Sorry for the delay. I am writing this during office lunch breaks. Yes, I'm already a working adult. So please bear with the slow updates.
Anyway, this chap is a retelling of the first one but in Hinata's POV. But I promise that the arc will move on and will be concluded on the next chap. And don't worry this split POVs won't happen in the next arcs of this one shot series. I just wanted to make this a smooth flow like what Naruto said The Last movie, it takes time to convey someone's feelings so I don't want to rush things. This is Naruhina Road to Love, so just sit back and enjoy.
I think I've mentioned that this is my first Naruto fanfic but I'm not a new author in this site. I actually had an old account under a different username since 2010 and wrote 2 stories for IchiRuki (Bleach) but could not edit/finished them because for the love of all good and evil, I could not remember the email address I've used for that account. So if anyone knows how to retrieve an old account, please let me know.
SORRY for the rant. Here is the chap. Preview of the next chap on the end AN
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A bird flapped its wings and flew high above the Konoha village, making a teenage konuichi to look up at the sky. Her long black hair swayed gently against the soft morning breeze and as her gentle pearl eyes followed the bird's peaceful voyage, she smiled.
Of new Mission clothes and Physical Attractions - Hinata Hyuga
Tucking a hair on the side of her face, Hinata let out in a deep breathe. After arriving from a mission last night, Kiba informed him the Sixth Hokage, former sensei, Kakashi-sama, asked them a favor to join Team 7 for today's mission. Though the Hokage apologized for the short notice, still Shino could not make it. The insect summoner ninja was too sick, the nurse advised that he be out for today's mission in order to recuperate fast and not to get the others sick as well. Taking a mental note to visit her teammate after the mission, Hinata let out dignified huff, "Alright, I can do this."
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Arf! Arf!
Hinata turned to see her teammates, Kiba and Akamaru, coming her way.
"Good morning, Kiba-kun, Akamaru." she greeted with a smile.
"Ah good morning, Hinata." Kiba replied with a yawn.
"Are you alright, Kiba-kun?"
"There was a newborn calves in our farm, Mom asked me to check up on them all night." Kiba massaged his left shoulder, easing the tense muscles. "So much for a relaxing sleep after mission, eh."
"Sorry to hear that." Hinata petted Akamaru who was whimpering softly. "Anyway, this is a B rank mission, right? And Sakura and Sai are with us so hopefully we can finish this mission fast." Hinata gave them a reassuring smile. Although, she herself did not have enough sleep she still maintain to be lively for the sake of her teammates. Besides, she doesn't want to be a burden to Team 7, who was primarily assigned for this mission. Since they specialized with search and hunt, the Hokage asked them to assist Sakura and Sai.
As for Naruto, Hinata heard that he was undergoing Hokage lessons with the elders and Lord Sixth and that he was not been sent in a mission ever since. Naruto had already proven himself many many times that he could do and pass any missions, so they wanted him to just focus on studying for his future Hokage duties. Though, Hinata wished she could go on a mission with Naruto, perhaps one last time before he became the Hokage.
Naruto...as the Hokage.
A pink blush appeared on her face as she imagined the blonde ninja standing in front of the Konoha villagers, showcasing his infamous grin as the Hokage robe flattered behind him. He must looked really cool.
"Oi, Hinata~" There was impatience on Kiba's tone as he called for her attention. "Are you ready to go?" The Hyuga heiress perked, nodding before climbing up the mutt.
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When they neared the entrance, Kiba raised an eyebrow as he caught sight of not just two but three ninjas already waiting at them at the gate, with that familiar blonde mob of hair waving and yelling out something. "Hinata, hang on tight." The guy gave Akamaru a slight nudged and before Hinata could reply, the mutt almost flew his way to the main gate. The Hyuga heiress was disconcerted with the sudden speed, she held onto Kiba for dear life and before she knew it, Akamaru had already halted. Her head spun a little. "What was that...Naruto?"
Though still a little lightheaded, Kiba's words struck Hinata. The name of the guy in question was too special for her, it wouldn't go unheard. Did he say...
"Yo, about damn time."
Hinata felt her heart spiked a thousand beats per second as she heard that voice she was longing to hear for a while now.
Naruto-kun? Why is he here? I thought he won't be joining any missions due to his Hokage lessons. The last time I saw him was when he's still at the hospital. I heard he had prosthetic arms now, I wanted to see them but never get the chance to-"
"Hmm, is that Hinata?" Naruto inquired, peering over to see the person sitting behind Kiba.
Hinata's internal blabbering got interrupted as she heard her name being spoken. She nervously peeked over Kiba's shoulder, and managed to put on a smile. "Good morning," she greeted, but her eyes slowly widened at the sight before her.
"Yo. It's a been awhile, Hinata."
Naruto, the village's hero, the center of her affection since time immemorial was standing there, with that warm mischievous grin of his, with that clean hair cut and with that new mission clothes. It's like a new but same Naruto. She can't quiet explain it but she felt her heart beating frantically more than ever. Naruto looked so dreamy, it's a sight to behold.
Naruto's new look was too much, Hinata had to hide her face back behind Kiba to try to calm herself down and not faint. "Y-Yes, it's been a while." she answered, trying hre best not to lose consciousness. Thank God for those intense training and their past interactions during Pain's attack, during the great war, at Neji's funeral and the some other times that they bumped into each other while roaming around the village, she's able to control herself not to faint anymore whenever his around her.
Still...
Kiba felt the intense heat of Hinata's burning face on his back. Being her childhood friend and teammate, he could easily figure out what's going on in the girl's mind.
Naruto, his new hair, and his new mission clothes.
Because of that, Kiba felt a little skeptic about Hinata's well being during this mission, he just wished she could keep up and not faint on them since she will be around her longtime crush. His thoughts were interrupted though as he heard a determined huff from behind him and figure out that the Hyuga heiress was finally able to calm herself. "You can get off now, Hinata." he said.
"Hai!" The konuichi responded, a little too quirky causing Kiba to smirk.
Still a bit reluctant, Hinata moved to get off from Akamaru's back. Thank God, her knees didn't buckle as she landed on the ground.
"Hehe, so we will be teaming up again, huh? This feels like the old times!" Naruto commented, placing his hands again on the back of his head. "Hey, what about Shino? Where is that-" The rest of his words were caught on his throat as he turned towards Hinata who just landed on her feet and was now standing in front of him in her all her female glory.
"Sorry for being late. We just came back last night from another mission so we didn't have much time to prepare..." Hinata trailed on, wary of the fact the her words were falling on deaf ears as Naruto stood in front of her as if he was struck by a lightning. "...sick. That's why Shino-kun could not come today." Hinata suddenly got confused. "Eh, what's the matter, Naruto-kun?" she asked, tilting her head on the side. Naruto's lack of response made the others to turn at him and it was Kiba and Sai who realized what was happening. The two guys shared a look.
'So, he wasn't that dense after all,' Kiba thought, smirking at the site of the stunned ninja. He knew that look. He actually kind of reacted a wee bit the same way as the blonde the first time he saw Hinata in her new mission clothes the other day. But unlike the blonde, he was not gawking at her like an idiot. It seemed that Hinata won't be the one who will have a hard time on this mission, but Naruto.
"Ah, Hinata, could you come here for a minute?" Kiba called, becoming a little protective of his teammate.
"Hai." Hinata threw one concerned glanced at Naruto before jogging towards the guy. 'I wonder what's gotten into him all of a sudden,' she thought before turning her full attention to what Kiba was saying.
"Ah, Hinata, if you want we can take turns on riding Akamaru so we can atleast save our energy." the guy offered, knowing that both of them have been walking around since yesterday. But Hinata took his offer down nicely.
"It's fine, I can walk. Besides, Akamaru-chan also have to regain his strength."
"Nah, Akamaru would gladly have you on his back. Right Akamaru?"
"Arf! Arf!" the mutt responded, earning a giggle from the Hyuga heiress when suddenly-
"Shanaro!"
The sound of a fist hitting the ground with a boom, got everyone's attention. "Ne," Sakura dusted her palms together, "Let's go?" she said smiling, but it was a creepy 'lets move-or-I-will-shanaro-your-face' kind of smile that had Naruto and Sai nodding obediently. The pink haired konuichi started walking off.
Though a little confused at Sakura's sudden outburst, Hinata felt relived to see that Naruto was responding, or to put specifically, bantering with his pale skinned teammate. She smiled, a soft feeling of nostalgia made her heart flutter. This was her first mission with Naruto after a long while, so she will do her very best. Kiba asked him one last time if she'll be fine walking and Hinata answered him with a positive reply.
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"Hey, Naruto," Sai whispered, leaning closer to the blonde ninja. "If you walk beside her, it's a good chance to see how big they really are." he added. And before Naruto could give him a taste of his fist, Sai walked over to the Hyuga heiress. "Hinata-chan, you're new mission clothes, they looked very..'different'." he commented, emphasizing the last word with a smile.
'I-Is that a compliment?' Hinata asked herself, smiling sheepishly as the guy walked ahead. She was about to follow him but noticed that Naruto was still standing behind. "Naruto-kun?"
"Hai!" the blonde stiffened, turning around in a swift move with his chest out like a soldier in attention, keeping his gaze above Hinata's head. "W-What is it, Hinata?"
"Let's go."
"Go? With me? Where?"
Hinata glanced on the side. "Ahm, to the mission. The others are already ahead of us."
Naruto blinked, turning to see the rest of his teammates already retreating. "Ahahaha. To the , I figured."
Hinata blinked as Naruto laughed, scratching the back of his head in embarrasment. "I'm going on ahead, Sakura-chan might get angry if we kept them waiting. Ja!"
She saw him nodding at her but felt a little concerned at how his gaze suddenly flickered into something she can't quite point out. And that made her kind of thought that something might be bothering the blonde ninja. He looked unease. If so, maybe she could asked him later on so she can somehow offer help.
Can she?
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"Byakugan!"
Hinata activated her jutsu for the nth time as she and her team tried to find a group of hostage takers that captured a young heir from a rich clan back in Konoha. Earlier, she and Kiba have sensed some presence nearby but for some reasons, it vanished as quickly as it appeared. It was almost noontime, and she was still unsuccessful with locating the bandits. For a B rank mission, this was getting way more frustrating than they thought. Hinata squinted her eyes even more, pushing her sight to move a few kilometers more than she had ever did before. She's getting a little anxious since morning, not only because of her task but also...
Hinata gulped, rubbing her eyes as she tried to stay focused on her task but a pair of peering eyes staring at her was making her nervous and more specially conscious. Since morning, she could feel Naruto's intense gaze behind her. She dared to look back at him one time to see if he really was staring at her, but Naruto quickly looked away, with an almost snob look on his face. Embarrassed and confused, Hinata kept her gaze away from the blonde ninja. But that was becoming harder and harder for her as she, once again, felt his gaze on her while they were perched on a tree. Being stared while she's using her Byakugan made her very uncomfortable and nervous especially if it's Naruto, her lifetime crush, the one she admired the most.
It was the first time that the blonde shinobi had actually paid her these much attention and ignored her at the same time. Did he want to tell her something? Maybe he noticed something about her hair, or maybe it was her face, she might've looked stressed. Or could it be...
"Hinata-chan, you're new mission clothes, they looked very...'different'."
Hinata recalled what Sai had said about her new attire. Feeling unease, she deactivated her Byakugan and looked down at her oufit. 'So it really wasn't a compliment?' Hinata mulled, a cloud looming above her head.
"I think we should take a break." A voice behind her said, causing the brunette to look over her shoulder. Feeling the Hyuga's tiredness, Sakura gave Hinata a small nod, as if telling her that it's okay to rest, to which Hinata responded with a nod of agreement. As the two konuichi leap down from the tree, Hinata threw a quick glance at Naruto who was having a conversation with Sai still up at the tree. She saw Sai handing out a paper to Naruto and for some reasons that made her felt nervous.
"I saw a river nearby. I forgot to bring some water so I'll just go get some," Hinata squeaked, walking hurriedly.
"O-Okay," Sakura blinked, a little surprise at the urgency on Hinata's voice. As the Byakugan eyed girl disappear into the trees, Sakura looked around and saw Kiba and Akamaru already relaxing themselves on a tree, taking a quick nap. She then heard someone landing beside her and asked, "Where's Naruto?"
With a smile etched on his face, Sai pointed a finger up.
"Oi Naruto! What are you still doing up there?! We must finished lunch quick!"
Hearing Sakura's voice , Naruto tucked the paper that Sai gave to him into his pocket and jumped down from the tree to rejoin his team.
"Geez, it's not like you to space out like this. What's gotten in to you today?" Sakura asked.
"I'm kinda hungry dattebayo."
Sakura rolled her eyes. "That's more like you,"
"Tehe." Naruto just answered with an awkward laugh as Sakura turned away and sat on a grassy spot to have her lunch, Sai sat beside her. He looked around and found only two members of Team 8 napping against a tree. "Hm? Where's Hinata?".
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Brushing some bushes out of the way, Hinata finally reached the river. Setting her bag on the grass, she then removed her boots and placed them beside it. She continued on her way to the river and dipped her legs on the water. She sighed at the touch of cold water against her sore feet. She was restless, and her Byakugan was already at its limit, but she wouldn't tell anyone about it. They were specifically summoned and were expected to help in this mission in the first place. And besides she doesn't want to be a burden to the team specially Naruto is with them.
'Naruto-kun.
Speaking of the blonde shinobi, Hinata couldn't help but felt a little down at their interaction (or lack thereof) since morning. She wanted to look more at him in his new uniform but she can't just do it. Naruto seemed to be in a very good mood today, but since he saw her, in her new mission clothes, he seemed a little awkward and avoided eye contact, but Hinata was sure that he was staring at her whenever she's not occupied with something. It's as if he wanted to tell her something. Hinata contemplated.
Sai was right, her new gear was totally different from her usual attire, which was always a pair of calf length jeans and a jacket or long coat. Maybe she shouldn't have let Hanabi to tweak the design of her new gear. She shouldn't have agreed to wear them but Hanabi was too persistent, making her feel guilty for not wearing something that was especially made for her. That little sister of her was full of mischief and Hinata was none the wiser. For the first time, she agreed on wearing something that showed some skin!
The thought made Hinata more conscious than before, thinking that Naruto, again her lifetime crush, the one she admired the most, might be displeased with her new clothes. And that he was trying to tell her just that, but could not find a better way to approach her. Even if he was a blunt guy, Naruto was always considerate of other people's feelings. He just wouldn't walked to her and tell her how terrible her outfit was. Sai gave him a paper, maybe he wanted Naruto to write it down on a note and gave it to her so that the other's won't hear it.
Hinata felt an itch in her eyes and shook the warm tears that started to form on them. This is not the time to sulk about something so trivial. She's a ninja on a mission, duties first above all else.
As she reached down to massage her aching foot, Hinata stared at her reflection on the water. But instead of seeing a tired face, images of herself fighting Pain flashed before her eyes, and what caught her attention was what she was wearing on her face the moment she first confessed. Hinata scooped a handful of water on her hands and splashed them on her face.
That's right. It's not a matter of what she wear. It's a matter of becoming confident.
As the water trailed down her face and neck, Hinata held her head high, pure resolved awakening. She must not be swayed by her trivial thoughts, she had promised herself that she will be more confident and she will do just that!
"Yo." That all too familiar voice suddenly came and made Hinata jerked.
"N-Naruto-kun!" she squeaked, her voice (and her resolve) cracking a little.
"Ah, sorry. Did I startle you?" Naruto smiled apologetically, one finger scratching an invisible itch on his cheeks.
Hinata nodded a little. "It's fine, I was dozing off and could not sense any presence around me. If it were the enemy, I must have been captured by now. Sorry about that."
"Hm, are you alright?" he asked, creasing his brows in concern as he noticed the tiredness on her voice.
"Yes, my feet is a little sore but I'm alright." Hinata replied, turning her gaze back at her soaked legs, contemplating on what to say next. But then Naruto said something that warmed her heart.
"Don't push yourself so hard." Naruto placed his hands on his pockets. "I can also track down enemy's chakra, you know?"
Moved by his concern, Hinata pushed all her petty thoughts away and gave him a sincere smile. "Yes, indeed. If I cannot use my Byakugan anymore, I'll ask Naruto-kun for help. Thank you, Naruto-kun."
That's right, if Naruto could be honest then she too must be able to be honest with him. Deciding that this was her chance to confirm her predicaments and ask him what he really thinks about her new mission clothes, Hinata opened her mouth to say something but the blonde shinobi suddenly looked away, giving her second thoughts as well. Maybe it's better to delay the question after the mission, it was a petty issue anyway. Hinata made a mental note, returning to wash her face again. As she scooped up some water again, drops fell down her blouse and she absentmindedly wiped them off her chest. A loud splashes of water came beside her, it was Naruto washing his face with a frantic manner as if his eyes was on fire or something. Hinata blinked, watching as the guy finally sighed in relief.
"Ah, feels good~"
"Naruto-kun, you have to pull your sleeves up or it'll be wet," Hinata commented after his careless stunt.
"Aah, crap! Why didn't you tell me that before, Hinata? It's my new mission clothes, dattebayo?!" Naruto frantically waved the water off his sleeves, making a goof out of himself. Hinata let out a giggle. Naruto might not know it, but he always had the power to erase her worries away. And for that she's happy.
"Hai," she said, extending a hand at the blonde looked confuse but still stretched his arms towards her. Scooting closer, Hinata reached for his left sleeves and started folding them. A comfortable silence fell upon them. And as Hinata worked her hands on the black fabric, she glanced at Naruto's uniform and said, "Y-Your new mission clothes, they looked really g-good on you."
"What was that?"
Hinata tensed, rolling the guy's sleeves faster as she realized that she had said something embarrassing, "N-Nothing!."
"Say that again~?" Naruto peered down, moving his face closer to her with prying eyes.
"I-It's really nothing." This time, Hinata looked up at him with a sheepish smile.
"Come on, you can tell me you know." Naruto pouted, making her giggle at his expression and soon he was also chuckling with her.
"Naruto-kun looks cute."
"You are cute too, Hinata."
"..."
"..."
Realizing that she just spoke her mind out loud, Hinata looked up and saw that Naruto had the same surprised gaze. And it's as if the world froze before them. Hinata could feel her face heating up to the extent that she might lose consciousness. However, she for the first time in her life, she withstand the embarrassment and kept her gaze on Naruto's face. She had never seen his face this clear and this close before. Naruto's face had grown from a cute little boy to a young handsome man, with blonde locks of him, that mesmerizing cerulean eyes, that pointed nose and those unique whiskers on his cheeks, that strong jaw that reduced the roundness of his face and finally those lips that never fail to give her encouragement. Those lips that she had always longed to-
"Ah! There you are!" Sai's abrupt appearance from behind the bushes causes the two ninjas to jump apart, faces burning red. "Sakura asked me to fetch you up. We have to leave." he informed, smiling with his eyes closed casually.
"Hai,"Hinata quickly gathered her stuffs, excusing herself form the other two ninjas before taking off. Her heart was pounding so hard against her chest like it was about to jump off any minute.
'I told him he's cute! I told him he's cute! I actually said it!' Hinata hugged her bag tighter against her chest, beaming at her new found confidence. When she rejoined the group, a wide smile was etched on her face. Naruto and Sai arrived a seconds later. Hinata watched as Sakura lightly scolded Naruto and she was glad and relieved to see the blonde ninja returning back to his normal lively self. And as she turned towards her original teammates, Naruto turned to look at her.
"Are you feeling better, Kiba-kun?"
"Haaii~" The guy replied, still a little less enthusiastically.
"Just hang on a little longer, okay? We can do this." Hinata petted Akamaru and the mutt replied with a positive bark. "Let's do our best for Shino-kun." she said, earning a nod of agreement from her two teammates. Unknown to her, Naruto had seen that gentle moment and it ignited his spirit.
"Alright!" Naruto said with a dignified tone, making all the members of the team to look at him. "Let's go!" He smirked, leaping off ahead with great vigor. Hinata nodded to her teammates and the three of them followed suit.
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"Alright, was that all about?" Sakura asked to no one in particular, not noticing the guy was still standing behind her.
"It must be the new mission clothes." Sai spoke from behind the pink haired konuichi, startling her.
'Why do you always have to pop out from nowhere?!" Sakura yelled but Sai just smiled and said,
'It really is because of the new mission clothes."
THANKS TO Cecillia90, Ravenshadow, mellyd, qyu, guest1 and L for your reviews and to those who followed and liked this story. Hope you stick around!
NEXT CHAP!
"WATCH OUT!"
Naruto's nose was inch away from being sliced by a sharp boomerang flying past him, with only his body reflex acting in a flinch. "What the-?!" Looking ahead of him, he saw five people, the bandits scowling at them and preparing for another attack.
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