Disclaimer: See Prologue
Author's Note: See Profile for response to reviews…
"ABC" - Spoken
ABC - Thought
'ABC' -Bijū Spoken
'ABC' - Bijū Thought
ABC – Book Excerpts
&&&& - Scene Change
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Stranger Than Fiction
Chapter Seven: Failures & Triumphs
Part One
It was during lunch one day near the end of my second month in the academy that an earlier notion of mine was all but confirmed – girls are scary.
I was sitting in a tree eating my lunch when I noticed this cloud rising up over the horizon and approaching quickly. Studying the phenomenon, I noticed a slightly panicked Avenger at its front and at its core a herd of giggling, squealing girls.
Now, I'm not one to deny someone their happiness and if eating lunch with Avenger would make them all happy then who was I to interfere.
Ah, but on the other hand if escaping them is what would make him happy then what type of friend would I be if I didn't lend a hand. So, with that in mind I went into action…
Hopping out of the tree, I stood hidden behind it and waited until he was passing by. Grabbing him, I pulled him into the brush and covered his mouth.
"Quiet… I'll distract them. Meet me by the training field."
He nodded in agreement as I grinned and henged into an exact copy of him. He was clearly surprised by this so giving him one of his own trademark smirks; I dashed out into the open instantly capturing the attention of the throng of girls.
Once in the open the chase began anew only this time I was the one being hunted. Leading them further and further away from the training field, I dashed around a corner and waited for them to catch up.
I watched as they all froze upon losing sight of their intended prey. They scanned the area for him before noticing that a door leading inside the school was left ajar which must mean it's been used recently. With a group squeal of their prey's name they recommence the hunt dashing inside hoping to corner and capture the hunted.
Laughing from my perch on the ceiling above the entrance way, I lowered my henge and dropped to the ground.
"Impressive… a henge, chakra-enhanced movement, sticking to surfaces… most surprising."
Turning around I came face to face with an old friend. We had meet years earlier on my seventh birthday. It's funny how what is usually the worse day of the year for me has also served to bring me together with some of the best people I know.
That year it was the same as always… the festival was in full swing and I had thought that I found the perfect hiding place since I spotted several villagers scoping out my apartment earlier that day. But, I was found anyways and was on the run once more, only this time I had learned my lesson and made a beeline for the outskirts of the village.
Running through the trees I made my way to one of the clearings I had staked out as a safety zone. Places in the woods surrounding the village that no one seemed to visit or know about because of their distance from the village proper.
Entering the clearing I saw a sight that caused me to panic momentarily. Standing at its center was a boy of similar age with his back to me, but that's not what had me panicked that was the fact that he was nearly covered from head to toe with insects.
I was about to leap down and help him when I noticed that the movement of the insects had changed and that the boy was glancing over his shoulder at where I was hidden. Leaping down, I made myself known.
"Hey…? Those friends of yours…?"
He didn't respond vocally, a simple nod of the head was his reply. Seeing that he appeared to be just as weary of me as I was of him, I slowly made my way towards him; making sure to make myself as unthreatening as possible.
"That's so cool… I wish I had that many friends! So, why aren't you at the festival?"
He didn't respond at first so I took a seat next to where he stood and laid back starring up into the evening sky. He seemed to relax as his friends also calmed, looking down at me he spoke.
"Celebrating in such a manner keeps your enemy's memory alive, as if they were never defeated. While also showing how great a threat they where… a real shinobi does no such thing."
I could only stare up at him in shock. I found his words to be wise for someone our age. Yet, they made perfect sense and not only that but for reasons that were beyond me at the time, his words made me incredibly happy. I couldn't find the words to voice my agreement so I smiled, nodded, and extended my hand.
"Yeah… and, I bet you and your friends don't like large crowds."
He looked at me surprised, I think, as he raised an eyebrow at my gesture, I couldn't see his eyes from behind his shades. Than something happened that I've been privileged to experience on too few occasions – he laughed.
"I assume you are the same?"
It was my turn to laugh, smiling, I replied, "It's that obvious…? I'm Kyu, by the way…"
I think he smiled but I couldn't tell since the collar of his jacket covered the lower part of his face. Extending his hand, he accepted mine and we shook as he introduced himself. That was how we met and for the first time since that day I stood before my friend smiling.
"Hive…"
"Kyu…"
I laughed as I walked away motioning for him to follow. He raised a solitary eyebrow and fell in step beside me. Walking in silence, we reached the training field where Avenger was waiting. Leaning against a training post, he spots us approaching and smirks.
Laughing, I motion for him to follow as well. With a shrug, he follows slightly behind me and Hive. Reaching our destination, they both look at me for an explanation.
Standing on the steps leading into the large entrance hall near the rear of the academy, I smile gesturing to everything around us.
"I've noticed that no one comes back here… hence peace and quiet."
Taking a seat, I lean back against one of the pillars forming the entrance to the large hall. I watch Avenger sit to my left as Hive sits on the opposite side.
We sat there simply enjoying the company and the silence, when I sense an all too familiar presence. Smiling, I quickly excuse myself saying I'm going to hit the vending machines, I ask if I should grab them something. A nod and a grunt are their replies.
I glanced over at the bushes across from where we sat causing them to move slightly before I headed for one of the outdoor vending machines. Returning, I could still sense that presence and stealthily made my way towards it.
And, there she was crouched down behind the bushes peaking through at where we were sitting. Trying hard not to laugh, I snuck up on her and put an ice cold can of green tea against her forehead causing her squeak in surprise and fall backwards.
Catching her in my right arm, the shocked look in her eyes was so worth it, as they went from being full of surprise to relief as she realized who was holding her up.
"Hey…"
"Kyu-kun…?"
"Wanna join us?"
She nodded bashfully causing a giant grin to fill my face till it dawned on me that I was still holding her in a pretty intimate fashion. Instantly, I stood her up as we seemed to be competing to see whose blush was more intense.
Getting control of myself, I handed her a can of tea and motioned for her to follow. She hesitated, so I took a hold of her hand and dragged her along out of the bushes. Emerging, we were spotted by Hive and Avenger who both showed slight surprise at who I had with me. I shrugged before throwing each a can of tea which they caught effortlessly.
Standing before them, I noticed my guest was quite nervous so moving her in front of me with my hands on her shoulders, I made introductions.
"Hive, Avenger… I'm sure you know Hime. She'll be joining us."
They greeted her each in their own way – a polite nod and indifferent grunt respectively. Taking a seat against one of the pillars, I'm more than a little surprised when Hime takes a seat right next to me.
We look at each other to find similar looks of surprise, as I can tell she shocked herself with her boldness. Smiling at her encouragingly, I noticed how she relaxed instantly as I received a shy smile in return.
And, that's how it began… we would gather there for lunch on a regular basis. Conversation was kept to a minimum, as none of us were for much small talk.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Hive… Hime… Avenger… that would make Kyu…?
Kiba Inuzuka has never been known for his intelligence, but when needed he can be quite insightful. Sitting across from his teammate, Shino Aburame, his copy of KNC resting in his lap, he begins to piece together the puzzle that is this book and the Hokage's cryptic message.
Hive would be Shino… meaning that…
His sudden, sharp intact of breath causes his partner Akamaru to look up from where he's napping worried until he notices the look of realization on Kiba's face as he stares down at the open book in his lap. Yawning, Akamaru curls back up falling back asleep, his sleep wouldn't last long.
"You ate lunch with Naruto, Hinata, and that traitor… everyday?"
Shino looked up from his book to find a fuming Kiba hovering over him. Shaking his head slightly, he says, "No… not everyday. If you continued reading you'd know that."
"Fine, whatever, still… why wasn't I invited!"
Now, Shino has found himself used to Kiba's frequent and sudden outbursts, but he still wishes that his friend would think before speaking as the answer to his question is all but obvious.
"We were not teammates yet… besides, I think our gatherings would not have appealed to you."
Kiba looks at he friend with a blank look as his answer is quite obvious, but his face suddenly contorts with mild annoyance.
"So, what you trying to say… huh, that I'm too loud, too brash, too annoying, to join you're boring little lunch date!"
"Your words… not mine, my friend."
Kiba growls, voicing his annoyance at Shino's answer but he suddenly gets quite as something else occurs to him.
"Wait, so, that means… that everything in this book is true."
"It appears so…"
"And, the author is…"
"I would assume it to be Uzumaki."
Kiba quietly walks over and sits back down picking up his copy of KNC. Shino raises an eyebrow at the sudden change in his friend's demeanor.
"Well, I guess Naruto ain't such a Dobe after all… Ah, man, I lost my place! Wait… found it!"
Beginning to read again, Kiba freezes as he hears a sound he's never heard before looking up he sees a sight that only few have – a laughing Shino.
I guess Naruto wasn't lying… it is possible. Well, where was I…
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
And, that's how it began… we would gather there for lunch on a regular basis. Conversation was kept to a minimum, as none of us were for much small talk. We wouldn't meet everyday and sometimes only two or three of us would gather.
One such time was the day where I noticed that Hime seemed to be struggling to stay awake during class. Knowing how hard it can be to stay awake threw one of Scar's sometimes long-winded lectures my heart went out to her. So, when lunch came and we ended up being the only ones to meet at our spot I asked how she was feeling.
Of course, she said she was fine and then proceeded to let loose one of the loudest yawns I've ever heard. Struggling not to laugh, I noticed how embarrassed she was, so I figured if she's already embarrassed there's no way I could make it worse.
With that in mind, I took the intuitive… now, I till this day I don't know what came over me but it was too late to turn back as I had put my arm around her and pulled her up against me, causing her to end up with her head on my shoulder.
Obviously, there was one major flaw with this plan… while she may have already been embarrassed, I was not but that quickly changed.
Risking a glance her way, I found her starring at me with wide eyes. Laughing nervously, I told her to take a nap and I'd wake her when the break was over. She nodded with a timid smile and, shocking me, snuggled up against me before passing out nearly instantly.
Now, I had every intention of waking her but it was not to be. Sitting there peacefully with Hime in the shade of one of the pillars, as a gentle breeze blew through the hall carrying with it the sounds of nature, the smell of fresh pine and Hime's shampoo, it was just too perfect, too comfortable and I soon followed her into slumber.
A sudden pain in my thigh caused me to wake, only to find Avenger kicking me in the leg.
"What… sleeping here!"
"You're not the only one."
Me not getting what he was trying to say, he sighed and gestured to my left where I looked to find Hime curled up against me out cold.
"Oh, um, I can explain… Wait, what time is it?"
"Time to go home… everyone's left already."
I couldn't believe it was that late already. The idea of both of us sleeping that long seemed impossible, yet that's exactly what happened so what was I to do now. Snapping out of it, I looked down at Hime's sleeping form and smiled until noticing that Avenger was walking away from us.
"Hey, should I wake her?"
He paused momentarily to shrug and glance over his shoulder, saying it wasn't his problem. Laughing, I thanked him for coming to find us to which he smirked, saying, "Just paying back a debt."
I watched him leave before facing the problem at hand – what to do now.
Again, I have no idea what came over me but my logic that day was obviously off-kilter. On a normal day after class, I'd sit back and watch as everyone left to head home before making my way out of the empty classroom last.
Exiting the building, I was always greeted by the sight of kids walking home with their parents, while others walked home alone for various reasons, some as childish as thinking they were too big to be picked up while others were more serious like their parents being away on a mission. Hime was one of these kids, who always walked home alone; yet unknown to her, she was never truly alone.
I was always there with her, several steps behind, hidden in the shadows, skulking in the alleys, traversing the rooftops, I was her escort, her bodyguard, and since we were headed for the same location I didn't have to go out of the way to do so – not that I wouldn't have.
But, on that day, I decided that we would actually go home together. So, picking her up we were off. Half way there I got hit with a severe case of Déjà vu as I found myself traversing the same route I had taken 3 years earlier only with her sister receiving the piggyback ride.
Reaching our destination, I entered the compound via the secret entrance as always and emerged to find a shocked Sensei and Chibi-Hime waiting for me.
"Um, I can explain…?'
And, as those words left my mouth, Hime began to stir. In seconds, she would be awake to find herself on my back standing before her sister and Father in the midst of a part of her home I doubt she's ever been in.
Yet, I found myself not afraid or nervous but excited and eager. Standing there I couldn't help but wonder why the hell was I doing this yet a part of me knew exactly why – I wanted her to know.
In seconds, she'd be awake and then she'd know everything… no more hiding, no more secrets, no more pretending…
Or, so I had thought as Hime simply yawned and tightened her grip on me still fast asleep. And, that's when the smile that had crept onto my lips turned into a frown. I was disappointed and not doing a good job of hiding it. Looking up, I came face to face with a very unhappy Sensei.
Laughing uneasily as he took Hime into his arms, I watched as he took her into the house. Sighing, I turned around to find myself looking into the icy stare of Chibi-Hime.
She held my gaze for mere moments but it felt like an eternity and when she looked away, dropping into a fighting stance, I knew one thing for certain – I had messed up.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
"And, how had he messed up?"
Hanabi looks up from her book to see something that makes one thought come to mind, This is all your fault, Naruto-kun!
Starring into Hinata's hardened stare, Hanabi wonders if simply apologizing would work. Doubting it, she asks for Hinata to explain, to which Hinata holds up her copy and points to a page.
Reading it, Hanabi's eyes grow wide as she can't help but wish she hadn't read that. Sighing, she looks Hinata straight in the eye before looking away and mumbling something.
"Speak up, I can't hear you."
"I said it was our secret… mine and his."
And with that statement, Hinata's eyes go wide as she realizes something that had eluded her until that very moment or was it she chose to ignore it.
"And, what are you getting so upset about… you ate lunch with him everyday!"
Hinata looks back at her sister to see a fire in her eyes that honestly unnerves her, but as quickly as that feeling of unease sets in it's replaced with a fire of her own.
"It wasn't everyday and you're one to talk… 'OUR SECRET'... you had him all to yourself for how many years?"
"Let's see… FIVE… give or take… and your point being?" Hanabi states with an indifferent tone.
The two girls lock eyes, both on the verge of activating their Byakugan, as they try to stare the other down. And, just as suddenly as this conflict began it ends with the sound of laughter. Laughing so hard that they can hardly breathe, the sisters laugh at how foolish they're acting.
"You do realize that was our first fight?"
Hanabi's question causes Hinata to sit up from where she lays on the floor catching her breath. Climbing up on the bed, she lays next to her sister smiling sweetly.
"Yeah, and it was over a… boy."
"Yeah…"
Silence fills the room once more as the full weight of that statement hits them. Their relationship has always been an odd one as neither sister hates the other yet they've never been all that friendly with each other either.
The reason behind this has always escaped them both as they've blamed it on various things from their difference in age to their Father to their fate as heirs of the Hyuuga clan, but now with that statement another possible reason comes to mind, one they're both afraid to even think about let alone admit to.
Reaching over the edge of the bed, Hinata picks up her book and begins to read. Nodding, Hanabi continues to read hers as well, both girls silently agreeing not to speak on the topic any longer.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Outside the room, Neji quickly walks away from the door and heads outside. He had heard the entire argument and it has only added fuel to the fire that is building within him.
Feeling shocked, confused, and angry upon reading the secrets hidden within the tome resting in his right hand, Neji left his teammates behind and came home to confront somebody about what he read. Not being able to find Hiashi, he went to find Hanabi when he stumbled upon the sisters' surprisingly heated argument. Now, he's left with even more questions as Hinata's behavior has left him slightly shell-shocked.
Are they really as you describe them, Naruto… have I really been that blind…
Making his way to a quiet corner within one of the compound's many gardens; he lets his mind drift back to his main source of ire.
This entire time… he's known how to use the Jyuuken… he and Hiashi-sama even…
Neji pauses as the true implication of this thought hits him hard. Naruto not only knew how to use the Jyuuken but from what's hidden within the words of this book he was at one time, maybe even still, on equal footing with Hanabi in terms of its application. Beyond that he's gone as far as to seemingly alter if not improve upon the style.
I wish to know more… I want to challenge him and Hiashi-sama… I wonder if Hanabi-sama practices this variation…
Hanabi, another source of much confusion as Neji has never been close with the girl as most of his focus has been on Hinata; first hating now watching over her. Now, he finds himself intrigued by the younger girl. Hanabi, like Naruto, appears to be something of a master at hiding herself behind an impenetrable mask. As, the quiet, stuck-up, little girl Neji knows is nothing like the beacon of light that Naruto describes.
To think that she'd be so adept at hiding her emotions, she must be… Now, that I think about it I did notice her in the Hokage's office. It didn't even occur to me to wonder why she was there…
Neji pauses as he tries to refocuses his thoughts, as the true reason he's upset is escaping him. He used to believe that he was guided by fate but on a simpler level he thought that he was better… better than Hinata, better than Hanabi, better than a failure like Naruto. He came to see the error in his ways thanks to his defeat during the Chuunin Exams but, now, to learn that it was he who was outclassed is slightly too much.
Yet, as he sits there staring at the book in his hands he can't stay angry, as much as he wants to feel betrayed, belittled, he can't. Opening the book, he's again hit with a sense of dread that he won't allow to override his curiosity despite what he knows is to come.
My earlier actions will no doubt appear to haunt me… I only hope you were kind in your portrayal, Naruto.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Another year, another birthday… only that year was going to be different. I was turning eleven that year and had just entered my third year in the academy a few months earlier. I had a little less than two years left in my training with Sensei before I was to graduate and become a full-fledged Ninja. I decided I was going to make the most of this remaining time, not for myself but for those I cared for – starting with Hime.
It had been about six months since the day I brought an unconscious Hime to Sensei's training with me and in that time not much had changed.
Chibi-Hime had forgiven me for what I had done wrong. I had an idea of what that was but I decided not to think about it or what it could entail.
Sensei had simply thanked me for watching over her and reminded me to remember our agreement. I knew what agreement he spoke of and promised to do so but there's always a loophole if one looks hard enough.
After much thought I figured out what that loophole was and went about putting it to use. Now, I only had to sit and wait for Sensei to return from the festival so that I could enact the final stage to my plan. I only hoped it would work…
"Child, I see that you are well…"
Naruto looks up from where he sits to see Hiashi entering the grounds. Smiling brightly, he rises to his feet and bows before his teacher.
"Of course, Sensei, since I'm not out there with them…"
Hiashi nods knowing all to well who "them" is. He's just glad he could offer the child a refuge from the horrors that have seemed to plague him on this supposed day of celebration.
Taking a seat, Hiashi watches as Naruto does as well, mimicking his posture exactly. They sit in silence as is their custom, but as always it would not last long as Naruto speaks; although his tone is more hesitant that Hiashi remembers ever hearing before.
"Um, Sensei, while I know it is not my place… I would like to make a request of you… it could be a type of birthday present, I guess?"
Hiashi raises an eyebrow as he glances at the boy from the corner of his eye. In the time, he's known Naruto he has never made a request and has always turned down any offering of a birthday gift stating that it is wrong to take anymore than he already had from Hiashi or his family.
Nodding his head, Hiashi watches as Naruto smiles brightly before quickly reeling in his emotions; Naruto's face becomes a neutral slate as Hiashi has taught him to do.
"As, I'm sure you know, Sensei, I have been training with Hinata on the Sundays you give me off so that you may train with Hanabi alone."
"Yes, Child, I am aware of this."
Hiashi's response is as void of emotion as always, it unnerves Naruto slightly but he remains steady as he speaks in as void a tone as his Sensei. Impressing Hiashi with how stoic he has become over the years, a trait he noticed in the boy when they first meet and has been trying to get him to show more often.
"I know this is partly against what you've asked of me but I do not apologize. I actually want you to explain exactly why is it that you want me to avoid her outside of class… before I make my request."
"Why should I do such a thing…? I have already told you what I want done. I should not have to explain myself to you?"
"You do not have to… I only ask that you do."
Naruto looked to Hiashi hopefully, as his teacher remained still for a moment more before nodding and beginning to answer the child's question.
"All right, Child, it is quiet simple really… I'm using you in hopes of strengthening my daughter. She is far too timid and submissive… I deserve as much blame for this as anything else - more than I would like to admit. My hope is that by denying her access to what she wants, namely you, she'll find the strength to be confident and assertive so that she may claim it. Forgive me if that sounds cruel or in slight of you but I do what I must."
Finishing his explanation, Hiashi excepted surprise maybe even shock from the boy, he expected him to get upset maybe even yell, but the one thing he did not expect is what he got – a smirking Naruto.
"And, how exactly is she to claim what she wants if she doesn't have the tools with which to claim it?"
Hiashi meets Naruto's gaze with wide-eyes, as the child's words sound too old, too wise, to be coming from one who has only reached his eleventh year on that very day.
"I don't know what events have lead to her being this way or how much blame is to be placed upon you, Sensei… but, what I do know is that if she's not given the tools or even put on the path to discovering them she'll never achieve her goals."
Nodding in understanding, Hiashi wonders which of them the student truly is. Smirking, he laughs before asking Naruto what exactly are these tools she needs and how should she go about getting them.
"Simple really… she needs confidence and she gains this by excelling at something she is innately gifted at - The Jyuuken!" Naruto explains smiling despite speaking in a poorly veiled mimic of Hiashi.
"Child, I do not see what…" Hiashi begins to rebuke his words before being quickly interrupted by the blonde.
"She needs to be further trained in the Jyuuken… this training must come from you. More importantly, she needs your support and encouragement… you are her Father – ACT LIKE IT!"
The look in Hiashi's eyes could be described as nothing more than unbridled fury. He rose to his feet, glaring down at the small boy who remained seating as his anger boiled to the surface.
"Do not forget your place, Child. Do not speak of what you could never hope to understand."
Rising to his feet, Naruto glares at the only man besides The Third and The Fourth that he's come to respect. Backing away from him he bows deeply before looking up to met his eyes, a sad smile gracing his features.
"You are correct, Sensei… I could never hope to understand what it must feel like to see your Father heap praise, time, and attention upon your sibling while appearing to only tolerate your very existence… as I have no Father from which to be denied praise and no sibling for which I can be jealous of…"
Hiashi's eye begins to twitch as he listens to Naruto's words. His hand clenches into a fist before relaxing as his student continues to speak without a hint of emotion in his words.
"But, Hinata does and if I were her I'd feel like there was nothing I can do, nothing I can possibly succeed at, if I can not even do enough right to receive something that is supposed to be unconditional – my Father's love."
He moved without thinking, his body reacting upon baser instincts, Hiashi raised his hand and drew it across Naruto's face. The slap was anything but forgiving as it sent the boy crashing to the ground.
Looking down upon his small frame, Hiashi watched as Naruto shakily climbed to his feet and wipe the blood away from his lips. His mind was trying to comprehend what was happening. The boy had managed to make his mind dredge up every wrong he had committed against his eldest while speaking of it in a tone that came to express nothing but his chagrin for those actions.
"Do you honestly think that you are one to be judging me?"
Naruto looked down at his feet, his eyes hidden from sight as he spoke in a tone laced with an overwhelming amount of sadness and frustration.
"No, Sensei, I am not one to judge someone such as you… I am nothing more but your humble student trying to help someone he deeply respects and cares for. I also can not remain quiet as I watch my friend suffer alongside the one who may or may not be responsible for her suffering."
Hiashi watched as Naruto looked up at him as his eyes became clear and his smile bright with his tone lively… he had never seen anything so sad, so pathetic, before and it made it hard not to look away from the boy.
Is this what they've done to him…? Is this what I'm doing to her…? Is this what awaits her if I don't…?
He pauses as he realizes what the child before him is trying to say and it sickens him even further – Do not allow her to become like me.
"Child, why do you speak of such things on a day such as this? Should you not be enjoying this day in celebration of your birth? Why do you even bother…?"
Hiashi's tone had become defeated by the time he finished speaking, he took a seat looking straight ahead as he couldn't bear to look at the boy any longer.
"I guess there is much to celebrate… I'm thankful for what I have as it's probably more than someone like me should ever have attained… A Hokage treats me like family; I have an amazing Sensei and training partner, friends for the first time in my life, I'm close to becoming a ninja, and I haven't been beaten in years… Life is good, but, more importantly, I want the ones responsible to be happy also."
Naruto takes a seat next to Hiashi, as his words leave him feeling vulnerable. He looks straight ahead as he can feel Hiashi's eyes on him and doesn't want to meet his gaze.
He's so much like… Child, forgive me…
Hiashi places a hand on Naruto's shoulder causing the boy to look at him with unsure eyes. Hiashi smiles at the boy causing him to smile back, but unlike the last one it is genuine.
"You never did tell me what your request was…?"
Naruto's smile only brightens, as he nods, saying, "I want you to give Hinata my Sunday training sessions… I want you to be as kind to her as you've been to me… I want you both to be happy."
Hiashi's smile only grows, as he asks, "Is that all?"
"Yeah, well, I don't expect any miracles… this'll probably take you sometime to make happen."
Laughter fills the area as Hiashi can not contain himself upon hearing Naruto's more than sarcastic response. Naruto's laughter soon joins his as the blonde wipes away unseen tears that threaten to appear.
I had never been more afraid in my life. Afraid of losing everything that I was grateful for, of losing the few precious things I had, but luckily I was afraid for nothing. As in the end, my faith in Sensei was rewarded.
After sitting there in silence until the fireworks from the festival had begun and come to an end, Sensei stood next to me and agreed to my request saying, "My child, you never cease to amaze… and I thank you on behalf of me, my daughters, and so many more for caring as much as you do. Your request will be fulfilled on my clan's honor."
We never spoke of it again but I could tell from that night on that I had earned something that I felt I would receive from very few, something I felt I already had but was always afraid I did not, I had gained Sensei's approval and respect.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Hinata could not tell you how long she had been crying but she knew that the tears would not stop anytime soon. Hanabi could only watch as her sister cried, not knowing what to say or do, as Hinata's past relationship with their Father is something of an unspoken taboo.
All those feelings had been brought back as she read Naruto's words and, now, she can't tell what exactly has her shedding these tears – memories of a painful past or how it seems that Naruto knows all to well her pain.
That's why he told me to approach Father about further training… That's why Father seemed to change almost over night… He appeared the same but there was something in his eyes… in his voice… Thank you, Naruto-kun, thank you for giving me my Father back… You were right… it didn't happen overnight but it happened…
Laughter escapes from Hinata as she tries to get her emotions in check as she does something it feels like she hasn't done in years – she hugs her sister.
Hanabi remains motionless as Hinata's arms encircle her in a sloppy hug. The sensation she feels is so alien yet so familiar that it brings a torrent of emotions threw the young girl.
"Nee-chan…?"
Hinata tightens her hold upon Hanabi as her voice reaches her ears. Lifting her head so that it lays upon Hanabi's back, Hinata laughs through new tears and sobs, saying, "They both… they're both idiots…"
Hanabi can only laugh as she can assume who it is her sister speaks of. Looking over her shoulder at were Hinata's head lays upon her back, Hanabi reaches over and flicks her in the forehead.
"Yep… And, aren't you glad they're our idiots?"
Hinata can only laugh, while rubbing her forehead, as she's filled with a joy she's never felt before at that thought – Our idiots… My idiots… Idiots who love me…
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
The day was almost here… Tomorrow, I would become a Ninja. It would also mark the end of the strange journey that had been my time under Sensei's guidance. I would pass the Genin Exam and the next day I would say my goodbyes to Sensei, Blue, and Chibi-Hime as I officially embarked on my first steps along the road to reaching Soul.
But, first I had some work to do… in my village there is a shrine, a monument, in memory of all the great leaders that have helped shape this village into what it is today…
They are the Souls… men and eventually women of great power and heart who selflessly put the well-being of the village and its inhabitants before their own.
This monument can be seen by all no matter where in the village you maybe and it is in celebration of my impending joining of their illustrious ranks that I did what I did - and it was pretty damn funny.
As, I finished leaving my mark with a final brush stroke the chase began… running threw the village with Jounins and ANBU on my tail I knew this was more a test than it was punishment. Despite the fact that I had begun before sunrise, if Old Man Soul really wanted to stop me he would have unleashed his ANBU upon first light…
But, there was no time to think about that… I had a point to prove and prove it I would. Years of running from some of those same bastards under much more serve circumstances had left me more than ready.
Making fools of those chumps was fun and all but it was time to let them feel good about themselves. So, I lowered my guard and stepped out of my latest hiding place to nearly instantly be pounced upon by four ANBU…
I soon found myself standing before the old man as it took everything I had not to break down right there in front of his proud ANBU, but I remained in character struggling against my ropes and putting up a seemingly futile struggle.
Yet, once they were dismissed and I was left alone with Old Man Soul, a grin the size of the monument itself filled my face and was quickly joined by one on his…
"So, had fun making a fool of my men, did you now, Kyu?"
"Ah… it's not my fault they're not good enough to keep up with a civilian."
The grin on my face threatened to split my head in half if it got any bigger. He untied me as our laughter filled the room as I told him of all their near captures, only then for me to slip threw their grasps. The old man was one of the few people who got the joke, who saw me for me, and for that I'll love him to the day I die.
"So, Kyu, are you ready for the exam…?"
"Of course, I've even made sure to burn off some extra Chakra to avoid any complications…"
He looked at me with an understanding grin, as I could tell that he could see beneath my false bravado. An uncomfortable silence descended around us as I got lost in the fear that I may actually fail. Clearing his throat, the old man brought me out of my gloom to inform me of my punishment. I could only laugh as he filled me in, as it was exactly what I expected and it would serve my purpose well.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Sitting in the Jounin lounge, a group of three Jounins sit alone huddled in a corner with their noses buried inside their copies of KNC. A muffled laugh fills the room causing two members of the group to look at the third with surprise in their eyes.
"Asuma, what's so funny?"
Looking up from his book, Asuma Sarutobi looks at Kurenai Yuhii and smirks as he takes a drag from his cigarette.
He would think to deface the Hokage monument as a way to burn of excess Chakra…
His actions cause the third member of their group, Maito Gai, to speak up.
"Yes, Asuma, what could possibly be responsible for such youthful laughter to come from one such as yourself?"
Asuma looks straight at Gai giving him a smile that is so out of character that it makes both his fellow Jounins look to each other for confirmation that they're not seeing things.
"The Third once told me of a civilian who had managed to elude several Jounin and ANBU for nearly an hour…"
"Ah, yes, I have also heard this story… they say that the man who accomplished this feat was a foreign Nin posing as a villager…"
Asuma nods at Gai's words as he has also heard that version of the tale, he smirks as he's known the truth of the incident for some time now, but has only now learned the identity of the one responsible.
"That was the story spread to help save face for the ones involved the truth of the matter is that it wasn't a foreign Nin or a man for that matter… but was actually a young boy - a civilian…"
"No… you don't mean…?"
Asuma can only laugh at the look on Kurenai's face, as she realizes where he's going with this. The three of them had figured out early on that it was in fact Naruto Uzumaki who was responsible for the books in their hands.
The shock of that truth had left Asuma and Kurenai nearly deaf as Gai went about shouting the triumphs of Naruto's youth over all obstacles and how it had allowed him to write such youthful words.
"Yep, he wouldn't tell me the identity of the boy… only saying that the incident was a perfect example of why one must never underestimate an opponent. But, he did say that with skills like those the boy was definitely destined for great things. He also added that things would never get dull as long as he was around."
Gai laughs, saying, "If there's one thing that Naruto is not it is dull… his youthful exuberance won't allow it."
Kurenai nods, shocked that she never saw it before, saying, "The time when he painted the monument… I heard he turned himself right in."
"Well, who would willingly admit that the 'Demon Brat' had managed to make a fool out of a bunch of Jounins and ANBU…?"
Asuma notices the looks he receives from the two other Jounins and laughs uneasily before quickly apologizing.
"I meant no offense… you know what I meant."
"Yes, Naruto has faced much in his young life… yet, his youth has prevailed making him an inspiration to all."
Kurenai can only smile at Gai's words until a more serious air surrounds her. Looking at the book in her hands, a frown appears drawing the attention of the two men. Noticing this, she sighs, saying, "I was just wondering if any of them have figured it out yet."
"Naruto and Kyuubi… I believe that most, if not all of them will figure it out. They will come to us for answers… my team will figure it out." Asuma replies taking another long drag of his cigarette, blowing smoke with a tired sigh.
"True… Neji for one will definitely figure it out… Tenten as well… My star pupil, Lee, will let the power of youth guide him to an acceptable conclusion."
"Shino is the same as Neji and Shikamaru… Kiba… well, he can be surprisingly perceptive…"
"And, Hinata…?"
Kurenai looks at Asuma unable to hide the worry in her eyes. Learning of Naruto's connection to the most prominent clan in Konoha was most shocking; she can only imagine what effect it's having on the young Hyuuga.
"She is just as Naruto describes her… she's stronger than we all give her credit for… but… Learning of her feelings for the boy was surprising to say the least, as I could never see what she saw in him… now, I…"
"Now, you wish he was a few years older… right, Kurenai-chan?"
The group turns to find Anko standing in the doorway to the lounge with a smirk on her face. The blush on Kurenai's face only serves to brighten the Tokubetsu Jounin's mood.
"And, where have you been Anko… I saw you in the Hokage's office but you vanished afterwards."
Anko doesn't respond to Kurenai's question, as she takes a seat next to her friend. A sly smile fills her lips as she non-chalantly replies, "Doing a favor for a friend… a close, personal friend."
The three Jounins all raise an eyebrow at her declaration, as they all know that beyond Kurenai and a very select few Anko doesn't consider anyone a friend.
"A friend…?"
"Yeah, a friend… what… is that so shocking?"
Asuma shrinks in on himself under Anko's intense glare but relaxes as she starts laughing.
"Don't worry, Asuma, I guess I can share Kurenai-chan with you… now, that I got my new playmate…"
Anko can't help but laugh as both Jounins blush at her statement. Even Gai laughs as he boldly declares how the power of youth will guide them to an enduring love which only causes Anko to laugh even harder.
"But, you know there's one thing I got to admit… that kid sure has some connections."
"You mean Naruto…?" Asuma asks; glad to shift the subject away from him and Kurenai.
"Yeah, he loved your old man like he was his own flesh and blood and I know the old goat felt the same… Hyuuga is probably the closest thing to a Father he's ever known… Iruka and Shizune are the brother and sister he never had… He has another Father in that perverted Sannin and a Hokage for an over-protective mother…"
The group gets quiet at the implications of Anko's words and the possibilities they present. It causes one thought to cross Asuma's mind – You were right, Pop... he is destined for great things…
To Be Continued…