Naruto: Path of the Sage

by SoulsVeteran

After the end of the Fourth Great Shinobi War, peace has finally began to integrate itself into society. It takes off where Naruto has just begun his studies to become a jounin. But what if he received his Parents legacy: Fuinjutsu to study alongside it and decided to see what else he could do with his new Six Paths founded abilities through new training? We can only imagine.

4. Chapter 3

Here you goes everybody, another chapter.

This one is more on the cheesy side towards the end, I wanted to keep the waterfall reenactment scene for later as well. But I figured kill two birds with one stone and have written in this chapter anyway.

Thanks for those who have read my story, especially the reviewers as I do make make mistakes and it warms my heart to know that people want to see me improve. Also, about the NaruHina pair, yeah, it's just what I ship, no hate or hostilities. But it's mostly that I can't write another pairing as well.

This chapter will finally reveal Naruto's progress in Fuinjutsu and the need to go to Uzushiogakure.

Enjoy.

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Chapter 3: Deep down

The night after the talk with Neji's ghost.

Naruto's POV

After having my mask broken through by Ghost-Neji, I found myself feeling lighter, the kind of weight that weighs on your heart or at least in your chest was suddenly lifted.

I had so many hidden emotions that swirled in my heart for so long that even I was surprised by what I really had within me and yet here I was thinking I knew everything about myself. I always wondered why every time I asked out Sakura and said, "I love you" so easily, I kept asking myself why it felt forced and empty, better yet, why my thoughts kept going back to that girl (a very cute one in my opinion) I saved from three bullies back when I was five when I said those three words. Another question that appeared in the dark recesses of my heart was 'If I'd ever know what love is?'.

The only people he can ever say without a doubt, who he loved were Ero-sennin, his parents, Teuchi-jiji, Ayame-nee-chan and Old man Hokage, Hiruzen the Third Hokage.

But now that Ghost-Neji, brought out his true feelings, he now discovered what he felt for Hinata was much stronger than even what he felt for his parents and Godfather, Jiraiya. Which still confused him; he lacked love his whole life and that's what he wished to have. But never thought about the possibility of an even stronger positive emotion than love, if it ever existed. Regardless, that still didn't change the fact that he cared for her so much to the point that, even if she somehow ended up hating him, he'd still be supporting her to help her achieve her goals and dreams just the same for the sake of making her smile for real. His feelings for the lavender heiress were just that strong that it confused him.

To complicate things further, he would never tell anyone this, well maybe Jiraiya if he was still alive, but he has been dreaming that the beautiful girl he saw dancing on the waterfall was Hinata for the past few months. However, he laughed at the incredulous possibility of that ever happening, the sweet and innocent Hinata, doing a sexy nude dance in the water. But he couldn't help but compare that one time he saw her without a jacket in nothing but a skin-tight mesh shirt, which he swore was part of some fetish. Her form despite being more grown and curvaceous than even the girls he saw in those magazines for the time he made his 'Oiroke no jutsu' was just very similar that girl. But he decided to ponder on that at on a later date.

As he thought more about his true self, it eventually wound up making him think about his mother, Kushina's homeland, the Land of Eddy, Uzushio. Most of him wanted to reconnect with his past relatives to fill in the gap that was so far only filled by Sasuke, who was like a brother to him figuratively and in a past life, literally. Another reason was that he had gone through most of his parent's scrolls from the Uzumaki clan and Namikaze family notes already and he found at the end of his mother's letters that there was still more at the now destroyed Whirlpool country still awaiting a 'certain clan member'.

With all that thinking done, Naruto decided to fall asleep due to the fact finally got the new clone jutsu down, which he calls, 'The Flesh clone' since this clone jutsu unlike the Shadow clone jutsu which made a physical and identical clone by splitting his chakra evenly. The flesh clone required the usage of his Yang Release to pump more life into his clones, making them genuine copies of his body to the point that his clones remained after one of them decided to try the Clone Explosion, resulting in that said flesh clone to blow off its only arm. Even better, was that they transferred his physical training results due to the fact, that the flesh would convert back to a chakra form to go back to the user. The downsides, it took 10 times more chakra so the most he could make was 100 flesh clones, but he only needed 3 due since Naruto could only take so much punishment from training. Also, when the flesh clones dispel, they technically die, so no knowledge is passed onto the original, only the physical body results and finally, unlike the Shadow clone jutsu where it felt like a sudden splash of cold water over his brain, the feedback from the flesh clones felt like someone was melding a piece of metal onto him. To put it bluntly, it burnt like a bitch!

Despite that, Naruto was excited to see what results in his physical training he could achieve now after using his flesh clones for training the next day. With that he finally nodded off.

Early in the morning

It was 4:55 am, Naruto did get plenty of sleep, often too much and he was content to keep it that way until someone knocked on his door.

Who the hell would see him at this time of the day!? He looked at his clock and scowled as he still had a good five minutes before he actually started his training routine, with Lee if he was lucky enough to meet him.

Annoyed, he begrudgingly made his way to the door and found an Anbu awaiting him. This quickly made Naruto sober up knowing that this was important since it meant Kakashi-sensei needed to see him.

"Hey there Miss Cat" lacking his usual cheery enthusiasm. If the purple-haired Anbu was surprised, she didn't show it.

She then told him "Uzumaki-san, Lord Sixth has requested your presence immediately." With a monotone voice only, a drone could pull off.

Naruto went through the motions of saying he'll be there soon as he was still in his pyjamas, no not the old frog wear he wore, but he now just sleep in boarding shorts and a black baggy T-shirt. If Kakashi-sensei, needed him immediately, then it must be urgent. He took a cold shower to wake him wake, brushed his teeth and wore his mission gear; the clothes he got from Tenten's store a few months back.

At the Hokage's office

Kakashi, now Sixth Hokage, whilst seated on his 'throne', was seemly going over the Forbidden scroll and adding some new things, like making Sasuke's Chidori variants and Naruto's Rasen Shurikens forbidden jutsus. Little did his assistant Shizune know, that Kakashi already finished that, but to have some reading time, he cleverly transferred all the forbidden scroll's contents to a fake Icha Icha tatics book and made the once forbidden scroll, an Icha Icha book. So, he was giggling like Ino who found some new gossip.

Fortunately, or, unfortunately, Naruto arrived a bit too early for his taste, however, he examined Naruto now, he was no longer a loud-mouthed midget he took under his wing, but instead, was a well-grown man whose height could now easily rival the Raikages, at 192cm tall with a build that could have only been achieved from years of gruelling training, possibly due to Naruto for the past few months after his morning running, he summons himself to Mount Myoboku for its low oxygen levels and higher gravitational environment to push his stamina. The mission gear that Naruto now wore made him seem functional, yet regal, especially with the red cape with a white whirlpool swirl that Naruto sewed on himself, a black military jacket with an orange zipper, with burnt orange shinobi pants (baggy around the thigh, form-fitting around the calves) and jet black armoured sandals. Overall, Naruto looked like he could do both missions and formal occasions since he looked like a prince.

Kakashi, once he stopped his thoughts which only lasted a glance, he started to inform Naruto about a mission for both diplomatic reasons and for Naruto's sake.

He eye-smiled "Yo! Naruto, how have you been ah… nevermind, I've already seen how you are." He happily said whilst looking at the crystal ball, making Naruto chuckle.

"Oh, come on Kakashi-sensei, I can take care of myself, no need to worry, plus, I thought you used that to peep on women not watch me!? Naruto accused. Kakashi nervously laughed at how accurate his guess was.

Changing the topic, Kakashi spoke "Enough about that, Naruto, I called you here for a diplomatic mission to Iwa that will last around 6-8 months according to my estimations." He told Naruto. Naruto was excited at the prospect of getting a mission, but the word diplomatic confused him.

"A diplomatic mission, why me? Why not Shikamaru, or an experienced political figure like yourself or Grandma Tsunade?" Naruto asked.

Kakashi reasoned "Well, Naruto, Shikamaru is already on his way there with Temari for Sand delegations, since you're still using the Uzumaki clan name and you'll be continuing it…" Kakashi wriggled his eyebrows making Naruto groan "… I figured that this will be a good learning experience for you as you're the type who learns from doing things directly, also, with your presence and reputation, it'd definitely be seen as an honour to cement the relationship between Konoha and Iwa. So, your job there is to make a good impression, make a few friends with important political figures and make trade agreements between our villages. Plus, Tsunade is spreading medical services around the world, so she might be there." Kakashi reasoned. Naruto nodded but then piped up.

"Um… Kakashi-sensei, I'm not sure if it's a good idea for me to go, ya know, my dad and them…" Naruto mentioned, Kakashi saw his worry but waved it off "Don't worry Naruto, they now respect your father because of his assistance in the last war and they really admire your courage" making Naruto feel better.

"However, to avoid making you mess up, I'm asking you find someone who is free and has experience in these types of things to go with you" Kakashi informed, making Naruto excited as he wouldn't have to journey alone, though he could just summon Gamakichi, he is a little bit big for some company.

Kakashi then added, "Also, a while you are traveling to Iwa, I want you to make a stop at Uzushiogakure, the Whirlpool country, there has been a chakra disturbance there as of recent and we need you with your unrivalled sensory skills to investigate, so the person you take with you must be able to help you in this endeavour to exactly pinpoint what caused this is".

Naruto was shocked, his mother's and his clan's old home suddenly had a huge event happen. A chakra disturbance, now that could explain the feeling he had for the last 2 weeks which felt familiar, but he ignored as he thought it was just Sasuke letting out his frustrations, but now that he focused a bit more, it wasn't Sasuke, no, he sensed him elsewhere when he used sage mode one time revealing that he was in Kumo with Suigetsu. Instead, the chakra felt more like his, but different. Who, or what, would have chakra like his be doing in the middle of his Clan's old country.

Naruto shook himself out of his thoughts, the answers to his new questions would be answered once he arrived visited the Land of Eddy; something he wanted to do for a while since he needed more of his clan's knowledge as he technically learnt all he can from what Mito and his parents left behind. Not that he wasn't progressing; through trial and error, he was already experimenting with new seals that have never been thought possible, in fact, he created a new range of seals causing the need to put it under a new category in the history of Fuinjutsu, for now, it was under the name 'E.T' or 'Extra-terrestrial' seals since one of the seals Naruto made involved creating a gateway to the world of the Shinigami, The Death God since he thought he could maybe speak to his parents more often if he did that, but Kakashi quickly forbid Naruto from ever using those type of seals as it could potentially release dangerous enemies if not contained properly. Naruto quickly understood this and decided to work on realm-crossing communication seals that allowed to speak to those in the afterlife. But, even with Naruto's revolutionary progress in his clan's art, even he hits a few dead ends, to the point he needs references from his clan's scrolls and the trip to Uzushio would be worthwhile.

Back to Kakashi-sensei's request, he thought about who could help him identify the occurrence and its source. He was, not to brag, the best sensor in all the Shinobi Nations, add to the fact he could enhance it in three different languages (Sage mode, Bijuu mode and Six Paths Sage mode). So, he didn't need another sensor, but someone who could 'look' for the reason for this incident. He thought about getting Sasuke to help, the likeness of this chakra to Naruto's, he thought maybe Sasuke's Rinne Sharingan would be perfect. But the guy was to faraway and wanted to repent for his crimes. So, he thought about anyone similar, so naturally the Hyuga, whose eyes are better are locating chakra sources. He found most of them stuck up and didn't look forward to having to choose a random Hyuga… until something clicked. It didn't need to be a random Hyuga, with a bright smile that could have been mistakened for Gai's. Naruto assured Kakashi that he had the perfect person to accompany him.

"A person who can pinpoint the source of the problem, I got someone, when it comes to tracking and recon, no one is better than Hinata when you need to find something!" Naruto beamed at the mention of Hinata. He didn't notice, but Kakashi smiled under his mask.

Kakashi complimented him with his eye-smile "Yes, that's a very good choice, though, you need to ask the Hyuga head for permission first, as they are going through a little debate now…" he ended. Naruto was curious and wanted to ask, but Kakashi just simply said it's a clan affair. Only those inside, or involved can know. Which of course made Naruto even more eager to know, he wondered if Hinata would be willing to divulge the information, or else he can just use Ninshu which he used on Kakashi for a split second.

His thoughts weren't even about anything important, but rather, Naruto could hear Kakashi's mind screaming 'Just hurry up and go, I have a book that needs to be read', this told Naruto to get going and that he still had a long way to go if he wanted to be able to then sort out people's thoughts like a Yamanaka.

Therefore, he said his farewell and just as he was about to Body Flicker out of the window, Kakashi asked.

"So, Naruto, when is the next instalment of Icha Icha coming out?" he eagerly wanted to know. Since Naruto hasn't been on a mission until the one he just received, he needed a source of income to sustain himself and pay the water and electricity bills. He had thought about making seals to get those things for free, but, relented as he didn't what his new landlord to go bankrupt. So, in both desperation and in memory of his beloved Godfather, he started writing Icha Icha, he would have done it moderately if Kakashi didn't catch him writing it. Which meant, Kakashi was Naruto's manager in a way, the biggest Icha Icha fan equalled that he had to finish it quickly or Ramen was banned.

Naruto groaned "Almost done" before flashing out the window.

The Hyuga mansion

Things at the Hyuga compound from the outside looked fine. But when Naruto neared the gates informing the guys he needed someone to accompany him on a mission. His Negative Emotions Sense was triggered, he felt their frustrations, fear and anticipation for whatever came up. He heard their thoughts like:

'The elders are stuck in their foolish ways!'

'The war is over, there shouldn't be any reason as to have a 'precaution''.

'I guess the unity of the Five Shinobi Nations doesn't mean the Hyuga Clan would do the same, huh?'

'Why must we still bear a curse?'

All these thoughts came from many of the branch members who on the outside looked calm and emotionless, but the fact Naruto's Negative Emotions Sense was picking up these thoughts, then things are never as they seem from a far. It made him want to fulfil his promise to Neji right there and then; he wanted to remove the curse seal and apply a new one that would let the branch members live the rest of their lives without fear of death at any moment and any other malicious curse mark ever again. But, for now, Naruto had to control himself as he needed to do everything right, or else, his efforts the past few months would be in vain.

A few minutes later, Hiashi's Office

Naruto was finally allowed to see Hiashi and was tense. Sure, it wasn't a fear of being taken down, he wasn't trying to be cocky, but he could definitely take on the entire Hyuga clan, minus Hinata, as he was now. However, it was a different type of fear, one of being afraid of rubbing someone the wrong way because if he made a good impression on the head of the clan, then he'd have the support to give his solution to the Hyuga clan's internal problem. So, Naruto could not afford to mess this up! He put on a determined face as soon as he entered his office.

"Good evening, Lord Hiashi" Naruto formally greeted immensely surprising the said Hyuga, but years of diplomatic training and taking the Hyuga elders' bullshit allowed him to hide it. Unfortunately, Naruto also decided to keep his Ninshu active for these kind of talks, and all this on-the-field experience was really making it easier to use it; he didn't need to focus so much to read one's feelings and thoughts.

Naruto on his supposed-to-be three-year training journey with Jiraiya, he was taught etiquette by him as much as he protested, Jiraiya finally had him taking it to heart when he said, "Being a Shinobi isn't just about firing off Jutsus. The best always knows how to blend in and win battles without them even starting through things like formalities."

Despite not having been in many of these formal meetings, Naruto still had his etiquette skills fresh and made better due to the slow merging of Ashura's memories of these things.

Back to the conversation at hand. Hiashi greeted back stoically.

"Likewise, to you, Uzumaki-san, or should I say, Uzumaki-sama?" almost as if he tried to tell a joke, but failed horribly.

Naruto was genuinely confused, he didn't bother to hide it, but showed it politely by widening his eyes and decided to put off his two reasons; asking for Hinata and his seal alternative.

"Why would you call me that, if I may ask?" Naruto questioned, this formal talk was really taking his toll on him, but his sage persona was doing its magic.

Hiashi let out a smirk, "I was best friends with your parents, especially your father Minato, like your mother Kushina was with my late wife Hikari-chan" letting out some emotions whilst being formal.

Naruto was shocked to say the least. This guy was best friends with his parents. He voiced his thoughts.

"I have to say, I'm really surprised, I never thought that you'd know my parents personally. But never mind that, why would you call me Uzumaki-sama?" he asked.

Hiashi then began reasoning "Through Kushina, I know of the Uzumaki clan and how you are one of the last known males who can become clan heir, personally I was one of the few who wanted to adopt you along with my wife." Naruto was shocked learning that this seemly cold-hearted father would have it in him to think about doing something so warm and tender for him, but nodded in understanding.

Hiashi continued, "I'm sure you know already, your clan, the Uzumaki, were feared for their mastery of Fuinjutsu, of course, that's where Konoha, especially Minato, got much of their sealing knowledge. I do hope you doing your heritage proud" he stated.

Naruto gave a smile "No worries, I've been through all the scrolls that have been left for me", Hiashi was shocked in all honesty, he knew of the Uzumaki's bloodline towards quickly gaining and developing an unrivalled mastery of seals, but for Naruto to have gone through all of his parents' notes then he must have an especially strong affinity for it.

Naruto continued before Hiashi could even speak "I do hope to make my late family, and recently discovered cousin, Karin-neechan, proud, but I strive for self-improvement I can be so I can one day look in the mirror and say I'm proud of myself, regardless of what others may say about my capabilities" he modestly stated.

This unknowingly to Naruto, made Hiashi respect the once, to be blunt, plain stupid boy to a man that one could only dream to be, even more than before.

'He doesn't let others' acknowledgement to go to his head and he still believes that he must become more if he wants to be proud of himself despite his fame and heritage' Hiashi thought.

'He really is the only one for my daughter' he mused.

Naruto used this topic about the Uzumaki clan to transition to what he really came for.

"Speaking of the Uzumaki clan, I have been given a diplomatic mission to Iwa, also something has happened in my clan's old homeland, Uzushiogakure, that must be investigated immediate before that. So, I wanted to request a Hyuga to accompany me for both diplomatic support and assistance for this investigation" Naruto said.

Hiashi was letting the information sink in, he already knew that a political event was happening which happened to be Iwa since he was invited to go over there next week. But for something to happen in Uzushiogakure that needed to be investigated immediately was big news. At the request of a Hyuga, he already knew who he wanted to join him.

Hiashi then spoke up, "If you need someone for both those reasons, then I suggest you take my daughter, Hinata" surprising Naruto that he would just recommend her on the spot, but Hiashi had other reasons as well.

Naruto beamed "Thank you very much Lord Hiashi!" with a child-like radiance that made the Hyuga clan head smile.

However, Hiashi needed to ask something else, "Who else is joining you on your venture Uzumaki-san?" he asked.

Naruto gestured with his hand saying "Just Naruto please and no, it's just Hinata and I going to Uzushiogakure! So, it's going to be really fun!" he excitedly said forgetting that this was a formal meeting and the last part dug his own grave.

Hiashi's fatherly overprotectiveness for his daughters' safety and virtues kicked in. He has had people in the past try to kidnap his daughter for the sake of 'stealing' her bloodline and in more recent years, overeager and spoiled rich sons of Daimyos and heirs from so-called 'prestigious' clans who desired to court his eldest daughter. Which he has furiously refused. So, hearing a man say the word 'fun' with his eldest daughter naturally ticked him off.

Hiashi directed some killer intent towards Naruto, making him flinch with the Hyuga glare for a tasteful effect.

Hiashi began "Excuse, Naruto! But just what are you planning on doing with my daughter, alone on a mission!?" he demanded, Naruto lost the meaning of his question so he honestly replied.

"Oh, I mean we are on a mission to a place we have never been before, it's really fun to see what you can't guess. Also, Hinata, is a very enjoyable person to be with, so I can't wait to tell each other stories, joke around and see the sights!" making Hiashi's fear of him taking advantage of his daughter melt away. But, he knew that Naruto was a bit of a pervert due to his association with Jiraiya. Yet, Naruto completely lost the meaning of his earlier demand, meaning he now worried if he'd ever see his daughter as a woman.

Hiashi took a leap of faith, "I see… on the topic of Hinata, tell me your thoughts of her. What do you like about her and what she is to you? Hoping to at least have a guarantee for his hopes.

Naruto became excited and began to rant and show his admiration of Hinata "Oh, she is incredible! She is a person that I look up to! She's kind, caring, strong, inspirational and best of all she never gives up at the things she puts her mind to! So, I am happy that she is my best friend!" surprising and impressing Hiashi who thought 'What do you know, he likes my daughter for her character, though he considers her his best friend, his feelings run deeper than what most devoted lovers have for each other' he smiled which Naruto caught but didn't point out.

Hiashi then nodded "I see, then I know you'll care for her more than yourself" earning a nod from Naruto.

"Hinata isn't in the compound right now as she is training around a nearby waterfall she has found" making Naruto smile and about to leave until he remembered.

"Oh, one more thing Lord Hiashi" catching his attention.

"I have something I'd like to offer to your clan as a sign of goodwill if possible" Naruto said, yet again surprising Hiashi. 'He's called the number one unpredictable ninja for a reason'.

"What do you have to offer, Naruto?" Hiashi asked.

Naruto took a serious face "I've made a bit of progress in Fuinjutsu. And I have made a new seal to end the tradition of the Caged Bird Seal's usage" for the first time making Hiashi's jaw drop.

"What!?" Hiashi slammed his hands into his desk "Do not fool around with me, Naruto! If you are lying, then I won't hesitate to kill you!" Naruto expected this reaction though.

Naruto began to reassure Hiashi, "I'm not lying Lord Hiashi, I have it with me right now" he claimed and proved as he pulled out a scroll and unrolled it. What it showed was a series of very complex array of symbols and other unknown pictograms of some sort along with uniquely drawn symbolisms, showing signs that this was a completely original seal designed and crafted by Naruto in his style. But what caught Hiashi's attention the most was the Kanji slot in the middle, which had the character for 'Unity'. He thought that this was too good to be true and questioned its legitimacy. Naruto confirmed to him it was real by explaining as simply as possible what every function did. To completely rid him of any doubts, he showed that he had the seal placed on him, even though on Naruto's left palm it said 'Promise' Naruto explained that if desired, he can customize the look of the seal.

Hiashi finally recovered from his episode before asking.

"Okay, I'd like to have this seal used right away, but we have to convince the elders first. Have you thought of that? Naruto nodded.

"Yes, I have Lord Hiashi, that's why I wanted to show you first and request an audience with the entire clan to make my offer" Hiashi agreed.

"Okay, but do come prepared, I'll have the appointment setup in 9 months time from now same day in the afternoon." Hiashi advised. Naruto nodded and was about to leave. But Hiashi had one more question.

"Does my daughter know about this?" he asked and Naruto shook his head.

"Not yet anyway, I want to tell her on the way to Uzushiogakure, but I do want to surprise her" he mischievously smiled, making Hiashi smile.

"I support the second option, if you can, anyways it was good talking with you." He sent him off and Naruto bowed before leaving to find Hinata.

Once Naruto left, Hiashi took out an old document that was well-maintained. It was made between him and his wife, Hikari alongside Minato and his wife Kushina when both the said women were pregnant finally knowing the genders of their children. So, they joked how if one of the women was of the other gender they would have gotten married instead, so they thought they would put little Naruto and Hinata as they called them in their bellies into a betrothal contract saying they will love each other. How right they were…

Hiashi mused "I guess mothers do know what's best for their children…"

With Naruto, his POV

Once I was a good 15 minutes away from the Hyuga Compound, I was suddenly let go of a breath I didn't know that I was holding.

I never thought it would be that tense talking to the Hyuga Clan head, Hiashi. Then I remembered the audience in 9 months, which made me shiver in fear, how the hell am I meant to survive a hundred Hiashi lookalikes staring at me!?

Once I relaxed myself, I was off towards the only waterfall I knew that was near Konoha; Where I trained in elemental manipulation. I knew Hinata would be at that particular one as I wanted to show her the cool waterfall Captain Yamato made for me back when I was making the Rasen Shuriken. Which reminds me I still need to show her my garden I keep on my apartment building's roof (yes, on the roof and I have the key to the door, not that I need it, just to keep others away from it).

I could remember her face when she saw the waterfall, she looked just like a little kid who just had a bunch of presents dropped in front of them.

As I made my way to the waterfall, I didn't see her there surprisingly. Was I wrong? That couldn't be, my guesses are usually right. Just as I was about to gather natural energy. I heard a splash, it sounded pretty far away, like really far away… The only reason I could hear it was due to my enhanced hearing due to Kurama and the other 8 guys (Oi! At least say my name! Shukaku's voice went unheard) and the momentary focus that comes with gathering Natural energy.

Out of pure curiosity and believing that it might be Hinata, I power walked in the general direction the sounds were coming from. And did I mention just how far it was?

An hour later, full moon

I could not believe that after an hour of walking, the water from the Yamato's waterfall went all the way here. I thought about just using sage mode and then search for Hinata that way. But, there was just something familiar about this situation, the full moon in the night sky, the trees of the forest and the pitter patter of water, it was as if I was reliving a memory… 'Click'

Now I remember, the bikouchu mission that one night, where I needed to take a leak, after that I heard a sound and followed the source to find the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, even more so than my mom and that was despite having short hair! I just wish I saw her face. Then I thought, 'wait am I going to see her again' it was unlikely, but the situation was just too similar to not be. I hoped she was there, I still dream about that girl from time to time and so I walked a bit faster. I wanted to meet her!

I finally reached a lake that had fluoride blue water that glowed like a neon light which in turn made the edge of the lake's grass and lilies to glow too. The moon was even perfectly placed at the centre… there she was… the girl of his dreams! My how she had grown! If he thought the girl he saw 5 years ago was the definition of the word beautiful, then this woman was just… unreal! Her legs were lean, with toned and thick thighs, a bubbly shaped behind that formed what seemed to be a upside-down heart shape, which merged into a thin waist that sported a well-toned flat stomach which trailed up to her… did she have melons on her chest, oh god, those were her boobs! They had to at least be Granny Tsunade's size, or even a bit bigger! But this woman, the water fairy, defied gravity much like the water that floated around her… And damn, she looked angelic with that long, free-flowing silky hair.

I shook my head, eyes filled with determination. I was not gonna fall into the water like last time. I was going to get to know her and maybe, just maybe I could pursue someone for real this time! Not that childish crush I faked on Sakura to compete with Sasuke and to cover up the fact I didn't know love!

With my head, held high, taking careful steps, I managed to water walk onto the lake's surface, as I got closer, I felt more enticed by the woman's movements that shook her shapely-hips and bounced her chest. Her hair, in the moonlight, shone a midnight-blue. But what I was eager to see was her face, I haven't gotten close enough to make out her face, but I could tell she was gorgeous and that her eyes were closed. I finally decided to stop, I was close to the edge of the water dome she made and I was still drinking in her heavenly visage. After taking a deep breath, I took the leap of faith.

"Hey there" I greeted with my best confident voice, making the woman stop and flinch. I must have scared her.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, but, I really wanted to meet y…" he tried to say, but was cut off by a quiet and smooth voice that was oddly familiar.

"N-N-N-Na-Naru-u-ru-t-t-to-kun? The water fairy said. Wait! She knows my name! Could she have been one of my fans!? No, it can't be, then I would have remembered… oh yeah, I didn't she her face and she had short-hair back then. So, how does she know my name? Why did she sound familiar?

"Hey, how do you know my name? You know, you sound just like my best friend Hin-!" I was saying until I finally saw this angel's face, she was mesmerising! But that was not what shocked me, I finally saw her eyes, they were twinkling, milky and lavender eyes that held no pupils which I only knew one person who had them.

I looked at her once more, I realised who I was talking to…

"I-Is t-that you, Hinata?" I put out in disbelief, she was the girl of my dreams!? Then I remembered how I managed to describe her body, which made me feel flushed and guilty.

The now-reveal Hinata stated gathering her breath and was hyperventilating. Taking on a new full body skin tone of radioactive red. She realised that her modesty was revealed for the whole world to see and that Naruto, unlike last time, managed to successfully approach her. She gasped in embarrassment, cupping her breast and jumped away, which only made things worse.

When Hinata jumped away, Naruto then had one last gaze over the water fairy, Hinata's body, burning a pleasant image in his mind for all his dreams to come. Once this happened, Naruto realised she was naked! Hyuga Hinata, that girl who always wore baggy clothes and never really revealed much was naked, doing an erotic naked dance on the water, sure, he has seen her in a towel once when Lee broke the bathhouse roof. She was the girl of his dreams this whole time!

But I had no time to ponder and Hinata did something I was sure only Ino and Sakura combined could do, scream like a vulture!

"AAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Hinata screamed out of sheer embarrassment.

I finally got knocked out of my trance and took on a massive red blush. I then realised, that she was trying to cover herself and had taken to dropping into the water with only her head peeking out looking at me. And I swear she was so embarrassed that I felt the water heat up, was that steam? I finally got my voice back.

"S-say, why don't we head by to dry land a-an-d settle down for the n-night?" I asked stuttering. Hinata took on even hotter blush as the water began boiling, since when did she know Boil release!? Then I realised the context of my words and corrected my intentions.

"Ahhh… I mean, um, you know, set up camp to rest for the night, it is kind of late! Dattebayo!" I quickly said. Fortunately, she calmed down and began swimming towards the direction I came from.

Once I reached the edge, I turned towards her and saw she wasn't getting out. I blushed again, knowing that she was naked underneath the water, so I took my jacket off and offered it to her.

"Here you go Hinata, it's pretty cold in the water and it'd take too long to get your clothes as I don't know where they are" I reasoned finally not stuttering. Hinata nodded and I left the jacket.

"I'll go on ahead and make a fire" and took off, I didn't want her to see the 'Hokage tower' I grew in my pants. So, I quickly went and took 'care' of that first before making a fire. I felt like a piece of crap for beating off to Hinata, my best friend, my hero and here I am using her image like a stress relief method. I could only hope that she'd still be willing to be my friend.

10 minutes later

I finally calmed myself down, the fire was burning nicely and gave me something to occupy my mind with other than Hinata's body.

Speak of the devil, she came to the fire and what I saw made all my earlier efforts in vain. She was wearing my jacket, but she wore it so damn well, she gripped it closely to herself reminding me badly of her curves and the bottom of my jacket ended just above mid-thighs; it made her look cute, beautiful and sexy all at once! How was that possible!? Despite what had happened, she greeted me shyly as usual and sat next to me, which I swear all my earlier efforts to 'trim' the once 'Hokage Tower' was in vain. Nevertheless, I greeted back with a bit more timidness that was very unlike me.

After a bit of awkward silence, I finally spoke up.

"Sorry about that Hinata… I was actually trying to look for you." I said.

Hinata then looks at me with wide-eyes and sported a red blush.

"No! No! I didn't mean I tried to find you naked! I was going to ask you to come with me on a mission for tomorrow, I asked your Dad and everything!" I assured her. She calmed down a bit and nodded.

"O-Okay, you didn't mean to see me like that" she quietly said, I heard a bit of disappointment in her voice so I decided to do something I usually don't do.

"But when I heard water drops from afar, it reminded me of that beautiful girl I saw from years ago, so I thought maybe I'd follow the sounds and I could see her again…" I told her and she blushed at being called beautiful.

"I never thought that the girl of my dreams would have been you Hinata!" I said. She erupted in colour. But then she calmed down a bit and looked sad again.

"So, are y-you… disappointed t-that it was me?" she asked faking a forlorn expression. It worked.

"No, I'm actually glad! It just makes everything seem more real now, like that it's not impossible to be with her, since she has always been there by my side" I told her. Hinata was pleased with the outcome but didn't expect what sounded like a confession from Naruto.

We looked into each other's eyes, I saw in her moonlit lavender pearls, that they twinkled when amused and shone brightly when she hid her excitement. I saw that she was expecting me to say something next, I knew that it was now or never, might as well tell her how I feel and my intentions before anything between us happens.

Hinata's POV

As we looked into each other's eyes, I was hiding my excitement and anticipation. I knew that it was futile to do so as his eyes that read the soul could see that. I always admired his eyes from afar, or any rare occasion, look into them up close only for me to be overwhelmed by his sky-blue eyes' intensity making me faint. But now that I wasn't looking away, I saw a radiance that can never be surpassed…

His eyes weren't just and simple amazing shade of blue, they were just pre-dominantly blue like the sky, but with a hair-thin strands of other shades of blue; his eyes held every shade of blue from the palest blue threads to the ocean deep gradient on the edge of his iris. In short, his eyes looked like a blue moissanite gem that held an even higher refractive index than a genuine one. An in this moonlit night, they made them sparkle highlighting the pale blues and emphasising the darker shades. All this was enhanced by Naruto's otherworldly determination that goes beyond death and I was shocked by his next words.

"Looking at you now, I can see you really are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with in this world and the next… forever and ever, even when we die" Naruto confessed. Hinata already heard his feelings yesterday from the memorial event, she saw Neji's ghost and Naruto spilled his heart's deepest secret concerning her. But hearing him say it to her was so different. So much better…

"Oh Naruto…" I said with happy tears threatening to come out. But I was hushed by his fingers on my lips.

"But for now, I can't be with you just yet" Naruto told me. I knew what came next, but that still didn't make me feel disappointed, but what he did say… well… if there was possibly an emotion that was stronger than love then I had it towards him.

"You may be the one I dream of, but I can't say the same about me for you, so that's why I can't be with you yet, why haven't said anything about your confession since Pain destroyed Konoha. I need to become a better me, not a different person, but a better Naruto and then, finally the man of your dreams so I can be worthy of you…" Naruto said with conviction. Oh, he does not know that just simply saying that made him more than worthy in my eyes.

"Also, when I saw you after the Pain incident, I still get flashbacks of it. But I also didn't respond to your feelings because I knew how much you love your clan, your family and your dream to unite the clan and just be a huge family. I didn't want to force you to choose either me, or your family whom you know love you" Naruto told me. I was shocked, he sacrificed his own happiness because he didn't want me to give up on my dream and leave my family. How selfless can he be!

I finally spoke up, "Thank you Naruto, for letting me know that you return my feelings, no, you're a stronger as you believe that you need to be a better you just to be with me. I'm grateful that you didn't want to force me to give up my dream, and my family just to be together. So, that's why, I'll wait again, until you become the Naruto I know you can be." I told him with conviction.

Noone's POV

Naruto and Hinata, finally confessed their feelings for each other. They looked at each other's eyes for some time. Naruto, feeling a surge of happiness that Hinata was still waiting for him, and looked forward to his completion of becoming the man of her dreams; which for Naruto was to become the next sage. He smiled a true smile and so did she. Hinata scooted closer to Naruto and snuggled into his striated chest promptly falling asleep. Naruto looked on in happiness, they were for now best friend by relationship, but by heart, they were soulmates. Knowing that the night was cold and the fire was dimming, he called upon his golden chakra shroud and enveloped them in a warm cloak of chakra that dried Hinata up and kept them both warm.

Then, they finally fell asleep on each other as if they completed each other. A true Yin and Yang pair.

---

Omake: The plan

After Hiashi sent Naruto on his way to Hinata and stopped looking at the betrothal contract that his and Minato's wifes practically begged them to make. He Put it back and order Ko, Hinata's supervisor to come in.

Ko walked and greeted Hiashi formally, he likewise did the same. But Ko had to ask.

"Lord Hiashi, why did you tell the Uzumaki where Hinata-sama is, right now she is doing her water training which needs to be done in... the buff" Ko reminded Hiashi with a small blush at the mention of Hinata being naked.

Hiashi caught him off-guard with a smile that told him there was a troublesome reason behind his actions.

"That's the point Ko, I believe you heard and saw that Naruto has progressed quite a bit in Fuinjutsu" Hiashi said. Ko nodded and still surprised the boy he once tried to keep away from Hinata was now the Hyuga clan's only hope.

"If he sees my daughter naked, then he'd have no choice but adhere to our traditions" Hiashi said making Ko pale.

"L-Lord Hi-Hiashi! You honestly don't mean..." Ko stuttered in horror.

"Yes, they already love each other and I'm just getting them together faster" Hiashi admitted in humor.

Ko could not believe that Hiashi wanted Naruto to wedlock Hinata via seeing her naked.

Ko's current location

Which is why he was following Naruto as Hiashi ordered from afar and was pleasantly surprised as Hiashi was right. Ko heard the entire confession Naruto said to Hinata and had to agree. Naruto's feelings go beyond simply being there for her, in fact, Hinata was the person Naruto would 'give up' for.

Due to the smile on Hinata's sleep face, Ko held back his protective side just this once.

---

Another chapter done, this was originally meant to simply be Naruto finds Hinata and they take off to Uzushiogakure.

But I decided with where all this was going, it would be better to have a cheesy scene before that. Also, Hinata is much like the rest of the younger generation, she only knows of Naruto's announced heritage, his father, the Fourth Hokage and Jiraiya his Godfather, both being sealing masters. She doesn't know that Naruto's skills surpass both them as they are due to shadow clones and his Fuinjutsu affinity. Also, the Uzumaki clan is still unknown to her and the rest of their friends. So, when she visits Uzushiogakure with Naruto, she'll be surprised that Naruto has a clan that specializes in Fuinjutsu due to having unrivaled life spans and a bloodline-ish affinity for it. This will be a key factor in them getting together since the elders purposely did not tell her this as his clan made the Caged Bird Seal and Naruto already knows how to remove it in many different ways.

Also, I know I kind of made Naruto OP in Fuinjutsu, but remember, he has a huge imagination. So it wouldn't be surprising for him to end up conjuring seals in a new category. The E.T seals he has created will be explained next chapter as they go to Uzushiogakure. Also, expect this encounter between Naruto and Hinata to boost the latter's confidence to the point she'll have a costume change.

Also, thanks for reading this fanfic, I'm pleasantly surprised that this is actually enjoyable by some people.