There, the next chapter! After this one I'll continue the rotation updating my other stories, so be patient
This chapter was made readeable by Hikari no Okami, be grateful with her
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My Father's Decision
-You know, K-kurenai-san?- I asked the next morning on our way to the academy
-What is it Hinata-san?- asked back the red eyed woman
-Yesterday I h-had lunch with a b-b-b-boy of my class
-Really? –she asked half surprised yet completely interested. I nodded
-N-n-naruto-k-kun and I s-shared the rolls you bought for me
-Naruto? I see- for a moment Kurenai-san was very serious -is he a good boy? -I answered again by nodding
-Y-yes, Naruto-kun was r-really n-n-nice to me. He's a-always alone, and no one ever plays w-with him, but I don't understand why. He's nice, friendly, respectful, caring, hard working and perseverant
-You seem to know that boy very well
-I a-admire N-naruto-kun, he's strong a-and a good ni-ninja, I would like to be like h-h-h-him
-Well then, I suppose we'll have to buy more cinnamons rolls this time, don't you think? –she asked me with a small smile, without thinking about it I also smiled back, full of happiness and nodded enthusiastically
We took a small detour to buy the rolls and headed again to the academy. We reached the grounds of the academy rather quickly, my heart beat rushed at the idea of seeing Naruto-kun again, and hopefully, after sharing lunch with him yesterday we could get along better, maybe even get to become close friends. I saw with excitement the entrance as all the other students were entering with their bright smiles. I would usually be envious of their happiness, but not this day, because, right at the entrance, a bright blond haired boy was watching the students, clearly looking for somebody. He saw me coming, his eyes shone and grew wide, and his large smile appeared. For a second all my shyness was gone just to return doubled: Naruto-kun was running to meet me!
-Hey, Hinata! Good Morning! -he said stopping in front of me, yet I acted by mere reaction and took one step behind Kurenai-san
-G-g-g-g-good mo-mo-mo-mo-mo-mo-mor-ning, N-n-naruto-kun
-Now Hinata, don't be shy -said Kurenai-san
-Ne, who are you? –asked Naruto-kun to Kurenai-san
-I'm Yuuhi Kurenai, I'm a chunnin assigned to escort Hinata-san to the academy and back to her house –she explained smiling and crouching to see Naruto-kun to the eye
-Nani? Her escort? Is Hinata a famous person or something? –asked Naruto-kun surprised. I loved his faced when he was surprised
-Well, you could say so, she's from a big clan and his father wants her to be safe. You must be Uzumaki Naruto, Hinata told me a lot about you –at these words Naruto-kun's cheeks got a pink tone –Can I trust you with protecting her while she's in the academy? It could be a dangerous ninja assignment
-Really?! A mission? You mean like a full fledge ninja?! –asked Naruto excited
-Yes, exactly like a mission, imagine you are a strong Gennin and Hinata is a princess from a foreign country, your will mission will be to protect her until your team captain comes back, that would be me ok? –proposed Kurenai-san
-I don't like that game –said Naruto-kun crossing her arms, doesn't he want to protect me? I asked myself feeling the tears in my eyes
-Uh, why? –asked Kurenai-san
-Because I don't want to be a Gennin, I want to be the Hokage! Because a beautiful princess like Hinata-chan deserves to be protected only by the most powerful Hokage of all times!
-Hinata-chan? –asked Kurenai-san surprised to Naruto-kun
-Is something wrong? –he asked back
-No, just that, well, you called Hinata-san, Hinata-chan –Naruto-kun's cheeks again took a pink shade
-That's only natural because Hinata-chan and I are good friends, right? –he asked me. I gripped tighter to Kurenai-san but nodded
-I must be going –said Kurenai-san –Godaime Hokage Uzumaki Naruto, here is your assignment –she said pushing me gently in front of him –be a true gentleman to her
-Don't worry; I'll protect her with my life! –said Naruto-kun full of determination
That day was as happy as when my mom was still alive, Naruto-kun seated with me, and we talk and studied together all that day. I was so delighted to have Naruto-kun with me, even if I was silent most of the time and stuttering more than ever whenever I dared to talk to him. The day passed quickly and before I had noticed, Mizuki-sensei, other of our teachers, had called to recess.
-Would you allow me to escort you outside, Hinata Hime-chan? –asked me Naruto-kun bowing slightly with his big smile. I was totally speechless! I could feel how the blood rushed to my cheeks. I knew my voice would not come out, so I bowed slowly, I sensed a small smile curving my lips.
We went outside, to join the rest of our classmates and the boys and girls from other classes, yet I paid little attention to them, because the smile of the boy in front of me monopolized my mind. We walked to the big tree on the edge of the grounds, the one with the swing, and we took a seat under its shade
-Yesterday you gave me part of your lunch –said Naruto-kun taking off his backpack, until then I hadn't noticed the size it had –this time I'll give you some of mine
Naruto-kun opened the large backpack and I could see that it was full of cups of instant ramen
-I wasn't sure what flavor you liked, so I brought one of each –he said with a hand behind his head
-W-w-w-w-well, Kurenai-s-san also bought cinnamon rolls for me today…and a-a-also for y-y-y-y-y-you, N-n-naruto-kun
-Really? GREAT! Now, what flavors of ramen do you like Hinata?
-I'm not r-really sure; I have only had m-miso and chicken in my h-house
-Would you like to try any other? Or would you like any of those?
-I think m-m-miso is fine
-Ok –Naruto-kun took out a term that had hot water and two pairs of chopsticks, he gave me a cup of miso with hot water on it and a pair of sticks, he helped himself to a cup of pork ramen, we shared the rolls and eat the ramen, I was enjoying this day like no other before.
-Ne, Hinata, you wanna play something? –asked me Naruto-kun when we had finished lunch
-L-l-like what, Naruto-kun?
-Uh, we could play with a ball!
-B-b-but we don't have a ball
-Hide and seek?
-We a-a-are only the two of u-us –Naruto-kun was thinking hardly, I supposed he was thinking about some game for us to play
-Jankenpon? –I asked shyly, yet Naruto-kun smiled brightly
-That sounds good, after all luck is also part of the skills a shinobi needs!
We started to play rock, paper, and scissors, the first time I put scissors and Naruto-kun paper, yet Naruto-kun did not get angry, he cheered me!
-Wow! You won Hinata! Well done! –He said, I was a little embarrassed, but happy at the same time, no one had ever cheered me –another one!
We played again, and again, and again, somehow I kept on winning, and Naruto-kun's eyes started to show his classical determination look
-I won't give up Hinata-chan –he said ready for another game –until I win you at least one!
Yet even as we played the rest of the recess I won all the games. The recess finished and we were going to be separated, Naruto-kun would be going to the classes of the boys, and I to the class with the rest of the girls
-I didn't know you had a secret talent for Jankenpon –admitted in a whisper Habataku surprised
-Neither did I –was my answer
-Hey Hinata! –Called me Naruto-kun –you were great, but I'll have my payback next time! –he was smiling happily; I replied shyly the smile and nodded.
We continued like that for a week, the most wonderful week in my life so far. Naruto-kun and I attended to classes and spent the recess together, whenever our teachers asked us to work in pairs or teams Naruto-kun and I always worked with each other
The other day he introduced me to his friends Kiba, Chouji, and Shikamaru, yet, what he said will remain forever in my memory. I can remember his exact words as clearly as when he said them
-Hey guys –he said approaching his other friends during recess –I would like to introduce you my best friend, Hinata-chan
He had said I was his best friend! I felt how my face grew hotter and hotter because of the blood that rushed to my cheeks and in the end I had fainted, but, that was also a good thing because when I opened my eyes Naruto-kun's face was the first thing I saw, and I was in his arms.
Since that day Naruto-kun and I joined them during the recesses and sometimes during classes, except when they skipped classes. That had been another interesting day. Naruto-kun, Kiba and Shikamaru were bored and planned to skip the class, Chouji joined the plan when Shikamaru approved it. Naruto-kun had come to me and offered me to join them
-C'mon Hinata, we'll have fun outside!
But I was scared! I didn't want Iruka-sensei to catch us, especially because he would tell my dad. Therefore I refused after a few minutes of indecision. I felt terrible for letting Naruto-kun down
-N-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-no! I am s-scared, my father would k-k-k-k-kill me if Iruka-sensei catches us trying to s-skip the class –I whispered in terror covering my face with my hands. I was shaking. I dared to spy a look to Naruto-kun through my fingers. He was thinking on something. I was sure I had disappointed him. Yet Naruto-kun's warm hands enveloped mines as he said
-If you are not coming I won't go either –He said those words with determination and a smile confident smile. And in the end he stayed with me in the class
However, life couldn't be that good for a person like me.
It happened just a week after I had found Habataku's necklace. My father had noticed that I packed double rations for my lunch, and I suppose that my attitude had also changed because he asked me about it
-Hinata? –he had said entering my room that evening
-Y-yes f-father?
-You have been…different these days
-R-really?
-You take more lunch to your school, and although I have seen you smile a little, you have been also neglecting your training as of lately, you return later from the academy. Has anything happened?
-W-w-well, father, I have been with a-a f-f-friend
-A friend?
-Y-yes, a b-boy, from my class
-I see, does this…boy…have a name?
-U-uzumaki, Uzumaki N-n-naruto-k-kun -I wish I hadn't said that
-WHAT? –My father was angry, and he is scary when he is angry –I DON'T WAN'T YOU NEAR THAT BOY!
-B-b-but f-fath…
-NO BUTS! YOU WON'T EVER SEE THAT BOY AGAIN NOR TALK TO HIM
-B-but fathe…
-IT IS AN ORDER. –His tone denoted that there was no room to argumentation, I stayed in silence lowering my head, it wasn't fair –Did I make myself clear? –asked my father. I nodded. He left the room without saying another word.
I fell to my knees, troubled by a terrible pain in my heart. I started to cry.
-Its not fair! I really enjoy being with Naruto-kun! I like him; he is my best and only friend! I don't want to be separated from him! -I was reclaiming in my mind, I didn't slept that night
The next day was torturous, my father kept leering at me angrily during the breakfast, my eyes ached from crying all night, and I was depressed and had no appetite. I can't but imagine my looks because Kurenai-san asked me if everything was ok
-H-hinata-san?! Are you ok? –her voice denoted her worry. I couldn't mutter an answer; I wiped again –Calm down, what happened? –she took a knee and put her hands on my shoulders
-F-f-f-f sniff Father said, t-that sniff I couldn't s-s-see Narato-kun sniff e-ever again!
-Ow, Hinata-san! I'm very sorry! –she said hugging me
-He's my o-only friend! –I kept crying on
-I know, I know
-F-f-father is so u-unfair with me!
-We'll think on something, don't worry –she said, however we reached the academy and we hadn't reach any solution, and if my father would discover that I disobeyed him he would reprimand me. My heart broke into pieces when I saw Naruto-kun's bright wide smile running to meet me. I worried when Naruto-kun asked me too if I was ok
-Hinata? What happened? Are you ok? You don't look good
-I c-c-can't be your friend a-a-anym-m-more Naruto-kun, My f-f-father prohibited me to t-t-talk to you e-e-ever again, I'm s-s.sorry –My heart's broken pieces were pulverized
-…No, No! PLEASE HINATA NOT YOU! YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE I HAVE! I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK TO BEING ALONE! PLEASE TELL ME THIS ISN'T TRUE!
-I-I-I-I'm so-so-sorry –I couldn't take it anymore I ran again. I think I heard Kurenai-san and Naruto-kun call my name but I ignored it, I ran as fast as my weak legs allowed me to
I had no interest in anything else that day, even though I entered my classes I paid no attention to any of them, I passed the recess crying alone, and didn't met with my father for training in the evening, I didn't care what punishment he would cast on me.
I had changed into my pajamas and was preparing to go to bed when someone called at the main door. I was curious and silently checked. It was Iruka-sensei, he asked for my father. I was listening from the stairway.
-Hyuuga Hiashi-san, it's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Umino Iruka, I'm Hinata's teacher -introduced himself Iruka-sensei
-It is a pleasure to meet you -replied my dad -what brings you to our house?
-A matter concerning two of my best students -explained my sensei
-Has it something to do with Hinata? -questioned my father
-Yes, she has part in this -recognized Iruka-sensei
-Very well, Hinata! Stand up from the stair and come here! -My father's ordering tone demanded obedience. Slowly and with fear I entered the living room where my father and Iruka-sensei were
-Good night Hinata -greeted my teacher with his warm smile
-Now, what's the matter that brings you here Umino-san? -asked my father
-You see, Hyuuga-san. Today, after class one of my students came crying asking for my help. He told me you strictly forbid Hinata to see or talk to him, that you do not accept by any means their friendship.
I felt nervous, I didn't know what my father's reaction would be, but he seemed more interested in sensei's words, since he just observed him with serious eyes
-I came - Iruka sensei continued -to know the reasons behind your decision -Father saw him with such intensity that I felt terrified for a moment
-You know the reason. I will not accept by any means such a relationship. That kid endangers my daughter, the Hyuuga clan heiress
-Endangers? –Iruka-sensei's looked surprised
-You know perfectly why –assured my father with an acid tone
-Hyuuga-san, of all people I would have expected you to know the difference between Nar-
-I know he isn't It, if that's what you are implying –the acid tone deepened
-Then, wha-
-Tell me, Umino-san –said my father calmed –what would happen if my daughter is near the Uzumaki boy and the worst happens? –Iruka-sensei stayed in silence –What would happen if the boy losses the control and It damages her physically? But most importantly –said father coldly –what could be the emotional damage to her? I don't want to try her temperance making her endure that. There is no use for her to continue associating with him -By this moment I was practically paralyzed. How could Naruto-kun be dangerous?
-I am sorry Hyuuga-san but I highly differ with your opinion
-Oh, is that so? -Father raised an eyebrow as if challenging sensei to give a good enough reason.
-In just this short period of time both, your daughter and Uzumaki Naruto have presented a marvelous improvement. He doesn't skip classes, learns every lesson and gets better grades every day. Hinata seems more confident during practice and both get along better with the rest of the students. I'm sure you have noticed even a slight change in Hinata.–Father's eye twitched lightly –As you know, the will of the person is very important in this kind of things. By allowing Hinata to befriend Naruto his willpower and his very person would be enforced, therefore preventing a catastrophe even further from being unleashed. The Hyuuga clan has at this moment the chance to be the ones to protect and even save Konoha from the worst of fates. Your daughter, Hinata here, can be the difference that could mark Konoha from other villages, like Sand, Rain, and Cloud.
Father closed his eyes for a moment, like if he was thinking on something fiercely. The fluctuation of Iruka-sensei when he enumerated the other hidden villages apparently had significance for my father. I was not moving but my thoughts went wild. How a person like me could have such importance for the village? There had to be a mistake. But as long as it could give me a chance to see Naruto-kun again I wasn't going to correct Iruka-sensei telling him I wasn't that worthwhile
I'll think about the matter –said father after a few seconds –you can leave now, Umino-san –said my father finishing the conversation. Iruka-sensei stood up and made a small bow
-I can find the exit by myself, thank you very much for receiving me without prior notice.
Without saying another word, sensei left. I stayed in uncomfortable silence with my father in the room.
-Go to bed Hinata, it's already late for you to be awake. –as usual, he didn't even spare me a glance
-Good night father
I left the room with a small reverence to my father and climbed the stairs.
-Umino Iruka –said Habataku –certainly is a great man
-Y-yes! –some how I couldn't help to smile and nod vigorously
That night was restless as well. I had the same dream of the crystal cave, but it was different. Naruto-kun wasn't trapped inside the last crystal, it was empty. And in the middle of the dream the small kid of long hair that threatened me transformed into Naruto-kun! However, his factions where more fierce, almost beast like, his eyes had changed to red and his pupil were like those of a cat or some kind of animal. His hands were clawed, and the marks of his cheeks, usually cute, were wider and far darker, also his teeth had become fangs, his appearance was very intimidating
-I'll eat you! -He had said and charged at me.
I woke up crying and could never regain my sleep. I'm sure I'm going insane.
In the morning, in my way outside I found my father, coming out of his room
-Off to school Hinata? –I nodded –Have a nice day, give my greetings to Uzumaki Naruto
My eyes grew wide as I shot my head up to see my father. He simply nodded with an almost non existent smile. A wide smiled appeared on my face and didn't left for the rest of the day.
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Beta's Note: Hey, I want u readers to tell me if you find any mistakes...since this chappie was checked right after a nap... and well I wan't really awake nnU
Thanx people!