Hello again everyone. I was honestly quite surprised at how everyone was going to respond to this story. But alas I shall continue :) I thought my other chapter seemed a bit short, so this chapter and others are going to be much larger :)

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Chapter 2:The Rigged Squad

"And for you, Naruto Uzumaki and your courageous actions, I award you with this leaf headband. This is the symbol of our village and our pride. We give this to you in hopes you will share the will of fire with your fellow ninja." The 3rd Hokage himself stood before Naruto.

The ANBU were sent to retrieve Naruto at the hospital when a full report of what happened at the training ground with Mizuki had reached the Hokage. He was so grateful to the young boy. Not only for killing a Chunnin level villain, but for stopping any possible outbreaks in some of the hidden leaf village's most secretive techniques and seals. So grateful, he had taken up with Iruka to see to Naruto's own graduation.

Naruto had a very neutral feeling about this situation, surprisingly. In a way he was also glad that the Hokage had interrupted his run-in with Hinata, for when she hugged him and told him she had been glad he was alive, he was truly unable to react.

However, since his run in with Mizuki, and his life changing experience, his outlook on the value of people and events had dimmed to a much more cruel level. That said, he needed to do something with his life. And the reputation of a hardly graduated genin killing a chunnin with a single move would help him get started.

Excepting his headband with a hardy smile. He lifted it up to wrap it around his forehead, but stopped to think of other places to put it on. Deciding his forehead might be the best choice, he continued his motion and wrapped it around his head, lifting his hair up, making it look more wild and not slopping down slightly at the front.

"Thank you Hokage-sama. I'll try my best not to disappoint". He replied softly but surely.

The Hokage, of coarse not showing it, was quite surprised at Naruto's burst of maturity, and not jumping around talking about how he'd learn new jutsu and replace the old man himself. The tiniest of smiles graced his lips.

Perhaps the spur of the moment had forced this maturity to elapse from Naruto in this very important moment.

"Your actions will be eve further rewarded. Jounin Sensei 7, Kakashi Hatake, is our most gifted jounin up for this years graduating class. Kakashi has already specifically asked for Sasuke Uchiha into his team, as their affinities match, and Kakashi can teach Sasuke many techniques in inquiry with the sharingan. Since Kakashi is our most promising jounin, we will pull some strings to make sure you are on his squad."

The Hokage almost burst out into laughter at the annoyed frown that now adorned Naruto's passive face.

Almost.

Satisfied that he had pulled out a little bit of the old Naruto in this new, colder boy in front of him, he continued.

"Now I can understand your disappointment. The ninja academy has kept track of your…somewhat shaky relationship involving Sasuke Uchiha. In light of your achievements, we will grant you with the choice of the female that will go into your team. We were already sure you would pick young Sakura Haruno. So we have already made it so it ill be you 3 on the team."

Naruto was appalled that they had kept track of his personal life. If they were going to give him a choice also, they should have waited for him. However he was lucky enough to have the choice he supposed.

"Umm…not to seem so troubling, but why did you pick Sakura without my consent if it was going to be my choice"? He asked. He knew the answer, well he suspected it anyway. But he would like to see what the Hokage's reaction would be.

The old man chuckled, actually puzzled by Naruto's reaction to his motives to please Naruto. The only reason the Hokage was showering Naruto with praise was so hopefully, he would continue his actions and become a better ninja.

Sometimes, when a ninja thinks too far ahead, they become swept away by what can happen between what they plan, and what they see as their result.

"Well it was only an educated guess on Irkua's part. If you wanted another kunoichi…"

Naruto shook his head submissively. "No no..It's just fi-" He suddenly interrupted his own thoughts and put a hand on his chin. "Actually, yes I had someone else in mind…" He said hesitantly.

"And that is"? Sarutobi asked curiously.

Hinata Hyuuga.

"Hinata Hyuuga." He answered as soon as her named had invaded his mind.

The Hokage raised his eyebrow at the name. He was aware of the young Hyuuga's progress in the academy. She scored nearly perfect on all of her subjects and perfect on both Target Practice and the 3 jutsu needed to pass the graduating exam.

"Now that is quite alright. If you don't mind my curiosity to your request, may I ask why?"

Naruto hesitated for only 3 seconds, but it was enough for a whole slew of arguments with himself to fly into his head and back out through his ears. Well Sakura was PRETTY talented, but he didn't relatively like her submisivly abusive attitude towards him. He didn't want a teammate whom would spend more of her time attacking her teammates then her enemies. Besides, despite her shyness, Naruto was awfully sure Hinata was a lot more combat worthy. Another thing, Hinata had the Byakugan and Sasuke had the Sharingan, they would both make very worthy combatants.

Yes, he didn't want Hinata on his team because he trusted her.

He didn't want her on his team because he had taken a liking to her despite closing his heart to everyone the previous day.

Indeed, this was Naruto Uzumaki, and his resolve would never be shattered as easily as that. This was Naruto! And he would never allow himself to be so close to anyone!

Never again. Never.

"Well Sakura's nice, but she hits me a lot, and Hinata pretty shy, but she has a bloodline and a fighting style that is unlike any, because it's only familiar to the Hyuuga family, so I just thought it would be a good person to put into our squad."

"How in particularly strange, he didn't seem to show any interest in knowledge of the other clans before the event that took place with Mizuki. Could it be possible Naruto has known about many more events but has not given them much thought due to his lack of attention? If that was so and now he has changed, what is his full potential? How extraordinary, an academy student that graduated today, with the lowest scores of any ninja since Rock Lee, and I, with Hokage level analysis capabilities is not even aware of his true strengths. This boy truly has the potential to be the best…but I don't relatively buy his reasoning."

"In any case". He announced, speaking as if he were continuing his thoughts out loud, although only he was aware of that."Your choice is set; Team seven will be run under Kakashi Hatake, the squad shall consist of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Hinata Hyuuga. Good luck as you do good". He announced, slapping a large rectangular stamp hard onto a paper on his desk.

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Hinata had been waiting outside the door of the Hokage office. Many possibilities passed through her panicking mind. What if he was in trouble for killing a teacher? Or for sneaking out of the hospital? Or at least trying to, if she hadn't bonked her head into him!

Stupid Stupid Stupid!

That was such a horribly embarrassing moment! The heiress of the Hyuuga clan, with the uncanny eyesight abilities that allowed them to be so precise. And she not only bumped into him on her way in, but she bonked her head, AND didn't even notice when the ointment had fallen out of her B-blasted pocket.

How utterly pitiful, even in her mind she stuttered because of her clumsiness!

She reached into her pocket and pulled out the ointment Naruto offered for her from her pocket and eyed it curiously, almost expectantly. She brought the ointment to her chest and closed her eyes, shuttering at the memory of Naruto. He was so incredibly toned! How he had failed so discouragingly at the physical aspects of the academy was beyond her.

She looked at the headband that she had placed onto her head upon graduation. It felt horribly out of place there. She felt as if she was hiding her forehead from herself.

Her forehead…that was the first place Naruto had ever touched her… It was the most important place on her body now. While most would call this obsessive, she preferred to call it…commitment.

But to what exactly? Perhaps a solemn promise to herself that she would never hide from anything again. She would never hide the place where he had touched her. She would not be afraid of herself. She would honor his touch.

Grabbing the sides of her Headband, she slid it down to her neck level and tightened it slightly, but still made sure it was loose.

This was why Hinata was the only person to bare her headband on her neck.

Hinata laughed slightly to herself at her reason. If she removed an article of clothing to every place Naruto touched her, if she played her cards right she might very well walk around naked.

She scoffed slightly at the image, let alone the possibility of Naruto touching her anywhere else.

It was that precise moment, the door opened and Naruto walked out of the door, looking very full of pride and commitment. She was at his side in moments.

"Na-Naruto…what did they do? Are you in trouble?"

Naruto didn't move his neck to look at her, but he moved his eyes, noticing immediately her headband's altered position. He noticeably raised an eyebrow at it, but decided he might ask her later.

"Nah… no trouble. He was just happy that I got rid of a criminal, and rewarded me. He let me pick the female that goes onto my team, but that damned Sasuke's in it too."

Hinata's heart plummeted at the news. But deciding not to dread Naruto over with her own worries, she asked.

"Criminal?"

Naruto crossed his arms but immediately scratched his head, making the quick change between gestures slightly awkward. "Yeah..Mizuki tricked me into stealing a scroll from the Hokage office. He pounded me into the ground without mercy and just left me to die-"

"That was Mizuki?!" Hinata suddenly blurted out, surprising them both.

"Yeah.."

Hinata could put the rest of the story together, not that she cared. Her teacher had nearly gotten rid of her one focus in life..

"Why"? Naruto asked.

"Naruto…who did you think found you out in the woods?"

Naruto remained passive and silent.

"I…I was so scared."

She couldn't believe her eyes. Blood adorned the boy's gorgeous face. He lay a battered mess. Like a torn leftover from a giant carnivore's meal.

"I…I didn't know what to do".

Horrible emotions flooded her like a torrent, a giant, pounding wave. The one boy she could love was near the brink of death. It was just him, battered, beaten, bloodied. She was healthy, fresh, still alive. And yet she felt as if she was more helpless then the boy there.

"I was helpless…even though you were the victim of a brutal beating…I was so disappointed in myself…I…"

She rushed to him, knowing any actions she might try were in vain. No amount of Ointment could heal all of this. However she put it on wherever she felt it would help. She cried for him…But she couldn't be weak! Naruto needed her now more then ever!

"I…"

"It's my fault".

"It's my fault". They both shouted in unison. Naruto chuckled and Hinata blushed.

"Hinata how was it your fault?" He was appalled by her blaming herself. She was such a hopeless case sometimes.

"If I had acted sooner…I could have lessened your injuries."

Naruto shook his head and he walked off, motioning her to come with him. "But it was my stupidity that got me injured anyway. I mean…who DIDN'T know about the forbidden scroll"?

"I…I suppose". She answered softly. With that part of the conversation over, her head drooped with his second piece of news.

Hinata's eyes trailed upward to his face, witch stared straight ahead.

Such focus…such determination…he's so beautiful.

No more hiding. She pleaded in her head as she nodded to herself.

"Well then, who did you pick to be your female kunoichi on your team?" She asked. She knew the answer, and would take the emotional blow full force, if it hurt her to let Naruto know he could trust her with his daily happenings, she figured it was equal trade.

When Hinata asked that question, it sounded a lot more like a statement.

He smiled at her.

"Hinata Hyuuga". He stated softly.

"Well she's very lucky". Hinata said through the thickening of her throat. Naruto chuckled. Perhaps if he just said 'you' and not a name she'd have heard him properly.

"Hinata".

"Yes Naru-OH MY GOD!" She screamed as the sudden force of realization hit her. She was ecstatic! She couldn't believe it! It happened! She would be with him even more now!

"Why did you pick me Naruto"?! She asked loudly. Naruto thought it sounded more like a normal person's voice though.

"Well…" He started. At the time he hadn't truly known why. Any other day he'd had picked Sakura.

He wasn't about to tell her that. It somehow seemed like a death wish.

"Because you saved my life". He finished smoothly. He thought his next action was very bold. But he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. Hinata went wide eyed, but was very happy.

The next day, somehow; she would wear nothing on that shoulder.

That, she could be sure of.

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The two newly genin had bid farewell as they exited the Hokage building, the old man was observant enough to realize Naruto wouldn't need a trip back to the hospital. Upon their exit Hinata had given him another deep hug.

"I'll…I'll see you tomorrow Naruto-kun"? She asked softly.

Naruto was hesitant to answer; he didn't hug her back yet, his arms hung limply by his side, and his face a dead expression. He didn't know it, but he was truly hurting Hinata deeply.

"Yeah I guess."

The glow in Hinata's eyes changed from happy and exuberant to dreaded and sad. She felt like she was hugging a tree. Hinata Hyuuga did not hug trees.

Unless she was spying on Naruto anyway.

Hinata pulled away sternly. "Naruto-kun, I can u-understand how your experience has changed your outlook on life, but I would appreciate it if you could return my affection…or at least not be so dreary and bring ev-everyone else down. I can't seem to understand how you can go from being so grateful that I saved you to refusing to even look at me."

Naruto's expression did not change. He could understand how she could be hurt by his actions, and he should say sorry for it. But…

"Ok, ok. I understand, you're totally right. My attitude has changed but that doesn't mean my gratitude towards others shouldn't…right? Alright that's fair." He placed his hands on her shoulders, pushing her away slightly. Her hands only brushing his sides now. "But really Hinata, I truly wish you wouldn't act or treat me like you were an old married woman. It's getting on my nerves-"

"YOUR NERVES"?! She hissed dangerously. "Naruto, I truly wish you could be more grateful. I have my own rights. If you must know, I would rather be your wife than be someone you ignored even when I go to great lengths to save your life."

"Great lengths? I swear all you did was carry me back to the hospital."

"So!? That doesn't matter because you would die anyway! Dead Naruto! Do you have any idea how strong that word is?! And if you must know, it was very hard to carry you back. Do you have any idea how heavy you are?!"

Naruto raised an eyebrow, crossed his arms and turned the other way slightly, still looking at her. "You calling me fat?!"

"MAYBE I AM! After all, you do seem to eat nothing but ramen all day".

Now…NOW he was offended.

Hinata instantly covered her mouth in her head. Although she regretted saying that and hurting his feelings, a part of her wanted to prove to him that she would not be taken for granted. She wanted to hurt his feelings like he did to her.

Naruto didn't say anything and turned to leave.

Hinata let her hand come slowly over her mouth. "I really hurt him…well...maybe I took it too-"

"I'll see you tomorrow then." He replied as normally as ever.

Hinata gaped softly as he walked off. "I…He…doesn't even care if I hurt him or not…Hmphf!" She huffed and walked off.

Tomorrow felt like an eternal wait for the girl. All the while wondering if he truly didn't care at all.

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"Alright students, the new teams will now be announced." Iruka announced, stopping for only a few briefs moments to wait for the cheers to stop. "Now for the specialized team 7, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Hinata Hyuuga please step outside and into room 230 to meet your new team sensei."

Naruto felt a little uneasy, hearing Iruka call them by full name instead of just their first names made him feel like he was about to step into something very big. He also was uneasy about his teammates. Sasuke was just a jerk, and while Hinata was strong and kind, he was exactly in good terms with her as to yesterday.

Now that he was placed on a team with 2 people that were both most likely more skilled then himself, the idea of 2 teammates that also didn't like you and were stronger then you was rather worrying.

Sasuke was rather neutral about the situation, but if he had to choose between good and bad, he would say that this might have been the best team combination of all time for him.

Of coarse, he was still disappointed with their skills.

He had to count his blessings. Of all the female Kunoichi, Hinata was probably the best choice. Not only was she skilled, but she wasn't a screaming fan girl, she was very timid and it might be very easy to intimidate her if she got on his nerves. However she had her misgivings, she was too timid to be a shinobi, and might do horribly under pressure, or in a one on one battle.

However she also had the Byakugan, that was a fair trade for a person of her stature. Albeit despite himself, he had no idea how she was so timid, someone with her skills should have been very confident.

Naruto was a sort of wild card. Although he had no base talent, his understanding of the 3 basic academy ninjutsu were very advanced, they were his main weapons, and irritatingly so, it's a very hard strength of his to get around. Especially since those ninjutsu required very little chakra, and Naruto had very large chakra reserves, he could do battle for long periods of time. However, Naruto's flaw rested in his actual capabilities to do battle. His taijutsu was very off, his ninjutsu was limited, and as far as he knew-he had virtually no genjutsu talent. The only other ninjutsu he was aware that Naruto could use was the shadow clone jutsu, and that was only a rumor.

However when it came to the type of people Naruto and Hinata were, he'd have to say he hit the jackpot. Shikamaru was far too lazy, albeit he was smart, VERY smart, if Sasuke was paired with him, he might end up doing all the work. He wouldn't look forward to that. Chouji was also a pretty nice fellow…too nice in his opinion, and quite disturbing with his eating habits, he might bother him for food. Shino was talented and quiet, he wouldn't have minded Shino, who was very non-talkative, it might be very hard to be able to create a bond as teammates. Kiba and Naruto were pretty similar, however there was a new vibe about Naruto, a more independent darker one, and Kiba smelled like dog. It was quite bothersome to work on projects with him. When it came to the girls, Ino and Sakura were pretty annoying; Hinata was defiantly his first choice.

Hinata was very worried. She felt very out of place being the only female, mostly knowing that Sasuke was probably going to be mean to her and Naruto also.

All 3 of the genin sighed, picked up their lunch, and headed for the next room.

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The walk to the room had been silent and uneasy for the most part, although luckily for them, the room was only 4 rooms down. Upon entry, they were all greeted with chalkboard erasers falling on their heads from the slightly opened crevice of the door and the door frame mold.

"PffffffHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" A hysterical laughter called from the corner of the room.

The 3 genin were not amused. Naruto snatched the eraser off his head and threw it at the jonin, to none of their surprise he caught it with ease, even a 5 year old could have caught that.

"This man made a practical joke on us; he was supposed to be the best. Is he really a jonin?" Sasuke asked himself mentally.

Hinata shy lifted it from her head, and hesitantly off of Sasuke's, placing them on the side of the desk in the room.

"Well, lets get to know each other shall we?" Kakashi smiled.

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The 3 of them sat outside the school now on top of the roof, where most of school's smoke came rushing out. The atmosphere was slightly vague and chemical, many shadow's creviced over the roof as the afternoon sun casted shadows through the smoke.

Naruto enormously enjoyed this place.

All 4 of them sat except for Kakashi, who decided that this special selection of students was worth paying attention to rather then merely reading his porn in front of them.

"Well let's start with your names shall we"? He offered cheerfully. "Where are my manners? I'll go first". He announced, faking surprise toward the end.

Sasuke was very intrigued by the man.

"My name is Kakashi Hatake, I could sit here and give you a bunch of reasons why I would rather not talk about myself. Although you might know about that already. I'm 28 years old. My hobbies include reading my favorite books, walking along the roads, and all other information about me is too adultery for you youngsters. Now you, Hyuuga, you can go first".

Hinata clenched her headband around her neck with her left hand as she spoke. As if drawing her very voice from it. "My name is Hinata Hyuuga. I am 12 years old. My hobbies include flower pressing, and baking. I don't enjoy mean people who are selfish. And I s-scored perfect on a few academy subjects". She finished the last part, trying to fill herself with a sense of pride.

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha, I am 12 years old. I don't enjoy losers, so you could say I don't like these two sitting next to me." Naruto glared and Hinata blushed in embarrassment. "The only thing I enjoy is mainly learning more ninjutsu, so that I may kill a certain man. Other then that, I have none much else to share."

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I'm 12 years old. I like ramen and learning ninjutsu too, but not to kill people with. I don't like people who stab you in the back. My dreams…I don't really know about that anymore. But a great achievement is that I killed a chunnin and learned a jonin jutsu"! He finished more enthusiastically than usually.

"Well that's that. Now leave your lunches here, and meet up again at 6pm sharp."

"Hai". They all shouted in Unison.

They all placed their see-through lunch boxes. Hinata gazed at Naruto's lunch, and audibly gasped.

"MAYBE I AM! After all, you do seem to eat nothing but ramen all day".

Her own words rung in her head as she looked at Naruto's lunch.

Salads, fruits, rice balls, and a single energy bar was inside.

No ramen at all.

Hinata was agape. Her words truly effected Naruto. No matter what he wanted to think, Naruto was a very sensitive person, and he really did care what others thought of him.

After all, it would be very hard for a person like him not to-no one ever cared about what he wanted. A simple opinion could really hurt him.

Despite himself, Naruto truly didn't change at all. But she wouldn't lie to herself, he WANTED to change himself.

She turned to face Naruto, but he was already gone. Sighing to herself, she turned away and departed to prepare for whatever it was Kakashi had in store for them. And also to buy a pack of instant ramen.

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And there we have chapter 2 :D i most certianly hoped youall enjoyed, and stay tuned for the next episode of Inviting the dark chapter 3: Misgivings