AN: Hello again everyone and welcome back.
I am very happy with the reception the first chapter got and im very happy that so many people loved the story. I had a few people raise concerns and i thought i would address them here.
First, I would like everyone to put themselves in this position. You have no one. No one has ever cared about you and no one has given you the time of day save for a handful of people. Then, one day, the one person that has ever given you love was killed. That would be one hell of a depression. Then, right before you do the unthinkable someone stops you and claims they have loved you for a while now. On top of that, they PROVE that they love you by standing up to their family and facing their fears only for you. If all that were to happen i believe it IS possible for things to progress fast enough to where what happened in the first chapter is plausible. I mean, there are people who claim love at first sight without knowing anything about each other, so yeah, i think it CAN happen. After all, experts say that it only takes a matter of hours for someone to fall in love, so yeah. Plus its a fanfic about people who spit fire from their mouth, so nothing should really be surprising to anyone...
I also had several comments about Hinata's OCC nature, well, its a fanfic about Hinata's wet dream... not literally of course, but its about everything she would or could ever want, so yeah, she gets a little more daring as the fic progresses. What im going for is for a role reversal. Naruto becomes more introverted while Hinata comes out of her shell.
There were also concerns about Jiraiya, well, he has his own mourning to do, so if i were in his position i would try to deal with my own emotions and make sure im ok first before i would even be able to help anyone, but dont worry, he's coming.
A lot to say in the notes so far... sorry about that... i know most people will just skip over all this crap, but i dont blame you, i would too.
Disclaimer: I dont own Naruto
Chapter 2
Naruto woke up in a strange bed, a very comfortable and warm bed, but strange none the less. He looked around the room, trying to remember where he was. Then his gaze settled on a mass of indigo hair resting on his chest, suddenly all the memories came rushing back.
'So now I'm Hinata's fiancé, I'm going to be part of her clan, and I'm going to father her children.'
Naruto just stared up at the ceiling for several minutes just letting it all sink in. That's when the panicking started.
'What if she gets bored of me? What if she begins to love someone else, will she just throw me out? Oh Kami what if her clan kills me!? What if the new Hokage exiles me for corrupting the Hyuga heiress!?'
These thoughts and many others raced through his mind, and he began sweating bullets just thinking about it. Little did he know that his increased heart rate and breathing would wake up the girl laying on him. She let out a tired yawn and snuggled deeper into his chest.
"Mmmmmm, Naruto-koi… it's too early… go back to bed."
Naruto blushed when he realized that she was still in only her underwear, and then he remembered what she told him last night.
'That's right… She made me promise never to leave her, so that means she won't ever leave me… She's my new reason for living, to love and support her and our future children. I don't think that sounds too bad at all, I mean, I could end up alone for the rest of my life, or end up in a failed loveless marriage, or even be cheated on. At least with her I know that at least she loves me.'
He smiled gingerly and rubbed the top of her head slowly, brushing the bangs out of her face, and he was amazed at how soft her hair was. He saw Hinata smile with her eyes still closed, and she let out a small yawn that made reminded Naruto of a kitten, cute and adorable. After a few minutes more she finally pushed herself up and rubbed her now open eyes. She bent forward and gave Naruto a chaste peck on the lips.
"Morning Naru-koi."
Naruto couldn't help but smile, every action Hinata did made Naruto realize more and more just how much he loved her.
"Morning 'Nata."
Hinata looked at him with a huge grin, and she just stared at him for several seconds longer than he thought was normal.
"What?"
She grinned larger. "Nothing, I'm just thinking about the nickname."
Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "Well, you gave me a nick name so I thought I should give you one too… but if you don't like it I guess I could just call you by your name."
Hinata shook her head. "No, I love it. I really do."
Naruto chuckled. "Good, because I'm not that creative and I wouldn't have been able to come up with anything else."
Hinata giggled and kissed him again, wrapping her arms around his neck to deepen the contact. Naruto responded, and wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her closer. His hands rubbed up and down her back while Hinata made it more and more passionate. They locked lips for several seconds, being content in the love they were showing each other. They could both feel warmth spread throughout their bodies, and it seemed like the room got a few degrees warmer as they continued to kiss. Naruto then felt something rub against his bottom lip.
'Wha… Is that her tongue?'
Naruto opened his mouth to ask her what was rubbing against his lips, but that is exactly what Hinata was waiting for. She shot her tongue in his mouth, causing Naruto's eyes to shoot open while he let out a surprised gasp as he felt her explore his mouth.
'I never knew Hinata could be this… forceful…'
Hinata closed her eyes and only focused on the taste and feel of the blonde boy. She ran her hands though his hair, tugging at it while she pushed him back on the bed. She could feel her body getting hot, and it was driving her insane. She brought her leg over his waist so she was straddling him, and she was made painfully aware of his excitement. She was rapidly losing control.
'I… I can't hold it in anymore… I want him… I need him!'
She began grinding against him while moaning into the kiss; it felt so good to finally feel him intimately after all this time. Naruto couldn't stop the groans coming from his chest; it was just too stimulating, especially when he felt his boxers get more and more wet from Hinata's grinding on his member. He knew she was ready, but he also knew that they shouldn't be doing this yet, they were too young, not to mention he had always thought he would wait till he was married, or close to it. Deciding to break it off before he lost control Naruto pulled back from her panting for breath.
"W… Wait 'Nata… Are you sure this is a good idea?"
Hinata looked very disappointed and opened her mouth to speak, but then she saw the uncertainty in his eyes, and it looked like he was… scared? She knew just from looking at him that he wasn't ready for this, and she suddenly felt ashamed of herself. She got off him and turned away from him, looking down at the ground.
"Gomen Naruto… I promised you that I wouldn't pressure you into anything you weren't ready for, and not a day later I break that promise… I don't know what came over me… I… Gomen…"
Naruto couldn't stand seeing her sad, especially since he was the cause. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, resting his head on her shoulder.
"It's ok 'Nata, I… I just need a little more time alright?"
He felt Hinata nod slowly; he could tell she still felt bad. "Hey, 'Nata?"
"Yeah?"
He lifted up his head and turned her head so she was looking at him.
"I know that this is all new to me, but you know that you are very important to me, right? No matter what, that fact wont change."
She finally smiled, making Naruto smile right back at her. He gave her a quick kiss before bringing her into a warm loving embrace. They held each other for what felt like forever, and when Naruto finally pulled back, he just looked at Hinata's face.
"I don't know why I never saw you before, but you really are beautiful, and I never want to see tears stain your face, no matter what."
Hinata smiled at the compliment and wiped the stray tears from her eyes. "Yesterday… I… I tried; I tried so hard to be so strong like you. You never let anything drag you down; you never let anything keep you down. You would always get back up and just try harder, and your bravery gave me the strength to keep going. You were the strongest person I ever knew, and by just being you, I was able to still be me."
Naruto took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. "I was never as strong as you thought I was… I always doubted myself, but I could never show it out of fear of what would happen if I let myself fall. I bottled up my sadness for so long, and yesterday it just all came bursting out. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up, but it scares me to think about how far into the darkness I had fallen, and I know I never want to feel like that again. Besides, you have always been strong! All your life you've shouldered all your hardships and pushed through the hurt and pain to get where you are today. You're a beautiful woman, you're an amazing person, and you're a dangerously skilled Kunoichi."
A single tear of happiness fell down Hinata's face, and she pulled Naruto into another hug, where they stayed, just enjoying the feeling of one another's presence. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and a knock at the door was that end.
"Hinata-sama, your presence is required in the dojo for the spar you requested."
Hinata pulled herself back and walked over to her dresser to get clothes. "Hai, I shall be there momentarily."
Hinata got out a pair of black shinobi pants, a tighter black shirt, and a long strip of cloth to bind herself with. As she walked into the bathroom she paused when she saw Naruto staring at her with wide eyes.
She arched a curious eyebrow at him. "What? You saw me in my underwear last night, so it's a little late to be embarrassed now."
Naruto blushed and shook his head. "It's not that, it's just that I can't believe you're wearing something besides your huge beige coat. I swear you could hide the whole Hokage monument in that massive eskimo jacket."
Hinata giggled and set him a playful glare. "Real funny Naru-koi. I guess since I'm too busy hiding in my jacket all the time I won't be able to make you food anymore." She walked towards the bathroom again.
Naruto paled and held up his hand to stop her. "Wait! I was just kidding! I'm sorry! I won't joke about your clothes anymore, just please don't take away your delicious cooking!"
The girl just smiled sweetly. "Apology accepted, just remember that teasing the hand that feeds you isn't a very smart decision, not to mention that I'm your fiancé, so when you are ready to take our relationship to the next level, well, I might just be too tired then." Naruto realized at that moment that all of Shikamaru's rants about how women were 'troublesome' were spot on, but he forgot to mention how terrifying they could be. "Now hurry up and get dressed in one of the robes I had brought yesterday, I want you to be there when I retake my birthright."
With that she walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Naruto fell back on the bed arms spread wide and staring up at the ceiling. A shiver went down his spine.
"I never knew she could be so scary… There is so much about her that I don't know, but I have the rest of my life to learn…"
The blonde sat up and jumped off the bed, grabbing the robes laying on the dresser and a fresh pair of underwear out of his duffle bag. He sent a glance towards the bathroom door to make sure Hinata was still occupied inside, and satisfied that he had enough time he lowered his orange boxers and slipped on another pair of burnt orange boxers. He then dressed in a similar manner as the day before, tying his Hitai-ate around his forehead.
He studied his image in the mirror, and was surprised to see how regal he looked. Without the bright orange jumpsuit, which he left back at his apartment, he looked surprisingly official, well, as official as a thirteen year old could look. He was too busy checking out his new look that he never noticed the door to the bathroom open, so he was jumped a little when he felt two arms wrap around him from the back and link over his chest.
He smiled and placed his hands on Hinata's, who put her chin on his shoulder, looking at him in the mirror. "You're so handsome Naru-koi. I know for a fact that if we went back to the academy with you looking like that you would have a fan club that dwarfed Sasuke's."
Naruto chuckled. "That wouldn't matter, because I would only ever have eyes for you."
Hinata was pleased with his comment, but there was still one question that bugged her. "What about Sakura?"
The blonde sighed and held Hinata's hands tighter. "Whatever I felt towards her was unhealthy, and I realized that early on in the academy. I just wanted attention, I needed it, and in some twisted way I was able to confirm my existence in her rejections, and I never knew any better because I was lead to believe I would always be alone. I wish I had found you back then 'Nata, I really do."
Hinata kissed him on the cheek before taking his hand in hers and began walking towards her door. "Well the important thing is that we're here now, so let's just focus on the future?"
Naruto didn't respond with words, he just gave her hand a squeeze as they left her room. Waiting outside for them was none other than Neji, Hinata's cousin who Naruto defeated in the Chunin Exam Finals.
The boy bowed. "Hinata-sama, Naruto-san."
Naruto looked at Hinata's face, and he saw she was just as surprised as he was.
"Neji-niisan, what are you doing here?"
Neji stood back up and smiled, a genuine smile. "Hiashi-sama has ordered me to retrieve you for your spar against Hanabi-sama. The entire council has been assembled to witness the spar." At this Neji frowned. "Hinata-sama, I know that we have had our differences in the past, and for that I want to apologize, but I truly wish for you to reconsider. I don't want to see you get hurt, or worse, be put in the branch family."
Hinata pulled Naruto forward so he was shoulder to shoulder with her. "I appreciate the sentiments Neji-niisan, but you don't have to worry about me. I won't be defeated by Hanabi today, because today I'm not fighting for myself, I'm fighting for the entire Hyuga clan, and most importantly, I'm fighting for Naruto-koi."
Neji raised an eyebrow. "Naruto-koi?"
Hinata nodded. "Yes. Naruto is now my fiancé, and he will be at my side with our children as I bring the Hyuga out of the past."
To confirm her statement Naruto kissed Hinata on the cheek, causing her to show a slight blush.
Neji looked contemplative for a few seconds, looking back and forth between the two, and just as Naruto was about to say something Neji bowed.
"Although I don't know anything about you, I know that deep within you have a strong sense of duty and loyalty, and I believe that if anyone was suited to stand at Hinata-sama's side as clan head, you would definitely be the best, Naruto-sama"
Naruto blinked several times with an open mouth, unsure of what to say. He looked over at Hinata for help, but only saw her giggling at his expression. Finally Naruto was able to come out of his stupor.
"Neji, please just call me Naruto… I'm not anyone special who needs a formality like that."
Before anyone could say anything else Hinata gave a tug at Naruto's arm. "Let's go Naruto-koi, Neji-niisan, I really don't want this affair to spill over past lunch time."
Naruto chuckled while Neji gave her a smirk, and they both followed Hinata down the winding hallways until they reached the Hyuga's main dojo, reserved only for the main branch family. Hinata gripped Naruto's hand harder and opened the door, and immediately over two dozen pairs of eyes fell upon the trio.
Hiashi looked at Hinata with a smirk, but his smirk immediately faded when he saw the union of Naruto and Hinata's hands.
"I trust that you are ready for your spar Hinata? The council has been assembled as requested, but there has been an added stipulation for this spar. If you win you will be reinstated as heiress."
There were several around the room who were chuckling, finding that outcome strangely humorous.
"If you should lose however… you would be forced to accept whichever fate the Hyuga council bestows upon you, whether that be forced marriage or sealing. Understood?"
Hinata nodded. "I am not worried about the latter half of this spar, let's just get this over with. Just know that the victor will decide the fate of the loser."
Hiashi stared at his eldest daughter for a few seconds before finally averting his gaze. "Uzumaki, you are to join me at my side at watch this match. Neji, you may stay by the door."
Both boys nodded and moved to go to their positions, but before Naruto could remove his hand from Hinata's, she pulled his arm back. He couldn't control his momentum and went flying into her embrace, where her lips were waiting. She moved her hands up to his cheeks where she gave him a kiss full of passion. Naruto couldn't help but wonder why Hinata would initiate such a public display of affection, but after a few seconds he honestly couldn't care.
When they finally broke apart Hinata sighed happily. "For luck."
Naruto smiled and went to his spot by Hiashi. While he walked he stole glances around the room, and he could see a range of emotions on the faces of the older Hyuga's, ranging from disgust to anger. He smirked when he realized that Hinata's main goal with that kiss was to rile up the Hyuga elders, and from their expressions he could deduce that she fulfilled that did just that.
When Naruto was finally kneeling by Hiashi's side the Hyuga nodded to one of the elders. "Gōman, if you would."
Naruto looked at this so named 'Gōman' and realized he looked a lot like that boy Modon from the other day. 'Gōman must be that boy's father… And he's trying to marry off Hinata like she's some object to be traded or bought.'
Naruto unconsciously began squeezing his hands into fists, and it wasn't until he felt a trickle of liquid that he realized that he was drawing blood. He wiped his hands off on the mat he was kneeling on and steeled his focus on the two girls in front of him.
Gōman walked to the middle of the room between Hinata and Hanabi. "This will be a spar to the point where one of the contestants is unable to continue or one yields. No lethal strikes are allowed, and no outside ninjutsu besides that centered on the Juken techniques are allowed. Do both contestants understand the rules of this spar?"
There were two "Hai's" and the elder lowered his hand between them.
They both settled in the signature Juken stances with Byakugans active. Naruto could tell from Hinata's face that she was focused solely on the opponent in front of her, her concentration blocking out any other disturbance. Hinata held no emotion in her face; it was the perfect Hyuga mask of blankness. Hanabi on the other hand could do little to control the massive smirk that spilled across her face. Whether it be arrogance of confidence, Hanabi believed she would win this spar without very much difficulty.
Gōman threw his arm up and took a few steps back. "Hajime!"
Hanabi flew forward, bringing her left arm down on Hinata's shoulder with her two forefingers extended, chakra blazing around the fingertips. Just before they made contact Hinata swatted it away with the back of her right hand and threw her left hand forward, slamming it into Hanabi's gut. Hanabi fell to her knees while Hinata took a few steps back.
"That was for calling Naruto-koi trash last night. Now get up, I'm not through with you yet."
Hanabi looked up at her sister, slightly frightened. She had never seen Hinata so aggressive before; she was nothing like the shy older sister she used to have, and Hanabi sent a glare towards the source of the change, the blonde haired boy sitting next to her father.
'It's all your fault! If you would have just stayed away from Hinata none of this would be happening!'
Hanabi made her way to her feet and charged her sister once again, more cautious this time. She sent a thrust towards Hinata's thigh with her left arm, and she waited for Hinata to block it. Just like Hanabi thought she would, Hinata brought her right hand to swat the arm away once again, but Hanabi used a feint and twisted, bringing her right hand down to strike at Hinata's left shoulder.
'I'll take out your arm, then we'll see how well you can fight!'
Just as the strike was about to land, Hinata dropped her shoulder and ducked under the hit, spinning on the tips of her toes she spun her right arm around like a pivot and delivered a chakra reinforced backhanded slap to Hanabi's face, sending her sprawling across the floor.
"That was for calling Naruto-koi an orphan."
Hanabi spit out a small wad of blood on the floor and stood back up on shaky legs. This time she let Hinata come to her.
'I just need to calm down and anticipate her attacks. There is no way she can beat me, she's never beaten me before and I'm not about to start letting her now.'
After a few seconds Hinata charged forward, and Hanabi sent a strike with her right arm at where she knew Hinata was going to attack from.
'Got you bitch! Try and dodge this!'
She stared in horror as Hinata dance around her strike and began closing the tenketsu in the extended arm. Hanabi tried to strike her back by bringing up her left arm to hit Hinata blow for blow, but Hinata ducked under the appendage. Hinata was now at Hanabi's side, closing the tenketsu in her only good arm. When Hinata finished her onslaught she jumped back, letting Hanabi's arms fall unmoving to her side.
Hinata settled down into the Juken stance again. "Yield Hanabi, you can't win now. Don't make this drag on any longer."
Hanabi shook her head in disbelief, then saw red as a rage consumed her. "SHUT UP! Who the hell do you think you are!? You've always been the weak one, and yet Tou-san always looked to you to prove yourself! He never gave a damn about me even though I showed more talent that you ever did! And now that I finally gained his recognition and became the heiress you decide to just waltz in here take it back!? Fuck you!"
There were several gasps around the room from the colorful language the small girl in front of them was using. Several elders were looking around at each other with their mouths open in shock, and it was clear they no longer wanted her to be the one responsible for negotiating with others on behalf of all Hyuga.
Gōman stepped forward, almost not believing the words about to come out of his mouth. "H-Hanabi-sama is u-unable to continue. H-Hinata-sama is the victor, and as per the rules of the spar, she is now… once again the heiress of the Hyuga clan…"
Hanabi looked at the elder in disbelief, and then looked around the room for someone to tell her that this was all a bad joke. When they all averted their gaze she finally looked at her father, who shook his head and walked out of the room accompanied by the rest of the elders. Hanabi fell to her knees and began sobbing, tears flowing down her face.
Neji looked over at Hinata who returned his gaze. The boy gave a small smile before he walked over to Hanabi's side.
"Hanabi-sama, come, let's go to the infirmary so we can get your tenketsu opened back up."
The girl gave no resistance as she was lifted to her feet and led out of the room, leaving only two back in the dojo.
Hinata watched the door close behind her, and she let out a sigh. She was about to turn around to look at her fiancé when she felt to arms wrap around her, and a weight come down on her shoulder. She started giggling when some of Naruto's hair began tickling her ear.
"'Nata, that was amazing. I've never seen you more focused, determined, or passionate than you were in those few minutes when you showed your strength to the entire Hyuga council today. I've never been more proud of anyone in my entire life."
Hinata sighed happily and melted into his embrace as her eyes closed. "Thank you Naru-koi, but I'm afraid it will only get more difficult from here on out. This was only the first step in bringing about the dawn of the new Hyuga clan."
Naruto lifted his head up and kissed her cheek. "And I'll be here every step of the way."
Hinata smiled and just laid against him for several minutes, basking in the comfort that only Naruto could bring her and enjoying the peace and quiet for what it was. Once again, their moment was ruined by a noise that originated in the depths of Naruto's stomach.
Gurgle
Naruto chuckled. "Sorry about that, I usually have something to eat when I wake up."
Hinata smiled and walked out of his embrace. She grabbed his hand and led him out of the room. "Well then, how about we go get some lunch then?"
Naruto swallowed the water in his mouth and nodded. "Sounds great! Where did you have in mind?"
The girl giggled. "It's a secret, but I know for a fact that you'll love it."
She led him towards the entrance of the compound, only stopping to put on their sandals before they left. When they walked out the door Naruto cast a glance towards the guards, who stood at attention and paled a little when they saw Hinata and her blonde fiancé, but the girl gave no indication that she was even aware of their presence.
Naruto smiled, not used to being treated as anything other than a disease, a plague that haunted the streets of Konoha and avoided as such. Being treated with respect, though fearful respect, was something he would have to get used to.
The two walked hand in hand, with their heads resting on each other's as they strolled down the streets. Naruto wasn't paying much attention to anything other than the girl next to him, so he was pleasantly surprised when they came to a stop in front of his favorite ramen stand.
Naruto grinned and looked at his Hyuga companion. "I never knew you liked ramen 'Nata."
Hinata shrugged. "I like it, though I'm not as enthusiastic about it as you are."
Naruto just laughed and hugged the girl tightly. "You're the best 'Nata."
He let her go and led her by the hand into the stand and sat on one of the stools. "Oi, Teuchi-jiji, a bowel of miso please!"
Hinata sat on the stool next to him. "Make that two please!"
From the back they could hear pots and pans being moved around. "Coming right up! I had already started; I knew you would be around here soon so I decided to be preemptive!"
Hinata giggled and looked at Naruto, who just shrugged. "What can I say? I'm a creature of habit."
Hinata just smiled and shook her head as an older man walked out from the back with two large bowls. There was a salty aroma coming from the bowls that made the mouth water just from smelling it. Surprisingly, Naruto was waiting until Hinata was ready to eat before he began himself, something that he never did, and it raised several flags with the old ramen maker.
Teuchi raised an eyebrow. "Ok, who are you and what have you done with Naruto? He would have already been half way finished with the noodles by now."
Naruto chuckled and sent a glance at Hinata. "Well, I guess I had to grow up a bit"
He put a small wad of noodles in his mouth and began to chew; savoring the way the broth complemented the noodles oh so perfectly. The noodles themselves were cooked just right, not too chewy from being overcooked but also not hard from being undercooked. The snow peas and bamboo shoots mixed in complemented the chewiness of the noodles just right, adding that extra crunch to the soft texture of the dish. Overall, Naruto felt that he could live solely on ramen for the rest of his life, but he knew that it would be bad for his health, since he's already tried to.
Naruto swallowed the food and looked back up at the chef. "Once again, you have outdone yourself Teuchi-jiji, it's delicious!"
Hinata swallowed her bite and nodded her agreement. "Yes, this is wonderful Teuchi-san, thank you!"
The ramen chef laughed. "Well, it's always good to know my hard work is appreciated. Now, Naruto, what's with the new look? I can't say it looks bad, definitely an improvement from that orange jumpsuit you used to wear."
Naruto feigned hurt. "What? I thought you said it made me look dashing?"
Teuchi chuckled and shook his head. "Yes, it was very dashing, but it wasn't exactly ninja-like. I mean, it can't be very easy to blend in to your surroundings when you stand out from the scenery like that."
Naruto mumbled something about 'traitorous ramen chefs' as he ate another wad of noodles. "Well, to answer your question, I… uhh… Well, Hinata and I… we…"
Teuchi smiled at the blonde and patted the blonde on his shoulder. "You managed to get yourself a girlfriend did ya? I'm so proud of you! *Sniff* They grow up so fast… *Sniff*" He looked over at Hinata. "Make sure you take good care of him now ok? He means well, but he can be a little dense about some things, especially when it comes to what he eats."
Hinata chuckled. "I know, I made sure I made him something nutritious last night."
At this time Ayame walked out from the back, having overheard Hinata's last statement. "Wait… did you two spend the night together?"
Hinata smiled and nodded, while Naruto paled, he's had more than one talk with Ayame about treating a girl right, and he didn't like the look she was giving him.
Naruto began waving his arms to calm the ramen chef. "But we didn't do anything! I promise! We just slept in the same bed, that's it!"
Ayame narrowed her eyes at the boy. "Good. I'm glad to hear that you at least somewhat paid attention to all those talks we had. You shouldn't be doing those kinds of things until you are really committed to one another."
Naruto sighed a breath of relief. "Trust me, I know. Besides, we are already pretty committed, I mean, the only step we have left is marriage. I mean, she is my fiancé"
Hinata smiled and leaned on Naruto's shoulder, having finished her meal while Naruto was busy defending himself. She didn't think she would ever get tired of hearing that she was going to marry her childhood crush; it was like one of her many late-night dreams, except it was actually becoming a reality.
Ayame's mouth fell open and Teuchi dropped the pot he was carrying. "Wait, you two are engaged!? When did this happen!?"
Naruto took another bite of his meal and rubbed the back of his head. "Well, just last night I guess."
Suddenly Ayame was right in front of Naruto and Hinata with stars in her eyes. "So how did you do it!? Did you take her to dinner first? Oh! I bet you took her on a picnic and popped the question as the sun was setting, ohhh, that is so romantic! I heard from some of my friends that the girl never forgets the night when she gets proposed too, they say its magical."
Naruto was trying to come up with something to say, but it was Hinata who responded. "Sorry Ayame-san, but Naruto never proposed to me. I asked him to be my husband"
Naruto looked down into his half-eaten bowl of ramen. 'I can't believe I never even thought about proposing… I took away what was supposed to be one of the best memories of her life…'
Ayame looked at Naruto's sullen look and patted him on the shoulder. "I'm sorry Naruto, I just assumed… I didn't mean anything by it, I know that you two are going to be happy together no matter what. Some silly little thing like proposing doesn't really matter. What matters is each other right?"
Naruto looked down at Hinata, and he bent down to kiss her on the head as she giggled. "You're right, what matters is that we are happy with each other."
'But I WILL do this right someday soon, I'll make sure it's a night she'll never forget.'
Ayame couldn't help but smile at how happy the two looked. "So tell me everything, how did it happen?"
Naruto took another bite. "Well, it first started last night when I got home and she came to my apartment and-"
"NARUTO-BAKA!"
Naruto and Hinata leaned up and turned around to see a fuming Sakura, an annoyed Sasuke, and a confused Kakashi.
Naruto sighed and took out a few Ryo notes, and set them on the counter. He could tell the he would most likely not be able to finish his meal.
"Hey guys, what's up?"
Sakura was red with rage. "What's up? What's up!? We spent the entire morning looking for you, and when we finally find you you're stuffing your face with ramen!"
Kakashi put his hand on Sakura's shoulder to calm her down. "What your team mate is trying to say is that we were worried about you, and we couldn't find you anywhere. I remember telling you to meet us for training at 8 this morning but you didn't show, so you have to understand why we are a little upset with you."
Naruto was balling his fists in anger. 'They were worried huh? Well if they were so worried then where were they last night when I needed someone!? Where were they when I was about to do something really stupid!? The only person who cared enough to check on me was Hinata, and they have the gall to tell me there were worried!?'
Naruto felt a delicate hand over his, and he looked over at Hinata, who was giving him a reassuring smile. Naruto took his hand in hers and stood up from the booth.
"I'm sorry for worrying you all, but I had a lot happen and I couldn't make it to training." He gave a half-hearted smile to the three and turned to face Hinata. "Come on 'Nata, let's go."
Before anyone could say anything else a swirl of leaves indicated the arrival of another person. When the leaves subsided Naruto spotted a familiar white-haired older man.
"Ero-Sennin?"
Jiraiya glared at Naruto and whacked him outside the head. "How many times do I have to tell you, stop calling me that!?"
Naruto elbowed the man in the gut. "And how many times do I have to tell you, if the shoe fits, then put it on!"
Jiraiya then noticed several very distinct differences about his pupil. The first was that he was wearing the robes of the Hyuga clan, more specifically the outfit worn by the main branch of the Hyuga clan. The second thing was that he was holding the hand of the Hyuga heiress herself. Last but not least, said heiress was standing very close to Naruto, almost in a protective nature.
Jiraiya, not reading the tension in the air, blurted out the first thing that came to his mind. "Oi, gaki, are you two together or something?"
At this point everyone else was finally noticing what the Sannin had already noticed.
Sakura shrugged Kakashi's hand off. "Yeah, why are you wearing Hyuga robes, and why are you two holding hands? In fact, why are you even hanging out with Hinata? I'm surprised she hasn't fainted yet or stuttered some incomprehensible mumble that no one hears then pokes her fingers together."
Before Hinata could defend herself Naruto walked up and got in Sakura's face. "Look, insult me all you want. Call me a baka, call me a dobe, hell, even hit me, I don't give a fuck. But, don't you ever insult my fiancé again. Do you understand me?"
Sakura could only nod before Naruto walked back over to Hinata and took her hand in his, walking away from the group.
When they were a fair distance away Hinata sighed and leaned her head on Naruto's shoulder. "Naru-koi, I told you that I can fight my own battles. If I don't start standing up for myself then I will always be that shy little girl everyone seems to forget."
Naruto just smiled and kissed the top of her head. "I dunno, I kinda like the sound of that. I would get to have that shy little girl all to myself."
Hinata giggled and stopped walking, making Naruto stop too. She put her hands on his cheeks and brought her lips to his while Naruto wrapped his arms around her small waist. Once again, their intimate moment was interrupted by someone clearing their throat behind them. They broke apart to find Jiraiya standing them with a huge grin on his face.
"I hate to interrupt your very important business, but I thought I should tell you that I am taking you with me on a little training trip while I go looking for someone. It shouldn't be too long, maybe a few weeks or so, but make sure you pack enough to last you."
Naruto looked at the girl in his arms, who looked a little heartbroken at hearing Naruto would be leaving, then back at his substitute sensei. "Sorry Jiraiya-sensei, but I'm not going anywhere without 'Nata. Either she goes with us or neither of us go."
Jiraiya arched an eyebrow. "So all it takes is you to get a girlfriend before you finally show me some respect huh? Now are you sure you won't reconsider? I can't guarantee her safety."
Naruto nodded. "Either both of us or nothing at all."
Jiraiya paused for a few more seconds before he sighed. "Alright, fine. Sheesh. You really have it bad for her don't you?"
Naruto looked down at the girl in his arms. He smiled and kissed her lightly. "You have no idea."
Jiraiya made a small gagging motion. "Alright, enough with the mushy crap. You have two hours to pack your things and meet my by the front gates. Everything's already cleared with the council and I just told your sensei, but it's up to you two to tell Hiashi. As a reward for actually being respectful I'll inform Kurenai that we will be taking her student with us. See you two soon."
Jiraiya disappeared in another swirl of leaves.
Hinata looked up at Naruto and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "That was very sweet of you Naru-koi.
Now that I finally have you, I don't think I can stand being away from you for so long. Now let's go inform my father of our journey."
Naruto picked up that Hinata didn't say they were going to ask for his permission to leave, she is only going to tell him that they are leaving, with or without his consent.
They walked hand in hand back to the compound, earning a few strange looks from the people they passed, and talked about what kinds of training they thought Jiraiya would be giving them. Naruto subtly warned Hinata of the perverts "research" and she assured him that she would keep him in line this time, or there would be Jukens to some very private areas.
They reached the compound shortly after and walked past the same guards as the day before. Once again they paled and stood at full attention when they walked by, causing Naruto to smirk. They strode down the halls till they got to the same ornate door of Hiashi's study, and after a single knock Hinata walked inside.
Hiashi looked up from his desk to find his eldest daughter walking in through the door with her fiancé next to her. He shuddered as the words went through his mind, and he didn't believe he could ever come to accept the Uzumaki as a son in law. He had no problems accepting him as a shinobi, he proved he was a decent shinobi when he defeated Neji in the Chunin Exams, but he could never accept him as a Hyuga, especially a future clan leader!
"Hinata, I guess congratulations are in order for your victory this morning. As promised, I am currently filling out the necessary forms to reinstate you as heiress."
Hinata bowed shallowly. "Arigato Tou-san. The reason I am here is to inform you that Naruto and I will be traveling with Jiraiya of the Sannin for an extended period of time for individualized training. We leaving in ninety minutes and will be away for approximately three weeks."
Hiashi couldn't believe it. First, his daughter grew a backbone seemingly overnight and actually stood up to him, something he had been trying to get her to do for years. Then, she defeated, no, she destroyed her sister in a spar, the sister that had beaten her in every single spar in the last four years. Now, she is telling him that she is going on a training trip, with a Sannin for individual training. For the past day Hiashi had been trying to find the reason why everything about Hinata had suddenly changed for the better, and his gaze fell on the blonde boy next to her holding her hand.
'Perhaps there might just be a place for you in the Hyuga after all Uzumaki.'
Hiashi cleared his throat and nodded his head. "Very well. I will have several changes of clothes already in a scroll brought for you both and another scroll with emergency rations. I trust that you will use this very rare opportunity to learn as much as you can from one of the most famous and skilled ninja this village has ever produced."
Naruto couldn't stifle the small snort that arose from his chest as Hiashi continued to lavish praise on his sensei.
Hiashi narrowed his gaze at the blonde. "Is there a problem Uzumaki?"
Naruto regained his composure and bowed. "No Hiashi-sama, I just find it humorous to put Ero-Sennin up on a pedestal like that."
The older Hyuga arched an eyebrow. "Ero-Sennin? If that is the way you refer to Jiraiya-dono then I take it that you know him on a more personal level."
The blonde nodded his head. "Yes, I have known Ero-Sennin for about a month now. He was the one who trained me when Kakashi tried to pawn me off on this guy named Ebisu. Jiraiya is like the perverted uncle I never had, and even though he's a little quirky, I can tell he cares about me a lot. So I meant no disrespect earlier, I just honestly found it funny."
Hiashi blinked. 'Now he tells me that he has a personal relationship with arguably one of the most powerful shinobi of our time? Perhaps there is indeed a place for you in our clan.'
"I see. Well, I will let you two prepare for your journey then."
Hinata and Naruto bowed and went to leave.
"And Hinata?"
The girl turned around to face her father once again.
"Stay safe."
The girl's mouth fell slightly open, and she could only nod slowly. "H… Hai… Tou-san."
They left the room and closed the door behind them and made their way back to Hinata's room. Hinata was still in a daze, she couldn't figure out if her father was trying to show concern and told her to watch out for herself, or if he was ridiculing her saying that she was weak and needed to be reminded to avoid danger. She had the sinking suspicion from his tone that it was the former of the two options.
"Oi, 'Nata, are you ok? You seem deep in thought about something.
Hinata opened the door to her room and walked over to her bed, sitting down and staring at the floor.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired is all."
Naruto walked over to her side and sat down next to her, pulling her into a hug giving her a kiss on the top of her head. "You're a terrible liar 'Nata."
She looked up saw him smiling down at her. "Sorry Naru-koi, just a lot on my mind."
Naruto chuckled and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Don't worry, you don't have to tell me. Just know that I'm here if you need me. Now, I'm going to go take a shower, never know when we might get another…"
Hinata watched him walk into the bathroom, and when the door closed she fell back on her bed, sighing happily and thanking whomever was watching over her for bringing about these new and fantastic changes.
An Hour Later
Naruto and Hinata were standing by the gates talking happily about their different memories of the academy. Naruto was surprised to find out that Hinata knew about most of his stories, mostly because she saw most of them unfold as she watched from the shadows. They stopped talking when they heard a person beside them clear his throat.
"You gakis ready? This is your last chance to back out. This isn't just some vacation; I'll be training the two of you into the ground whenever we aren't looking for our target or resting. So, I'll ask again, you two ready?"
Naruto looked at Hinata, and she took his hand in hers. "You bet."
END
AN: Well, i think this chapter answered several questions people asked, and if you have any concerns please review/pm and let me know.