After that eventful dinner Naruto and Haku were seldom seen far apart, and spent much of the trip to Konoha talking with each other. Even with this being the case they had not shared another kiss or even hugged each other. Instead they spent the time learning more about the other, and grew even closer. This is why they were almost shoulder to shoulder when they entered Konoha with Naruto signing in for her before the group headed to the Hokage tower to inform Sarutobi Hiruzen, Sandaime Hokage of Konohagakure. Within 15 minutes they were ushered into his office for debriefing with Kakashi in the lead. As the jonin took position infront of the Hokage's desk Sakura sat in one of the chairs, Sasuke leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, Naruto stood between the couch and the desk with Haku at his side, and Zabuza plopped down on the other chair.
Despite all the assurances she had gotten on the way back from Nami no Kuni Haku was very nervous, and clasped Naruto's hand. Feeling the grip he turned to her with a half smile and a gentle squeeze of her hand. Haku let a small smile grace her lips as she looked into Naruto's eyes. As she gazed into his eyes she couldn't help but become lost in their depths, in a way that could certainly be similar to how someone feels when their soul enters the afterlife peacefully, only to be brought back to reality with a sudden cough from the aging Hokage. Blushing enough that the Hyuuga heir would be tough to beat without fainting she shyly hid behind Naruto taking hold of his arm from behind, and causing Zabuza to snort in mirth.
Naruto gently patted Haku's hand reassuringly telling her not to worry, and that he'd protect her with such strength that Sarutobi couldn't help smiling at the interaction. Pushing the thoughts of his adopted grandson's love life aside for future contemplation he coughed again before speaking.
"From what I can tell the mission debriefing will be full of surprises so why don't you get started Kakashi." The old man said with authority.
"Hai, Hokage-sama." The cyclopean pervert said before going into an in depth debriefing that lasted over an hour. When it was all said and done Sasuke was dozing in the same position he was in when they entered, Sakura looked extremely bored, Zabuza was looking intently at the Hokage trying to discern his reaction, and Naruto was holding an obviously nervous Haku while whispering into her ear. Sarutobi leaned back in his chair puffing on his pipe for several moments in thought with his fingers interlocked.
"Your team did exceptionally well under the circumstances, and it is amazing they are even alive after what happened. I am upgrading your mission from mid C rank to upper A rank with the appropriate pay increase, as well as a bonus from the bounty for the Demon Brothers. I am also giving your team a week's vacation from missions to relax and recover. Each of you have earned it and you should all be proud. Now on to other matters… Naruto, seeing as how you started the ball rolling I want your opinion."
Naruto nodded, and smiled at Haku before addressing Sarutobi. "Jiji, I trust Haku-chan, and Zabuza enough to tell them about the furball." He said with a look and tone as serious as getting your balls caught in razor-wire.
Sarutobi merely raised an eyebrow at the teen despite his enormous surprise at hearing this. Taking the time he slowly weighed first Zabuza, and then Haku before bringing his eyes back to Kakashi who gave an almost imperceptible nod. The Hokage took a long drag off his pipe before sighing deeply. "It's decided then." He said with a finality that could only be matched by the sound of dirt as it hits the top of a coffin as its being buried. "Zabuza…Haku…You have gained Naruto's trust, and that is something not even a handful of people have done. I trust his judgment, and as such I am laying my faith on him, and his trust in you. There are also certain guidelines that have to be followed as well. Zabuza you will have to undergo questioning by our I&T department which I trust you will oblige any of their questions. After your cooperation you will be put on probation for 3 months, and if mine and Naruto's trust is shown to be well placed you will be instated as a shinobi of Konoha with the rank of jonin." Before continuing he took note of the smile Haku gave Zabuza, and the way she hugged Naruto.
"Haku… Since you are being sponsored by, and are under the protection of Naruto, you will be given an apartment near his while you are under probation for the same 3 months as Zabuza. During which time your skills will be accessed to a great degree, and should you prove true to what has been said here you will awarded rank according to your skill, which if I have not misheard is at the very least mid chunin." At this point Sarutobi set his pipe on the desk and leaned forward his entire demeanor now one of deadly seriousness with some KI added. "Be warned. If you betray Naruto or bring him any harm I will destroy you." He said in a voice that was devoid of emotion.
Haku's eyes widened in fear, and nearly wet herself as she shook like a leaf in a hurricane. Her breathing increased to near hyperventilating levels as she felt the KI being focused on her, and nearly had a heart attack as she felt the power a Kage could bring to bare. Feeling arms wrap around her she jerked her head in fright to see who it was only to relax seeing the blonde smile at her as he tightened his arms around her. Without even thinking about it she gave Naruto a peck on the cheek before bowing deeply to the man known as "Shinobi no Kami".
"You have nothing to worry about, Hokage-sama. I will never betray or harm Naruto-kun. If I ever do you can be assured that I will die by my own hand." Haku said solemnly from her near genuflecting position.
Sarutobi nodded to himself satisfied with her answer, and opened up a drawer bring out the needed documents. Once they were filled out he put the ones Haku and Zabuza had done in the "to be processed" pile, and handed Kakashi the pay receipts to make sure Team 7 was paid correctly. Once that was done he relaxed back into his chair puffing on his pipe. "Now that that is taken care of all that remains is for you to be shown where you will be living. Kakashi, I want you to accompany Naruto and Haku back to the complex, and speak with the landlady about her new apartment next to Naruto's. If she has any questions send her to me, and I will deal with them. For now, Zabuza, you will have to be taken to ANBU headquarters for the questioning. Once that is done I will make arrangements for your own place to live. You are dismissed." With everyone filing out of the room, and Zabuza being escorted by an ANBU Saratobi turned back to the bane of his existence…paperwork.
Haku and Naruto followed Kakashi to the apartment complex talking with each other as the jonin remained silent except for the occasional perverted giggle as he read his orange book. As they walked Naruto would point out some of the landmarks along their way telling her about each one. Despite her joy at walking hand in hand with the one who had stolen her heart her mood grew darker the longer they walked. The reason for this is that she was noticing the looks that Naruto was receiving from the villagers. At first she had dismissed it until she had over heard some of the comments that were made about the "demon brat". Having not only experienced his power first hand, but also told about his burden she knew who they were talking about, and it was really starting to piss her off.
'How can they say that about Naruto-kun? He is more of an angel then a demon.' She thought blushing even with the scowl that had managed to show on her porcelain visage.
"It's ok, Haku-chan, just ignore them." Naruto said softly as he brought her hand to his lips kissing the back of it softly.
Haku smiled coyly at the open display of affection before a look of concern appeared. "Are you sure, Naruto-kun?"
"Yes I am sure, Yukionna-hime. True they make things rough for me at times, but they won't do anything since I am a ninja, and they don't want to face Jiji's wrath." He said with a foxy grin.
Haku found an intense heat form on her cheeks at his pet name, and interlaced her fingers with his trying to hide the fact her inner pervert had reared its' head at his grin. While she fought with her reproductive instincts she didn't notice that they had arrived at the complex until Naruto had stopped her. Seeing that he had a hand on each of her arms and was standing infront of her smiling in a way that brought a flash of heat to her abdomen she involuntarily stepped into his arms and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Kakashi-sensei has gone in to talk with the landlady. Why don't I show you my place and I can get you something to eat or some tea if you want." He said with his arms around her waist.
She nodded reluctant to leave his arms, but followed him up the stairs to the 3rd floor. With the door unlocked he paused to smile at her apologetically. "My place is a bit messy right now. I didn't have time to clean it before the mission, and it's been almost a month." With that said he opened the door, and gestured for her to take a seat on the couch. "Which kind of tea would you like? I have green, gen mai cha, and of course sencha." He asked as he set a kettle to boil on the stove.
"Gen mai cha sounds good, Naruto-kun." She said as she looked around the small bachelor pad.
The living room was not as messy as he made it out to be, and was furnished spartanly with one 3 person couch, a short table that looked like it had been made from a root portion of a tree as a base with a couple cushions under it, and some pictures on the wall of his team, the Hokage, and some people at a ramen stand. At the back of the apartment was a door that was slightly ajar letting her see that it was the bedroom. Between the kitchen and the bedroom was another door that she assumed was the bathroom. After a few minutes she heard the sounds of tea being poured. Shortly Naruto returned holding two cups of tea, and handed her one before sitting down on the couch next to her. They sat in companionable silence for a while each sipping their tea until there was a knock on the door. Naruto set his cup on the table before getting up to answer the door.
"Come on in, Kakashi-sensei." He said standing to the side so the leader of Team 7 could enter.
Kakashi walked over to Haku, and held out a scroll and a key for her. "This is the key to the apartment next door as well as the information on when and where you will be tested. Since we have a week off I expect Naruto to help you assimilate to life here, and answer any questions you might have. Also you will not be allowed to use your skills except in self defense until your status here has been finalized. As such Naruto will act as your bodyguard until you have been officially instated as a ninja of Konoha."
While he spoke Naruto had retaken his seat next to Haku, and resumed sipping his tea. When Kakashi had finished Naruto took Haku's hand in his. "Don't worry nothing will happen to her on my watch."
The jonin having noticed Naruto's change in behavior ever since the bridge battle had not missed how the two interacted, and wondered if the change was because of her or something more sinister. Unsure how to broach the subject he resolved to talk with the Hokage about it and just watch for now.
"Ano…What about Otou-san?" Haku said hesitantly as she pulled Naruto's hand into her lap, and placing her other hand over his.
"Zabuza? If he cooperates with ANBU he should be released in a few days. After that it depends on what Hokage-sama decides to do. Just be patient, and I'm sure you'll see him soon. In the mean time just relax, and get to know your way around here. Don't forget to be at the appointed places on time for your testing. Naruto, we will resume team functions at the usual place and time in 7 days." With that said he walked back to the door, but stopped half way through before speaking over his shoulder. "By the way…Try not to make Haku too sore to do the tests properly, and don't do anything I wouldn't do." He said with an eye smile before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
Haku who had started to sip her tea once again began choking at his parting words with her face red enough to cause a certain Hyuuga girl to ask for pointers. Naruto simply laughed being used to much worse from the two demonic entities that resided within him. After handing Haku a towel he grinned slyly deciding to tease her a bit.
"Since you have an interest in medical jutsu soreness shouldn't be an issue."
Haku froze for a second slowly turning her head to look at Naruto. After a few seconds a thoughtful look overtook her face as if she was scanning through a list of remedies causing Naruto to fall off the couch in laughter.
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That night Naruto found himself back infront of the Kyuubi's cage with the Jagon hovering to his right. "Please don't tell me this is about more training." He grumbled not wanting to go through another "Hell Week" like he did in wave.
"No this is not about training, but something just as important if not more so. You have been brought here to learn about your parents." The Jagon said slowly circling Naruto.
"My parents? You mean you know who they were? Yatta!" He yelled, and jumped in the air.
"Yes we know whose genetics you share. Between Kyuubi's knowledge from his previous hosts and our study of your body as we began fixing some flaws we have figured out who they are."
Naruto had not been this enthused since he had first tasted ramen from Ichiraku's after he had been kicked out of the orphanage, and danced around the dank room until he was brought to a stop by Kyuubi.
"ENOUGH! Sit your ass down or we won't tell you shit!" The 9 tailed fox roared causing Naruto to stop dead still, and sit on what looked like a broken piece of concrete.
"I'll be good." He said with the same look and tone a child would use when promised a new toy if they were quiet for 5 minutes.
"The easiest part to figure out was who your father was. You are nearly identical to him in looks, and if you thought about it you would know who it is without help. Your father was Namikaze Minato the Yondaime Hokage, and the same person that sealed that overgrown rug inside you. Your mother was a little harder to figure out, but there only a few possibilities considering you are blonde haired and blue eyed. As it turns out you are not only related to one Hokage but three. Your mother is the granddaughter of the Shodai Hokage, Hashirama Senju. By looking through your memories we were able to find out her name as well as a few other things that were mentioned in your time spent at the academy. Your mother is Tsunade Senju of the Densetsu no Sannin."
Naruto, like anyone else in his position, was as stunned as if Kami herself showed up naked and offered to give him a blowjob. His mouth was agape, and his eyeballs looked like they were about to pop out of his head. He sat there for several long minutes before he was able to form coherent words. "Are you seriously telling me that I am the son of the man that almost single handedly ended the 3rd Great War, and literally the strongest konoichi in the ninja world?"
"Yes we are, Kit. Even though this explains a few things it brings up even more questions. Ones you should be asking the old man about."
Naruto could only nod dumbly in response as he tried to keep his brain from melting from the information. "I'll do that first thing tomorrow."
"Make sure that you do." The Jagon said before kicking Naruto out of the mindscape.
The next morning Naruto rushed through his morning rituals intent on being at the Hokage's office as soon as possible. In short order he arrived at the Hokage's office, and walked in to sit in one of the chairs staying silent the whole time. Sarutobi was caught off guard by this as Naruto was never silent like this before.
"Good morning, Naruto. Is there something I can help you with?" He asked as he wondered what had happened to put the boy in the mood he was in.
Naruto looked at the old man for a few moments before nodding to himself. "You can tell me why you have lied all these years."
Needless to say the Hokage was at a loss hearing this, and voiced his confusion. "What do you mean, Naruto, and why do you think I've been lying to you?"
The teen took a deep breath before exhaling slowly. "I want to know why you kept the identities of my parents secret, and forced me to live like I have? You know who they are, and yet you've kept it from me. Tell me why my mother left me alone even though she lives on."
Saratobi's eyes widened at this since he didn't know who his mother was. "Honestly I do not know who your mother is. I only know that your father was Namikaze Minato. I have tried my best to care for you despite the trouble the council gives me. As for why I didn't tell you it was for your own safety. You father had many enemies both outside and inside the village. If it was known you're life would be in danger every day, and Iwa or Kumo may have even declared war on us just to kill you." Giving Naruto time to process this information he took his time filling and lighting his pipe. After puffing a few times he voiced the question that had been screaming in his mind. "Do you really know who your mother is, Naruto?"
Naruto nodded both in acceptance of what he had been told as well as in answer to the question. "Yes I do. How I found out I won't tell you, but it can be verified with a simple blood test." He closed his eyes for a moment before continuing. "You know my mother quite well. Jiji. She was your student after all. Senju Tsunade Konoha no Namekuji Hime, and member of the Densetsu no Sannin."
Sarutobi was dumbfounded at this, and only his long years of experience prevented him from gaping like a fish. After several minutes he shook himself, and gave of a small burst of chakra causing one of his ANBU guards to appear. "I want you to go to the hospital, and tell Dr. Fukazawa I want him in my office immediately." When the ANBU had left the old man turned to Naruto. "The man I sent him after is my personal physician. What you have told me needs to be verified before we can do anything about it. When he has brought me the results we'll talk about it more then. Don't worry about having to give any blood for this since it is already on file from all the time you spent in the hospital. Don't let this eat at you, Naruto. We will get this straightened out, so go have fun with Haku alright?"
"Alright, Jiji." Naruto said standing up. "I'll send the bill for Haku's shopping like we agreed upon."
A short time later the ANBU returned with the doctor, who Sarutobi gestured to sit while he addressed the ANBU once again. "I will need you to get Zabuza from I&T so I can speak with him. Bring him in as soon as I am done with this meeting, and then tell Hyuuga Hiashi to meet me tomorrow."
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Haku and Naruto spent most of the time over the next week together hardly ever separating for more than the night when they went to bed. Naruto had shown her around town, helped her shop for things she needed for her new place, and introduced her to the Ichiraku's as well as some of the other genin from the "Rookie 9". For the most part things had been uneventful with the notable exception of the first time they had visited the Yamanaka flower shop. Naruto had brought her there with her interest in plants in mind, and she was suitably impressed with what they had in stock as well as the knowledge Mrs. Yamanaka had about each of the plants in her store. They had been there for over 30 minutes when Ino walked in after her team's activities.
"Kaa-san, I'm Home!" She yelled as she entered the store.
"How was your day, hon?" Her mother asked from the counter turning from watching Naruto and Haku peruse the goods.
"It was ok. Choji ate all the time as usual, and Shika played shogi with Asuma-sensei again. After that we did a D rank for Mrs. Tsukimara. How has business been?"
"It's been good. As a matter of fact…" Mrs. Yamanaka gestured for her daughter to get closer in a conspiratorial way as she shared her daughter's gossiping gene. "One of your old classmates is here with his girlfriend." She said in a whisper pointing to the pale beauty and the blonde.
Ino quickly took in the long black hair, pale pink kimono, and pale beauty of the girl feeling a pang of jealousy at just how much she looked like a goddess come to earth. When her eyes landed on the boy next to her Ino's jaw dropped. Right before her eyes was the "dead last" with what was undoubtedly the most beautiful girl she had ever seen. Her eyes nearly fell out of her head when she saw Naruto pick up a flower for the girl to look at only to get a kiss in return. She stood looking like a stepped on frog until her mother poked her in the ribs.
"Why are you so shocked, Ino? I think they look great together. Just like the sun and the moon." Said Mrs. Yamanaka laughing inwardly at her daughter's reaction.
"Bu…But it's Naruto! He's the dead last, and class clown! How in the name of Kami did he get a girl like that?" She exclaimed drawing the attention of her fellow genin.
"Hey, Ino! Long time no see." He said as he walked over hand in hand with Haku.
"Apparently longer then I thought it had been. Why don't you introduce me to your friend, Naruto?" She said looking them over with her "gossip eye".
"Ah gomen gomen. Allow me to introduce you. Yamanaka Ino I'd like you to meet Yuki Haku. She is new to Konoha, and will joining as a konoichi after she has been evaluated by the old man. Yuki Haku this is Yamanaka Ino, heir of the Yamanaka clan, local gossip queen, and vice president of the teme's fan club."
While Ino's eyes narrowed at the reference to Sasuke, Haku bowed formally and with perfect etiquette addressed Ino. "It is an honor to meet you, Yamanaka-san. Naruto-kun has told me much about your time together at the academy."
Ino caught off guard by such formality replied just as she was trained to as a clan heir. "It is an honor to meet you as well, Yuki-san. I trust you find Konoha to your liking?"
"Hai it is a great village, but it does have a few…dissatisfactory issues." Haku said with a slight glint in her eyes.
Naruto slipped his arm around her waist gently pulling her to his side. "I've told you not to worry about that, Yukionna-hime."
Ino raised her eyebrows at this especially when Haku rested her head on his shoulder and gave a soft sigh. 'Wow no one will believe this without seeing it themselves. I have to call Forehead as soon as I can.'
"So you two are an item? How did you meet?" She asked entering full "Gossip Queen" mode.
Naruto and Haku shared a glance before he spoke. "I had fallen asleep from training in a clearing when Haku-chan showed up to gather herbs for a sick relative. We talked as I helped her, and hit it off." He said slightly shrugging his unoccupied shoulder.
"Really now? So what attracted you to the knucklehead?" Ino said to Haku her interest clearly showing.
Haku smiled at Naruto who scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "He has a heart of gold, will do anything for his precious people, is strong, and not to mention he has ungodly stamina." She said thinking about the fight on the bridge.
Ino however mistook what she said for something else entirely, and widened her eyes in shock. 'They are already having sex?! What a sec…"ungodly stamina"…Does that mean…?' She thought to herself blushing furiously, and thought of a way to change the subject. "Did I hear right that you are going to be a ninja here?"
"Hai. Hokage-sama said that my skills need to be evaluated so that he can place me at the proper rank since I was never officially part of a hidden village, and was trained by my otou-san." Haku raised her head and looked at Naruto. "That reminds me we still need to go shopping for the gear I need."
"It's ok I know just the place we can go. It's the best place to get equipment from, and they never over charge either." He said with a smile. "I hope you don't mind, but I also made reservations for dinner tonight at one of the better Akimichi restaurants."
"Of course I don't mind, Naruto-kun. I actually prefer we do it tonight since I have to meet Hokage-sama the day after tomorrow for the testing."
"Then why don't we finish shopping then head home so we can get ready. The reservations are for 1800 hours, and we should both dress semi-formal at the least." Naruto said checking the time via a clock on the wall behind the counter.
With the conversation over they bid Ino farewell, and headed out the door. Ino stared after them for a few minutes before running up to her room, and grabbing the phone. After a few rings Sakura picked up on the other end.
"Moshi moshi Haruno residence." The pink haired girl said.
"Hey, Forehead, you are not going to believe what just happened at my families shop." She said in a voice thick with juicy gossip yet to be told.
"What happened?" Sakura asked not missing the tone one bit.
"Naruto was just in here with a gorgeous girl that he seems to be dating."
"What?! Naruto has a girlfriend? No way!"
"Oh yeah and if what this Haku girl said is true they are already sleeping together!"
"NANI! Naruto is sleeping with Haku? I don't believe it!" Sakura said in a now very irate voice.
Ino caught the anger in the pinkette's voice and smirked. "What's wrong, Billboard Brow, are you jealous?"
"What? Hell no! Haku was one of the ninja we fought on our last mission. Look why don't you come over and I'll tell you all about, Ino-pig."
"Ok I'll be right over after I shower. Give me about half an hour."
"Alright I'll see you then. Bye." Sakura said before hanging up the phone.
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The next morning after Ino had gone back home Sakura made her way over to Naruto's apartment. Seeing as it was midmorning she thought he would be at home and knocked on the door. Getting no response she knocked harder, and repeated the cycle for almost 10 minutes, and grew more pissed each time she knocked on the door.
"NARUTO, OPEN THE DOOR! I KNOW YOU"RE IN THERE YOU BAKA!" The pink haired banshee screamed.
Just as she was about to kick the door in the one next door opened up to reveal Naruto standing there in a pair of sweatpants, barefoot, and with no shirt on. "Geez, Sakura, what's your problem?"
Sakura looked back and forth a few times from the door he was at to the one she was infront of with a look of confusion on her face. "Isn't this your place?" She asked pointing to the now dented door.
"Yeah that's my apartment. What of it?" He asked rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
Just as she was about to ask why he was in that apartment instead of his a pair of pale slim arms wrapped around his waist. "Who is it, Naruto-kun?" A very feminine voice said as a head covered in long black hair came to rest on his shoulder, and the person was wearing a short sleeve robe that stopped just above the knee.
"It's Sakura, and I don't know why she's yelling and trying to break my door in." He said before kissing the upturned cheek of the girl behind him. "So why are you here, Sakura? We still have two more days 'til we have to report in."
Sakura shook her head at the scene before her unable to believe it. "You really are sleeping together!" She said totally dumbfounded.
Haku raised her head to look at Sakura still half asleep. "Is that why you woke us up, Sakura-san?" She asked merely getting a nod in response. "Yes we have slept together. Now if that is all I need to get more sleep seeing as we were still awake at dawn. Come on, Naruto-kun, let's go back to bed." She said before heading back inside with a slight limp as her foot was asleep.
Sakura's eyes opened wider and wider as Haku spoke totally stunned, and could only manage to lift her hand in reply to a quick wave from Naruto before he shut the door again. She stood there for a good 15 minutes before her brain rebooted, and she blinked rapidly as she assimilated the event that had just occurred. "I wonder if Hinata knows about this." She said to herself as she walked down the stairs still trying to come to terms with Naruto not only having a girlfriend, but one that was certainly the most beautiful girl in their age range, and possibly even the village.
Sakura was walking through town still in a daze when she ran into Zabuza and Kakashi, and was stopped from doing it literally when the one eyed pervert put a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright, Sakura?" He asked with obvious concern.
She stared up at him for a minute before she came back to reality. "I'm sorry what did you say, Kakashi-sensei?"
Kakashi glanced at Zabuza before leaning down closer to the girl's level. "I asked if you're ok. You were walking around in your own little world."
"Oh I'm fine I just got one hell of a surprise is all." She said trying to put her brain back in order.
"Why don't you tell me about it? Maybe I can help." Kakashi said kindly.
"I don't know what help you can give besides some things you picked up from constantly reading your "pervert bible"." She said not really paying attention to the conversation.
Her sensei's one visible eye widened hearing this, and dropped down to look her in the eye. "What are you talking about, Sakura?"
"I went to talk to Naruto this morning, and found out he has been sleeping with Haku." She said not even realizing Zabuza was only a few feet from her.
"WHAT?" The one armed man roared emitting an intense blast of KI.
Sakura started to back away covering her mouth as what she had said and in front of who it was said hit her. "Uhh...ummm…I…shit" She said hoping that the "Demon of the Mist" didn't go on another killing spree.
"The little shit is dead!" Zabuza growled out as he began stomping toward Naruto's apartment leaving 3 inch deep imprints every time he took a step only to come to a dead stop after 20 feet. "When did the old man say the pervert was going to get here?"
"Sometime in the next couple weeks. Why?" The jonin asked not looking up from his book.
Zabuza got a very evil grin on his face as he turned around. "I think me and Hiashi need to have a little chat especially considering how his little princess would do anything the gaki asked."
Kakashi actually looked up his one eye widening. "You don't think Hinata would…"
"Do you honestly think she would say no to Naruto?" Zabuza said with a pointed look.
Sakura was lost trying to understand what they were talking about as she watched Kakashi put his book away, and shunshin away with Zabuza. She had actually made it to within a block of her house when she finally understood what Zabuza was talking about. "NARUTO!" She yelled loud enough to cause an echo off of the Hokage Monument.
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Hinata looked over the note that had been delivered by one of the Branch family members last night, and wondered once again why Sakura wanted to meet her privately, as she walked onto training ground #7. When she reached the clearing she saw the pink haired girl standing by the 3 training posts.
"O…ohayo, Sakura-san. H...how are y…you this morning?" The white eyed girl asked in her usual stutter when Naruto isn't around.
"Ohayo, Hinata." Sakura replied hesitant to tell Hinata about Haku and Naruto. "You might want to sit down, I have something to tell you that you probably won't like."
Hinata looked at the other girl with a worried look before slowly sitting down with her back against one of the training posts. "What is it? Has something happened to Naruto-kun?"
Sakura nodded slowly and sat down infront of one of the other training posts. "Naruto is fine, but yes it does involve him." She breathed deeply for a moment not really wanting to tell the timid girl about what she had heard and seen. "I really don't know how to say this, but I feel that you should know. I am sorry, Hinata, but you should know this since you feel the way you do about Naruto."
Hinata's worry had grown with each word, and now was in tears fearing what Sakura had to tell her. Her hands were clasped so tightly that blood had started to flow from where her fingernails were piercing the skin.
"Hinata…I hate to say this but…You should give up on Naruto." The pink haired girl said quietly as she looked away from the lavender eyed girl.
Hinata stared at the girl dreading that her worst fear from the academy was true, but had to ask none the less. "Wh…why? What aren't you telling me, Sakura-san?" She asked with a shaky voice filled with all of her so far repressed emotions.
Sakura sighed heavily before she slowly answered. "Naruto … he is involved with a girl from our last mission."
The way the pinkette had spoken left no room for doubt, but Hinata just couldn't believe that HER Naruto-kun would just pick up some girl like that. "Naruto-kun isn't like that. There is no way I will believe that he is involved with some hussy!" Hinata's voice had started out quiet, but it grew stronger with each word until she was all but shouting, and cause Sakura to stare at her like she had just grown 3 more heads.
"I saw them myself, Hinata." She said after getting over her surprise. "When I went to talk with him the other day he was at her apartment, and they had just gotten out of bed. He was only wearing sweatpants, and she was in a short nightgown. She also walked with a slight limp." Sakura's expression and intonation conveyed the significance of the last bit of information.
Hinata stared at the other girl with her Byakugan activating and deactivating unconsciously for several minutes causing Sakura to get increasingly worried. If she had known what was going on inside the Hyuuga girl's head she probably would have ran to Inoichi for help.
Inside Hinata's head some of her fantasies of her and Naruto in a similar wardrobe to what Sakura had described were being torn asunder with the invasion of what she imagined this unknown girl to look like. Very soon her imagination began to alter her imaginings twisting to her match her inner turmoil. At first they were about Naruto finding love with another, but then quickly went downhill to him being the victim of some manipulative, abusive, uncaring, whore that used her beloved Naruto as nothing more than a slave. It didn't help that she had nightmares like this before with the only difference being that the girl had pink hair.
When news of this day, and spread, some would say that the Hyuuga heir had a mental breakdown while others would say that she had just come out of her shell. After all "It's always the quiet ones." Isn't it? Hinata slowly stood up with her Byakugan fully active, and faced the direction of Naruto's apartment.
"I will not allow some jezebel to hurt MY Naruto-kun!" The previously timid girl growled out with a voice full of steel and the promise of blood soon to be spilled. "I will protect him no matter what!"
Sakura's worry quickly turned to fear at hearing this, and had to wonder if telling her really was the right thing. As she watched Hinata storm off with a determination never seen before she prayed to Kami-sama that nothing bad would happen from this.
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While Sakura was telling Hinata the life altering news the subject of their discussion was training in the woods behind the Hokage monument. With over 200 shadow clones broke up into 5 groups doing chakra control exorcizes the man himself was taking a short break from his own training as determined by the Jagon.
'I wonder how Haku-chan's test is going. I know Jiji will be there so I know whatever jonin he picked won't do anything, but…' Naruto sighed looking up at the sky lost in his thoughts about his recently discovered bloodlines, and how they will affect Haku's opinion of him as well as that of the villagers.
Many of the villagers openly hated, while others simply disliked him for his past pranks, and yet more acted as if he didn't even exist. Thanks to the Sandaime's Law and the mind's ability to disbelieve reality for something more logical and mentally acceptable only a very few actually tried to hurt him. This by no means meant he had an easy life, but far from it actually. He was refused service at many stores, sold thing at inflated prices at the few he could go into, and more often than not received sub-par goods. Over the years his life had gotten a little better as people's hate slowly faded, but it was still far from where any normal orphan turned ninja was. As he pushed himself up to resume his training he resolved to talk with Sarutobi about this in hopes his grandfather figure could help him.
Meanwhile Haku was at the designated training ground for her skill test talking with the Hokage as they waited for the jonin to appear.
"So, Haku, what do you think of Konoha so far?" The old man asked as he puffed on his piped.
"It is not what I expected, Hokage-sama. It is a lot more relaxed and peaceful then I thought it would be except for a few things…" The pale beauty said softly thinking about the looks some of the villagers had directed at Naruto.
Sarutobi took a moment to examine her curious about her last statement. "I hope no one caused you any trouble. I would like to know if anyone has, and I promise that it will be dealt with."
Haku for her part didn't show any outward sign, but internally she was debating telling the Hokage that his village had so much hate for one so honorable as the boy she had fallen for so quickly. Finally she made up her mind, and told him about what she had seen. "While most of the people were either indifferent or at least semi-friendly there were a surprising number of people that showed such a level of hate that goes beyond that of being the victim of a prank since I know none of Naruto-kun's pranks ever hurt anyone. He doesn't deserve their hate or the treatment he receives at most of the shops either. Hokage-sama, why is he treated like that still and why is it still allowed?" She inquired seriously looking at Sarutobi.
The old man sighed while looking into the bowl of his pipe thinking about how to best address the issue before he spoke. "As you probably already know Naruto's parents died when the Kyuubi attacked. Sadly the villagers you speak of are taking out their grief, hatred, anger, and loss out of Naruto because of the sealing of the Fox his father did. You cannot tell anyone as it is an S class secret. I hope you understand my position on this, Haku." He said sadly wishing there was someone who he could trust to succeed him so he could rest his old bones.
"I understand, Hokage-sama." She said bowing deeply in respect even though her voice made it plain that she disliked it more than just a little.
It was at this time the jonin that was supposed to be testing her should up in a swirl of leaves caused by the well known shunshin technique. It was a slightly tall man with a senbon in his mouth wearing the standard jonin attire worn by many of the jonin that were normally within the village.
"Ah, Genma, glad to see you. You can begin whenever you are ready." The oldest one there said with authority as he leaned back against a tree to watch the "skill match"
Haku bowed to Genma slipping senbon into her hands as she did so. "Shall we begin?"
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Hinata was growing increasingly agitated looking for Naruto. She had first gone to his apartment, but found that he wasn't home. Over the next several hours she scoured the town looking for him hitting all his normal haunts. Ichiraku's, the academy, the Hokage tower, and training ground 7 before she went over every inch of the market district. She was so thorough in her search that she had to rest a few times from keeping her Byakugan active, and not once did she see the tell tale sign of red chakra that signaled Naruto's presence. Now it was nearing sundown, and decided to try one last place before trying his apartment again. If she still couldn't find him then she decided to confront the Hokage himself.
She made her way through the woods following the trail up the back of the Hokage monument not knowing that for once Naruto had used the stairs down the front of the monument when he realized the sun had started to set. Around 15 minutes after he left Hinata appeared atop the monument only finding traces that he had been there recently. With her jaw set she hurried her way to Naruto's apartment. As she neared she saw two chakra signatures in the apartment, one of which she immediately saw was Naruto while she didn't recognize the other, and assumed it to be the girl Sakura had told her about.
This thought enraged Hinata beyond the point of rational thought. Jumping from a rooftop onto the front porch she kicked the door in causing the doorframe to splinter since the deadbolt had been locked. At the sound Haku, who had already showered and changed, and was now wearing a light knee length dress and an apron, turn around with the chef's knife she was using to chop vegetables with in hand. Hinata's eyes narrowed at the girl as she stalked forward towards her prey. Seeing the aggressiveness of the one who had barged in Haku took up a defensive stance intent on capturing and interrogating this intruder.
"STAY AWAY FROM MY NARUTO-KUN YOU SLUT!" Hinata went to strike Haku with the Hyuuga's Hakke Sanjūni Shō, and was shocked when her assault was stopped by a hand gripping her wrist. Unknown to either of them Naruto had heard the noise, and hopped out of the shower with just a towel wrapped around his waist.
"What the hell is going on here?" Naruto asked squeezing the wrist slightly upset that had not only broke into his home, but also attacked Haku in the process. Granted he was surprised it was the mouse of a girl known as Hinata, but since the girl he knew would never do something like this he assumed it was a henge.
Hinata had been shocked when her attack had been stopped, but was totally stunned by who it was. Her eyes wandered over the wet muscled chest infront of her not having heard the question Naruto had asked or the pressure on her wrist. The lavender eyed heiress's eyes were jerked to his face when he yanked her wrist up twisting it as he did so.
"What are you doing here? I won't ask again!" He growled out digging his thumb into the cluster of nerves just above the wrist joint.
With the stab of pain received from her wrist Hinata's eyes widened totally, and started to fill with tears at what she had done. "I…I…G…gomen" She cried as her body slumped in misery as she cried.
Naruto looked over to Haku confused at the turn of events only to get a shrug in response. Sighing he looked at Hinata considering his options at this point. At a loss he looked at Haku hoping she had an idea, but got no help as she had went back to cooking. As luck would have it a couple ANBU appeared at this point if the bandages on their hands were any indication.
"Is everything alright, Uzumaki-san?" One of the masked men asked.
"I'm not sure. For some reason Hinata broke in and attacked Haku-chan while she was making dinner. I heard the noise, and rushed out of the shower in time to stop her attack. I had started to ask her why she broke in when you showed up." Naruto said loosening his grip on the heiress.
"I see. Can either of you confirm this?" The assumed leader of the group asked looking at both of girls.
Haku merely nodded her head not wanting dinner to burn. Hinata's crying had slowed by this point as her shame grew.
"H…hai, I…I did w…what he said." Hinata stuttered paling as she started to realize the consequences of what she had done in her jealous rage.
All of the ANBU looked at her in surprise wondering what could cause the infamously shy Hyuuga girl to snap like this. "We will take her from here, Uzumaki-san. With her confession any repair costs will be covered by the Hyuuga clan. Make sure that a copy of the bill is sent to the Hokage as well." The leader said as the other took her from Naruto.
"Hai, Kumo-san." Naruto said to the bear masked ANBU. "I'll make sure Jiji knows about it in the morning."
The ANBU nodded in reply before they all disappeared via shunshin. Naruto felt a breeze from their departure that reminded him he was wet and only wearing a towel. "Uhhh…I'll get dressed and fix the door." He said with a slight blush, before he ran into the bedroom not seeing the red on Haku's face that was not caused by the heat from the stove.
A couple hours later after they had eaten and washed the dishes the pair were sitting on the couch cuddling as they listened to the music on the radio when there was a knock on the door. Curious as to who would be visiting them this late at night Naruto got up to answer the door.
"Hey, Jiji, What's up?" Naruto asked wondering why the old man would come to his apartment like this.
"Hi, Naruto. Mind if I come in?" Saratobi asked as he tapped his pipe against the railing to empty it of the ashes.
"Sure come on in." The teen said standing aside so the Hokage could enter.
"Hello, Hokage-sama." Haku said as she bowed having stood up when he entered.
"Ah Hello, Haku. I'm sorry to disturb you two so late especially after your test, but there are a few things I need to talk to you about." He said pulling up a chair.
"Is this about Haku-chan's test?"
"In part, Naruto. I was going to hold off on that until tomorrow, but with what I have heard I thought it best to pay you two a visit."
The teens looked at each other wondering what he had heard that would cause the Hokage to personally visit them so late at night. "Are we in trouble for something?" Naruto asked since he hadn't pulled any pranks since leaving the academy.
"No you aren't in any trouble, but what I want to talk to you about might cause some problems later. First though I want to congratulate you on your test, Haku. After evaluating your skills and talking it over with the jonin involved I have decided to award you the rank of chunin." The old man smiled at her.
"Wow, Haku-chan! I knew you were good, but to get chunin so easily?" Naruto exclaimed hugging the girl with a huge grin on his face.
Haku smiled returning the hug with a deep blush from the leader of the village seeing their affectionate display.
After a few moments the old man coughed to get their attention. "Now that you have the good news I am sorry to say the rest isn't as pleasant. ANBU reported what happened earlier with the Hyuuga heiress. Do either of you know why she would do something like this?"
"Honestly, Jiji, I have no clue. I always thought Hinata was a nice, shy, kinda strange girl, and maybe a little sickly what with her always fainting, but I have no idea why she would do something like this." Naruto said scratching his head.
"I am sorry, Hokage-sama, but I too do not know why she would break in and attack me. I have not even met her before today. Naruto-kun has introduced me to some of his friends, and I have heard her name mentioned before, but as far as I know I have not done anything to cause her to attack me. I do have to wonder though why she told me to stay away from her Naruto-kun, and called me a slut." Haku said in her usual respectful way.
Sarutobi looked at the two watching how Naruto took her hand, and smiled reassuringly. Deciding they were telling the truth he sighed. "With that being the case I'll send someone over to fix your door for you."
Naruto smiled with his hand still holding Haku's. "Thanks, Jiji. I did what I could, but I ain't a carpenter."
Sarutobi smiled at Naruto before taking a deep breath to address the next subject. "I need you two to be completely honest with me on what I am about to ask no matter how embarrassing it may be." He paused long enough to get their affirmative replies before continuing. "I have heard some rumors about the relationship between you that have made me a little concerned. Just how intimate have you been with each other?"
Haku blushed a deep crimson, and ducked her head while looking at Naruto out of the corner of her eye. Naruto blushed as well scratching the back of his head. "Uh...Jiji, that's not the kind of thing you're supposed to talk about."
"I know this, and respect your privacy, but I need you to answer me. Please trust me on this." He said with a gentle smile.
Naruto looked at Haku questioningly wondering how he would answer the old man since he was clueless on the subject, except for what he had learned from Haku. Haku sighed blushing slightly as she squeezed his hand and nodded.
"Hokage-sama, before I answer might I ask why you need to know such private information?" She asked formally.
"There are several reasons actually, the least of which is that Naruto is like my own grandson to me. Because of his unique position in this village as well as the fact he is the last heir of his clan the politics surrounding him are very delicate."
"If you are referring to the fact that he is the host of the Kyuubi no Yoko, and the Senju heir I already know about it. I also have no issue with Kyuubi as I am not from this village, and can tell the difference between a kunai and a storage scroll." Her voice turning as cold and harsh as the yōkai she resembled.
"I see." The old man sighed looking at Naruto sharply. "It seems that Naruto trusts you more than just about everyone in the village, but that is one of the reasons I need to ask this."
Haku's gaze softened and she nodded accepting what he said. "I understand your concern, Hokage-sama, but this is the only time this discussion will happen." Haku said with finality. "Naruto and I have not made love yet. We have talked about it and have decided to wait until we are both ready. We have also discussed our future together, and I can assure you that I will carry his children in my womb when we choose to become parents."
Saratobi saw Naruto smile when she brought his hand over her stomach, and kissed her on the cheek brimming with happiness at her words. He sighed knowing Naruto wanted a family more than anything, and truly hoped Haku would not betray him not matter how reassuring she had been. 'I really need to talk to Zabuza and Hiashi about his engagement to Hinata, and secret marriage to Haku. We can't let this go any further then it already has.' He thought to himself exhaling deeply. "I see. Then I guess there is only one last thing to discuss… Have you had "The Talk" yet?"