Travelling from Tsuji to the Hidden Cloud would've normally taken about 3 days if going at a leisurely pace and they wouldn't have been in a hurry, anyway. That time estimate is increased significantly when you have an untrained kid with you.
Sure, Kotori was carried for most of it but she still needed breaks more often than a child from the Academy would and she wasn't used to the speeds of shinobi.
She's clutching onto Naruto's back for dear life. She was fascinated at first at just how fast they can go but she'd never experienced it before and doubted if she even could.
"You okay back there?" Naruto calls out.
Kotori manages to get through a muffled noise that sounds like an agreement. She'd tried speaking earlier and got a fly in her throat; not making that mistake again. However, even if she said she's fine, she's still clearly shaken up and holding onto Naruto even harder than before.
He lands on the ground and Hinata, Darui, and Samui follow.
"Let's rest, okay?"
Hinata agrees right away, but Samui first looks to the direction the Hidden Cloud's at. It's fairly close, just a few more hours. Ideally they'd still travel but given the circumstances… She agrees to the break, as well, and begins setting up a temporary camp.
Kotori's clutches onto Naruto's clothes even more. "We can keep going. I'm fine." She hides her face in his back. "I'm fine."
She knew they've stopped much more often than they'd need to. They were constantly checking up on her and if there was even the slightest hint of hesitation, they'd stop. She tried putting on a brave face when she was tired but they always saw through her. And she did get tired even if she wasn't the one actually running. Travelling at such speeds put a strain on her mind and she'd get headaches occasionally, as well as get motion sickness.
Hinata places a hand on her head. "You are, and we'll make sure you continue to be fine. We'll take as many breaks as needed."
Kotori doesn't seem convinced. A part of her is worrying that she's already being a burden, that her new mom and dad, young as they are, are already regretting their decision.
Darui speaks up from his crouched position, going through his pack. "Besides, a Cell is meant to look after each other. If one member is feeling off, we help them get back on their feet and continue when we're all at 100%." He stands up and walks over to Kotori, handing her a water container. "Think of that as your first ninja lesson. You take care of your team."
That seems to do it for Kotori as she nods and climbs off Naruto's back and takes the water.
Kotori's excited to look at her surroundings. They went through the Land of Hot Waters and stopped to rest at an onsen there, through the Land of Frost with its much colder climate but beautiful scenery. They even have slopes you can slide on! And now they're in the Land of Lightning which is filled with mountains that reach the skies, even higher than the ones in the Land of Frost.
Once Kotori is a bit further away and exploring, Hinata approaches Samui and Darui.
"I apologize for the breaks. I know you originally didn't agree to taking so long, but…"
"You really don't need to worry." Samui responds. "Besides, it confirmed everything I thought about Naruto Uzumaki. I got to see what kind of person he is. And he's affected you, it would seem."
Hinata blushes and looks away. "Wha-, no, I-" She regains her composure and smiles. "No, I was greatly influenced by him."
"As were a lot of people. Even Cloud shinobi."
Hinata's expression gives away a somewhat worried appearance which Samui brushes off and the group goes back to setting up camp.
Much to his dismay, Hinata uses this break as an opportunity once again to quiz him on some of the Jounin books Iruka-sensei had given Naruto. Kotori found it funny that Naruto also needed to study but it also put her at ease to see that even they have things to learn. Although it also made her nervous that studying doesn't seem to have an end. It was a conflicting feeling. To Naruto's even greater dismay, Samui decided to join in on the study session to pass time.
They drag it out until Kotori looks in a more cheerful mood and call the break/study session over and continue to the Hidden Cloud. Their next break would be in civilization.
Kotori stares up in awe. This has got to be the biggest mountain she's seen so far and there are mountaintops as far as she can see. Buildings line the sides and tops, lights shining inside to illuminate the night sky, each connected to the closest top by suspended bridges. She feels dizzy just looking at it from afar.
Naruto has the same expression. Hinata seems a bit more quiet than normal, looking contemplating at the Hidden Village.
"Welcome to the Hidden Cloud." Darui addresses the three and leads them to the gate.
The guards stop them for a check-up and Darui and Samui hand the proper identification.
"Naruto Uzumaki, Hinata Hyuga, and…" The guard looks at the girl who's now walking on her own. "We weren't informed of a child."
"I'll vouch for her and talk with Lord Raikage about it. Mark me down as liable for her actions until we have something more official." Samui says.
Darui raises a brow. "Now that's surprising."
"Is it?"
The guards do just that and let them in.
Kotori gets a better look at her first Hidden Village, the hustle and bustle is much greater than anything she'd seen so far. Shinobi scatter left and right, some going about their daily lives, others flying from rooftop to rooftop. It's a sight to behold.
The main street is filled with stores, shops, and stalls. Either trying to sell things to those just entering or selling things one might need before heading out. Basic provisions like foods and pouches or some more niche items like scrolls or specialty kits.
Kotori darts from one store to another; an expression of joy on her face. Naruto and Hinata look on smiling.
After some time of sightseeing without even leaving the main streets leading in and out of the Hidden Cloud, some shinobi begin recognizing the blonde.
"Is that… Uzumaki?"
"Ey, it's Naruto!"
"Naruto, over here!"
"Hey, you remember me?"
Suddenly a crowd swarms around him and Hinata, making the couple nervous at the attention.
Kotori looks confused at everyone recognizing them, even though they both said they'd never been here.
Darui stands next to her. "You know much about the Ninja War that just ended?"
"A little. Some ninja came to town to fix it and said things."
"Well, Naruto was the one to help out big time. He's a big hero."
They never mentioned anything about that, even when they talked about their abilities and history. He was seriously such an amazing ninja and yet didn't brag about it. She makes her way to the crowd to try and squeeze through, using her smaller size to her advantage. The people are a bit busy fawning over Naruto and talking amongst each other.
Once inside the circle, she makes her way for Hinata who's standing behind Naruto and looks oddly nervous. Kotori grabs her hand which makes the Hyuga cry out. She pulls her hand and twists around, panic in her eyes. Kotori looks scared that she did something wrong.
"Hinata?" Naruto turns to her and sees her state. He puts an arm around her and Kotori and Flickers away.
Everyone looks confused as Darui just sighs. "Oh, no… Where'd they run off to? They don't know their way around. What if they go where they're not supposed to and get in trouble and Naruto uses the Nine Tails to fight but the cliffs can't support his weight and so they all fall down and cause a rockslide die and I'll have a dead kid and ruined village on my record!" He immediately rushes to find where they went.
On a nearby rooftop, Naruto lands with the two and Hinata presses her back against a wall, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Hinata, are you okay?" He moves to place a hand on her shoulder but she shrinks back.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Kotori looks down apologetic.
Hinata breaks from her state to kneel down. "No, you didn't do anything wrong, I promise. I was just startled, is all. It's all good." She stands up on her feet and smiles, but it's clear to Naruto it's not genuine. He's seen this many times before- a way to mask pain. "Shall we get back?" She ushers Kotori to get going and goes to walk past Naruto to return to the streets.
He stops her. "I know this probably isn't my place to say, but I don't want any more regrets. I was a fool for so many years and I keep thinking how things would've been different if I noticed sooner. I don't wanna look back and think that again."
Hinata presses her head against his shoulder. "I know. I don't want that, either. I'm fine, just the elevation got to me, is all." She wraps her arms around him and whispers so only he can hear. "I promise we'll talk, just not in front of her."
"Alright, on one condition." He embraces her and places a hand on the back of her head. "Stay by my side."
"Always."
Kotori's not certain what happened but she's glad Hinata seems well. Naruto places a hand on the girl's head and she joins the hug.
Samui's voice comes from the side. "I'm glad you're having a family bonding moment. Ready to get going?"
"Ah, yeah, sorry 'bout that."
The group find themselves in front of the largest building on the highest mountain top, Naruto and Hinata standing by Kotori's side and holding her hands. Darui and Samui lead them inside the Raikage's office up several floors as he and Naruto are greeted by the people inside as old friends.
Standing in front of the massive doors, Omoi knocks and excuses himself.
"Lord Raikage, we've arrived."
Inside, they're met by a rather large room, much larger than the Hokage's office. The centre space is mostly empty, with the usual shelves filled with books and scrolls. One side is a dedicated gym area with weights, dumbbells, and a punching bag.
Directly in front of the door is a desk just in front of the window, not unlike the Hokage's office, although the walls are entirely windows. Behind the desk, sat not on a chair but a sofa, is the intimidating figure of the Raikage, signing paperwork with his one good hand while his right hand while using his left arm to lift a dumbbell that's strapped onto his stub.
Next to him is a man with swept blonde hair who Naruto remembers seeing alongside Darui, back when he first encountered the two men travelling with the Raikage. Sitting on the couch, meanwhile, is the overly familiar and overly energetic figure of Killer Bee.
"Yo, there ya are!" Bee calls out.
"Hey!" Naruto returns the greeting while Hinata offers a polite bow.
Ay looks up from his work and places the weight down. "Took you long enough. What was the hold up?"
"About that…" Darui looks back at the young girl standing next to Hinata.
Ay walks around his desk to greet the guests. He towers over all of them, easily the largest man Kotori has ever seen. She hides behind Hinata out of base instinct.
"Well, are you going to introduce yourself?" A crosses his arms.
"Boss, you could be a bit more welcoming to a kid." Darui sighs.
She's looking at the ground. "I'm… uhh… Kotori." Even though she said little, her voice became quieter as she kept talking.
Naruto places a hand on her head, causing her to look up to see him smiling. "Hey, come on, that's on your name now, is it?"
She looks up and stiffens a little bit but she's looking the large man in the eyes. "I'm Kotori Uzumaki, sir."
"Uzumaki?!" Ay, Bee, and Cee all exclaim.
Ay looks between Naruto and Hinata. "You two work fast."
Hinata blushes profusely.
Naruto explains the situation. "No, it's not like that! She's from Tsuji Town where everything happened. We kinda… ended up adopting her."
"Now there's a surprise." Bee laughs.
Hinata makes a case. "I'm aware this is not what was agreed upon by our villages and this may very well be a breech in our agreement, but I beg you to allow her temporary residence while we conduct our mission."
"Lord Raikage, I'm willing to take responsibility for their stay in the Cloud if you allow it." Samui says.
"You'd do that for them?" Ay raises a brow.
"Brother, ya gotta let the kid stay!" Bee rushes over to plead.
Ay hits his brother over the head. "You fool, I haven't even said anything! She can stay. But she's your responsibility." He looks at her adoptive parents who nod in full agreement. "We'll need to figure out what to do while you're on missions for the Hidden Cloud." A walks back to his sofa and sits down, resting his arm on the backrest.
Cee addresses the three. "You won't be going on missions right away, so… we'll think of something. Use this time to get accustomed to the Hidden Cloud and the people. Shinobi from the Hidden Sand have already arrived and are to go on a mission tomorrow. As for your accommodation…" He begins flipping through a clipboard.
Bee jumps in front of him and looks to Ay and Naruto. "Don't worry 'bout that 'cause I'm callin' dibs, you guys can chill out at my crib! Right?"
"Yeah, we can stay with Octopops if that's cool!" Naruto is quick to join in his elder's excitement.
Cee looks to the Raikage. "I mean, if they wish to…"
Ay shakes his head. "I don't know about that…"
"With all due respect, Lord Raikage." Samui stops them before they go on. "I'm not sure if Lord Bee's home is the best place for a young girl." That point makes everyone reconsider the idea. Kids are impressionable and Killer Bee is… himself. "My home has enough space. Atsui and I will house them for their stay."
"Aw, but staying with Bee's gonna be fun! Kotori'll be fine there!" Naruto protests. Not that he minds Samui, although he doesn't know her, but he's made a good friend with Bee.
"No, Samui's right. We almost made a huge blunder." Ay scratches his chin with his one hand. Everybody nods sagely in agreement.
"You, too, Brother?" Bee looks dejected.
"Alright, Samui, show them the way."
She nods and excuses herself, heading outside and urging the Leaf ninja to follow her.
Samui's house is quite large considering only her and her brother live here now. A room for them each, one large guest room and one small guest room; perfect for her guests. They've already been shown around where they'll be staying and have left their possessions, now free to sit back and relax, drinking refreshments.
"My brother's out on a mission, so he won't be back for a while."
Naruto leans back in his chair. "You sure it's fine to have us here without asking 'im, though?"
Samui shrugs. "He won't mind. If anything, he'd enjoy the company."
"If you say so…"
"You must be tired from your journey. I'll prepare the bath for Hinata and Kotori. You can use it after that, Naruto." She stands up and stretches her back.
Kotori jumps up, excited for a bath, and practically drags Hinata off her chair.
Hinata giggles at the display. "Alright, alright. Don't rush."
"Have fun, you three. And don't use up all the hot water!"
As Samui passes by Naruto, she glances sideways to him. "No peeking."
"Of course I wouldn't!" He huffs.
With the baths finished, Hinata and Kotori are sitting in the main room while Samui went to do some house work before sleep.
Once Naruto comes out of the bath, Kotori begins yawning excessively. She managed to fight off sleep just long enough for him to join them.
She's walked to her new room where whe crawls in bed, already half-asleep and tucks in and mumbles. "Night, Mom, Dad."
Naruto and Hinata blush and look at each other, quickly looking away. They both reach out to hold the other's hand and intertwine their fingers. Neither expected to have a kid in their lives this soon but… maybe it won't be so bad. They share a quick kiss and quietly leave the room.
The two make their way on the porch to look at the Cloud's night sky. They're holding hands and Hinata is resting her head on his shoulder. After some minutes of enjoying the scenery, Naruto speaks up.
"You wanna talk about what happened earlier? You were nervous the entire time we were walking through. Could feel it when I was holding your hand."
Hinata squeezes his hand."That's…" She closes her eyes. "Bad memories, I suppose. Father was opposed to me coming here exactly for this."
"Memories?"
"Yes. Remember what Neji said about his father's death? Me being kidnapped which resulted in Uncle Hizashi sacrificing himself for the sake of the Hyuga clan. It was all instigated by the Hidden Cloud. He was afraid something might happen if I came here. I managed to convince him otherwise, but deep down maybe I'm still afraid."
Naruto looks to the ground. "Right. I completely forgot about that. I'm so sorry, Hinata, I never even thought… But things are different now. Many have seen how wrong it all was and are doing better. Even the Raikage. They're not gonna try anything, and even if someone does, we'll kick their ass! Together. I'll be by your side."
She springs up to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you, Naruto."
The clang of a tray is heard from the room behind them. They turn around to see Samui placing cups of tea.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't help but overhear." Hinata looks embarrassed over her insecurities being heard by one of the people she's insecure from. "I know this may not mean a lot but the Hidden Cloud has changed. It's true we've tried to kidnap many kekkei genkai users but things are different. At the very least, one thing you can be certain of is that Lord Bee values Naruto greatly, and Lord Raikage wouldn't go against his brother."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make things awkward. I know things have changed, I simply need my subconscious to become aware of that. It's partly why I insisted on coming along. Before, other villages would have killed to have a Hyuga on their territory and now we can move freely."
"It's fine. It's a work in progress for us all. I'll take my leave for the night. Sleep well." Samui takes her tea and leaves.
Naruto and Hinata stay for a bit longer before they head to their room. Their… single-bed room. Hinata feels her temperature rise, sharing a bed with Naruto. They haven't been a couple for that long and are still getting used to the fact. So far they've stayed in the same room but slept in separate beds. But now…
Naruto places a hand over hers and brings his head to touch hers. Her blush intensifies.
"Is it weird? I dunno if I can explain, I just… feel really happy right now."
Hearing his words put her at ease, at least for now, and she grasps his hand, as well. She turns to face him, their heads still touching, and they quickly fall asleep.