Hello again. I'm not trying to make Naruto a all knowing godly character so please inform me if I've made him too smug or nonchalant. I'm glad to here a good amount of you all are enjoying the story so far so I hope I can continue keep up the good work. This story isn't meant to be a longer one. It's only supposed to be about 10 chapters.
I don't own Naruto. I tried buying its legal rights but I underestimated Kishimoto's power.
+[}{}{]+
(When Naruto was first kidnapped)
Naruto woke up inside a wooden chest with the softest blanket he had ever felt. "Where am I? Naruto called out, starting to panic. A series of shuffles could be heard around him. "Who is that Sakusa!" A woman called out.
"Don't worry, it wasn't without purpose. Now open the chest Komori! There's a surprise for you and Akuro in there," Phineas replied.
"Let me out!" Naruto called out.
The chest was promptly unlocked, sending Naruto to tense up to defend himself. When the lid opened it revealed the kind face of a woman with skin the color of chocolate, a candy Naruto had only seen in a shop window. "Hi sweety, let's get you out of there okay?".
Naruto hesitantly stood up, allowing her to pick him up under the arms and place him on the ground. When he poked his head out he saw that a crowd of the people from the circus had formed around him. They had seemed to have been starting to pack up their camp for the night. "Where am I? Why did you kidnap me?!" Naruto asked, scared.
Phineas took a step forward to catch Naruto's attention, "Naruto you've been recruited to the circus! I've been looking for a new act and you Hokage told me that you would be great at it!".
"Really?" Naruto asked wide eyed.
"You betcha!" Sakusa said with a smile.
Naruto's face scrunched up in confusion, "then why did you kidnap me?" Naruto asked. The rest of the circus troupe looked to their Ringleader with the same question.
"Well you see we didn't want people to get jealous, and you seem to quite the popular person! We didn't want the other kids getting upset now," Sakusa replied.
"Oh… okay then! But why didn't you wake me up first?" Naruto replied.
"Oh that. Well when your Hokage first brought me to your apartment we found you sound asleep and you looked so tired, I just didn't want to wake you up," Sakusa answered, surprised the boy was asking so many questions.
"Oh okay, I was really tired," Naruto said. His stomach, as if waiting for the conversation to end, then sounded off like a level 8 earthquake.
"How about we get you some food, Naruto? Seems like you're hungry," Sakusa observed. Naruto gave a sheepish smile and nodded his head in confirmation.
Sakusa smiled, turning towards a black woman and white man couple, "Komori, Akuro would you mind helping Naruto out? He will be in your care after all". Sakusa then walked away, leaving his troupe in confusion.
The entire troupe was speechless, their ringleader, their boss, had just stolen a child from one of the 5 great ninja villages. The woman named Komori was broken from her daze when she felt a tug on her coat sleeve. "Excuse me. Can I have some food?" Naruto asked.
Scrambling to recompose herself, Komori threw on a smile. "Of course sweetie. Akuro, can you go make something for Naruto here? It sounds like this boy hasn't eaten in days!", she then shot Sakusa a dirty look.
With his wife taking charge, Akuro quickly responded and got to work. "Sure! Uhh, is there anything in particular you'd like, Naruto?" he asked.
"Ramen!" Naruto cheered. Akuro smiled, "I don't know Naruto, ramen takes a long time to make. How about you try one of my famous sandwiches?".
"What's a sandwich? Naruto asked. Akuro's jaw dropped.
"Well it's about time you learned! Trust me Naruto, you're going to love it!". Akuro then ran into the temporary kitchen, excited to show the little boy the wonders of his homeland.
"Go easy on the meat!" Komori called. A mischievous giggle could be heard from the kitchen.
Komori turned back to Naruto, "While Akuro makes you some food, how about you meet some other people okay?". Naruto smiled and nodded his head, it was like a dream.
"I guess I'll start with me," Komori said. "My name is Komori Haiwaiya. That nice man who's making you a sandwich is my husband, Akuro Haiwaiya''. Akuro then quickly poked his head out of the kitchen, flashing a smile and waving at Naruto before returning to his work.
Komoru gestured to the next closest person, a short man, only a few inches taller than Naruto, and he was dressed in what looked to be a strange military uniform. "My name is Gaston," the man said in a funny accent. "It'll be nice to have someone around my height for a little while around," he joked with a kind smile.
Naruto wanted to ask why he was so tiny, but Komori quickly moved on to the next person before he could. It was always awkward when kids would ask one of them why they're different from everyone else.
Next was the biggest man Naruot had and probably will ever see. His name was Zo and despite his size, he was a very soft spoken man. He wore a small smile as he shook Naruto's hand with only his pointer finger, and even then Naruto needed two hands to fully grab his finger.
As the introductions continued Naruto's smile grew wider and wider. He recognized all these people from the show, and they were all greeting him with kind smiles and friendly greetings. Well all but the man who threw knives and a lady who had done a seemingly impossible escape trick after being buried in the ground. The man seemed sad almost to see Naruto. The woman had an annoyed look on her face, clearly she wasn't one for kids.
"Lunch is ready!" Akuro called out. Komori took Naruto's hand once more and led him over to the temporary kitchen where he found a small tower of meat between two slices of bread. A few slices of cheese poked out from the top. Naruto's eyes were huge.
"Akuro he's not going to be able to eat that!" Komori chided.
Akruo held up a finger and opened his mouth as if to refute that claim but he couldn't seem to find anything to say in his defense and he deflated, saying, "sorry, Naruto you don't need to eat all of that… Naruto?". While Komori and Akura had been talking, while brief, Naruto had made his way over to the table and took a bite of the "sandwich". After that first bite, the rest of the sandwich didn't last very long.
Akruo and Komori were amazed, and a bit concerned, at the speed Naruto had eaten the sandwich. They honestly weren't even sure that he had, it had been so quick. It was when the spicy mustard Akuro had used started to kick in that any of their doubts were erased. "Water!" Naruto called.
Akuro chuckled as he made his way to get Naruto a glass of water to combat the mustard. "How much mustard did you give him?!" Komori asked, concerned for Naruto.
"Only a little. I spread it out too. I guess because he ate it so fast he got the full effect of it all at once. How about next time you eat a bit slower, okay Naruto? You're safe with us, there's no need to rush," Akruo said. Naruto nodded his head as he greedily drank from the cup of water that had been given to him.
The Ringleader popped into the kitchen, quickly realizing what had happened seeing Naruto downing a cup of water and smiling. "I'm glad to see you getting along so well with everyone, Naruto. After all, you'll be seeing them everyday! Welcome to the circus Naruto Uzumaki, I expect big things from you," the ringleader said while pointing at Naruto with the end of his cane. He then left to attend to some more business, leaving Naruto in the kitchen with his new parents.
(*]}+:+[{*)
(Back in the present)
"So, would you like to go out some time, y'know?"
Hinata's face flustered once more. Thinking too much about how red her face must be and how embarrassing this is she neglected to notice how red Naruto's cheeks were as well.
"I… um… well how long are you staying in Konoha?" Hinata asked, wanting to know just what type of relationship this would be.
"Well at first I was only planning for a week. Although I may be persuaded to stay longer if given a reason," Naruto flirted, using every ounce of willpower to restrain more blood trying to rush to his face. Hinata's ears started steaming and her brain was on life support. "So, would you like to go out with me?" Naruto asked again, starting to worry if his nomadic lifestyle, even if changed, would turn her away.
"Oh, Yes!" Hinata said, a bit louder than she intended. "I mean, yes. I-I'd love to go out with you," Hinata said, getting nervous and starting to poke her fingers together. 'I thought I had gotten rid of my stutter!'. Despite the resurface of her stutter, she wasn't able to remove the smile from her face.
Naruto's smile grew wider, "well it's a date! Would tomorrow work for you?". Hinata nodded her head.
"I-I know a cafe on mainstreet we-we can go to," Hinata said. "What time would work for you?" She asked.
"I'm free all morning. When are you free?" Naruto asked.
"Um… 10 I guess," Hinata said.
"Then 10 it is! Unfortunately, I have to get back now. I need to start preparing for tomorrow's show," Naruto said, his smile shrinking a little bit. Hinata nodded her head and waved goodbye, Naruto waved back and started walking away.
Before Naruto reached the tent entrance Hinata finally asked the question that had been bugging her since the moment she saw him. "You're that boy! The boy from when the circus was last here! You saved me from bullies!".
Naruto stopped walking, slowly turning around with a reminiscing smile. "I am. I remember every moment of that night… And you're the first person to ever defend me. For that, I'm eternally grateful. That... meant more to me than you could ever know. See you tomorrow… Hinata". Naruto then disappeared behind the tent curtain, leaving Hinata in a mental overload.
'He remembered my name! After all this time. I didn't think I had done that much that night, he's the one you had gotten hurt for me'. Hinata then had a realization, "I never got his actual name!". She buried her head in her hands in defeat for a few seconds before recomposing herself and turning back to meet up with her friends.
(*)(*)(*)
When Hinata rounded the last bend of the tent Ino and Sakura started the most intense interrogation of her life. "How did it go?! Is he just as hot up close?! What's he like off stage? What did you two talk about?!". Hinata started backing up, overwhelmed with questions.
Sakura backed off first, "Okay, okay. Let's give her some room to breathe Ino. Let's go to Ichiraku's. Ayame is going to want to hear about this". Before Hinata could protest, Ino and Sakura started dragging her to the ramen shop that they had made their personal hangout over the years.
The only thing Hinata was able to keep secret was that she had met him once before. The three girls sitting before her giddy and daydreaming about the boy named Kurama.
[_}{}{}{}{_]
Hitomi had noticed a new glow about her daughter as she watched her leave to meet with friends that morning. It wasn't unusual for her to meet with her friends so early, and she had never seen Hinata put on makeup before meeting with friends. Nor had she seen her daughter try so hard to hide a smile and fail so bad.
It being a calmer day in the Hyuga Compound, Hitomi decided to follow. She had changed into normal civilian clothes and had put on some glasses to hide her eyes before heading out to follow her daughter.
Hinata didn't notice, partly because she had never seen her mother in commoner clothes, but also due to the fact that she hadn't been expecting to be followed by someone other than Hanabi. Hanabi wasn't very stealthy so it wasn't that hard to notice her.
When Hinata arrived at the tent, she could hear the trumpeting of elephants and some roaring of lions. Pushing the entrance curtain to the side, she took a step into the tent. What she found was a little family of elephants playing around on the dirt stage in the middle. Hinata giggled as the mother elephant pretended to have been overpowered by her child and rolled onto her side.
The elephants turned to the sound, finding Hinata and taking a great interest in her. The baby , who came to Hinata's chest in height, stumbled over with its trunk swinging wildly. The mother took her time, inspecting Hinata's hair with her trunk. The baby would brush up against Hinata and try to get her to play with them.
Hinata almost fell over before finding herself being caught by Kurama who was now standing behind her. "Careful now, while Cotton may be cute he can still hurt you". Hinata's face flared up and she scrambled out of Kurama's arms, now standing across from Kurama and the elephants.
"U-ummm. Sorry about-about that. I didn't mean too.."
"No no no. It's fine. I just didn't want you to get hurt," Kurama reassured. "Soo. You ready to go?".
Recomposing herself, Hinata shook off the embarrassment, "I believe it was I who came to find you".
Kurama's smile turned sheepish, "He he, that's right. Well I'll be ready in just a few more seconds. I'll leave some clones behind to keep an eye on things, but I think some better attire should be in order". Snapping his fingers, Kurama's dirty working pants and messy button down had been swallowed by fire and was replaced with khaki pants and white shirt with an orange vest and yellow tie.
"Too much?" Kurama asked, not wanting to overdo it.
Hinata smiled and said, "I think it's just right". Flashing her a smile, Kurama started to lead Hinata out of the tent so they could start their date, grabbing his cane on the way.
As she followed him out of the tent, Hinata quickly activated her Byakugan to see if the clothes he was wearing were an illusion. To her surprise, they weren't. How he was able to change them like that was beyond her understanding, 'I guess it's a form of magic'.
As they walked, Kurama asked Hinata about the various shops and people of Konoha, more specifically her favorite ones. When hearing about a ramen shop, Kurama's ears perked up and his stomach growled. His face became a tint of pink darker, "Sorry, I'm a big ramen fan, y'know".
Hinata let out a small giggle at this, "Maybe we can go tomorrow".
"I like the sound of that," Kurama said with a smile. 'The first date hasn't even started and the second one is being planned!'.
"I know you probably don't have any routine restaurants you visit but what are your favorites?" Hinata asked.
"Well I can't say I have a favorite restaurant. Although If I had to pick, I'd have to say the Hidden Sand's Curry. I have yet to find one that comes close to it. Have you tried curry?"
"Once actually. I know it's not common here but there is a shop a day or so away. My cousin Neji's teammate brought me and him there once. The shop claimed to have the "curry of life". I had ordered a mild curry but wanted to try it so I took a bite of Neji's".
"And?"
"It was hot as hell! I needed three glasses of water after that and it still didn't do anything! Neji passed out halfway through and somehow Lee was able to eat it all," Hinata said with mild annoyance.
"Maybe he needs to have his taste buds checked," Kurama suggested.
"I'm not sure he has any," Hinata said, thinking not only about Lee's taste in food. "Oh! This is it!" Hinata said, stopping in front of a cute little cafe with only a few patrons in it.
"It's not much but it's cozy. Do you have a preference for tea?" Hinata asked.
"I enjoy a nice black tea, is that available in this village?"
"Oh yes, we have tea imported from multiple nations so there's quite the variety".
After Hinata ordered for them, the two took some seats by the window, Kurama resting his cane on the back of the chair. Some of the customers gave Kurama odd looks, many of them older and having thought they had seen the Fourth Hokage.
When they took their seats, Hinata decided to ask a question that had been gnawing at her since the moment she heard his name. "Why did you change your name?".
Kurama's smile shrunk and painful memories could be seen in his eyes, "I don't know what you're talking about".
"If you're really the boy from back then then I know Kurama is not your real name. I don't remember what it is, but I know it wasn't Kurama," Hinata said in a sure tone.
Kurama tried to lie. He tried to continue the charade. But Hinata's eyes wouldn't let him, her eyes locked on him, unyielding. He caved, 'If you can't lie to someone in the eyes then don't lie at all', he reminded himself.
Taking a moment to prepare himself, Kurama looked Hinata in the eyes. "My actual name is…".
He was interrupted by a server delivering their tea, a nice cup of white tea for Hinata and Black for Naruto. After thanking the server, Kurama tried to divert the conversation with the tea. Taking a sip, he was delightfully met with a refreshing sweetness and comforting warmth. "This tea really is quite good, Konoha must have good suppliers". Hinata wasn't budging, she was still staring at Naruto with her pearl eyes, beckoning for him to spill his secrets to her.
Sighing in defeat, Kurama took another sip before returning his cup and pulling out a piece of paper, quickly scribbling his answer. He slid the paper across to Hinata once he finished, "My name is Naruto Uzumaki".
Hinata followed this answer with another question, this time taking a sip of tea beforehand. "Why did you change your name?".
"There's a great deal of people who would want me dead, or would want something I have. I need to hide my identity in order to protect myself, and others," Naruto's eyes became dull for a second, as if a tidal wave of painful memories had quickly rushed over him and then when it left after a few seconds his eyes returned to their dazzling blue state.
Hinata decided against asking about what caused him to have that look. The two fell into an awkward silence for a moment. "May I try a sip of your tea?" Hinata asked, trying to redirect the date.
Naruto was thankful for the change in conversation, "Of course, but it comes at a price". Hinata's eyebrow lifted, "I get to try you tea in return". Hinata was a little disappointed that he didn't ask for a kiss.
Hinata nodded her head in agreement and the exchange began. The two continued their conversation on tea, eventually talking about what villages they had visited and their work.
[+][+][+]
Hitomi entered the little cafe a few minutes after Hinata and some boy had entered. Since she had been following them she wasn't able to get a good look at the boy. Hitomi had already located a seat where she would be able to watch over the two, and see who Hinata had gone out with.
Hitomi tried not to act suspicious and ordered some tea. She decided to wait at the counter. She still couldn't see the boy's face, the back of Hinata's head hiding him. She waited for when her drink was ready and she was called over to the end of the counter. As she was taking the cup in her hands Hitomi was finally able to see the boy's face and she took a glance in his direction.
{=}{=}{=}
Suddenly a woman dropped her tea at the counter, the cup shattering on the floor and the tea exploding everywhere. "Oh, sorry about that. I'll clean it up," she said. Kurama got up from his seat to help.
He stopped the woman from continuing, stopping her with a hand and placing a napkin over the pieces. After snapping his fingers he removed the napkin to reveal the cup all fixed, a small round of applause started up. Handing the cup to the woman he saw that behind her glasses were pearl eyes similar to Hinata's. Naruto smirked and continued to clean the mess, using the napkin to wipe up the tea.
"Thank you sir, you didn't have to do that," the woman said.
"It's okay ma'am. No harm done," Kurama said smiling. Once that was over, Kurama turned around to rejoin Hinata.
"That was incredible! How did you fix that cup?" Hinata asked.
Kurama gave her a sly smile, whispering "secret". Hinata pouted a little, taking another sip of her tea in annoyance.
"But, I might be able to teach you later on in the week," Kurama followed up with, putting a small smile on Hinata's lips.
With his hands under the table, Kurama made a shadow clone, the clone spawning on the roof. The clone turned into an older gentleman and entered the tea shop, shuffling towards where the Hyuga Matriarch was spying on them.
The clone acted as if he was Kurama's grandfather, having a brief talk with an embarrassed Hitomi as if he was also in her position before giving her the time for a show. The clone turned around to look at Kurama, Hitomi's gaze following. Kurama turned to give a small smile, letting Hitomi know that he knew who she was. Hitomi's face turned a shade of pink.
Hitomi hid her face behind the paper she was using to hide herself just in time to prevent Hinata seeing her when she turned around to see who Kurama had smiled at. Seeing that it was an older gentleman, Hinata smiled and waved.
"Is that your grandfather?" Hinata asked.
"Yeah. Nice guy, but he still finds a way to get into trouble every now and then".
"Do you have any other family with you here?" Hinata asked.
Naruto hesitated before responding, "No. I don't have any other family with me".
"Oh… if you don't mind me asking, I thought you were an orphan. Were you adopted?" Hinata asked curiously.
"Well I am an orphan. My biological parents died shortly after I was born. My grandfather was the previous ringleader of the circus and had picked me up last time he had visited. He's not technically my grandfather, but he's the closest thing I had to a biological family," Naruto explained.
"Had?" Hinata asked.
"Sorry, have. I sometimes get my tenses mixed up," Naruto said with a chuckle, Hinata could tell he was lying by his tone. Hinata noted this for later, a cafe was not the place to bring it up, nor was it reasonable for a first date.
The two continued to talk about themselves: interests, favorite items, work. Hinata had thought that she would have questions answered on this date, but she ended up having more than she came in with.
(]}^{[)
When Hitomi returned to the compound, after changing of course, she met with her husband to convince him that they should go to see the circus. Hiashi turned her proposal down at first of course, saying that the circus was "beneath" them. Hitomi always got worked up whenever Hiashi would fall into this arrogant mindset of the Hyuga. Within 3 minutes she had set him straight and had made plans to visit the circus later that week, although Hiashi was a bit suspicious of why his wife was being so insistent.
Hanabi was ecstatic. Before Hinata had left that morning, Hanabi asked her sister just how amazing the circus was and she now had very high hopes for the show. Hanabi had gone to tell Konohamaru, a boy from the academy who she had become quite close "friends" with, about her plans for the circus. They made plans to arrive around the same time so they could sit next to each other. Hiashi, while he respected the Sarutobi clan, did not like the idea of his daughter spending so much time with a boy.
When Hinata found out they were going to the circus she was confused at first. 'Father approved this?'. Hinata didn't complain though, going to the circus meant she got to see Kurama again and his spectacular show. In the days leading up to that night, Hinata continued to meet with Kurama in the mornings.
On the night the Hyuga Main Family went to the circus they were joined by some of the branch members of the clan, along with Neji and his girlfriend Tenten. Much to Hiashi's disappointment, Konohamaru had weasled his way to sitting next to Hanabi. Before Hiashi could grunt in disapproval the lights began to dim and the show began.
(Feel free to read the show from the previous chapter if you want. Or if you know any good show music, listen to that).
Every one of the Hyugas was amazed. Only Hiashi, Hitomi, and some of the older branch members were able to resist dropping their jaws in amazement, although they couldn't resist having their eyes widen at some of the impossible stunts they witnessed. Hiashi had tried to use his Byakugan to figure out the trick a few times but Hitomi swiftly shut him down. "You'll ruin the magic that way," she would chide.
Hiashi was also curious about the ringleader, Kurama. 'Why does he look so familiar?'. It wasn't until the grand finale of the show with the giant orange fox rising from the ground that Hiashi had connected the pieces.
Hitomi smirked when she saw Hiashi's mouth open slightly at the realization. He turned to her to tell her the news but one look at his wife told him that she had already figured it out. He grumbled a little in disappointment at being the second to realize.
The show was another standing ovation. Even Hiashi had stood up to clap for the show, it truly was the most brilliant show he had ever seen.
After they had left the tent, Hitomi had told Hiashi that she wanted to talk to the ringleader. Hiashi agreed, telling her to also invite him to dinner. Hiashi had many things he wished to discuss with Kurama about where he's been the past few years.
Hinata was confused and a bit scared when hearing this, 'What do they want with Kurama? Do they know?'. Hinata kept quiet and continued to listen.
(^##][##^)
It took her a few minutes to find him. Even after going behind the curtain that the performers had entered from, she barely saw anyone. As she continued to explore, she found a back entrance to the tent leading to an alley made by the tent and circus supplies.
A scrappy little girl stumbled into the alley running from something. That something turned out to be two larger boys wearing some nasty smirks.
Hitomi was about to intervene when she saw Kurama start walking over from another opening in the tent, a hard look on his face. "Hey!" he called out, startling the boys. "No brawls at my circus! Take your business elsewhere!".
"Oh yeah? What are you gonna do about it, circus freak?!" Called out one of the boys.
Kurama walked right up to the boys, standing a head taller than them but definitely only half their weight, and it looked like there was more muscle than fat, 'they must be laborers of some sort'.
"I am not a very patient man. Please leave or there will be consequences," Kurama warned. The boys smirked and paid no heed to his warning. Together they launched a heavy punch that definitely would've cracked Kurama's ribcage.
The two were surprised when Kurama had vanished. There wasn't any smoke like a clone would leave, and they also didn't see even a flicker of him leave.
"You know, I don't have very good experiences with bullies," Kurama said, now standing behind them. "It's because of these experiences that I lose a bit of… self control when dealing with them".
"Enough with the tricks freak!" one of the boys called out. He swung his first around like a mace. Kurama didn't move, allowing for the boy's first to slam into him. Usually the person would be sent flying, Kurama didn't move an inch.
"Is that all you got? Pathetic". Kurama let out some of his killing intent, or to be more specific, the killing intent of his inhabitat. The area flooded with an oppressive, suffocating aura.
Hitomi's eyes went wide and she found that her hands had started to shake, 'Is this the power of the nine tails?'.
The two boys peed their pants in fright, unable to move until Kurama stopped and told them one more time to get out before he really lost his patience. The boys did not hesitate this time and ran as fast as they could. Kurama watched as they left the alley.
When the two turned the corner Kurama turned back to the little girl they had been chasing and knelt down. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to scare you. Are you okay?". The little girl was silent, eyes wide and terrible in fear. Kurama sighed, "Are you hungry? Do you want to have something to eat?". The little girl finally regained movement and started shaking her head in fear of being hurt, the grumbling of her stomach betrayed her.
Kurama smiled and let out a small laugh. "Let's get you some food. Have you ever had a sandwich before?". The girl shook her head once more. Kurama extended his hand, after a minute she took it. Together they walked to the back of the circus to get her some food to eat.
Hitomi emerged from her hiding place, her hands still recovering from the stunt Kurama had pulled earlier. 'I guess now's as good of a time as any'. She pressed forward, once again seeking out Kurama.
She found him in a makeshift kitchen with the little girl from before sitting on the stable eating what looked to be two slices of bread with a large amount of meat in between. Kurama was cleaning up the girl's wounds when she found them. To gain their attention, she knocked on the support wood that held up the tent.
Kurama lifted his head at the noise and turned his head, never taking his hands away from treating a scrape on the girl's knee. "Ah, Mrs. Hyuga! I'm happy to see you. Although I must admit that you're not supposed to be here, y' know," Kurama reminded.
"Yes, I apologize. However, I wished to speak with you about something".
"If you're here to tell me that one of your clansmen was offended by my show then you're fighting a losing battle. I've had people more powerful than the Hyuga try to shut me down. These are the same people who underestimate the power of the common people. Trust me, it doesn't end well," Kurama warned.
"Shut you down? No no no. Those of the Hyuga Clan that attended tonight found your show to be most impressive. No, there are two reasons why I came to talk with you. First, I would like to invite you to the Hyuga Compound for dinner. There's much we wish to discuss with you," Hitomi said. "The second topic I'd like to discuss with you is your relationship to my daughter," she followed, getting straight to the point.
Kurama chuckled at the question, "I knew it was only a matter of time after I saw you at the cafe," Hitomi's ear turned slightly pinker when reminded of when he caught her spying on her daughter. Finishing the bandage on the girl's knee Kurama turned to face Hitomi, "to put it bluntly, I love Hinata. While it may have only been a few days, I've been able to see a vast array of her personality, and I loved every second of it. It's been years since I've been able to have someone to love…" Kurama's face grew a tad bit grimmer.
"Don't you have your performers? Won't you be leaving them without a ringleader?" Hitomi asked, a tad bit confused.
"Oh, yes of course! However, in the circus, we're kinda like one huge family. I was raised alongside these people. It's a bit hard to see any of them in a romantic sense. There's also several other people who could take on the ringleader role so I'm not worried," Kurama finished, lifting the little girl off the table and leading her to the exit. "Now if they start bugging you again, try running into a restaurant or store you frequent. They can't mess with a shop owner without getting in trouble". The little girl nodded her head in understanding before running off into the streets of Konoha once more.
"That's quite the bold claim Mr. Sakusa. Not only will it be difficult to gain the acceptance of the clan. With your relationship with her having only started a few days ago, I'm not too confident , myself, about your loyalty to my daughter," Hitomi warned.
Kurama nodded his head in understanding. "Understandable, but there's only one thing the Hyuga clan has that I want… Hinata".
"While that may sound romantic, that does not prove your loyalty," Hitomi reminded him.
Kurama had started preparing some food for one of the animals as he responded, "I know, and I am willing to do what I have to in order to gain that trust. I don't fear the clan. It's you and your husband's approval I seek," he responded, putting some sort of spice in a bucket of food before him.
Hitomi was curious as to how serious he was about this. "I will be watching Kurama Sakusa. It seems like there will be more to discuss at dinner than I thought. I suggest you tell Hinata your intentions before you inform the clan. If you force this on her, you will face the full wrath of the Hyuga Clan", Hitomi said coldly.
Kurama laughed as he started walking away to feed one of the animals. "And to think that's still better than what the clan would do with her if she hadn't found someone for marriage".
"You do not know what you speak of. I would never let the clan…"
"You may be powerful Mrs. Hyuga. But can you defend your daughter from all the elders? You may be able to prevent a marriage, but they can do the same," Kurama reminded.
"You are knowledgeable in the ways of a clan," 'too knowledgeable for your own good'. "What makes you think you'll gain the approval of the elders?" Hitomi asked.
Kurama smirked as he started tossing pieces of meat to the komodo dragons. He was standing in the middle of a pit with the giant lizards. "Besides the large amounts of money I've amassed over the years, I have a certain… heritage, that the elders won't turn away very easily".
"We'll have to discuss this at dinner. Please dress well for the occasion. You will not be well received in casual clothing," Hitomi reminded. She then started walking home.
"Don't worry Ms. Hyuga. I was taught how to dress right. See you tomorrow night!" Kurama said as he waved from the komodo dragon pit, one of them having started to climb up on him.
"Yes. I look forward to your arrival," Hitomi finished before walking away to inform her family of their guest for dinner.
(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)
(The next night)
When Hinata heard about Kurama coming over for dinner she nearly had a panic attack. 'Did they find out? What are they going to do? Is he going to ask for my hand? Isn't this a bit early for these things?'. She had met with Kurama the following morning and all he said on the matter was that he was going to inform her family of his affections for her.
Later that night Hinata was sitting on her bed, cradling her head in her hands, when Hanabi found her.
"He's almost here! Now get all dressed up for your boyfriend!" Hanabi teased. Hinata's face turned beet red before she rushed to the door, slamming it shut. After taking a minute to calm herself, Hinata started getting dressed, finishing it off with some makeup and quickly brushing her hair.
Kurama arrived at the Hyuga Compound with 3 minutes to spare. He had decided to dress in a suit his uncle had given him. It was the fashion of nobility in Northern Europe, according to his uncle. (It's like the suit Hans wears in Frozen). The suit was white with orange trim, a black vest adorned it with an orange cravat underneath the jacket he wore.
The guards didn't know what to think of it. It was unusual, but to say it wasn't high-class would be a lie. To cap it all off, Kurama also wore his black top hat to cap it off. Resting his hands on the cane in front of him, Kurama waited to be let in.
Hiashi himself greeted Naruto, an event that only the most honored guests received. Hiashi led Kurama around the compound, discussing business matters and other topics of the such. When they arrived at the table, Naruto was greeted by the sight of the most delicious japanese dinner he had ever seen. Looking around the table, Naruto saw that it was not only the main family of the clan, but some branch members too. Taking a closer look, Kurama deduced that the older branch member was the brother of the clan head, they're identical after all, and the younger member being his son.
"Greetings Mr. Sakusa. I'm glad you were able to join us for dinner," Hitomi greeted with a smile.
"Thank you for inviting me. It's not every day I'm invited to a dinner at one of the most powerful clans in a village," Kurama replied with a smile.
"Please, sit," Hitomi said, gesturing to the pillow before him. Kurama followed and took his seat, flashing a smile at Hinata as he did so. A smile that caused Hinata to have her face flare up red.
Hanabi softly giggled seeing her sister blush. Neji on the other hand narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
After some brief introductions, Hiashi started up the conversation "So Mr. Sakusa, are you enjoying your time in Konoha?".
"Yes. The people have been very kind since I arrived and the weather is by far the best out of the 5 great nations. Although the Land of Stone did have pretty good weather when I visited".
"You've been to the hidden stone?" Hiashi asked curiously.
"Yes, although I was young at the time so I wasn't able to explore as much," Kurama said. Hiashi nodded his head before continuing.
"Interesting, we don't have many people who can say they have been in the hidden stone and the hidden leaf. How many villages have you been to exactly? Ninja villages that is," Hiashi continued.
"To start, I have no information worth knowing from them besides what the common people are like. Now, I have been too…. All of the five great villages, along with all but a few of the small ones. The Hidden Rain and Hidden Sound are too dangerous for my circus," Kurama replied, starting to dig into the meal before him.
Everyone around the table was surprised. Very few people could say they've visited all the great ninja villages.
"Where are you from Mr. Sakusa?" Neji asked, not liking the occasion glances Kurama and Hinata would send each other.
"Great question. To be frank, I'm not entirely sure. However, I clearly remember the abuse I suffered while there".
"And why would they abuse you?" Neji asked, much to the curiosity of the younger people sitting around the table.
"I'm different from most people. My village didn't like that and made me the outcast of the village. Thankfully my grandfather came and took me away in his circus when I was six".
"Who is your grandfather?" Neji asked politely.
"My grandfather's name was Phineas Taylor Sakusa. My predecessor for the ringleader of the Sakusa Circus".
Hitomi was getting impatient with all this small talk, so she decided to cut right to the chase. "Kurama Sakusa. That is not your real name is it?" Hitomi asked, confusing everyone but Hiashi and Hinata.
Kurama's eyes went wide for a second before he regained his composure. "Madame, I don't know what you're talking about. My name has always been Kurama Sakusa".
"My suspicions tell me otherwise, Naruto Uzumaki," Hitomi finished, letting that bombshell sink in to those who understood the weight behind the name.
Naruto's face grew grim, "What suspicions, if I may ask, led you to this conclusion?".
"Besides the hair, it's your whiskers and striking resemblance to your father that give you away. Do not worry. This secret will not travel farther than this room until you wish it to," Hitomi reassured.
"I wish it had never been brought up in this room. However, now that you know, this will make negotiations easier. Hiashi Hyuga, Hitomi Hyuga I would like to pursue your daughter's hand in marriage," Kurama confessed. Hanabi had a spit take at hearing this, much to the disappointment of her parents. Hinata's eyes went wide at hearing this and she looked to lap, trying to hide her joy and the terror at her parent's response.
Hiashi nearly had his own spit take, although he was able to contain it. When he regained his composure he said, "That is quite the bold statement, Uzumaki. While your heritage is notable, it is not that easy to win the approval of the clan. Besides heritage, what can you bring to the clan?" Hiashi inquired.
"I have gained quite a fortune over the years from the circus, I'm sure it is more than enough to persuade your elders. On top of that, as you witnessed earlier this evening, I am quite the entertainer. Having someone like me would bring new and potentially greater opportunities for the clan's affairs," Naruto added.
Hiashi and Hitomi were satisfied with this response, although Hizashi had one thing to say. "Are you trained as a ninja?".
"Does it matter?" Naruto asked.
"Yes," answered Hiashi. "The elders will not tolerate a weak suitor, no matter how rich he is. You must prove yourself on the field of battle. How you perform will greatly affect my decision on your desire to marry my daughter".
Hitomi turned to Hinata, "Before we go any further into this, Hinata is this what you want?".
Hinata was not expecting for the conversation to be turned on her. It took her a second to find her words, "Yes. This is what I want," She answered.
Hiashi reluctantly turned back to Naruto after his daughter's confirmation. "You will be tested by the Hyuga clan for your strength. You do not have to win, but you must prove to us that you are worthy".
"Very well then Hiashi. I promise to not disappoint. Would the day after tomorrow work? My circus will be packed up by then and I'll have plenty of time," Naruto offered with a smile. Hiashi bowed his head in agreement.
Neji was not happy about it, 'I only met this guy 15 minutes ago and now he's trying to marry Hinata? He may have had a stunning show but this is too far'. "Hiashi-sama. Please allow me to be the one to test Uzumaki-san," Neji requested.
Hiashi gave the idea some thought before allowing it. Neji had a ghost of a smile play across his features. "I look forward to our battle Uzumaki-san".
"As do I, Neji," Naruto replied. The two shook hands, both squeezing the other's tightly to try and intimidate the other before letting each other go and returning their hands to their sides. Hinata had mentally turned into a wavering monotone blob with her spirit leaking out her mouth. 'The boy of my dreams is now fighting my cousin to gain my hand in marriage. This is all really fast. Only some of the elite jounins have ever beaten him!'.
Hinata looked nervously at Naruto to see him shoot her a charismatic smile, it didn't provide Hinata with reassurance of his ability to fight, but it did provide her with butterflies in her stomach.
"Well now that that's settled, is there anything else you wished to discuss?" Naruto asked. Hiashi wasn't done with Naruto's interest in his daughter, the heiress to the clan, but there was little else to currently discuss on the subject. He allowed for the conversation to change to more diplomatic and friendly conversational matters.
At the end of the night, when it was time for Naruto to leave, Naruto turned to the Hyugas and said, "My name is Kurama Sakusa. Do not use my birth name until I deem it appropriate".
"Why are you so cautious about your name Naruto?" Hanabi asked.
Naruto paused before answering, "There might be some people who are a bit too interested in something I possess thanks to my parents".
"Like a kekkei genkai?" Neji asked.
Naruto chuckled, "yeah, something like that. Thank you for having me. I look forward to our future affairs," he said before turning around and leaving the compound.
(*^}{^*)
Neji watched as Kurama left, "I don't like him," Neji told his father.
"Well it's a good thing you're not marrying him then," Hizashi replied with a chuckle.
"You know what I mean. He's hiding something, something dangerous. With all the kidnappings happening, we don't need another problem to deal with".
"Very true, but if he turns out to be an ally, he could help us put an end to these kidnappings, or at the very least help fund us to seek out more help," Hizashi commented.
"I've never known you to willingly gamble father. What makes him so special?" Neji asked. "You, Hitomi, and Hiashi-sama all found him to be like some sort of miracle. While he may have an impressive show, I did not think he deserved that much respect. He's trying to marry Hinata for Kami's sake!".
Hizashi sighed at his son's ignorance, it wasn't his fault, but Neji would soon learn why Naruto was so important. "Kurama Sakusa would've been treated much to how you expected. If Kurama had asked for Hinata's hand he would've been immediately rejected…".
"So why is….?"
"Listen Neji!" Hizashi snapped. "Naruto Uzumaki is not Kurama Sakusa. That boy holds power beyond your wildest dreams. People can do a lot in 10 years, for all we know he may have mastered his power".
"What power are you speaking of father?" Neji demanded.
Hizashi wanted to tell his son, but that would've been against Naruto's wishes, so he decided against it. "That is not for me to tell. In time, you will learn my son. For now, I suggest you inform the Hokage not to assign you any missions for the next few days. It will not look good if you can not attend the trial, even if you are given a mission".
Neji gave his father a hard look before turning away to head off to the Hokage's office. 'What could Naruto Uzumaki be hiding that causes father to talk so highly of him? It's like he's the son of some sort of forgotten bloodline! If the adults knew of him before he joined the circus then he must've been important. Who is this guy? The Fourth Hokage's secret child or something?'.
[-][-][-][-][-][-]
The that night clouds had covered the moon and stars, adding to the darkness of Konoha. A group of shinobi, in all black, made their way across the village, hiding in the shadows, an animal mask hiding their features.
When they reached their destination, the team prepared for infiltration. The shinobi were outside a weaponsmith shop. After one of them opened the back door, the group swiftly entered the building. They started their search, heading to the upper floors of the building where the owner of the shop and his family lived.
The shinobi were looking for something. Or to be more accurate, someone. The first room to be checked revealed a girl to be in her late teens, weapons adorning the walls and a giant scroll leaning against her bed.
The second room had an older gentleman who was softly snoring. A picture of the man's late wife along with a picture of the man's family was on his nightstand.
The final room to be opened had their target. A boy around seven years of age and promising potential in the academy. After putting him under a genjutsu, the biggest of them picked him up and prepared to leave.
They were startled when they heard, "What the hell do you think you're doing with my brother?!" the girl from earlier shouted, a wakizashi in both hands. She then launched herself at the first assailant. It met her with a pair of kunai. As that ninja faced the girl, another broke open a window and the squad started to escape. Seeing that its comrades had escaped, the remaining assaillent dodged past the girl's swords and was able to hit a nerve in her neck, causing her to pass out.
The father had woken up and was just able to see the last assailant leave the window. He rushed down to his daughter to make sure she was alright before trying to follow the kidnappers, but they were long gone. The father started to cry as he alerted his neighbors. By the time he had found a shinobi who lived nearby to tell him what had happened he was a complete mess.
Another kidnapping had taken place.
(#!}]}{[{!#)
Alright! Chapter 2 is done! I did proof read it this time, please tell me how I did both with writing and proofreading. I hope you enjoyed, if you didn't please tell why in a constructive way so I can improve. In the end I will write what I want to write, but I want to be able to write it in the best quality I can.