Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its affiliates, I only own this plot and my own original characters.

Chapter 6: The Determination Hinata Never Had – Team Jiraiya Sets Off!

Jiraiya arrived at the meeting site long before anyone else, which was exactly what he wanted. He wanted to make sure everyone was all set to go before the embarked. He thought back to the previous night. He met Kakashi to let him know about Naruto and Sakura's mission.

Flashback

Kakashi looked at Jiraiya with a nervous intent. Although he personally trained Naruto to learn wind manipulation, he was worried on whether Naruto would be able to compete with Sasuke. After all, he was not sure of what crude methods Orochimaru might have used on Sasuke during his training.

"Kakashi, you have to let those two go. Naruto and Sakura are the only two people who can bring Sasuke back."

Kakashi lowered his head in disgust. For the past three years, he cursed himself for being late to the Valley of the End on that fateful day. If he arrived on time, Sasuke might not have made it to Orochimaru. Now he was their enemy, and soon he would be Orochimaru's new vessel. Kakashi also knew that with the Sharingan, Orochimaru could possibly become the most powerful being alive. "If I could come it would be a different story Jiraiya. Naruto and Sakura were on my team, the first team I ever graduated."

"Kakashi," interrupted Jiraiya. Kakashi's gaze drifted to Jiraiya, whose face now occupied a serious look. "They are not your students anymore. They are Konoha Shinobi. Right now a huge threat lingers on our shoulders, and those two are the only two capable of ending it."

Kakashi knew Jiraiya was right on that issue. However, he knew Sasuke better than anyone. No matter how much strength Naruto and Sakura possessed, they did not have the training to equally fight a Sharingan user. He did not believe Sasuke possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan yet, but if he did then that team stood no chance. However, Kakashi knew it had to be done. "I know what you mean Jiraiya. I just feel guilty not being there."

"Don't worry. I will make sure Naruto does not do anything stupid. I know the baka better than anyone does. I did train him for over two years." Jiraiya smirked at Kakashi, trying to increase his faith in him.

For some reason, that comment did not help Kakashi. However, he nodded at Jiraiya, noting his trust in the sannin. He was a sannin for a reason. Maybe this mission could be successful after all.

End Flashback

Jiraiya's gaze returned to notice Sakura and Shikamaru making their way too him. Jiraiya laughed to himself. "Just as I thought, both of those two arrived before Naruto."

"Good morning Jiraiya-sannin," said Sakura. Shikamaru raised a hand for his greeting. It was obvious he was not a morning person. In fact, Sakura was surprised he had the motivation to wake up so early in the morning.

"Glad to see you two made it. Now we just have to wait for Naruto to show up."

Shikamaru sighed aloud. "If he ever shows up."

Jiraiya chuckled upon thinking of a great idea. "You're right. We have time to get breakfast before he arrives. I will treat! That will annoy Naruto even more." The three of them proceeded to get some food while waiting for Naruto to arrive.

Hinata crawled out of her window. It was still dark outside, but she also knew this was the time important missions usually started. She had to find Naruto before he reached the group. That was the only way she could find the confidence to talk to him. She smiled when she realized she had the tool to easily find him. "Naruto-kun, I hope you acknowledge me." She raised her hands and formed the seal. "Byakugan!" she yelled.

Instantly she was able to see the entire town. Luckily for her, not many people were in the streets of Konoha. She immediately noticed Jiraiya, Sakura, and Shikamaru at Ichiraku Ramen. She was surprised when she did not see Naruto there. "I wonder where he could be."

Her gaze drifted to the section of the city where Naruto's apartment was, but could not find him there either. As she began to lose faith, she noticed a figure running down the streets. That was definitely Naruto.

Hinata's confidence suddenly rose as she saw him running across the streets of Konoha. "Okay, now I just have to meet him somewhere. I know, I will find him by accident. That won't make it look as obvious." With that, Hinata leaped outside of the Hyuuga estate, hoping she could find Naruto before he found the group.

"Man I'm so tired," said Naruto. He could not sleep at all last night. The thought of returning Sasuke to Konoha could not leave his mind. He was going to keep his promise to Sakura.

He laughed when he remembered that promise. Naruto gave Sakura the promise of a lifetime partially because he had a huge crush on her, but more importantly because he wanted to see her happy. He was surprised that Sakura took the news as well as she did. This time however, he would fulfill the promise. He did not have that crush on her anymore, but he would not defy his nindo.

"Sasuke," Naruto thought to himself. He remembered the last time they met – a few months ago. Sasuke was able to repel the Kyuubi. In fact, it almost seemed like the Kyuubi was afraid of Sasuke. "Am I even strong enough to defeat him?

Naruto sighed to himself, and felt a feeling of depression overcome him. He remembered this feeling. It was a feeling of doubt, and the only time he experienced this was before his match against Neji in the Chuunin Exams. "Sasuke, what has become of you?"

Naruto's pace slowed down as he reached the outskirts of Konoha. He raised his head to see a figure in the distance. "I wonder who it is this early in the morning." As he reached the figure, he quickly recognized her. "Hinata!" Naruto called out.

Hinata jumped in excitement, though to Naruto it appeared as if it was out of shock. "He acknowledged me first!" Hinata thought. "N-Naruto-kun. G-Good morning," she managed to get out. "Come on Hinata, get a hold of yourself. You can do this."

Naruto smiled upon seeing her. In fact, he just realized that he has hardly seen her since he returned to Konoha. But she was still weird as always. However, she did look extremely beautiful. "I don't remember her looking that beautiful. When did she…wait a second, stop thinking those thoughts Naruto. Damn, I've been hanging around Ero-Sennin far too long."

He returned her gaze. Hinata's face was becoming red; a trait Naruto noticed a lot when he talked to her. He always thought it was because she was sick, but hanging around Jiraiya taught Naruto a few things. However, he never mentioned someone become red in the face. He would have to bring it up with him later. "What are you doing out here so early Hinata?"

"Ano…I-I…ano, just got some…shopping done." Hinata's fingers quickly met and she started to play with them, must like she always did when she was speaking to him. She was indeed extremely nervous. "How am I ever going to tell him if I can't keep my composure. Oh no, I'm feeling light-headed. No! I will not faint this time. I have to stand strong." Hinata attempted to look Naruto in the face. "Why are you out here so early?" Hinata surprised even herself there. "I actually fluently said that?"

"I'm heading out on a mission today," Naruto said.

Little did Naruto know, Hinata was already informed of that. She also knew what the mission consisted of, and how dangerous it was. However, she had to act as if she did not know that information. "What is the mission?"

Naruto lowered his head, and began to shake. "Why am I acting like this? I haven't even left Konoha and I'm nervous for the mission." He knew he had to act strong about it though. "I'm heading on a mission with Jiraiya, Sakura, and Shikamaru to rescue Sasuke. It's almost time for Orochimaru to transfer bodies with him." Naruto ended his sentence there. He did not know hat else to say.

Hinata stood there trembling. "What do I say? What do I say? What do I say?" She remembered what happened the last time he tried to rescue Sasuke. It ended up in a hospital stay, and Hinata again failed to visit him, instead opting to faint when she saw him all bandaged up. "Ano, that sounds d-dangerous." She did not know what else to say, and was hoping Naruto's response would help guide her.

Naruto felt a huge lump go down his throat. "I know. I have to do it. However…" Naruto did not know how to say this. He knew Hinata thought he was strong, but he could not lie to her. "However, I don't know if I can do it. I don't think I'm stronger than Sasuke."

Hinata knew she had to say something. She was trembling all over. She knew she had to tell him her feelings, but he was feeling so down about himself. Was this the right time to do so? First, she had to somehow make him feel better. "Ano, you don't know that until…you actually fight, Naruto-kun."

Naruto looked up at Hinata with a surprised look on his face. Hinata suddenly shrieked and looked down on the ground, twiddling her fingers at an even more rapid rate than before. "Ano…I….ano….you're strong, Naruto-kun. I do not know what it is, but…ano…there is this….aura…ano, about you that makes you likeable. If there is anyone who can save Sasuke…ano, it's you. Ano, you give everything you have to help others. That…ano, I believe will bring…Sasuke back."

Hinata's face was now completely red, and sweat was visible on her face. "I actually said that to Naruto. I cannot believe I made it through that. But, what will he say?" This made Hinata more nervous than before. Would Naruto blow it off or will he acknowledge her attempt to make him feel better?

Naruto could not believe what he just heard from Hinata. For his whole life, he has received nothing but disrespect from the villagers, but Hinata just said there was this likeable aura about him! She also said he was strong, and was the only one able to bring Sasuke back. Something struck Naruto inside, and his confidence level rose. "Maybe I can bring Sasuke back. Maybe I can defeat him."

Naruto suddenly smiled in front of Hinata. "Thanks Hinata! I'm feeling much better about this mission now!"

Hinata gasped at Naruto's comment. "That collection of words actually helped? It helped! I made Naruto-kun happy again!" Hinata was so happy with herself again. Seeing Naruto happy made her happy. "Ano, y-you're welcome N-Naruto-kun."

Naruto could not help but take his eyes off Hinata. She had her hands placed under her chin, and she looked so adorable like that. "What am I thinking? Damn you Ero-Sennin! I'll kill you after this mission for sure!"

There was a small moment of silence between the two, leaving Hinata wondering what to say. However, Naruto decided to break the silence with a laugh. "I can always rely on Hinata to make me feel better! You did it during the Chuunin Exams and just right now!"

Hinata became startled and started to twiddle her fingers. "He can rely on me?" She started to speak but nothing came out. She knew she had to say something. "I-I-I just want to…ano…to….see…ano, you happy."

"See me happy? But why Hinata? It's not like I've always been there for you," responded Naruto.

"But you have," thought Hinata. "You made me who I am today. I just…cannot say it to you. No! I have to say that." Hinata took a large gulp and tried to form words to describe how she was thinking. "That's not…true," Hinata managed to utter out. "Be strong, you need to say this to him in a way that he can clearly understand." Hinata took another deep breath and continued. "Ever since I first saw you, your attitude always gave me strength. I could never believe in myself, but I think you were able to make me feel better about myself. And Naruto-kun, because of this, I-I-I..." Hinata's face was deep red now, and she could feel her heart beating rapidly. She knew this was it, that she had to do it now. Hinata took a deep breath. "Ano, b-b-because of that, I-I-I-I, ano…I-l-o-…"

The pressure became too great for Hinata, and she sunk to the floor. Before she hit the floor, Naruto caught her. "Hinata! Are you okay?"

"What just happened? Did I faint? No, I'm still awake. But I didn't hit the ground. Oh my god! Naruto-kun is holding me! I'm in Naruto-kun's arms!" Hinata's pale eyes opened up to see Naruto's face right by hers. Hinata was currently in heaven. She failed to tell Naruto her feelings. Well, she managed to get halfway through the sentence at least! But she was in Naruto's arms. That completely consumed her world now. "Naruto-kun…," she uttered.

Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. "That's a relief. For a minute I thought you fainted." Naruto could not help but look into the girl's eyes. "Damn she's cute." For a minute, Sasuke completely left Naruto's mind. Naruto did what first came to his mind. He brought Hinata close to him, and hugged her.

At this moment, Hinata was in a world she never thought she would be in. "Naruto's hugging me. Is this a dream?" Hinata got caught up in the moment, and placed her arms around his body. She felt so safe, as if all her worries about the Hyuuga clan and her training completely vanished.

They stood there for what seemed like an eternity. He opened his eyes, and noticed the sun peak over the horizon. "Wait a second, how long have they been waiting? Dammit, Sakura's going to punch my head off." Naruto slowly released his hold on Hinata, and Hinata sadly did the same. "I got to go now, I'm keeping my team waiting," Naruto told Hinata.

"Was I keeping him? Oh no!" Hinata quickly looked at the ground, wondering if Naruto was mad. "Ano-I-I'm sorry, Naruto-kun."

"Don't worry. It is not your fault. It's only Sakura that I'm worried about. She has a temper when she gets mad."

"Sakura…," Hinata thought. At times, she just wished Sakura would disappear so Naruto would not always talk about her.

Naruto could tell Hinata looked worried. "Don't worry Hinata, I promise I will come back alive. And I will have Sasuke with me too!" Naruto then smiled and gave Hinata a thumbs-up. As Rock Lee would call it, Naruto just gave Hinata the "nice-guy" pose. "I'll see you when I get back Hinata!"

Hinata just stood there like a statue while Naruto ran off. "He gave me that pose. The exact one he gave Sakura all those years ago. He gave me that same pose." Hinata could not help but form a smile across her mouth. Although she failed to tell him how she really felt, she felt like she accomplished something this morning. "Be safe Naruto-kun," she thought as she walked away.

Jiraiya, Sakura, and Shikamaru were feeling uneasy while they waited for Naruto. Jiraiya had time to eat breakfast and write two chapters in his new book during the wait. Shikamaru got in some extra sleep, and Sakura was not surprised if he was wide-awake when Naruto would arrive.

"Damn it!" Sakura hissed. "That baka sure is late! I am so going to punch his head off when he gets here."

"Maybe he ran into a door," answered an awake Shikamaru.

Not seconds after Shikamaru responded, Naruto ran bolting across the horizon. "Ero-Sennin! Sakura! Shikamaru! I-I can explain," said an exhausted Naruto.

Sakura began to tighten her black, leather gloves. "It better be good you baka! I'm going to give you beat you to a bloody pulp!"

Jiraiya decided now was a good time to interfere. "Okay children listen up! We have a dangerous mission on our hands, and we need everyone at one hundred percent! That means Sakura cannot beat up Naruto until we finish the mission. Am I clear?"

Sakura and Shikamaru quickly agreed, while Naruto was slow to agreeing. He wasn't too fond of Jiraiya allowing Sakura to beat him.

"Jiraiya-sannin, do you have any idea where Sasuke could be?" Sakura asked.

A slight smirk appeared on Jiraiya's face. "I have an idea where they are now, and where they will be shortly. Let us go. Valuable time is escaping from us." With that, the group of Jiraiya, Naruto, Shikamaru, and Sakura left Konoha in their mission to save Sasuke from Orochimaru's grasp.