The Demon and His Shadow

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Note: In this story; Jiraiya won't be acting like in canon, this is a fanfic of my creation so most things will not happen like in the anime, and other pairings will surfaced in this story later on. But the main pairing will be Naru/Hina. Nobody gets Naruto except Hinata.

Thank you to everyone that favorite and follow this story. You are all amazing! I hope I can continue to make chapter you all enjoy. A special thank you to everyone that took the time to review and give me encouragement. Your review meant a lot to me; starfiction123 you were the first to review and it was really sweet that you said my story had potential. Seriously, you made my day. I promise to try my best and make you proud. Jove21 I would like to thank you for following and reviewing; telling me my story was adorable made me smile. Chillin273 I was so happy that you love my story. I was extremely please that I could write something that someone could love. So, thank you very much for reviewing. Thor94 I know that you dislike the Jiraiya from the show, but I want you to know that he won't be acting like it from the show. I hope you can give my story a chance and continue to read it. No, Naruto won't be in the background and things won't happen like in canon. Anyway, thank you for your review and for your time. I will try my best.

Papaleta I'm glad that you like them as a duo! I just love imagine them both fighting to protect Naruto. He was Naruto's Godfather, he should of been involve with him more and Hinata's love for the blonde has been shown in very few episodes for my tastes. So, hopefully this story can rectify that. Dom2040 thank you for the kind review and for giving me encouragement to continue writing!

Chapter two: A Godfather's Duty and A Stolen Scroll.

Hinata dismiss the memory away with a shake of her head. She turned to look at Jiraiya, and notice his eyes soften as he continue to gaze at Naruto. It has been years since that meeting and every meeting since then have been all about Naruto. The one thing that tied them together was stronger than blood and it was a bond that was created by their love for the blonde hair boy. Hinata's curiosity over the life of the Sannin and his role in Naruto's life has cause her to ask many questions. Some he answered, and some he didn't. Yet, frankly was just content in her knowledge that if worst came to past Naruto would have some kind of safety net. They made sure of it; they created plans, made hideouts in case they needed to retreat from the village (Hinata was sure Jiraiya would have to knock Naruto out; the blonde wouldn't run away from any fight.), and got all types of scrolls for when the time came.

Hinata counted over everything in her head; the plans would be put in motion soon, seeing as they were about the take the exam in a few days, yet Hinata was worried about the clone jutsu. Naruto's attempt at it only ended up in failure much to the amusement of most of their classmates. Hinata hated it when they laugh at Naruto; he would always dismisses it, but she would read the pain behind his regular grin. She never laugh, but she didn't say anything to hush their classmates laughter. Neither, could she comfort him due to her weakness, she would always blush, stammer and faint if she was to close to her crush. Still she wanted to see him smile; so, she left food, gifts, and treats on his doorstep. She would stay and watch his face light-up. Yet, she doubted any of those things would cheer-up Naruto if he failed the exam again.

She has voiced her concerns and her idea as to why Naruto couldn't manage it to Jiraiya the last time he was here; he had listen closely before thanking her about informing him and assuring her he would help Naruto. So far, Hinata hasn't seen anyway in which he had help Naruto out of this problem. The exam was getting closer and she was getting reckless. Hinata knew the reason as to why Jiraiya still didn't want to make himself known to Naruto, but it irked her that they were missing valuable time. Jiraiya words were always about patience, but her patience was running thins these days as she watch her sun basically train himself to death with none willing to help him. She had seen the few times Naruto asked for help ended in the teacher's scornful refusal or in insults to his life. Hinata have been sure to mention their names and address to Jiraiya when ever he came back to the village; feeling incredibly content when most of them ended mysteriously in the hospital with their home a pile of rubble. Or others just vanished, never to return to the academy, and nobody knew what happened to them. Hinata didn't asked him questions about those that disappeared; she would just hug him tight and whisper her thanks.

"Here, Hime. I'm letting you borrow this. Give it to Naruto and after his done give it back to me." Jiraiya said handing her a pretty heavy scroll.

"M-m-me? You want me to give this to N-Naruto-kun? B-B-But I can't! Why can't we just leave it in his doorstep?" Hinata ask desperately.

"Because, let's just say it would be bad to leave something so valuable in plain sight. I need you to go over and give it to him. Tell him it's yours and that it's going to help him with his clone jutsu. After that, offer to walk him back home and say that he should practice in his apartment that you will come for it later, preferably late at night, and that if he needs more time he can give it until tomorrow." Jiraiya said vaguely.

"B-B-But, Jiraiya-San! I won't be able to get to close to Naruto without becoming a mess!" Hinata complain already her face becoming red at just imagining talking to him.

"Well, you said you wanted to help him. And wasn't it you that has been urging me to help him? This is how we help him. I help you to help him, Hime. Besides, you need to try and change a bit if you want a future with him. Think of this as a trial run or why a first step. Wait, you do still love him and want a future besides him, right? Not just being in his shadow." Jiraiya question with a raise eyebrow.

"Yes, Sir. I do want a future with him." Hinata answered softly, gripping the scroll to her chest, and nodding with her eyes closed.

"Good answer, Hime. Now, run along, Little Shadow. it appears Naruto finally manage to hit his target. I have some more work to do. See you at our regular spot."Jiraiya said ruffling her hair before he vanished.

Hinata open her eyes to see that Naruto's in-fact hit his target; he was jumping in joy, and one of her favorite sunny smiles light up his face. Hinata started to take hesitant steps over the unaware blond, her footsteps light and soundless, like always. Naruto was surprised to see someone coming towards him. It was one of his classmates; the one that would always get sick whenever he was around. Naruto often wondered if she was allergic to him or something. He always tried his best to smile around her, but she always looked down on the floor, making him feel awkward. Honestly, thought, she was still the nicest girl in the class. She never said a bad word about anyone and has never laugh at him. So, all in all she was a nice, but weird girl.

Maybe, she could be his friend?

Now if only he could remember her name... he remembered it started with an H. Meanwhile, while Naruto was pondering what was her name, Hinata'a face turn bright red and she swayed with every step closer. Her palms started to sweat, so, she grip the heavy scroll closer while she will herself not to faint. She had a mission and it was to late to turn around; her mind beg her too though. Her heart was pounding as she finally stood before him; him sweaty after training and looking absolutely perfect in her eyes, and her doing her best imitation of a statue. They stayed like that for what felt like eternity; Naruto smiling waiting for her to say something, and Hinata waiting for the exact same thing. It was Naruto that broke the silence.

"Hi! What are you doing here? Did you came to train?" Naruto ask while he scratch his head.

"Eep! I-I-I c-c-came h-h-here t-to g-g-give y-you t-t-his, N-N-Naruto-Kun. I-I-I thought y-y-you could b-borrow i-it. I-It will h-help y-you w-with the c-clone j-jutsu. Y-y-ou could t-train in y-your home." She stuttered everything and bowed her head as she presented him with the scroll.

Naruto's eyes widen in surprised as he look at the scroll, stretching his hands hesitating slightly, not knowing if this was a trick. It wouldn't be the first time that someone pretended to help him and then just laugh or worse. He gently grab it from her, and seeing as she still looking at the ground, he let out a sigh. Weird girl, but still the nicest. Naruto felt a rush of warmth and slight confusion, yet still he was grateful for the help. Nobody ever offers to help him before. He felt his face stretch out in a huge grin and in his excitement he rushed to hug the girl tightly! He felt her stiffen and suddenly she went lax in his arms; her face red and eyes closed in bliss. Horrified blue eyes widen in panic, suddenly he put both the scroll and the girl down in the grass, before he check her forehead and it was burning! She was sick! Oh, Kami-Sama, Hinata was gonna die!

"HINATA-CHAN!"

Birds flew away in fright, and Naruto never notice that in his panic, he had finally remember the girl's name.