Chapter Five: Everyone has a past.

Brown hair.

Disgusting.

His smile.

Nauseating.

Him sitting next to her.

Revolting.

He was too close for comfort. Too close. Too… Naruto stared at the little gap between Hinata and Kiba and felt his stomach twist into knots. The hem of their shirts touches one another, and he nearly barfed into his mouth. Hinata gave Naruto a quick glance, and she noticed the void in his eyes. They quickly turned warm when he spotted her looking at him.

"I feel so childish eating at a kid's park!" Naruto complained. "And out of all things to eat, you decide to buy some burgers." He picked up the lifeless food and groaned.

"You don't have to eat it!" Sakura growled at him. "You may just die from high blood pressure if you keep eating that sodium soup!" She sat on the bench and grumbled under her breath.

"Um, Naruto, that isn't very nice," Hinata said shyly. "Sakura was kind enough to invite and feed us. We should try to be grateful." Her voice was soft, but they heard what she was saying. Their classes were officially over, and soon they would be heading into their next semester. Sakura had decided to invite the crew, including Hinata, out to the park to eat. Hinata was grateful and ecstatic that Sakura had included her.

Sakura could not help but smile. She still found Hinata weird, and only invited her because Ino had mentioned it. There was something about Hinata that stirred her the wrong way. Hinata was quite a looker; she screamed cute, but she noticed how dense or inconsiderate the girl was around others. Men flocked at her, and she didn't even consider giving them the time of day. Her focus was always on Naruto, and she still clung to him. Some were saying that the two were dating, which Sakura quickly denied because Naruto would have told her, let alone tell her he was crushing on a girl.

"I'm sorry, Hinata. I didn't mean to offend her." He showed her his trademark grin.

Kiba scoffed. "There are no nutrients in ramen. That's probably why you haven't grown an inch since middle school."

Sakura giggled at the comment. "I told him to eat more proteins." She chimed in. "Naruto can be so stubborn."

"Kiba, you should be the last to talk." Ino hummed. "I'm pretty sure you lack somewhere Naruto isn't."

Sakura choked on the water she was drinking, and Kiba's face turned red. "Why don't you mind your business!"

"Ne, so it is true." Sakura giggled childishly.

"It is not!" Kiba barked.

Hinata tilted her head to the side as she tried to understand why Kiba was so flustered. Naruto noticed this and smiled widely at Hinata. "Oh, Ino is just saying how Kiba's dick is so small!" Hinata's face turned utterly red by that information and Naruto's lewd comment.

"It is not!" He turned his anger to Naruto. He couldn't possibly look Hinata in her eyes, and he felt his face turned hot.

"I'm just repeating what Ino said." Naruto placed his arms behind his ear and started whistling. "I'm also stronger than Kiba." He quickly said, to add fuel to the fire.

Kiba slammed his hand on the tabletop and glared Naruto in his eyes. "Here we go," Sakura said, rolling his eyes.

"How can you possibly be stronger than me?" Kiba almost laughed. "If you're so strong, let's go at it. Right here. Right now."

"I'm sure we're too old for that," Naruto shrugged his shoulder, "and Hinata doesn't need to see anything like that."

Hinata glanced at Naruto, and Kiba balled his fist as he looked around. His eyes lit up when he spotted the metal bars. "Monkey bars. Now! Whoever can stay the longest win."

Naruto stood up. "Fine! If I win, you buy me a whole months' worth of ramen."

"And if I win, you have to buy Akamaru's food for a whole month." Kiba walked towards the monkey bar. "Ino, timer!" He demanded.

Hinata had never Kiba so riled up, but she was excited to see who would come out on top; of course, she was secretly rooting for Naruto. Kiba stared at the metal bars and took a deep breath. He was pissed off because Hinata witness and heard all of that. Now, he had to show her he was more sustainable than that ramen loving boy.

Kiba jumped and clutched to the metal handle. He grinned at Naruto as this was easy for him. He worked out every chance he got and was able to pull his own weight. Kiba decided to show off a little and went from metal to metal. "I hope you're getting this!"

Ino rolled her eyes as she watched the timer. Two minutes in. Sakura was still sitting down, munching on some fruits Lee had given her. Kiba started to swing from handle to handle, and Hinata stared at him mesmerized. It wasn't something to awe at, but she hadn't been allowed to go to a playground. She had only been once, twice the most, and was permitted from going on the swings, slide, and monkey bars. Hinata got up and stood next to Naruto, who was watching.

"I want to try." She muttered out.

"I rather you not," Naruto whispered in her ear.

Sakura eyed Naruto as she watched the two. He had whispered something in Hinata's ear, and she couldn't read his lips. Hinata glanced at him, and then a terrible scream pierced her ear. Kiba had fallen from the bar and held his hand that was bleeding. A long cut mark penetrated deep into his right hand, and some blood seeped out. Ino and Sakura quickly rushed to Kiba, and they covered their mouths. His hand had a large cut mark, and they saw a long blade screwed to the handle.

As Hinata was about to leave to check on Kiba, Naruto held her hand and pulled her back. She stared at him, confused, and he intertwined her fingers into his. "Ne, you stay here, okay?" A slight blush appeared on her cheeks, and she stood there as Naruto went to check on his friend.

"What sick bastard would do this?" Ino questioned. "It looks like you may need some stitches."

The deep cut had some blood seeping through it, and his flesh showed. The blade Sakura took down was very thick and sharp. "I'm going to report this to the police!"

"I'll be fine," Kiba winced in pain.

"No, we need to get this check Kiba. Let's go," Sakura urged.

The group reached a smaller clinic, which was a twenty-minute ride, and helped Kiba inside. Hinata eyed the clinic as she had remembered following Naruto here a few times. He always met with a younger blonde hair woman who had a fascination with alcohol. "You guys are acting like I can't walk!" He barked at them, but Ino rolled her eyes.

"This is the third time something has happened to your hand, baka!" She was beyond pissed. "Whatever you're doing, you better stop, or you won't have any hands at all!"

Kiba glared at her. "What are you talking about!"

Ino rolled her eyes once more and dropped Kiba to the floor. "You think Dr. Tsunade is here?" She turned to Naruto, who was walking towards a brown door.

"Yeah, it's Friday." He said, disappearing behind the door.

"Um, Kiba… are you still in pain?" Hinata approached the boy who was sitting on the chair. He quickly jumped as he had forgotten that the girl was here.

"Uh, y-yes," He scratched his nose cutely. Kiba was in pain. He hadn't realized the blade had cut deep into his hand, and to make matters worse, all of this happened in front of Hinata.

Her eyes fixated on the cut mark, and she deeply concerned about Kiba. Why would someone do such a thing? Suppose a child had decided to use the monkey bars before they did. The thought of it churned her stomach, and she was grateful that there were no children there.

Several minutes later, a younger woman walked through the brown doors with Naruto following behind her. "Where is he?" Her voice sounded more annoyed than concerned. Kiba glanced over his shoulder and saw the busty woman approaching him. He remembered how he used to have a crush on the woman and would intentionally do something to his body just to see her.

"You again?" She arched her eyebrow and groaned. "What happened this time?"

"Dr. Tsunade," Sakura ran up to her, "look at what some sick bastard left on the monkey bars!" She showed her the blade that was trapped in the Ziploc bag.

Tsunade was in disbelief at what she had seen. "On the monkey bars?"

Ino nodded. "Yeah, can you imagine if a child was there?"

"I'm going to call the police," Tsunade said, taking the bag from Sakura. "Gaki, stitch the brat up." She said, walking away.

"No way!" Kiba jumped up.

Tsunade shook her head as she vowed never to go near that dog-loving brat again. She shivered as she remembered the last incident that took place in the room. Naruto grinned at Kiba. "Don't worry, Kiba… I'll stitch you up real good."

Hinata was in awe as she didn't know Naruto was able to do such a thing. Kiba reluctantly followed Naruto behind the brown door, and the girls waited in the waiting room.

"Who would do such a thing?" Ino shook her head. "Who has that type of time to do something so repulsive?" She turned her head to Hinata, who had taken a seat.

"I'm not… I'm not sure, but I'm glad Kiba is alright."

Ino couldn't help but smile at Hinata's cuteness. "You're really cute, Hinata-chan!"

Hinata quickly turned red, and before she could speak, Sakura butted in. "Hinata, what's your relationship with Naruto?"

Hinata tilted her head to the side and smiled slightly, which caught Sakura by surprise. "He's my good friend!" Her smile was radiating, and Ino cooed.

"Are you two more than friends?" Ino stared at Sakura and gave her that "what the hell?" look.

"Uh-um- No…" She poked her index finger as she stared at the white tiles. There was an awkward silence, and she began to count the tiles.

"Do you like him?" Before Hinata could answer, Sakura continued, "Maybe you shouldn't spend so much time around Naruto because people are going to get the wrong impression, and that might make him upset." Sakura said, placing her hand on her hip. "You should really think about Naruto's feelings, Hinata. It can be bothersome for him when he has to keep denying the rumors."

"Uh… I didn't realize I was troublesome." Hinata whispered. "I just wanted to help him."

Ino felt terrible for the girl, and she scolded Sakura, who was staring at Hinata. She got up and pulled Sakura to the side. "What the hell, forehead?"

"What?" Sakura complained. "I'm just honest!"

"Hinata isn't troublesome to Naruto. You know how he is. He probably likes all the attention he's getting." Ino frowned, much too her dislike. She hated the idea of getting crowns on her perfect tight skin. "At this point, I don't even think it's honesty. Is there something else on your mind?" This wasn't like Sakura at all, well, she knew the girl could be a bitch, especially when her period was on, but she didn't understand why she would come off as rude to Hinata. From what she could tell, the girl was soft-spoken, probably didn't get out much, and didn't have many friends or just was probably dense with who wanted to befriend her.

"Ino-pig, there's something about Hinata… I don't know, but she's weird. I feel there's something else behind all that cuteness."

Ino rolled her eyes at her best friend's talk. "What? She's a murderer." Sakura puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms. "You can't have all the guys, Sakura. I think you're a little jealous that Naruto is giving Hinata-chan all his attention."

Sakura stared wide-eyed at Ino. "Nu-uh! He's my friend, and I just want to look out for him."

"Sure," Ino rolled her eyes. "It's quite obvious she has a crush on him, but do you think he knows?"

Sakura sighed in defeat. "I hardly doubt it."

"Poor girl," Ino said, sadly. "And stop being like that to her. Try to be her friend, okay?"

"Fine, but I'm not apologizing."

"Hinata!" Ino sang as she sat next to her and wrapped herself around Hinata's arm. "You're like a marshmallow!" Ino laughed as she rubbed her cheek on to Hinata's.

"Marshmallows are nice," Hinata muttered.

Ino glanced at Hinata before laughing. "Hinata, you're so cute." Sakura sat on the opposite side of Hinata and rolled her eyes at Ino. "Hinata-chan, do you have a phone?"

She held up the phone that was wrapped in a purple hello kitty. "Let's share phone numbers, okay."

As Hinata was giving Ino her phone number, Sakura noticed Hinata's phone lit up with a notification. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw a background screen of Naruto.

"Are you guys ready?" Naruto said, walking up to the trio.

"How's your hand, baka?" Ino jumped from the seat and approached Kiba. "Let me see." He showed her his hand. "You did a good job, Naruto!"

"Yeah, I know. Years of practice." He grinned. "I'm hungry!"

Sakura frowned. "How can you still be hungry after witnessing such a thing?" She grabbed Ino and pulled her to the side. "I saw it."

"Saw what?" Ino questioned, staring oddly at her friend.

"Her phone."

"I saw it too."

Sakura groaned. "No. Her background screen… it's the picture of Naruto off the school's website."

"Seriously?"

Sakura nodded her head like a deranged animal. "I know exactly what I saw. Supposed she's stalking Naruto or obsess with him?"

Ino sighed deeply. "Sakura… seriously. Hinata-chan doesn't seem like one, and you probably thought you saw Naruto. I think missing Sasuke has gotten to you. He doesn't hang around us like he used to."

Sakura clenched her fist. "I know what I saw."

"Are you guys ready?" Kiba said.

"Yeah," Ino said, brushing past Sakura.


"Hinata," Kurenai sounded as she knocked on the door. She peeped her head into the room and saw Hinata lying on her stomach on the bed with her phone in her hand. "Hinata?"

The bed moved slightly, and Hinata glanced over her shoulder. "Kurenai! I'm sorry, I didn't hear you." Her phone made a buzzing sound, and she quickly glanced at it.

Naruto: Yup. Going to spend the day with Kiba and Sasuke.

"Is everything okay?" Hinata got off the bed and walked towards Kurenai.

"Yes. We haven't spent much time together, so I wanted to know if you would like to join me on a girl's outing."

"Naruto is going to be with his friends, so he'll be okay." Hinata smiled and nodded. "I'll get ready, Kurenai."

Kurenai returned the smile and made her way into the living room. It had been a long time since she and Hinata were able to spend time together. She remembered how they used to go out and get their toes done and how Hinata took her to a sewing class. She had to admit, and the girl had a knack for it. Hinata was a gifted person, and she deserved so much more.

"I wonder if she remembers any of it," Kurenai said to herself.

The two made it to the mall, and Kurenai walked behind Hinata. She noticed how some men would gawk at the younger girl, and she wondered if Hinata always got that much attention.

"Good morning!"

"Good morning," Hinata bowed at the nail tech.

"Good morning," Kurenai replied. "Two pedicures, please."

"Right this way," The green hair woman led them to two massage chairs.

Things were getting started, and it was such a nostalgic feeling for Kurenai. She wondered if her daughter would be the same way too."

"Hinata, how's everything going with that boy Naruto?" She glanced at Hinata, who turned a little red.

"Um, he's okay." She smiled slightly, and that took Kurenai by surprise.

"She must like this boy."

"I'm glad I met Naruto, Kurenai. He treats me nicely, and he's always smiling at me." There was something about her face that brought warmth to Kurenai's heart. "He always calls me beautiful too." Her eyes glanced at Kurenai. "I don't find a trace of doubt in his eyes when he tells me that. But sometimes it's hard to figure out what's going on in his mind."

"Hmm, what do you mean?"

"Ja ne."

Hinata laughed nervously. "Oh, it's nothing."

Kurenai stared at her suspiciously. "Ne, why don't you send him a picture of your toes when it's done."

"K-K-Kurenai!" She was beyond embarrassed. "I can't do that!"

"Why not? It's just your toes."

Hinata played with her index and stared at the light lavender color that was being painted on her pinky toe. "What if he thinks I'm a pervert?"

Kurenai burst into a fit of laughter and wiped her eyes. "Hinata, you're too cute for your own good."


The trio was silent while waiting for the bite of the day. Sasuke had invited Kiba, Naruto, and Shikamaru along to go fishing in Lake Hashirama. Every so often they would hear the water under them making a "plopping sound" and would look overboard.

"Looks like they aren't biting today." This voice belonged to a handsome raven hair fellow named Uchiha Sasuke. He was Naruto's best friend since they were eleven, and the two did just about everything together.

"Ah, I thought this was going to be a good catch. Your friend lied to us," Naruto turned to Sasuke, who was too busy staring at the lake.

"Maybe if you weren't so loud, we would be able to catch something," Kiba said with a slight irritation in his tone.

"I wasn't even talking!" Naruto barked. "Why are you being an ass?"

Shikamaru, the quiet one who barely spoke, stared at Kiba, confused. He always knew Kiba picked on things Naruto did because he was visibly shorter than them, but the boy seemed to be in a foul mood.

"It's nothing!" Kiba grumbled as he turned away from everybody.

"What's his problem now?" Sasuke muttered. They were ruining his peaceful afternoon, and had he known this, he would have just invited Shikamaru.

"Oh, is this about what happened a few days ago?" Naruto spoke, softly yet in a teasing way.

Sasuke arched his eyebrow and gave Naruto the side-eye. "What happened?" Even Shikamaru was curious to know what happened.

Kiba swiftly turned around and glared at Naruto, who was grinning. "He's just mad because Ino outed him for having a small dick in front of Hinata."

Shikamaru smacked his forehead. "Why did Ino have to say something?

"Oh, the girl you told me about?" Sasuke questioned.

"I do not!" Kiba barked. "And if that thing didn't happen, then Hinata would have known I was stronger than you."

"I mean, if it makes you sleep good at night, then keep on believing it!" Naruto turned his direction to Sasuke. "Hinata doesn't even like you," He muttered.

"What was that?" Kiba stood up.

"Hey!" Sasuke shouted as the small boat rocked suddenly.

Shikamaru held on to the rim of the boat and glared at Kiba. "Look, I don't feel like swimming with the fishes today. Please don't."

"Say it again!"

Naruto rolled his eyes and looked up at Kiba, and he smiled. "Hinata doesn't like you. I mean, she's always on me, plus… we did sleep in the same bed together."

Sasuke coughed and stared at his friend suddenly.

"What did you say?" Kiba narrowed his eyes.

"We. Slept. In. The. Same. Bed. Together." Naruto got up. "She doesn't like you and never will. I just want you to get it through that thick skull of yours."

Kiba balled his fist, and in a blink of an eye, he lounged at Naruto.


"You almost had it, Kurenai," Hinata told her as she stared at the little lemon plushie. Its poor face screamed out to Hinata, and she wanted nothing more than to hold it. "Maybe next time," She gazed at Kurenai and smiled slightly. Kurenai rubbed the back of her head and sighed. Vending machine games were never her strong points, and then a light bulb flashed in her head.

"Why don't you ask Naruto?" Kurenai teased, nudging Hinata gently.

Hinata turned red and quickly hid her face. "Kurenai, stop." She pouted while thinking about Naruto. "I wonder how he's doing."


"What are you two doing!" Shikamaru shouted while holding on to the boat for support. Sasuke was also holding on, while Kiba and Naruto went at it. "Stop!"

Kiba jumped on Naruto, and he punched him on the side of his face. "Kiba!" Sasuke growled. However, this boy was unbothered as he hit Naruto again. Naruto tried to wiggle his way out of Kiba's weight, and he managed to do so when he kneed him in the nuts.

Kiba's brown eyes widened, and it allowed Naruto to make his way free. "That was a bitch moved!" He muttered out.

"Naruto, cut this shit out!" Sasuke shouted at his friend, who was standing on the opposite side of the boat.

"Why? Kiba started it." Naruto mumbled. He held his cheek and watched as Kiba got up slowly.

"I'm tired of your cocky attitude," Kiba said as he gazed into Naruto's eyes. He stopped momentarily when he saw something different about Naruto's eyes. Instead of it being its normal blue, cheerful color, they were grey and lifeless. He shook his head and stared back at Naruto, who was smiling.

"Ah, Kiba, you didn't have to hit me so hard." Naruto crossed his arms and fell back into the seat of the boat, which made Shikamaru glared at him. "I don't understand why you get so rowdy over Hinata."

Sasuke rubbed the middle of his forehead and released his hands from the side of the boat. "All of this over some stupid girl!"

Kiba sighed, and he sat opposite Naruto. "Sorry," He mumbled. "I guess I overdid it. Everything has been a little hectic, and my hand is still bothering me since the incident. I didn't mean to take out my anger on you."

"It's okay!" Naruto grinned. "Let's go fish!"

"I think I'm going to past on fishing. "Let's just go back," Shikamaru said.

Sasuke nodded in agreement. The mood was dead. "Sorry," Kiba grumbled. As the group rowed back, he kept glancing at Naruto from time to time. He wondered if anyone else had seen it, but that smile… those eyes… terrified Kiba and made him shake. He had never seen Naruto like that… Twisted, cold, lifeless. Kiba shivered uncomfortably. That damn smile did something to him!


"Kurenai, I'll be waiting outside," Hinata said, pointing to the door.

"Ah, I won't be long Hinata, I know how sensitive your nose can be." Kurenai apologized.

"It's okay," Hinata waved as she stepped outside the store and sat on the metal bench next to some plants. She took out her cell phone and scrolled through her text messages; there was none from Naruto yet. It did hurt her, but she realized he was his own person and his own life to live… apart from murdering people.

"I hope I can see him tonight, but then again, he may be tired." She glanced up when a particular smell caught her attention. It was a light scent, a familiar perfume that could be found only in her – "Kaa-san." Hinata whispered. A pale skin woman walked past her, and her long dark purplish hair followed behind her. She caught the eyes of many people, and they wondered if she was a model or actress. Hinata got up quickly and followed the woman who went into a high-end fashion clothing store.

She studied the beautiful woman who was checking some blouses and her eyes watered. She still looked the same, and much happier than before. Hinata was the spitting image of her mother, and if the two stood next to one another, they could be twins.

The woman was about to leave, and Hinata quickly approached the woman. "O-o-Okaa-san," Hinata gazed at the woman, and instead contempt and happiness, she was met with disgust and shame. This was normal for Hinata because she thought her mother could not express any emotions. "H-how are you? I-it's been a long time… and- She played with her hair. "Ah, I'm wearing my hair long, just like you." She smiled brightly at her accomplishments. "It's still growing, but I'll-

"What are you doing here?" The woman whispered.

"Ah, we cam-

"What are you doing here!" She screamed at Hinata. "Why are you here? Have you come to ruin my life again!" Her eyes watered, and she stared at Hinata in horror. "Stay away from me!" She brushed past Hinata and quickly exited the store. The other people stared at the girl and the woman and started whispering amongst themselves.

Hinata's eyes watered, and she chewed the bottom of her lip. She was not expecting anything different, but- but it had been so long since she had seen her. Hinata quickly walked up the store and stopped in her tracks.

"Hanabi, let's go."

"Is everything okay, mother?"

She shook her head and placed her hand on her daughter's, Hanabi, cheeks. That pained Hinata when she saw the affection her mother gave her younger sister, and she quickly ran away. She quietly made her way to the perfume store and saw Kurenai standing there, looking around worriedly.

"Hinata!" Kurenai approached the girl. "I've been looking for you," She saw the young girl's face, and she became frantic. "What's the matter? Did something happen?" She gripped Hinata by her shoulders and stared into her eyes. "Did someone hurt you?"

"I- I…" Her voice cracked, and she wiped the tears away. "Can we go home, please?"

"Hinata…"

"I don't want to talk about it right now, Kurenai. Please," She stared into Kurenai's red eyes, pleading for her not to say another word.

"Um, okay," Kurenai said, ushering her out of the mall.


While Sasuke was tying the boat to the log, Kiba approached him. Sasuke noticed and stared at the boy suspiciously as he kept looking over his shoulder.

"Hey."

"If you're here to apologize, save it." Sasuke was beyond annoyed. It was supposed to be a peaceful day for him, but he made the poor choice of inviting two idiots with him.

"I wasn't coming to apologize." Kiba frowned. "I- do you find Naruto strange?"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Eating ten bowl of ramen in the span of thirty minutes is strange and scary." Sasuke laughed. "So, yeah. The kid is strange."

"No, I mean… his smile and eyes. Do you really pay attention to them?"

Sasuke stopped what he was doing and stared Kiba in his eyes, which startled him for a quick second. "The blonde idiot smiles a lot and for no apparent reason at times. I wonder if he's on drugs." Sasuke pondered as he gazed at the sinking sun.

Kiba felt like he was being mocked and balled his fist. Maybe it was just his imagination. "Sorry," Kiba sighed. "Do you think I have an infection?" Kiba said, showing Sasuke his hand.

"I'm not a doctor, try Naruto." Sasuke pointed to the blonde boy, who was irritating poor Shikamaru.

"I'll pass."

Sasuke shrugged his shoulder. "If you say so, but don't cry when they have to chop off your hand."

"They would not!" Kiba barked.

Sasuke snickered. "They might. It looks like there's puss oozing out."

"Naruto!" Kiba ran at the boy and showed his hand.

"Eh, that looks infected," Naruto said, staring at the cut in disgust. "And looks like you may have reopened your wound?"

Kiba scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously. Naruto sighed and shook his head. "At least take care of yourself like you do those damn dogs!"

"Yeah, yeah. I know."

"Sasuke, can you drop us to Tsunade's office. Kiba needs to get his hand checked out before we do anything." Naruto said, approaching the boy. Kiba stared at the back of Naruto's head and sighed.


"Yeah, that's infected," Tsunade said, looking at Kiba's hand. "You're an idiot." She said in a monotone voice.

"I second that!" Naruto chimed in.

"Can we cut his hand off so we can get going?" Sasuke suggested. "I'm hungry."

"I second that too!" Naruto laughed when he saw Kiba glaring at him.

"Where's Shikamaru?" Kiba asked.

"He had too much of idiocy today, so he went home," Sasuke said, crossing his arm.

"Naruto, I need you to take out those stitches and clean his wounds. Wait for me while I tend to another patient. I want to make sure you're doing it correctly." Tsunade said.

"It wasn't my fault! It was Kiba's." Naruto groaned.

"I'll be waiting in the car. Hurry up!" Sasuke said before leaving.

Kiba felt nervous around Naruto for some reason, and the room seemed to be getting smaller. Naruto was by the sink washing his hands, and getting the stuff needed to dress the wound. The orangey sky seeped into the office, and the air made its way through the opened window. Naruto sat on the rolling chair and rolled towards Kiba.

It was silent between the two, momentarily. "Kiba,"

Kiba was startled because Naruto sounded slightly different. He cleared his throat. "What?"

"Do you like Hinata?" Naruto looked at him briefly, then put his attention back to disinfecting Kiba's wound. Kiba was quiet for a while, and he felt nervous to say how he felt. "You know, it's not that I mind, but wouldn't you be upset if somebody kept touching something you like?" The grip on Kiba's fingers tightened, and Naruto laughed when the boy jumped. "Sorry, I just get excited when I do this kind of thing, ya know?" He grinned at Kiba. "But do you like her? I mean, she is beautiful, kind, and cute, but what I like most about her is that she's determined."

Naruto threw away some cotton balls that was drenching in puss and blood. Kiba felt the sweat trickling down his neck as he hadn't realized he was bleeding from his wound. "Ne, start taking care of yourself, okay? You should have said something sooner!" Kiba nodded. "Can you answer my question? Do you like Hinata? Because I don't mind a friendly competition."

Kiba looked away. "Shouldn't you focus on making sure my hand is okay? Why are you asking me about stupid things? Who cares if I like her or not?"

Naruto got up and made his way between Kiba's legs. That same look he saw on the boat was, here again, staring hungrily at him. "I care," Naruto said robotically, gripping Kiba by his cheeks. He smirked when he saw the fear in Kiba's eyes, and quickly let go of him. "It's not like I have to worry about you getting with her."

Kiba remained quiet as Naruto continued to work on his hand. The lump in his throat would not go away and he shivered slightly by Naruto's touch.

"Naruto," Tsunade said, bargaining in, "did you clean the wound?"

Naruto, who was sitting down, turned to face Tsunade. "Hai!"

She turned towards Kiba, who lost all his color. "Eh, I didn't know he was this scary, but show me how you do, kid."

After Kiba was all stitched up, he walked towards the car Sasuke was sleeping in. He was in a trance and couldn't forget what took place in that office. It was like Naruto was another person, and he had never seen that side of the blonde boy.

"Gaki, I've been meaning to ask you, but what happened to your face? Did somebody punch you?" Tsunade frowned at the thought of somebody putting their hands-on Naruto; that wasn't her.

"Ah, Kiba and I got into a little fight earlier."

"That little brat. Ne, don't let anybody ever put their hands on you, okay? If they do," She showed him his fist. "Give them one of those punches in the gut I taught you."

Naruto laughed. "Hai, hai. It's going to be his first and last time. I'm leaving now, baa-chan. Take care."

Tsunade stared worriedly at the younger boy and sigh.

"Time sure goes by fast, huh? I remembered when he was just a little boy," Shizune, her black hair assistance, said.

"I know, he's come a long way, but he can be so reckless at times." Tsunade frowned. "But he's a survivor."

"I'm glad you and Jiraiya found him." Shizune shuffled some papers in front of her. "It's a shame he had to witness all of that. Did the therapy work out?"

Tsunade locked the doors to her facility and put the close sign up. "Yeah, it was an opened discussion, and Naruto let me sit in, and they couldn't find anything wrong with him."

Shizune hummed. "How many kids were in the house?"

"Shizune, you know it's something I don't like talking about." Tsunade frowned, and then her facial expression saddened.

There was a prudent stench that blasted through them like a water hose when they stormed the house. Clothes, food, and dirty dishes piled the sink. Feces were lying about, and blood splattered over the walls. It was something straight out of a horror movie, and the officers couldn't believe their eyes. They signaled one another and scouted the area.

"Clear!" Someone called out.

Tsunade stared in horror at the young lifeless body chained to the wall of the bedroom. It had been decaying for some time. "I need a bus," Tsunade called out.

Jiraiya, her partner, entered the room and quickly stepped out when the stench became unbearable. "There's a body over here!"

"One's here too!"

Tsunade left the room and walked down the hall. "How many kids lived here?"

Jiraiya pulled out a small book and flipped through the pages. "Five kids."

Tsunade sighed. "Nobody saw these damn kids come out to play! Why didn't they call somebody?" She gritted her teeth. She was used to things like this, but it always made her heartstring tugged. "How many bodies were found so far?"

"Four."

They stopped in front of a brown door, and Tsunade drew out her guna and slammed the door opened. A decaying stench filled their nostrils, and Jiraiya placed his shirt over his nose, and he followed the busty woman down the stairs.

"Is anyone down here?"

They listened carefully and heard a quiet voice said, "Me."

"The kid witnessed a lot of things, Shizune. I don't know how he does it, and sometimes I worry about him, especially going in that field. What if it triggers him?" Tsunade stared at her long-time friend. "He spent five days with that body downstairs." She said, sitting down. "He witnessed all those kids and people be murdered."

"What you and Jiraiya's guidance, he'll make it!" Shizune said. "He's a good kid!"


Night came soon, and Hinata found herself staring at the ceiling as she daydreamed about Naruto.

"Hinata-chan…"

She winced at their voices, and she quickly shook her head. "Naruto is nice, and I haven't heard anything in the news for a while. She smiled warmly. "Maybe I'm reaching out to him."

"She isn't mine!"

Hinata squeezed her eyes shut and held onto the white comforter. She just wanted to go back to sleep, but the dream she had a few minutes ago made it difficult. She swallowed the lump in her throat and turned on her side. "Naruto is changing." The tears squeezed their ways out of her eyes, and she cried silently.

"Mama…" A young Hinata stared at her mother, confused. She was in the corner, cowering in fear. "Ma…ma,"

The confused girl approached her mother, who then let out a shrieking scream. "Get away from me! Get!" Hinata covered her ears to block out her mother's wails.

"Mama!" Hinata ran to the woman to comfort her like she had seen her do her younger sister, but the woman pushed her off and scratched the wall begging for an escape.

Hinata opened her eyes when she heard her phone rang. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw his name appeared across the screen. She wiped her eyes and quickly answered the phone.

"N-Naruto!" She held her chest when she heard him laughing over the phone.

"H-Hinata," He tried to conceal his laughter. "I didn't expect you to answer the phone enthusiastically so early in the morning."

"Early?" Her eyes fixed on the clock on her dresser and saw it was only three in the morning. "Are you okay, Naruto?"

"I'm fine… I'm sorry if I woke you up, but I just wanted to hear your voice. I haven't spoken to you all day, and I'm sorry." Hinata laid down and sniffled. "What's the matter, Hinata?" He said with concern. "I didn't mean to disturb your beauty sleep."

Hinata shook her head as if he could see her. "No, I'm just happy you called."

"Yeah, me too."

"Naruto, have you ever been rejected by someone you loved?"

The question was sudden, and Naruto stared at the starry skies in search of an answer. He had never loved anyone before, maybe admired, but certainty not loved… but now…. If…she… rejected…

"I'm sorry for asking. I j-just- my… I miss you!" She blurted out. Naruto's eyes widened, and he smiled brightly.

"I missed you too, Hinata-chan."

Hinata smiled, and she turned to stare at the ceiling. "That makes me happy." She giggled.

"I'm happy too."

Hinata couldn't help but smile warmly. The negative thoughts were pushed to the side, and her focus was on Naruto, who made her laugh with his silly jokes. She didn't want to think about anything else, not now… not her… him… but Naruto.


Hinata awoke the following morning and yawned. She was still a little tired as she had fallen asleep three hours ago. Naruto kept her up most of the night, not that she minded, and she knew she loved him. He was sweet and caring, and he knew exactly when to call.

The floorboard creaked with each step she took, and she went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Her eyes were red underneath, and it was apparent she was crying in her sleep. A quiet sigh escaped her lips, and she walked into the living room where Kurenai was drinking some coffee.

"Good morning, Hinata!" Kurenai smiled. She turned around and saw the girl standing there, just looking at her. "Hi-na-ta?" Kurenai questioned. She tilted her head to the side and was worried. She thought about yesterday and didn't want to pressure the girl into speaking about it.

"Kurenai, why doesn't my mother love me?" The question was sudden, and Kurenai could not find the right words to say. "Why doesn't father love me? Why can't I stay with them?"

"Hinata," Kurenai said, avoiding eye contact with the girl. She had asked this question once, and she still couldn't bring herself, to be honest with her. "Your mother… it wasn't the right time, and she went through somethings."

"But why does she treat Hanabi-chan like a princess and me as a witch?" Hinata looked down. "I'm sorry. I… I saw her at the mall yesterday." She quickly turned on her heels and went to put on her clothes for classes.

Kurenai sighed deeply. She had been trying to avoid that topic with Hinata and wished she'd never see her parents nor sister again. Hinata didn't need it, and she wouldn't know if the girl could handle the truth if she were ever to find out.

And out of all places, the mall! Kurenai slipped her hand through her black hair and sighed. The funds were gone during that time, and HE stopped supplying them. She made sure Hinata had everything a growing woman needed, even if she had to struggle. Hinata was her little sunshine, and she was grateful she was able to get a job as a teacher back in Konoha. At first, she didn't want to, but they were far away from the mainland of Konoha were most of the wealthy and prestige clans stayed, so how the hell did that woman end up there?

She knew he would be showing his face soon, and she didn't want to do it alone. Kurenai grabbed the phone off the table and dialed Asuma.


Naruto walked alongside Hinata, who was quiet. "Did I talk too much last night?"

Hinata shook her head. "I'm sorry." She whispered. "I… I just had a bad dream."

"Again?"

Hinata bobbed her head. "But I'll be fine. But what happened to your face, Naruto?"

"Hmmm, oh, it's nothing." Naruto hummed. "But would you like to talk about it?" She chewed the bottom of her lips, and Naruto couldn't help but watch it turned slightly red. "You look very cute when you do that." He whispered in her ear. She jumped and turned a few shades of red, which Naruto laughed. "I love your facial reactions, Hinata. They're so cute." He pinched her cheek.

Hinata gazed at him and gave hugged him. "Naruto, d… do I bother you?"

"Not at all, Hinata." He said, returning the hug.

"You won't ever leave me, right?" Her voice sounded muffled.

"I won't."

"Promise?" Her big saucer eyes stared into his, and he nodded.

"I promise, but are you going to tell me what's going on?" She let go of him and stared at her feet.

"I-

"Naruto, we need to talk," Sakura called out. She grabbed him by the hood of his jacket and pulled him away from his conversation with Hinata. Hinata let out a quiet sigh of disappointment as her eyes fixed on Naruto and Sakura. They were friends, but it made her sad that Sakura could touch Naruto so quickly, while she was hesitant. Most of the time, she was able to touch him, was either off an impulse or Naruto initiating it. And it also pained her to see Sakura take him away so easily from her. It hurt.

"That was rude," Naruto said, scratching the back of his head. "I was in the middle of talking to Hinata-chan,"

"Naruto, don't you find her strange?" Sakura crossed her arms and quickly glanced at Hinata, who was standing beside the flower bed. The poor girl kept bowing at the men that kept passing her, trying to engage in a conversation which she was failing miserably at.

Naruto eyed the men, and he rolled his eyes. "What are you talking about?" His annoyed tone made Sakura glance at him, worriedly. Naruto had never sounded annoyed with her.

"She's weird, Naruto! Her background picture is a picture of you taken off the school's website!" Sakura flapped her hands in the air. "That's borderline crazy!"

Naruto snickered. "Seriously? I feel honored."

"It's no laughing matter. What if she's a stalker or obsessed with you?" Sakura said. She frowned because she was upset that her best friend was not taking this seriously.

"Hinata-chan isn't weird, Sakura-chan… probably a little naïve, but not weird." He smirked. "And I wouldn't mind having a cute stalker."

"Naruto," Sakura groaned, "it's not funny."

"Sakura-chan, stop it. Okay?"

Sakura was taken back. "Wait, do you like her?" A slight red stain made its way on his cheeks, and Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief. "So, it is true? Why didn't you tell me?" She was visibly upset. "I'm your best friend. Why would you keep that secret from me? I told you right away when I found out I had a crush on Sasuke." She said, looking down at the ground. Naruto's eyes were fixated on Hinata, who smiled at him. He returned the smile and winked at her. The girl nearly had a heart attack, and she started playing with her index fingers. "Why couldn't you tell me?" She glanced at Naruto, who stared at her.

"Sakura, there's a lot of things you don't know about me," Naruto said, giving her a blank expression. Sakura was surprised because this wasn't like Naruto.

"Like what?"

"Hmmm…" He placed his finger on his chin and stared at the sky. "That I go around killing people for fun."

Sakura's face twisted in disgust. "That's not funny, Naruto." She sighed. "Why couldn't you pick somebody else, but if she makes you happy, then I'll try to be happy for you."

"Uh- yeah,"

She patted him on his shoulder before walking away in deep thought.

Naruto wobbled back to Hinata, and he gave her a quick hug. She was getting used to it because Naruto was always a touchy feeling person, even with other people from what she'd observed, and his friends were the same, especially Ino.

"Sakura seemed very upset. Is she okay?" Hinata asked.

Naruto cupped her cheeks and smiled. "Eh, she'll be okay. She's just upset because I didn't tell her my secret." Hinata's heartbeat quickened. "Why do girls do that? It isn't such a big deal, and when I did tell her, she didn't believe me." He sighed under his breath.

"S-secret?" Naruto had let go of her cheeks.

"That was kind of insensitive, huh?" He pouted cutely.

Hinata grabbed Naruto by his arm and went on her tiptoes. "Can I know your secret?"

Naruto cupped her by her cheeks once more and placed his nose against hers. "You already know, silly."

Hinata hadn't heard what Naruto said because she was too busy focusing on his lips that were so close to his, and how his nose felt on hers. It was so soft and cute. "Hmmm, did you hear me, Hinata-chan?" The smell of skittles entered her nostrils, and the warmness of his breath made her legs buckled. "She knows my secret." He whispered in her ear as he played with Hinata's long hair.

"She knows your secret?" Hinata whispered, not understanding what he was saying. What was he talking about anyway?

"Hinata-chan!"

Naruto broke apart from her and saw Ino rushing towards them along a very pissed off Kiba. Ino had told him what Sakura had said, and he didn't believe it, and then he saw how close Naruto and Hinata were. That didn't upset him as much because the boy was always skinship with people. But he couldn't confront him, especially what happened in the clinic.

"Ino-chan! Kiba!" The duo approached her and Ino gave her a big hug.

"I'm going to start calling you marshmallow." Ino smiled. "How are you today?"

A new semester started, and unfortunately, Naruto and her only had one class together. As much as she would like to be with him 24/7, she was still true to her schoolwork. Naruto admired not only her beauty but her smartness, and she couldn't let him down. He had his goal, and she had hers. Fortunately, Naruto was always there for her and what meet up with her after her classes.

"I'm fine. How are you, Ino?"

"Eh, I'm okay, but the classes are getting a little longer," She laughed.

"Ah, what are you going to major in?" Hinata asked.

"Botany." Ino stuck her nose in the air proudly.

Hinata clasped her hands together and stared at Ino as she was a goddess. "You're very beautiful, Ino-chan."

That caught Ino by surprise, and she laughed nervously. "T-thank you, Hinata-chan." "I don't understand why forehead dislikes her. Hinata-chan is so cute and honest."

"Oh, Kiba, how is your hand?"

"It's much better," He muttered.

Hinata smiled warmly. "I'm glad to hear that."

"Hinata, let's get you to your next class," Naruto said, dragging Hinata.

After the two were out of sight, Kiba grabbed Ino by her arm. "What?" Ino growled as she stared Kiba down. She hated when people placed their hands on her and thought it was fun and games.

"I have to talk to you about Naruto."

Ino placed her hand on her hip. "Hmmm?"


"Naruto, can I see you tonight?" Hinata asked. They were at a vending machine, and Naruto had offered to get them something to drink.

"I don't think I can tonight, Hinata," Naruto said, opening the can of soda. "Maybe tomorrow night?" He glanced over his shoulder and saw the sadness that dawned on her face.

Hinata was taken back as this was the first time he had told her no to her request. "But why?"

"I have something else to do," He replied, unbothered.

"B- but I want to see you." She looked down at her white flats.

"I'm sorry, Hinata. Maybe some other time?" Naruto patted her on the top of her head. She pouted and pushed his hand off her, and he stared dumbfounded at her. "Why can't I see you? What else do you have to do? Am I bothering you? Maybe I am."

Naruto placed his hand on her cheek and gazed into her eyes before kissing her on her cheek. "You're never a bother to me, Hinata. I love your company, and I promise I'll make it up to you tomorrow. Okay?" She hadn't said anything, but she stared into his eyes dreamily. "Hinata," He hummed. "Okay?"

"Ah, um, yes…"

"Oh, I don't you ever push my hands away like that. That hurt my feelings." Naruto said with a broken expression visible on his face. "It makes me feel like I'm bothering you."

"No, I'm sorry!" Hinata wrapped her arms around his waist. "I'm sorry. I'm- I'm sorry, Naruto. I would never hurt you, and you're not a bother. It's just… I saw my mother yesterday, and- Hinata squeezed her eyes shut, and the tears threatened to fall. "Promise me you'll never hate me."

Naruto wrapped his arms around her and rocked her to the side. "I can never hate you, Hinata. I promise you." Naruto pushed back her bangs and kissed her on her forehead. "I want to see you tomorrow night and tell me all about it. Okay?"

"Hai." She whispered.

Hinata closed her eyes once more when Naruto leaned over and kissed her on the center of her forehead. She held onto him for support and want on cloud 9. "I love you." She mumbled but froze when those words left her mouth.

"Hmmm, did you say something, Hinata?" Hinata quickly pushed him off and shook her head crazily. "No, I- Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push you! Um… I have to go now. Naruto! Please take care." She said, running off.

Naruto stared dreamily as he watched Hinata run away, looking flushed. "Eh, she's so cute. I guess I'll be seeing you tonight, huh?"


Hinata looked out her bedroom and saw Kurenai standing in the kitchen, and Asuma was sitting on one of the stools. She tiptoed out of the room and stood behind them. Asuma felt a presence behind him, and he glanced over his shoulder. "Oh, Hinata. Got plans tonight?"

Hinata nodded and stared at Kurenai, who glanced over her shoulder. "Are you going to meet up with Naruto?"

"If you don't mind," Hinata mumbled.

Kurenai shook her head. "No, just be safe and make sure he drops you home, okay?"

"Yes, please take care of Kurenai, Asuma." Hinata bowed.

Asuma watched as Hinata left the room and laughed nervously. "She seems a little different. Is it because of the incident you told me about earlier?"

Kurenai placed the pen on the counter and remained quiet. Asuma stared worriedly at the woman, and she burst into tears. "Kurenai!" Asuma ran to her and hugged her from behind. "Are you okay?"

Kurenai shook her head. "No, Asuma. I'm not. What am I supposed to tell her? How am I supposed to tell her, her mother didn't want her because of that! Because she was mentally damaging her? Because she reminded her of him."

Asuma rubbed Kurenai's stomach and sighed. "I know it's hard, Kurenai, but you have to tell her before she finds out another way."

"I know, but she doesn't deserve that kind of truth, Asuma." She wiped her tears. "Hinata doesn't deserve any of it."


Hinata placed her hands on the top of her knees and breathed heavily. She had caught up to Naruto just on time as he was leaving his house. She hid behind the tree every so often, tailgating Naruto and was confused when he didn't go to the train station. Then it hit her. Her heart dropped into her stomach. "Please tell me he isn't!"

The night was long, and she was on stealth mode as she watched his movement. Every so often he would glance over his shoulder but shrugged when he didn't see anyone behind him. He stopped by a bar, where Sakura and Lee, were waiting outside for him, and they had a few drinks before they had to call it a night when Sakura got drunk.

She drunkenly called Naruto out for being a lousy friend and keeping secrets away from her, and Lee quickly apologized before he took the girl home.

He then met with Sasuke, his best friend, and the two had something to eat.

"That Kiba is an idiot," Sasuke said, pointing the chopsticks at Naruto. "Should have decked him one when he punched you in the face."

Kiba was the one who gave Naruto that bruised?" Hinata thought.

"Yeah, but he's nuts are probably still hurting," Naruto said, slurping the noodles. "And I guarantee you it will be his first and last time doing something like that to me."

Sasuke shook his head. "He looked like a ghost when he came walking to the car," He smirked.

"Good." Naruto deadpanned.

Hinata checked the time, and it was almost ten, and Sasuke left him at the small restaurant. After a while, he walked for ten minutes or so, looking around almost as he was searching for something. She eyed him carefully as he entered Senju Park. Senju park was famous and had a history behind it; this park was built in memory of the innocent children and teachers that lost their lives in a fire caused by a crazy man who wanted to "prove a point."

'He isn't going to kill someone here, is he?' She glanced around, saw there were so many people here.

There was a scent of rain lingering in the air, and Hinata spotted some lightning in the distance. She hid behind a big oak tree and gazed at Naruto, who paused, searching for something or someone.

His eyes stopped at a young schoolgirl, smoking a cigarette, who sat under a light. She was gazing at her phone when Naruto approached her. Hinata crawled to another tree and watched the scene.

"Eh- I'm not sharing, so get lost, buddy." She glared at him.

Naruto crouched down and pulled the white stick from her mouth. He put it in his mouth and took a puff out of it before placing it back in the girl's mouth. There was amusement in her eyes, and she smirked. He sat next to her and the two past the cigarette smoking. Hinata chewed the bottom of her lips as this was considered an indirect kiss!

"You know, girls aren't cute when they smoke."

She scoffed and took a long drag before blowing it in his face. "What's it to you?" She grinned playfully. She placed the place the cigarette back into her mouth and stared at her phone. Suddenly, she felt something oozing out of her stomach. At first, she didn't know what it was, but then she felt something sharp going further into her. Her eyes widened when she saw her reflection on the blade of a butcher knife, and the blood was oozing out, staining her school shirt. She glanced at the unknown boy, who, in turn, smiled at her- sinisterly.

"H… h- Naruto covered her mouth, and he climbed on top of her and began to stab her repeatedly. Hinata stared in horror as her eyes could not gaze away at the scene. Her heart stopped when she saw people walking past them. Hinata was about to get up and pull Naruto away until she heard:

"They couldn't get a room?"

Hinata's heart shattered when she heard the girl whimpering and trying to shove Naruto off her.

"H-elp." The girl cried out, but it was too late. The people had already left.

Naruto raised the butcher knife and forced it down in the center of her chest before taking it out and slicing the girl's face to pieces. Hinata was so close to fainting when the smell of blood filled her nostrils.

Hinata watched as he just sat on top of the girl, watching. He placed the knife in the center of her chest and pushed down into her before trying to slice her in half. He grunted here and there. After he was satisfied with the body, he got up and threw the knife beside the girl.

She watched as he shoved his hand into the pocket of his jacket and walked away as nothing happened. After he was out of sight, Hinata walked up to the girl, and she nearly hurled once she saw what Naruto had done to the high school girl. Her face was unrecognizable as he had cut off pieces of her flesh from her face. Her lips were no longer there if she had one, and her nose was split in the middle displaying the white cartilage.

Hinata gagged when she saw the once-white shirt stained with the red substances still oozing out of the girl. She nearly jumped when she heard the ringtone. Hinata eyed the phone, and it displayed mommy.

She felt her heart sank and didn't know whether she should answer the phone to tell the mother where to find her daughter. She quickly decided against it and grabbed the knife. The thought of Naruto getting caught consumed her mind, and she couldn't let that happen. She was so close to helping him, right?

Hinata hid the knife into her sweater and ran far away from the park. She kept glancing around, and many people roamed the streets of Konoha, some running up and down like her. So, it wouldn't be so suspicious, right?

She turned into an alley and spotted a dumpster that reeked of piss. She threw her sweater along with the knife into the dumpster. It ached her just a little, but prison wasn't going to help Naruto. It was just a mistake, a slip-up. She couldn't be there for him, so it was bound to happen. She had to be firmer with him and wouldn't take no for an answer!

"With a little more guidance, Naruto will be better." She muttered. "Better… and what if he doesn't get better- She shook her head. "He will get better."

Thank you for the reviews!

Please stay safe out there and be cautious with this virus, COVID-19!