The first day of training as her new apprentice Lady Tsunade asked me why I wanted to learn medical ninjutsu. I told her about how if I could fight as well as I can but also be able to heal people as good as she can, I would be even more capable of protecting those I care about. Not only will I be able to fight for them, I can heal them when needed and knowing Naruto, Zabuza, and Sasuke that is a necessity for me. She seemed pleased with my answer and allowed me to study under her.
I was in Tsunade's office training like I have been for the month of her being my Sensei alongside Kakashi. Medical training isn't strenuous per-say, but it is extremely difficult. It takes an extremely precise amount of chakra control to produce the mystic palm technique. First I have ti bring some of my chakra into my hands, that part is easy, the hard part is pulling out my elemental and combatant chakra from my hands and then it leaves pure chakra that can be used to heal. My elemental affinity for water is so strong that trying to completely remove it from my hands is extremely difficult. I can convert my chakra from water to lightning but taking out the element completely is almost as difficult as it was to unlock my chakra coils. I learned the hard way that when you don't fully pull out the elemental chakra to perform mystic palm the results are terrible. I practice on fish for the most part and because I struggle so much with taking out my elemental chakra, when I am trying to heal the fish, it seeps back in sometimes and even the smallest amount makes the fish explode. Tsunade is brutal and instead of letting me shower off the fish guts I keep covering myself in, she makes me sit in the guts and practice. She thinks it's a good motivator for me to learn the technique faster.
Today I managed to keep the mystical palm technique working for a solid 3 minutes before the green glow flickered back into blue. The best thing was it made so much more sense on chakra scalpels now, they are blue because it is the same precision as mystic palm takes, to fine tune chakra into sharp thin blades around your hands, but they have all of the elemental chakra still in them so they can do damage. That part is a bit easier for me. Right now, I'm sitting covered in guts and smell like a damn sewer.
Healing something is not just inserting the healing chakra into someone's blood stream, it is a lot more difficult. For cuts and external wounds, I have to insert my chakra into the body and have it connect with their chakra, then I have to push it all to the wound and Imagine the chakra acting as a needle, stitching the cut closed with chakra. Healing Internal wounds is similar and thankfully with my Byakugan I can see the internal issues that I wouldn't be able to see else wise. Broken bones takes a lot more chakra and time and there is only so much I can do to heal them. I have to use my chakra molded with theirs to push the bone back in place and use the chakra as a slight splint to weld the bone in place while I actually cast it until it can meld itself back together over a week or two. My struggle is not being able to hold my technique long enough to do any actual healing, hence the constant exploding fish.
I managed to heal the first layer of the fish's gash when Kakashi waltzed in the room, jumping in from the window. My chakra became unstable and the fish exploded. He let out a chuckle and so I threw some of the guts on him, ignoring his annoyed protest.
"Maa you smell terrible Hinata. What happened." He gave me a closed eye smile and I glowered at him.
"Hatake, You're late. Again."
"You see, there was a fish drowning and I had to give it CPR." He said so seriously that I laughed in amusement. Tsunade didn't find it as funny as I did so she punched the wall, threatening Kakashi to be late again. We both paled slightly at her temper.
"Hinata, you have been working diligently and from the recommendations of Kakashi Hatake, Zabuza Momochi, Hiashi Hyuuga, Shisui Uchiha, and the Late Hiruzen Sarutobi. You are being permitted to take the Jonin Exams this next week to earn yourself the title of a Jonin. This test will take the Chunin exams look like child's play, do you think you are ready?"
"Wholly Shit. No fucking way, Hell yeah I'm ready. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Kakashi slapped my head for my foul language and Tsunade just laughed, her mouth isn't very clean either.
"Maa Maa, after you clean yourself you can train with me and then you have 5 days off until the exams. Ja ne." Kakashi gave a two finger salute and poofed out of existence.
"That brat." Tsunade sighed. She called in Shizune to bring her more Sake and after a slightly headed argument, Shizune submitted to bringing Tsunade her precious mind numbing alcohol. "Your clan sent me the mission request. Which little brats would you like to bring as your guards?"
"Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that. Uhh, I know Zabuza should go and I think Neji and Sasuke would be the best options to help blend in somewhere so regal, Nobody else could pull off the princely act." Neji and Sasuke already have the ego's of a prince and knowing their skills in acting high-and-mighty, they are the perfect two to take with me. Especially since I need Sasuke to pose as my date, it will be just like dance class with his mom when we were younger. Zabuza and the clan wouldn't be too happy if I didn't bring him along since he is my guard of sorts. I also haven't seen him in a while since he's been out on missions with Anko for a while. I know Naruto and Kiba will be pissed I didn't bring them, but such a formal event that probably involves dancing and manners, I can barely do them no way in hell would my wild besties be able to survive it without drawing bad attention to ourselves.
"You will brief them on the mission details. Bring me more Sake and Dango then you are dismissed to train with Hatake."
"Hai." I ran to the nearest Dango shop and got Tsunade her items while shifting uncomfortably with all the grossed out stares I was getting for being covered in smelly rotten fish. I made it to the bath house since it was closer than my own home and bathed myself clean, it took 4 rounds of soap and scalding water to get the smell off of myself. I put on some clean training gear and jogged over to training ground 7 a few hours later than the time specified. Surprise surprise I was still earlier than Kakashi even if it only was by a few minutes. Kakashi went harder on the three of us than usual. He had his Sharingan activated and was sending attack after attack for us to dodge or counter. It was difficult to even land a scratch on him sometimes. Training ended when Naruto, Sasuke, and I each managed to land 3 heavy blows on him without the use of any of our Kekkei Genki. That was a blast but I ended up shutting off the chakra to his arm at one point so it flopped uselessly which was well worth it, it was hilarious. After training, Kakashi took Naruto to get some foods for his fridge, nobody would dare disrespect Naruto and not let him get groceries with cold blooded Kakashi on his side. That left Sasuke and I alone.
"Hey, Duckbutt."
"Hn."
"You have a mission with Neji and Zabuza. I have to go to some ball thingie and I am supposed to have guards so I picked you to help." He smirked smugly. "Don't go getting your ego stroked, you were the best option because you already act like a prince with your high-and-mighty attitude."
"Hn. Asshole."
"Yeah Yeah whatever. You are going to act as my date, Neji is going to be my butler of sorts oh how I know he'll hate that, and Zabuza is the obvious choice as a guard. Sound good?" Sasuke's face morphed into one of greater smugness than usual and I knew he was going to say something that was going to make me want to punch him in his pretty face.
"Freak, this just sounds like an elaborate plan to get me to date you. Fangirls usually go far, but this is a new level, you are trying to pay to get me to go out with you." My mouth dropped open and I just blinked so stunned that he even said that. His smirk turned into a smug smile that quickly fell when he looked in my eyes. He turned to run but I was to quick and tackled him to the ground putting him in a chokehold.
"Damn it duckbutt you are such a fucking cocky bastard! I already know you like Naruto, you're my only option as a date for this thing; nobody else could cut it. I liked it better when you shut your fucking mouth and only said Hn."
"I DON'T LIKE THAT DOBE!" He got himself out of my weak chokehold and was chuckling but it was kind of dark. My shock and anger faded and I lost it so I ran from him while trying not to laugh. Sometimes I forgot how funny he is, it was a flashback to the times before life went to hell. He grabbed me like a sack of potatoes and walked us home. I completely missed the slight blush and happy smile on his face from the idea of going out with me.
Sasuke dropped me off at home and I immediately ran into dads office. I slowed to a stop and knocked on the door so he knew I was coming in.
"Ohayo Otousan. Guess what!" I was practically glowing and the quick glance he gave me made him stop his work and stare at me. He raised one eyebrow silently asking me to continue and also threatening that if it's worthless he would be annoyed with me for interrupting his work. "I am aloud to take the Jonin exams, I had more than 1 recommendation so Lady Tsunade is allowing it! I'm so excited. I'll be tied with Kakashi-sensei for the youngest Jonin if this works out!" Dad had a tiny smirk and his eyes brightened a bit in proudness. He had no surprise, probably because he recommended me but I know he is proud that it worked out and I am moving up in the ranks so fast. I ran and jumped over the table tackling him in a hug, he was stiff and huffed in annoyance but allowed the hug anyways. "Thank you for believing in me." I mumbled into his chest, still smiling like a dope. He patted my back and removed me, his hands firmly planted on my shoulders
"Daughter, you have earned my respect through your hard work. You are worthy of being a Jonin of the leaf and to carry on the Hyuuga legacy." He said it with little inflection in his voice but the pride he held for me was apparent. That was one of the nicest things he has ever said and done for me, he might be a stiff but he is my dad and I wouldn't want anyone else. To have earned his respect after all these years of working for it means the world to me. I look up to him and his skill so much so this is a huge moment for us, for him to fully acknowledge me not only as his daughter and the successor to the clan, but as a ninja worthy as the title of a Jonin. To have earned that from him is one of the biggest honors I could ever receive from my father.
"I love you Otousan."
"Hai, me too." He gave me one last pat on the head then kicked me out of his office to rest and study up academically for the Jonin exams. I went to the library and piled a bag full of scrolls that I thought I would need and brought all the healthy nonperishable foods I could into my room to become a hermit and have a study party for myself. I haven't told anyone about the exams, Kakashi or Shikaku might tell them but I'm hoping he doesn't. I want to surprise them after the exams and tell them if I become a Jonin.
—
Dad woke me up this morning and he had everything prepared for me. My clothes were laid out, my ninja pouches were filled with weapons and food, and he had a light high-protein breakfast laid out for me to eat before the exams. It was a small act, but coming from him it was special, it was his way of being there for me today. Hanabi-hime gave me a special ribbon to tie in my hair for good luck and I had her tie it in. I was excited but extremely nervous because I knew I would be the youngest and smallest there. I was representing my clan and all the people who believed in me so I had to prove myself. I may be young but I've worked so hard to get myself here, I'm not going to fail now. Zabuza was home from his mission today so he picked me up and took me to the exam that was a half a day travel from the village. He was making comments the whole time to freak me out like the sadistic guy he is.
I opened the exam doors after dropping off my paperwork and was met with 25 Chunin from our allied villages (I did notice the lack of Sand Chunin since the invasion) all 17 or older. Their eyes locked onto mine and there were different feelings passing through each of them. By the look in most of their eyes, they were underestimating me. One guy from the Kusagakure (A/N it's a real village that is presumed to be allies with Konoha) with electric blue hair and equally blue eyes stood up and pointed at me. He had an aura about him that Immediately made me know he's a cocky dick to the extreme. He led out a loud mocking laugh.
"Awe little bitch did you lose your mommy. This is for future Jonin not weak little girls like you. I knew the Leaf was a bitch village but this is something else, are they mocking us now?" A few people nodded along with him but all eyes were on me. My eyes narrowed and my fists were clenched. The mention of my mom set me off and I wanted to kick his ass. "Awe did I strike a nerve. Why don't you run back home crying to your mommy like the little wimp you are. Future Jonin my ass." He sneered. Instead of crying, I smirked at him and put my hand on my hip, embracing my inner bitchy Neji, ready to call him out.
"You're all bark and no bite. You run your mouth off acting like some macho man to compensate for your fragile ego. You're just trying to cover up that you're terrified of getting your ass kicked by everyone else here, especially a little bitch like me. Oh look now you're shaking in anger because you just called out by someone years younger than you." His face turned even more red and he looked ready to blow. Most of the people around us were snickering at his misfortune of picking on the wrong little girl. He got ready to jump at me but one of the Chunin from his same village pulled him down to make him shut up. A girl in her mid to late 20's and a guy who was around 19, both from Yugakure, (Where Hidan is from) flashed in front of me. The girl had short black hair shaved on the sides and vibrant violet eyes, the boy had shaggy lavender hair and deep green eyes. The girl was tall and intimidating and seemed to scream strength. The boy seemed to be goofy like Naruto, but his movements did nothing to hide the swift manner he walked.
"That was pretty ballsy what you did back there. You put a target on your back and being the youngest one here could be detrimental to you. I like it." He laughed out and gave me a genuine smile. He has no clue who I am but I have a feeling having him as an ally right now would be a good idea, plus he seems like a fun person.
"You taught that pussy his place, stupid but cool. You're a young one and look fragile but I'm cool with that. The names Katsumi Date the idiot beside me is Yukimura Kirishima. I like you and you need allies, what do you say?" She stuck her hand out, she insulted and complimented me, she's a straightforward kind of person. I like her, she seems fun. I shook her hand, gripping hers as tightly as she was gripping mine. Her stature towered over me, but I returned the smirk she gave me with a grin.
"Hyuuga, Hinata Hyuuga." I almost squealed in happiness at absolute awesomeness I felt introducing myself like James Bond. It was a dream come true. Katsumi muttered under her breath, "Hyuuga huh." Yukimura threw his arm over my shoulder and led me over to where they were sitting.
"Ignore the looks of all the other creeps, with me by your side you're bound to succeed. I'm the great Yukimura Kirishima swordsman extraordinaire." I laughed but by the twin swords on his back and the lack of people arguing his statement, it must be true. "Alright little Hime" I groaned at the nickname but allowed him to continue. "Tell us your strengths and weaknesses and we'll tell you ours. That way when we fight the others, we can have better strategies planned up by scary Kat over there." He jerked his thumb at Katsumi and she rolled her eyes. By their interactions, they seem to know each other pretty well.
"My Taijutsu and water Ninjutsu are basically second to none. I can use lightning ninjutsu but usually only conjoined with water. My strategies are good, usually come on the fly but they seem to work in the short term. My Genjutsu skills and use of Kunai and Shuriken are barely average." They both smirked at my confidence and Yukimura laughed at my dejected sigh at my weaponry failures.
"Sounds good little hime, from what I've heard from another leaf Chunin, your strength in Taijutsu is scary so that will be good for us. I am a self proclaimed master swordsman worthy to one day fight one of the seven swordsman. My speed and agility is amazingly awesome and my other weaponry skills are pretty perfect too. I can release Genjutsu with no problem and can use fire ninjutsu. I'm not great strategy wise and my strength is not the best." We turned to Katsumi for her answers.
"My Genjutsus will make the biggest of men shit their pants and my earth style ninjutsu is good. I can strategize on the fly and outthink most of the other losers here. My speed is average and I'm more of a distance fighter so my Taijutsu is not the best." We nodded in approval at one anothers skills and began to from plans when a man entered the room. Everyone silenced immediately and he passed us out a written test. There were no gimmicks, it was just to test out intelligence. It was extremely difficult but not impossible and after a few hours all of us finished. Only 3 people gut cut at this stage of the exams. The nest stage was the TI part of the exams.
As a Jonin it is important to keep secret information secret so this test was letting chosen members of TI try to get information out of us. I was given a secret word that only I knew and was locked into a room to have someone try to get the word out of me. They had free reign, within reason of course, to do whatever needed to get the secret out of me for the next 2 hours. A woman with blood red lips that were curled up in a menacing smirk and eyes excited for the investigation sauntered her way into the room. She sat me on a leather chair and chained my arms and legs tightly. Her cold grey eyes stared into mine and when I didn't flinch her smirk turned into a feral grin because she was excited for the prospect of breaking the information out of me.
"So you're the young leaf ninja I've heard about." She scratched a long nail along my cheek, slightly drawing blood. She licked it up happily. "I can't wait to see what you're made of." She circled me like prey and after a few looks, she took one more lick of my blood and backed off. She kept her eyes trained on mine and made a few hand signs. I tried to take in a breath but it felt like someone was suffocating me. This went on for forever and every time I was about to pass out, I was able to take in a few breaths. Each time I was aloud to breathe she would ask me if the secret and every time I refused, I was suffocated again. Whatever jutsu she was using was extremely scary. When she realized I wouldn't give in, I was able to breathe again.
The walls around me began to warp and black goop was pouring down the walls. Creepy monsters formed from the tar and were screeching as they surrounded me. I kept trying to get away from them but I was still chained down as they touched me and scratched along my body. I wanted to scream in terror after my sight was going black by the amount of monsters around me, I was broken out of my fear when the proctors voice echoed through the monsters asking for the secret word. I grit my teeth through the uncomfortable and horrific feelings and shook my head no. Her laugh echoed the room and the monsters faded, I was staring back at her.
"You're good little girl, times almost up and I want to break you so bad." She licked her lips and my vision shifted back to my childhood. It was the scene of when my mom died, she was covered in blood and calling out to me, begging for help while I was stuck to the chair and couldn't do anything. She pleaded with me to tell the proctor the secret word and that if I did she would live. I wanted it so bad, it felt so real. Having my mom back is one of the things I wanted the most for myself but I knew it was unrealistic. Every plea got to me though and I opened my mouth to speak, but I saw the slight silver edging of the room. I've seen it before. I focused more on that, trying to remember where I've seen it before. It helped me block out the cries of my mom which were growing louder by the second. It dawned on me that this has to be a type of extremely strong mental manipulation Genjutsu, a variant of normal Genjutsu that is stronger and more realistic. The scene faded back to normal and I was staring into the cold eyes of the proctor with unconscious tears from the horrible vision still streaming down my face.
"You passed this part of the exam, I'm surprised you didn't crack when I showed you a variant of your most horrible memory. I enjoyed watching you cry little girl. Good luck!" Her voice said full of sadistic amusement. I was released from the chains and led out of the room into a room with 12 people. Thankfully Katsumi and Yukimura were there; sadly the blue haired dude was there too. I was greeted with a punch to the shoulder and a hug.
They announced that the third part of the exam was a battle Royale, we would compete in teams of 3 with at least 1 being from a different village to test our skills and cooperative abilities. The final team standing will compete against each other and be made Jonin if they are impressive enough. Katsumi, Yukimura, and I signed up as partners. The final battle Royale went perfectly and we were the last team standing. It took over a full day of nonstop fighting to win but it was worth it. Katsumi and Yukimura were extremely talented and I'm glad they were my allies now and in the future thanks to the bond we made beating up people and each other. Together we took out the blue bastard, I got to give him the finishing punch, knocking him out when he was punched into a 30 inch thick concrete wall. We fought well and were hopefully impressive enough to make Jonin. The leaders of our villages would be the ones to decide the outcome. I was battered and thoroughly bruised by the end of the battles and had to have Zabuza carry me because my legs stopped working correctly. All I wanted was to sleep in a nice bed for like a week straight. Zabuza didn't want to spend money so he put me on his back and carried my sleeping body the entire way home and letting me sleep in his apartment.
—
I was kneeling before Lady Tsunade the morning after I woke up from my 3 day sleep. Today was my off day but she made me come in anyways. She had 2 Sake cups on her desk and the fanciest bottle of Sake in between them.
"Hinata Hyuuga after your exceptional show at the Jonin exams, it is on recommendation of your proctors and my own opinion that I am making you a Jonin of the Village Hidden In the Leaves effective immediately. You are young so I will not have you command a team, you are still under the jurisdiction of myself and Kakashi Hatake and teammates of Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. Congratulations, now since you are a Jonin, you can enjoy some of the better Sake with your master." She poured me a cup and grabbed the bottle for herself I took the shot and she drank down a few gulps, the pink blush forming on her cheeks almost instantly from the fast acting alcohol. I was jumping around her office like a dork fist pumping the air and screaming "Fuck Yes" over and over.
"Now don't think because you are a Jonin your training will become easier. The exact opposite can be said for me, I will push you harder than before so that I don't have to worry about you on the more difficult missions you are going to go on. I already worry about Naruto, I'm not going to want to add you onto that list."
"Hai, I'm ready to learn everything you can teach me!"
"Good, now leave my sight and go celebrate with your friends, they have been bugging me to know where you are." I ran out of her office to tell everyone the awesome news. When the clan elders find out they are going to be so happy but they can shove that up their ass since it's not for them like they think it is. I told my dad and Hanabi first, thanking them for the support. I know without my dad, I would have never made it this far. I told Zabuza next who was not surprised. Kakashi gave me a fond head pat and a sarcastic quip about me taking over as sensei for him so he can read his porn more often. Shikamaru and Choji were happy but not surprised since Shika figured out where I was from talking with his dad. Ino was proud of me and we got out nails done together in celebration. She's also planning a party now in honor of it even when I tried to beg her not to. Kiba was slightly pissed and threw a big fuss about it, but I knew he was secretly happy for me. Shino said it was a no brainer that I made Jonin since my skills were already at that level. Sasuke was super jealous but played it off saying it was all a fluke like the Tsundere he is. He also shocked me pretty badly with his lightning for not telling him where I was for over a week. He loves me though, so he finally gave in and let me hug him for a job well done. He may be a cold bastard sometimes but his hugs are something everyone needs to experience. Naruto was so happy for me, pissed that he's a Genin, but over the moon for me. We went for ramen and he gave me a kiss on the cheek in repayment of mine and as congratulations. He like Sasuke was super pissed I didn't tell him where I was and yelled at me for worrying him. It was sweet and I couldn't have asked for anything better. Neji knew about it already but was still proud of me for becoming a Jonin and being the youngest female Jonin in Konoha history. Tenten was super happy for me too and as a congratulations we went to the bath house and got to relax there for a day. It was extremely nice on both of our sore muscles, her from Gai and mine form still recovering from the intensity of the exams. Lee was overjoyed for me and gave me such nice hugs and cheers for it. He's finally back on his feet and promised to give me 1000 pushups as a gift. It was a sweet sentiment and I was still awed by his strength and work ethic, which made him glow with joy when I told him that.
Gaara.
Dear Future Kazekage,
I'm glad your'e doing good! I worry about you sometimes and wish I could be there to support you more than I can in letters. You need someone to give you more hugs and head pats and I can't do that in Konoha. I'll explain what goth is when I visit which I think I am coming soon. I have so much to tell you about in person and so many questions I need you to answer for me. I would love to help you find a favorite color I already have a few in mind of what I think you would like. Keep working with the raccoon Shukaku, he'll come around someday, you are just as amazing as Naruto so don't worry about that. I'm glad the village is seeing you more for the wonderful person you are, I want everyone to see you the way I do and I know they will someday soon. Thank you for providing me safety when I need it, you really are my knight in shining armor. Sorry it's taken so long to respond I've been really busy and haven't spoken to anyone because of the Jonin exams. Guess what, I became a Jonin and am the youngest female Jonin the leaf has ever had. Having support like the kind I get from you and all my other loved ones has been a big part of me being able to succeed the way I have. Thats still nothing compared to becoming Kazekage, but it is something that I am proud of. I wanna play Shoji and other games too! I'm glad you got new clothes, what do they look like? My favorite food is any kind of Yakitori and my favorite drink is orange juice. What are your favorite food and drink? Also what is your favorite dessert? And what is your favorite childhood memory?
Love,
Hinata
Ino threw a party, it started out as a celebration for my becoming a Jonin but when I mentioned that I had missed Sasuke's birthday like the asshole I am, she allowed me to change the party into one for him. Sasuke is even less likely to go to a party with other kids than Shikamaru and that's saying something huge because parties are loud and troublesome to the point it hinders Shikamaru's sleeping. We all know he doesn't like that. So the operation was to make it a surprise party which is extremely difficult for someone like Sasuke. He acts like he doesn't give a shit about a lot of things, that they are beneath him especially when it comes to people outside his small inner circle. In reality, he is a nosy motherfucker and has a burning desire to know everything that is going on in my, Shisui's and Naruto's lives so I knew he was itching to find out what was going on with Ino and I. He didn't like that I wouldn't tell him. Because of that, I had Naruto and Shisui distract Sasuke more than usual, sparring battle after battle. Even Kakashi and Zabuza got in on the gig.
Sasuke and Shikamaru have clashing personalities, not in the obvious sense like Naruot and him, just that Shikamaru doesn't like how arrogant Sasuke is and Sasuke doesn't like how smart yet lazy Shikamaru is. They will never be friends but they don't fight like other people who dislike each other do. I think they put in an effort when I'm around solely because Naruto and I are friends with both of them. As much as this party is for Sasuke, he needs more interactions with people his age and not just to fight or ignore them like they are less than. I want others to see the awesome side of Sasuke few have been graced with, the Sasuke that is my best friend since forever.
I left the decorations up to Ino since she is better at that kind of thing, I just gave her some pointers on what to do. A lump of the money I have saved from missions is in my pocket and I'm scouring the shopping district to find the perfect gift. I was passing by and there was a small weapons shop tucked into the corner. The outside was nothing special but the inside was a wonderland for sword users. The entire store top to bottom had every sword style I could imagine. A perfect gift would be a sword, hopefully one similar to his Chokuto that he uses in Canon. I looked around for a bit when on a lower shelf I saw it. The sword of Kusanagi, it was long, elegant, and deadly. I picked it up and waved it around, it felt awesome. Sasuke is going to love this. I found a sheath for the sword, it was all black with a red snake coiling up it. I paid for both and spent extra to get the Uchiwa fan etched into the hilt of his sword and on the sheath. Giddily I skipped back to my home to wrap up his present.
At 6, Shisui complied to our demands and managed to convince Sasuke to go to the suite we rented out. The suite was decorated in black red and white balloons with his clan symbol and his favorite foods were laid out. There was even a cake made of Onigiri since he hates sweets. Shikamaru was sleeping on the couch, Kakashi was chatting with Zabuza and Anko, Choji was talking with Ino, Naruto and I were chilling on the bed in wait of Sasuke's arrival, Kiba was having a one-sided argument with Shino, Lee was doing pushups with Tenten on his back, and Neji was sitting in the corner watching Lee. There was music playing in the background and everyone was happy. The door flew open and Shisui had a shit-eating grin and Sasuke's face morphed into a scoul when he saw all the people here. What a guy.
"What. the. hell." He gave an annoyed glare to Shisui and then he took in his surroundings one more time. His eyes widened marginally at all the decorations and when he looked over to me, Naruto and I gave matching smiles. He stalked over to us, hands in his pocket and an eyebrow raised in question.
"Since I was gone for your birthday and didn't say anything, this is to make up for it so be nice." Naruto gave a thumbs up.
"Yeah Teme, Happy Birthday!" Everyone chorused their own versions of Happy Birthday and the annoyed aura around Sasuke dissipated slightly.
"Hn. Thank You." He mumbled, put off by the fact that everyone was willing to show up for him, and even more so that Ino wasn't all over him. After a bit of mingling and Naruto making Sasuke speak to others, everyone was enjoying themselves.
"Alright time for presents" Ino announced and Sasuke looked shocked at everyone holding something for him. Ino got him a self med kit, Naruto got him Ichiraku ramen tickets and a 'free spar' pass and some other things they can do together even if neither would admit it, Choji got Sasuke a new fabric to but his metal plate from his headband on, Shikamaru got him a specialized ninjutsu book he found, Kiba got him some kunai, Shino got him a better Kunai holster, Lee Neji and Tenten all got him new training equipment, Kakashi decided to teach him a new lightning ninjutsu, Zabuza's gift is sword lessons, Anko after lots of my convincing decided to help Sasuke use a snake summoning within the next year, Shisui got Sasuke more hidden Uchiha scrolls to perfect his Sharingan, and then there was mine. Sasuke opened the wrapping and pulled the sword hesitantly out of the sheath. He looked over every inch of it and a small smile graced his face. Nobody said anything but I know they all were surprised at his smile. His eyes flicked up to meet mine and I knew I gave him the best present possible.
"Hn. This, this is. Wow, you did something right for once freak." He smirked and I knew in Sasuke language that was a massive thank you. Everyone was ogling the sword and Zabuza was really impressed with it stating he was going to enjoy teaching Sasuke the art of using such a fine weapon. Ino decided it was time to play some games and I knew it was bout time for me to bolt. There is no way she didn't rig the games somehow and I'm scared to know what games her romance filled mind is wanting to play. I don't know if any of the games like spin the bottle exist but I just have a feeling they do. That sounds like a mess waiting to happen, and by the sneaky glance Ino and Shusui shared, he is in on it. He's probably trying to win his stupid bet with Zabuza. Sasuke and Naruto looked completely oblivious to the idea of what games Ino has in mind, they probably think they are actual games for competition. With one last glance at Shisui, he stood up and had Kakashi and Zabuza leave with him, all wishing Sasuke a happy birthday. That solidified my understanding that I need to leave. I stood up with a two finger salute ready to leave.
"Maa Thats my cue, I love you guys. See ya later, Duckbutt I'm sleeping over tonight." I turned around to leave but Ino was too fast and shoved me back with everyone else, a devilish smile on her face. Sometimes she is pure evil.
"No you don't. You're staying here until I say so." She sang out with no room for me to dispute her. I knew I'd lost so whatever we play, I'm going to damn well play like a baller. Go big or go home and since I can't go home… I just hope I'm not fucked over in what we do. "Alright, we are playing Truth or Dare. If you deny to tell the truth or do a dare, there will be consequences you do not want to endure. Let's play." She clasped her hands together and had us all sit in a circle. I was between Sasuke and Shikamaru. They both were sending me sideways glances out of annoyance and intrigue… I'm so fucked.
It started out pretty normal, Kiba had to lick Akamaru's paws which was hilarious and nasty since I know he hasn't had a bath in a while. Naruto had to send a mass of shadow clones and wake the village up by screaming songs with his mass of himself. That was great and seeing the villagers pissed like that was funnier than I'd thought it would be. Sasuke got a few dares and he admitted that he was afraid of the dark until he was 9. Neji got his hair french braided by Ino and Lee had to not say youth the rest of the night. Tenten admitted that she really likes to get her nails done even when she pretends to not. I had to stay in a handstand for 3 rounds curtsey of Lee. Shino had to tell his bugs which one was his favorite, I think that caused strife between his bugs and him. Everything went fine and dandy until Kiba got that feral grin and I knew something was going to go down.
"Ino-chan truth or dare?"
"Dare"
"I dare you to admit your feelings to the person you like." Sasuke stiffened beside me but I smirked, finally I get to know who this mysterious boy she likes is. Her face was bright red but she still held herself with confidence and gave a small kiss to Choji. Everyone except Shikamaru sat with their mouthes gaping. That was not what I was expecting, but it's unbelievably cute, he was blushing and had a cute smile on his face. The start of the most beautiful romance. She confessed that when he saved her in the Chunin exams she realized how kind he really was, he was always caring about her even when she was mean and Sasuke obsessed. That's when her eyes opened and started liking Choji. As ninja, our lives are most of the time shorter so grabbing love while you can is a big thing, it's not uncommon for people to fall in love at a young age and get married between 16 and 19. I'm glad they found each other. Although everything worked out for Ino, she wanted to get even for Kiba's call out and the war started.
"Neji-san Truth or dare?"
"Truth."
"Are you gay? That's the only explanation I can come up with on why your hair is so perfect." The room went dead silent and Neji's stoic face dropped. He looked more shocked than I've ever seen before, his eyes were wide and there was a massive sweat drop. Everyone was leaning in more to hear the answer but I broke the silence by laughing. I fell backwards and started wheezing from being unable to control my laughter. Naruto joined in since he knew Neji from spending time with us, this might have been one of the funniest questions to ask the ever stoic Neji who in his own right is a ladies man. Naruto also was glad the talk of being gay was off him and Sasuke. Naruto and I both got throat chopped so I was forced to stop laughing. Neji finally regained his composure but his annoyance was still apparent by the twitch in his eye.
"You are an imbecile, I am not gay." The harshness in his voice shut everyone up and we all moved on. I still had a gigantic grin on my face and was super glad I decided to stay for that. Neji was up next and he dared Lee to be silent for 5 rounds, I expected nothing less from him. Because Lee couldn't talk, we allowed Ino to do the next round.
"Shikamaru-kun, Truth or dare?" She slapped him out of his sleep and waited impatiently for his answer. He let out a big sigh and looked up in annoyance.
"Ugh, this is such a drag but knowing you, Truth would be more harmful so dare." Ino's eyes sparkled in mischief and she let out a giggle. Well, poor Shika is all I can say. Whatever she's planning, it's devious.
"I dare you to… kiss Hinata." Shika sat straight up and looked between Ino and I in disbelief, a twinge of pink on his cheeks.
"No way in hell lazy ass, you're not taking Hina-chan's first kiss dattebayo." Naruto bellowed out fuming. Neji just stood up and left, Lee following him with a gloomy aura. Sasuke was clenching his fist so hard his knuckles turned white. I just sat there blinking. Was a first kiss that big of a deal here, I mean wow. Either way, it's not like it's my first kiss or anything, I'd rather not make our relationship awkward with a kiss, but Shika is so chill it wouldn't change anything like it would if it was anyone else. Maybe I should leave though, kissing people like this is still kind of an awkward situation to be in. Honestly, never in my life have I imagined kissing Shika, it's the same for him too. Thunking about that stuff would be too troublesome. Naruto was still yelling at Shikamaru so I intervened.
"Damn Naru, calm down. Either way this wouldn't be my first kiss so stop worrying. Thanks for caring about me not wasting my first kiss but that is over and done with." I guess a first kiss does mean more than I thought because the room went dead silent again and all eyes were on me.
"WHAT?!" Everyone shouted in unison. Ino squealed in happiness and ran up to me, Tenten hot on her heels.
"Who was it? Was it that redhead? Tell me all about it. Why didn't I know this already?" They said together. Everyone else moved in closer to listen, I missed the suspicious glances Naruto and Shikamaru gave one another. I truly regret saying anything, I'm a ninja dammit not some girl who needs to gossip over love. Especially if my first kiss here was Itachi who preceded to put me in a coma right after, and my second one was with a boy who died right after. Sasuke had a dark aura surrounding him.
He already knew who it was, it was scary and his protective instincts seemed to be flowing out of him. Just like the first time when he found out, it was a sore subject still. Everyone looked at Sasuke confused by his reaction. He stood up in front of me pissed.
"That's none of your business." Ino didn't back down at all, unfazed by his attitude. Wow this is leaps and bounds from the fangirl she was, she's always had a backbone but to finally express it to Sasuke was a miracle to witness.
"It is my business. I want to know, especially now since it affects you so much Sasuke-kun." I grabbed Sasuke's hand and yanked him down to the ground.
"It's neither of your damn business, it's mine and if I wanna share it I have every fucking right to. My first kiss was with Itachi the night he put me in a coma. Thats why it bothers Sasuke and I never talk about it. Either way, no kiss can be as miserable as that one made me feel so it's not a big deal." Everyone was a bit gloomy and I didn't like it so I grinned and let out a small laugh. "Oh, and my second kiss was with Haku, it wasn't a good situation either but it was sweet and Zabuza's reaction to it was priceless." They all gave me incredulous looks, even Sasuke.
"That is so adorable, he confessed his love at first sight for you through a kiss! It's like a perfect tragic romance novel!"
"You kissed HAKU!" Naruto and Sasuke shouted together. I laughed at their faces, it was priceless.
"I know it's sweet but you don't need to be jealous Naru, Duckbutt. You guys had the most romantic first kiss of them all, you expressed your undying love for each other when you made Genin. It's a romance fit for Shinobi."
"I'm don't like the teme/dobe, Hina-chan/freak!" They said in unison yet again and I was dying. Everyone else found amusement in the situation too. I'm never letting them live their bromance down. Ever. While they were bickering, Shikamaru came over to me. Before I had a chance to say or do anything, he kissed me. It wasn't rough but it was by no means gentle. It was slow and almost lazy like him, but there was an intensity to it that he normally only shows in Shoji. He pulled away, flashed me a lazy smirk and went to lay down, falling asleep again.
I was stunned speechless. I didn't know if he'd actually go through with it. I touched my lips with a dopey expression, I never had time to dwell on my last two, but this was surprisingly nice. I don't think I like Shika, actually I don't think I like anyone like that but that kiss made my heart flutter a bit. My face was heated and I think I had to be blushing. Shikamaru was more than pleased, his heart was beating heavily and he felt extremely happy, waiting till he's older be dammed. After a bit more arguing and happy chats with Ino and Tenten, Sasuke was fed up so I said my goodbyes and went home with him and his pissy self. The whole Itachi thing is still a sore subject, he hates the situation and still want's to take out Danzo, and beat his brother up for getting manipulated by the likes of Danzo (and Obito).
I showered, put on some of Shisui's pajamas, and crawled into Sasuke's massive bed. He was still staring at his sword and tracing along the details with his index finger. I laid on my stomach next to him and watched absentmindedly.
"You're more brooding than usual." That brought him out of his trance and he scoffed at me.
"Hn. How'd you know I wanted a sword, I never told you." I looked up to meet his eyes and flashed a mischievous grin.
"Dude, haven't we been over this. I know everything. Plus, you'd look like a total fucking badass wielding a sword. It's in your genes to be good with weapons so I thought it would be good to make you the strongest you can be." His eyes twinkled with amusement.
"Hn. Like I need any more reasons for you to obsess over me." I rolled over and shoved him off the bed.
"You're one to talk mister I-allied-with-Naruto-to-bag-on-Shika-when-he-kissed-poor-innocent-Hinata."
"Innocent is not something I'd use to describe you. Perverted freak though…" He trailed off, egging me on. I threw a pillow at his face, he caught it and sent it back. It hit me dead on. This meant war. We wrestled and had a pillow fight, ruining a few of the pillows he had in his room. I was finally tired though and flopped down onto my side of his bed with only a sheet as a blanket so I don't get hot. He laid next to me with his arms holding me in a protective hold. I was almost asleep when he whispered to me. "What is Shikamaru to you?" My mind was slow and I was too tired to fully grasp the conversation but I answered.
"My best friend." His grip tightened on me.
"What am I."
"A duckbutt."
"Hn. Be serious for once."
"My family. Night, let me sleep. Love you." He ran his hands through my hair and I was out like a light. It's worked like that since we were little. I missed the last phrase he mumbled out with pure sincerity.
"Hn. Thank you for today. I love you."
—
(3d POV) In Sunagakura
Gaara took the letter off of one of the carrier birds and placed it on his desk, the only thing useful he has in his room since he never sleeps. He yearned to open the letter right away but was too busy with meetings with the elders to prove his worth and training with his siblings. Now that they are on better terms, they train to have more coordinated attacks. Gaara was the first one to leave the house and went on his way to meet with the bastards that weakly sealed the Tailed Beast Shukaku inside of him.
Every few days Kankuro noticed that Gaara was sending out letters and figured out he had a pen pal. The question he had was who is willing to exchange letters with Gaara and what they are saying that has made his brother seem so happy. He even started buying the color purple, purple for Kami's sake. Kankuro never missed the conversations Gaara had with Temari about girls and feelings. Gaara treats his letters like precious gold and never lets anyone see them. Today was the perfect day for Kankuro to 1. Find out who is sending him letters, 2. What the letters are saying that makes his brother so flustered, and 3. See what would happen if his precious letter somehow disappears. Now that he knows Gaara wont kill him, the puppet user is ready to play pranks he has missed out on for so many years.
Kankuro snuck into Gaara's room when his little brother finally left. Right in the center of his desk was a letter. He looked around for something Gaara could keep the rest of the letters in, knowing he wouldn't throw them out. Much to his sorrow, he couldn't find anything of the sort. Kankuro took the letter and went back to his room; getting caught in Gaara's room would end badly for him if anyone saw him. He carefully opened the letter, if it ripped Gaara might actually kill him. His eyes trailed down the letter in surprise. Kankuro never had a full conversation with Hinata, any chance he had was crushed by his little brother threatening to kill him so the only thing he had to go off of with her personality was the brief interactions he saw with his brother and her battles against Dosu and Kabuto.
From these, he decided Hinata was completely opposite of any girl he's ever met. She was fearless enough to not be afraid of Gaara, loving enough to make him change, stronger than anyone he's met; Kankuro knows shed kick his ass, and has a foul mouth. Not fitting the Hyuuga princess, he was told all Hyuuga were stuck up assholes. Reading the letter, a smile graced his face. His little brother made friends with someone special, someone funny and kind to show him all of what he'd been missing out on life. The letter itself was nothing special, at least to him. There was no romance or anything juicy he could tease his brother about, except maybe that it seems Gaara started buying purple because she said she liked it. And she said she was going to visit, maybe he could tease him about the head pats. Although the letter was worthless to him, he could see why the deprived of human contact little brother of his would cherish the letters of someone who really was making an effort to be his friend.
Being the brother he was, Kankuro placed the letter back into Gaara's room but instead of back on the desk, he slid it under the bed to see Gaara's reaction.
When Gaara got home from the day, he rushed up to his room to read and respond to the most recent letter Hinata had sent him. He walked to the desk and the letter was gone. Gaara stared for a bit, confused at the missing letter. His palms began to sweat a bit and he felt a feeling he couldn't explain slightly bubble inside of him. His heart felt like it was beating a bit quicker and he didn't feel the normal warmth he did when knowing there was a letter to read. Gaara was certain he received a letter so he searched for it in the most calm way he could. Deciding enough was enough, he used his sand to flip over everything in his room until he found his letter. His face vas void of emotion and Gaara stood right in the center of the room, hand's raised controlling the sand. It wrapped around his useless bed and he clenched his fist's.
"Sand Coffin." He mumbled out. The bed was instantly crushed and nothing but bits of feathers were left. His sand retracted back into his gourd Gaara loooked at the ground. There, under where his bed was sitting, was the letter. Gaara nodded contently, picked up the letter, and sat where the bed used to be. He opened the letter and read it, after a few minutes of reading and thinking, he got out his own utensils to respond.
Outside Gaara's room, Kankuro was watching shocked and amused. His brother literally destroyed his room to find one letter, it was a fun thing to do indeed. Not only did he get to see his brother freak out, he got to see the funny blush form when Gaara read his letter. A productive day in bonding indeed.
Dear Hinata-chan,
Please do not worry about me. I would like more hugs and head pats from you, they make me feel warm. You will have to tell me why. I am awaiting your visit, I will have my home prepared for you to stay in. I presume Naruto Uzumaki will be coming too so I will have a room ready for him as well. What is a raccoon? I've heard of them but never seen what it is. I had a meeting with the elders of the village today and they allowed for me to officially train to become the Kazekage. I do not like them all that much but I forgive them for their decisions. I will always be here to protect you. I owe you my life. Congratulations for passing you Jonin exams, I am confident that you are going to succeed and be the strongest ninja. I would like to gift you something when you come since I was unable to attend your celebration firsthand. Everything you have accomplished shadow's becoming Kazekage, without you I would not be on this path so it is your achievement as well. I got a new shirt and pants. They are red and have buttons. I like salted tongue and do not know of a favorite drink. My favorite dessert is cookies. My favorite childhood memory is of my Uncle Yashamaru helping me at a park so I did not have to be alone. I would like to know your favorite dessert also. What is your dream? What is something you would like to do before you die? Stay safe for me please.
From,
Gaara