The trip back from the Land of Waves had been an uneventful one. As the team arrived back into the Leaf village they quickly made their way to the tower and delivered their briefing, excluding the details of anything to do with the Vixen or Kyuubi. However it wouldn't be long until the truth would come to light...
"Excellent Job Team 7, you should be quite proud of yourselves" Sarutobi said as he laced his fingers together.
"Sasuke you are dismissed, I need to speak with the rest of your team for a moment" he stated.
Sasuke however remained rooted there with his arms crossed. "With all due respect sir...if this has something to do with my team... I'd like to know " he said as he looked around at the other members of team 7.
Naruto traded a glance towards Hinata who shyly nodded her head as he looked at her.
"Sasuke is right...he deserves to know the truth." he said
Sarutobi sighed but nodded. "Very well then Naruto please close the door Kakashi" he stated as he picked up his pipe.
As the door was shut the room fell silent as Sasuke looked around the room at each person before his gaze stopped on Naruto.
Naruto fidgeted slightly as he found speaking difficult at the moment, however he soon felt a small hand grab his. He cast a thankful smile to Hinata as he looked back up at Sasuke and took a deep breath.
"Alright enough of the suspense...just say it already" Sasuke said as he shoved his hands into his pockets.
Naruto took another breath before he finally spoke. "Sasuke what do you know of the Nine Tailed Foxes that attacked the Village?"
Sasuke looked a bit surprise by the question but spoke after a moment. "Not much beyond the basics..I know that they attacked the village and the Fourth Hokage sacrificed his life in order to kill them. " he offered.
The adults in the room remained quiet intent on letting the Genin converse for the moment.
"Ano that's n-not entirely true Sasuke-kun...it's just what we were all told in the a-academy"Hinata said softly before she squeezed Naruto's hand again.
"Then what is the truth ?" Sasuke asked as he looked between Hinata and Naruto.
"The truth is Sasuke, that not even the Fourth with all his skill was able to kill the Kyuubi, in fact it's impossible to kill a being such as the Fox. So he did the next best thing...he sealed the Fox away into a newborn baby, in hopes that the child would be able to keep the Kyuubi from ever hurting the village again. He ...had hoped this child would be seen as a hero, but instead the villagers treated the boy like he was the demon itself."Naruto said as his voice began to grow softer as he looked away.
"What a bunch of idiots" Saskue remarked after a moment.
Naruto looked up with a questioning look on his face as he looked at his friend.
"What?" he asked simply.
"I realize now...that you must be the one that contains the Kyuubi, though what I can't understand is how stupid people can be" he said a hint of anger showing in his face as his onyx eyes were narrowed.
The adults still remained quiet but all seemed to share a sense of relief at Sasuke's reaction.
"You mean...your not afraid ...or want to be reassigned to another team?" Naruto asked as he looked at the raven haired ninja.
Sasuke just huffed. "Look Idiot, your clearly no Demon...as far as I'm concerned you just have a large battery of chakra inside you and as long as you don't let that thing out on a rampage I could care less." he said before smirking leaving the blonde to stare at him like he'd grown a second head before the blonde leaped forward and hugged his friend.
"I've been reduced to a battery ? Wonderful this is why I just love mortals" grumbled the Kyuubi.
Naruto beamed as he hugged his friend to point of cutting off his air supply , Sasuke growled.
"Naruto if you don't let go, I'm going to show you something far scarier than any demon" he wheezed.
Hinata just giggled as she watched the two. They really were like brothers and she was glad to know that maybe their secrets wouldn't change that.
Kakashi and Sarutobi all just chuckled at the scene.
Naruto finally released the now blue faced Sasuke still grinning.
Sasuke finally catching his breath looked around a moment.
"Alright is that all?" he asked as he placed his hands back in his pockets.
Before the Hokage could speak he heard Hinata speak up next to him.
She reached out again squeezing Naruto's hand with one of her hands while bringing her other hand to her lips in a nervous gesture.
"A-ano not e-exactly S-sasuke-kun...t-there's s-something I need to t-tell you "she managed in a soft voice.
Sarutobi traded a glance with Kakashi as he wondered to himself if he had told her or if like Naruto she had discovered it on her own.
Sasuke looked over at his shy teammate and actually smiled. "Take your time Hinata..." he said.
Naruto's eye twitched. 'Oh you tell me to get to it and tell Hinata to take her time...you...Teme' he thought to himself.
Hinata returned the smile shyly before she bit her lip. "N-Naruto-kun and I have the same burden. I didn't realize it until our mission in the wave...but I also hold a Bijuu, the Nine Tailed Vixen...The Kyuubi's mate."she managed in a small voice.
Sasuke shook his head finally feeling an overload of information.
"Hnn...you too huh?..this is a lot to absorb. Doesn't change anything though. Just means I have more work to do" he mused, before shrugging.
A long silence crept into the room before Sarutobi spoke again.
"Well Team 7 ,my intention was to call you together so that I could inform Hinata that she was a Jinchuriki, however it seems there is no need for that now. I won't keep you any longer. I would suggest that as a team you all take a week or so to yourselves before returning for another assignment...I don't think I need to, but as a precaution you should know this is a S rank secret, so I would ask that you use discretion and not speak of this to anyone else at the moment. You're dismissed"Sarutobi said before he took a deep puff from his pipe before exhaling.
Kakashi stopped outside the door before looking at the others.
"I believe Hokage-Sama is right, we'll take it easy for a week or so, however we'll still meet daily and commence with a new training regiment. I'll see you all tomorrow morning at seven " he said before offering an eyesmile as he disappeared amidst a swirl of leaves.
"Make that more like ten "Sasuke grunted as he put his hands in his pockets.
Sasuke nodded at Naruto and Hinata before speaking again. "Later you two " he said as he waved his hand before strolling down the hallway.
As Naruto and Hinata were left alone in the hallway there was an awkward silence. This was the first time the pair had been alone since their heart to heart on the bridge a few days prior and neither had brought it up since. Both had still held hands at times and shot one another gazes, but there hadn't been an opportune moment to discuss much on the way back home.
Hinata fidgeted slightly and flushed as she felt Naruto's cerulean gaze on her.
"Oi Hinata would you like to get some ramen with me ?" he asked smiling softly.
Hinata's lavender gaze met his warm blue eyes and she smiled shyly and prodded her fingers together.
"Y-you mean l-like a d-date ?" she asked timidly cursing her nerves.
Naruto's grin widened as he reached out and raised her chin so she was looking right at him.
"You betcha! I mean that is what boyfriends and girlfriends do right ? " he asked before pausing a moment as he looked a bit nervous.
"We are boyfriend and girlfriend ...aren't we ?" he asked somewhat frantic,his eyes showing concern as he looked her.
Hinata blushed brilliantly but nodded despite it.
"H-hai I'd love to Naruto-kun...and n-nothing would make me happier then to be Naruto-kun's g-girlfriend" she said barely stuttering as she summoned her courage as she took his hand into hers.
"Woohoo then I'll be the best boyfriend in the world ! Believe it "he exclaimed offering her a contagious smile.
She giggled and smiled at his enthusiasm.
Naruto squeezed her hand softly, before he turned and began to guide her towards the end of the hall.
"Come on Hinata we gotta book it, I've got several coupons for free ramen, but their only good for lunch and it's almost dinnertime" he exclaimed as he dragged his blushing date out of the Hokage Tower and through the streets leaving a trail of dust in his wake as he set a course for Ichikaru's.
Many hours later Hinata kept her gaze glued to the ground as she quietly strode through the gate that lead into the Hyuuga Estate. Most of Hinata's stance displayed her timidness however today not even her Clan, that looked down upon her could ruin nor take away the joy she felt. A small smile still graced her lips as she strode past several of her kinsmen , who only seemed to glare at her as she passed. Normally their stares would have caused her to feel a pang of hurt, however today their eyes held no power.
Hinata Hyuuga had finally summoned the courage to admit her own feelings to Naruto and what more the blonde she admired...no loved, felt the same way about her. She sighed happily as she opened the door to her bedroom before stepping inside.
She practically floated across the room before collapsing on her bed with the same smile still plastered on her face as she wrapped her arms around a pillow.
The young Kunoichi couldn't recall the last time she felt this happy, but she realized that with the joy she felt, there was a problem she couldn't ignore. Naruto and her new relationship had to remain a secret...at least for the moment. Between both of their tenets and her position in her clan, the pair realized they would have to take things slow and exercise discretion.
Despite this she sighed happily as she rubbed her cheek against the soft downy pillow as she imagined instead she was hugging a certain knuckle headed ninja. A blush stained her cheeks as her lids fluttered for a few moments before she drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
Hiashi cracked the door into his daughter's room as he intended to speak with her, however he stopped as he saw her. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen Hinata smile, she was always such a kind if not soft girl, though usually a sense of sadness surrounded her.
He had begun to realize since her improvement in the academy, that he had only added to her misery in a misguided attempt to make her strong. Seeing a smile on her angelic face made his eyes soften...she reminded him so much of his late wife.
The Clan Leader silently drifted across the room before he dipped down and brushed a few hairs from his daughter's face before kissing her brow. He offered a rare smile before he pulled the blanket over Hinata's shoulder and turned as he made his way to the door.
He stopped as he heard his daughter speak.
For a moment he thought she had awoken, but as he looked back he realized she was still very much asleep.
"Naruto-kun" she whispered again as she turned slightly hugging her pillow tighter.
A look of surprise played across Hiashi's face.
'The Kyuubi's container ? Could it be he is the reason for her happiness now?' he wondered as he reached the door and gripped the handle before looking back at his daughter.
'Hinata...I know I haven't always been there as I should, and for that I'm sorry...whether you know it or not...everything I do...is to keep you and Hanabi safe...maybe one day I can be father you deserve...and not the Clan Leader I must be for now...' his thoughts trailed off as he turned and made his way towards the door casting a single look over his shoulder, before he stepped back out into the hallway.
The morning had started off rather uneventfully for team 7. Hinata and Sasuke had arrived early and now leaned against the railing of the bridge, as they awaited their two wayward Sensei's and a certain blonde knuckleheaded Ninja.
After their initial greeting, silence fell over the duo before it was finally broke by Sasuke who looked over at Hinata with a curious gaze.
"Hey Hinata can I ask you something...it's about your clan?"
The Heiress blinked as she shrugged her shoulders. "Ano...I guess, what is it Sasuke-kun?"
"With your tenant...if you're anything like Naruto I wonder does your clan take that out on you?"
Hinata's shoulders slumped slightly. "H-hai for one I'm not the 'ideal' heir. My sister is more confident...being a Jinchuriki only makes things worse, I don't see it often...but I think deep down my father does care about me." she murmured quietly.
"Your fortunate Hinata...back when my father was alive...he had only begun to acknowledge me, and that was only because..." he trailed off as his gaze shifted from her and towards the ground.
After a moment he felt a small hand on his shoulder.
He looked up seeing Hinata starring at him with a gaze filled with compassion.
"A-ano...I-I'm sorry Sasuke-kun I know n-nothing that I can say will m-make things better...but all of us...all of Team 7 are your f-family now..so you'll n-never have to be alone again"she said timidly as she offered him a kind smile.
Sasuke felt his cool demeanor slip a bit as he looked at the shy girl for a moment before he grunted. He couldn't put his finger on when it had happened, but his team had already managed to get past his barriers. Despite the fact he was an avenger and what he still intended to do...he was glad to have these new connections.
"Thanks Hinata-Imouto"he said before smirking at the shy girl.
Hinata giggled before she spoke again softly. "A-anytime Sasuke-Nii-san" she offered.
"OI WHERE is it ?" Naruto Cried as he dove under his bed searching frantically for something of great importance to him.
"If you didn't live like a complete slob, you wouldn't lose things like this." grumbled the Fox as he grew weary of his container's antics.
"Your not helping Fluffy...Grrr where can it be ? Gama-Chan where are you ?" Naruto screamed as anime tears fell from his eyes.
"Do all mortals name their wallets or is that just something stupid only you do ?"
"How should I know ? If you hadn't noticed we've lived alone from the get go...but Gama-Chan and my goggles are two of my most precious possessions...their two of my only possessions other than this jumpsuit." Naruto exclaimed as he opened the door to the fridge and looked inside.
"Kit ?" The Fox asked in a deep rumbling tone.
"Grr what Fox ?" Naruto asked exasperated.
"Try your back pocket" grumbled the Fox before he fell silent.
Naruto's eye twitched as he slipped into his hand into the back pocket of his pants and felt his trusty Gama-Chan there.
"Not a word" Naruto grumbled as he darted for the door forgetting his Jacket on his way out.
Naruto and Kakashi arrived at the Bridge at the same time and eyed one another as they looked from one another then over to Hinata and Sasuke.
Hinata seemed calm as she leaned against the railing with a small smile on her face and red tint on her cheeks as she looked at the approaching blonde.
Sasuke on the other hand seemed annoyed.
"Glad you two finally decided to show up...where have you been ?" Sasuke asked as crossed his arms.
Before Naruto could speak Kakashi beat him to the punch.
"Oh well you see Sasuke I would have been here early, however I ended up carrying an old lady's groceries halfway across the village and then after I left her home and was almost here, until I realized that I had misplaced my wallet somewhere. I had to retrace my steps till I found it."Kakashi offered with an eyesmile.
'That's probably the most sensible excuse he's given us so far' Sasuke and Hinata thought.
Naruto on the other hand face palmed. 'Why me ? No one will believe my excuse now'
Sasuke grunted before looking over at Naruto.
"And what about you Idiot?" he asked narrowing his eyes.
Naruto sighed as he scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"Um...I got lost on the road of life..." he said before laughing nervously.
"LIAR" Sasuke yelled as his eye twitched.
Kakashi who lazily studied his book put it away before speaking as he looked at Naruto.
"You really shouldn't lie Naruto." he said, before shaking his head.
'Is he serious?' Naruto wondered as his eyebrow twitched in annoyance.
"Ano Sensei...so what will we be doing for training today ?" Hinata asked softly.
Kakashi offered an eye smile before speaking. "Today we won't be training, I have something else that the three of you need to consider. "he said instantly gaining the attention of the trio as his demeanor grew more serious.
"In two weeks time the Leaf Village will be holding the Chunin Exams to test the merit of Genin throughout the different hidden villages to determine who is ready to take the next step and who requires more time and training. This test requires a great deal from each individual and teams as a whole. Having taken your progress so far into consideration and how well the three of you handled yourselves as of late, I'm recommending all three of you for the Chunin Exams. However it isn't my place to force you to take this test...each and everyone of you have to decide if your ready to face the hardest obstacle you've ever encountered...it won't be easy, that much I can guarantee. I want the three of you to give this some consideration and I'll expect an answer from you three tomorrow. We'll meet here tomorrow evening at six "He said offering an eye smile, before vanishing in a swirl of leaves.
"WOAH the Chunin Exams! If we could pass that I would be one step closer to Hokage" Naruto exclaimed as stars filled his eyes.
Hinata giggled while Sasuke just rolled his eyes.
"We need to be serious Naruto...this isn't a game" Sasuke said as he shoved his hands back into his pockets.
Naruto pouted as he crossed his arms. "I know that, I'm just excited" he muttered as he looked at the ground.
Hinata blushed slightly as she touched Naruto shoulder. He looked up at her and grinned brilliantly showing that he wasn't really upset.
Sasuke grunted before speaking. "Look we'll have our work cut out for us...most Genin train at least a couple of years with their teams, before first attempting the Chunin Exams." Sasuke stated.
Hinata fiddled with her fingers saying nothing while Naruto didn't seem phased in the least.
"So what ...Maybe it won't be a walk in the park...but we kick ass and make a great team. If we stick together and work as a team no one can beat us." Naruto declared with an air of confidence.
Sasuke rolled his eyes but smirked. "You didn't have to convince me Idiot...I'm definitely in, this is the only way any of us will be able to show the results of our training and get stronger. " Sasuke said.
"Sounds good teme...Watcha think Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked as he looked his shy girlfriend.
Hinata's fidgeted slightly. "A-ano...I d-don't know ...I don't w-want to burden e-either of you and ruin your c-chances of advancing." she said softly as her eyes were downcast.
Sasuke just shook his head. "Hinata if anything your the most important member of our team." he said.
Hinata's eyes widened as she looked up at him surprised. "W-what?" she asked confused.
"Though I hate to admit it...your Taijutsu has an edge on mine and certainly on Naruto's and add to that the range of your Byakugan. We need you...we would be lost without you" he said simply before looking away.
Hinata felt tears threatening to spill over as she felt a hand grab hers.
"Sasuke is right Hinata-chan...your the best we wouldn't be Team 7 without you" Naruto said as he offered her a foxy smile.
Hinata began sniffling before she buried her head into Naruto's chest. "I'll do it" she mumbled into his chest.
"Eh what was that Hinata ?" Naruto asked as he slowly pried her away from his chest as he looked into her face.
"I-I'll do it" she said again softly while blushing.
"Eh still didn't catch what you said..." Naruto egged her on as he grinned at her.
"I"LL DO IT" she cried even surprising herself.
Naruto and Sasuke traded a look before chuckling.
"Alright now that we've decided...let's go to Ichikaru's...lunch is on me " Naruto exclaimed as he dragged Hinata forward and attempted to drag Sasuke with him.
"Forget it Naruto...I'll stick around for lunch and even pay for it...but you're eating something other than Ramen for a change." he groaned as he walked forward.
Naruto pouted as he followed hand in hand with Hinata.
"A-ano I'll make you some later N-naruto-kun" Hinata promised as she summoned her courage and leaned up and kissed the blonde quickly on the cheek.
Naruto pulled a Hinata as he blushed for a moment before recovering.
"Wooohoo " he screamed before covering his mouth as people began starring at him with scornful looks as he passed by.
'Smooth one idiot' Sasuke thought as he lead the group forward towards a small restaurant near the Hokage Tower.
What none of the group realized was the fact they were being watched the entire time from afar...
'How very interesting to think both Jinchuriki are on the same team and better yet seem to be very close. Then of course there is the Sasuke Uchiha. What an interesting team' a lone figure mused as he watched the trio enter a small restaurant.
The Man adjusted his glasses as he studied a card held between his fingers for a moment before applying a bit of chakra.
"Excellent" he murmured to himself as he tucked away the card.
'I believe my Master will be most pleased to learn what I've discovered.' he thought to himself as a wicked smile spread across his face.
A few moments passed as he formed a simple handsign and vanished in the blink of an eye.
Half an hour passed before Hinata,Naruto, and Sasuke left the Restaurant.
"I'll see you both tomorrow evening."Sasuke said as he offered a simple wave before he strode off leaving the couple to themselves.
Hinata fidgeted slightly and blushed as Naruto eyes fixated on her.
"Oi Hinata-chan I wanna show you my favorite place...come on let's go" he exclaimed as he grabbed her hand and began to lead her through the streets with a renewed enthusiasm.
She giggled and blushed though her expression changed slightly when she saw the glares directed at the blonde and a few that seemed directed at her.
'Why are they so cruel ? Why can't they understand the difference between Naruto-kun and the Kyuubi' she wondered to herself as she bit her lip.
"It's fear little one...they fear what Naruto represents to them...many of them see only the death of a love one that my mate and I brought about that night and Naruto serves as a place to focus that anger or sadness. I know their are foolish...but try not to judge them too harshly, it's much easier for anyone to hate then to forgive and understand. Only through his actions and your own can these people be brought to see something more when they look at you and Naruto." the demoness whispered.
"Me?" Hinata asked quietly.
"Yes...I'm afraid it won't be long till you're forced to share Naruto's burden. You won't be able to hide the truth indefinitely. It will come out."
"I'm not alone. I have Naruto and a team that supports me."
"Then keep them close and don't lose sight of that."
"Oi Hinata-chan you there ?" Naruto asked as he stopped walking to look at his girlfriend with a look of worry.
"H-hai...sorry about that ." Hinata whispered before blushing slightly as she realized they were now standing in a park near the gate of the village.
"Is t-this your favorite spot N-naruto-kun ?" Hinata asked quickly hoping to change subjects as her lavender orbs looked into his sapphire gaze.
"Nah we're not there yet I just stopped when I noticed you had spaced ou" he was cut off by a yell to his side.
Naruto and Hinata turned to see a taller boy dressed in black with strange purple face paint harassing a young boy.
"You little punk, I think I should teach you some manners" the boy said as he reached out and picked the smaller boy up by his collar.
Naruto instantly bolted over with Hinata following not far behind.. "Konohamaru" Naruto yelled.
Konohamaru's eyes widened in relief when he saw Naruto approaching. "Boss" he squeaked.
The older boy turned to look at the approaching duo before laughing. "So this is your reinforcements kid ? pathetic" he stated.
"Let Konohamaru go or you'll regret it" Naruto growled as his eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Oh and what can you do to stop me ?" Kankuro asked before smirking at the blonde.
"If you can't think of a good reason my brother will end up beating you to a pulp" a female voice could be heard before a blond haired girl emerged from the trees with a smirk on her face. Across her back was a large fan and she looked to be at least a year older than Naruto or Hinata.
"You should listen to N-naruto-kun...Konohamaru-kun is the Third Hokage's grandson...when he finds out foreign ninja have been m-mistreating his grandson, he won't be happy" Hinata stammered in a soft voice.
"Heh these Leaf Ninja are pathetic first a snot nose brat, then a loudmouthed midget and a mouse of a girl...this will be too easy" he said before he dropped Konohamaru on his ass and smirked.
Konohamaru instantly bolted up and hid behind Naruto.
Hinata began looking at the ground as her insecurities began to eat at her.
"I don't know who you are, but I'm going to kick your ass " Naruto yelled as he cocked his fist back and prepared to spring forward to attack.
"W-wait N-naruto-kun...you can't attack them" Hinata whispered as she tugged at his pants leg.
"Huh why not ?" he asked as he still shot the older boy a baleful look.
"I-I'm sure their here for the Chunin Exams...and are considered the Leaf's g-guests so we can't attack them." she said softly.
"Your little mousy friend is right...anyone with common sense would have already put that together."the female said.
Naruto growled again as Hinata seemed to retreat further into herself as she prodded her fingers together never looked up at the pair in front of her.
"Enough Kankuro...Temari" A cold voice stated from the shadows of a nearby tree.
Both instantly froze before falling backwards as a red haired boy no taller than Naruto and around the same age approached from the treeline.
His build wasn't very imposing, nor even was his gourd strapped to his back... however his aqua blue eyes radiated hate and borderline madness. It seemed that even his two older comrades followed his lead.
Naruto's eyes widened as he looked at the boy.
'What is this feeling...I've felt it before...when I look at this guy, I can see his pain...but something more than that.' Naruto thought.
"I am Gaara of the Sand those two fools you just met are my siblings...who are the two of you ?" He asked in an emotionless cold tone.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki" Naruto said simply before he looked to see Hinata was still drawn into herself.
"And this is Hinata Hyuuga" he offered after a moment.
Hinata finally looked up at the boy and shivered slightly his gaze unnerving her.
"Interesting...I've never met any of my own kind before...and now I've met two of you...I will delight in spilling your blood soon." Gaara stated simply radiating a strong killer intent before he turned and began walking off.
Konohamaru was shaking as he looked at the retreating form of Gaara. "What was that guy boss?" he asked innocently.
Naruto gritted his teeth silently before he turned and offered Konohamaru a fake smile. "I don't know ...but I'll totally kick his butt " Naruto exclaimed before laughing.
"Alright Boss! I know you can do it" the young boy exclaimed excitedly.
"OH I gotta run or JiJi will kill me! Thanks again for your help boss" he added before he darted off leaving Naruto and Hinata alone again.
"Hinata-chan are you ok ?" Naruto whispered as he looked at her concerned.
Her lavender gaze looked at him a moment before she finally nodded weakly.
"H-hai I-I'm sorry I'm so w-weak all the t-time " she said sadly.
"Hinata your not weak at all, you can totally kick my butt and I'm going to be the next Hokage so that makes you like even better than that" he said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster.
Hinata giggled before she leaned into him and hugged him awkwardly. "T-thankyou Naruto-kun ...I needed that" she whispered softly.
"Hehe anytime Hinata-chan...now come on I still want to show you my favorite spot in the whole village." he said before he took her hand and began gently guiding her towards the Hokage Mountain...
Naruto sat on the Fourth Hokage's head with a lopsided grin on his face as he gazed down into the village. Hinata had a shy, but happy smile on her face as she leaned against the blonde's shoulder.
"Hey Hinata-chan?" he asked after a moment as he looked over at his shy girlfriend.
"H-hai N-naruto-kun ?" She responded after a moment as she looked up into his cerulean gaze.
"I was wondering ...how long have you well ya know liked...I mean loved me ?" he asked as he scratched the back of his head sheepishly as he smiled at her.
Hinata's face grew serious as she closed her eyes a moment and took a breath. After a moment her lavender eyes reopened slowly and she began to speak in an even voice that was almost void of her normal stutter.
"W-when I was just a young girl...I began watching you...you amazed me. No matter what anyone told you...no matter what someone said to try and break your determination it only seemed to make you try harder. For someone like me...I saw hope...I've never been a prodigy like my cousin Neji or even as talented as my little sister. It started off as admiration...but you fascinated me...you were so determined and different than anyone else. When everyone else watched Sasuke-kun... I only wanted to watch you...and eventually I wanted to make you watch me, but I was...I'm just too shy." She said pausing a moment.
"W-when I saw your pain...your loneliness I wanted to make it go away...I wanted to approach you ...tell you how I felt...that I wanted to be your friend...more than that, but I was just too weak" she said her voice wavering as her gaze lowered.
Naruto felt his face grow hot as he looked at Hinata in amazement. He had never been complimented or felt this special ever. "Y-you never had a fever around me...or were allergic to me...and you weren't weird at all... you were just embarrassed because you cared about me and were just too shy to say it." he stated in realization.
Hinata nodded simply as she began twiddling with her fingers. "I-I wanted to tell you so badly...but every time I lost my nerve at the last moment...I-I even once left you a birthday present at your apartment...I was going to give it to you in person...but I just couldn't" she stammered.
Naruto felt a lump in his throat as he looked at her, once again his heart had begun to race. He slowly reached into his jumpsuit wrapping his fingers around his goggles.
"Hinata-chan...you were the one who left those goggles for me on my birthday weren't you?" he whispered as he reached out and took one of her hands.
Hinata looked up at him and smiled sadly before nodding.
"Arigato...JiJi used to do a lot for me and even took me out for Ramen occasionally...but that was the first birthday...that I received a gift from anyone. I was so use to hiding on my birthday...when I first found the box on my doorstep, I was afraid it was a trap. It was one of the happiest days of my life...I thought that someone out there cared." he said as he offered her a sincere smile.
Hinata blushed before biting her lip.
"I"m sorry I was so weak..." she said.
"Hinata-chan there's nothing to apologize for ...even though I didn't realize it at the time...you were watching out for me...and you are very special to me. You've become my first bond...and I believe in you. I know how strong you are and I know that with Sasuke's help we'll ace this exam." he declared with a foxy grin before he pulled her into a tight hug.
"H-hai together" she said as confidently as she could muster before her face blazed redder than any tomato when Naruto kissed her cheek.
Naruto laughed at his blushing girlfriend. "Oi come on let's go Hinata-chan we've been up here a while and it's already dark" he exclaimed as he stood up and held out his hand.
Hinata smiled shyly as she took his hand "H-hai Naru-kun" she said as she reached out and took his hand.
Miles away a dimly lit cavern concealed a threat Konoha had not dealt with in years...
"How fared your research Kabuto-kun?" A voice purred a few feet away.
Kabuto smirked as he adjusted his glasses slightly before speaking.
"Excellent Master...it seems that both of the Jinchuriki from the leaf and Sasuke Uchiha will in fact be entering the upcoming Chunin Exams." he stated as he reached into his jacket.
"Ah a perfect opportunity then.." he mused aloud.
Kabuto cleared his throat as he pulled one of his many cards out.
"Sasuke seems to have a great amount of potential, and from what I understand he has unlocked the Sharingan." he stated.
"Excellent...then this will certainly prove to be an interesting exam. Perhaps I shall pay Sasuke a visit." Orochimaru said as his tongue slipped out of mouth and licked his lips.
Kabuto inclined his head. "I see and what would you have me do until then Master?" he asked before again readjusting his glasses.
"Keep close tabs on all of them and if the chance presents itself...get close to the Genin and earn their trust...it will prove useful." Orochimaru said before he again licked his lips.
"Very well Master...I will not fail you" Kabuto said as he offered a deep bow before disappearing from sight.