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Naruto Overdrive
chpt.36: Starica
A sudden sound in the back of his mind brought Naruto back to the waking world, his eyes popping open as he finds himself looking into a ceiling he was still getting use to. The light of the still early morning sun was filtering in through the drapes covering his window and he sat up and yawned before pulling his still groggy self out of bed.
The same sound from the back of his mind came upon him again, making him all jittery as he spins around and looks over his new home, wondering if there was someone in here with him. "Hello, is anyone here? If there is, then quit playing games and show yourself."
Getting no response nor seeing any sign of movement, Naruto sighs and reminds himself that it was probably just a dream mixed with the still getting use to aspect of his new home in Konoha. Though in fairness, shouldn't they be calling the village Senhana now; seeing that was the proper name for this place?
Shaking that off for now, Naruto walks over to the window and pushes the drapes off to the side before opening the window up, then peeking his head out to look over the new village. When he and the others had first arrived, they had assumed that the village was just being hidden within the upper echelons of the sea of trees on this island. But then, Jiraiya had correct them on what the reality was.
The trees themselves were the village.
Naruto was still astonished by what the third Hokage had told him about this place. The Senju, being known as the clan of the forest, had lived in harmony with all things in nature. And this island had not only been their home, but an extension of themselves. The city of Senhana had been built high up, off the ground. And it had been the trees themselves, somehow, that had created these large inner chambers to act as homes for the Senju. Even the flow of water was some how regulated by the will of the trees.
In addition to this, there were small wooden platforms extending out around each home and wooden bridges that connect one giant tree to the others, creating a maze of sorts that one could explore. And of course, no one down on the surface would be able to see any of this for some odd reason. Naruto figured it was some sort of special Senju made concealment jutsu that was at work here.
'Well, I better get something to eat, then go find Kakashi-sensei and do some training' thought Naruto as he turns away from the window and heads over to the cupboard to see if he actually had anything to eat, or if he needed to go grocery shopping before training.
Naruto found himself stopping as the sound of tweets and the flapping of wings caught his attention and he turns around just in time to see a small bird fly in through his open window and land on the wooden table near the center of the room. The bird just looks at Naruto for a second before bursting into smoke that, once cleared, revealed the bird had, in fact, been a letter transformed for easy delivery to him.
"You know; every time I see that, it still amazes and shocks me" said Naruto to himself as he walks over, picks up the letter. Seeing Inari's name on the return address, Naruto quickly opens and reads the letter.
Dear Naruto
It's me, Inari. Boy, it sure been a while since you and Kakashi-sensei have been here in Wave (about three of four months actually). I just wanted to thank you again for what you both did for us (as well as Mr. Zabuza and Mr. Haku too, of course). Things have been going great here since Gato's death and for the first time in a long time, we feel like we're a free people again.
But I didn't write you just to say all that now. The REAL reason for this message is because I wanted to invite both you and Kakashi-sensei to join us here in Wave for the first summer star festival; also called Starica by us, that we have been able to have in a long time (not since Gato came and destroyed everything). It will be happening this month, from the twelfth to the eighteenth. You are can make it, then please send a reply. Oh, and if you do come, why don't you bring a girl with you too. Grandpa says that Starica can help make love blossom between a boy and girl and lead to "magical" things happening...what ever that means?
Well, I got to go. Mom's hitting grandpa with her frying pan for saying that magical stuff to me.
See ya soon,
Inari...
'Hm, Starica huh?' thought Naruto as he considered it.
"Yeah, sure, why not. It does sound like fun" said Naruto before an idea pops into his head. "Hey, I wonder if...?"
Naruto quickly grabs two pieces of paper and a pen and begins to start writing up a reply to be sent to Inari, then writes a letter to be sent to a special someone. Once he was done, he quickly dresses then rushes out the door as he wanted these to get sent off as quickly as possible.
(Hokage's office)
"It's been a long time, Jiraiya. Have you been taking care of yourself?" asked Sarutobi as he got up, walked over, and hugged his old student.
"Of course I have, old man. After all, I can't go meeting the reaper till I have finished my life's work: my research of all the lovely ladies out there" said Jiraiya with a lecherous grin.
Sarutobi sighs before saying "Well, at least your libido hasn't changed after all these years. By the way, sorry for not seeing you when you brought the kids back."
Jiraiya shakes his head and says "That's alright. You were busy with village matters, not to mention learning about the events at the Shadow Test and about Hayate's death. Besides, I was in no hurry to leave seeing as you don't ofter get a chance to see and explore a city like Senhana."
"Well, I'm glad you stayed here anyways as I have something I need to talk with you about" said Sarutobi, becoming more serious as he takes his seat behind the desk.
Jiraiya sits down as well before asking "Does it have anything to do with you moving Konoha into Senhana? I was under the impression that this was a sacred place that needed to be protected for all time. By placing the village here could lead to trouble if an enemy finds and attacks here."
"I know, but I was left with little choice. Jiraiya, we have learned that Orochimaru has found us and plans to attack us within the year" said Sarutobi.
"What? Orochimaru has found you? How? Hasn't any of the villages possible hiding spots that he would have known about already been axed from the list? And how do you know he plans on attacking after all this time?" asked Jiraiya.
"We don't know how, to be honest. But I trust the words of the person who delivered this information to me as well as believe the intel that states that he will attack us soon" said Sarutobi.
"May I ask who it was that told you these things?" asked Jiraiya.
"It was the elder, Mada of the Crystal Forest."
To say that Jiraiya was shocked to hear that was an understatement. He knew well the stories behind that woman and knew that everything she said always came true. "I see. And if my guess is correct, you chose Senhana because..."
Sarutobi nods, then says "Correct. When Orochimaru does attack us, it is my hope that Senhana itself will fully awaken from her long slumber and aid us in stopping him and his forces."
Jiraiya takes a moment to look around the room before saying "Senhana; the living city that exist in a balance with nature. Should an enemy ever enter its realm and try to defile her, then she will rise up and crush that enemy with a furious might. Is that what you're hoping for?"
"Correct" was the reply.
"I see. But you gotta admit that this is one hell of a gamble, you know that right?" asked Jiraiya.
"I know. And that brings me to the other thing I wanted to talk with you about" said Sarutobi.
'The other thing? Wait, don't tell me...' thinks Jiraiya while asking "What is it?"
"I'm old, Jiraiya. More so than I would like to admit. And I have held onto the position of Hokage for a long time, longer than I maybe should have. Mada made me realize that I have been foolish; both for maintaining this statues for so long and for not having even started grooming a successor yet. That's why the time has come for me to step down and appoint someone new to succeed me...as the Fourth Hokage. And I want you to be the some one" said Sarutobi.
"Sensei, I'm...both shocked and honored that you would choose me for this position. But what about the old windbags, Koharu and Homura? I was under the impression that they didn't like me much. Why would they agree to this?" asked Jiraiya.
"I didn't give them much choice. Basically, I told them either get over yourselves and accept this or resign your station and I'll find better advisers to fill their positions" said Sarutobi.
Jiraiya chuckles before saying "Boy, wish I could have been there to see that happen."
"Well Jiraiya, what do you say?"
"Like I said, I am honored by this...but I can't. I feel that I would better serve the village by being out there, gathering information as opposed to being here doing the desk job work" said Jiraiya.
"I understand that, but I have no one else in the village that has both the chakra and the stamina to do this. Truth be told, I had considered Kakashi or Asuma for the role of being my successor. But Kakashi just doesn't have the chakra levels to be Hokage material and Asuma has no interest in being head of the village and has told me this when I asked him before. Please Jiraiya, you're the only one left. It has to be you" said Sarutobi in a pleading voice.
"Actually, there is another in case you've forgotten. There is always Tsunade" pointed out Jiraiya.
"Tsunade?" said Sarutobi in surprise before giving the suggestion some thought. "Yes, O can see where you're going here. She does have both the skill, chakra levels, and pedigree to be a great Hokage. But, no one knows where she is at present."
"I have an idea about that. If you'll let me, I'll go find her and bring her back" said Jiraiya.
Sarutobi thinks about it, then nods and says "Very well then, I'll assign a few ninja to accompany you and help in the search. But if you can't find her or you do and she says no, then will you accept the position in her place?"
"Don't worry, I'll find her. And if she does say no, then I will become the Fourth. But as for the escort, I'll pass. Besides, you have to prepare for the attack, right? You can't afford to waste the man power for this venture, despite how important it is" said Jiraiya.
"Be that as it may, I..." Sarutobi starts to say, but Jiraiya stops him and then says.
"Actually, there is one person I wouldn't mind having tag along with me. That is, if you can spare him?"
(twenty minutes later)
Naruto and Kakashi entered into the Hokage's office and saw both the old man and Jiraiya waiting for them. After taking a seat, Kakashi leans forward and ask "You wanted to see us, lord Hokage?"
"Correct. Kakashi, Naruto; as you both know, there is a danger of this village being attacked by Orochimaru here in the near future. In order to give us the best possible chance of winning, we will need some new blood and, to be more specific, a new Hokage" said Sarutobi.
'Wait, don't tell me...am I going to become the Fourth?' thought Naruto hopefully.
Sensing what Naruto was thinking, Kakashi looks at him and says "Don't get your hopes you. You're still way to young and inexperienced."
As Naruto groans from this, Sarutobi says "Actually, the person I'm eying for the position is Tsunade."
Kakashi's eye goes wide with shock as he ask "Tsunade? You mean, the Tsunade? Tsunade Senju, Tsunade?"
"That's correct. Jiraiya here has agreed to go and search for her as well as bring her back, if possible. And that is why we have called you both here. Kakashi, would you have any issues with sending Naruto to accompany him on this search?" asked Sarutobi.
"No, of course not, lord Hokage. If master Jiraiya thinks Naruto can help him, then I'm fine with that" said Kakashi.
"Wait, just who is this Tsunade woman? And why do you want me to go with you, pervy sage?" asked Naruto.
"I'll explain more about her in detail while we travel. But for now, it's enough to say that she is the granddaughter of the First Hokage; Hashirama, and the most deserving and capable of the position at this time. And as for you coming with me. Well, I feel there's something special about you and would like to train you in some jutsu to make you stronger" said Jiraiya.
"While the trip sure sounds fun, I'm gonna have to pass. You see, I already have a teacher" said Naruto as he points to Kakashi. "We've taken the oath and I can't betray that" said Naruto, failing to notice Kakashi looking away as he said that.
"Naruto...there's something I need to" Kakashi starts to say, but Jiraiya interrupts him.
"Naruto, if Kakashi gives his consent, you can train under me for the duration of the trip. Right, Kakashi?" asked Jiraiya.
"Of course, master Jiraiya" said Kakashi before looking at Naruto and says "Naruto, Jiraiya is a powerful ninja and a wise man. And he can teach you many powerful jutsu that I can't. That;s why I, Kakashi Hatake; your teacher, give you permission to learn from him when ever he offers to teach you something."
Naruto looks back at Jiraiya and says "I don't know. From what I've seen, the only thing he can teach is Being a Pervert 101."
""Hey, I'll have you know I can teach you a lot more than just how to be a pervert" retorts Jiraiya.
"Yeah, like what?" asked Naruto, challenging Jiraiya.
"Well, how about how to sky walk? That can be pretty fun" said Jiraiya.
Naruto closes his eyes and thinks about it before finally saying "I still have my doubts. But I'll go with you anyways just to make sure you don't goof off during the mission."
"That a boy. Just go pack you bags and we can be on our way" said Jiraiya as he goes to get up.
"Actually, an we wait a few days before we leave. I have something I need to do" said Naruto as his cheeks go red.
"And what would that be?" asked Sarutobi.
"Well, I...kinda...asked Hinata if she...wanted to go...out on a date with me for Starica" said Naruto nervously.
Before Naruto could take a breath, all three men were standing, or should I say hovering, over him with big grins plastered on their faces. "Hm, a date, huh? Boy, you sure are growing up fast, Naruto" said Sarutobi.
"It seemed like only yesterday he was screaming on about being Hokage..." said Jiraiya.
"And now, thanks to me, he lusting after the female form. Mission accomplished" said Jiraiya as he gives Naruto a thumbs up.
Naruto then blushes in embarrassment before saying "Guys, it's not that big of a deal. I've just asked her if she wanted to go and if she says yes, we'll meet up at Wave and have some fun."
"Want a condom? Just in case?" asked Jiraiya as he rummages through his pockets.
"HELL NO. Just how old do you think we are?" screams Naruto.
"Ah, going oh natural, are we? I agree completely" joked Jiraiya.
"OH SHUT UP" shouts Naruto as he crosses his arms over his chest in a huff.
"Alright, I'm sorry. Seriously though, that shouldn't be a problem, Naruto. This will give me some time to make some additional arrangements for this trip" said Jiraiya.
"What kind of arrangements?" asked Kakashi.
"I want to hire a specialized tracker to help us in the search; someone far more skilled than anyone here in the village" said Jiraiya.
Sarutobi nods, then says "Alright then; once Jiraiya has finished his preparations for this trip and Naruto has gotten to third base (earning an evil glare from Naruto for that remark) with Hinata, you two will set out on your mission to find Tsunade."
"Don't worry, old man. We'll find this Tsunade woman and bring her back" said Naruto confidently.
"Naruto, would you like me to help you pack for the trip?" asked Kakashi.
"Sure" said Naruto as he and Kakashi go to leave.
"Kakashi, seeing as your helping Naruto prepare; will you help him find some new garments that will make him appear to be a Sage in training for this mission?" asked Jiraiya.
Both Naruto and Kakashi looks back and Naruto ask "Why do I need a new look?"
"Because where we're going isn't very friendly to outsiders, especially ninja. And seeing as all your clothes will likely scream "I'm a ninja", it will make things easier if you appear to be a Sage in training and NOT a ninja. Plus, we can hopefully avoid unwanted battles too" said Jiraiya.
"Leave it to me, lord Jiraiya. I'm sure I can find something that will fit the missions needs" said Kakashi before he and Naruto left the room.
(Temple of Ama)
Hinata and Tenten stepped out of the mess hall and made their way towards the passage to the training level. Having filled their stomachs with food, they were both ready to kick off another intense day of training. Especially since Hinata would soon be going out on her first official mission as a Slayer.
"So, what am I going to be learning today, Tenten?" asked Hinata as they rounded a corner.
"Well, you have been doing well with the hand to hand combat training. So how about we start working on teaching you how to wield your weapons in a fight" said Tenten.
"Sounds good to me" said Hinata who was looking forward to trying out her bladed battle staff, chakram, and battle claws.
"Hinata" comes Sakuya's voice from behind them, making the two girls stop and turn around. Once she was standing before them, she says "I'm glad I found you so quickly. A letter just arrived here for you." She then hands the letter to Hinata.
"A letter for me? I wonder who sent it" said Hinata as she turned it over and examined both sides.
"I'm not sure, but the delivery man was a ninja from the looks of it. I think he was from Konoha" said Sakuya.
"From Konoha? Then it must be from Naruto" said Hinata excitedly before opening the envelope quickly, pulling out the letter, and unfolding it so she could read it.
"Naruto? Oh yeah, that boy I here you calling out to in your sleep at night" said Tenten, making Hinata blush from learning that someone had heard her. She then reads through the letter and she starts blushing even more before she goes catatonic like.
"Hinata? HINATA?" said Sakuya as she waves her hand across her eyes, getting no response. "I wonder what the letter was about."
"I'll find out" said Tenten as she grabs the letter from Hinata's hand, bringing Hinata back to reality as she tries to get the letter back. But, Tenten is able to keep her away as she reads the letter aloud.
"Dear Hinata, I hope you're doing well in your new life as a priestess for the Temple of Ama. The Shadow Test was...well, some stuff happened and I'll fill you in on it the next time we see each other. And, well...the reason why I'm writing is...I heard that there is a Starica Festival being held in the Land of Wave over the next few days and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me. You know, like a...date or something. If you answer yes, then send a reply right away. Note, the ninja who is delivering this message will stick around till you give him the reply. And the date, if you say yes, I was thinking we could do it tomorrow. I'll be waiting for your reply and hope to see you in Wave. You're hero, Naruto" read Tenten before looking at Hinata with a big grin on her face.
"Oh, that is so cute. He's asking you out and everything."
'Naruto...' thinks Hinata as she imagines herself and Naruto on a date. "Wait, I don't have anything to wear" she said in a despairing voice.
"Well, you could wear your priestess robes...or maybe your Slayer garments. Either one will make him drool all over you" said Tenten.
"Don't worry, Hinata. I'm sure we have a kimono around here that would be perfect for this occasion. But right now, you better write that reply message. After all, that delivery ninja is still waiting for it" said Sakuya.
"Your right, I need to hurry" said Hinata before she runs off to her room to get her reply written.
Sakuya smiles as she recalls her own first date with a boy, especially how that night ended. But she is brought out of her memory reverie when she hears Tenten chuckling evilly. "Tenten, what's with that laugh?"
"Huh?" said Tenten, looking at her in surprise. "Oh, nothing...nothing at all, heh heh." As Tenten walks off, Sakuya can't help but think Tenten was planning some that will likely make this date more interesting.
(the next night; The Great Naruto Bridge)
Upon arriving, Naruto had taken a moment to marvel at the completion of the bridge that now shared his name. He had to hand it to Tazuna, this really was a amazing piece of work. Once the moment to bask had passed, Naruto took a quick look around and didn't see Hinata. She he went and leaned against one of the wooden arch's and awaited her arrival and getting more and more nervous by the second.
Naruto wasn't wearing his usual ninja gear; not even his forehead protector. All of that had been left back in his place in Senhana. Instead, he was wearing a lite red colored vest with pointed edges and a olive green colored tunic and pants. His new look was actually similar to Jiraiya's Sage clothes. But his didn't have the faded color look that Jiraiya's had. He also had a pack hanging from his back that held all his stuff that he was taking on the trip. The plan was that Jiraiya would meet him here and they would both stay with Tazuna and his family for the night and set out in the morning from here.
Getting an idea, Naruto makes a Shadow Clone and tells it "Here, take this over to old man Tazuna's place", then hands it the back pack before adding "Then go take a look around and see if maybe Hinata is already here and might have gone into the village to look for me."
The clone nods before turning and leaving Naruto to continue his waiting alone. After about fifteen minutes of waiting and watching other people pass him, Naruto looks up to the sky and begins to star gaze; trying to see how many consolations he could make out in the sky.
"Naruto?" came a voice that made him look to his front.
Naruto's eyes go wide as his cheeks blush a furious pink/red as his gaze falls onto Hinata. He had thought her beautiful before; but seeing her now was taking his breath away. She was wearing a radiant golden colored kimono with silver roses decorating it. She had a cute lavender ribbon in her hair that had bells hanging down from it along the side via tassels. She had a swan covered paper fan in her hand, and she had a small amount of makeup that complemented her goddess like appearance.
"Hi...Hi...Hinata, you...your beautiful" stammers out Naruto, feeling like he had died and gone to heaven.
Hinata blushes a mad pink color as she shyly looks away and says "You to, Naruto. I mean, you look really handsome tonight."
Naruto just smiles and says "I guess we both came looking our best, huh? Well, are you ready to see what Starica has to offer us?" He then holds out his hand and offers it to Hinata.
Hinata nods as she places her hand in Naruto and says "Yeah, let's get going."
And with that, the two walk hand in hand, side by side through the bridge arch and begin their walk towards the festival grounds. As they walk, neither take notice of another person following them a few yards back. Tenten smiled beneath her panda mask, which had her mouth and the bottom of her nose exposed as she hated covering either and was wearing an identical kimono as Hinata.
'OK you two, lets see some magic' thinks Tenten as she keeps a close eye on them.
After crossing the bridge, Naruto and Hinata run into Inari, Tazuna, and Tsunami, who lead them around and show them all the stands that were set up across the path. At one stand, Naruto and Hinata try on and buy decorative mask. Naruto gets a cure toad mask and Hinata a blue bird mask.
They then stop by a ring toss and Naruto manages to win Hinata one of the big, as in near human sized, stuff doll of her choice. To Naruto's surprise, or not, she chooses a fox plushy that Naruto offer to carry around on his back for her. They get some cotton candy to eat and share with one another. Inari gets them to share a drink together using two straws. At one point, Inari makes them looks away and turns the cup around so when they go back to drinking again, Inari lets them know what he did and that they had shared an indirect kiss. Naruto responds by trying to kill Inari while Hinata presses a finger to her lips and wonders what it would feel like to actually be kissed by Naruto.
They check out other booths as well. And then finally, they separate from Inari, who goes off with his family; Naruto and Hinata follow others to the top of a hill and find a nice quiet place where they can watch the fire works.
As they were sitting by one another, Hinata debates wrapping an arm around Naruto's and resting her head against his shoulder. She then says "Thank you, Naruto. This has been the most fun night I have ever had in my life."
Naruto blushes, then looks at her and says "Thank you for being here tonight with me, Hinata."
"Naruto, can we do this again next year?" asked Hinata.
Naruto nods before looking up into the sky and says "Of course. We'll be here again next year, and the year after that, and the year after that. We'll come here every year."
"I can't wait" said Hinata.
A sudden streaking sound and the sight of something shooting into the air catches their attention as Naruto says "Alright, the fire works are starting."
And then, the first burst of light occurs in the sky, followed by many more. Soon, the sky was aglow with many beautiful pyrotechnic sights that marveled and amazed them. So focused on this were they, that neither notice a figure come up and grab Hinata, covering her mouth and pulling her back.
Before Hinata can scream, Tenten whispers "Shh, don't say anything. It'll ruin the fun."
Allowing Hinata to turn and see her, Hinata says in a whisper "Tenten, what are you doing here?"
"I just wanted to see my Sister out on her first date" said Tenten, giving her a wink. She then smiles and says "Hinata, I have an idea."
Naruto, to focused on the sight of the exploding fireworks, fails to hear the two girls whisper. Finally, he says "Hinata, this is so amazing. Don't you think so, too? Hinata?"
Naruto was suddenly aware that Hinata wasn't responding. Was she really that in awe of it too? And then he noticed that he could feel her near him. But as he goes to turn to where she was sitting, he sees motion followed by a flash of her kimono off the corner of his eye come to sit down beside him again.
"Hinata, is something..." said Naruto, till the feel of Hinata wrapping herself around his arm and resting her head on his shoulder makes him freeze.
He blushes madly as he realizes that he can feel her chest pressing up against his arm, which brings some perverted images into his head. Shaking them off, a new desire comes to mind. A desire he knew he needed to act upon at least.
"Hinata?" asked Naruto.
"Hmm?" was the reply.
"I think I know how to make this night more memorable than it already is. Will you close your eyes?" asked Naruto.
He feels her nod before pulling away from him. Naruto's sight goes mostly dark as the fire works momentarily stop, foretelling that the big one's were about to begin. He turns to Hinata and sees her looking at him. From what little he could see, it looked like she was using her mask to cover her eyes.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto closes his eyes too before leaning in and pressing his lips against hers.
For a few moments, Hinata returns the kiss as they share this magical moment. And then, Hinata freezes up. Naruto breaks away, confused by why she stopped and looks at her just as the first jumbo fire works display begins. And Naruto's eyes go wide at what he sees.
"AAAAHHHHH, I kissed a panda" screams Naruto in shock.
Tenten comes out of her stiff state,slaps Naruto hard, them bolts up onto her feet ans she pulls her ask off. "You pervert, how dare you steal MY first kiss" shouts Tenten.
Naruto's eyes go even wider and he screams "NO WAY, THAT PANDA HAS MORPHED INTO A HUMAN FORM!"
A vein pops out on Tenten's forehead as she rages. "You...IDIOT...PERVERT...DIE" before jumping upon Naruto and begins to beat him senseless.
Hinata, who had been off to the side watching this, runs forward to save Naruto. She wasn't mad at Naruto for kissing Tenten. Rather, she was mad at Tenten for convincing her to switch with her and thus, causing Hinata to miss out on her first kiss.
"Please Tenten, don't kill him" pleas Hinata as she tries to figure out of to save Naruto.
"Well well, this has certainty become interesting" said Jiraiya as he watches from a nearby tree branch.
Tenten stops and looks at him, saying "And who are you?"
A bloody and beaten Naruto looks up and says "Huh? Pervy Sage...is that you?"
"Pervy Sage?" asked Hinata.
Tenten looks at Naruto and says "What do you mean by that; calling him Pervy Sage?"
Though really woozy, Naruto manages to say "He's a self proclaimed super pervert. He writes porn books and goes around asking girls to help him with his research. He even molested Ino, a girl from my village who's the same age as me, my touching and groping her butt."
Tenten looks at Jiraiya with a dangerous fire in her eyes as she says "Oh really now?" She then lets Naruto go, having forgotten about what had happened, and cracks her fist as she says "Will you come here a second, mister SUPER PERVERT?"
Jiraiya sweat drops as he scratches his head and says "Um, I think I took a wrong turn at that cotton candy stand. I think I better get going...now." Jiraiya then jumps from the tree and makes a run for it with Tenten chasing after him and screaming on about how she was going to rip his balls off.
Once they had disappeared from sight, Hinata helps Naruto up and ask "Are you OK, Naruto?"
"Yeah, but that crazy girl can hit hard. Harder than any guy I know" responds Naruto.
"She's Tenten; my Sister at the Temple. And by Sister, I mean she's the one who trains me in all I need to know" said Hinata.
"Boy, I didn't know fisticuffs were mandate learning for healers" said Naruto.
"Ah...it's always a good idea for a girl to know how to defend herself from dangers in this world: said Hinata, nervously.
"Oh, that makes sens" said Naruto, making Hinata sigh in relief.
Hinata then remembers Naruto kissing Tenten while thinking it was her and she ask "Naruto, were you really going to kiss me back there?"
Naruto blushes as he wonders what to say "Well, yeah...that was the plan. Um, you wouldn't have minded, would you?"
"No Naruto, I wouldn't have..." Hinata starts to say, but is stopped and Naruto grabs her arm and pulls her forward as he presses his lips to hers.
They remain in the kiss for only a moment before breaking apart and looking at each other before they lean forward and kiss one another again; this time their hands lock and their fingers entwine as they keep the kiss going longer this time. Much longer this time.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya is still running for his life as Tenten gets closer and closer to catching up with him.
Next time: the greatest hunter's in the world...the training begins