Author's Note: Well this was a bit late due to finals and my computer going in and out of denial. It was on its man period for about two months and the internet would not work. I got mad with it and didn't use it for like a week or something. Then I had to work out how I was gonna do it. I also forgot a part of the plot of what I was going to do in this arc lul. I know stupid excuses but that's it. So here ya go. Chapter 12!
Disclaimer:Is this really necessary? Whatever. I don't own Naruto or anything else.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
'/"Kyuubi Talking"/'
'Kyuubi Thinking'
Flashback
Revelance of the Future
Chapter 12
Time to Ashes
By: Ginriku
Hinata stared shakily at her hands.
That couldn't be! It just couldn't be! He wasn't dead yet, she could feel that much, but...
To say the least she was scared.
The Hyuuga heiress stood up from her bed and turned to the window. She needed sometime to think and here wasn't helping.
The road back home was pretty smooth. Naruto was chatting with Haku, Kyuubi on his shoulder. Sakura was just walking quietly and taking in the scenery, sneaking glances towards Sasuke every so often (she did still have a crush on him after all). Speaking of the raven haired boy, he had his hands in his pockets just staring straight ahead, he must have been thinking deeply on something as his eyes were slightly glazed. Kakashi was, of course, reading his little orange book.
'I wonder how strong Naruto really is. To be able to stand up and want to fight, let alone live, from a blow like that! It's unimaginable. Anyone else would be six feet under... I wonder how he got this strong in the first place... He has slipped up plenty since being on this team but during the academy nothing suggested it in the slightest... I bet he's hiding more than just Kyuubi.'
Unconsciously Sasuke's fist tightened inside his pocket.
'I have to work twice as hard to get strong. If I can't beat Naruto, I have no chance at beating Itachi.'
Naruto broke off mid-sentance with Haku. Something in the wind had changed, slightly dryer, and something slightly more menacing...
"Did you feel that Kyuubi?"
The little fox sleepily opened his eyes. "Feel what kit?"
"The change in the air."
Kyuubi lithely jumped to the ground and stretched in a cat like fashion. "You're the one with the wind affinity. Don't ask me."
"Yes bu-" He was cut off as a bolt of pain ripped through his chest. Gasping he grabbed at the area hoping to make it stop. By the time that it did he was gasping deeply and everyone was staring at him.
"Naruto are you okay?" His pink haired teammate asked worriedly.
He managed a weak grin before turning away, "Ya I'm fine don't worry about it."
They all shared a worried look before following though no one said a word.
Sometime later about an hour or two outside of Konoha everybody had forgotten about the little episode and was joking around, excited at the fact that they were almost home, even Kakashi and Sasuke had small grins on their faces.
Sakura stopped and stared at the little being in front of her. With the huge adorable eyes and cute little bottle-brush tail. It was almost enough to bring tears to your eyes and squeal your head off with cuteness. Even with all of this Sakura just continued to stare, after all it's not everyday that the greatest demon of them all is reduced to such a state.
Naruto was shaking with laughter, 'Wow I forgot how he looked when he did that! Not even Hinata can resist those eyes.'
Finally the blond managed to choke out, "Umm Sakura, I think he wants you to carry him."
Now she reacted, "W-what? He wants me to carry him?"
He nodded as he felt the eyes of death boring into him from the fox. "He's probably tired, he is on very limited chakra right now."
With a look that screamed 'What the hell am I about to do?!' Sakura turned back to Kyuubi and held her arms out.
Meanwhile Kyuubi turned away from Naruto nose in the air and jumped cleanly into Sakura's arms, where he promptly... fell asleep, leaving everyone to sweat drop at his actions.
Haku was the first to speak, "Well now, that was interesting."
A round of bobble head nods replied him.
They were now about twenty minutes outside of Konoha.
Sakura looked at the little red bundle in her arms. How could something so innocent and cute looking be such a horrible demon? He certainly seemed harmless enough like this, he practically begged to be in her arms! Just to test something that even she wasn't sure about, she tentatively reached out a hand and stroked Kyuubi's head and back. Much to her surprise the demon snuggled in closer.
She gave a small smile before thinking, 'Aw, he must like the warmth. That's so cute!'Inner Sakura agreed although she had something more to add, 'Although if this is his true nature, what caused him to attack the village twelve years ago?'No matter how much Sakura tried to answer that question. She could not come up with a plausible answer.
In any case for now she would just continue to pet the little guy, he was, after all, adorable!
Sasuke had watched this little scene with mild amusement and consideration, he too had come to the same conclusion. He thought he would ask Naruto about it when they were back in the village after being de-briefed seeing as the answer might take up some amount of time and that he could now just start seeing the tip of the village gates in the distance.
Naruto was not one to be oblivious to such a fact either, "Yay! We're almost home! Come on hurry up! Hurry up!"
Kakashi raised one eye lazily to the excited blond, "We'll get there when we get there, Naruto."
This did quiet him down but he now had a spring in his step.
"Naruto-san?"
He swiveled his head into the ice users direction. "Didn't I tell you that it is just Naruto?"
Haku ignored this, "Are you sure I'll be accepted into your village?"
The blond arranged his features into a gentle open smile, one that he often used as Hokage to calm down the younger children when they were upset.
"Of course I am Haku. I would not take the chance if I wasn't."
This seemed to reassure him, although you could still sense an air of nervousness around him.
"Alright then Naruto-san. I trust you."
Naruto of course grinned at this, although, he noted to himself, that he would have to break Haku out of calling him '-san'.
After taking about taking two steps within the village gates Kyuubi's ears perked up and was alert in an instant. While shocking the hell out of Sakuraand giving start to the rest of the group the little fox launched itself into the air and firmly latched itself onto the side of Naruto's head.
"Aug! What the hell Kyuu?"
"Shut up kit, your drawing attention."
Giving a slight grumble, the blond did as he was told and quieted down. He didn't like it but he didn't need any extra attention at the moment either.
Kakashi then spoke up, "Well are we going to go de-brief of shall I leave you ladies to shop?"
Giving an indignant huff they all headed towards the hokage tower.
About an hour, a couple headaches, a blushing Haku, and a few pissed off ninja later, the team plus Haku and a tiny Kyuubi exited the tall tower. Naruto had also explianed the situation with Kyuubiand as a result the fox was perched on his shoulder. At first glance the young kit seemed to be sleeping but upon further inspection one would see that the kit's eyes were wide and alert.
They all stood there for a moment in silence, wondering how to go about the transition they were facing, when all hell broke loose.
"NARUTOOOOO!"
The screeching voice of one seemingly shy Hyuuga heiress shocked most of those in the immediate vicinity. The said heiress careened around the corner only to crash head long into the receiver of her hysterics.
Falling over on his but with Hinata landing on top of him Naruto gasped out, "God Hinata, what happened?"
Sitting up and giving the blond the worst glare anybody on the planet had ever received the Hyuuga heiress spoke in a deadly whisper.
"What happened on that mission. Something bad happened, now what was it god dammit."
Nervously glancing from one person to the next he hesitantly replied, "Well you see Hinata, I kinda... sorta... got a raikiri through the chest."
A moment of silence passed as Hinata's eyes grew darker and the young female started shaking. Naruto, worried that she may be crying gently reached out to her.
"Are you... Hinata, are you alright?"
The shaking immediately stopped and the following moment the air was violently filled with a deafening scream.
"Naruto... you... You... YOU IDIOT!!"
The following scene was of the nature directly from a gory horror film. Screams of agony penetrated the air as a long line of curses spewed for the shy girls mouth. The curses so horrendous it would make Tayuya blush with shame.
Meanwhile the four ninja witnessing this event up close decided to make the following comments:
Kakashi looked breifly up from his book and stated quietly, "I knew it. It's always the quiet ones..."
Sasuke was simply dumbfounded, "Note to self; Never make Hinata angry."
Haku apprehensively spoke to Sakura.
"Do you think we should help him?"
"Do you want to try and stop her?"
"No, no not really."
Kyuubi just stood quietly, fur sticking up in all directions, eyes the size of dinner plates.
After a few (unbelievably long) moments the curses and screams came to and end with Hinata clinging to the shinobi for dear life. Finally she managed to choke out, "D-do you have a-any idea how w-worried I was?"
After hearing a sniff and a few ever so quiet sobs Naruto gently put his arms around her.
"Umm guys I'll meet up with you later okay?"
They all nodded as Kyuubi lept onto Naruto's back before they sped off.
Sasuke looked intently at the spot the two had just vacated. 'Whatever it is that he's hiding Hinata knows it too.'
Five minutes later they were atop the Hokage monument. Hinata still had a few tears streaming down her face but she was calmer overall.
Naruto kneeled down to where the girl sat while gently rubbing her arm with soothing motions.
"What happened Hina-hime?"
She rubbed her eyes one last time before replying, "I think had that pain again Naruto that deep-rooted-something-really-bad's-happening-feeling like that time when you were on that mission with Sakura."
Oh he knew that mission alright, after that mission there were no more Uchiha.
"I-I'm sorry Naruto-kun. I was just so glad that you were a-alive."
The blond did the only thing he could do at the moment, he gathered her into his arms and held her as she cried.
Kakashi had quickly dispersed the small group after Naruto and Hinata had left. He appointed Sasuke and Sakura to escort Haku to his appointed shinobi housing quarters to the north of town. The shinobi housing was largely for single ninja who either did not want or could not stay with relatives.
After bidding a fond farewell to the slightly older boy the pair wandered around the village for a moment before the rosette spoke.
"Do you ever feel like Naruto is still hiding something Sasuke?"
The said boy looked over at his female companion before quickly returning his gaze back towrds the road.
"So you have noticed as well."
She gave an agreeing like noise before he continued.
"Whatever it is, I think Hinata is in on it. Or maybe apart of it."
"What do you think it could be?"
He could only sigh and shrug his shoulders, "Who knows? He will probably tell us in time though."
Sakura nodded slightly.
"True.. Hey want to get something to eat?"
"Sure, as long as it's not raman."
Sakura gave a slight giggle as they headed off towards the market district.
'Where am I?'
Hinata woke up to find herself staring at a cracked ceiling. After a few moments she realized she was in Naruto's room, with this in mind she slipped out the door into the living room.
Naruto was currently in the kitchen making supper when two soft arms hugged him from behind. A soft voice murmured into his back, "I love you Naruto."
Putting down the spoon, he turned around and returned the hug, "I love you too. I always will." He ended the hug with a kiss to her forehead before grabbing the plates and heading to the table.
"Come on you must be hungry."
Hinata nodded and smiled as she sat at the table, 'He always knows how to make me feel better.'
Dinner was a talkative affair as Naruto and Hinata discussed his mission and what they were planning on doing next. They were interuppted only once by a bleary-eyed Kyuubi jumping up onto the table and knocking over a glass of water after just waking up. They both laugh at the now sopping wet Kyuubi as he slunk out of the kitchen to supposedly dry off.
Near the end of the meal Naruto brought up the pain in his chest.
"Hinata?"
"Yes?" The girl looked up from her plate and set her chopsticks down, sensing that this was serious.
"After the battle on the bridge I keeping noticeing a sharp pain bolting through my chest every now and then. It almost feels like lightning to describe it the best I can."
Hinata immediately stood up.
"Take off your shirt and lay on the couch."
The blond did as he was told. Within moments Hinata was examining his chest, byakugan blazing, hand glowing a soft green.
After about ten minutes the pale girl sat up and wiped the sweat for her brow. She sat still, deep in concentration for a moment before adressing Naruto.
"The raikiri struck you here, right?"
She traced a medium sized circle slightly to the right of his chest, he nodded.
"Well, from what I can tell, from the accelerated healing that Kyuubi induced the chakra pathways didn't heal properly. Like they are all jumbled up together, focused on that spot to create a reservoir of chakra, kind of like a giant chakra point now that I think about it. Although since there is no original regulatory system in place chakra just keeps filling it. To the point you may blow up I'm afraid."
"Can you do anything about it?"
Kyuubi had returned to the room a was now watching the couple intently.
The girl sighed, "Well to fix it permanently I would have to do surgery and I don't think that is an option right now."
Naruto sat up.
"What about temporarily?"
"Well I suppose a limiter seal over that area would work for the time being. However it would be fragile so you might have to get one of those mini breastplate things for more protection."
"Okay lets do that then."
Hinata nodded seriously and began to work. Since it was such an awkward place Naruto couldn't draw the seal himself but told her what to do. The seal was circular in shape, about the size of the affected area with a triangle in the middle and runes around the edge. In about half an hour it was done. The seal gleaming black like a fresh tattoo, which it also essentially looked like.
"So, Hinata, how long untill we can fix it permanently?"
Naruto gingerly put his shirt back on as he spoke.
"Well I don't have access to the required materials so I think until we are able to contact Tsunade-sama..."
The man-turned-boy grinned, "Well I guess that is just extra incentive to find her then isn't it?"
About an hour after their supper the time travelling couple found themselves at an armour store.
Most of the breastplates there covered the left side of the chest, therefore protecting the heart. Naruto however needed one for the opposite side.
"Do you see any Hina-chan?"
He turned around to see said girl gazing intently at a pair of arm guards.
"Hinata?"
"Hmm? Wha?" She came out of her trance at the sound of his voice this time, "What is it Naruto-kun?"
Making his way over to her he asked again, "I asked if you seen anything of what we are looking for?"
"Oh, um I think there may be some in that corner over there." She pointed over in a direction to her left.
Taking her advice Naruto quickly stumbled upon his objective. Among the plates were many odd looking spikes, crazy colours, and something that looked to be made out of snake skin. It took the blond fifteen whole minutes to find what he was looking for.
The breastplate wasn't particularly eye catching. It was made out of black metal with just the right amount of plating. It would fit snugly on the right side of his chest with the belts holding it in place around his chest and right shoulder. All of it would go on over his fishnet shirt but under the open one.
Naruto paid and turned around to find Hinata carrying and identical bag to his. Curiously raising one eye brow he asked, "What's in the bag?"
Grinning mischievously the violette replied, "Think I'm over due for a change of appearance don't you? Also these were the arm guards you caught me staring at earlier."
Naruto paled at the thought of clothes shopping.
"Y-y-y-you don't need any help do you?"
Smiling at his actions Hinata gently patted his arm, "No I think I can manage Naru-kun, I'll meet you back at your place to discuss things in about two hours okay?"
Naruto nodded and was gone faster then you could say dattebayo.
Once again the heiress chuckled at her would-be husbands antics and turned to wander back into the shopping district.
"So Kyuubi what do you think?"
Naruto and his demon counterpart were currently locked in conversation in training ground seven.
"Well telling Sakura and Sasuke is inevitable, I can tell that they are suspicious of you. As are Kakashi and Sarutobi. However I believe their observations are more conclusive then the other two."The little fox paced as Naruto sat in front of a nearby tree.
"Hmm.. If we tell them how much should we tell them? Because if we tell them everything we might be treading into very testy waters on both sides of the lake, if you know what I mean."
"Yes. I was thinking that as well, although if we keep everything back they may not trust us."
Naruto sighed before standing up and having Kyuubi jump on his shoulder.
"Well I guess we should talking to Hinata-chan then she should be able to help."
The fox gave an affirmative type growl as they left.
"Besides she should be home soon."
The boy and demon were home for about twenty minutes before the door opened. Naruto looked over to see the object of his affections opening the door holding three bags.
Hinata looked up to see both of them looking at her, "What do I have something on my face?"
They shook their heads negative.
"Alrighty then well, I'm going to change and show you what I bought!"
Naruto and Kyuubi just stared as she dashed to the bathroom.
"Women."
"I second that opinion."
About five minutes later the door swung inward to reveal a happy Hyuuga. She took a step forward, spun around once, and asked, "Well, do you like it?"
And the only thing he could do was gape.
Hinatawas wearing a full fishnet body suit with a deep indigo shirt that went to just below her belly button. A wide black belt was attached loosely to her hips between her shirt a black short shorts with multiple little pockets and places for attaching her staff, the standard pouch on the back left. Her black gloves attached to her black arm guards with paler indigo designs carved into the light weight metal. Her hitai-ate was tied around her right upper arm and in the place left around her neck was a lavender coloured crystal. On her feet were the more feminine shinobi sandals, she also had bandages wrapping around her legs up to her knees with the kunai holder on the right upper leg.
"Well?"
Naruto nodded energetically. 'Holy shit does she look good.'True he was. Hinata had never dressed in such a manner before. She had always worn baggy clothes when she was shy before, then when she had come out of her shell when they had started dating she went straight into the standard jounin uniform. After that they had Kia so she couldn't exactly walk around looking so... deadly so... god damn hot.
To say that he was blown away was the understatement of the year.
Then something hit him.
"What do you think Hiashi will say?"
She flopped on the couch while answering, "I think he'll be to shocked first, then... hmm I'm not sure I guess I'll find out later won't I?"
"In any case," The blonde's voice grew serious, "Kyuubi and I were talking, and we think it is best to tell Sasuke and Sakura soon."
Hinata rubbed her temples, "Well we knew it had to be done, and I suppose its best if we do it before the chunin exams. What about the others though? My team is slightly suspicious but I think they chalk it up to me being around you more. And Kakashi?"
"I'm not sure but I will have to tell him at some point and I may just have to bring the old man in on this soon as well. I think Kakashi can wait until after the first two exams."
"Will we tell Sasuke about Itachi?"
"He deserves to know."
Hinata nodded, this was something that they had been thinking about for months.
"Well Naruto it's getting late so I'm going to go home now okay?"
He nodded, mind reeling on what still needed to be done before the chunin exam. Hinata gracefully got up from her seat and kissed the slightly zoned out blond on the cheek before heading to the door.
"Good night Naruto-kun."
"Night Hina-chan."
There were many things on her mind as she made her way home. Mainly what her father would say about her... choice of attire. Another was about what she would so about Neji in the chunin exam, she couldn't just lose like that again.
Her thoughts stopped as she walked through the front gates of the Hyuuga complex. This was going to be an interesting conversation to say the least.
She came face to face with her father as she walked down the hall to her bedroom.
"Hinata, what are you wearing."
It was more of a statement then a question.
"Well father, I thought it was about time that I dressed in an effective way. The baggy-ness of my other clothes were hindering my movements."
"Hindering your movements? I realise that you have made adequate progress in the last few months but no where near what is expected of you. I expected that you dress accordingly."
Hinata giggled at her father.
"Expected? Do you really want to see what I can do?"
Hiashi grew stiff. She had never been like this before.
"Very well you shall spar with Hanabi."
"Tonight?"
"Yes. Tonight. Be in the dojo in ten minutes."
Hinata nodded, "Very well... Father."
True to her word she was in the dojo in ten minutes, staff in the holder on her belt, diagonal across the back of her waist. Hinata'sfather stood across from her on the other side of the dojo her little sister, Hanabi, at his side.
"Hinata, this session will go on untill one of you either quits or falls unconscious. Is that clear, Hinata, Hanabi?"
"Yes father." They both chorused.
"Very well, begin."
At once Hanabi slipped into the gentle fist stance, however Hinata simply stood there with her eyes closed.
"What! Are you not going to fight?!"
Hinata quietly replied, "Are you going to attack me or not?"
Enraged the younger sister charged the elder, a slpit second before the blow came into contact Hinata... disappeared.
'Where did she go?'
As she was scanning the area with her byakugan she felt a slight tape on her back, directly in her blind spot. 'What the hell?'Hanabi whipped around to find Hinata, still with her eyes closed, pointing her staff at her. 'How did she...?'
Without wasting a further momnet Hanabi began striking, open fisted, at her opponent. Only to have each strike blocked. After a few moments she stopped, and with this ease in the tide Hinata decided to make her move.
Throwing her staff up in the air she landed three strikes on Hanabi, jumped over the girl as she retaliated, caught her staff and swept Hanabi's feet out from under her.
As the girl was picking herself up off the ground Hinata questioned her, "Are you sure you want to continue?"
Hanabi, now red in the face from either anger or embarrassment, retorted, "Ya right. Quitting is for losers."
Sighing Hinata finally opened her eyes, byakugan blazing. "Fine. Have it your way."
The older girl put away her staff and pulled out a hand full of shuriken and threw them at various points around the room. Hanabi, however, began charging. When she about three feet from making contact she stopped abruptly. 'Wires.' Hanabi tried to spin out of it but it was too late.
A soft voice emerged from behind her.
"I'm sorry Hanabi but you didn't quit."
Hinata then pinched a nerve on her little sisters neck and Hanabi's world went black.
Quickly catching the knocked out girl she layed her softly on the ground. She had proceeded to wrap her wires back up and put away her shuriken when the deep voice of her father interrupted.
"Hinata. What is the meaning of this?"
Without turning around she answered him, "I have grown strong father, I am not weak anymore. I think it would be best if you just accepted that."
Hiashi motioned to one of the servants to take Hanabi away as he spoke next, "Tomorrow you will not go with your team. Instead you will stay here and train with me untill I can assess what level you are at, then you will only be out with your team on missions and training here the rest of the time."
"No."
Hiashi's face grew stern.
"What did you say."
Turning around Hinata repeated herself, "I said no. Learning the gentle fist is great and all but it's not the only thing. I believe that I know as much as I need to know on that subject and I am now learning more with the rest of my team. I will continue to train with you for a few hours in the morning but that will be all."
Taken aback by his daughters 'sudden' boldness Hiashi said the only thing that he could come up with, "I will speak to you about this in the morning. Goodnight."
Smirking at her fathers retreating back the thought to herself, 'Oh what a wonderful mess this is.'
Author's Note: Aahg I'm sorry that this is shorter then usual (Only 4000 something words) but I really had no clue what to put here to make this a chapter haha 'sweatdrop' Also half of this was literally pulled out of my ass. I Hope it's all right. Also I'm sorry for the choppy-ness and the sappy bit lol.
On another note I am looking for a beta. If you are interested please PM me or say so in your review whatever. Also I need an idea about what to do with Orochimaru (well that's not true I need a good idea) I have like three possible things I could do but I'm really not sure. If you have any idea's once again please contact me.
Oh and the dialogue and scene from where Hinata first sees Naruto again was inspired/taken by donation from YamiKyuubi Thank you!
Now without further ado...
R
E
V
I
E
W!