Naruto usuallyhad little trouble sleeping.
But, his conscience kept waking him up during the night.
The joke he had played on Hinata had really been funny. And her reaction had been one for the mental scrapbook. But, he wondered if she might find his actions somewhat cruel. She had mentioned that Jiraiya expected better of him.
That might not actually be true.
But it still made him think about the nature of his responsibility
"Oh hell!"
Stepping out into the chill air, he knew that it was an hour or so before sun up. Compelled to make things up to Hinata…… but not to apologize in one fashion or another…… he began gathering logs for the morning cook fire.
He would make certain that things were ready when Hinata came out. There would also be a waiting kettle of tea, and a few warmed over sweet potatoes from the night before.
"Think Naruto!"
The more pressing issue had to do with training. Certainly, the two of them could spend as much time as they liked, going over jutsu they already knew, or were well on their way towards mastering.
That was a practical approach, and would offer the illusion that Jiraiya was still around, just out of sight.
But, he would go beyond that. He had never been given the opportunity to be a chuunin or jounin, and didn't have a team to lead. In a way, that was fine by him. He wasn't the best one to lead by example, and the weight of responsibility was not something he relished.
Yet, it was something he would face some day, if he managed to survive whatever Akatsuki had in store for him.
For now, he could view Hinata as his student, and as part of his team. Just like Jiraiya did every morning, he would talk, telling things he had learned. After breakfast, they would work on their own.
But, when they had both finished lunch, he would try his hand at teaching.
And, they would head on down to the village for supper, since that old perverted hermit had left Naruto's frog purse behind. His master had suggested they head down to the busy little community every now and then, so he would do so.
But, no dancing!
None at all.
Not a single bit.
No doubt the damn Sennin would return soon enough, then order him to do that kind of stuff. But, while the cat's away, the mouse will stay off the damn dance floor.
So will the fox!
It would be nice to walk along the crowded stalls again, getting squid on a stick or candied apples. They could stop in at some of Jiraiya's old haunts, the ones suitable for young adults. They would not visit Jiraiya's printer in this village, and would definitely not be making any deliveries.
Tsunade would kill him if he took Hinata into any of those places. No, The Hokage wouldn't have to see any of that. If Neji didn't stick up for his cousin's honor, Hyuuga Hiashi would act to remove the smear from his clan's name, should Naruto expose his fellow ninja to anything illicit..
Then again, if Hinata was going to become a well-seasoned shinobi, she needed to learn to deal with the darker sides of life
No.
Even he wasn't comfortable with a lot of that stuff, and he had been trailing behind that old pervert for a good while now.
There were more interesting things to do with their free time. For example, even though Hinata had done well with her summoning, she had never managed to call a frog larger than a small cat. One late afternoon of evening, he would make it a point to introduce her to Gama-Bunta.
That ought to impress her!
Not that he really needed to show off, or anything. But, it would be courteous, introducing Hinata to the Boss Frog. Just as long as that damn son of his didn't show up too. He had the habit of sticking out one of his damn fingers, claiming that every girl in sight was Naruto's girl friend.
That would probably embarrass Hinata.
Not him, of course….
Wait. How could he have been so remiss. There were even more important issues. Because he had been so very busy, Naruto had neglected certain human necessities. He could only imagine how much his soul had suffered. And, if Hinata wasn't already a convert, she would need to be.
Ramen!
He just knew that he was suffering from some kind of noodle deficiency.
He heard the sound of Hinata's door closing. Sure enough, she was dressed and heading on over.
"Good morning, Hinata." He stood and bowed, watching Hinata's face. She was obviously puzzled.
"Naruto-kun?"
"Well…… after last night's story…… I just wanted to be sure to……save face!" He kept his mouth straight as long as he could.
Hinata caught the pun, easily enough.
She just shook her head.
"Sorry. I couldn't resist." Naruto chuckled. "But, to make it up to you, I already have some things going."
"Thank you, Naruto-kun. That is very kind of you. What do you wish for breakfast?" Hinata began getting out utensils and cook pots.
"Everything you cook is so good, Hinata. It really doesn't matter to me…."
That had Hinata blushing, then looking down at her feet.
Naruto went down to the river for water as Hinata cooked. When he returned, everything was ready, and the two of them sat down for their morning meal.
Naruto spoke a bit about some of his missions with Team Seven. Hinata returned the favor, mentioning some of the adventures that she and her gang had seen. Feeling somewhat emboldened, she asked one of the questions that was always on her mind.
Maybe Naruto would answer it this time.
"Naruto-kun? Why did you leave Konoha to train here? What are you and Master Jiraiya looking to accomplish?"
Naruto put down his fork without taking a bite of the sausage he had speared. He sighed, taking a moment to determine where to start, and how much to say.
Remembering the feeling of looking up at the stars, he decided to go for broke.
There certainly was a real risk. Now that he was becoming more comfortable around Hinata…… and had to admit that he enjoyed having her around…… there was a chance that she would leave this camp and head back to the village if she learned about Akatsuki.
Worse, there was a chance that she might be frightened of him…… even hate him…… when she heard about Kyuubi.
"Do you mind if I tell a story first?" He asked, his eyes troubled under half-closed lids.
"OK, Naruto-kun."
"There was a time, when a young strong Kage ruled over a proud and valiant village. The prior leader was still vigorous enough, and loved by all, but the younger man was something special. Amongst the other shinobi, he stood out like the brightest star at dawn."
Naruto had added that part in honor of the night before.
"A time of great battles had ended, and the village was well on its way to being prosperous again. The people were happy, and enemies were wary of challenging a village with such a strong leader. The clans resumed their normal lives, bringing back the rich tradition that had filled their lives. The civilians thought about lives filled with laughing children. The Fire of the older generation was there to be passed on to the young."
He reached his hands out and rubbed them together over the fire.
"There was no warning. The catastrophe that struck could not have been foretold. No one would have believed any such claim, even should one of the temple priests have had a vision. As it was, there should have been no one left alive to tell the tale, after the events unfolded."
The blonde shinobi rubbed his head, then stared into the fire for a moment. In the dancing flames, he imaged nine giant writhing tails.
"Many brave men and women would die in the horror that came. Families would be torn apart forever. Some families would disappear altogether. Women weren't spared. Children died as well. The elderly struggled little, knowing their time had come."
Hinata was listening entranced, wondering what kind of late Naruto was telling. It was familiar to one that she had heard many times from her father.
"There came into their lands, a monster so large, that it defied imagination. Why it had come, no one could say. The only question was, 'could it be stopped?' But, the answer did not matter. The best and the bravest warriors went out to try what they could, carrying on the brave spirit of their ancestors."
Naruto coughed. Clearing his throat, he continued.
"The huge demon towered far above the trees, its great tales swinging about like angry snakes, throwing forests into the air, and knocking mountains asunder. What hope did the walls and buildings of the village have against a blood-thirsty youma?"
Hinata bit her lip, hard. She could taste blood. It had to be the story of Nine Tails.
Why?
"With each snap of its great jaws, scores of men died. With every thrash of its tale, the wind caused more damage than any tsunami could. Where its paws fell, the works of men ceased to exist. But, there was a scroll of forbidden jutsu, added to by every generation with having a genius wise enough to create new and powerful techniques."
Naruto rubbed his eyes. For a moment, he pictured Iruka, Mizuki, and a small corner of woods. Sitting there, he had read that very scroll, learning Kage Bunshin before the two other ninjas showed up.
"The act of courage that it took to stop that beast is the stuff of legend. There had been no way to halt its deadly rampage, without a life being sacrificed. And, as the jutsus being used were so advanced, it was by necessity the best and brightest of them all who answered the call. The loss was almost more than the village could stand, but without that selfless act, none of the village would stand."
Naruto watched Hinata's face.
She knew what tale he told.
The white-eyed shinobi would be wondering where he was taking things.
"When the demon was no longer a threat, the villagers all went to work rebuilding their homes and burying their loved ones and friends. The feelings they had towards that horrible monster would never diminish over the years. While they might speak of it in hushed terms, there were some parts of the truth that were rarely spoken out loud, and never in front of the children."
Naruto looked up to the sky for a moment, looking at the clouds drifting past. He looked for shapes in them, but was unable to find one shaped like a fox.
Good.
"A new rule was made. The true fate of the great fox would be hidden from the coming generation. Why the fox was never actually killed, I cannot say. Perhaps it was because of the Fourth's decision to sacrifice himself, choosing a certain way to contain Kyuubi. It might be a result of the village's honor, with the men and women in power not being able to bring about the death of an innocent. That did not keep the people from wishing such a death, or from hating any remnant of the beast."
Naruto looked Hinata straight in the eyes.
The look on his face had her gasping and bringing her hand to her mouth.
"To defeat the bastard fox, Yondaime made summoned the Death God, surrendering his own life. Through that act, and other powerful techniques, the Nine Tails was sealed away. Not in some hidden tomb as some stories say. Not within some other realm beyond the reach of mortal men. Not within some bottomless chasm in the mountains that remained."
Hinata spoke up, he face pale.
"Wh-Wh-Where… Naruto-kun?"
"The Fourth sealed Kyuubi behind the navel of a baby. The damn demon is still there today, ruining the life of a boy who never asked for such a burden. Making that boy a target for men who want the demon, as well as those who hate the beast."
Naruto's face gave everything away that Hinata hadn't already guessed.
"Yes, Hinata. I am Yondaime's legacy. The Nine-Tailed Fox lays sealed within me."
Hinata stood, stunned.
At first, her mind seemed totally blank, like a deep snow fall on the side of a mountain, before the mountain goats or hunters walked across it.
Then her heart seemed to beat louder and louder.
'The Nine-Tailed Fox lays sealed within me.'
Those words echoed within her head, getting louder and louder, until she put her hands over here ears without effect, bending over, trying to hold herself together.
Naruto was not pulling another prank, no matter how much part of her wanted to believe that.
It must be true. It explained things she and the other shinobi hadn't been able to figure out. It placed her square in the jaws of a dilemma.
Naruto watched, his eyes burning and his chest tight. He didn't want someone else to look at him for the beast within his belly, instead of the person he was, or the man he had dreams of becoming.
Hinata put out one arm, as if she were about to lean on something for support. But, there was nothing near her. She stumbled a moment, then her eyes cleared. Slowly, she walked to place the fire between her and Naruto.
That had her fellow ninja hang his head, before lifting it back up again, his eyes defiant.
Let her react as she would. It would show him just what kind of person she was. Maybe she wasn't someone he could like after all.
Neither could tell how long the two of them stood silently, lost in their own thoughts.
Hinata felt the temptation to run. Not just physically, but within her head too. If she didn't think about it, the fact would merely fade away, right?
Wrong.
That sweet temptation…. a steady companion from her younger days…. now was the candle she needed to find her way.
There would be no running. There would be no hiding. There would be no imagining that things were different than they were.
Still, she found herself turning to walk away, again and again. She couldn't help but remember the words her father had spoken about the demon, almost able to touch the hatred that had been prevalent in his voice. Her grandmother, grandfather, and aunt all died at the feet of Kyuubi.
But, she never saw the monster. She hadn't lived through the fear, devastation, and mourning. She did know Naruto, however. She had been watching him for a very long time.
She set her feet like anchors, trying to hold still against the fierce current of emotions.
"N-N-Naruto-kun…."
Naruto heard the quiver in Hinata's voice, but he also saw her spread her legs apart and bring her arms down, taking up a stance for confrontation, not one for escape.
"Yes…."
"You are the boy I have always known, but with Nine Tails trapped within you. You are a bottle of sorts, with a cork. Not the demon in human form."
Hinata needed the answer to that question more than anything she could remember.
Her dreams and wishes, as unrealistic as they may well be, all rested on what Naruto would say.
"I'm not some damn bottle!" Naruto answered. Then, he regained his composure. "I guess…. I suppose that's one way to look at it…." He scowled. "It's pretty demeaning, though…."
"If you get angry enough, Naruto-kun…… will the cork pop out?" Hinata didn't want to imagine what would happen if Kyuubi could run free again.
Naruto kicked at a rock, missing.
He frowned at the rock, as if blaming it for all his problems.
"I don't know…… it's come close before…I think….. but… I…… I have been able to keep things contained." He ran his hand through his hair.
He gave Hinata a brief run down on his battle with Haku.
"The Third was worried too, I think. But, he let me fight in the chuunin exams. And, that damn pervert taught me to tap into Kyuubi's chakra. That's how I beat Neji."
"Oh…." Hinata twitched. For a brief moment, Naruto seemed less heroic to her, almost as if he were a cheater, or had won under false pretenses.
But, another idea dawned on her, because of the talks the two of them had shared.
The demon was more a burden to him then a boon.
Realizing why the townspeople hated Naruto, she also began getting an idea of just how strong and far-reaching that hatred must be,
How could she ever feel the same way that such small-minded people did?
"Naruto-kun…… if…… if someone were to break the bottle…… would the contents take shape, or just flow away forever?"
"If they kill me, I die." Naruto said, a bit testy. The question was a good one, but it was not a topic he was fond of. "If I die, I'm pretty certain the bastard fox dies too."
He told Hinata about Jiraiya's drastic training method, the chasm, and Gama-Bunta. He explained how he had been drawn within the passages of his own mind, standing before the huge bars of Kyuubi's cage.
By all accounts, the demon would do what was necessary to stay alive, within its strict limitations.
"And you are training out here because….." Hinata's eyes were intense. "Is it to keep everyone safe, in case the bottle opens?" Then she bit her lip. "Or… when there is great need… will you open the bottle… but control the pour?"
Naruto shook his head, impressed at Hinata's thought process.
It was easy to think that she was dull or stupid, because she was quiet and not very expressive.
"No. There are people looking to grab the bottle," he spat, realizing he was using the analogy. "They want what's inside. They must think there is some way they can use it. If they can, they will probably toss the bottle in the trash!"
The young shinobi told of his encounter with Kisame and Itachi, adding things he had heard from Kakashi and Jiraiya afterwards,
"That's what that old hermit's research is about this time. Akatsuki. An organization of nine S-class criminals. No one knows for sure what they are after. I'm not their only objective, but there is no doubt they just want me alive, not as a member of their little knitting circle."
Hinata turned pale when Naruto quoted Kisame's threats.
Before Hinata could ask any more questions, Naruto blurted out his major concern.
"So, do you hate me now?"
He turned and faced the girl, but his eyes couldn't meet hers.
Hinata bit her lip, but stopped. She shook her head, even though she still looked to be somewhat shocky.
"If I don't like the drink Naruto-kun, I usually don't hate the bottle. Especially not this one. It's a strong bottle, and it's been banged around so much, by so many people. It hasn't broken. I don't know if I would trust any other bottle to hold in such a dangerous drink."
Naruto's eyes watered. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
It was like his revelation with Iruka.
Despite the way many people in the village might feel about him, the Leaf had some great people. Iruka had known about Kyuubi, but risked his life to save him, saying that he was Uzumaki Naruto, not Nine Tails.
The jounin had all treated him equally with their students, and Kakashi had done his best to teach him.
The Third had cared, too. But, he didn't want to think about Sarutobi at the moment. The loss still pained him greatly.
Oh… he also couldn't forget his favorite Ramen man in Konoha….
Now, he could add Hinata to that list.
"Thank you…." Naruto turned away. He cursed himself for a weakling, when he couldn't hold the tears back. Only a few fell, but that was enough to bother him.
"Naruto-kun?" Hinata walked over, but Naruto wouldn't let her see his face.
Nodding her head, she just reached into her pouch and took out a handkerchief.
She held it out to him.
"I don't need that, Hinata. I'm not crying or something. So you can…." Naruto stopped, quelling his pride. There was something important there he should not overlook.
Hearing what she had heard, Hinata had offered him support.
"Sorry, Hinata."
"It's OK, Naruto-kun…. it's…." It was Hinata's turn to tear up, empathizing with the life Naruto had been saddled with, from the day of his birth. "I'm…. I…"
"No tears, Hinata!" Naruto said, turning to face Hinata. "It's not our Ninja Way."
Hinata nodded, then managed a shy smile.
Naruto of course, remained true to his nature, even at a times such as that.
"You can feel a small fox inside me," he told Hinata. "It's usually asleep, and only rarely bites." He pulled his shirt out of his pants, exposing his abdomen.
Hinata swallowed hard, looking at his muscles. Then she blushed, unable to look away.
"Want to feel it Hinata," he pointed just above his navel. "Just press your hand in, you'll feel the fur."
"Ummm…." Hinata shook her head.
"Ha! I knew a girl would be afraid!" Naruto laughed. "I knew you would chicken out!"
Hinata stuck out her lower lip. Then, she reached out her hand.
Closer. Closer. Closer.
When she toched the skin, she drew back and closed her eyes for a moment. Then, she reached again.
Closer. Closer. Closer.
There. Just push down. Further. A little further. Not too hard….
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R. KON. KONKON. KON. KON!!!
Naruto had thrown his voice down to his abdomen. Reviving a useful ninja skill that few shinobi learned these day, Jiraiya had painstakingly taught Naruto ventriloquism.
Hinata stumbled backward, then fell hard on her duff.
Naruto laughed so hard, that he had to stop to catch his breath.
"There is nothing…. (Gasp gasp) …. there that you…. (Gasp gasp) …. can actually feel…. (Gasp gasp)… Hinata." Naruto's smile was the brightest that Hinata had seen since she had been at the training site. "Hah! Gotcha!!!"
Hinata just sat down on the ground. Then she too began to smile. They had both weathered the storm.
"Put a cork in it, Naruto-kun…."
That had Naruto grinning like an idiot.
"Good one, Hinata. I never knew you had it in you!" He gave Hinata a hand up. "But…." His face fell some.
"Naruto-kun?"
"You're not just acting, are you Hinata. You're a very kind person, you know. I mean… when you have time to actually think about things… you're not going to… uhhh… hate me…." Naruto looked somewhat vulnerable.
He hated being hated. He hated being hated more than most things he could imagine hating.
He also hated thinking 'hated' so damn many times….
Arrgh!
Hinata stared at Naruto a moment. It was a valid question. Did she accept the truth because she had always cared about Naruto and was merely a weak-minded creature of habit. Might she really loath him or resent him deep inside?
"Why don't we sit for a moment, Naruto-kun." Hinata looked over at Naruto, touched by the concern on his face.
It made her feel meaningful somehow. He obviously cared what she felt. In some way, he valued her feelings and opinion of him.
She'd hope for more some day, but that was pretty special in itself.
"My turn," she added.
"Huh?" Naruto scratched his head, just before Hinata started her oratory.
"In ancient days there lived in a remote part of Japan a man and his wife, and they were blessed with a little girl, who was the pet and idol of her parents. On one occasion the man was called away on business in distant Kyoto.
Before he went he told his daughter that if she were good and dutiful to her mother he would bring her back a present she would prize very highly. Then the good man took his departure, mother and daughter watching him go.
At last he returned to his home, and after his wife and child had taken off his large hat and sandals he sat down upon the white mats and opened a bamboo basket, watching the eager gaze of his little child. He took out a wonderful doll and a lacquer box of cakes and put them into her outstretched hands."
Hinata pasued briefly, remembering a similar event form her childhood, in the happy days before her mother died and her father was hardened by so many touchy clan issues.
Naruto watched her, seeing a faraway look on her face. He correctly guessed what she might be thinking.
He wondered what it might be like to have a family. He would never know form a child's perspective. He wondered if he would ever know how it felt to be a husband or father.
"Once more he dived into his basket, and presented his wife with a metal mirror. Its convex surface shone brightly, while upon its back there was a design of pine trees and storks.
The good man's wife had never seen a mirror before, and on gazing into it she was under the impression that another woman looked out upon her as she gazed with growing wonder. Her husband explained the mystery and bade her take great care of the mirror.
Not long after this happy homecoming and distribution of presents the woman became very ill. Just before she died she called to her little daughter, and said: 'Dear child, when I am dead take every care of your father. You will miss me when I have left you. But take this mirror, and when you feel most lonely look into it and you will always see me.'
Having said these words she passed away."
Tears formed and fell down Hinata's face.
Naruto reached within his pouch and took out a handkerchief. He waved it at Hinata. She shook her head, wiped away a tear, then managed a grin.
"In due time the man married again, and his wife was not at all kind to her stepdaughter. But the little one, remembering her mother's words, would retire to a corner and eagerly look into the mirror, where it seemed to her that she saw her dear mother's face, not drawn in pain as she had seen it on her deathbed, but young and beautiful."
In Hinata's pouch was a locket, with a picture of her mother. It was something she treasured greatly. Taking it out, she opened it,
Looking over at Naruto, she handed him the locket.
Naruto gaped. He knew how much the item must mean to Hinata in a sentimental sense. He cradled it, like it was a newborn infant.
Hinata had her mother's eyes.
"One day this child's stepmother chanced to see her crouching in a corner over an object she could not quite see, murmuring to herself. This ignorant woman, who detested the child and believed that her stepdaughter detested her in return, fancied that this little one was performing some strange magical art--perhaps making an image and sticking pins into it.
Full of these notions, the stepmother went to her husband and told him that his wicked child was doing her best to kill her by witchcraft.
When the master of the house had listened to this extraordinary recital he went straight to his daughter's room. He took her by surprise, and immediately the girl saw him she slipped the mirror into her sleeve.
For the first time her doting father grew angry, and he feared that there was, after all, truth in what his wife had told him, and he repeated her tale forthwith."
Hinata's face fell again.
Naruto wondered why she had chosen this tale, if it had so many parts that brought back painful memories.
No doubt she was thinking back to the time when her father had effectively cast her out like a worthless tool, turning his attention to her sister.
"When his daughter had heard this unjust accusation she was amazed at her father's words, and she told him that she loved him far too well ever to attempt or wish to kill his wife, who she knew was dear to him.
"What have you hidden in your sleeve?" said her father, only half convinced and still much puzzled.
"The mirror you gave my mother, and which she on her deathbed gave to me. Every time I look into its shining surface I see the face of my dear mother, young and beautiful. When my heart aches--and oh! it has ached so much lately--I take out the mirror, and mother's face, with sweet, kind smile, brings me peace, and helps me to bear hard words and cross looks."
Then the man understood and loved his child the more for her filial piety.
Even the girl's stepmother, when she knew what had really taken place, was ashamed and asked forgiveness.
And this child, who believed she had seen her mother's face in the mirror, forgave, and trouble forever departed from the home."
Naruto looked at Hinata, as if she had just crawled across a burning desert to bring him a drink of water.
He understood the point of her story.
So many people hated him for what they thought he was, or for the demon sealed within him. But, just as the girl had been faithful to her mother's memory, he was dedicated to his village.
Sasuke, the golden boy, had been admired by everyone. The girl's all swooned for him, even though he cared nothing about that. All the other shinobi wanted to try their hands against an Uchiha.
It had been 'genius' this and 'genius' that. And, of course, it had been 'Sasuke-kun this' and Sasuke-kun' that.
But, he had chosen his obsession over his duty to the Leaf.
Hated since birth, the fire stilled burned within Naruto. He would defend the village no matter what. And he still dreamed of being Hokage.
Some day, it might be the people of Konoha who feel ashamed and ask him for forgiveness.
"You're pretty smart, Hinata."
"Ummm… thank you, Naruto-kun…."
Naruto smiled, his eyes looking full of life.
"But, not as smart as me of course!" He stood up on a stone, striking a pose very similar to one Lee might use.
Hinata began to giggle. She couldn't help herself. Despite the conflict still raging inside of her, Naruto's action touched her in just the right spot.
"WHAT?!! " Naruto put his hand on his hips, then wrinkled up his face.
Seeing that, Hinata put her hand to her mouth, trying hard not to laugh.
She failed.
"Huh! I'm not the one who fell for the old 'there's a fox in my belly' trick! Sheeeeesh…." Naruto stuck out his jaw.
"Y-Y-You're…. (hah) …. y-y-you're…. (hah hah) …. absolutely right…. (hah hah hah hah) …. Nar…. (hah) …. Naru …. (hah hah hah) …. Naruto-kun…."
Naruto frowned, trying to think of a comeback. Instead, he watched Hinata. He had never heard her laugh like that before. He had never seen her face so relaxed…. so happy…."
Hinata's laughter may have been inappropriate, given all that she had heard. But, Naruto's disclosure could have shattered her world into a million pieces. It hadn't. She had remained strong. Something inside her felt like rejoicing.
"Oh well…." Observation time was over. "The last person I am ever going to take to a dance is someone who laughs at me. All the girls in town do that. Hmmmpppfff!"
Hinata stopped laughing, but didn't look worried. She knew Naruto was just trying to trick her again.
"Naruto-kun?"
"Huh?" Naruto loked at Hinata's face, seeing that she was not worried in the slightest. "You might as well refer to me as 'Lord Uzumaki,' or 'Master Naruto,' while that old pervert is gone. I think I have much too lenient with you." He folded his arms across his chest. "Practice will begin shortly, student Hyuuga."
Hinata smiled.
Naruto just shook his head and sighed.
Girls!
"Lord Uzumaki…." Hinata said, purposefully bowing and twiddling her thumbs at the same time. "I respectfully ask permission to speak."
"What's stopping you…. I mean, go ahead, student." Naruto was glad to see Hinata playing along.
She surprised him every day, it seemed.
"I believe that the fox in your belly has a big effect on your personality. Maybe you wouldn't be Master Naruto-ku without it…." Hinata maintained her exaggerated pose.
"Huh? I mean, what makes you come to this conclusion, student?" Naruto tried to look sage, placing his chin on his fist.
"I remember the tales of kitsune that my mother told me, Naruto-kun…. I mean, Lord Uzumaki." Hinata stood erect now. "The wisest among them had nine tails. And, as you must know Master, they were foxes that could take on human form."
"Continue, student." Naruto wondered where Hinata was going with this.
"First off, the kitsune were said to be mischievous. They can be thought of as the Trickster. One could say they were apt to try to teach those around them lessons. Kitsune are notorious for seeing a weakness in someone, and aggravating the weakness, until others see it." Hinata grinned.
"Well… Ok… so I have some similarities to kitsune. Kyuubi is not a kitsune. I am not a kitsune. Students these days…." Naruto waved for Hinata to continue.
It was a dismissive wave.
For the first time in her life, Hinata had the urge to stick out her tongue at someone.
"Well, there were some differences," she stared Naruto right in the eyes. "They were described to be grateful for any kindness done." She paused.
Naruto just folded his arms across his chest, resting them on a knee he brought up.
Hinata smiled again
Hmmmpppfff yourself….
"The kitsune can , for a short range, breathe out fire." Hinata held up one finger. "A kitsune can transform into anything found in nature." She held up a second finger. "Freedom is very important to the kitsune. They do not accept being forced into something they do not wish, and do not like being bound or trapped." She held up a third finger. "Kitsune have to keep their promises, and especially follow their word of honour. They become self-distructive if they break a promise, and when someone else breaks a promise, they become deadly enemies." She held up a fourth finger. "Kitsune are also a victim of their own feelings. A kitsune's emotions can cause them harm, or distract them."
That took care of one hand.
She used it to wave at Naruto, before holding up the other fist.
"Yeh. Fine. Coincidences." Naruto had forgotten about 'Lord' this and 'Master' that.
"Once someone has earned a kitsune's enmity, the kitsune will begin enacting revenge that can become rather extreme." She held up one finger. "On the other hand, those who have earned a kitsune's trust and loyalty will be blessed with a friendship that can last through many tough trials." She held up a second finger. "Kitsune are able to bewitch men in the guise of a charming girl. I'm certain that Master Jiraiya can attest to that." She held up a third finger.
Naruto frowned.
Stupid hermit had mentioned the Sexy No Jutsu to Hinata.
He'd better not try to make her do anything like that. She better not have any ideas either! He was not going to invent a Sexy-to-Girls No Jutsu!
But, it could be done easily enough….
He shook his head violently, erasing that thought.
"They have an insatiable love of ramen." Hinata held up a fourth finger, knowing that kitsune actually thought that lemon-rice balls were a delicacy. Next, she almost quoted something verbatim that she had read in one of her father's hidden scrolls.
She put down her hand quickly, and blushed.
"Huh? Something wrong Hinata? What were you just thinking?" Naruto sat up straight, like a hawk noticing movement in the grass of a meadow.
"Ummm…. It's n-n-nothing, Naruto-kun…. nothing at all." She swallowed hard. She thought: 'In regards to kitsune in human form, it was said that the effect of lovemaking for a kitsune's partner is, according to many sources, more pleasurable than most mortals can handle'.
"Come on Hinata…. Tell teacher…."
Hinata looked away and shook her head.
"Probably something dirty." Naruto had just been teasing. But, when Hinata turned bright red, it was as if the hawk saw a mouse's head pop up in the field. "Hinata!!!"
The girl was a dark scarlet now.
"Tsk tsk tsk…." Naruto's grin had his eyes shut. He never would have though of Hinata having any kind of naughty thoughts.
"So… you're saying Kyuubi is like some kind of ultimate kitsune… and he is making me what I am today?"Naruto figured that Hinata was joking in that regard, but he did have to admit there were a lot of similarities between him, his shinobi jutsu, certain attitudes and beliefs, and things that Hinata had said about the trickster foxes.
Of course, kitsune were not larger than whole villages, and were not prone to destroy entire cities. And, the kitsune legend had come from China, by way of India, while the Kyuubi was a demon bound to this land.
Hinata regained her equilibrium.
Coughing, she readied her final zingers.
"Kitsune can take an Avatar, possessing a dead body, an unborn child, or a newborn." She grinned, seeing Naruto jump.
That was indeed close to home, except for the fact that Kyuubi was sealed in Naruto's belly, not there through some kind of possession.
"Oh…… and for your future reference…… the children born to kitsune in human form always been kitsune, and are usually in fox-form when born. You'll want to tell that to…. ummm…. well…. uhhh…. any girl you might want to…. ummm…. get married to…."
"Uh huh. Right. You applying for that position, student Hyuuga?" Naruto was merely be facetious.
Hinata came very close to swooning. But, she held onto her final fact about kitsune. That ought to get Naruto defensive.
"One more thing. With some exceptions, kitsune are female. Those who are male, are not very male at all." Hinata looked over at Naruto.
"Huh?" Naruto instinctively spoke in a deep voice, flexing his muscles and throwing out his shest. "Nine tails may have nine tails, but he is not a kitsune."
"How do you know Kyuubi is a he? There's no way to… uhhh… look…"
"WHAT?!!" Naruto clenched his fists.
"Nine Tails might be a girl…." Hinata tried to keep a straight face.
"He…… is…… not…… a…… girl……" Naruto shook a fist at Hinata.
"Could be," Hinata said, shrugging.
"NO… HE… COULD… NOT… BE!" Naruto cocked his arm, firming his biceps. "There is nothing of a girl inside of Uzumaki Naruto!"
Hinata stood watching Naruto, an amused look in her eye. She was not likely to forget his trick with the ghost story. It was good to return the favor, so to speak. Even though it went against the grain with her usual behavior.
"You're taking this very seriously, Naruto-kun. I was only talking about kitsune, after all. Perhaps you need to rest after telling me your secret." Hinata grinned.
Naruto stood dumb-founded.
He looked at Hinata as if seeing her for the first time.
Not only didn't she hate him, she had stood there baiting him. The two of them definitely were not acting like people who had told a dramatic truth, or heard something so earth-shattering.
Naruto just shook his head. Looking over at Hinata, he asked "Hinata, did I ever tell you that you were someone I could like?"
Hinata froze. Her eyes went impossibly wide. Her mouth fell open.
"Maybe you should rest before practice," Naruto said.
Then, he walked away whistling.