Q-Bert: #!)(#$!

Huh? What? Green number one is hook kick, land behind, then skipping side kick.

Q-Bert: #$!)

Who with the what now? Slow down Q-Bert. I can't understand you when you talk that fast.

Q-Bert: $(#$&

By the seven lucky gods! It's been how long? Crap! Stupid razzin frazzin…

Q-Bert: )($

Aaaaah! What do you mean I'm already on? Umm…uh…Hey? Yeah, I'm back. Things have been slow with moving and not having a computer and them memorizing new martial arts techniques for my new job. It's been hectic, but I'm enjoying life now. However, it did take away from my typing as well. I had originally wanted this chapter to be MUCH longer, but the more I tried to put in it, the less I found I could concentrate on the writing. I'll go back to smaller chapter with regular updates. It works.

Here I had a bunch of stuff planned to say and all. However, I'll settle for something small. Also, there's something I have to get out of my system…

MWAHAHAHAHA! BWAHAHAHAHA! GWAHAHAHAHAHA! I've been dancing around the topic of Tenten for quite a few chapters now by commenting that she wasn't taking missions. Most of you picked up on the fact that Neji was to be married in about 3 months. I would have thought more of you would have picked up on the subtle hint. In any case, I believe I purposely skipped that part of the history lesson earlier, so allow me to explain in case I didn't before.

During the very early periods of feudal Japan (the same timeframe when the male took the females name…or they both took whichever name what higher ranking) the common practice was for the man to sleep at the house of the to-be wife's family. This is why Neji made the comment about Hinata sleeping at Narutos place.

Medicine wasn't exactly the best back then so the woman, the child, or both could very well die in childbirth or due to complications afterward. Thus the practice of having a child before marriage started. The birth of a healthy child was a sign that the marriage was blessed.

In the Naruto world the med-ninjas could certainly take the place of current day doctors, however I could see that the Hyuuga family would wish an omen of some sort if they are to have Neji marry outside the family.

It's hard to get records of the eastern marriage practices, however it would not be altogether unlikely to think that with an average lifespan of 40-50 years the people would marry somewhere during the ages of 14-20ish. Peasants married later than noble women due to the fact that the families needed their hands for working…that is until later religious and social beliefs took away the independence of women in the culture.

Now consider that typical marriage age used to be age 13-15 in the western world. During the plague ages it was quite common for a 16 year old lady to be married to a 30+ year old man. The marriage practices didn't truly change after that until the Renaissance and medicines which meant less people were dying...at which point the ages of 16-20 were the common age to be married. As medicines get better and the average lifespan increases so to does the average marriage age increases, but then we have to go into math. Blech.

Now everyone out there should know why I shake my head every time I see something that says "ZOMG (insert name here) is pregnant at age 16." It's really very childish, but I can't fault a person for the stigmas of society I suppose. I'm very much a person who believes in helping others so I really don't have many problems with most situations that other dislike. Just don't insult my honor or my ability to do martial arts and we're all good, ok?

Also…it's true Hinata's "teary-eyes-pout no jutsu" didn't work too well, but then she doesn't have much practice in it. I'll try and get Kim Possible over here to teach Hinata the almighty Puppy Dog Pout no jutsu. Along those lines, if anyone wishes to use my "chakra reserves" joke or any of my background characters, please be my guest. Just give me a little credit ok? Names and such you can use as much as you want, but I'm proud of the "chakra reserves" joke ; Also, send me a PM or E-mail with the story! I find it hard to sort through tons of stories at times and if I manage to inspire something I'd like to know.

I'll see everyone at the end of the chapter!

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THE HYUUGA WAY

Preparations

Chapter 14

To say that Hyuuga Hinata was stressed would not give total justice to the current situation. The entire morning was creeping more slowly than an overstuffed silkworm.

It wasn't that the lessons were boring, it was far from boring. However, she really wished she knew exactly what was happening with the Kage Bunshin. Knowing Hyuuga training practices, she most likely would not be leaving the house at all the rest of the day and thus her only recourse was to send the Bunshin.

For now, she didn't have a problem with chakra, but that could very well change by the afternoon if she was required to use the Byakugan. Thankfully, the years of accommodating for her unique ability had prepared her for the memorization of the present.

Hyuuga Haiga was quite pleased with his student. Her attention to detail was indeed masterful, even if she did seem a little preoccupied this day. It could not be helped though, he was quite sure that if it warranted divided attention in Hinata's mind then it was certainly warranting of attention.

However, that did not mean that he would let up on the training.

"Hinata-sama, if you would please point out the main pressure points for attack starting with the head and moving down." Hiaga commands gently. Like many of the Cadet Branch, Hiaga wished nothing more than to see Hinata as the next leader of the Hyuuga Clan. However, he was sure than many others wished to see Hanabi as the next head of the Clan. Hopefully, if this training was successful, there would not be internal strife within the family.

There would definitely be a lot of work to get to that point.

Hinata picks herself up from the kneeling position she had been in while listening to Hiaga speak. Slowly, she starts to point out the pressure points until Hiaga stops her.

"Hinata-sama, perhaps you should use attacks to point out the positions of the pressure points instead of just pointing them." The elder Hyuuga suggests, though both knew it was more of a command than a true suggestion.

"Yes Haiga-sensei." Hinata replies before closing her eyes to relax.

At that point it hit her.

First, there was the odd sensation of no longer existing. She had felt it before when her first Kage Bunshin had disappeared…in a sense it was like dying. Dying was a disquieting feeling to say the least. However, Hinata was a Hyuuga. She had no fear of death or what it held. She could deal with it.

The second feeling on the other hand was a bit more than she could deal with. In its last moments the Bunshin had done something that Hinata had only dreamed.

She had hugged Naruto.

She could feel her consciousness start to waver. To hug Naruto in broad daylight…Truth be told, it could be scandalous for her clan. That one moment of caring was more than she could possibly have expected; the feeling of that one hug, the warmth, the security, it was worth the risk. It was like a blanket with which to warm her spirit against the cold feeling of mediocrity which was her life.

She could understand the desperation of her Bunshin. The doppelganger had known that its time was growing short, however at the same time it had never revealed its feelings for Naruto. Had Hinata been in the same situation she may very well have done thing…actually she would have since it technically had actually been her with Naruto.

To think that Naruto could possibly have these same thoughts every time he used the Kage Bunshin was a humbling experience. He could use dozens of these at a time and still continue to fight, knowing that he had already died many times over. Truly, Naruto knew courage if nobody else did. He sacrificed himself hundreds of times over for the safety of Konohagakure already and more than likely would sacrifice himself in the future.

What had she been doing? Wasn't she supposed to be training? How long had she been reflecting on this feeling and her thoughts? She couldn't tell, what was Hiaga-sensei thinking of her now? It was rude for her mind to wander off like that in the middle of practice! Quickly, she strikes at the spots she had originally been concentrating on attacking attempting to make up for the lost bit of time.

Hyuuga Hiaga on the other hand was perplexed. Hinata had looked fine at first, then she had stopped, then wobbled as though she would be faint while at the same time turning a shade of red that would suit a kimono much better than her face. Slowly, that flush had died to something more modest, which relieved him immensely.

Without warning, the hands of his student flashed forward, striking with Neji-like accuracy toward the pressure points. All the while Hinata kept her eyes closed and wore a small smile as though thinking of a pleasant experience.

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Competing with Temari in a duel of strategy was definitely not the most fun Naruto had ever had. In fact, he found the entire situation to be…troublesome for lack of a better word. Still, every time he found that he made a mistake, he would remember the hug from the break and smile before continuing the duel of the minds.

For her part, Temari was mystified. It was true that Naruto had improved vastly during the three day break there had been between the arrival of Gaara from Sunagakure and the official start of the talks. He still wasn't up to Shikamaru's level of tactics, but he had learned. The question on her mind however was "how?"

After so much talking, both delegations were quite relieved to have another break in the form of lunch.

Typically, Naruto would excuse himself from the typical meal with the two Kage and get himself some ramen. At home he was eating better, but he much preferred to eat ramen for his lunch.

Well, there was one exception to that rule, but this last week both he and Hinata had been too busy to eat together.

Today it had been insisted that Naruto stay for lunch. Being the lowest ranking of the entire group, he could complain to Tsunade, but he really couldn't say no at all. While frustrating, it did mean he'd get a free meal out of it. Naruto always liked that price.

As the bowls of rice and plates of vegetables were being brought out, Naruto noticed that everyone else was beginning to relax…or in Gaara's case relax as much as he ever did. Gaara still wasn't exactly the relaxed type even if he had calmed considerably.

"Well Kazekage-san, do we know whom will be arriving for the feudal lords for these exams?" Tsunade comments. With Konoha doing the actual test planning, she was happy that Gaara had volunteered to take over for ensuring places were made for the feudal lords and honored guests.

Gaara nods quietly, moving slightly as a tea cup is placed at his position to finish the meal ensemble, "I have received many replies although I am waiting on a few more before making permanent seating. The Daimyo of Araiken should be making one of his rare appearances. He is interested in seeing how Sarutobi Konohamaru fares in the genin exams."

Tsunade frowns slightly, "Hmm…Daimyo Araiken was friends to with the Third Hokage, it makes sense that he would wish to see how Konohamaru-san fares in the exams. Still, he doesn't make too many appearances, we'll have to make sure he's given proper respect and an escort."

Naruto tilts his head, "Konohamaru-kun is going to be in the exams? Aw man, even he's going to be higher ranked than me."

Quickly, Tsunade reaches over and bops Naruto over the head, "Quit whining and listen brat. This is why you're going to be with the feudal lords during the exam. In addition, you'll be responsible for protecting Daimyo Araiken from the time he arrives to the time he leaves."

Naruto frowns and grabs the teapot, moving over to pour tea for Gaara, just as Hinata had taught him, the sulking face evident the entire time, "But why do I have to do it obaasan? Isn't that a job for ANBU?"

Tsunade starts to fume and then settles down as she watches Naruto pour the tea for Gaara, then Temari, then herself before sitting back down, "Because we don't want to call attention to it. I feel safer having you do it rather than assigning a team."

Naruto continues to sulk, "Fine, I'll do it but because it's for Konoha."

Carefully, Naruto picks up his tea with both hands, looking in it for a moment before taking a sip.

Temari raises a brow, at the movement. Something told her that she recognized some of the movements, but she couldn't place exactly where. For her, it was truly an annoying thing to not recognize some of the small details such as these. Worse was that he remembered about serving the tea. While certainly his duty as the lowest ranking ninja in the room, it still gave him access to her side of the table. However, she wasn't sure if Naruto knew about the strategy part of that action.

"It would seem that you have learned a bit about manners Naruto-san. Who managed to pull the patience to teach you such things?" Temari finally asks, her curiosity outweighing her pride.

"Huh? Well, you see…" Naruto comments, while placing down the tea cup, "Hyuuga Hinata-sama has been teaching me." He really didn't want to let on exactly how hard it was to remember all the stuff. One of the tricks that Hinata had told him was that even if he did something wrong, if he didn't make it into a big deal it would normally just slide. Confidence in his actions carried a lot of weight.

"She has the patience of a dragon." Gaara mutters before returning to the tea.

Temari mulls over the information, "You'll do well with the feudal lords if you remember your manners."

Naruto sighs, "Everyone's against me on this one."

Temari and Tsunade both nod and reply, "Yep." Before moving and allowing the servers to set down a plate of pieces of chicken.

As they all lift the chopsticks, Naruto smiles and breaks them apart with a happy, "Itadakimasu!"

Temari and Gaara both give Naruto a small look and then follow the lead.

As they begin to grab themselves some food from the assorted plates, Gaara leans over and whispers to Temari, "What does that mean anyway?"

To which Temari gives the reply, "I have no clue, but a lot of Leaf shinobi say it before eating."

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The talks hadn't lasted much longer after lunch. This was fine for Uzumaki Naruto. He had other things to do anyway.

Rummaging in a pocket, he pulls out his key and tries the door.

Nothing.

Again he tries the door, turning the key the other way.

Nothing again.

Naruto frowns, Stupid landlord. Shoving the key in his pocket, he rummages out a couple of metal picks. Kneeling, he sets the picks to work on the lock. Really, he would have thought the landlord would know better than to use simple locks on his door by now. The least the old coot could do was give him a challenge to get into his room.

There's a soft click before the door swings slightly open. Naruto smiles as he enters the room now he'd just have to replace the lock again and he'd be all set. He had more locks around here somewhere. It'd have to wait though. Hinata had actually asked him to do something for her and he wasn't about to let her down.

He pulls out the two small pieces of paper while settling down at the table. The differences were actually pretty surprising. Hinata writing was soft, elegant, but with a very quiet power that stemmed from knowing herself. Hanabi's handwriting looked big and flashy, calling out for attention but the final strokes of each letter seemed smaller as if the writer was less confident at the end of the letter than at the beginning.

Naruto frowns slightly. He doubted that the Hyuuga would put too much stock into the art of forgery or the art of looking beyond the letters into the mind of the writer. It wouldn't be too hard to change the letters very slightly so as to make the note he needed to write more confident.

Glancing back at the note Hinata had wrote for him, he peruses the list of things. Entertainment, the meal, and a myriad of small notes about the details that Hanabi had forgotten on her note were written on the sheet of paper. Flipping down the note, he notices a small note about an official copy of the plans needed to be created. Official huh? That he could do. Leaving the ink, brush and notes on the table, he dashes for his room. It should be in the bag from his training trip with Jiraiya.

Pulling out the bag, he rummages through the items. Nope, nope, nope….here it...nope not it. A few more moments of searching and his hand wraps around the object he was searching for causing a broad grin while drawing out the scroll. He'd gotten it because of the design and the fact that he needed extra paper for jutsu notes. It had escaped his writing and had been sitting in his bag with other empty scrolls and a couple of neat things he had seen but didn't really have room to put up anywhere, which was now a blessing. Besides, if Hanabi was getting his help, she could explain the naruto pattern on the scroll. Even the Hyuuga wouldn't be able to complain about the quality of paper for this scroll, so any eccentricities of the scroll would be the only thing needing to be explained.

Now armed with the last item needed, Naruto returns to the table and lays out the scroll. This would be tricky, but if it was done correctly he'd have conned the entire Hyuuga Clan and they wouldn't even know it!

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Day before Dinner

0500

Hyuuga Manor

With the early rays of the sun did Hyuuga Hinata rise for the day. Her sleep had been decent, but with the advent of the day came a nervousness that filled her entire being. That afternoon the people from the Tentou family were due to arrive. Thankfully, that afternoon would still be under her jurisdiction so she would not have to worry about anything out of her control until the next day.

Once her morning bath and exercises are finished, Hinata makes her way to the kitchen. The family cook smiles and gives a small bow before returning to create the morning meal. "Good morning Hinata-sama."

Hinata smiles and gives a slight bow in return, "Good morning Hanpen-san. I hope the preparations for tomorrow have not upset anything." Hinata then carefully moves to the cupboard to take down the tea leaves. She preferred to make tea when she could. Having learned the entire tea ceremony at an early age, she liked to keep up with the ability to make tea and not let the skill go to waste.

Normally Hanpen did like other people in his kitchen, especially main branch members. It ruined the delicate balance of energy within the room with their animosity or even just their disrespect for the foods itself. Hinata was one of the few he didn't mind allowing in the room. She respecting his abilities, she respected the foods and she knew that even the slightest influence of violent chakra could disrupt some of the more delicate tastes. While she would never be allowed to fully learn how to cook due to her position, Hanpen had been more than happy to show Hinata some of the more refined cooking arts. Tea being the one he most enjoyed watching Hinata accomplish. Her ability to stay calm and attentive helped the flavor.

The sun crept slowly over the wall surrounding the Hyuuga Manor, which meant Hinata was a little earlier than usual. Most likely she had much on her mind.

For her part, Hinata shoved all the things occupying her mind to the side to allow a quiet peace to settle within her. Gingerly, she pulls the teapot in front of her and pours the hot water in with a steady hand, adding in the leaves of tea to let it steep. Once the pot is full she sets the pan to the side. Now to wait. Her hands rest in a clasped position in front of her chest, her head bowed.

Hyuuga Hanpen could not help but to marvel at the precise motions of making the tea. Truly it boggled him how she could have had problems with her early missions. However, Hinata had gotten much better over the later years at both her missions and her grace in creating tea which truly amazed the elder branch member.

One day perhaps he should show Hinata the attack skills he had learned as a cook.

Content that the tea had steeped long enough, Hinata reaches up into the cupboard for a tray and 4 cups. She carefully arranged the teapot and cups before turning to the cook, "Hanpen-san, would you be so kind as to make a little extra? Naruto-kun will probably be here for breakfast."

Hanpen smiles and gives a nod, "Of course Hinata-sama." Ah yes, the demon-brat. For as much chaos as the kid created it was interesting to see how much good came out of it.

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Naruto stops at the front gate to the Hyuuga Manor. There had been a time when he had been sure that stepping anywhere near this building was as near to a death sentence as he would have liked. Now, however, he had an open invitation. Many actually seemed to be polite to him…or something. At least the Branch family was, he really hadn't seen too many Main family members come to think of it. Oh well, maybe he could ask about it later.

Before entering the manor, he removes his sandals and rechecks that the scrolls are safely within his jacket. Concealing things was so much easier with a large jacket, even easier with hidden pockets as well.

Carefully, he steps into the manor, looking about to see if he was about to be attacked. Nope, no attack yet that's a good thing. His footsteps fall a bit harder on the floor as he relaxes while heading for the meal room. If anything, he'd memorized when meals were held. If he was right, certain things were done on a timetable. Meals, training and tea were most likely it and thus he'd eavesdropped on a few Hyuuga conversations to make sure he knew the times. Who would have thought that all those ramblings on peeping from Jiraya might actually have a functional use besides being a pervert?

As Naruto walks into the meal room, he gives a small bow to the one person already there, Hinata.

Hinata, for her part, gives a small bow back while her face turns a deep crimson as she remembers the events from yesterday. Luckily, her time with Naruto lately had made her slightly more resistant to fainting. "G-Good morning Naruto-kun. I hope everything went well yesterday…" She manages while kneeling at her place at the table.

Naruto gives a small shrug and a very pale blush as he sits down next to her. "Well…ummm…" He couldn't believe it. He was lost for words at the moment. Part of him wanted to comment on the hug and the other part wanted to tell her about the 'mission' he had been given. "It was…interesting. The first break being the most…uh…enjoyable part I think." There, now he'd commented. It probably wasn't totally up to Hyuuga standards, but he wasn't about to be all proper all the time, that would be far too predictable.

Hinata gives a very small smile. 'Interesting' was the same word her father used when searching for a way to comment about a situation without actually having to speak about the subject. "Out visitors will be arriving this afternoon Naruto-kun. Will you be able to come by or will your duties keep you busy?"

Naruto shakes his head, "Nope, I should be able to drop by right after it's all done." In fact, everything would probably be done early. Tsunade had commented about having to do some preparations today.

Naruto makes a show of smoothing out his jacket, using the motion as a distraction to pull the scrolls he'd made the night before out and set them under the table. Ah, the art of distraction. Something he was becoming much more familiar with now that he didn't have to constantly be in competition with anyone else. Still, searching for his own path was infinitely harder than using someone else as a springboard, but he wouldn't have it any other way. He was going to be Hokage on his own merit!

Hinata could feel the scrolls against her leg, and moves subtly so as to hide them from sight. Not a hard thing at the moment, the real trick would be when it was time for her to stand up. She would worry about that when it was time. However, she was quite glad that Naruto was able to do this so promptly. Others could have taken days to get around to it

A moment later, Hanpen enters the dining room, setting up the meal with careful precision. Naruto could not help but to watch as the rice, vegetables and fish were set out in very precise spots on the table as though it was its own ritual. It was really quite cool.

So cool in fact, that he managed to miss the fact that Hyuuga Hiashi had entered the room.

Hiashi, was entertained. He had suspected that Naruto did not get to see tables set for meals, but to see the boy so entertained reminded him of when he was much, much younger. However, he was still the head of the household and certain things could not be left uncorrected. Raising his hand, Hiashi gives a small cough.

Hinata looks up at her father, having been lost in moving the scrolls to a proper place. At least now she would be able to explain them should anyone ask, "Good morning father."

Naruto looks up at Hiashi, his face blank for a few moments. Crud! What was he supposed to do? Oh yeah! "Good morning Hyuuga-dono. I hope I am not interrupting anything by my presence." Inwardly, Naruto smiles. He knew quite well that he had an invitation, but this would force Hiashi to respond politely. Aaaah, the wonders of politeness.

Hiashi shakes his head, "All is fine Uzumaki-san. I have heard that the Hokage has given you an important assignment for the next Chunin exams."

Naruto frowns slightly. He would have to bring that up. "Yes Hyuuga-dono. I am to escort the Daimyo of Araiken during his stay."

Hiashi gives a slight smirk as he settles into his spot, "I could not think of a better person. The Daimyo is quite an active person. You should be able to keep up with him quite nicely."

Naruto gives a small bow, "Thank you. I'll certainly do my best." Aw man. Next time the reply would be much better. It worked for now.

"Daughter, may I ask about those scrolls?" Hiashi asks as he looks toward Hinata.

Hinata nods, "Yes Father. I was reviewing what Hanabi-chan has requested for tomorrow and been seeing whom to assign tasks to during the day along with appropriating the money. All is in order father."

Hiashi nods, "Excellent. Now, let us eat before the food gets cold. Today is a busy day.

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Naruto and Hinata have been, are now and shall be the main characters of this story. The action will focus on them. Others will come and go, you may even see them more than once, but the action will not focus on them unless I have a dire need to. Unlike movies, I will not give you the entire plot during the chapter. Most things you will find out at a later date, some things I may never actually explain just to leave you wondering just as Naruto and Hinata are wondering.

However, as Masked Felix pointed out, I use and in the future will use a lot of original characters. They won't ever really be main characters, but I'll have them…I'll need them. The actual series is very much combat intensive. When you have a story that revolves around combat you need less background characters.

This story is less combat intensive which means I'll need other characters to make the world seem real. I don't have the ability to draw so I need to rely on words. I chose a time period not covered in the manga or the anime so as not to conflict with the actual story. I'm covering things never even ventured to into in the series merely because it allows me the freedom to expand upon things without conflicting with what is cannon in the series. It explains one reason why things could be in that way…in a way that is entertaining I would hope.

Still, I'm an overachiever at times which is I why I'm attempting to not only breath life in a clan who gets little attention except what is needed as well as give the entire village and the Land of Fire a personality that was never truly seen in any aspect to my knowledge. You see what you need to for the manga, I needed more for this story. It covers many places that would be common and needed for a city. However, I need to illustrate that the Hyuuga have had dealings with many of these people too. If you regularly deal with someone you learn their name. It's a very common thing and something that is taken for granted in many cases.

Would I be happy if some of the OC's (I keep trying to use the RPG term of NPC's which is kind of what they are to be honest.) become commonly used? I'd have to admit that I would, mostly because it would mean that people actually care about the Naruto world being a living, breathing fictional world. Some may laugh about that, but I point to dozens of fictional stories which have 30 or more books addressing all kinds of points of a world which exists only the minds of people.

Ok, I got a little carried away, but as I've said…when I think, I think epic and behind every good hero and heroine are dozens of people who made them a legend. I just want mine to have names!

All that being said, you will find that the Leaf and Suna have a few differences in etiquette, one of which I mentioned in this chapter. "Itadakimaru" is a saying before the meal. At one point it was said before every meal. Now, I can find reference to it being said at restaurants, but I'm not entirely sure it's said in the comfort of your own home. I'll go into that later. Anyway, the differences between areas are another way to flesh out the world just a little more.

Well, I've ranted and I'm sure I'll get some flames for my comments. Bring 'em on! As always, take care and have fun!

Edric Loto