Chapter 10

Naruto concentrated as best he could. Slowly gathering the modified Life Force, he slowly let it leak into Hinata's wounded eye. All five of the doctors watched in amazement as the cells started multiplying before their eyes. Something was off… all the cells were multiplying, weather or not they were the ones needed or not. Carefully, the doctors cut away and incinerated the extra cells not needed with their Chakra Scalpels as the eye slowly repaired itself, knitting together like a complete reversal of the wound.

Sweat started running down their foreheads, and the nurses carefully wiped it away, making sure none dripped into the wound or onto the unconscious girl. Naruto ignored the doctors as they calmly gave instructions to each other and to the nurses. Naruto just stood there and slowly leaked the Life Force into her eye, letting the doctors shape and mold the eye back to its former glory. Minutes turned into hours as the time wore on. Despite being naturally adept with chakra and having near perfect control, Naruto was getting tired. The doctors were much worse off, and had to eat several soldier pills just to keep going. Finally, one of the doctors spoke up.

"Naruto-san, it's done, you can stop now."

"H…Hai…"

Naruto sat down, profusely thanking the nurse who brought him a glass of cold water. He watched as all five of the doctors scanned Hinata's entire body, looking for any adverse side effects, and comparing her newly healed eye with her undamaged one. Slowly, Naruto's eyelids grew heavier and heavier. His eyes drooped, and soon he lost the fight against sleep.

With a start, Naruto jumped up, looking around franticly. He was standing next to Hinata's bed, back into the room he visited her in. Naruto smiled and calmed himself down. He sat back down and reached his hand out to lovingly caress her cheek, feeling how smooth her skin was. She smiled in her sleep and rolled over, trapping his hand between her head and the pillow. Her hands unconsciously reached up and grabbed his, holding it closer to her. Naruto felt a tugging at his chest, much like he felt when he saw her die, but this time it was… happy. A feeling of bliss, just a few steps beneath euphoria or nirvana, invaded his emotions, throwing all the others to the back of his mind. He reveled in it. He made himself comfortable on the chair, leaning his head back against the back of it. Slowly, sleep made its inexorable march, forcing him to move on to his dreams, all centered on his lavender eyed love…

Slowly, oh so slowly, things began to return to normalcy. Hinata's eye, with a few following check ups, had returned to normal. Due to the kunai piercing her pupil, it was now somewhat slitted, something like a mix between a snake's and a cat's. It was just a slightly deeper shade of the pale lavender that made up her usual eye, and was barely noticeable at all. With a fair amount of training, she managed to bring it's usefulness up from the initial 50 percent capacity it was initially at directly after the surgery to it's full 100 percent capacity. Her Byakugan, before the incident, was still not fully formed. She could only see the outlines of the internal chakra systems, and only the largest third of the tenketsu, only enough to use the Hakke rokujuu yonshou. However, because of her intense and constant training, she had, much like her cousin Neji had done at the age of 10, awakened her bloodline to its fullest potential. The only real difference was the ability to better see the chakra pathways, all the tenketsu, and doubling the maximum range she could see around her. The last part could be trained even farther, but it would take time.

As for Hinata's bold proclamation of her love to Naruto as she lay 'dying', and Naruto's reaction to her 'death', after Hinata had been released from the hospital, she'd confessed to him, and he to her. The could be seen on most evenings in some highly recommended restaurants by the Akimichi clan, cinema, and several other places that most people go for entertainments… or dates. The farthest they've ever gotten, though, was some rather intimate kissing and hugging, not having the courage to go farther than that. All in all, the two were in bliss.

As for the war between Rice and Fire countries, it was an obvious routing. Without the element of surprise and the full support of every single ninja in Konoha, the Sound village withdrew its support. The Rice country's armies were utterly defeated by the much larger Fire country's numerical and strategic might. In short terms, Rice and Sound got their asses handed to them because a few Genin got away from some of their most powerful ninja. The mission offers to Sound was drastically reduced, and their participation in the upcoming Chuunin exams was their only chance to regain the respect as good fighters, but only if one of their Genin won the tournament.

Speaking of the Chuunin exams, although it was Konoha's turn to host the event, they utterly refused to allow Sound Nin into their village. Therefore, the rest of the Hidden Villages held a meeting and decided that it was to be hosted in Kirigakure no Sato. The Mizukage was more than willing to host the event, and declared that any unsanctioned fighting between any shinobi of different villages would get their entire village banned from the event. All the Kage accepted the terms with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Because of the delay in organizing the event, the date that it would start was pushed back almost two months.

Our team was, at this moment, sitting under a cool tree, studying a few scrolls they'd picked up here and there. Chouji was studying a jutsu scroll given him directly by the Sannin Jiraiya, who was rather impressed at his skill with jutsu. Hinata was studying a medical scroll that was written by the Legendary Kunoichi of Konoha, the Sannin Tsunade herself. It was, however, only on loan from the Hokage. Naruto… he was actually studying a book of unknown origins. He didn't know where it had come from, how it had got there, or who had given it to him. Apparently, it was a book on Taijutsu. It outlined many different forms and kata from a style that not even Maito Gai had heard of. Tai Chi. What really intrigued the boy was that he saw a lot of potential in this style. He could, theoretically, use raw chakra blasts in nearly every single blow the style showed him. It was as if this style was made just for that purpose… but he just continued to study, deciding to learn all the theoretical sides behind the style, which were many, before he actually practiced it. He had already learned some of the most basic kata, and was doing well. He had even shown the book to Gai, who had in turn helped the boy correct his stance so that the moves flowed properly. In return, Gai got to learn a new style just for helping the boy out. It was a mutually beneficial relationship. Things were progressing well for this team, and they had all been given a month's worth of vacation along with the pay for an S-class mission. To top it all off, they had all received the Golden Kunai, a very prestigious award for valor in the midst of combat. They were, to date, the youngest ninja to ever receive this award, and that included its equivalents from the other villages as well.

(Flashback)

Sandaime Hokage stood in front of a pedestal, looking at the assembled ranks of Shinobi in front of them, and the crowd of civilians behind them. He cleared his voice before starting his speech.

"I have called this meeting today to dispel a few rumors. Many of you have heard about the recent 'incident' on the Fire-Rice border. Yes, it is true that Rice country and Otogakure attacked in tandem, intending to invade Fire country and, eventually, crush Konoha. The area they invaded was currently being patrolled by an undermanned Chuunin team. One of their team mates had been injured and extracted to Konoha General Hospital for treatment. In order to enhance our defenses, I ordered the Genin team that had escorted the Medic Nin to the rendezvous to become a replacement on the team for the out-of-action Chuunin. Fortunately for us, that was the best thing that could have happened under the circumstances. Team 7, the first of our experimentally trained Genin teams, lead by Tokubetsu Jounin Morino Ibiki, and displayed fine teamwork in the face of great adversity. The attacking force, while currently estimated at one ANBU team, around 10 Jounin, nearly a score of Chuunin, and three dozen Genin was the spearheading force in the invasion. In a surprise attack, the spearheading force knocked out and captured both Morino Ibiki and Akimichi Chouji. The two fought well, injuring and incapacitating at least 10 of the Sound Nin. After learning that their companions had been captured, Hyuuga Hinata and Hyuuga Naruto ambushed said group, rescued their friends, and nearly halved the remaining shinobi through well set traps and Genjutsu, as well as killing three ANBU. They also managed to alert other border patrols and their two Chuunin teammates. However, they did not come out without injury. Ibiki and Chouji were near death, Hinata had a kunai impaled in her eye, and Naruto had chakra burns throughout most of his system and was suffering from severe chakra depletion. Thankfully, all four are almost fully recovered. Chouji and Hinata are still in physical therapy, Chouji for his massive weight loss and muscle depletion, and Hinata for re-learning how to use her recently healed eye."

He paused for a moment before continuing.

"In light of these feats, I would like to bestow upon all members of Team 7 the Red Moon, signifying injuries received in combat."

His attendants walked forewords and handed each person a polished wooden box.

"Also, because of their valor and the role they played in defending our country, I would like to bestow upon them the Golden Kunai."

An exited murmur swept through the crowd as each member of the team received another wooden box.

"I realize that these three Genin are the youngest to ever receive such a large honor in the history of all Shinobi villages. Their actions have brought both their families and their village honor. Because of this, we should honor them in turn. Thank you."

The Sandaime stepped down from the pedestal, smiling warm heartedly as the crowd went wild, celebrating Konoha's newest heroes.

(End Flashback)

By now, most of the village saw the three in a new light. Hinata was no longer seen as the barely passable Hyuuga heir, and Chouji as the shy Akimichi heir, but as fine shinobi, and heroes even. As for Naruto, by now most everyone knew he was the Yondaime's son, had a unique Byakugan-esque bloodline, and was supposed to be the vessel for the Kyuubi no Kitsune. Before, he was seen in a mixed light. Some had still hated him, thinking he was Kyuubi's reincarnation, while others thought neutrally of him. Now, after receiving such praise for his actions during the invasion, he was considered one of Konoha's greatest heroes, as well as one of their greatest prodigies. Needless to say, his already sizeable fan club swelled to record numbers, becoming larger than both Neji and Sasuke's combined, but still couldn't match Uchiha Itachi's former fan club. It was now disbanded, but its legacy lives on… In any case, it was much more difficult to get from one point to the next because of the hordes of screaming girls and women.

Neji seethed in jealousy as he saw his cousin sitting under a tree, comfortable in the presence of her team mates. Not only did she have better teamwork than his own team, but her Byakugan had somehow developed equal and possibly even surpassing his. Also, she had received honors because, in his mind at least, she was from the Main House. He failed to see that her two team mates had received the same award. His hatred of the Main House had dimmed slightly because of Naruto's presence in the Hyuuga household, it had risen again two-fold. 'At least I may have a chance to get my revenge in the Chuunin Exams… Gai-sensei told us that we'd be participating this year, and I'm certain that her team will be there as well…'

He smirked darkly to himself, fantasizing about the pain he would deal out to her… His mind snapped back into reality when he heard someone call his name.

"Oi, Neji-san, what's so funny?"

Inwardly he seethed, but his only visible emotion was that of apathy. "Nothing, Naruto-sama. I was sent to retrieve you and Hinata-sama. You are being summoned by Hyuuga-sama."

Naruto and Hinata stood up, nodded to Neji, and bid farewell to Chouji. After a nice soothing run across the rooftops, they arrived at the compound, and made their way to Hiashi's personal meditation garden, as instructed. They arrived to see the head of the Hyuuga clan, wonder upon all wonders (note heavy sarcasm), meditating.

"Ah, Hinata, Naruto, come over here please."

"Hai" they said in unison.

They sat down in front of the emotionless man. He opened his eyes and looked at them intently.

"It has come to my attention that, after Hinata had gotten out of the hospital, you two have been seen in various restaurants, cinemas, and other places. You were seen holding hands, intimately touching, and kissing by several Branch members. In public, no less."

The two cringed. It was, surprisingly, Hinata that spoke up first.

"Father, in all due respect… I will continue to see Naruto-kun."

Hiashi's eyebrows raised in surprise at her determination.

"I love him, and I won't let you separate us. He is the only person I will ever consent to marry, and you can either accept that fact or you can find another heir."

Hinata's voice, although quiet throughout her small speech, carried a large amount of emotion and confidence in them. Hiashi smiled. 'Naruto truly is bringing out the best in her… and this just makes is easier.'

"Hinata, I realize your attachment to Naruto, but it can't be helped. The counsel has already had a marriage arranged for you since you were six years old. There is nothing you can do except to accept your fate…"

He raised a palm to stop both of their protests before they even started. The two only glared at him.

"In order to maintain the clan's honorable name, on the eve of your sixteenth birthday, you will be wedded, in order to bring a strong man and an equally strong bloodline into the Hyuuga clan."

"But father/Hiashi-sama…" Their protests were cut off again. Hiashi was trying his best to not break out laughing, seeing as they two had no idea what was in store for him. 'Looks like I have the last laugh for all those pranks, eh Naruto?' He thought.

"In order to fully accept your marriage, you are to get to know your betrothed from now until you are wed. If you refuse, you will be stripped of your title and you will be branded with the Caged Bird seal and placed in the Branch family, and you will be forced to marry anyway."

Hinata seemed to deflate at this news, while Naruto was both shocked and angry. His knuckles were white, his muscles tensing and relaxing, trying his best not to attack the Hyuuga head.

"Hinata, your must accept your betrothed. It is what is best for you…"

He trailed off as Hinata's tear streaked gaze met his. She was meek and humble once again.

"Who have I been betrothed to, father?" her voice was emotionless, yet cold, carrying no feeling whatsoever. Hiashi's laughter that had been welling up died instantly, and his eyes moistened at the sight of his defeated daughter.

"Your betrothed is the son of a Kage and a very accomplished ninja. His name once was Uzumaki, but he was adopted into the Hyuuga clan. Hinata, your betrothed is Hyuuga Naruto."

They two were speechless. They could only gape, their gazes switching back and forth between Hiashi and their future spouse. Hiashi smiled and grabbed one of each of their hands.

"I know it's unexpected, but I approve of your relationship. A few ground rules. Both you and Naruto are to be virgins of every sense of the matter until your marriage night. I forbid you to go any farther than kissing. Also, you two will remain fully clothed whenever in the same room, with the exception of hot springs and communal baths. When sleeping in the same room, pajamas will be worn at all times. Other than that, you are free to tell anyone you choose about your engagement. I expect you to continue your good behavior during missions and to continue training. Now, if I hear of any of these rules broken, the betrothal will be broken and you two will never be married. Is that clear?"

Despite his stern tone, the two were grinning broadly and nodding. With that, he placed Hinata's hand in Naruto's. They stood and he embraced the two in a warm, fatherly hug.

The rest of the day was a haze for the two stunned teenagers. The only thing they could think of at the time was 'We're really getting married…'

The next morning, Hinata woke early. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she remembered what had happened yesterday. Deciding that a relaxing morning bath was in order, due to the fact they didn't have training scheduled for today, Hinata grabbed a change of cloths, wrapped herself in a robe, and made her way to the bath house. Just as she was about to enter, she heard "Oi, Hinata-chan! Wait up!"

"N...Naruto-kun?"

"Hai. Thanks for waiting. Let's go in, shall we?"

"H…Hai"

Both Hinata and Naruto blushed before they entered their respective gender's changing rooms. After a quick scrubbing, they made their way to the central pool, the only one in the complex with mixed bathing. The couple found each other quickly, but the steam was quite thick and hard to see through. Blushing, they sat on opposite sides of a rock that jutted out from the very middle of the pool. Their hand's snaked around either side and they laced fingers, comforted by each other's touch.

They sat in silence for a few moments. Naruto, deciding to start up a conversation, said "So… I guess we're going to be married in a few years…"

"Hai."

"So… what do you want to do?"

"I… I was thinking we should… we should train. I want to look at in the clan library, would you mind… tagging along?"

"N…No problem, Hina-chan!"

Hinata blushed, unseen by anyone, before squeezing Naruto's hand while saying "Thank you, Naru-chan."

Naruto blushed as well, but the steam in the bath house was indeed very thick. It went unseen. Slowly, as they started to get light headed from the heat, they made their ways back to their changing rooms, and got dressed. Meeting just outside the entrance, Naruto enveloped her into a loving embrace.

Hinata smiled and hugged back. She didn't expect him to pull back and plant his lips on hers, but… indeed he did so. She was surprised at first, but gradually melted into his arms, returning the loving and passionate kiss with equal enthusiasm.

Their tongue battle was halted abruptly by someone clearing their throat. They looked around embarrassed, their cheeks tinted red.

"If you two are done cleaning each other's teeth, would you kindly let me by? I believe that this bath house may be used by any Hyuuga, not just you two." Said a cold, hate-filled voice.

"Neji-nii-san, gomen nasai."

"Sorry, Neji-san."

They parted and let the Hyuuga Prodigy through.

Naruto grinned before saying "Come on, Hina-chan, lets get to the library, ne?"

"H…Hai"

-

Yeah, yeah, I know, it's kinda short, but I'm not having a lot of inspiration. Now, should I go for the Chuunin exams next or should I go with a mission? Both will come, eventually, but I want your opinion! Please review! Laters!