The sun was peeking over a distant mountain chain.
As the first rays of light crept onto Kyuubi, the great beast flickered its ears a bit, and then remained still.
Hinata sat wrapped in a number of woolen blankets, watching. A hot cup of tea sent tendrils of smoke rising up into the chill morning air. She slipped out of a thick pair of mittens to pick up the drink.
Her sleep had been restless. She kept hearing the words that Jiraiya had said, no matter what she dreamt about. Those words had been more of a discomfort than the rocks under her sleeping fur:
"We think that we've figured out how to turn you back again. There's a danger involved. It might kill the two of you. Worse, it might split you into the two separate entities."
After the nine-tailed fox had finally settled down for the night… after following its tail and turning around like some dogs are apt to do… Hinata had asked a quartermaster to set up her tent facing the demon. There had been plenty of space to choose from. No one else wanted to be within an arrow's flight of the hulking form. She had to move the tent herself, twice. It seemed that Naruto had difficulty sleeping as well. Nine Tails kept rolling over throughout the night, sometimes traveling hundreds of yards.
At the moment, laying on his back, Kyuubi seemed to be biting at dream sheep, jaws moving and tails twitching. Aside from that, there was a wonderful stillness to the morning, After her kidnapping, imprisonment, running, and fighting, Hinata didn't mind the silence one bit. But, her heart was not eased by that stillness. She had no appetite, despite the wonderful odors drifting up from the early breakfast being cooked for the morning sentries. She felt no desire to get up and stretch, even though her muscles felt like they had been tied in knots.
She was worried. For good reason:
"There's a danger involved."
That was part and parcel with a ninja's life. Somehow though, Naruto always seemed to get more than his fair share. Fortunately, he managed to pull through time and time again. Should she take some comfort from that fact?
"It might kill the two of you."
Hinata had sought out the Hokage, trying to understand the hazards involved. Tsunade had been honest with her. The two Legendary Sannin would be working from best guesses and tangential experience, not from any specific theorem or precedent.
Any success would be due to equal parts good fortune, skill, and intuition. Tsunade had said that Naruto had both the best luck that she had ever see, and the worst luck she had ever heard of. That was saying something, given her reputation at cards. But she added one thing that gave Hinata reason to hope: Naruto's good luck seemed to come when he needed it the most. Hinata smiled. It did, didn't it?
"Worse, it might even split you into the two separate entities."
At first, Hinata had thought that such an outcome would be wonderful. She would have Naruto back, and no one would be chasing after him, wanting to gain the power of the demon for themselves. But, that would also mean that Kyuubi would be free and unfettered, with no human conscience or jutsu to hold him back. No one could be certain whether or not Tsunade and Jiraiya were a match for the monster. Even if they could perform the techniques that Yondaime had used, the nine-tailed fox was unlikely to be caught in the same trap twice. Kyuubi would be prepared this time. If he chose to stand and fight, there was a good chance that the demon would win. But, there was no reason for him to even take that risk. The beast could simply run off, causing death and destruction wherever it willed.
Before Hinata had turned in for the night, Jiraiya had sought her out. He asked if she wanted to leave when Kakashi and the Sand siblings did., joining them on their journey to Konoha. There was good reason for his concern. The debate over Naruto's fate had not been a rhetorical one. There had been strong consideration given to asking him to sacrifice himself by exerting his will on Kyuubi, while the Hokage, the Frog Hermit, and the assembled multi-national force worked to kill the demon. It would be the safest course of action.
Sentimentality had been the deciding vote. Jiraiya hoped that they wouldn't all live to regret it. But, they still reserved the right to take that approach, if anything untoward took place during the recovery procedure. He asked her if she was certain that she wanted to stay. If she was present, she stood a good chance of seeing them carry out the gruesome execution.
After Jiraiya had left, Hinata had tried to see her father. The tent to his flap was closed. A number of jounin stood guard, with orders to admit no one, not even his own daughter. Her father had left orders that he was not to be disturbed under any circumstances.
A loud snorting noise brought her thoughts back to the present. Kyuubi rolled over onto his feet, eyes still closed. The great mouth opened some, and then stretched to the greatest possible distance in a foxy yawn. The tongue slavered about for a bit, before disappearing between colliding teeth. Both great eyes opened. They focused on Hinata, after the huge head pointed in her direction.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata put down her tea and stood up. Starting to run, she stepped on her blanket and tumbled over her folding chair. A rumbling noise came from the throat of the demon. Getting up, Hinata turned narrowed eyes on Nine Tails. "Naruto-kun, are you laughing at me?"
Kyuubi chose to look in a different direction.
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Naruto was not usually the pensive type.
Just the same, he was debating an issue of great moral and ethical significance to him, and that had him feeling very philosophical.
The fact that he let Kyuubi listen to his thoughts was a sign of the gratitude he felt for the demon's help in this mission. While it was true that the youma had fought him at times, the great beast had not put up a fight from start to finish.
He wanted to be clear on one point first. It would be stupid to let feelings like that influence his decisions. The ancient monster was not his friend. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
I HAVE NO NEED FOR FRIENDS
Naruto realized that the demon might be telling the truth, secure in its strength and the role it played in the world. Who could say how a demon of its magnitude might view life?
'That's probably because you never had any, you contrary bastard.'
I DID ONCE
Naruto was brought up short, his snide remark sounding somewhat hollow in his ears. Kyuubi had friends at some time? Did he miss them? Or, had he been the one to put them in the past tense.
'Oh, I see. I suppose you ate them?'
YOU HAVE TO ASK?
Naruto shook his head mentally. He had walked right into that one!
No, Kyuubi was not his friend. But, despite the facts that screamed otherwise, he found himself thinking of the demon as a teammate of sorts. He knew the danger in that kind of thinking, but couldn't help it. It was his Ninja Way.
At the very least, Nine Tails had been a companion of sorts, even before the mission to save Hinata. He remembered the deal he struck with the demon, one that brought him Kyuubi powers and led to the youma becoming more vocal. Too vocal.
YOU MUST HAVE ME MISTAKEN WITH SOMEONE ELSE
'Like that's possible!'
Naruto found himself feeling tired, even though he wasn't in his own body. There had been plenty of reasons why his sleep had been a fitful one, even if the demon's had not.
He still hadn't come down from the rush of battle. He had been worried about the coming morning, when the attempt at reversal would take place. Sleeping in a new body was something like sleeping in a new bed, in a strange place. And, with his overly keen nose, he kept scenting Hinata throughout the night. That had his dreams roaming in a certain
Plus, Kyuubi snored.
I DO NOT. THAT IS SINGING. IN MY SLEEP
'Yeh. Sure.'
Naruto would have sighed had he been in his own form. His sensei's words to him had not been overly reassuring:
"We think that we've figured out how to turn you back again. There's a danger involved. It might kill the two of you. Worse, it might split you into the two separate entities."
Wonderful. Splendid. Great.
Part of him had been very selfish, wishing that he could somehow end up back in his own body, but without his garrulous hitchhiker. What might that be like? Would people stop treating them the way they did? Might Hiashi feel differently about him then?
LET'S HOPE FOR THAT. EXERTING OUR WILLS TOGETHER, WE COULD MAKE IT SO. YOU DESERVE THE GIRL
Naruto felt like he was choking, mentally.
'Yes. You are so generous. I deserve the girl. And you would deserve to eat the both of us, in addition to anyone else you could get your teeth on. You're just too kind.'
He had no doubt about Nine Tail's true motives. But, the demon had hit close to one point that had been bothering him. Certain things were out of his hands. But, there may well be a way that he could influence things in a rather risky fashion. With his good fortune at crucial moments, there might even be a chance for success.
WHAT?
'I might as well tell you. You'll find out about it anyway.'
Naruto had done some thinking about the Half Seal jutsu he had used, based on the things he had experienced as a result. He thought it might indeed be possible to split the two of them apart if he exerted his will and performed that jutsu at just the right moment.
YOU ARE BRILLIANT! HUMANS ARE WONDERFUL AFTER ALL
Naruto added the zinger:
'Not only that, I might be able to split us apart, immobilize you in the process, and draw all of your power to me. I could release that power at the precise moment, leaving me normal and you completely vulnerable.'
He braced himself for the mental explosion.
CRETIN. UNGRATEFUL GIT. HATEFUL HUMAN SCUM
Kyuubi tried to exert his full will at that moment. But, as he found out, Naruto was ready for him.
'You see my dilemma now?'
The chance that such an attempt would succeed was slim. It wasn't the kind of thing that he had the chance to practice. He remembered how hard he worked to learn Rasengan, and he had learned that technique quicker than anyone had a right to.
If he made the mistake of telling his idea to Granny Tsunade or Ero-sennin, they would order him to forget such a dangerous plan. With the nature of the energies involved, they would be at great risk themselves, as would anyone else within some unknown radius.
'To be a normal boy….'
Naruto remembered a foreign story that he had heard once. In it, a wooden puppet yearned to be a real boy. He wondered if Kankurou knew that one.
WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT BEING NORMAL?
'That's just it… I don't know…'
Naruto had never been normal. In the orphanage, he was alone, an outcast. The normal kids all had parents. No, it was more than that. The other orphans had been treated with more love and caring than he had.
After he had become a trainee, he still wasn't normal. For the other youths, everything seemed to come so easily. He had tried so hard, but always seemed to fail. At first, it was more important to get everyone's attention. Later, he decided that the only way to earn anyone;s respect was to be the strongest ninja in the village. He would be Hokage! When he found out the truth about himself, out there on the training grounds with Mizuki and Iruka, Naruto knew that he would never be normal. For all he knew, he might still become Hokage some day. But, he would never be like everyone else.
I DID NOT CHOOSE THIS. NEITHER DID YOU. THERE ARE WORSE THINGS
'Nine Tails, professor of Philosophy?'
Kyuubi was right. There were worse things.
'Enough doom and gloom. That just doesn't fit Uzumaki Naruto. It's more of a Uchiha thing. Can't have that!'
He had been down long enough. It was time to perk up. If he was going to die today, he would rather go out enjoying the good things he had seen and done, rather than regretting the mistakes he had made, or wishing for things he could never have.
I SHARE YOUR FEELINGS. THAT IS REASON ENOUGH FOR ME TO KILL YOU SOME DAY
'Thanks. That really means something to me, coming from you….'
Looking around, Naruto saw no sign of Hinata. She wasn't back yet. His girlfriend had gone off to let Tsunade know that Kyuubi was awake.
It was almost time.
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They were back in the cavern.
While an intact Great Seal might have been in their favor this time, the complex creation was no longer functional.
All of the captured scrolls had been destroyed. The technicians with necessary knowledge were either dead or in prisoner wagons heading for Konoha. The designs on the cave floor had been obliterated.
Naruto was not very happy to be back in that place again; but, he saw the logic of it. If something untoward happened, the number of people knowing about it could be limited. If a tragic occurrence took place, the collateral damage could be limited. If the demon somehow managed to escape, they would at least have a chance to fight it under conditions suited to their limited resources.
Kyuubi had sniffed each and ever bit of rock on the cavern floor before they had settled down to work. Naruto couldn't help but have a series of paranoid thoughts. What if Itachi or Orochimaru were hiding nearby? What might happen if they interfered? They had both escaped, according to Jiraiya. What was going to happen to that great ball belonging to Nine Tails. If he regained his normal form, and the ball was inside his body, would it grow and burst through him?
"Hyuuga Hiashi, do you still wish to remain?" Tsuande looked over at the clan leader.
"Yes. You know my reasons." The stern man looked more intense than usual. His reasons for staying were two-fold. First. he wanted to know what actually took place.
His family had suffered greatly from the demon's actions in the past. He wanted to be certain that no tricky stuff would take place. There would be no cover ups. He was also there because Hinata was present, against his expressed wishes.
"How about you, Hinata? There are no guarantees. You know what might have to take place." He didn't make any mention of the scores of men waiting in the tunnel with swords and axes.
"Yes." Hinata sounded confident, but her legs felt weak and her knees were shaking.
Her father hadn't been the only one telling her that she couldn't come. Tsunade had been adamant, too. Jiraiya had strongly suggested that she remain outside on the mountain. She would have a chance to see Naruto soon enough if things went well. But, much to the annoyance of the two Legendary Sannin, Naruto had to stick Kyuubi's big foot into things.
Hinata had been bared from entering by guards. Jiraiya had argued against the chains that both Tsunade and Hiashi thought might be a wise precaution. Kyuubi had pushed his way out past the guards… extended a paw for the girl… and then headed back beneath the earth when Hinata was sitting on his great head.
Three separate times!
"Are you ready, Naruto?" Tsunade looked troubled. They would only get one chance at this. There was a lot riding on her part in the procedure. She didn't want to lose another person who was important to her.
WHY DOESN'T THE BITCH ASK ME?
'That word is a compliment coming from you, isn't it fur face?'
Naruto knew that he shouldn't be so flippant, no matter what the demon might say. This was serious business. Then again, he had made it a habit of being flippant in the face of danger or solemn occasions. Why should he change now?
"I'll take good care of your frog purse for you!" Jiraiya took that heavy item out of the pouch at his side. He shook it hard, listening to the coins jingle. "In case you don't make it back."
Naruto wished that he could shake his own fist at his sensei. Big stupid hairy galoot!
'Aren't you going to ask if you can eat him?'
NO
'Damn!'
Tsunade walked over to Kyuubi, putting her hand on his nose. "I want to say something before we begin. I am very angry with you for disobeying orders. But, I know why you did that.' She turned to look at Hinata, who blushed. "Your actions here did you credit just the same. Jiraiya and I are both very proud of you." Jiraiya shrugged when she said that, but his face was tighter than Naruto had ever seen before. The Hokage paused for a moment, her head bowed. "You're a fine young man and a credit as a ninja. I know that my brother would have liked you. Dan would have respected you and your desire to be Hokage. And I…." Her voice caught in her throat. She looked away for a moment. "Here. I know I gave you one before, but you need another for luck." Tsunade kissed Kyuubi on the nose.
I TOLD YOU. ANIMAL MAGNETISM. WHERE DID YOU THINK THE TERM CAME FROM?
"But don't think that doesn't mean we will be having a rather serious talk when you get back!" The Hokage's voice contained that snap that Naruto was used to. He cringed mentally, imagining a single cocked finger right next to his forehead. "It's not a question of whether or not you deserve punishment. It's 'how much' and 'how long' that we have to work out.
Naruto watched as Jiraiya walked over. "I may not have been the best teacher…" Jiraiya scratched his head, looking down at his shoes. "…But then, you weren't the best student either!" Tsunade coughed purposefully. "I am very proud of you, Naruto. I know that Kakashi is as well. Yondaime would be too, if he were still with us. Then, it might be best if you didn't continue the chain by teaching anyone else…." Jiraiya scratched his butt. The Hokage came over and yanked on her fellow Sannin's ears. "Ouch! Don't do that. I know what I'm doing. You've seen the kind of swelled head the boy gets. He doesn't need that kind of encouragement!" Jiraiya looked up at Kyuubi's eye. "It would disappoint me if you didn't live through this, moron. I still have things to teach. I doubt that they would ever give me another student after the way you turned out… so… make sure you survive." Tsunade clapped her hands together quietly. Jiraiya kicked a rock in her direction.
"Hinata?" Tsunade looked over at the girl.
"M-M-Ma'am?" Hinata swallowed hard.
"Is there anything you want to say to Naruto?" The Hokage hid a smile.
"S-S-Say?" Hinata felt her face flushing. She glanced out of the corner of her eye, taking notice of her father's look of disapproval. She was stuttering again.
Kyuubi took a step closer to Hinata.
"Yes. Is there something you might want him to know, in case…." Tsunade stopped short of speaking the words 'you never have the chance again.'
The way that Kyubi's ears twitched was good indication that Naruto knew just what the Hokage had been about to say. Hinata twiddled her fingers. There was something that she had wanted to say. But, she couldn't do it with her father watching, even if she were to whisper in Nine Tail's ear. She had been brave in the cavern, and had fought courageously outside, so why was she freezing up now?
"Ummm… I…. yes." Hinata walked over to Nine Tails and hugged the great beast's nose. "Please be OK, Naruto-kun. I don't know what I would do if you were gone…." Putting her hand over her eyes to hide her tears, she ran back to her spot. The other words just wouldn't come.
SHE WAS FRIGHTENED. IT DID NOT SMELL LIKE THE FEAR OF DEATH. I KNOW THAT ONE. IT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE SCENTS
'Geeez…'
Naruto surprised himself. He was disappointed. There had been something that Hinata wanted to tell him before. Kurenai had hinted that it was something special. Why hadn't she told him? Tsunade was right. They might not be another chance. Maybe she had changed her mind….
'Hmmm.'
Naruto had Kyuubi walk over and bump his nose against Hinata. She was a bright girl. She should get the point.
'Oh…ummm… I would miss you too, I guess… Kyuubi….' Hinata looked like she was trying to be polite. She grimaced when she heard her father growl. The great fox shook his head from side to side, and then butted up against Hinata again
"Unless I'm wrong, I think Naruto is doing that." Tsunade fought hard not to grin. "I wager he thinks that you have something else to tell him."
"Ummm…. Oh…." Hinata took two steps back, looking at Tsunade, Kyuubi, and her father. "I… no… nothing…."
Tsunade sighed. "Well then, let's not prolong the inevitable." She looked over at one of the tunnel openings. "I suggest that both members of the Hyuuga clan head into one of the passageways. You will be able to see well enough from there."
Hiashi turned and did as the Hokage suggested. Hinata waited a moment longer, opened her mouth, then closed it. The words still wouldn't come out. Tsunade walked over and put a hand on her shoulder. She spoke quietly into her ear. "It's OK. Those kinds of things shouldn't be rushed. I will do my very best to give you a chance to tell Naruto later."
"Th-Th-Thank you…."
Jiraiya walked over too. "If you like, you could tell me." He had whispered too. "Then, I could turn around and tell Naruto for you. I'm glad to be of service. That's why people…" Whatever else he was going to say ended when Tsunade grabbed him by the nape of the neck and tossed him back to where he had been standing. Hinata gave Tsunade a grateful smile.
"Well, at least you didn't use Isshi Resshin this time." Jiraiya was rubbing head.
"Shit!" The Hokage smacked her forehead. "Now you remind me!"
Hinata ran for the tunnel.
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"I suppose you have tried to use your own chakra with little success?"
Tsunade spoke to Naruto as she watched Jiraiya, pen in hand, writing a long series of characters on a blank scroll.
Naruto froze mentally. He realized that he hadn't even thought about trying anything, since he didn't have his own body. It wasn't like he was going to do hand seals with Kyuubi's freakin' paws. He was incorporeal. Could he do something if he simply pictured himself doing seals? Were such things physically necessary, or merely a means to focus energies to the right place at the right time?
"Didn't try, did you moron?" Jiraiya spoke as he inked figures with a grand flourish.
Again, Naruto had Nine Tail's head remain stationary. He wasn't going to give his master any satisfaction by shaking the fox demon's head.
"Well then, did you try directing Kyuubi to use his chakra?" Tsunade also looked disappointed when the great beast remained still.
'Shit!'
Naruto had missed the opportunity to use a veritable chakra factory, combined with a mind far older than Konoha itself. Who knows just what kind of jutsus the damn fox knew? That is, if it knew any at all.
'At least I wasn't the only idiot!'
YOU CAN'T MEAN ME.
'You bet I do!'
True, they had been rushed, and Hinata had been the primary goal at the time, but if the bastard fox could have used some form or elemental techniques, maybe they could have scorched Orochimaru and Itachi something good on their way out of the cavern.
I RARELY USE SUCH MEANS. I ENJOY FANG AND CLAW ABOVE ALL ELSE. ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY.
'Right. Tell me another one…'
Naruto felt abysmally stupid. But, he began to have his doubts. If Kyuubi had any transcendental techniques at his disposal, how did the Fourth manage to defeat him?
'Fang and claw my ass!'
IF ONLY
Naruto wasn't certain about Kyuubi and his powers, despite having some access to the demon's thoughts. Just as he could shut out the demon with some effort, Nine Tails could raise a mental barrier of its own.
'Well then, if you do have such abilities, you can prove it by teaching me later. We're not buddies, but anything that helps keep me alive keeps your hairy butt in one piece too.'
Well, hopefully it would actually be Naruto's own not-so-hairy rump when Old Lady Tsunade and Ero-Sennin were done doing their thing.
WOULD YOU BOTHER TEACHING A FLEA?
"Just what have you been teaching that boy?" Tsunade looked over at Jiraiya. "It can't have been strategy and tactics. It better not have been drinking and womanizing!"
"Go easy on him, Tsunade. He had a huge fox body to play with. It's like the world's biggest stick or sword. He was too busy having fun." Jiraiya waved his hand, as if that was all the answer necessary. "It's a guy thing. Get on with your life."
Tsunade looked like she was ready to say something exceedingly nasty, but held her tongue. She looked up at Kyuubi. "Naruto, you worked the Half Seals with your mind and spirit alone. There was no choice, as your arms were stuck on the Great Seal. You used your chakra as the catalyst, to set Kyuubi's energy in motion. But, you didn't use your own energies as a mold or guide. That's why you ended up in that form when the great rush of energy and substance coalesced. It was Yondaime's seal alone that kept you in place and in control."
Naruto had wondered about that. So, hand seals were not necessary in that jutsu, but they did play and important role. This was going to be tricky. Not only was he going to have to shape chakra in a way he never had before, he was also going to have to do it with the demon fighting him each step of the way.
'Oh happy day!'
DO NOT BE CONCERNED ABOUT ME. I'M A PUSSY CAT
'Yeh, right!'
Naruto cursed repeatedly, and then chuckled.
'Pussy cat, huh? That means that Shukaku was right. Wait a minute. You once told me not to get a swelled head, because Shukaku was a pussy!' He rubbed his mental hands together. This one was going to smart, wise ass fox. 'Funny how much the two of you are alike.'
Kyuubi cursed for much longer than Naruto had. Naruto tried to keep mental notes. How many of his friends could swear in youma-speak?
"Naruto, what our illustrious Hokage wants to tell you is that we will try to help shape things as best we can from our end. But, you are going to need to do the same from yours." Jiraiya put the stopper on his ink bottle. He tossed sand on his work, to blot away excess ink. "Listen up. When you work the Half Seal, the energy will be released in the same fashion as before. It should be even smoother, as it will be passing from Kyuubi's body and not your own." Jiraiya began drawing a diagram on the stone floor with his brush.
Tsunade shook a fist at her former teammate. She was quite capable of explaining this.
"But, if the demon steps in and takes control, he might be able to retard or prevent your remove your ability to do such a thing again. You would be trapped. Permanently."
I HAD NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT
'Liar!'
If Kyuubi could be whistle innocently, he would be doing it now.
Tsunade went on to explain certain particulars. Naruto would need to use his own chakra while simultaneously handling Kyubi's energy. It would be optimal if he could force Nine Tails to shape things with the demon's own chakra, but that might be too much to wish for. In any case, the Hokage sounded confident. That didn't fool Naruto. He knew that they would be flying by the seat of their pants in much of what they would be doing. Each one of them. On top of that, the bastard fox would be the wild card.
Tsuande was a gambler. He was too, in his own fashion. It was probably best that neither of them knew the odds.
Naruto felt unbelievably tense. But, he thought of something else. It might be something useful to try, if things started to go wrong. He could try the null seal combo he had learned. That would sequester Kyuubi long enough for Tsuande and Jiraiya to do what was necessary. Then he, Uzumaki Naruto, would get a spiffy send-off like the Third had.
THEY WOULD CREMATE YOU AND BURY YOU IN A RAMEN DISH
'You say that like it's a bad thing….'
Naruto settled down when he heard his master speak.
"We are beginning now. Watch closely. We'll clue you in when it's time for you to do your part." Jiraiya began working complex hand seals.
Kyuubi closed his eyes, against Naruto's wishes.
'Stupid fox!'
WAS THAT ME? I APOLOGIZE. IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN
Tsunade spoke up as well. "Listen too. I'll tell you all you need to know.'
Kyuubi folded his ears flat. Naruto was about to explode.
'Thanks for reminding me what I'm up against, asshole. This will get done, despite your efforts. Mark my words. It's my Ninja's Way!'
DID I DO SOMETHING? YOU ARE IMAGINING THINGS AGAIN
"Just in case you can't see or hear, I'll resort to other means." Jiraiya laughed, having some idea of what type of mischief the fox demon might be doing. "When I hack off one of the demons balls, you'll know it's time."
Kyuubi raised his ears and opened his eyes.
Jiraiya's comment may have been only partly in jest, but it served Naruto well just the same. At the moment Kyuubi flinched mentally, Naruto caught wind of a scheme when his host was off balance..
'Very…… clever…… you……. tricky…… bastard…'
TRICKY?
Kyuubi was planning on making a great effort to fight him, just at the least opportune time. He would let things get to a stage where things were in motion, but there was still some chance to assume control. Then, while he had that control, he would create a realm and hide there, unreachable. If need be, he would die there, rather than going back to the way things were.
'I'm impressed, pussy cat. I wonder just what else you have planned. That's alright. Uzumaki Naruto, future Hokage, works best when he has a challenge.'
Nine Tails made a series of loud yips, its fury growing quickly. Naruto knew the demon was gathering his will. Instead of trying to overwhelm him with its shear intensity, Naruto guessed that Nine Tails would focus it all at one point, whatever he judged to be the weakest link. That's what he would do if the situations were reversed.
After what seemed an eternity, the signal came. Naruto performed the half Seal jutsu.
There was no turning back.
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Drip
It was dark.
Drip
There were few sensations.
Drip
Was this death?
Drip drip
Or, had he been overwhelmed, and then stashed in some unused corner of Kyuubi's mind?
Drip
Hinata.
Drip
What would happen to her?
Drip
"Naruto-kun…."
Drip
He almost thought that he could hear her voice.
Drip drip
"Naruto-kun… please…"
Drip
There could be worse sounds to hear for eternity
Drip
"Wake up, moron. The girl has been crying over you for fifteen minutes now. Geez" That was the Frog hermit's voice.
Naruto's eyes popped open. Seated on the ground near him, Hinata had a face wet with tears. Tsunade stood behind her, as did Jiraiya. Hinata's father was there as well.
"Great… I must have died and gone to Hell…" His own voice sounded weak to his ear.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata threw herself on the prone Naruto. If anything, she began crying harder. "I was so scared you were gone. I never told you what I wanted to say." Her arms slid around his neck, as she lay down beside him sobbing.
"Hyuuga Hinata!" Hiashi's voice echoed throughout the cavern.. "Cease that inappropriate behavior at once." He did not sound overjoyed. "The boy will heal without you drowning him in tears. And, as you will remember, you were forbidden to see him any more."
"The more things change…." Naruto spoke slowly, exhausted to the point of barely being able to move.
THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME. TELL ME ABOUT IT, INSECT.
Naruto smiled. "Looks like the fox is back in place too. He doesn't sound to happy, though."
"Of course not." Jiraiya said. "That's because I was forced to cut off one of his balls. I should apologize, though. Now that the two of you are in your body, it's one of your chestnuts. " Jiraiya smiled, seeing Naruto slowly move his hand south. "Shit!"
Tsunade had kneed Jiraiya to the groin. Poetic justice. "He's joking. Things were nip and tuck there for a while, but things went our way… this time." There was a definite emphasis on 'this time.' Naruto knew that the Hokage would not promise any future success, should he use the Half Seal technique again.
"There will not be any other times." Everyone's mouth hung open, even Naruto's. It had been Hinata who had spoken.
Jiraiya began chuckling, despite his pain. Tsunade smiled. Hiashi narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists.
"Huh?" Naruto suddenly felt a need to be contrary. "Says who?"
"Ummm… well… I…." Hinata blushed, suddenly feeling timid. Then, she thought of everything that they had all just gone through. She held her chin up, speaking with more confidence than she actually felt. "I do."
HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH
"Shut the hell up!" Naruto had shouted much louder than he wanted to. Soon thereafter, he remembered another time he had done that. At least there were no rabbits to chase in this damn cavern.
"I didn't mean you, Hinata. I…"
Hinata put a hand on Naruto's mouth. "Rest. You talk to much, Naruto-kun. It was Kyuubi you were speaking to." She stared into his eyes for a moment, trying to gather her courage. "Will you tell me what he said? And what he says in the future?" Her eyes were very wide, almost vulnerable.
Naruto swallowed hard. Hinata had certainly changed during their time together. No doubt her ordeal at the hand of Akatsuki had something to do with it. He wondered just what she had been through. "Uhhh… well… it was nothing really important…."
"Please, Naruto-kun. I would like you to share such things with me." Hinata shrugged off her father's hand. Hiashi had been applying light pressure.
"Well…" Naruto groaned, turning his head. He saw Jiraiya laughing at him. Tsunade was smiling, but gave him a rather pointed look. Hiashi's mouth was a razor thin line. "You know the kind of situations I find myself in. Now that I will probably be given important missions, there will be many things that I will need to keep confidential." Naruto began humming. Teasing Hinata felt wonderful. He must be on the mend!
Hinata looked over at Tsunade. The Hokage shrugged.
"Oh." Hinata hung her head, looking dejected. She began twiddling her fingers, but stopped. "I understand…" She stood and looked away from Naruto.
"But… I suppose I could be convinced." Naruto tried to keep a straight face. "Only if it's alright with my sensei and the Hokage, that is." He closed his eyes. He fought the pain. His whole body ached. He bet the stupid fox felt just fine.
THERE ARE DIFFERENT KINDS OF PAIN. MAYBE I CAN SHOW YOU SOME DAY. IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT BIRTHDAY GIFT
"I have no problem with it," Tsunade said, a twinkle in her eye. "I think Hinata can be trusted."
"I refuse to sanction it." Jiraiya folded his arms across his chest.
Hinata bit her lip. Naruto opened his eyes. Tsunade cocked an elbow.
"But I suppose… if Hinata were to become my student… then it wouldn't be a problem…" Jiraiya winked at Naruto. "That way, I can make certain that sensitive matters remain under wraps."
"What?"Tsunade went pale. Jiraiya had never floated that idea by her before. Now was not the time to be dropping any surprises. What made the big idiot think that she would approve a hair-brained idea like that?
"What?" Hiashi did not seem overjoyed by the idea. "There is no way that I would allow that."
"There is a second alternative that would work equally as well, Jiraiya said in a nonchalant fashion. "If Hinata was Naruto's girlfriend, she would have another reason to keep things secret." He scratched himself under one arm. "But, that's not possible, is it Hiashi?"
HE'S BEEN TEACHING YOU FOR THREE YEARS. WHY AREN'T YOU THAT CLEVER?
'Because I have a stupid fox inside, messing with my mind!'
Tsunade smiled. She saluted her fellow Sannin without Hiashi seeing. He wasn't actually offering to teach the girl after all.
"Well, as Hokage, I have no problem with any ninja training under such a fine teacher. Your students have all gone on to do themselves and their village proud." Hokage managed to keep her voice from cracking. No doubt he would repeat those words to her ad nauseum.
Hinata gave Naruto a shy smile. She ran over and gave Jiraiya a hug. She knew exactly what he was doing. It was rather brazen for her; but, something had her acting a little bolder at the moment. "I'll do my best to be a good student."
"I absolutely forbid it!" Hinata's father was livid. The veins at his temples looked so swollen, that someone might have thought that he was about to use the Byakugan. He lowered his voice, but the steel remained in his words. "As a clan chief, I have the right to refuse such an assignment." He obviously thought that the Frog Hermit had been serious.
"Being my girl friend wouldn't be an assignment, would it?" Naruto asked.
"No." The Hokage shook her head. "If it was an assignment, it would be S-level at least. It's too great a sacrifice to ask anyone." She looked at Hinata. "Who would accept such a mission?"
"I would, " Hinata said
SAY SOMETHING STUPID TO BREAK THE MOOD. YOU ARE LONG OVERDUE
Naruto cursed silently. As it turned out, he didn't need to do anything foolish or inappropriate. Hiashi was a natural mood breaker.
"You remember our talk, Tsunade." The Hyuuga clan leader turned red in his ears, remembering the way he had been talked down to as if he were a mere child. He had been frightened for a few moments, realizing that the Third Hokage's decree about trhe Uzumaki boy's secret carried with it a harsh penalty, should the village leaders see fit to impose it. "As agreed, I will not make any effort to humiliate that boy in public, or act against him behind the scenes. But, my wishes for my daughter are no one's business but my own." Hiashi brushed off his robes. "You have not returned the petition yet. No matter. We can take the matter up at a full council meeting, if necessary."
"I wouldn't suggest that," Tsunade said, steel in her voice. "Naruto has a way of winning people over. He will be viewed in a sympathetic way after his outing at Hinata's ceremony. Especially since he played a large role in breaking up the Nine."
"Hell, if the boy could win over my heart…" Jiraiya looked over at Naruto and nodded. "… He might even be able to earn your approval some day."
"Not very likely," Hiashi said, hating to have anyone script his life for him. He turned to the Hokage again. "If you force my hand, I will revive an old Hyuuga tradition. It was approved by a full vote, at the creation of our village. Having been allowed to stand for all these years, it is still legally valid today."
"What are you talking about?" Tsunade asked.
"Arranged marriage. Perhaps to one of her team mates. The Aburame boy, not the Inuzuka. I cannot abide dogs." Hiashi folded his arms over his chest. He had won.
There was no way around that threat, unless laws were broken, or Hinata left Konoha.
He did not think his daughter would go that far. "It does not have to be either of them." He also disliked bugs.
"You would do that?" Tsunade looked like she was ready to blow her stack. She forced herself to calm down. She was the Hokage, and clan business was beyond her jurisdiction, unless it infringed on civil rights or established law.
"That's just wrong! Nobody would be that big of a bastard. Not even some guy who mrpfll frvvll mbglfrbll." Hinata placed her hand on Naruto's mouth, stopping him before he said something irreparable.
She turned and looked at her father. It would be hard, but she would speak her piece. But, she couldn't do it alone. Sitting, she took hold of Naruto's hand.
"It's our Ninja way," Nasruto said, sqeezing Hinata's hand.
"You can betroth me to anybody you like, father. I will refuse marriage, even if that means I can never be legally married in our village." Hinata saw her father's face turn red, and almost faltered. She stayed her course.
"But, you wish children. I know that!" Hiashi's eyes were wide. "You would never dishonor them out of wedlock. As bastards, they would be disowned by everyone in the clan. Your mother would turn over in her grave." He clearly thought that his child was bluffing.
"There are other villages, father." Hinata shivered saying that. She didn't want to live somewhere else. "There are other nations. I do not wish to leave Konoha. I do not want to live anywhere else but the Fire Country. But… I… ummm…" She took a deep breath and held it a moment. "I don't want you to ruin my life."
"You are a terrible disappointment to me, Hyuuga Hinata." Hiashi turned to glare at Naruto, as if he were to blame for this situation.
"I know that father. I would have to be an idiot to miss that fact, all those years ago. A girl seven years my younger was more talented than me. That was all that seemed to m-matter, even though I had worked hard every after I was old enough to train." Hinata's voice broke. Naruto squeezed her hand again. "I was sent to become a ninja. It is a dangerous life. If I was not strong enough to be the Heir, what did you think my life expectancy as a kunoichi might be?"
Hiashi opened his mouth, but there was nothing he could say. His eyes looked troubled. He had not hoped for his daughter's death; but, he had known the risk a less than adequate ninja might face.
"I did not wish to be such a disappointment to you, father. What daughter wants that?" Tears came to Hinata's eyes. "But, you were very fortunate. You had another daughter." Painful memories were coming to the surface again. "You have also been a disappointment to me." She set her jaw. She had never spoken of this before, not even to Kurenai. "Unfortunately, I only have one father. I only have one parent remaining."
As strong as he was, Hiashi had to look away for a moment. He had always put the clan ahead of his own life, and above the happiness of everyone in his family. He had always expected his children to accept the same sacrifices that he did. But, deep inside, he was still a father who loved his daughter.
"There are things you do not understand, daughter. I… " He was shocked when his daughter interrupted him.
"You are correct, father." Hinata said. "I do not understand why… ummm… how you could…" She hung her head, unable to continue.
"It's OK. If you can't say more, I can." Naruto tried to stand, but fell hard on his side.
"You will stay quiet for once." Tsunade spoke very firmly.
"And you will sit still." Jiraiya folded his arms across his chest and gave Naruto a look that figuratively froze his tongue.
"Now is not the time to discuss family business," Hiashi said. By the tone of his voice, he could have said 'There is never a right time for you to challenge your father and the head of the Hyuuga clan.'
"Are we a family, Father?" Hinata asked. The tears fell off of her chin and made small dark spots on the dusty cavern floor. "I don't understand why you changed so much when mother died." Her voice broke again. She saw her father's pain, and almost quit then and there. "You acted like you loved me before that. I was happy, even though I failed in my lessons." The tears were falling again. "Mother wouldn't have sent me away if I wasn't good enough to be the Heir."
"Your mother…" Hiashi never managed to say what he intended to say. He stood with his mouth open in shock when Hinata interrupted him.
"Do you blame me for mother's death, father? I had nothing to do with her illness." Hinata couldn't help but think back to the darkest days of her life. Her mother had been her world. Maybe that's why she had hitched her emotions so strongly to Naruto when she was younger. Her father couldn't fill the void. "Are you disappointed that I am not more like her?"
"I…." Hiashi couldn't speak. The loss of his wife had struck him greatly, even more so than the loss of Hizashi. The only comparable pain had come with the loss of his parents and uncles during Kyuubi's attack on the village.
"I'm more like mother than Hanabi is." Hinata wiped away her tears. "She is more like you are than I am." She looked into her father's eyes. "I will never be your son. I cannot help that mother never gave you a boy." Hinata began sobbing. She had passed her limit for the moment. The feelings and emotions had been bottled up inside for so long.
Everyone stared at Hiashi. Tsunade though back to her own past, remembering how she had felt when Orochimaru and Jiraiya had brought her to see Nawaki's body, and what it had been like to lose Dan. Jiraiya ran a hand through his unruly mane, reflecting on the way his own life had gone.
"Shit." It hurt, but Naruto pushed himself up on one knee. "I've been in pain before." He pushed with his arms against that knee, straightening his back. "But, I do not like to see pain in others." He stood up as tall as he could. "Especially when they've done nothing to deserve it." He shuffled over to Hinata and offered her an handkerchief from his pouch. She accepted it as if he had offered her a bag of gold bullion.
"It's his Ninja Way," Jiraiya said to the Hokage. Tsunade nodded, letting Naruto have his say.
"Old Lady Tsunade told me to butt out. She knows how well I follow her instructions." Naruto looked over at Tsunade and managed a brief grin. "But, I have something to say." He almost fell, but Hinata held him upright. "It's OK if you want to hate me. I'm used to that kind of thing. Maybe I didn't do anything to deserve it myself… but the jerk inside of me did…." Naruto poked his thumb against his belly.
I LOVE YOU TOO
"That seems to be enough reason for some people to hate me." Naruto shook his head, feeling his anger grow. "Put yourself in my shoes. Just once. Honor is very big to you. There is nothing wrong with that. In case you didn't notice, it's tops on my list too!"
"That's not the issue here. I…" Hiashi was cut-off by Naruto this time.
"I'm not finished," Naruto said, suddenly wracked by coughs. "I don't see the honor in people looking down on me, even when I do my best. I saved the city Shukaku. Do you think that stopped the sneers and angry looks? How many families do you think would ever want me in an arranged marriage?"
Hinata stroked Naruto's hand. He sounded tough, but she understood what he must be feeling. He had been through so many things, but kept true to his beliefs. Hokage or not, he would always fight for his precious people.
"I can tell you how many clan chiefs would toss me out of their daughter's coming of age ceremony." Naruto clenched his teeth, remembering the surprise and shame he had felt. "At least one. Where is the honor in that?"
Hiashi looked troubled, but his pride wouldn't allow him to bend. He put his hands on his hips. Naruto did the same.
"But this isn't really about me, even though I might be an easy target." Naruto's coughing worsened, causing him to pause a few moments. "This is about someone very special. I don't care if Hinata isn't good enough to be the Heir. She's good enough to be my girlfriend. I don't know if any other girl is."
Those words had Hinata looking like a flower ready to bloom. Despite all she had just been through, she smiled. Her father saw that, and then looked down at his feet.
"Even that isn't what matters most," Naruto said. Hinata shook her head. That did matter. That might even matter most of all. "What matters is that a kind and determined girl is treated the way that she is. If I ever have a daughter, I would be proud if she were just like Hinata." Naruto fell again. Hinata was strong enough to ease his fall, but not to prevent it.
"That's quite enough now." Tsunade came over and began another healing jutsu. The boy needed more extensive treatment than she could do in the field. Hinata helped Naruto sit. She came very close to telling him her deepest secret, right then and there.
"She's right for once, moron." Jiraiya said, pleased with the way that his pupil had stood up to Hiashi. "You need some rest. Because I am so kind and generous, I will give you tomorrow off. You can resume chopping firewood two days from now." His quip had Naruto grinning.
Hinata held something out to Naruto. It was a jar. She had given him an identical jar during the chuunin exams.
"Hinata." Naruto smiled. That gesture made him feel better than anything Tsunade might do. It was so Hinata!
Hyuuga Hiashi had not gone through his tenure as clan head without settling countless disputes, or learning a thing or two about honor. Moved by what Naruto had said, he made a momentous decision. He would try to look at things as a father, not a clan leader. There was no way change his feelings overnight, just as there was no way a leopard could change its spots. But, this wasn't about today, or even tomorrow. He needed to look to the future.
"It seems that I have been given a lot to think about." Hiashi nodded his head when Hinata looked up at him, a look of hope on her face. "There are expectations to rethink. There are people to reconsider." He looked over at Naruto. "Perhaps it is best that I retire to my tent now. We have a long journey ahead of us. There are preparations to make." He looked over at Tsunade. "I will leave my daughter in your care, Hokage." He bowed, and then left.
THROW A KNIFE AT HIM. HE'S AN IMPOSTER. THAT CAN'T BE A HYUUGA
"Naruto-kun." Hinata took Naruto's hand in hers again.
"Hmmmm?" Naruto looked over at his girlfriend, feeling rather smug.
"Are you feeling smug over there, idiot?" As usual, Jiraiya had him pegged. "Don't! We have a lot of things to discuss when we get home."
"If there's anything left to talk about after I get through with him," Tsunade added.
Naruto grumbled. Leave it to those two to bring him back down to earth. Spoilsports! He grinned just the same. The two of them cared a great deal fore him, just as he was very attached to both Sannin. He really had a remarkable life. Not bad, considering how bleak things had looked when he was in the orphanage, and during his days at the ninja academy.
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata sat down next to Naruto and folded her hands in her lap.
"Huh?" Naruto raised one eyebrow. Why did Hinata look like that? Did she expect something from him?
"You were going to tell me what Kyuubi said earlier." Hinata bit her lip.
"I was?" Naruto close his eyes. "Old Lady Tsunade probably won't let me talk any more." He coughed a few times for effect, and then put a hand to his forehead for dramatic effect.
"When could I ever stop you?" Tsunade asked.
"I think it's best that I tell you later, Hinata." Naruto kept from smirking. He had the power at the moment. There was nothing that she could do to get the answer out of him until he was finished playing the game.
Hinata sat quietly a moment. She knew exactly what Naruto was doing. She also knew that she had the ultimate trump card, if she could work up the courage to use it.
"Yes," Naruto said. "It will just have to wait." He lay down and closed his eyes. "Maybe tomorrow." He smiled. "If you're a good girl."
Hinata twiddled her fingers for a minute. Then, she smiled. Leaning down, she whispered in Naruto's ear: "I love you."
Naruto went stiff. His eyes snapped open. He tried to speak, but no words came out.
"Good girl!" The Hokage smiled.
"Great." Jiraiya smacked his forehead. " If she said what I think she did, that imbecile won't be fit to chop wood for at least a week!" He grinned.
Kyuubi, of course, had the last words:
YES. ANIMAL MAGNETISM. YOU CAN THANK ME LATER.
Naruto closed his eyes. All was well in the world.
For now.
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