Also if you as a reader would like to review to send either critique or compliment you are more than welcome. Once again thank you for deciding to read this story. Hope you enjoy! To all my readers who have reviewed this story, I would like to personally thank you, and I will try my hardest to develop this story to provide you enjoyment. Nevertheless enjoy this chapter.

Final Update for this Chapter: 3/17/2005 10:28 PM

Chapter Word Count: 8424

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or anything part of the manga. I am doing this fan fiction for fun and not for profit.


"Personal Thoughts"

"" Dialogue spoken

(Notes)

BOLD – Kyuubi speaking


Chapter 3- Midnight Friendship


"Began!" was the stern command given by the leader of the Hyuga clan's main house, Hyuga Hiashi.

The voice was the trigger that started a sparring match between his two daughters, Hyuga Hinata and Hyuga Hanabi. These two young kunoichi are part of a powerful clan known for their blood limit called that Byakugan.

It was expected for Hyuga Hinata to defeat her younger sister as well as show appropriate behavior required for the heir of the clan. Hinata was never given a choice in any thing she may had done in her early childhood. For an heir to display authority they were surprised to find Hinata the opposite, in fact the girl was very shy. Hyuga Hiashi did not know what he had down wrong, but he had decided he would force the pride of Hyugas into Hinata anyway possible. However appearance can be misleading for Hinata may be hiding, but her time to rise is very soon.

Both Hinata and Hanabi had been trained in the Hyuga style taijutsu, jyuuken, also known as gentle fist style. The feared style is able to make the simplest touch lethal to the opponent, causing chakra holes and openings to close down immediately.

The match between the two sisters was amazing for they parried each other blow after blows. Blue sparks are omnipresent, as the blows delivered are desperately blocked by the two warriors. Although Hanabi strived to win, to please her father, Hinata had a different mindset, one where she hoped she could change how the clan is managed.

"Father wants me to beat my younger sister, but I can not hurt her. If I were to win then Father will see her weak. I…I know I am not what he pictured for what a heir should be, but I must not let any disappointment be directed towards my sister. I will do anything for my sister, I hope she will have a better life than I have," as the shy timid Hyuuga consisted the greatest amount of one qualities the rest of the clan did not have. For Hinata processed a warm big heart, filled with kindness that can soften any who are cold hearted.

Her entire life Hinata had been the shy timid girl, a characteristic found by many to unfit for the heir of Hyuga clan. However many failed to see what qualities are needed for a leader to effectively rule. Although fear and power would have helped an individual to maintain control, they do not offer undying loyalty. In order for the heir to maintain command, one needed to be kind, compassionate and willing to aid those in dire need.

Hinata had been born into a status she hated all her life, the status of being an Heir. Being proclaimed as the heir, one has to act a certain way, forced to always maintain composure. In addition the person is forced to follow all tradition with mounting pressure of being the strongest, leading Hinata to realize she no longer had control over her life.

Hinata had developed herself a single goal, to change herself to be not just the heir of the main family but a person as well. Hinata would do whatever possible to fight all odds just a like a certain boy she noticed in her childhood. For the boy never seemed to give up, even when the odds are against him. Even when he had failed he got back and continued trying. The strength the boy had displayed was not something Hinata had seen before, nor had she felt the determination that burned in the boy's eye needed to continue to survive. From the moment on, Hinata had vowed to continue fighting against her status as a heir, but fight for her rights as a person.

In order to change the way her clan is directed, Hinata realized it required first herself to change before she could attempt to change the clan. Therefore Hinata had decided to use her actions to proclaim her independence of the caste system within her clan. For her even if it meant losing in front of her father to her younger sister, she would gladly do anything because it was her choice. Hinata realized that she is not different from the curse of the branch family, for she no longer could control her life.

Hanabi could not understand why Hinata had not won the match, for the all the countless hours the two had trained; Hanabi knew Hinata was much stronger than she had appeared. However the fear of standing up for her feelings against her father, Hanabi had said nothing during her father's onslaught towards Hinata. Many of the clan members had felt disappointed in the performance of Hinata, for they saw the shy, low self-esteem Hinata would not succeed in anything she would like to accomplish.

"Enough!" yelled Hiashi, for he could not understand how his youngest had won against Hinata, he had hoped she would show improvements by now.

"Hinata what are you doing, you are supposed to be heir of the clan, do you know what that means. That means you are supposed to be one day the leader of the clan. How do you expect people to follow you if you are too weak to win against younger opponent? I cannot stand to even look at you. Get out of my sight" replied the disgusted Hiashi.

Hinata knew her choice of path was a difficult, but her father was her greatest nemesis for her confidence. The once warm gentle father she knew before had turn into this cold stern leader of the esteemed Hyuga clan. Hinata could not shake the disappointed look in her father's eyes, for it was pity that Hinata's only obstacle was her father. If Hinata were able to overcome her fears about her father, then the clan would truly see the inner strength of the underestimated young Hyuga heir.

Yet the lecture received by her father had stung deep to her heart causing her to almost let her tears roll free. In order to prevent anyone seeing her cry, Hinata ran away from her home to find a spot to be free. No other member ran after her, for they feared the wrath of Hiashi, as well as they are confident she would be safe and come back later one. In the midst of her escape of the manor, Hinata failed to notice the Hanabi's sadden eyes, and the disappointed look given by Neji. Nevertheless Hinata just ran not even looking where she was going only to stop and cry heavily into the cold night.

For the past 10 years, life had not been easy for another ninja that carried a burden he had no choice. For every night Naruto always had experienced the same nightmare. Naruto had trouble sleeping for he always found himself running through a dark tunnel, where he had hoped he could ran away from the red slit eyes that had followed closely behind him. Even through the endless tunnel, Naruto hope he would be able to reach the end, the end where he found white glow being emitted. Naruto felt he was getting closer to the glow; however to his horror, he found the glow moving just out of his reach.

Tired from his continues running, Naruto had decided to stop, only to find the floor below him vanished, sending him falling into the darkness. Naruto could not believe he was falling through air, before he noticed what appeared to be a floor quickly approaching him. The built up fear that was quickly rising within him prevented him form screaming as he gets closer to the floor. Yet just a short distance from the floor, with shock, Naruto woken from his nightmare, leave the young boy sweating and breathing deeply.

The poor boy had no physical contact to help him calm down; leaving a terrified boy huddled on top of his bed. Listening to his heart breathing rapidly, Naruto could almost feel his heart daring him to breathe, as slowly Naruto calms himself down.

"What was that? Okay calm yourself down Naruto. I never will get descent sleep if I keep on getting those nightmares. Damn its still only midnight. I have been having those non-stops, I think I going to go crazy. Maybe if I run around, I might tire myself out and might be able to go to sleep," as Naruto slowly crawled out of his bed before finding his cloths and leave for a midnight jog.

Naruto had decided to find his favorite spot, the one spot where he can be away from all his endless worries and trouble. Naruto could not decipher what was so special of this spot, but by resting his body upon the large flat piece of stone, Naruto had found solitude and peace. Naruto spent several hours looking at the various natural creatures scouring around him. He was amazed at the vast amount of creatures that are active during the night.

With a sad small laugh that will never to be heard by anybody, Naruto sadly stated, "Just like me, they can not even sleep at night. Well at least these creatures won't mind my presence, nor would they judge me by my appearance," for Naruto remembered all the harsh treatment he had received from the villagers of his home.

"Why is it that when I finally come close to make a good friend, they start walking away from me? I guess they only see me as some disease which they must stay away from," even in his depressed state once again forcing the poor boy to cry, his thought were interrupted when he heard some crying.

Naruto found he was not alone at his favorite spot; therefore he left his area in search of this unknown person. After searching around his area, he noticed a young girl crouching next to the base of the tree, and realized this was the person whom he heard the crying from. The young girl was seen with her knee brought up to her chest, her arms warped around her legs, and her chin placed on top of her knees. Naruto felt his heart ache for the girl before her whom he found crying due to some kind of suffering. The various hatred and harsh treatment Naruto had faced throughout his life left his mind for he could not stand the sight of anyone suffering. Although most of the village saw Naruto as a demon, they failed to recognize that a demon would not have a great big heart, one that is willing to sacrifice his happiness to insure other will receive happiness.

"What should I do? Should I go up to her and console her but what if her parents see me what if she runs away too leaving me all alone. I hate being alone but this girl is also alone, maybe, shit what am I thinking? I must help everyone even if they hate me," as the nervous Naruto approached the girl while bending down to path the girl's head, yet relieved that the young girl had not ran away from him yet.

"Hey why are you crying? Please stop it kills me inside to see you crying like that," was the soothing calm voice that entered Hinata's mind, making her jump up in alarm only to realize it was Naruto in front of her. Seeing the girl jump had cause Naruto to panic as well because he felt she was about to ran away again, but surprised that she did not.

"Why is her cheek turning all red is she getting a fever or something?" as Naruto looked at the young lady which at the moment to Naruto exhibited weird behavior.

"Oh…um…Naruto…Naruto-kun when…what are you doing here?" as the girl had difficulty talking with the boy she had admired all through childhood. Having low confidence, Hinata could not put any emphasis on her words, always sounding so soft, something a ninja should not be.

Upon hear the young girl talk; Naruto realized who this person was. Naruto remember the shy girl called Hyuga Hinata, daughter of the powerful Hyuga clan, the same girl Naruto had felt he had a connection with. Being in close vicinity of the opposite gender for the first time, Naruto felt nervous as he had no idea what do, although the butterflies in his stomach did not help either. The two children were looking into each other eyes, feeling the sadness they had hid within themselves. Yet it was Naruto who broke the comfortable silence between them with warm smile and asking, "Hinata, what are you doing here all alone and please stop crying," as Naruto reached inside his coat to find some napkin for Hinata to wipe her tears away.

Hinata was too shocked at that moment to give a decent reply back to Naruto. Hinata's mouth was open, while her eyes where wide open, causing much embarrassment to Naruto.

"Naruto-kun he is the only one who is so polite to me. Not even my own father has ever been this nice. What is it about him that makes me feel so secure?" for the young child could figure out what her weird feelings are, but she hoped Naruto could be a great friend, well he will be her only friend.

"Hrm looks like she has it hard too, looks like I am not the only who has people hating me. How do I feel so comfortable around her, that I could tell her things? Could it be that maybe she would like to be my friend as well?" while Naruto hoped he could finally found a person he can truly call his friend.

Naruto ignored the violent beating of his heart, kneeled down towards Hinata, to leave the two children at eye level to each other. In order to balance himself Naruto had place his hand onto the ground, before he locked eyes with Hinata. Hinata felt even more nervous that a boy never mind her admiration had come closer to her. Yet the wild spiky blonde hair felt like sunshine in the gloomy day, instantly making Hinata feeling less depressed, although Naruto had not realized he had forgotten most of his wardrobe.

"Um Hinata what are you doing out all alone here?" as the concerned voice forced Hinata to come out of her daze before remembering her the trouble she had experienced earlier. Having felt safe in Naruto's company and Hinata decided to tell what had happened.

"Um well I was mad at my family and I just wanted to get away", as she remembered how her father had scolded her for her own failure to beat her younger sister. Hinata remembered how much she hated her father, and how he never paid enough attention to her. How he never even recognized and acknowledged her has his daughter.

"Oh I see well, Hinata you don't have to feel scared or nervous around me. I will not let anything happen to you, I will protect you," as Naruto stood up to give Hinata a victory sign, causing a giggle escape from Hinata. The giggle did not went unnoticed by Naruto, whose cheek now turned red due to being a clown in front of his friend, although he was glad to make her smile.

At that moment, Hinata felt something; she felt the desire to go hug him for his attempt to cheer her up. However the protocol required acting as an heir at all time, accompanied the fact she should not do anything to Naruto prevented her from hugging the boy. Instead she began twiddling her thumbs which had become the most interesting thing for Hinata to do. Hinata realized she may had been out here for a long period of time, and although she to maintain her control as an heir should, Hinata could not help by wander why Naruto would be out here as well.

"Naruto-kun why…why are you…sorry I didn't mean to…to intrude please…please forgive me, I will…will leave you now sorry…sorry for troubling you," as a sadden Hinata still not able to initiate a normal conversation with Naruto. Causing much frustration inside Hinata, to the point she wanted to yell out in rage, a serious breach of her status as an heir.

Hinata wanted to tell Naruto how much she admired his strength. She realized it takes a person with great strength to withstand the cruel, harsh world. However through all the treatment Naruto had faced in his life, Hinata saw Naruto show any resentment, and never saw him broken down, just taking everything in the face. Hinata would see Naruto ignore all the negative feelings around him, for he would let nothing disrupt his calm composure. Hinata also witnessed Naruto attempt to initiate a conversation and try to make a friend with anybody he would meet.

What surprised Hinata even more is that Naruto carried the desired characteristic of heir, and the more Hinata thought about it, the qualities needed in a leader as well. For Naruto was always disciplined, reserved, and clam. He would never respond unless needed to, giving nothing more and nothing less. However Hinata had always felt Naruto carried a warm kindness, one that is willing to ensure others will have happiness. All the qualities Naruto had showcased, the ones that Hinata felt are desired for a leader, Hinata had admired Naruto, making him her role-model, someone she strived to be. However at this moment Hinata realized that even there is a limit how much one child can withstand. It sadden Hinata's heart to see pain and suffering within the eyes of Naruto.

Naruto had normally bright cerulean eyes, one that sparkled magnificently to challenge any obstacles that want to head his way. Yet Naruto eyes are a mirror to his emotion, one that is able displays his feelings with the need of words. Hinata glanced upon the dull eyes, can only felt the need to hug Naruto once again, for she could not bear to see the dejected look of Naruto.

Hinata had known how it is dangerous to keep all the feelings inside until it exploded. The young Hyuga desired to do anything to help the one person who had shown kindness towards her, for the boy she admired, for sometimes it is good to have friend to share things in life. Hinata decided she will become Naruto's friend, even if she would be targeted by the villagers or looked down upon by her family. For once she felt she can go against destiny as well and choose to lead her life her way. Hinata had also hoped that if they had each other as friends then maybe they could withstand the troubles they would have to face in their lives.

Naruto realized that maybe Hinata could be the friend he so desperately sought. To his amazement, Hinata had not run away, in fact even attempted to console him in his time of need. Naruto had never felt that much compassion from anyone, leave alone his newest friend, one he will forever deem as his previous people to protect.

"What non-sense Hinata, I am just glad you haven't run away from me yet," as Naruto looked at Hinata with gentle smile. Naruto had gotten up from which forced Hinata to stand up as well. As Naruto stood before her, his hands hidden in his pocket hoping to hide his nervous mind, but Naruto can't seem to shake this warm sensation of the prospect of finding a friend. Before Naruto had realized, he had taken his own hands out of his pockets, grabbed Hinata's soft hands and asked, "Hinata, will you become my friend?" Hinata stood there frozen, for a boy had grabbed her hand and looked at her such intensity in his eyes.

Much to the stunned girl, Hinata could only nod effortlessly, accompanied by the brightest red speck on her cheeks. "Of course Naruto…Naruto-kun…I would be honored to be your friend," as Hinata continued to get furious with herself for not able to still speak in a normal conversation with Naruto. However she had promised herself to rid of her this clumsiness, in order to prevent Naruto finding her odd, and leave her all alone once again.

"Thank you Hinata," as Hinata is pleased when she noticed the happiness in Naruto's voice. However when Hinata saw the beaming boy, it only caused more embarrassment, and if were to be seen by anyone, they would be wondering why the boy is talking with a tomato.

"Hey Hinata, I have idea, but only if you want to okay. Whenever one of us feels depressed or worrying about something we should meet somewhere to talk. I know one place where I go all the time. It not very far from the academy, in fact it is only 10 min away. There is a large flat piece stone or rock on the ground. There is also a large tree over it giving you a very nice shade. I always go there to think and I can watch the many creatures moving around. It gives me peace, but I would like if I had a real friend to talk to sometimes," making Naruto thrilled that he will have a true friend to talk for. Having always looked down upon, Naruto realized the people who do show kindness to him, are the ones he would forever protect as well as respect.

"Of course I would like that N…Naruto-kun but…but…how will we know how to meet?" for Hinata was overjoyed at the chance to see Naruto often.

"Hrm…that is a good question Hinata," as Naruto began to organize various different ideas that would allowed each to know they are wanted for a meeting. Naruto knew he could not just walk up to the manor, and hoped Hinata would be able to sneak out with him. Nevertheless fate was on their side that night, for their trouble's answer arrived in the form of a squirrel which happened to find a nut interesting which lay between Naruto and Hinata. Naruto had seen the squirrel many times during his stay at his favorite spot, providing Naruto the answer to his problem.

"Well Hinata do you happen to know where I live?" although Naruto realized it wasn't fair for Hinata to come all the way to his house. Nevertheless he felt it was much safer for Hinata to go unnoticed due to the fact nobody cared what goes around him, so Hinata would not get into any trouble.

"Um…yes I do…N…Naruto-kun," as Hinata fears were raised, where she hoped she wasn't weird for knowing where he lived.

"Well that's great Hinata…I know its a little more work for you, but if I am not here around midnight and you are in need of somebody, drop by my house. Just knock on the front door, and we can come back here to sit," for Naruto hoped Hinata did not hated her for making her do more work. Although from the inside he was jumping with joy due to the fact that a person knew he existed and know where he lived.

"Oh…no Naruto-kun no problem at all…I hope you would not be mad if I woke you up from your sleep…if I do please forgive me," asked the shy young Hyuga heir.

"Do not worry about that I would be glad to talk with you my friend. I usually would be awake around this time, but was surprised to find you today. Anyways the next couple of days I am going to try train this squirrel," as Naruto grabbed the creature below before bringing it before Hinata's face.

The squirrel at first was surprised and sacred, for it thought it was the attack of giant bunnies that wanted his nuts. The poor squirrel had various nightmares where he would be taken away form his previous food by giant bunnies. (My readers are probably thinking what was the author drinking, and all I can say is that even I don't know, anyways continuing with the story) However much to the relief of the squirrel, he realized there were two creature before him gave him more food so he deemed the creatures to be good. Although it could not understand their language, he recognized the food they seem to hold. Whenever the two humans whistled, it looked like they wanted him to come down, and they would reward him with more nuts. Then it seemed the two humans wanted the creature to them, which the squirrel did due to wonderful scent of the nuts they were carrying.

Both Naruto and Hinata were amazed and pleased when they would whistle the squirrel would come down, where they would reward it with a nut they found. In order to train the squirrel to find a way to Hyuga manor so Naruto could signal Hinata that he wanted to talk, they tried to train the squirrel. Naruto told Hinata to have several nuts stored, and before she would go to sleep she should place a nut near her window. Therefore when Naruto needed to talk with Hinata, he would release the squirrel which will come near her window, and Hinata will now.

"Does that sound alright to you, Hinata?" as they both stop walking and looked at each other.

"I…I think that would be nice…N…Naruto-kun," as Hinata had finally found a friend whom she can talk with.

"Well as your friend, it is only the gentlemen thing to do to escort you back to your home, Hinata, only if you don't mind?" as the young boy once again feared he may have done something to lose his first friend.

"Of course not Naruto-kun," as Hinata quickly replied, although she had hoped Naruto did not notice the eagerness in her words. The two children did not know that their friendship will be forced to go through many trials, but rarely do individuals with great heart lose in their battles.

The two friends continued their walk towards the Hyuga Mansion; they talked about many random subjects. As Naruto and Hinata continued to talk, their chatter removed any silence in the night as the two friends tried to make up on lost time when they were alone

The two friends said their good nights to each other, after dropping Hinata home, Naruto headed to his house. "I think there is still hope in this world" was the last thought that registered in Naruto mind before receiving the most peaceful sleep he ever had the last couple of years.

"N…Naruto-kun…I will not be weak…because you show me that I have a friend I can talk to…that you will help me change myself. You really are special Naruto-kun, I feel safe and I feel like I do not have to worry about anything", as Hinata about to lay her head down on her bed, she heard a distinct whisper, "K…Kyuubi" but too exhausted to make any meaning of it, Hinata closed her eyes and fall asleep.

The small habitat of Naruto was filled with the presence of sun rays that had leaked through the gaps of the old house. The bright glare that shone through the window forced Naruto to awaken from his pleasant dream and start his day. Naruto had never been known to be a morning person; in fact it would better suit him to accomplish his work during the night. Naruto had always found the world more peaceful during the night, where everybody would be rushing to get work done.

Having awoken, Naruto found it hard to leave the warm softness his bed offered in the morning chill, instead Naruto was contempt leisurely sitting on top of his bed. As Naruto sat on his bed, he recalled the past event that had occurred through his troublesome childhood. He sadly remembered the time he was told about the fearful creature that had been sealed inside him. Naruto was shown the reason why everyone hated him after he had spoken with the Third Hokage. Naruto would feel a surge of sadness radiate within him which surprised the young boy because he realized the sadness was being emitted from the creature stored inside him.

Upon thinking of the sadness Naruto had felt from the creature he recalled there were very free happy moments in his life. Throughout his life, he had been hated, insulted, and sometimes beaten by a mob of friends. Yet no matter how much his life was unbearable, the young warrior would continue to face the treatment, in the belief one day, his people will see him as a person. Although he showcased a polite, mannered behavior, many will still see only the demon inside him, Naruto had always wised they would open their eyes and look beneath the surface.

However thinking of the unpleasant moment, Naruto had found some pleasant moment that had allowed him to survived.

"Well at least I have two happy moments to help me live each day. Hokage-sama you have no idea how much you have changed my life. And how can I forget my dearest friend, Hinata, the one person whom can help me get through this. Well enough time thinking about this, time to get some more training and things down today," as the young shinobi leaved the warmth of his blanket to get ready for his training is something Naruto take seriously

Naruto had gotten off the bed and proceeded to his bathing area to take a morning shower. After 20 minutes had pass, Naruto had appeared out of his bathroom, while putting his cloths on. As Naruto reach his favorite area, the kitchen, the blond shinobi had made three bowls of his favorite ramen. After taking little time to empty the bowls, Naruto realized he was running low on his supply of instant ramen. "Nani…am I almost out? I guess it is time for me to buy some more package then," as a determined Naruto headed for the grocery store on his quest to buy his ramen.

"Maybe I should go say hi to Hinata, and see how she is doing with her family," as Naruto started to get butterflies on the thought of seeing his only friend before calmly walking towards the Hyuga Mansion

As Naruto approached the Hyuga Mansion, he had collided into someone familiar. Naruto realized it is Hyuga Neji, where rumor circulated that he had the potential to be the strongest branch member. Yet Naruto had always found the quiet Hyuga prodigy unnerving, and the feeling heighten when Neji would had always looked at Hinata with a more superior smirk.

"Oh hello Neji, how are you doing today?" as Naruto hoped he could maybe make another friend and help Neji realized Hinata is not as bad as she seemed.

However Neji had been a member of the branch family, thus various tortures had been forced upon the young boy. Due to the traumas Neji had witnessed, his personality had warped to the qualities of a cold ice cube, one where you can never tell what emotion laid underneath. Naruto recognized the cold distant look Neji had given, for the eyes were the window that showed the person had a burden to carry.

"What are you here?" replied in such a distant voice, which proved Naruto that there are other that have to carry different curses as well.

"Only high ranking or privileged individuals may enter in this ground, I believe you are neither. A child that had been a disgraced by the village should not have your presence felt here to add taint to the ground of the Hyuga Clan," as Neji had perfectly utilized his ability to read the fears of his opponent which allowed the Hyuga genius destroy any confidence of his opponent.

The method would have been effective on most of his opponent; however Naruto was not your normal shinobi. Having faced the same insult with harsh treatment, Naruto had developed a stone wall to dissolve similar threat given by Neji. However Neji saw Naruto stayed perfectly calm which caused further anger inside Neji to erupt. The sight of anyone staying calm, show in they were the ones in control of their destiny which infuriated Neji because his density was chosen since he was born. Normally Neji would have not been so rude when he made the comment towards Naruto, but seeing someone come to ask about Hinata did not sit too well wit Neji. The frustration of being the strongest Hyuga, yet being the head of the Hyuga clan will never be in his destiny, while it will be for Hinata, the weakest Hyuga. Naruto had just happened to be the object Neji had decided to force all his frustration upon.

"Apparently the lack of parents had made you uncivilized and unintelligent to respond when spoken to by your superior," as Neji had the word superior hang on his tongue a while longer. Neji had brought his arms behind him, linking together by his two hands at his attempt to portray the ideal image of a superior. Neji's chin had been brought up a little higher, while he had glanced downward to force Naruto to believe he was inferior.

"Maybe it would do this village blessing to rid of a disgrace such as you Naruto, for you hardly seem to show any characteristics of a shinobi, in fact you are far too similar to Hinata," as Neji continued his onslaught upon poor Naruto.

For as long as Naruto remembered, there had not been a moment in his life where he did not think that would be a decent option. For nobody had showed Naruto any reason for he would be cared or missed in the village in the even he had past away. Yet Naruto processed a strength only surpassed by his gentle heart, one that will never go out by the determined young boy, who is destined to always fight against any struggles. Throughout Neji's harsh words, Naruto had maintained his calm composure as he attempted once more to avoid any violent confrontation.

"Please Neji I am not here to cause any problems I was just worried about Hinata," was the calm reply given by the young shinobi surprised Neji who never seen anybody withstand so many insult and still be so calm.

"What you want to see Hinata-sama? Why should you worry about a useless child like her?" as the jealous Hyuga genius could not comprehend why some many people acknowledge the heir of the Hyuga clan, Hinata.

Naruto was able to stay calm because he had insults directed towards him, which was the story of his life. However the moment Neji had started insulted Hinata, whom had become his first friend, someone he will protect as his precious one, Naruto was beginning to lose to his composure. Although Neji had been proclaimed as the Hyuga genius accompanied by the ability to read the emotion of the human, Neji missed the merging of red and blue within Naruto's eyes.

"It amuses me that a friendship between a useless heir and a disgraced orphan can exist. I can only imagine the horror you too might bring, but it was written in your destiny to be worthless. How can anybody show any respect the Hyugas in the future if our proclaimed heir is to useless and weak. For someone like that I have no respect, but instead I would rather spit in their face and hope I can hide my smile for the sad excuse of our clan's heir," as Neji's face was once again replaced by the arrogant smirk, to further portray he knew everything.

For once Naruto felt the surge of the rawest emotion he had felt his entire life. Naruto was crammed with feral rage upon hearing his friend insulted, something that was discovered Naruto had little patience fore. Calm before the storm, wad brought to whole new level as the rage infused Naruto was about unleash judgment.

"What amuses me even more is the fact her own sister had beaten her in a simple sparring match. How weak must you be to be beaten by your younger sister? I surprised Hiashi-sama had stayed sane last night, if it were me, I would have banished Hinata and find a worthier heir for the clan. In fact why don't your join you so called friend, therefore both of you can't disgrace our home further! In fact…ugh…what are you doing!"

Neji was not given the chance to finish his statement for Naruto's hand was tightly gripped around the exposed neck of Neji. The Hyuga genius had never felt the kind of fear in his life the one he was feeling after meeting the angered Naruto whose hand was slowly choking him to death. The calm boy that had withstood all his previous insult with cerulean eyes no longer stood before him. What did stood before Neji stood the reincarnate of the death angel, whose fury will be unleash to balance the rage being emitted in Naruto. Neji mind could not think of any counter to escape his predicament for he could only picture himself dieing in the hand of the so called disgrace Naruto.

Neji's body was trembling in fear once he had looked into the dark ruby red eyes of Naruto which promised a world of pain. Neji was able to feel the tremendous amount of killer intent and blood lust being generated from Naruto. Naruto in fact was consumed in rage for bloodlust that he brought his maniacal face within close proximity of the ghostlike face of Neji.

Naruto was having difficulties on deciding which way to rip the Hyuga in front him. However instead, Naruto had chosen to get his message across verbally.

"YOU WILL NOT MAKE FUN OF MY FRIEND!" as the force behind Naruto voice was sufficient to shake the hair off of Neji. Neji had tried to remove the hand that had gripped his throat, but shocked to find he could not muster the strength require by his two hands to remove Naruto's hand. As the icy menacing voice of Naruto carried throughout Neji's body, leaving a boy whose knee which had wobbled frantically.

"TALK LIKE THAT AGAIN AND I WILL NOT HEISTATE TO KILL YOU," as Naruto had released some of his chakra, which gave him the appearance of the grim reaper.

Neji became painful aware that Naruto is more than capable of doing in his current state, as the genius begged of mercy frantically, "Please Naruto…for…forgive me…Naruto-sama," as Neji tired to speak with limited amount of oxygen he could utilize.

Naruto noticed the feared look in Neji's eyes and hastily regained his control of his demonic emotions. The ruby dark eyes slowly transcended back to his cerulean eye, which confirmed that the calm Naruto had resurfaced.

"Shit what am I doing? What is going on, how I can help people if I become hungry for blood. I must fight my inner demon. If I can not do that then I will never be able to protect anybody. Damn you Kyuubi I will find you and make sure you pay!" as Naruto had removed his vice-grip hand away from the Neji's throat. Naruto looked at the weakened Hyuga genius which had knelt down to the ground while he had gasped for air.

"Um…sorry Neji…I just can not bear to hear anything bad towards Hinata. I don't mind what other say about me Neji, but Hinata is one of my precious people and I will not tolerate any harm towards her, be it verbal or physical," as Naruto slowly walked by the shocked Hyuga. Neji instinctively checked the area where Naruto had grabbed him to confirm if his throat was still there. Neji once again glanced behind him to find Naruto had slowly walked away from the Mansion, but shocked at the power displayed by Naruto, "W…what was that…those eyes…they were pure evil," as Neji had difficulty to walk normally.

Having almost killed Neji back there, Naruto had decided he should avoid Hinata and return back to the Third Hokage for training instead. "I don't want Hinata to get in trouble because of me then she won't like to be my friend anymore," as the downcast blond shinobi slowly walked away where he hoped he would not cause any more disturbance

However, before Naruto could get very far, he heard a voice, first not very audible, but then loud enough to reach his ears. He looked around and saw Hinata running towards him, which caused Naruto to be apprehensive, for he had feared Hinata must be mad at him. Naruto placed his gaze into the ground for he had feared to look towards Hinata, but as he glanced at Hinata, he was surprised to find her smiling. "Good maybe she doesn't know what happen back there!" as Naruto had replace his frown with a warm gentle smile towards his only true friend

"Good…good morning…N...Naruto-kun," as the running Hinata came close next to Naruto. Naruto noticed Hinata struggled to breathe, and cause Naruto to be alarmed as Hinata almost collapsed onto the ground.

"Hey Hinata calm down, I won't go anyway so take it easy," as the two friend dropped their behind upon the dirty ground to regain their composure.

"Thank…thank you Naruto-kun," as Hinata blurted which caused much confusion for the blond boy, Naruto.

"For…for what Hinata?" asked the surprised Naruto as he looked at the shy timid girl which was once again blushing. However Naruto realized even with the dirt from the ground drifting around them, he noticed that with her hair lose, Hinata looked mysterious. In fact upon observing her wardrobe, it was apparent Hinata rushed out to meet him, without being concerned about her looks. Hinata's impression in Naruto had just risen to another level, but currently he was confused why Hinata had thanked him.

Well I saw what you did and I have to admit I was scared by myself too" As Hinata recalled the look of terror upon Neji's face, after the confrontation with Naruto. Hinata saw Neji had difficulty walking straight after that, and became extremely polite to her all of the sudden with a hint of respect, "Something I never gotten from Neji!" which Hinata knew was all possible due to Naruto.

"Oh um about that Hinata I am truly sorry about that," as Naruto regretted he had lost control of his own emotion, and had almost strangled Neji to death. Naruto once again glance towards the ground, for tears were threatening to flow down Naruto's cheek. Naruto realized Hinata must be afraid of him as well, and would like to end their friendship. Seeing Naruto had became quite while appearing depressed, Hinata quickly brought her hands toward his cheek, for Hinata wanted to look directly in his eye when she continued her thought.

"No…no Naruto-kun…not at all…do you know that was the first time somebody ever stood on my behalf…and beside N…Naruto-kun you are not an evil person," as the desperate Hinata tried to get some sense into Naruto however even her word could not eased the discomfort Naruto had felt. Naruto had taken hold of Hinata's hand that was on his check, which had caused Hinata to develop a brighter red blush. Having brought her soft warm hand down, Naruto finally looked at Hinata, but with sad eyes that once again broke Hinata's heart.

"Hinata I…I…think we should stop being friends I will only bring more trouble and sadness to you…I…thank you for willing to become my friend," as Naruto had vanished, which had caused a bewildered Hyuga heir looking around her spot desperately to find Naruto.

"WH…what…no…no…this cant be true…Naruto-kun wait…wait for me!" as Hinata frantically looked around hoping to find Naruto before she had thought of a possible area he may be.

Naruto returned to his favorite spot be had lay down next to the tree once again to recall the entire events that had transpired. As Naruto recalled he had almost killed Neji and lost his only friend he could not help feel depressed. He finally made a true friend, but because of his inability to control his emotion, he had gotten her in trouble with her clan. "I hate being alone…but I only bring sadness to others…maybe Neji is right…I should end my life and end other people's misery"

"Um…N...Naruto-kun?" as the surprised Naruto had jumped from his sitting position to find Hinata stood before him. Naruto looked up which he saw Hinata gave him a gentle beautiful smile as she approached and stood closer Naruto. Naruto's world was filled with irony, as this time Naruto had small blush had appeared when Hinata had came closer to him.

"It would be an honor for me if you still are my friend N…Naruto-kun," as Hinata continued to twiddle her thumb where she had hoped Naruto did not find her weird.

Naruto was overjoyed that Hinata had searched for him for nobody had cared to find him if he was missing.

"But…but Hinata you are only going to get in trouble because of me...I am just some kind of disease that ruins everyone's life you don't understand me Hinata there is something horrible inside me," as Naruto struggled to contain all his sorrow and sadness inside him. "I must not let my feelings escape my wall I must contain it" as Naruto had began taking deep breaths for it had always helped him calm himself down.

"Naruto-kun you made me your friend, and as a friend I will always be there to help you because you are my first true friend Naruto-kun I will always be your friend forever!" as Hinata came forward to give Naruto a sweet surprise in the form of a hug. "Naruto-kun you are very special to me, and I really care about you please don't leave me all alone again!" as the Hyuga heir had seriously breached all proper conduct of an heir, but at this moment she didn't not care. At this moment she wanted to make Naruto believe he was indeed a person, and she acknowledged him just as he had done for her.

Naruto was paralyzed for he had never witnessed the more confident side of Hinata, but the warmth emitted from the hug felt very nice to him. Having Hinata as a friend all his worries and sorrow seemed to float away. Hinata then realized what she had done and moved away rather quick much to disappointment of Naruto, who like the hug very much. Hinata could not believed she had hugged a boy however caused her to be delighted when the boy she had hugged was her admiration Naruto. As Hinata's was covered bright red from the blushing, the two friend once again sat down next to the tree except this time, the shy timid Hinata had began her act of twiddling her thumbs.

"Um…Hinata…thank you!" as Naruto could not shake the wonderful feeling of the warmth he had felt from her hug.

"N…no…¦problem N…Naruto-kun I just wanted to make you feel better," as Hinata had died from embarrassment and unable to look at Naruto.

The noise that resounded form the rustling of the leaves allowed the two friends to sense someone was approaching them. "So this is where you have been Naruto…ah good morning Hinata," as Naruto was pleased to see another one of his precious person, while Hinata was awed to have met the Hokage as well as amazed that Naruto was in good terms with the Hokage.

"Good Morning Hokage-Sama!" Naruto said with a small gentle smile towards the person he had respected the most.

"G…good morning Hokage-sama" came the more quite response from Hinata.

The Hokage was pleased Naruto had found a new friend while equally pleased that Hinata found a friend as well to help build her confidence. "Well how are you two doing today?" was the friendly question towards the two young shinobi.

Both replied that they were doing very well. The Third Hokage could not keep his smile from showing, for he was please to see the two lonely children have a found a friend within each other.

"Well Hinata, would you like to come with me, so I could train both of you. I don't want to separate the two of you. You are welcome to join us," for the Hokage was willing to do anything that would bring any form of happiness into Naruto's world.

"Of course Hokage-Sama," replied a smiling Hinata, who would do anything to spend more time with Naruto.

"Good, Naruto and Hinata please follow me," as the two children could not contain their happiness for they were able to spend time with each other and not worry what others thought. For once dull eyes of Naruto, there burned spark of life, for the boy had gained another form of determinationto become stronger, so he could protect his precious people.


A/N: Like or Dislike? Please Review!

I apologize for making Neji evil, but he will have a more definite role later on. As I had stated before, this will be a NarutoHinata paring, but at the moment they should be onl friend. I didn't want them all lovely because they are still 10 years old. I would like to thank all my readers who had reviewed my work. If you have felt it was worse then before please tell me what you have found lacking. I will try to make this better for your reading enjoyment. Of course if I am doing thing right, please drop a review saying so, pretty please. I am sorry this took a long time, but I wanted to make it good. Please read and review

The Infernal light in Darkness Crimson-Strike