Hey, hey!
How are you guys? :) I hope I didn't disappoint you too much by the time it took me to give you this chapter, but I had some problems with my chapter 15 and… I didn't want to publish this chapter without being sure of where I was going with my story… So, sorry about that… But hey! Now everything is fine! : ) So, here is my chapter 14 and I hope you'll like! By the way, thank you for your enthusiasm with my last one-shot! I didn't get a lot of reviews, but I hope you have like it!
So, I'm waiting for your reviews for this one! See you soon!
Oh! And Thank you for those who gives me reviews for the last chapter, as well as my usual reviewers! I receive a lot of WOOT! lol And I'm sorry if I have made a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes, but I'm doing my best!
Chapter 14 – The bonds are broken…
"Sigh!" complained a blond haired boy, half hunched over the railings of a ship.
"What is it Naruto?" asked Yamato.
"Nothing…" answered the boy with sad eyes.
It had been tree days since Naruto got back from the five kages summit and didn't even had the chance to relax before the Gondaime sent him and Yamato on a secret mission. But after everything they went through lately, Yamato knew what was troubling the young man's mind.
"You're thinking about Sakura aren't you?" asked again the man.
"Sigh! Yes…"
"…"
"I'm feeling so guilty…" started to explain Naruto as he steadies himself on the railing.
"Why?"
"For what I told her before we got back to the village… And what's even worst is that during the two days I was there, I haven't had the chance to apologize… And now… And now… I'M SENT TO THIS WEIRD PLACE TO FIND AN OCTOPUS!" concluded the blond haired boy as he waves his hands in the air in an exuberant way.
"Don't worry Naruto, I'm sure it's going to be alright… Just give her some time to breathe…" tried to reassure the man while tapping his shoulder.
"Yeah… If you say so…" replied the jinchuriki as fog engulfs the ship.
In Konoha
"RAHHH!"
A huge sound was heard, the ground split in two, rocks were thrown everywhere and trees were ripped in pieces. When the dust cleared off, a small female figure could be seen through the remains, one hand on the ground, still in a fighting stance. She was panting and her pink hair locks were covering her face from the outside world. For two days, Sakura Haruno has been training away from the village, unleashing her anger on the surrounding. Her mind was overload with mixed emotions, but she kept on going. She was going to be prepared for this ninja war, she was going to prove that she was a real kunoichi, a powerful opponent. They had stomped over her for far too long. It was time to teach them a lesson.
"One more time…" whispered the pink haired girl.
While Sakura was preparing herself for another series of punches, a small furry figure jumped away from the scene and run back to the village.
On Sasuke's side
'Forget about her… They are nothing to you… It's our chance to get our revenge, to make the people pay for what they did to our clan.' thought a dark haired boy as he pace around in his room, trying to convince himself.
It had been three days now, that Sasuke had the eyes of his brother implanted and yet, he couldn't rest. Even if Madara had told him to rest his eyes and to avoid the sources of light for a while, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Every time he closed his eyes, images of his past and some of the recent event were plaguing his mind. Therefore, his sharingan kept on activate on its on accord and he couldn't help but to open the lights to chase away the memories.
'Sakura… Naruto… I will crush the leaf and all of you in it!' pursued the boy in his internal battle.
At the same time, Madara open the door of his room and open a more powerful source of light. Slowly adjusting to the luminosity, Sasuke realises that the older Uchiha wasn't alone.
"Hey Sasuke! Look at what I found!" said happily the orange masked man, "It's a new old friend!"
"Hello Sasuke, long time no ssssee?" said Kabuto as he looks at the dark haired boy from head to toe while licking his lips.
"…"
Disgusted by him, Sasuke stood from his bed and brush past them toward the door.
"Where are you going?" asked Madara.
"Call me when you'll take the trash out…" replied angrily the dark haired boy as he left the two men.
"…"
"…"
"Well, isn't it beautiful? I think he misses you! Oh! This will be an amazing adventure!" replied happily Madara as he hit Kabuto on the shoulder.
"Mph!" grunted the man.
In Konoha
"Yes. Prepare the evacuation procedure and place all of our genins that are available on it… They will be in charge of this mission." stated the sixth Hokage to the scribes that were writing the mission scrolls.
"Yes, Lord Kakashi." replied the chief.
"When the day comes, we will gather everyone to the main place for our last orders and the last motivation speech." added the Gondaime.
"Understand, Lady Tsunade." answered a young woman.
As the Hokages continued to discuss their plans for the upcoming war, Shizune walk to their desk that consists in a messy mess of papers and interrupted their conversation…
"Kakashi?" asked the brown haired girl as she approached the desk.
"Yes, Shizune?"
"Paakun is here…" announced the girl in a serious tone.
"Huh! Let him in."
As she was asked, the brown haired girl walked to the door and opened it, letting the dog enter. Once open, Pakkun ran past her and jumped on the desk of the Hokages.
"So?" asked Tsunade impatiently.
"She's still there…"
"Really?" asked Kakashi in disbelief.
"Yes and if she stays there any longer, there won't be a forest anymore." commented the animal.
"Hummmm…" growled the man in disapproval.
"I'll go talk to her." stated Tsunade as she stands up from her chair.
As she was about to touch the handle of the door, Shizune immediately jumped in front of her to prevent her from leaving.
"I'm sorry Tsunade, but that won't be possible. You're needed here."
"But we can't let her like that…" insisted the woman as she tried to push Shizune.
"I'm sorry, I can't let you go. Sigh! Listen, I'm sure you're stressing out for nothing. She'll calm down, just give her time." explained calmly the brown haired girl.
"Well, it's not like I have the choice." replied in defeat the Gondaime as she walks back to her chair and let herself fall in it.
Grabbing a pencil while Pakkun disappeared, Tsunade resume her work with the scribes while Shizune sat besides her to help her classify the documents. Kakashi, though, was deep in thoughts about Sakura's last behaviour. He couldn't say he didn't feel guilty, because in all honesty, he knew he was responsible for that…
'Sakura…' thought the man as he takes his pencil once again.
Three days later
"So, is everyone ready?" asked Tsunade as she climbs the stairs toward the roof of the Hokage's building.
"Yes, they are all out in the main place." answered Shizune as she tried to follow with her stack of papers.
"Great! Thank you, Shizune. Kakashi? You're ready?" asked again Tsunade as she looks at the serious man.
For the last three days, the grey haired man had been bitter, sad and quite serious for no apparent reason and it was starting to worry the Gondaime. It wasn't like him to be so… Out of place…
"Yes, more then ever, let's go." answered the sixth Hokage while looking straight ahead.
When Tsunade and Kakashi, followed by Shizune, finally arrived at the top of the stairs, a ninja pushed open the door and let the group pass. While the brown haired girl walk toward her right in the direction of her seat, Kakashi and Tsunade walked toward the front on the building where, in the streets, the entire village was settle. Civilians and ninjas were all waiting for the important announce at seven in the morning. Ino, Choji, Shikamaru, Shino, Kiba, Hinata, Neji, Lee and Tenten were grouped in the middle of the crowd patiently waiting for what was to come. As for Sakura, she was leaning on a building at the far end of the crowd, arms crossed and a serious yet angry expression plastered on her face. When the two Hokages finally made it to the top, they stood above the nation and begin their announcements.
"My dear friends…" begun Tsunade, "News have come and unfortunately… I officially declared that the Fourth Great Shinobi World War is now starting."
When the blond Hokage ended her sentence, an outcry of indignation and fear emerged from the civil population and the genins, while the ninjas of higher ranks remained quiet.
"Hold on… Calm down." tried to reassure Tsunade as she raised her hand, "This news is not a surprise for us… We had time to prepare ourselves."
"And today, in order to respect the treaty we have sign after the destitution of Danzo, I'll explain to you our plans." continued Kakashi as he step in front of the Gondaime, "First, this battle is different then the three previous wars… We are not fighting against other countries but against the Akatsuki. An alliance has been made between the five nations, but our enemy is strong… I can't guarantee the results of this war, but I can tell you that we need to fight back or the world as we know it will disappear… For years now, the Akatsuki have been trying to capture the demons sealed in the jinchurikis. As we speak now, only the eight tailed giant ox and the nine tailed fox are still sealed in their respective jinchurikis which are the Raikage's brother and Naruto Uzumaki. Our sources have confirmed us that somehow Madara Uchiha has survived and is now the leader of the Akatsuki. He's preparing something related with the capture of the jinchurikis, but we don't know what exactly… yet… In order to save this world, we are requesting your help… Genins of Konoha?"
"Yes sir!" replied in unison the genins.
"Today, we are giving you one of the most important missions. You are now responsible of the security of this village and their inhabitants. You will have to protect the civilians at the cost of your life. No matter what happened, this is your mission. Ibiki Morino will be your supervisor during this time. He will give you the instructions for the evacuation plan, the defensive plan and what to do if the village is taken over. Do you think you can handle this?" explained Kakashi with passion.
"YES SIR!" once again replied the young ninjas.
"A part of the jonin squad, the group 12, will also accompany you. A scroll that contains your mission will be given to you after this meeting. We are counting on you. As for the citizens, you are to follow the orders of those ninjas, but you also have to prepare yourself in case of an evacuation. Have a bag prepared with clothes, food and water to be ready to leave at anytime of the day. If you have a family, make sure that someone will be in charge to put your group in safety." added Tsunade.
"For the chunins, the jonnins and the anbus, you will be part of the battle. The plan will be given to you in your mission scrolls." concluded the grey haired man as he let the Gondaime step in front of him.
"Now, for the medical staff… You will all be dispatch over the territory. I can't afford to concentrate all of you in one place. That would be suicidal… And since I can't take the lead of the medical staff due to my position as a Hokage, I'll give you all a place and role to play in this." continued Tsunade, "For the village of Konoha, team five and team 4 will be in place under the command of Shizune. On the battlefield, team 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 will be under the command of Ino Yamanaka and finally, team 9 up to 20 will be under the command of Sakura Haruno. Understood?"
"Yes Lady Hokage." answered the crowd.
"Now, I also advice you that every medic-nin will be harbouring a red cuff around their left arm so that you can recognise them easily if you get injured." said the blond haired woman.
"…"
"Is there anything you'd like to ask us before this meeting is over?" asked Kakashi.
"…"
Since no one seems to have questions, Tsunade was about to end the meeting when the voice of another hyperactive young ninja was heard over the whispers of the crowd.
"YEAH! I'D LIKE TO!"
"What is it Konohamaru?" inquired the Gondaime with a curious look.
"WHERE'S NARUTO?" asked the young man.
"Huh!" blurted the grey haired man in surprise.
"Tch… Always the good question isn't it Konohamaru?" added the blond haired woman with an amused smile, while the genin begin to laugh.
"Ha, ha, ha…"
"Well… Naruto had been sent on a secret island to protect himself and the nine tailed fox, but… also to help him control it." explained Tsunade, "As you have understand earlier, this war's main goal is Naruto because of what is sealed inside of him."
"I see." concluded Konohamaru with a proud smile.
"Why would we have to sacrifice ourselves for him?" asked a huge brown haired civil in anger, "He's the nine tailed demon!"
"How could you say that? That guy saves your life!" immediately reprimand Kiba in anger.
"They attack us because they were looking for him!" added the man, as to defend himself.
"How could you think such an awful thing of him after what he did for this village? He's a friend, a member of this village, a companion, a team mates…" begin Ino as she look at the man in horror.
"He's just the vessel for a demon!" spit the man in disgust.
And that's when it happens. In less than a second a whistling sound was heard quickly followed by an explosion. Dust rapidly engulfs the crowd around the civil male while the people around him ran away, shrieking in fear. The ninjas around them got on their guards and prepared themselves for a battle. As the dust clear a little, anxiety easily turned into surprise as the silhouette of a woman could be seen. There on the ground, mere inches in front of the man that had fall on his back, was a kunai, firmly planted in the ground. It had been launch with so much power, that a crater was created around the weapon. Suddenly, the woman behind it slowly advanced to reveal herself while the civil start to beg for mercy, shaking in fear.
"Say another word and I'll give you a reason to beg for your life…" threatened the pink haired girl as she glared at the man next to her.
"Sa-Sakura?" asked Hinata in disbelief, a few meters away.
"Ahhh… Ahhh…. Ye-sss… Misss Haru-Haruno…" replied the man in tears as he ran away from the girl.
"SAKURA!" yelled Tsunade in a warning tone.
"Listen, Naruto and I have a different right now… But that doesn't mean that I'm going to tolerate such trash talk… He is a shinobi of this village, a precious friend before a demon vessel! He is going to defend this village with all his heart and I. WILL. FOLLOW. HIM. SO, SHUT THE HELP UP AND GET A GRIP OF YOURSELVES. This is no game. We are fighting for our freedom and peace, so prepare for battle and stick to the plan." concluded the girl as she vanished from the main place in a swirl of cherry blossoms.
"…"
A long silence installed itself among the crowd, while Tsunade shake her head in disapproval, when the coward man begins to yell again.
"Ar-Are you going to let her threat me like that without reacting?" accused the man.
"WELL UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO TAKE CARE OF YOU ONCE AND FOR ALL… YEAH! I'M GOING TO LET HER THREAT YOU LIKE THAT!" yelled the Gondaime in pure anger, "YOU INSULT A YOUNG MAN THAT DID EVERYTHING FOR THIS VILLAGE EVEN IF EVERYONE HAD REJECTED HIM OVER THE YEARS FOR WHAT WAS INSIDE OF HIM!"
"T-Tsu-Tsunade…" tried to calm Shizune.
"MEETING'S OVER! GET YOUR MISSION SCROLL AND GO HOME… ALL OF YOU!" ordered Tsunade as she stormed into the Hokage's building followed by the brown haired girl.
"YES HOKAGE!" answered the crowd.
Two or three streets away from the meeting place
"Sakura! Sakura wait!" spoke Ino as she tries to reach her friend.
"What is it Ino?" asked the girl in anger, not stopping.
"Come on Forehead, I haven't seen you since god knows when and you just avoid me?" replied Ino in a hurt tone as she stop walking.
"That's not it Ino, I was… training." answered calmly the pink haired girl as she stop walking and turns around.
"Hummmm… Okay… Well, do you have time to hang around with me then? You know, before the war start. Maybe we should discuss our plans for it since we are in charge of the entire medical unit on the battlefield!" proposed the blond haired girl.
"Yes, that wouldn't be a bad idea." spoke Sakura as she calms down.
Sensing that the pink haired girl was finally ready to listen to her, Ino took the opportunity to approach the other girl.
"Hummm… Sakura?" asked the blond haired girl once she reached her.
"Mmm?"
"What's wrong with you? You're acting weird since you got back… No one has seen you since then. It's like you're avoiding everyone. And you just attack a civil for Naruto's reputation!"
"Nothing…" lied Sakura as she turns away from the girl.
"Sakura… What happened?" insisted Ino.
"Tch… Well, let's see… I stab a good friend in the back, I betray my comrades, I hit our new Hokage, I got in a fight with one of my best friend and betray him and I got humiliated by your ex-crush and to top that up, someone talk trash about my best friend! Does that answer your question?" answered an angry Sakura while throwing her arms in the air.
"Wha… What?" asked Ino in disbelief, as she back away a little from the pink haired girl.
"…"
"Did you literally stab someone?" asked again the blond haired girl.
"No." answered shortly Sakura, sensing that her temper was about to get loose.
"Then…" tried to understand the blond.
"Rahhhh! I told Naruto I loved him to convince him to get back to the village because SAI told me that he was still in love with me but HE didn't buy it. Therefore, I stab and crush the heart of the poor Hinata. Now she will hate me for life. Then, seeing that my plan wasn't working, I went to kill the bastard myself since Shikamaru told me that you were all going to do it anyway. But, Sai and Yamato tried to stop me, so I drugged them! Then I had a meeting with you know who and when I tried to get home, Kakashi and the rest of the crew find me and after some "talk" we all end up fighting. I hit Kakashi and fight with Naruto, who told me I wasn't worth his time. So, I insult him, slap him and ran away. So… As you can see, I'm better off alone. I don't want to face anyone. All I do is mistakes…"
"Don't say that… Naruto and you are exhausted; you both probably have say things you didn't mean. I bet he feels sorry now… Just like you." tried to comfort Ino as she holds Sakura by her shoulders.
"Well, that's the problem… I don't." answered honestly the pink haired girl.
"How come?"
"I meant what I said, I'm tired of being left behind and that Naruto and Sasuke thinks that they are always superior to me. It has to end. But that doesn't mean I don't love them and that people have the right to insult them!"
"I understand." said Ino.
"But enough about me… Since you found me, you could tell me some things about you, don't you think?" asked Sakura with a small smile, trying to change the subject.
"Oh! Huh! If you want to, but there's not much to talk about. My dad is preparing our clan for the upcoming war, I've been training for almost a week on different new techniques, but it's a bit crazy around here, you know… I have to help the hospital getting prepared, to train with my team, with my dad and I'm also helping Tsunade's archives squad to put the confidential documents in the safety room." explained the girl.
"Wouuuhhh! Busy, I see…" teased the pink haired girl.
"Yeah!"
"Well, don't worry, it will stop soon…" tried to cheer up Sakura, while patting her friend's back.
"Oh! I don't mind, in fact, I'm glad to do that… It can only make me better!" replied the blond.
"Yeah!"
"You know… I missed you when you were gone, Forehead!" said Ino as she started walking.
"Tsss… I missed you too Pig!" replied Sakura as she followed her friend.
On Naruto's side
"Okay! Slow down Naruto! Your ankle is still twisted…" warned Yamato as he tried to keep up with the hyperactive blond haired boy that was almost running with his twisted ankle.
"I know, but I can't wait to get back!" spoke Naruto.
"I know, but we need to be careful…" explained the man with a small smile.
"Yeah! Don't worry… I am…"
On the Hokages' side
"Sigh! What an awful meeting…" said Tsunade as she throws herself in her seat and closed her eyes.
"Well, it was better then I thought…" replied Kakashi as he leans against the wall next to her.
"Really?" asked the woman, opening one eye in disbelief.
"Well, you can't say it wasn't entertaining…"
"Hnnnn… At least, we know she's alright, mad at Naruto, but alright!" concluded the woman, while sitting in a more appropriate manner.
"That's the idea." added Kakashi in a somewhat happy voice.
"Let's just hope she won't fight him when he gets back…" replied the Gondaime.
"Yes. So, it was true?" asked the grey haired man as he takes a seat in front of the woman.
"Yes. Yamato confirm us that Kisame Hoshigaki had disguised himself to foul the guards and had tried to spy on Naruto and Killerbee.
"They took care of him?" asked again the man.
"Yes, Gai capture him, but the guy suicide himself…"
"Good!"
"Not exactly… That Akatsuki's jerk had a plan and it appears he had been able to gives some Intel about Naruto to Madara… " explained Tsunade as she stands up and went to take her sake and two glasses.
"Sigh! And how about Naruto's training with the nine tailed?" inquired Kakashi trying to lighten the mood.
"He did it! He's really the son of his mother… Ha, ha, ha! And Yamato told me that Naruto has learned the famous technique of his father…" replied happily the woman, "The only problem is that he'll need some help to control it…"
"I know were you going with this…."
"Really?" asked Tsunade in a mischievous yet funny tone.
"I think I can take care of that. We'll work on it tonight." answered the grey haired man while taking the glass the Gondaime was giving her.
"You'll think you'll have enough time for that?" inquired Tsunade while pouring the alcoholic beverage in both their glasses.
"Yes, no problem! But I'll need Yamato… And a little helps from you for the administrative part over here…" said Kakashi.
"Good! I'll finish the preparations before tomorrow." spoke the blond haired woman.
"Well, it settled then." concluded Kakashi as the two of them drink their glasses.
On Sakura and Ino's side
"How about we put this unit on the front line?" suggest Ino as she drag a piece of paper with the number 10 in front of a stack of other papers.
"Hummm… Okay! I think they have the ability to do so." replied Sakura while rubbing her chin with her right hand in deep concentration.
"…"
"And if…" started the pink haired girl.
"Sak-kura?" asked a small feminine voice.
"Huh!" gasped Sakura while recognizing the said girl.
"Oh! … Hi Hinata!" said Ino while waving her hand rapidly in anxiety, "Hummm… Excuse me… Ha, ha, ha! I need to go to the bathroom?... Hummm… Yeah! Yeah! That's it!"
And with that said, the blond haired girl ran away toward the back of the restaurant they were eating at while discussing their plans. Sensing that she had to say something, Sakura finally acknowledge the dark haired girl.
"Hummm… Hi Hinata…"
"H-Hello! Can… Can I talk to you?" stammered the girl.
"Of course." quickly answered the pink haired girl while motioning the other to sit in the vacant place in front of her.
The two girls sat in front of each other in dead silence. Seeing that the young Hyuuga was nervous to no end, Sakura decided to break the silence, knowing full well why she was there.
"Sai told you isn't it?" asked Sakura.
"Huh! Sigh! Yes…" answered Hinata while looking away.
"I'm sorry Hinata, really..." begin the pink haired girl.
"That's okay Sakura. I came here to tell you that I'm not mad at you. In fact, I knew all along that Naruto never was interested in me. I don't blame you to have used that ruse to fool him for his own good. I don't want to break our friendship over the fact that Naruto still loves you..." explained the girl as she starts crying.
"Oh! Hinata! Don't say that!" said the girl as she stands up and went by the dark haired girl's side, "I know Naruto cares about you. If he wouldn't, he wouldn't have pushed me away the way he did when I said I loved him…"
As Sakura took hold of Hinata with her right arm to comfort her, the dark haired girl tried to wash away her tears while she considers the girl's words.
"Humm… Sakura?" asked Hinata while taking the pink haired girl hand.
"Yes?"
"Do yo-you love-ve him?" asked again the girl, shyly.
"As a brother, yes, but nothing more." answered honestly Sakura.
"O-Okay…" replied Hinata with a small smile on her face.
And with that said, the two girls hugged each other while Ino stared at the two behind a bush not to far away.
"Awwww! You are so cute!"
"Shut up Ino!" replied Sakura with a smile on her face as she release the Hyuuga.
"Now, now Forehead! Calm down! There's no time for your awful temper. We still need to prepare our plans of attacks for the war. Want to join us Hinata?"
"S-sure!" answer the girl.
Two hours later
"Well, it should be okay like that." spoke Sakura as she put down her pencil and drink her glass of water.
"Yes!" answered Ino while helping Hinata to put the papers away.
"HEY! HINATA!"
At the mention of her name, Hinata turned around and look at the brown haired boy that was running toward her with a huge white dog following him.
"Oh! Hi Ki-kiba!" acknowledge the dark haired girl.
"Hey! Do you know who's back?" asked Kiba with a huge grin.
"N-no?" answered Hinata.
"NARUTO! He had just arrived. He's at the north gate! Come on, let's go!" said the boy as he took hold of her wrist and start to run in the direction of the north gate.
"No-No wait! KIBAAaaa!" yelled Hinata as she tried to follow him.
"Well, there it goes!" said Ino as she watches the two leaves, "Are you coming?"
"No thanks. I'll go home… I want to have a last night of good rest before tomorrow… You know…" answered Sakura while trying to hide her lie.
"Yeah right!" replied the blond haired girl as she rolled her eyes in disbelief, "Do you really expect me to believe that?"
"No, but I like to hope that you would just drop it…" tried Sakura.
"Fine! I'll see you tomorrow then! I'll be there at 6 in the morning. See ya!" waved Ino as she walk away.
"Tss… Bye!" said the pink haired girl before disappearing.
On Naruto's side
"Hey, Naruto!" yelled Kiba as he ran in front of the boy, that was currently surrounded by people.
"Huh! Oh! Hi Kiba!" replied Naruto with a smile.
"So, how are you doing, buddy?" asked the brown haired boy
"Great! And you?" inquired the other boy.
"Same here, but hey? Weren't you supposed to stay hidden until the big day?" asked again Kiba.
"Yeah! But we have encountered some "problems" over there… So basically it would be safer here… Anyway, like I said to Tsunade in my last letter… I'm strong enough to defend myself on the battlefield, so there's no point in hiding me! Besides, you guys don't stand a chance without me! Ha, ha, ha, ha!"
"Yeah! Modesty sure is not your thing…" replied Kiba while rolling his eyes.
"What did you say, mutt face?" asked Naruto as he pointed an accusative finger at the boy.
"Are you deaf or just stupid, IDIOT!" yelled back the brown haired boy.
"H-Hello, Naruto!" whispered Hinata with a sad voice as she hide herself behind Kiba.
"Huh! Hi-Hinata?"
Upon recognizing the voice, Naruto stopped everything he was doing and look intensely at the dark haired girl when a memory began to plague his mind.
…
"Because I… Love you…"
…
"…"
"…"
"…"
"Ooookay!" begin Kiba as he started to walk away, "It looks like I'm in the middle of something… I'll leave the two of you alone."
"Hummmm… Hinata… I…" started Naruto.
"Do-Don't worry Naruto… Everything is fine… I…" interrupted Hinata before being interrupted herself by the blond haired boy.
"I love you too."
"Wha-What!" asked the girl in disbelief.
"I SAID I LOVE YOU TOO!" yelled the boy.
Surprised by the sudden outburst, everyone that was gather around the boy to welcome him back, look at the duo with a curious look. Hinata, feeling more and more shy and anxious with each passes second, faint right on the spot.
"HINATA!" yelled again Naruto as he catches her, "HINATA!"
Not too far away from the crowd, Ino look at the scene with a small smile on her face.
'Well, he isn't as stupid as we first thought after all…' thought the girl while walking away.
Twenty minutes later
"Oh! Hinata!" said Naruto in surprise as the dark haired girl finally wakes up.
"Na-Naruto?" asked Hinata still resting her head on Naruto's laps.
"You scared me! Are you alright?" asked the blond haired boy as he help her sit up.
"Hummm… Yes… Where are we?" asked again the girl.
"Not too far away from the north gate and on a bench… I thought you would be more comfortable here rather then on the ground! He, he, he!" explained Naruto while scratching the back of his head in a goofy manner.
Despite the kindness of Naruto, Hinata felt like a complete idiot. She had faint just when the boy of her dreams confesses his love for her.
"Ouhhhh…" sighed the girl sadly and anxiously.
"Hey! Don't feel bad about that! Maybe I should just not tell you that I love you anymore…" started Naruto, trying to comfort the girl.
"NO!" interrupted Hinata as if her life had end.
"AHHHH!" yelled the boy in panic as he threw his arms in the air, "OKAY, OKAY! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!"
Upon the declaration, Hinata turned three shades of red and back away a little from the boy.
"I… It's… I… I'm just shy…" confessed the dark haired girl as she looks away.
"Oh! Well, that's okay! I-I am too." replied Naruto.
"You?" asked the girl in disbelief.
"Yes! Hey! It's not like I have ever done that before!"
"Ha, ha, ha, ha!" laughed lightly Hinata.
"Eh!"
"…"
"So… Euhhh… Wha-What should we do now? I mean, wha-what are we?" stammered the blond haired boy as he looks away with a small blush on his face.
"Euhmmm… Are-Are we da-dating?" asked the girl, shyly while rolling her index together.
"Well, I'd like that! But… Not-Not if you don't want to…" answered honestly Naruto now fully looking at the dark haired girl.
"Bu-bu-but I want to!" replied immediately Hinata in panic.
"Well that's even better!" added the boy, happily.
"Ha, ha, ha!"
"Humm… Hinata?"
"Ye-Yes?"
"Can I do something without you fainting?" asked the boy.
"Huh!"
Not waiting for an answer, Naruto slide himself on the bench toward the girl whose blush grew even bigger and give her a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Now, that's official!" said the blond haired boy with a huge smile.
"Oh Naruto!" replied the girl as she shyly hug her new boyfriend.
As the two of them were enjoying the first seconds of their official relationship, a man crept up behind them and sat next to Naruto without them noticing.
"Cough!* Cough!*"
"AHHHHH!" yelled the blond haired boy as he jumps in front of his girlfriend to protect her.
"Ka-Kakashi?" asked Hinata as she recognized the man.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, YOU PERVERT? SPYING ON US?" asked Naruto in horror.
"No… I heard you had learned some new tricks while you were on that island… So, basically, we need to train." said the man as he casually turns a page of his Icha Icha Paradise.
"What? Now?" asked Naruto in disbelief.
"Yes, we don't have that much time left until tomorrow, don't you think?"
"Huh!"
"Sigh! Meet me at the training ground in twenty minutes, then." concluded Kakashi before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
For a minute, the blond haired boy stared at the empty space that his sensei had left. It was his last night of rest before the ultimate battle and he was going to spend it with training. And how was he going to explain that to Hinata?
"Hinata… Hummm…" started Naruto.
"Ha, ha, ha! Do-Don't worry Naruto, I un-understand! Besides, I have things to pre-prepare too before tomorrow." interrupted Hinata with a smile on her face.
"Thanks Hinata! Here, I'll walk you home!" said the boy as he took the hand of his girlfriend and started to walk toward her house.