Chapter Thirty-Seven
The granite of Hokage Rock was still warm to the touch after the seasonably warm September sun had baked the deep tan surface to the heat of a fresh loaf of bread. The warmth did little for Minato's sense of unease as he sat atop his own stone rendering alongside his son. He wore the white Hokage's open as he usually did, not wanting to sweat worse than the weight of what he was about to discuss with his son would force him to.
Naruto sipped an oversized can of honey-ginger iced tea, as did Minato. Up here, above Konoha, Minato was free from the incessant drone of day to day business his office required. However, he was never free of the responsibility he had to the village below him. Or the boy sitting beside you. He looked at his son, far from carefree in his own right. Something in his boy's eyes staring out at the village hinted there was something troubling his boy, hiding behind his normally boyish sapphire eyes.
"How's the tea?" Minato asked, trying to make conversation. The two hadn't shared a father-son moment since their trip to the arcade on New Year's Day. All the time spent between then and now had been training, managing one crisis after another, or in family therapy. Thankfully, Naruto seemed to be well-recovered from the trauma of July.
"It's good, Dad," Naruto traced a loose bead or liquid around the rim of the can. "You mind telling me what made you bring me up here?"
"Would it be too much for a father to spend a quiet moment with his son?" Minato asked.
"At the moment," Naruto paused for another sip, "I'm afraid it probably is." He sighed deeply, "I assume this has to do with the Chunin Exam?"
The boy is perceptive as ever. Minato wished they could have stayed off topic for a bit longer. He knew what they were talking about was going to touch a nerve or two, and Minato really didn't know how well this was going to go. You're his father, do your damn duty and quit being a wuss. "Son, I need to talk to you about something." Minato said obliquely as he eyed the picnic basket he'd brough with them. Aside from the tea, it contained a few important surprises depending on how this conversation went.
"I assume something bad is expected to happened during the exam?" Naruto inquired.
"What gave it away?"
"Well, we only have two days to go, and you've been fretting over security worse and worse every day," Naruto said. "I kind of figured you might have something to tell me."
No avoiding it, just say it. "Son, I want you to consider withdrawing from the exam." Minato said quickly, like a man trying to tear off a bandage quickly to minimize discomfort.
"Dad?!" Naruto's eyes went from sleepy to alarmed, "What are you talking about? What happened?"
"Son, you have me in a major bind here," Minato ran his fingers through his hair. "If you're out, then we have nothing more to talk about here, and we can enjoy the sunset," he paused, "and I'd have to encourage you to forget we ever had this conversation."
"Dad, I've been preparing since before graduation almost a year ago!" Naruto's voice rose in a mix of confusion and indignance, "What the hell? What brought this all up? There's barely two days to go and you spring this on me?"
Minato truly felt like a bad father. He had kept the suspicions about the delegation from the Village Hidden in the Sands hidden for weeks, hoping, praying that something would come up before now. "Son, you're only a year out of the academy, and the Forest of Death is no playground," he did his best bullshit.
"Bull, Dad," Naruto saw straight through him, "I know it's not called Pocky, Mochi, and Ramen Forest for a reason, and I've know since signing up that my life was going to be in real danger; so have you!" Naruto's cheeks began turning red, "Stop treating me like I'm a little kid and not a shinobi, and tell me what the hell is going on, Dad!"
The decision is made. He didn't know when it happened, but his little boy was no longer little. In another month, he'd be thirteen. Minato reached into the picnic basket and pulled out a small manilla envelope, "Son," he held out the offending envelope like it was an unstable Rasengan ready to explode, "If you accept this, you're in to the end, no backing out, and your hands are on the controls."
Naruto accepted the envelope, opening the end and exposing the contents. "What's this?" he asked, pulling out a series of documents clipped together with a new shinobi registration card.
"Your new security clearance," Minato swallowed. "Unrestricted level."
"Unrestricted," Naruto did a double take as he looked down at his updated documents. "Dad, that's your level of clearance!"
"Yes it is," Minato said gravely. "If you're in, then you deserve to know everything. Minato extracted the intelligence file from the envelope. "You cannot share the contents with anyone, not even Hinata."
Naruto thumbed the file, reading reports and security briefs regarding what was known and what was suspected. Naruto snapped it shut, "So someone from the Village Hidden in the Sands has it in for me, big deal!" Naruto said.
Minato was only mildly surprised at Naruto's cavalier response. Evading and resisting abduction or assassination has been part of his life since he was old enough to walk and talk. "Son," he reminded, "You're going to be in forest where no help with be forthcoming if things go bad."
"How is that different from when Obito attacked last October or when these bozos attacked in July?" Naruto shot back. "For that matter, how is it different than the mission to the Land of the Waves?"
"It's different," Minato started, "because we have advanced knowledge that something is going to go bad, we just don't know what." He stared at Naruto, measuring him, "And don't forget, your life won't be the only one on the line this time. You have to decide what you'll do based on that knowledge."
Naruto's face spasmed at the realization of what Minato was talking about, "Hinata, Sakura…" he whispered.
"It's a hard path you've chosen, son," Minato put a hand on his son's shoulder, "I know this isn't your first time making a decision that will affect the lives of those you care about, and it won't be the last." Minato looked down at the village, "And someday, it won't be just Hinata or Sakura, or your friends; it will be everyone down there." Minato tilted his chin to the village. "I know it's not easy keeping things like this a secret from them, but sometimes, we have to. Sometimes," he paused, that's the Hokage's most difficult duty."
Naruto's face was a sea of conflict. No time like the present. Minato reached into the basket for a package wrapped in brown paper. "Son, this was supposed to be a birthday gift from your mom and I," Minato handed it to Naruto, "I think you might need it sooner rather than later."
Wordlessly, Naruto tore open the package to reveal a neatly folded jacket, slightly larger than the one he was wearing. The torso and most of the arms were matte black with only a few traces of rust orange as trim. On the back, the Uzumaki family crest was in alternating green and black, and the shoulder patches had the hidden leaf symbol in black on dark forest green. "Dad?" Naruto stared.
"Mom and I thought you could use something a bit more tactical than a simple workout jacket," he explained, "Try it on."
Naruto slid off his jacket, and put the other garment over his body, zipping closed and buttoning over the zipper with a special flap. "It's a bit loose," Naruto said as he adjusted the cuffs around his wrists.
"I'm anticipating you'll start hitting your growth spurt this year or next; I wanted you to have a little room to grow before we replace it," Minato looked at his son, his young shinobi. Naruto stood up to bend and stretch, his face curling in curiosity as he felt for the limits of his movement. "The inner core shell is a special type of nylon," Minato stood up, "it's tear and puncture resistant. It should stop damage from sword or knife slashes, and it should at least slow most stabbing weapons."
Far from making his son look more secure, the jacket seemed to make Naruto snap in realization. Naruto shivered as he looked down the mountain with razor focus. "Dad, I have to go!" he exclaimed.
"Son, where? What's going on?" Minato asked, acid rising in his stomach.
"The Hyūga Compound!" he yelled as he rapidly descended the rock face. Minato knew the impulsive look in his son's eye – he was going to talk to Hinata.
"Naruto! Wait!" Minato shouted, but his boy was already halfway down the mountain. "Dammit!" Minato kicked a loose pebble. Even if Naruto got admitted by the gate guards at the Hyūga Compound, there would be no way Hinata would be able to see him tonight. He debated the merits of chasing after his son, he could catch him easily, but Minato relented as he descended the mountain carrying his son's now boyhood jacket – he was now almost a man and needed to face this as a man. At least he didn't forget his security clearance.
Minato sighed, hoping his son wasn't about to do something stupid with sensitive information. He looked down at the orange jacket that had seen his son through most of his first year of being a shinobi. Naruto hadn't yet grown out of it, much as he wasn't fully a man. But soon, he would grow into the black and orange jacket and the responsibility that came with it. Minato looked at his own jacket. And not long after that, one day, he'll grow into this.
The central courtyard in the Hyūga Compound was lovingly decorated with red paper lanterns strung from the awnings and by long tables covered with brilliant white and red floral arrangements. The entire clan turned out in their best robes and dresses. The series of major events had prompted a run on tailors in Konoha – the formal outfits so seldom worn until now had fallen largely into disrepair and repairs had been desperately needed. Normally, Hinata would have eschewed such a lavish display. However, she wasn't just some pawn in the clan, she was its leader.
Having watched from the sidelines, she understood the importance of pomp and ceremony – making others feel important and acknowledged. Hinata had insisted if the clan were to hold ceremony here, the more elaborate, the better. Anything to exorcise the memories that happened here. Her eyes briefly flitted to the spot where Uncle Hizashi had fallen protecting her and Naruto. She knew the memory would haunt her, but it was only that, a memory. Nothing here can hurt you; don't spoil the happy day. The happy couple knelt before her, facing her. To her left was a distant male cousin dressed in black formal robes, and to the right was his soon to be wife dressed in a white and red floral print kimono. The bride's makeup had taken hours easily, her face painted pure white with luscious red lipstick and only the sharpest of eyeliner to accent the bride's beauty on her big day.
Hinata had tried and failed to keep her regalia muted so as not to steal from the bride or groom. She wore three layers: a black bodysuit, a simple lavender inner robe, and a dark purple silk floral print outer robe tied around the waist with a fine silk sash to match. True to her nature, Hinata wore no makeup. Sadly, she had already caught the attention of several bachelors in the room because she was not wearing makeup, and there was no man on her arm. Of all the times to turn heads; it's not my wedding! She sighed lightly in frustration that the one person she wanted here was not.
"If anyone here can in good faith offer any reason why these two should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace." After the fifth wedding in nearly two months, she could almost recite the entire ceremony in her sleep. "Seeing no one objecting, it is my great pleasure to declare you husband and wife," she turned to her cousin, "You may kiss the bride."
It was a happy, tasteful kiss. Right now, Hinata hoped no one could see the jealousy in her eyes. She had seen six other couples kiss happily in front of her in the past five weeks; she had barely seen her boyfriend outside of practice in the past three weeks. Naruto had been training with Grandpa Jiraiya, now thankfully home, with renewed vigor, as had she. Unlike Naruto, she now had a clan that required her attention. Sometimes that meant dropping everything due to the busy summer wedding season. In addition, Hinata had been playing catch up with her father on clan rituals and techniques she had been missing out on for years in some cases. Between her official duties and helping rehab Neji, the thought of being in the dangerous Forest of Death on a camping trip for five days almost sounded like a vacation. Now if it was only with Naruto alone.
Hinata shook off the naughty thought as Neji limped alongside a distraught Hanabi toward her. The crowd was dispersing as the bride and groom would exit to change into less formal attire for their reception. "Big sister!" Hanabi called as she dragged Neji along. His leg had mostly healed, but he was easily another month of rehab before he was a hundred percent. Even still, he was planning on participating in the second part of the Chunin Exam in two days – a thought that didn't sit well with Hinata.
"Where's the fire, you two?" she asked, jokingly, hoping to shake off some of her dourness.
"Hinata, there's a disturbance at the gate that requires your attention," Neji said.
"What is it?" Hinata furrowed her brow.
"Let's just say a certain young gentleman is demanding to see you," Hanabi sighed dreamily, "Apparently, he missed that there is a wedding today.
Naruto! Hinata rushed as quickly as the elaborate kimono allowed toward the edge of the courtyard, down the main corridor, and to the imposing gatehouse. "Please, I have to see her! It's urgent!" Naruto's voice called as she came into view. She locked eyes with him. His beautiful blue eyes were tinged with both manic worry and stunned amazement as he took her in.
Naruto's normally orange field jacket had been replaced with a more serious looking black combat jacket. While dashing, he certainly was not dressed for a wedding. "Lady Hyūga, I already explained to him," the gate guard spoke, not removing a hand from Naruto's chest, "that this is a closed family affair, only by invitation."
Neji soon approached, as did Hanabi. A quick glance told her Neji was about the right height and build. Hopefully! "Lord Naruto!" She feigned indignance, "not only are you late, but you've dressed inappropriate for the occasion!"
"Hinata?" Naruto painted confusion onto his already diverse palate of concern, elation, and desperation.
"Lady Hinata?" the guard asked, also confused.
"This young man is the Hokage's son, and he's supposed to be my private guest to this wedding," she put both her fists on her hips to accent her feigned displeasure. "Guards, admit him at once, and Neji," she turned to her cousin-turned-brother, "see if you have an appropriate outfit that will fit him!" she ordered. "And you," she said harshly, winking at Naruto, "don't think I'm through with you!" She jerked her thumb back toward the corridor, "Now get in here you big oaf! The reception will be starting soon!"
As they made their way back toward the courtyard, Naruto tried to speak, "Hinata, I need to talk to you, urgently!"
"You're interrupting a formal occasion, a wedding, Naruto!" she raised a finger, "and now you're stuck here with us for the rest of the evening!" Hinata smirked internally.
"But…" he tried speaking
"Naruto, this way," Neji commanded, "Hinata could get in big trouble if you're seen looking like that!" He and Hanabi took Naruto by the arm.
"Bring him down to the courtyard as quickly as you can, hurry!" Hinata ordered. Hanabi gave a thumbs up over her shoulder as she dragged Naruto along.
"Hinata," Mom called, "you're needed in the courtyard, the reception is about to start!"
"Coming, mother!" Hinata called as she scurried back down to the courtyard and to her table near the head of the reception. Soon, the procession of the bridesmaids and groomsmen began, ending as the happy couple entered last. A sudden stirring to her left caught her attention as Neji, Hanabi, and Naruto approached the table. Naruto was dressed smartly in one of Neji's formal outfits. The jet-black robes were trimmed in brilliant white silk, and it appeared that Neji had forced Naruto to gel his unruly mane of hair. "You cleaned up well," she said as Naruto was guided to the seat next to her. He looks just like how he looked in my dream!
"Hinata, I need to talk, urgently," he said. Unfortunately, Naruto looked even more nervous than her dream of them on their wedding day.
"Then tell me what's up."
"I can't, not here," he looked around, "I need to talk privately." Naruto's stony expression displayed a level of seriousness uncanny for the blonde boy.
Hinata's heart jumped violently. Either he's got something incredibly romantic planned, or he's breaking up with me. Neither thought was appropriate for the moment – this wasn't her day. "We have to wait for the first dance of the new couple, then we have about five minutes, we can slip out, that's all," she said.
"That's all I'll need," the seriousness of his tone suggested anything but romance. Hinata sighed lightly. Hinata stretched out with her feelings, uncertain if she wanted to feel Naruto's emotional state via the chakra that linked them – especially if that was what was on his mind. Could you blame him? You're both way young, and it's not like you've spent any quality time with him in almost a month. Hinata steeled herself, expecting him to push back as she gently linked her chakra to his; however, he didn't. Grey waves of confusion radiated off from Naruto, and she sensed a moral quandary and a huge level of concern. If not that, then what?
Hinata put on her mask of calm. "Ladies and gentlemen," she rose to her feet, "I present the parents of the bride and groom!" Hinata gestured for focus to turn away from her to the wedding table. As she sat, she made a quick scan of her Byakugan. Only Naruto was paying her any level of attention. "This way, quietly," she whispered. As the parents of the new family began their speeches, Hinata guided Naruto by the wrist to the most private spot possible, the garden courtyard outside the training room. In the still of the fading light, long purple shadows were cast from fragrant plants as darkening twilight replaced the orange sherbet colored sky. "No one is here," she scanned the area, "Now do you mind telling me why I just helped you crash my cousin's wedding?"
Naruto's grave expression only deepened; she could see his throat pulsing like his heart was trying to climb out of his mouth. "I… uh…" he stammered nervously, scratching the back of his head, and breaking eye contact with her, "you see…" A cold flash of fight or flight nervousness radiated off of him as his voice trailed off.
Oh god! He is breaking up with me! "Na-Naruto-kun," she began to cry as she stammered, "You're breaking up with me, aren't you?!" Cold tears began streaming against any effort to withhold them. Hinata stepped away from him toward the stone bench so important to Mom and Dad.
"What?!" Naruto's face went from grave and nervous to shocked and confused, "No! Hinata! I-I wouldn't do that! How could you say such a thing!" He ran beside her and took her by the arm.
Relief and embarrassment washed over her. Hinata's legs threatened to buckle, and she sat on the stone bench Mom had shared with Dad as a young couple. "Okay, you're not breaking up with me; so, what has you on edge? I haven't seen you this concerned and miserable since the day I dueled Hanabi!"
"Hinata," he searched with his eyes, "I can't tell you about a lot of it. This might sound unreal." Naruto heaved a sigh, his shoulders collapsing.
"Then try," she said. She got up and guided him down onto the bench beside her, "I'm here and I'm listening." The small bench afforded little personal space. She didn't know if it was the three layers in the late summer heat or if it was Naruto's sudden closeness, but beads of sweat began tickling down her lower back as he sat next to her.
"Hinata, during the exam," Naruto continued to measure his words carefully, "You'll be in danger!"
That's it? It has to be more than just that! "Naruto," she put a hand on his shoulder, "I know that; it's called the Forest of Death for a reason, not the Forest of Fluffy Bunny Rabbits." Her attempt at being lighthearted didn't seem to calm him in the least.
He shook his head, "No, I mean, the people who ordered the assassination attempt are going to try killing me again!" Naruto exclaimed. "They're probably going to be using one of the other genin teams to do it."
"Oh," Hinata was almost surprised at how nonchalant her response was.
"Oh?" Naruto tilted his head forward, not expecting her muted response, either.
"N-Naruto-kun," Hinata checked her watch, only about two minutes left, "we made plans for something like this already; what more can we do?" She stammered in confusion, "H-how do you know about this?"
"Dad shared an intelligence file with me – most of it I can't talk about." He stared with his blue eyes, "Hinata, you'll be in danger if you're anywhere near me during the exam! Will you at least consider withdrawing from the test?" Naruto was pleading, almost crying now. His head slumped forward.
"Naruto," she stiffened her voice, "Look at me," she guided his chin up until his eyes met hers. "We live in a dangerous world. We're going to a dangerous place, and we've already signed waivers in the event of our deaths. Would you have me just back out at the last minute? Would you have me hide away in some hidden castle, never to see the light of day?" It was sweet of him to worry about her, but that was the exact reason she couldn't let him go alone.
"No," he sniffled.
"I know you're scared about me getting hurt, I'm scared, too," she said, hugging him tightly despite the wrinkling effect it had on her outfit.
"Hinata, you almost died last time someone took a shot at me!" tears choked his voice. "If something happens to you… I can't live with knowing I could have done something about it!"
"And you almost died several times the first time someone made a pass at me," she reminded him. "You were a brave little shinobi then," she giggled slightly, "Now you're not so little, and every bit as brave!" She caressed his cheek, "And you're certainly more thoughtful than the three-year-old who faked being sick in an attempt to get out of my birthday party." Her lips tightened into a smile.
"You and Mom will never let me live that down," laughter replaced his tears, but he didn't release her from his embrace. "I just want to keep you safe!"
"That's sweet of you, Naruto-kun, and I want to keep you safe, too!" she rocked gently with him, "And the safest place will be side by side, watching each other's back."
She felt his hand rubbing her upper back and shoulders, "You know, I can't guarantee this will be the last time we'll face something like this. You'll never have a normal life because of me."
"Naruto, stop blaming yourself for that," she was grateful for the darkening sky hiding her blushing cheeks, "How many times did you put yourself in danger trying to protect me? I'm a clan leader now because of you, if anyone is dangerous to be near it's me. I'm a prime target for abduction and assassination." She shook her head, "The only reason I have anything like a normal life right now is because of you." Hinata caressed his cheek gently.
"What do you mean?" he tilted his head obliquely.
"Naruto," she explained, "the reason I have no security detail is because you and your family are around me so much," Hinata smiled, grateful for Naruto and his parents, "If I didn't have you, I'd have at least four bodyguards following me everywhere, except maybe the restroom, and even then!"
They both chuckled at the ridiculous thought. "I suppose that means I can't talk you out of following me into the Forest of Death?" Naruto's boyish smile was back.
"No more than you can talk me out of asking you to dance, mister," Hinata kissed him gently on the lips before getting up, "Now then, I think we need to get back before someone sends a search party."
"Hinata, you're ignoring the wedding party," Father called from the shadows. Father looked his usual stone-face, certainly not festive in the least. I hope he doesn't get too upset with Naruto. As if by magic, his face softened, "I do hope your partner doesn't have two left feet."
"I'm sure we'll figure it out," she said as she began walking back toward the main courtyard hand in hand with Naruto.
"And Naruto," Father's voice became slightly crisp, "a reminder, this is not your wedding. The only couple I should see kissing on the dancefloor are the bride and groom." Father's tone was crystal clear that he didn't want anymore funny business tonight.
"Yes, sir," Naruto bowed lightly.
The rest of the walk back to the courtyard was in awkward silence. Hinata could feel Father's eyes on her shoulder – not disapproving so much as trying to keep her respectable. As they reentered the courtyard, almost all couples were paired up on the dancefloor, staring at them intently. Tiny ghosts of sweat tickled Hinata, as if the entire clan had caught her being naughty. Don't worry about them, act natural! She stood opposite Naruto and gestured toward the band, "You may continue!"
As the band began, they struck up a gentle humming beat. Hinata's heart sank and her feet turned to ice. Ah crap! I forgot there was a tango in this set list! Naruto had never displayed any dance talent that she knew of at least. He stumbled awkwardly, almost causing them both to fall as he took her by one hand and placed his other at her waist. "S-sorry Naruto," she noted the disapproving look of several couples nearby as he handled himself awkward as a young fawn learning to walk.
"For what?" he winked with a crooked smile. The beat jumped suddenly, and Naruto snapped to, leading several steps forward and spinning her out and back to him with the skill of an expert. The disapproving eyes on them began staring curiously as the song peaked and reached another slow trough.
Hinata stared at her confident partner, mouth hanging open as he guided her through the slower section of the song, "I-I didn't know you could dance!"
Naruto grinned like a predator having freshly caught prey, "Mom insisted I learn after I was diagnosed dyslexic; she said it was a great way to teach focus as well as teamwork." He smirked, "You might say, I have you to thank for learning this."
The beat jumped again, and he spun both of them around like a tornado. Adrenaline kicked in as Hinata felt the sensation of falling backwards, only to have the fall to be arrested. Before she could catch her breath, he reversed their motion, and she was leaning back over his right arm. "You're… very spirited!" she huffed breathlessly as they paused as the music transitioned back to the slow tease before the final movement.
"Well," he smirked, "a shinobi should always do his best!" The beat jumped again. Naruto spun her out and back to him in a fluid motion. This time she worked with him, no longer in shock, and she glided along the floor with him. Despite the dour situation that had conspired to bring them together tonight, she was enjoying herself, no longer self-conscious to the fact that everyone was staring at them and not the couple getting married.
As they reached the end, thunderous applause greeted them as Naruto and she posed dramatically. "So, what other surprised do you have?" she asked as they bowed to each other.
"Oh, a few," he winked.
"Then why were you so nervous when you came here?" she asked, "Clearly you aren't afraid of people staring."
He stood beside her, his left arm snaking around her shoulders, causing her to shiver. "Can you keep a secret?"
"S-sure," she stammered as his hand came to rest on her left shoulder.
"After I saw how beautiful you looked when I got here, well," Naruto blushed, "I couldn't focus on what I actually came here to talk about!"
She guided him back to the main table; she needed a breather after such excitement. "I don't suppose you're going to try talking me out of the exam again after wearing me down like this?" she asked.
"Would it actually work?" he laughed.
"No," she affirmed, "My place is at your side, and your place is at my side." Hinata curled her lips into a smile, "Partner."
"Being that I can't kiss you here in front of everyone," he paused bringing her hand to his lips as he bowed, "May I have the next dance?"
Her heart fluttered, "I'm all yours!" She let him guide her back to the dance floor. In two days, she'd be at his side during the exam, and they would get through it together.
Author's Note: Hey everyone. As always, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and continue to enjoy going forward. Next chapter begins part II of the Chunin Exam. See you next Saturday!