Simplicity is Complexity
Chapter 4: Spirit Crush
Disclaimer: Naruto and all their characters don't belong to me.
AN: Nothing much to say for the lateness of this chapter. Let's just say my dad pulled out the power of my apartment trying to fix a socket, but he eliminated the PCs power, and thus, my work was deleted. So, without further adieu, let's start with this chapter.
And yes, if you want me to read your fictions and give comments to them, well, instead of me reading it, add me on MSN so I can talk about it. It's not like I don't read other people's work, but if you want me to do an analysis of it, it's better to discuss it. Yes, if it's about fanfiction goodness, I can have a great conversation with you.
That's pretty much it!
Let the games start…
(Naruto's Apartment: 8AM)
Sleeping was another form of medicine, like laughter, but to substitute the healing emotional sorrows sleep regained my energy. However, the treatment would have been better if I slept on a flat mattress instead of the couch. I had a ground mattress in my guestroom closet, but due to the extreme fatigue from the artwork I finished 3 hours ago, I collapsed once I was done minutes later. On the bright side, I supposed I was fortunate enough not to be sleeping on the floor, and if I did I would say "hello" to stiff joints and bone-breaking sensations.
Today I just had a bit of neck pain. It was bothersome, but I wouldn't consider it unbearable. A simple snap should do it. The next second a loud snapping crack was heard all over this apartment. Loud, yes, but it was effective regardless of the process.
I grew thirsty in the morning, just like how some people grow terribly hungry after one night's worth of rest. Summoning all the strength available at the moment, I dedicated to push myself to the kitchen. To my disbelief and discomfort, I heard a knock on the door.
Blasted hell… what kind of moron looked for someone this early in the morning? If I had my days in track, I was sure today was a Sunday, and I liked sleeping in during those days. Having no other choice since the visitor would continue to bang if I didn't open up, I chose to declare forfeit. In short, I opened the door.
"What?" I questioned the visitor, not even bothering to see who it was.
"Don't you say good morning anymore?" this mystery man said, surprised at my attitude.
"You come to my place so early in the morning to say my behaviour is bad?" I challenged, my right hand clutching my head wearily, "Damn it… don't you know people like to sleep in? How would you like it if I came to your place and disturbed you?"
"Naruto, are you okay?"
"Just tired…" I admitted with a cough, as if I was going to pass out from exhaustion, "Who are you…"
"I'm Iruka, Naruto." That was a new one. It was enough to put a shock in my system.
"Iruka-sensei?"
"Yes."
"What are you doing here?"
"I should be asking what happened to you," he told me, catching me before I fell on my coffee table, in which that was where my sketchbook was, "You look like you're in a mess, Naruto…"
"I didn't sleep well…"
"You drank last night or what? You seem like you have a hangover…" I could detect all the concern in his voice. Iruka-sensei was surely someone that I could trust.
"You're thinking too far on the extreme," I assured him, smiling weakly, "I don't drink, you know that. It's just that sexy bitch was seducing me again… she had been doing that a lot more often ever since I got the news that I was going to come back. Usually she would do this kind of thing onthe night I saw something not so innocent… which was often since Jiraiya always had women around when I saw him in town… those topless sluts… I mean, whores…"
Iruka's eyebrows were twitching madly. Firstly, he had no idea what in the heck I was trying to say. Secondly, he never expected his student to speak of topless sluts so naturally, as if foul language was part of my everyday vocabulary. Unfortunately, it was; I just never bothered to show it until the time was right.
"Topless whores? Sexy bitch?"
"Yeah… I am talking about the fox…" I said, closing my eyes comfortably because sleep overwhelmed my senses. "My demon master…"
Iruka's eyes seem to have exploded. I safely assumed that he was shocked, but I quickly changed my mind when I saw blood coming from his nose. Damn it, Iruka didn't change much. Although he was a careful, warmhearted teacher, he was still a pervert in a way. Who was I to criticize? I wasn't that pure either.
"You saying Kyuubi goes naked in your head!" he practically shouted at the maximum volume his voice cord could generate.
"Yeah…" I said back, silently. Of course, Iruka wasn't exactly appreciating the calmness and stoic behaviour I was displaying when he was in quite a bit of panic.
"Does she play with you?"
"Yes."
"Do perverted things?"
"Yes."
"Strip?"
"Sometimes."
"Why sometimes?"
"She is already naked most of the time."
"You enjoy it?"
"Starting to."
"Is Jiraiya part of this?"
"Sometimes."
"Is she beautiful?"
"Yes."
"Does she ever want to make love with you?"
"Yes."
"For real?"
"She just wants to tease my human lusts. She controls my libido more than my mind."
"How could you not tell anybody about this?" Iruka yelled with an accusing finger towards the fact I eliminated all my incorruption. Inother words, my mind was as black as Satan's evil. "Why didn't you share this with people? You can tell me if Kyuubi is hurting you! She is playing with your feelings here!"
"Quiet down, Iruka-sensei," I said, hushing him to speak softer, "Hinata could wake up if you are too loud." Once more, my statement took him off guard with stun. It was one surprise after another for him; I was somewhat amused to imagine how his heart was taking each impact in a row? Was it painful? Perhaps it motivated him to be more of a pervert due to the fact I was saying very corruptive things.
"Hinata? What is she doing here in your house?"
I smirked, knowing his reaction before he made that overwhelmed expression. This man was far too concerned about me sometimes that it bordered into being fatherly. If only Jiraiya had a fraction of Iruka's responsible nature… I guess that day could become a reality the instant Jiraiya could make love to Tsunade without having to visit the E.R chambers. There was no need to make an exaggeration at that level, no, I could make it less intense. I'd say if Jiraiya could withstand a nosebleed when he watched Tsunade's fully revealed breasts for thirty seconds, then I would humble myself to be Jiraiya's perverted successor.
If I ever made such a gamble, I would win with a hundred percent guarantee because no men I knew could not help themselves not to nosebleed when they could have this rare privilege to see the Hokage fully. To a man such a Jiraiya… I wonder if it was as good as heaven.
"Nothing much," I replied flatly, closing my eyelids once more as I tried to take in a breath. "We talked for the entire night and she slept without telling me where she lived. Instead of walking around town like an idiot… I decided to let her stay here for the time being."
He didn't seem to trust my words. Then again, it couldn't be helped. "Are you sure that is everything?" I saw no glares; instead they were leers that could take out mylife if looks could kill. However, I just nodded, as if his attempts were wasted on the stoic.
"Why don't you take a look for yourself to see if Hinata is still wearing clothes?" I suggested, using my thumb and pointed towards my bedroom door, relatively welcoming him to enter. "You are welcome to, you know. Shikashi (But/However) whatever Hinata will do to you won't be any of my business. It's your choice, sensei."
A shiver came right after my offer. I merely grinned as I stood up, no longer needing Iruka's assistance although his help was gladly appreciated. "I will trust you on this one, Naruto," he stated somewhat hesitantly,suspicion was written all over his face. "I really hope you didn't do anything to Hinata…"
"Don't worry," I ensured my former sensei, snickering, "I didn't."
"It's that face of yours that I can't trust…"
"Worry about that later," I said, switching to another subject instead of maintaining on that perverted one. "What brings you here? You want tea or soda?" I was just trying to be a good host. After all, we had been standing here for at least eight minutes, and neither of us was sitting down.
He shook his hand, refusing my hospitality despite such kindness was scarce. "I'll be leaving soon anyway. I'll make it brief. I need your help, Naruto."
"I expected something like that," I cracked the joints in my fingers as I spoke, "What is it this time, Iruka-sensei?"
Seeing my eagerness –although it was thick sarcasm- was meeting his requirements, Iruka continued on. "I want you to help my kids." I raised a brow instantly, somewhat bewildered to hear such a request. What could Iruka be asking from me? As much as I wanted to lend a hand, I found it considerably difficult if it involved children. "You are the perfect one for the job…"
"What makes you say that?"
"You see… the academy is suffering from insufficient funding… and there might be a chance that there is a class that needs to be removed. The kids in that class don't want to get kicked out, but Tsunade-sama said that it couldn't be helped if their grades continue to be this low. In around a week or so… it would their last lesson, and the children are so down with this news reminded every minute…"
I becamegraceful despite myself. Damn my humanity… "What can be done then?"
"I am not even done with the whole issue yet, Naruto," Iruka told me, head looking down in disappointment and helplessness, "Because they are the worst amongst all the classes, one of the older classes, which unfortunately has one of the best grades,endlessly tease them and make comments to discourage them from trying."
"They pick on them… ne…"
"Like how some of the students picked on you when you were bad at using genjutsu and ninjutsu." I remembered those days well, how could I ever forget them despite that I wanted to. No matter how downhearted those events were, they were some experienced that turned me into what I was today. To my surprise, this news that was brought onto me had more of an effect that I anticipated. I was actually agitated… I was angry for those Konoha nobodies… just imagining the injustice got me energized to hear more. Human emotions were sure weird… after so many years I still failed to understand myself.
"Then all your students have to do is to get stronger! Isn't there a way?"
"They are very discouraged…"
"That's not going to get them anywhere. Iruka-sensei, is there anything they could do to not get removed?"
"The older class struck a deal with my class… they said if my class beat them in a match of soccer, then they would allow our class to remain in the academy. And if we get defeated… we are to be removed as plan..."
Somehow, my eye seemed to be twitching, andrather uncomfortably. "Soccer? What… Why isn't your class fighting to the death in combat? Aren't they shinobis?Why soccer?"
"Our class is too young to be handling weapons and engaging combat," he explained to me, understanding where I was coming from. "Besides, soccer does require teamwork, and it's a valuable skill to have before they are officially genins."
Teamwork… did that have to be the justification to everything?
"You want me to encourage them to give them some spirit? Like… you want them to experience the same hardships I faced to achieve the goal that they desire?" To my disbelief, he nodded to answer. "But… they have to do this on their own…"
He grew impatient; and more so, he was pleading me to lend a hand. "You are the perfect person to do it, Naruto. I would give you more details, but all I have to say is that the kids want to remain in the academy,and at the same timethey aren't showing the effort that is required to meet their wants. I know you never gave up despite any circumstance; you are that kind of person, Naruto. I am proud to say that you are the ideal person to help them, because they are Konoha's future."
I tried to protest. "Shikashi (But)…"
"I'm sure you will do an awesome job," he stated, patting my shoulder as he gave me full support. Sadly to say, it wasn't treasured. "I got a meeting that I need to go through, I'm sorry. Please visit the academy later on this morning and help Ino-chan out a little, okay? I am sure she could use your help."
That was certainly unexpected. Yamanaka Ino as an academy worker? With her unpredictable amount of anger, she should be an Anbu, or perhaps a Special Jounin or something. Better yet, a drill sergeant of some sort! But as someone who was responsible for the development of children… I had my uncertainties. I supposed that assuming all the time didn't get me anywhere; and the best thing to do was meet her in person before I made all my judgments.
By the time I was done with my pondering, Iruka already left. Well, one troublesome thing out of the way, and now I finally had the opportunity to deal with the other bothersome thing in my room.
I wasn't born to be a talented speaker, and especially not to women. I was beginning to worry about what I could do in order to wake up that sleeping Hyuuga princess without getting slapped or having her needing to go berserk. Why couldn't she just tell me where she lived to spare me the trouble?
Before I knew it, I was already inside my room beside Hinata. Without my conscience giving me any orders, I felt her soft, tender, smooth forehead with my right palm. I saw her eyes twinkle a little at my unknown touch, but she softened a second later when no harm was done. She was indeed an endearing one, even lacking consciousness Hinata was able to radiate her charming personality.
I could continue to praise this girl, but waking her up was a just a bit more important.
"Hinata," I called, shaking her right shoulder with the right amount of strength, "Rise and shine."
She didn't budge. Instead, her smile grew wider. Although I didn't achieve my initial outcome, seeing her smile was a result regardless.
"Hinata, wake up," I said again, rubbing her cheek this time. If simple actions didn't work, why not attempt on one that was more affectionate? Hinata did like to be cared for; my confidence on that subject was relatively high. "It's already 8:40, time to get up."
"Naruto-kun…" I heard her murmur in her sleep, "Naruto-kun…" That made me stop my actions completely. I swallowed hard; a sweat even managed to form on my forehead before dripping down my face. Worry was not the only emotion that was growing, rather, I was also nervous. Did I rub her cheek too hard? Was I doing something wrong? Did I wake her up in an inconsiderate fashion?
I didn't know… however, I was paying utmost attention to what she was moaning about in her sleep. Perhaps this was my golden opportunity to hear what was in her mind, since her sub-consciousness was dominating her senses.
Discarding this chance would be an action of an idiot!
In short, I listened on.
"Naruto-kun…" she moaned more pleasantly than before. Whether I knew it or not, my cheeks burned at her voice… just hearing it could make me choke. "Naruto-kun…" Oh, come on now, did she love my name that much? As far as I was concerned, I didn't choose to have this name. "Naruto-kun… do you love me…"
Suddenly, I had a great urge to stick myself onto the furthest wall. What did she just say? Love her? I love her? Did I love her? What kind of question was that? In addition to this confusion, why did Hinata ask the me in her dream if he loved her? Did she love me then? This wasn't going anywhere… it made no sense whatsoever!
"Naruto-kun… do you love me…" she repeated again in a softer, more delicate tone. Somehow, the mood ventured into the realms of 'slight' seduction. Massive heat stained my cheeks as I put forth effort to ignore her words. In my opinion, Hinata's seductiveness compared to all other women I have met was considerably dangerous. Where whores and sluts gave their all to take down my defenses, Hinata could finish the job without trying.
Who was this girl? Who was Hinata to me?
No stranger had this much influence on me, and yet Hinata could do so much more than imaginable. How… How could this be? No… I could not let her do this do me regardless if she was aware of it or not! Clouding my judgments are destroying my thinking wasn't something I tolerated. And therefore, I simply had to forget all that she said.
I wanted to apologize to Hinata for doing this… but I had no other way. "Hinata!" I yelled out, hoping to banish all those things she murmured earlier. "Wake up!"
As expected, she jumped up from her sleeping form completely oblivious as to what happened actually. "Eh? Eh? Eh?" she asked, looking from left to right hurriedly. Next, a fusion of shock and fear reached her eyes. "Where… where am I? This isn't my room!" I slapped myself on the forehead at her ignorance. Didn't she see me next to her?
"You're finally awake," I said, somewhat tiredly and catching her attention at the same time. If my eyes weren't lying at the moment, I could've sworn she had an open mouth smile of delight before a blush came across her face. "I was beginning to wonder if you would ever sit back up…"
"What happened to me… Where am I, Naruto-kun?"
"You're in my room." I thought my answer was simple, direct, and not very misguiding, but Hinata's expression puzzled me. She was blushing –like always- but tears were forming in her pretty lavender eyes. Her hands held tightly onto the blanket, so hard that I believed her nails plowed through into the cotton inside. Shivering didn't describe her right now, since it was more of trembling with fear. "What's wrong?"
She squealed a little bit before she looked at me; Hinata was filled with anxiety for the worst. "Naruto-kun…"
"What?" I asked kindly, although I was restless for her question. Perhaps I should take on a passion for acting, since I was speaking lies without breaking my face. My prankster days were beneficial after all for the path of a shinobi; now I could fool anyone I wanted.
"Did we… Did we…Do it?"
"Do what?"
"Make love…"
I fell face first to the floor. Did she have any idea of what she was saying! Did I look like some uncontrollable savage who craved and had an undying desire for sex? If I ever wanted it that bad, hey, I should've done it when she was awake! What was the fun if the girl wasn't conscious to enjoy it? No, reword that… the correct term was Uzumaki Naruto was no pervert; not now, and not ever.
I transformed into the understanding, serene Naruto. My mind thought of an idea. I could take a passion into the world of acting, since I was having so much ability to switch from persona to persona. Furthermore, an actor's life was significantly easier compared to one of a shinobi.
I advanced onto the subject, smiling warmly at Hinata as I took her right hand and held it delicately. She blushed at the touch, but I knew she was happy when she didn't pull away. "What are you saying, Hinata? Why did you think that we made love?"
Her shade of red merely increased hearing upon my question, "Because… Because…"
I was growing terribly impatient for her response, but I kept that anxiousness hidden for a good cause. "Take your time." Damn… why did I have to be such a hypocrite?
"Because… Naruto-kun… this is your bed… and I know that you don't have another bed in this house…" She was right, I didn't, "and so… you would sleep on this bed, too… beside me… for the whole night…"
Okay, by the tone and face she was giving me, I failed to detect if she found lovemaking to be vulgar or wonderful. My intuitions continued its pestering; saying that Hinata actually wanted to experience sex. But that couldn't be…
"Then why don't you take a look at yourself," I said, welcoming her to take a look under her blanket, "You still have clothes on you know." Hinata blushed right at that comment. However, I chose to ignore it, since she was just too cute to watch. "Besides, after my constant ranting about ero-sennin for an hour last night, come on, why would I take advantage of you?"
She seemed to be in distress, more so because she felt guilty; guilty that she failed to trust me. Of course, that was after she looked under the sheets. "Gomen… Naruto-kun…"
"Iie, Iie," I told her, patting her shoulders, "It's only natural for a person to assume that at a place that isn't their home. Hey,it's not like I am the most trustworthy person in the world…"
To my surprise, Hinata shook her head with a touch of genuineness. "No, I trust Naruto-kun." Those simple words surely made my day. To the very least, I grinned. "But… Naruto-kun…" she continued, poking her fingers together as if it was a very eventful event, "How did you sleep last night…?"
"Why ask?"
"I took your bed, remember?"
"It'll be fine," I said, "I'm used to it."
"I'm not asking you if you are used to it, I am asking if you slept well."
She was persistent to know my well being. Although flattered, I didn't find it necessary. In short, I stuck with the art of lies. "Fine, great, marvelous. Never slept on anything better."
Hinata narrowed her eyes, showing her mistrust fairly vividly. "Are you being sarcastic?"
"It doesn't matter how I rested, what's more important is how you slept?"
"How I slept?" she asked, a hand above her breast area to indicate herself. I nodded without words. "Well…" her cheeks reddened up for the nth time as she recalled something. I assumed that it was her dream. "I had a beautiful sleep." Hinata answered honestly.
I switched to another subject before her seductive moaning from earlier purged into the depths of my mind. "Are you hungry, Hinata?"
"Kind of…"
"If I treat you to breakfast, can you do me a favour?" Her ears perked up instantly at my request. She had a quite a level of eagerness when it came to helping; that was something truly great from Hinata.
"I'll do anything… since you let me sleep on your bed and you slept on the couch…"
"I said it was okay," I told her, shaking that subject away before it did more damage, "Can you take me to a local bookstore today, Hinata?"
Her face showed all: confusion. "Bookstore? Why does Naruto-kun want to go there?"
"Blame that Iruka-sensei then," I began to elaborate as I sat on the bed perpendicular to Hinata. It was that moment that I realized I was still holding onto her hand. I wanted to discard it, but Hinata refused to let go despite her eyes weren't looking at it. With no hope in sight, I was better off continuing what I started. "He looked for me this morning, and he said that he needed help… Damn… why me…"
"What did Iruka-sensei need from you?" she asked out of kindness for her old mentor.
"Encouraging some kids… Ack, I don't even know why he chose me to do it! It's not like I am the most ideal-"
Hinata intervened despite that I wasn't done. "But you are perfect." I turned to face her, a puzzled look never came down from my visage. Better yet, my left eyebrow twitched relentlessly while hearing her comment.
"What did you say…?"
"I said you are perfect for the job, Naruto-kun," she chirped, full of encouragement and support, "Naruto-kun is always an encouragement to everybody. Iruka-sensei sure made the right choice to look for you."
Even Hinata was against me… well, in her perspective, Hinata must've thought I was being amazing for assisting Iruka when he needed it most. At the same time, I just wished she knew what kind of pain in the ass it was for me to take on such a massive task. It took so much responsibility, in which I doubt I had.
"Thanks… Hinata…" I said, heavy on the exasperation, "Thanks…"
"You're welcome."
She still didn't detect my sadness, did she? Couldn't blame her, it wasn't like she had to deal with it. "Hinata, you want dim-sum for breakfast?"
She smiled gratefully, which caused my cheeks to burn as a result. Only her smiles made me do that… who was she anyway? "I would love to."
To my honest surprise, the two of us were still hand in hand; until I broke it giving an excuse to change in the other room. At the same time… my hand felt cold afterwards… really, really cold.
(Later on)
I didn't believe my eyes, yet I could consider myself a fool if I didn't. My eyes never lied once in my life; and this time it was no different. In front of the recommended bookstore that Hinata suggested, there he was, making that pose of glory. No, it wasn't glorious, it was disgusting! Even so, people did admire it for a reason that I did not know. In fact, I didn't want to know.
All I knew at the moment was Hinata and I were quite troubled by this appearance.
In front of the store stood Jiraiya, the Sannin, the Icha Icha Paradise author, holding his newest volume of the perverted book to the skies, while standing on a support table. I hid my eyes behind my hand at that humiliating pose, and Hinata did not look impressed either. What ticked me off incredibly was how some people loved it, perhaps they took a picture to make it last longer.
Wait, what was Jiraiya here?
After that pose with honour, pride, dignity, intelligence, and glory, Jiraiya coughed to demand silence from the massive crowd to begin his speech. "Good morning, ladies and… I mean, just gentleman! I am honoured to see so many of you waiting so long for my newest volume of… you guessed it, Icha Icha Paradise!"
Earplugs… I desired earplugs… Even if I didn't get them, at least save Hinata.
At the same time, I cringed hearing another volume was coming out. To be precise, I actually lost count as to how many books had been published by now. Was this his tenth? Or could it be the thirteenth?
"I am sure you are all terribly anxious to get your hands on the fourteenth volume!"
Fourteenth? His perverted urges had no limits.
"It brings me great pleasure to be an assistance to you all," continued Jiraiya, speaking most profoundly, "Because today is your lucky day! I welcome you all to 'Icha Icha Paradise First Day Sale' kickoff! When you purchase my newest 14th volume, not only would that be 20 percent off, but all the other volumes you purchase will also be given a 20 percent discount. That's right, my friends, everything written book of mine is 20 percent off in this store today. But my deal doesn't just end there. With any purchase, you will receive this lovely poster of Hokage-sama in a two-piece!"
Needless to say, he rolled out a 15 inch by 24 inch poster of Tsunade in a very tiny green bikini that barely covered her breasts. And that thong from the crotch area was about to snap as well due to the lack of size. Hinata covered her eyes with a blush before attaching herself behind me where as I was shaking my head in agitation. How in blazed did Jiraiya get such a perverted photo? Better yet, why did Tsunade wear that while making that pose?
No, why the hell was I even asking this!
That poster offer certainly got the crowd going, and it was no surprise to see they were all males. No longer able to control their urges, the legion of men rushed into the store, taking all the Icha Icha Paradise volumes available as they literally turned the place into a realm of death and brutality.
Thank goodness we were at the back…
Oh, how I wished Jiraiya was trampled by the crowd so he could taste the horrors of perverted men. That wish could become a reality in my dreams maybe, since Jiraiya was still pretty much alive. I stole a peek at Hinata before the two of us stepped closer to the store; I jolted just slightly to see her lavender eyes becoming hard and solemn when she looked at Jiraiya.
Those eyes… I never had them observing me before… and after knowing Hinata for just a day, I felt myself sweat a little when I remembered her capable in creating such inferior eyesight. I meant inferior for the opposition.
"Shall we go in?" I asked her, picking my words very wisely.
"Sure," she said, smiling at me warmly before her eyes turned seriously when she no longer faced me anymore.
I wanted to avoid Jiraiya and select my book quickly. I personally wouldn't mind saying a few words as a greeting or for the sake of starting a conversation, but Hinata certainly wasn't feeling all too happy to be near Jiraiya. Maybe it was because of all the things I said last night, and besides, if I were a woman I wouldn't attach myself too close to that hermit either. It was merely common sense.
However, my efforts were shot down when Jiraiya called us. "Naruto!" the man called, approaching Hinata and I with a happy grin from the results just now. If Jiraiya considered people attacking another while destroying the store during the process a good outcome, the least he could do was pay the hospital bills for the wounded. Then again, it was difficult for me to sympathize for them when they gotten themselves hurt for being passionate perverts.
"Jiraiya…" I said back quietly, as my left eye observed the zealous customers coming in and out with books and a Tsunade-near-naked poster ten feet away from the entrance. I pitied these fools, my heart sank when I actually pitied them out of grace.
"What, no ero-sennin today?" he questioned, chuckling and hitting my shoulder with his big hands.
"You know him, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked as silent as a mouse from behind me. I slowly nodded to reply, but Jiraiya noticed another presence from behind me.
"Who's the young lady?"
"Come," I told Hinata, holding her hand to give her some confidence. After I touched her soft hand, I wondered why I did that so... impulsively. It felt so right, but at the same time very awkward. "Introduce yourself to Jiraiya."
"Oh, Naruto's sensei, the Sannin Jiraiya, wouldn't bite such a cute little lady," the said man declared proudly before a chuckle came out. Suddenly, I felt a small but tight grip on my shoulders. Hinata tensed up noticeably for some unknown explanation, what had gotten into her? What happened? Two seconds after the unexpected solemnity, Hinata detached herself from behind me before she stood right on my adjacent, watching Jiraiya with fairly careful eyes.
"So," she said in a calm voice without stuttering or falters, "You're Naruto-kun's sensei?"
"Why, yes, Miss Hyuuga," Jiraiya greeted with respect. A Sannin such as himself should be able to recognize some distinct people from various clans. "If I may introduce myself-"
"There is no need to do that," Hinata stated, faking a grin, "I saw your proud display earlier. I must say it's very intriguing and unique. And yes, my name is Hyuuga Hinata. It's a pleasure."
My mentor laughed immediately. "It has been a long while since a woman actually complimented my first introduction! I am so pleased to hear that it does have some effect on some ladies! Hinata-chan, you are sure somebody I could really like!"
What a pervert… he only met Hinata for thirty seconds and he was already making smooth moves on her…
"Your flattery will not go ignored," said Hinata, her words carried another layer of meaning, "I am so grateful that Naruto-kun had learned so much good and proper things from you."
"Also," corrected Jiraiya, still grinning while exposing his shiny teeth, "My little student here didn't learn everything yet. He still has a lot to adapt to until he is mature."
Damn that perverted hermit, he wasspeaking myfaultsjust because I chose not to take part in his perverted conquest.
"Don't be too hard on Naruto-kun," Hinata pressed on, "It makes him unique if he didn't learn everything because he needs space to develop on his own, right? We wouldn't want two complete identical people in Konoha now do we?"
Was Hinata supporting what I thought she was supporting? Did she believe that not becoming a dirty pervert was the right thing? Or was I just thinking too much?
"But there is no problem as a perfect precedent of the Legendary Sannin Jiraiya!"
Hinata briefly smiled but refused my mentor's justification. "I like Naruto-kun the way he is."
"It's such a shame Naruto just wouldn't learn how to make good first impressions without my guidance. Say, Hinata-chan, did you find my dance intriguing?"
"Why yes," Hinata pressed on with false appreciation, "My feelings towards your first unique introduction matches my love for your Icha Icha Paradise volumes completely."
Jiraiya, despite his age, made a begging face to get what he wanted. "And how does Hinata-chan like my books? It must fantastic, right?"
Oh good heavens, I could take out my eyes! They are ruined forever for witnessing such disturbing actions!
During the seconds I was making mental arguments, Hinata's fake smiling vanished; and it was replaced with a very straight expression. "I hate them, Jiraiya-sama," she answered, still giving Jiraiya some respect for being a sannin. Her voice was extremely frosty. "I absolutely hate them."
Ero-sennin's world turned black, as if he was crushed with mountains of boulders. I could see it on his face, and if I was right this was the first time somebody ever made such a devastating comment. Sure, women had always complained about the publishing of these novels, but they never had much saying and influence in the end –especially not when all they did were screaming and bitching all the time.
Nonsense had minimal amount of influence, and Jiraiya could not be persuaded if something barely had an effect on him.
Jiraiya was at a verge to shatter into stones. His whole body was mutating into a deathly white; confidence was vanquishing. "You hate… my novels…?"
"That's right," Hinata replied, although she figured out Jiraiya was more or less talking to himself, "I hate them, because you hurt so many women by writing it, and what's worse is that you feel no remorse whatsoever." She then turned to me, her expression serious by sweet. "Come on, Naruto-kun," Hinata practically commanded as she took my hand and held it, "Let's go find your book and get out of here."
Her next bold move was to pull me towards the chaotic bookstore where all the dirty men were currently having a race for other adult-fictions and all sorts of adult merchandises.
"Sorry, ero-sennin!" I called back to him as the distance between us continued to drift further due to Hinata's pulling. By now, I actually wanted to comfort him a little. Jiraiya was still standing there like a dead statue that was washed with bleach. In simpler terms, he was quiteamazed (in a bad way, of course)from the initial shock. I felt more sorry for him than I thought for some odd reason, just watching him mumbling and babbling nonsense could make someone pity him. Nonsense... Jiraiya never spoke in that fashion. As far as I knew my mentor, confidence was his strong trait. "Hinata is just in a bad mood! Sorry, okay?"
Hinata, however, was not pleased to hear that reasoning, "I am not in a bad mood, Naruto-kun."
"But you were so angry just-"
She turned her head around with an adorable pout, and her eyes returned back to their own sweet and kind self, "This is a face of joy!"
I felt a sweat coming. I lost all means of enthusiasm. "Joy? If that's joy, what's wrath? Forget my question…"
By now, the two of us safely arrived in a section where no perverts were present. Then again, their raging aura and zealous screaming could still be heard from here. To the least, we weren't being trampled alive. And I thought I was going to die when these bastards were under the same roof as us.
"Naruto-kun…" I heard Hinata calling out my name in front of me. I peeked down at her, and my cheeks flushed up when I saw her hugging me with her face buried in my chest. No wonder that area felt so warm all of a sudden, I was so tempted now to touch her cheeks just for the sake of discovering the temperatures of them. Her small hands first clasped onto my short sleeved shirt, but then they snaked around my back before holding me tightly.
This was so awkward… what if somebody saw us? Worse yet, what if some person we knew saw us –like that bastard of a pervert Kakashi? However, despite my worries I had to admit this feeling was so right. "Hinata," I told her to snap out of it although my mind felt otherwise, "What's wrong?"
"Naruto-kun…" she murmured again in a muffle, "I'm so glad you're still you…"
That took me off guard for a decent cause, "What?" Okay, seriously now, I could've came up with something better.
"I don't like Jiraiya-sama…" she basically hissed in my shirt, filled with genuine dislike and outrage, "He's such a pervert… he insults so many women in his content… He only pictures them as beings who are more perverted than men, you know, have even greater sexual desire but they choose to be like saints and hide it in front of everyone… In fact, they love to make love and please themselves… And in private… they unleash the beasts within in the most disgusting way… "
Hinata had more knowledge in this book than I ever will have! What in blasted hell was going on here? Did Hinata actually read this before? Then again, it didn't pose as a problem if she was such a passionate Icha Icha Paradise hater, since I was one too, yet less open.
"Ano… Hinata…" I had to cut her ranting short for the moment, but I was enjoying quite a bit of it, "You read Jiraiya's books?" That question caused her to blush.
"No, no, no!" she exclaimed, breaking the embrace we had and shook her arms wildly, "I never read them! I swear, I am not like that."
Seeing her so nervous gave me an idea. I smirked a mischievous grin with a nod to show my doubts. When Hinata saw this, she received the message that I didn't buy it, and therefore, she tried harder to explain herself. "Naruto-kun… please believe me… I don't read such things…" she sniffed a little but I failed to detect it, "Naruto-kun… can't you trust Hinata…" Tears leaked out from her eyes now. I was only beginning to sense sadness but in less than a second Hinata literally broke down and cried.
Oh, no, what have I done… what have I done!
"Hinata, Hinata," I said, catching her before she fell onto her knees to weep, "I am so sorry, I was just kidding with you!" Without second thoughts, I wrapped my arms around her warmly and tightly, I hoped this could at least do something to relieve her. I felt like a loser and a retard, how could I have hurt somebody like that when they were so honest and sincere the entire time? I was right, Hinata wasn't suited for crying, since her cries could tear my heart apart.
"It's not funny, Naruto-kun," she wept on my shoulder now, "I was being serious… I can't picture myself to be a pervert in your eyes! You hurt me, Naruto…"
"Sorry, Hinata…" I told her, teeming with regret and my lovable friend, guilt, "I was just trying to have a bit more fun… Didn't know you took it so seriously… that's all…"
"No, I am just too emotional… sometimes I hate being a woman…"
I became sympathetic and understanding. "You're not too emotional, Hinata. People are all like that on certain subjects because it's their passion, you know. Maybe yours is your hatred towards perverts, and you just can't stand those sick individuals. That reminds me, Hinata, how do you know so much about Jiraiya's contents in his books?"
She didn't blush this time; perhaps it was due to the lack of spirit and exuberance, in which I killed. "Kurenai-sensei despised them… and she always complained about Kakashi-sensei reading those all the time. She told me especially to watch out for Kakashi-sensei… because she didn't know what kind of pervert he could be around girls…"
"But Sakura-chan was always fine," I said, recalling events from the past. I could safely say that Kakashi never did anything bad to Sakura, since if he did, well, I always loved funerals.
"Kurenai-sensei said Kakashi-sensei wasn't that bad of a person until he started reading those books. I had a bad impression on things that could set a high amount of bad influence… it's just me, I guess. And I really hate those books now because… because… almost every male in Konoha has one! It's like their second bible. Men were not considered to be men if they didn't possess at least one volume in their household. Although a lot of men before weren't perverts before… until Jiraiya published four volumes at once two years ago… it was such a good deal that it persuaded a lot of new readers to buy… and Konoha hospitals had a record of patients suffering blood loss from nose bleeding… There were at least fifteen male patients daily, and they had those books in their hand, too…
She then smiled brightly at me before she returned my hug. "And that's why… I really like Naruto-kun because you aren't one of them!"
There was a very vivid dead silence between us right after that statement was announced. My eyes were wide while trying to absorb what she said; Hinata stopped moving; my arms weren't reacting although I was giving them direct orders; the girl in front of me turned stiff. A good response to that comment was very much appreciated, but I had to suffer from brain failure during that critical moment.
"What…" Amongst every goddamn word in the literatures of Japanese, I had to answer with a plain, flat, stupid 'what'.
Hinata reacted before I did, a blush staining nearly permanently on her cheeks. "Gomen, Naruto-kun! I said something really stupid! What I was trying to say was… I was… I meant…" To her surprise, I hushed her up with a finger pressed onto her lips. Was it my imagination or did her face grew more red afterwards? It didn't matter too much; Hinata was very adorable in her own way. She made me smile whenever she flushed up like a strawberry, and also when she could step outside her timid barrier and speak what is in her mind. Every time she was sincere, my heart felt at ease and cared for.
"I know what you mean, Hinata," I whispered.
"You do?"
"Yeah. I really like you, too." If Hinata was willing to be real with me, then I shall do the same. Not having any hesitation, I kissed her on the cheek. Once I pulled back after I placed my lips on her cheek for five seconds, I saw her fingertips touching that kissed spot, as if it was the sweetest thing anyone had done for her. She felt it for a good minute with her eyes still stunned with awe, I was wondering if she was actually okay. Did I shock her too much? I was relieved when I saw her lips curving into a smile.
"Naruto-kun…"
Without any warning, Hinata tackled me in another passionate embrace.
AN: There goes chapter 4… with a half-cliffie kind of thing. Oh yeah, if you insist to add me on MSN, please tell me in your review or I would be extremely suspicious to this mysterious new name. Aside from that, I hope you enjoyed this fluffy piece of work! See you all again in the next chapter, and therefore, don't die until I am finished.
And to those who agreed with my philosophy about NaruHina fics, I thank you so much.