The courtship of Naruto Uzumaki
XXXIII. Naruto's discovery
Puppies, Naruto thought in disgust as he walked his beat the following night with Botan. Why did anyone think asking a puppy anything serious would garner a straight answer? It was like asking a two-year questions. A complete waste of time.
The puppy, who couldn't remember where he came from or who he belonged to, had been following food that morning. He found some on the ground, and followed the smell to find some more. The smell had led him into a dark building. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he'd jumped when something fell beside him. He'd barked. Then he'd been grabbed and tied up by hands he could feel but not see. He'd struggled but couldn't free himself. He'd tried to tell the person lying beside him that he wanted to be free, but that person was sleeping or something. He'd wriggled around making muted noises, but nothing happened. Finally, the person on the ground woke up, and released him. He'd been so happy, he'd licked and licked that person. Then he'd followed that person to a new building, and now he was petted and fed and even happier.
That was the complete sum of everything the puppy knew. He saw no one else. He smelled only food. He sensed nothing else. Everything was new to him so he didn't know what would be strange or out of place. He didn't want to think about it anymore. He had everything he wanted, and was happy now.
Kiba and Akamaru did their best, but that was all they could get out of the puppy. He wasn't a ninja dog. He had no special abilities or training. He was just a few months old. He was an incredibly frustrating witness to all concerned even Akamaru.
After a final bark from the completely healed Akamaru, Kiba sat back on his heels staring down at the puppy wagging his tail, his tongue hanging out of his mouth in what looked like a completely goofy smile. He couldn't stay angry at the puppy, but he wished that he and Akamaru had been able to come up with something concrete that would lead to a conclusion to this serious mystery.
"I give up," he said in a weary voice that would have rivaled Shikamaru's at its driest. "He doesn't know anything worthwhile."
"Damn silly puppy," Naruto said affectionately rubbing the top of his head.
Akamaru barked in agreement. The puppy barked, and danced around. He really enjoyed the attention he was getting.
Naruto would have laughed at Kiba and Akamaru's sour frustrated expressions if he hadn't felt the same way. Their one hope to know more about their killer was gone. They were back to square one. He didn't know when he'd ever felt more frustrated with an assignment.
Both he and Kiba stood up from their crouched positions beside the puppy. Naruto bent down to pick him up, and return the puppy to Naomi's room just down the hall from the empty hospital room they'd taken over for this fruitless interrogation. Once they were inside Naomi's room, it was standing room only. It looked like a party going on.
Naomi looked as happy and excited as the puppy with so many people showing up at the hospital to check on her welfare. Hinata, Sakura, Lee, Tenten, Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji were there besides Konohamaru. Once he, Kiba, Akamaru and the puppy showed up the room was almost too crowded for movement. Apparently, Shino had volunteered for front gate duty since he wasn't yet acquainted with Naruto's cousin as the others on his team were.
He was glad to see so many people concerned for his cousin. He didn't want her to feel the aloneness he'd suffered in his life. He was happy to share his dear friends with her. He was even more relieved that she didn't appear to be the enemy they were looking for. The Fifth had done a good job of sowing a few seeds of doubt in his head. When he was with Naomi he knew she couldn't be evil, but when they were apart he couldn't help thinking—what if? Especially since her childhood had been so strange. But with this vicious attack on her that worry was lifted from his mind and heart.
When he started his patrol the next evening, Naomi was still safely in the hospital. He and the Fifth had one less worry with her under the watch of the medical personnel. He could concentrate his thoughts on the one who'd hurt her. If he could just find that guy, he'd be one sorry killer. Naruto intended to make him suffer ten times as much as he'd made Naomi suffer. No one could hurt a relative of his and get away with it.
But where was the author of all those horrendous crimes now?
There had been no trace of him in the warehouse district where Naomi had been knocked out or anywhere else for that matter. They still had no clue who or what he was. All they could do was wait for him to make his next attack. And Naruto wanted to be there to take him down.
He was no longer taking his patrol work as lightly as he may have done in the beginning. He didn't allow Botan the usual chatter as they walked their beat in the village. He wanted to remain completely aware to everything around him. He was ready to react to every noise they heard. He was determined that anything he saw or heard without an obvious and reasonable explanation would be investigated. That enemy—that killer was out there somewhere planning his next attack. Naruto was determined to be the one to find him before another person was hurt.
It was during their sweep of their second section of the village, sometime after midnight that Naruto and Botan came upon two villagers breaking curfew after visiting one of the local bars. They stumbled along, loudly hushing one another, as they attempted to sneak home. In disgust all Naruto could see was two guys with a victim sign hanging over their heads.
"What are you two doing out here? Don't you know there's a curfew on?" he demanded.
"Sh-shush! You gotta be quiet!" they admonished him putting fingers to their lips to blow loudly.
"Do you remember why there's a curfew, and you should stay safely at home?" he asked impatiently.
They looked at each other then started giggling, and shaking their heads.
He put his hands on his hips, and shook his head in return. "I should take the two of you into lock up. You know that don't you?"
They shook their heads. "Noooo. We're sorry. We forgot. Sh-shush!"
Naruto sighed. "Yeah, shush. Where do you live?"
"Right down there. Next door to my best friend." They both gestured down the street almost falling over, and put arms around each other's shoulders which helped to hold them up, but could just as easily have pulled them down.
"That makes this easy. Botan, walk those two the rest of the way home. I know they live just down the street, but let's make sure they get there safely. I'll wait here for you," he told him. They didn't need him on that walk. He was too angry.
He was torn between giving them a lecture they probably wouldn't be able to remember or knocking them out, and dragging them home. He couldn't believe how stupid some people could be. Didn't they realize that the curfew was for their own good? Didn't they realize that just because they were together didn't mean they were safe? Didn't they remember that two men were found attacked one night, as well as the night Akamaru and a man had been killed? He caught himself from running after them, and saying just that, because what would be the point? They may have known all those things before taking their first drink, but their memories were soused now.
Besides, it was better for him to remain where he was, watching Botan escort them home from his vantage point at the top of the street. He could listen to the night sounds of the village more clearly alone.
As Botan walked the two drunks down the street, Naruto settled in a dark corner at the edge of the nearest alley. It didn't matter how dark the corner was, he knew he was hardly invisible. Between his yellow hair, and heavy on the orange outfit, the only way he could hide in the dark was under a blanket. But, hey, maybe he'd be an attractive target to their killer. A man alone. A grown man with a body flowing with blood. The seemingly perfect victim.
Yeah, maybe they should have thought of that in the first place—using a lure in the village in the middle of the night to draw out their killer. He would have gladly volunteered to be that person. He definitely wanted to meet this killer face to face. He was skilled enough to take on anyone. He knew he could take down this particular killer once they were face to face. He was incredibly motivated.
As he stood brooding in his corner, he became aware of a noise down the alley. It sounded like a foot scuffing against a rock. He looked down the street to check on Botan who was still trying to get those two falling down drunks to their homes. They weren't quite there yet, but they seemed to be alright.
He looked down the alley. He listened, and again heard what sounded like a foot kicking a rock.
Pushing himself off the wall, he decided to give the alley a quick check before Botan returned. They were due to meet Hinata on the way back to the front gate soon. This little detour would only take a few minutes.
Konoha's curfew had put a little crimp in his hunting style, but not a serious one. Although his prey was no longer as plentiful as it had been when allowed to walk carelessly around at all hours of the night awaiting his pleasure, this little set back only made his hunt more challenging not terminated. Eventually someone would become lax, and he would spring. He
wanted his parting gift to the village to be an impressive one. It amused him to think of this little hamlet in a panic while he was far away enjoying the taste of another village, town or city.
He'd followed two drunks from the bar only because he hadn't found any other hapless victims wandering the streets. However, they weren't exactly what he was looking for—not because there were two of them—he could easily handle two, especially drunks, and maybe even three—but he wasn't ready to take a risk for just anyone. In every attack there was always a chance of exposure. He always chose his victims with great care. He still had time to select the best for his swan song. He had no problem waiting even a week longer to choose the ideal victim. He'd done it before—many times.
He'd been surprised to discover that this village was a hidden village. At first, he'd considered abandoning it altogether, but after a few days he'd found no serious deterrent to his activities. The few ninja patrolling the village streets hadn't worried him in the least. He'd laughed to himself when he'd seen that Konoha had to resort to children for protection having too few adult ninja to rely on. Children—even well-trained ninja children—held no power to caution him. He had certain advantages that made the idea of children as a defense laughable.
He was strong—incredibly strong—stronger than most men which was one beneficial side effect of his curse. His curse had also given him the paralyzing effect of his saliva which activated as soon as it was introduced through a puncture under the skin. Applying this agent to the neck affected the brain so quickly, his victims were barely aware of their imminent danger. And his last and greatest advantage was a gekkai kenkai that made him superior to almost every one.
He could easily avoid the few patrolling ninja while he trolled for his last meal in Konoha. Not even a huge, well-trained ninja dog had been able to stop him. There was nothing to fear in this hidden village.
He hadn't even worried yesterday when that child had followed the puppy who had followed him. He could have killed her out right, but he'd been magnanimous and spared both their lives. He'd made a promise not to feed on children, and he'd kept that promise although it had been tempting. But a child didn't offer him enough nourishment. It was pointless to kill one when there were more adequate meals walking around. Plus killing a child only made the villagers more determined to catch him which could lead to problems avoiding detection. No he would settle for big, strapping men to quench his hunger. Draining one more would satisfy his needs for several weeks. All he requireded before he left was one more. Just one.
He watched as the two ninja on patrol separated—one to take care of the drunks and one to stand watch at the head of the alley. One was a child sent on an escort of the two drunks, and didn't interest him. The other one, however, nicely met all his requirements. He was muscular, and full-grown. He'd make an acceptable meal. And killing a ninja would really excite the village.
As he studied his prey through the darkness of the alley, he realized that he'd seen this ninja before with his striking, blonde hair, and brash personality. He didn't care for him. Not just because he was a ninja, but for his attention grabbing appearance, and swaggering attitude. This young man could well be his antithesis—all brightness, openness, and attention while he, himself, represented the dark, the shadows, and secrecy. He spent his time attracting as little attention as possible. He had no envy for this young ninja, but he did resent that he couldn't be as open about who and what he was. It was the principle of the thing. So he took an instant dislike to the young man, a dislike which meant he could enjoyably act on his feelings. He could drain the young man for a punishment. It would make his meal all the more delicious.
Yes, this was just the victim he was looking for.
As he watched, he noticed that the ninja seemed tense, and unusually attentive to the sounds in the night. That would aid his purposes admirably.
He deliberately kicked a stone out of his way immediately drawing the young ninja's attention. He stood quietly watching and waiting for the young man to investigate the dark alley where he could see nothing at all apprehensive. Unless he was unusually sensitive to the mood and feelings of those around him, he would continue to see nothing until it was too late. He would never suspect the hunger, euphoria, and anticipation that permeated this alley.
He quelled the urge to laugh and his mounting excitement as the ninja proceeded exactly on the course he wanted.
It didn't take much for Hinata to feel all aglow about Naruto. Just thinking about him did that. Knowing she would be seeing him any minute made her glow even brighter. She was glad no one could read her mind, and it was too dark to read her expression.
After finishing their patrol, Hinata and Akira had stopped about a block away, but out of sight of the front gate to wait for Naruto and Botan. She and Naruto had made those arrangements earlier so they could spend a little time together during their guard duty. It wasn't much, but she would take any crumb she could get just to be with him. Even more thrilling to her—it had been Naruto's idea. He'd also wanted to spend even a few minutes together—almost alone—during their long night duty. He'd said it made their usual boring duty more endurable when he could see her. She hadn't stopped experiencing that warm and fuzzy feeling since he'd said that. It almost made her forget the importance of their job.
Naruto. Naruto. Naruto.
She loved saying his name even if only in her head. When she was alone at home, she would say it aloud more often then she'd want anyone to know—especially Naruto. Would it scare him off if he knew just how much she loved him? She'd worry about that until she knew he felt the same. Like was acceptable to her now, but how she wished he would use the word love—just once.
It was so nice to be on the same team where they could see each other more often then waiting for concurrent free time on different teams. When they were on separate teams their free time rarely seemed to coincide. Once the older ninja began returning to the village, and things got back to normal, she and Naruto would be split up again. How would they be able to maintain a relationship when they couldn't see each other for weeks even months at a time? If Naruto didn't see her for so long would he grow less fond of her? Would she never hear him finally tell her that he loved her?
She shook her head violently in an effort to dispel her negative thoughts. She could never seem to squelch her doubts completely. Her lack of confidence was always her worst enemy. If she didn't trust Naruto—what he said and what he did—she would surely lose him. Relationships were all about trust. She had to trust that Naruto was sincere. She could not let anyone—especially herself spoil what they had together. She must be strong.
She turned to watch the direction from which Naruto would return to the front gate, peering into the darkness for a glimpse of his sunny head. However, it wasn't Naruto who came running towards her.
"Lady Hinata! Lady Hinata!"
She watched blankly as Botan without Naruto, rushed to a stop in front of her. Frantically, he continued to call her name even with her right before him.. She felt her blankness begin to develop into a moment of panic. Naruto! Where was Naruto? She reached out to grasp Botan's shoulders.
"Lady Hinata!" Botan gasped out once more. There was a stitch in his side, he'd run so fast and panicky. He would have fallen to his knees if Hinata had not been clutching him in a hard grip.
"Calm down, Botan. Catch your breath then tell me what's wrong," she said much more calmly then she felt. Something had happened to Naruto or he would be here.
"Lady Hinata!" he gasped again gulping in huge breaths of air.
"Where's Naruto?" she asked the question that had been upper most in her mind since she'd heard Botan's call, and seen him alone.
"He's gone!"
"Gone? What do you mean?" She just barely stopped herself from shaking him.
"Lady Hinata—he just disappeared!"
"Show me! Explain on the way." She could no longer contain her urgency.
Botan led the way moving as quickly as he could since he was still out of breath. Hinata and Akira followed.
"He was supposed to wait for me while I walked a couple of drunken guys down the street to their homes. I was only gone a few minutes. When I got back—he was just gone."
"Where was this?"
"He was waiting near the alley that opened out at the ninja school. He was just supposed to wait for me, but he wasn't there—he wasn't there!"
"Did you go into the alley?"
"I looked into it, but I didn't see anybody—not Naruto—not anybody. He just wasn't there!"
"Let's hurry," she said urgently.
It only took them a few minutes to reach the alley where Botan had last seen Naruto.
"This is it," he said gesturing helplessly.
Hinata gave the alley a brief look before giving orders. "Botan, you and Akira wait here. If I seem to disappear too, go immediately to the front gate for help. I would give you my radio, but I might need it."
They both nodded, and stood back watching her.
She turned to face the alley still seeing nothing in the darkness. This was definitely a job for her special skills.
"Byakugan," she said softly as she engaged her gekkai kenkai.
What she saw when she next looked down the alley made her gasp at first with fear, but that was quickly overtaken with rage.