A Demon and His Shadow

Disclaimer: I Don't own Naruto! I haven't ever owned Naruto!

Chapter 1: When she became the shadow

Hinata was busy watching Naruto from her hiding spot behind a tree. She admired his strength, his sunny personality, and his will to keep fighting. So, she couldn't be blamed for stalking him day and night. The young heiress was practically the boy's second shadow, but unlike the first shadow not even Naruto knew of her existence. She craved for that to change; for her love to see her, but she was unable to gather the courage necessary to make that change. After all, why would someone that shone as brightly as the sun want the attention of someone that could blend herself in the shadows?

"You know, if you keep staring so hard he might actually catch fire." An amused voice said.

"You know, if you keep bothering me while I'm busy watching Naruto-Kun you might just catch fire yourself, Jiraiya-San." Hinata said without missing a beat making the man chuckle knowingly.

"Good to see you too, Hime. It's been awhile." Jiraiya said as he quietly made his way towards her.

The heiress didn't bother to turn around; she knew him well enough to know that he would join her. They both continue to gaze at the unaware boy as he trained with kunai knives, mostly he failed to hit the target, yet the look of determination in his face as he kept trying was enough for them to know he won't be leaving until he manage to hit one. Hinata let a soft smile grace her face as she gazed at her crush; a familiar blush coming to paint her cheeks as the boy in question removed his jacket. Plans on how to steal that jacket form in her mind, yet they were immediately dismissed. She was a stalker; not a thief. Besides her companion would smirk and tease her mercilessly. Speaking of her companion, she spared a glance at him as memories of how they met surface in her mind.

~~~~~~~~Six years ago~~~~~~~

Hinata let the rain mixed with her tears as she saw the building where the boy that saved her live. The building itself wasn't bad, but people painted awful words outside the place. Damned child, evil reincarnated, better dead, deserved to die, outcast, demon child was also written clumsily. Words, upon words that ooze venom and hate marred the building making the young heiress weep for the boy that live here. The basket of freshly baked cookies she brought, as a silent thank you, fell as her grip on it slacken and she let herself crumble to the ground. Hinata felt sick, so, so sick...

"Well, this is certainly something, isn't it?" A man asked as he suddenly appeared besides her; scaring her and making her sprawled backwards.

Clearly not expecting an answer; the white haired man walk towards the apartment and let his eyes travelled on every word. Paying the downpour of rain no mind as his normally spiky hair stuck to his forehead and his clothes were soaked leaving him chilled to the bone. It seemed nature wanted to copy his mood. Maybe, whatever Deity was watching him wanted him to feel the coldness of the rain to temper the boiling of his blood.

"I-I-It's n-n-not true! He's no demon!" Hinata said, her voice lost in the rain, standing up shakily and began walking towards the man. She repeated what she had said to the male, grasping his arm, voice strong. She couldn't comprehend the need she had for this man, this unknown person, to understand that it wasn't true. Not one word of it. The boy that live here was kind, brave, and he was as bright as the sun. She repeated it again as she gazed at the eyes of the man in front of her, her grip tighten on his arm, and she will herself to be brave. At least this once, let her be brave just this once to make at least one person understand.

"H-H-He's kind. H-H-He's brave. He shines as bright as the sun when he smiles! Please!" She said strongly, voice steady.

"Like the sun, huh? Sounds about right." The man said gently

To her surprise the man looked at her for a minute before a small smile appear, and he ripped a piece of his soaked shirt. He began scrubbing the wall, trying to help erased the paint, and calm himself. It was that or the man was going to go inside, take his godson, and just set this whole village on fire. He watched as the young girl eyes widen in relief, and cut her kimono and began to copy him. Together they both work hard on getting the words to disappear; the lies being washed away by people that knew better. The night and downpour the perfect cover for them as the sleeping boy inside was none the wiser.

When they both finished; the rain was falling softly, and they were both in better spirits. Sighing softly to himself, the man spotted the basket and grab it, munching on a cookie. He gave Hinata a thumbs up. Hinata stared in surprise, before she smiled shyly, and bowed her heads in thanks. She didn't even know his name, but she was grateful to him.

"Well, Hinata, thank you for the cookies and for helping me wash away the paint. My godson is lucky to have such a kind friend." The man said as he walked back to her and put a hand on her head.

"Y-your godson? W-wait, how do you know my name?" Hinata asked startled.

"Yep, my godson. As for how I know your name young one; I'm the famous toad sage and book writer... Jiraiya." He said as grinning cheekily as he felt her stiffen, taking his hand back, and place the basket of cookies in front of the door.

"W-w-wait, those cookies are ruined, Jiraiya-San! Naruto-kun won't like them!" Hinata said trying to get pass him.

"Hime, I tasted the cookies myself. They're fine! Besides, they were made with love, and that what's my godson gonna need." Jiraiya said while he watched the girl turn red and he doubted it was because she was catching a fever.

"I-I-I-I" Hinata stutters hopelessly.

"You really are something, Hime. How about you help me? Keep on eye out for Naruto? It's always nice to have another pair of eyes on the kid. Be my informant on all things Naruto. I have a few errands to run. But first I need an answer?" Jiraiya asked hopefully.

Hinata's mind and heart began to battle with each other. To keep on eye on Naruto and be an informant would mean stalking him. It meant she would be sorta like a spy. She was to shy and weak to do that. She should just run home and forget about this night all together. Yet, after meeting that boy; he has became the sun. How can someone live without the sun? Maybe, another life, in another world, maybe she could have lived in such darkness. But not in this one.

Hinata incline her head and smiled shyly making Jiraiya grin in return...

End of chapter one and flashback.