Naruto: Rise of The Namikaze.
Chapter 27: Sasuke and Sai part 2: The trouble with Sai. (Edited 7/4/18)
Note: This chapter is going to contain a few laughs, and a few romantic moments while the next chapter will show some action.
In the anime, the hot springs served seafood, but Hinata doesn't like that stuff, so in this story the food is replaced by beef, chicken, and salad foods so to say.
Before we start, just to clarify, here is the current status of all the members of Team 7. (Except Captain Yamato.)
Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze.
Age: 15.
Sex: Male.
Height: 5ft 6.
Weight: 120pds.
Rank: Chunin.
Affiliation: Konoha.
Team: #7 led by Kakashi Hatake.
Heir to the Uzumaki clan.
Jinchuriki of Kurama. (The Nine-Tailed Fox.)
Family...
Mother: Kushina Uzumaki.
Father: Minato Namikaze. (Deceased)
Grandmother: Tsunade Senju. (Fifth Hokage)
Godfather: Jiraiya.
Girlfriend: Hinata Hyuga.
Kekkie Genkai: Enhanced longevity.
Affinities: Wind and lightning.
Summons:
Gambunta. (Toad)
Daijynryuu. (Dragon)
Jutsu Arsenal:
Rasengan
Shadow Clone Jutsu
Flash-step (Allows for surprise attacks and quick escape.) (just for the sake of the story, let's just call it a jutsu.)
Dragon Hammer ( Creates a spiraling blast of chakra that explodes on impact. He learned it from Daijynryuu.)
Henge (Allows disguises.)
Substitution
Dragon lightning (Allows a stream of lightning to be fired from the hand) (He learned it from Daijynryuu.)
Benihime arsenal.
Sing Benihime.
(Fires a strong, destructive crimson colored energy blast. The energy of which flows out of the blade and fires in the arc of the sword swing. Naruto can charge this technique to do more damage.)
Freeze Benihime.
(Creates a red hexagon shaped shield in front of Naruto to protect him from enemy attacks. Otherwise known as the 'Blood Mist Shield.')
Slash Benihime.
(Fires an energy arc that can cut through materials and other substances with ease. The arc moves toward the target and can instantly change direction.)
Deflect Benihime.
(After analyzing a techniques chakra composition and the persons muscle movements when they use the technique, by simply drawing a circle of energy with the tip of Benihime and timing it just right, this technique can cancel out the enemy's attack at the point of contact.)
Bind Benihime.
(This technique launches condensed energy in the form of a tangible blood red net, generated from the blade length, and simply throws it over the intended target, (typically from above) with a simple slashing motion from Benihime. This net further binds and restricts the opponents movements by constricting to their form. The net appears narrow and somewhat elongated.)
Explode Benihime.
(Used in combination with the binding technique, Naruto stabs the end of the net with Benihime, creating orbs of fire along the outside length of the net, which explode like linked land mines in a domino formation, leading towards the target trapped in the net. When the orbs come into direct contact with the intended target, they create a massive and devastating explosion. Thereby reducing the target to ash.)
Shred Benihime.
(Using the Blood Mist Shield as a base, this technique fires a continuous barrage of red energy bullets that sound like fireworks shooting into the air whenever it's used.)
Sealing Jutsu:
Five-Pronged sealing
Storage sealing (Allows inanimate objects to be stored away.)
Ability levels:
Ninjutsu (High-Chunin)
Taijutsu (High-Chunin)
Chakra Control (Kage-level)
Kenjutsu (Low-Jonin)
Genjutsu (Completely non-useable.)
Sealing (High-Chunin)
Weapons arsenal.
Long-range: kunai, shiruken, and senbon needles, all of which are stored in holsters on the waist and in a pouch worn at the back.
Close-range: Trench knife (Which is held in a sheath hidden under his right sleeve)
Mid-range: Benihime. ( A sword Naruto discovered in a cave in the leaf village. It transforms from a wakazashi to a long deadly sword with amazing powers.)
Hinata Hyuga.
Age: 15.
Sex: Female.
Height: 5-4.
Weight: 150 pounds. (If you include her bust.)
Rank: Chunin.
Affiliation: Konoha.
Team: #7 led by Kakashi Hatake.
Heiress to the Hyuga clan.
Family...
Father: Hiashi Hyuga.
Mother: Hitomi Hyuga. (Deceased.)
Sister: Hanabi Hyuga.
Uncle: Hizashi Hyuga. (Deceased.)
Cousin: Neji Hyuga.
Boyfriend: Naruto Uzumaki.
Kekkei Genkai: Byakugan.
Summons: Akira. (Wolf.) (How she got it will be explained later.)
Affinities: Water.
Jutsu arsenal:
Gentle-Fist. (Improvised version for water users.)
Shadow clone jutsu. (Even though she can only make 4 clones, it's enough to make her formidable.) (Kushina taught it to her.)
Henge.
Substitution.
Water dragon. (Creates a water dragon that smashes people into the ground.)
Water shuriken.
Water whip
Water wall. (Creates a wall of water to deflect enemy attacks.)
Eight Trigrams-128 palms. (Closes all 128 chakra points of the body, main and secondary, knocking the victim out instantly.)
Rotation. (Allows her to create a dome of chakra while spinning that deflects all outside attacks. Considered to be the Hyuga clans ultimate defensive jutsu.)
Sealing jutsu:
Storage sealing. (Allows for inanimate objects to be stored away.)
Ability levels:
Ninjutsu. (High-Chunin.)
Chakra Control. (Low-Jonin.)
Taijutsu. (High-Chunin.)
Kenjutsu. (Low-Jonin.)
Genjutsu. (High-Chunin. Although she doesn't prefer to use it.)
Sealing. (Low-Genin.)
Weapons arsenal...
Long-range: Kunai, shiruken, and senbon needles, all of which are stored in holsters or in a pouch worn on the waist.
Short-range: Knuckle dusters. ( A set of black and silver trench knife class weapons, each one includes a set of metal rings to protect the fingers.)
Mid-range: Chakra blade. (An 18 inch dagger that transforms to resemble a 3-foot long blue katana. Made of chakra metal.) (Able to withstand Naruto's sword.)
Sakura Haruno.
Age: 15
Sex: female
Height: 5-4
Weight 118 pounds
Rank: Chunin
Affiliation: Konoha
Team: #7, led by Kakashi Hatake.
Kekkie Genkai: None
Family...
Mother: Mebuki Haruno.
Father: Kizashi Haruno.
Summons:
Katsuya. (Slug.) (Contract given to her by Tsunade.)
Affinities: Earth.
Jutsu arsenal:
Clone.
Henge.
Substitution.
Earth clone.
Earth dragon bullet. (Sends many earth bullets to the target.)
Earth Wall. (Creates a wall of earth for defense.)
Earth Spear. (Creates earth spears that emerge from under the enemy.)
Also knows standard medical jutsu thanks to her training with Tsunade.
Sealing Jutsu.
Storage seal. (Allows inanimate objects to be stored away.)
Ability levels:
Ninjutsu (High-Chunin)
Chakra control (Low-Jonin)
Taijutsu (High-Chunin)
Kenjustu (Low-Jonin)
Genjutsu (Low-Chunin. Although she doesn't prefer to use it.)
Sealing (Low-Genin)
Weapons arsenal.
Long-range: Kunai, Shiruken, and Senbon needles, all of which are stored in a set of holsters or in a pouch attached to the waist.
Close-range: Duel Daggers. (Basically a 2-foot metal stick that with a twist and a pull separates into a set of daggers with a 12 inch handle and a 12 inch blade.)
Mid-range: Spear. (This weapon is made by connecting both daggers together at the ends of both handles via screw tip creating a 4-ft long double-bladed spear.)
Sai
Age: 15
Sex: Male
Height: 5-6
Weight: 120
Rank: ANBU.
Affiliation: Konoha
Team: #7, Led by Kakashi Hatake.
Kekkie Genkai: None.
Family:
Shin. (Adoptive brother.)
Summons: None.
Affinities: Unknown.
Jutsu Arsenal:
Super Beast Imitating Drawing. (Allows the user to bring creature drawings to be brought to life.)
Ink Flush. (Creates a nest of ink creatures to attack the target.
Clone.
Henge.
Substitution.
Sealing jutsu:
Storage Seal. (Allows inanimate objects to be stored away.)
Tiger Vision Staring Bullet. (Creates a drawing of a tiger that leaps from a scroll, ensnares the enemy and drags them back in the scroll effectively capturing them.)
Ability levels:
Ninjutsu. (Unknown)
Taijutsu. (Unknown)
Chakra Control. (Unknown)
Kenjutsu. (Unknown)
Genjutsu. (Unknown)
Sealing. (Unknown)
The reason is because the others aren't aware of his skills yet.
Weapons Arsenal.
Long-range: Ink beasts, and shiruken.
Close range: Standard kunai.
Mid-range: Tanto.
Let's get the real story started.
Once Naruto and and the others left, Tsunade called an ANBU captain in and told him to fill in as leader of Team 7 until Kakashi recovered telling him he was to be known as Yamato and to keep an eye on Sai.
At a concrete building near the center of the village, Sakura and Hinata were waiting for the rest of their team when Naruto arrived.
Having mastered the flash-step, he quickly reached his destination and ran in calling out loud, "Sakura! Hinata!"
They turned and saw him as he arrived, Hinata squealed with delight as her boyfriend caught up and said out loud, "Naruto! You made it!"
Naruto could only smile as he enveloped Hinata in his arms and gave her a kiss.
Even though Sakura was happy for the couple, she really wished she had someone to do that with.
Before they could say anything else, a figure emerged from the shadows.
Naruto recognized him as the same guy from yesterday that attacked him and his friends.
Sakura asked Naruto if he knew that guy, Hinata confirmed it saying he attacked them yesterday.
Naruto drew his trench knife while Hinata was ready to release her Gentle-fist.
Then Captain Yamato appeared and told them he was filling in as team leader until Kakashi recovered, and said the strange guy was their newest team member.
Naruto was skeptical and said, "Comrades with him?"
The guy said, "I'm sorry about yesterday. But you see, I knew we were going to be teammates and I needed to know how strong you are."
Naruto put away his kunai saying, "Well that was pretty stupid. You didn't have to go that far."
Hinata agreed as she lowered her hands.
The stranger answered, "I was just curious to see how strong you'd be. Now I know you're not packing anything major."
Naruto just gave a blank stare and answered, "Another stupid gay comment, huh?"
Hinata and Sakura sighed with disgust.
Yamato spoke up, "Time to introduce yourselves."
"Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze." replied Naruto.
"Hinata Hyuga." replied Hinata.
"Sakura Haruno." replied Sakura.
"And you can call me Sai." said the stranger now known as Sai.
Yamato briefed them on their next mission and told them to go home and prepare.
As the group walked along, Naruto looked deep in thought, sensing his concern, Hinata asked, "Something wrong Naruto?"
Naruto replied, "That guy Sai gives me the creeps. I don't trust him. There's no way he's better than Sasuke."
Sakura told them not to worry about it saying she thought Sasuke is better.
Naruto and the others went home to prepare for their next mission, while getting ready to set off, Sai received an envelope from a ROOT Anbu shinobi detailing his orders from Danzo.
At the Hospital...
Kakashi was sitting in his room with Jiraiya enjoying the latest issue of Icha Icha Paradise, when there was a knock at the door.
Kakashi said, "Looks like they're here."
He heard Tsunade ask, "Kakashi, may we enter?"
Kakashi answered, "Yes. Come in."
The door opened as Tsunade and Shizune walked in with Captain Yamato.
Yamato smiled and said, "Ha! Long time no see Kakashi."
Kakashi recognized him and said, "You...?!"
As they gathered around the bed, Kakashi spoke, "So, this is the Yamato you were talking about. Go figure."
Yamato replied, "That's right. While I'll be filling in as captain for team 7, Yamato is going to be my codename sir."
Kakashi said, "You don't say."
Tsunade spoke, "Which leads to the real reason I brought him here. If he's to be heading up your team Kakashi, I want him to know what he's dealing with."
Jiraiya replied, "What we're about to tell you is the main reason you were selected as Kakashi's replacement."
Yamato asked, "Is this about Naruto, sir?"
Kakashi nodded, "Exactly. You already know that Naruto has the spirit of the Nine-Tailed fox sealed inside of him, right?"
Yamato answered, "I do."
Jiraiya continued, "There are times where the Nine-tails chakra will start to leak out of Naruto and take on the fox spirit's form. We've been referring to it as, 'The Nine-Tails Cloak."
Yamato's eyes widened, "The Nine-tails cloak?! Is this true? How many times has this happened?"
Kakashi replied, "As recently as our last mission. When he's overcome with his emotions, the Nine-tails chakra begins to surface, engulfing his entire body, and revealing the Nine-tails cloak. Just before the second tail formed, I was able to suppress the chakra with a special seal Master Jiraiya gave me. If I hadn't intervened, who knows what might have happened."
Jiraiya spoke up, "I see, So it is just as I feared."
Kakashi said, "Judging by the shape the chakra was taking, the number of tails will probably grow, and eventually they'll be nine."
Everyone was very edgy.
Jiraiya said, "That about sums it up."
Kakashi turned and asked, "Master Jiraiya, how many tails have you seen?"
Jiraiya smirked and began removing his robes and mesh shirt as he spoke, "In my entire life, there were 2 times where I came close to death. The first time was when I was caught doing research at a hot spring. I broke 6 ribs, both arms and ruptured a handful of internal organs. That Tsunade beat me like a drum."
Tsunade blushed in embarrassment at that.
Once his shirt was removed, everyone was stunned to see a large jagged star-shaped scar on his chest!
Jiraiya continued, "The second was when Naruto and I were off training together... and the fourth tail appeared."
That was enough to put everyone in a state of panic.
Yamato replied, "That means if the number of tails reaches nine, Naruto could lose control and end up going on a rampage killing us all!"
Everyone had a look of worry on their faces.
"You're getting far too ahead of yourselves." said a female voice.
Everyone looked and there, standing in the doorway, was Kushina wearing black sandals, red shinobi pants, and a blue short sleeved zip-up shirt as she slowly walked into the room.
Jiraiya was surprised to see her, "Kushina! Didn't expect to see you here."
Yamato was puzzled and said, "Um, Master Jiraiya, I've never seen this woman before. Who is she?"
Jiraiya laughed, "I'm sorry. Kushina, this is Captain Yamato. He's filling in as temporary leader of Team 7 until Kakashi recovers. Yamato, this is Kushina Uzumaki."
That was enough to cause Yamato to ask, "Is there a connection between her and Naruto?"
Jiraiya answered, "Yes Yamato. This woman is Naruto's mother."
Yamato was shocked, "You're his mother?!"
Kushina nodded, "I am."
Kakashi asked, "What do you mean we're getting ahead of ourselves Kushina?"
Kushina replied, "What I mean is you're letting your fear get the better of you. The Nine-Tailed Fox will not do anything that poses a threat to my son."
Yamato asked, "How do you know that?"
Kushina answered, "The Nine-tails has a name which is Kurama. He deeply regrets what happened all those years ago. As a way to atone for that, the fox has sworn to do whatever it takes to protect my son. He will not allow Naruto to use power he cannot handle. If the chakra proves to overwhelming for Naruto, Kurama will sever the link between them and stop giving Naruto chakra. Both of them share a bond of friendship and fight together as allies. Kurama will not endanger my boy."
Yamato replied, "As odd as that sounds Kushina, for some reason I believe you. But at the same time, it doesn't hurt to play it safe."
Kushina nodded in understanding.
Sakura was at her house getting ready.
She had everything in the right spots and all her camping equipment and food rations in sealing scrolls which she put into her backpack.
Her standard weapons were where they belonged.
But at the back of her waist was a very durable circular plastic clamp for her daggers-spear weapon because the clamp held the weapon horizontally behind her waist enabling her to reach back with both hands, twist, unlock, pull, and draw both daggers at once.
And when she was done, all she had to do was put the weapon back together, close it up, put it behind her waist, press down till she heard a pop and that told her that the weapon was in the clamp and locked in place.
After everything was secure, she put on her jacket, shouldered her backpack and headed out.
Both Naruto and Hinata were at the Namikaze compound packing their stuff ready to move out.
Surprisingly enough was that 2 days after returning from Gaara's rescue, Hiashi told Hinata that he had finally managed to put the Hyuga elders in their place, the separation of houses was demolished and that she was free to come home if she wanted.
Even though she was relieved that her family was no longer divided, Hinata told her father that she wanted to stay with Naruto because leaving him would be too painful for her and that she loved him too much.
Hiashi was saddened that his eldest daughter wanted to stay with Naruto, but he understood how much she loved him.
So he said he would be fine with it as long as she came by and visited her family from time to time.
Hinata heartily agreed.
The 2 teens made sure they had all their supplies gathered and sealed them inside sealing scrolls which were put into backpacks.
Naruto had his sword hidden in a sealing bracelet attached to his left arm and hidden under his sleeve.
His shiruken pouch at the back of his waist.
His trench knife on his left hip and his senbon holster attached attached to his right leg.
As well as having his aramid vest of armor on. (Didn't forget that did you?)
Once everything was in place, Naruto put on his headband, pulled his tactical jacket on,slid his backpack over his shoulders and waited for Hinata.
Hinata had her shiruken pouch in the correct spot, had her senbon pack on her right leg and kept her dagger in a sealing bracelet on her left arm as well.
Her knuckle dusters were secured to her waist.
She turned to Naruto and said, "Naruto, before we go, I want to show you something."
Naruto asked, "What's that Hinata?"
Hinata reached under her jacket, moments later she was holding her knives, 1 in each hand.
Naruto was intrigued and asked, "What are those Hinata?"
Hinata replied, "They're called Knuckle Dusters Naruto. I picked these up at TenTen's shop when my father called me back to the village yemporarily during our trip, but never had the chance to show them to you. Basically, they're long curved knives with a built-in guard to protect my fingers. Although I'm skilled in Kenjutsu thanks to your mom, I like using knives, especially these because the metal guard actually amplifies the force of my fists. If the fight becomes too heavy, then I'll go to the sword. Just to be prepared, when they're not in use, I keep them inside special sheaths hidden under my jacket for swift deployment in a fight"
Naruto nodded with a grin and said, "Deadly but beautiful. That's always been your style Hinata. Whenever you fight, it's like the dance of a beautiful yet deadly Goddess."
Hinata had the courtesy to blush before kissing him for the compliment.
Naruto asked, "What exactly compelled you to get those knives?"
Hinata answered, "Well, it all started a few hours after I became a chunin..."
(Flashback...)
Hinata left Tsunades office and began heading down the street.
As she walked, she thought, "I am thankful that Kushina helped me learn Kenjutsu, but I still have better skill with Taijutsu. I need a way of combining fist power with blades, which will be not just deceptive and deadly, but still allow me to fight like a true Hyuga. But how?"
Hinata kept pondering that thought until she wound up near TenTen's weapon shop.
Before she went in, she said, "Maybe TenTen can help me."
As she entered the shop, TenTen noticed her and asked, "Hello Hinata. Anything I can help you with?"
Hinata replied, "Yes TenTen. I was wondering if you have a weapon that can be used for punching while still having enough strength to block bladed weapons."
TenTen said, "Follow me."
She lead Hinata to a spot, and showed her the knuckle dusters, she then explained what they were capable of.
Hinata became ecstatic and bought 2 of them at once, as well as a manual on how to use them.
She thanked TenTen and paid her before leaving.
...end flashback
Naruto was impressed.
Hinata put her knives back in their holsters.
Once that was done, she put on her aramid armor vest, slid on her lavender jacket, shouldered her backpack and left with Naruto.
The 2 went downstairs to where Naruto told his mother they were needed for another mission but would be back soon.
Kushina asked, "Do you 2 have everything you need?"
Naruto answered, "We both have our camping equipment, all our weapons, soldier pills, and 3 weeks of food rations."
Kushina smiled, "Very good Naruto. Be careful, be safe. please come home soon."
Naruto sighed at having to leave his mother again, but knew he had a mission to do.
He said happily, "Don't worry mom. I'll be back soon." then mother and son hugged each other happily, said their goodbyes then Naruto was out the door.
It was 12:00 midday when the group met outside the gates of Konoha, and with that, Team 7 was on the move again.
On the way to the Hidden Grass Village, Sai was causing serious tension for the team.
Along the way, Captain Yamato noticed that Naruto was walking hand in hand with Hinata laughing and giggling happily and kissing, so he asked curiously, "Naruto, why are you and Hinata kissing like that? What are you doing?"
Naruto simply said, "Why does it look like I'm doing? I'm kissing my girlfriend, that's what."
Then he looked over at Sai thinking, "Just like Sasuke, huh? Well there is sort of a resemblance I guess."
Sai looked over and said, "Well, what is it?"
Naruto thought irritably, "Hmph! Sorta sounds like him too!"
Sai smugly replied "If you keep on staring at me like that, I will hit you."
Naruto looked right at Sai with a very serious face and said, "Excuse me?! You're in dangerous grounds here Sai. I'd be very careful what comes out of your mouth next."
Then Sai said, "And by the way, all that kissing and stuff looks weird. Please stop it."
Hinata gave the same serious look and said, "If my boyfriend wants to ravish my lips then he is free to do so anytime he wants. If you threaten him again, I'll bust you up."
Sai replied, "I have nothing personal against you."
Naruto snorted, "Then why'd you say it?"
Sai's answer was, "I was just trying a different personality type."
Naruto snorted, "That still doesn't make me see you as someone who can fill in for better than Sasuke."
Thus far, Naruto was keeping his temper in check until Sai replied, "I'm glad you feel that way. Sasuke is a traitor. He betrayed the Leaf Village and joined Orochimaru just to gain power. Yes you're right, I'm not like him at all, I'm not a traitorous cockroach. I can't fill in for someone like that."
Naruto was close to flying off the handle, but Hinata knew he was upset and comforted him, Naruto said, "Your words mean nothing to me Sai. The only thing you've done is cause trouble for this whole team. Therefore until you can respect others, I will never consider you a part of this team."
Hinata softly said, "Naruto, instead of escalating the argument, why not let me diffuse the problem by showing you my love?"
Naruto couldn't help but succumb to that offer and kissed Hinata for a few moments ultimately calming him down.
Sakura walked up to Sai with a smile on her face, stood there for a few moments and then...
WHAM!
Sakura cracked Sai right in the face while yelling, "Sai, you don't know a thing about Sasuke! I won't stand for you talking like you do! Keep badmouthing him and next time I won't hold back!"
Hinata and Naruto smirked.
Sai wiped a bit of blood from his mouth and declared, "You actually had me fooled. That smile of yours seemed so sincere."
Yamato, sensing the tension used his Wood Release technique to create a giant wooden crate, threatening to lock the trio in if they didn't get along.
Sakura was shocked to see Yamato using a technique that only the first hokage was said to possess.
Faced with an ultimatum of either being locked up or spending a night at a hot springs resort set by Yamato, the group chose to visit the hot springs to improve team cohesion.
At the hot springs...
Naruto sat on the male side of the hot springs with Sai and Yamato trying to enjoy himself.
Yamato spoke up,"Ahhh. Naked like this, no secrets from each other, there's nothing like it for bringing people together, is there?"
Sai just looked with a blank face while Naruto said nothing, Yamato leaned towards Naruto with his "Fear Face" and said in a threatening voice, "There's nothing like it, is there?"
But Naruto was not intimidated, he released a little of Kurama's chakra and closed his eyes and mouth, when he opened his eyes, they were red with black slits while his opened to reveal rows of razor sharp teeth, he let out a low growl.
The demonic look on his face was enough to make Yamato flinch and move away as Naruto stood up and said in a blank voice, "If you're trying to intimidate me, it won't work. So get off my damn back."
Sai accidentally got a view of Naruto's package and said with a fake smile,"What do you know? Looks like you do have some balls after all."
Naruto was seething.
On the other side of the hot springs...
Sakura and Hinata were on the ladies side of the springs with a few other girls relaxing and enjoying themselves.
Hinata was laying on the side of the tub with her legs in the water intending to go in later.
Sakura moved to the center of the spring and sighed with content, the 2 were relaxing until a loud voice rang out saying, "Mind your own business you bastard!"
Both of them looked up towards the wall dividing the springs thinking the same thing, "Naruto?"
Their suspicion was proven right as Naruto's voice shouted, "Dammit! You're always 'Balls this, balls that!' You're so annoying!"
Immediately the whole female side broke out in laughter except for Sakura who was embarrassed.
She lowered her head thinking, "Ohhh! You and your big mouth! Sometimes I wish I could just...!" then dunked her head below the water while Hinata just smiled and made her way over to the wall.
Naruto heard the laughs and growled, "Great! Now look at what you've done! Their all laughing at me thanks to you!"
Sai just said, "Well at least you brought a little joy to Sakura's day. Try to look at it like that."
Naruto had a panicked look on his face as he said, "Right! Sakura!"
He was about to move from his spot when he heard a voice say, "Oh Naruto! Could you come to the wall please?"
Naruto recognized the voice but wanted to be sure, so he said out loud, "Hinata? Is that you?"
The voice said, "The one and only."
Naruto smiled, made his way over to the wall and asked, "What's wrong Hinata?"
Hinata replied, "Is that pansy giving you a hard time? If so, I'd be more than happy to crack him in the face again."
Naruto smiled and said, "In good time Hinata. All in good time."
Hinata sighed and replied, "Naruto, I don't like it that this wall is keeping us apart, because there's nowhere else I'd rather be than in you arms right now. I remember the night we confessed to each other. Don't you?"
Naruto sighed at that memory and said, "I remember all too well Hinata. That was the night I realized how much I loved you."
Hinata sniffled a bit before saying, "I'm still unhappy that we're separated by this wall because if you got out before me, I wouldn't know and you'd be stuck waiting for hours. I wouldn't want to do that to you."
Naruto understood and replied back, "I'll wait forever to see you Hinata."
Hinata was surprised at that and asked, "Do you mean that Naruto?"
Naruto answered, "Yes Hinata. Every time I see your face, I can't look away. A single day without you by my side is like a blade that cuts right through me. Whenever you're around, my heart stops beating. When you're gone it won't stop bleeding. But I can wait forever. Hinata my angel, I love you more than life itself. You know that."
Hinata was crying with tears of joy while the other girls couldn't help but awe at those beautiful words of love, even Sakura had to shed tears at such poetry.
Naruto said, "I'll see you inside later on Hinata." and went back to the water while Hinata just sat there smiling for a few minutes before returning to the springs.
A few minutes later, Yamato stood up, put on his towel and said, "Alrighty then. I think I've soaked enough for one enough day."
Then he proceeded to tell Naruto about how Jiraiya was terribly injured because supposedly Tsunade did it to him and how astonishing her strength is.
Naruto retorted, "You think I don't know that? She's my Grandmother for crying out loud!"
Unfazed, Yamato said, "It all happened because he did exactly what you're contemplating right now. I wonder how your girl would feel about that?"
Naruto glared at him and snapped, "Captain Yamato, my girl is none of your damn business! Leave her out of this!"
But Yamato was gone.
He went inside, put on a set of green pants and a robe provided by the management and and took a look at Naruto and Sai's clothes, noticing how Naruto's clothes were a mess while Sai's were neatly folded, then he turned and looked out at Sai for a moment then went his room and started going through his equipment, he picked up his mask and said, "Looks like a great change is in the wind." then he opened a bag and took out what looked to be a set of soldier pills.
He was brought out of his musings when he heard a knock at the door, he turned his head and said, "Yes, come in."
The door opened and one of the caretakers of the hot springs, a woman with black hair done up into a single ball behind her head and wearing a purple kimono stepped in saying, "Excuse me sir, sorry to bother you. Are you ready? Should we begin preparing the meal?"
Yamato answered, "Yes thank you."
The lady said, "We'll start serving as soon as it's ready." then she closed the door and left.
Sakura came out of the ladies changing room with Hinata, both wearing a robe and walked to Yamato's room thinking, "Ahh. That felt good."
It was late afternoon while Naruto and Sai were still outside when Sai spoke up, "Hey Naruto. Well, I'm getting out now too. I really wouldn't stay in there too long if I were you. You don't want to pass out." then he left leaving Naruto alone.
By the time it was sunset, Naruto finally left the hot springs and went inside, after getting dressed, he was sitting in the main lounge with a scroll in his pocket when he spotted Sakura and Hinata coming into the room, Hinata noticed him almost at once and said happily, "Naruto!"
Naruto immediately jumped out of his chair, ran over to Hinata and gave her a spin hug, then pecked her on the lips saying, "Oh Hinata."
Hinata closed her eyes with content while she said, "I've missed you Naruto." as the 2 hugged.
Naruto replied, "We've only been separated for a couple hours Hinata." astonished that she missed him that much.
She simply said, "Feels like a lot longer to me."
Naruto genuinely smiled and leaned her back a little, looked into her eyes and said in a quite but audible voice, "You know how much I love you, Hinata Hyuga."
After getting over her little shock, she smiled up at him, "If you didn't, you wouldn't have kissed me, Naruto Uzumaki." she said in a sultry voice.
Naruto smirked and pulled her back up before they engaged in a passionate kiss that lasted for a few moments before they left the lounge to go have dinner.
Before they entered Yamato's room, Naruto asked, "Hinata, would you come with me to the courtyard after dinner? I have something to show you."
Hinata smiled with a nod knowing he had something planned, then they entered the room.
They were greeted with an amazing site!
A table covered with an entire array of food lay before them.
Sakura gasped, "You're kidding! I've never seen such a spread!"
"It's amazing" giggled Naruto.
As he moved toward the table, he asked, "Hey, Captain Yamato?"
Yamato answered, "Yes Naruto?"
The teen answered, "Is all this really for us?"
Yamato snickered, "Yup. Go right ahead and dig in."
The group all cheered except for Sai and sat down.
As they dug in, they all agreed that Captain Yamato was the official leader of Team7.
After dinner, Hinata went led out to the courtyard with Naruto and had her eyes closed, Naruto was leading her with one hand while holding a small tray containing 2 cups of hot tea and was excited excited to see how she would react.
When they reached the center, Naruto said softly, "Open your eyes."
The second she did, her eyes widened!
The whole courtyard was surrounded by fences with garden lanterns hanging from them with a bright orange glow in each one, above them the sky was clear, the stars were shining, the moon was in it's full glory, the night was beautiful!
Naruto then asked, "What do you think Hinata?"
She turned and latched on to him with a smile and said, "It's beautiful Naruto!"
He smiled and brought them to a bench where they sat down as Naruto explained, "Since you were so happy to see me earlier, I thought why don't we have a cup of tea together and watch the stars on this beautiful night?"
Hinata whole heartily agreed, for the next few minutes, the couple sat there holding each other, drinking tea and watching the night sky with the occasional shooting stars flying over.
When they finished the tea, Naruto smirked then reached over and pulled her close as he began to sing in a soft voice...
"So many times out there,
I've watched a happy pair of lovers walking in the night.
They had a kind of glow around them,
it almost looked like Heaven's light.
I knew I'd never know that warm and loving glow,
though I might wish with all my might,
no face as hideous as my face,
was ever meant for Heaven's light,
But suddenly an angel has smiled at me,
and kissed my cheek without a trace of fright,
I dare to dream that she might even care for me,
And as I view the stars tonight,
this cold dark village seems so bright,
I swear it must be Heaven's light."
By the time he was done, Hinata hugged him tightly and cried joyfully, "Oh Naruto, what a beautiful night. I wish it would never end."
Naruto returned the hug and said with a smile, "And the thing that makes it even more wonderful: Having you by my side my love."
20 minutes later, they finally retired to bed, knowing that what ever challenges lay ahead, they wouldn't face them alone.
End of Chapter 27.
Hope you all enjoyed, until next time!
Note: That song was Heaven's light from the movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I don't own it, disney does.
