A/N: Heyo my people, 12Ookmaki12 here again with the latest installment of Kessho Kitsune Redux. I want to apologize for the oh-so long wait. I had some stuff to do IRL, added with a good heaping chunk of writer's block. I actually finished this chapter some time ago, but my beta-reader was busy and took some time to get it back to me.
I'll try to update at least once a month, since I like to have time to properly write the next chapter, make edits, change some stuff, so on and so forth.
Also Woah! Will you look at that, (Sniffle) Triple digits in Faves and Follows, (Sniffle) I'm not crying, someone's just cutting onions nearby.
Anyway without further ado, let's get to the next chapter. Oh and before I forget, this chapter starts 2 years after the events of chapter 3. So I'm pretty much cutting out the rest of the academy years and skipping to team placements. So going forward the ages of Naruto and Sayumi are 12 and 13 respectively.
Also just to point out, I've gotten some reviews asking me to show interactions with the rookie nine. I will be doing a few interactions with them, but my primary focus for this fic will be the main characters (Naruto and co.)
(Rubs back of head sheepishly) Thanks to a reviewer by the title of "Spellbat" I realized that i made a tiny error with the heights. I might have made them too tall for their ages. My bad. I made an alteration to them, so they should be fine now.
"Kyuubi Speaking"
'Kyuubi Thoughts'
"Normal Speech"
'Thoughts'
Flashbacks/Locations/Jutsu/Techniques
Beta read by: InariKurenai
Disclaimer: All rights to Naruto are not owned by me.
Chapter 4
Dusk had settled in the village of Konoha. Citizens of the village began marching their way back home after a long day's work, while a few others shook the sleep away, beginning their night shift.
For the proud shinobis of Konoha, the day didn't end unless their muscles ached and their chakra depleted from training. Nor did it begin with them doused in fatigue for they were always alert.
For the young shinobis, Naruto and Sayumi, these words rang true.
On a training field the two squared off from each other.
Naruto was now 12 years old and standing at 5'3". His blonde hair was slightly longer and now stopped just above his cerulean blue eyes casting a shadow over them. His tanned, and muscular body was now donned in a form-fitting white tank top, black training shorts that were now in tatters and drenched in his own sweat.
His opponent Sayumi, was now 13 years old and standing at 5'1". Her hair had gotten longer to where it fell just above her waist and it was done up in a high ponytail with two thick bangs framing her face. Puberty had started its job early with her, for her former B-cup bust was now a low C-cup, her hips got rounder and her waist was narrower. All this and more were hidden behind a black form-fitting crop top and black training pants that did a lot to accentuate her figure, but her outfit was now littered with claw marks and drenched in sweat.
Sweat glistened off their skin. Their breathing was heavy and despite their battered forms, they both held a grin on their lips, ready for round three.
"You ready, Onee-chan?" Naruto asked, slipping back into his fighting stance.
With a snort, Sayumi activated her Sharingan. "Bring it, Otouto."
As if on cue both shot forward and engaged in a furious bout of taijutsu. Naruto struck at her face with a clawed hand but Sayumi blocked it and retaliated with a knee to the stomach which pushed him back. They continued like this for ten minutes, trading blows but unable to get the upper hand over the other.
Naruto fell into a handstand spin kick. Seeing her jump back to evade his attack, he pushed off the ground with impressive upper-body strength before somersaulting into an ax kick aimed at her head.
Deciding her head didn't need tenderizing, Sayumi backed up just in time to evade the blow. They fell back into rhythm. Kicks met with kicks. Punches met with punches. Roars matching in ferocity.
With a swift kick to his chest, Sayumi put some much needed distance between her and the blonde before she quickly went through hand seals.
Katon: Gokkakyu no Jutsu, she placed two fingers to her lips, expelling a giant ball of fire.
Righting himself mid-flight, Naruto managed to land in a crouch before skidding to a stop. He immediately had to rush through his own hand seals. Futon: Uzumaku Kaze no Kabe
A wall of swirling wind sprang up in front of him just in time to stop Sayumi's Fireball. The wind wall absorbed the flames and with a thrust of his palm, he sent the now flaming wind wall barreling towards Sayumi. He then formed a seal and muttered. "Expand."
The result was an explosion that shook the training ground. The surrounding vegetation disappeared into ashes and was replaced with a large smoking crater.
Naruto kept his guard up knowing that did little to his opponent. His instincts were proven correct when Sayumi rushed towards him, lightning crackling along her body. At least his previous attack did some damage to her, judging from her clothes having soot and burn marks.
In the few seconds that it took Sayumi to get within striking distance, Naruto activated his Kaze no Yoroi to block Sayumi's initial strike. With the brief shock from her attack not having any effect, Naruto began his counterattack. The bout of taijutsu went on, with Sayumi's lightning charging her attacks and Naruto's wind armor powering his hits as well as neutralizing the lightning's effects.
Not only did Sayumi's lighting cloak power her hits with said element, it also made her attacks a lot faster, sharper. Add in the fact that her Sharingan was predicting his every attack—allowing her to counter him with near perfect precision—and pretty soon Naruto found himself on the defensive.
Using both hands, he blocked an overhead strike that unfortunately left the rest of his body exposed. He'd pay for this error with a chest fracturing kick from Sayumi, launching him into the nearby lake. Coughing up a little blood, Naruto's body skipped across the water's surface like a pebble before he could right himself and channel chakra to his feet.
A little dazed but still very much in the fight, his instincts screamed at him to block. Following them, he brought his arms up above his head in an 'X' just in time to take the brunt of an axe kick from Sayumi. An idea came to him. He flashed her a cocky smirk. She raised an eyebrow, confused by the expression until she received the answer a second later.
Naruto ceased the flow of chakra from the soles of his feet, allowing himself to be kicked underwater.
Sayumi stood atop the water's surface with her guard up. Feeling movements below, she backed up just in time to avoid Naruto erupting from the water with a dual uppercut. She took a few more steps backwards, seeing Naruto go for a flip kick that just managed to graze her chin.
He landed on the water's surface with a playful pout. "Aww. I thought I had you that time," Naruto playfully whined
"Gonna have to do better than that, Otouto," Sayumi mocked with a smug grin.
Naruto's smirk returned, "Oh, but I did."
As he said that, multiple splashes could be heard and in a few seconds an entire army of Naruto clones burst from the lake, surrounding Sayumi. "This is where you give up, Onee-chan," they all chorused.
Despite the heavy opposition, and Sayumi did mean heavy, she couldn't help but to grin. Her Otouto loved to count his chickens before they hatched.
She waved her finger as if she were scolding a child. "Tsk, tsk tsk, my baka Otouto. Please remember what you're all standing on," she said, pointing down.
All the Narutos looked down to see the water rippling under their feet, and then back to the lightning surrounding Sayumi.
The color drained from their faces. "Shit..."
With the water acting as a conductor, Sayumi channeled her lightning through it and quickly electrocuted a majority of the clone army, leaving only the original dazed. The few clones that managed to escape electrocution, dashed towards her, intent on winning the spar.
She focused her Katon chakra to the tips of her index fingers then pointed them at them. Hitogan: Rapiddofaia.
Multiple condensed balls of fire discharged from the tips of her fingers, dispelling the clones with cold efficiency.
Seeing that the original was coming out of his lightning-induced daze, she rushed over to him before he could get his bearings back and finished the spar with a straight kick to his chest launching him off the lake and back on dry land.
Naruto tumbled across the field before coming to a stop on his back.
"Oooow, that hurt," he groaned. He slowly got up in a sitting position, wiping away the blood on his mouth. "Ugh, I nearly forgot how hard she can hit." His thought was cut short when he felt the cold steel of a kunai being pressed against his throat.
"It's time for you to give up Otouto" she leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "I wouldn't want to hurt you anymore than I already have."
The whisper sent a shiver down his spine, and it wasn't an unpleasant one. Naruto being as bold as he was decided he wasn't gonna give up so easily, so he leaned forward and pressed his neck against the blade drawing a little blood.
Sayumi saw this and silently panicked before quickly withdrawing her kunai.
That was all Naruto needed, and in the next few seconds he swept Sayumi's feet from under her, landing her on her derriere before he had his own kunai at her throat. For a moment he had victorious grin on his face before he locked eyes with her.
Time seemed to stand still and the rest of the world slowly faded away as the two met each other's gaze, and in that moment it was just the two of them.
Naruto's grip on his kunai was slowly slipping as his face slowly inched forward.
Sayumi was so mesmerized by the look Naruto was giving her, she didn't realize that her face was slowly inching forward while her neck was now pressing against the now trembling kunai.
The kunai slipped from Naruto's grasp, his eyes closed and his face was now mere inches away from hers.
Sayumi closed her eyes and her lips were just a mere millimeter away from his before….
Clang
The sound of the kunai clattering on the ground instantly snapped the teens out of their stupor and they quickly realized the position they were in. Like a scene out of a corny rom-com they immediately separated and looked away from each other with matching blushes on their faces.
Off to the side we find Kurama chuckling to himself having watched the events that unfolded. 'It may be annoying to watch them dance around their feelings like that, but I can't deny how amusing it can be.'
He decided to spare them any further awkwardness by interrupting. Clearing his throat, he announced his presence. "Ahem. If you two are done with the foreplay-" the two teens became even redder at his insinuation, "-then let's get going. I'd rather not stay here until nightfall."
"Why? Afraid of the dark fur-ball?" Sayumi teased.
Nonchalantly he answered with a simple "No.", a mischievous smirk then found home on his lips. "But I do know what teens tend to get up to when left in the dark" he says while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
Both teens were now sporting full body blushes and looked ready to explode in embarrassment.
Laughing to himself, Kurama decided to spare them the faith of dying of embarrassment and halted his teasing. Ushering Sayumi over to him, he placed a hand on her shoulder and in a few seconds all of her wounds disappeared, leaving her skin as flawless as it's always been.
Now while most would believe that a bijuu's chakra was harmful to everyone outside of its container that wasn't the complete truth. While it is dangerous in large amounts, in small quantities it is quite harmless and very useful for healing most minor wounds.
After they gathered their belongings then the party of three began their trek to their home.
At the Hokage tower we find Hiruzen at his desk finalizing team placements for the following day. 'Now for team 7. Normally I'd pair the two top students with the dead last for this team, but I think a little change is required. Besides those three are good for each other.' Thinking about this team brought Hiruzen back to the night of the attack and the events that unfolded afterward.
Flashback
Hiruzen sat at his desk with an emotionless expression on his face. Just over six hours ago his Anbu had picked up on a spike of chakra and quickly followed it. What they found was the downed and bloodied form of Naruto Uzumaki being cradled by the unconscious Sayumi Uchiha, while the bodies of their assailants were littered around them. With absolutely no time to waste two of them picked up the two pre-teens and made a beeline to the Hospital. The other Anbu stayed and gathered the bodies of the Chunin, that's when they discovered that one of them was still alive. Without a second thought the man was put into a prisoner scroll and was to be handed over to Ibiki for questioning.
Now back in the present Hiruzen was listening to the information Ibiki and Anko had managed to torture out of the surviving assailant. "From what we have managed to get out of the man, it seems that the former members of the civilian council were not happy with your decision. They decided to exact revenge on you by targeting Naruto Uzumaki, figuring he was the main reason behind their dismissal."
Hiruzen gave out no reaction to that news but the occupants of the room could feel the room getting colder. Even the normally stoic and stoned-faced Ibiki was starting sweat due to the tense atmosphere. Without a hint of emotion in his voice Hiruzen ordered Ibiki to continue.
"Hai Hokage-sama. They hired the three Chunin to do the deed. Along with a sizeable monetary payment, the three were offered the body of Naruto's caretaker/sister figure Sayumi Uchiha to do with as they pleased. Stating that, and these are his exact words. If the Uchiha heiress is willing to spread her legs and be a whore for that demon, then she should have no problem doing the same for you three." Ibiki had to stop right there when wave after wave of a murderous KI started emanating off the aged leader.
"Inu, Neko." Hiruzen ordered in a stone-cold tone. Not even a second later the two Anbu appeared kneeling before the Hokage. "You heard that report, correct?" he asked the two.
"Hai Hokage-sama" the two answered. If you were to take a closer look at Inu's mask you would see a violently spinning mangekyou Sharingan through the left eye-hole. "Your orders Hokage-sama." Inu spoke with an edge in his voice.
Hiruzen only had two words for them. "No. Mercy."
"With pleasure." Inu spoke before the duo flickered out of the room.
Ibiki who was standing aside and watching, even though he didn't show it he was honestly surprised at how bloodthirsty Inu sounded. The only other time he remembered Inu being even remotely this bloodthirsty was when he was first brought into Anbu. With the Anbu now gone he turned to his leader. "Your orders for the captured assailant Hokage-sama." An icy glare was his only response. "Understood" Ibiki said before he bowed and left the room.
A few hours later "In the council room"
At the early hours of the morning before the sun could grace the land with its warmth, if one were to look inside the council room at this time they would find the council all present and accounted for. Both sides were feeling somewhat anxious at how abruptly and urgently they were summoned. Even the normally monotone expressions of the elders were mixed with a smidge of curiosity.
All muttering came to a halt when the door to the room blasted open and a cold chill creeped in, putting everyone on edge. A sense of eeriness took over as the Hokage slowly made his way into the room. Hands behind his back with his head down allowing the Hokage hat to cast a shadow over his face. He did not look up, did not greet them and not even so much as a sideways glance. He just silently walked through the room until he was standing in the center. Only then did he address them.
"Good Morning. I apologize for the early and rather abrupt nature of this meeting, but it could not be helped." Hiruzen spoke, his tone not betraying any emotion.
Danzo spoke up, "Why have we been called here Hiru-" he stopped when he saw the dark look Hiruzen sent his way "-Hokage-sama?" he corrected himself.
"During the last 24 hours three shinobi of this village, attacked and nearly succeeded in killing Naruto Uzumaki." Most of the clan heads reacted with shock while the Nara, Hyuga and Aburame clan heads remained stoic. The elders gave no reactions while the civilians suspiciously went silent.
"Not only were they given monetary payment to do the deed, but they were also promised the body of Sayumi Uchiha to do with as they pleased." This served to piss off the clan heads while the civilians were starting to fidget and sweat in their seats.
"Luckily both fought back and managed to defeat their assailants, but it was not without cost. Naruto, after being hit with a neurotoxin, suffered wounds that left him on the verge of death. He likely would have perished had Sayumi not come to his aid. Sayumi, while she didn't have any major physical injuries, suffered severe chakra exhaustion and minor nervous system damage. Both were found by my Anbu and are now recovering in the hospital." The clan heads all visibly relaxed at the news while the civilians were sweating like pigs.
"Hokage-sama. Who was it that ordered the attack?" Shibi asked.
"I am glad you asked." Hiruzen said before he took a storage scroll from his robes and unsealed its contents.
Thud
Thud
Thud
Hitting the floor with multiple thuds were the heads of the former civilian council. Blood was seeping out of the necks to show that the kills were made very recently, while shock, disbelief and horror were frozen on the faces.
The civilians went green in the face while more than few emptied their stomachs on the floor. The clan heads and elders however had better control over themselves but that still didn't remove the slight shock they felt.
"As you can see the culprits have already been dealt with. Well-" he turned his icy gaze toward the civilians who by this point were close to shitting themselves "-not all of them."
All the civilians fell to their knees in capitulation while one of them spoke up. "Please Sandaime-sama, let us explain." The man tried to say before he and the others were hit with a wave of KI.
"There is no need. I already know that everyone of you sniveling rodents had a hand in the attack. Paying off the residents of that area to be conveniently absent when the attack took place." Hiruzen stated.
All of the civilians were now trembling in fear for their lives, "PLEASE SPARE US!" Another tried to plead.
Another monstrous wave of KI flooded the room, that made even the veteran clan heads and elders feel nervous. "Spare you!" He started in a calm, "You went behind my back and paid my shinobi to execute and rape not one, but two of the most important persons in this village. And you expect me to spare you?" by the end his tone was cold enough to make Yuki no kuni seem warm by comparison.
The civilians were now shaking like leaves and had tears streaming down their faces, "PLEASE!"
The KI momentarily ceased as the Sandaime gave his answer. "I shall spare you." This answered shocked all of those present, especially the clan heads were all expecting a front row seat to a massacre.
One by one the civilians slowly raised their heads. "You..you'll spare us?" one asked with uncertainty in his meek tone.
"Yes I will. But don't take my lenience as a sign of weakness. I'm only sparing you because I'd rather not have to keep cycling through civilians as if they are cannon fodder." The civilians wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, but the Sandaime's KI returned full force. "But know this, I will no longer be tolerating your defiance nor your insubordination. One more slip, one more step out of line-" he paused before turning to the severed heads and blew a stream of fire at them, instantly turning them to ashes. He then returned his icy gaze to the civilians, "Am I understood?"
"HAI HOKAGE-SAMA" came the chorused reply.
"Good." He then turned his attention to the rest of the council. "That will be all. Do have yourselves a pleasant day." With that he walked out of the room.
The civilians quickly shuffled out of the room afterward with more than a few of them needing baths and a fresh change of clothes.
As the clan heads were leaving the room Tsume turned to her fellow leaders and asked, "Sooooo, all of who agree to never piss of the old man, say ay."
"Ay!" was the collective response.
With the elders
The elders were all still seated, each going over the events of the meeting. "It seems Hiruzen's will of fire has returned. He is no longer the weak old man that returned to seat after the Yondaime passed." Koharu remarked.
"This could mean trouble for us if he does decide to look into us. We need to do something." Homura said.
"No he won't. It doesn't matter the amount of confidence that old fool has gained. Even he's not stupid enough to meddle in my affairs." Danzo said with certainty in his voice.
Flashback End
That was two years ago. Since then the vast majority of the village started to change their tune toward the young blond. Whether it was out of genuine reconciliation for the wrong they've done or due to the fear that the Sandaime created, they had started to treat the boy fairly, as if he were someone and not just the Kyuubi brat. There were a few die-hard haters but they kept their prejudice to themselves and just treated him neutrally.
Thinking back to those times made Hiruzen chuckle, 'Things have really turned around for you my boy. Now then, on to the other teams.' With that he continued his work.
It was the next day at the Uchiha mansion and the sound of running water could be heard. Warm water coming into contact with the cold surface creating a mist, and through that mist a completely nude female figure could be seen washing her long, raven black hair. Her slender fingers combed through the silky strands of her hair to get out the shampoo. She held her head back to allow the flowing water to wash out the rest. Turning off the water, she stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her body before wrapping another around her hair before heading to her room.
While getting dressed she couldn't help but think back to the last three years. She shuddered to think what she would have been like had Naruto not come into her life.
'I'd probably be an emo prick with a mountain sized log up my ass.'
She chuckled at that thought. Finished with getting dressed she left her room to get breakfast ready while wearing a white tank top and black shorts with the towel still wrapped around her hair.
While preparing breakfast she couldn't help but think over her relationship with Naruto and how much had changed since the attack
When she used to only share a bed with him every now and then, now it was practically every night. More than once the rhythm of his heart beat had put her to sleep. More than once she had woken up with his strong arms secured around her, as if to protect her while asleep. More than once she had looked into his deep blue eyes and just couldn't break her gaze, and each time she had felt the ever growing need to capture his lips with her own and to make her claim on him, to say that he belonged to her.
But no matter how much she wanted to do that, she knew she couldn't for two reasons. The first reason was more out of uncertainty and fear. Uncertainty because she wondered if he would he even see her as more than just a sister. And fear for if she leaves her heart bare to the blonde, it would ruin the relationship she cherished deeply.
The second and most important reason, was the Hyuga princess, Hinata.
She knew that the girl held feelings for Naruto far longer than she had. It was obvious to anyone with half a brain that the girl was head over heels for the blonde. It wouldn't be right for her to take away the girl's first love, especially since they started hanging out a little under a year ago.
It happened two months after the attack. Both she and Naruto were making their way home one evening when they heard the sound of crying followed by the sound of laughter. Feeling curious they followed the sounds to find Hinata surrounded by three bullies who were making fun of her and her eyes.
Without much thought they made quick work of the bullies who ran away with visible brown stains on their pants and streams going running down their legs. After that they helped the shy girl up before offering to walk her home. On the way they tried making small talk with her but the girl only gave out stuttered and timid answers.
After parting ways both her and Naruto decided they'd help the girl increase her self-confidence. So ever since then they made it a point to hang out with Hinata and get her to open up, at one point she even ended up joining their training with Kurama.
Her train of thought came to a halt when Naruto walked in. He was now wearing a crimson red hoodie jacket that had a black Uzumaki swirl on the back, it was zipped up halfway giving a view of his white undershirt that did little to hide his muscular physique. On his hands were black fingerless gloves that had metal plates on the backhand. He was wearing black Anbu styled pants with his kunai holster in place and the ankles were taped. And displayed proudly on his forehead was his black Konoha hitai ate.
"Morning Onee-chan," Naruto greeted while taking a seat at the table "breakfast smells good."
"It should, I made it." She answered smugly taking pride in her culinary skills.
Poofing in and sitting at the table was Kurama in his usual attire. "Morning vixen. Do be a dear and pour me some coffee please." Kurama asked politely.
"Sure thing Aniki."
After that they sat and ate their breakfast in comforting silence. After breakfast Sayumi excused herself to get dressed. As she was leaving Naruto found himself watching her until she was out of his sight.
"You know you should just tell her right?" Kurama suggested.
Naruto sighed before turning to face the redhead. "I know, I know. It's just…..it's complicated." he admitted, not hiding the fact that he held feelings for the heiress.
Kurama took a sip of his coffee before sitting back and gesturing with his free hand for the blond to explain. "Enlighten me."
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at his Aniki. "What are you now? A shrink?"
"Would you rather I go digging for the answer myself?" Kurama bluntly asked, both knowing full well that if he wanted to, he could just go through the boy's thoughts.
Naruto put up his hands in surrender, "Ok, ok, I'll talk. You don't have to go all Yamanaka on me."
Kurama nodded and gestured for him to continue.
Naruto put his hands on the table top and entwined his fingers before speaking, "While I do care fo" that was as far as he got before Kurama gestured for him to stop.
Kurama sat his coffee on the table before gave Naruto a piercing stare. "Stop. Right. There. Say it!" Kurama ordered while pointing a finger at the young man.
"What do you mean? Say what?" Naruto asked.
Kurama's stare intensified and he could see Naruto starting to fidget under his gaze. "You know exactly what I mean. Now be a man and say it!"
Naruto gulped at the seriousness in the beast's voice but decided to comply. "Okay." He released a long sigh before he continued. "While I do…love her. I don't know if I should say anything." Naruto admitted.
"See, was that so hard." Kurama said before he sat forward with his elbows on the table and hands clasped in front of him. "Now tell me, why do you think that?"
Naruto didn't answer straight away, keeping silent for a bit before he spoke. "I don't want to ruin what we already have. I don't want to make things awkward between us, or worse, make her hate me because of the feelings I hold for her." Naruto confessed.
"So…you're a coward then? You're afraid that what you already have will be threatened or become awkward if she doesn't return your feelings, is that it?" Kurama challenged.
"No, I'm no coward!" Naruto shot back. His face then took on a forlorn expression and his tone softened. "It's just…..you know what my life's been like, she's one of the few people that gave my life meaning. If I were to lose her" he stopped, his eyes dropped and he ran a hand through his spiky blond mane, "I don't know what I'd do."
Kurama sat there sipping his coffee and soaking up the boy's words. He silently cursed himself for not realizing it earlier. Due to rougher parts of his childhood, the boy had learnt to cling on to the few people that saw him for him. So the mere thought that his own feelings could remove his most precious person must terrify him.
Naruto then continued "Then there's Hinata to consider."
Kurama's eyebrow arched as his lips formed a wry smile, "Oh, the princess?"
Naruto gave a small chuckle, "Yeah. You know how she feels about me right?" Naruto asked
"Of course I do. Heck, everyone and their uncle knows about that." Kurama said as a matter of fact.
"Yeah. Well I kind of find myself liking her ever since we started hanging out a year ago." Naruto admitted with a bit of pink on his cheeks.
A look of realization came over Kurama's face. "Oh, I see. Not only do you fear what may happen with the vixen, but you're caught between your feelings for her as well as those for the princess." The beast pointed out, his wry smile never leaving his face.
"Yeah." Was Naruto's only reply.
"You do know that there's a way around this right?" Kurama asked with a raised eyebrow as he took another sip of his coffee.
"Yes I know, but I'm not gonna use that simply to get my own personal harem. I'm not my godfather you know!" Naruto shot back.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Sheesh, no need to get pissy." Kurama took one more sip of the coffee before setting the now empty cup aside. "As for this situation, I don't think you should worry so much." He saw Naruto about to answer, but he held up his hand to stop him. "Just give it time. As it stands there's no need to rush to find a solution. So for now you should let things run their course and sooner or later things will fall into place. Trust me, you'll lose less sleep and hair over this if you do." He finished with a chuckle.
Naruto took a deep breath before giving his Aniki a smile, "Ok, I'll try."
Kurama nodded, "Oh and don't look now, but your vixen's about to enter the room." With that he poofed backed to the seal.
Walking into the room was Sayumi in her new attire. Her hair was done in its usual high pony-tail with bangs at the side of her face. She was wearing a black sleeveless kimono blouse, holding it together was a thin navy blue obi that matched with her ankle length pants. Underneath you could see her white chest bindings. On her wrists there were two Konoha hitai ate and on her feet she was wearing black open toed strapped sandals with low heels. She finished her outfit with a silver chained necklace that had the Uchiha emblem proudly on display.
Now Naruto will admit that Sayumi is naturally beautiful, there's no denying that fact. But her outfit made her look absolutely stunning. 'Damn, I can definitely see why the mutt keeps sniffing at her heels.'
"By your expression I guess its fine to say I did a good job picking my outfit." Sayumi said while blushing at how intently he was gazing at her.
Naruto caught himself staring and replaced it with a warm smile. "You look absolutely stunning. I'm probably gonna have to beat the mutt off of you, again."
Sayumi chuckled at that, "Thanks. It's good to know that I have my strong Otouto to protect me." She said as she walked passed him. "Now let's go, we don't wanna be late for team placements."
Naruto walked to the door and held it open for her while gesturing for her to go first, "Please, after you."
"Such a gentleman." She commented as she walked passed. With that they locked up and made their way to the academy.
On the way both of them got friendly greetings from the passers-by. Ever since word got out about the attack and what the Sandaime did to those responsible, the villagers decided to be friendlier to the boy as a way to repent for their sins against him as well as to appease the Hokage.
Naruto took it all in stride and just went with it. He was a little unnerved at first when people actually started to apologize to him, but he just accepted it and moved on, at least they were no longer abusing him.
Walking into the academy for the last time they made their way to their classroom. Upon entering they realized that everyone else was there.
In the front row sat Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka. Both of them used to pick on Naruto at any chance they got. Belittling him and making him feel bad just for being around them. Sayumi put an immediate stop to that with threats of hospitalization if they ever tried again, so after that they left him alone. It wasn't until after they heard about the attack did they make and effort to treat him better and now both even held a little crush for him.
Up the line we find Kiba Inuzuka. He used to be one of Naruto's main tormentors back when they first started the academy. Always trying to make Naruto seem inferior to his superiority. This attitude only got worse when he saw how close Naruto and Sayumi had gotten. So being the hormonal, egotistical mutt he was, he challenged Naruto to a fight with Sayumi being the prize. He got his ass thoroughly handed to him and was hospitalized for three days. After that he begrudgingly gained some respect for Naruto for beating him like that and now considered him his rival.
Seated beside the mutt was Shino Aburame. While Shino wasn't an open person and preferred to stay silent most of the tine, he did have respect for Naruto since he knew that Naruto was like him, a container. He also knew what Naruto life used to be like before he met Sayumi. His respect for the blonde only increased when he heard that Naruto had survived the attack on his life.
Further up the line sat, well slept, Shikamaru Nara. While he didn't hate Naruto, he didn't go out of his way to get to know the blonde either, stating that the task was too troublesome. He didn't even react when he saw how close Naruto and Sayumi were, only raising an eyebrow and muttering troublesome before going back to sleep. He had only tried to get to know Naruto after the attack, stating that it would be troublesome if he didn't at least try and get to know the guy.
Beside him was Choji Akimichi. Choji was probably the only one who had openly tried to befriend the blonde before he met Sayumi, often challenging him to eating contests seeing as Naruto was the only one who could out-eat him. He had given Naruto a thumbs up when he learned that Naruto would be under Sayumi's care. He had feared for his friend's life once he heard about the attack, he even dropped by the hospital a few times and left a few bags of his favorite chips for him and Sayumi.
And finally at the back of the class was Hinata Hyuga who was waiting on her friends. Her hair was slightly longer to where it reached just passed her neck and it was done in a bob-style. She was wearing a loose fitting, dark lavender hooded jacket with black cuffs that covered her mesh armor underneath. She was also wearing a black form fitting pants, on her feet were black low heeled sandals and around her neck was her navy blue Konoha hitai ate.
"Morning Hina-chan" Naruto and Sayumi greeted.
"Morning Sayumi and Naruto-kun." She replied with a tiny smile.
Hinata moved over in the seat to allow Naruto and Sayumi to sit. As they sat Naruto wrapped an arm around Sayumi who just melted into the embrace.
The girls in the class sighed dreamily at the scene while feeling jealous that Sayumi had taken the only guy worth dating for herself. They knew that they weren't actually together, but from the way Sayumi acted around him, it was clear that she had at least subconsciously staked a claim on him, and the same could be said for Naruto. So it wouldn't be a stretch to say that they could soon be found kissing the life out of each other.
"So Hina-chan, are you excited for team placements today? I know I am, I really hope that we end up on the same team." Naruto said with excitement in his voice.
"I hope so too, I just hope I don't end up bringing down the team." Hinata replied in a somewhat dejected tone.
"Stop it! You're not weak Hina-chan. You'll be a valuable part of any team you're on, and that goes double if you end up on mine. So buck up already and get ready to show the world what Hinata Hyuga can do." Naruto said before finishing his little speech with his foxy grin and a thumbs up.
"Hai Naruto-kun, thank you." Hinata said with her resolve reinforced by his words.
"No problem Hina-chan." He replied.
Walking into the room was their now former sensei Iruka Umino. As he made his way to the front of the room the students took notice that he looked a little banged up with a few bandages here and there.
"Iruka sensei, what happened to you? And where is Mizuki sensei?" Ino asked.
Iruka sighed and decided to tell them. 'They're going into this line of work anyway. Might as well give them their reality check now.'
"Mizuki decided to steal the forbidden scroll last night and flee the village. I managed to track him down and stop him, that's why I look like this. He is now being detained for his actions and is awaiting his punishment." Iruka's revelation received a shocked reaction from his former students.
"But why would he do something like that?" Sakura asked feeling really unnerved about the fact that someone who used to teach her is now a detained criminal.
"I can't answer that, for his reasons for his treachery were his own and he didn't feel like telling me. But there is a lesson for you all to learn from this." He stopped and let his eyes glance over his students for a few seconds, satisfied that he had their attention he continued. "I want you all to know that you are going into the world of shinobi, the lifestyle is not a forgiving one and not everything will be as they appear. There will be allies, people who you may have grown up with and gotten attached to, who become enemies and betray you. Just as there will be enemies, the very people who you fought against, who can be become your most trusted friend and ally. So I want you all to keep an open mind while you are out there, is that understood?"
"Hai sensei." Came the chorused reply.
"Good." He took a document from his desk, "Now onto team placements." And then he began calling out the teams. Going through each one until he reached Team Seven.
"Team seven: Naruto Uzumaki, Sayumi Uchiha and Hinata Hyuga. You're Jonin sensei is Kakashi Hatake."
The members of team seven all shared a look with each other before smiling and nodding in acknowledgement.
"Team eight: Kiba Inuzuka, Sakura Haruno and Shino Aburame. You're Jonin Sensei is Kurenai Yuuhi."
"Team nine is still in circulation, so moving on. Team ten: Choji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka and Shikamaru Nara. You're Jonin sensei is Asuma Sarutobi."
"HEY! HOW IS THAT FAIR?" Kiba yelled at Iruka.
Not at all fazed by the outburst, Iruka sent Kiba a piercing gaze before asking, "Is there something you want to know Kiba?"
Kiba flinched at the stare that Iruka was giving him, and so decided to tone it down a bit, "What I want to know is why he" pointing a finger at Naruto, "got teamed with the two hottest girls in the class, while I got stuck with the sidewalk?"
His question had Hinata blushing, Sayumi smirking in pride and Naruto pinching the bridge of his nose and releasing a sigh, 'Damn hormonal mutt.'
Sakura on the other hand wasn't too pleased with such a degrading comment and was sure to let the dog-nin know that. "HEY! YOU TAKE THAT BACK YOU FLEE BITTEN JERK!" Sakura yelled with a throbbing tick mark on her forehead.
"Yeah, who does that mangy mutt think he's calling a sidewalk?" Inner Sakura ranted.
"Grow an ass and some tits and maybe I'll consider taking it back." Kiba shot back.
"Mangy mutt."
"Sidewalk."
"MANGY MUTT!"
"SIDEWALK!"
Their back and forth was stopped when a wave of KI crashed into them. "STOP THIS CHILIDISH BEHAVIOR NOW!" Iruka ordered.
That was enough for Sakura and Kiba to instantly shut up and sit back in their seats.
Taking a breath to recompose himself, Iruka then narrowed his eyes at Sakura and Kiba who started to fidget and sweat under his gaze. "The moment you put on this" jabbing a finger at his Hitai ate, "you are recognized as adults by everyone in this village. So act like it!" he told them in a dead serious tone.
The two held their heads down in shame and silently answered, "Hai sensei."
"Good. Now as for your question Kiba, Hokage-sama is the one who created the teams, so if you have any issues, take them up with him."
Shikamaru raised his hand.
"Yes Shikamaru." Iruka acknowledged.
"Why does team seven need so much firepower?" He asked.
With a raised eyebrow, Iruka asked, "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is that Team Seven has Naruto—the rookie of the year—, Sayumi—the Kunoichi of the year—as well as Hinata— the second ranked kunoichi. That seems a little unfair to have the top ranked students on the same team," Shikamaru pointed out.
"I will tell you the same thing I told Kiba, Hokage-sama is the one who created the teams, so if you have any questions you'll take them up with him." Iruka answered.
"Yeah, I won't do that. Too troublesome." The slacker answered before resting his head on the desk
Iruka chuckled at the slacker's attitude before asking, "Are there any other questions?" When he got no response he continued. "Good. Now that is all, I wish you all the best in your careers and good luck." And with that he walked out of the room.
One by one the Jonin senseis came and collected their teams, pretty soon team seven was the only one still there.
One hour passed.
Nothing.
Two hours passed.
Still nothing.
It was nearing the three hour mark and all three genin were reaching the end of their ropes. Sayumi's eye was twitching violently, Naruto was drumming his fingers on the desk but if you took a closer look, you could see the indentations his fingers left, a clear sign of his growing frustration. Both may have learnt of Kakashi's tardy tendencies from Kurama, but it didn't lessen how annoying it was to deal with. Even Hinata was losing her patience if the rapid tapping of her foot was any indication.
During the time that they had been waiting, Hinata decided to take a trip down memory lane, and funny enough the memory she thought of was the one where she joined Naruto and Sayumi's training.
Flashback
Hinata was in her favorite spot in all of Konoha. It was a little clearing that not many knew about which was hidden on the outskirts of Konoha's memorial. What made it Hinata's favorite spot were the numerous flowers that grew there, specifically the lavender anemone flower. She would usually come here whenever the stress her clan created became too much and she needed a place clear her mind. The only other people who knew about it were Naruto and Sayumi since she told them when they became friends.
But alas, a place that helped to clear her mind was also now helping her conceal her tears.
She was seated in the center of the center of the clearing with tear stains on her face and was silently sobbing. Over her sobs she could hear a voice say, "Hey Sayumi she's over here." along with incoming footsteps. Looking up she could see through her teary visage that Naruto and Sayumi were now approaching her.
"I told you we'd find her here." Sayumi responded.
Naruto wasted no time in sitting beside her and embracing Hinata in a warm hug, in response Hinata leaned into the hug and buried her face in her chest and started sobbing again. Naruto for his part just held the girl and allowed her to get it all out, it would do her no good if she kept it in.
Sayumi silently sat in front of the duo waiting patiently for Hinata to calm down. She knew that whatever happened must have been bad enough for her to come here.
It took fifteen more minutes for Hinata to finally calm down from crying. She slowly let go of Naruto before thanking him for holding her.
"No problem Hina-chan. You can use me as a handkerchief anytime." Naruto responded with his goofy grin to lighten the mood. It worked since he got a giggle out of the girl.
"Yeah yeah, that's all well and good Otouto." She said waving the blonde off dismissively. She then turned her attention to Hinata, "Now Hinata." she started getting said girl's attention, "You mind telling us what happened to make you cry like that."
Hinata fidgeted for a bit, feeling unsure if she should tell them what happened. She suddenly felt something grasp her hand and upon looking, she saw that Sayumi had taken her hand in hers.
"We only want to know so that we can help you, so please" she gave Hinata's hand a comforting squeeze, "trust us." Sayumi said in soft tine.
Hinata steadied her breathing before looking at Naruto who gave her a nod. In her soft voice she said, "O-okay, I'll tell you."
She then recounted how her father and the Hyuga elders had pitted her against her sister in a one-on-one fight. She further went on to explain how she had lost that fight because she didn't have it in her to hurt her little sister. Finally she told them how she was now deemed as weak by both her father and clan along with how she had been disinherited as heiress in favor of her sister. She had ran from the compound in shame afterward and ended up here before breaking down. By the end of the explanation there were fresh tears streaming down her face.
Sayumi pulled Hinata into a hug and allowed the girl to cry on her shoulder. "Hinata listen to me ok. Not wanting to fight your family doesn't make you weak, it just means that you care about them enough to not hurt them, even if they kinda deserve it." Muttering that last part more to herself. She broke the hug before planting her hands firmly on the girl's shoulders and looked Hinata square in the eyes. "You Hinata Hyuga are the kindest, gentlest and one of the strongest persons I know, don't let your asshole father and those idiot elders tell you otherwise, you hear me." Sayumi's words of encouragement coming out in a resolute tone.
Hinata wiped away a few tears before speaking, "B-b-but I-I'm not strong, I'm still weak." She said with her head down, "Like my father believes." She whispered.
She felt another hand touch her shoulder, it was Naruto who had been silent since Sayumi started talking. "Listen to me Hina-chan" he started in a soft tone, "If your father believes that you're weak, then I say prove him wrong. Prove to him that you're not the weak girl he believes you are." He told her.
"B-b-but how?" Hinata stuttered.
"By training of course." Naruto answered. "If your clan isn't gonna help you get stronger then we'll be more than willing to help you, and I'm sure Kurama sensei won't mind either." Naruto stated with Sayumi agreeing.
"You…you'd really do that, for me?" Hinata asked.
"Of course we would. You're our friend Hina-chan, and I'm not gonna leave my friends hanging when I know I can help." Naruto stated now with a smile on his face.
Tears of happiness threatened to escape from Hinata's eyes, but she held them back not wanting to shed anymore tears on this day. Bowing her head slightly she spoke up in a soft but grateful tone. "Thank you."
Flashback End
After that day she joined them in their training with Kurama. Her father and clan had brushed her to the side, so she didn't have to worry about them finding out since they didn't care enough to find out why she'd disappear for extended amounts of time.
During her time training under Kurama he had really worked her into the ground and wouldn't hesitate to point out her flaws, her main one being the very Jyuken she was learning. He told her that the Jyuken was more suited for those who can handle the stiff and rigid movements that the technique employs and that Hinata's naturally flexible body wouldn't be able to cope with that style.
So to fix this issue he started to help her modify the Jyuken to suit her. It was tough and it took well over three months, but eventually they managed to modify it enough so that the movements were no longer stiff and rigid. Kurama had even dubbed the modified style as the Nagareru Ken or Flowing Fist.
Aside from her taijutsu he had also introduced her to elemental manipulation. Since being a part of the Hyuga's main branch it was mandatory for her to learn the basic chakra control exercises at a young age, so Kurama didn't have to worry about going over that. He just went straight to finding out her affinity, which was in fact water.
Deciding to get off memory lane and back to the present, she looked to see what her teammates were doing. Sayumi was still seated now with her arms and legs crossed, Naruto on the other hand was gathering chalk dust from the erasers in the room. "Umm Naruto-kun, what are you doing?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"This Hina-chan" setting the small container down with the chalk dust "is a little surprise for our tardy sensei." He answered with a grin.
He went through a few hand-seals before muttering, Futon: Kaze no Zojiki, and a small funnel shaped vortex appeared in his palm which sucked up all the chalk dust before the wind condensed and took the shape of a sphere.
The knob to the class door turned and in stepped a man with gravity defying silver hair and was using his Hitai ate as an eye-patch.
"Yo," he tried to greet only for a wind ball to explode in his face, covering him from head to toe in white chalk dust, 'Yeah, I probably deserved that.' He deadpanned.
"That was for being late Kakashi sensei." Naruto stated with the girls nodding in agreement.
The now identified Kakashi rubbed the back of his head sheepishly while giving them an eye, "Sorry about that, I Kind of got lost on the road to life."
"Only you could get lost on a one way road sensei." Sayumi remarked making Hinata giggle.
Kakashi gave a nonchalant shrug and told them, "Meet me on the roof." He said before flickering away. He appeared on the roof completely free of chalk dust and was surprised to see his students arrive using the same technique, though it seemed that Naruto brought Hinata with him rather than she did it herself. 'I shouldn't be surprised given who trained them.' The cyclops thought to himself.
"Don't worry Hina-chan, as soon as we got time we'll show you how to do the shunshin." Naruto told her as they took a seat.
Kakashi leaned on the railing before addressing his team-to-be. "Now that we're all, why not start off with some introductions."
"Why don't you go first sensei?" Hinata asked.
Pointing to himself, "Me?" getting a nod from her, he shrugged, "Okay. My name is Kakashi Hatake. My likes are none of your business, there is nothing in particular that I dislike, though certain challenges from a certain someone do come to mind. My dreams" he stared up at the sky, "hmm, haven't really thought about it." Kakashi finished in a bored tone.
"His name is Kakashi Hatake, son of the famous Sakumo Hatake better known by the moniker 'The White Fang'. He wields the Uchiha's dojutsu which earned him the nickname 'Kakashi of the Sharingan.' Oh and he's usually late for everything. He likes his Icha Icha books and he dislikes those who threatens to harm them. His dreams are to one day retire at old age with the world at peace and the entire Icha Icha collection at his disposal." Naruto explained earning a raised eyebrow from Kakashi.
"In other words, he's a good ninja but also a pervert." Sayumi told Hinata who had to stifle a giggle
"And just how do you know all that?" Kakashi asked the blonde.
Naruto waved his finger, "Ah, ah, ah. A good ninja doesn't reveal his secrets. Also you do realize that you he didn't deny the pervert claim right?" Naruto asked the older shinobi who just shrugged in response.
"Meh. It's not like I go out of my way to conceal that fact. Everyone's a pervert on some level, it's just how open you are about it." Kakashi answered in his same nonchalant tone. "Now since you're so knowledgeable about me, let's hear your intro."
Naruto just shrugged and then started. "My Name is Naruto Uzumaki. My likes are my Onee-chan, her cooking, Hina-chan, the Ichirakus, My Aniki, the old man and training. My dislikes are those who can't tell the difference between a kunai and the scroll it's sealed in, as well those who would destroy innocent lives for their own personal gain. My dreams are to help my Onee-chan with her dream and to protect those precious to me, if I become Hokage in the process, it'll just be a bonus." He finished.
Kakashi nodded and motioned for Sayumi to start, "You're up raven head."
'Aniki's nickname is better.' She mentally commented. "The name's Sayumi Uchiha. My likes include my Otouto," she cooed as she pinched said boy's cheek making him blush. "Hina-chan here, my Aniki, 'Both of them.', "and training to get stronger. My dislikes are idiots who fail to see the forest for the trees, and assholes who'd do anything to cover their own asses. My dreams are to help my Otouto with his dream, clear a certain someone's name and maybe have a family one day."
She was the only one who failed to see the blush that appeared on Naruto's face.
"Uh-huh. Well it's your time princess." Kakashi said motioning to Hinata.
"Hai sensei. My name is Hinata Hyuga. My like include Naruto-kun, Sayumi, Cinnamon buns, my family, 'even if the feeling isn't mutual', I dislike those who look down on others simply because they're different and kidnappers. My dream is to unite my family by removing the caged bird seal and have my own family." She said while stealing a side glance at Naruto.
'Not a single stutter. It seems training with these two really helped with her confidence. Also talk about a love triangle. Naruto likes Sayumi, Sayumi seems to like Naruto but has competition with Hinata. Oh dear kami help him. I am not envying the blonde at all.' "Well not a bad first day. Meet me at training ground seven tomorrow at 7am for your genin test."
Feeling confused Hinata asked, "But sensei, we already passed our genin test." She pointed out.
"Oh that. That test was to find out who had the potential to become genin. In other words it was to weed out the weak." The Jonin explained.
"Oh, ok." The bluenette responded.
Kakashi nodded before addressing them again, "Remember, 7am sharp tomorrow morning, oh and as a bit of advice, I'd suggest not eating breakfast. Ja'ne." With a two finger salute he flickered away.
The three genin just sat there for a few moments and noticed that it was nearing night time since the stars and moon were making an appearance. Naruto broke the silence. "So Onee-chan, Ichiraku ramen tonight?" Naruto asked giddily.
"Sure, I don't see why not." She responded before looking to Hinata, "You wanna come with? He's like ramen junkie and I have to get him his weekly fix." Sayumi mocked.
"HEY! I'm not that bad." Naruto argued.
Sayumi snorted before responding, "Anymore. You used to eat that junk all the time until I limited you to once a week." Sayumi pointed out.
Not having a comeback for that, Naruto just huffed and turned his head away pouting like a spoiled brat.
Hinata giggled at their antics before agreeing to the offer.
After that Naruto put a hand on Hinata's shoulder and then nodded to Sayumi, after that the trio flickered away.
They appeared just outside their destination. As they were going in Naruto slapped a silencing seal on the side of the building, an act that Hinata did not miss.
"Hey there old man. Heat up that stove, because I am hungry for ramen." Naruto dramatically announced. The girls just shook their heads at the blonde's exuberance.
"Hey there Naruto my boy. Sayumi let you off your leash again huh?" Teuchi joked.
"You know it. So how bout you get started on my usual, c'mon old man, chop chop." Naruto playfully ordered.
"Is that Naruto I hear being an impatient brat again." A voice spoke up from the back.
Walking into view was a brunette just a few years older than Naruto and the girls.
"Hey Ayame nee-chan." Naruto greeted as said girl leaned over the counter to hug her favorite knucklehead. "You know it, so how about that order of mine."
Breaking the hug, "Oh hush you, first I have to get the orders of your friends here." She chided before turning to Sayumi and Hinata, "So girls, the usual?" she asked them.
Hinata nodded while Sayumi responded with, "Sure."
With the orders in place the father-daughter disappeared into the back to get them ready.
As the teens sat and waited Naruto decided that it was time for Hinata to learn his secret. "So Hina-chan, there's actually something I've been meaning to tell you for a while now." Naruto started gaining the bluenette's attention.
"Does this have to do with Kurama sensei being the Kyuubi, as well as being sealed inside you?" Hinata simply asked.
"YOU KNEW!" Sayumi and Naruto asked in astonishment.
Hinata giggled at their reactions before answering. "Yes. I found out about Kyuubi being sealed in you from tou-san, who accidentally let it slip one night after an apparently bad council meeting. I only learned about him being Kurama sensei a month after I joined you." she explained.
A poof was heard and now seated on the empty stool was Kurama. "And how exactly did you learn that?"
Hinata was a little startled by the sudden appearance, but answered anyway. "W-well I accidentally looked at you with my Byakugan one day during training, and took note that you're chakra was red and not blue like ours. I recalled what a few of my clan members said about bijuu chakra being red. It wasn't hard to put two and two together from what I already knew." She finished explaining.
"I see. So do you think any less of him now that you know about me?" Kurama simply asked, but you could hear the hidden intent in his tone.
Hinata took note of their expressions before she gave her answer. Naruto seemed to be on edge, Sayumi seemed ready to jump to Naruto's defense should she give an unwanted answer while Kurama seemed to be gauging her, given how intently he was looking at her.
"It makes no difference to me just because Naruto is your container. You are you, Naruto is Naruto. I've gotten to know both of you to know well enough to know that the treatment Naruto faced at the hands of this village as well as the evil, demonic being that the village depicts you as, is completely unjust. Naruto is my friend", 'hopefully more in the future', "and you are my trusted mentor. Nothing is going to change that." Hinata finished with certainty coating her tone.
Kurama, Sayumi and the Ichirakus who were listening, all felt their respect for the lavender eyed girl skyrocket after that. To accept the young man despite his terrible secret and to even go as far as to defend the beast itself, it made them glad that Hinata was now a part of their lives.
Naruto on the other hand had a slightly different reaction. While his respect for her did take a massive step up, his already growing feelings for the heiress also took a step up. A small smile crept its way onto the boy's face. If only his situation weren't so complicated, he could really see himself actually pursuing something more with her.
'If only.' he thought to himself.
Sayumi had seen the smile that was now present on the boy's face and could tell what it meant. She felt conflicted, on one hand she should feel glad that he was starting to see Hinata that way, they were good for each other, but on the other hand she could feel fear slowly creep its way into her heart. She knew that keeping her feelings buried was the right thing to do.
'So why am I afraid?' she asked herself.
Naruto reached over and engulfed Hinata in a hug that honestly caught her off guard. "Hina-chan, you have no idea how much it means to hear you say that. Thank you." he told her in soft tone.
Hinata could feel herself heating up rapidly, at not only how close she was to her crush, but also how sincere he sounded when he said that. Doing her best to fight back her blush, she shakily returned the hug and stuttered out, "N-no p-problem Naruto-kun."
Kurama smirked to himself as he watched the scene, taking a glance at Sayumi he could practically feel how conflicted she was. 'You better make up your mind soon vixen.'
Naruto broke the hug and gave Hinata a grateful nod just as the Ichirakus came in with the orders. Twenty dishes with his favorites for Naruto, Sayumi's chicken ramen, Hinata's miso ramen and a pork ramen for Kurama since they already knew what his usual was.
After finishing their meal and giving their thanks to the father-daughter duo, Sayumi paid the bill before they left the stand. Kurama poofed back to the seal leaving the trio to walk to the Hyuga compound and drop off Hinata.
"Well not a bad first day. See you tomorrow Hina-chan." Naruto gave her a two fingered salute before he turned to leave.
Sayumi hanged back a bit before giving Hinata her farewell. "See you tomorrow Hina-chan." She leaned in and then whispered to her, "And good job."
The implication was not lost on Hinata whose cheeks took on a pink hue, but nonetheless she nodded before giving Sayumi her farewell before going into the compound.
Walking into the Uchiha mansion both kicked off their sandals before Naruto offered to prepare dinner.
"No thanks Otouto, I just ate remember, and unlike you I don't have a bottomless pit for a stomach. Just wash up and meet me in my room ok." Sayumi told him.
"Yeah ok, I'll be there." He answered before leaving to clean up. A few minutes later he was completely fresh and ready for bed wearing a black pajama pants with horizontal orange stripes with no top, since he'd just discard it anyway. Pushing the door to Sayumi's room open, he was greeted with a sight that he had seen many times before, but it still didn't fail to take his breath away.
Sayumi's hair was let down to its full length and she was wearing a black translucent thigh length night gown with matching bra and panties underneath. With the only light in the room coming from the moon shining in through the window, it gave her already magnificent figure an ethereal glow to it. Truly breath-taking.
"You gonna stand there all night or are you gonna get in bed." Sayumi asked.
Naruto caught himself staring and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly before getting into bed and under the covers. Sayumi got under the covers with him and rested her head on his chest. With a soft, "Goodnight Otouto." Her breathing evened out before she fell asleep.
Naruto stroked her silky hair for a bit before responding, "Goodnight Sayu-chan." and not too long after he followed her into a peaceful slumber.
A/N: Ok, here seems to be a good place to end this chapter. I was very tempted to add more to this, but I didn't want to draw it out too much. So I hope you enjoy, and if you do enjoy it why not drop and fave and follow, as well as a review telling me what you think.
For those wondering about the style of Sayumi's Hitai ate, it's the same style that Ameno from the Chunin exams filler arc had in shippuden.
Jutsu list so far:
Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu = Fire Style: Fire ball
Futon: Uzumaku Kaze no Kabe = Wind Style: Swirling Wind Wall
Hitogan: Rapiddofaia = Heat Gun: Rapid Fire
Kaze no Yoroi = Wind Armor
Futon: Kaze no Zojiki = Wind Style: Wind Vacuum