Chapter 10: Informant
"What are you doing here?" Tsunade asked once more. There's a sense of annoyance and impatience in her tone as she taps her feet against the pavement, waiting for a proper answer this time.
Honestly, what good excuse can Jiraiya give her for standing on the rooftop of Jewel after Hours building?
'Guess this wasn't that good of a hiding spot.' He frowns.
But Jiraiya doesn't make any effort to really move, shifting enough so Tsunade can take a seat beside him on the cold cement.
"I told you already, I'm thinking." He answered again after a while.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes, following at his line of sight over the city before plopping down next to him with a huff.
Its approaching twilight and most of the girls have either gone on back home to be with their families in other nations or simply took time off to get away from work to enjoy the festivities of the approaching New Year. It's gotten very boring and lonely keeping the place closed so often.
Especially with many sad callers as of late who think they're open, aching for another voice on the other end…
"On top of my call center? With a good view of the bathhouse down the street for good measure?" She questions, forgetting for now that said call center isn't even open and she's being too loud as her voice echoes into the air.
Jiraiya pouts, crossing his arms. "It's not my fault this is such a quiet place to gather my thoughts! It can't be helped either where the red light district puts their bathhouses or lingerie shows!"
Her hazel eyes darken and Jiraiya gulps, stopping himself from saying anything else.
He's still recovering from the last bruises and sprains she gave him.
She snorts after a while and leans her head back to stare at the stars appearing in the wave of ending sunlight as streaks of reds and purples began to fade. It doesn't matter if she pounds him into the earth or knocks him halfway across the city.
Jiraiya will be back here tomorrow, a few broken bones and bloody yes, but joyfully acting the same as always.
"I've caught you on my rooftop twice now this week, what's going on?" She pursues.
Jiraiya shakes his head, leaning his head against his palm. "I've got a new client."
Her ears perked up at this, it's been months since anyone has asked Jiraiya to investigate a case. Usually police officers only called him for the most grisly of cases involving a crime spree they couldn't solve and he rarely got calls from jilted lovers asking him to check up on an Ex.
Who needed him?
"I don't even know if I should take it, he's offering such a huge amount of money for any information I give, but…" He trailed off, sighing.
Tsunade sat up slightly, frowning at his tone.
'This is serious.'
But Jiraiya always kept to his client's confidentiality no matter how good or bad they seemed…unless he plans to break that rule now.
She looked back over to the growing nightlife of Konoha. Multicolored lights surrounding sparkling Christmas trees still up and the squeals of children playing in the snow filled the area.
And then she tracks to where Jiraiya's eyes have been this whole time and her frown deepens.
'Naruto?'
He's not alone either, Hinata's hand intertwined with his as they leaned close to each other to share in body heat. They walk at a leisurely pace through the crowds, stopping every once in a while to window shop or look at ongoing shows.
Well, it makes sense there out a date; a majority of couples their age are out and about especially at this time of year.
"Why are you spying on him? Don't tell me he's the one you have to track-"
Though the words died on her lips as Naruto abruptly halted, gaze suddenly turning directly to them. His eyes become a haunting deep scarlet, narrowed and focused on the two before looking forward again at Hinata's concerned expression and tapping at his shoulder.
'How did he know?'
Her stomach twisted forcefully, enough for her breathe to come out in shaky pants as she sucked in gulps of cold air.
"I was afraid of that happening." Jiraiya's voice brings her back to reality.
He doesn't seem shocked at all that Naruto could see them, even from this distance.
"What's going on with him? I know you said the traits from his mother's side of the family were getting stronger, though this is more than what I expected!" Tsunade snapped.
Jiraiya brushed a hand through his spiky white locks, wincing at her anger. "I know, I know. This is why I can't accept Hiashi's offer. Naruto is starting to be able to sense when people are watching him even from this far away now."
Tsunade's frustration shifted to confusion, crossing her arms against her chest. "Wait, he picked you to investigate Naruto?"
Jiraiya shrugged, smiling. "What's wrong with that? I am the best you know! Well, one of the best investigators this city has. Though I'll have to turn down his offer. Not just because I can't get in the way of Naruto's happiness and I know him personally, but because he probably already knows how to pick out my scent from a crowd."
Tsunade nodded silently, her heart still thumping quickly against her chest.
She had never seen Naruto look at anyone that way, like he didn't even recognize the duo in that brief flicker of eye contact…
A gaze of malice.
Jiraiya moved to stand, stretching out his shoulders and Tsunade wondered how he could be so laidback about this whole situation.
If he turned down Hiashi's offer, then he would simply find someone who wouldn't.
And that meant Naruto's secrets would still be at risk for exposure.
"Don't worry, I'll just have to keep a watch on whoever Hiashi finds to replace me! Besides, you just saw that look he gave us; I'm sure Naruto can take care of himself just fine too!" Jiraiya spoke up, knowing where her thoughts had wandered.
His lighthearted words don't comfort her though and she bites at her tongue to stop herself from cursing his casualness.
Because how can Naruto control his behaviors if they're rising and changing this fast? He'll be hurt again or worse killed and she'll be a bystander again…
Unable to help another loved one lost.
"Come on, let's go knock back some sake to calm your nerves! It will be my treat; I'm sure that will get your mind off of being alone during the holidays like this too!" Jiraiya mused, gesturing to the nearest bars down below.
And wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
He shakes at her shoulders until she reluctantly gives in, giving her enough time to take one last look over the skyline to find Naruto and Hinata already gone. Footprints in the snow leading in several directions as another flurry picks up.
'I guess there isn't much we can do anyways…'
"Fine, but you keep your hands at least 5 feet away from me!" She huffed, removing the arm he was wrapping around her off again.
Meanwhile Naruto watches them from a congested food stand, hands pressed tightly at his sides until he no longer sees them.
'Why was that old pervert watching me? And bringing granny along too; don't they have better things to do?'
"Naruto, you okay?" Hinata's murmuring brings him back from his scanning and the red in his eyes swirl and return back to their usual bright blue.
He hugged her close, eliciting a squeak out of her as he sighed against her neck.
Right, he needs to stay calm.
But he also needs to protect her…a churning need to make sure he can stay and be at her side.
"I'm alright, just thought I saw somebody I knew."
"You're acting like a fox more than usual, well minus the walking on four legs and digging holes." Hinata notes as they start moving again.
And she isn't sure what to make of it.
What if his tails or fox ears sprout out with all these people around?
Naruto beamed, fur sprouting again along his arms. "Oh, did some more research; huh? Well, I can always do the sniffing and biting parts that most foxes are known for!"
Hinata giggled, flustering when Naruto indeed appeared ready to prove his point at his continued staring.
"Naruto, I was just joking!" She teased, lightly poking at his arm making him abruptly tug her close enough to whisper in her ear.
"…I wasn't."
-X-
"You shouldn't interfere considering she didn't answer any of the calls or texts. None of what you've said or done already has worked anyways. I think you need to just get some more sleep after the rough night you've had." Shino repeats.
Kiba shakes his head, mind still fuzzy with taste of cheap beer burning on the tip of his tongue. The room spins when he abruptly moves to stand too fast and he swallows back the foul taste of bile crawling up and stinging at his throat again.
It's the first day of the New Year.
Hinata is supposed to be here with them, it's tradition for them to meet up on the final night of every year to celebrate accomplishments and discuss goals for what was to come in the New Year.
The last time he saw Hinata though was at her birthday party…when she had left it early.
With Naruto.
Shino doesn't stop him for stepping out of his apartment into the winter morning, sky a mix of pale pinks and light blues as the sun begins to shimmer on melting snow from overnight.
"Kiba, that's already your 6th drink of the night. Alcohol isn't going to help settle your emotions over Hinata or Tamaki." Shino voiced.
Teary auburn eyes of said off and on girlfriend of his come to mind and he gritted his teeth, wanting to bury his face back into the pillows and blankets nearby to stop the images from forming.
It doesn't work and the throbbing in chest rings only louder in his ears.
"Yeah, yeah; you've told me that probably a 100 times already tonight." He grumbled out.
But Shino doesn't stop and he knows his gaze is probably narrowing beneath his dark shades.
"If you would tell Hinata how you feel then at least you wouldn't be bottling it all up anymore. You'll be able to move on properly with Tamaki." He advised.
His heart clenched and he sucked in a slow breathe.
Hinata already knows how he feels, he knows it's unrequited…
The faster these romantic feelings overtaking their friendship die, the better off he'll be.
And yet he still wants to protect her from other guys, especially a guy like Naruto who clearly isn't completely normal.
Fireworks pop through the sky as the clock strikes midnight and he looked outside to see colorful sparkles illuminating through the darkness.
'In the morning I'll stop by her apartment and talk to her.'
So here he goes, trudging through melting snow to Hinata's place with a small package of leftovers in his bag, only stopping every once in a while to make sure he truly wasn't going in circles.
He should've taken up Shino's offer for some Tylenol and water before leaving.
The stairs leading up to her door are icy and he nearly slips on the way up the 3rd and 4th steps, ignoring the stab of pain to his ankle.
His hand reaches for her doorbell just as he hears a noticeable moan on the other side.
And damn it, he wishes he had a less sensitive nose and ears now more than ever.
'You shouldn't interfere.'
Shino's stupid advice flickers back to the forefront of his mind and he gulps, hand beginning to waver…
But it turns out he doesn't need to knock, the door knob clicks and begins to turn on its own, opening just enough for him to see.
"I'm going to go get some clothes from my place, I should be back by noon and then we can-"Naruto stopped himself, glancing out of the corner of his eye towards him.
His grin deflates into an irritated scowl.
This isn't any better for him either, Naruto's lack of shirt and pants (because what he has on looks far too much like boxers) is making him start to squirm. A growl escapes from him and he steps back at the sight of sharpened teeth and nails directing for his face.
'What...What in the hell?!'
"Naruto, close the door. You're letting all the cold air in and I have the heat on!" Hinata calls out from somewhere behind him and he can hear her footsteps approaching to see what's going on.
The pink blush staining her cheeks rushes across her face at the sight of him. Naruto hasn't stopped his growling and Hinata lightly tugs on his arm, whispering for him to relax.
He doesn't.
Not until Hinata leans her head lightly against his back, murmuring something as he barely picks up on the words "Don't attack him, he's my friend…he'll understand in time…" that makes Naruto move back out of the entrance.
"Kiba, ah um, what are you doing here?" Hinata questions, trying to ignore Naruto's presence hovering beside her.
He swallowed the lump in his throat, Hinata too is lacking in the clothes department though she is at least modestly covered up in a much too big plain white shirt that reeks of Naruto.
She brushes a hand nervously through her tangled dark hair, fidgeting when he won't say anything, won't move from his spot…
"You, well err missed the party with Shino and I last night. We saved some food for you though." He croaks out, pulling out the Tupperware and pushing it into her hands.
He's at least happy it clicks in her eyes then why he's here as she glances down at the container, lavender eyes widening as a tiny gasp leaves her lips in understanding.
"I-I, oh no; the annual New Year's Eve party! I completely forgot; I'm sorry…I'll make it up to you guys over lunch or dinner. We'll set a date when we're all available." She rushes out quickly.
Kiba shakes his head, cracking a weak smile.
"No, no. You were busy with all the different events going on; it's understandable…" He paused as his eyes skipped over to Naruto.
He's smirking.
'This bastard!'
"I should go, sorry for interrupting." He went on quickly, he glanced over his shoulder one last time as he approached back to the staircase to see Hinata still watching him in concern and Naruto now staring at him in a mix of frustration and more sickeningly…
Pity.
"Stay safe you two." He mumbles out.
-X-
"I don't understand why he turned it down." Hiashi grumbles, mainly to himself as he mused over the last few hours that had occurred.
He's spent most of the morning peering down at Jiraiya's letter, a simple few words saying he couldn't accept his proposal due to his relationship with Naruto among other matters.
Jiraiya hadn't seemed like the type of person to turn down offers, perhaps it was a conflict of interest what with writing those perverse 'novels' that so many people seemed to secretly love.
"Uncle, it shouldn't be that hard to find another investigator. I'm sure there are plenty of other good options available." Neji points out.
Hanabi snorts, raising her hand in interruption. "Or… we could you know, stop trying to interfere in Hinata's love life! We don't have any proof this boyfriend of hers is hurting her and she's so happy-"
"Hanabi, you can't pretend you didn't see all those scratches and bruises over her neck and arms! She's endangering herself!" Neji cuts her off.
Hanabi shook her head, standing up from her chair. "They're called hickeys! Geez, maybe you've never heard of them since you've probably never had sex or-"
"Enough, both of you! Arguing isn't going to solve this situation!" Hiashi bellowed, interrupting them from continuing.
The last thing he wants to hear about is his nephew and own daughter talking about sex of all things!
Where did Hanabi even learn about sex anyways? He certainly hadn't been the one to talk to her about it…
Hanabi excuses herself shortly after and he sighs, rubbing at his forehead.
"Neji, go over the list of the other candidates you researched." He states after a while.
From the corner of his eye he sees Neji nod, pulling out a plain white list with black bullets listing out a variety of names.
"To compile this list Uncle, I looked into the top officials that the highest dignitaries have called on to be their bodyguards, hackers, or lead examiners on a major project. Oddly, one of the top names that came up was someone by the name Orochimaru, he even used to be an old friend of Jiraiya apparently."
Hiashi shook his head. "I've heard…he's creepy to put it lightly."
"There's my old teacher Gai?" Neji considered, grimacing at even having to bring him up.
The man never stopped spouting about the power of youth and ways to think and stay young with all types of remedies, though he can be wise when it came down to it…
Not that he would ever admit that aloud.
Hiashi gave him a perplexed look. "Neji, are you sure you were thinking through that list properly or half asleep while doing it?!"
"Kiba was the one who brought me up to speed on the possible darker side of Naruto's personality..." Neji ventures.
"But he doesn't have enough experience to take on this type of challenge." Hiashi finishes.
Neji peered back down at his paper, scratching out another name.
"What about Kakashi Hatake?"
"He's well known for his work in espionage, tracking, and bringing down top criminals that were at the top of Konoha's bingo books." Neji went on.
Hiashi frowned, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"I agree he's good, though I worry about his mental state. In all the few times I've seen that man around the city, he's always alone and constantly has his face hidden; even off the job. It's a shock that he considered going into such a field after his father's suicide from the pressures of it all…"
Neji only smiled wryly. "I say he's the perfect fit Uncle. We know his emotions won't get in the way."
And meanwhile Hanabi crouched herself lower, hiding in the shadows where the sunlight passing onto the oak and mahogany floors of the compound wouldn't cast her presence.
"I'll give him a call or find out his connections." Hiashi states after a while and Hanabi bites her lip to fight down the urge to scream.
She dashes for her room before either of them catch on to her still looming around, burying her head into cotton sheets as the scent of apple spices and cinnamon wafting from the candles she had lit the night before calm her racing heart.
'Hinata would like these candles too.'
Her chest sinks even further into the bed thinking of her sister, Hinata who's always been her go to for advice and help just had to fall for the wrong type of guy apparently.
But then again, Hinata liked to step out of her comfort zones as of late. Secretly taking up that call girl service job under father and Neji's nose being just one of her odder choices.
"I have to warn her, it's the least I can do." Hanabi whispers, sitting up and reaching for her phone.
Hinata knew how to turn bad situations around after all.
Hopefully, this would be no different.
-X-
"You okay?" Naruto asks sleepily by Hinata's ear.
It's cloudy out tonight, the moon unavailable for him to properly see her face.
"Yeah, just tired."
Short and to the point.
It's not a lie, Hinata reminds herself. She is tired…
And nervous, frustrated, confused...too many emotions really and painful thoughts keep constantly bubbling up as her cheeks start to feel annoyingly wet again.
'Don't cry.'
"Is it because Kiba knows how much of a beast I can become?" Naruto questions slowly.
He feels Hinata shake her head against his chest as he turns over, watching as she opens her eyes fully.
"No, well yes; that is a problem. Not the only problem though." Hinata murmurs out.
'Not anymore…'
"What else is there? Oh, I was too rough again?" Naruto grumbles sheepishly, rubbing tenderly at the spots where he knows bruises will soon form. A part of him wants to settle her underneath him again, parting her legs open for him to see her glistening folds.
Damn, he should've refrained from a round two, his mind is getting foggy…
But Hinata's body melds perfectly with his when they make love, gasps and moans spurring him on through each thrust as her nails bury and glide along his back as he claims her. Basking in the afterglow like this is his favorite part, sweat and skin intermingling as he listens to the crescendo of her fast heartbeat slow back to a normal pace.
He's been going to and from her apartment so much so now that Sasuke asks if he plans to simply move in with her.
"The lease renewal is coming up at the end of this month. The 30th to be precise." Sasuke mentions over his shoulder as he finished washing his dishes and drying his hands, eyeing as Naruto haphazardly tossed a few clothes and essentials into his backpack.
It's the third time today he's stopped in 'just to grab a few stuff' then head back to Hinata's apartment and probably not show up again here until late into tomorrow or even the day after.
"Yeah, so what?" Naruto grumbled, looking around for his phone charger and keys.
Sasuke points to them in the corner by his dresser as he sighs with a roll of his eyes.
"It means, do you want to keep living here or with Hinata?" He questions him directly.
Naruto looked up then, confusion marring his face. "Huh? I don't live with Hinata, what are you talking about?"
Sasuke shook his head, pointing with a finger around his room and it's only then he realizes how noticeably bare it's become over the weeks…
His closet is missing his favorite jackets and shirts, a good chunk of his shoes are gone, even his favorite posters of ramen and daily self-reminders are gone. Cracks and peeling paint of his white walls suddenly feel all the more visible.
"Yeah, you kind of do live with her." Sasuke muses.
He hadn't yet brought up to Hinata the idea, frowning at how Sasuke had worded it. Bastard would probably think it was funny if Hinata said no to him and then he ended up on the streets or something!
His fox tail brushes and wraps around her leg and Hinata sighs, curling into his warmth for a moment before hesitantly sitting up when she suddenly feels another tail tickling at her toes…
'Huh?'
These 'practice sessions' aren't exactly working. No matter how comfortable it is being wrapped up close to Naruto like this. Her main objective in solving Naruto's problem from the time he had first called the call center has gotten nowhere.
Because if anything, Naruto's fox features are becoming more and more prominent. She does a double take as she looks down and yes, Naruto does have two tails swishing about now. That had never happened…
Hmm, alright then!
Naruto doesn't even seem to notice changes like this happening to him or maybe he does and just doesn't know how to stop it all…
At least not yet.
"Naruto do you feel okay? Like your still yourself?" Hinata questions.
Naruto nods, but his voice comes out scratchy and deep and he craves to be back inside her, scooting himself towards the edge of the bed to resist the urge. "For the most part, yes."
If he looks over at her again he'll see the purple and blue marks littering her pale skin, the thin trails of blood that are all his fault…
Hinata watched him for a moment longer before reaching for her phone tossed away by the nightstand. In the middle of their most recent 'practicing' Hanabi had texted her more than once and she had ignored it until the guilt of her phone's buzzing got to her.
Hanabi never texted this late unless it was something important.
'Father is sending a spy after you and Naruto. Be careful.' She had read that message more than 5 times now to make sure that was what it said.
But the words don't change and the sick feeling growing in her chest starts to burn.
"Naruto, I…I think Jiraiya was sent as a spy from my father." Hinata stated.
Naruto crossed his hands behind his head, sitting up with her and turning on her lamp. The room becomes flooded with the amber glow of the light as his eyes flash in realization.
"That explains why he was watching us from the rooftops. He already knows my family history though, I doubt he would tell your father about it without my permission."
Hinata nodded, Jiraiya did have morals and standards he kept to despite his annoying perverted behavior most of the time.
"Who do you think he would hire in the old man's place though? He or she would have to be good to stand a chance against my senses!" He boasted, sniffing loudly in emphasis.
Hinata shrugged, fisting with the edges of her sheets.
'I'm not sure I really want to know.'
-X-
"Mr. Hatake I presume? I'm glad you could squeeze in time to meet with me on such a short notice; my apologies on being late." Neji asked, taking the empty seat opposite of the silver haired man.
Most restaurants were closing around this time of night and he was thankful the small coffee shop he chose for them stayed open often until 2 am.
Kakashi gazed up from the book he had been reading in waiting for him (which Neji disturbingly noted looked a lot like the Make out Paradise books Jiraiya was known for).
He gave him what he believed was a smile beneath his surgeon mask, nodding. "It's no problem. Your uncle I believe Hiashi Hyuga persuaded me this would be an interesting case to take on."
'Is that the only reason why he took it? Not for the money?' Neji wondered, shaking the thought away.
They needed to get down to business.
He reached into his pocket, pulling out two photos of Naruto.
"My uncle and I would like you to investigate into this man."
Kakashi trailed his eyes down to look at the images, they were both taken from a distance. Naruto laughing at something a person had said beside him and the other of him nearly dozing off in his class.
His eyes narrowed further the more he studied the pictures…
He had seen blonde spiky hair and lively cerulean eyes like this before.
'Minato? No, but this must be his son.'
The room suddenly feels colder then, the burnt smell of his coffee disappears and becomes replaced with the scent of blood invading his nostrils as he looks into the glassy blank stare of his teacher's…
Dying right before him again.
"We want you to look into his family, in particular his mother's side. The Uzumaki family line was known for certain 'attributes' and we just want to make sure none of it is of any danger to my cousin who happens be dating him. I'm sure it won't be any trouble for a veteran like you to the field of spying and infiltrating." Neji's speaking pulls him back and Kakashi works to make sure his breathing is still even.
That everything is fine.
"Well, I don't have a problem looking into him, but why me? I…I used to be a student of his father's you know if that's a concern to you." Kakashi mentions.
Neji sighed, clicking his tongue before he moved to take a sip at his tea. "I don't know, is it a problem that you won't be able to do the job? Just let me know now so that I don't waste any more of yours or my time."
Kakashi shook his head and Neji's calm grin instantly returned, sliding a check over to him.
"That's the first half of your payment. Any pictures, information, or tidbits you pick up on Naruto and even what Hinata may be hiding from us would be helpful. We've just been hearing too many rumors lately of him becoming like some fox beast when enraged or excited." He laughed weakly as he finished, knowing how silly this probably sounded to the stoic man before him.
But Kakashi only mutely nods, flat expression giving nothing away.
'I have an idea of how he can be, if it's anything like his mom…'
Neji leaves him with two weeks to report back to him. Same time and place.
Yes, this will definitely be interesting.
-X-
His coffee is cold by the time he finishes drinking it off (of course when nobody is around) before stepping back into the night.
He moves about ten steps forward before coming to a stop.
"Why are you following me?" He asked aloud, turning halfway back to stare down the street.
The wind rustles up leaves and the sounds of cars bustling away in the distance respond back to him and he sighs, reaching for his pocket knife.
"I don't feel like fighting you, but I will if necessary." He continues, dipping his voice with the meaningful threat of attacking and footsteps from the alley approach his way.
It's someone from the Inuzuka clan, he knows that much from those typical red facial markings.
"So, you're the one the Hyuga family hired?" Kiba questions, looking him over from head to toe.
Kakashi shrugged, why did it matter?
"Naruto will kill you." Kiba concludes when he finishes his staring, deep frown settling onto his face as he crossed his arms.
Kakashi arched a brow, this guy looked pale and shaky; far and away from the loud, boasting confidence he thought the Inuzuka family was known form.
This man had already encountered Naruto's bad side.
"I'll take my chances." He eventually replied, turning to go until Kiba abruptly speaks again.
"Wait! If you're…if you're truly going to try to look into Naruto, then at least let me share with you everything that I already know…"
-x-
Hello and happy belated Thanksgiving, hoped you're all stuffed from all the foods you partook in if you were celebrating or maybe fighting people for deals while out shopping!
Congrats to Crimson Hawk Wolf who surprised me by being the only person to guess correctly Jiraiya as the private investigator, I figured more people would guess him since he was a spy during the actual show. After editing this chapter and rewriting certain scenes though, I realized Jiraiya would easily get caught by Naruto and the idea of Kakashi gave me some interesting and funny ideas. So, let's see how Naruto (and maybe Hinata) will outsmart him! Let me know your thoughts!
Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!