Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. I do not own its characters. I do not own the slightest clue in how to be an owner.
Warring: Due to inexperience, audience may be in danger of bad grammar and spelling errors. Sorry for the inconvenience. (I just like doing this now, but I do try to correct everything before posting.)
Chapter 6 Plan "Break"
The morning did not bring any relief to Hinata; she had spent the whole night deciding what to do concerning the matter with Naruto and Kiba's encouragement. She had decided to continue in her plans to give up on Naruto. But as she arrived to the training ground to meet up with team Ten "He" was there.
Naruto stood next to the genin as he talked about missions. He was in the middle of discussion about how ramen was the best choice for food on a mission when Konohamaru spotted Hinata walking towards them.
"Hinata-sensei" Konohamaru gave a big smile, "Look who decided to come today. Naruto says he wants to train with us."
Naruto's eyes widened at this remark and he began to reply when Moegi took hold of his arm and lead him away, "Come Naruto, I want to show you something."
"But I need…"
"No, you need to see this first." Moegi took a stronger hold of Naruto's arm and pulled him off to a corner of the training ground.
When Moegi walked far away enough not to be heard by Hinata she began to scold Naruto. "Naruto, we told you that we don't want Hinata-sensei to know. She will feel bad if she found out, remember?"
"Right, I forgot that you don't want Hinata to know that you guys don't feel like she is giving you sufficient training."
"Yes, we need you to help and train with us. Now just play along, will you." Moegi gave a sigh, she wasn't accustomed to lying to Naruto but this was the only way that the "Konohamaru Clan" could think of that would make Naruto be around.
In fact it not only took lying to Naruto about the reason but also free ramen for a week. This of course was courtesy of Team Ten. They knew it was a high price to pay for their freedom (they had seen Naruto eat), but they felt that it was worth it.
Hinata looked at Konohamaru and Udon suspiciously as she heard the reason why Naruto was there. Konohamaru continued to explain the situation as sweat began to build up on his forehead. "But now you understand why Naruto is training with us. With Sakura busy with her work at the hospital and training with Tsunade. Sai is also busy with missions and you know about Sasuke. That left Naruto alone with none to train."
Konohamaru smiled trying to make his actions look as sincere as he could. Hinata thought about what she just heard. Hinata did not find it possible that Naruto would want to train with them, but she could not think of any other reasons.
Hinata continued to stare at her pupils, trying to pry out the true reasons but both Konohamaru and Udon stood their ground. After a moment of consideration, Hinata accepted the fact that Naruto would train with them that day. She wanted to deny Naruto from training but couldn't come up with a solid objection that would not put her in suspicion.
Although she allowed Naruto to train with them for that day, she continued to think of ways to make him leave. She feared of what might happen if she continued to be around Naruto. She feared that she might try to confess to him again.
All throughout training Hinata was nervous as she came into contact with Naruto. Her concentration kept breaking, her punches kept missing its target and her body kept getting caught by Team Ten. Overall, training was going terrible and Hinata decided to end early.
Konohamaru and the rest of Team Ten were happy. Their plan hadn't accomplished what they wanted, which was longer breaks, instead it gave them the rest of the day off.! Inside they all rejoiced.
Hinata was the first to leave as she gathered all of the equipment and walked away. Naruto stared at Hinata as she left and understood what Konohamaru was talking about when he said that they needed his help. If this was how Hinata trained them he would seriously continue to help them out.
Moegi stretched as she stood up. "Well what are we going to do with this free time," she directed her question towards Konohamaru who sat next to Udon.
"How about some lunch? I am hungry and wouldn't mind having some ramen." Moegi stared at Naruto as he put his hands on his stomach and then back at Konohamaru. Konohamaru shrugged, they had promised Naruto free ramen and now they had to pay up. Although they had freed themselves of Hinata-sensei for the day they still had Naruto.
Hinata did not waste time and knocked on Tsunade's office door. Hinata did not know exactly what she was doing there but the urgency of the danger of having Naruto around had caused her to take this action.
After hearing Tsunade-sama voice allowing entrance Hinata entered the room. She felt childish as she was in the room and began to tell on Naruto.
"Naruto is what?" Tsunade was confused at what she had heard from Hinata. According to Hinata, Naruto had decided to train with Team Ten. Tsunade placed her elbows on the table as she placed her hand before her in thought. She found the situation odd but intriguing at the same time.
"He decided to train with us and…"
"Is he causing any problems? Interrupting or causing any other problems?"
Hinata answered "no" to the questions. Although she didn't want Naruto around and it was true that he kept interrupting her concentration she couldn't say this. If she said yes to the question she would not have a valid reason other than telling the truth, which she was not prepared to do.
Tsunade looked at Hinata with curiosity behind her eyes. "If he is not bothering your training why did you come all the way to me to tell me about Naruto? Is there something that you are hiding from me?"
Afraid of the question, Hinata quickly answered with the first excused that came to thought. "N..no it's just th…that I was wo…worried that you might…um…disagree with it." Hinata tried to compose herself to make the excuse more convincing. "I didn't want to cause trouble in case that you found out that Naruto is training with us. Since I was put in charge of Team Ten's training I was afraid that you would disagree with Naruto joining."
"Ah, yes, I understand completely now. With Naruto's past experiences of training with genin you are afraid that I will not allow it. You were correct about that." Upon hearing this Hinata couldn't help but smile a bit. She tried to hide it from Tsunade-sama but there was no need since the smile diminished with the second sentence out of Tsunade-sama's mouth.
"But since he is not bothering anyone I believe that this would be a good experience for him." Hinata's eyes widened, she couldn't believe what had just been said. "With you training, Naruto might be able to see how to train a genin without having to show them that stupid sexy justu he has. I have been meaning to get him to observe a training but he always refused but this sure saves me the effort."
"Tsuanada-sama, you mean to have Naruto…", Hinata could not even finish speaking. She couldn't believe what was happening.
"Hai, I want Naruto to train or observe your training. That is alright with you, right." This was more of a statement than a question allowing no objection from Hinata. Hinata only agreed with Tsunade-sama and left the office in silence.
Tsunade relaxed and thought of her decision about Naruto. Naruto had matured a lot in the past years but still was unable to teach without acting childish. Training with Team Ten might help him, especially with Hinata who was best suited for it. Hinata was shy but Tsunade knew that she had the strength and capabilities to teach and keep Naruto under control.
"It will be alright," Tsunade thought out loud. "But what I need now is a break. This paperwork will be here when I return. It is not that much and a drink will help me."
Tsunade walked to the door and opened it ready to step out when…
"Where are you going you? You are almost done and you're running away."
"Shizune! I was just going to get a drink, you know to relax."
"Tsunade-sama finish first then we can both go." Shizune set Tonton whom she was carrying on the floor and Tonton "byui" in agreement.
Tsunade admited defeat and went to her desk to finish the days work.
She couldn't believe it. Hinata could not believe what Tsunade-sama had said. She was to have Naruto around her during training. This was not what she had expected, she expected to have Naruto stopped from being allowed around Team Ten but the opposite had occurred.
As Hinata continued to walk she spotted Kiba walking towards her direction. Seeing Kiba reminded her of another problem, Kiba knew something. With what Kiba had said the day before it was evident that he knew something. The question was now how much did he know.
"Kiba-kun!" Kiba looked up at who was calling him and saw the only person who could make him nervous that day. The events of the day before were still fresh in his mind as he saw Hinata and was anxious to know what she had to say to him.
"Kiba-kun, are you busy? I was wondering if you wanted to have lunch with me."
Kiba tried to suppress the joy that was raging in his body. It had taken less time than he thought. Hinata was now going to confess to him only after half a day. "Of course!" Kiba yelled.
Hinata looked at him suspiciously which composed Kiba and responded in a more typical voice, "I mean yes. Where were you thinking about?"
"Anywhere will be fine" This was the chance that Hinata would take to find out how much Kiba knew.
The tension between the couple was intense. On one side, it was filled with ecstasy and anticipation. On the other end, it was filled with confusion and anxiety. The waitress tried to stay far away from Hinata and Kiba only returning to place the order in front of them.
"What are those two up to?" The hostess asked the waitress. "It looks like a first date but at the same time that girl looks almost as if she is afraid of him."
"Yeah but the tension is thick between them even making me uncomfortable. But I have to go outside and give this to that guy's dog. He was too big to enter but his master still wants us to provide service."
"Hinata-chan, did you have something to tell me" Hinata looked at Kiba warily, how did he know that she was planning to ask him something?
"Hai. But how did you know? I didn't mention it to you earlier."
"Tha…that is be…because I've known you for a long time. You looked as if you had very important news, news that you could only tell me, right?"
"Uh…actually, yes. I don't know how to ask you but" Kiba looked anxiously at Hinata who at the moment was looking down. "You know that I like someone don't you? That is why you said that yesterday didn't you?"
Hinata was now looking at Kiba straight in the eyes awaiting the answer. "Hai."
Hinata's face paled a bit as she continued her inquiry, "Do you know who it is?"
Kiba could see the pleading in Hinata's eyes wanting him to answer "no". Although he wanted to yell "yes and I love you too" and kiss her he could not help but see her pleading eyes.
"No, Hinata I don't know who it is." Hinata let out her breath that she was holding and color returned to her face. Kiba kicked himself, he should have just said yes. If he would have said yes he could have been kissing Hinata and she wouldn't have to suffer like this. He was such a baka.
Hinata observed how Kiba looked let down. "Kiba ar…"
"Why don't you tell him?" Kiba blurted out, cutting Hinata's sentence. Kiba was struggling to keep his composure but he had expected Hinata to confess and now this occurred. He wanted to tell her he loved her but he had let the opportunity pass. Now the only hope was to make her confess.
"I have given up on him. I have decided that it is the best thing to do." Hinata's face showed determination as she spoke those words. She was sure that this was the only way.
Kiba tried to look surprised but he was pained by Hinata's words. She sounded so cold and resolute by her decision. He didn't want her to give up on him.
Fortunately for Kiba, although he was in pain, Hinata mistook his facial expression as surprised. She decided to enlighten him about her reasons. "I don't think that it is worth it anymore."
"Hinata, you have never been one to give up. You have fought for everything and that is why you succeed." Hinata tried to explain that this time it was different, but Kiba only continued. "It is not different, I have known you for a long time and I know that you only go after what is truly worthy. Any man that you love is worthy of you and you must continue."
Kiba's voice began to escalate as his emotions took over. "Hinata, why did you fall in love with him?" Kiba hoped that her remembering why she fell in love would strengthen her love for him.
Hinata quickly looked around the room. Kiba had raised his voice so loud she was sure people must have heard him, but to her luck, it seemed that no one paid mind. She turned to Kiba who looked as if he was going to explode if he didn't get an answer from her.
Afraid that Kiba would ask again, this time having people hear, she began to tell her reasons. She was cautious in what she say, making sure not to give too much specifics on the individual.
"He is very kind and thinks of others before himself. He…" Hinata continued her list and with each point her facial expression softened. The image of Naruto came to mind and it made her fall in love with him more and more with each word that left her mouth. Kiba's plan was working, in a way.
Kiba began to blush with each point that Hinata made. He continued to believe that Hinata was in love with him and that the praises were for him. He was soon lost in thought of what Hinata was saying and began to only listen to her voice instead of her words.
Hinata abruptly stopped talking and looked at Kiba. Did he hear what she had just said? If he heard the last sentence, Kiba was sure to guess that it was Naruto whom she loved. She couldn't believe it, she had said that she loves that he always lived his own way of the ninja. Kiba would definitely figure it out.
Surprisingly to Hinata, Kiba wasn't even listening. He seemed to be lost in thought. This in a way made Hinata feel betrayed, he asked loudly to tell him and now he wasn't even listening. True that she didn't want to tell him in the first place but it still made her somewhat annoyed.
"Kiba are you listening?"
"What? Of course I am listening. I was just thinking." Hinata again prayed to Kami-sama that Kiba hadn't figure it out. She had prayed to Kami-sama more in one week than in a whole year because of her situation.
"What were you thinking about? Or whom?" Hinata was cautious with her question.
"Hinata, don't give up!" This startled Hinata by Kiba's raised voice. And unlike with his questioning what she loved about Naruto, this did get the attention of everyone in the restaurant. Hinata blushed as everyone stared at them.
"Kiba, please lower your voice. Everyone is looking this way."
"Sorry Hinata. I just want you not to give up on him. From all the things that you described about him he is worthy of you continuing to love him. You will only find true happiness with him, so continue and confess to him."
"True happiness?" Kiba could see that this struck a nerve in Hinata. Her facial expression changed and although she was paying attention she still seemed to be lost in thought.
"Hai. Hinata, that man deserves to know and I know he will return your love." Hinata gave a small smile thinking about Naruto returning her love. Kiba took this opportunity to leave Hinata and think of what he had said.
"Hinata, I'll see you later. I have other things to attend to. Just think of what I said." Kiba stood up and made his grand exit.
Hinata continued sitting thinking about what to do. It was like last night all over again, but this time she seemed to be swayed towards not giving up on Naruto.
She rose from her seat ready to leave when," Excuse me Miss." The waitress called out to Hinata, "We need you to pay for the check."
While Kiba was making his grand exit he had forgotten to pay for the check, leaving Hinata with the whole bill.
Naruto meanwhile was sneezing thoughout his lunch. "Are you okay Naruto?", Konohamaru asked as he finish his first bowl of ramen.
"I'm okay. I just keep sneezing. Hey Ichiraku, what did you put in this ramen? It is making me sneeze."
Ichiraku turned around insulted by what Naruto said. "It is not the ramen. If it was, why didn't you sneeze with the first four bowls?" Naruto smiled knowing he was mistaken about the ramen. "Oh, I know what you were doing. You were trying to get free ramen, huh, Naruto." Ichiraku said as he held the ladle in front of Naruto as if ready to hit him with it.
"No, no." Naruto waved his hands in front of him. "That is not true. It is just that…ah…ah…choo." Naruto sneezed again. He was now finding it annoying.
"Probably somebody is talking about you, Naruto-niisaan. What did you do wrong this time?"
"Why do you assume I did something wrong!" Naruto began to order another bowl of ramen. Konohamaru began to worry; at the rate Naruto was eating ramen Konohamaru would be broke within two days.
"You know what Naruto, your probably right. The ramen must be making you sneeze. Let's go." Konohamaru pulled out money to pay Ichiraku before Ichiraku complained about the comment. Seeing that Konohamaru was the one paying Ichiraku understood why Konohamaru said what he said.
"Arigato, Ichiraku. I'll see you tomorrow" Naruto waived good-bye and disappeared through the curtains leaving Konohamaru looking at his wallet as it became empty.
"I'll see you tomorrow as well, Ichiraku." Konohamaru followed after Naruto. Hopefully tomorrow will be a day off too. If not, it was not worth the five bowls of ramen he just paid for.
A/N: Funny thing about this story is that I originally expected it to only be five chapters and now I am finishing the seventh. Really, how could I have known it would go this way?
Also, this is a NaruHina, as far as I am concern, but I do feel bad about Kiba. I like Kiba, I do, it is just that I like Naruto and Hinata more. Sorry, what can I say? It is how I truly feel.
Just if anyone who is readying this and is currently attending or attended the Anime Expo 2006 in Anaheim in cosplay, I have one thing to say, "Thank You." I love looking at the costumes. : )