-SUPER IMPORTANT UPDATE- MANGA ADAPTATION!
My good friend Moki-Yoki is now making a Manga adapatation of Curse of a Hanyou, Love of an Angel! That's right! You can now read this story as a Manga!
She will post the releases on her DeviantArt account as they are made, the link to her gallery is provided in my profile.
Everyone visit her to see Curse of a Hanyou, Love of an Angel as a Manga! Subscribe to her Gallery to receive updates on her releases!
I know I just released this chapter last night but I was informed by my good friend KaliAnn of a missing segment in this chapter. I had actually planned the scene she mentioned as absent and I'm reuploading this chapter with the included scene. It is a small added interaction between Naruto and Team 7's Client.
I... I... I failed... Three weeks before a chapter again. I swear it was done last week but I didn't like a part and redid it. Hopefully you all like this version better.
This chapter denotes the start of Naruto's and Hinata's ninja career and their first real mission. Its a little slow but the following chapters will be quicker paced.
IMPORTANT!
Ranger03 created a absolutely adorable drawing inspired by my story. As thanks for creating such a wonderful piece it would be greatly apreciated if all my readers could view it and leave a nice complement on the work. The web address is in my profile.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its affiliated products. I do however own any original characters and plotline in this fanfiction.
Chapter 25 – First Real Mission
The early morning sun filtered through the light lavender silk curtains of a certain young Hyuga heiress's bedroom. Waking her slowly from her peaceful sleep with its inviting warmth, although it did pull her from another wonderful dream so she wasn't too pleased about it.
Hinata had long since learnt to wake up when the sun first rose, not only because of her family's harsh training regimens were often in the early mornings but also because Naruto always woke up early from his alarm clock and would come to get her.
Thinking of Naruto and also of the sweet dream she had had last night caused a light shade of red to adorn her cheeks as she hid her face under her covers. It was such a beautiful dream, one that she would add to the list of her favourites. It had been about the both of them, they were a little older. Maybe 18-19, and he had taken her out to a nice restaurant and they had spent hours just talking, eating together and gazing into the others eyes.
The next minute the dream had switched to a small park, where Hinata was being pushed gently on the swing, the very first swing she had been on when they first went to the park as kids. As her turn on the swing had ended Naruto had scooped her up with his tails before vanishing in a swirl of flames, transporting himself and her to atop the Hokage Mountain.
On top of the mountain they just sat together in each others arms, watching the beautiful view of Konoha as the sun set before them. As soon as the sun had set Naruto had created dozens of small Fox Fire wisps to dance around them both, before he pulled a small ringbox from his pants.
Sadly, and most annoyingly to Hinata, that was where the morning sun had waken her!
She had been use to having romantic dreams about Naruto as it had been the same for years. But every since they had started 'secretly dating' her dreams had quickly become more mature, often being about marriage or sitting together in their own home as an old couple. But for some reason she really liked this particular dream.
Naruto had worn such handsome attire in her dream and she was really contemplating if she could learn to make such a garment for him. Although she didn't have a lot of time to think about it as Neji suddenly but politely nocked on her door. "Hinata-sama, Naruto-san is in the dining room waiting for you."
Neji smirked knowingly as he heard his cousin jump out of bed a hundred miles an hour, all manor of noises were heard as she seemed to knock over everything in her room as she dashed about to get dressed as quickly as possible. His smirk changed to a knowing smile as she burst out of her room quickly thanking him as she sped down the main hallway.
Neji had found out that Naruto and his cousin were a couple almost the very next day that they had started 'dating' and he had to admit, that despite the fact that he wasn't sure if he agreed with their 'dating' he could easily tell that his cousin was happier then he had ever seen her. She had always had a cheerful and happy smile, but their was just something else these days that he saw, something brighter, something new that showed him just how much Naruto meant to her.
However, he didn't matter on how long those two had been friends or how much they meant to each other, if Naruto hurt his cousin then Neji would beat the living daylights out of him!
Racing into the dining room, Hinata had to suppress her laughter as Naruto seemed to be once again saving the triplets from Hanabi's wrath. Although chances are like always it was probably the triplets fault.
"YOU THREE ARE THE BIGGEST BRATS EVER!" Hanabi shouted, desperately trying to free herself from Naruto's powerful tail so she could kill their three triplet cousins. Hanabi had developed something of a temper these days and would often be set off by the smallest of things. Something that was frowned upon by her father as it was not Hyuga like at all to lose control of ones emotions in such a manor. But it also meant that the triplets could have loads of fun by annoying her.
"Don't be mad-"
"with us Hanabi-neechan we-"
"thought it was for us."
The triplets called out, hiding behind their foxy big brother, holding on to his fluffy tails for their dear life as they shook in fear at the rage in Hanabi's eyes.
Hiashi, who was use to most mornings starting like this, walked into the dining room with an air of superiority. Whispering a good morning to Hinata as he passed her. "I remember telling you Hanabi-chan that you need to learn to keep calm. Yelling out loud is not the Hyuga way." As soon as he spoke and his presence announced Hanabi immediately calmed down and stood tall, bowing slightly before explaining and apologising.
"I am sorry father, I was just angry at these three-" she started while pointing to the terrified triplets. "-as they purposely ate my breakfast that was made for me."
Hinata giggled slightly at her sister's sudden mood change, Hanabi would always try her hardest to act like their father and simulate his mannerisms. Something she found quite cute to watch.
Hiashi frowned slightly at his daughter's explanation, while it was odd for Hanabi to be so angry over something so simple he still thought it best to resolve the issue. "Is that true you three?" He asked, softening his voice a little as he could see they were still scared by Hanabi's rage.
"No we didn't do it-"
"on purpose, the nice cook-"
"said it was our breakfast."
Hanabi however was still quick to flare up, and jumped into the conversation before her father could talk again. "No he didn't you three liars! He said it was my breakfast! Then you three ate it when I went to the bathroom."
Hiashi cleared his throat to remind Hanabi to keep calm and her voice at a low volume. His eyes had been watching both parties intently, keeping track of any sign of lying and he had found that they both told the truth. And he had also easily noticed a rather mischievous grin that was slowly forming on Naruto's face.
"Naruto-kun, that is an interesting look you have on your face. You wouldn't happen to have had anything to do with this would you?" Hiashi asked with a knowing tone. Even without his Byakugan active the boy was an open book to read.
Naruto's smile just increased at being caught. Quickly performing a few handsigns a large pulse of demonic chakra was felt before Naruto's form slowly began to change. At first it was barely noticeable colour changes, but slowly he began to grow in height, his hair shortening and changing colour as his tails and fox ears disappeared. A few seconds later a very mature looking man with lavender eyes and short brown hair in a chef's apron stood in his place, the only thing resembling Naruto was the ever present mischievous grin.
"Hehe, I guess I must have said it was both of your breakfast's." Naruto would have immediately been growling in pain from Hanabi's Gentle Fist strikes if Hiashi had not predicted such a reaction from his strong headed daughter and gripped her shoulder first. The triplets behind Naruto however were another matter and they began pushing and shoving him in annoyance at being tricked.
"Fox-niichan! Why-"
"did you trick us-"
"Like that?"
Naruto just laughed slightly as the three triplets pushed him, or attempted to anyway, before releasing his transformation. As his form reverted back he used his tails to wrap the three triplets up as he snuggled them to him.
"Because that's what big brother's are for. We pick on our little sisters." He said with a big smile as he hugged all three of them. They tried their hardest to stay angry at him, to keep their small cute pouting faces, but in the end all three gave up and hugged him back before squirming out of his hold.
"Naruto-kun, I would prefer that you reframe from such trickery in the future. While I understand it is both your nature and your entertainment, it only disrupts and causing infighting between the younger ones." Naruto's head fell at the mini-lecture and he was about to apologise when his ears twitched at a distinct sound, causing them to rise and his tails to wag happily.
A chuckle, a small giggle of pure tone and sound echoed from the edge of the dinning room, looking up he smiled at his best friend and 'secret' girlfriend as he quickly bounded over to her.
"Good morning Hinata-chan, all ready for a day of training and missions? Hopefully we will get a better one, these last few missions have been kind of boring." Naruto greeted enthusiastically as he always did. In truth he really wanted to hug her, hold her close and maybe even give her a good morning kiss. But he knew he had to be careful, he didn't know on what Hiashi and the rest of the Hyuga clan would think of him dating their heiress and so he and Hinata had decided it was best to keep it secret for awhile longer.
"Good morning N-Naruto-kun. I'll just q-quickly h-have breakfast first okay?" As soon as Hinata met Naruto's gaze, she blushed perfusely at his handsome smile. Just looking at him for a few seconds she could see a silhouette of the older Naruto from her dream form over him. He had the perfect personality, the perfect level of kindness, he was strong would do anything for her and to protect her, and if her dream was an accurate portrayal of what he would look like when he was older then he really was a fox of a catch.
She didn't care if her family might have a problem with her choice of a suitable partner, and she definitely knew that the elders of her clan would object once they found out as they hated the idea of even knowing Naruto. She didn't care that he was a hanyou, or that she would probably be an outcast from the village just like he was. All she really cared about, was one thing only:
That he loved her, and she him.
Naruto nodded in understanding and physically restrained one of his tails from wrapping around Hinata before heading over to the breakfast table. The Hyuga's in the room had no idea why he sat at the table as their hadn't been any food served yet. Hiashi rolled his eyes when he noticed what the odd fluctuation of chakra was in the room before. Another one of Naruto's Kitsune Illusions desolved, revealing the breakfast table full with the food that had been served to them by the branch members that morning.
"Hey! That's cool Fox-niichan-"
"How did you make all the-"
"Food appear!"
The triplets shouted excitably, absolutely in awe and shock not understanding how Naruto's illusions worked. Naruto himself just chose to sit and eat, his big mischievous grin never leaving his face as his Hyuga family joined him.
The family sat in almost complete silence, all of them enjoying their breakfast, or in Naruto's case his fourth breakfast as he had already eaten three cups of ramen at home. The only noise was the three triplets as they spoke quietly amongst themselves, and Neji when he arrived for breakfast also.
Hiashi was thankful for the quite breakfast as it gave him time to both observe Hinata and Naruto's interactions and also to think on what the elders would think of their relationship. He knew that when Hinata turned 16 she would be made to wed another main house member, it was the way and will of the Hyuga clan and had been the same for generations. But Hiashi knew that their was no breaking those two apart, just watching them interact with each other quietly at the dinner table, stealing glances at one another and their far off and happy looks they shared. He knew they were trying to keep it a secret from him, and he understood their reasoning. But they weren't doing a very good job at hiding it.
Just watching them filled his heart as a father, he wanted the best for his daughter and despite Naruto's more 'instinctual natures' he would make a fine husband for her, one that he would definitely approve of. The way those two acted with one another, it reminded him so much of when he and Hitomi were young.
Thinking of Hitomi only steeled his will to help his daughter and Naruto further. She had requested two things of him before she died, to repeat their wedding vows and also to see that if Hinata and Naruto wished to be together then he was to allow it. He knew it would be hard to do. But he was sure that there were rules he could bend to allow it, he just knew that the elders would not be happy about it.
As soon as they had finished their breakfast Naruto and Hinata quickly excused themselves before leaving in a hurry. Wanting to get to there team training as quickly as possible.
Naruto always liked spending time with the Hyugas, but he couldn't stand the fact that he knew he was being watched. He had developed a keen sense over the years to judge when people would stare at him, and at times, he found himself hating those people a little for the glares they would give him. But the Hyuga were the worst, the elders in particular would always watch him from a distance, watching and judging his actions like he was some sort of animal.
But it all didn't matter to him, he could take the stares forever if it would allow to spend an extra minute with his Angel. The only thing that really concerned him was would the villagers begin to look at her like they did him: a monster.
As they finally left the Hyuga compound and had travelled enough away from their prying eyes, two of Naruto's tails wrapped around Hinata as he pulled her closer, kissing her check gently. "Hehe, morning Hina-Tenshi."
Hinata blushed slightly at his affection before smiling back at his greeting. It may have seemed a little strange to some, but Hinata really liked the fact that Naruto called her his Angel when they were together. It was a fluffy reminder that she was special and precious to him.
Linking hands with one another, they smiled brightly, their faces tinged with a light pink blush, before they slowly started heading to the arranged destination for today's team meeting: the Hokage Tower.
As they walked together then conversed about many topics, most of them were shinobi business related. But some of it were about them as a couple.
"Hina-Tenshi… are you… are you worried that your family wont allow us to be together? You are the Hyuga heiress after all and well… I'm Konoha's Kitsune Hanyou. I don't want you to get into trouble." Hinata was a little shocked by his words, but she could tell he meant them with kindness. It seemed even after all these years, especially since they got together, he was still worried that being friends with her would get her hated by the rest of the village. That they would treat her like that treated him, like nothing but a monster and a painful reminder of the past.
"I don't care w-what they think N-Naruto-kun. As long as I s-stay with y-you I don't care w-what they think. B-But we will have t-to tell father soon." Quelling her shy nature for a second, she learned forward and returned his kiss on the cheek. Giggling mirthfully as it was Naruto's turn to blush and turn his head away shyly. However, that blush quickly turned to a snarl of anger as his ears picked up his worst fears.
Glancing quickly around him he saw them, all of the villagers around them glaring at him and Hinata, whispering all sorts of hateful things amongst themselves.
"…did you see that? The demon has possessed the Hyuga heiress! Kitsune's are able to possess anyone to do their bidding! He has corrupted the heiress!"
"… disgusting girl, does she know what that monster really is?"
"… ugh! Look at that! How could she ever do that?..."
"… that demon needs to learn his place! He doesn't deserve anything but death!..."
Naruto could take the glares, he could ignore the hateful things, especially with his best friend/girlfriend by his side. But he could not take anything said about Hinata. He would not have them treat her like she was some monster. A small rock caught Naruto's eye's, it had been thrown by one of the villagers and strangely enough it wasn't aimed at him for once, but at Hinata. Naruto lashed out instantly, catching the small pebble he crushed it with his powerful clawed hands. That was it, he lost it.
"shut up… shut up… SHUT UP!" He shouted darkly, turning everyone's attention on him as he unconsciously used his tails to shield Hinata from their gaze. "SHUT UP! ALL OF YOU SHUT UP! YOU CAN SAY WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT ME! YOU CAN HATE ME ALL YOU WANT! BUT I WILL NOT LET ANY OF YOU TREAT HINATA-CHAN LIKE SOME MONSTER!"
Hinata was quite surprised by Naruto's outburst, but it touched her that he was defensive of her. But in a way, it also made her sad. Because all she wanted was to make Naruto happy, and having him need to protect her all the time from the villagers would only make him sad. She was very surprised however when she felt a dark pulse emit from Naruto, causing his tails that were wrapped around her to pulse in rhythm with it.
But despite the evil feeling she felt from his Yokai chakra levels increasing, his hold still held a soft warmth about it.
The villagers around the young couple, watched in sudden fear as the demon before them suddenly started yelling viscously at them, flashing his sharp fangs and clenching his claws. To most of them he was just a wild animal, snarling viciously as he considered to attack them. But to a select few who were watching, they actually bothered to listen to his words, and some, if only one or two, actually wondered to themselves on why the 'demon' would actually care what they said about anyone in particular.
Although any thoughts they may have had, malicious or otherwise quickly changed to thoughts of fear as they felt a large pulse of chakra from him. A distinct red chakra that they could remember all to well. The few villagers that remained to watch and didn't run, were frightened beyond belief to see physical changes appear on Naruto's body as his growling turned vicious and savage.
At first they saw his hair spike and grow slightly longer, followed by his claws cracking as the joints extended. But out of all of the changes that were slowly occurring it was his eyes, the blood red slitted eyes holding nothing but bloodlust and murder within them that truly frightened them.
She didn't want him to be mad, she knew he wouldn't actually hurt anyone but she knew using his Yokai chakra in rage like he was now would just cause the villagers to hate him more. Knowing she desperately needed to calm him down she pulled herself free of his protective tails, and hugged him tightly whispering calming into his fluffy ears.
"Please N-Naruto-kun… It isn't w-worth it. I don't care w-what they think. I l-love you for who and what y-you are. I d-don't care if they think o-of me as the same."
Almost instantly the pressure and bloodlust in the air completely vanished as Naruto quelled the dark chakra, forcing it back inside him at the sweet words of the girl he loved. Words that truly touched his heart. Turning away from those staring at him in horror and unbridled fear, he looked down into Hinata's pleading eyes with a truly happy smile.
Hinata's face lit up like a Christmas tree when Naruto gave her a quick kiss on the lips. The little pecks before were embarrassing enough as it was, but a full kiss while everyone was watching was almost too much, and if it were a longer one she probably would have fainted on the spot. That's not to say she didn't enjoy the sweet kiss though.
"Thank you Hina-Tenshi."
Gently releasing her, the two just linked hands as they mentally decided to just continue walking, Naruto giving one last quick growl behind him. Leaving the remaining villagers who were watching to stare in confusion at how the Hyuga heiress had calmed the 'demon child' down so easily, and many more were watching in equal confusion on how happy they both looked as they continued to walk away.
Instead of following the main roads through Konoha, they both decided it was best to travel through a few of the less crowed roads. It wasn't uncommon for the two of them to be found walking together as they had been best friends for years, but the villagers were still more then a little shocked to see them walking together holding hands with two of Naruto's tails wrapped affectionately around Hinata as they spoke happily to each other.
Naruto's ears could still hear what they said, but he promised Hinata that he would try and ignore them for her sake. But there was one noise and scent he detected that he didn't want to ignore.
Behind Naruto and Hinata, a small cardboard box rather crudely coloured and camouflaged as a rock shifted slightly as it tried to follow both of them. Naruto lent forward and whispered gently into Hinata's ear, to which she giggled when she learnt about what was following them.
Ignoring the cardboard box for a while, Naruto and Hinata slowly walked to a side alleyway. Leading the box into it and away from the villager's prying eyes. As soon as they were out of sight Hinata let go of Naruto, and in an instant he spun around rapidly and charged at the box, his clawed hands preparing to cleave it into tiny pieces.
"Your disguise is terrible you three!" Naruto called out with a growl as he continued to charge forward.
Mere centimetres from being sliced to ribbons, a loud shriek of fear was heard from the cardboard box before it exploded into three different colours of smoke.
Naruto and Hinata stood in front of the smoke as three different voices were heard talking amongst each other between coughing on the smoke.
"You know, I think we could have used less smoke powder you guys."
When the smoke cleared Hinata and Naruto smiled at the three 10 year old children that had been hidden within it. On the right was a was a small boy with rather large spectacles short brown hair and a plain blue t-shirt and baggy pants. His name was Udon and Naruto always remembered him by a particularly different scent, the scent caused from the boy's seemingly eternally running nose. He was a shy boy, but what he lacked in confidence he made up in intelligence.
On the left was a small girl with bright orange hair pulled back into what looked like twin pineapples. She was shorter then to other two 10 year olds with a cute rosy face and bright green eyes, except currently she was wearing lavender contacts that covered her whole pupil. She was wearing a small orange shirt and white pleated skirt that was perhaps a little to mature for a girl her age. Her name was Moegi.
And in the middle was another boy aged 10, he had brown eyes and average length brown hair that spiked up all around. He had a blue t-shirt and long brown cargo pants that were perhaps two sizes too big. A notable item of clothing he wore was a completely abnormally long blue scarf that even after being rapped around his neck twice was still longer then he was in height. He was the grandson of the Hokage that Naruto had thrown into the wall for being rude to Hinata: Konohamaru.
But out of everything strange about these three kids, the most odd/interesting, was that they all wore hand-made fox ears and a single hand-made fox tail hung from behind them all.
"Wow boss! Your really are good to be able to detect our super-special-kitsune-box-disguise-technique! I was right in choosing you to be my rival!" Shouted Konohamaru, who was quickly followed by equal complement from his two friends.
Naruto and Hinata both quite liked Konohamaru and his friends, they were cute and fun kids that had just started the academy and looked up to Naruto and Hinata with great respect and reverence. As was evident by the imitation foxy features all three of them wore to pretend to be a kitsune hanyou like Naruto, and Moegi's lavender contacts to resemble Hinata's deactivated Byakugan eyes.
The friendship was forged between the older genin and the younger academy students when Konohamaru was trying to escape a few tutoring sessions from his personal training, a Jonin known as Ebisu. Konohamaru hated the guy as he was a rather useless trainer and also tried to get him to do or not do almost everything and it drove him nuts. Ever since that little run in his grandfather's office Konohamaru had sought out Naruto to try and befriend him, something that Ebisu was also against. It had been one of those times where Konohamaru had escaped his trainer that he had accidentally run into Naruto, at first Naruto wasn't happy to see him at all, clearly remembering how rude Konohamaru had been to Hinata. But that had all changed when Ebisu had found the two of them.
Ebisu had demanded that Konohamaru leave the presence of the 'demon child' and return to his 'fast track training'. Naruto had just fobbed the insult off having been use to it his entire life, but had stayed to watch the two of them argue as Konohamaru didn't want to be taught and had voiced his opinion in quite colourful language. Seeing the way they interacted Naruto hadn't been able to resist the urges and decided to prank the Jonin while he was arguing with Konohamaru in response to his obvious dislike of him.
Naruto had found that almost all men in Konoha seemed to be perverts and as such he had 'developed' a number of illusions specialising against them using this knowledge.
Naruto had been right on the money again with Ebisu as he passed out from a sever nose-bleed when Naruto had created an illusion and two dozen naked women standing around him. Konohamaru had been so amazed that Naruto, a boy only 4 years older then him, had defeated a Jonin level ninja with only one jutsu that he had pleaded that Naruto take over his training instead.
While Naruto had been reluctant at first, he had eventually taken the boy to eat some ramen as he explained how his jutsu worked and that it would be impossible for anyone that wasn't a kitsune or part-kitsune to perform. But he had explained to the academy student on how he could mimic it with the academy taught jutsu.
Ever since then, Konohamaru and eventually his two best friends Udon and Moegi would seek Naruto out trying to either caught him unawares or get him to play 'Ninja' with them and/or teach them something cool. All three of the children also held Hinata in the same regard as they believed her to be just as cool as Naruto.
Which is what the three of them had attempted to do today having created a descuise that was suppose to look like a rock to sneak up on Naruto and Hianta. To them it was the perfect disguise and were completely amazed when Naruto had detected them.
"Yeah Boss! We thought you would never discover us. Did Hinata-sempai find us with her Byakugan?" Hinata blushed slightly at being referred to as the younger girl's senior but was able to shake her head and explain that Naruto had simply heard them moving.
The three children shouted out how cool Naruto was to have found them by detecting the noise they made as they moved and Naruto just soaked up the praise with a smile.
"So what are you three doing today? Shouldn't you have classes at the academy right now?"
All three grinned sheepishly at being caught out of class, and surprisingly it was Udon who spoke up to explain. "Well, we have a project we have to do for class and present in two weeks. The project being a demonstration and explanation of a single jutsu. And we were wondering if um… it could be one of yours Boss?" The moment Udon finished his explaination the three kids huddled together, pleading together with the biggest puppy dog eyes Hinata and Naruto had ever seen.
Hinata fell for those eyes almost immediately and had to resist the urge to hug the three children. But she did however slightly tug on Naruto's shirt in a manor to express that he should help them. He was going to help them anyway because he liked teaching the three of them.
"Sure, I'll help you guys, but I can't right now as me and Hinata-chan have to get to the Hokage Tower for an awesome mission! When we get back I'll see what I can do ok?" The three children cheered and bounced around in excitement, they couldn't wait to begin their project now.
"Alright I'll see you three later, Hinata-chan and I are going to be late if we don't hurry up."
The three academy students politely said goodbye to both Naruto and Hinata, but just as Hinata left the alley and just before Naruto turned around the corner too Konohamaru spoke up.
"Hey boss we saw what happened before. Don't worry about the villagers I'll just tell my grandfather and they will all go to prison." Naruto paused momentarily and turned back to smile at the three children, to tell the truth the offer was interesting but he knew better and that it would only cause more problems for him and Hinata if he had such an action taken and as such declined Konohamaru's offer.
Hokage Tower
When they spotted Kurenai and Shino waiting at the base of the Hokage Tower Naruto and Hinata quickly ran up to them apologising for being late as they did so.
"It's alright you two we only just arrived here also. When you three are ready we will go get a D-Rank mission from the Hokage and if we finish it fast enough we may try to take another before we start training. I also hope to see some improvement on the wall-walking technique Naruto Uzumaki." Kurenai had to hide a smile when she saw Naruto's eyes widen and his ears drop, easily indicating that he still couldn't do it.
Naruto personally found it unfair, Hinata and Shino were able to easily complete the chakra exercise and had even moved onto the next more advanced one: using a continual flow of chakra to stand and walk on the surface of water, while he was stuck still trying to lower his chakra enough to even walk up a wall a few meters. Although he did find it quite fair that his sensei was spending more time with him trying to help him perfect the basics instead of advancing his teammates even further. Kurenai had told him that a team is never balanced if there is a single member left to fall behind.
While he found it rather offensive to be referred to as 'falling behind' he was quite happy that his teacher was one who didn't think of him like the rest of the village and actually even took time out of her own schedule to make sure he was growing well with the team. He found her to be a stern, but caring and sensitive sensei, instructing him harshly and expecting results, but at the same time caring enough to help him in particular when he got stuck. Aspects that reminded him often of his mother and had garnered a lot of respect from him.
Lifting his head suddenly he looked up at his sensei and smiled sheepishly, "I'm getting their Kurenai-sensei, I'm training and getting better but I just can't seem to control my chakra enough yet. Hinata-chan's been helping me and I'm getting close."
Kurenai crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at her hanyou student's excuse as if to say a mock 'Yeah right' before directing her three genin inside, smiling slightly as Naruto pouted childishly at being ignored before he started talking animatedly with his two teammates. Although she also took notice of the tail that slowly wrapped around Hinata as the two 'secretly dating' couple smiled lovingly at one another.
As the team slowly ascended the long winding stairs of the Hokage Tower, Kurenai took the time to really look at her team. They were a strong team, each possessing skills far above most genin when she was younger. But it wasn't their skills or power that impressed her, it was their compassion for each other as a team. Naruto and Hinata being close was understandable, but for them to open up and welcome the company of an Aburame enough to even bring him out of his shell a bit spoke volumes on their compatibility as a team.
Although she had to wonder if in Naruto's and Hinata's case they were too close, she was happy that they were romantic with one another, but relationships between shinobi were discouraged as their life expectancy was never high and having such close ties to others brought about strong emotions that could cause misjudgement and errors in difficult and dangerous missions that could jepodise the village.
But as she thought about a certain man that was currently occupying her mind she knew she would be a terrible hypocrite if she was to discourage them. And besides, she had been told by Sarutobi about how Naruto's emotions were too easily swayed and Hinata was the best thing to keep him calm and collected.
She was brought out of her musings when her team arrived on the top floor, only to hear a rather obnoxious voice yelling from inside the Hokage's office.
In Sarutobi's Office.
"WHAT? We aren't weak! Sasuke's the head of the Uchiha Clan and me and Akamaru are from the Inuzuka Clan! Come-on Akamaru lets show this old drunk how strong we are!" A loud growl and bark was heard as Kiba and Akamaru prepared to attack their new Client, but were stopped instantly as Kakashi appeared behind them, grabbing them both firmly and preventing their movements.
"You aren't suppose to attack the Client, Kiba." turning to their rather drunken Client of their new C-Rank mission, Kakashi smiled behind his navy blue mask as he apologised for his students headstrong behaviour.
Sasuke just sighed as he watched on in embarrassment of his teammate making a fool of himself and his team, a certain pinkette still clinging to his arm. He hated it when Kiba acted all special because of his clan, he would admit that most Inuzuka are very powerful but it was that sort of pride-filled mindset that caused Sasuke's father and half the Uchiha Clan to plan the take over of Konoha. His mood picked up when a certain blond hanyou virtually broke the office doors off its hinges as he came bursting into the room.
"Hey Dog Breath, keep it down some of us are trying to get missions here. Hey Sasuke-teme, Sakura-san." Naruto greeted equally obnoxiously as Kiba had spoke before, his insult eliciting a growl from the Inuzuka and his canine partner.
"What are you doing here you mangy fox? Shouldn't you be off catching rabbits or something?" Kiba 'barked' back, causing a volley of insults to erupt between the two before their respective sensei's smacked them over their heads for their idiocy. While Hinata apologised to Kiba on Naruto's behalf, she knew that the two would never get along but it was always polite to apologise.
The client of Team 7 looked at Naruto with eyes wide in disbelief and he took a few glances at his sake bottle thinking that he may have drunk a little too much. First he was seeing bratty kids, now he was seeing more bratty kids and one of them was dressed up as some weird fox-human.
"Hey you with the stupid ears and tails, your certainly a weird one, what sort of self respecting kid would dress up like a fox? I thought that your village had a thing against them."
Naruto's eyes widened and his tails thrashed around violently at the insult the random drunk old man had hurled his way. He growled loudly as he brandished his clawed hands. "I'm not dressing up! I'm Naruto Uzumaki, Konoha's Kitsune Hanyou!" Naruto took great pride in what he was despite how much he was despised for it, and it was a immense insult to his pride as a Kitsune Hanyou that this random old fart didn't know what he was.
"A Kitsune- what? Holy the kid can even more those things! That's one weird child, this village is filled with all sorts of strange things. First kids that can apparently keep me safe from bandits now theirs kids with moving clothing." Naruto almost flew into a fit of rage at the further insults of the old man, and Kurenai had to grab him by the scruff of his neck till he calmed down enough to not maim the man.
"Hehe, still a moron it seems Naruto. You never change, that's why they give C-Rank missions to genin like us, cause we aren't as retarded." Sasuke commented offhandedly, hoping to get a reaction out of his best friend.
Naruto's head almost snapped in two as he spun around to face his Uchiha friend, a dark growl was heard as his tails began to thrash around in anger at the insult and at the fact that Sasuke had just gotten a C-Rank mission. And as usual Hinata acted as mediator between the two.
"Naruto-kun, Sasuke-san is j-just trying to t-tease you. You know h-he doesn't mean it." She said while pulling slightly on her boyfriends sleeve, smiling slightly as he calmed down.
Sarutobi just sighed heavily from behind his desk. He knew they were only kids and as such playful fighting was to be expected, but they were ninja after all and as such represented the village and they were currently embarrassing said village and him in from of their new client.
"My apologies for the genin Tazuna-san. They get a little overexcited at times, but do not worry. Team 7 consisting of Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Kiba Inuzuka and Jonin Kakashi Hatake will easily be able to ensure your safety as you are escorted back to your country. Team 7, if you are done you are dismissed to pack for your journey." Sarutobi spoke suddenly, still holding a commanding tone despite how tired he was even so early in the morning.
"Alright you three, pack enough for two weeks worth of travel. I'll meet you all at the southern gate." Kakashi instructed his team as he forced them to end their conversations with team 8 and leave the Hokage's office, but he stopped just next to Kurenai to quickly speak with her.
"So how is Naruto's and Hinata's training going? Is Naruto much like his father or mother?"
Kurenai thought it a little odd is personal to ask about the training of two of her students, but even though they were both Jonin, Kakashi far outranked her in ability so it would have been rude of her to ignore his question. "Naruto is progressing well in all aspects apart from chakra control, he possesses far too much chakra to even grip the basics of most normal low-level jutsu and chakra control exercises but he is getting there. Hinata however is the opposite, possessing amazing chakra control she is able to almost perfectly perform the water walking exercise already and has started learning the basics of Genjutsu."
Kakashi was a little taken back that Kurenai was already training her students in chakra controlling exercises but decided not to say anything as they weren't his students. He believed a cohesive team was better and so had been performing almost nothing but team building exercises before trying to teach them anything jutsu or technique related.
Nodding his head goodbye he dismissed himself before disappearing in a burst of smoke, leaving the Client Tazuna to find his own way to the southern gate.
As soon as team 7 was gone Naruto virtually appeared at Sarutobi's desk, pleading and begging for a C-Rank mission like Sasuke had got.
"I'm sorry Naruto-kun but I can only give you a higher ranked mission if your sensei believes you can handl-" Naruto didn't even give Sarutobi a chance to finish his sentence before he was at Kurenai's feet, begging her to allow them to get a mission that wasn't 'a boring waste of time'. Kurenai's response was to just smirk at his pathetic attempt, especially when he transformed into a baby fox with abnormally big eyes. Something that had no effect on Kurenai but made Hinata almost melt at his cuteness.
"Nice try Naruto-kun, I believe you three would be fine doing a C-Rank but it's not just up to you and me. Shino-kun and Hinata-chan must also say whether they feel they are ready for a higher level mission." Kurenai explained as she turned away from the begging baby fox at her feet and towards Hinata, expecting her to answer.
Hinata hated being put on the spot, especially in a group of people. But she knew how much her hanyou boyfriend wanted a better mission and she herself had to admit the D-Rank missions were more chores then mission. They were good to help bring the team together but that was something they had down pat.
"I-I think a higher level m-mission will be good for u-us Kurenai-sensei. It will g-give us a chance t-to improve more a-as well as s-see any weaknesses we have t-that we couldn't spot in the D-Rank missions." Hinata responded, pushing her fingers together in nervousness. Although that nervousness quickly turned to embarrassment as she felt a small fox nuzzle her leg affectionately at her comment, obviously happy she agreed.
"I agree with Hinata-san, she is correct saying that a higher level mission will be a good measure of our strengths as a team. Plus with the Chunin exams approaching it might be worth while if we got more experience if we were to enter." Kurenai expected Shino to agree as he was an Aburame after all and they valued logic above all else, she could only assume that he figured it truly was the best choice. Although she was a little concerned on why he was thinking so far ahead as to take the Chunin Advancement Exams into consideration.
"Well if you three all think that you would be fine that I am also in agreeance." She said with a smile before turning to the Hokage. "Hokage-sama, I would like to request that Team 8 is to be given a C-Rank mission." Sarutobi just laughed at Kurenai's insistent formality and at Naruto doing little backflips as he yipped all over the place in excitement.
"I was hoping you would ask for a C-Rank for your team soon Kurenai-chan. It just so happens that I have a mission perfect for your team." He said while pulling out a small document wallet and handing it to Kurenai.
"The mission is to track down a small band of bandits have stolen a sacred relic from the neighbouring town Kuzaku and retrieve it. The bandits are small in number and very disorganised and as such they won't be a trouble if you need to… 'deal' with them to save obtain it from them. Our scouts have reported that no enemy or renegade ninja are among them, but if by chance you do come across any you must return immediately and let a more experience team handle it as it will become above a C-Rank in such an instance. The documents I handed you will contain more in depth details as well as the name of the Lord of Kuzaku. He was the one who requested the mission and is thus the contact and client." As he finished his explanation Sarutobi picked up his pre-lit pipe and took three long breaths of the calming burning tobacco. He chucked when Naruto almost passed out from the horrible smell virtually killing his oversensitive nose.
"The mission will be completed with upmost hast and perfection Hokage-sama. Naruto, Hinata, Shino, pack and prepare for a minimum of two weeks we will leave from the Northen Gate in three hours. And Naruto, you are not allowed to bring any Ramen cups. It is unhealthy for a growing young man to consume so much of an unhealthy food." A dark growl was the only response she got, a growl that didn't cease even as Naruto slowly transformed back to his usual form.
The growl suddenly disappeared as Hinata tugged slightly on his shirt. "Come on N-Naruto-kun. We need to go p-pack, goodbye Kurenai-sensei, Hokage-sama, Shino-san." Sarutobi smiled as he watched the two young teens slowly leave his office, he could see the peace and happiness they brought each other as easily as he could see the wrinkles on his aged face. It brought him a sense of peace knowing his favourite blond loudmouth was slowly experiencing true happiness and peace in his life for once. Plus he knew that Hinata's confidence would only improve more as their new relationship grew.
He would however have to have a word with the Hyuga Clan to ensure that they are allowed to remain together as long as they wish. It wasn't usually his duty to get involved in clan affairs but he could certainly pull a few strings in this case.
"Naruto-kun, Hinata-chan. I want you bought to pack a sleeping bag each. I will be checking before we leave." Both Naruto and Hinata paused at the door and looked back at their sensei in confusion at what she meant. But as their minds slowly figured it out, both of their faces lit up in complete embarrassment at what she was hinting at. And in Hinata's case she fainted almost instantly. Oh yes, Kurenai was going to have a lot of fun in this mission.
"KURENAI-SENSEI! Of course we will bring two sleeping bags!" The two adults both burst out in laughter at Naruto and Hinata's reaction at the slightly cruel joke and even Shino gave a small chuckle at his teammate's expense as Naruto left the office growling darkly while carrying his unconscious girlfriend in his arms.
"I will excuse myself as well sensei. I need to inform my family immediately of the extended length mission. I will met at the Northern Gate at the allotted time." Kurenai watched Shino leave and had to wonder slightly on what he was thinking. She knew that he was slowly getting more comfortable as part of Team 8 but she couldn't quite tell or not if he was fully comfortable with his teammates new relationship as he might be feeling like a third wheel a lot now.
As her last student left Kurenai bowed low to the Hokage before leaving also, but not before Sarutobi gave her a final warning.
"Be careful Kurenai-chan, keep your team safe especially Hinata. There is no need to remind you of the dangers it presents now that her and Naruto are closer now. Naruto sees you and Shino as his closest friends and you in particular remind him much of Hitomi Hyuga. But out of everyone Hinata is the most important thing in the world to him, please, keep her safe. I do not disapprove of their relationship as it will be far more beneficial for them both then you or I know, they strengthen each other's body and mind more so then the harshest of training." Kurenai wasn't the best at reading peoples emotions, especially the Hokage's, but even she could easily see the worry etched in his aged face.
"Don't worry Hokage-sama, Naruto, Hinata and Shino are strong they can defend themselves easily against any bandit. And I am a Jonin after all. They will all return safely." She said with another bow, before disappearing from the office in a swirl of leaves, she remained only long enough to her leaders final words.
"I hope your right Kurenai-chan, Naruto is slowly gaining more and more control over the Yokai his body naturally produces and is starting to use it instead of his normal human chakra in everyday use… his emotions must remain calm at all times lest he start drawing on the Yokai chakra of the fox."
About a day's travel from Konoha three dark cloaked figures emerged from the dark underbush of Kuzaku Forest. They studied each other carefully, watching the other's each and every movements for any sign of an attack or jutsu. They were called here for a common goal but that didn't mean that they would work with each other easily, or on friendly terms.
After about a minute of staring each other down they all turned to watch a newcomer approach them. The newcomer was not dressed in the same cloaked fashion but still wore dark coloured cloths to help hid is appearance.
"Are you the three that I requested for the 'Sikato'?" The three figures all shared a look, obviously recognising the codeword that was used. Eventually it was the shorter one on the left of the three that responded.
"Yes it is us. Our services aren't cheap but we are assuming you have the initial amount?" Without a word the newcomer threw each of the figures a small pouch and upon examining the pouches contents all three of them gave their new benefactor and wickedly evil grin.
"Our services are at your disposal, are you sure that you wish us to go through with the arranged plan? It is rather… 'evil'."
For a second the three figures almost laughed at the petrified look that passed over there benefactor's face. He was a mere child to them and it seemed that he hadn't fully thought through that he was hiring them for assassination. But that look only remained for a mere second, as quickly as it had appeared it was replaced by a face that put their thoughts at rest. It was a look of pure hatred and rage, of pain that had completely corrupted him and was driving him closer and closer towards insanity, it was twisted in a sense that looked completely out of place on the young mans face.
"Yes… Yes… YES! KILL THEM ALL! I WANT ALL OF THEM SLAUGHTERED FOR WHAT THEY DID!" The three cloaked man shared a dark chuckle, clearly pleased by the response before disappearing once again within the shadowed underbush.