Summary: Naruto's fight to be Hokage and the fight for Naruto's heart begins. Sakura finally notices him and a shy girl will call upon her courage to stop her. This will be a long fanfic.

Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine. It's his creator's property. The only things that are mine are my own made up characters.

This chapter was beta by S-wonderer999, thanks for the help I really appreciate it.

to:

Naruto-926: Well see....and you have a point.

Manatheron: Thanks for the review and yes i have.

OpposingForce: Thanks for the review i love it when some one gives me there opinion, and about the some one wining the race i didn't whanted any one to win because i would have to deal with that you said and i'm lazy so i didn't, and not knowing were the story is going great! have you heard THERE'S ORDER IN CHAOS I'm glad about that.

Chibified Kitsune: About the fluff...i'm not good with it but 'll try it i hope you like this chap,

LukeLuke: If you really want to know how i get some ideas...here it is..music and start writting...what kind of music mostly anime themes and stuff, and offspring, bad religion and when not in you're house take some extremly boring clases you'll start to daydream like crazy :)

Well i would like to thank every one that reviewed my last chapter and every one who reviewed any other chap thanks and hope you keep reading it. R&R

A/N: If you guy's have any questions or something asked them i'll gladly answerd them.

"Hello" speech

Hello Thoughts

Hello Kyuubi

Hello Kyuubi's thoughts

( Hello) Inner Sakura

---------- Scene change

CHAPTER 12: INNER DESIRES

Dawn came, and the small village was full of life. The genins were getting ready to go see the elder. "Okay let's go see the elder..." Kakashi said as he led them towards the meeting place.

"Good morning....children. Ha I'm still amazed such young kids are ninjas...." The old man said to them in a gentle voice.

"Good morning elder-sama." Everyone said in chorus.

"Our village had been attacked by bandits lately. They started only by bothering my villagers, but each day they're become more violent." Said the elder frowning.

"Okay guys...here's your assignments. Lee go guard the south gate, it's the one we came thru." Kakashi said, Lee nodded and headed to the gate.

"Shino, you go guard the north gate." Kakashi pointed towards the gate's location, Shino simply nodded and headed to it as well.

"And finally Ten-Ten, you get to go guard the last gate, the eastern gate." Kakashi said sending her off. Ten-Ten was disappointed that she would be by herself.

"What about us Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto said, jumping in front of his sensei.

"That's up to him." He said pointing at the elder.

"You may patrol as you guys wish, but they have often been spotted in the northern forest, so I recommend you patrol there". He said to them.

"Well guys I'll take the southern field, you choose were you want to patrol by yourselves." Kakashi said as he took out his orange book and walked away.

"Yay, I'll go to the northern forest." Naruto said as he ran towards the north.

"I'll go east." Sakura said.

"F-fine then." Hinata said going west.

Noon came quickly to the village. The streets were already filing up with people enjoying their daily life, but no sign of any bandits.

All the genins were having a calm mission except for Ten-Ten, who was bored out of her mind. No one seemed to pass thru the gate she was guarding, not even common folk.

This is so boring...why did my luck have to run out so fast...I would have preferred to patrol...or at least have someone to talk to......Ten-Ten thought sighing, cursing her luck.

"We are going to rock! Everyone is going to remember this day!!" "Yeah! Let's get this party started." "I wonder how many cute girls are there." Was heard by Ten-Ten, from the people approaching the gate.

Five men dressed with simple jackets and pants, each wearing blue bandanas, arrived in front of the gate. The men were surprised at seeing someone at this gate and even more that it was a cute girl.

"Ho? What do we have here?" "What a cute girl." "Can I keep her." They talked among themselves. Ten-Ten just ignored them and sighed from boredom.

"Hey cutie, what are you doing here?" One of them asked her.

She simply stood up and said. "Keeping bandits out." This caused all of them to laugh out loud.

She didn't find it so amusing and gave them a cold look.

"Keep bandits out huh, then try and stop us we're the top 5 of the Blue Bandana Bandits." He said and with those last words they all took a pose that made Ten-Ten sweat drop.

"Yawn Yeah right" She said in an extremely bored tone, Ten-Ten's response caused them to get mad.

"How dare you! Get her boys." The tallest one, who appeared to be the leader said.

One of the men went straight at her, sending a punch towards her, but she was able to grab the man's wrist and take him down. The other three surrounded her, the one facing her tried to get close, just to be hit by the sole of her shoe. While she was distracted, one snuck behind her and got her in a bear hug. Ten-Ten snapped her head back, breaking the man's nose and sending him to the ground. The last one sent a barrage of kicks, only to be stopped by one of Ten-Ten's leg sweeps.

The last man standing turned red out of anger, he got close to her and drew a Tanto (A/N: small sword, like a dagger. Gamabunta uses one) he had on his waist. He gave her an evil smile, but suddenly felt a pain in his crotch and fell to the ground in fetal position. Ten-Ten had elbowed the man in the groin.

"You don't want to use weapons against me..." She said in a bored tone.

The other four that somehow recovered, picked up their fallen leader and looked at Ten-Ten with anger in their eyes.

"We'll let you off this time.....but next time you'll be sorry." One of them said to her, this caused Ten-Ten to draw a kunai, which she spun on her finger.

This made them take a step backwards, and start running with their leader being dragged behind them.

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At another gate, a green boy got the wrong idea about his mission. He greeted everyone that came to the village: merchants, villagers, travelers, and all that passed thru there. Which made them a little uncomfortable, getting Lee's good guy pose just for coming to the village.

An hour after he started his watch, five men in bandages appeared. One of them had bandages on his wrist, one with a shoe mark on his face, one was using a stick to help him walk, another with bandages in his nose, and the last one bending forward.

"Let's us thru!....The pain....or else!" The leader said waving his Tanto.

Lee simply said "I cannot let suspicious people enter this village....and you look suspicious." Lee said, taking his fighting stance.

All of them took a pose with some trouble. "Try and stop the B.B.B. if you can." They all said and charged him.

"KONOHA GOURIKI SENPUU!" Lee yelled, sending all the attacking bandits flying (A/N: Team Rocket style).

Everyone who saw such display applauded at such an incredible feat by such a young boy.

Lee simply blushed from such attention and waved at all the people.

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While Lee was still greeting everyone at the gate, Shino did what he was supposed to do he simply looked at everyone that passed thru, stopping anyone who looked suspicious. Also overhearing any conversations, especially one that caught his attention.

"Did you hear, a weird kid wearing green is at the south gate." "Really?" "Yes, and he keeps taking poses in front of everyone." The two women that passed by Shino talked between each other.

Shino sweat dropped, and whispered a word under his breath "Baka......."

Crash A huge explosion appeared in front of Shino, but he didn't even flinch.

From the explosion 5 men emerged, walked towards Shino and said.

"We're the....screw it.... just let us in, or we'll have to kill you!" The leader said pointing at Shino, but he noticed some bugs on his hand.

"What...bugs...?" He said looking at his hand then he suddenly felt something on his legs, he looked down to see something horrifying. His legs were being covered by thousands of small bugs.

"Guys...?" He said turning to look at his friends just to find them already covered with the bugs. Every part of their bodies were covered by bugs, their faces as well. That was the reason he didn't hear them say anything since he started talking.

In a sudden move the bugs swarmed towards the leader's head.

"Aaaahh!, get them off!" He screamed just before the bugs covered him completely and sending him to the ground with the rest of his friends.

Everyone around him were shocked at such a sight, and some even swore they saw the strange boy crack a smile under his jacket.

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Hinata quietly walked the field keeping an eye out for anything suspicious, but it was as barren as the sand country. There was no sign of any base or even camp. She knew there was an easier way to scout but she chose not do it. She preferred scouting like everyone else, and besides she really liked walking by herself thinking of a blond and a pink hair one to a lesser extent.

Naruto-kun is so brave, he went into the most dangerous scouting area.... I wonder if he needs back up.... The girl let a smile out. Maybe I should go see how he's doing...there's nothing here anyway.... We would be alone in the woods.... She blushes...No we couldn't.....She thought, banishing a small thought that creeped into her mind.

The girl took a seat in some shade a rock gave her, and started to seriously think about going to see the boy.

I should go...Sakura was right, she has the advantage...I haven't talked or been with him since this mission started.... Sakura...she has quite some nerve, she was going to leave me thinking she beat me in the race.... Good thing Ten-Ten told me.... Ten-Ten...I wonder if she likes him too...? I have to ask her...even she's had alone time with Naruto-kun...That's it, I'm going to see him.... She thought getting up and started to walk towards the forest.

"Tehe, I have to find him first...BYAKUGAN....." She said to herself, but for some reason she didn't look for Naruto right away. Her eyes took her east, there she saw Sakura walking by the main road, then her sight went to the gate where she saw Ten-Ten sitting in front of it and yawning. With her rivals at their posts, she looked north looking for the blond boy, and finding him sitting on a tree branch resting. There he is.... She thought running towards the forest, but suddenly stops. "Just in case." She said to herself, looking at her entire area just in case some bandits were there. After she confirmed there was no one, she deactivated her Byakugan and ran again towards the blond boy.

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Hinata arrived at the spot in the forest and immediately looked for Naruto around the area. She could feel he was here she just needed to find him. "There!" She said to herself, as she spotted him on a tree branch. She jumped up and greeted the boy without even having eye contact, not even looking at the boy actually. She simply looked down and played with her fingers while blushing red.

"Hi, N-Naruto-kun, I-I just f-finished scouting, and I-I wanted to s-see how you were doing....." She forced herself to say to him. But the boy stayed silent, something very out of character for him.

"I'm s-sorry, i-it wasn't my i-intention to b-bother you...." She said feeling rejected after not hearing a word from Naruto for a few minutes, he just sat there looking at her. Well she thought she still hasn't had the courage to look him in the eyes. She turned around and was about to leave when.......SNORE SNORE, this made her almost fall. "What?" She said as she turned around and saw him.

SNORE, SNORE

She sweat dropped.

"H-he's sleeping?" Hinata said to herself, it looked like he didn't give his all in every mission after all.

She got close to him, the branch moving with each step she took, getting closer to the blond boy which each one.

Indeed the boy was sleeping peacefully, ignoring the fact that this is the most dangerous area of all. Finally she was right in front of him, she bent down to be face to face with the blond boy.

He looks so calm...peaceful...Hard to imagine he's so hyper when awake.... Hinata thought smiling at him. He's so handsome...she thought as she got closer to him. She touched Naruto's cheek with her hand following his whisker marks with her fingers.

A thought came to her mind after such daring deed. No...I can't do that...but...I may never have another chance...She thought

I can't kiss him wile he's sleeping..., can I.... But while her mind was in conflict, her body was not. She got closer to him, starting to feel his breath while she got closer and closer. She didn't care anymore if this was right or wrong, her lips were a few centimeters from his. She closed her eyes, readying herself to kiss her beloved prince and hero.

CRACK was heard making Hinata flinch. Suddenly it was heard again, the branch they were sitting gave way, sending them both to the ground.

On the ground, a surprised Naruto started to whine about the fall.

"Itai!, what happened!" He complained to no one.

He stopped after he saw a spiral eyed Hinata in front of him. "Hinata-chan?" He said, helping her stand up.

"Are you ok?" He asked, concerned for his fallen friend.

"Hai...gomen Naruto-kun...." She said leaving Naruto dumb founded.

"Why are you sorry?" He asked looking at her.

"Um...b-because...I...I....jumped on the b-branch and made it break...." She said quickly, blushing crimson red.

"Oh, ok then." He said rubbing his head, that was what actually hit the ground first.

"Nauto-kun y-you're hurt!" Hinata said, taking out a small container marked bruises and bumps.

With those words she opened the container and with her fingers she took a small portion out, and got close to Naruto and applied it to the bruises. Naruto was surprised at her actions but didn't resist the attention Hinata gave him, he simply stayed still for her to treat him.

"I'm s-sorry Naruto-kun, i-it's my fault....." Naruto suddenly grabbed her armed and looked straight at her eyes.

"Don't be. It wasn't your fault and even if it was, we can't be sorry for our mistakes, we just have to learn from them." Naruto said to her in a serious voice but ended with his foxy grin that made Hinata smile back at him.

After Hinata treated his bruise they started to patrol, apparently Naruto fell asleep almost as soon as he started to scout and he explained to her why.

"Um, I couldn't sleep..... Lee has the jimmy legs, he kicks in his sleep...." Naruto said lowering his head.

Hinata happily heard all of his complaints and stories. A few hours into the patrol, he was finishing his story about the battle he had with Kabuto and what he witnessed of the Sannin's fight.

"While Tsunade-obaachan was scared, I fought Kabuto and gave him a Rasengan to his stomach...after that I was tired, so I took a nap." He said, covering up his near death experience.

"Amazing Naruto-kun..." Hinata said hanging on to Naruto's every word.

After the story Naruto suddenly stopped, his eyes opened wide and he started to look around intensely. This made Hinata nervous, she almost expected an enemy attack.

"What's w-wrong Naruto-kun...?" Hinata asked nervously, getting closer to Naruto.

Naruto looks at her, his eyes narrowed before he placed his hand on her shoulder and took a small breath before speaking.

"I'm hungry...can you use your weird eyes to look for food....." He simply said

This made Hinata sweat drop, but simply smile back at him and nod at his request.

"BYAKUGAN!.....I f-found some f-fruit trees, t-that way...." Hinata shyly said to Naruto.

They quickly arrived at the place, it was simply a 10 meters from their previous location. Upon their arrival Naruto was amazed at the sight, a large tree stood in front of them and it was full of fruit. They quickly jumped on it and started to pick food for themselves, but Hinata grabbed an extra few pieces for Naruto.

The two genins took a seat at the base of the tree sitting next to each other. They were happily enjoying the food they gathered, but Naruto was a little disappointed, he was hoping Hinata would have found a Ramen stand even thou it was nearly impossible for that to actually happen.

Naruto and Hinata were enjoying each other's company, but Naruto kept gazing at Hinata, the small girl was taking small bites from her food. He was amazed at how much she had grown since the last time he saw her. He was unsure if she was still the same girl he knew back from the chuunin exam, the girl that kept trying to change to both improve herself and be acknowledged.

That last thought sparked an interest in Naruto. He tried to forget about it but to no avail, he just had to ask her.

"Hey...Hinata-chan..." Naruto said trying to get Hinata's attention.

"Yes...Naruto-kun?" Hinata answered, wondering if he was still hungry and wanted her to look for more food.

"Um...Hinata-chan, can I ask you something...?" Naruto said nervously, stopping for Hinata's answer.

That's strange...Naruto-kun is asking me...if I can let him ask me something...? Hinata was at a lost. The blond boy has never acted this way towards her, he was always open and cheery, but now he was asking her before speaking. This was odd indeed, especially for the nervous tone he had at the last part of his request.

What can he ask me that would make him nervous...?. HU!. Hinata gasped as a small thought appeared in her mind. Naruto-kun...maybe you're going to ask me about that. She thought hoping her alone time with Naruto gave results already, even if they have been alone just a small amount of time.

"Well...Hinata-chan can I ask you...because it's something very sensitive..." Naruto said, just making Hinata nervous and blush crimson red.

"Um...." Was all Hinata let out, nodding so Naruto would know what she meant.

"Well are you and Neji on better terms than when I left?" He asked her, this made Hinata sweat drop and his question disappointed her as well.

"Well I asked because you used Neji's move the other day, and you look a lot stronger than before. I know you guys didn't get along before so.....I was just wondering." Naruto quickly said, after not getting any reaction from Hinata.

"Um....y-yes...Neji-niisan a-and I have b-become closer than b-before.......just like when his father w-was still alive." She said, showing Naruto one of her small but tender smiles.

"That's great...because I promised Neji I would change the Hyuugas when I became Hokage....but its great that it's already started." He said while putting his hand on the back of his head and resting against the tree.

Neji...looks like you're over your fate complex. I would've liked to talk to you when I got back...but we had a mission and we couldn't talk during the mission either...and I'm glad you made peace with the head family and Hinata. She didn't deserve the treatment you gave her, she wasn't the one responsible for your dad's death. You shouldn't blame her for something she didn't do or have a choice in.... Blaming her for something someone else did, baka.... Naruto thought smiling at the sky.

"Naruto-kun..." Hinata said in a low voice. Amazed from the words Naruto said to her, and seeing from where Neji had gotten the strength to change himself.

"Huh?...did you say something Hinata-chan?" Naruto said after hearing something from the pale girl.

"Um...I-I just said that...Neji-niisan h-helped me learn the technique, after you left...he h-helped me" She said while she madly played with her finger tips and blushed, but unlike any other day this blush was lighter. It appeared she was starting to get accustomed to being close to her beloved Naruto.

"Is that so Hinata-chan...., that's great but we have to finish so we can head home. I don't know about you, but I really need my ramen." Naruto said as he got up. Hinata simply nodded and got up as well with a little help from Naruto.

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Time quickly flew by as they made their way thru the forest side by side. They jumped from tree branch to tree branch.

Hinata suddenly stopped in her tracks, this caught Naruto's attention.

"What's wrong Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked, worried for his friend.

"I'm...okay Naruto-kun...just a little bit tired..." She said, gasping for air. Why am I so tired...is it because of yesterday's race...? I have to work on raising my stamina. She thought but suddenly Naruto took her hand, this caused her to let out a small squeak of surprise.

"Here Hinata....drink it you'll feel better." Naruto gave her his canteen, and gave her a smile but this smile was different then the ones Hinata has seen. This one was more sincere then his usual foxy grin, this caused Hinata's cheeks to turn a bright pink. Hinata was lost in Naruto's eyes, she couldn't look away like she always did. She simply stared into his beautiful cerulean eyes that have captivated her since so long ago.

"Thanks Naruto-kun..." She said still not letting go from his hand, but alas she had to.

"Rest here Hinata-chan, I'll go scout ahead a little." He said flashing his trade mark grin this time, after those words he jumped of the tree and made a dash further north. With his leaving he left a captivated Hinata, the young blond had become quite charming, even if he didn't know or do it on purpose.

Naruto-kun....Was all Hinata thought as she saw the canteen he left her, all she could think is that she had an opportunity to share an indirect kiss with Naruto. This didn't help much thou, she still wish she could tell him right here and now, but it's difficult to say such words to the one you love even if that person is right in front of you, and for someone like Hinata it was more difficult ten fold.

"I will tell him today, no matter what I will show him that I love him..." She said as she stood up and clenched the canteen between her hands.

BOOM a large explosion was heard in the north.

"What!...that came from the north...NARUTO-KUN!!" Hinata said worried for Naruto, she couldn't believe this happened just after he left her.

Hinata made a dash in the direction Naruto took, cursing herself for being so weak.

Baka...why did I decide to rest...baka...she kept saying to herself.

After a few minutes of running nonstop towards Naruto she spots a large smoke column.

"T-there, that's w-where the explosion occurred." She said to herself as she got closer.

As she dashed towards the area of the explosion, she spotted a light behind some trees. A clearing was what she immediately thought of, and she was about to go into the clearing when she was grabbed from the back of her jacket.

The man grabbed her tightly, he hugged her with one of his arms and placed the other over her mouth so she wouldn't scream from the shock. Hinata didn't know what was happening she only knew some one grabbed her forcefully, so she struggled madly trying to get lose.

"Calm down Hinata-chan..." Was whispered into her ear, this caused Hinata's body to go limp, it was Naruto. Naruto-kun. She thought as Naruto was hugging her tightly, Hinata could feel his arms around her were tightly holding her. His breath hitting the back of her neck, and his chest pressed tightly against her back.

Naruto said some words to her but she didn't listen she was lost in a moment she dreamed about many times, but like all dreams it had to end. Naruto released her and whispered to her.

"Be careful Hinata-chan....the bandits' base is right in front of us." He said in a very low voice. Hinata simply nodded.

They made their way thru the trees trying to get close, but not to be detected by their enemies. After a few well timed jumps they finally made their way to some trees close to the explosion, there they saw the enemy's camp.

The camp was nothing more than many tents surrounding a large one, the large one was obviously the leader's. In front of it there was a small clearing with a smoking crater in it, from the leader's tent a large man emerged, he had three scars crossing his face like they were claw marks. He was followed closely by a cloaked figure.

"You fools! I told you to be careful with the explosive notes I obtained...I was planning to use them on the final raid on that pitiful village...but you had to screw it up, didn't you..." The man said holding his head with both his hands. The cloaked figure simply tapped the man's shoulder.

"You are right, we still have two more packs...but still what a waste..." The boss said sighting from his loss.

"Naruto-kun...t-there u-using exploding n-notes..." Hinata said in a very low voice to Naruto.

"Yeah...how did they get their hand on shinobi tools....?" Naruto asked to himself more than to Hinata.

"What d-do w-we do?" Hinata asked him. "We can attack them, but we need to know how many are there." Naruto said giving Hinata the hint to do her thing.

Hinata simply nodded and activated her bloodline.

"BYAGUKAN........t-there's forty bandits, the leader and the cloak guy...forty-two in total..." She said deactivating her eyes.

"Mm...we can fight the all!" Naruto said happily and was about to jump into action when he was stopped by Hinata.

"W-wait Naruto-kun w-we're outnumbered..." She mentioned. "What, outnumbered...I just need to do Kage bunshin and that's all...we'd outnumber them." He replied, Hinata simply shook her head.

"W-we can't, we don't know w-what they a-are all capable o-of..." She said to him, this made the boy sigh in defeat. That was actually a basic strategy class back in the academy.

"Fine...do you have paper and ink?" Naruto asked her...luckily for him Hinata was always prepared and had them on hand.

"W-what are y-you going t-to do...? Send them a m-message?" Hinata said to him wondering on what he was planning.

"Yep..." He simply said as he bit his thumb and did his jutsu.

"KUCHIYOSE NO JUTSU" He said quietly and from the smoke a very small frog appeared.

"Hey bro...." The frog was stopped by Naruto's hand, but it was to late the cloaked figure already was looking their way from the corner of his eye.

"Shut up Gamakichi...I need you to do me a favor." Naruto said to the frog.

"I'll do it if you give me a treat..." He simply said back, this caused Naruto to almost hit him but he remembered what kind of situation they were in.

"Here I have this..." He said, giving him some fruit he had saved for himself.

"What that's all you got?" Gamakichi said in a disappointed tone.

"What else do you what...this is all we have?" Naruto said, but Gamakichi simply shook his head in disappointment.

"We have these..." Hinata said taking out some cookies she had in her bag. This caused the frog's eyes to light up but Naruto's became saddened.

"We had cookies...?" Naruto said to her. "Yeah...b-but they w-were for an e-emergency." She added, but her answer didn't satisfy him, because he started brooding.

"Okay now go....there that way, just go straight ahead." Naruto said to Gamakichi, who just hopped off.

After he left they went back to watch duty. All of the bandits were called out and assembled...they easily outnumbered their combined teams 6 to 1, including Kakashi.

The cloaked figure started to walk around the lines looking at every one of the bandits. They were well trained, and they looked like a small platoon.

Once the man reached the left flank of the lines he quickly turned around sending a barrage of shurikens and kunais at them.

At the sight, Naruto quickly got up and was about to jump away when he noticed that Hinata hadn't moved from her spot. He quickly lifted Hinata but it was too late, the weapons were too close. He couldn't help Hinata evade them, so he covered her with his body and a few kunais and shurikens hit him sending him and Hinata to the ground.

Once on the ground Hinata started to get up, her shock had vanished but the sight of Naruto made her worried. She had to be protected again like many times before.

"A-are you o-okay Naruto-kun..." She asked him.

"Yeah...it takes more than that to keep me down." He said to reassure her, but as soon as he finished, the cloaked man appeared next to them. Naruto thru a punch at him but he reversed it and threw Naruto at the bandits, who quickly surrounded him. Hinata was once again frozen in front of him, he simply picked her up from her neck.

"Put her down..." Naruto yelled as he was standing up.

"Very well..." Was all he said throwing Hinata towards Naruto who quickly caught her.

"Are you okay Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked her, she simply nodded and stood up along with Naruto.

"HAHAHAHA what do we have here...little kids playing ninja." The boss said to them.

"Yuzo-sama, can we kill them?" One of the bandits asked the boss.

"Of course and you can do what you wish with the girl." He said giving them a perverted smile.

The bandits surrounded them, all of the bandits wanted to get a chance to kill Naruto and Hinata, five made their move. Naruto and Hinata were back to back waiting for them to make their move.

Naruto punched one of them in the gut then kicked the next one on the chin, while Hinata used her family's style to strike her opponents, but she didn't put enough chakra into her attacks. She only left the last three with a feeling of numbness and not doing serious damage.

Of the five only two were K.O'd, the other three were still capable of fighting. Naruto was excited this was the first time he had such a number disadvantage, but to him a number disadvantage was nothing when you can easily level the field.

"KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU" Naruto said as ten new Narutos appeared surrounding Hinata and himself.

With a sudden motion from Naruto, all the clones attacked causing chaos from the soldiers. Some of the clones were quickly destroyed but others did a lot of damage, Naruto and Hinata joined the attack. Naruto was releasing punches left and right, Hinata was as well, this time her hits were more powerful actually disabling some of the men.

After the chaos all of Naruto's clones were gone, he was a little tired but Hinata was exhausted, all the fatigue was finally catching up to her. After the free for all 18 bandits were left on the ground while half a dozen more were starting to feel the effects of the gentle fist.

Damn it, we're getting beat down by a bunch of losers......Rasengan......more Kage Bunshin... Naruto thought trying to find a way to get out of this situation. These men were no common bandits, they appeared to have been trained and had discipline. Their attacks even seemed to be coordinated.

Six men attacked from different points, Naruto threw his shurikens toward the two men charging at him head on. One was able to tackle Naruto, but he quickly freed himself by elbowing the man on top of his head.

The other three attacked Hinata, she attacked the first one with a hit straight at the man's stomach, making him cough up blood and fall to the ground. The other two stopped after that sight, they each drew a dagger and attacked her head on.

The man on Hinata's right tried a quick thrust, but Hinata was able to dodge it by side stepping. She then released a quick arm thrust of her own to the man's shoulder making him drop his weapon. The other one saw an opportunity and made a quick left to right slash, Hinata was barely able to dodge that one but the man was so focused on hitting her that he didn't care about injuring his friend. Blood splashed from the injured bandit on to the other one, this gave Hinata the chance she needed she release a barrage of hits on the man sending him to the ground.

Finally there were only ten men left. They placed themselves between the genins, the cloaked figure and their boss.

"Very impressive Naruto, I see you've become stronger since the last time I saw you." The cloaked figure said. At his words the wall of men moved to the side, allowing a corridor between him and the genin.

"What...? Who are you and how do you know my name?" Naruto yelled at the man, he was clearly angry and confused by the fact that a total stranger knew his name.

"What...I'm hurt, I was sure you would remember..." With those words the man took off his cloak revealing his true identity. The man was wearing a chunnin vest, he had a Konoha head band with a slash thru it....his head band was on like a hat and covered most of his head but traces of silver-gray hair were seen falling from his fore head.

"Your old sensei...Mizuki!!" He said proudly to Naruto.

Naruto was shocked, of all the possible people he wasn't expecting him. Hinata was also shocked, they couldn't understand how he ended up here.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in jail!" Naruto angrily yelled at Mizuki.

"I was you stupid monster. I had been in jail ever since you helped put me there, but thanks to Orochimaru's attack I had the opportunity to escape that damned village." He angrily said to Naruto.

Monster......why did he call Naruto-kun a monster. Hinata thought, being caught up in their conversation.

"I didn't do anything, it was your own fault for tricking me into getting that scroll for you." Naruto spat back at Mizuki.

"Shut up! It's your fault and you are going to pay. I, who was supposed to be the strongest ninja in Konoha, am reduced to being a missing-nin. Being hunted down every day...day after day...having to wear that stupid cloak every single moment...having to be with these mere bandits for protection. All of this is your fault and you're going to pay." Mizuki said to him showing all the hate he had for Naruto, and revealing his intention to kill him just like before.

"Yeah right, try it if you want. Come on Hinata-chan, let's get him." Naruto said as he started to run, as he said that Mizuki did quickly a few seals, after that Naruto noticed that Hinata didn't move.

"What's wrong Hinata-chan?" He said concerned for her, it looked like she froze once again.

"It's no use Naruto...she won't be moving any time soon. She has fallen for my KANASHIBARI NO JUTSU, you can't imagine how useful it has been since I left the village. All I can tell you is that it's very helpful for escaping the hunters." He said smirking.

"That doesn't work on her, she has those eyes." Naruto said looking at Hinata.

"Her eyes are useless, even if they can see thru my jutsu. I remember she has to do her hand seals...hahaha...that's one of the many reasons why she is the weakest of her family." Mizuki said mocking Hinata, trying to lower the girl's confidence so she wouldn't be a problem in the fight.

As he finished his words two more bandits attacked Naruto, but strangely they didn't attack with their all. They kept their distance and attacked with caution, this caught Naruto's attention, he felt someone moving behind him. Another man was attacking Hinata, who was still under the effects of the jutsu. Naruto drew a kunai but was punched by one of the bandits he was fighting making him drop it. He quickly reacted and punched him sending him to the ground he quickly kicked the other one that got close. He turned and moved to get the one that dared attack a defenseless Hinata but he was in no position to counter attack him.

SPLASH Blood splattered on Hinata's face, which was filled with fear and shock. The reason was that the blood that covered her was not her own, Naruto had jumped and placed himself between her and the dagger the man had taken out.

"You fool...there's no point in protecting her when the both of you will die." The bandit said as he drove it deeper.

"Arg...." Naruto yelled as it went deeper into his side doing serious damage, but still not getting out of the way. With a display of willpower he was able to throw a punch to the man's jaw, sending him to the ground.

Naruto tried to pull out the dagger, but it was pretty deep so it was quite painful. The pain was so much that he didn't detect Yuzo, the leader of the bandits, getting close to him.

"HAHAHA so this is all you have kid." Yuzo said as he lifted the injured Naruto by his collar.

"Hey Mizuki, I expected more from the boy you talked so much about." He said taking out a small sword he had tied on his waist.

In a quick movement the sword was inside Naruto's guts, blood was dripping to the ground.

Damn it, why can't I move...damn it...he's going to kill us.... He desperately thought

Stupid kid, you fell for his jutsu. You let your guard down when you protected the female. Kyuubi said, angry about Naruto's decision.

Yuzo took out his sword and let Naruto fall to his knees in front of him, Hinata was also on her knees behind him. It was odd how a single jutsu could affect them so much, even if it could be easily countered if she only could activate her Byakugan.

"Time for you to die." Yuzo said as he lifted his sword.

Naruto looked at Hinata but she was terrified, her eyes were tightly closed. Naruto was afraid for her, he didn't want her to die. He knew what he had to do but he was afraid of doing it in front of Hinata, but alas he had no choice.

FOX GIVE ME SOME OF YOUR ....... His thought were interrupted by a man's scream.

"ARGH......." Naruto quickly opened his eyes, in front of him Yuzo lay dead five shurikens were impaled on the right side of his neck. Naruto quickly turned his head left towards the place the shurikens appeared to have come from, but there was nothing, only a few embers going out.

Embers...? Was there a fire? Oh...thanks...He thought, trying to stand up but his body felt extremely heavy.

The last seven of the bandits got back to back so they wouldn't be surprised by another attack from the mysterious assailant.

"You fools, whoever it was is gone." Mizuki yelled, trying to get them to move but no avail. "Move damn it, go kill them." He said again and same as last time it had no effect. "Very well I'll kill them myself." He said as he punched one of them to get thru.

"Looks like I'll have to kill you myself Naruto. It looks like the heavens have smiled upon me...they gave me the opportunity to send the demon back to hell." Mizuki said as he picked up Yuzo's sword.

Naruto was starting to stand up, but his body was still quite difficult to move.

"HAHA it's more powerful than other KANASHIBARI NO JUTSUS. I have been using it a lot since I left. It usually wears off with time or pain but mine doesn't, it requires a large amount of willpower from you." Mizuki said proudly to Naruto, he had become quite skilled at evading and fighting hunter-nins.

"I can easily break your jutsu." Naruto said starting to stand up.

"HAHAHA! No...not even you can...you monster. She could have but she's too messed up to do anything...but I know who stubborn you can be.... just in case... I won't risk it this time. I'll kill you.... KANASHIBARI NO JUTSU." Mizuki said hitting Naruto once again with his jutsu taking away all the progress he had made.

Damn it not again. Fox give me some of your chakra. Naruto said to his tenant.

No. Was all the fox said to him. What do you mean no, if he kills me you'll die too. Naruto said back to it trying to convince him

No...I've been wondering if that's true. The fox said coldly to him.

This isn't the time for your nonsense. Naruto said nervously to him, but he got no response from Kyuubi.

No...child this is the perfect time to see if your threat is true. You have used it many times against me...it's time to see how strong these bars are....and if you are worthy for being my container...my vessel. The fox thought, looking at Mizuki preparing his attack through Naruto's eyes.

"Time to die...NARUTO!" Mizuki yelled as he grabbed Naruto's shoulder and prepared to give him a finishing blow.

Damn it fox give me your chakra...give it to meeeee!!!!!...I have to stop him, I have to save Hinata-chan!!!!! Naruto yelled to the fox, but got no response only his own thoughts echoing in his mind.

Naruto quickly looked at Hinata, she had her eyes closed like she given up on them. Naruto didn't know what to do...well he knew one way but it wasn't helping...Naruto closed his eyes...and once again tried.

Damn it...damn it...damn it...give me some of your chakra!!!!!...He yelled but nothing. No answer came from it...he only had one thing left, and that was to wait for the blow....SLASH...the sound of steel driving into flesh was heard by him and blood hit his face.

Pain...the pain...I don't feel anything....I don't feel anything....Naruto thought.

"What are you doing, you stupid girl?" Mizuki yelled at her.

Hinata had used her body as a shield for Naruto, her desire of helping her beloved prevailed over the jutsu. The sword was buried in her stomach; she was holding the blade with both of her hands. The girl was quiet, she was looking at the ground where her blood started to form a puddle.

"What's this...? Do you want to die first Hinata-CHAN." Mizuki said mocking her actions.

"I-I-I'll p-protect...N-Naruto-kun." She said in an extremely low voice...but was heard by Mizuki.

"What was that, you want to die before Naruto-kun? Hahaha, very well then." As he finished his words he tried to pull out his sword but was unable to, Hinata was holding his sword with her bare hands not letting him take it back. Mizuki couldn't believe what he was seeing, her hands were bloodied but still she didn't let go of his sword.

"Let go of it...I will kill you any way!!" He yelled to her but nothing happened, the girl kept her grip and looked at the floor.

"I-I'll p-protect Naruto-kun..." She said again a little louder to him, lifting her head slightly.

"What...?" He said back to her shocked.

"I'll protect NARUTO-KUN!!" She yelled releasing his sword, sending him back from the strength he was using to pull it out. Hinata lifted her head up, her eyes showing her byakugan fully activated and anger towards the man as well. She didn't care about the pain, she charged at Mizuki head as he tried his jutsu to no avail. Hinata quickly got to him and released two punches to both of his thighs, Mizuki fell to his knees. She tried to hit his shoulder but he blocked it, he couldn't move she had completely disabled his legs.

Damn it...I can't do anything. He thought as he did his best to fight off Hinata who had him beat, due to his limited mobility and large disadvantage against her taijutsu style.

Hinata managed to disable his shoulder, she had beaten him but that wasn't enough for her. She released a gentle fist straight into his sternum; the force was great enough that it knocked Mizuki to the ground, hitting it hard and coughing up blood once before he became extremely still.

Hinata fell to her knees, Naruto who had been released from Mizuki's jutsu ran towards her, catching her before she hit the ground. There they lay, Naruto holding a bloody and weakened Hinata, who was gasping for air.

"That...girl ...she killed...Mizuki-sama...she's a monster..." One of the remaining men said to the rest.

"We...can't let them live, they're both monsters." Another one said, and with those words they all walked towards them slowly, doubting if it was such a good idea.

"Don't come any closer. You'll be sorry if you get closer!!" Naruto yelled, concerned for Hinata who was shivering madly.

"KILL THEM!!" They all yelled in unison.

After those words a fire started to burn between Naruto and the bandits, from the fire a masked man emerged. The man turned to the bandits that had frozen in their tracks after such a display from the masked man.

"No one else dies today." The hunter-nin said looking straight at the men, but it looked like it only made them flinch as they started to walk towards him.

"Very well...as you wish...." He coldly said as he drew his katana from its cover. The katana was amazing, it was colored a crimson red as if it was forged and never cooled by the blacksmith. It was enough to make the men feel a shiver down their spines.

The hunter-nin took a battle stance and that made them all ran away, carrying their fallen friends or the ones they could. After that he turned towards Naruto and Hinata, Naruto took a few steps back not sure why but he felt an intent to kill from the hunter-nin. Holding Hinata closer to protect her, Naruto watched as the hunter-nin walked towards them but stopped in front of Mizuki's body. In a quick movement of his sword, he separated his head from his body. He calmly grabbed the head and placed it in a bag he took out from one of his pouches. Naruto was shocked from such a cold sight, but he wasn't finished.

"KATON: RYUUKA NO JUTSU" The hunter-nin said in a low voice, sending a large flame directly at the headless Mizuki. The fire was a direct and constant stream, after the jutsu just a pile of ashes were left that were blown away and scattered by the wind.

The hunter-nin looked at Naruto just before he vanished in flames, just like he arrived.

"Naruto-kun..." Was heard, Hinata was still conscious. She witnessed such a cold scene, but she wasn't in good shape, she had lost a lot of blood from the fight.

Hinata couldn't hear anything, she only saw Naruto holding her. She knew he was trying to say something to her but alas she couldn't hear him. Hinata lifted her hand and placed it on Naruto's cheek. Naruto placed his hand over hers and kept moving his lips trying to say something to her....words of comfort most likely Hinata thought, smiling back at the boy.

Hinata felt tired, she wanted to sleep and recover her strength....but needed to say something to the boy.

"Naruto-kun...Did you see me....I didn't...hold back.....and it's...all because of...you...." She said as she closed her eyes, at what appeared to be a screaming and teary eyed Naruto.

END CHAPTER

Well another chapter done...I'm sory it took so long....I had a tough week...but her's the chap...the next one will be out soon, the next one is called EMERALD EYES. Well thats all so don't forget to R&R

READ and REVIEW, so review it only take a minutes or less...well if you have a crappy internet speed like me it will take you a few minutes but still REVIEW