Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Flame of Recca. They belong to their respective creators and TV networks.
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Chapter 4: Secrets revealed and Weekend adventures.
"Awesome house, Naruto. How did you afford it?" Shikamaru asked. All of them are currently lounging about the living room. They never thought this would be the house he was talking about. What they heard before is that he is living alone in an apartment.
'We sure doesn't know much about him' everyone thought.
"Oh, well, I didn't know about this house until today that is. Tsunade-babaa said it was my parents estate." They noticed his gloomy tone as he said the last part.
"Naruto-kun," Hinata sat beside him on the floor and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't be sad. I can't imagine how difficult it is to not have known who your parents where but at least you were informed now right? Plus, you were given this house, I'm sure there are lots of other things here that'll tell you more about them."
"You're correct Hinata-chan," Naruto smiled a little. "I've known who my parents were for two years now but it still kinda hurts when I think about them."
"Well, Naruto-kun, if you don't mind us asking, we'd like to know more about yourself?" Ino boldly began. "I mean, we've known since our academy days but even then we knew little details about you."
Naruto sighed. This is one thing he feared but knew there's no better time than now. If he really wants them to acknowledge him completely then he better come clean with everything. He looked up towards Gaara who understood. He looked worried but gave him a small nod.
"There's no point in sugar coating things so I'll start with the worst." Naruto said staring intently down the floor. "Have any of you wondered why the villagers hated me and did… nasty things to me?"
Sakura flinched as she remembered the incident. "Hai, we've noticed and… I'm ashamed that I was a part of it one time." She said while the others slowly nodded.
"What I can't understand is why they call you a monster or… demon brat. It's just so mean." Tenten reacted. "Even if you do like to make pranks, its not enough reason to. Heck, I even think some of them were hilarious." She added trying to lighten the mood a bit.
Naruto stiffened which Hinata who gently put an arm around him felt. "Do you remember what we were taught about Kyuubi's attack in history class?" he whispered.
"Yes, but what does it have anything to do with you?" Shino spoke. "Kyuubi was killed by the Yondaime and paid with his life to do so."
"That was just the cover story we were told. Fifteen years ago, Yondaime faced the Kyuubi but the demon was the most powerful youma of all and couldn't be killed by any man even if he was the strongest shinobi. To save the village, he used a fuuin jutsu he developed… and sealed Kyuubi's soul in a newborn baby." Naruto finished as the girls gasped and the guys looked at him in shock. Temari and Gaara looked at him in support.
"Are you trying to say that you're…" Shikamaru started as he figured it out, it made sense if Naruto looking like the Yondaime was more than just a coincidence. The others looked at him in confusion.
"I see you've figured it out." Naruto looked up eyes tearful. "I'm the new born child the Kyuubi was sealed into."
"Oh, my, Naruto-kun!" Hinata cried out and hugged him tightly. She sobbed softly. The girls cried softly and enveloped him in a group hug.
"Shouldn't you all be afraid or… angry at me now?" Naruto asked in surprise.
"Hmpf, dobe." Sasuke said, "If you think that what we'll ever see in you is that monster then your mistaken."
"Sasuke…" Naruto looked at him with wide-eyes.
"I see you as a loud-mouth dobe!" Sasuke interrupted before Naruto became too emotional.
"NANI! Fine, be that way Sasuke-bastard." He pouted. Their antics broke the gloomy spell and they ended up laughing. The rest of the guys assured him they don't see him any less.
"Besides, Akamaru said you're okay and earned his respect during our first chuunin exam." Kiba said loudly.
"It's good to know that you listen to the smart one of your pair, Kiba." Naruto retorted and set off another round of laughter.
"Why would Yondaime do such a thing if he knew the child would be hated. And besides, from what I heard about him from the older generations is that it's not like him to just ask a village for a sacrifice, he would prefer to die than do that, so why did he use you? And why weren't we told the truth" Neiji asked.
"The Sandaime made a law for the incident never be discussed to the younger generation. The Yondaime wanted me to be viewed as a hero of the village but the opposite happened so the third made the law to at least lessen the hatred I would get. You are also correct that he wouldn't ask for any villager to sacrifice their child but he didn't have a choice though he found another way. He chose me because believe it or not… I'm his son." Naruto finished calmly.
His friends looked at him in awe. The atmosphere became cheerful again as the girls bombarded him with questions about the fourth, Kiba teasing him that a genius father unfortunately had a dobe son, Sasuke, Lee, Neiji, Shino and even Gaara became more determined to have a spar with him, while Choji and Shikamaru are their same usual selves.
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Naruto rang the bell at the Hyuuga compound gates, he was promptly greeted by a branch family member. "Good evening, you must be Uzumaki Naruto. Hinata-sama is getting ready. Please follow me, Hiashi-sama wishes to have a word with you." The woman ushered him in and escorted him to a large receiving room.
"Good evening, Hiashi-sama." Naruto politely greeted Hinata's father. He received a piercing look from Hiashi.
"Good evening." He stiffly replied. "I am a proud man, Uzumaki-san. But… I'm also fair and give credit where it is due. I'm grateful of your influence on Hinata and Neiji. You changed their outlook on life thus they strived harder to become strong. For that you earned my respect."
"Arigato, Hiashi-sama, for giving me your respect." Naruto bowed to him.
"Now, as I understand you are taking my daughter out?" Hiashi asked in a monotone voice. "I'll presume that you will never betray my trust and will make sure that Hinata is always safe, am I correct?"
"H-hai, Hiashi-sama, I'll protect hime with my life." Naruto stuttered 'Ooops, that slipped out. Man he is sure creepy especially with those eyes.'
'Hime, huh? Well, he surely takes after Arashi.' Hiashi mused. "Good answer, Uzumaki-san, you wouldn't like the consequences of failing, that I can assure you." Hiashi said as added measure. Naruto sweat dropped and meekly nodded then Hinata came in.
"Otousan, please stop intimidating Naruto-kun. He is an honorable person and will surely keep me safe." Hinata glared at his father. Their relationship improved when Hiashi loosened up a bit and Hinata became stronger. Naruto stared at her in awe.
'Wow' was all he could think of. He fought hard not to drool and keep his jaw from dropping too low in front of Hiashi. Hinata was wearing a sexy, spaghetti strap lavender dress with the skirt having just above her knees. The color greatly complimented her eyes.
"Very well then daughter. Enjoy yourself and Uzumaki-san, please try not to be out too late." He bid his daughter a pleasant evening then retreated out of the room.
"Hinata-chan, you look wonderful." He softly complimented.
"Arigato, Naruto-kun. You look quite handsome as well." Hinata blushed. Naruto offered his left arm and escorted her into town.
He took her to one of Konoha's fancy restaurant where they enjoyed a sumptuous dinner. They talked about little things, not delving into something serious or awkward. Afterwards, they went for a walk around the lake under a full moon.
"Ummm, Naruto-kun… May I ask you question?" Hinata slowly began. Naruto gave her a nod. "Why did you… call me hime when you talked to my father?"
"Uh, well, it's a bit bold of me but you see… my family has this tradition in which we freely give an oath to protect someone with our life and they were then called our hime. Um, I guess what I'm trying to say is, would you be my hime?" Naruto said and looked at Hinata who started to blush heavily. "Um, you don't have to accept if you don't want to." Naruto added frantically.
"N-no, Naruto-kun, I would love that." Hinata smiled 'Auuu, does this mean he's starting to notice me. Yosh, this is my chance. Naruto-kun, I'll never loose you again.'
Naruto walked her home. "Arigato, Hinata-hime, for believing me and accepting me." He said as they stopped by the gate.
"No need to thank me, Naruto-kun. It's because of you that I became what I am now. You were my inspiration and I want you to know that…" Hinata paused. 'This is it, I'm not turning back now.' She thought. "…I like you, Naruto-kun!" She quickly gave him a full kiss. "Oyasuminasai, Naruto-kun." She ran inside.
"Oyasumi, Hinata-hime." Whispered a stunned Naruto. He walked home still in a happy daze.
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Its been two days since Naruto and the sand sibs arrived. They are currently on their way to the hokage tower after being summoned by Tsunade. Apparently they will be getting a mission assignment and that the client specifically asked for him and Gaara. Naruto can't help but grumble along the way. He was supposed to spend the day with Hinata and the rest of the gang then watch a movie later in the afternoon and get a relaxing soak in the hot springs before dinner. Gaara was also disappointed since he made the same plans with Ayame but his face remain expressionless. Temari was lucky since she's exempted from this one and they couldn't figure out why.
"Man, of all the time to get a mission it had to be on a Saturday. After all the plans we've already made." Naruto whined.
"I agree however I wonder who the client is since they specifically asked for the two us. We weren't even informed of what kind of mission it will be. I hope its assassination so we can do it quickly and get back to our previous plans." Gaara responded.
"Ooookay, I think a bit of Shukaku is leaking out," he teased.
"All am saying is I hope it's an easy one."
"Me too, Gaara, me too."
They knocked on the door of the hokage's office and waited. They heard a soft 'come in' and then proceeded to enter.
"Yo, baa-chan, what's this all about?" Naruto asked impatiently once they were seated. Gaara just sat stoically.
"How many times do I have to ask you to stop calling me that or at least call me Tsunade-ne-chan?" she sighed. "Anyway, you both are requested to be body guards for a rather popular persona that will be visiting the village today. The mission will last until tomorrow and you will escort them to their next destination. You were requested as I believe you already worked with them before."
"We've worked with a lot of people before. Who in particular are you referring to Hokage-sama?" inquired Gaara. A soft knock was heard on the door.
"This must be them now. Come in." Tsunade called. The door opened and entered a man and a woman in business suit followed by a raven haired, gorgeous teen in an elegant silk kimono.
"Ohayogozaimas, Hokage-sama, Gaara-niichan, Naruto-niichan." Greeted the teen who went on to hug the two boys.
"NANI! Ayumi-imoutochan?" exclaimed the both now wide awake Gaara and Naruto.
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"Ohayo, Temari-chan! There's a change of plans. It seems that popular movie Snow Princess is opening today. Luckily we got complimentary tickets since the clan owns a share of the movie company. We'll be seeing the movie this morning. Where's Gaara and Naruto-kun?" Hinata greeted. Hinata, Sakura, Ino, Tenten and Ayame where waiting for them at Ichiraku. Choji and Shikamaru are sitting by the bar eating barbecue while the girls were in a booth catching up on girl talk. Sasuke, Neji, and Kiba along with his girlfriend (he finally got together yesterday with the girl he was courting.) will meet with them at the movie house after breakfast. Shino and Lee will also proceed there after picking up their dates.
"Oh really? That's a surprise," she replied. She knows something they don't. "Unfortunately Gaara and Naruto are called by the Hokage. I think they'll be getting a mission." Hinata and Ayame looked crestfallen with her news.
"Oh no, that's too bad. And we even made the perfect plan for today's outing." Sakura pouted. "Why would they be getting a mission when the exams are just a few days away?"
"Well, according to the messenger they were specifically asked for by the client."
"Tough luck. This movie is so good and just appropriate for couples to go to. I even heard a rumor that the teen star, Shinobu Ayumi will be here in the village for autograph signing and also for a two day break of sorts." Ino announced excitedly.
"Ooooh, I just love her movies. She's so cool and unlike other movie stars, I heard she's really personable, friendly and the down-to-earth type." Sakura added. The girls proceeded to chat as Hinata and Ayame brightened a little. They understand why Naruto and Gaara are absent, the life of a Shinobi is complicated after all. Temari had a slight smirk on, she now has a pretty good idea on who the client is.
'Heh, the girls would surely be surprised. I wonder how Hinata and Ayame would react and how would the two get out of this one.' She mused.
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The gang met up at the movie house and proceeded to the premium seats after ordering snacks at the refreshment stand, a bit huge amount for Choji. The start of the movie was good but it got interesting about three-quarters through the movie.
"NANI! You guys are in it?" the rest asked Temari. They received some fierce 'hush' from the other moviegoers. They watched silently, still surprised, deciding to ask later. Hinata and Ayame fumed a bit by the end of the movie. As they saw the gorgeous Shinobu Ayumi hug both Naruto and Gaara and kissed them on their cheeks.
Once they were back at Ichiraku, the girls bombarded her with questions. The guys were just amused at how lucky they got included in the movie.
"Gosh, you got to meet Shinobu Ayumi! Tell me about her?"
"Yeah, how is she in person? Is she really nice?"
"Where exactly is Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked too sweetly.
"Yeah, and Gaara-kun." Ayame seconded. "We just have a few things to clarify with them."
"Ooooh, never thought you're already that much together with my brother Ayame-chan." She couldn't resist teasing. "Rest assured they really are on a mission… most probably bodyguard duty." She replied nonchalantly but there's a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"And who pray tell would they be guarding since they were specifically asked by the person?" Hinata asked, suspecting a bit whom it was. Ayame is on the same train of thought.
"Oh well… I can't be certain… if the rumor Ino told us was true… then it would be…" Temari trailed off on purpose making the two girls sweat it a bit. "Shinobu Ayumi."
"SAY WHAT!" Hinata and Ayame exclaimed simultaneously while Temari was having a giggling fit with the rest of the girls. The guys were contented sitting by the bar while the girls continue with their girl talk in one of the booths.
"Oh man, Hinata, Ayame, I never thought you two would be the jealous types." Sakura giggled.
"Don't work yourselves up over nothing." Temari said after composing herself. "Ayumi-imoutochan is just like that, a sort of adopted little sister, she's close to us all, but a bit closer to Naruto and Gaara. They did save her life after all. She's not romantically close to any of them… though she was initially infatuated with Naruto." She just couldn't help but needle Hinata a little more.
"Well, if that's the case then its fine but I still will be clarifying things with Naruto-kun like why he haven't mentioned this kind of thing to me." Hinata said while pouting cutely, the kind of pout she discovered that Naruto couldn't resist. Ayame nodded in agreement.
"Alright guys, if it will ease your mind, why don't we all go to the hokage tower. If Ayumi really were the client, a message would be sent to me if not left with Tsunade-sama. Her management people are really thick when it comes to being inconspicuous. I can't blame them since she's really quite the popular teen idol." With that the gang got up and made a beeline towards the hokage tower.
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Meanwhile, Naruto, Gaara, and Ayumi are contentedly catching up with each other inside Ayumi's hotel suite. Ayumi's autograph signing session wouldn't be up until after lunch.
"I really missed both of you, I don't have my oniichans and oneechan spoiling me anymore. By the way, where is Temari-nechan?"
"Not sure, I think she's with our other shinobi friends, probably hanging out then going to watch a movie later. I'm surprised she's not included in this mission." Gaara replied.
"Sorry about that, my manager was very insistent that I only get two bodyguards to maintain a low profile up until the autograph signing anyway. He's the one that chose the two of you. I wanted to get all of you." Ayumi apologized.
"Ne, don't sweat it imoutochan, we left a message for her with Tsunade-babaa. Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to that movie even if I get to spend it with Hinata-chan. I think they chose a chick flick." Naruto shuddered. Gaara couldn't help but cringe a little.
"Oh, I don't think it was a chick flick since the movie company was able to have all movie houses in Konoha show our movie. Have you guys seen it yet? Surprisingly, the director and the company didn't edit much out and they included all the scenes with you guys in it and made the one where you guys were in the hospital the ending." Ayumi beamed.
Naruto and Gaara paled a little. "Naruto, we must send a message to Temari while there is still time. We must ask her to at least convince the group to postpone seeing the movie. I'm not really sure how Ayame would take it."
"Oh no, you're right Gaara. I can see Hinata-chan pouting at me right now." Naruto replied.
"Oh, don't worry much about your girlfriends. I'm sure they'll understand, after all, I'm you're favorite little sister, right?" Ayumi said, quite amused at seeing her Onii-chans with expressions of dread.
They heard a polite knock at the door. Naruto and Gaara quickly took positions, flanking Ayumi at both sides. Naruto drew a kunai out while Gaara put up a sand wall behind them.
"Who is it? Identify yourself?" Gaara spoke.
"Hey, bro, its me, Temari. Open up. I know Ayumi is in there. Don't hog her all to yourselves, I missed my imoutochan too."
Naruto approached and slowly opened the door. "Thank Kami you're here. You must convince Hinata and the rest to…" he stopped as he saw Hinata, Ayame and the rest of the rookie nine and their dates. Temari is looking at both of them smugly.
"Convince us to do what, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked too sweetly.
"Yeah, you and Gaara-kun have a lot of explaining to do." Ayame looked at the stoic Gaara. Deep inside Gaara's really sweating.
Ayumi was giggling. "Oh my, I never thought I'll see the two of you afraid."
"Ayumi-imoutochan! I missed you!" Temari rushed in ignoring her teammates and quickly pulled the younger girl into a hug.
"Temari-nechan! I missed you too! Everyone please come in." Ayumi invited.
"Gosh, I can't believe were seeing Shinobu Ayumi in person!" Ino and Sakura squealed once they were settled inside the suite. The other girls just smiled at the star.
"Oh, please don't be like that. You're all friends of Naruto-niichan and Gaara-niichan, please treat me like a friend." Ayumi said sincerely. "So, have you all seen the movie?"
"Yes, we've seen it. It's a great movie." Hinata responded politely at her then turned towards Naruto. "Its very interesting especially towards the end."
"Really, Hinata-hime? I can't really say, haven't seen it yet, hehehe." Naruto rubbed the back of his head.
"You're not convincing anyone dobe." Sasuke smirked, enjoying the way Naruto sweated. "You're already busted, you too Gaara. You're not fooling anyone with your stoic look. Especially Ayame." Gaara's eyes widened a bit.
"Oh, please don't be hard on my oniichans, it was really nothing. There's nothing wrong with their little sister hugging and kissing them as thanks for saving her life, right?" Ayumi said innocently and sweetly that you just couldn't help but agree with her.
"Oh, alright, I guess we were blowing things out of proportion. You can relax now Gaara-kun." Ayame conceded. Gaara gave out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and sat comfortably besides Ayame.
Hinata still made Naruto sweat a little bit more then afterwards, wrapped her arms around her waist. "Its ok Naruto-kun, I just can't resist seeing you nervous like that," she giggled.
"Well, it's lunch, why don't we all have room service then we can all go together to the autograph signing. Since most of you are shinobis and kunoichis, I think we'll hire you all for added security. There's none I can trust more than my onii-chans friends. Besides, judging from your reactions to the movie, I couldn't help but wonder about my fans and their fan girls." Ayame happily concluded while Naruto and Gaara paled once more as they thought of their unwanted fan club.
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The signing went off smoothly or as smoothly as having one for the most popular teen idol. Unfortunately, her predictions became true as the SaGaNa (Sasuke, Gaara, Naruto) fan club all saw the movie and seem to even gain more members. Team Kitsune (will be the unofficial team name for Naruto and sand sibs.) get to share the limelight as they too were asked for autographs.
After the session, the girls who have all bonded, decided to proceed to the hot springs, and with Tsunade's connections, were able to get one of the most prestigious inn reserved all to themselves. After performing some high-level genjutsus and setting up traps, team kitsune was satisfied it's safe enough to spend some quiet time with their imoutochan. All the girls quickly went into the female section of the springs while the guys can't help but feel dread as surely their girlfriends would be gossiping about them and went to their section leisurely.
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A/N: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, sorry if its too fluffy or anything, I wrote this to somehow break the writer's block I'm having when it comes to the action scenes. To those who liked how I set up the first part of the chuunin exams, don't worry, I'm not changing it and will still be continuing it. Just having trouble with putting a bit of action into a rescue/silent infiltration setting of the exam. After all, what's the point of going in silently if you're going to have your guns blazing, so to speak, right? Anyway, enough of my ramblings please read and review.
Oh, btw, I'm not really sure of putting in a funny chapter for the time they spent in the hot springs but if there are those of you who would want to read on another attempt on my part with humor, please say so, I would greatly appreciate it. )
To those who may ask, yes the idea is not new and its based on the first Naruto OVA movie. I just put in my little twist, not sure about the timeline though, I haven't seen the OVA but hey, this is just a fiction, right and I did state that this is an AU.
The next chapter is not new, it's the unfinished first part of the chuunin exams. Sorry about that.