"Why today?"

Naruto cursed. It was not just hot. It was very hot. No, it was worse than that. It was very hot and very dry. The taller and most heavily crowded weeds at the roadside were drying out, adding to the dusty and crumbly debris blowing about.. The gusts of wind didn't help either, coating him with the dust and pollen.

"Stupid robes."

Naruto groused once again about his new clothing. Everything itched. It itched and rubbed him in spots he didn't want to be rubbed. He knew why he needed new clothing. It had been his decision to spend the money for the new clothing. Well, it was his decision to do what he was told he had to do, if he wanted to attend the ceremony. That didn't make him feel one bit more comfortable.

"Damn."

The walk seemed so much longer this time, now that he was alone. Well, he wasn't really alone. While Naruto couldn't see them, he knew that his escorts were somewhere nearby. Tsunade had assigned them to follow him to Jiraiya. In return, Jiraiya had ordered them to escort him back to Konoha. Wonderful. Companions he couldn't see and couldn't talk with.

At the very least, one of them could have carried his bag. His back ached. Not to mention his neck, his arms, his legs, and his strained abdominal muscles. There was good reason for that. Naruto's punishment had been brutal. No, he hadn't been whipped, beaten, or starved. Those might have been preferable. Instead, Jiraiya had him working from dawn to dusk, moving dirt and stone. It was his task to repair the handiwork of his errant jutsu, while time permitted. After the ceremony, he would return and take up the task again.

At first, it actually looked like it might be fun. That perverted old hermit had taught him a number of new jutsus, all involving shaping, moving, or fighting with earth, dirt, and soil. But, the overly hairy bastard told him he couldn't use any of them. Being overly generous, Jiraiya said that his student could use any pick, shovel, or wheelbarrow that he could get his hands on.

"Damn... heartless... perverted...big-haired... Sannin... son of a bitch…"

Naturally, Jiraiya hadn't stopped there. One morning, with much of the town watching, the young ninja was forced to stand on a newly-constructed impromptu amphitheater in the center of the village square. While much of the crowd stood around slurping, chewing, and swallowing graciously donated ramen, he was forced to go cold turkey. But, that was just the beginning. Naruto had to own up for his misdeeds, then offer a public apology. Every hour. For one whole day. Jiraiya had even walked around the crowd, waving his arms and shouting. He carried a great wicker basket in his arms, offering the crowd assorted produce to throw if they were so inclined.

As humiliating as that had been, the worst was yet to come. Jiraiya gave Naruto permission to attend the Hyuuga event; but, under one non-negotiable condition. Naruto would need new clothes. But, not just any new clothes. They would have to be identical to the outfit the perverted old Legendary Sannin wore. Same cut. Same designs. Same materials. Fitted to the younger ninja. His sensei said it was a character building exercise.

What a crock! He cursed, thinking back to one conversation:

'Great! Don't tell me, I have to paint on the same face markings to!' Naruto had been clearly unhappy, but he should have left bad enough alone.

'No,' Jiraiya had answered. Naruto, in turn, had smiled a smile of relief. It was short-lived.

'Thanks. You're a great sensei after all!'

'No face marking, unless you wish it. Instead, I want you to adopt the same hair style. There are jutsus that aid in the growing of hair.' The Legendary Sannin had fluffed his mane, grabbed his belly, and chuckled. 'Someone from your bodyguard will take a picture at the ceremony. You will not know when. It will show me that you followed my requirements to the letter. As I am known for my magnanimous nature, I will not force you to dye your hair.'

YOUR NEW APPEARANCE WILL STRIKE FEAR INTO YOUR ENEMIES…

Kyubi's sarcastic remark had been followed by three hours of uninterrupted vulpine laughter, punctuated with numerous helpful comments..

'Damn flea-bitten fox. Damn pain-in-the-ass hermit.' Naruto had been fit to be tied.

…IF IT DOES NOT CAUSE THEIR BOWELS TO EMPTY

Those were not pleasant memories. Naruto had pleanty of reasons to mumble and grouse his way along the road to Konoha. Yes, he was upset at many things, but mostly he was looking for reasons to distract himself. He was worried about the nature of the ceremony itself. What was going to happen? Would he be expected to play any role? Was it necessary to formally meet with Hinata's father and other relatives?

That kind of stuff would be worrisome enough under the best conditions. But, over the past few weeks, a black cloud had been following him around. No, a whole freaking black sky! Things had gotten so bad, that he almost wished that Akatsuki would strike already. That would be a great distraction, and he might be able to defeat the entire organization by passing his bad fortune on to them, if the damn thing was contagious.

First, Hinata showed up out of the blue. But, that wasn't a bad thing, actually. She wasn't the thundercloud. She was the lightning rod! That was remarkable, since she was such a shy, quiet, restrained girl who never... ever... caused...any…trouble. Well, he might as well be honest. Naruto was the cloud, the lightning, and the rod. He also had a metaphorical habit of juggling metal objects while standing up to his waist in figurative water, the clouds rumbling above his head. And he wasn't even trying to be a trouble-maker!

In any case, Hinata had showed up. Then, impossibly, he had lost that bet. Sure, ramen was supposed to be the prize if he won the contest, not when she won. But, everybody likes ramen. Some just never learn the truth. Hinata had every right to discover that for herself. He had merely been a sensitive, considerate, and generous date. Well, after he finally admitted that it was a date. Whatever name he put to things, everything seemed to go haywire. No ramen. Pointless, annoying, ridiculous mental chatter from that damn fur ball.

GLAD TO BE OF SERVICE. INSECT.

He still hadn't lived down the part about the rabbit!

But, to be fair, there had been some great moments too. It was nice holding Hinata's hand! Well, after he stopped making a clone do it. And, he had gotten a nice reaction after he told Hinata she was one of the nicest people he knew. Yeh, so what if he kind of told her that some other girls were cuter than she was. He told her she was cute, didn't he? Not just cute. Beautiful. It wasn't as if he was a total nincompoop, right?

"I almost kissed her."

For some reason, that had Naruto smiling. Normally, he would have only been happy if he met some specific goal. If he wanted to kiss her, he should have kissed her. If he didn't want to kiss her, it would be best never to be put in that kind of situation. Still, he couldn't help but admit the building anticipation had been something special in itself.

Yes, he had nearly kissed her. He was pretty brave, wasn't he? Hah! Well, Hinata did kind of get the ball rolling. That was kind of surprising. He never would have guessed that she had it in her. Of course, his bad fortune had struck again, and not due to any mistake on his part! But, he was getting ahead of himself. He still had some work to do. His prior comment that he didn't want to kiss her had earned him a mud bath.

That just showed him that Hinata had more spunk than anyone might imagine. He liked that. The more he found that he liked her, the better he felt.. It was part of his plan!

At least that was his story and he was sticking to it.

BRILLIANT PLAN. EMBRACE CHAOS AND ENTROPY. YOUR GENIUS HUMBLES ME.

Stupid chatty wise ass demon. When did that miserable excuse for a throw rug ever get a chance to swallow a dictionary?

I HAVE BEEN AROUND EONS. I HAVE SEEN MUCH. YET I REMAIN HUMBLE.

"Shit!" Naruto felt like retching.

Suddenly feeling somewhat contemplative, Naruto reflected on his own life. He had already seen and done some amazing things, stuff that most people would never have a chance to see or do. But, there were plenty of things that average were blessed with as they grew up, that he never had a chance to experience. It wasn't a fair trade, exactly. Sometimes he dreamed about being some crafter's son, growing up with a mother, father, and siblings.

Although he knew better than to try and get personal with Kyubi, Naruto absentmindedly asked a question about something that had always been important to him. "Did you know my father or mother?"

NARUTO, I AM YOUR FATHER

The young ninja almost fell over. For a moment there, he felt shock run through him like electricity. But, it was all too obvious that Nine Tails was joking. That would teach him to ask the bastard fox any questions.

Naruto made a concerted effort to resume thinking about the time he had spent with Hinata. He had really enjoyed himself. He had enjoyed himself In ways that he never would have thought possible. No, he had enjoyed himself in ways that he had never known were possible.

Sure, there always seemed to be a fly in the ointment, if not an elephant! The two of them would have had a much greater time together if their friends weren't always showing up unexpectedly. The first few meetings had been Hinata's fault. Maybe she was good at causing trouble, after all. Kakashi-sensei. Gai. Lee. That dynamic dual plunge into the dumpster was great! Then there was Shikamaru and Choji. Iruka-sensei and the terrible trio. Neji. Sakura, Ino, and Ten Ten. It did give him a chance to show off a little bit for Hinata. She should have been able to see that he clearly was not the same Naruto that he had been before. The trick with Shikamaru had been good. So was the one with those bothersome girls. And, she must have been impressed with his calling Gamarakki! Well, up until the great Toad had tried to glom onto that steaming pot.

"My bad…"

He would have to do something for Gamarakki to make up for that mistake. His giant amphibian friend was very easy going though, much more so than Gama Bunta. It shouldn't be too hard to smooth things over. It would be easier to win his forgiveness than it would be to regain Jiraiya's trust. He didn't want to think about the Swamp of The Underworld right then. That must have sent Hinata an entirely different message. That, and the perverted Sannin himself. His preachy commentary had been a real downer.

But, none of it could keep him down for too long. Soon enough, he had other chances to show Hinata his brilliance, with all those fables. Not to mention his trickiness, with the tale that frightened her. Hmmm. Well. That was after he had already been fooled by her and frozen in stick form by that bastard fox.

I WILL REMEMBER THAT FOR ALL ETERNITY

'Your mother was a toupee!'

Ignore the fox. Ignore the fox. Ignore the fox.

It had also been nice to spend time with Hinata in a cozy non-threatening setting. The secluded rural home of the farmer and his wife had given him a brief idea of what family life might be like. He had never had opportunity to see that kind of stuff firsthand. It had been wonderful, watching Hinata help the bedraggled woman. She had such a kind heart and a strong sense of character. He had to admit that she was a good example for a certain troublemaker who had a habit of acting before he thinks, and who often thinks about himself first and foremost.

Of course, he had showed her something too! That is, besides his clumsiness. Oh, and his irresponsibility with that beer. Hmmm, not to mention his forgetfulness with the chicken coop. He worked very hard to gather up those chickens. He had enjoyed it so much, he did it twice! Seriously, though. He truly believed that he had done some things to impress Hinata. He had also managed to made her feel happy and good about herself. That was worth each and every embarrassing moment, and all of the trouble he had tiptoed around.

He just wished he could get everyone to see who he was, instead of who they thought he was, or worried he might be. The first instance of miscommunication between Hinata, himself, and their friends in Konoha had been dramatic, but could have been much worse. The second time, misunderstandings had embarrassed Hinata, and had come very close to tarnishing both of their reputations. And, that had been with people who were genuinely fond of them!

So many different people. So many different things.

Tsunade had been furious with him, and showed that displeasure in front of the people that meant the most to him. Kurenai had been concerned about the way he might treat Hinata. Jiraiya had been royally and rightfully pissed.

"Wait. Where was I going with all this?"

DAMNED IF I KNOW

Right. Bad fortune.

He prayed that things would go well today. He didn't mean just for himself. It was easy enough to conjure up an image of Tsunade waiting for him with handcuffs, the scroll in her hand. He could find some way out of something like that. It was what he did. He wasn't really worried about anything like that. He was most concerned about Hinata. This was a very special day for her, in so many ways. More than anything else, he wanted her to get through things without a hitch. She deserved so much more than she got sometimes.

"Damn. If the fates are fair, our luck will turn around today!"

The more that Naruto thought about his girlfriend, the better he felt. His thoughts gave way to daydreams. At some point, without realizing he was doing so, he began to sing a song that he had been unable to get out of his head the other day. He warbled louder and louder, causing the few strangers walking the road with him to rush ahead or slow their pace.

"Can't explain all the feelings that you're making me fe-ee-eel
My heart's in overdrive and you're behind the steering wheel

-

Touching you-oo-oooo-oo, touching me-ee-eeee
Touching you, God you're touching me-e-e

-

I believe in a thing called love
Just listen to the rhythm of my heart
There's a chance we could make it now
We'll be rocking 'til the sun goes down
I believe in a thing c-a-l-l-e-d lo-o-o-ve
Ooh-oooo!

-

I wanna kiss you every minute, every hour, every day-ay-ay
You got me in a spin but everything is A.OK

-

Touching you-oo-oooo-oo, touching me-ee-eeee
Touching you, God you're touching me-e-e-e-e..."

Naruto stopped short. Someone flashed into view. He wore a Leaf forehead protector. Introducing himself as the leader of the ninja squad sent to shadow him, the blonde-haired and bespectacled man asked if Naruto would please stop singing. He said that their task was difficult enough as it was.

I LIKE YOU MORE AND MORE. YOU ARE GIFTED AT CAUSING PAIN. BE PROUD

Naruto went back to singing, but only loud enough for himself to hear. Feeling self critical, he actually began paying attention to the words he sang.

"Uhhh… well… maybe I don't really need to sing after all…"

Well, maybe he would sing again if he came across Kurenai. Then, he would make certain to sing it as loud as he could! He could just picture it:

"Touching you, God you're touching me-e-e-e-e..."

Hah! Kunai would be flying everywhere. Dangerous or not, that kind of moment would be classic. It would be a good way to pay Hinata's sensei back for that lecture.

Eventually, Naruto had run out of miles. He stood looking at the great gates of Konoha. Smiling, he remembered standing there with Kakashi, Sasuke, Sakura, and that bridge builder, Tazuna. It all seemed so long ago.

As he had expected, there was someone waiting for him there. It was Neji, not Hinata.

"Hey Neji! How's it going?" Naruto watched as his erstwhile guards flashed into view, checked with the gate guards, and then ran off to give their reports. Damned critics. "Where's Hinata? Is something wrong with her?"

"My cousin is fine. Things were apparently hectic on her mission, but she performed well and made it home unharmed. She is busy with preparations. That will take a while. After that, there will be a brief traditional tea ceremony with her father, her sister, and the Hokage. When all that had been done, the rest of the clan… as well as select guests…will be invited to take part in the major event." Neji motioned for Naruto to follow him.

"What'll we do until then? Are you hungry? Want to get some ramen.?" Naruto's eyes lit up.

"No thank you. I am not all that fond of noodles." Neji shrugged.

"Huh? I didn't think they made people that that!" Naruto was scandalized. But, that didn't mean he had to give up on the idea of ramen." Neji just smiled, remaining silent. "You could come with me. Maybe get a radish or something." Naruto chuckled. "The noodle man's daughter is really cute."

"Not interested. Sorry." Neji waved his hand and continued walking when Naruto stopped to stare at the shop.

Naruto scratched his chin. Not interested? Just in noodles, or girls too? Could it be that there was someone who was even more inept with the female species than he was? Wonder of wonders, if true! "I guess Ten Ten wouldn't be too happy if you had white-eyes for someone else." Naruto had tried to sound as casual as possible.

Neji stumbled for a brief moment, and then regained his impeccable balance.

"Am I the only one who knows about her?" Naruto took out a kunai and began cleaning his nails. He needed to look his best for the ceremony.

"Yes. I mean…" Neji sighed. "How did you find out? We have been very careful, not wanting to be pestered by everyone else. You know how that goes." Neji stopped and looked at his friend, waiting to hear his answer.

"You just told me. Other than that, I was only guessing when I saw you stumble." Naruto put his hands behind his neck. "You forget. I'm going to be Hokage some day." He began walking again. "There had always been whispers, even before I left the village. No one could honestly imagine you being interested in girls, though. You were so serious."

Neji just stood standing, his mouth open. Then he smiled and shook his head. "I suppose the same could be said for you. No one would have thought that any girl would be interested in someone so loud and impulsive."

"Hey… I…" Naruto shook his head and grinned. He remembered what he had been like before. "I hope you guys are doing well," he said. "By the way, did you ever think about making things easier?" Naruto began whistling.

"Easier? What do you mean?" Neji looked perplexed.

"Calling her 'Twenty.' It has a ring to it." Naruto laughed.

"I do not understand?" Neji sometimes found it hard to follow his friends logic. As a Hyuuga, he was adept at linear thinking. Naruto's type of logic had yet to be classified, despite the efforts of learned professors.

"Ten Ten... Ten plus Ten... Twenty...you know, higher math!" Naruto brushed his hands together. Neji sighed. "Don't let it worry you. I wasn't always the sharpest tool in the shed, either!" Naruto grinned.

Neji actually smiled. Naruto was one of the few people that could get him to do that with any regularity. In part, it was due to his unpredictable antics. In addition to that, he still felt beholden to the shorter ninja for the lessons he learned in the Chuunin tournament.

"Well, if you don't like 'Twenty,' you might try one of these." Naruto went over and whispered into Neji's ears. He told him a number of the terms of endearment that Jiraiya used on any woman foolish enough to share a drink with him

"I... ahem…I believe that I will stick with Ten Ten." Neji actually blushed.

Naruto smiled. This might be a fine day after all. "Oh. Before I forget. Has Gai-sensei given you and Lee the 'Man Talk' yet?" Naruto tried to keep his voice even. He still had nightmares about Kurenai and kunai.

"Man Talk?" Neji stopped again, lifting one eyebrow.

"Yeh. You know... uhhh..." Naruto squared his shoulders. He was a veteran now. Someone should have given him a T-shirt, button, or sticker that read 'I had the Talk.' He cleared his throat. "Sexual education."

"No." To his credit, Neji never lost a beat.

"Well, a little friendly advice then. Get him to give you the talk as soon as possible. That, or hurry to the library." Naruto coughed. "Otherwise, Kurenai might get you first!"

"How so?" Neji looked curious.

Naruto gave his friend a run down of his experiences.

"It is a good thing that they did not make that part of the chuunin exam!" Neji smiled again. After that, the two friends chatted about their respective training experiences. Neji was quite impressed with Naruto's newest jutsus. Most were jounin level. Naruto was glad to hear that Neji was training with his uncle, learning every secret that the Hyuuga clan jealously guarded.

"Neji?" Naruto was curious about the upcoming event. "What will actually take place at Hinata's ceremony?"

"A number of things of historical significance... some clan traditions... and many celebratory festivities." Neji nodded to a group of Genin that he had taken to training. "She will great the well-wishers in a long-sleeved kimono after making her way through a number of rituals. Her father will present her with a headband. Written on the inner part of that eboshi will be her adult name, one that she will share with no one but her future husband. One purpose of the ceremony in the past was to announcement that a daughter was of marriageable age and had been deemed worthy of prestigious husband."

"Uh... marriageable... husband... but... not today… right?" Naruto looked a bit uneasy.

"Why do you think you were invited, Naruto?" Neji kept a straight face.

"W-H-A-T?" Naruto slipped and had to wave his arms to keep from falling. "You're joking!"

"Naruto. I will say this once. While you are my friend, I will not let you ruin this ceremony. You must play your part with dignity. We all have our hardships to persevere through. Many generations ago, a Hyuuga Lord of your age would be a father with many children!" Neji sounded like the proverbial immovable object.

"B-B-But... I..." Naruto began sweating.

"Of course, I am only joking." Neji had learned that from Naruto as well. "But then, one who is clever with tricks must certainly have realized that."

"Huh? Of course…sure… good try, though!" Naruto's smile was mirrored by Neji's.

"There will be kite flying today as well. On this day, Hinata's kite will fly higher than anyone else's." Neji stopped a moment, then looked serious. "If Hinata wishes, she can ask someone special to her to fly a kite as well." He nodded his head. "I am worried that she might ask you."

"What? Why would you be worried?" Naruto felt a tightness in his gut. "Don't think I'm worthy or something?"

"I think you know differently." Neji put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "But, her father is a stern man, very concerned with the clan's reputation. I do not think I need to say any more. You can probably guess the rest. Especially after the disturbance that night." Neji squeezed Naruto's arm. "I am sorry."

"Hey... it's OK..." Naruto suddenly felt very weary. Weary and sad. It was a difficult burden to bear, being the Fourth's legacy. But it was also difficult dealing with the fallout from things that weren't truly his fault. "What other kind of fun stuff will there be!" Naruto tried to bull his way past his darker emotions.

"Masked dancers. Ceremonial call and response. Young girls will tie ribbons on trees. Boys will set candle boats afloat on the reflecting pool." Neji continued, describing other things that might occur, depending on Hinata's preferences.

"What?" Naruto blinked rapidly. "She might shave her eyebrows and blacken her front teeth? Hinata?"

"If she wishes. It was mandatory, many years ago." Neji gave Naruto a condensed history of the Hyuuga clan. He looked up when a number of rockets burst high in the sky. "That's the signal. Things will begin soon. We should head over now."

"Sure! Let's go!" Naruto was tingling all over for some reason.

"I have a question first. It might seem a bit personal." Neji looked uncomfortable.

"What is it, Neji? Worried that I might cause some kind of commotion? Hey, not me. Especially not today!" Naruto took up his choicest Nice Guy pose.

"No... it is not that..." The white-eyed boy was staring at Naruto.

"What?" Naruto felt anxious, wanting to make it to the ceremony on time.

"I was not going to speak of it, originally. But, I find that I must ask." Neji closed his eyes for a moment, and then opened them. "Naruto. Why are you wearing that outfit? Today of all days." Neji shook his head. "Lattice-work shirt. Green over-shirt and pants. Red-orange robe. And that horned forehead protector!"

"Don't ask." Naruto deflated. "Let's just say it wasn't my choice."

"I see. We should look on the positive side of things, then. It's better than that old orange jump suit!" Neji sighed.

"Hey-y-y-y-y…" Naruto shook one fist. "I really liked that outfit!" He also liked the outfit he usually wore these day. It kept some of the orange and added a fashionable amount of black.

"Yes. I know. We all knew. It was one of the reasons you were referred to as 'That Naruto'." Neji shrugged apologetically. "Sorry."

HE IS CORRECT. I WOULD KILL MY YOUNG IF THEY LOOKED LIKE THAT

Fifteen minutes after that, the two ninjas walked down a pleasant stone-lined avenue, approaching a stately cluster of buildings based on the old style architecture, arranged around an open courtyard. A group of people of high estate walked along with them, while others were carried in covered chairs. Seeing Naruto, some of the passengers pulled their curtains shut.

Neji and Naruto made their way through the crowd without much difficulty, as everyone recognized the young Hyuuga. Standing in the front row of onlookers, he and Naruto had an excellent view of the proceedings. A group of hired musicians in traditional garb, playing the long shakuhachi flute and the small hichiriki oboe, stood in one corner of the courtyard. Their mid-tempo festive music was accented by mouth harp players and spoken passages about the glorious past of the Hyuuga clan. In the opposite corner, another group of men and women prepared their four-stringed biwa bass lutes and long 13-string koto zithers. A group of attentive drummers, standing behind those players, listened attentively for their cue. On a central platform, performers clad in rich colors and wearing frightful and fanciful masks danced to distinctive rhythms with elegance and bravado. The rich traditional performance, once intended to entertain and appease the ancient gods, fascinated the young and old alike.

I REMEMBER THOSE WHO DANCED IN MY NAME. I ATE THEM ALL

'Great. Kyubi the Nine Tails, patron of the arts.'

Naruto grimaced. This was not a time he wanted to be reminded of the fox demon. The reaction that he had received from some of the villagers had not been about anything he had done himself. In fact, he was certain that some of them must have gotten word of how he had battled Shukaku to a standstill, saving their bacon. No, they hated or shunned him because he was the one that had been used to contain the horrid beast.

MASKS HURT, STUCK BETWEEN TEETH

'Thanks, I'll remember that.'

Naruto looked around the court yard. Everyone was dressed in their best clothing, a fact that somehow made him feel very self-conscious. The well-manicured grounds and family home were decorated magnificently. Pennants snapped in the wind. Banners… some from a time before Konoha village existed in name… hung from eaves or were draped out of windows. In one upper story window, ever so briefly, he caught sight of Hinata's face. She had been looking for him! Smiling, she was dragged away by fussy women with rouge and hair pins.

"She has endured a lot, for this." Neji had seen Naruto's reaction. "I am glad that Hyuuga men do not have a similar ceremony."

"What has she had to do?" Naruto felt slightly jealous of Neji's knowledge of Hinata.

"There was no practical purpose in my taking note of it, so I am not cognizant of the details. I do know, however, that she was learning flower arranging; calligraphy; ways to sit, stand, and walk; and a great many facts regarding kimonos." Neji smiled. "Perhaps Hinata has taken to learning from you. Some of the words she used when she finished her aesthetic training were quite dramatic."

Naruto smiled.

After some subtle signal, the dancers left the platform. As the music changed to a more stately melody, a number of young children, standing along both sides of a long red length of carpet, walked out to the central area of the courtyard, carefully laying out the great piece of fabric. They were followed by a second group of youngsters, laughing as they tossed flower petals this way and that. Naruto was fascinated. He had never seen anything like this before. Sure, he wouldn't want to watch it every day, but something about the rich tradition tugged at his heart. Looking down at his feet, he sighed. What was his tradition? Did he even have a clan? Why had no one ever given him the details that he asked for?

In a rhythm somehow at odds with the other music…but somehow not seeming out of place… the resonant thumping of the drums had everyone watching the main door to the estate.

Thump thum thump thump.

As the drums went, so went Naruto's heartbeat. The anticipation was gradually building within him. He wanted to see what was going to happen next. He couldn't wait to see Hinata.

Flanked by clan elders, Hyuuga Hiashi strode down the carpet in a slow and stately manner. His every step and movement seemed like poetry. Watching, Naruto almost felt ashamed of his own rash habits and clumsiness. The elders swung around to surround the platform as Hinata's father climbed the carven stares, walking over to one side. Next, accompanied by the well-groomed wives of the elders, Hinata's sister Hanabi retraced her father's steps, walking over to the opposite side of the platform. She moved with a solemn grace remarkable for one her age

Subtle movement caught Neji's attention. He tugged on Naruto's sleeve and nodded in a certain direction. Looking, Naruto noticed masked figures slowly moving through the crowd. ANBU. What was going on? The answer was quick in coming. There was an important personage involved in the ceremony, one who must be protected at all times.

The Hokage. Dressed in full regalia, including the tri-corner hat, Tsunade strode down the walkway. Reaching the platform, she took up position directly between Hiashi and Hanabi.

After a series of greetings rituals and speeches to the crowd from each of the principal people, the moment that Naruto had waited for had arrived. Hinata! The drums took up a constant metered beat.

Thump thump... thump thump... thump thump... thump thump

Naruto found it hard to breath. The moment seemed unbelievably tense, but at the same time, there was a feeling of relaxation within him. This was where he wanted to be at that moment in time. It just felt right. He was grateful that Hinata cared enough to invite him.

Tsunade turned away from the crowd first, moving to face Hinata. Hinata bowed. Next, Hiashi and Hanabi turned together. They bowed to Hinata. She began walking. Slowly. Elegantly. Almost like she was gliding. Naruto marveled at her uncharacteristic grace, and at her clothing. The beautiful kimono she wore, with its long embroidered sleeves, captivated him. Ages ago, the clothing style must have been developed for just this girl, and just this moment. Was that really Hinata? She looked so serene, so beautiful. His eyes glued to her, he saw his girlfriend glance quickly in his direction. Unable to help herself, she smiled a quick smile before resuming her necessary stoic appearance.

For Hinata, the moment was indescribable. She felt as if she were somehow supported by the winds, weightless, her spirit soaring even higher than herself. To be accepted. To be recognized. To have her existence cherished. To be a family. To have Naruto there.

She couldn't remember a more wonderful time.

Yes, she was shy. But not today. She was the retiring sort. But not now. There were countless places to hide in the crowd. She didn't need them.

One of the clan elders walked over past Naruto and Neji, on his way to supervise some part of the upcoming activities. He stopped when he saw Naruto. Taking in the young ninja's face, his eyebrows rose, and his mouth formed a razor thin line. He changed direction, headed for an area just off of the platform.

Naruto never noticed the elder. He stood transfixed. Hinata's hair shone. Her skin glowed. Her smile drilled a hole straight down to his heart, much in the same way that Kidoumaru's arrows had drilled holes through Neji's body. And her eyes... those eyes! At times they could seem odd, almost soulless; but, at that moment, at least to Naruto, it almost appeared as if they contained the entire world.

The elder called something out. Hiashi raised his hand, stopping the musicians. He turned immediately to face the crowd, a look of outrage on his face. Everyone in the assembly stood uneasily, whispering and mumbling amongst themselves.

"What's wrong? Is there an intruder? Some kind of danger?" Naruto tensed up. If anyone was trying to harm Hinata, or ruin her special day, they would have to deal with Uzumaki Naruto!

"I do not know," Neji answered. "The elder said something to my uncle, but did not signal for a warning flare or a warning signal."

Hinata stopped walking, tand hen looked over at her father. Tsunade frowned. She had obviously heard what was said. Subtly, she made a number of small hand gestures. Disguised ANBU members began moving slowly through the crowd, changing their priorities.

The elder pointed. Hiashi looked in that direction. Straight at Naruto. Shaking, Hiashi still maintained decorum, bowing to Hinata and Tsunade with as much patience and dignity as possible. He then stepped off of the platform. Walking, he raised one hand in the air and made hand signals. Guards began converging on his position.

Neji was startled by the look in his approaching uncle's eyes. He suspected what might be about to happen, but hoped that he was wrong. Naruto's repuation as a prankster would not sit well with many parents, but something like that would not cause an interruption of this ceremony. But, Hiashi had been livid when Hinata's name had been mentioned in connection with the village alert those weeks ago. Was that enough of a dishonor to lead to this action?

Naruto swallowed hard. Just what was going on? This wasn't part of the ceremony, was it? Hinata's father looked to be headed straight for him. Hinata noticed, too. She looked worried. Against protocol, she began walking towards Naruto.

"You, of all people, are not welcome here on this day!" Hiashi pointed to Naruto. "Leave immediately." The guards shouted instructions to the crowd. Startled guests began moving away from Naruto, clearing an avenue for the proscribed exit. Neji stood by Naruto's side.

"But... I haven't done anything..." Naruto felt stunned. He began to feel angry when the crowd began whispering. Memories from long ago came to light. He remembered when he was all alone, painfully isolated, with no clue to why he existed at all.

"Uncle..." Neji's defense was silenced with a sweep of his uncle's hand.

"Silence!" Hiashi didn't even spare Neji a single glance.

"Father… please…" Hinata had given up any pretense to propriety and ran over.

"Hinata! Resume your place! Immediately." Her father's voice cracked like thunder.

"B-B-But… I invited Naruto-kun…he is here as my guest, Father… my special guest." Hinata was shaking. Her fingers were moving furiously.

"Now, daughter!" Hiashi turned to look at his eldest daughter. "Right now! Do not dare shame me and the clan in this manner. You do not know what is at hand here. I have no obligation to explain it to you now."

Naruto bit his lip, drawing a small bead of blood. More mature than he was years ago, he restrained himself. But, his temper was being truly tested. Neji put a hand on his arm.

Hinata turned to look at Naruto. She then looked at her father, pleading with her eyes. Her father refused to meet her gaze.

"GUARDS! PREPARE YOUR WEAPONS."

The captain of the household troop shouted out orders. Soon thereafter, one elder made a hand signal. Members of the Hyuuga clan walked out of the crowd, lining up behind Hiashi. A number of them took up the stance of the Gentle Fist.

"Sir. Please. I don't understand." Naruto tried hard to pace himself, taking great pain to monitor each word before speaking. "I have always done my best to honor your daughter. I have stood up for her when others tossed her aside. I only want to honor Hinata on her special day."

"Honor?" Hiashi sounded incredulous. "You speak of honor. What does something like you know of honor." The rage in his eyes was a palpable thing.

Naruto found himself taking a half-step back. Squaring his shoulders, he regained the lost ground. He glanced over at Hinata, saddened by the look on her face. Every moment that this continued, the pain would grow for her. He was all too familiar with pain. It was his only life-long companion. He did not want Hinata to suffer for even a moment.

"If I have done something to offend you sir, I apologize." Naruto bowed.

"There is no forgiveness for the things that took place." Hiyashi's hands trembled. It almost looked as if he intended to strike Naruto. The crowd grew louder and louder. More people jockeyed for position to see the current strife, then had done so to get a view of the ceremony.

Naruto was determined to put Hinata first. "Sir, I do not understand your behavior towards me. I care deeply for Hinata, and only wish her well. This is her ceremony. This is your home. I will do what you ask of me." Trembling, he bowed. It was hard, acting mature. He wanted to just shout 'Why!' and let all of his past anguish out. He was so tired of injustice.

The noise of the crowd became subtly different. A number of people actually spoke of Naruto's actions with admiration. Looking up again, Naruto caught a spark of respect in Hiashi's eyes. But, that was soon extinguished by an older, much more deeply entrenched feeling.

"Escort him off of the premises. Now." Hinata's father signaled to the guards and a group of family retainers. They took hold of Naruto and began to usher him off the property. When their actions became rougher than necessary, ANBU squad members identified themselves, and usurped the responsibility, treating the young ninja with the respect he deserved. Their current duty was to see to his safety, and quell any possible disturbance.

"Naruto-kun..." Hinata had her hand at her mouth. She began walking towards her boyfriend.

"If you take one step off of the estate, do not bother coming back." Hiyashi's words to Hinata caused the crowd to go dead quiet. Hinata froze. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Walking away, Naruto's anger grew. This wasn't right. It wasn't fair at all. Hinata hadn't done anything wrong. "Furthermore, you are henceforth forbidden to associate with that young man. Heed my words. That decision is final!

"B-B-But father…" Hinata couldn't belive this was happening.

Looking in his daughter's pain-filled eyes, Hiashi paused a moment before setting his jaw. He took a deep breath. "Any disobedience will be met with swift and eternal discipline. Do...you... understand...me?" He felt a brief swelling of pride, seeing his daughter gather her will and stand up straighter. But, this needed to be done, and she needed to mind her place.

"Why, father?" Hinata's voice cracked, despite her brave showing. She saw her father close his eyes for a moment.

"Please return to where you were. When the menace has left the area, the ceremony will resume." The word 'menace' had everyone talking excitedly. Had the young man been a danger? If so, how? The older members of the audience knew the answer to that.

AND I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE BORING

Tsunade's arms tensed. A huge frown caused her brow to furrow. She had no recourse but to remain silent. She was not there as Naruto's one time companion. She was there as Hokage of Konoha Village. As unfortunate as Hiashi's decision was, the man was well within his rights to act in such a manner. In bygone years, wars had started when uninvited guests, rivals for affection, or men marked by grudges were murdered at this kind of proceeding. She would make certain that nothing would go that far today.

"Naruto-kun," Hinata whispered. She fought back tears. Even if Naruto wasn't there to watch her, she would do him proud. She only hoped that her father didn't mean what he said, or would later change his mind. What would her life mean to her if she had to give up all hope of seeing her precious person?

"I thought I told you to resume your place." Hiashi walked over and took hold of his daughter's arm. "We will deal with your punishment later. Do not dishonor the family any further."

There was the slightest yelp of pain. No one else could possibly have heard it, but Naruto did. The sound echoed in his ears, growing louder and louder. That was the final straw.

Hinata had done nothing wrong. Her only crime was to care for him. Why should that be wrong? How could he ever want to be Hokage some day, if he wasn't willing to stand up for the innocent? Whatever the odds!

"Kage Bunshin No Jutsu. Many multiple clones! Henge!" The crowd overflowed with Naruto clones. The true Naruto assumed the appearance of one of the ANBU members. Chasing a clone that was running towards Hinata's father, he watched the Hyuuga guards and real ANBU members bring that decoy to the ground. The replica disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Naruto stood directly in front of Hiashi, having resumed his natural form. His face was tight and his eyes were filled with fury. Both hands clenched and unclenched. Hinata was being treated unfairly. He was being treated unfairly. No one had done a thing to stop it, not even Tsunade. Only Hinata had stood up for him.

The ANBU squad began to surround Naruto. Members of the Hyuuga clan called out and started to move.

"S-T-O-P!" The Hokage's voice rang out. "Keep your distance." The ANBU squad members put their arms behind their backs. "I... mean... everyone..." Tsunade walked off of the platform. "Naruto, do not cause any trouble here. There are no actions that are unforgivable, but there are those that are inexcusable. Please donot cross any lines."

If Naruto heard Tsunade's words, he did not give any indication. "Why? Why are you doing this to your daughter? You cast her out once before, just because she wasn't as talented as you had hoped." Naruto looked over at Hinata. He then switched his gaze over to his friend. "Neji was treated poorly enough, despite the sacrifice your twin brother made for you." He glared at Hiashi. "But, why do something worse to your own daughter?" Naruto's robes began to flutter slightly. There was no breeze. "Old Lady Tsunade, you know my dream. You valued it once, because it echoed those you heard before." There was no reason to mention Tsunade's late brother and boyfriend. "I thought that the Hokage was supposed to protect the peoples' dreams. Hinata has a dream." Naruto folded his arms over his chest. He had said what he felt compelled to. Let the chips fall as they may.

The words struck Tsunade hard, but she still had no reason to reply in her official state. The office of the Hokage would not interfere in clan business, no matter how cruel or unfair it was. If laws were broken, that would be a different story. No laws had been broken here today. She wished that she could tell Naruto her reasons then and there.

"Dreams. You of all people have no right to speak of dreams!" Hiashi looked pale. His face was a very mask of anger. His hands twitched uncontrollably.

"Why, old man? Because men like you once tried to steal my dreams?" Naruto's voice was close to being a growl. "Well, it didn't work! I still have them. At times they were the only thing that kept me going, so I know how important dreams are!" He remembered standing in the street, surrounded by more villagers than he could count. He could hear their taunts and threats. He could feel their hatred, but couldn't understand what he had done wrong. He remembered the cries of 'Kill him' and 'Don't speak to him.'

"There are no dreams for the dead!" Hinata's father shouted. "You have stolen more dreams than anyone ever has!"

Tsunade was shocked. Hiyashi was not going to say what she thought he might, was he? She would put a stop to that. "Hyuuga Hiashi, this will cease now. No more!" Tsunade could not give more specific, without exposing the very thing that needed to be concealed.

Hinata's father was too caught up in his emotions to pay the Hokage any heed. "How many people died sixteen years ago, because of you?"

Naruto stood stunned. This couldn't be happening. Why did people view him this way. He was not Kyubi. The demon fox had been sealed within him. He had been a baby! How could he possibly be worthy of blame? If Iruka could see Naruto for who he was, why couldn't everybody else?

AH. MY BAD.

The world seemed to shatter into millions of tiny reflective pieces, as if someone had broken an enormous mirror. Naruto tried to hold on. Part of him wanted to run, before Hiashi said even more. His precious friends! Would they still be his friends, if they learned the truth? Hinata! Would she still care about him, if she heard his secret?

"That is enough..." The Hokage's voice rang throughout the courtyard.

"Yondaime died to save us all. He was a great man, one we all loved. He gave his life to seal the monster in that baby, but not before my father... mother... and older sister died fighting that beast!" Hiashi clenched his fists. In his mind, Naryto and Kyuubi were one and the same.

SAVOR THE HATRED. LOVELY. DELICIOUS

Hiashi went on to do the unthinkable.

His past anguish threatening to overwhelm him, Hinata's father spoke the words that had remained silent for so long. He told young and old a truth that could never be truly buried, but one that had be kept from the innocent youth of Konoha.

"You are that monster!" Hinata's father's shout stunned the crowd. "You are Kyuubi!" He trembled, remembering his fury and disbelief when he heard that the baby would be allowed to live, keeping the demon alive along with it. "They never should have let you live!"

Naruto felt as if time was slowing to a crawl. He thought back to his battle with Gaara, remembering the things that they shared. He pictured Haku, dejected, thinking he no longer had any worth in the world. Turning his head, the shocked young shinobi took note of the crowd's reaction. He drank in the looks on their faces… the way they held their bodies… their words and inarticulate exclamations… even their scent. Surprise. Fear. Hatred. Anger. Revulsion. So many dark feelings.

Their jumble of words became louder. Why were they getting so angry? That damned fox had been trapped sixteen years ago. The only thing that Uzumaki Naruto was guilty of was rebellious behavior and harmless pranks. That was their own fault, after all. Who knows how he might have turned out, had he been treated with love and kindness like everyone else?

Naruto sought out the reaction of people dear to him. Neji was nearest. His friend stood stiff, his mouth open. Understanding grew in his eyes, as he thought back to the chuunin tournament. He had touched all 64 points. Naruto still managed to draw power from somewhere. That strange chakra. Kyuubi. The terrible beast he had only heard about in stories. Its actions had hurt the Hyuuga clan dearly, as they had been one of the first to move to the defense of Konoha. But, this was also Naruto. He turned his gaze on his friend, looking for some kind of explanation or confirmation.

"It's true," Naruto said, hanging his head. "The Fourth sealed the Nine Tails inside of me when I was a baby, dying in the process. I am the Fourth Hokage's legacy. The beast that ravaged this village is always with me." Lifting his head, he looked for Hinata amongst the milling crowd of people now moving about the area. He was afraid of what he might see.

Neji stood aghast. But, he thought back again to one particular day. He had been certain that he alone had been scorned by Destiny. He couldn't see how his opponent could possibly know the terrible things that he had been through. But, Naruto obviously had even worse memories, and had nevertheless helped Neji get past his own barrier. He, Hyuuga Neji, had not been the only bird in a cage. But, he had been able to fly free. His friend carried a burden with no end. "It does not change who you are." Not caring who might watch him, Neji put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You, the Naruto that we know, have also saved this village."

"Thank you," Naruto said, his voice lost in the clamor of the growing mob. Finally, he caught sight of Hinata, as the crowd parted for competing groups of ANBU and Hyuuga clan members.

"NARUTO! GO! HURRY!"

It was Tsunade's voice. She sounded concerned. Naruto realized he might well be in danger. But, he didn't feel inclined to defend himself. If he ended up hurting someone, that would cement the hatred that the townspeople held for him. But, he also realized that the Hokage was not concerned only about him. If things got out of hand, people in the crowd could get hurt, especially if they took sides. Regardless, he was not ready to move. He looked at Hinata's face, trying to judge how she was reacting to the sudden truth.

Hinata's world was shrinking in upon her. It was as if the claws of some giant beast had wrapped themselves around her, slowly squeezing. The disruption of her special day did not even register on her. The limits that her father had placed on her were momentarily forgotten. The truth about Naruto hit her hard, and her knees threatened to give way.

How could he be a monster? But, why did many of the adults in the crowd act as if they had already known some deep dark secret, if it wasn't somehow true? Naruto. The boy she had watched so frequently. The struggling ninja whose determination had given her strength. The genin who had called out to her during battle with Neji, helping her rise to the occasion and find a reason to like herself. The one person who had remained on her mind over the years, even though she never had cause or opportunity to see him. The first and only boy that she had wanted to kiss. A monster. The worst demon in the history of Konoha... One of the most dreaded beasts that the entire world had known...

No. Oh No. Why? Why him? Why him of all people? Why? why why why why why!

Hinata stood her ground physically and emotionally. It was not easy for her. Her heart held her mind in a firm hold, trying to find some reason to hold onto her feelings. She remembered young Naruto in class, joking when he failed his attempts at jutsus. She remembered watching him throw kunai at a tree until he collapsed with exhaustion. She remembered watching him stumble dizzily about, having fallen on his head one time too many, trying to use chakra to climb trees. She remembered the disappointment she felt when the team assignments were handed out, realizing she couldn't be in the same team with him.

She had so many memories of Naruto. Some of the more recent ones were amongst the most special. The bet. His heartfelt admissions to the rabbit he thought was her. All of the trouble they went through, just trying to get ramen. Watching him chase after chickens. Just sitting and listening to the sound of his voice. Everything. It still meant so much to her, revelation or no revelation. She had to let him know how she felt.

Things threatened to get ugly. With the ANBU keeping the path ahead open, Neji took Naruto by the arm and rushed to get him out of harm's way. Walking fast, then jogging, and finally running, Naruto was deaf dumb and blind to everything around him. He never took note of Tsunade's shouting, or the fact that she had created a huge crevice in the ground between him and the agitated mob. He didn't hear her trying to tell the angry men and women about the true meaning of the Fourth's great and selfless act: Naruto was a sacrifice made to save them all, not just some defanged and clawless version of the beast that had taken the ones they loved.

It would be days until he knew that the Hokage had stood up for his courage and determination, saying that in a similar situation, most other people would have been left bitter, uncaring, and hateful.

Likewise, Naruto never saw Hinata running, pushing her way through the crowd, stopping at the edge of her father's land to watch him go. He had no time to take note of the tears in her eyes. Her words never reached his ears:

"Naruto-kun... I love you..."