Appearances Can Deceive

Chapter 6

'Bring it'

Well here's the awaited fight between Naruto and Hinata. Can't wait to see who'll win can ya?

Oh and p.s. for my story purposes Naruto was 15 when he left and is now 17 got it…good.

Alright some basic knowledge you'll need to know.

Second Hokage- You'll learn about him through the story

Mizu Bushin no Jutsu- Water Clone Jutsu

Suirō no Jutsu- Water prison technique

----------------------------------

P.S.S -

The inspiration and credit for this chapter and the bathroom scene between Naruto and Hinata go to all my faithful reviews (much love), Dragon Man 180 for the suggestion of a bathroom scene. And most of all to RagingDragon04 for writing A LOT of the bathroom scene……I merely added detail to it!

Also I realize I'm very very bad at fighting scenes. So if at any point your confused just message me and I'll explain.

Naruto laid on his bed with his pillow over top his head, trying hard to keep the sun from his window beat down on him. It was 12:00 in the afternoon, and he had almost fallen asleep. He threw the pillow to the other end of the room with an aggravated sigh then sat up and ran his hands threw his spiky mess of blonde hair.

'There's no point in even trying anymore.' Naruto thought.

"Well you have other things to worry about. The Hyuuga girl is still out there….so are you going to tell her about me?" Kyuubi was curious.

'No way in hell!' Naruto screamed.

"You have to do something; she plans on staying with you every waking moment until you tell her what's wrong with you! And I really doubt you could explain all your problems without bringing me into it."

Naruto thought a moment. 'Ha! It's simple. I just act like there isn't anything wrong. Just the way I used to. That's the Naruto she wants….the one with no problems….so why not give her what she wants.'

Naruto slipped on his orange baggy pants, his black t-shirt, and the necklace Tsunade gave him then made his way out to the living room. Naruto had expected to see Hinata already up and about, as usual, but there she was just lying on the couch.

Naruto walked over and knelt down to get face to face with her. Stray strands of hair fell over her face. Her breathing was so shallow he could have sworn she wasn't even breathing at all. Unconsciously, he reached his hand up to brush the stray hair from her face.

Hinata felt something soft and warm touch her cheek. She opened her eyes to see Naruto only a few inches from her face. Hinata bolted up with a scream and went flying backward over the back of the couch, almost knocking Okito down on the way.

Naruto busted out laughing "Nice move Hinata."

Hinata flushed and tried to hide her embarrassment with a scowl. "Just what did you think you were doing Naruto?"

Naruto shrugged with a smile and stood to his full height, with a smirk. "Watching you sleep. You're much cuter when you aren't talking."

Hinata didn't even bother to go around the couch; instead she hoofed one leg over and climbed to stand even higher than Naruto, puffing out her chest in attempt to look superior, and glared down at him. "I have to use the restroom. Where's the bathroom?"

Hinata had been camping out at Naruto's for a little over 2 weeks now, but never ventured any further than the kitchen or the living room. She didn't need too. During the day she spent most of her time training with her team or at Yugao's house. If she had to use the restroom or take a shower she would go to her (Yugao') house to do so. But today she was already running late for her training with Yugao, so she didn't want to risk bumping into her at the house.

Naruto laughed and grabbed Hinata by the waist slinging her over his shoulder with an 'eep'. "Right this way Angel!"

Hinata struggled to get out of Naruto's grasp but it was no use, he had an iron grip on her waist, which caused a tomato red Hinata. "Naruto….I-I'm counting to three……1……2….2 and a half….2 and three quarters………..th….."

"Here we are!" Naruto bounced Hinata on his shoulder then dropped her onto her butt with an 'oof'.

Hinata stood, and then brushed the imaginary dirt from her bottom. "Thank you…."

Hinata turned and walked over to the shower to turn on the water and get it the right temperature. Once she heard the click of the door closing behind her. She reached down to lift off her shirt only to catch Naruto's image in the bathroom mirror.

Instinctively she covered herself and turned to yell at Naruto, a blush running from her head down to her toes. "Get out Pervert!!!!"

Naruto crossed his arms with a smirk. "Hey I need a shower too Angel!"

Hinata was too embarrassed to even think. She looked to the counter just under the bathroom sink, grabbed whatever she could and threw it at him. Hinata grabbed Naruto's tooth brush and threw it so hard it actually caught in the door like a Kunai.

Naruto sweat dropped. "Ok, ok, calm down. I'm gone." He opened the door and walked out, but before he shut it completely he poked his head in. "So maybe we can shower together tomorrow then?"

Hinata's only answer was a tube of toothpaste hitting the closed door and a small giggle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Maybe….maybe Naruto really isn't depressed…..no it can't be…. He's seemed so depressed all week long and now he's just 'Poof' back to the old Naruto….besides….I saw his eyes when he looked at Ino.' Hinata thought to herself as she dodged yet another Kunai. Neither Naruto or Ino knew she was there, but she had seen everything, since the idiot comment Ino had made.

Inner Hinata: "Who cares? He's back for now! Live it up!"

For once Hinata pushed down her inner self in order to think more logically. He was only hiding behind a mask….she was sure of it! Still if she went along with it, instead of going against him….maybe he would open up faster. 'Perfect!'

Hinata was so lost in her thought she didn't hear Yugao yell her name. If she hadn't looked up Hinata never would have seen the shuriken flying toward her chest. Luckily she dodged them. Or at least she thought she had. She looked down to see her jacket was ripped along her stomach with a little stream of blood soaking through it. It was nothing serious so she brushed it off.

Yugao raced from her hiding spot and landed next to Hinata to bonk her on the head. Yugao could have sworn her heart stopped beating. "What's wrong with you feather head! You're losing it today. That could have killed you!"

"Uhh…urm….sorry Yugao-Oneesan"

Yugao scowled but knew she couldn't stay angry at Hinata. "I think its time we work on your water jutsu. Did you read the scrolls I gave you on the Second Hokage?"

Hinata nodded and walked over to the nearby tree where her backpack and Okito sat in the shade. Then pulled out her scrolls, and walked back over to Yugao. "I read the biography, but only a few of the Jutsu's."

Yugao nodded. "Good I was hoping you would read the biography first. So you probably already know that his water Jutsu's were so advanced that he needed no water source correct?"

"Hai!" Hinata answered

"Well ok what else can you tell me about him?" Yugao asked. Uzuki was big on history and she didn't believe you could move forward without first looking back. Since the Nidaime was especially well known for his water jutsu abilities, and Hinata showed great potential, it was only natural that she learns about him.

"Nidaime was the younger brother of the first Hokage, and also the great grand-uncle of Godaime, Tsunade. Nidaime was the teacher of the third Hokage, Sarutobi, Homura-San, and Koharu-san. He attributed much to Konoha's establishment as a great power. And aside from his advanced water skills he was also known for wielding the Raijin. Nidaime was also the one to appoint Sarutobi as his successor." Hinata rambled off from the top of her head. She knew there was more to him than just that, but that's all she could remember. Still it seemed to satisfy Yugao.

"Very good. Well since the Chunnin exams are only a few months away I thought it would be a good time to start learning more water jutsu's. Unfortunately, Tsunade-Sama is sending me out on another mission. So you'll have to find someone else to help you." Yugao scratched the back of her neck and let out a nervous laugh. Hinata just nodded.

"Who knows water jutsu's in Konoha?" Hinata asked.

"Hmmmmm…..well Kakashi-Sempai, but he's coming with me…..So that means team 7 will be free today. You should ask Naruto-Kun to help you!" Yugao grabbed her mask from the side of her head and covered her face. "Well got to go! See yeah soon Hina-Chan."

Hinata waved goodbye to Yugao then walked back over to the shade of the tree to sit next to Okito. "Well, I guess I can't post pone mine and Naruto's match any more. If I ask him to help he'll only agree if I fight him. I'm surprised I put it off for this long."

Okito nodded and jumped onto Hinata's shoulder. "Well, better hurry up then!" Okito didn't want to admit it but he was eager to see the match as well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sakura stopped, looked from left to right then shot into the Yamanake flower shop like a bullet. It was the weirdest thing, but she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. It wasn't a threatening presence…..more like an overly creepy one.

Ino raised a questioning brow as Sakura made her way cautiously to the counter. She would look around her self frantically then glance back at Ino. Ino hadn't seen Sakura act this weird since the last time Lee had chased her with Valentines Day roses. "What's up with you forehead girl?"

Sakura glanced around one last time, sure that no one was around she loosened up. "I have no idea. I just have this feeling, that someone is watching me."

"Oh, is that the reason you bolted…in…here?" Ino held back her laughter as she, looked out the shop window behind Sakura, and noticed a green blob sitting across the street trying to conceal him self in an obviously out of place shrub.

Lee was at it again. You would think he learned his lesson from the last beating Sakura gave him, but the poor boy just kept coming back for more. Ino truly pitied the fool. (lol Mr. T)

"No, that isn't the reason; since I haven't really gotten a chance to talk to Naruto all that much I thought I would get him some flowers as a welcome home present." Sakura looked around once again but Lee had ducked back under his shrub to remain hidden.

Ino nodded "Right, right. You've been pretty busy lately. Why's Tsunade-Sama got you running around so much?"

Sakura shrugged she had no idea why Tsunade was sending her on so many errands, but it could be the fact that Sakura pestered her relentlessly about the search for Sasuke….much like Naruto had. "Not sure….so what's up with you today Ino pig?"

"I plan on asking Hinata and Naruto if they would like to go with Shikamaru and I out on…..a double date." Ino replied casually, but inside she was exploding. Somehow Ino had managed to get Shikamaru to agree to go out to dinner with her and her team, for a celebratory dinner before the exams.

Sakura had to keep from doubling over. "WHAT! When did you and Shikamaru start dating….or Hinata and Naruto for that matter?"

Ino rolled her eyes as Sakura exploded into an overdramatic rage. None of them were dating, but she didn't need to explain that to Sakura. "What's wrong billboard brow….Jealous? Besides I think you have bigger problems to worry about."

Sakura followed Ino's gaze out the shop window to see Lee leaning on a building across the street, whistling a tune with his hands buried deep into his pockets. Sakura sweat dropped today was just not her day. "Can I just get a few daisies and get out of here."

Ino nodded and wrapped up a bouquet then handed it to Sakura. "What do I owe ya?" Sakura reached for her wallet but Ino stopped her. "Don't worry bout it, you can use the back door, so Lee doesn't see you."

Sakura said her thanks and left. She was so glad to get out of their. Ino seemed so….happy. Everyone did lately. Then without realizing the sudden change her thoughts shifted off to a blue-eyed shinobi …..'Is there really something between Naruto and Hinata' the question was burning in the back of her mind. ……. 'Am I really jealous'.

Sakura had been paying a lot of attention to what Naruto was doing lately. At first she tried to kid herself by saying it was because she was worried for him. Which she was. It was weird how he came back completely different. But every time she turned around, Hinata would be right there beside him….the worst thing is that Naruto didn't push her away. The last time Sakura had tried to talk to Naruto since he came back; he just froze up, said a few words and left…..

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Hinata had been right. When she asked Naruto to help he had only agreed to do so through a fight, which she reluctantly agreed too.

Hinata concentrated the chakra to her feet and walked out to the middle of the river after Naruto. It was the same river she had met Yugao. The memory of that night flashed through her mind, and then stopped as Naruto yelled over the distance between them. "Let's get this going!"

Hinata nodded, grabbed the puff ball rope from her waist, and stood in a fighting stance. She could see the smile spread across Naruto's face. She couldn't tell what he was thinking. Unlike Ino, Naruto hid his feelings quite well, nothing slipped through but a simple smile.

A sudden gust of wind rushed through the water, and within a second Naruto was gone. Hinata panicked inside, but her inner self yelled to keep calm. Quickly she ran through hand signs and whispered. "Mizu Bushin No Jutsu."

Naruto sat on a branch watching over Hinata, standing on guard in the middle of the river. She hadn't even seen him run; this really wasn't going to be as much of a challenge as he thought. There was probably only one way to spice it up. Run in blind! Naruto didn't even run through the signs as two clones popped up on both sides of him. "Cover me!"

Naruto leapt from the branch and raced toward Hinata. Hinata saw him coming and held out her hands to block off all his punches and kicks. "Suirō no Jutsu" Naruto's eyes darted away from the Hinata in front of him to the one standing yards away. He looked back to the fake Hinata as she dissipated, and within a second a ball of water engulfed Naruto. Capturing him in an air bubble.

Hinata walked closer to Naruto her rope thing once again tied tightly to her waist. "Do you give up Naruto-Kun?"

Naruto only smiled 'I know this Jutsu. Zabuza had used it on Kakashi-Sensei on our first mission to protect the bridge builder. Of course if I remember correctly Zabuza had to keep his hand in the prison at all times...why isn't Hinata.'

Hinata spoke as if reading his mind. "I don't have to feed the prison chakra through my hand. I've practiced my chakra control a lot these past years. I feed my chakra into the water making it easier to manipulate. I can also do this." Hinata made some hand signs that Naruto couldn't recognize then slammed her hand down to the water. A blue light surrounded her hand and made its way to the prison. The light surrounded Naruto and he could feel his lungs start to collapse as water filled into the prison and cut off his air.

Hinata lifted her hand from the water and the air rushed back into the prison. Hinata was truly enjoying this...not Naruto's torture of course...well maybe a little. More like she was enjoying the amused look on Naruto's face. "So do you give up?"

Naruto shook his head with a smile, as red chakra started to leak from his body. The water prison was loosing its stab ability, and Hinata's control was slipping. Naruto's chakra spiked out to hit all sides of the prison, popping it like a water balloon.

Naruto stood letting the water fall down his body, a fox like grin plastered over his face. 'Seems Jiraya's resangan training actually came in handy.'

Hinata lost her cocky attitude and readied herself for an attack. She wasn't disappointed. Naruto grabbed a kunai from his weapons pouch and charged her. Before he could come any closer Hinata untied her rope and started to swing both ends in each hand.

Naruto came within hitting distance. She lashed out catching him in the stomach with her 'puff ball'. Naruto flew back into the surrounding woods skidding to a halt yards away from the river only to poof away. The real Naruto stood only a few feet behind Hinata. 'Mental note, watch out for those balls of fluff.'

Hinata silently activated her byakugan, catching Naruto's chakra signature behind her. He was running at her again, unaware she could see him. She concentrated as much chakra into her feet as possible, and turned letting her foot skim across the water, creating a huge wave.

Naruto stopped as a huge tidal wave came toward him. 'So what its just water' Naruto thought to him self, as he let the wave come crashing down on him. Unfortunately he had underestimated the 'wave'. Naruto was washed away with the wave, tearing his jeans and shirt, creating cuts all over his body, and man did it hurt, like someone had stabbed him with poisonous needles!

"Kit I suggest you stop goofing off...seriously." Kyuubi hissed. But Naruto ignored him. This was a lot more fun than he had originally expected. It was time he threw out some Jutsu's of his own...but which to choose from.

"Good luck with that kit. You would kill her with anything I taught you."

'That's why I guess I'll just have to use Taijutsu.' Naruto stood back up onto the water and rushed at Hinata. He went to punch her in the face, but she dodged and slipped a small part of her rope around his wrist unnoticed. Or at least she thought. Naruto had seen it and came up with a plan of his own.

He twisted his hand around to grab the rope, then twirling it quickly around Hinata's arm, and using it to throw her toward the wood and slam her back into a tree.

Hinata winced from the pain then opened her eyes to see Naruto charging her again. Screw the water jutsu's she had to do something quick. Naruto grabbed a Kunai from his pouch, then stopped only inches away from Hinata's body. She clutched the rope in her hands and swung it around his neck with rapid speed. At the same time Naruto pressed up against Hinata's body pinning her to the tree with a kunai to her neck.

Naruto looked down to his neck to see a small trickle of blood run down to his shirt then looked back at Hinata, pressing the kunai a little tighter to her exposed flesh just above her headband. "Looks like we tie."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sakura had gone to Naruto's apartment only to find he wasn't there. So instead she sought out Kakashi-Sensei and found him conversating with another ANBU member. Kakashi didn't know where Naruto was, but the ANBU member had told her to check down by the river just a few miles outside of Konoha.

Supposedly there were nice clean paths that lead to the river, but somehow Sakura had managed to side step the path in favor of the icky gooey swamp land surrounding it.

"This is just perfect!" Sakura screamed to no one in particular. She was about to take another step when she heard something coming her way. She froze as something rushed past her to skid into a tree. She looked over and saw Naruto laying unconscious against the debris. Sakura raced over to see if he was okay, only to have him disappear in a cloud of smoke.

Inner Sakura: "What are you waiting for? Follow that trail!!!!"

Sakura took off following the ripped up dirt and debris. It had to lead to Naruto...obviously. It took a while before she finally reached him, daisies in hand, panting for breath only to have the air from her lungs rushed away. Naruto and Hinata stood in a very un-agreeable position. Hinata slicing Naruto's neck with a rope. Naruto cutting into her neck with a kunai. "Uhhhhh... guys?"

Naruto and Hinata both looked over to see Sakura leaning against a tree with flowers in her hand. Hinata's whole face turned bright red as she realized how wrong this must have looked to her. She untied the rope from Naruto's neck. "H-hey...S-Sak...Sakura-Cha-an."

Naruto on the other hand only slide his kunai back into his pouch without taking a single step away from Hinata. Greeting Sakura with a smile. "Hey Sakura-Chan! How's it going?"

Sakura and Hinata both sweat-dropped. "Naruto! You mind letting Hinata go for a minute! Huh?!!"

Naruto sighed and stepped back from Hinata to give her some room. "So what are you doing the whole way out here?" Naruto asked.

Sakura smiled and held out the daises. "I brought you these! As a very late 'welcome home baka' present!" Sakura exclaimed proudly.

Hinata tensed at the word baka and stepped in front of Naruto slightly. Naruto had noticed what Hinata did, but chose to ignore it. With one swift movement Naruto was standing beside Sakura holding her in one arm for a choking hug. "Thank's Sakura-Chan you shouldn't have!"

Sakura smiled. "No problem Ramen head...so...what were you two doing."

Naruto walked over to grab Hinata's hand. "Actually we were going to take this back to the apartment. Sorry we couldn't stay longer to chat Sakura-Chan! We should get together some time for dinner or something." Naruto waved back to Sakura as he dragged Hinata away.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Hinata walked out of the bathroom and took a seat on the other side of Naruto on the couch. It felt nice to clean up. Of course she had to wait until Naruto was done showering to go in. Although he did make many offers that they both 'share'.

Naruto slouched deeper into the cushions of the couch. "Well that was fun! Too bad we didn't get to really fight!"

Hinata shot Naruto a curious glance. What did he mean by really fight. That was a real fight...Hinata was exhausted. Besides she matched him blow for blow...they even tied...right? Or was he holding something back from her. 'Well if he is then just bluff' She told herself. "Your right. what a shame."

Naruto laughed. He knew she was bluffing. She was completely exhausted. It didn't matter though. That fight was great, and got him excited in a completely different way (wink wink teeheehee). "Well I'm going to bed. See ya in the morning Angel." Naruto leaned over to give Hinata a small peck on the lips. Then stood and made his way into his room. Leaving a red Hinata to rival all the past ones.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once Naruto was back in the safety of his room his smile slid to a frown. There was no denying how he felt about Hinata anymore. He should be happy, even ecstatic. Naruto knew Hinata liked him, maybe even loved him….and he liked her back…..so why did he still feel something was missing.

Naruto stripped down to his boxers and sat on his bed cradling his head in his hands. He scratched the back of his head then looked up to his nightstand where a picture of team 7 sat. His gaze drifted from Kakashi, to Sakura, to Sasuke. As soon as he brought that bastard Sasuke back he would prove once and for all who was the stronger one.

Naruto reached up to lay the picture down then fall back onto his bed to once again try to get some sleep.

"By the way Kit! That was some nice acting today. I could have sworn you were Mr. Happy go lucky again." Kyuubi meant for the comment to sound sarcastic, but somehow the hopeful tone in his voice slipped through. 'If only that was the case'

Woooohooooooo Finally got this chapter done with...It's not bad if I do say so myself. A lot longer than the other ones though. Over 4000 words. YAY! I wasn't sure how long to make it. Cause I didn't want to make it small, but not excessively big...do you guys think it's too much or just enough. Anyway.

Lee: "NEXT TIME ON APPEARANCES CAN DECEIVE!!! IT'S EASTER TIME IN KONOHA AND YOSH IS LOVE BLOOMING IN THE AIR! GAI-SENSEI SAYS WOMEN CAN'T RESIST CHOCOLATE!!!!! HERE I COME SAKURA MY SWEET!...oh and has Hinata confronted Naruto...or has he gotten better at 'Acting'!"