I do not own "Naruto," or any of its characters. Please don't sue.
Chapter 2
Naruto could barely sit still. ANBU! He really couldn't believe it.
-Flashback to Naruto's room earlier that day-
"ANBU?! Are you serious?"
"As a heart attack." Kakashi winked at him.
"You really think that I'm good enough for ANBU?" Naruto gaped.
"It's not like any of them ever killed the Akatsuki leader, Orochimaru, and defeated the strongest of the Uchiha." Kakashi replied.
"But I'm still only a chunin. How could I be ANBU before even making Jonin?"
"Tsunade has given you special permission to begin training. If you succeed you will receive a field commission of Jonin immediately, along with your ANBU rank."
"Wow…" Naruto sat down.
"Just one thing Naruto. You can't wear that mask until you've completed the training. Masks are only allowed to members of ANBU. If you are ever caught wearing it your training will end immediately, and you will never become an ANBU."
Naruto nodded in understanding. He looked down at his mask, hands shaking. He was overjoyed, as he realized how much faith Jiraiya had shown in him. This mask was the physical embodiment of that faith.
"I understand."
"Glad to hear it." With that, Kakashi left.
Back to the present -
It was an incredible feeling. Naruto's future was right in front of him. He hadn't felt this way since he graduated from the academy and became a Gennin. He couldn't wait to tell Hinata. Or Gaara.
As it turned out, Gaara already knew. He had written a letter of recommendation for Naruto. Unfortunately he was not sitting down with Naruto at the noodle stand as they had planned. Hyuga Hiashi was keeping him rather busy. Much to his annoyance.
"I really must insist that you consider this offer, Kazekage-sama. It would greatly strengthen the ties between Konoha and Suna. It would also benefit you personally."
Gaara looked squarely into the eyes of the elder man, unblinking. "It is indeed a generous offer. What you do not understand, is that the ties between our villages do not need to be strengthened. I am making sure of that."
"Yes, but…" Hiashi began
"Also," Gaara stopped him. "I have reservations about what you propose. I have experienced a similar deal in Suna, which ended very badly. I do not wish such things on anyone ever again."
"Yet there is a benefit you cannot overlook." Hiashi countered. "The Hyuga would branch into Suna, and act under your orders. Can you turn away such a resource?"
"Can you live with that decision if I do? You would also gain from this deal. You would know of the inner workings of the Hidden Sand village, and gain resources that were not available to your clan. I wonder who benefits more?"
"Still…" Hiashi began.
"Stop." Commanded Gaara. "I was willing to meet with you, but you have detained me from a dinner with a friend that I have not seen in months. I am already late. I will only consider your offer if you agree to say no more on the subject, and wait for my reply."
"Very well" Hiashi agreed. "As an apology for detaining you please have the shop keeper send me the bill for your meal."
"I accept your form of apology." Gaara smiled, thinking this ample punishment. Temari, and Shizune who were acting as witnesses for the negotiations fought very, very, hard to maintain there composure. The three all had the same thought towards the head of the Hyuga clan.
"You're going to regret that."
Half an hour later, Gaara with Temari at his side finally met up with Naruto and informed him of Hiashi's incessant badgering for his being tardy. He also informed him of how the man had offered to pick up the check. Naruto flashed that trademark grin, as Gaara handed the note to Ayame. She let out a mischievous giggle as she took out her pen and pad, ready to order.
At that moment, Choji and Shikamaru walked in for a bite to eat. Naruto grinned even wider. "Hey guys! Let us buy you dinner!" If Gaara were capable of laughter, he would have been rolling around on the ground at this point. Instead he simply gave a small smile as Choji ordered his barbeque pork ramen.
Morning came once again for the village of Konoha. This day however, was much more miserable than the one before. The weather was cold and rainy; much more appropriate to October, than a warm and sunny day. The sky held a grey overcast, and day seemed like more of an elongated twilight. Still, his kind of weather would not bring down Hinata, who was comfortably snuggled in her nice warm bed.
Hiding in the warmth under her warm covers, Hinata fought to stay in her dream world. She stirred on her futon, and sighed as she finally crossed over into consciousness. She opened two off-white eyes as she listened to the kiss of the raindrops on the roof. Her cheeks were a slight pink as the result of her dream. She sighed once more, this time with a name.
"Naruto-kun…"
She stood up feeling the cold morning air from her open window caress her skin. She covered herself with her bathrobe and then made her way to the bath. Closing the door behind her, she disrobed and began to cleanse herself. When every inch-every curve of her body was covered in soap and cold water, she dumped the bucket over her head washing away the suds. She then made her way to the tub, and slid into the nice hot water.
Slowly all of her concerns melted away, along with any tension. After a time, she forced herself out of the water, shivering from the blast of cold this brought and dried her self off with a towel. She replaced her robe over her extremely curved figure and she made her way back to her room. She quickly changed, and tied up her hair into a bun which was held together by two hair-sticks. She had worn her hair like this once at a festival, and had noticed the looks of a particular blonde shinobi. She had his attention, now she needed to keep it.
The girls waited quietly outside the Hyuga estate. No one would dare speak above a whisper, lest their chatter anger Hiashi. Sakura shivered slightly. He could be scarier than Orochimaru at times. The snake-sennin at least had a pulse, a personality; Hiashi's cold indifference was to say the least, blood chilling. The only thing that could shake off his the intimidating presence of Hiashi, was the equally powerful vibrance of Naruto. Naruto was so much the counterbalance to the head of the Hyuga main branch, that he could have everyone at ease with one word. "Kōru-sama;" (Ice-lord, or Lord Ice) Naruto's private nickname for him.
With what could be perfect timing, Hinata came out through the main gate. They all whispered a hello, and then quietly made their way down the street and around the corner. The moment they were a safe distance from the compound, they raised their voices. Of course Ino was the very first to vent.
"Man, it's good to talk like normal! You've got a freaky family, Hinata!"
"Ino!" Sakura scolded at her, horrified.
"Aww, c'mon! I didn't mean anything by it. You know that right Hinata?"
"Hai. It's okay. I know what you meant."
"Well, anyways, let's get some breakfast and start the day. It's the first time that we've all had the day off in a long while." Ten-ten quickly changed the subject.
"Any ideas?" Hinata asked.
"Ichiracku Ramen Shop." The other girls all stated in unison, grinning at the raven-haired kunoichi.
Sakura giggled. "Naruto should be there any minute now."
Hinata blushed slightly. The girls knew of her affection for Naruto and had worked diligently to help her. Whether it was out of friendship, guilt for all having men of their own, or the typical desire for matchmaking Hinata couldn't be sure. However, for which ever reason they might be helping her, Hinata was grateful all the same; even if she was a little embarrassed. So her blush persisted a few minutes more after giving her reply.
"Arigato."
As Naruto made his way to the Ramen stand, two figures discreetly entered his apartment. They thoroughly scanned the area for any sign of watchers, and then went to work. A tall buxom blonde, made herself at home and sat on the couch, while another figure cautiously went about the abode examining it in every detail.
"So this is the home of my pupil?" came a musically pleasing voice.
"Hai. This is it. Any impressions?"
"A few. Hokage-sama? I trust Kakashi, but does this boy really have what it takes?"
"He's an excellent student. I've never seen anyone with more drive." Tsunade retorted.
"That still doesn't mean he is of any real use. It simply means he's too stubborn to give up. It will get him killed."
"His stubbornness is his greatest weapon. He can't die, because he refuses to do so. And at least he has direction. It's more than you ever had, Yosei."
"Orochimaru, also had direction." The concealed Yosei countered.
"That's hardly a comparison." Tsunade glared.
"You're right that wasn't fair. The figure continued to look around the room, and then sat down on the couch next to Tsunade. I guess what I really want to know, is why me? Why him and me?"
Tsunade stood up, and opened the door to the back porch. "The two of you have a lot in common."
"Hmmph." The ANBU shrugged and leaped off the balcony making a discreet exit.
Naruto sat quietly in the trees. His presence was completely hidden, even from Tsunade and the mysterious ANBU that were in his apartment. Naruto knew from experience that this was a room inspection. He was observing the standard procedure for instructors when receiving a new student. He just didn't know that this was done even when one was being taught by the ANBU.
The ANBU in particular held his interest. This person, Naruto deduced, was to be his tutor. Man or woman, though the person had the FEEL of a man, this ANBU was quite unique. Naruto could not sense his presence, in when in plain sight. Naruto could mask his presence, but this person did not have one. It was as if he had no chakra. This was something incredible; even Rock Lee had chakra that could be sensed.
This spoke volumes to Naruto about his skill, or natural talent. What also caught the fox-boy's attention was the manner of dress this elite ninja had. The typical ANBU gear was not present. The outfit seemed strange… even otherworldly. Naruto couldn't quite finger the style. What's more, the ANBU mask the man wore, had no markings. It held no specific shape whatsoever. There were no painted markings. There was simply the blank expressionless façade.
Naruto sat and rolled all of the conversation over in his head. The ANBU had individual fashion sense, a mask different from the standard ANBU issue, he was on personal terms with Tsunade, and he had a unique ability that Naruto had never seen. It added up to one specific thing, in Naruto's mind. He really got the luck of the draw as far as tutors were concerned. When they had left the apartment, Naruto left his hiding place and made his way to Ichiraku Ramen.
His usual bowl of breakfast Ramen was already waiting for him, as well as a little treat that made his day even better. Hinata was sitting there, with a bowl of her own. He immediately sat down next to her, and picked up his chopsticks.
"Ohayo, Hinata."
O-Ohayo, Naruto-kun." Hinata replied.
The three remaining women sat hidden on a roof-top across from the ramen stand. They were observing the scene, ready to lend a hand at any point necessary. Ten-Ten looked over at Naruto and Hinata, who were sitting nearly shoulder to shoulder.
"They really do make a great couple."
"Maybe," Ino responded. "If Naruto can figure it out, then we'll find out for sure."
"Sssh! You'll give us away!" whispered Sakura.
They continued to watch, with mild surprise as Naruto sat and ate his breakfast much more reservedly than usual. Rather than slurping it down with great zest and his face in the bowl, he sat up straight and ate the ramen more slowly. He still very fast, and the broth splattered somewhat on the counter, but Hinata didn't mind at all. They sat together quietly, enjoying their meal. Naruto then paid for both of their bowls, and got up to leave.
"Oh no! She's going to let him get away!" Ino nearly jumped off the roof to intervene. Sakura held her back.
"Wait! Look."
Ino sat up from the strong yank Sakura had given her. She looked over the edge saw Naruto looking back at Hinata. He was asking something that none of them could clearly make out. It soon became apparent however when Hinata nodded, and then left with him. The three girls jumped down from their hiding places and sat down at the counter looking up at Ayame.
"It looks like things went well," Sakura commented.
"Yep, I'd say they're finally on their way." Ayame chuckled as she pulled out the girls' servings, and one for herself. The four of them sat and ate together amused at the prospects of what they hoped would happen.
"So what should we do now?" Ino asked.
Hinata and Naruto made their way through Konoha, towards Team Seven's training ground. It was a nice quiet area. They would not be disturbed, and there was plenty to do. The October weather had the trees exploding in a brilliance of colored leaves. Hinata looked around and thought about the beautiful scenery.
"We could have such lovely picnics under these trees…"
"Are you ready, Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked, bringing her out of her daydream.
"Hai." She responded, and closed her eyes.
Naruto immediately vanished in a puff of smoke, and hid. Hinata counted to five and opened her eyes. She immediately formed her hands into the standard seal, and activated her byakugan. She scanned the area for Naruto, and found him hiding underground.
"I can see you Naruto-kun."
She saw Naruto smiling in a small space underneath. He burst from the ground, which sent debris flying. Hinata pushed them all aside as they came towards her, and charged at Naruto. For his part Naruto quickly formed a shadow clone. Jumping straight into the air, the pair of Naruto put their feet together and pushed off each other. Having avoided Hinata's rush, each version of the blonde shinobi leapt into the trees, and out of sight.
Hinata kept track of them, until a hazy mist filled the area. Initially, she had not taken any notice of it. But as she saw one of the Narutos perform a hand seal she caught a whiff of the strange mist. She immediately began to place a chakra cocoon around her. Unfortunately there wasn't enough time. The air around her was ignited, filling the open field with a bright light and intense heat.
Hinata was sent flying, even wrapped in her chakra cocoon. She stood up, and waited for her eyes to readjust from the blinding light. When they began to function again, she could see at least fifteen Narutos hiding around the training ground.
"Very good, Naruto-kun," Hinata mentally cheered. She charged forward and went straight into the brush. She struck one, two, three, four times. As she passed through the swarm of shadow clones, she obliterated each one into a puff of smoke. She leapt into the air with a back-flip landing her feet on a nearby tree. She turned on the trunk of the tree, and leapt off with another back-flip landing on another tree.
Performing the exact same move, she leapt straight into the air. She rocketed straight up through the canopy, and hung for a moment in mid-air. She looked down and watched as the two trees she had landed on, cracked at their trunks, and fell forward, crossing with one on top of the other. These trees also crashed down onto the floor knocking other trees aside as well. She heard the cries of countless Naruto shadow clones as they either fell from the surrounding trees or were crushed underneath their trunks.
Wisps of white smoke rose through the leaves and gradually dissipated. As Hinata began to fall straight down, she looked in all directions and found far less shadow clones than she thought there would be.
"I'm sorry Naruto-kun, but when you're looking for a needle in a haystack you should just burn the hay."
With tremendous grace, she landed on one of the fallen trees, and stood up scanning the area in all directions. Suddenly all the shadow clones dispersed, and she saw what was likely to be the real Naruto bending down over a small form. Hinata looked on in horror.
"Hinata-chan! I never thought you could be so cruel!" Naruto began to cry over a small shape he'd been holding. In his arms was the small limp and lifeless form of a green amphibian with yellow markings and a blue vest. It was one of Naruto's summons, Gamakishi (A/N- Toad-knight. Not to be confused with Gamakichi). "There's more!" He looked up at her in pain.
"No…" she began to sob.
Just then, Gamakishi sprang from Naruto's arms and spat a glob of oil directly in Hinata's eyes. She cried out in surprise trying to wipe it away, but it was no good. Within seconds oil covered her entire body, as twelve other toads leapt out of hiding and covered her with their oil. The substance then solidified, and hardened. Naruto walked over to her and wiped the remaining oil from her eyes.
"How could you do such a thing, Naruto-kun? I was scared sick."
"Easy, Hinata-sama." Naruto's voice had suddenly changed, to a new familiar voice. "I'm not Naruto."
The fake Naruto made a hand sign to release the henge. When the white smoke cleared, a large red and blue toad the size of Akamaru, with a black vest stood in front of her. She still marveled at how fast both Akamaru and Gamakichi could grow.
"Time's up my lady. Naruto wins." Gamakichi let out an amphibious chuckle.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!" The real Naruto launched forward, enraged at what he had just witnessed.
"How could you do that to Hinata-chan. That was too cruel."
"Be quiet Naruto! You're too damned soft! I doubt you'd complain if this was an enemy and we'd done something like this. You have to use trickery to gain the upper-hand. We found a weak point and exploited it." The surrounding toads chuckled. Hinata just sat in the solidified oil in silence.
"No, you shut up! This is Hinata-chan, not an enemy! An enemy wouldn't give a damn if one of you were dead! Look at what you did to her. She literally cried over all your deaths!"
"I'm sorry Naruto. I was weak again." Hinata began her apology.
"Having compassion isn't a weakness!" Naruto yelled, startling her. "You should all be ashamed."
"Either way the little game of 'Tag' is over. Better luck next time Hinata-sama." Gamakichi and the rest of the frogs dispersed back into their dimension; except for the little green frog, Gamakishi. He jumped into Naruto's arms and bowed his head in shame.
"I'm sorry Naruto-nii-san. They said this was the best way to help you. I didn't want to make a girl cry."
Hinata who was now free, thanks to the toads that had taken the time to bring their oil with them when they left, walked over and patted the young frog on the head. "It's alright Gamakishi. I understand, and I'm not upset anymore."
"Yeah, it's okay. If Hinata forgives you then so do I." Naruto smiled at the little amphibian who adored him.
"Arigato." He smiled and climbed onto Naruto's head and stayed there. Hinata giggled at the sight. It reminded her of when Akamaru was small enough to do that with Kiba, so many years ago.
Naruto looked at Hinata and took her hand. "You were brilliant today, Hinata." Gamakishi followe Naruto's statement with an "A-OK" hand gesture.
Hinata blushed, and stuttered back. "Y-you too, Naruto-kun."
"Are you going to kiss her now, Nii-san?" Gamakishi asked. Hinata looked at the two of them in shock, with her face a deep crimson. Seeing what he caused to happen, Gamakishi went home in shame, before Naruto could scold him.
Not too far away on tree branches at the edge of the training grounds stood three men; Hiashi Hyuga, Hatake Kakashi, and the legendary sannin Jiraiya. They had been observing the scene since this morning. Kakashi and Jiraiya knew Naruto very well. They knew the moment Naruto learned of his sponsorship into ANBU, he'd begin his own training. They went to team Seven's old training ground, and when they found him training with Hinata Kakashi retrieved Hiashi.
For Hiashi's part, he wasn't sure what to make of it. For the first part of his life he had been hard on his daughter. He was too hard on her, and he knew it. Over the years since the Chunin exams Hiashi had worked very hard to be a better father, and a better leader to the clan. It wasn't easy but little by little, he had mended these ties.
Each and every single tie was delicate, however; and as much as he loved his daughter, she had put him in a very difficult situation. Of course, she didn't know about it. However, whether or not she knew what she was doing, the problem itself was still there. The problem was a blond haired shinobi. The problem was Naruto.
While Jiraiya and Kakashi respected and even loved Naruto, Hiashi's feelings for the young man were not so swelled. He did not dislike him, nor fear him. He had never had any negative feelings for the boy, except when it came to his manners. On the contrary he had the utmost respect for him. Very few people could survive a life like Naruto's.
Yet, Naruto's existence was currently threatening the future of his entire clan, and even more importantly, his daughter. Oh, yes. He knew of Hinata's feelings for him. What he once dismissed as a mere crush had grown into love. Something he himself had remembered with great pain.
All of these thoughts were one side of war within him. The other side was doing exactly what Jiraiya expected would do. When the sannin had made the comment he nodded in to affirm it. He was swelling with pride of her. True she had lost, but as far as they could tell it was a game of tag, designed specifically to improve Naruto's ANBU skills.
All along she had been a grave threat to him in this exorcise. As far as he could tell, she was two moves away from losing. In fact, the only reason she lost, was because Naruto could summon the ningama for aid, and she had only her own power. In a situation like this and facing Jiraiya or the Yondaime, Hiashi himself would most likely have lost as well.
Deep inside this hardened man, each side battled with the other. Naruto was threat to the clan's future, and yet he was making Hinata stronger. Naruto was a good man, but he could very well ruin the life of his daughter. Yet, in all likelihood it was because of him, that Hinata had gained the strength to one day lead the clan like he was doing now. Finally, his inner troubles calmed themselves with a mutual agreement of further meditation. In the meantime, he felt he should contribute to the conversation that the other two ninja were engaged in.
"… his cunning improves everyday. It was a brilliant solution!" Jiraiya was beaming.
"I must agree. Naruto's strategy was very sound, and it was something only he could pull off." Hiashi gave his one and only note of praise for the young man today.
"Yes. Although, if Hinata had a summoning contract of her own, I doubt we'd have seen the same end." Kakashi now turned the praise to Hinata.
"I'm not so sure…" Jiraiya began. "I still think Naruto would have won, but I do think he'd have a much harder time achieving victory."
"How can you be so sure?" Hiashi countered. "Without actually witnessing such a contest?"
"That's true, but as Naruto himself once said…" Kakashi transformed himself into the 12 year old Naruto from so long ago… "I DO MY BEST WORK WITH A HANDICAP!"
Jiraiya let out a boisterous laugh, while Hiashi merely nodded his head and closed his eyes.
"In any case, I do agree with your assessment gentlemen. Naruto is ready to train for the ANBU squad. I'm sure he'll make you both proud."
"A few more months, and I'm sure Hinata will have that very same opportunity." Jiraiya unceremoniously cheered while clapping Hiashi on the shoulder.
"Arigato." Hiashi curtly replied. "If you'll excuse me, I must get back to my work." And with that, he departed.
Kakashi watched him leave, and sat down leaning against the trunk of his tree. "What's your assessment?"
Jiraiya sat back as well, pulling out a small lunchbox of white radishes. He shared them with Kakashi as they sat and conspired.
Far off along the southern border in the Land of Thunder, stood a pale and pallid man with his arms folded across his chest. As he stood there, he looked down over the small country, so inconsequential it did not even have a hidden village. Further beyond this little kingdom was the border to the Land of Fire; which was here his gaze truly fell. Had there been a witness to observe this man, he would have died on the spot in terror.
Standing at the top of the mountain, lightning and thunder streaked across the sky. It struck countless points around him. It crackled in the sky straight above him. But, the lightning never came near the man. It was as if the lightning itself was afraid of him.
He stood there still, and he stood there long. He stood there and waited. His sleeveless, blue and black striped kimono flew back in the strong gales, enhancing the aura of power he exuded. His flowing blue hair fell at mid-length on upon his shoulders. He was a man that you might consider attractive if you weren't afraid he was going to kill you.
He sighed with an expression of deep sadness, as he walked down the side of the mountain from which he had come. Somehow, the "clack-clack" of his geta was more terrifying the thunder of his surroundings. With his arms no longer crossed, the tattoo of a blue drop of liquid was revealed just under the crook of his left elbow. That left arm reached down and parted a large section of brush before him.
Inside this brush lay a young woman. She was tied and gagged. There were several lacerations over her near naked body. He leaned down and held her chin in his hand, forcing her tear rimmed eyes to meet his hollow grey ones.
"My friends have not yet come to meet me. I'm very sad." He sobbed. "What can I do to pass the time?" The poor girl was turned over as he began to remove his yukata.
"Thank you." He sobbed again. "You've been so kind to me. To repay you, I will be certain to end all of your sorrow." He then pulled the gag from her mouth. Then, for the next few hours all that could be heard was the wailing cries that were occasionally broken by the thunder. At least that's what would have been heard, were there any ears nearby.
Author's Section
Hello all. It took me some time but I managed to finish the second chapter. Tell me what you think. Allow me to explain some of the names. Every original name I came up with was by using to find the Japanese translation of an English word. It's the best I can do. Having received enough praise to continue this story I shall continue to add chapters whenever time permits. Thanks again, and pleas continue to read and review.
-bakagaijin
