Chapter 36 Summary: The lives of many Shinobi will forever be changed before the dawn of a new day rises. For some the changes will be special and for others heart-breaking. For after today, life will be drastically different in the Village Hidden in the Leaves.
Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath
Chapter 36: "Rejoice"
"Oh Kami No!" Tsunade exclaimed in horror before rushing past both Naruto and Iruka who were still rigid with terror. Before Tsunade entered Hinata's room, she frantically shouted to Iruka.
"Iruka, keep Naruto here!"
The sound of hearing his own name seemed to shock Naruto back to reality, as he took a step towards the door to Hinata's room before two arms encircled his chest tightly and pulled him back.
"Let me go Iruka-Sensei! That's Hinata in there, I've got to help! Please let me go, I want to see her!" Naruto cried out in a panic while red chakra was starting to seep out of the seal of the tear-stricken blonde Genin.
"I'm, I'm sorry Naruto I can't let you in there! Please calm down and listen, you can't help Hinata right now only Lady Tsunade can!" Iruka pleaded while gripping Naruto tighter as he could feel the heat of the red chakra rising but would not let go of his former student.
"I don't care; I want to see Hinata!"
At that moment, the long and shrilling continuous beep that reverberated throughout the hallway coming from Hinata's room suddenly ceased and Tsunade called out.
"Let him go Iruka, there's nothing more for me to do."
The Chunin academy instructor hesitantly released Naruto from his embrace and the red chakra began to recede. Iruka put his hand on the blondes shoulder to show support, as the two of them approached the door and opened it. The first sight they beheld was of Tsunade's back which was blocking their view of the bedside before she stepped aside to reveal Hinata sitting up in bed while the Hokage was helping her to drink a glass of water.
"Hin, Hinata-chan." Naruto called out with trepidation, fearful this was all nothing more than a dream.
Hinata turned her head and gazed at the boy she loved with happiness and replied in a fatigued voice.
"Nar, Naruto-kun……eeep!"
The Hyuga princess barely had time to squeak, as she was suddenly enveloped in a fierce hug from her orange clad boyfriend. As Naruto kissed her cheek before burying his face in the crook of her neck, Hinata could feel the tears flowing down his face and wondered why he was reacting this way?
"Naruto-kun, why are you crying?"
Naruto lifted his head to gaze into his girlfriend's lavender eyes and said in a voice choked with relief and joy.
"I'm, I'm crying Hinata because I'm so happy you're finally awake and here with me once again!"
"I, I, don't understand Naruto-kun? What do you mean finally awake?"
"Hinata, what is the last thing you remember?" Tsunade asked in curiosity.
"Umm, the last thing I remember was finding Kurenai-Sensei and Kakashi-Sensei injured and depleted of chakra before I……….oh Kami, Kurenai-Sensei and Kakashi-Sensei are they alright?"
"Yes Hinata, both Kurenai and Kakashi survived thanks to you and what you did. Which by the way, we will be discussing about in the very near future." Tsunade stated with a slight scowl directed towards the young kunoichi before pressing a button by the bed and then adding.
"But we'll talk about that later, do you remember anything else after that Hinata?"
"N, no Lady Tsunade, nothing until I heard Naruto-kun's voice shouting about me waking up. He sounded very upset and in pain, so I just wanted to find him and make sure he was alright. That's when I awoke and found myself here hooked up to all of these machines. I could still hear Naruto-kun shouting so I tried to unhook myself and get to him. But for some reason my arms and legs are numb and I can barely move them. I only managed to get a couple of things removed before that machine over there started blaring and then you came rushing into the room Lady Tsunade."
"Damn, if I had known pissing off the gaki would get you to awaken, I would have done it weeks ago." Tsunade commented in sarcastic amusement.
"We, weeks ago, I don't understand what you're talking about Lady Tsunade?"
"Hinata, the reason your arms and legs don't function very well at the moment is because the muscles in them have been weakened by atrophy. When you used that technique to save Kurenai and Kakashi it completely depleted you of all of your chakra. And the result of that Hinata is you've been in a coma for almost six weeks because of it."
The Hyuga girl's eyes grew wide with astonishment upon hearing that before turning her head to look at Naruto who nodded his head in sad affirmation before adding.
"I, I was afraid you were never going to wake up and that I was going to lose you my hime."
Tears started to well in Hinata's eyes when she heard the heartrending tone of Naruto's admission, as the two young shinobi hugged each other once more.
"I'm sorry for making you worry like that Naru-kun, please forgive me."
"There's nothing to forgive Hina-hime, I'm just happy you're alright."
As Tsunade and Iruka watched this tender moment, an orderly arrived at the room to which Tsunade ordered that a messenger be sent to Kurenai at once to inform the Jounin kunoichi of Hinata's awakening. Turning her attention back to the young couple sitting on the bed, Tsunade noticed the Hyuga girl's nose crinkle slightly as she pulled away from Naruto and said.
"Naru-kun."
"Yes, Hina-chan."
"You stink!"
"Hinata!"
"I'm sorry Naru-kun but you do."
Tsunade then inhaled sniffing the air and nearly giving Iruka a nosebleed in the process before she commented in agreement.
"You do smell a little ripe gaki. When was the last time you had a bath?"
"I don't know baa-chan a week ago maybe, I don't remember?"
"Well that's going to change right now. Iruka, take Naruto somewhere and get him hosed off and cleaned up and then bring him to my office in an hour."
"Hai Lady Tsunade."
"But I don't want leave Hinata!"
"Well too bad gaki because you are. I've got some tests to run on Hinata and they will go much quicker without you stinking up the place and then the girl needs some rest."
"Rest, she's been asleep for six weeks baa-chan!"
"Baka, there's a difference between being asleep and being in a coma! You'll have all day tomorrow Naruto to spend with Hinata. Now get out before I knock you out!"
Naruto barely had time to give Hinata a goodbye kiss before Iruka was dragging the wailing blonde Genin out of the room by the back of his collar. Tsunade then turned to the Hyuga girl and stated in a sickly sweet tone of voice that made Hinata cringe slightly.
"Now Hinata, I'm just going to give you a quick checkup, but while I'm doing that we are going to have a little talk about the Directed Chakra Heartbeat Simulation technique. And we're going to go over the dangers of why you must never use the technique if you yourself are severely low on chakra. Because you've obviously forgotten about those dangers since the first time I told you about them."
"Hai Lady Tsunade." The Hyuga princess replied in a dejected tone of voice dreading the lecture she was about to receive.
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A soft sob escaped Hinata's lips as she sat in bed with her legs pulled up to her chest, arms wrapped around them with her chin resting on her knees while staring out into the darkened hospital room. The Hyuga girl was shivering, as a tear drop rolled down her face. Suddenly, the sound of a window sliding open jolted the girl out of her despair, as she called out in a frightened stammering voice.
"Who, who's there?"
"It's me Hinata-chan, don't be scared."
"Naruto-kun, what are you doing here? Visiting hours are long over and you could get in trouble with Lady Tsunade for being here so late." Hinata stated, relieved to hear Naruto's voice, but also concerned about him.
"Ahhh, don't worry about baa-chan Hina-hime. She did say I could spend all day with you, so I'm just getting an early start." Naruto replied with his trademark grin plastered to his face.
"I don't know Naruto? I don't want you to get in trouble for this."
"You don't want to see me Hinata-chan?"
"No, no it's not that Naru-kun, you know I'm always happy to see you."
"Well that's good; I'd hate to think my girlfriend doesn't want to see me." Naruto replied, as he plopped down on the bed beside the young Hyuga girl before adding.
"Besides, I'm been sneaking in at night for the past six weeks just so I could be here in case you woke up during the night. But, I wasn't expecting you to still be awake when I got here tonight, how come you're not asleep Hina-hime?" Naruto asked, as he took hold of Hinata's trembling hand.
Confused by this, Naruto took a closer look at Hinata's face while his eyes got adjusted to the darkened room and he noticed the streaks of tears that had fallen down it and exclaimed.
"Hinata-chan, you're shaking and crying! What's the matter, are you hurt or in pain?"
"I'm alright Naru-kun." Hinata quickly answered while attempting to wipe away the remnants of her tears from her face.
"Come on Hina-hime, you're not alright if you're still awake, shivering, and crying in the middle of the night. You can tell me what's wrong, maybe I can help?"
"I'm, I'm scared." Hinata barely whispered.
"What was that Hina-chan?"
"I'm scared Naru-kun! I'm scared if I go back to sleep I won't ever wake up again!" Hinata exclaimed, as she threw her arms around Naruto and began sobbing into his chest.
Naruto held onto Hinata tightly and stroked her hair while whispering assurances and waited patiently for the girl to calm down. After a few minutes, Hinata's sobs began to lessen and Naruto lifted her chin from his chest to look at the frightened Hyuga girl and said.
"It's going to be alright Hina-hime, I promise. Why would you think that you would never wake up again?"
I, I don't know Naru-kun? I know it sounds silly and that I'm being foolish, but after listening to Lady Tsunade, Kurenai-Sensei, and others tell me how lucky I am for waking up, then admonish me for doing what I did that put me here. I'm just know that if I go back to sleep, I won't wake up and everyone will be hurt because of it. I don't want to hurt anyone Naru-kun, especially you."
Naruto used his thumb to wipe away some remaining tears on Hinata's cheek before stating in absolute certainty.
"Hina-chan, you don't have to be afraid to go back sleep. I make to you the promise of a lifetime or in this case of the night that you will awake in the morning, believe it!"
"How, how can you be so sure about it Naru-kun?"
"Because I'm going to be right here with you as you sleep." Naruto replied, while sliding under the covers of the bed bringing Hinata along with him who blushed furiously and squeaked.
"Naruto-kun!"
"What is it Hina-chan?"
"You, you want to sleep in the same bed as me!"
"Well I can't very well hold onto you if I don't."
"But, but Naru-kun?"
"Hina-chan, didn't you once tell me that you feel safe when I'm holding you."
"Hai Naru-kun."
"Well I promise I will hold onto you all through the night and we'll both wake up together in the morning got it."
"You, you won't let go of me Naru-kun?" Hinata questioned, as she held on tight and began to snuggle into her blonde boyfriend's chest while he pulled the covers of the bed over them.
"I'll never let go of you my hime, not in a million years."
"Th, thank you Naru-kun, I, I love you."
"I love you too Hina-chan, now try and get some rest." Naruto said while kissing the top of the Hyuga girl's head, as both of them drifted off to sleep with smiles on their faces.
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Tsunade's face twitched in agitation as she gazed upon the scene before her of finding Naruto in bed with Hinata both asleep the next morning. The Slug Sannin had a myriad of emotions going through her head about the sight in front of her. On one hand seeing Hinata cuddled up into Naruto's chest was one of the most adorable things Tsunade had ever seen and she was pleased and comforted in seeing her grandson with the girl he loved. But on the other hand she was also annoyed and angry that the boy had disobeyed her once again and Kami save his soul if he tried anything perverted with Hinata during the night. However, the mixed feelings of the blonde Hokage were nothing compared to the specific feeling or to be more precise the killing intent flowing into the room coming from both Neji and Kiba.
Word had spread quickly to the remaining members of the Konoha 11 that Hinata had awakened. Tsunade had barred them from visiting their Hyuga friend and comrade last night, but they all arrived first thing the next morning along with Kurenai, Gai, Temari, and Shizune to visit Hinata as soon as they could. So after collecting Lee from his room the entire entourage was escorted by the blonde Hokage herself to Hinata's room. So it was quite a shock when Tsunade opened the door and entered followed by everyone else who all seemed to freeze simultaneously at the sight before them. All the kunoichi's in the room blushed crimson red at seeing Hinata in such an intimate setting with Naruto. While all the males looked on in shock and with a little admiration of their orange clad comrades daring. However, the sound of a camera whirring and a sudden flash of light illuminating the room brought everyone out of their stupor. Everyone turned to see Ino tucking a camera back into her pocket before she noticed everybody staring at her and said in defense.
"What, that's one of the cutest things I've ever seen, plus it will make prime blackmail material to use on Hinata if I ever need too."
"Give me the camera Ino!" Kurenai sternly ordered.
"Umm, if you let me keep it Kurenai-Sensei, I'll give you a copy of the picture."
The red-eyed Jounin stared intently at the young blonde kunoichi in silence before sticking her hand out and saying.
"Deal."
As the two kunoichi's quickly shook hands, Kurenai told Ino to take another picture before Hinata and Naruto woke up. When the flash of the second picture went off, both bedmates began to stir from their slumber. A pair of obsidian blue eyes and a pair of lavender colored eyes seemed to open at the same time, as Naruto and Hinata gazed at one another, oblivious to anyone else in the room, as they softly spoke.
"Good morning Hina-chan."
"Good morning Naru-kun."
"You see, you and I woke up, just like I promised."
"(Arigato) Thank you Naru-kun for being here with me last night." Hinata stated with love and affection, as she lifted her head and placed a chaste kiss upon Naruto's lips.
"Aww come on Hina-chan, can't you give me a better kiss than that?" Naruto asked while giving a mock pout. This caused Hinata to giggle before leaning in and giving her blonde boyfriend such a sensuous kiss, it caused everyone in the room watching it to become very hot and flustered at that moment. As Naruto's embrace tightened around Hinata's back he began pulling the Hyuga girl closer, while she passionately combed through his sleek blonde hair with her hand, Tsunade finally spoke up and cleared her throat to alert the couple in bed of everyone's presence.
"Ahem (cough, cough!)"
Hinata heard the sound and broke off the kiss leaving both her and Naruto gasping before turning her head to see everyone in the room staring at them. The Hyuga girl's eyes bulged from their sockets and her face lit up fire-red, as she squealed in embarrassment and threw the bedcovers over her head in utter and complete humiliation of having been caught like that. Naruto for his part finally broke out of the daze Hinata's kiss had left him in and looked over to the contingent of people staring at him before grumbling.
"Great timing as always baa-chan, you sure know how to ruin a good time."
"Gaki, I'll ruin more than a good time for you if you don't tell me why I found you in Hinata's bed this morning!"
Before Naruto could answer the infuriated blonde Hokage, Lee spoke up and asked.
"Naruto I know your flames of youth burn brightly, but aren't you the least embarrassed to be caught doing such an un-youthful act as what we just witnessed?"
"What do you mean bushy-brow? Oh, you mean me kissing Hinata, why should I feel embarrassed about that? If anything, I feel lucky and proud to be kissing the prettiest girl in the whole village. And that's not something I'm ever going to feel ashamed about, believe it!"
Every kunoichi in the room silently swooned upon hearing Naruto's affectionate words about Hinata, before Neji interrupted their thoughts by saying with malicious intent.
"I don't care how lucky and proud you feel Naruto! Because if you took advantage of Hinata, soon all you will be feeling is pain!"
"And that goes double for me!" Kiba yelled out in agreement.
"That's enough from both of you Neji-kun, Kiba-kun! Naru-kun has never taken advantage of me and if either one of you tries to hurt him, you'll have to go through me first!" Hinata yelled in defense of Naruto at the two male Genin while uncovering herself from the bed covers, her Byakugan blazing as she spoke.
Both Neji and Kiba were instantly discouraged by Hinata's words, as the two of them looked sheepishly towards the floor in embarrassment.
Needless to say, everyone in the room was impressed with the strength and confidence Hinata was showing in defending Naruto. The boy had definitely been a positive influence on the young Hyuga girl. As this was no longer the weak, shy, and unconfident Hinata they had grown up with over the years. Now in her place was a young woman willing to fight for what she believes in, just like her blonde-haired boyfriend.
"Thanks Hina-chan but you don't have to do that. Besides you know I can take these guys if I want to."
"I know you can Naru-kun, it's just the principle of the whole matter."
"Hinata!" Neji and Kiba yelled in unison, both of them slightly hurt by how quickly Hinata had agreed with Naruto about defeating them.
"Well he can and if you two baka's weren't so stubborn and overconfident in your abilities, you would already know that!" Hinata defiantly fired back while glaring at her cousin and teammate.
"That's my girl!" Naruto shouted while pumping his fist in the air.
"Enough, everyone be quiet!" Tsunade cried out as she pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration before adding.
"You still haven't answered my question gaki, why is it I find you in Hinata's bed this morning?"
"Well it isn't for perverted reasons if that's what you're thinking baa-chan!" Naruto stated while throwing down the bed covers and swiftly jumping up and flipping off the bed to land deftly on his feet, still fully clothed for everyone to see.
"Please Lady Tsunade, it's not Naru-kun's fault. I was scared to fall asleep last night out of fear I wouldn't wake up again. So Naru-kun offered to stay with me and said that if we held onto one another, he promised that we would both wake up in the morning. I know it sounds silly Lady Tsunade, but holding onto Naru-kun and knowing he was there made me feel safe and I wasn't scared to try and sleep anymore."
A collective 'awwwww' went through the minds of all the kunoichi in the room upon hearing Hinata's explanation of what Naruto had done for her.
"Actually Hinata it doesn't sound silly, but rather sweet and romantic and since the gaki didn't try anything perverted with you, I'll let him off the hook…….this time! Tsunade commented in earnest.
'That is so sweet and romantic; I wonder if Neji-kun would have done something like that for me? Probably not, Mr. Hyuga warrior would probably just tell me to man up and that I was being foolish.' Tenten thought to herself while leveling a glare at the Hyuga boy next to her. Meanwhile at that same exact moment Temari was glaring at the Nara male standing beside her and thinking.
'I am so jealous, why can't Shika-kun be romantic and understanding like that? If I asked him to do something like that the lazy slacker would either say it's much too troublesome or try to cop a feel while he was holding me.'
A scant second later both Shikamaru and Neji were the recipients of a smack to the back of their heads delivered by their respective girlfriends who both shouted out in unison.
"Why can't you be more like that?"
Both young men groaned while rubbing the back of their head, as each one mumbled a curse about Naruto under their breath.
"Naruto, you are much too troublesome."
"Damn it Naruto, why don't you man up and quit being such a romantic fool, it's making the rest of us look bad."
"Alright, since baa-chan isn't going to kill me, I'll leave you to catch up with everyone Hina-chan and bring you back some breakfast. Kami knows you won't be able stomach the slop they serve here." Naruto stated, before leaning down and giving a quick kiss to his Hyuga girlfriend and then leaping to the window. But before the orange clad Genin leapt away he turned around and sternly said.
"Oh yeah, if anyone else admonicks Hinata for what she did to end up here you're gonna have to answer to me!
'Admonicks?' Everyone in the room thought with confusion as they stared at Naruto.
"I think you meant admonish Naru-kun."
"Ad, admonish Hina-chan? Well whatever, if any of you give Hinata a hard time for doing what she did to end up in the hospital, I meant what I said about answering to me! And I don't care who you are!" Naruto vehemently declared while shooting a quick glare at Tsunade and Kurenai as he said the last part, to which both women suddenly found their feet were of great interest to them at that moment.
Naruto then leapt away into the village to secure Hinata's breakfast for the day.
"Grrrrrrrrr, gaki get back here, I'm done with you yet!" Tsunade growled out the window, but to no avail.
"Ashikarazu (I'm sorry) everyone, I didn't know Naru-kun was going to say that to all of you."
"It's alright Hinata; Naruto was just being a good boyfriend and coming to your defense. Something some men could learn a lesson from." Temari stated, while leveling a glare at Shikamaru who could only roll his eyes and mutter.
"Troublesome."
A pall of silence fell over the room watching the Chunin couple interact until Ino finally squealed in delight and rushed over to embrace Hinata in a hug while frantically talking a mile a minute.
"Oh Kami Hinata, I've missed you so much, I'm so glad you're finally awake again! We have so much to catch up on while you were asleep. And we have to go shopping as soon as you're released from here. When will that be Lady Tsunade? Oh well it doesn't matter it has to be soon right? I mean look at you Hinata you're awake and smiling again! I'm so happy right now! I mean I haven't been able to talk to another girl about the really important stuff in like forever. It had gotten so bad around here without you that I even tried to carry on a conversation with the blonde brick-house from Suna and the weapons panda over there. But all they want to do is train even during their time off. Well forget that, I get enough training from Anko-Sensei during the week. I certainly don't want to do more of it on what little time off we get. Oh, that's right Hinata, I forgot to tell you Anko has taken me as an apprentice and is my new Sensei, how crazy is that? Ha, ha, ha!"
"Kami Shikamaru, how is she able to say all of that in one breath, it's not physically possible?"
"Believe me Temari for that girl it is possible. If one were to judge the power of a Shinobi by how much talking they can do, Ino would be at Kage level strength."
"Ino-ch, Ino-chan ca, can't breathe!" Hinata finally was able to choke out, before the blonde kunoichi hugging her released the girl from her crushing embrace.
"Sorry Hinata-chan, I just got a little carried away I guess, heh, heh."
"Hinata, I'm going to let you reacquainted with all your friends. Lee I would like you to come with me and Shizune, as I've some new tests to run on you about your condition." Tsunade stated.
"New tests Lady Tsunade, does that mean you're ready to operate on Lee and restore his flames of youth?" Gai hurriedly asked, the hope echoing in the tone of his voice.
"No Gai, I'm not ready to risk Lee to an operation yet. However, I did recently receive some research done on similar injuries to what Lee has suffered. This research has provided me with some new ideas that I might be able to use to help Lee. But don't be getting your hopes up about that just yet. I still need to run these tests on Lee and study the research some more on the matter. Do you understand Gai?"
"Hai, Hokage-sama." Gai dejectedly answered.
"Lee say goodbye to Hinata and come with me please."
"It is good to see your flames of youth restored once again Lady Hinata. I am very happy for both you and Naruto. It appears your awakening has ignited his flames once more. I wish you both the best."
"(Arigato) Thank you Lee-san for visiting, I too wish you the best as well."
As Lee exited the room via his wheelchair being pushed by Gai to follow Tsunade and Shizune, everyone else attempted to take up a seat or position around Hinata's bed. In maneuvering to take a seat, Kiba failed to notice the stack of books on the floor next to a chair by Hinata's bed and stumbled over them and openly griped.
"What the Hell, what are all these damn books doing here?"
"Tho, those are my books Kiba-kun, what are they doing here?"
Kiba knelt down to pick up the fallen novels and began examining them while calling out.
"Poetry books, romance novels, books on flowers, yeah these are definitely yours Hinata."
"I, I don't understand, how did they get here?"
"Naruto asked to borrow them a few weeks ago Hinata."
"But why would he do that Kurenai-Sensei?"
"Girl I can answer that question for you. All Naruto did while you were in a coma was send a clone to my flower shop every morning to get a new flower for your hair. After that he would spend the rest of the day reading to you from your favorite books. I guess he thought in some way you might hear him reading and would wake up." Ino piped up and answered Hinata's query.
"Nar, Naru-kun did all that for me!" Hinata stammered as her eyes welled with tears, while lifting her hand to feel for a flower, but was disappointed to not find one.
"Hinata, I told you Naruto would get a flower for you every morning. I'm positive he's going to have one with him when he returns with your breakfast."
Hinata smiled after hearing that, as Tenten and Temari cooed about how sweet Naruto was to Hinata before sending a disapproving glare at their boyfriends.
"Yes, we know, why can't we be more like that?" Neji grumbled in annoyance.
"Tell me something Shika-kun; would you do something like that for me if I were into a coma?"
"I don't know Temari, why don't you go into a coma and we'll find out."
A scant second later the Nara heir found himself lying on the floor nursing a nasty bump on his head courtesy of a certain fan wielding pissed off girlfriend. Kurenai could only shake her head and wonder to herself.
'Kami, the way these boy's shoot their mouths off, it's amazing they have girlfriends at all.'
After Shikamaru hit the floor in a heap, Kiba closed one of Hinata's books he had been looking at and declared with insulting belief.
"Man, what complete girly-man Naruto must be to read this stuff!"
Immediately all the kunoichi turned their heads to stare at the Inuzuka heir with a scowl, but none more so than Hinata who asked in an icy tone of voice.
"Exactly why does Naru-kun reading those books make him a girl-man Kiba?"
"Umm……well I mean…….uhh……. he, he's a guy Hinata!" Kiba answered feeling very nervous, as he now noticed all the kunoichi's glaring ominously at him.
"So I guess you're saying my dad must be a girly-man because he owns a flower shop is that right Kiba?" Ino questioned Kiba in as equally an icy tone as Hinata had addressed him.
"Uhhhhh?"
"My father likes to read romance novels from time to time, so I guess according to you Inuzuka he must be a girly-man too!" Tenten affirmed in her own cold and deadly tone of voice while stroking the handle of a kunai with her thumb.
"That's, that's not what I……."
"My brother Gaara, you remember him don't you dog-boy? He's recently taken up reading poetry to help him quell his urges to kill when he gets upset. I suppose when I go back to Suna I should tell him to stop doing that because you said it makes him a girly-man. Gee, I wonder who he might want to put into his Sabaku Kyuu (Desert Coffin) jutsu after hearing that."
Kiba's eyes grew wide as dinner plates and his throat suddenly felt dry, as he remembered what that jutsu did to those Rain ninja during the Chunin exams when they encountered Gaara.
"No, no that's not what I mean. I, I just meant that stuff like poetry, flowers, and romance junk is more suited for girls than it is for guys that's all. I mean you guys know what I'm talking about and agree with me right?" Kiba asked while looking around for support from his fellow male comrades.
Unfortunately for Kiba, his male comrades had the common sense to have already drifted over to the far side of the hospital room. Where they now huddled together, as each one was looking in a different direction, but none of them would look in Kiba's direction, while all of them also seemed unable to hear the Inuzuka's plea for support. Just as Hinata, Ino, Tenten and Temari were about to descend upon Kiba and explain in not so gentle terms the errors of his thinking, Kurenai shouted out.
"Ladies stop! This is a hospital room not a training field! There will be no brawls here today!"
Kiba exhaled a heavy sigh of relief, while all the young kunoichi grumbled and began backing away from the Inuzuka in disappointment. However, their frustration was short-lived when Kurenai announced with a malevolent tone to her voice.
"There are much easier and less destructive ways to deal with Kiba and his sexist attitude."
Kurenai then flashed through several hand signs and called out.
"Narakumi no Jutsu!" (Hell Viewing Technique)
In an instant, Kiba was suddenly frozen to the chair he was in and found himself in a dark and hazy world. Taking a moment to get his bearings, he found he was now sitting inside a strip-club full of very hot women whom he assumed were the strippers, as he thought to himself.
'Kami, Kurenai-Sensei must have screwed up on casting her jutsu, because if this is Hell, I don't ever want to leave!'
As Kiba attempted to rise and turn away from the center stage he sat directly in front of he found his body was still seemingly frozen to his chair. Something else the Inuzuka boy noticed that seemed odd to him was his inability to blink his eyes. While he pondered this, some music started playing and lights dimmed inside the club. The ladies all around Kiba milled about a little closer to the stage, but none of them had as good a seat to view everything as he did. Just then the Master of Ceremonies or MC of the club announced over the intercom.
"All right ladies are you hot and ready for the Ultimate Yaoi Fantasy and Striptease Extravaganza Show!"
"Yeah!!!!!!" Kiba yelled along with the rest of the ladies, as his mind initially focused only on the words ultimate, fantasy, striptease, extravaganza, and show. A few seconds later the word yaoi finally made it to Kiba's brain just as the curtain opened in front of him.
"NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kiba howled back in the real world in absolute horror before slumping in his chair quivering and unconscious.
"Kurenai-Sensei, what did you do to him?"
"I cast a Genjutsu and sent Kiba to a strip-club for punishment Hinata."
"A strip-club, what kind of punishment is that? Knowing him, he'd love to be in a strip-club." Ino questioned in bewilderment.
"It was a yaoi strip-club I sent him to Ino."
A shroud of silence seemed to envelope the room like a cloak, as everyone contemplated what Kurenai had just said. After a moment, all the men in the room shivered in angst and fear of what Kiba might have seen. Whereas the reaction of all the women in the room to that same thought was to begin to snicker, before it broke down into a raucous side-splitting laughter from all of them. After a few minutes, the hilarity finally began to subside and Hinata being true to her nature asked with concern as she petted Akamaru.
"Is Kiba-kun going to be alright Kurenai-Sensei?"
"I promise Hinata, he'll be fine. Hopefully, my little lesson will teach him to think before he speaks in the future."
"Good luck with that Kurenai-Sensei, Hinata and I have been trying to teach that lesson to Kiba since Team #8 was formed." Shino announced while he and the rest of the males in the room made their way back over to Hinata's bedside.
"Well, while Kiba-kun is…………resting, everyone please tell me what has been happening with all of you since I was……asleep."
About 40 minutes later, Naruto leapt back into Hinata's room his arms laden with several bags and clutching between his teeth a Shiro Keshi (White Poppy) flower. Naruto set all of the bags on a table by Hinata's bed, before removing the flower from his mouth and tucking into the Hyuga girls hair while kissing her cheek and uttering with a smile.
"They're now you look perfect."
"Arigatou (Thank you) Naru-kun, it's beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it Hina-chan, I thought it was appropriate for the occasion, that flower symbolizes rejoice."
"How, how did you know what that flower means Naruto?" Ino stammered in disbelief.
"I learned it from one of Hinata's books that I read. I thought it would be the perfect flower to give her today with all of us here. I mean we're all here to rejoice and celebrate Hinata-chan waking up aren't we?"
"Indeed we are Naruto that was a very caring and intelligent choice of flower to give to Hinata."
"Thanks Shino, I appreciate that. Umm, does someone want to tell me why Kiba is passed out in that chair drooling?"
"He's just………resting Naru-kun and Kiba-kun always drools when he's asleep."
"Uhh, ok if you say so Hina-chan."
"Naruto, how come you brought so much food back with you for Hinata?" Chouji finally asked, as the smell of it wafting throughout the room was starting to make him feel light-headed.
"Well knowing Hinata like I do, if I only brought back food for her she wouldn't eat it with all of you here thinking it would be rude. Well I don't want my hime to go hungry and I sure don't want her to have to eat the garbage they serve here for breakfast. So I went ahead and bought enough food so all of us can have breakfast together with Hina-chan."
"That was very nice of you to do Naruto, thank you."
"You're welcome Kurenai-Sensei. Well, what's everybody waiting for let's dig in!"
After everyone went through bags of food which consisted of fish, rice, pickles, natto (fermented soy beans), miso soup, omelet's and strips of seaweed, Naruto sat on the bed next to Hinata and handed her a plate, as she viewed the food a small frown appeared ever so slightly for a brief second.
"I got everything you like for a breakfast didn't I Hina-chan?"
"It all looks wonderful Naru-kun, thank you for doing this for me and all of our friends."
"No problem Hina-chan but still, I can't shake this feeling that I forgot something you really like to have with breakfast, something like…………..this!"
Naruto then reached inside his jumpsuit and pulled out a bag of sweet smelling cinnamon rolls and gave them to his girlfriend. Hinata's face lit up like a Christmas tree, as she squeaked with delight and hugged Naruto tightly. Ino saw the bag of rolls sitting on Hinata's lap and reached over while saying.
"Oooooooh, cinnamon rolls let me have one."
A scant second later, Ino was knocked backwards by a massive amount of killing intent, as Hinata hissed at the blonde kunoichi and gnashed her teeth while clutching the bag to her chest.
"MINE!"
Needless to say that morning everyone learned something else not to ever mess with when Hinata is around. The first subject is never mess with Naruto and the second and perhaps more dangerous subject pertaining to the Hyuga girl.
Never ever try and take one of Hinata's cinnamon rolls.
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After Naruto exited the hospital, he wandered around feeling both happy and miserable all at the same time before he spotted a lone empty bench in a small secluded park. Making his way over to the bench, the blonde Genin flopped down into it with a thud, as he leaned forward and buried his face in the palms of his hands and silently wept. A short time later Naruto felt a chakra signature approaching that he knew all too well and wiping the tears from his face he looked up to see Kakashi approaching him. Naruto smirked slightly when he saw that his Sensei held in his hands a bouquet of Burūberu (Bluebell) flowers. Upon the arrival of the silver-haired Jounin, Naruto quipped in amusement.
"For me Kakashi-Sensei, you shouldn't have."
"Ha, ha Naruto, very funny, if you must know these are for Hinata."
"I hate to break it to you Kakashi-Sensei, but she's already seeing someone."
"The good ones usually are Naruto. No, I got these for Hinata because I know she enjoys flowers and this particular one represents….."
"Gratefulness."
"That's correct Naruto, I'm impressed. I had to have Ino help me pick out the right flower to convey my thanks to Hinata for saving my life. I was on my way to the hospital when I sensed your chakra signature."
"It's a nice gesture, I know Hinata-chan will love them Kakashi-Sensei."
Naruto was doing his best to mask the sorrow he was feeling but Kakashi knew something was upsetting his young pupil and asked with concern while sitting down next to him.
"What's troubling you Naruto?"
Naruto for his part could only lean back while exhaling a mournful sigh before saying.
"It was just something Hinata-chan said to me before I left. The rest of the rookie 9 class along with Gai-Sensei's team showed up this morning to visit with Hinata-chan, while I went out and got breakfast for all of us."
"That was nice of you to do Naruto. Did Hinata enjoy seeing everyone again?"
"Yeah, Hinata-chan was really happy to see and talk to everyone again and we all had a great time. But after a while they had to leave for various reasons and missions, which left just me and Kurenai-Sensei in Hinata-chan's room."
"Did something between the three of you?"
"No, not at all, it was just Hinata-chan wanted to talk to Kurenai-Sensei in private and I kind of pouted about having to leave when Hina-hime giggled and said."
"Don't pout Naru-kun; we have all the time in the world to be together."
"I think I understand, you haven't told her yet have you Naruto? Hinata doesn't know that you're leaving at dawn tomorrow for your training with Master Jiraiya. "
"No Kakashi-Sensei, I haven't told her yet. I was going to tell her last night, but she was already in a panic about going to sleep, so I decided it could wait until morning. Then everyone came by this morning to visit with Hinata-chan, so I couldn't tell her then. Truthfully Kakashi-Sensei, I don't know if I even have the strength to tell her anymore?"
"I could tell Hinata for you Naruto when I see her."
"Thanks Kakashi-Sensei but no, I've got to be the one to tell her I know that. But it's just going to kill me to cause her so much pain when I do."
"I'm sorry, I know it will be hard for you Naruto, but it has to be done."
"I guess you're the lucky one Kakashi-Sensei, at least you don't have a girl you have to break the heart of before you leave."
A brief image of Kurenai flashed through Kakashi's mind before he replied in a somber tone.
"Yeah, I'm the lucky one alright."
As Kakashi rose from the bench, he patted Naruto on his shoulder to give the young Genin his support before reminding the boy.
"Remember, we meet up with Master Jiraiya at the northwest gate a half-hour before dawn tomorrow. I've already got all of our supplies packed up and ready to go back at my place."
Naruto merely nodded his head in sad affirmation before Kakashi disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
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Kurenai was in deep thought after leaving the hospital, as she walked down one of the busy merchant streets of the Leaf village. The crimson-eyed kunoichi was still debating with herself whether or not to take Hinata's advice and talk to Kakashi. Then seemingly out of thin air, Kurenai caught sight down the street of the very subject of her thoughts approaching. Deciding then and there to take her young pupil's advice, Kurenai was about to call out to Kakashi when her breath suddenly hitched in her throat as she noticed what he was carrying. Ducking into a nearby alleyway the Genjutsu mistress watched with a tear in her eye as Kakashi passed by the alley and Kurenai could clearly see the bouquet of flowers he held in his hands. After allowing sufficient time for the silver-haired Jounin to pass, she stepped out from hiding and gazed at his retreating form before turning around to walk away in the opposite direction. As Kurenai walked, a single tear rolled down her cheek while she clutched her arms around her, as she thought to herself.
'You were wrong Hinata; I was too late because I'm a stupid fool! I've lost Kakashi all because I could never find the courage tell him that I love him. Kakashi's moved on and found someone else and I can't blame him for that. Why should he continue to chase after me after he confesses his love for me and I tell him nothing in return? I hope whoever the lucky girl is makes him happy. I just wish it didn't hurt so much knowing he'll never be mine.'
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A group of four young Shinobi were returning to the Leaf village grumbling about the latest mission they had just finished. It was D ranked mission consisting of helping out a local farmer retrieve all of his livestock after the animals had escaped during a storm. It was a fairly easy mission for the four young men to accomplish considering their respective talents. First Neji would locate the animals using his Byakugan. Once pinpointed, Shino would then use his insects to drive the animal out of the forest to a predetermined location where Shikamaru would bind the animal using his family's famous Kage Mane no Jutsu. Then Kiba along with Akamaru would herd the said animal back into their rebuilt pen and after a few hours, the mission was completed.
"I think Tsunade kept all the girls off this mission on purpose, because man I can't believe how bad all of those animals reeked. It's going to take a week of bath's just to wash away this stink."
"I'm impressed you even bathe Kiba."
"Kiss my hairy ass Neji!"
"Enough the both of you, we're all hot, tired, and have definitely smelled better. I don't want have to listen to you two bicker all the way back to the Leaf village, it's much too troublesome."
"I agree with Shikamaru, your petty squabbles can get very tiresome to listen to."
"Alright, alright, hey do you guys want to hook-up tonight and checkout that new kung-fu movie that just came out?
"Sorry Kiba, I'd like to but I've got a date with Temari tonight and she says it's going to be a special one."
"I too would like to attend but cannot. I've made plans with Tenten for this evening and she promises it will be a night to remember."
Both Neji and Shikamaru scowled in deep thought as both of them pondered what their respective girlfriends had said to each of them. They were broken out of their thoughts when Kiba piped up and commented with envy.
"It sounds like you two are going to get laid tonight, you lucky bastards."
Neji and Shikamaru turned their heads and looked quizzically at one another, as both considered what Kiba had just said. Then in an instant, Neji and Shikamaru took off in a sprint back to the Leaf village, both of them desperate to get to a hot-springs to clean up and find a drugstore as quickly as they could.
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A soft knocking on the door of her hospital room awoke Hinata from her brief nap. Looking over to the clock she noticed that it had a little more than an hour since Kurenai had left. Hinata hoped that her teacher would follow her advice with regards to Kakashi. However, before she could reflect further on the conversation she had with her guardian, the sound of knocking interrupted the young Hyuga girl's thoughts and she called out.
"Come in."
Hinata's eyes widened in surprise when she saw Kakashi enter her room carrying a bouquet of flowers before he sat down on the chair by her bed and said.
"Konnichiha (Hello or good day) Hinata, how are you feeling?"
"Good day to you Kakashi-Sensei, I'm feeling fine thank you for asking."
"I brought these flowers for you, I hope you like them? I had them picked out special just for you Hinata. They're a species called Burūberu (Bluebell) and I'm told they represent or symbolize….."
"Gratefulness Kakashi-Sensei, I recognize them and they are lovely, thank you."
"Well it's a small token of my appreciation of the sacrifice you made to save my life. I wish I could do more for you, because the price you nearly paid would not be worth it to save the likes of me." Kakashi stated, while placing the bouquet in a vase by the bed.
"Please don't think that way Kakashi-Sensei. I don't regret doing what I did to save you because you are important to the two people I cherish most in the entire world."
"Important, you must have me confused with someone else? I'm nothing more than a burnt out Shinobi from a disgraced clan who aside from the battlefield has failed in every other endeavor in his life. One would have to be a fool to consider me important in their lives."
"So according to you Naruto-kun is fool, because he does consider you one of the precious people in his life!" Hinata angrily spat at the silver-haired Jounin.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean that the way it sounded. No, Naruto isn't a fool, but he is mistaken to care about me when he shouldn't." Kakashi somberly replied, while rising from the chair to walk over to a window and gaze out onto the village.
"Why do say such a thing Kakashi-Sensei?"
"Because Hinata everyone who has come to care about me and I them in my life………..dies."
"That's not true Kakashi-Sensei, I care about you and I didn't die."
"But you nearly did Hinata and all for the sake of saving me, which I am grateful for. But I'm even more grateful that you survived because you are much more precious and important to Naruto's life than I have been or ever will be. Truth be told, in the two plus years Naruto has known me, I've been nothing but a failure to him and to the memory of his father Minato, my very own Sensei."
"But you've been trying to change that and redeem yourself with Naruto-kun since you brought him back from the retrieval mission. Just because you were once a failure with him doesn't mean you still are Kakashi-Sensei. Naruto-kun doesn't think that way about you and neither do I and both of us care a great deal about you."
After a moment to reflect on what Hinata had been saying, Kakashi replied with sincerity.
"Thank you Hinata-chan for your kind words. I too care about you and Naruto a great deal as well. This is why I say, I don't want either one of you sacrificing yourselves just to save me in the future. The two of you are young and deserve the love and happiness of a future together. It would destroy me knowing that yours and Naruto's future together was lost because one of you gave up your life just to keep me alive."
"Don't you deserve a future of love and happiness with someone Kakashi-Sensei?"
"Deserve……. I don't know Hinata, in Kami's eyes, probably not?" Kakashi solemnly lamented before continuing.
"There's only been two women I've met in my life that I could have or do love. One I rejected out of ignorance in my younger days before she died. The other rejected me, Karma's punishment I guess for my arrogance and stupidity with the first girl so long ago. So maybe it isn't a question of do I deserve a future of love and happiness with someone? But I think more a question of am I worthy enough for someone to love and have a future with? And I believe the answer to that question is no."
"I'm saddened you believe that about yourself Kakashi-Sensei. Because I believe everyone is deserving of a future of love and happiness with someone. If I didn't then Naru-kun and I might never have found one another."
"Perhaps I'm just too old and jaded to think that way Hinata. But I'm glad you're not and that you and Naruto were able to find one another, as you both deserve the happiness and love you share with each other. Which reminds me I should be going and let you get some rest, as I'm sure Naruto will be coming back soon to see you."
"Kakashi-Sensei"
"Yes Hinata."
"Did you mean what you said earlier about wishing you could do more for me?"
"Hai Hinata I did. I promise if it's within my power to do something for you I shall."
"Then I have one small request for you to do."
"What is it that I can do for you Hinata?"
"Remember when I said you are important to the two people I cherish most in the entire world."
"Yes, I remember."
"I would like you to speak to the other person I consider as precious as Naruto-kun."
"Who, who would that be Hinata?" Kakashi nervously stammered, fearful of the girls answer.
"I want you to talk to Kurenai-Sensei."
"I, I don't know if I can do that Hinata."
"But you promised me Kakashi-Sensei! You said if it's within your power to do something for me you would!"
A heavy silence filled the room as Hinata waited for the silver-haired Jounin to respond.
"How much do you know about what happened between myself and Kurenai Hinata?"
"I don't know everything if that's what you're asking, but I know enough. I know Kurenai-Sensei is hurting because you've been avoiding her and won't talk to her anymore."
"She shouldn't feel that way Hinata, I am sorry I wrecked our friendship over a foolish dream on my part. But I told her that I understood and wouldn't bother her anymore. I don't understand why this would upset her? I would think she would be relieved that I'm not interfering with her happiness." Kakashi stated with confusion, as a picture of Kurenai with Asuma flashed quickly through his brain.
"Well Kurenai-Sensei is not feeling relieved, so please go and talk with her Kakashi-Sensei."
"I don't know what there's left to say between us?"
"I'm sure the two of you can figure out something to say to one another, I mean you're both adults……………..I think!"
Kakashi's eyes narrowed at the little barb Hinata had just tossed out. The girl was basically challenging him to go and speak to Kurenai. The red-eyed kunoichi was correct, Kakashi had been avoiding her, but it wasn't out of spite or malice on his part. It just hurt too much to see and talk to Kurenai knowing she would never be his. Kakashi gazed at the determined look on Hinata's face, as she stared back at him unwavering in her resolve. Finally, after what seemed like hours in Kakashi's mind, he blinked and exhaled a weary sigh before saying in a defeated tone of voice.
"Alright Hinata, I will go and speak to Kurenai. I don't know what good it will do? But I made you a promise and I will keep it, this I swear."
Hinata's face broke into a wide smile and she leaned back into her bed triumphantly and said.
"You don't have to swear to keep the promise Kakashi-Sensei, I know you will. Because if you didn't I would be forced to tell Naru-kun about you breaking your word to me. I don't think he would like that very much, do you?"
Kakashi's lone visible eye grew wide with fear, as countless possibilities went through his head of what Naruto's reaction might be and what the boy might do to him in such a situation and none of the scenarios were pleasant. Looking back over to see a slightly smug grin plastered on the Hyuga girls face. Kakashi could only shake his head slightly and think.
'Kami, I wonder if Naruto knows how ruthless Hinata can be when she wants to.'
"Well, as I said earlier, I should be going and let you get some rest. I'm sure Naruto will be along anytime now to see you Hinata."
"Thank you for coming to visit me Kakashi-Sensei and for the flowers as well. Be sure to say hello to Kurenai-Sensei for me when you see her."
"I shall Hinata." Kakashi grumbled, as he left the room while thinking to himself.
'Me and my big mouth, you would think Kakashi after seeing how much trouble Naruto's promise caused for him, you would be a little more careful in declaring them yourself.'
However, Kakashi wasn't the only person speaking to themselves within their own mind, as Hinata laid her head on a pillow and thought.
'Alright Kurenai-Sensei, I've sent Kakashi-Sensei your way. Just please for Kami's sake don't screw it up and tell him how you really feel.'
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It was after 11:00pm when the young girl heard her hospital room door open and close. Peering out into the darkness she could see a silhouetted figure standing by the doorway. Mustering up her courage she called out into the dark with trepidation.
"Who, who's there?"
It's just me; don't be frightened, I need to talk to you."
"Nar, Naruto!"
"Yeah." Naruto replied, as he flicked on a lamp sitting on a table by the bed, which illuminated the room under a soft glow of light before adding.
"How are you doing…………Sakura?"
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Author Notes: There are you all freaking happy! By a vote of 147 to 19 on my poll, Hinata lives and I'm denied my shot with a Supermodel………sob! To the 19 of you who voted to let me have my Supermodel, I thank you and hope there is a special place in heaven for all of you. For the 147 uncaring selfish #%$&*# who denied me my German babe, Kyuubi is lining up seating for you all as we speak. Since I didn't get my Hot German Supermodel babe Joanna Krupa who was carted off days ago by ABC executives and is now dancing with some blonde emo-gayboy on Dancing with the Stars, you all must wait one more chapter for the killer lemon. But who is lucky couple going to be in said lemon? Shikamaru/Temari, Kakashi/Kurenai, Neji/Tenten, Jiraiya/Tsunade, Chouji/Ino, Naruto/Hinata or am I so twisted as to do a ………Naruto/Sakura lemon, only Kami knows?
While all of you ponder as to whether or not I could truly be that evil? Let's move onto other matters such as the mind-blowing responses I received about the last chapter. Granted some of them were the expected "please don't kill Hinata" reviews, but a lot of them were also very well thought out and insightful. Needless to say I'm shocked, but also most grateful that it set a new personal record for reviews of one of my chapters. 84 reviews for a chapter is just incredible and I want to thank all of you who reviewed. Not to sound like I'm begging, but I would love to break the century mark in reviews for one of my chapters. And I think this chapter can do it considering the Naruto/Hinata fluff that people have been dying to see again was over-flowing in this chapter. It would also motivate me that much quicker to get chapter 37 and the lemon finished. So please do tell me your thoughts about the chapter and/or the overall story in general in a review if you could, thanks.
Once again, I have very little positive to say about the last few issues of the Naruto manga!
#465 – Well Sasuke using his new power-up Susanoo courtesy of Kishimoto tries to bury Gaara, his siblings, the Raikage, and one of his Jounin guards under an avalanche of stone by destroying the temple they were all fighting in. Sasuke like the little treacherous emo-punk he is finds Karin and escapes to go after Danzo, leaving behind his comrades Suigetsu and Juugo. Gaara saves everyone from being crushed with a sand barrier while the steroid Raikage goes after Sasuke. Sasuke crashes the Kage meeting, Danzo escapes, and Sasuke goes after him but the new hot Mizukage engages emo-boy in battle all while cooing about how handsome. There's not one of you out there who can't tell me if Kishimoto had the chance to become any character, he would choose Sasuke every time. So, there's nothing much of substance to this chapter, just Kishimoto having Sasuke showing off as usual.
#466 – The hot Mizukage attacks Sasuke while she flirts with him. Once again Kishimoto portraying Sasuke as someone every woman wants. The Mizukage's bodyguard also attacks but of course Sasuke uses Susanoo to protect himself. But he's low on chakra and about to get killed when Zetsu who apparently is still alive interferes in the fight saving emo-boy. However, the Tsuchikage joins the fight and smashes the Hell out of Sasuke. The Raikage and Gaara show up to learn Sasuke might be dead but of course he isn't Madara shows up and saves Sasuke at the last moment, before beginning his speech to all the Kages of his master plan. An ok chapter other than Sasuke continually getting saved, but it was primarily a lead in for the next chapter, which is a good one.
Btw, doesn't Sasuke look so adorable in his little Orochimaru outfit?(lol)
#467 – I have to admit I did enjoy this chapter immensely. I pick on Kishimoto a lot, but every so often he comes up with something pretty original and creative. First off Madara use his Mangekyou to send Sasuke and Karin off to some dimension. He then starts to inform the Kage's of his "Moon Eye Plan" and the resurrection of the 10-tailed beast Jubi. Apparently all the Bijuu are divisions of this beast and Madara wishes to fuse them all back together to revive the Jubi and become its host. In the past the Rikudo Sage was the original host but knew upon his death the Jubi would be released once again. So he divided the Jubi's chakra creating all the Bijuu and dispersed them throughout the lands. Then Jubi's empty body was sent off to where no man could reach it becoming the moon. Madara wants the Jubi's power to restore his eyes so he can use the ultimate jutsu the Mugen Tsukiyomi, which will allow him to use the moon and cast an illusion over the entire earth. Essentially folks, he's turning the moon into one gigantic Sharingan, that's his Moon's Eye Plan. Madara then asks that the Kage's turn over Naruto and Killer Bee, whom we learned wasn't captured by the Akatsuki, the Kage's refuse and Madara declares the 4th Shinobi war has begun. All in all one of the better chapters I've read in a long time.
#468 – Madara disappears after declaring war. The Kages immediately decide to form an alliance to fight him. The Kage's then argue as to whether or not Naruto and killer Bee should be protected or used in the fight against Madara and the Akatsuki. They've tentatively chosen that they should be protected. Killer Bee we learn is in some woods somewhere getting singing lessons. Then Kisame shows up to capture him and for some reason Kishimoto gives him a power up saying he has the chakra level of a Bijuu, which leads the story into the next chapter of Killer Bee vs. Kisame. It was kind of a boring chapter for the most part. The only thing that bugged me aside from Kisame's power-up was how amazingly fast Sakura and company found Naruto. I mean they just left to go searching for him the previous chapter.
Yes, I'm still thoroughly disgusted that Kishimoto hasn't done anything yet with the Hinata confession to Naruto now reaching 32 issues.
*News on the Zombie Hefster War*
Victory is ours! Yes folks, it's true. At midnight of October 10th, 2009 I accepted the unconditional surrender of Zombie Hefster after his forces were utterly defeated both on land and in the water. Now you may be asking why I would grant a surrender by Zombie Hefster when the Naruto/Hinata forces have all but annihilated his Naruto/Sakura zombie army. Well it's like this, Zombie Hefster was never my mortal enemy, but more like a lost German brother who was seduced by the darkness that is Naruto/Sakura. To put it in Naruto terms, consider me Naruto to his Sasuke. I granted his surrender and initiated the peace treaty because I wish to save Hefster and bring him into the light that is Naruto/Hinata. I've already taken the first step as Hefster and I have just released our prologue chapter to a Naruto/Hinata/Sakura story we will be co-writing. The link to it is listed on my bio page since this site won't even allow links to be posted in chapters to their very own friggin site!
Now I know when you read the prologue it may appear that the story is Naruto/Sakura. I promise you that is not the case and Hinata will be appearing very soon. Now you may ask why I am allowing Sakura as one of Naruto's pairings for that story. I did this for two reasons; first I have to take baby-steps with Hefster, as his defeat was so crushing it has left his psyche very fragile. And second, I can't simply try to make him go cold-turkey and co-author a Naruto/Hinata story right away, he wouldn't survive. I must wean him off of Naruto/Sakura pairings slowly if I am to bring him into the light. So, consider this story a trial run before the much anticipated Naruto/Hinata pairing story that will be co-written in the distant future by Kingkakashi and Hefster.
We have several people to thanks for this victory and ending this war, but none more so then the two Generals who have been leading this fight for so long, I'm Solo and Naruto The Highlander. First off I'm Solo led a brilliant campaign in this war even when his forces were forced to fall back into Belgium and France and victory for the Naruto/Hinata fans seemed nothing more than a dream.
General Solo in a bold strategic move cleverly lured the majority of Zombie Hefster's forces into what is called the Paris Basin. He did this by advertising that the largest Naruto/Hinata fan convention in the world was being held there. However once the Naruto/Sakura forces entered the Basin General Solo's forces surrounded the basin with romantic imagery of Naruto and Hinata together. As well as playing several compilation videos of Naruto with Hinata done on YouTube by fans of that pairing. It drove the N/S Zombies insane and they were completely trapped. Then General Solo and his remaining forces entered the basin all equipped with chain saws ala Ash Williams of the famed "Evil Dead and Army of Darkness movies." General Solo finally discovered the perfect way to destroy the Zombies was to hack them up into as many tiny bits as they could. That way their resurrection would not be possible. Congratulations General Solo, it worked and the billions of Naruto/Hinata fans all over the world give thanks and praise to you for what you've accomplished.
Not to be overlooked, Naruto The Highlander led his special forces into the North and Baltic seas where Zombie Hefster had ordered his invasion of America to commence. His zombie forces already being dead had no need for air to breathe, were sent out to traverse the sea floor all the way to the United States. While General Solo was leading his army to victory on land, General Highlander bravely took his forces into the sea and ala James Bond from the movie "Thunderball" engaged the N/S zombies in a fierce battle. Taking his cue from General Solo's use of chain saws, General Highlander went more medieval and used katana swords to turn the N/S zombies into sushi. So to you as well General Highlander the Naruto/Hinata fans all over the world, also gives thanks and praise for what you've accomplished. They still are a few straggler N/S zombies roaming around primarily in Germany. But Rictor Yagami of the Yagami clan has offered his services to hire some special soldiers to hunt them down and finish them off. He'll be hiring Dante, and Nero to join the fight. Along with Alucard, The Wild Geese, and even that nut job Paladin Anderson. He'll also will be bringing in to be on the safe side from the Halo series, Master Chief John-117 to finish off the remaining zombies.
In closing I would like everyone to pause and have a moment of silence for all the people who were loyal Naruto/Hinata fans who were turned against their will into Naruto/Sakura zombies. Take solace in knowing that that they are better off dead rather then living a life as a Naruto/Sakura zombie.
*End of Zombie Hefster War News and the War*
As always, if anyone wants to discuss my story in greater detail, just shoot me a PM. I enjoy talking about the story with any readers who really have an interest in it. I'll try to respond back to you as quickly as I can. Also some readers ask me questions in reviews, but if you have your private messaging disabled, I can't respond back. Now I'd like to give a shout out to a couple stories that I recommend and hope you all will checkout when you have the time.
"Clones" by Perpetual159: One of the best Naruto/Hinata stories I've ever come across. The writing is superb and the story itself is both creative and original.
"The path of the hunternin" by Narutoenthusiast: An original tale involving Naruto making a life altering decision after the death of Asuma by the Akatsuki and some cruel words spoken to him by Kurenai at the funeral which he takes to heart.
I hope that all of you can R & R these stories when you have a chance.
Take it easy and be good!
Kingkakashi
School time:
Atrophy
Definition: Decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue.
Etymology: Latin from Greek 1601
Part of Speech: Noun