Disclaimer: I do not own any wrights to Naruto or Shadow Skill. I merely use their characters and themes for entertainment purposes.
After the two Sannins arrived it did not take long for word to spread among the population of the village of their return. As a result, an impromptu calibration occurred. The celebration, because of lack of preparation time, mostly consisted of small street parties around various parts of the village. Many of the citizens felt relieved from the threat the war on the horizon. With two of the Legendary Sannins in the village many felt confident in the village's safety. The small parties went away after the third day, but what remained in its place was a more relaxed atmosphere for the civilians that had not been in place for several weeks. The shinobi, however, were still on guard; many believed that the appearance of the Sannins showed that the village was in for a hard time very soon. But the shinobi were also joyous to have them back; well except a couple of gate guards that were demoted or dismissed the day after they arrived.
Of all the people in the village none were more relieved for the Sannins return than the Hokage himself. He was glad for the return of his former pupils and the support they brought. He was dismayed when he heard of attack on Naruto and Hinata by the Sound shinobi. "So the attack confirms your suspicions about Orochimaru being the head of Sound."
"Yeah," Jiraiya stated, "I've had my subsections for some time now but I had nothing concrete. That is until I saw the Curse Seal on the Sound ninja that attacked us not long after we left.
"And he's also interested in learning Naruto's Shadow Skill," Tsunade added.
"He's probably interested in the style because he has never heard of anything like it before," the Hokage commented.
"Naruto may have caught his eye but I still believe that he is interested in getting the Sharingan," Jiraiya said. "And because he can't get one from Itachi, that only leaves one person left."
"Uchiha Sasuke," Tsunade added, "We should tell both of those kids to be on guard. They can take care of themselves but Orochimaru might take the war as an opportunity to take them."
"Agreed," the Hokage nodded, "I'll have Kakashi tell them after the meeting. Now on to the real matter at hand." He paused looking directly at Tsunade, "I have decided that you should be the Fifth Hokage."
Tsunade just nodded, "Jiraiya told me as much. And I have to say you played a rather dirty trick to get me to come back. But I do accept the position"
"I know," the Third Hokage said with some regret in his voice, "But it needed to be done. Now, we'll announce the decision to the village after you have settled in again. Then we will prepare for the ceremony after that."
"Are you sure it's wise to have a public ceremony?" Jiraiya asked.
"Cloud and Stone will most likely know that you have returned," the Hokage replied, "The ceremony is to show that we now have a strong leader ready to guide our forces."
"So it's as much for outsiders as it is for the village," Jiraiya mused.
"Correct," the Hokage confirmed.
"Well then I guess I should go relax as much as I can," Tsunade said standing, "Because it doesn't look like I will be able to in the near future." She made her way to the door and just as she was about to exit she turned and said, "The first thing I do after I officially become the Fifth is to upgrade the hospital, we'll need it." She then looked directly at Jiraiya, "And the second thing I do is make peeping in on the women's bath a capital crime."
After she left the room Jiraiya turned to ask, "She can't do that, right?"
"Let me just say that you should get yourself a more powerful telescope so you can be farther away before the ceremony," the Hokage answered.
Naruto was at the training grounds he used before when he was preparing for his evaluation. He was busy kicking a tree stump that had an indention of about six inches into the wood. He stopped mid kick then he asked, "Something you need Kakashi-sensei?"
Kakashi made his appearance behind Naruto commenting, "I guess I should stop trying to sneak up on you." He spoke with an easily recognizable smile in his voice. "Actually I'm here to give you a message from the Hokage."
"What is it? Another mission?" Naruto asked, dropping his leg and turning to Kakashi.
"No," Kakashi answered seriously, "It does not take a genius to see that war is coming." Naruto nodded agreeing with Kakashi, "And you should know that there are people that find you unique, and there are always people whom want unique people."
"If you're talking about Orochimaru," Naruto interrupted, "I already know, Ero-Sannin and Tsunade-babba warned me about him."
"Good," Kakashi responded, "But you should still be on you guard, there may be others after you, word of your abilities is already spreading and a war is the perfect distraction for someone to come after you."
"I'll be careful Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said returning to his training.
Kakashi looked at the sky to determine the time. "Sasuke is still on patrol," he thought. "I guess I'll tell him later." Kakashi knew that only a direct summons from the Hokage should be the only reason to interrupt an Anbu's patrol. He knew from personal experience from his time in the Anbu ranks.
After Kakashi left, Naruto continued with his training with a doubled effort. If a war was coming he knew that he would have to be as strong as possible for the fights to come. After about three hours he took a break from his training and looked at the sky. He noticed that the sun was about half way over the western portion of the sky. "Damn I almost forgot I asked Hinata-chan out!" he thought aloud. Ever since the mission to find Tsunade Naruto knew that he really liked her. And decided that once they got back to the village he would ask her out. It took him over two days to finally get the courage to ask her out. "And then I nearly forget. I better go get cleaned up for tonight."
On his way back to his apartment he became lost in thought. He was having trouble deciding what he should do. After all not having any experience in this field Naruto had no idea what to expect. He was so lost in thought that whenever he bumped into someone he did not even mumble an apology. So when he turned the corner he bumped in to some one and continued past. That is until he heard them call his name, "Hey Naruto!" he stopped at his name and turned to see Sakura picking herself up off the ground. "What are you thinking bumping into me and not even apologizing nor helping me up?"
"Oh I'm sorry Sakura-chan," Naruto said. "I just have a lot on my mind and I'm afraid I didn't even notice you." He started to turn around when Sakura's voice stopped him again.
"Thinking about Hinata," Sakura stated.
Naruto jerked around seeing the smile on him former teammate's face, "How did you know?"
"You were mumbling about where to take her tonight," Sakura smiled broadened. "So you finally asked her out?" Naruto, completely embarrassed, nodded his head. "Took you long enough. She's had a thing for you ever since the Academy." Naruto nodded again in conformation, he knew though only because Hinata had told him not long after he returned to the village, "So what's the problem?"
"Well, I'm not to sure what I should do?" Naruto admitted.
"Well I can suggest one thing," Sakura said.
"What?" Naruto asked.
"Don't take her out for ramen," Sakura answered.
"Why not?" Naruto asked confused.
"Because even though you like it," Sakura began "The date isn't about the guy doing what he wants, it's about pleasing the girl," Sakura informed him. "You should take her to a place that she would prefer."
"Yeah I guess that's right," Naruto said, "But the truth is, I really don't know what she likes." Naruto sighed then looked up and asked, "Do you know what kind of things she likes?"
"I know she likes this restaurant near the administration office," Sakura answered. "I've eaten there as well, they have some good food and the place is rather intimate as well." She smiled briefly remembering one her dates with Sasuke. "I also know she likes spending time outside near the forest as well, I heard her say something about liking to watch fireflies."
Naruto thought for a moment then a large smile formed, "Thanks Sakura-chan I know exactly what to do now." Naruto then turned and walked the short distance to his apartment.
"Finally asked her out I see," Sasuke's voice spoke from behind Sakura. "About time he did."
"You're one to talk Sasuke," Kakashi said as he joined them, "How long did it take for you to ask Sakura out." Sasuke frowned at Kakashi but Kakashi ignored it, "I've got a message from the Hokageā¦"
After Naruto went home, got cleaned up and changed; he made his way toward the Hyuuga estate. He had been here before on a few occasions, but never went inside the gates. When he approached two Hyuugas opening the gates, "Uzumaki-sama," the one on the left greeted him "Hyuuga-sama wishes to see you. Please follow me."
Naruto nodded silently following his guide. But in his thoughts he was wondering, "Why did he address me as 'sama'?"
After a few minutes Naruto was led to the largest house on the grounds. Naruto had to resist gazing around him in astonishment, he had never seen such refinement and care to grounds than inside the Hyuuga estate. Once they entered the largest house Naruto's guide knocked on a door and opened it. "Hyuuga-sama, Uzumaki-sama has arrived."
He then stepped aside and Naruto stepped forward, "Very well," Hiashi responded, "Leave us." The Hyuuga that brought Naruto first bowed to Hiashi then to Naruto and left. "Sit," Hiashi calmly ordered gesturing to a position across from him. Naruto complied and sat down in the lotus position facing the Hyuuga head. Naruto was nervous sitting in front of Hiashi but did everything in his power not to show it. He waited patiently for the Hyuuga to speak. Unfortunately for Naruto, Hiashi made no move nor spoke for several minutes. During the entire time he was evaluating Naruto, when he met him a number of weeks ago, Hiashi was somewhat surprised by his actions. Now he was going to get a better idea on what kind of person Naruto was. After the long quite Hiashi finally spoke, "Hinata will be ready soon, you may wait for her in the common room."
Naruto blinked for a moment. "Yes Sir," he stood, bowed and exited the room. When Naruto left he was greeted by a female Hyuuga that showed him the common room. Once he arrived he thought about the meeting with Hinata's father. He was not expecting what had happened. In fact he was expecting an entire interrogation from the man. Unknown to Naruto, the silent observations that Hiashi made told him more about the kind of person Naruto was than any conversation they could have had.
Like everyone in Konoha, Hiashi knew about Naruto's loud and annoying personality when he was younger. And that kind of person was totally unworthy of his daughter in Hiashi's eyes. The young man that stood sat before him earlier was far from the previous image he had of Naruto. The Naruto, although nervous, showed patients and respect just by sitting and waiting for Hiashi to speak. The Hyuuga head had already heard of Naruto's strength from the reports he had access to, because he was part of the village council. And because of his position he was also one of the few people that were told that the Kyuubi was no longer sealed inside Naruto. This meant that he had no worries about the beast breaking loose either. All this combined for him to have a rather high impression of the young Jounin.
Back with Naruto he had been left alone for a few moments when he felt a set of eyes upon him. Glancing around the room with his eyes, he found the source of sensation coming from his right. Recognizing the feeling he asked, "How are you Hanabi-chan?"
Hinata's little sister did not answer as she entered the room, but instead asked a question of her own, "So are you my sister's boyfriend now?"
"I guess I am," Naruto answered with nervous smile.
"Well you better not hurt her," Hanabi stated.
Before Naruto could answer he felt another presence enter the room. The presence that came in had become very familiar to him over the last couple of weeks, it belonged to Hinata. Turning to greet his date he was stunned by her appearance. Hinata was wearing black silk long-sleeved shirt that ended just below her waist that reaching just over her dress. Her dress was also made of black silk that reached to just above her ankles. A pair of dark blue shoes and a matching belt, which was positioned at her waist just above where her shirt ended, finished the outfit off. And though the outfit was loose on her, it still accented her figure nicely. The only word that Naruto could come up with was, "Goddess." For to him it looked as though the girl in front of him, came directly from the heavens.
Hinata hearing Naruto's comment blushed deeply, "Thank you Naruto-kun."
Hinata's voice brought Naruto out of his trance and he suggested, "Shall we go." Hinata nodded and joined him and the two left the room. Hanabi, who had been forgotten, watched as they left the room smiling at the their reactions.
The two shinobi walked the distance to the restaurant Sakura had mentioned. Hinata was surprised that Naruto knew about it because she had never seen him there before, but made no mention of it. When the two entered the saw that it was not very crowded and were seated momentarily. Once they were seated Naruto took a moment to glance at the surroundings, Sakura was correct, the place had an aura that just seemed to bring you closer to person you were with, "I'll have to thank her for the advise latter." After his observation the two ordered their meals. Hinata ordered the sashimi and Naruto said he would have the same. He figured since he could not have ramen he would have whatever Hinata thought was good.
The meal came not long after they ordered and the two ate in silence, simply enjoying the other's company. After the meal the conversation was light, both talking about old times at the Academy and laughing at some of Naruto's pranks. After the bill was paid they left the restaurant. Once out side Hinata spoke, "Thank you for tonight Naruto-kun."
"You're welcome Hinata-chan," Naruto said. "But it's not over yet. There's something I'd like to show you."
Curious Hinata asked, "What is it Naruto-kun?"
"You'll see," Naruto smiled, "It's actually not far." He then led her away for the restaurant and into a small-forested area near by. Not wanting to ruin her clothes Naruto picked Hinata up saying "Hold on, it's just a little ways into the woods." Hinata complied by rapping her arms around his neck.
After about five minutes Naruto, still carrying Hinata in his arms, entered a small clearing near small pond. The silver light of moon reflected off the water, that combining with several flickering lights from several fireflies left the clearing with an ethereal setting. "This is beautiful," Hinata said, almost completely stunned.
"You should see it on a full moon," Naruto commented carrying her over to a fallen tree. "When the moon is full you can see almost perfect reflections on the surface of the pond, with the fireflies that are always here it looks like there's dance going on between the starts and lights from them."
Hinata looked at Naruto as he stared at the pond for several moments noticing the sad look in his eyes. Finally she had to ask, "How did you know about this place Naruto-kun?"
Naruto did not respond at first, but soon in a low voice he responded, "I found this place once when I was kid. It became the place I would come when the villagers got to me. It was where I could be alone when I was upset. It always calmed me down." She could not think anything to say, so Hinata's only response was to pull Naruto into a loving embrace and rest her head on his shoulder. Naruto in response leaned his head lightly against hers and rapped his arms around her shoulder. They then silently watched the pond and fireflies dance with the stars.
After about an hour Naruto carried Hinata out of the clearing and took her back home. Outside the gates to the Hyuuga compound Naruto decided to act on an impulse and brought Hinata closer and gently kissed her on the lips. Only a few seconds passed and the two separated. After looking him in the eyes with nothing but joy Hinata turned and entered her family's estate. On opposite sides of the walls the two were both thinking the same thing. "No matter what, I'll never forget this night."
The next day Naruto was awakened earlier than normal by a loud pounding on his door. When he went to answer it he was greeted by Sasuke. "Report to the Hokage's office. He wants all Jounin and Anbu there, and that means you too."
"Why?" Naruto asked in level tone. He had a feeling he would not like the answer.
"The team that was sent to Cloud returned last night." Naruto nodded and went to get dressed. He was right he did not like the answer.
Upon arriving with Sasuke, Naruto noticed that the two Sannins stood behind the Hokage with the investigation team in front and several Jounin and Anbu lined up facing them. Taking their positions, they stood at attention waiting for the Hokage to begin. "Kurenai, Genma and Aoba have returned. They came back to inform us that Cloud is gathering their forces and will be here with in the week. We must begin preparations for war."
