The Secrets That We Keep

Naruto, Hinata, and Shino walked out of Ichiraku's filled with delicious noodles. Shino was a little perturbed that a human being could consume that much ramen in a single sitting. Although Hinata hadn't eaten as much as Naruto it was still surprising to see her eat the quantity that she did. Taking stock of where in Konoha he was Shino turned to say farewell to his new teammates. "Until tomorrow. Goodnight."

"G'night,"

"G-goodnight Shino," Turning Naruto and Hinata walked one way and Shino the other.

"S-so how d-did you join th-the village?" Hinata finally asked the question that had been at the forefront of her thoughts the entire day.

"I don't really know. Sensei handles all the technical stuff. Sorry I didn't tell you last time. Sensei wanted it kept secret until after the fact."

"Th-that's fine, I understand."

"Also...um…" Naruto had stopped walking and was rubbing the back of his head while looking everywhere except at Hinata; who was looking questioningly at the boy. She squeaked in surprise when he suddenly bowed in front of her. "I'm sorry," Naruto said keeping his head bowed. Hinata was stunned at his declaration and didn't know how to respond. Mostly because she didn't understand what he was apologizing for.

"W-why are you a-apologizing?" seemed to be the only logical response.

"Well, you remember that technique I used to hide us from that one guy? You know that guy that was chasing you?" Hinata did remember. The experience had been so incredibly surreal that there was no way she could forget it.

"W-what about it?"

"My Sensei found out I used it and got really mad at me. Apparently that technique was way more dangerous than I thought." Naruto sad keeping his head bowed. "I know nothing happened but that's no excuse for putting you in unnecessary danger. I'm sorry."

"B-but like you s-said nothing h-happened so it's okay," Hinata answered uncertainly.

"No! I was stupid! I could have done something unforgivable!" Naruto shouted fighting back tears. Hinata stood there awkwardly not knowing what to do. Tentatively she reached out and placed her hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"N-nothing happened so it's f-fine," Hinata tried consoling the orange clad boy. His head, however, remained bowed. "I-I forgive you."

Finally Naruto looked up, eyes moist with tears, "Really?"

"I w-wasn't hurt and y-you learned your l-lesson. So I-I forgive you." A small smile finally came across Naruto's face as a weight seemed to lift from his shoulders.

"You really are the best Hina."

"H-H-Hina?" Hinata stuttered out and, realizing she was still touching Naruto's shoulder, quickly pulled her hand back even as her face heated up.

"Yea friends give each other nicknames so I gave you one. Unless you don't like it though?" Naruto said starting to look unsure of himself.

"I-It's fine," Hinata said softly pressing her fingers together.

"Then it's alright if I call you Hina?"

"B-but it's kinda em-embarrassing." Hinata replied wondering when she started pressing her fingers together. Naruto crossed his arms with a look of concentration on his face.

"What if I only call you that when we're alone?" Naruto asked. Hinata blushed furiously, that was even more embarrassing, but for different reasons. Having no other answer Hinata finally responded

"Okay."

"Come on Hina let's go," Naruto started walking again, a giant megawatt smile on his face. More of Hinata's blood rushed to her face and her stomach started fluttering when he called her that. She really needed to ask someone about this.


Shino had finally arrived at his clan compound and wound his way through its streets until he finally arrived at his house. Stepping into the entryway Shino shrugged off his trench and took off his shoes before moving towards the living room. Inside Shino found his father, Shibi. "You were absent for the weekly clan dinner," Shibi said turning towards his son.

"I apologize father, I was-"

"Oh leave him alone Shibi, he was spending time with his new friends. He can afford to miss one stuffy old clan dinner." A woman said walking into the room carting a tea tray. She had long black hair done into a braid and soft hazel eyes, this woman was Shino's mother, Rebecca, an entomologist born in the Land of Lightning. She had fallen in love with the Aburame's Kikaichῡ insects and later with the Aburame's clan heir Shibi.

"Teammates," Shino corrected his mother before taking a seat opposite his father.

"Yea, yea, yea. Here I made some tea," Rebecca said placing the tray on the coffee table and pouring tea for all three of them before sitting next to her husband. Shino and Shibi both started spooning sugar into their teas and continued until Rebecca finally slapped their hands to get them to stop.

"Who is your jonin sensei?" Shibi asked taking a sip of his now very sweet tea.

"Kurenai Yuuhi."

"She is quite skilled you would do well to heed her," Shibi said trying to scoop more sugar into his tea before being stopped by his wife.

"Yes, yes and your new friends?" Rebecca probed.

"Teammates," Shibi corrected, his wife only waved him off.

"My first teammate is Hinata Hyuuga," Shino said.

"Ooh a girl, is she cu~te?" Rebecca asked leaning forward.

"Objectively speaking she would be considered cute, yes. Before you get your hopes up mother, she is highly enamored with my third teammate." Shino answered.

"Love amongst teammates, how scandalous."

"Your mother's teasing's aside, do you think such feelings will interfere with your team dynamic?"

"It is hard to tell at this moment but I am hoping that things will not become awkward, but that seems difficult as my third teammate reciprocates Hinata's feelings to some degree. Whether either of the pair are aware of the other's feelings or even their own is another matter entirely. Father do you still have that book "Analyzing Interpersonal Signals?" I wish to go over it again." Shino asked pouring himself more tea and unsuccessfully sneaking in more sugar.

"The one authored by Shirohara? Yes I do have it in my library I can give it to you at breakfast tomorrow morning."

"Thank you father."

"Enough, enough tell us about your other friend," Rebecca said trying to bring the conversation back around.

"Teammate," Shino corrected. "My third teammate is…unusual." Shino said trying to figure out how to describe the orange clad boy.

"Well start with his name," Shino's mother prodded.

"Naruto Uzumaki." Shibi started at this and spilled a drop of tea down the side of his cup, which he quickly wiped away. For an Aburame, however, he might as well have spit his drink across the room. "You know of him father?"

"I know of the name, but was unaware that he was inside the village."

"Yes, he was adopted at the age of four by a traveling merchant and has been on the road since. How do you know of him?"

"I know of him due to his relation to a mission I participated in some time ago. I cannot elaborate further. Adopted you say..." If Shino didn't know his father better he would of thought he sounded self-satisfied. Intriguing.

"What is the boy like?" Rebecca asked.

"The best word I can use to describe him is…bright. He is cheerful and smiles without a need to. I am concerned that he is not prepared for the profession he has chosen, perhaps the reason is because he grew up outside a hidden village."

"Sometimes, Shino, the life of a shinobi is chosen for you." Shibi said solemnly.

"What do you mean father?"

"That is all I can say on this matter. Please continue with your assessment of your teammates." Very Intriguing.

"As much as I do not believe Naruto is ready to face the reality of what it means to be a shinobi, it is due to his kindness that I was able to infer the actual purpose of the true genin test administered to us today."

"How do you think tour team will fare in future endeavors?"

"I need more data before I can make a more educated prediction. I shall have to watch my teammates closely."

"Friends," Rebecca corrected. Shino and Shibi sighed in defeat.


It was a calm and peaceful morning in the Village Hidden in the Leaves. The sun was rising, bakers were preparing their bread, shop owners were sweeping their stoops, and lines were reaching out the door at the coffee shop. All was peaceful except for an orange blur sprinting along Konoha's rooftops at a break-neck pace. More specifically an orange blur that was running late. Spotting his team waiting for him in the training grounds Naruto put on a final burst of speed. Unfortunately he was in a forest and there were roots rather close to the surface, Naruto's foot hit one of these roots and put him flat on his face. But like a wise physicist once said, a body in motion tends to stay in motion, and Naruto was made intimately aware of this law of physics as he slid along the rough ground only to stop in front of his teammates.

"A-are you alright N-Naruto?" Hinata asked worriedly only to be answered by an electronic beeping sound.

Keeping his head still on the ground Naruto lifted his fist into the air and declared in a muffled voice "Made it!"

"You're cutting it close Uzumaki," Kurenai said sternly. "Punctuality is very important for a shinobi. If you're early you're on time, if you're on time, you're late."

"Heh, heh, sorry Kurenai-sensei," Naruto apologized as Hinata helped him to his feet.

"Now that everyone is here we can start. You three have been grouped together to form a team specialized in scouting. With Shino's Kikaichῡ, Hinata's Byakugan, and Naruto's sensory capabilities you three are perfect for gathering information. That is why your test yesterday focused more on searching than on combat. As such today I will test your fighting skills. Any questions? No? Good. Uzumaki You're up."

"Yes Kurenai-Sensei!" Naruto shouted pulling out a storage scroll. Rolling it out he placed his hands on the matrix and applied chakra causing smoke to surround him. The other three present looked on in curiosity to see what Naruto was doing. The smoke cleared showing Naruto wrapping a long piece of leather around the blade of his sword. "What?" Naruto asked when he noticed everyone watching him. "I don't want to accidentally hurt anyone do I?"

Kurenai took this time to analyze Naruto's sword. It was a simple one edged three foot blade. It didn't possess any ornamentation whatsoever. It was a weapon designed to be used not looked at. Naruto finally finished padding his blade and got to his feet, sword gripped tight. "Whenever you're ready Kurenai-sensei!" Naruto shouts getting into a battle stance.

"Very well Uzumaki, begin!"

Immediately Naruto threw down a smoke ball obscuring himself from Kurenai's vision. A flurry of shuriken flew out of the smoke cloud towards Kurenai. She sidestepped the whirling pieces of sharpened metal easily only for multiple kunai to exit the cloud heading straight for her head. Producing her own kunai Kurenai blocked the majority of the knives and dodged the rest. As the smoke cloud began clearing three Naruto's rushed out and moved to flank Kurenai.

'Clones huh? At least he knows how to use basic jutsus.' Unable to determine which Naruto was the real one Kurenai ran through hand signs lightning quick and sent a genjutsu at one of the Narutos. Nothing fancy just one that would affect the victims balance. When he stumbled Kurenai smirked having already found the real one. Moving quickly Kurenai brought her elbow into Naruto's stomach, only for him to vanish in a puff of smoke.

So surprised by this turn of events Kurenai only noticed the other two Narutos when one of them was swinging his sword at her head. Kurenai managed to angle herself to narrowly avoid the attack. Using the kunai in her hand she managed to parry the second Naruto's swing. Unfortunately the second Naruto followed up his swing by body checking Kurenai into the first Naruto's waiting arms. With Kurenai held Naruto brought his sword back around and swung hard.

Kurenai jumped up causing the Naruto that was holding her to lean back. The maneuver was so surprising that the first Naruto was unable to stop his swing hitting the second Naruto hard. The Naruto that was holding Kurenai poofed out of existence as Kurenai predicted. Using her momentum Kurenai placed her shins on either side of Naruto's head and twisted sending him sprawling. Naruto quickly jumped back to his feet and was ready to leap back into battle. He was stopped short, however, by Kurenai holding up her hand "That's enough Uzumaki."

"Yes Kurenai-sensei," Naruto said holding his sword at his side in a relaxed posture.

"Where did you learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu?"

"Sensei taught it to me."

"It's a dangerous technique that requires a lot of chakra to use you need to be careful with it."

"Don't worry Kurenai-sensei I only made two." Kurenai's eye twitched at the way Naruto said only.

"How many can you make?"

"Fifty, Sensei won't let me try to make anymore."

"F-fifty?" Kurenai was stunned, she could maybe make four shadow clones, but would be almost useless afterwards.

"That brings up a question I have been puzzling over since yesterday's test." Shino said walking up to the pair Hinata at his side. "You seem to possess an inordinate amount of chakra for one of our age and I have meant to ask how?" Hinata had also been wondering but was far too shy to ask. At this seemingly innocent question Naruto started looking incredibly uncomfortable. His eyes started darting here and there as though looking for an answer while sweat started running down his face.

"He is a member of the almost extinct Uzumaki clan. They were known for their mastery of Fuuinjutsu and for having higher than normal chakra reserves." Kurenai answered for Naruto.

"Y-yea I'm an Uzumaki. In case you haven't noticed we're pretty awesome," Naruto said rubbing his finger underneath his nose. Naruto was many things; a prankster, a ramen connoisseur, even a competent swordsman, but a convincing liar he was not. Shino knew about the Uzumaki clan, of course, but from what he understood Naruto had more chakra than what was normal for an Uzumaki adult much less a child. He did not, however, push the issue since the question was obviously a tender spot for his teammate. He would bide his time and sate his curiosity at some future point.

"Now that that question has been answered Shino you're up next." Kurenai said clapping her hands together getting the attention of her genins.

"Very well sensei," Shino answered assuming a combat stance. Naruto and Hinata both withdrew to a safe distance.

"Before we begin Sensei how did you know that the Naruto that was holding you was a clone?" Shino asked.

"Uzumaki's swing would have hurt me and the clone holding me had it connected. He may be reckless but I'd like to believe he's not stupid." Kurenai answered pulling out a kunai.

"Interesting, and why didn't you try to use a more complex genjutsu on him?"

"His sensory capabilities make most genjutsus useless," Kurenai answered smirking. "I think I've given your swarms enough time to get into position don't you think." The grass surrounding the jonin burst into life as Kikaichu flew into the air attacking Kurenai. She fought valiantly but was inevitably engulfed by the Aburame's swarms. Shino maintained his concentration keeping his insects on the offensive up till the point that Kurenai tapped him on the shoulder from behind. "Not bad Shino watch out for genjustsus in the future though."

Shino called off his insects and discovered that they were, in fact, attacking nothing. He then began going back over the "battle" trying to figure out when he was placed under the illusion. "Kurenai-sensei when were you able to place me under your genjutsu?"

"You're not the only one who can mask actions behind words Shino. Hinata now you."

"O-okay sensei," Hinata replied nervously. She moved into position and assumed a Gentle Fist stance, her clan's specialty. She was incredibly nervous to fight in front of her teammates. She didn't think she was as skilled in close quarters combat as Naruto nor as deceptive as Shino and wasn't feeling particularly confident at the moment. She just wished not to embarrass herself too much in front of Naruto.

.

.

.

And Shino! She didn't want to embarrass herself in front of Naruto and Shino. "It's okay Hinata calm down and come at me when you're ready," Kurenai told the obviously nervous genin. Nodding Hinata ran through various hand signs before finally shouting "Byakugan," instantly the veins around her eyes bulged and her pupils almost became visible. The range of her vision increased dramatically and the chakra network of the people around her became visible. She analyzed Kurenai's stance and started thinking up plans of attack. However every method she came up with was discarded for one reason or another. She began despairing that she wouldn't be able to even start the spar. Her father was probably right and she was a…

"Go Hinata!" Naruto yelled. Hinata was able to see Naruto cheer for her without moving her head due to her dojutsu. Which was lucky because that short and simple encouragement caused her to blush. Bringing her thoughts back to the situation at hand Hinata realized that she would just have to do her best and see what happened. With little forewarning Hinata charged her jonin-sensei chakra laced palm leading. Kurenai managed to dodge the first strike easily but Hinata stepped in closer and brought her other hand in for a second strike. Kurenai managed to block the attack by striking Hinata's forearm and pushing her hand away.

The battle continue in this manner for another couple of minutes with Hinata attacking and Kurenai dodging or blocking the strikes. Hinata's confidence waned with each missed attack until she was barely putting effort into her taijutsu forms. Kurenai seeing this finally ended the spar. "That's enough Hinata I have enough information for now."

"That was a cool fighting style you were using, what was it?" Naruto asked Hinata as he walked over to her. "I-it's called the G-Gentle Fist Style. It's only used b-by my c-clan." Hinata answered.

"What does the chakra in your palms do? It didn't feel like the kind used to make your attacks stronger."

"I-I can send the ch-chakra into m-my opponents body and do d-damage internally."

"Ooooh that's so awesome. How mu-"

"That's enough Uzumaki! Hinata is tired from the spar let her rest." Kurenai interrupted the two kids.

"H-He wasn't b-both…I m-mean it wasn..." Hinata trailed off not really being bothered by Naruto.

"Now I have a good idea of what areas you three need training in. I'll come up with a training regiment for tomorrow morning. For now Lets head over to the Hokage's tower and begin missions." Kurenai finished. The three genin followed Kurenai out of the training grounds and into Konoha's streets.

"I have often wondered what purpose these D-rank missions serve. I have asked my father but found his answers intentionally vague." Shino asked Kurenai.

"Well D-rank missions offer a moderate amount of income to Konoha. They are a good way for people to get help with chores they either don't have the time for or can't due to age or illness. And it helps build teamwork among brand new teams without risk of physical harm to the students. At least that's what the council tells us. I think the real reason is because the council is sadistic. Don't tell anyone I said that."

"I wonder why Father didn't just say that."

"Something about a rite of passage or some such nonsense, I think. The older generations get a kick out of tormenting youngsters."

While this conversation was going on a similar yet different conversation was happening a couple steps behind Shino and Kurenai. "What kind of missions do you think we'll be going on?" Naruto asked Hinata.

"I-I don't kn-know," She had wanted to ask her clansmen that exact question but was too nervous to actually ask.

"I asked Sensei what we were going to be doing, but his answer scares me."

"W-what did he say?"

"Nothing. He just started laughing. Then he got really depressed for some reason. It was really weird."

Conversation stopped as the four entered into the Hokage Tower to accept their first mission. "The Hokage will see you in a moment, he is currently meeting another genin team." The receptionist told them. Nodding Kurenai shepherded her team off to the side to wait. A minute later the door to the Hokage's office opened and team eight was assaulted by,

"YOUTH!" two green blurs shot past the team leaving Naruto and Hinata stunned, Shino perturbed, and Kurenai face palming.

"Geez! Lee! Sensei! Slow down and wait for us!" a girl in a pink blouse and wearing her hair up in a twin bun shouted stepping out of the office. "…'sigh'…Come on Neji let's get going." Following the girl was a boy with long brown hair wearing beige clothing with eyes just like Hinata's, white and pupiless. The only difference was where Hinata's eyes held a soft kindness this boys eyes were hard and cruel. Naruto was about to ask Hinata if he was part of her clan when he felt Hinata grab onto his sleeve tightly. Her chakra was flaring wildly with multiple competing emotions, it didn't help when the kid named Neji noticed Hinata and shot her a glare filled with such hatred and malice that Naruto subconsciously started reaching for his sword. Naruto was about to draw his weapon when one of the green blurs from before returned.

"What's the holdup TenTen, Neji?" Spoke a man with black hair done in a bowl cut and with a heavily defined facial structure. The most noticeable feature about him, though, was the bright green jumpsuit that covered him from neck to toe. It made Naruto's choice of clothing look downright fashionable. "Are your fires of youth not burning brightly enough? Come let us stoke our flames by serving our wonderful village. Onward!" The man then put a hand on the girl's, whose name was revealed to be TenTen, shoulder and his other on Neji's. He then led them out of the building, but not before sharing a meaningful look with Kurenai.

"Who was that?" Shino asked after a moment of silence.

"Come on, let's get a mission." Kurenai said walking into the now vacated office.

"Are you okay Hina?" Naruto asked worriedly trying to meet her eyes. This was made difficult by the fact she was stoically looking down and refused to look up. Her hand still maintaining its death grip on Naruto's sleeve.

"I-I-I-I'm o-okay," Hinata stuttered out finally letting go of Naruto.

"You sure?" Naruto asked still trying to make eye contact.

"Y-y-yes," She said turning and walking into the Hokage's office. Naruto could only follow.

"Ah Team Kurenai here for your first mission?" Hiruzen asked from behind his desk. The mood was unusually tense for a team receiving their first D-rank mission. Although considering who just walked out of his office he shouldn't be surprised.

"Hey Gramps we're here for our first awesome ninja mission!" Naruto shouted.

"Uzumaki! Show respect to your Kage!" Kurenai shouted forgetting herself for a moment so surprised by the Jinchuuriki's audacity. Hiruzen chuckled to himself, just like his mother Naruto couldn't seem to allow a tense atmosphere to last too long.

"It's okay Kurenai, we talked about this before I told him it was okay."

"A-as you say Lord Hokage," Kurenai said bowing feeling embarrassed.

"Now how about a nice D-rank mission for your genin?" Hiruzen asked pulling out a scroll.

"Woohoo! Awesome ninja mission!" Naruto grinned at his teammates, especially Hinata.


"Woohoo! Awesome ninja mission!" Naruto shouted dragging a dripping paint brush along an old fence.

"Why do you insist on continuously shouting that phrase?" Shino asked from the other side of the fence paint brush in hand.

"I need to keep my spirits up somehow, Shino."

"And you believe that the most efficient way of accomplishing this is to shout the same phrase over and over again?"

"Have you ever shouted a phrase over and over again? It's fun."

"An Aburame expresses themselves in more civilized ways."

"Oi, you calling me unsopi…unsoci…uns…um…"

"U-unsophisticated," Hinata joined into the conversation supplying the word Naruto was looking for.

"Yea unsophisticated! Thanks Hinata."

"I said nothing of the sort. It was you who interpreted my words in such a way. Perhaps there is a reason why?" Although the other two couldn't see it Shino was smiling, enjoying the back and forth.

"Yea well you're a..a…I'm going to talk to Hinata and come up with a sophisticated comeback. Give me a minute." Naruto said walking over to the paint can that was next to his female teammate. Said girl was still having trouble looking up ever since the encounter with that Neji person, unsophisticated was the longest sequence of syllables she had managed to string together since then. "Who was he?" Naruto asked softly so only she could hear. "If you don't want to answer that's fine. I just… thought that…maybe…uh…" Naruto trailed off when Hinata didn't look up at him.

He was about to go back to painting when, "H-he's my older c-cousin," Hinata finally said. "I d-don't really w-want to t-talk about it r-right now. Let's j-just finish p-painting."

Naruto didn't like this Neji guy one bit. Hinata was the nicest person he had ever met, and he had traveled to every country in the elemental nations. Anyone who would send a death glare her way was not right in the head. Hinata was his teammate and, dang it, he wasn't going to let one of his teammates be depressed. That was when he came up with a rather fun plan to put a smile back on her face. "Hey Hinata I need your help with something," Naruto said a mischievous glint entering his eyes.

"Wh-what?" Hinata asked. The last time she had seen Naruto's eyes like that she found herself on the run from multiple chunin level shinobi, but then again the last time she had seen that look she had had more fun than she could remember having. Naruto leaned forward and whispered into Hinata's ear. "N-no, we'll get in t-trouble," Hinata said feeling flustered.

"Come on Hinata, it'll be fun."

"B-but…"

"I'll buy you a cinnamon roll," Naruto said pleadingly. A cinnamon roll did sound good right about now, and what Naruto had planned did sound fun. Maybe her father was right and Naruto was a bad influence on her. But then again, cinnamon rolls. "O-okay."


"Sh-Shino," Shino stood up from his painting and turned towards his teammate.

"Yes Hinata?"

"I-I-I was w-w-wondering if-"

"Got you!" Naruto shouted launching himself from his hiding place paint brush leading. Shino however simply sidestepped the awkward attack and stuck his foot out tripping Naruto.

"After hearing about your pranking spree when you first entered the village I must admit to disappointment if this was the best you could do." Shino said adjusting his glasses and turning back towards Hinata. "And Hinata that was a poor attempt at distr-"

SPLAT

Shino found himself stunned by the fact that his face was now covered by paint. Wiping the paint from his glasses revealed Hinata with a paintbrush in hand trying to hold in her giggles. The thrill of disobeying her father and doing something her clan frowns upon was making her feel giddy. Thoughts of the encounter with her cousin mostly forgotten. "Et tu Hinata? Et tu?" Shino asked trying to wipe the paint from his face.

"S-s-sorry Sh-Shino," Hinata managed to get out before finally succumbing to her giggles.

"I'm the prank king, you'll never see them coming." Naruto smiled proudly. "How's that for unsophisticated?"

"Still very much so," Shino said eyeing Naruto up and down. Shino's hand holding his paintbrush twitched when-

SPLAT

It was Naruto's turn to be stunned as Hinata had turned and smacked him with her paintbrush. "Oh, that's it you're getting it now!" Naruto shouted holding his paintbrush like a sword, Hinata responded holding her brush in front of her defensively. "Attack!" Naruto moved forward.

"That's enough Uzumaki!" Kurenai said sternly bopping Naruto on his head. "That's enough back to work." Kurenai would have stepped in sooner but it was nice to see Hinata cheer up after what happened with her cousin. "We're shinobi of the Leaf, now let's act like it."

"Yes Kurenai-sensei," the trio said in unison before going back to the fence.


The sun was beginning to set as Naruto, Hinata, and Shino were walking down the street after Kurenai had dismissed them. Their D-rank mission's for the day had included fence painting, helping an elderly couple move furniture, and weeding a garden. "Maaaan I am hungry, let's go to Ichiraku and get some ramen," Naruto said rubbing his stomach.

"You seem to have an unhealthy obsession with your food preferences," Shino said adjusting his glasses.

"But ramen is the food of the gods," Naruto defended his favorite meal. "We could easily eat it every day and never grow tired of its amazingness."

"I believe, quite firmly, that you could most easily accomplish such a feat. Those of us who actually take health seriously and wish to see our next birthday could not." Shino deadpanned.

"Come on, its sooooo good," Naruto pleaded. "Let's do rock, paper, scissors to see where we go to eat."

"U-um, N-Naruto you p-promised me a cinnamon roll, remember?" Hinata asked while pushing her index fingers together.

"Oh yea I did didn't I?" Naruto said rubbing his chin. "Okay, do you know where we can get some good ones?" Hinata nodded and pointed down a side street.

"Th-there's a b-bakery on Greenleaf road."

"Yes I know the one, they make good sugar cookies. Well anyway it is a better alternative to ramen twice in a row," Shino said walking in the direction Hinata pointed in. Hinata was about to follow when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning she found Naruto with an unusually serious look on his face.

"Hey Hina, I know you don't want to talk about your cousin but if you ever do I just wanted to say that I'll be willing to listen whenever you want to say anything," Naruto said rubbing the back of his head a heavy blush dusting his face. The same kind of blush that was now filling Hinata's cheeks. That fuzzy feeling Hinata got from time to time from Naruto returned with a vengeance.

"O-o-o-okay," was all she could say.

"Come on I did promise you a cinnamon roll."

"Thank you." Hinata whispered so quietly that Naruto didn't hear, or so she thought. Naruto's small yet genuine smile spoke otherwise.


Walking into the hotel room holding a cupcake Naruto was greeted by the sound Ziren cursing out a cat. Curious Naruto walked over to the bathroom and looked in. Ziren was standing in front of the mirror dabbing rubbing alcohol on multiple small cuts all over his face.

"You okay Sensei?" Naruto asked.

"I was attacked by a demon cat," he said bitterly wincing at the touch of the wet cotton ball.

"A cat?"

"Demon cat. I had to catch the Fire Daimyo's wife's cat as part of a D-rank mission."

"You have to do D-rank missions?"

"Since I am technically a defector I'm on probation. So yea I have to do bloody D-rank mission until the Hokage says otherwise." Ziren continued his rant under his breath cleaning his wounds.

"I brought you a cupcake," Naruto said holding up the pastry.

"Thanks," Ziren said taking the treat and sitting sown on his hotel bed, Naruto sat across from him on the other bed. Ziren took a bite out of the mini cake and enjoyed it for a minute before bringing his attention back to his apprentice. "So what do you want?"

"I want you to dig up some dirt on somebody for me." Ziren examined Naruto for a moment considering the request. It must be very important, Naruto didn't even feign offence at being called out on the obvious bribe. He licked his fingers free of crumbs buying him time to word his answer.

"First don't say 'dig up some dirt' it sounds unprofessional. Second who am I collecting intelligence on?"

"Neji Hyῡga, Hinata's cousin."

"Hyῡga, huh? And why are you so interested in him?"

"My team met him earlier today and he was really angry at Hinata. His chakra was filled with so much hate and anger I almost drew my sword on him."

"Did you see his forehead?"

"He was wearing his forehead protector, why?"

"Did you read that book I gave you on the clans of Konoha?"

"I skimmed it." Ziren glared at that answer but Naruto didn't even blink or shrink away. This Neji issue was really eating at him. Not surprising, when he was at that age the lengths he went to for the girl he liked were shall we say "impressive".

"The Hyuuga are split into two groups, the main branch and the side branch. The side branch are branded with a special seal that when they die destroys their brain and optic nerves rendering their eyes useless." Naruto nodded paying more attention to Ziren's lecture than he ever had before. "Sounds like a good idea to prevent people from hunting their clan for their eyes. The problem, however, is the fact that these seals can be remotely activated by the main branch."

"Wait," Naruto's eyes widened in understanding. "That means that the main branch can kill off side branch members with little to no thought." Ziren nodded gravely. "Th-that's terrible why does the Hokage allow that?" Naruto asked outraged.

"It's part of the Konoha charter. The village was originally a loose coalition of wandering clans that decided to work together and the Hokage was a position that primarily handled inter-clan disputes. Intra-clan disputes were, and still are, settled by whatever ruling body governs the clan." Ziren finished explaining feeling very tired all of the sudden. "Most likely this Neji kid is projecting his hatred of the main branch onto Hinata as a scapegoat."

"I don't think so. His hatred felt more personal than that."

"Maybe Hinata insulted him?" Naruto didn't even dignify that with a response.

"Is he Hinata's cousin or is he her 'cousin'?"

"Huh?"

"Well technically all members of a clan are related right? So they are all technically cousins. Is Neji her actual cousin or her clansmen?"

"Well that's what I want you to find out for me." Naruto said. Ziren sighed not really having the energy to explain these things to Naruto.

"Naruto, we are in a really tenuous position here in Konoha. We can't just go and piss off the most influential clan in the village. If you want to know more ask Hinata."

"I did ask Hinata, but she just pushed me away," Naruto said dejectedly. "So I figured you could help me instead. Don't you always say the underhanded method is usually the easiest?"

"While that is true, using underhanded methods is not always the best idea. How do you think Hinata would feel if she found out you went behind her back on this? How would you feel if I told Hinata about your secret, hmm?" Naruto had the good grace to actually feel and look ashamed for this idea. "What you need to do is get Hinata to trust you enough to tell you herself. Sure it'll take longer but trust me on this one Naruto, it'll be well worth it in the long run." Naruto nodded processing his Sensei's words. "Go eat some dinner. You still need to work on your meditation and sword forms before bed."

"Yes Sensei."