A/N: Well, I was just going to make a oneshot with this, but I guess people wanted another chapter, so I decided to make one. If you guys like it give me a review so I know you'll want more chapters. If I get enough I'll go ahead and continue the story. Enjoy the story!
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Chapter Two: The Return of a Hero
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A cool, gently breeze swept across a small valley miles from civilization. The hot, scorching sun was slowly climbing to its zenith; it would soon blind anyone who dared set foot outside the protection of his home. As the lone cloud lazily drifted across the sky, a sharp crack was heard throughout the valley as a line of trees lit up in flames. As a flock of sparrows flew up from the recent destruction of their current home, if one were to focus in the midst of the commotion, an odd bird flew in an irregular pattern compared to the rest of the flock. This bird was a blue jay, a rather uncommon sight to see in the land of Konoha. Slowly the bird decided on a new spot to rest its wings, and that's where it perched upon the shoulder of an adolescent boy garbed in an orange and black jacket. His blonde hair shined gold in the light of the endless summer, despite it being what should be the middle of winter. It was rare indeed for snow to appear in Konoha. The boy shifted his gaze to the bird and smiled as it crooned and began to settle on his collar. Smiling gently, the boy looked back toward the line of trees that had just been destroyed.
"N-Naruto! H-How in God's name did you do that?" An elder man was in a complete state of shock as his jaw hit the ground. After a moment it was hard to determine if the man's face conveyed a pure state of fear or if he was about to praise the boy. "You just controlled yourself with four tails like you've done it all your life! A week ago you could barely hold consciousness with three! How did this happen?"
"Well, Jiriya-sensai, that's my little secret." Naruto's fox-like grin had never seemed to leave his face these days. He bent down and whispered into his teacher's ear, "You could say I'm glad that I took your advice." Leaving a confused Jiriya sitting on the valley floor, Naruto laughed as he marched off to practice his jutsu even more.
'Naruto really has grown. Did he really tell someone about the Kyuubi? He had to; he couldn't mean anything else if he took my advice. He must have told that Hyuuga girl that seems to be infatuated with him.' Jiriya fell onto his back and stared up at the sky. It was such a calm, quiet day. 'You did again, you old coot. You might have just raised another Yondaime, only this one will become even stronger, and not just because of the Kyuubi.'
"Hey! Ero-senin! Come teach me how to do the Rasengan without using my Kage Bunshin!" Jiriya slowly turned his head toward his student and sighed.
"Do you ever shut up?" Naruto just laughed as he ran off into the forest. 'He's becoming more and more like you, Yondaime. I wouldn't be surprised if he soon inherits your name.' Jiriya slowly got up and trudged after the path Naruto had torn asunder only a moment ago.
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The beautiful, glistening moon was shining through my window. As I stared up at it I envisioned Naruto-kun's face. He had grown so handsome, and I started to wonder if he's changed anymore since that night. Remembering how he had held me and kissed me, a slight blush crept into my cheeks, but I didn't feel conscious about it anymore. After all, Naruto-kun said he thought I was very cute when I blushed. This, of course, made me blush even more, which made me think of how Naruto-kun loved me, and it was a never-ending process. Gently biting my lower lip, I made my way to the washroom to cool off.
Walking thought the seemingly barren house, the only sound was the silent pattering of my bare feet on the wooden floor. When I stepped on the soft carpet in front of the sink, I turned on the cold water and started splashing water all over my face.
"Naruto-kun…" My voice trailed off as I realized he'd be coming home any day now. We were both 15, but I was a chunin and he was still a genin. I wondered if he and I would still get missions together like we did before he left with Jiriya-sama. After I splashed my face one last time, I started walking back to my room. On the way I looked out at the training ground. In the middle of the complex, you could see the night clearly, despite the huge tree growing in the center of the grounds. Clutching the collar of my nightshirt, I stepped onto the cold dirt, entranced by the beauty of the cosmos. "I wish you were here, Naruto-kun."
"What are you talking about Hinata-chan? I'm right here!" As the words reached my ears, my head snapped toward the tree. There, standing beneath the branches of the gigantic tree, was Naruto-kun. Feeling the tears well up in my eyes, I blinked in disbelief. Was I dreaming? How did Naruto-kun get here without any of the guards seeing him? As a thousand thoughts ran through my mind, I gently spoke out to him.
"Naruto-kun…" I saw him nod, and all the feelings I had felt I had been missing while he was gone suddenly seemed to overflow within me. I ran out to him, tears cascading down my cheeks, my arms wide open to embrace him. No sooner had I reached him that he pulled me close to him with his strong arms as we shared the deepest kiss that I had ever experienced. As I pulled away, still feeling the tears flowing from my eyes, I took in his essence: how he looked, how he smelled, how he held me gently yet firmly in his arms. I buried my face into the crook of his neck and let the tears fall freely. "I missed you so much, Naruto-kun."
"I missed you too, Hinata-chan." I felt him kiss my cheek. He had matured so much it was surprising. He was so gentle and warm now, a complete opposite of what he used to be like, yet it seemed he hadn't changed. His smile was still as childish as ever, and his voice still held all the courage and determination I admired him for. "Hey, if you keep crying like that my eyes will start tearing." Looking into his eyes I smiled and cuddled him tighter.
"Gomen, Naruto-kun."
"What are you sorry for silly? You didn't do anything wrong." He pecked my cheek and I blushed a little at how I was still seemingly powerless in front of him. I heard him giggle to himself and he twirled me around in his arms. "Your skin is so soft Hinata-chan. I don't get why you always wear that coat when you have such an amazing figure to show off." It was then I realized that I was still in my pajamas and I leapt away from his warm embrace and tried covering up my body more. After all, I was only wearing a sleeveless black shirt and shorts that hardly covered my thighs at all. I didn't want Naruto-kun to think I was some whore.
"G-gomen, N-Naruto-kun!" I felt my face burn brighter than a thousand suns as I refused to look him in the eyes. Hearing his giggle only made my blushing worse. Then I felt him wrap his arms around me as he held me close to him again.
"You're so beautiful, Hinata-chan." If I could blush any redder, I did right then. Naruto-kun said I was beautiful? No one had ever said that to me before. Looking up into his eyes, I didn't care about the red in my cheeks or the shocked look on my face. Staring into his calm, deep blue eyes I saw that he really meant it. I had never seen anyone look at me with as much love as he did. I never wanted those eyes to leave mine.
"Naruto-kun." I shifted my weight so I could reach up to kiss him, but a sharp pain shot up through my leg. As I let out a yelp, I looked down and so did he. As I lifted my foot I saw a sharp rock underneath it with spots of blood on it. Apparently not seeing what caused my sudden cry of pain, Naruto-kun looked at me with a concerned look on his face.
"What happened?" As he looked down again he must have seen the rock, as he knelt down to hold my foot up and saw the blood dripping onto his hand. He also picked up the rock and twirled it between his fingers. "Is this what you cut your foot on?" When I nodded to him, he carelessly tossed the rock away and reached for an ointment bottle in his pouch.
"It's ok, Naruto-kun, I'll be fine." Still opening the bottle, I knew it was pointless to argue with him. Naruto-kun was the most stubborn guy in the world, but then again I admired him for that. After he spread some ointment over the wound between my toes, he seemed to pause while he pulled out some bandages. "Naruto-kun?"
"Hmm, I wonder if it really works…" His voice trailed off while he was pondering something, but before I could ask him what he was thinking he did something I never expected anyone to do for me. He held my foot up to his lips and he kissed the open wound. I couldn't help but giggle and try to jerk my foot away. I saw him giggle as well as he gently started wrapping a bandage around it. "Gomen, Hinata-chan. I didn't realize you were so ticklish."
"It's okay. It just surprised me, that's all." I paused for a moment as he finished tying the knot to keep it in place. "Naruto-kun, why did you do that? Kiss the cut on my foot, I mean." I felt like blushing, but he simply sat down and shrugged.
"I don't know. I just remembered back when we were at the academy that some mothers kissed all the cuts and bruises the other kids got. They said it made it heal faster." He smiled up to me, and I realized he was still the sweet Naruto-kun that I've always known.
"You'd make a wonderful father someday." I meant to whisper to myself, but Naruto-kun heard me and now it was his turn to blush. I giggled as I sat down next to him and laid my head on his shoulder. "Thank you, for everything." Somehow, sleep over took me as he held me close. I wanted to stay like that forever.
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As I shifted in my bed, I suddenly came back to reality. Slowly opening my eyes, I glanced out my window to see the sun already over the horizon. Hearing the birds chirping was such a lovely way to wake up. As I began to awake I started to realize the happenings of the previous night. Was it just a dream? It was then I noticed my left foot poking out from under my blanket. Once I saw the bandage wrapped around it, I blushed to myself. Naruto-kun really was back! Or, at least, he should be.
It wasn't until I adjusted my head on my pillow that I felt something thick underneath it. Reaching for the foreign object, I pulled out a scroll. Reading the name, I saw that it was from Naruto-kun. Hastily breaking the seal and unraveling the parchment, I began reading what he wrote.
Dear Hinata-chan,
It surprised me when you fell asleep while we were talking. I had so much to talk to you about, but I guess that will have to wait. Feeling your head resting on me while you breathed silently was so wonderful that I wanted to sleep with you right there. If I had, though, I'm not sure I would have woken up if your father had found us. So I simply carried you to your room, tucked you in bed, wished you sweet dreams and kissed you good night. Before I left though, I wrote this for you to read in the morning. I want to finish telling you what I came to see you for, so I would be very happy if you could meet me on top of Hokage Mountain. I'll be there all day, so come whenever you want. I'll miss you.
Naruto
After reading the letter I found I had already gotten dressed without realizing it. Rushing out the door, I slid my sandals on and ran toward where I was going to meet Naruto-kun.
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Sprinting as fast as I could, I had begun my ascent of the mountain. The staircase was steep but I'd run anywhere to be with Naruto-kun. That thought alone gave me the strength climb up all those stairs without slowing or stopping. As I reached the summit, I bent over gasping for breath looking for him. I walked further toward the little bench that overlooked the city, hoping I was just early and he didn't expect me here yet. It was ok to wait; I had nothing to do today anyway.
Daintily walking up to the bench, I eased myself onto it as I closed my eyes, feeling the calming breeze whisk my hair behind me. Lately there's been a constant wind flowing across the village. It was rather soothing when normally there wasn't even the smallest gust because of all the trees surrounding the village.
Suddenly I felt someone's lips pressing against my cheek. Leaping to my feet and twirling around out of pure instinct, I prepared myself for whoever was there. Instead, I sighed and giggled as I saw a laughing Naruto-kun bent over the back of the bench.
"You should have seen your face, Hinata-chan!" I could barely get the words out as he gasped for breath. I should have expected him to still pull some pranks; after all, he was the number one unpredictable ninja in the village, and most likely the world.
"Oh? And what did it look like, Naruto-kun?" For the first time in my life, I expressed a killing intent toward him, even though I only meant it jokingly. He definitely noticed as he snapped his head up, but his childish grin was still there. He jumped over the bench in one smooth movement and walked up to me, cupping my cheeks in his hands.
"It was very beautiful." I smiled at him as his lips gently pressed against mine. After pulling away from the kiss, he swiftly picked me up in his arms and sad down on the bench with me in his lap. I suddenly blushed at his smiling face, and I nuzzled my forehead into the crook of his neck.
"Hey, Hinata-chan, there's something I wanted to know." I simply muffled a reply into his jacket as I felt a sleepiness overtake my eyes. Aye, now instead of blushing constantly in front of Naruto-kun I now fell asleep every time he held me in his arms. "Would you mind sparring with me for a little while?" My head jerked up and I looked at him completely shocked. I had never fought with him before, be it training or any other form of combat.
"W-why?" That was all that left my lips before he smiled and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"I just wanted to see how much stronger you got since I left." Such a simple and direct answer. I couldn't say no to him, as I wanted to see how strong he was as well. I was always wondering how strong the Sannin really were, and he had trained under one for the last three years.
"Okay, Naruto-kun. But I should warn you, I won't go easy on you." I giggled as I kissed him gently and ran off into the forest behind us. Noticing him hot on my heels, I laughed though the forest as I lead our new little game of tag.
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"Are you sure she went this way?" The man's long white martial arts robe flapped against the wind as he ascended the mountain following a young junin. His blank, white eyes displayed a concerned look as he tried his hardest not to surpass his guide.
"Yes, Hiashi-sama. I followed her all the way here earlier." Reaching the top of the mountain the two slowed to a walk as they advanced toward the forest.
"Neji-san, do you have any idea why she came here?" The man's worried voice was rather unfitting for the leader of the most renowned clan in all of Konoha. "It's unlike her to go off somewhere without leaving a note, especially when there are no missions."
"She's got a very good reason for her to be out here, but she wanted to keep it secret from you. I got permission to bring you here though, to show you what she has been planning." Neji tugged at the sleeve of his uncle as to signal him to crouch as to not be seen. Neji then pointed out toward a clearing, and simply said, "Watch."
As Hiashi turned his head, his jaw dropped as he noticed his daughter standing there deep in thought. She had discarded her coat, which was indeed an oddity for her. He never understood why his daughter was so weak or spineless, but he loved her nonetheless. He was only hard on her because of how the elders said they'd treat her if she didn't improve. No father would want that for his daughter.
"Hinata-chan! Don't be afraid to hit me now! I'm coming at you with all I've got!" Quickly activating his Byakugan, Hiashi searched the forest for the source of the voice, but to his amazement he couldn't find anyone. He soon stopped searching as Neji placed his hand on his shoulder and again pointed toward Hinata.
"Hai!" Hiashi had never seen this amount of determination in his daughter's eyes. As she assumed her fighting stance, he realized it was much more refined than the last time he had seen it. A yellow blur flashed in the corner of his eye, and he slowly turned his head toward the distraction. It was then he couldn't help but gasp and stare in disbelief.
"Yondaime?" He began to stand up, but no sooner than he shifted his weight did Neji hold him down. Staring at his nephew quizzically, Neji only shook his head.
"He's not the fourth, Hiashi-sama. Just watch." Obeying the command, Hiashi turned his eyes back to his daughter. As soon as his eyes settled on her, he noticed a large burst of chakra coming from the Yondaime look-a-like.
"Rasengan!" Hiashi's eyes widened in fear as he launched himself up to protect his daughter, but he felt his ankles bound together. Turning around, he saw Neji holding him back.
"She'll be alright. He wouldn't kill her." Hiashi only turned back toward his daughter expecting the worst to happen. Then he noticed her making hand signs that he had never seen before. The blonde ninja was still charging toward her, but she didn't falter once in her jutsu preparation.
"Shugohakke Rokujyuu Yonshou!" Watching his daughter releasing chakra from her palms, Hiashi saw his daughter in a new light. Her chakra began forming a shield in front of her, protecting her from any attack. Her opponent soon thrust his Rasengan into her shield and the ball exploded upon impact, covering the entire clearing in a haze.
No sooner had the smoke cleared that Hiashi saw the outcome of the battle, and the man couldn't have been happier. The Yondaime clone was bruised and scratched all over, yet his daughter was unmarked. He felt his heart skip a beat in his chest. He then knew she wasn't as weak as he thought.
"That was amazing, Hinata-chan!" The blonde scratched his head as he stood up. She just smiled and thanked him. "You can come out now, Neji! Hyuuga-sama!" Hiashi and his daughter both leapt in surprise at the same time. Keeping his head high, Hiashi stepped into the clearing, a proud smile on his face.
"Hinata, how come you never told me you created such an amazing technique?" He saw his daughter blush and lower her head. Nothing could falter his pride in his daughter now.
"I-I wanted to impress you, f-father. You're one of the two people I created this technique for. I wanted to gain your acceptance." He was touched by her words. Had his daughter really been this afraid to show him her progress?
"She's amazing, isn't she, Hyuuga-sama?" The blonde had now put his arm around his daughter's shoulders. Hiashi was surprised by his sudden friendliness toward her, but for some odd reason he didn't get angry like he thought he should have.
"Who are you?" Seeing the stunned look in all thee of the teenager's faces, he decided to elaborate. "I mean, you look like Yondaime, you have some of his techniques, but Neji said you were someone else. So, who are you?" He noticed that Neji suddenly seemed to tense up preparing for some disaster, while Hinata looked down at her feet. The blonde, however, simply started laughing.
"You mean you haven't told them yet, Hinata-chan?" Slowly his daughter shook her head, but the blonde just stared up at Hiashi with a sly grin on his face. "I'm surprised, Hyuuga-sama. You should be able to tell who I am by these thin lines on my cheeks." The boy pointed to what he was referring to. "It's the one and only Uzumaki Naruto!" As the words sank in, Hiashi suddenly began to realize what was happening.
"Hinata! Don't you know what he is?" A soon as he said those words, he saw his daughter wrap her arms around the boy as she held him tight.
"Yes I do father. And if anything, I love him more because he trusted me and loved me enough to tell me. He's not some monster like you and the rest of the village seem to think." He looked at his daughter, and for the first time, he felt something he had never experienced around his eldest daughter: admiration.
"I never thought of him as a monster, Hinata. But it's too complicated to explain what's going on in my head right now." His daughter's head perked up and the boy seemed to have an interested look in his eye.
"Um, would someone mind filling me in?" Neji walked up next to Hiashi and looked at Naruto squarely in the eyes. "It won't be fair to me if you don't let me in on this little family secret. After all, I will be your cousin someday, Naruto." With that, the boy laughed and Hinata giggled. Hiashi only sighed.
"If anyone were to tell you, it would have to be Naruto. It's against the law for either Hinata or I to talk about it until you know." Neji looked up to his uncle and back to Naruto. He simply sat down where he sat.
"I have all the time in the world. Now, tell me this secret, Naruto." With that, the boy sat down looking Neji in the eye, and he smiled.
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Staring dreamingly at my boyfriend, I listened to his soothing voice as he explained his past to a rather exuberant Neji-san. He seemed like a little boy listening to the most amazing adventure story he had ever heard as Naruto-kun, smiled widely and rarely taking a breath, told him the truth. Glancing at my father, I couldn't decipher the look in his eyes. All I could tell was he was deep in thought. His statement earlier still lingered on my mind. What did he mean that he didn't think Naruto-kun was a monster?
Once I heard Naruto-kun finish his story, I let my eyes settle on Neji-san, not knowing what to expect. He was always one to uphold the honor of the village, but Naruto-kun was one of the first and few people who had earned his respect. Without realizing it, I gently held Naruto-kun's hand in mine, preparing to comfort him if something happened. I never expected what happened next though: Neji-san smiled.
"Well, Naruto, you seem to have proved me wrong. You are, perhaps, the strongest person I know." I heard both of them share a friendly laugh, and a smile crept onto my face. "Now I'll have to train even harder so I can beat you some day." Seeing the look my cousin shot Naruto-kun, I was happy. It was a look of respect and acknowledgment, yet at the same time, a look of ambition.
"We'll just wait and see who's stronger, Neji. I doubt you can beat me. I have been training under Jiriya-sensai for the last three years, after all." Upon hearing the name, my father's head shot up and stared at Naruto-kun.
"You trained under the legendary Sannin? And at that, the same one that taught both myself and Yondaime?" Both Neji-san and I glanced at him with a shocked look in our eyes. Father never talked of his training days, let alone who he had trained with. "I had never seen anyone as strong as the Fourth. Even our teacher was no match for him after a few years of training. I remember what he said if we both had kids." The small smile that had appeared on his lips seemed to disappear as if it had never been there. "But that dream is impossible now."
"What's wrong, father?" My father looked up at me, and I felt something tear at my heart. He was crying.
"Hinata, gomen, but this talk reminded me of something I needed to tell you. The elders decided today, that Hanabi will be taking your place as heir to the Hyuuga name, and you will be banished from the head family." At first I didn't believe what he said. I had thought the elders agreed to waiting until Hanabi graduated before deciding. Feeling the tears well up in my eyes, I felt someone holding my hand tight. Looking up, I saw Naruto-kun with a pissed look in his eyes.
"Does this mean that Hinata-chan will get that Caged Bird seal?" This seemed to surprise my father, until he remembered Neji-san's fight with him where the seal was revealed. When my father nodded, reality struck. Was I really going to be given that seal? The fear and depression soon sunk in as I shivered where I sat, clutching Naruto-kun close to me. "I won't let that happen. I'll fight every member of the Hyuuga clan if I have to. Hinata-chan won't be cursed with that stupid seal."
"No matter how many of my clan you defeat, Naruto, it's impossible to stop the seal from getting put on my daughter. I am the one who has to put it on her, after all." Noticing his sudden disgruntled look, Naruto-kun simply lowered his head.
"Can't you stop it? You are her father, after all! Are you telling me that some stupid clan rules are more important than your daughter?" The furious look in Naruto-kun's eyes made my father fidget, something I had never seen before. "Answer me!"
"Of course I don't want that to happen to my daughter! Why do you think I pushed her so hard? I wanted her to get stronger, so the elders wouldn't see her as a failure. I had only meant to help my daughter grow the only way I knew how." Suddenly my father's brash actions against me made sense. He wanted me to get stronger? But why did he have to be so cruel about it?
"There isn't any way to prevent it, Hyuuga-sama?" Naruto-kun held me tight against him as I cried onto his shoulder. How could this be happening? Nothing would save me from that seal if the elders decided to put it on me.
"Well, there is one way." Suddenly our heads jerked up at him. There was a way to save me? "Naruto, if you want to prevent my daughter from getting the seal, you have to marry her before it is put on." I saw his eyes go wide in shock.
"M-marriage?" Naruto-kun never stuttered. What could be wrong? He had a way to save me, so what was he scared of?
"Excuse me, Hiashi-sama, but when is the ceremony for the curse to be place on Hinata-san's head?" All three of us stared intently at my father. None of us were prepared for the answer, and I felt my heart sink in my chest.
"Two weeks from today." It was then I fainted.
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"Hinata-chan?" I didn't need to open my eyes to know who was calling me. Feeling his hand caress my cheek, my eyes fluttered open to see a concerned Naruto-kun looking at me. Quickly sitting up, I realized that the sun had set and the night sky was shining down on us. My father and Neji-san were no longer there. "Hyuuga-sama and Neji went back to your house after they told me the details of what would happen should we marry." I simply nodded as I rubbed my eyes trying to wake up. "Hinata-chan, what made you think I asked you to marry me?"
Perking my head up, I didn't understand his question at first. Looking at him, he seemed…hurt. Like I had rejected giving him a kiss. When he noticed I didn't understand, he sighed and looked at me.
"Gomen, but I never meant those rings I gave you to seem like I was proposing to you." That's when reality took a hold of me. Feeling on the verge of tears, I collapsed and I hugged my knees.
"S-so you don't want to m-marry me, N-Naruto-kun?" I felt like my world was falling apart. What was going on today? First the fact that I was going to get the cursed seal, and now Naruto-kun didn't want to marry me. It was all I could do to hold myself from crying.
"It's not that, Hinata-chan. It's just…I don't know. I mean, we're only 15! We shouldn't be thinking of marriage! Even if I were to marry you now, all I'd do is cause you pain while I was off on missions. This is so confusing. I don't know what to do." I clung to him, holding him as tight as I could. I wouldn't let go of him now that he was back. I couldn't. He's all I had to keep me going.
"I thought you loved me, Naruto-kun." Trying to nuzzle my head against his chest, I felt him pushing me away. I looked up at him as tears started falling down my cheeks. He kissed my forehead and held my head close to his chest.
"I'm not sure." Hearing those words stabbed at my heart. It was then I realized why Naruto-kun didn't want me to see his face. As I felt something cold run down my face, I knew he was crying too. "I can't go back with you, Hinata-chan. I'm sorry, but I won't be able to help you." Trying my hardest to hold on to him, it was useless as he stood up and began walking away. Feeling a lump in my throat, I couldn't speak. I could only watch as he walked into the forest. It was then I knew that I would never see him again.
"NARUTO-KUN!"
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Walking up to the Hyuuga Mansion, I recalled the letter I had received. The Hokage had summoned me to go there immediately to see the young Hyuuga girl. Being the girl's captain, I couldn't refuse, so I walked up to the guards as they bowed respectfully, letting her inside.
"Welcome, Kurenai-sama." It was a rather calm night in the Hyuuga house. Walking past the guards, I headed immediately for Hinata's room. On my way there, someone surprised me as I bumped into him as I turned a corner.
"Neji." Almost surprised to see me, he quickly gained his composure.
"You're here to see Hinata-san, I presume?" Simply nodding my head, he continued. "She hasn't come out of her room for a week. Not since the day Hiashi-sama and I confronted her and Naruto. She seems to have gone into shock over something, but none of us could figure out what happened." I quickly learned the problem though. Even though it's been three years, that boy was still as dense as ever.
"Thank you, Neji. I'll go see Hinata now." Nodding to me, he began walking away. The boy seemed to understand more about his life now. He was a jounin, after all.
Upon entering Hinata's room, I saw her sleeping on her bed. Easing myself onto a chair next to her, I saw that she was malnourished and her pillow and blankets were covered in sweat. She had always been pale, but she seemed ghostly now. Reaching out to brush some hair away from her face, she quivered as soon as I touched her skin. It was then I truly felt sorry for the girl. It was next to impossible to get over it when your crush rejects you.
"Hinata, wake up. Hinata?" No matter how many times I called my name, she wouldn't respond. Realizing it was no use, I decided to use a special hypnosis on her, having her tell me all the past events while she slept. I was normally forbidden to use it, but this was a special case. Tsunade-sama had already given me permission. Placing my hands on her damp forehead, I began to perform the jutsu.
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Naruto sat on top of his apartment building, staring emotionlessly at his feet. It had been a week since he had seen Hinata, but every day seemed like an eternity. He never knew that a pain like this existed, but like everything else, he thought it would go away eventually. He had promised her that he would never hurt her, but he was faced with a problem where he had no choice.
"This is the easier path for both of us, right? If it is, why do I feel so bad?" He wasn't speaking to anyone in particular. Masking his presence, he knew no one, not even Kakashi-sensai could find him. It was a special technique Jiriya had taught him. He wondered why the perverted hermit would know such an advanced hiding technique, until he remembered why he was a perverted hermit.
"The easier path isn't always the right one, Naruto." The voice made his skin crawl. Someone had found him? But how? Slowly turning his head, he soon realized why the person had found him.
"Hey, Kurenai-sensei. If it's alright, I'd rather not talk about it." The slap hit Naruto so hard his ears started ringing. Rubbing his cheek, he glared up at the woman that had just hit him. "What the hell was that for?"
"That is nothing compared to the pain you've caused to someone very close to me." Naruto's eyes froze in shock as he looked up at her. "I went to see her today, and I learned about everything. While it wasn't the best idea for her to suddenly jump to marriage, you shouldn't have left her because of that." He stared at his feet, almost wanting to cry.
"You don't understand, Kurenai-sensei. This is better for both of us. I won't hurt her as much this way. She can lead a normal life without me there to make everyone hate her too." A second slap on his other cheek made the boy wince in pain.
"If you call laying in your bed, afraid to wake up and losing your will to live a normal life, I feel sorry for you, Naruto. Because, that's what you've done to Hinata. She hasn't left her bed for a week." The boy was on the verge of tears now. In all her life, she had never seen Naruto cry. She really was the best at bringing out the feelings in people. "She's afraid to wake up because she knows you won't be there when she does. She's been crying herself to sleep every night and she can't even eat anymore." It was then she noticed Naruto had buried his face into his hands. She knew he really loved this girl. She now just needed him to know that.
"You still don't understand. I have that bastard fox inside of me! If Hinata-chan's with me, people will only begin to hate her too. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if she was treated like that. She cares so much about me, but this is the only way I could show that I cared for her." Soaking in the words of the young boy, she simply tapped his head.
"Naruto, did you ever think maybe Hinata doesn't care what other people think of her?" The boy looked up at her quizzically. She simply sighed. "I thought you had figured it out by now. Answer me, who is it that you want to acknowledge you?"
"I want the whole village to know who I am." Kurenai smiled and looked him in the eyes. He was still as confident as ever, chasing that seemingly impossible dream.
"That's right, Naruto. And to do that you wanted to become Hokage." He nodded, but still held a sorrowful look in his eyes. "Now, who did Hinata want to acknowledge her?"
"She wanted her father's approval! But, she has that now, so why isn't she happy?" He started tapping his chin in a way to think of what was happening.
"Naruto, think of her new technique. She made it to impress the two people most important to her. Her father is one of them, yes. But who would the other one be?" As soon as she saw his eyes grow wide, she knew he had figured it out.
"It was…me…" Naruto was almost whispering. "But still, I can't go and marry her! We're only fifteen! That's far too young for anyone to get married." Kurenai sighed. The boy did have a point. But she knew something about Hinata that the boy didn't.
"Naruto, Hinata's case is a special one. In her family, it's not uncommon for the heiress to marry at age fifteen or sixteen. In some cases they're even wed as young as thirteen." Naruto's mouth gaped open as he looked at the jounin. "The Uchiha were the same, but due to Itachi and Sasuke being the only survivors, the Hyuugas are the only family in Konoha to follow such a guideline." He had a sullen look on his face, like he was still unsure about something. "What's wrong, Naruto?" He looked up at her, and the tears started flowing down his cheeks.
"Kurenai-sensei, I'm scared." Shocked, she couldn't help but look into his eyes. The usual calm, courageous blue was no replaced with a fear that she had never seen by anyone. What could be troubling him? "I'm scared that I'll end up hurting her. I'm doing everything in my power to bring Sasuke back, but what if I fail? What if I die while I'm off on a mission? I couldn't hurt Hinata-chan like that. She's the first person who's seen the real me, yet didn't try to avoid me. She always stood up for me, even after I told her about the Kyuubi. She's more than I deserve." With that, she ruffled his hair as he looked up at her.
"It's okay to think that way, Naruto. But answer me this: how did you feel before you had any friends?" The sullen look seemed to get even worse as his eyes avoided me.
"That…was what hell must feel like. I felt so alone, always wanting someone to acknowledge me, to see me, not the curse I was burdened with. But, you all saved me from that hell. I would never want to go back there, and I'd rather die than face that pain again."
"Naruto, after remembering that, you should know all too well how Hinata feels." He seemed to realize what she had said, and started quivering in shame at what he had done. "Hinata feels so alone right now, Naruto. She has no close friends that she can be with, her clan despises her, and just how she saved you from your hell, you can save her from the hell waiting to claim her. You fought Neji, and you also have the Kyuubi inside you, so you should know all too well what kind of hell comes with those seals." As if he was the star of some manga book, he leapt up to his feet, determination covering his face, looking at the horizon.
"Thank you, Kurenai-sensei. I have to protect someone special to me. The most important person in the world." Smiling, she knew she had done the right thing. He returned the grin and before he began running toward the Hyuuga mansion. "And next time you see us, she'll be smiling as much as I do." With a sudden hug that surprised her, he took off into the night.
"That kid really is the most unpredictable ninja in the village." Leaning back as to look up at the stars, she felt happy for the first time in what seemed like an eternity.
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Feeling the eternal stream of tears run down my cheeks, I hadn't opened my eyes in a week. How could I, knowing Naruto-kun wouldn't be there? Clutching my pillow to my bosom, I heard my door open. Who was it this time? Neji-san? Father? Kurenai-sensei? It didn't matter; no one could wake me when I promised myself to never wake up again. If being awake caused this pain, I never wanted to open my eyes again!
"Hinata-chan…" Feeling a gentle hand caress my tear-stained cheek, I held my eyes shut tight. I couldn't trust anyone, and no matter what nothing would wake me up. I never wanted to face that pain again. Never!
Suddenly, a soft kiss touched my lips. Even without my eyes open, I knew who it was. But what if it was a dream? What if it was just some illusion? I had to keep my eyes closed! That pain was so unbearable! I felt my tears cascading down my cheeks in a steady flow. Then, I felt the kiss again as he brushed away my tears.
"It's okay, Hinata-chan. Please wake up. I'm hear now, and I'm not running away any more." Hearing his voice, I wanted to wake up, I really did. But what if he wasn't there when I opened my eyes? What if it was just an illusion of my frail mind? I couldn't deal with the pain in my heart if he wasn't there.
"Naruto-kun…" I felt him hold me tight and he kissed my cheek. I quivered with fear. What if this wasn't real? "I'm scared, Naruto-kun. What if you're not there when I open my eyes? I couldn't deal with the pain if you're not there."
"Open your eyes, Hinata-chan. I'm here, and I'm not leaving. I'll always be there when you wake up from now on. But for us to get there, you have to trust me. I'm here now. Just open your eyes…" Shutting them tight, I felt another soft kiss. Should I believe him? What if it wasn't real? What if…?
Slowly opening my eyes, it took a moment for me to adjust to the surroundings, even if it was the middle of the night. But there he was, kneeling by the side of my bed, caressing my cheeks. He smiled at me, and I felt my heart leap up into my throat.
"N-Naruto-kun…y-you're really here! I'm so happy! Naruto-kun!" For the first time in a week, I smiled. He came back to me. He really did love me. He kissed me again as I cried on his shoulder. I was so happy to have him back.
I think I woke up the entire village. Watching Naruto-kun fly toward the wall, it was the first time I had ever hurt him. Slapping that idiot as hard as I could felt good. Served him right though, for doing that to me. I hope he realized never to piss me off again.
"Naruto-kun, if you ever, ever do something like that to me again, a slap will be the last of your worries. After all, Kakashi-sensai has taught me the 1,000 years of pain jutsu. I think I'll try that next." For the first time in my life, someone was scared of me. Watching that ghostly white shade cover Naruto-kun's face was the most satisfactory feeling I had in my life.
"H-Hinata-c-chan! Y-you m-make S-Sakura-chan seem like an angel when you get pissed!" Simply looking at him with an evil glare in my eyes, I forcefully had to keep myself from laughing in front of him.
"Yes, Naruto-kun. You know better than to piss me off now, don't you?" I felt like I was going to blow up any time now. Slowly climbing out of my bed and walking over to him, I raised my hand as if to hit him again. He quaked in fear and braced for another hit.
I knelt down and kissed my idiot boyfriend. Pulling away and looking at his shocked face was all it took for me to laugh. He realized what I had done and couldn't help but sigh and feel embarrassed. When we had calmed down, he picked me up in his arms and sat me back on my bed. Looking at him, trying to decipher his feelings, he simply smiled as he looked down on me.
"Gomen, Hinata-chan. I shouldn't have run away like that. If I weren't such a coward I wouldn't have left you. I never knew it would hurt u like this." He kissed me, and I knew he was sincere. Holding his hands, I smiled up at him.
"It's okay, baka. I knew you'd come back to me." I lied, but only to make him feel better. I was just glad to have him back.
"No, it's not okay. I promised you that I wouldn't hurt you ever again, so I need to make up for it. So, since I didn't do it right the first time, let me try this again." What was he talking about? What did he do wrong? Watching him kneel in front of me, I saw him pull out a small case. Could this be what I think it is?
"Hinata-chan, I love you with all my heart. You've always been there for me, even when everyone else wouldn't come within ten feet of me. You've loved me all this time, wanting me to be happy. Well, now it's time I thanked you for giving me what I've been searching for my entire life." Taking a deep breath, I watched him open the case. Inside, I saw the most beautiful diamond ring I had ever seen. The way it sparkled in the moonlight captivated me. Was this for real?
"Hinata, will you marry me?" Feeling a burst of joy overtake any sense I had, I wrapped my arms around him and shouted at the top of my lungs.
"YES! Of course I'll marry you Naruto-kun!" I noticed all the lights flashing on across the house, but I was oblivious to them all. Naruto-kun had saved me from my hell. Watching him grab my sandals and my jacket, I felt him lift me up as he jumped out my window.
"I don't want them to know the good news yet." He snickered. I smiled up at him as I cuddled with him in mid-air. Together, he and I were off to be together, just the two of us.
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Yawning, I walked through the streets with Naruto-kun leading the way and Neji-san walking beside me. That night had been so wonderful as I lay on top of Naruto's apartment building with him, gazing up at the stars. For the first time since he had gotten back, he fell asleep before I did. Feeling the blush enter my cheeks, I didn't hide it anymore. Twirling my new ring on my finger, I was proud to show myself off to the world.
"Hey, Hinata-san. Are you sure Naruto asked you to marry him this time?" Glaring at Neji, he seemed to skimper away. I was having too much fun with my new power. Giggling to myself, I started to answer, only to be interrupted.
"Of course I asked her to marry me you idiot. I won't let my Hinata-chan have that seal within 100 feet of her." Blushing at what Naruto-kun said, she was happy to be his. Neji-san wanted to hurt Naruto-kun for what he did to me, but after I told him the beating I gave him that night, he decided anything he did to Naruto-kun would simply be over-kill. "Well, we're here!" He looked proudly up at his apartment. Neji-san, however, looked disgusted.
"I don't even have to set foot inside that place to know it's inadequate for a Hyuuga." Naruto-kun seemed to take offense to the statement, but Neji-san went on as if nothing happened. "We're just here to get your things to move into your new place, Naruto. A Hyuuga has to have a nice house if she's not to live with the rest of the clan." Nodding to the other boy, the three of us headed up the stairs to get his things.
Upon walking into his apartment, all three of us were surprised. The place was clean, but extremely empty. There was no food there, and all his clothes were far too small now. Sifting through his closets and drawers, everything was barren.
"Are you sure there's stuff here, Naruto? We can just go buy you new stuff if need be." I was happy about Neji-san's acceptance with Naruto-kun. Both of them gave up after about half an hour of looking through everything.
"I guess I don't need any of this junk." Naruto-kun laughed to himself as he scratched his head. I giggled as Neji-san sighed. "Well, let's go look at our new house, Hinata-chan! I know it hasn't even been a day since we officially got engaged, but Fuzzy Eyebrows and Gai-sensai can build pretty quickly. I just hope they at least got the kitchen done. I'm starving!" His childish grin was as full as ever, making me feel happier, if that was possible.
"Okay, let's go, Naruto-kun!" The three of us left the apartment, never to set foot inside it again.
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Opening the door, Naruto-kun adjusted his eyes to the darkness. Our house was moderately big compared to where I used to live, but it simply dwarfed every house around it. Being two stories high, it was larger than most, but what surprised me was that Gai-sensai and Lee-kun had added a basement and a cellar, both of which were a rarity in homes. I giggled to myself as Naruto-kun stared in amazement at how big it was. It wasn't a surprise when you considered the apartment he lived in, but it was still funny to see him happy over a kitchen separate from the living room.
"Hey, Hinata-chan! Neji! You guys want any food?" Watching Naruto-kun run toward the kitchen, I smiled to myself. I would be very happy with a life like this. Following him, I felt someone jump on me from behind.
"SURPRISE!" Staring into the kitchen, I saw all of our friends standing there with grins on their faces. Our teachers and even the Hokage were there, all of them smiling and clapping.
"Congratulations, Hinata! Naruto!" Tsunade-sama smiled at us as Naruto-kun stood there completely shocked. "Maybe now that you'll be around him all the time, he'll start leaving me alone." Everyone in the room laughed as Naruto-kun simply smiled at the Hokage.
"Come on, O-baa-chan. You'd miss me and you know it!" Earning himself a swift punch from Tsunade-sama and Sakura-san at the same time, everyone laughed at his expense. Even I couldn't help but giggle since I knew it didn't really hurt him at all.
"Hey, Hinata, what does Tsunade-sama mean that you'll be here all the time with Naruto?" Tenten's question got everyone attention as they all stared at Naruto-kun and myself. "Could it be that you two are an item now?" All the girls in the room giggled as I blushed another new shade of red.
"Um, you could say that I guess." Finding a new confidence in myself, I decided it would be fun to shock everyone in the room. It wasn't often that I had the courage to shock people. "You know, Tenten, it would be nice if all you girls would congratulate Naruto-kun and I. We are going to be husband and wife, you know." Disregarding my abruptness, I stared at the shocked faces around the room. Neji-san retained his calm composure, though I did see his lips curve up in a smile. Naruto-kun, however, had started laughing and pointing at everyone.
"Y-You're ENGAGED?" Hearing everyone shout it in unison was rather amusing, and I let them know as I giggled to myself.
"Yes, Naruto-kun and I are getting married, but you all knew it was going to happen one day, didn't you?" Watching jaws drop across the room, I knew they were shocked at my sudden burst of courage. What could I say? Naruto-kun was a miracle worker. As if on cue, Naruto-kun stepped up to me and kissed me in front of everyone, causing even more shocked faces.
"I don't see what the big deal is you guys. I mean, I am the most unpredictable ninja in the world." At that, everyone suddenly laughed and nodded at him. It was amazing to see how warmly everyone accepted Naruto-kun. He wasn't some dropout anymore. Everyone acknowledged him and knew he was strong. I wrapped my arms around him and listened to all the girls sigh.
"So, Hinata, when is the wedding? We wanna help you find a dress!" Ino seemed the most interested of the bunch, but the other girls nodded as soon as she finished. I simply smiled and winked at her.
"I wonder how hard it will be to find a dress before Saturday…" I think my dreamy response sent everyone into shock. Watching everyone fall over where they stood was worth the wait to tell them.
"You're getting married this Saturday? How? Why?" I only smiled as I cuddled with Naruto-kun. I decided to let them settle it out themselves. Listening to his beating heart, I thanked God for the happiness I felt.
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"Aye, those people are like sharks! Fuzzy Eyebrows got me in a headlock while all the guys were asking me who was going to be my best man." I giggled as Naruto-kun locked the door behind him. I was sitting on the only bed in the room: a king sized one at that. I had already changed into my nightshirt and shorts, but he was too oblivious to notice. I was hiding under the covers anyway. "Hey, Hinata-chan, I'm gonna go take a quick shower, ok?" I nodded as he rushed into the bathroom. Lying back on the pillow, I couldn't believe how much had changed in one day. I was finally going to be saved from the fate of my family, and I could only thank Naruto-kun for it.
Engrossed in my own thoughts, I didn't realize Naruto-kun had gotten out of the shower until he kissed my cheek. Blushing slightly, I kissed him back; then I noticed he was wearing his boxers and a black tee shirt. My face turning even redder, I couldn't help but notice how strong he looked.
"Hey, Hinata-chan, where's my bed?" I sighed at his remark, thinking he'd learn something while he was gone. I guess it was to be expected though, and I was somewhat glad he wasn't a pervert like Kakashi-sensai and Jiriya-sama. I simply patted the pillow next to me and smiled at him.
"Naruto-kun, we're getting married soon. We're sleeping in the same bed from now on." Watching him blush for a change was enjoyable, and as he stammered for the right words I eased myself out of the covers so he could see what I was wearing.
"B-but, s-sleeping in the s-same bed as you? I'm not perverted like ero-senin!" I laughed because he was being so cute, and I kissed him and lay back down.
"You're not perverted if you sleep with me, Naruto-kun. Besides, you better get used to it, because after we get married, I won't wear anything at all to bed." With that, I saw a trickle of blood crawl out of his nose. I smiled and rested my head on my pillow, ready to doze off. Then I felt a pair of arms wrap around me, holding me tightly. I slowly shifted in my blanket to look into his eyes. Kissing him gently, I smiled as I cuddled with him. "I love you, Naruto-kun."
"I love you too, Hinata-chan." Feeling his warm embrace, it didn't take long for sleep to come. I dreamed of the wedding, wondering what was awaiting us there. I couldn't wait to see the shocked look of the elders as they realized I had married into a higher house. Kissing him one last time, we both drifted off into sleep, and neither of us were alone any longer.