A/N:
Those following this story need to be patient. It will probably be written a bit at a time. As it is, Chapter 2 was changed again, but only partially this time.
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A sizzling sound filled the kitchen area.
Neji sat at a small table in that room, at Hanabi's insistence. He didn't mind, as the larger formal table in the dining area would seem empty. His uncle was off meeting with the heads of other families, and Hinata had left early without mentioning where she was going.
"I know how much you like bacon, Brother Neji." Hanabi spoke while standing on a wooden stool, wobbling as she reached precariously over the huge cook top. Three separate grill areas were lined with bacon, cut ham, and sausage links.
"Yes." Neji sighed. He would need to make a show of eating as much as he could, or Hanabi would be complaining for a week that he was cruel and didn't care. That would be bad enough if he was the only one who had to listen to the racket. She would make it a point to complain to anyone and everyone she came across, embellishing the story every time she told it.
"I just love to cook, you know!" Hanabi claimed, knowing that she did not have her sister's knack for food preparation. "Anything for my favorite cousin!"
"Thank you, Hanabi. You're very kind." Neji knew what his cousin was going to ask. It would be a variation on the same question that she had made a point to ask numerous times the day before. No doubt she thought that the food would make him feel grateful. Or, she would pile it all on a plate, but keep it to herself unless he answered.
"That's right! Hyuuga Hanabi, Queen of Kindness." Hanabi looked over, almost catching her sleeve on fire while she wasn't paying attention. "Aren't you going to tell me that I'm your favorite cousin?"
Neji closed his eyes. He might no longer the the bird in a cage, but he was trapped just the same. He had great respect for the members of the Branch Family that came before him. The greatest sacrifice was not being subject to the Hyuuga Bunke Juinjutsu, the seal that signaled their eternal duty to protect the Main House, and allowed any member of the Main House to bring a Branch member to their knees with a mere wave of his hand. No, it was having to listen to the youngest daughters of the Main Family members. The Bunke Juinjutsu acted to destroy the bearer's optic nerves on death, efficiently sealing the secrets of the Byakugan so that enemy ninjas cannot steal them. Dealing with Hanabi fried just about everything else.
"I thought you already knew that," he replied. This was not a new answer. "You and Hinata are my two favorite cousins."
"Oh! Since you brought my sister's name up…" Hanabi smiled. "Where is Hinata? It's very mysterious, her leaving with telling someone." She snuck one of the sausages and ate it. A few nibbles of bacon and ham followed. "I can't imagine where she might have gone. Can you?"
"Perhaps her team was training early today." Neji had no idea where Hinata went. But, he knew quite well what Hanabi thought she was doing. "Either that, or she has been assigned teaching duties with the newest Academy Students. She was due to get a group."
"Hmmm…" Hanabi did not like that answer. "Maybe she went to meet with someone. I wonder who." She smiled. If Neji didn't answer, she would at least take pleasure from pestering her cousin. She did idolize him most of the time. In the remaining minority of times, she had to she had to punish him for making her feel that way. "I wonder what boy she might like. Do you know, dear cousin? If you don't want to answer that, you could simply tell me what boys like her."
"I'm afraid I can't help you there," Neji answered. He watched as Hanabi almost tipped the stool over as she stacked the food in large teetering piles. A huge flare of flame flashed up, courtesy of a grease fire. Hanabi squeaked, and jumped for dear life. Some of the food landed back on the plate. "Are you OK?"
"I'm fine. Hinata probably didn't clean the grill off well enough last time." Naturally, the grill had been spotless. "She seems distracted. It must be a boy." Hanabi picked up some of the food, washed it off, and put it back on the plate.
Neji used Byakugan to keep track of which pieces of food were unsullied.
"I have a great idea. Let me know the boy is, and I'll tell him ask Hinata to be more careful." Hanabi was quick enough on her feet to make use of any situation.
"Like I said, I can't help you." Neji sighed, wondering how long Hanabi was going to hold that heavy platter before dropping it, or putting it on the table. Her fingers must be greasy. He was guessing the plate wouldn't see another sunrise. "I don't listen to gossip, and have never made it a point to keep up with that kind of thing. As busy as Hinata has been at home and practice, she may not have time for boys."
"You're pretty busy too, Brother Neji." Hanabi bit her lip, trying to lift the plate higher. "You train even more than she does, since you spend evenings with Father. But, you still find time for girls…"
"I'm a jounin," Neji said, waving his hand. He wasn't bragging, as he had vowed not to be arrogant about his skills after loosing the fight against Naruto. "I'm able to do things more quickly and efficiently." He knew there was no sense in trying to deny anything. On days when their schedules allowed, he managed to find time to spend with Ten Ten outside of practice.
"But…maybe Father will think that you make a better Clan Leader than poor clumsy Hanabi…." Right on cue, the plate dropped. There was a loud noise, the sound of shattering ceramic. "O-O-O-P-S!" The young girl hung her head. "I'm so useless. If you get to be head of both families, you will have to marry a Hyuuga girl. Father probably wouldn't like it if he knew you were dating someone outside of the family."
Neji scowled. So, Hanabi would resort to blackmail? It wouldn't work, since Hiashi already knew about Ten Ten, and hadn't ventured any opinion one way or the other. Two could play that game.
"If I recall correctly, the last time that you made a large mess breaking something… by accident… your father thought you might benefit from training with the kitchen staff. Was this the next time?" He sounded dead serious. Then again, he always sounded dead serious. Ten Ten was the only one who could occasionally guess when he was joking.
"Oh!" Hanabi scowled for a moment, before putting on another big smile. "I'll clean that up. The grill is still hot. I can cook some more." She intended to tell one of the family retainers about the mess, after Neji went on his way. Went on his way? Maybe she could go with him! If that was possible, she would make certain that he ended up going where she chose. "Father's not here today. So, I have no lessons. On days like this, I get to go into town, to expand my horizons." She liked the sound of that. She must sound older than her age. "If you take me today, I will treat you to lunch." She knew where her father kept the money for her trips into town. "Any place you like!"
"That's very generous of you," Neji said. "I would expect nothing less from one of my favorite cousins. But, I am afraid I must decline. I have a meeting with the Hokage this afternoon, and must see to some duties before that time."
Hanabi had come upon the idea of using Neji as her escort, having him lead her to Hinata's friends. They might know the answer. While the concept remained sound, she needed a different guardian.
"That's alright," Hanabi said with an impish smile. "Enjoy the breakfast anyway. I'll convince someone else to take me."
"I really don't think it is a good idea for you to head into town without your father's knowledge. He has connections that most people do not. He would know if there is something going on that we should worry about. You know the story Hinata's kidnapping, don't you." Neji blinked rapidly for a moment, but nothing more. It was a tragic story for him, since political necessity had cost him his father.
"Yes," Hanabi made a face. She had been told that story every time she left the Hyuuga enclave. "But, if they were going to look for someone, they would get Hinata when she was away on a mission or something. Besides, I am going to have Onoda take me, since you don't want to." She had a young girl's faith in her father's retainer. He had been a noteworthy fighter in his day, and knew more about the goings on in the village than anyone else alive. He also snuck her snacks after bed time, helped her with her homework, and didn't tell her father when she skipped baths. She hoped that Onoda hadn't gone off on some errand.
"That would be wise." Neji had sparred with Onoda Ashikaga on occasions. The man was still very skilled. "But, it would be would be wiser to stay here."
"I know!" Hanabi said, scowling. She looked at the mess on the floor and smiled. She had done the hard part: breaking it. Someone else could clean it up. "But, I'm just a little girl. How smart can I be?" She skipped out of the room, looking for her father's attendant. Where would he be this time of day? She hoped that he hadn't accompanied her father as one of his guards.
"ONODA!" Hanabi shouted as loudly as she could, standing in the Great Room. "O… NO… DA…"
The young girl was very impatient. Her knew idea was just perfect. Hinata's friends would have the answer. One of them would let it slip. Everyone always talked so freely around her. It was hard to take a cute young girl too seriously.
"O-O-O-O-O… N-O-O-O-O-O… D-A-A-A-A…"
Hanabi began looking around the house. Maybe Onoda was fond of the wine cellar like many of her father's guests. He shouldn't be down there; but, if she took liberties when her father was gone, why wouldn't other people? No luck. He wasn't there. Maybe she should try the servants' kitchen. He usually ate much earlier in the morning; but, that was because he was expected to wait on her father. Still no luck. He wasn't there, either. Now what?
"Darn!" Things had started so well with that party and the fortune cookies. Now, somewhat frustrated, she began to feel bored with the whole idea. But, that's what she always did. That's why she never ended up doing anything really memorable. If she could find out the identity of Hinata's boy friend, that would be a wonderful success. No one would ever forget that! "It would have been so much easier if Miss Setsu could have just given me the answer. But, if she couldn't do it, no one else could."
Hanabi was quite taken with Miss Setsu. The old woman practiced many types of fortune telling, and had checked star charts for her; read the bumps on her head; interpreted the leaves left after she drank a cup of tea; and consulted different kinds of cards. The answer kept coming up 'Boy', but nothing more. That convinced Hanabi that the woman was genuine. The woman and her fortune cookie messages. If that wasn't enough, Miss Setsu was the great-great-granddaughter of the man of the man who found the Sheep's Shoulder Bone!
"I wish I had that! I'd probably be lucky if I did." Hanabi had offered to buy the bone, but the woman said she could not give it up. It was very valuable, had irreplaceable sentimental meaning, and was much too powerful for a child. "But, I did the next best thing." Hanabi had been very disappointed, and grumbled about how unfair adults were. He mood changed dramatically when the old woman had brought out cakes and tea. Miss Setsu told her she could hold the bone for a while, saying some of the luck would rub off on her. When the woman looked away, Hanabi dunked the bone in her drink a number of times.
After a few minutes of begging and wheedling, the fortuneteller had agreed to tell Hanabi the story about the Sheep Bone. Heading outside to check the grounds and adjacent buildings, the Hyuuga Heir thought back to that story:
Once upon a time, a man wanted to marry a Clan Chief's eldest daughter, the Golden Princess. He long and hard, and finally decided to approach the best fortune teller in the village. He asked "Can you get me the Golden Princess of the Clan Chief?"
"Yes, I can," the fortune teller replied. So, he set off to take the King's Golden Princess for the man. It was the most difficult of tasks. Many men from around the entire world wanted to marry the Golden Princess, but in the Clan Chief's house, there were eighty girls with the same green silken gowns, and so it was very difficult to recognize the Golden Princess among them.
The wise fortune-teller found a god-mother of the Golden Princess and asked, "Please, tell me a specific mark by which I may recognize the Princess!"
The old woman replied, "I cannot tell you which is the Golden Princess. Anyone who tells will be captured. The Clan Chief himself will learn of such a deed from his yellow fortune-telling book. It tells things right away, so I cannot explain anything."
But, the fortune teller said "I will find a way to make the King's fortune-telling yellow book confused." He threw the Runes many times, finding the solution he sought. He dug a deep hole in the ground and settled the old woman there. He made a fire over the hole and put a kettle on it with some water in it. Next, he put an iron pipe through the kettle, rounded up one end of the pipe with some cotton, and through it spoke to the woman: "Tell me the mark of the King's Golden Princess."
The old woman replied, "He who can make her smile, will see golden rays come out from her teeth. That is why she was named the Golden princess."
After he had learned that, the fortune-teller went to the Clan Chief's house and entered the room where the girls were gathered. Consulting his cards, he found the answer he needed. Jokes! It was so simple. He began to tell jokes and fine jests, in order to make the girls smile. After hearing one fine joke, the girls all smiled at once, and there truly were some golden rays coming from the teeth of one of them. Seeing it, the crafty fortune teller secretly put a mark on her and went away.
The next day, the man paid the fortune teller the money he had promised him, receiving in return the answer he asked for. He visited the Clan Chief and said, "Let me marry your Golden Princess."
Fortune stood by the man, who had learned the correct words of entreaty from the successful fortune teller. Normally, the Clan Chief would have any man put to death for asking such a thing, unless he were the son of some noteworthy personage. But, he had little fear of losing his daughter. So, waving his arms, he said "Eighty girls will pass in front of you with exactly the same face and the same dress. If you can recognize the Golden Princess among them, your wish will be fulfilled."
The fortune-teller had told the man of the mark he had made. Recognizing it by the description her had heard, the man walked over and grabbed the hand the hand of the one princess who bore a mark. "She is the Golden Princess." He was correct.
The people of the Clan Chief's house were surprised and asked each other, "How could he find her so easily! Has someone revealed it to him?" If someone had, punishment would be swift and severe.
They decided to learn the truth from the Clan Chief's yellow fortune-telling book. It gave the truth right away, saying "It was told by a man with an earthen buttock, a fire body, a water chest, and with an iron pipe with a cotton top."
The Clan Chief called all of his wise officials and asked "What does it mean?"
None could figure out an answer from the books words. answer for it. As one, the called out "It is impossible that there is such a man!"
The Clan Chief grew angry and exclaimed "This book tells nothing, but only confuses!" Having said that, he tossed the book into the fire. The ashes from that fire were thrown out into the yard, where a sheep licked up the burned remnants of that book. Since that time, the shoulder bone of the sheep would make any fortune teller as wise as the one in the story.
"That man was pretty bright," Hanabi said to herself, walking through one of the garden areas. "Me too." Seeing no sign of the person she was hunting for, she stopped.
"ONODA! ONODA! ONODA! ONODA! ONODA ONODA!"
Hanabi's voice carried across the courtyard. A number of cleaning women and guardsmen looked out of windows shaking their heads. She doubted that any of them would tell her father about the shouting. If they did, she would be in for another stern lecture. Decorum this and responsibility that.
"Miss Hanabi?" It was Onoda. He watched as the young girl jumped, and than turned around in a hurry. "You didn't hear me walk up? You are past the part in your training where that should happen." He frowned. "Never forget that you are the Heir. You are not only responsible for taking care of your self, but also the clan's future."
"I know that," Hanabi said, somewhat petulantly. He managed to squeeze 'responsibility' in there. Her frown turned to a smile. "That is why I have been looking for you. You are the best one to take care of me during my trip into town."
"Trip?" Onoda scratched his closely cropped white beard. "I do not recall Master Hiashi mentioning a trip." He eyed the young girl closely. "But, he also did not give me other duties to perform in his absence."
"He didn't actually say that I should go today," Hanabi said, wanting to score some points with honesty. "The days that he does remember to send me into town are usually cold or rainy. Or, it's at times when I'm really tired or feeling sick. But today is a really nice day." She put on her brightest smile. "I want to go out and see things. Father is always telling me that I need to go out and learn more about the village and its people, but never has the time to take me."
"I see. So it's not a trip to the fortuneteller." The manservant folded his arms across his chest. "Did you have a destination in mind, or do you wish me to take you on a tour of an area we haven't visited yet?"
"I never have anyone new to talk too." Hanabi made a show of sticking out her lower lip. "I don't have very many friends. If you can take me some place where I could find friends, that's what I want to do." That was just about an impossible task. Especially since her father usually had people look into the background of any children she wished to visit with. "If we can't do that, I would like to talk with Hinata's friends. I want to see what kind of people Father let's her spend time with."
"Hmmmmm." Onoda looked out past the large border fence and took in the sight of the nearest neighborhoods. There was no celebration today, and it was far too early for most people to eat the mid-day meal. Crowds should be at a minimum. "I suppose we can do that. I may be able to locate some of the shinobi that Miss Hinata would be friendly with." He knew all about Hanabi's pestering other people about her sister. No doubt, that was the sole purpose of this trip.
It would indeed do Hanabi some good to go out. He would let her carry on her deception, as that was a skill that leaders needed to learn at some point in their training. She would think he had been fooled, until it was time for his critique. It would also be good to allow the girl a chance to interact with ninjas outside of her clan and immediate family. There is a lot that a future Clan Chief needs to learn.
"P-l-e-a-s-e…" Hanabi said.
"It is alright with me. Gather whatever things you wish to bring along with you, while I do the same." Onoda headed off to do as he said, wanting to pick up a number of small concealable weapons. He would also ask a number of the Hyuuga guardsmen to follow behind them incognito. The Heir's life was nothing to take chances with.
"Thank you." Hanabi bowed, and then walked sedately into the house. Once she was out of view, she ran recklessly through the house, sliding around corners and barely missing furniture and family heirlooms. Everything was working out great. She would find her answer. She just knew it. And, if she managed to stop in the sweet shop while she was out, that would be OK too.
When Onada was ready, the two of them left for their trip into the village. As they walked, Onoda talked about a number of the other Great Families, adding things from a perspective that Hanabi hadn't heard before. As they made their way into the heart of town, he described the function of various buildings, giving his young charge a basic understanding of the social and political make up of a good sized community like Konoha. He had spent time in other Nations when he was younger, and added some comparative insight in that regard.
"Is there a particular person you are looking for?" Onoda asked Hanabi. "Do you know a name?"
"I know Ten Ten. I wouldn't mind talking with her." Hanabi could always use the blackmail approach with her. She might be more susceptible than Neji. She pulled at one ear, frowning. "I know that her teammates are named Kiba and Shino. They have stopped by to get Hinata before, but I was never allowed to talk with them." She shrugged. "I'm not sure about the other names. But, there were a fair number. She's very lucky…" Hanabi truly believed that. Hinata was lucky in some ways. While it was dangerous to be shinobi, and training sounded like hard work, her sister got to see a lot of different places and interact with different people.
"Hmmmm. Well then, I will direct you towards anyone I catch sight of, then. I believe that I would recognize all of Miss Hinata's companions by name or sight." Onoda followed Hinata around on rare occasions as well, ever since the Clan Chief had taken her back into the family. "I take it that there will also be some shops you want to visit?"
"Yes!" Hanabi rubbed her hands together. "Cookies. Cakes. Things like that." She grinned. "We should bring some back for Hinata and Neji." I he bought that story, Onoda wasn't as bright as she thought he was. No sweets would last that long. "New books to read. Something that's not History or Economics or stuff like that. Maybe a romance novel!" She was tired of having tiresome and practical things to read and learn. "Oh! Clothes. Maybe some new clothes." Most of the clothing that she wore was made by seamstresses in the Hyuuga clan, or contracted out for Hyuuga business. Some of her clothing was very nice. But, most of it was drab and functional. She wanted something colorful and fun."
"Of course," Onoda said. He wondered if the young girl would show some restraint and stick with her original plan, or be distracted by all manner of temptations. It would be instructive either way.
Hanabi was thinking along similar lines. She would take time and visit some of the shops; but, finding out what Hinata's fortune meant was still her number one goal. This would likely be the best opportunity she would get. She had to make the most of it.
A flash of color caught Hanabi's eyes. It was a ninja dressed in orange and black. Now that was a colorful outfit. She pursed her lips. Something about the boy was familiar.
"I believe that young man is one of Miss Hinata's associates," Onoda said. "If I am not mistaken, that is Uzumaki Naruto."
"Right!" Hanabi clenched her fists. How could she have forgotten that name? Uzumaki Naruto was the boy she watched defeat Neji a number of years ago. If what her cousin said was true, that fight… and the things that Neji and the loudmouthed boy said… was what had her father changing his view on things. "Let's talk to him."
"That might not be possible. Perhaps he has a practice session to attend, or a mission to prepare for." Onoda watched as Naruto ran down the street his arms winging. "Besides, we will never catch up to him."
"HEY!" Hanabi shouted, causing her father's retainer to cringe. "UZUMAKI NARUTO. STOP!" She didn't care what people wanted to think about her. Besides, her method worked. The boy had stopped and was looking around. She'd better go and get his attention.
"Miss Hanabi!" Onoda had to scramble to keep up after Hanabi took off running. He sighed, watching her slide to a stop, inches from the befuddled young man.
"Huh?" Naruto scowled, putting his hands on his hips. "Were you the one shouting my name?" He raised one eyebrow. The girl was a Hyuuga. She was familiar, somehow.
"Of course." Hanabi said, putting her hands on her hips, mirroring Naruto. "I'm Hyuuga Hanabi. Hinata's sister. You are her friend, Uzumaki Naruto."
"Right! But, I kind of already knew who I was. Thanks, though…" Naruto shook his head. He had wanted to get to the movie shop before it opened. It was Tuesday, new release day. There was imported anime coming in, but in limited quantities. "Nice to meet you." Politeness out of the way, he bunched up his muscles, ready to take off running again. "I saw you sitting with your father in the arena. Bye…"
"Hey!" Hanabi reached out and tugged on Naruto's sleeve. "I already knew that!" She made a face at the startled shinobi. "Did you really think that I called you just to see if I had your name right? Geeez."
"Miss Hanabi…" Onoda raised his hands. "I'm terribly sorry young man. The young Miss is rather excited today, having a rare chance to go out in the village and meet people."
"Huh?" Naruto scrunched up his face, and then stared at Hanabi for a moment. He sighed. Even a few minutes delay was enough to ruin his plans for the videos. "Yeh… well… that's OK… I'm kind of loud myself." He smiled. Try as he may, he had not been able to remedy his loud and rash behavior, no matter how many empty Sake bottles the perverted old hermit threw at him. "You're not much like Hinata. I once called her a shy dark weirdo…" He laughed. Hinata was more than that.
"Really?" That had Hanabi's eyes lighting up. The boy was very loud, and somewhat impertinent. Not the type she could see her sister liking. But, he liked to talk. She could tell that. Better yet, that 'shy dark weirdo'statement would come in handy some day! "What else do you think…" She was interrupted before she could get more dirt on her sister.
"So I guess that makes you a loud, dark weirdo, right!" Naruto grinned, watching the play of emotions on the young girl's face. He caught a smile on Onoda's face before the man covered it with his hand. "But, if you're Hinata's sister, you're probably OK."
"Oh?" Hanabi narrowed her eyes. "You certainly don't look like a prize yourself. Even your clothes are loud. If I'm weird, what does that make you?" She held her nose up.
"It makes me someone that's going to be Hokage some day." Naruto thumped his chest. "I also makes me the one who brought Old Lady Tsunade to this village, and the ninja who the Legendary Jiraiya took to train with him." Naruto had to fight from chuckling. He was laying it on pretty thick. How often did he ever refer to his prior teacher as 'legendary', unless it was 'Legendary Lame-ass' or Legendary Lecher'. He was very fond of the man, but he had no illusions about him. "I'm also the one who let the bird out of the cage, right?" He wondered if Hanabi would understand that reference. If she didn't that was fine. It would make him sound mysterious or something.
"Great," Hanabi said. "If you're going to be the Hokage, I don't want to be Clan Chief anymore." She waved her hand in a dismissive manner. "And when I met Tsundae, I actually thought she was really smart and stuff." Despite her words, Hanabi couldn't help but be impressed. Exciting stories and big deeds still tickled her fancy.
"Uh huh! I would have guessed as much." Naruto stuck out chin. "I knew Granny Tsunade was trouble when I first saw her. Didn't take me long to figure out the Frog hermit either. But, I guess they're kind of useful to have around. "He laughed, running a hand through his hair. "Unlike a short Clan Chief…"
"You…" Hanabi found herself at a loss for words, a phenomenon slightly more common than a solar eclipse. "That…"
Onoda's eyes sparkled. The young man was certainly giving his young charge a run for her money. That alone would make this little journey worthwhile. As Heir, Hanabi could be admonished by her father, but was treated with way too much deference and forgiveness by everyone else except her sister and cousin.
"I was kind of busy," Naruto said, rubbing his nose. "But, I guess I can wait around a while for you to answer." He looked at his watch, and then put both hands behind his neck. "Why were you looking for me, anyway?"
"Who says that I'm going to answer?" Hanabi began looking at the different shops bordering that stretch of street.
"OK. No problem. I leave a lot of people speechless." Naruto gave Onoda a jaunty salute. It looked like the old guy had his hands full. Hanabi was a lot different than Hinata. That was strange, since the few things he had heard about her from Tsunade and Kakshi in the past made her sound like a very serious girl, more along the lines of her stern and unforgiving father.. "See ya! Nice talking with you."
"Wait. I…" Hanabi felt like a young girl for a moment, not like a Clan-Chief-To-Be. She was getting flustered. This guy was definitely not someone who would like Hinata; but, he would probably tell her everything he knew without any qualm, if she could get her tongue under control. The answer she wanted was probably right under her nose. "I apologize…"
Naruto stood watching for a few moments, not saying a word. He looked at his watch again.
"What?" Hanabi asked, wondering if she had embarrassed herself by apologizing, or had gotten something on her face at breakfast. Was Onoda making faces at her behind her back? Were the townspeople doing something she couldn't see? Why was that obnoxious boy just staring at her?
"I was just waiting to see if you were going to rub your fingers together like your sister does. Or look down at your feet." Naruto snorted. "You could run behind that building over there." He smiled. Hinata wouldn't do that kind of thing anymore. At least he guessed that she wouldn't. he had only caught brief glimpses of her since he had been back in Konoha.
"You…" Hanabi was about to make a smart aleck response, but stopped. This might be just the lead in that she was looking for. "I don't do that. Only Hinata does that. I mean, what kind of boy would ever like a girl who acts that way?" OK. Stay calm. Don't look too eager. He will never guess what was my key question…
"Ahhhh. I see." Naruto rubbed his chin. He saw Hanabi's eyes go wide for a moment. "Now I get it." She was clenching her hands now. "I'm afraid that you're too young for me…"
"What!" Hanabi put a hand over her mouth. She almost called him an imbecile.
Onoda closed his eyes, filled with mirth. The boy was definitely brave enough and caring enough to be Hokage, from what he had heard. He would no doubt end up being powerful enough, too. The question was whether or not he was bright enough…
"I would never like a boy who dresses in orange… has hair sticking up like that… looks like he has whiskers drawn on his face… or is too stupid to answer my question." The maid that Hanabi spoke to about boys was right: Guys are so dumb!
"Sure… sure…" Naruto laughed. Girls were so obvious!
"I… MEAN… IT…" Hanabi's shout had Onodo chastising her soundly. A number of people looked to see what was going on. Seeing Naruto, they shook their heads and continued on with their business.
"OK… OK… OK…" Naruto covered his ears. "You're worse than Old Lady Tsunade or Sakura!" He folded his arms over his chest. "So, what is it that you want to know?"
"It's…" Hanabi feared that the conversation could go on like this forever. It was time she just came out and asked things straight up. "I want to know who Hinata's boyfriend is. She won't tell me. Neither will Neji."
"Hinata has a boyfriend?" Naruto's eye went wide. His mouth hung open. That was certainly a surprise. For some reason he felt a bit sad, but couldn't say why. "I never would have guessed that. I certainly haven't heard any gossip." Naruto scratched his head. "But, I was gone from the village for a long time. Maybe a lot of things are just common knowledge and not worth talking about." That's probably what had him upset. Even someone like Hinata could find somebody special. But, not Uzumaki Naruto. Sure, he got to see lots of naked girls without their knowing it; but, he never had a chance to speak to a single one of them.
"Rats!" Hanabi had thought that this would be easy. But, her father always said that she had to face her problems face on, and rise to the occasion. "Guess I'll have to ask other people, then!"
"That's a good idea!" Naruto said. "I'm certain one of her friends would know. But, you're a girl. You probably know how girls stick together. Maybe she told them not to tell you." Naruto nodded. "Hah. I bet she would do that, if she thought you might try to find things out. She probably told her teammates, too. No doubt she'll be looking for me soon…"
Hanabi stamped her foot. That was not what she had wanted to hear. Naruto might be right. "I won't be able to get the answer from them, then. It's not fair! No one could get the answer."
"HAH!" Naruto struck a sideways pose. "Most people couldn't find out. But, you're talking with Uzumaki Naruto. If I can learn Rasengan in a few days, I could find out who Hinata's boyfriend was." He shrugged. "But, I guess I really don't need to know."
"But… if you…" Hanabi had to settle down and collect her thoughts. If Naruto was as good as he said he was, he might still be the perfect person to talk with. Maybe Miss Setsu's sheep bone had worked it's magic after all. "I would really be happy if you could help me." She smiled her brightest smile.
"Yeh. Probably. " Naruto pulled at his lower lip. "So?"
Onoda watched Hanabi closely. It would be educational, seeing how she handled this. Trades and bartering were still important amongst Families, even if it was more influence and information these days.
"Well…" Hanabi wanted to shout again. How come the jerk didn't want to help a cute young girl in need? Boys were so heartless! That just meant she would have to figure out some way to buy his services, the way that her father hired people for certain tasks. No, she needed to find out what Naruto wanted. That, and make it a challenge. Yes, a challenge that she would say was too difficult for him. "It would probably be too hard. You were just talking big." She shrugged, and then walked over to stand with Onoda.
"Huh?" Naruto shook his head. "Nothing is too hard for a future Hokage." He tensed his arms, flexing both biceps. "Anything that I say I will do, I get done." His smile didn't fade when he thought back to the one notable exception. He had been sincere when he made that Promise of a Lifetime to Sakura. He almost gave his life trying to bring Sasuke back.
"I see. It must be great to be so strong." Hanabi grinned when she saw Naruto preen. "But, I don't have anything to offer that would interest you." She sighed dramatically. The food angle might not have worked with Neji; but, the maid had said that many men were a sucker for food. "Like a big lunch… all you can eat… something like that…"
"Ramen?" Naruto's eyes went wider than before. Involuntarily, he took a step forward. He was practically drooling. He caught himself. He wasn't a little kid anymore. Jiraiya had harped on his learning control in all matters. He had plenty of money, now that the old pervert wasn't swiping the frog purse on a daily basis. He could buy all the noodles he wanted.
"OK," Hanabi said, trying not to look triumphant yet. "It can be Ramen, if you like. All the Ramen you can eat. Ramen… Ramen… and more Ramen…" She looked up at Onoda. "What kinds of Ramen are there?" She already knew the answer.
"Let's see…" Onoda felt like applauding. That was very well done. He couldn't tell Master Hiashi just what his daughter had been asking about on her excursion, as that would be unfair to Miss Hinata. But, he could honestly say that she was developing strong negotiating skills. "There are countless varieties, I believe." He cleared his throat. "Beef… chicken… roasted pork…"
Naruto swallowed hard. He was not going to give in. It was a matter of principle, now. Besides, it wouldn't be nice, trying to trick secrets out of Hinata.
"…Lobster… crab meat… steamed fish… nori… green onions… Chinese dumplings… smoked eggs…"
Hanabi watched Naruto like a hawk. He actually trembling. The brightly-dressed boy had actually begun sweating ever so slightly. His eyes gave him away. He was struggling valiantly, but slowly giving in.
"…Shrimp…spicy Korean pickles… leeks… bamboo shoots… bean sprouts… tofu… diced ham…"
"Deal!" Naruto knew that Hanabi actually hadn't made a precise offer. But, he couldn't help himself. The word just burst out of him. Once he made a promise, there was no turning back.
Hanabi smiled.