A/N: IMPORTANT So in the last chapter I wrote about the fight with Zabuza and the Land of Waves, I don't really like that event and I actually didn't even want to write about that but I like the prospect of Naruto having a bridge named after him (so that he could rub it in other people's faces later) and I wanted to include It but since I'm not the biggest fan of Zabuza I decided not to drag this event so I decided to fit it all into one chapter so I could concentrate on other and better stories in the future. Some of you thought that this chapter was rushedso if you want a more detailed one there are a lot of fanfictions which dragged out this event that's why I didn't want to do it myself. I want my stories to be different. And for those of you who liked it here's the next one…

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Team 7 was miles away from the bridge as they said goodbye to Inari, Tazuna and the rest of the people after completing their mission, but even after miles of walking Naruto couldn't stop thinking about what Tazuna said after they started walking away. They were further away but he could still hear it…

"The Great Naruto bridge…" He repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Are they really going to name it…after me?"

"Hm…I thought that was the reason why you've been so quiet." Kakashi replied. "And yes, I think they are. You are their hero after all." He gave Naruto his one eyed smile.

Naruto gave a grin and an uncharacteristic blush as he scratched the back of his head.

Sasuke's jaw clenched. What happened to the 'dead-last'?

"But I mean, that was nothing." Naruto scratched his cheek. "I only scared the bad guys away…nothing special…"He trailed off…

"Exactly." Kakashi added. "And because of you they won't cause any more trouble. Also, everyone seemed really impressed with your shadow clones."

Something in Sasuke snapped but he tried to stay calm. "Hn, that's probably because they don't have any ninja so they've never seen a jutsu like that before." He said arrogantly.

"That might be the case, but none the less it is impressive that you could master such a jutsu."

Naruto blushed even more and chuckled awkwardly making Hinata giggle. He was obviously not used to compliments.

"Then if it's so impressive why won't you teach it to me?" Sasuke asked through his clenched teeth.

"Because you don't have enough chakra. You probably won't manage to make more than two without passing out from exhaustion." Kakashi calmly explained.

Sasuke growled in rage stopping in front of his sensei. "Then how come the loserlearned it?!"

"Just because you labeled me as a loser doesn't mean I really am one!" Naruto yelled back then his expression became serious.

"You know what?" He stopped in front of Sasuke and his blue orbs met the onyx ones. "Back there on the bridge when I thought you were dead… I actually cried for you…and when you told me not to let my dream die… I thought that we could've been friends. But since you still don't acknowledge me until we could be friends…we'll have to stay rivals!" He grinned. "Then we'll just have to see who becomes stronger."

Sasuke agreed with a rare smirk. "You're on."

Naruto's grin became wider. "Alright!" He looked up at his sensei. "You two can talk about a new jutsu for Mr. Know it all cuz he actually doesn't know it all, while Hinata and I go on ahead so I can tell her about the time I covered my landlord's backyard in toilet paper!" He finished loudly hooking Hinata's arm with his and pulling her away.

"Your landlord?" She giggled. "With toilet paper? You didn't!" She put her hand over her mouth.

"Well, he's full of shit so he needs it!" Naruto replied jokingly making Hinata laugh.

"Naruto, behave." She gently scolded him. He laughed and softly nudged her shoulder.

Her arm was still wrapped around his, tightening the grip she faced him as she carefully listened to his story giggling here and there. He was waving his free hand around and making faces and noises trying to make his story as funny as possible. He's always done that, exaggerating whatever he did to make people around him laugh.

His personality is amazing. Even though he grew up surrounded by hate and sadness he became such a cheerful and hyperactive person instead of being depressed. He didn't let other people affect his goal of being happy. She didn't know how could somebody who didn't have any friends develop such a sense of humor. But she was glad, that is one of many, many reasons why she admires him so much.

"And then he went to the old man Hokage and complained about the toilet paper but because he couldn't prove that it was me old man dismissed it! Haha!" He laughed as he finished his story.

Hinata laughed with him. "It is quite impressive how you always get away with mischief like that." She commented.

"I know, right?" He faced her. "And guess what? That wasn't the only reason why I got away with it. Old man thought it was funny! And…he thought my landlord deserved it cuz he tried to kick me out once, after I threw water balloons at his dog cuz it was barking all damn night and I couldn't freakin' sleep!" He gave her a fake angry pout and she laughed again.

And then she blushed. His pout was so cute. Everything about him was so…

Kakashi's voice interrupted her thoughts. "I think we should make camp."

Naruto looked towards the sky which was now covered with shades of red and purple.

"Already?" He said confused, releasing Hinata's arm to her dismay and scratching his head. "Man, time flies, right Hinata?" he smiled at her. She nodded surprised as well.

"Ok, Sasuke can put up the tent, Hinata and I will go catch some fish."He declared. Hinata located a river nearby and they started walking towards it.

Sasuke was irritated. "Hey, you can't just-"

"What-eh-huh? Can't hear ya!" Naruto interrupted loudly pulling a laughing Hinata along.

"Leave him alone…"Kakashi added calmly looking at Sasuke. "You don't want to gut the fish again, do you?"

"Hn." Sasuke turned away and began to work on the tent.

When the two got to the river Naruto caught the fish using the same approach like last time, including getting half naked to Hinata's pleasure. But this time there were no big rocks to hide behind so she nuzzled his jacket over her nose hiding her tomato red face from him, he just doesn't realize the effect that has on her. After they got back with the fish the fire was already lit and the tent was in place. An amazingly tasty meal later the genin were in their sleeping bags in the tent. Sasuke was in the corner of the tent again while Hinata and Naruto were next to each other. Hinata was on her side facing him while he was on his back, his arms crossed behind his head.

"Ah…" He sighed. "I can't wait to get back to the village."

"Shut it, I'm trying to fall asleep before you start to snore…" Sasuke interrupted annoyed.

Naruto grinned mischievously then he let out an exaggerated and really loud snore. Hinata burst out laughing covering her head with her cover trying not to make too much noise.

He looked at her chuckling. "Shhh…he's trying to get his beauty sleep…" He whispered but loud enough to get on his rivals' nerves.

She giggled. "You're so silly."

"You know you like it." He teased her.

She blushed. "I do…" She thought. "I really, really do…"

After the laughter died down the three of them were soundly asleep while Kakashi was outside next to the fire going through a page of his little orange book with a perverted giggle.

The next morning team 7 were packed and on their way. They were getting close to the village so they decided not to bother to catch breakfast. Naruto was getting excited to be back and to finally have some ramen so he was strangely quiet. Hinata was stealing glances at his funny thinking face and she was quiet as well deciding not to disrupt his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Sasuke's eyes were focused on his female teammate. "What on Earth does she see in him?"

She was the first girl who wasn't trying to ask him out every time her mouth opened, she wasn't drooling over him, she wasn't trying to flirt with him…heck, she didn't even pay any attention to him. And even thought he wanted his fan girls to leave him alone for years…out of all the people she could have gone for… why the loser? The fact that any other girl would die to be this close to the Uchiha genius and Hinata couldn't care less…he found it kind of offensive.

But before he could get angrier and before Naruto started to drool over his ramen musings, Kakashi spoke pulling them out of their thoughts.

"I'll report to the Hokage, you three get your pay and then you're dismissed until next week. This mission was enough excitement for now so I'm giving you a few days off."

Naruto raised a brow then he looked up ahead seeing the Leaf's main gate.

"Alright! Finally!" He cheered throwing his fists in the air. "Last one there's a rotten egg!" He yelled out speeding off towards the gate.

"Hn." Sasuke speed off right after him.

"W-wait for me!" Hinata squealed as she tried to catch up.

"Oh well…" Kakashi quickly joined them.

Izumo and Kotetsu were at the gate as usual when they saw an orange blur approaching followed by three more blurs.

Naruto stopped in front of the gate. "I'm-"

"First." Sasuke interrupted standing next to him with his hands in his pockets.

"What? No way!" Naruto objected.

Hinata landed next to him catching her breath.

"Hah! It looks like sensei's the rotten egg!" He laughed.

"Did somebody say my name?" Kakashi replied from behind the gate beam lowering the book that was in front of his face surprising the genin.

"Huh? How'd you get here so fast?" Naruto asked dumbfounded.

"How'd you not?" Kakashi replied calmly.

Naruto opened his mouth then closed it again. "Hmph!" He pouted and turned his head away making Hinata smile. Sasuke didn't say a word, his expression was hidden behind his high collar.

"Alright then, let's go report to the Hokage." Kakashi spoke putting away his book.

After a long report the genin were given their pay and dismissed. Kakashi stayed behind.

"Is there something else, Kakashi? Hiruzen asked.

"Yes, there is. I had left something out." Kakashi answered seriously. "I believe Naruto's seal has weakened."

The Hokage's eyes widened. "And how did you come to that conclusion?" He asked a bit louder.

"While he was fighting Haku some of the fox's chakra leaked out, it took over Naruto's body…I could feel it." Kakashi explained.

"And did something happen prior to that? Something that would cause such a reaction?"

"Well, I believe Naruto thought Sasuke had died."

Hiruzen sighed in relief. "There is nothing to worry about, the seal hasn't weakened."

"Pardon?" Kakashi was a bit confused.

Hiruzen smiled. "You see, the only thing that could cause the Fox's chakra to envelope his body is a highly emotional event, so that even that little drop of power can relief the jailors anger. Naruto will be ok."

"Thank you, sir." Kakashi bowed.

"Is there something else you left out?"

"No, sir." Kakashi answered.

"Then, if that's all you are free to go."

After the genin were dismissed they were walking thought the hallway when Naruto spoke.

"Hey, I'm craving ramen so much right now! Wanna come Hinata?" He looked at her eagerly.

She smiled. "Sure. Sasuke, would you like to come as well?"

"Yeah, whatever…" Sasuke answered lamely.

"Alright then, Ichiraku's it is!" Naruto pumped his fist in the air. "Race ya there! I'm starving!" He said loudly and ran down the hallway with Hinata and Sasuke catching up to him.

After a few minutes they finally got to Ichiraku. Naruto was about to rush in but then he remembered something. He smiled at Hinata lifting the flap and once again saying:

"Ladies first."

Hinata blushed and her heart fluttered, and then she remembered something too.

"What? You want another k-kiss?" She teased him blushing even more.

"…mayyybe…" Naruto teased back looking away.

"Ugh…" Sasuke rolled his eyes and walked in taking a seat.

Naruto looked at Sasuke's back with an annoyed expression then stuck his tongue out.

Hinata giggled walking past Naruto taking a seat next to Sasuke.

Naruto sat next to her and pouted. "You owe me a kiss…" He said quietly with a smirk.

Hinata smiled giving his whiskers a gentle kiss. "You owe me two." She smiled and blushed at the surprised expression on his face. He was glad she wasn't as timid as she used to be. All the fainting couldn't have been good for her health.

"Man, I'm rubbing off on you, aren't I?" He asked with a proud grin.

"Hopefully not too much…" Sasuke added.

Before Naruto fired back at his teammate Ayame and Teuchi came from the back of the shop carrying clean bowls.

"Ah! My favorite customer! Long time no see, kid." Teuchi smiled at them.

"Yeah! I missed you guys! Believe it!" Naruto replied happily.

Teuchi chuckled. "I've met the pretty one…" Teuchi looked at the blushing Hinata and then his eyes went towards Sasuke. "But you don't look familiar."

"This is Sasuke old man, my other teammate." Naruto said not so enthusiastically.

"Ah! So you're the one?" Teuchi exclaimed. "What would you like?"

"A big bowl of pork ramen!"

"I would like miso ramen, please." Hinata ordered politely…as always.

"I'll have beef." Sasuke ordered calmly.

"So…" Teuchi started. "By the dirt on your clothes and by the fact that you didn't come here for almost a week I can tell you were on a mission?"

"Yep!" Naruto replied with his mouth full. "And it wasn't a lame one this time!" He swallowed. "So there were these morons who were messing with this really huge bridge that we needed to protect, and we ended up kicking their asses! And we also made some friends! I'd like to visit them again sometime, maybe you guys can come too."

Teuchi chuckled again and ruffled Naruto's hair. "Why not, plus we need to see that 'really huge' bridge, huh?"

"Yeah, The great Naruto bridge is awesome!" Naruto's foxy grin was wider than ever.

Ayame and Teuchi were surprised. "Excuse me?" Ayame leaned closer to the blonde.

The uncharacteristic blush was back on Naruto's face. "Yeah, that's what they named it." He grinned cockily putting a hand on his chin. "It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

Teuchi smiled while Ayame and Hinata giggled. "It sure does!" Ayame agreed.

While Naruto continued chatting with the two Sasuke was slowly slurping the broth from his bowl. Naruto was 'the star' of the mission so he was surprised that he didn't mention the time when he passed out, figuring he'd love to brag about having more energy than the praised Uchiha.

As the meal was coming to an end Naruto chugged the remains of his tenth bowl.

"The rotten egg pays for all of this, right?" Sasuke looked at the blonde.

Naruto looked at his rival. "You're yolking, right?"

Hinata burst out laughing but she quickly stopped as she realized that all attention was on her.

Ayame and Teuchi looked at her in surprise before laughing themselves.

Hinata shrunk in her seat twiddling with her fingers.

Naruto did end up paying for the meal. After saying goodbye they got up, but after a few steps they stopped.

"So, uh…"Naruto awkwardly shoved his hands in his pockets. "What do we do now?"

"I'm going back to my compound to train so that I can put you in your place next time we spar." Sasuke started walking away. "Later."

He was stopped by a shout of: "Hey, Sasuke?"

Sasuke stopped turning to face the blonde.

"Maybe we could hang out sometime? You know, work on our teamwork." Naruto smiled at his rival earning a nod from him as he started walking away again.

Hinata blushed as Naruto turned towards her. "So what do we do now?"

Hinata's cheeks tinted but then she looked down sadly. "I'm sorry, Naruto. I would love to spend time with you but I need to report to my f-father…and I really need a shower t-too…"

"Oh…" He was disappointed. "Hey, how about this, I'll walk you home and after we both get cleaned up we can meet so we can spend the day together, ok?"

She perked up lifting her head to meet his gaze. "I would love to." She smiled.

"Sweet!" He grinned."Speaking of sweets, we can get some cinnamon buns again."

"Yes!" She agreed happily…and loudly. Naruto looked at her surprised and she quickly put her hands over her mouth.

He laughed. "You get as excited over cinnamon rolls as I get excited over ramen!"

She giggled looking away but once she turned her head back towards him his hand was stretched towards her.

"Come on, you don't want to keep your father waiting." He said with a rare gentle smile which made her melt.

"Y-yes." She stammered out taking his hand.

Once their fingers were intertwined he squeezed her hand making her whole body tingle with delight. The feeling of holding his hand was the best thing she has ever felt. The warmth from his hand spread throughout her whole body making her feel safe and happy. She wished that he would never let go but sadly he had to once they got to the Hyuga compound.

But her sadness was gone as Naruto took a step towards her. She looked in his eyes, the pools of blue were so deep, the perfect shade of blue. She froze as she felt his warm lips press softly against her cheek. Once his lips left her red cheek they were placed on her forehead as he gave her another gentle kiss. He pulled back looking at her pearly eyes that were now wide and smiled.

"You said I owe you two, right?"