Normal speech
Thought
Kyuubi/Nine-tails/Other big voices
InnerSakura
A/N:
Disclaimer
I do not own Naruto in any way, shape, or form, but I do own the OCs in this story… :-) This is merely for my, and hopefully everyone else's, enjoyment. Thank you!
Recap:
A shadow crept through the manor. Silently and slowly, it made its way through the halls. It finally reached its destination… the boys' room. It placed its hand on the door, but…
"Just what do you think you're doing at this time of night?"
The shadowy figure slowly turned around to see a woman with red eyes glaring back…
She appeared behind Yuuki out of nowhere and startled her…
Yuu: What…!? Where did you come from?! Who are you?! And why are you staking out my brother's room?
"Brother? Do you mean, Naruto Uzumaki?"
Yuu: Yea-… Yeah… If you're after him, I'll fight you! I won't let anyone hurt him...!
"Then you must come with me, I have a need for you."
Yuu: Like hell I would…!
She looked up and noticed her sparkling red eyes. She began to feel drowsy as a red-eyed, jade dragon puffed a cloud of mist in her face. Her head drooped and she began to topple over but the red-eyed woman grabbed her and disappeared into the darkness.
The next morning…
Sakura: (Yawns)… Mmm… *stretches* … Huh?
She looked over and noticed that Yuuki wasn't there. She figured that maybe she had already gotten up and was in the restroom, but after an hour of getting ready for the day and no sign of Yuuki, she began to worry.
Sakura: Kurenai sensei, have you seen Yuuki?
After getting dressed, Naruto and Sakura went in search of Yuuki… which didn't take very long due to Naruto's ability. A few minutes into the search, they found her outside in the giant garden.
Naruto+Sakura: YUUKI!!
She was just sitting there as if she was in some kind of trance…
Sakura: Yuuki, where have you been? *no response* …What could have happened to her?
Not too far away from their location was the red-eyed woman, and at the mention of her presence, she fled. Naruto told Sakura to see to his sister while he chased the perpetrator through the garden.
Naruto: WAIT!! WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY SISTER?!!
"I WAS ONLY AFTER A LITTLE INFORMATION," she yelled back.
Naruto: IF YOU HURT HER, I'LL MAKE YOU PAY!!
She stopped and turned to face him only to say, "I'd like to see you try."
It could be seen that her uniform was similar to those of the servants in the manor, but he couldn't recognize her. Naruto didn't stop as he kept up his speed, charging the mysterious woman. He barreled right for her only for her to jump aside. He stopped quickly but received a kick to the face. As he stumbled back, he received a punch to the gut and another kick causing him to fall on his back.
"Oh come on… I thought you would be better than this. What kind of warrior lets an old woman like me kick his scaly tail so easily?"
Naruto: If you want a fight old woman… you got it!
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Kakashi and the others were with the Hyuugas as they made their way through the village. Soon after, they arrived at a building with seven rings on its front. This is where they were headed and they entered…
Kurenai: So you're forced to marry someone you barely know…?
Atsuko: It's no longer practiced and people are allowed to marry who they please. Since it takes years to pick from the selected candidates, many of us get to know each other very well. It just so happens that my kuma and I really hit it off!
She noticed a few more girls walk by and asked Hinata to come along. They headed down the hall and Atsuko gave Yuuma a sweet kiss on the cheek as they went their separate ways.
Kurenai: Yeah… What did she mean about the whole selected candidates and titles? What will Hinata be doing? *looks to Hiashi*
Hiashi: In this clan, there are seven titles that are up for bid every 20 or so years. The selected candidates are usually kids in their teens that show the specific qualities of one of these titles. These qualities aren't necessarily required, but it helps things run more smoothly. It just so happens that Hinata is currently in the running for one of these positions. It's more of an apprenticeship until it is felt that they are ready for that kind of responsibility… Her grandparents suggested it as secrets of the clan would be revealed to her, and with them she would be better prepared to protect herself and anyone she chose.
Kakashi: But you don't really like the idea…
Hiashi: … If she were to achieve a title, she would do me proud. It would be very similar to being the head of the Hyuuga clan… but there's a drawback…
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Both: "DRAGON WAVE"!!
They both launched their attacks and the explosion forced them back. When the smoke cleared, Naruto wasn't there. She could tell that he was quickly advancing on her position from behind. She quickly spun around trying to slow him down with the gust from her wings, then attempted to fly away. She was surprised to see a golden haired, golden eyed Naruto directly in her face…
Just a few feet away, Naruto had changed his form. The woman had felt this spike in power but hadn't had the time to react as Naruto was currently right in front of her…
Naruto: "SOLAR FLARE"!!
A golden beam of chakra exploded from his fingertip and into the air. The old woman was now nursing a burn on her left arm and a hole in her limp wing.
Naruto: Just give up old lady and no one'll have to get hurt… *hair turns white*
"You… (Seethes) … little brat!! Using our rival clan's techniques…! There's no way I'm giving up now!! I WON'T LOSE TO A STAR!!"
She pulled herself together and began cycling through hand seals. Using his "Shadow Star", Naruto tried to put a stop to her attempt. He got to her in time… but the wrong one. She opened her eyes and they glimmered. Naruto was caught in her gaze as he focused on the pupil of her eyes. He froze in place as her genjutsu took effect. Naruto's eyes opened and he was falling to the earth at great speeds while being tied and bound. He frantically tried to get free but he just couldn't seem to. The ground was coming up extremely fast and Naruto had no way of saving himself. He quickly closed in on the ground and…
Sakura and Yuuki had finally caught up to Naruto. When they did, Naruto appeared to be in a trance similar to Yuuki's. He started to teeter and tried to scream as he fell to the ground. Before he crashed, Sasuke showed up to catch him. Sakura realized that Naruto must have been caught in some genjutsu and rushed to help him. As he now lay there, he began to violently twitch before… he finally stopped.
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Natsuki: … Release!! *places fingers on Naruto's head*
Naruto's eyes opened and he slowly sat up. He didn't know what hit him, but he would never forget it. He was still so shook up that he couldn't seem to stop shivering. He looked to be in bad shape, but at least it wasn't as bad as Yuuki and Sakura feared.
Natsuki: Naruto, you're in pretty bad shape… You should lie down so that I may heal your injuries.
Naruto complied and laid back down while Natsuki checked him for anything serious. She cycled through her seals and placed her hand on Naruto's chest. The chakra ring around her right wrist disappeared and reappeared around Naruto's.
Natsuki: He has a broken rib as well as being mentally fatigued… As long as he keeps my halos on I can heal him by the end of the day.
Sakura: That's good to hear… It's good that you were here, but we have to do something about the person that did this to Naruto…!
Natsuki: I agree… Giving a child these kinds of injuries… What do you have to say for yourself, Hitomi?
A figure jumped in through the open window and kneeled before Natsuki…
Hitomi: I'm sorry milady… He upset me and I let my emotions get the best of me…
Naruto: YOU!!! *jumps up*
The Tests Begin...! A Declaration Is Made!
He began to feel the effects of earlier once again and decided it best to sit down for the moment… just for the moment!
Sasuke: This woman…! She's the same one that Naruto was fighting with earlier… Just how strong is she?
Natsuki: I know it's been a while since you've had a good fight that excited you, but that's no excuse to…
Hitomi: But I wouldn't have gone so far if I didn't think the hatchling couldn't handle it. He's very strong for his age. If he continues to grow, then who knows… *smiles at Naruto*
Natsuki: Yes… I had a feeling that he was strong, even for a "hatchling"… *smiles*
Naruto: Wait… You know about what I am too…? And how do you know so much about me?! *pointing at Hitomi*
Hitomi: Yesterday when I heard your name and I caught your scent, I became intrigued. Last night I found your sister trying to sneak into your room. I put her under genjutsu and milked her for information. To keep from raising suspicion, I placed her in the garden… but before I could remove the genjutsu you showed up. I hadn't intended on fighting you so soon, but… I'm very glad that I had the chance! *smiles at Naruto* … I can tell that you have great potential to become a promising warrior, and I'm excited to see how much stronger you'll become. I apologize for going overboard with my genjutsu… *bows head*
Sasuke: So even Naruto has a weakness, even with his power…
Naruto: It's fine, it just means that there's something that I have to work on if I want to be really strong…! *smiling back*
Haruto: I'm sorry to break up this touching moment, but we have to get going or we'll be late for the rest of the tests…
Natsuki: Oh, right… Naruto, I'm sorry but if I'm to properly heal you, you're going to have to come along… Is that alright?
Naruto nodded as he slowly stood to his feet. He nearly fell until Yuuki caught him…
Yuu: Don't worry brother, I'll be your crutch if you need me…
They made their way out of the room and out of the manor…
Hitomi: Naruto is his name, eh… That look in his eyes, there's no doubt that he's…
Naruto and Hinata's grandparents and Sasuke, Yuuki, and Sakura finally arrived at their destination. It was a big building with seven rings on the front of it. They entered and soon found Hiashi's group, but there was one person missing…
Yuu: Huh? Where's Hinata?
Atsuko: The testing's already begun. Right now they're taking a written exam, but they should be out in a short while…
Naruto: So what are we doing here?
Natsuki: Hinata and many others are going to appeal to "The Fallen" in a number of tests.
Naruto: "The Fallen"? Tests…?
Natsuki could see that Naruto didn't understand, so she explained…
Natsuki: "The Fallen" are those that have formerly held one of the seven specific titles Hinata and the others will be vying for. There are two positions, a male and a female, under each title and some have already been filled. Currently, there are only two spots under one title left. They'll be judging on how well the candidates are doing throughout the tests that they have received over the years.
Naruto: I get it… I think… Boy, I feel sorry for Hinata having to take these tests. I hope she's up for it… By the way… what kind of tests…?
Before his question could be answered, some girls walked by at the end of the hall. Along with them was Hinata, following suit. The group followed as well.
Natsuki: Naruto, you're going to have to stick as close to me as possible. That way your recovery will be quickened. I can inform you on things you don't understand, and you can keep me company. *smiles*
Naruto nodded and followed her to her seat in an outdoor auditorium near a small pond. The rest did the same as a small audience filed in as well. As they took their seats, Natsuki could tell that Naruto was still feeling the effects of his fight…
Natsuki: (chuckles)… Hitomi did quite the number on you… I'm sorry, but… I haven't seen her that happy in such a long time… Not since…
Naruto: What was with that old lady anyway? One minute she was trying to kill me and the next she couldn't stop smiling at me. She even seemed happy to see me…
Natsuki: … It's probably because of how you look. Even I can see it… you look very similar to her son. Being this close to you, I can also tell that you're as strong now as he was when he was around your age. It's very nostalgic…
Naruto: … Wha-… What ever happened to this guy?
Natsuki: She traveled when she got old enough to venture out on her own. Shortly after, she started a family of her own. When the kids were grown, she returned here and started working in our employ… *sadly looks down* ……… Her son died… a long time ago in a place far from here. We received word that he had died protecting his friends and family. Hitomi was never quite the same after that… *looks over at a sad looking Naruto* … That was until you arrived. She seemed to have cheered up instantly. She's most likely glad that you're here. I have to admit I am as well, I haven't seen my dear friend smile like that in so long… *smiles at Naruto*
Hinata and the others were now standing out front on stage. Other than her, there were three other girls and four guys. From the looks of it, they all appeared to be wearing similar outfits as Atsuko, except the girls' were white and lavender while the guys' were white and indigo.
Into view walked people in similar robes but they were black instead of white. Among them was Hinata's grandfather, Haruto. Natsuki explained that he formerly held one of the titles and so he had the right to be one of the judges. They took their seats and began by introducing the candidates…
A/N:
Taiki - A 12 year old male that stands at 4'7", has big, shining green eyes, and blonde hair. Nothing distinguishing about him other than how nervous he looked on stage.
Hikaru - A 14 year old male standing at 4'9", has light green eyes, and short, slick black hair. Looks like his twin sister.
Hideaki - A 14 year old male standing 5'1", has amber colored eyes, and short white hair. He has a scar on his cheek that looks like a cross.
Daiki - A 15 year old male that stands 5'3", has big brown eyes, and short light blue hair. He's the closest thing to perfection anyone can get. Surely the favorite to win out of the selection of guys.
Hinata – Although she has made it this far, she is seen as the least likely to proceed any further. She's gradually improved over the years, but not to the likes of "The Fallen". Due to her grandparents' pleas, she's been allowed to continue. This may be her last chance to appeal to the judges.
Hikari - A 14 year old female standing at 4'9", has light green eyes, and black hair with a green ribbon. Looks like her twin brother, Hikaru.
Mitsuko - A 13 year old female that stands at 4'7", has light brown hair, and matching eyes.
Atsuko - A 15 year old female, stands 4'8", has eyes as blue and clear as the ocean, and red hair. The definite favorite among the females to proceed in this contest.
The judges then announced that these participants would be tested on their expertise in weaponry, healing, their assortment of jutsu, and other abilities.
Skiping ahead…
The judges were pleasantly surprised to see that most of the candidates had done very well with the tests so far. They had completed all but one. At the moment, they were in a brief recess…
Naruto: Wow Hinata…! You were great!
Yuu: You were so amazing!
Hinata: Do… Do you really think so?
Naruto: Yeah…
Sakura: If you keep it up, you could definitely win…
Natsuki: I agree… I knew you could do it!
Hiashi: At your word, she will come and live here…
Naruto: Huh? What? What are you saying!? If she stays here then she won't be living in the Leaf Village anymore…
Hiashi: Of course… It is for the best… She does take after her mother and her clan after all…
Hinata began to look depressed…
Naruto: But… that isn't right…! Why would you do something like that?
Hiashi: If she took more after the Hyuuga clan, then she would be the rightful heiress… but the circumstances are different. Instead she could be deemed one of the heads of this clan. If she is, then she needs to be with them. In order to do that, one of two things need to happen… She either moves to their village to be with them… or they move to the Leaf Village in order to follow her. Seeing as this has been their home for generations…
Naruto: But…!
"He's right, you know…?"
Naruto+Yuu: Huh?
Sakura: You're…
Hinata: Daiki…
Daiki: It's what's best for her… staying here. It would just be easier to learn from and lead her people if she lived here.
Naruto: What are you saying?
Daiki: You should keep your nose out of it. This doesn't concern you…
Naruto+Yuu: What!!?
Daiki: You aren't a part of this clan, much less this village…
Naruto: Oh yeah…! And what makes you or this clan better than any other that it has the right to say that people aren't allowed to decide where or how they want to live…!?
Daiki: Don't you know…? We're said to be the "Angels of the land", "divine blessings" and perhaps the greatest in history. I believe that Hinata should stay here, among her own…
Naruto: Oh yeah…! *getting in his face* …You're not so great! Besides, it should be up to Hinata whether or not she stays or goes!
Natsuki: You don't have to worry about something like that for at least a couple of years… *getting the boys' attention* … I would love it if she were to stay, and although she is progressing nicely, it's not yet time. She still isn't quite ready.
Sakura: And why is that?
Natsuki: In our clan, the abilities one is capable of using isn't the only way to tell one's development. The number of halos and the size and shape of the wings is also taken into account. It's a sign of growth.
Sakura: Her growth…? You mean the ones that look like they could belong to a fairy…?
Natsuki: Yes… the abilities, the wings, and the number of halos all differ with each individual to sum up one's development. Although her wings look like that of a "fairy-princess", I believe that Hinata has great potential within herself.
Sakura: I didn't say anything about a "fairy-princess"…
Daiki: Exactly…! And the best way for her to reach that potential is to stay here…
Naruto: You know what…!
"It is now time to go through with the final test. The candidates will be showing how graceful and powerful they are by displaying," a judge stated.
Naruto didn't get a chance to speak his mind as Hinata and the others had to return to the front…
Naruto: HEY…!! Where are you going!? I'm not finished with you…!!
Daiki: Oh but you are… We're quite finished here… I don't have time to waste on the likes of you!
Naruto: Why you…!!
Naruto was quickly seized by Kakashi in an attempt to keep him from doing something reckless.
Kurenai: (Sigh)… This kid just doesn't know when to quit…
Kiba: That idiot's always been this hot-headed and stubborn…
Yuu: Hey…!
Kakashi: Calm down, Naruto…! This matter doesn't concern us so there's no point in getting so worked up over it. Let's take our seats and watch the rest of the contest…
Reluctantly, Naruto went back to his seat. The last part of the competition would be taking place now. The guys were up and their task would be a show of strength. First up would be none other than Daiki…
Natsuki couldn't take her eyes off of Naruto as he continued to pout in his seat…
Natsuki: You know… you shouldn't take what Daiki said to heart. I'm sure he didn't mean it… at least a little bit of it. It's just… sometimes young boys do silly things for girls they like…
Naruto: Yeah, I know what you mean pretty well. He… Wait a minute, he likes her. Is that what that was all about?
She looked up to see Hinata talking a nervous Taiki into going on and doing his best. Even if he didn't win, it would be better to try than to chicken out…
Natsuki: I don't even think he's the only one. Because of how kind she is, and her ties to a noble clan in the Leaf Village, Daiki's taken a particular liking to her. Can you blame him for something like that…?
Naruto: *scrunches up face* … Yeah, well… You would think that if he really cared for her the way you say he does, he would want to see her happy. For that to happen, she should be allowed to make her own decisions.
Natsuki: You're right… It's entirely up to her whether she stays or goes… but I wonder what she would decide if he proposed to her…
Naruto: Pro-… Propose? He… He couldn't possibly do something like that. They're both still too young to get married, right?
Natsuki: They are, but that doesn't mean that they can't arrange it for the future. It happens all the time… If that were to happen, she may then have a reason to stay…
A few beads of sweat formed on the back of Naruto's head. He didn't know what to say or do…
Natsuki: There may be one way to give her some time to fully think things over however…
Naruto: Yeah, what is it?
Natsuki: If someone else professed feelings for her other than Daiki… then maybe she could take the time while she finishes her development to come to a decision about who she wants to be with and where her home will be.
Naruto: Yeah… that sounds like a good idea… but who…? *thinking*
A bead of sweat formed as Naruto looked up and noticed a certain lady eyeing him…
Naruto: She… She couldn't possibly mean me… could she? Hold… Hold on there! You can't mean me, I… I don't think of her in that way. We're… We're just friends… I'd be leading her on if I did something like that…
Natsuki: I'm not saying that you should or shouldn't, I'm just throwing it out there. Even if you don't think you have those kinds of feelings for her… do you really want to see her do anything she doesn't want to? You seemed to be kind of upset about it before…
The guys' portion had come to an end and the girls made their way to the front. Daiki quickly grabbed the attention of the audience…
Daiki: I would like to take this opportunity to announce that when this is over, one day I plan to marry Hinata Hyuuga…
Everyone was shocked at this sudden change in the atmosphere, Hinata and Akira more than anyone.
Akira: WHA-… WHAT!!!? What does he mean by that?! Why Hinata?!
Daiki: With her help, we can procure and maintain a healthy relationship with the Leaf Village. Most importantly, I know she would make a great wife…
Naruto: LIKE HELL SHE WOULD!! *jumps up from his seat*
Hiashi and the other Leaf ninjas just shook their heads at the loudmouth's outburst.
Naruto: *realizes what he said* …I-I mean, I'm sure she'll make a great wife one day, but… there's no way she'll be your wife now! You can't just decide things yourself!! *begins swaying*
Daiki: This has nothing to do with you…! Why do you have to keep butting in?
Naruto: *regains himself* …She's my friend and I care about her…! More importantly, she's a person! If you want me to butt-out, then you should think of her as one instead of a way of gaining a little more power!
Daiki: Like I keep saying, this isn't any of your business…
Naruto: Yeah, well I'm making it my business!!
Daiki: Are you serious? Are you… Are you challenging me for Hinata's hand?
Naruto: *scrunches up face* … Well… not really. I'm not really looking to get married anytime soon…
Everyone dropped on their faces. He was making such a big fuss for nothing…!
Naruto: But I won't let you or anyone else marry her for selfish reasons!!
Hinata: Naruto…
Daiki: Very well then… We'll settle this tomorrow. If I win, then you'll have to stay out of this matter and if you win, I'll drop it for the time being…
Naruto: Fine! *sits back down*
End of chapter...
During Hinata's competition, someone gets on Naruto's bad side and he on their's...
A fight is declared while the competition comes to an end...
Next chapter: Why do you fight?!