Preparing for the Big Day.

When Naruto got to his apartment, he opened the envelope Hinata had given him. In it he found a letter and a picture of Hinata in a kimono. The letter read as follow:

Dearest Naruto,

Thank you for being willing to help me. The fact that it means that I will soon become your wife only makes me even happier. I promise that I will do all I can to make you happy my champion.

The enclosed picture is of me wearing the kimono that I will be wearing at the engagement party. I am giving it to you in hope that it will help motivate your training by helping you remember why you doing it. As I write this I am turning red at the realization that if all goes well that this kimono will be my wedding dress.

Thanks again for every thing you are doing.

All my love

Hinata

The only thing Naruto said when he looked at picture was, "WOW!"

He began training immediately.

The next mourning Naruto went out to the training field while he practiced all of his techniques he specifically practiced precision because he wanted to be able to come extremity close to harming or killing Takeo with out actually doing so.

Specifically he worked on being able use a Rasengan to take only a thin layer of bark off of tree. The goal here as to be able to make sure Takeo knew it was quit or die.

Yumi Hyūga was Hinata's cousin and the Hyūga heiress' closest friend within her family. Because of the two girls closeness Hinata had selected Yumi as her assistant in her wedding preparations. Yumi was usual for a Hyūga, first she lacked Byakugan and second she never took ninja training and as result she was not given the curse mark of branch house family members. This was the reason Hinata; who hated that mark; felt she could confide in Yumi. They were however close enough that Yumi noticed a difference in Hinata's attitude after Naruto has agreed to be her champion in the Right of Challenge.

"Hinata, you sure seem happy today," said Yumi, "I haven't seen you at all happy since before your father told you about arranging a marriage between you and Takeo."

Hinata said nothing.

"In fact," continued Yumi, "If I did not know better, I would think that you are some how are scheming to turn this into a marriage between you and Naruto."

Hinata blushed.

"Wait a second," finished Yumi, "Your blushing, that suggests I just got it right, you are some how are scheming to turn this into a marriage between you and Naruto. Aren't you?"

"I can't tell you," responded Hinata.

"Don't worry," said Yumi, "Your secret is safe with me. I want to see you marry Naruto so I won't do anything to ruin it."

A few days later Naruto received his official invitation to the engagement party. It was delivered to him in person by Yumi to make sure he got it. Enclosed was a latter from Hinata.

Dearest Naruto,

My cousin Yumi (the girl delivered your invitation) has fingered out to some degree what is going on but we can trust her. If I need to get in touch with you over I will send her.

I can't believe that this all comes to a head in just nine day. The thought of becoming your wife has me so excited that I can't contain it.

Thanks again for every thing you are doing.

All my love

Hinata

P.S. Don't forget to bring your invitation to the party, since you can't get in with out it.

Yumi was clearly waiting for a reply so Naruto wrote sort response and gave it to Yumi.

When latter Yumi privately gave Hinata Naruto's letter she opened it with anticipation.

Hinata,

I have promised that I will be you champion in the Right of Challenge and be assured that I will keep my word. If you have any doubts over the next few days keep in mind that I have never broken a promise to you.

The fact is that having you as my wife after this is over is proving a great source of motivation in my training.

Love

Naruto

Hinata placed the letter in its envelop and hid it. She was not disappointed that it was not more romantic though that would have been nice, but she also knew Naruto well enough to that he was never one for flowery words.

About four days before the engagement party Yumi delivered a message to Naruto asking him to send a shadow clone to meet Hinata's shadow clone at an empty building owned by the Hyūga. The message tolled him to have his shadow clone come in disguise, with code words that they could use to identify each other.

When Naruto's shadow clone arrived at the empty building, Hinata's shadow clone was surprised to see an amphomorphic pink elephant.

The pink elephant said "What are you doing here sensei Kakashi? Well I was supposed to say, 'I am the fox.'"

Hinata's shadow clone, disguised as Kakashi, said "I am the fox hunter."

The both dropped their disguised and Hinata's shadow clone said, "What's with the pink elephant disguise."

Naruto's shadow clone said, "Well no one would ever admit seeing a pink elephant, thought the drunk I came across thought I was late."

Hinata's shadow clone laughed.

"I just needed to see you," said Hinata's shadow clone, "It will help me get through the last through the last few days and give me the strength I need."

"Well," Naruto's shadow clone said, "It will help me as well."

The two shadow clones kissed before disappearing.

At this point both Naruto and Hinata laid on their bed's smiling.

The day before the engagement party Naruto finished training. At full power he managed repeatedly strip off a vary thin layer of bark. It was then that he knew he was ready. He knew he could scare Takeo into quitting so he did not have to kill him. If Takeo was dumb enough to force Naruto to go beyond that point and actually kill him then that would be Takeo's fault.

Naruto stopped by Ichiraku's for a bowl of ramen. While he was eating Sakura walked up and taped him on the shoulder to get his attention.

"So I tomorrow is the big day," said Sakura trying to get information.

"Big day for what?" asked Naruto.

"It's the day, you are going to do what ever you are planning to do to save Hinata from marrying Takeo," said Sakura.

"What are you talking about?" ask Naruto.

"Two weeks ago you where here pondering helping a friend in trouble, said Sakura, "and Hinata is the only friend you have in village that fits what you said. Mean while you have been training like you are getting ready for a big fight ever since. The wedding would be to far off for such rigorous training so you must planning something for tomorrow at the engagement party."

"You are letting you imagination runaway with you," responded Naruto, "What do you think I'm going to do grab Hinata out from the party and run away with her with the entire Hyūga chasing us down."

"Maybe not but you two have some plan cooking, I just know it," said Sakura, "But don't worry I won't get in the way."

Sakura left laughing.

After Naruto finished eating he went home. He found it hard to sleep, what was happening tomorrow and who he was helping where heavy on his mind. When he finally fell asleep he dreamed of Hinata.

Hinata was looking a little down when Yumi walked in.

"What bothering you?" asked Yumi, you should be thrilled that this will all be over by this time tomorrow and you and Naruto will be married."

"Am I doing the right thing?" responded Hinata.

"Why do you ask such a question," answered Yumi.

"Does Naruto really love me," asked Hinata, "Or is he just being a good friend."

"Even if he's doing it just out of friendship," answered Yumi, "He cares enough about you to commit himself to you for life to save you from marrying Takeo. That speaks volumes."

"But can I make him happy?" asked Hinata.

"Given how much Naruto likes to eat, and how good of a cook you are," said Yumi, "You'll make him happier than a cat in a cat nip patch."

That helped Hinata a lot she went to bed thinking of Naruto and smiling all night.

To be continued.