Three Stars 4

Thank you and welcome back. I am UnlikelyLoveUnlimited, and this is Three Stars. Once again I would open by reminding the readers that this story deals with mature and sometimes sexual themes. If you don't want anything of that nature in you reading, please hit the back button. And as always I would remind you that this is a work of fanfiction and parody. I own none of the characters. (wouldn't it be nice, though?)

Shizune, medical ninja and former disciple of the slug sannin Tsunade, stood in front of the cold, tired and distraught Hyuuga. "Hinata, what are you doing out here at this time of night, you'll catch your death!"

Looking closer, she saw the pale eyed girl was crying. "By Kami, what happened to you? Are you alright?"

"I just…got a little lost is all…I'm fine, really." The young Hyuuga sniffed as she shivered from the winter's night chill.

"You don't look fine to me. Stay out in the snow any longer and you'll get sick. There are dry clothes and a warm fire waiting for us, so let's go."

Hinata's eyebrows rose in realization as she asked a question of her own. "You're camping out in the middle of winter?"

Shizune smiled softly at the girl's inquisitiveness. "I'll tell you what, when we get back to my campsite I'll tell you all about it."

As much as Hinata didn't feel like being with anyone right then, she had to admit dry clothes sounded nice. Picking herself up, she began walking with Shizune. After fifteen minutes of trudging though the snow, Hinata found herself inside a tent, wearing a set of dry, if slightly oversized clothes that Shizune had brought along, sipping instant tea that the helpful medical ninja had prepared.

Setting down her basket of herbs and mosses, Shizune poured herself a cup.

"Now that you finally have some color in your face, why don't you really tell me why you were out in the woods at this hour? I highly doubt that someone with one of the village's most effective tracking doujutsus could get lost while still inside Konoha's gates."

Shifting uncomfortably, Hinata quickly attempted to change the subject. "Excuse me, Shizune-san, but what were you doing out in the woods? Those plants you were gathering, wouldn't it be safer to do it during the day?

Shizune smiled softly "Believe it or not, there are some rare medicinal herbs that are only potent when picked at night. Even in the chill of winter, they wither during the day. I run my own clinic now, and I was collecting medicine for it when I came across you. You actually gave me quite a scare. If I hadn't heard you crying I might have walked right past you and you'd have been a popsicle by morning. What would possess you to do something like that?

"I… just needed some time alone is all…"

Shizune absentmindedly tapped one finger against her chin, attempting a guess as to the girl's problems. Although the girl was notoriously thin-skinned, clearly something significant had her upset. Sitting down next to Hinata, she smiled reassuringly. "Y'know, whatever the problem is, you can tell me."

"You promise you won't tell anyone?"

"Doctor-patient confidentiality. I swear it. So what is the problem? More problems at home? Would you like to talk about that? I also heard that you had a falling out with Kurenai-san…"

"No, nothing like that. My family life is always a little strained, but never enough to cause me to run away. And as for Kurenai-sensei, well I know she is a good kunoichi, and maybe even a good teacher, but I never really felt like we made a connection; Anko-sensei is able to motivate me far better. No, the main problem I'm having…I..I..It's about Naruto-kun. As you may have heard, we are now in a team under Anko-sensei. When it happened I was really happy, because I thought that if we worked together enough he might notice me more. But just when I thought I was getting close to him, it turns out I was already too late. He's already seeing someone."

"Ah…matters of the heart…and with Naruto no less…I see" At this Shizune's smile grew a bit rueful with understanding. "Ah, so you know about Naruto and Tsunade-Sama, then?"

Hinata was absolutely and completely taken aback. "H..How did you know??"

Not saying anything for a moment, Shizune poured herself another cup of tea, and after taking a first sip, said. "I've known about it for a while, actually. When they first began being "together", about half a year ago, I was the only person they told. At first I was more than a little hurt. The woman I looked up to as a teacher and role model and even a kind of aunt, was risking her career and standing in the village getting involved with someone a third her age. And what's worse, I felt not only was I losing a mentor, but a little brother, too. But nevertheless I honored their secret, and as they grew closer and closer to each other, I slowly drifted out of their lives, eventually putting all of my energy into my studies, and began pursuing my own career in medicine, which is actually the very reason I'm out here tonight."

Hinata looked on wide-eyed as Shizune talked. Shizune knew exactly what she was going through, having been set aside by Naruto and Tsunade's relationship as well. It was hard for the both of them. But for Hinata the sting was still fresh and unbearable, as Naruto still meant far more to her than she could put into words. The worst part, Hinata reflected, as she stared into the bottom of her teacup, was that she couldn't even fight for Naruto's affections. What chance did a fourteen year old introvert have against the legendary slug sannin, be it in terms of charms, experience, or if it came down to it, body? Absolutely none.

Hinata murmured, as much to herself as to Shizune "Do you hate Tsunade-sama?"

Shizune shook her head at that. "No. I could never hate Tsunade, but at first I was angry at them both, for risking everything in what I though was simply a flight of fancy. But… as time passed I eventually came to understand that they were sincere in their feeling and pure in their motivations. They had simply fallen in love. And that is something that no one can control. They had never meant to hurt me. They just had to be true to themselves."

Hinata sighed at this. "So…they really are in love, huh? I didn't want to believe it but I saw it in their eyes when they thought they were alone…what will I do now…?"

Her teacup empty, Shizune got out a small piece of parchment and began writing. Without looking up she said "Well Hinata, that it really up to you, now isn't it? As for myself, I now have a successful career, not to mention a clinic with almost a hundred patients that need caring for, and over twenty doctors and nurses in my employ. The truth was I could not study under Tsunade forever, so in a way it is just as well."

"What do you mean "up to me"? I couldn't never fairly win Naruto's heart away from Tsunade-sama, you said yourself they were truly in love…and as much as I would like to drive them apart, I can't do it, knowing it would hurt Naruto. And I know it sounds weak, but I don't think I can move on from him either. I love him with all my heart…at first I thought it was merely hero worship, but I honestly love him."

Handing Hinata the roll of parchment she had been writing on, she said "If you truly love him, then just love him, and don't worry about what you know can't be changed. Just concentrate on conveying your feelings to Naruto, and everything will take care of itself. Like I said before, a person can't help who they fall in love with; all you can do is be true to yourself. It seems to be working for them. I'm sure it will work for you, as well."

All dried off now, Hinata nodded her head with a small amount of understanding, as she got up to leave. "Thank you, Shizune-sama. Talking with you has helped me a little."

"You're welcome, Hinata. Your Byakugan should get you back to the Hyuuga compound without incident, but just in case, take that signed letter to Hiashi-san. It will explain that you were helping me gather herbs tonight. It should calm him down. The last thing we need is the Hyugas starting a manhunt, thinking you've been kidnapped. Take care of yourself Hinata."

Once outside, Hinata activated her Byakugan, and realized she was in fact only a few miles from the Hyuuga compound. Rushing home, she clutched the letter in her hand. Although she moved with speed to alleviate the anxiety of her family, her mind was elsewhere. She would have a lot to talk about with Naruto tomorrow…and Tsunade-sama, as well.

Naruto had returned home empty handed, his searches for Hinata being unsuccessful. "Sorry, Tsunade-chan, I couldn't find her anywhere. She's not at the Hyuuga compound, or any of the other places she normally hangs out at."

"It's alright, Naruto-kun. With any luck, once she lets off some steam, she'll still show up to your teamtraining tomorrow. You just contact her after practice and ask her to come to my office for animportant meeting. She knows to put personal problems aside when it comes to her duty as ashinobi." (Unlike myself) Tsunade added mentally.

"Umm…Hinata's not in trouble is she?" Naruto asked nervously.

Tsunade looked out the window at the village street outside their house. "On the contrary, depending how reasonable she is willing to be, we may be the ones in a lot of trouble tomorrow. But for now the best thing you and I can do is rest and get ready."

It was already well past midnight, and they both were emotionally exhausted. Heading to bed, Naruto and Tsunade did not snuggle together as was their custom, both were too occupied by their own thoughts.

The next day's team training transpired with unusual silence. Hinata was utterly silent unless spoken to, and Naruto seemed unusually glum, his usual antics and arguments missing from the routine. Anko noticed that something was amiss between the two, but let it slide; making a note to herself that she would have to have a talk with them later on. After the practice, after Anko had left, Naruto walked up to Hinata.

"Umm…Tsunade kind of wants to talk with us."

"I know. But I'd like to talk with you privately first, if that's all right."

"Just me?" Naruto gulped as they began to walk towards the Hokage's tower, taking a route off the main roads so they would have more privacy. He knew he wasn't the greatest conversationalist in the world, and was worried he might make things worse by opening his big mouth.

"So..you and Tsunade-sama, Huh?" Hinata slowly began.

"Yeah…"

"But she's like your mother, isn't she?"

Naruto internally flashed back to his and Tsunade's many nighttime role-playing adventures and merely quipped "Some nights more than others."

"What?"

"Nothing, nothing…" Naruto quickly said dismissively. "look, I know it seems really weird and out there but…"

Hinata interjected, saying what had taken her all morning to work up the nerve for. "I know, I know…you genuinely care for her. I have to admit though, I'm a little sad… I had always hoped that we would end up together. You know, Naruto…I know I'm not as strong or a beautiful or as confidant as Tsunade-sama, but the fact is that I have had feelings for you for quite the long time, as far back as the academy, and It really hurt when I found out that you had chosen Tsunade. Not just because I felt rejected, but also because you didn't even trust me enough to tell me."

Naruto kicked a rock out of the path as the tower rapidly neared. He was more than a little guilty, now that he thought about how his romance with Tsunade affected his friend.

"I'm sorry Hinata, I know we're teammates, and maybe I should have trusted you as a friend to keep my secret, but I was just so afraid of what would happen to Tsunade if people found out. I don't really care what people think of me, but….I don't think I could handle Tsunade-chan being hurt like that."

After another awkward pause, Naruto continued. "You know, until Tsunade told me, after you ran away yesterday, I honestly didn't know you thought about me that way. I guess I really can be dense sometimes."

"I still do, Naruto…even now." Hinata quipped, but before Naruto could inquire as to what she meant, they were at the front door of the main tower.

It quickly became obvious that that something was up, as the closer they got to the Hokage's office, the fewer people they saw. Even the regulars, like Izumo Kozuki or Kotetsu Hogane were absent, along with the Anbu guard. The entire top floor was deserted; obviously the Hokage had ordered them off, to insure privacy for "High level meetings."

Tsunade was sitting at her desk. Her countenance was calm and powerful. With a nod to both Naruto and Hinata, she gestured towards some chairs in front of her desk.

"Please, have a seat." After both teenagers sat down, Tsunade continued. "Hinata Hyuuga, It has come to my attention that you have become aware of certain events concerning Naruto and myself. I brought you here today to allow you to understand our situation, and ask for your discretion."

Although apparently calm on the outside, Hinata was petrified with fear. After all, it wasn't every day that someone tried to intervene in the romantic affairs of the most powerful kunoichi in the world. Something about how Tsunade had said the words made it very clear that she was to keep her mouth shut and butt out of their business. "I will not give up" Hinata's mantra repeated over and over inside her head, as she steadied herself for her next words.

"Tsunade-sama, as for your situation, I already realize that you and Naruto-kun are in love, but that doesn't change the fact that I am also in love with Naruto." Hinata tried her best to ignore the holes Tsunades eyes were boring into her skull and continued. "What I ask for is that in return for my discretion in this matter, I be allowed to date Naruto."

Naruto was shocked. "Hinata, gomen, but I couldn't…I would never betray Tsunade like that."

"I'm not saying you have to cheat on her. She can even…join in, If she so desires. But I ask you to understand that my feelings are every bit as legitimate as Tsunade's, and not to be discarded."

Naruto was silent for a moment, and then said. "I'm sorry, Hinata-chan, but I love Tsunade, and she…"

"Will have to learn how to share." Hinata interjected, her face filled with a determination Naruto had only once before. It was the same determination as when she fought Neji.

Tsunade took a deep breath, coming to terms with what Hinata had just said. "That's quite a lot that you're asking out of both of us, Hinata. Even if we were to agree to your request…"

"Tsunade-chan!"

Tsunade raised her hand, silencing Naruto's outburst, and continued. "While it is true we are hardly in a position to deny you any request at this point, you need to understand that what you are asking might be understood in some people as…"

"Swinging? Yes, I've considered that, Tsunade-sama. And I've come to the conclusion that I don't care. I love Naruto with all my heart. And that I will do anything to be with him, even if that means sharing him with you."

Turning to Naruto, Hinata's voice shifted to a quieter, less confidant tone. "Although it might be nice, it actually really doesn't matter to me if you share your bed with me, Naruto. All I am asking is that I be important to you… even if not in the same way as Tsunade." She sighed and looked down at the ground, shame clearly covering her face, as her resolve of a moment ago had left, her own self doubt returning. Naruto looked uncertainly at Tsunade, who nodded to him.

Placing a finger under Hinata's chin, he lifted her head up, saying "You are important to me, Hinata-chan. And although I can't say that you mean the same to me what Tsunade-chan does, I would be honored if you would remain by my side, as a teammate, a friend, and as a precious person who loves me…It's just that, someone as great as you should have someone who can devote themselves one hundred percent, and I can't do that. You deserve better."

Looking into his eyes she responded "I don't want better, I want you."

Upon hearing this, Tsunade sighed. There was no avoiding it now. Hinata would now part of their lives, both public and private. Clearing her throat to break them out of their saccharin moment, she then said "Very well then, Hinata. It seems we've come to an agreement. I will share Naruto with you, but please understand that that I love him with every ounce of my soul, and if you ever make an attempt to come between us…you will regret it. Severely."

Hinata gulped and nodded her head vigorously. Tsunade then reached into a shelf of her desk and produced a bottle of sake and three cups, pouring for each person. Taking hers in her hand, she then said "Well then, I propose a toast…to new endeavors." All three drank their sake, Hinata coughing and spluttering, unused to drinking alcohol, earning her a smirk from Tsunade, who downed her cup without blinking. Hinata realized the bittersweet taste of the drink went well with her situation. She had what she had desired more than anything, finally. But there was a role in Naruto's life that was already fulfilled by Tsunade, that of his soulmate, and she had no right to interfere.

Looking at the bottom of her cup, deeply in thought, Tsunade shook her head. She was still getting used to the idea of allowing Hinata to pursue a relationship with Naruto. But although she would never let it show though her stoic exterior, she loathed the idea of sharing the most important person in her life with anyone. Looking at the Hyuuga girl, Tsunade commented slyly "If you'll really be seeing Naruto daily after training from now on, I guess then we will need to make an excuse for you coming by my office so often…Naruto is still my protégé, you know. Perhaps you would still like to try your hand at being a medical ninja?" Tsunade asked while pouring the Hyuuga another drink. The Hokage's posture and intonation sounded almost challenging.

To Hinata it was clear what Tsunade was really saying: "Are you sure you have the guts to go through with this?" Hinata, who forty eight hours ago, was jumping at the bit to study under Tsunade, now chaffed at the idea of being a student of her "rival", but practically, it was a good idea. Their secret was now also her secret, and by studying under to Godaime as a Medical ninja, in addition to her regular lessons under Anko, She would be in proximity to Naruto almost all day without raising anyone's suspicions. The young Hyuuga looked uncertain for a moment, but her countenance hardened into a thin determined smile as she said "I think that I would like that very much." She then downed her cup in one go, not batting an eyelash, even as the bitter drink burned a path down her throat. If Tsunade could do it, then so could she.

Naruto, examining both women's actions, Looked out the window and smirked at his own situation. The irony was certainly not lost upon the spiky haired ninja, "Up until just a few short months ago I thought that no one would love me for myself, and now I think I have more love than I can handle…"

Although tensions were far from settled, the ordeal was over for now. Hinata was sworn to secrecy, and all was well with the world, or at least Naruto thought as much as he and Tsunade returned home. Naruto noticed that she looked unusually pensive. Guessing what the problem was, he took her hands in his, Naruto whispered in her ear "This changes nothing, Tsunade. I still love you with all my heart, now and forever. I'm just comforting a friend who needs me, that's all." Tsunade sighed bitterly. Even though she had agreed to it, she really couldn't help but feel a little jealous. The fact was that even with the crystal embedded in her forehead keeping her body physically young as long as it kept releasing charka into her system, she was in reality old, far older than Naruto, unlike Hinata, who seemed almost the perfect counterpart to Naruto, both in age and temperament.

"Everything is changed. She needs you far more than a normal friend does, I think you realize that." "Yeah…maybe so, but…" Naruto faltered, trying to come up with an argument. Failing, his eyes cast down to the ground, until inspiration flashed in his eyes.

"I think I have something to cheer you up, how about a backrub?" Tsunade still grumbled a bit, but admitted that after such a stressful day, it sounded really good. After Tsunade sat down in their sofa, Naruto moved in behind Tsunade, and he gently began to rub her shoulders. Closing her eyes and enjoying the sensations, she didn't notice as Naruto removed his priceless necklace and placed it gently across Tsunade's neck.

"Tsunade, open your eyes."

"Naruto? Why did you stop?"

"Take a look."

"This is the same necklace I lost to you years ago, Why are you giving it back to me?"

"I figure since I can't really afford a diamond, I could at least I could give you a piece of jewelry. After all it's traditional, right?

"What's traditional?" Tsunade replied mystified.
"To give something expensive during a marriage proposal."

Tsunade's breath caught in her throat. "Naruto! What are you saying?"

Naruto walked in front of her and took her hands in his. Kneling down, his clear sky blue eyes looking directly into her soul, and Naruto said "Well, Tsunade-chan? How about it? Once I become Hokage, will you marry me?"

Tears welled up in the brown eyes of the Godaime. This was his own over the top way of saying that she was still most important to him, and her hands clasped him in a tight embrace, never wanting to let go. "Yes, yes I will. I would like nothing better than to be Uzumaki Tsunade!"

Naruto gasped under the unrestrained hug. "That's great…could you maybe let go now? I can't breathe."

And so, two weeks later, marked fittingly by the thaw of winter and the awkward beginning of spring, Hinata's work as a medical ninja under Tsunade began, effectively filling Sakura's formal role, alongside her continuing training and missions with Anko. Naruto would also soon find his life far more complicated than before, as he endeavored to give his fiancée and his dearest friend both the attention they needed, both inside the bedroom and out, without making the other jealous. Far easier said than done, naruto had to admit to himself.

At her apartment across town, Anko Mitarashi fumed. Hinata and Naruto were both acting flakey in their training and missions, almost leading to the failure of an important B ranked mission, and she was going to get to the bottom of it. No way was she going to allow her team, with the prestige of being the "elite squad", to become sloppy. She was determined to prove herself just as reliable and capable a Jounin as Kurenai or Asuma or any of the others, and not just some unstable reject of Orochimaru's. Even thinking that name left a bitter taste in her mouth. Her whole career as a ninja had been tainted by his crimes and his defection. But in Naruto and Hinata she had a chance to prove that she had what it took to be a trusted Jounin. And if that meant digging a little into her students' lives to get them to work out whatever their issues they were having, so be it.

Ta Da! Chapter 4 complete! Thank you again for reading, and be sure to review. Chapter five will concern itself with Anko and how she fits into this mess, as well as check in with some of the other Ninja of Konoha. I'm looking forward to it, and I hope you are, too!