Disclaimer: Hell I don't own Naruto in any way. It's getting boring to write this in every single chapter...
A/N: Oki doki. The story continues in this chapter. It is one of the big ones... but not the biggest. Expect me to write long chapters by the way. My imagination is insatiable! Anyway, on with the story!
Soulmate: By Your Side
Chapter6:Forbidden
Naruto smiled at her when she raised her head to look at him. She smiled back, her face painted in calmness and happiness alike. She closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest with a soft moan escaping her lips. His heart melt at the sound of it. She could be so captivating with a single moan. He rested his chin on her silky hair, inhaling their beautiful lavender aroma. The sun had began to rise higher now, and its light fell on his eyes. He knew it was time, though he hated to admit it, for them to part…
"Hinata-chan" he said, his voice not above a whisper, but gentle. She buried her face dipper in his jacket, wanting to inhale as much of him as possible. While rubbing her cheek on his jacket a small "Mmm?" escaped her lips. He smiled. She could be so cute when she wanted. "Hinata-chan… we have to go… your father and Tsunade-kaa-san are waiting…" he felt her stiff a little at his words, but she loosened after a second. She raised her face to look at his, which was bare inches away. He saw sadness appearing on her, by his opinion, cute face. He smiled warmly and kissed her on the lips tenderly. After a few seconds they parted and now both were smiling warmly at each other. "Why you call Tsunade-sama 'kaa-san' Naruto-kun?" she asked softly as always. He just kept smiling "That, is a surprise" he said as he gave her a kiss on the forehead. "So… you're my girlfriend now?" he asked. She smiled again "No" she said. His face now printed an expression of shock for a second "You're my boyfriend" she said teasingly and leaned forward in another kiss…
After an hour or so of just hugging and looking at the rising sun, they finally got up. Though it was hard for both of them, each one didn't really want to part. When their bodies parted, they both shivered a little, feeling cold without each others warmth. "Come on Hinata-chan. We've got a long day ahead…" he said while smiling warmly at her, who couldn't help but blush a slight pink even now. She nodded with a smile of her own and they were off in Konoha…
They minded to keep their new relationship a secret to everyone. From her father, Tsunade, their friends, especially Ino who was the queen of gossip. If Ino got to know about them, the whole Konoha would know in a day. They felt terrible for not being able to even hold hands when near each other. Soon, they reached a crossroad. To the left was the Hyuuga mansion, were Hinata had to face her father, and to the right was the Hokage tower were Naruto would meet Tsunade for his usual training. There wasn't a soul around though, and Naruto couldn't help but to give her a short kiss on the lips before leaving. True they were glad nobody was there at the moment…
Naruto kept walking towards the Hokage tower in silence, his hands shoved in his pockets. He felt so lonely again, without her by his side. His nose then caught a rather familiar smell. Only one person could smell like a dog from a kilometer radius.
'Kiba' he thought. Normally, whenever you found Kiba, you also found Shino. They were teammates after all. He turned around the corner to find Kiba and his BIG dog Akamaru along with Shino, standing in front of the Hokage tower's gate. He walked up to them "Yo, what's up?" He said, trying to sound rather friendly. Kiba who played with Akamaru at the moment, looked up to see… "Naruto!" he said with a doggish smile. Shino only nodded in approval. "What are you guys doing here?" Naruto asked. They both looked between them and after a nod, to him "We're here to request Hokage-sama to cancel Hinata's wedding. We can clearly see that she isn't happy at all with this." Shino said in his serious low voice. "Of course she isn't! She's going to marry a total stranger! This…" Kiba stopped middle sentence for Naruto had started laughing. They both looked at him as if he had grown a second head. When he calmed down he noticed their stare "Oh, guys chill out! She isn't going to marry that asshole I'm sure of it" he said, trying to hide the fact that he knew too much "Asshole? How can you tell he is one? You haven't even met him" Shino said, his words emitting curiosity though he didn't point any question. Naruto sighed "Well I suppose Tsunade-Obaa-chan will tell you." He said and grinned widely. "Now if you'll excuse me" and he walked inside the Hokage tower. "Why the hell can he go in without permission?" Kiba asked, clearly annoyed that Naruto was allowed in so easily "That, is for time to tell" Shino said seriously as ever.
Naruto entered Tsunade's office and saw that she wasn't asleep. She seemed to start growing out of the habit, though the occasions of her being awake were quite rare. She raised her eyes from a scroll in front of her and noticed Naruto had entered
"Oh, Naruto. Your back eh?" She said with a slight chuckle. Naruto frowned, true he didn't go home last night. "Yeah…" he said quietly. Tsunade then raised an eyebrow "So… what happened?" she asked seriously. He raised his eyes to meet hers "What happened?" he asked as if he hadn't heard her question "You know what I mean Naruto… what's Hinata to you now?" She asked seriously, her face showing no emotion
"What do you mean?" Naruto said, continuing to play dumb though the blush that rose on his face should be giving enough things away "Don't play dumb with me. It won't work. Don't you worry, a word won't escape me. But I want to know what's going on with my son don't I?" Tsunade said, maintaining her serious tone and face. He gulped. "She's… she's… my girlfriend…" he said and lowered his gaze to the floor. He didn't see Tsunade smile though. "Good" she said. Naruto's eyes went wide. Good? Just that? He looked up at her, question clearly noticeable in his features
Tsunade chuckled "Oh Naruto you thought I wouldn't approve? Hinata is an excellent ninja and an excellent woman. And you have more than needed to deserve her." Tsunade said, her smile never leaving her face. "But… I don't think Hiashi will take things that lightly. Have you told anyone else?" she asked. He only shook his head, still stunned by her words "You shouldn't tell anyone then, not until the Hyuuga's are ready. Be careful… Naruto" and with that she waved him off
He just stared at her though "What?" She asked. He finally managed to speak "W-what about my training?" he said, referring to the Hokage training of course. Tsunade chuckled again. "This ones finished already Naruto. I told you, your last mission was part of your training" she said, and now he looked confused again. Tsunade cleared her throat "Look, the first part of the training was to change Kakari in something better, thus showing your manipulation skills. I know though that you are really capable of changing people Naruto, but this one is a lost case by his own. Secondly, I had to test your loyalty. Would you move on with the mission, and drop Hinata in a miserable life, as your mission indicated, or you would return with her here? You once more made me proud by doing the right thing." Tsunade now was smiling and so did he
"You chose your friends well-being over the mission. I'm sure you knew Hinata hated this marriage thing, though I'm also sure her… hatred wasn't the only motive ne?" she said and chuckled. Naruto just smiled and nodded slowly. "Good, good. Anyway, Naruto, I approve your relationship. But, wait for things to settle before letting anyone else know. Once again, be careful. You can go now. Your Hokage training is complete." Tsunade said and waved for him to exit the door. "Thanks Kaa-san." He said with a goofy smile and went out of the office jumping around. Tsunade sighed "What am I going to do with you…?" she said while she shook her head, smiling.
Hinata in the meantime, had already reached the Hyuuga compound. She was so happy that Naruto finally noticed her, even more, loved her. Her happiness was spread all over her face. Her dream had come true, even partially though. Their relationship was official, but secret. She knew her father would never approve. Strangely, she had never heard a good word coming out of his mouth about Naruto. He was always referred as, 'dead last', 'bad boy', 'brat', someone you didn't want to be with. But anyone who knew him, wanted to be with him, especially her. She shivered at the thought of her father finding out and forbidding their relationship. But yet, she had another problem. She had to cancel the wedding. No matter what, she didn't want to even think of Kakari. Naruto was better than him in every single way. Naruto was tall, strong, well-build, sincere, protective, he treasured his friends more than anything and didn't want the 'big life'. He cared for her, more than anything in the world. She saw it in his eyes last night, in his moves, in his kisses. His whole body was radiating it. He had finally found someone who loved him for what he was, and he wasn't going to give up for he loved her back. She knew it and that thought alone brightened her day. She wouldn't allow to be parted by him that easily…
She had reached the door of her fathers office now. She knocked the door and his deep, serious voice gave permission for entrance. She slowly slid the door and her eyes went wide when she noticed Kakari sitting across her father. Her shocked expression immediately changed in one of disgust, but neither noticed since they were talking to each other. Her father motioned her to sit next to Kakari. After she threw a worried glance at the red dressed man, she slowly kneeled next to him. Her gaze seemed to be lost as she looked to the ground, lost in a trance. Hiashi's face was emotionless as ever, though he noticed the happiness she was emitting. It was all over her face anyway.
Hinata was daydreaming while having kneeled there. She allowed herself to do it, since her father seemed to work on some paperwork and spoke in whispers with Kakari. She thought about last night, how wonderful it was, how warm he was, how strong yet tender and soft his lips were. She couldn't help but smile at the thought of him.
Hiashi 'ahemed' and she was shot out of her daydreams. Kakari just sat next to her smiling. She knew that if he smiled, it was something bad… for her…
"Hinata, Kakari here told me about the incident at the forest" Hiashi started, his voice serious as ever, his face expressionless. Hinata's eyes went a little wide. If she knew Kakari, then the story would be far less than true. "I want to hear your own version and opinion Hinata." Hiashi said. She knew better than this. He wanted to make sure Kakari wasn't lying and see another version of the whole story. Hinata gulped and prepared…
"Well, Otou-san, after we left Konoha we traveled for most of the day. When the sun was nearly gone, we found a small area free of trees to camp. It was like a small valley. We began to set up camp at the middle of it, to make sure any ambushers would be noticed before they would come too close" She said, the usual stutter, to Hiashi's amusement, wasn't there
She leaved behind the parts were Kakari bragged like an idiot. To be honest, he bragged like an idiot the whole time. She took a breath, sighed and continued "We had light up a fire, but before we could set the tent, we were attacked by 5 ninjas. One of them, was Kabuto…" Hiashi now looked surprised. This little emotion escaped him. What did the traitor do there? "Kakari stepped forward to face them, but…" the but wasn't heard, because Kakari immediately interrupted "But they cowered! My might made them shiver! I used a fire jutsu but they were persistent. I fought back and after a very harsh fight, I succeeded in killing the traitor, Kabuto, and defeat his subordinates!" Kakari exclaimed, clearly proud of himself for something he never even did
Hinata stared in shock and disgust. Now he had fallen even more in her eyes, if this was even possible. How dare he steal the honor from her and Naruto? How dared he play the hero when he was more a coward than anything else. Hinata was about to protest, but Hiashi raised his hand in motion for her to silence. She noticed something strange in his eyes when he looked at her. It was a 'shut up' in a formal manner of course. Then his lips parted "I see Kakari-san. I am honored by your moves and thankful. But now, I would like you to leave. I have something to discuss with my daughter" Hiashi said formally.
Kakari smiled, proud that he made Hiashi believe him. He bowed and then looked at Hinata "Don't worry my love. I won't allow anyone to take you away" he stated clearly, threw her a smile and left. Hinata now was scared and disgusted at the same time. His love? Oh how much she wanted to land a Gentle Fist strike in his face. She turned to her father "Otou-san I…" she trailed off when she saw that her fathers usually emotionless eyes were now throwing glares at the door from which Kakari left. She blinked a few times "I know Hinata." He hissed, clearly annoyed by the mans ignorance "I knew every word he said was a pathetic lie, and I'm sorry I even proposed him as a candidate to marry you. I would like you to tell me now what really happened" he said seriously as always. She only nodded and began explaining, leaving away the part that Naruto slept with her of course.
Hiashi listened carefully. He noticed his daughters glare of happiness every time she mentioned Naruto. But he didn't think much about it, since he was disgusted and annoyed at Kakari's endless selfishness and ignorance as he seemed to show every time she mentioned one of his acts. When Hinata finished, he smiled, taking her off guard.
"Thank you, Hinata. I knew from the beginning that his gentle behavior was a mask. He was far too gentle in his speech and I even noticed the very usual glances he threw at my office's mirror. I will try to convince the council to brake the marriage. I am not even in a tiny bit pleased with him. But, if Kakari gives you even the slightest opening for you to step out of the marriage, I want you to take it. You may go now Hinata." He said, his small smile still there, but his voice seemed to throw no hints of happiness.
Hinata knew her father. The smile was rather fake. She didn't want to puss further though. The fact that even he now didn't want her to marry Kakari was a great relief. She left the room after bowing to her father and started to head out of the compound, wanting to find Naruto to tell him the good news…
Naruto in the meantime was wondering across Konoha. His mind fixed on a certain person he'd wish to be with at this moment. Suddenly, a certain pink haired kunoichi that he hadn't thought about in around 4 days, appeared in front of him and launched a punch. Naruto, being in the trance he was, took the punch in the face and was thrown a few meters away. When he managed to look up "Sakura-chan? What the hell are you doing!!" he yelled, pointing a finger at her and rubbing his cheek with the other hand. "Baka! You are a big fat baka! Why did you have to screw up this badly on a simple escort mission, that even the escorted person had to interfere!" she yelled at him. Naruto now was, first of all scared shitless for he knew what Sakura was capable of when she was angry and secondly, confused to no end from what she said. "W…What? W-What are you talking about Sakura-chan?" he asked, clearly confused. Sakura however thought of it as an attempt to hide his guilt. She was usually easily blinded by her anger
"Don't play dumb with me!" she yelled back and launched another punch aiming for his face. He managed to dodge it this time "Wait Sakura-chan! Tell what the hell is going on damn it!" He yelled as he kept dodging her fists. "Baka! You don't even remember one of the biggest mistakes of your life? You nearly killed Hinata!!" she yelled but this time her fist was blocked by Naruto's hand. "Stop" he stated, his eyes so serious that now she was scared. Naruto rarely was serious. "You the hell told you this crap?" he asked, clearly annoyed. "Ino…" was all that Sakura could say as her eyes were wide in shock. Naruto frowned and leaped away leaving a stunned Sakura behind…
Ino was watering the flowers in her flower shop when the door was slammed open, revealing a very pissed Naruto…
"Naruto?" she asked, and immediately frowned. "What the hell are you doing here? I thought you should be in prison or something for…" before he could finish, Naruto was right in front of her face, his eyes serious and with a murdering intent. Ino gulped as her eyes were wide in fear "Who the hell allowed you to spread rumors about MY mission with Hinata-chan?" he yelled furiously. Ino took a step backwards, her face serious now "Rumors? What rumors? I only speak truth Naruto" Ino proclaimed as she now stood proudly and smiling in victory. Naruto was even more pissed now. "What kind of fucking truth is this?" he asked, or yelled… Ino now looked at him angrily "You know what I mean. You screwed up so much, but thankfully, this hero saved the day!" she said, her eyes glittering as she clapped her hands at the word 'hero' "Saved Hinata from mortal danger while you…" she said now looking angrily at him "Nearly killed her to save your ass. I don't believe you did something like that Naruto" she stated. Now Naruto took a step back. Who the hell spread such rumors? Who dared take away all the trust and respect he tried to achieve all this years? Who… "Who…" he said. Now Ino looked at him confused, his back turned at her. "Who what?" she asked. "Who… who told you this?" he asked back. Ino now turned from confused to serious "He didn't tell me… he showed me" she said. Now Naruto looked back at her, his eyes full of surprise and shock "Showed you? How…?" before he could finish his question, Ino shoved a handful of pictures out of her pocket and gave them to him. Naruto's eyes went clearly wide as he held the pictures. It was…
The first picture showed him behind Hinata, pushing her towards the enemy ninjas. The second showed him begging for his life, the third, him being knocked out while trying to flee… by Kakari. The next pictures were Kakari saving Hinata from Kabuto and killing him with a kunai. His eyes were full of fury. Who the hell did that? And how? He knew more clearly than ever that whoever did it, was going to be killed… soon…
Before Ino could protest, he disappeared in a blur to head to the Hokage tower. She just sighed and turned to attend to her flowers…
Hinata was walking towards the Hokage tower were Naruto was supposed to be. Then, as she turned around the same corner Naruto had not long ago, she spotted Kiba and Shino talking with Sakura. She questioned what this was about and headed towards them. She was taken off guard because when Kiba noticed her, his eyes went wide and he grabbed her in a tight bear hug. Shino on the other hand just walked towards them, Sakura a few steps behind.
"I'm so glad he saved you from that fool…" Kiba said quietly. Hinata looked at him confused. "We heard about your mission and what happened Hinata. We are all glad your okay" Shino said seriously, as he always did. Hinata now smiled knowing what they talked about. "I can't believe he just… he just shoved you to them trying to save his pathetic ass…" Kiba said. "Yeah, that was completely unexpected from him." Sakura added. Hinata frowned and gave them a look of disgust at the thought of what Kakari had done "True… he seemed to be such a gentleman before… how could he do such a thing? Did I mean nothing to him? I mean, I wasn't close to him for long, but… I hoped we were friends at the least" Hinata said, looking down. They all noted the look of sadness in her eyes and the urge to cry in her voice. She spoke again "How did you guys find out?" she asked. Sakura was the one to speak "Ino told as. She didn't tell me who told her though…" she said, now looking down in disappointment. Hinata only nodded. "Well, I should go now. I need to find Hokage-sama…"
Before she could finish, a man dressed in orange and black stood next to her, his blond spiky hair glittering in the light of the sun, his blue cerulean eyes showing happiness. "N-Naruto-kun!" she exclaimed, fighting with all her being the urge to hug and kiss him. He smiled back at her, making her blush. She hadn't got over the blush yet…
Out of nowhere, a fist came targeting Naruto's face. He jumped away in surprise. He then noticed it was Kiba's hand that flew against him "What the hell was that for Kiba?!" He yelled, frustrated that another one of his friends tried to hit him. But he remembered the fact that Ino was the one to know about the 'fake' incident, so all of Konoha, or at least half of it, should know about it.
"Don't play dumb with me baka! I won't let you get away with what you've done!" Kiba shouted and Shino took a step forward "Hinata, how can you even stand near him after what he has done?" Shino said quietly, anger showing for one rare time in his voice. "W-what has Naruto-kun done?" Hinata asked confused. They all, except Naruto, fell back anime style "Hinata! We've been talking about it just a moment ago!" Sakura shouted. Hinata still looked confused. "B-But what has Naruto-kun to do with Kakari?" she asked, curious to what her friends meant.
She then felt a warm hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Naruto's serious face. Still, she thought he was cute even when serious. She didn't smile though, she kept looking at him in confusion. He reached in his pocket with his other hand and handed her the pictures. Her eyes shot wide, her mouth hung open and she blushed heavily. Naruto's hand didn't leave her shoulder all the time, maybe to encourage her, maybe he wanted to be as close as possible without attracting attention. She looked up at him after taking another good look at all the pictures "W-what… what are these? This are fake! Naruto-kun never did something like that!" she said, her voice trembling. She knew very well that Naruto could first of all, NEVER do something like giving her up and secondly, she was there, she witnessed the whole thing, so how the hell did this happen? "What are you talking about Hinata? Don't tell me his cornering you not to talk! Spit it all out! He won't dare…" before Kiba could finish his shouting, he noticed Hinata's eyes being welled up with tears "Hinata…" he said…
She couldn't believe it. The tears were tears of sadness. Who wanted to set up her Naruto-kun? Who wanted to destroy everything he fought and sought for all this years? She looked up at him, and he shook his head, smiling. She smiled back, a small weight lifted from her heart. He knew these tears weren't tears of anger or disappointment. They were tears of sadness and even righteous rage. He knew 'cause he had the same tears many times when he was younger…
"Do you need any more proof?" Sakura said, crossing her arms over her chest "Sorry for trying to hit you before Naruto. I just... you are sure it wasn't a genjutsu or something right?" She asked. Hinata shook her head smiling at them. They were all confused "Come on Sakura-chan! Hinata isn't weak to be caught in a miserable genjutsu" Naruto said, and smiled at her and Hinata, who smiled back. "And how do you explain it? I mean, they look really real don't they?" Sakura asked curiously. Before he could say anything more, Tsunade appeared from nowhere "Naruto, Hinata, I want to talk to you." She said, throwing glares at both of them. "Now!" she stated, leaving no room for denial. They both nodded, and the trio went in the Hokage tower, leaving another stunned trio behind them…
"So, it looks like someone must want Naruto out of the way. It is only reasonable since many of the villagers hate him for reasons I can't explain." Shino said, his voice serious and formal like always. "Yeah, they must want to set up the idiot or something." Kiba added, throwing a worried glance at the Hokage tower. "True, the villagers hated him even more when he returned here with Sasuke-kun. Sasuke was near death state and the same was for Naruto. It looks like they treasure Sasuke-kun more than anything... and they want to find an excuse to get Naruto out of the way... he doesn't deserve this..." Sakura said, looking down in sadness. Naruto was like a younger brother to her. A very irritating younger brother, but that's what brothers are for, right?
In Tsunade's office, Naruto and Hinata sat on the chairs across Tsunade's office. Tsunade was looking completely unpleased and serious. Hinata gave a worried look at Naruto who simply took her hand and smiled. She blushed and smiled back, but tried to take her hand out of his, but he kept holding it, careful not to be harsh. Her pale skin made her look so fragile, that he was afraid that if he added pressure, it would brake.
He gave her another reassuring smile and she looked at Tsunade "Hmph, don't worry I know, and I don't intent to gossip about it…" Tsunade said smirking at the young Hyuuga's nervousness. Hinata just let out a small sigh of relief. Tsunade now turned serious "Look. I am not obsessed with your relationship though I respect it. But, I've heard this strange rumors like everyone else in Konoha I suppose. Any explaining to do?" She said, raising an eyebrow
Naruto just handed her the pictures he gave Hinata to look at earlier. Tsunade's eyes went wide at the sight of them. Then she burst out laughing her sides out. The teens looked between each other, showing confusion about the Sanni's strange outburst. When Tsunade managed to get up, though she kept chuckling, she slammed the pictures on her desk, still chuckling. "Oh, that was good! You know how funny it looks to see you hide behind Hinata? Or beg? Or try to run for your life?" she said and chuckled harder. Naruto now frowned. He was about to yell at her but Tsunade interrupted him "Anyway, it's just so unnatural and strange to see a Naruto-coward" she said and chuckled again, not being able to keep it to herself. When she managed to stop completely she sat back on her chair "At least, you don't have to worry about it" she said. Both teens looked at her in shock "What the heck you mean 'don't worry about it'? I'll lose all the respect I've been fighting to gain all these years! You know the villagers. They always seek a way to get me out of here, and if they do... I'll lose her" he kind of whispered the last part to himself while looking down, but both of them heard it. Tsunade's face softened and Hinata smiled, being now assured that there was no mistake about it. They loved each other…
"Don't worry Naruto. I am more than sure that these photos are more than fake. I'll just have to make sure. I'll run some tests and in about an hour I'll have the results. Oh and one more thing…" she said, now grinning. They both looked at her, waiting for what was to come. "Naruto, try to hide as much as possible. The villagers are big fools enough to even make mobs against you" she said and Naruto nodded in understanding. Tsunade was amazed. This girl had done miracles on him. Normally he would jump around shouting that he was afraid of no one, but she knew he agreed so for the sake of both of them, he wouldn't hurt them. They didn't want to take down the village. "And Hinata, I don't think the Hyuugas are much concerned about Naruto's stand in society, but I'd love it if you could place a good word or two for him in there. This rumors will hurt his social status even more than it is now due to…" she trailed off at the last words, thinking Naruto had to be the one to tell her. She looked up at him to see him smile "Don't worry. She knows." He said and Tsunade nodded with a smile in response. The teens left the building, Naruto been henged (disguised with a genjutsu, turning into someone else) in a tall, blond lady. He had to get pass his friends soon or they would see through the illusion for sure…
Once they were out of sight of Kiba, Shino and Sakura, who all asked furiously were Naruto was, demanding more explanations. Naruto changed back in his self, grinning widely at Hinata. "Wanna come for launch?" he asked as he gave her his hand. She blushed lightly "I'd love to N-Naruto-kun… b-but…" she said, stuttering lightly. He then realized she didn't give her hand. "Oh right. Sorry, forgot" he said and rubbed the back of his head while still grinning goofily. She smiled back. "Let's go" she said and they were off…
When they reached Ichiraku's ramen stand, Naruto's favorite ramen stand, they were relieved that no one else was there. They stepped in and sat on a stool next to each other "Hey, old man! Ayame-chan!" he said and the two cooks, the owner and his daughter, looked up at him. A grin was spread on their face at once "Naruto!" Ayame said cheerfully. She walked out of the counter to the stools and gave him a big hug. Hinata blushed lightly, feeling a little jealous. "We heard that terrible rumor" she said and then looked at Hinata who sat next to him, smiling. "But we both know they aren't even half true" the owner said, raising his cooking spoon and smiling warmly. "Thanks" Naruto said, his usual foxy grin on his face. "So, what would you like?" the owner said. Naruto smiled and he and Hinata ordered their ramen…
To the teens oblivion, they were also happy that the two got together. Yes, Naruto hadn't said a word, but both Ayame and Ichiraku knew from the moment the teens stepped inside... together.
Naruto was happy that at least these people didn't react like the others. Truth be told, they were the closest thing he had to family after Iruka. He was their best customer anyway, and they too looked at him like family. After the teens finished their launch in mere silence, they went off to the training grounds to spar and train. Soon, the sun was setting and the night was falling, leaving the two exhausted teens smiling widely at each other. How fast the day was passing by…
The streets of Konoha were quite empty. The few people Naruto saw, well they were doing what he clearly expected them to do, they were throwing him glares of disgust and hate. He felt his heart fall after watching everything he sought for all these years being torn apart by a stupid rumor and pictures they didn't even know if they were real. He let out a sigh, but Hinata noticed it. She had also noticed the villagers who were looking at them, showing their clear annoyance that the same girl that he abandoned to save himself was walking next to him. Of course, who could blame them? They already hated the boy, and the rumors were just another good reason to hate him more. Hinata inside wanted to cry, knowing how bad he should be feeling, but she wouldn't give up on him. No, she wouldn't allow him to slip back in the darkness. Neither did he though, want to go back in there, and leave her alone out here. He looked up from the ground to have his mind lost in these lavender pearls that were her eyes. His mind been lost in them, his body kept moving on its own. She stared back, glad that he at least smiled, even sadly. She wanted to hug him, kiss him, comfort him, but she couldn't, not in front of all this people. She sighed in disappointment remembering that their relationship was forbidden, at least for now…
The streets around the Hyuuga compound were empty, not a soul seeming to linger around. He looked around once more to make sure they were alone, and hugged her tightly. She let out a small 'Eep' surprised at the sudden contact, but blushed lightly and hugged him back. "I'll see you tomorrow… right?" he asked silently, his voice a near whisper as he leaned his head over her shoulder, rubbing her cheeks with his spiky golden hair. She giggled lightly at the feeling of his hair on her cheek. "Of course you will…" she said and gave him a kiss on the cheek before she turned around and bid him farewell for the night…
He left for his house, wanting nothing more than to go to sleep. He just wished she would be there with him…
Hinata was about to head to her room in order to sleep for the night, when a guard approached her with an 'ahem' "Hinata-sama, Hiashi-sama wants to talk to you. You will find him in his office" the guard said. She nodded with a weak smile. The guard simply bowed lightly and left. She headed to her father's office now. What did he want to talk to her about? Had he heard the terrible rumors? Would he forbid her of seeing him again? She shivered lightly at the last thought. Her heart couldn't bare to not see him again. She reached her father's office and let out a small sigh to calm herself. She slid the door open…
"You asked for me, Otou-san?" She asked softly while bowing lightly. Hiashi only nodded and motioned her to sit. After she closed the door, she couldn't help but frown lightly thinking of what he was going to tell her. She sat across him and waited…
Hiashi lifted his gaze from the papers in front of him to look at his daughter. His face was emotionless as ever. He did notice though the uneasiness in her face. She was radiating it all around anyway. "Hinata" he began and that seemed to snap her back to reality as she lifted her eyes to look at him. "I suppose you have heard the rumors about your… 'mission'?" he asked. She simply nodded. But then, something didn't fit. Heard the rumors? She was supposed to have lived it, not heard about it! Another thing that intrigued her was the fact that he called her visit to the Akake's a mission. Then he did something she didn't expect at all. He smiled. "I've heard that the part Naruto begs for his life is quite funny" he said. Was he joking, mocking, or just playing with her mind? It was rare to see her father making a joke. She looked up at him with questioning eyes. Hiashi noticed it and his smile went even wider. "Ah, Hinata, you expected me to believe such stupid rumors? Even though Kakari showed me the pictures, I couldn't believe a thing. I think that brat is capable of at least protecting someone. At least that's what I hear." Little did he know that, Naruto would give his life for her in a heartbeat if he had to chose between her and another person. But she didn't want him to die of course… life would be meaningless then… wait! What? Kakari showed him the pictures? So this was all about. Now the pieces of the puzzle fitted in place. This god damn fool had made fake photos of Naruto being a coward, clearly relying on the fact that he was hated in the village. Little did he know of course, the tremendous reputation of Naruto as a friend you can rely your life on in battle.
She frowned and started swearing mentally with every swear word she knew, and though she might not show it in public, they were many! How could this fool dare to do such a thing to her Naruto-kun?...
Hiashi noticed the murderous intent that was radiating clearly from his daughters eyes. Her aura had become so hostile and murderous that he would shiver if he didn't know her. "I heard that Kakari is now at the Akake compound, preparing for the marriage" He said and Hinata now looked at him with an expression in her eyes that he didn't know if it ever existed in his daughters eyes before. Clear hate and disgust. Why was she taking it so badly? He knew Naruto was a friend of hers though he didn't show he liked it, but such hate? He knew at the moment that Hinata had nothing else in her mind than thinking ways of torturous death for Kakari. He despised that fool too. But the marriage…
"Hinata, I tried to convince the council to stop the wedding but they do not hear me. No matter what I say, they turn me down. And now, this rumors will make it even harder for me to stop it. I… I'm… sorry…" he said, a tear falling down his cheek.
Hinata had never seen her father cry. She wanted to cry too. No avoiding it? This was her worst nightmare. Getting married to the man she hated most instead of the one she loved. She couldn't hold it anymore. She launched herself at her father and cried. He understood her sadness. So he hugged her back and slowly stroke her long silky hair. He was in great pain too, seeing that his daughter was going to be wasted like this… wait. There was a chance. There was a way to stop all this. But he knew the council would clearly not approve it. He would not tell her though. This was the test for her to make him proud. This was the test for her to make him see she wasn't weak. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but it was something she had to endure in order to become even stronger that he was…
Naruto found himself in a rather narrow hallway. The walls were dull and water drops were falling from the pipelines. He knew were he had to go. He had done it many times already. He followed the heat, when he finally reached the room were the cause of all his pain resided…
Kyuubi's chamber. But fear tore him apart when he noticed something that scared him shitless. The massive iron doors of the gigantic room were open. Kyuubi was free? But how? What the hell happened?...
As if in response to his thoughts, a light red fog covered the entire room, blocking his eye sight. When the fog was gone, he noticed a rather normal sized fox in the middle of the room. The fox opened it's eyes and they were blood red. A wide evil smirk spread across it's fox face…
"So brat, you finally came. I've been calling you here for 2 days now. But the brain you don't have seems distracted all the time…" the mini Kyuubi said, clearly annoyed. Naruto wanted to burst out laughing at the sight of the small fox. Kyuubi normally was bigger than a ten story building. He held his laugh inside him when he noticed that the fox was out of the cage "How the hell are you out of your cage? How did you freaking escaped without me even noticing?" Naruto asked furiously. The fox just sighed "Look brat. You remember when you fought that Kabuto-freak back there? Two days ago?" the demon asked and Naruto only nodded, clear confusion in his eyes. "Well it was then that I tried to make my escape. Your seal was weakened due to a strange feeling, I don't even know what it was. Though I noticed it was for that blue haired girl…" the demon said, trailing off and looking upwards as if in thought. Naruto was about to protest when the demon threw him a glance that sent shivers down his spine "Well, truth be told, I should expect something like this. Anyway brat, listen carefully for I don't have the power to stay here for long. Yes, what you see here is my soul, it's not me. My body was killed when I tried to escape. Strangely however, my body somehow mixed with yours. I guess it's a side effect of the seal…" The demon said and Naruto now looked at him completely interested. "So…?" he asked, motioning the demon to continue. "I hate to say it brat… but… now you have full access to my powers…" Naruto was about to start jumping around in joy when a thought struck him. "Wait, what do you mean I've got your powers?" The demon just sighed at the question "Here it goes. Now you've got my powers but not constantly. It is like a bloodline limit. You can activate them whenever you want. Your features will no longer change unless you chose so, only your eyes will always become like they always are only when you summon my power. You have my chakra and my strength, though you need to summon them in order to get them. You will be as usual. Think of this bloodline as a 'boost'. Like when you called upon my powers? I gave you my chakra, but now, you have it in you. Just summon it." The fox said, and now waited for Naruto's reaction. True, now the boy was more powerful than anyone could be with this red chakra power up. Not only that, but as it has become a bloodline now, the power will be also given to his children if he will have in the future…
Naruto was in deep thought. Then another question popped in his mind "Wait… that means I'm… immortal?" he asked, but there wasn't even a little speck of happiness in his voice. Instead, he looked down as if in disappointment. The fox could raise his eyebrows if he had any. He knew the answer but wanted to find out why the boy seemed sad about immortality "Why do you ask brat?" he said. Naruto looked up at the demon "Because… I don't want to be immortal. If I am… then… then… not only every person I care for will die far sooner than I will, but also… she will be gone… I can't endure this…" he said, sadness covering his every word. The demon knew what he meant by 'she' "What's so special about 'her' brat? Anyone would fly by happiness if he was immortal. Why you don't?" The demon said. Naruto looked up at him and a sad smile appeared on his face "You won't understand… you're a demon… you can't understand." He said quietly. The fox was amazed at the fact that the usual loudmouth boy was now more cooled down than ever. He nodded in understanding, knowing what the boy said is actually true in a way. Afterwards, a smirk appeared on his fox face "Well brat, being immortal isn't that bad. You sure you want to know if you are or not? I could leave it for a surprise…"the fox said, chuckling evilly. Naruto looked at the demon in the eye, clearly stating that he wanted to know here and now. "Ok, ok brat. I'll tell you. Oh one more thing though. To activate your bloodline, simply pump red chakra in your eyes and this will summon the rest of the power. You now have the bloodline of a second inner coil system. After I tell you, I'll be gone. My body died but with the little spirit power I have left, I could come back here to tell you this. Anyway, you are…" the last part was whispered so only the boy could hear it. Naruto was shocked. His expression neither sad nor happy…
Hinata couldn't sleep that night. She had nightmares… terrible ones. She shivered remembering the latest one. She stood beside Kakari at the aisle in their day of marriage. She felt sick when he tried to kiss her and woke up. She had sweat all over her face. She sat up on her bed, ensured she couldn't get any sleep tonight. Then, out of nowhere, a small crack was heard at the corridor outside her room. She was shot out of her sleepiness and looked at her door. Only a small slice was open, but no one seemed to be there. She used her Byakuugan to take a look. Nothing was there…
She slipped out of the covers to take a look. She didn't really trust night noises, especially when they were loud! Right when she slid the door open and took a step out, a man appeared out of nowhere. Before she could even scream, he slammed her on the wall, and putted his hand on her mouth. Before she could push him away with her Chakra, he whispered "Silence no Jutsu" while having done one handed seals. He lifted his hand from her mouth. She then realized that no matter how hard she tried to yell, not a sound could escape her lungs. This Jutsu blocked the voice cords with Chakra, rendering you silent for a few minutes. Tears started to fill her eyes, seeing how helpless she was. Her Chakra was somehow bound, her voice was out, her body was stiff and sore from the training she had a few hours before, her emotions overwhelmed her and tears stroke down her cheeks. He hit her on the stomach with a punch, kicking the air out of her. She felt her arms and legs go numb. She tried to raise her hands to defend herself but to no avail. He grabbed her, threw her on his shoulder and flew out of the window. Some Hyuuga's who were awake had seen him, and in seconds the whole compound was awake…
Naruto couldn't sleep after he woke up from his dream with the Kyuubi. The demon was now gone. He had used the remands of his power only to speak with him in a dream. The body had given it's powers to Naruto, but the soul was gone in the realms of the dead. Yet, he felt as if a small part of the demon was still there...
He got up from bed and dressed himself in his usual outfit. The house was silent this time at night. He walked outside to the garden, the light night breeze blowing through his hair. He closed his eyes to relax. But suddenly, he felt something was terribly wrong. His senses caught a very, very familiar Chakra signature nearby. He opened his eyes and looked around. The Hokage's house was surrounded by a park, trees all around it. He focused his gaze on the trees up ahead. Out of nowhere, a figure holding another one on its shoulder flew by, and in seconds it had vanished. Naruto frowned and gritted his teeth. For that second that he saw them, the familiar Chakra signature he felt before was coming from one of them. He knew this signature like no ones else. No one had such a signature for him. Pure like the moon, kind like a mother, soft like silk… 'Hinata' was his last thought before he launched behind them…
A/N: God, a cliffhanger! Hold tight! I need you guys to read the rest of the story right? Anyway, I update really fast for I have at least 11 chapters in my folders. I just need to revision and even rewrite some of them before publishing. Leave a review for the sake of god. I need something to keep me going right?