day because of him."
Hinata took a deep breath and looked away to calm herself, but as soon as she looked at Naruto again and caught Gamakichi sticking his tongue out at her, she burst into another giggle fit. Naruto sighed and took Gamakichi off his head, sitting him on the soft bed comforter.
"Whatever it is you're doing, stop it. Laughing like that can't be good for her when she has a concussion."
Hinata finally stopped her laughter and smiled at him.
"No, no, I'm fine. I'm just resting for today. How are you, Naruto-kun? And who is your little friend?"
The little toad hopped into Hinata's lap and waved his webbed foot again.
I'm Gamakichi, son of Gamabunta. I'm here to be Naruto's new friend.
Hinata blinked and cocked her head to one side as she stared at Naruto.
"So you can summon the toads now?"
He shook his head.
"No, but they want me to. I haven't decided yet whether or not I want to be their summoner."
Hinata picked up on his agitation and dropped the subject, switching to another one.
"That was extremely sneaky what you did with that clone. I couldn't even see it with the Byakugan. How did you do that?"
Naruto grinned and leaned in, cupping his hand to Hinata's ear.
"Kekkei genkai. I have one too, you know."
Her eyes threatened to jump from her head.
"Show me."
Naruto grinned and Hinata and Gamakichi watched as he began to sink into the floor. Hinata looked around the room.
"Is that your kekkei genkai? Disappearing?"
Naruto's disembodied voice floated through the air.
"Not disappearing. Melting. I can melt into any substance except liquids. I can move through them pretty fast too."
She watched in awe as he popped up in various places around the room, grinning the whole time, before he appeared back in his chair. Gamakichi hopped onto his head again and waited for Hinata to come back to reality. Her Byakugan had been activated when he said he could melt into the substance. To her surprise, she couldn't see him. It was like he was never there. But as soon as he began to appear in places, she could see the parts of his body that were visible.
"How…how are you doing that?"
Naruto's grin widened as he rubbed the back of his head.
"I dunno. I just can. It's pretty cool, huh? The Byakugan can't track me unless I'm above ground and neither can the Sharingan. Jiji had both clans check while the Uchiha were still around."
"How long have you had this?"
"Since I was five."
She frowned and he knew he had said something wrong.
"Why didn't I know about this?"
Naruto twitched a bit under her gaze and looked away.
"I didn't tell anyone about it until I got on team. Kiba and Ino are the only ones our age who know. Now you know. But please, don't tell anyone. It'll come out during the exam finals. I'm going to have to go all out. I can't afford to play around anymore."
Hinata nodded and focused on her lap.
"That match we had was pitiful wasn't it?"
Naruto sighed and gave her a small smile.
"It wasn't our best, no. But we did try. I saw Jiraiya-sama earlier today…"
"You saw Jiraiya-sama? The Toad Sennin?"
"…yeah. He told me that what we did could have insulted our families. I'd never thought about it, but he was right. I just didn't want to hurt you."
Hinata bit her lip.
"Don't blame yourself. I was holding back too. I'm ashamed of myself, really. If you had used your kekkei genkai, you would've had me immediately."
"Not really. Once you saw me come above ground with your Byakugan, you could have clobbered me. There are several disadvantages to my melting."
"Well, the Byakugan has some disadvantages too."
Naruto nodded his head. His grandfather had told him that everything has an inherent weakness, no matter how small it may be. He knew that all too well with his power. He was just about to excuse himself and go home when Hinata touched his arm.
"Did you…did you mean it when you said that you liked me?"
Naruto felt his face heat up and felt Gamakichi shaking from holding in his laughter. He decided that he wouldn't be the only embarrassed one and turned the question back on her.
"Did you?"
She turned beet red and pulled her arm away, nodding her head as she did. Naruto smiled and stood up.
"Yeah…I meant it too. Hey, when you get out of here, let's go to dinner. I'm sure that there are several things we have to discuss. I should be training with Kurenai-sensei during the day."
Hinata gave him a nervous smile and nodded her head as she watched him walk to the door. Naruto gave her a grin as he left, never seeing Gamakichi give her the thumbs up while wiggling the pinky of his webbed front foot.
"Bye, Hinata-chan. I'll see you later."
It was nice meeting you! Hope to see you again!
The door slid shut with a click and Hinata flopped back onto her pillow. Her life only seemed to get more and more complicated the more she hung around the blonde…but she wouldn't trade him for anything. Her father's words echoed in her mind from earlier.
"I heard about yours and Naruto's little confessions in the heat of battle. While I understand that emotions run high in those situations, that was most unprofessional on both of your parts. You are thirteen, Hinata, and not yet ready for such things."
"But, I only said that I like him. I never said I loved him. There's a difference, father."
Hiashi had simply sighed and shook his head.
"My first girlfriend and I thought we were in love, you know. But in the end, it was simply puppy love, a silly crush. I was fourteen when I met her. I met your mother when I was nineteen. I knew I loved her. Don't let adolescence and youth rule your emotions, Hinata. You and Naruto make quite a pair, which is true. To Eri-san, the two of you are even 'cute'. But you don't know what the future holds. All I ask is that you keep your options open and look to the future."
"Hai, father. I shall."
She sighed and ruffled her face into her pillow.
"When did life become so complicated?"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto let out a deep breath as he walked out of the hospital's main doors. He'd been visiting there a lot lately. He shook his head to get rid of the thoughts and heard Gamakichi squeal and hold on desperately. He smirked as the little toad clambered back onto his mop of hair and gripped it painfully tight.
What the hell was that for, man? You almost threw me off.
"Hmmm? Oh, I forgot you were up there. Sorry."
Gamakichi croaked loudly and Naruto found himself on the end of another tongue smacking on his forehead again.
That wasn't funny. You're not supposed to treat friends like that.
Naruto quirked an eyebrow at the diminutive toad as he rubbed his forehead.
"We've only just met. How can you keep calling me your friend?"
…you don't want me to be your friend?
Naruto frowned. He didn't know if the toad was being manipulative or if he was genuinely hurt.
"I didn't say that. I wanted to know why you keep calling me your friend."
Why wouldn't you be?
"I might not accept the contract."
Naruto couldn't see it, but Gamakichi grinned knowingly.
Maybe…but that doesn't mean we can't be friends, right?
Naruto 'hmm'ed and kept walking toward his house.
"I guess not. But we'll just have to see how it goes. Hope you've liked what you've seen of my family when you were watching me because now you get to meet them."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto stepped into his home and shut the door behind him. Immediately, he heard the voice of his mother.
"Naruto? Could you come in here please? There's someone here to see you."
He pondered on who it could be as he poked his head around the corner. He nearly growled when he did. There, sipping tea with his parents, sat Jiraiya.
He didn't want to put up with the man at the moment. In fact, he'd thought this morning that it would be the last time he'd see him for quite a while. Jiraiya smiled at him and raised his teacup in greeting. His mother turned in her chair to greet him, but her smile fell when she saw Gamakichi.
"Uzumaki Naruto! Get that thing off your head! You don't know where it's been!"
Gamakichi puffed up indignantly, but Naruto grabbed him and slapped a hand over his mouth before he could hit his mother between the eyes with his tongue. The little toad seemed to be hurling muffled curses at Eri before he finally calmed down. Jiraiya took another sip of tea and grinned.
"Eri-san, that wasn't very nice. Besides, that's the son of GamaBunta you just insulted."
"I don't care if he's the son of Kami, I don't want him riding on my son's head."
Gamakichi, now held in Naruto's arms, looked up at his self-proclaimed friend.
Your mom's scary, bro. She's like that Kurenai lady.
Eri smirked and took a quick sip of tea.
"I happen to like Kurenai. She's got a good head on her shoulders. Now then, Naruto, sit down and join us."
The blonde sat down, Gamakichi in his lap, holding the arms of the chair tight. He waved off the offer of tea from his mother and swung his eyes from one to the other.
"Why is he here?"
Eri scowled at him and narrowed her eyes.
"Naruto, you will be polite to our guest. Jiraiya-sama has told me what happened this morning and I am upset with your behavior."
Naruto set his jaw. It wasn't often he spoke up against his parents, but he was tired of always being on the defensive.
"He insulted Kurenai-sensei and belittled me and Hinata-chan's match. I couldn't stand for that. Besides that, he and the toads just expect me to be their summoner."
Jiraiya took another sip of tea, not looking at either mother or son as he feigned disinterest.
"It's a great honor, you know."
Naruto rounded on the older man.
"I didn't ask you. I'm tired of everyone making decisions for me. I'm tired of my life always being decided for me. And I'm tired of being critiqued on everything that has to do with no one but me. You want me to summon toads? I said I'll think about it and I'm leaving it at that. End of discussion. You want me to be serious? Fine, I'll be serious. In the finals, I'll show all of you what I can do. You want to see talent? You want to see my pedigree? I'll show you my goddamn pedigree!"
Naruto sank into the floor after his diatribe. Eri shouted after him.
"You will not use that kind of language in my house!"
A bellowing laughter from Jiraiya brought her eyes back to where he sat and she blushed in embarrassment.
"Jiraiya-sama, I am so sorry for his behavior. I'll talk with him when he comes back."
Jiraiya stopped laughing and picked up his teacup, still wearing a blinding smile.
"Don't. He's just upset because of all the excitement. Give him some time to calm down."
He turned his eyes to Gamakichi, who was sipping tea out of Naruto's glass that Eri had poured for him.
"Well, Gamakichi, what do you think?"
The toad grinned at Eri and Jiraiya, slurping his tongue around his lips.
He'll definitely do. Pop will be pleased when he finally comes around. I guess I'd better go find him before he does something drastic.
Eri watched the little toad hop out a window that Jiraiya opened for him and he disappeared into the night. When the Toad Sennin took his seat again, she calmly locked eyes with him.
"Be honest with me, Jiraiya-sama. What do you want with my son?"
Jiraiya smiled and rose from his seat.
"I want nothing but good things for him. The toads want nothing but good things for him. His destiny will become clear in time. And eventually, he'll have what he's always wanted."
"And what has he always wanted?"
Jiraiya looked out the window to the beautiful grounds of the Sarutobi manor.
"To make his own decisions. To show the world that he is Uzumaki Naruto and not a shadow of the Sandaime Hokage or the legacy of the Yondaime. To show he's more than a jinchuuriki. Very soon, he'll be able to show that he has his own identity…and it will start when he chooses to be the toad summoner."
He sipped at his tea again and looked at a family picture that was hung on the wall.
"It's been preordained by the Great Elder Toad of Mt. Myouboku that Naruto would be their next summoner. Just as it's been said that he would come to them on his own time. Fukasaku just wanted to make their presence known. Personally, I think it was a little hasty…but, then again, I'm not a seer."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto had fled to one of his favorite spots to think, a pond just on the outskirts of the village. He sat in a tree above the water, his legs swinging on either side of a branch. Why did it seem like his life was heading on a collision to disaster now, of all times? He grabbed his head in frustration and pulled slightly on his hair. He hated this.
He let out a long sigh and looked up to the sky. The stars were just starting to show in the darkening sky. He'd been out a while and he wasn't going to go home tonight. He'd just meet Kurenai-sensei in the morning. He was getting thirsty though. As he walked down the tree, he thought of all that had happened in the past few weeks.
Going into the exams. Outwitting Ibiki. Putting up with Anko. Fighting with Sasuke. Fighting with Hinata. Meeting Jiraiya. Meeting the toads. Being offered the honor of being their summoner. Meeting Gamakichi, who seemed ecstatic to hang around him.
He sighed again. After hanging around with the little toad all day, he kind of missed the little bugger now. His company would be appreciated. He reached the water's edge and knelt down, cupping his hands to get a drink. The water was cool and sweet and felt nice sliding down his throat. He went in for another dip and noticed that his reflection looked funny.
He blinked and waited for the water to still again. When it did, he gazed harder at his reflection. Last time he'd looked, he didn't have red hair with black streaks…or red eyes…or that ominous smile. He bent down a little closer to get a better look when the reflection moved on its own.
BOO!
Naruto screamed and jumped straight into the air, latching onto a branch above the pond. He could hear the laughter of the Kyuubi in his head as he clung to the branch.
Told you I'd see you soon…boy.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Gamakichi heard the bloodcurdling scream and immediately began hopping in Naruto's direction. He knew he should have kept up with the boy. He was a magnet for trouble. Gamakichi fretted as he hopped at an accelerated pace.
'Oh man, what'll Pop think?'
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Jiraiya, who had been on his way to the hot springs, heard the scream and took off, recognizing it as Naruto. Fearing the worst, he ran faster than he had in years. One though flashed through his mind.
'What if it's the Kyuubi?'
Another thought came to him.
'What if it isn't?'
Well, there it is. Remember to read the rant. Let me know what you think.