Chapter 3: Of Possibilities

Hiashi

"What other foods does Naruto like to eat besides ramen?" Hiashi asks aloud, looking over various menu options of the closest restaurants by the compound.

There is little to nothing he knows about Naruto beyond who his parents are and the beast that resides within him.

But today would change that.

He looks back towards Neji and Hanabi at their silence, frowning at their equally perplexed looks.

"That is a question for Hinata Father, not us!" Hanabi huffs at seeing his mildly annoyed look. She was the Naruto expert, not them. And besides, she was sure he would be fine with any food they offered him to change up his near constant ramen diet.

"Uncle, we don't need to do anything extravagant. Naruto is quite an easy person to please based upon my observations of him in and outside of missions." Neji notes.

Their attention falls to the main foyer at hearing footsteps approaching, Hinata coming into view carrying a range of grocery bags.

"Sorry, I'm late! I woke up later than I meant to." She apologies, gaze falling to the strewn pamphlets covering the kitchen table.

'Well, really I didn't fall back asleep until Naruto did.' Hinata notes to herself, but they didn't need the extra details.

"Perfect; just who we needed to see! Father is utterly lost on what lunch option we should go with for when Naruto comes by later." Hanabi proclaims, taking Hinata by her free hand to point at the various choices.

Hinata blinks, studying them for a long moment before setting the paper bags down on the table. "I think it would be best to go with a home-cooked meal actually. Besides, most of these pamphlets are old considering a majority of these restaurants are currently closed for repairs or unfortunately out of business from Pain's attack."

'I should've done further research.' Hiashi sighs, clicking his tongue. Of course it would be hard to find any businesses open for even dining in right now.

And even then, would the food be as good knowing what could be weighing on the cooks and servers minds?

Hinata claps her hands, getting their attention. "There's no reason for any of you to worry! I'll make Naruto a variety of foods that will appeal to his tastes, he isn't that hard to satisfy when it comes food anyways."

Neji gives him an 'I told you so' look from the corner of his eye and Hiashi coughs, shaking his head. "Nonsense! There's no need for you to prepare the meals alone. We can have the attendants take care of this or-"

"No Father, I want to do this with my own hands. It wouldn't be right to pass this task off to somebody else." Hinata emphasizes, interrupting him.

Hanabi helps with assorting the items out of each bag, she's watched Hinata enough times in the kitchen to know exactly where she likes everything set up when preparing a dish. "Then let us help you Big Sister! It's the least we can do."

Hiashi and Neji nod their agreement, leaving no room for argument.

"I've never seen Father cook?" Hinata whispers making a grin break out across Hanabi's face as she sets up the chopping block and knives.

"There's a first time for everything!" She chirps back.

The sun is high in the sky by the time they're done, kitchen now filled with the aroma of spices and broths. A slew of tempura bowls, gyoza, tonkatsu pork cutlets, and rice with steamed vegetables are ready to be lined on the main dining table.

Now they just needed the guest of the honor.

'There's nothing to worry about.' Hiashi reminds himself at seeing Hinata leave out again to get Naruto.

Still, he takes to pacing outside on the patio trying to distract his thoughts. At this time of year the pond takes on an aquamarine hue, reflecting the amber to fuschia flowers lining the garden.

Hanabi blocks his path by the time he makes his 4th lap around the pond, lilac eyes narrowing in concern.

"Father, relax. Big Sister knows what she's doing." She remarks, guiding him to sit on the patio's steps.

A breeze falls against them and for the first time he notes Hanabi like Hinata has grown just a bit taller, assured of herself and all the world has to offer her. She absently twirls a finger through her brown locks and he imagines this time next year it will be past her shoulders.

His daughters really were changing right before his eyes.

It doesn't ease this tightness in his chest though, unsure how to quell it.

"Hinata really loves Naruto as you already know now, Father. I don't really understand what she sees in him, but she isn't afraid of him. I actually think overall he's changed her for the better." Hanabi muses softly.

'Yes, but what of Naruto's feelings for her? Hinata sees through all his faults even though I don't believe he's learned to fully control that beast within him. I'll have to trust in Hinata's word though that he won't harm her, that they'll look out for each other through this planned journey.' Hiashi considers, but keeps to himself.

He'd get an accurate read on Naruto before the day was done, on how to help him and mainly make sure he was leaving Hinata in safe hands.

They both turn turn at hearing Ko announce Hinata has returned, flash of blond hair in the corridor as Hinata leads Naruto around. Hiashi nods his thanks, helping Hanabi to stand as she shoots ahead of him to greet the boy.

'It's time already.'

-X-

Naruto

The Hyuga compound looks even bigger inside than it did outside.

He tries not to gape at long hallways, the fanciful wood carvings passed down from generations lining the sides of each door. So this is what it's like to belong to one of the old clans of Konoha.

"You belonged to a clan too at least on your Mother's side before it was destroyed. Just like the Uchiha, the Hyuga or any one of these 'old' clans to Konoha can easily be toppled with the right attack or influence. I'm sure the branch family begrudges the main family they serve." Kurama scoffs.

Hinata he's sure doesn't like the idea of the branch family either or their long history of servitude to the main family, something hopefully they can work together to dissolve in time.

For now, he just needs to make a good impression!

"Thank you for having me over you know!" Naruto states, wincing at his verbal tic. Hanabi laughs while Neji and Hiashi simply nod with barely perceptible smiles, as usual it is their mostly cool expressions that leave him feeling much like a stranger, the odd one out.

"Good luck not making a food of yourself." Kurama taunts.

He pushes him out of his thoughts before anymore of his words can sink in.

"Everyone helped in making this lunch, it will be a change of pace from ramen!" Hinata points out, breaking the silence between them all.

"Oh, there was no need to go through so much trouble for me!' Naruto chuckles, amazed at the sight before him. They truly had created a feast seeing the assortment of foods prepared.

"It's the least we can do after all that you've done for the village and my eldest; no need to be so modest." Hiashi relates behind him and he feels the tension in his chest dissipate just slightly seeing his grin widen.

Maybe he was worried over this gathering for nothing.

Granted, it's still hard to ignore the stares not of Hiashi, Neji, or Hanabi but of the Hyuga manor's attendants who sneak glimpses at him in awe. They peer at him through the corners to the bushes, curious and stunned as to why Konoha's Hero is at the compound eating lunch so casually.

'Am I that interesting?' Naruto asks himself.

No, he isn't.

But the Hyuga are welcoming to him despite being known for their secrecy to stoicism. Even the elder men nod to him in greeting instead of the having the usual disdain expressions he's seen on their faces years ago whenever he was near.

They discuss all the harmless topics, of what his ultimate goals are once he completes training in Kumo, how to negotiate peace talks with the other nations, his basic hobbies.

Beneath this current of safe subjects though he knows they're wondering how he'll handle Sasuke's increasingly dangerous activity, the Akatsuki still coming after him, and eventually attaining his goal of becoming Hokage and truth be told he wouldn't have an answer for them...

Not yet.

"Would you like dessert?" Hinata asks, bumping their knees lightly under the table to get his attention.

"Depends, what do you have?" Naruto questions back, gently brushing his foot along her leg in retaliation.

She flusters in response, pink gathering at her cheeks as if he didn't expect her to be so bold in front of her Father and cousin of all people.

A flash of a smirk crosses Hanabi's face despite surely not seeing their antics, pushing herself back from the table. "It's cinnamon rolls with ice cream! Ko can help me with clearing away the plates while you guys walk off the meal for a bit."

She makes a shooing motion for everyone to obey her order, Neji heading in the direction of the meditation room while Hiashi sits for a moment.

"Actually, could I talk to you Naruto?" He asks, gesturing for him to follow him to his study without waiting for his response. Hinata stills, watching him carefully before relaxing her stance when Hiashi meets her gaze. Whatever they communicated to each other in that silence is enough for her to not interfere.

"I'll wait for you in the garden Naruto." Hinata mentions before she turns to go.

'Okay, so maybe Hiashi did notice!' Naruto internally panics.

Is he angry? Confused? Disgusted?

"I just knew you would screw things up!" Kurama laughs.

His sharp snickering booms in his ears all the way down the hall, fighting the urge to twist at his ear to block out the noise.

Hiashi's office smells of ink and oak-wood, scrolls of various sizes line the shelves with the largest wrapped in silver to gold threads. The room feels cold despite the midday sun pouring in over all the furnishings and again Naruto questions himself if this whole luncheon was a bad idea.

"I'm not going to play 20 questions with you Naruto so I'll just be directly to the point...you know my eldest daughter loves you, right?" Hiashi asks.

Naruto feels his stomach lurch, the memory making his face burn. "Yes, Hinata told me."

"And what of your feelings for her?" He prods further.

"...I'm not sure yet. I mean I was very happy when she told me, you know! It's just um, err well nobody has ever told me they love me in that way. I have been enjoying the little moments we've been spending together so far. Hinata makes me feel comfortable in a way no one ever has before." He admits honestly.

Hiashi nods. 'Nice to know he was truthful with me on this.'

"Good, that was my first question. Now, what of the nine tailed fox? It's a good first step going to Kumo to begin training on keeping in control and I'm sure Jiraiya taught you a few tactics in the time you traveled with him. Neji and I can look into providing further help if you need it as well. Mainly though, what can Hinata do to help you when you experience a trigger inevitably during your journey?" He inquires.

"Yes, what will you do to better 'manage' or 'control' me Naruto?" Kurama adds in mockingly.

Naruto swallows, pursing his lips.

Everything that came to dealing with Kurama was a work in progress.

"Hinata just being beside me so far has been enough to help block out Kurama's influence." He finally says.

-X-

Hinata

'What's taking them so long?'

Should she go 'rescue' Naruto on the pretense dessert is ready? It's a silly excuse, however it will keep Father from interrogating Naruto any further for answers he most likely doesn't have!

The dripping of her ice cream brings her back, taking another bite letting the sugary concoction melt on her tongue. It's a temporary distraction, not enough to keep her eyes from straying back down the corridor.

"You know it's only been around 15 minutes since they've been gone, right?" Hanabi hums out, following her gaze to Father's closed door. It's an unspoken rule not to use their byakugan within the walls of the manor unless it's under attack or there's an emergency in which somebody needs to be found quickly for urgent care, though seeing them won't help in actually hearing what's going on between them anyways.

"Is Father mad though? I didn't want him to grill Naruto over the journey or my wellbeing." Hinata asks aloud softly.

Hanabi merely shrugs, turning her attention away from the door back to the kitchen where her own dessert is melting. "You'll find out soon enough."

"Oh, and don't think I didn't see that amateur flirting you and Naruto were doing earlier!" She adds in teasingly at seeing her face warm, swerving back around to head inside quickly before she can get a word in.

She's on her last bite of ice cream when she hears the familiar click of the office door opening, relieved when the tension and awkwardness she expected aren't visible between them.

Naruto has that effect on people, observing Hiashi give him a friendly pat to his back before heading down the opposite hall to give them privacy.

"What happened?" She asks perhaps too eagerly as soon as Naruto plops himself down beside her on the steps, feeling her face redden at Naruto's amused grin.

"It's confidential! No, he just wanted to know more of what my end goals are out of traveling and dealing with the Akatsuki." Naruto explains away easily.

Hinata shifts then to sit up properly, scrutinizing his eyes carefully for the telltale signs of when cerulean gains a darker hue.

Of when he's lying.

And swallowing down a twinge of hesitation she leans close to him, enough for them to feel the heat coming off their skin despite their jackets as their shoulders bump.

"Was that all?" Hinata gently pushes.

Naruto coughs, squirming. He really is a terrible liar.

"Well, I did promise him you would be safe with me. That this journey is for you strengthening yourself up as well and learning about the cultures of the other nations you know." He responds.

His real answer hadn't been so smooth, but it more or less got the same point across!

A true smile breaks out across her face then, giggling. "I haven't seen Father smile this much in a long time to be honest...he's confident I should say that the future is brighter than anything he originally imagined before knowing what you've done so far."

"Enjoy your Hero worship while it lasts." Kurama warns.

'I'm confident for the future too.' Naruto thinks, though his mouth feels too dry to utter it aloud.

Because more than just reaching peace with Kurama, of finding Sasuke is this warmth he gets just sitting here enjoying what is hopefully the first of many calm afternoons with Hinata. Sunlight cracks through a break in the clouds, sliding along the shade of the trees to the pond making it shimmer.

The scent of cinnamon mixed with vanilla and iris wafts around him when Hinata tentatively leans her head against his shoulder, same body washes and lotions he's becoming accustomed to when he is near her like this.

"Is...Is this okay?" Hinata asks, eyes still fixed on the garden. He can practically feel the heat of her blush, the fear lacing her words if this is too fast for him.

"You're fine." Naruto manages out without his voice sounding too hoarse.

But they're getting distracted and he reminds himself the Akatsuki are regrouping at this very moment, planning their next steps to attempt to capture him again along with any other jinchuriki still alive.

He thinks of last night to further reinforce himself to stay focused, of the scar that now rests along the curve of Hinata's breast where she was stabbed. He hadn't meant to look, only knowing of the mark at seeing her shirt ride up when she had too hurriedly changed out of her pajamas without realizing he hadn't left his room just yet to give her privacy.

'It's my fault she was injured.' The thought makes his chest burn.

It wouldn't happen again.

"What time of day do you want to leave?" Naruto questions, getting them back on track. The guise of nightfall would be best, particularly when he knows a new moon is approaching in the coming days to give them even more leverage in the dark.

Though Hinata surprises him at what she suggests.

"At dawn; right before sunrise. That is when the secrets a shinobi has freshly marked against the trees or paths they didn't properly cover in the night become most visible before being destroyed."

-X-

Kakashi

"Just getting off shift or long night?" Kakashi guesses from Sakura's red rimmed eyes to stained white coat.

They sit at the first café open for the day, lucky to have gotten a seat at how long the line is already becoming at the entrance. This is one of the few shops open that have a ready supply of baked goods and small to-go meals in stock that weren't damaged by Pain's attack.

The aroma of teas, coffees, and spices permeate all around them amid the calls of orders shouted back and forth.

Sakura gives him a humorless laugh, taking another sip of her coffee for emphasis. "Ha Ha, you knew I was covering night shift all this week! Any reason why his couldn't wait until I at least got some proper sleep?"

Kakashi shrugs helplessly, she really does remind him of Lady Tsunade when she talks like that and at the tightening of her fist against her beverage he knows he needs to get on with this.

No matter her reaction to his news.

"I have reason to believe Naruto and Hinata are planning to leave at the end of this week; not next." He rips off the band aid.

Sakura studies her reflection in her coffee for a long few seconds before forcing herself to look at him again. "Well, that honestly isn't that big of a shock really. When have we ever known Naruto to be patient?"

Kakashi nods at this though he can see the sadness behind her words in her verdant orbs, that this truly is another loss of a teammate in a way for Team 7.

"I don't hold it against Naruto and Hinata really; I'm happy that idiot won't be going alone! It's just looking at them reminds me of Sasuke…of what could've been if he had stayed..." She murmurs, more to herself than Kakashi.

Her face hardens again quickly, masking the pain as he has learned to do as well.

"...So when is Naruto going to tell us this directly? I'm sure you got that information through the grapevine and not directly from him. I keep missing him even when I check all his usual favorite spots." Sakura asks.

"Iruka told me; he discussed it with him when he caught them coming from Ichiraku's sometime earlier in the week." He relates. The news hadn't pleased him telling by his disapproving tone of describing the situation, though there wasn't anything he could say to get him out of heading out.

'Naruto knows he can't do this by himself. Yamato is the best option to go with him to at least help keep the Nine Tails from coming out again, but even he couldn't stop him when he transformed quickly through the tailed states." Kakashi reasons.

And Yamato is against Naruto even leaving the village.

"To answer your second question I'm not sure when he'll tell us. He keeps more things to himself these days." Kakashi answers after mulling it over and Sakura nods her agreement with a sigh.

She stretches out her arms then, gaze taking to the mix of pink to violet streaks marring the sky as the day grows brighter. The moon is still faintly visible amid the pastel colors, a reminder night wasn't so long ago. He's kept her too long though he realizes, Sakura has probably been up since yesterday afternoon and it's approaching 7:00 am now.

"If he's going to leave soon it will most likely be at nightfall, like Sasuke did." She muses knowingly.

He watches as she lifts up her drink up again, gulping the rest of the coffee down in one go before balling up the paper cup.

"Let me know if you hear anything and I'll do the same." Sakura regards, making no effort to hide her yawn as she slides back on her work bag.

'I will because this time I'm going directly to Naruto to confirm what I've heard.' Kakashi knows.

"You focus on getting sleep, don't carry any paperwork home with you." Kakashi advises as Sakura turns to go, but she only waves him off. There are far too many ongoing cases that she can't leave to the less experienced staff onboard, though she promises rest will come first.

When he eventually approaches Naruto's apartment he can see the clear outline of his figure, tapping at his window until he turns in his direction.

Naruto blinks adjusting to the sunlight that slides in, blue eyes squinting confused to his presence.

"Kakashi-sensei; what are you doing here? I know we don't have any new missions lined up." He frowns, running a hand through his messy blond locks. In the background he faintly hears the sound of a kettle whistling towards his kitchen before hearing it click off and briefly he wonders if he has interrupted him and Hinata once more.

His room as well is a lot cleaner than the last time he peered around, a set of bags resting by the edge of his bed packed and ready.

'I didn't get the day wrong for when they're leaving, right? Just how close have they gotten in this span of time?' Though he lets the questions sit in the back of his thoughts.

It is Hinata who has loved Naruto so obviously for so long and going by Sakura's recounting of their latest interactions Naruto is finally looking her way as well. Time is of the essence now knowing who their enemy is...

"No, just checking in with you. I heard you and Hinata will be setting out soon." He responds smoothly.

Though Naruto only arches a brow, sardonic grin rising up his lips as he nods to the figure behind him. A flicker of crimson flashes in his eyes, gone as soon as it came.

"Oh? Or was Yamato-sensei the one that asked you to check in on me?"

-X-

Naruto & Hinata

"Who was that?" Hinata questions, looking out the window. She's sure she heard Kakashi-sensei's voice but the whistling of the teapot blocked it out at the worst time.

His rooftop is quiet now, distinct thumps of movement gone.

Naruto doesn't immediately answer, staring off into the distance and Hinata concentrates her gaze to the forests seeing distinct silver and auburn hair. She turns her attention back to him, to his hands tightly wound at his sides.

"I'm fine." Naruto blurts out before she can ask, Hinata reaching for them anyways.

Nails are elongated, scarlet still visible mixed in with azure when she forces him to look her way.

"What did they say to upset you so much?" She inquires.

"Yamato-sensei, I know he means well though one his main jobs is to make sure the Nine Tails stays suppressed. Right now he finds this plan to go to Kumo, to eventually track down Sasuke to edge too close to recklessness; foolishness in knowing the Akatsuki are still looming about and that Sasuke has every intent of killing me once we cross paths." He explains, keeping his tone flat as possible to hide his anger.

As valid as his points are, he needs to do this for himself. To show he doesn't need to keep relying on any of his sensei to protect or hide him from the dangers of this world.

Naruto pauses, taking a slow breath in before continuing. "Being a prominent Hyuga clan member as well he has reservations over you traveling with me. We disagreed and left it at that for now."

He imagines Hinata will be annoyed, pearl orbs narrowing in disgust to match his own frustration swirling.

"Then I'll make sure his concerns are unfounded. Yamato-sensei is looking out for you Naruto as he's the only one who can-" Hinata begins.

"I don't need Yamato-sensei, I won't ever learn to control Kurama on my own if I kept relying on him you know! When you're beside me I feel better; I don't hear his voice as loud in my ears or startling me awake." Naruto interjects cutting her off.

A bloom of red encompasses her face, Hinata shifting her toes.

'Yamato-sensei wants what's best for you Naruto, don't forget that." She murmurs, finishing her statement.

But Naruto only half hears her, squeezing at the tips of her fingers that still rest in his hands.

It is these hands that can easily shut down a person chakra's system in seconds, fingers that lovingly stroked through his hair flicking away dirt or tap at his cheeks waking him from naps that went on too long.

Soon enough he knows with all that Hinata is capable of she will have to put her clan's skills to use, to paralyze, to burn...

And maybe even to kill.

-x-

I gave into my inner fangirl and bought some Naruto/My Hero Academia collectibles and T-shirts. Currently wearing one of them just thought I would share that with you all lol! It's nice to see so many people like fandoms even long after the shows are done and I needed some joy with the way things are in the world right now. Writing/Reading are a good stress relievers well!

Let me know your thoughts as always or any questions/ideas, the journey to Kumo officially starts in the next coming chapters with some tweaks to canon!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow