Thank you all for all the reviews! I was shocked when I saw so many people reviewed! It was nice to see so many emails of reviews! Here's Chapter three for you!

Yes, Hence, It Is Deep.

Chapter Three

The morning came quickly, too fast if you ask Hinata. It felt as if it was only seconds ago she was lying on a bed beside where Naruto was sleeping. Now, she was on an anonymous path, walking beside him and his sensei. Where the path led: She didn't have the slightest idea.

When she first got up, Naruto and Jiraiya started her quite a bit. It wasn't because they were yelling or anything, it was because she was listening to their conversation, secretly, of course. They thought she was still sleeping and didn't notice she had stirred for a while. She giggled recalling back the memories. It was then Naruto looked over to her and gave her one of his grins, saying "I don't know what you're laughing about, but I'll just go along with it."

"Ohohohoooo!" Jiraiya laughed. "Lucky I slept at the place I was staying at. I wouldn't have wanted to interrupt you guys!" Naruto made a disgusted face, "It's not like that, Ero-sensei." Jiraiya laughed even harder, this time waking the Hyuuga heiress. She didn't open her eyes so they didn't know she was listening; thus they continued their conversation.

"I didn't think it was in you, kid." He patted Naruto on the shoulder. "I did not do anything to Hinata! I swear!" He exclaimed. Jiraiya just continued to laugh. "They why is she here?" he asked making Naruto more nervous and sweaty than usual. Really… why was Hinata here? There wasn't really a real reason… she was just… here.

Naruto said the first thing that came up, "She just needed a place to stay, okay?" Jiraiya rolled his eyes, "Excuses, excuses-" "Sorry to interrupt Jiraiya-sama. I apologize. I should have found shelter somewhere else. I'm obviously in your way." It was Hinata who interrupted him. Her voice startled Naruto; it was quite gentle compared to the usual grasping, monotonous voice of his sensei. He was actual glad she spoke; it was soft and tender as if he even said a word he'd break the peace in the air.

Instantly Jiraiya put his hands in front of him and shook them and his head like he was insane. "It's nothing like that! My student here needs to be more of a gentleman. It's been a while since he has to use his manners. Just between us two, I think he needs a girl. He hasn't even had one girlfriend yet!" Jiraiya exclaimed. "Hey!" Naruto reassured them that he existed, "I'm here you know!"

Jiraiya hushed his student and continued his focus on Hinata. "So…What's your name, Miss?" he asked. "I'm…Hyuuga Hinata." She replied quickly and quietly. "From Konoha, eh? Well in a few months we're due back. So you can tag along with us for now, if you want, that is. Where's your bags?" he was curiously looking around the room for extra bags.

"I…I don't have anything with me… I-I ran away f-from home…" her voice grew quieter and quieter with each word she spoke. "Hmm…A Hyuuga running away from home… how'd you end up here? It was lucky Naruto found you." Hinata didn't reply. "Well," Jiraiya nodded his head, "No worries. We found you and now you're going to have to pay the punishment!" Naruto's eyes widened, "Ero-sensei! What do you mean…punishment?"

Jiraiya laughed as Hinata looked down to the ground, ready to face her punishment. "I…I will f-face my n-necessary punishment," she stuttered, very nervous on what the frog Sannin would do to her. "Ero-Sensei! Hinata didn't do anything wrong! So what if she ran away from home! You don't need to punish her!" Naruto stood up for her. Her gaze instantly made its way to the blonde who was sticking up for her. Her lips trembled, to say something like, 'No…I'm ready to b-be p-punished.' But at that very second, she seemed to have lost her voice.

"Well…you know. Hyuuga are very protective… especially since they have the Byakugan to protect. I think my punishment is necessary. Hiashi must be dreadfully worried about the Hyuuga heiress. She always needs protection." Jiraiya persisted. Naruto wouldn't let him punish Hinata. She was in no condition to be punished, besides she didn't do anything; why should she be punished?

"Hinata didn't do anything wrong! You don't need to punish her!" he said with determination. Hinata gathered all her courage and found her voice, "I…Naruto-kun…I…w-will take any p-punishment that Jiraiya-sama h-has to offer. He is r-right. I-I always need p-protection. On m-my way here s-somebody could have c-captured me, then they could g-get the Byakugan. M-my family has been protecting it f-for so long; and I c-could have t-thrown it away to s-somebody e-easily. I…should b-be punished." She stammered.

Naruto shook his head, "People make mistakes. You're in no condition to be-" Jiraiya held out his hand to silence his apprentice. "As you wish, I will now explain your punishment." Hinata nodded and Naruto was still furious at his sensei for punishing Hinata. He wouldn't let it go for a while, "Just to let you know," Naruto started speaking, "I hate you." He said directed at Jiraiya.

Jiraiya chose to ignore what Naruto had said. It was like selective hearing or something. "Hyuuga Hinata's punishment will be..." He let out a chuckle, "You will have to accompany us on the rest of our journey!" He said broadly. Naruto fell on the ground, his legs in the air for a second. Hinata just blinked, she had to accompany them on their journey? What kind of punishment was that?

Naruto jumped up from the ground and pointed his index finger at his sensei. "You scared me for nothing!" he screamed, "I thought you were going to hurt Hinata! And then you just say she has to come along with us! You call that a punishment!" But, as mad and annoyed as he looked, he was happy she didn't get hurt. He didn't mind her coming along; actually he figured it be fun to have a girl around. He was happy she was coming and not some stuck up bitch.

But Hinata didn't look so happy. Naruto looked at her; did she not want to come along? "Hey…what's wrong?" he asked. Her voice was firm and tight, not something expected from the young heiress, "I don't think my father will allow it."

Naruto was startled at her reply. "Don't worry about your father, Hinata! I'll make him allow you!" He tried to lighten her spirit but it only made things worst. "It's not that simple. I am the Hyuuga Clan's heir; my father defiantly won't allow it." She sadly looked down to the ground. An awkward silence filled the room. "Ah, I can change that. Let me ask you something," Jiraiya said breaking the silence.

She looked up at the frog Sannin, what could he do to change her father's mind? She knew Hyuuga Hiashi well, he would not allow it; he just wouldn't. "Do you want to go?" he asked as her gaze drifted back to the ground. She started twiddling her index fingers; pushing them together then letting them separate, pushing them together then letting them separate. "I do." She said in the quietest voice ever possible. Naruto grinned, "Then it's settled! You're coming with us! And that's final!"

She shook her head, "My father won't allow it…" her voice trailed off. Jiraiya sighed, "I can change that, it's whether or not you want to come." She opened her mouth, to protest, but it had seemed she lost her tongue. She knew by fact, her father wouldn't allow it. He probably had ANBU looking for her this second. He didn't care about her, he cared about the Byakugan she carried.

"I…I…want to come."

"Then like I said, you're coming. Who cares about your father! You need to do what's right for you, Hinata." He smiled. She hesitantly nodded, "But…I don't have any clothes or anything with m-me."

"We ain't poor. Naruto! Go buy her whatever she wants and needs." Jiraiya ordered. "While you two go shopping I'll be doing important research." And he walked out the apartment door. Naruto turned back to Hinata, "Get dressed. We're going shopping."

"What are you laughing at, Hinata?" he asked curiously. She placed a hand in front of her mouth, covering her shy smile. "Nothing," She replied, with her cheeks tainted with a light red colour. All of the sudden Jiraiya stopped; they came to a fork in the road. "Hmmm… Which way should we goo?" Jiraiya asked a loud. "Oi! Ero-sensei!" Naruto pointed to the pathway on the left, "Is that the road to where they live?"

Jiraiya let that slide, "Ahh, yes it is. Okay! We're going visiting!"

Naruto grinned, "I can't wait to see how they've grown! Ero-sensei aren't you-" Jiraiya scowled, "I told you not to call me that in front of a lady!" Hinata could only giggle timidly as she watched them bicker. She was indeed happy. She had the newly bought backpack on her back with all the supplies she needed for a few months. There was a dreamy expression on Hinata's face; everything that was on her back was bought by him; by his money. She'd treasure these possessions like gold; not only the possessions, but the memories that came along with them.

They were almost done all the things she needed for the trip. She had kimonos, shirts, pants, shorts, skirts and more. But there was one thing she needed before they set out; a dress kimono in case they went somewhere that required a formal outfit. She never actually owned a fancy kimono. When she needed to dress formally, her father would give her a Hyuuga kimono that looked well…formal then request it back immediately once she was done. And they were just too expensive for her to buy and she was a bit guilty for using up so much of Naruto's money. But he insisted she could buy whatever she needed.

Shopping with him was quite fun, she had to admit. He was always making jokes and comments about the clothing they passed. It made her smile and laugh; she was having a wonderful time. Also she liked how when she tried things on; he'd tell her the blunt truth, and only the truth.

Most of the time he say that it looked really good on her; because it did. There were just these few outfits that didn't suit her at all; and he told her clearly. "Hmm…Hinata…I think the blue one fits better with your personality…plus that one doesn't look as pretty as the other one." Of course he avoided any mean words like ew, I hate it, its ugly etc. When he just didn't like the outfit, he'd find words to make her feel pretty but at the same time to tell her he hated what she had on.

And as expected, every time she came out of the dressing room, she was bright red. He knew she was having fun so her blushes didn't really bother him. She was having fun and they were doing what they were supposed to be doing; that's all that mattered.

Finally they came to a store with a big sign on the top saying, "Kimonos! All sizes and all seasons!" The duo walked into the store. "Hullo!" the storekeeper welcomed, "How may I help you?" Naruto waved, "Hi, we're looking for a formal kimono for her." He pointed at Hinata, whose cheeks were flamed with a tint of pink. The storekeeper looked at Hinata, "Hmm…We'll have to get the measurements." The storekeeper clapped her hands, "Mizshu! Get the measurement tapes! We have customers!"

A muffled reply was heard by the sound of something dropping. "EEEK!" Mizshu exclaimed, "Mizshu!" the storekeeper scolded, "Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!" Mizshu apologized, bowing her head several times. "Just go get the measuring tapes," the storekeeper remembered her customers were right there. "Sorry about that, she's having a clumsy day. Anyway, I'm Amumi. What are your names?"

"Naruto, and this is Hinata." Naruto replied. "Well, welcome to my store! I hope we can find what you're looking for!" Soon they had Hinata all measured, "Naruto was it?" he nodded, "Are you looking for a kimono too?" He shook his head, "Nah, just for Hinata." Amumi frowned, "Are you sure? Extra cheap, just for you! If you want we can make something so it looks like you match your woman!"

Naruto laughed as Hinata turned bright red," She's not my girl. We're just friends. But if you insist, why not. As long as Hinata is willing to wait a bit longer," Hinata quickly shook her head, "Of course not! Naruto-kun! I don't mind waiting."

He grinned.

That was the most fun Hinata had in ages. With Naruto's frequent comments and opinions they picked a perfect kimono for her. It was a light bluish purple with a few lavender flowers printed in a couple random areas. Needless to say, she absolutely love it and surprisingly she gave Naruto a big hug as her thanks. And of course, she was blushing as Naruto didn't hesitate to hug her back. They were just friends; a hug was nothing.

He picked just a plain black one. Simple and easy since he knew he would grow out of it pretty quickly. Soon they'd have to buy another one for him; and when the time comes he said he was going with her. It made her smile on what he said next… he said it didn't matter where she was, like if she was in Konoha and she was somewhere else. He'd go get her and they'd go shopping. He promised her; and he never went back on his word. It was his nindo.

Soon, they were all done their little shopping spree. Hinata felt much better and had forgotten all about her father. And in a blink of an eye she was on the road beside Naruto and one of the legendary sannins.

"You'll love the people were visiting, Hinata. They're so nice and friendly! I always loved it when I stayed there and trained!" Jiraiya noticed Hinata wasn't really following. "For about a year we stayed at a little town. It's been a year since we left. As you can see, Naruto is excited to see them. There, we trained and became good friends with the people we were staying with."

Hinata glanced at Naruto, he was certainly happy. "I'm going to see them! It's been so long! This is going to be so exciting! I can't wait to show them how much I've grown!" He exclaimed. "He was always sparring with the family's son. Always constantly beating each other. One day he'd win the next he'd lose." Jiraiya explained.

Hinata had a worried expression oh her face. Would they like her? "Don't worry Hinata," he reassured, "You'll get along great! Anyway, how long are we going to stay there?" He grinned. "Hmm… well we're due back in Konoha in a few months… and I'm sure Hinata's family is worried. I'll have to send a frog with a message about training you, Hinata. If it's okay with you…" his voice trailed off.

Her eyes lit up. She thought she'd just tag along but he was going to train her! She'd get stronger than show that Hiashi who she really was! And she was training with Naruto! "I'd love to." She replied with a smile on her face. "Good, because I already sent the message. Hmmm…Maybe it will be safer if we stay with them before we know what's exactly up with the Akatsuki…"

"That's awesome Hinata. From now on, you're training with a professional!"

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Next Chapter

"She's WHAT! With that demon boy! I'm appalled… and you allowed it without my permission! That's outraging! You may be the Hokage but this is my daughter! Now her safety is in more danger than before! She can't possibly be safe with that DEMON!"

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So… leave me a review! I'm going to fix up the first two chapters. Those just have horrible grammar mistakes! Anyway… I hope you like where this story is going. I have a idea of where it's going now… so I'm going to have to change that summary on the first chapter. Anyway have a good day and thank you for taking your time to read my story. I hope you do review… though I'm not begging or anything.

-Aloi