A big thank you to Serious Sam and Ayrmed for their shoutouts! If you have not read their stories, I will reiterate, do yourself a favor and read them! Also a huge thanks to everyone followed/favorited. Reviewers who guessed the contact right! Kenni no 1., Serious Sam, and alaxbird. Thanks to other reviewers, the ever awesome Ayrmed, Psychotic Sky, YourDoom (lol Orochimaru as the contact), Guest (I promise Naruto will show more of his mettle.), Nahi Shite, .92372446, and ileveria.

Sorry for the long gap in update- I started school again and let me just say one word...physics.

Enjoy.


Selfish

Cobalt eyes widened in horror as he gazed at the poisoned naginata, carmine colors dripping in rivulets off the blade. It was her blood, and the blade inches from his arm was sticking through her back. He had known it was coming, he had seen it behind him. But Hinata, little, impulsive, loveable Hinata had not known that. And so she had jumped once again, taking the blow for him, trying to protect him when he did not need it.

The blade wielder grinned sickeningly over Hinata's bowed head at the frozen Uzumaki. He then uncaringly, unflinchingly slid his weapon from her prone body, letting her fall unceremoniously to the floor. Naruto absently thought that this had happened in less than five seconds. A faint bubbling sound could be heard, and he vaguely wondered where it was coming from.

It was Hinata breathing shallowly, desperately in her own puddle of blood.

The rogue ninja continued to grin, wiping the precious, precious substance on the dried grass. "Damn, now it's dirty."

And Naruto saw crimson, he screamed. The sound rubbed his throat raw. Kurama could be heard in the muted background, trying to calm his friend in vain. A blast of burning chakra incinerated the surrounding ground, the rogue ninja stopped his action to stare in horror. He had not recognized the silly, grinning blonde boy as the Naruto Uzumaki.

"Oh shit."

Those were his last words.

It was over in less than three seconds. Covered in the disgusting, ugly blood of her attacker, Naruto rushed back to his precious person. He cradled her in his arms, watching as she became ever so paler. Her long hair was matted and he felt the bleeding continue, her very life seeping through his useless fingers as he attempted to press the wound.

And then her heart stopped beating.

Naruto bolted upright, cobalt eyes widened in despair. He suddenly felt he cool night air against his sweat drenched back. It served to further wake him up. He hurriedly glanced to his left, relief flooding through him when he saw her huddled in her blue sleeping bag, right next to a snoring Ino, perfectly safe and whole.

It had just been a nightmare; a memory from over five years ago.

He continued to gaze at her resting form, admiring how the dying embers of their fire threw her delicate features in relief. Her indigo tresses rested in haphazard coils, framing a peaceful expression. She was adorably curled up in a tiny ball, her hands fisted loosely and placed under her chin. To see her so unguarded, it was something he truly missed. And yet, in the span of a day, he had seen her twice in this state. Once in the Hyuuga pond and now, asleep in this forest clearing underneath the stars. He missed her open looks and easy expressions. He missed her shy banter and insightful remarks. He missed her friendship, and he feared that nothing could ever be the same. Nothing could be fixed.

"I apologize, Naruto," came Shino's abrupt apology.

Naruto turned towards the hooded Aburame, finally remembering that he had chosen first watch for tonight. He gaped, surprised at the sudden apology and confused as to what he was sorry for. Naruto tilted his head curiously, silently asking what he meant.

Shino shifted uncomfortably on the boulder he sat on, his insects humming lightly in symphony with the chirping crickets. His dark glasses reflected the dying embers and Naruto could not tell if he was looking at him or not. "I apologize for my assumptions regarding your ….business with Hinata. I was not objective and hurt you, who are also my friend."

Naruto's eyes softened a bit and a thoughtful expression crossed his face. His hand gripped his vest, over his beating heart where the pain had echoed for months.

"It hurt, you know."

Whether he was talking about Shino blaming him or Hinata leaving, it was unclear.

Shino seemed to withdraw further into his green hood, his insects humming sporadically. Naruto understood, Shino felt, dare he say, guilty. Deciding to break the awkward silence stretching between them, he gave a small smile, looking into the fading fire. "Thanks."

And the buzzing quieted for once.

The silence continued for several moments, when Naruto broke it with a serious query. He gazed at the Aburame, eyes nearly black in the night. "Hey, Shino. Why do you think Tsunade-baa-chan explicitly told us that Hinata was only an ambassador on this mission?"

The faint buzzing grew in volume, discordant. Naruto understood that Shino was worried. They both were on the same page, not quite buying Tsunade's explanation of how an ambassador should not be seen as a possible combatant. She had said the image would be too hostile, and as flighty as Kusa was, they wanted to make Hinata seem as appealing and non-threatening as possible. Something about the explanation rang hollow, and both of them knew it.

Shino answered with a quiet "I do not know."

Naruto turned to gaze at Hinata once more, every breath of hers sending a wave of relief and pain through him. This girl was going to be the death of him. He was glad she was fine. But he absolutely hated the way she made him feel, how her mere presence dredged up long buried feelings and turmoil. He hated how composed she always seemed and he wondered if he knew she had the upper hand whenever they spoke.

Shino watched as Naruto observed the slumbering ambassador. And as a tender, confused look crossed the boy's face, Shino knew that there were things yet to be resolved. He bent towards the dying fire, feeding it more timber to keep them all warm.

Maybe tomorrow could bring some peace along with it.


Today was a very special day; a stupendous, long-time-in-coming day. She could see it now. The streets of Konoha decorated in elaborate banners, probably in varying shades of orange. A crowd would gather in the center of town, the confetti littering the cobblestone pavement. And then, on top of Hokage tower, he would come out, dressed in full Hokage regalia. (She smiled bemusedly. He would probably customize the robes somehow; maybe make them orange with black flames.)

Tsunade-sama would laugh proudly and -

"And here we are at Konoha's Official Announcement of the Hokage Successor…"

Hinata jumped slightly at the radio host's energetic announcement. She had forgotten how loud her radio was. The fuzzy static of the bad signal mixed with the thunderous cheers heard in the background. She looked out through the window, the cumulus clouds drifting lazily and the sun shining golden. A light breeze cooled the room, buffeting the white gossamer curtains and her indigo tresses. Perfect weather for a great day.

Ah, yes. Today was a very special day. It was the day Naruto Uzumaki would be announced as the next Hokage; the day his dreams came true.

She let her legs dangle from the luxurious down feathered bed. Such an auspicious day, and here she was, miles away in the Capital, dressed in her cloud embossed, button up pajamas. She leaned forward to adjust the dial, hoping to get a better signal. The announcer's voice faded in and out.

"And here he comes …She's handing him the hat and….LET'S GIVE A HUGE WELCOME TO THE FUTURE HOKAGE, NARUTO UZUMAKI!"

The roar of the crowd became deafening, nearly overpowering the host's excited babbling. And she listened attentively, her attention on every word, every syllable of his acceptance speech.

"I will protect you, the people of Konoha. That is my promise of a lifetime."

And she found herself echoing his words, muttering them to herself. "I will protect you all. That is my promise of a lifetime."

She turned towards the delicate night stand holding the bulky radio and a stack of torn envelopes. She smiled at the small pile of letters, only a handful of hundreds, sent directly to her, the Daimyo and the council. They were from leaders and politicians from all over the world in favor of Naruto Uzumaki as Hokage. It had been a huge task gaining the correspondences. It had taken the better part of a year. But it worked. The council had overwhelmingly approved his nomination, even with Hyuuga interference. Her beloved Konoha would have the Hokage it deserved.

She deftly rearranged a bouquet of burgundy and carmine nasturtium in their crystal vase. (Patriotism) Hinata then plucked the only orange one from the lot, gracefully twirling it between pale fingers.

"I will protect you, even if it means I'm selfish."

The delicate flame shaped pendant that had come with the flowers lay forgotten under the letters. It was something she wished to forget.


"Selfish," growled out an annoyed Karin Uzumaki. "How could you be so selfish?!"

Her hands fisted into Naruto's flak jacket, and despite the significant difference in height, she effortlessly dragged him towards her. He gave a nervous smile, trying to appease his infatuated clan member. "H-Hehehe, you see…he was busy."

Red eyes bore into nervous sky blue and she saw the same honesty as always. She let him go, punching him on the shoulder. "Well, I guess you'll do, cousin."

Naruto grinned hugely, while rubbing his arm.

The rest of the Konoha envoy sighed in relief. They had almost started the day out perfectly. That was until Naruto had decided to play a prank on their contact. Needless to say, doing a half-naked transformation of Sasuke, only to give it away with a single "dattebayo" was not such a good idea. (Especially considering that Karin's ability to sense chakra signatures was incredibly honed to perfection.)

After Karin's rampage (oddly reminiscent of a younger Sakura), she had quickly reverted towards her professional persona, pushing up her glasses in a know-it all gesture. From behind the safety of the bushes, Shino absently wondered why that action seemed so familiar. Ino' mouth gaped at the dizzying change, and Hinata maintained a serene expression, showing no outward reaction to the contact.

Naruto meanwhile made a grand gesture in their direction. "Well cousin, here's the help you asked for."

Karin quirked an eyebrow at the lagging members. Naruto introduced them one by one as they appeared from behind the trees. "This is Ino Yamanaka."

Ino flipped her hair and dared the red head to find something wrong. Karin simply nodded.

"Shino Aburame." Karin's glasses glinted, somewhat impressed. This was a highly qualified team.

"And finally…"

"Hinata Hyuuga." She said in a cold and somewhat wry tone, a lopsided smile gracing her face. Her voice was laced with a grudging respect. "So you managed to come back."

Hinata smiled a very, polite smile, her eyes guarded in an expression Naruto had become all too familiar with. This was Hinata at her most focused and distant; this was Konoha's Global Ambassador. With her Konoha headband wrapped in its familiar place around her neck and her vest emblazoned with the swirling leaf of her village, she looked fully ready to represent her beloved village.

"It is always a pleasure, Karin-san." Hinata nodded her head in a courteous greeting. Ino shivered, feeling an undercurrent of tension between the two. While Karin's shift to professional persona had been quick and drastic, Hinata's was ever so subtle. She was still very polite with her high lilting voice, but it was something else. It was a subtle change; yet one so deep that it was unsettling. She could not quite place her finger on it just yet, but nevertheless, it was impressive. Still, she wondered what had happened the last time Hinata was here to make Karin a grudging ally.

Ino's attention was brought back by Naruto's silent signal; two index fingers pointed ahead signifying that they were to move forward, silently and carefully. She smiled slightly. Naruto was being cautious in case there was a trap. She leapt behind Hinata, wondering why she didn't just use her Byakugan to scan for danger. They moved through the thickening trees, the trail slowly disappearing into thorny undergrowth. She moaned internally when she thought of all the leaves now stuck in her hair. After about twelve minutes of travel, they stopped. The slight tension of the Konoha team slowly leaked out after they realized there was no danger.

Finally, they had reached the edge of the sprawling forest, the light of the afternoon sun burning bright without the shade of the trees. Naruto whistled at the expanse of the canyon now before them. It was enormous, and if one looked down, they would be able to see several hawks following the course of the river. With a width of approximately three miles, it was impressive to say the least that already half of the bridge had been rebuilt.

Its base began from the cliff sides, white stones carefully placed to gradually form thick walls climbing all the way up. Karin smiled proudly, hands on her hips. "This is Kannabi Crossing."

Naruto whistled low, impressed. "Nice job, cousin."

Karin smirked amusedly, aware of his feelings for the little ambassador. She sensed his erratic chakra fluctuation through the caves as he had held the girl's hand. She would tease him a little. She muttered so only he could hear.

"It wasn't me. Give a lot of the credit to your little girlfriend there."

Naruto sputtered, indignant at the insinuation. What the hell was up with these people? First Sasuke-teme now Karin had called her that. She was not his girlfriend, or his anything really. Just a very capable comrade whom he happened to think was attractive. That was what he told himself at least as he looked at her standing at the edge of the precipe.

Said ambassador was oblivious, focused only on the growing bridge between two countries being raised before her today. Her indigo hair danced in the slight breeze, mimicking the flowing leaves. Hinata's eyes brightened at finally seeing the fruits of her labor. This was what had been accomplished after the talks.

Shino glanced her way, noting the pride echoed across her pale features. He was finally witnessing his teammate in her element. She had never looked as tall and strong as now, with her back straight and her gaze directed out towards the new construction. A sad sort of fondness and joy filled him; his little sister had found her way without them.

He turned to their leader, expecting him to still be marveling at the sight. Instead he found him sneaking unabashed glances at the proud ambassador, a restrained want shining in the depths of his gaze. Shino and Ino caught each other's eye, both knowingly nodding at the other. Their future Hokage had it bad.

Ino broke the moment with a blunt question. "Now how do we cross?"

She would later regret that question when Karin pulled out four blindfolds, an almost apologetic smile on her face.


What followed was a blind journey through what felt like miles of hidden caves and stumbling steps. (In reality, it was closer to one and a half.) It was necessary to prove that they were trustworthy. According to a snickering Karin, there were some in the village who refused outside help and would not admit the foreigners unless certain precautions were taken. (They were not completely defenseless…Shino had his insects and Naruto could sense chakra to some degree.)

Ino groaned, this time out loud, feeling her hair become more and more tangled as they progressed. The uneven walls of the cave catching the strands of her ponytail. One of her hands was linked to Hinata's and the other to a despondent Shino. They had decided to do so in order to prevent losing anyone as they blindly followed their contact. The only thing that made the whole journey bearable was who else Hinata was connected to. 'Oh I can just feel the Unresolved Sexual Tension.'

Hinata for her part was fully aware that her hand was now in contact with Naruto Uzumaki's, and she struggled to maintain her composure. She disliked the fact that his proximity still unsettled her so much. She was supposed to have let this all behind years ago. She took a deep breath, thanking her stars that the darkness of the trail hid her growing blush.

Naruto resisted the urge to brush his thumb over the silky skin of Hinata's tiny hand. This was getting too ridiculous. Despite his protests, the order had been decided before he could even open his mouth. Because Hinata was not technically a possible combatant, she was to be placed in the middle for safety. He was leader, and so he was to be in front. Shino would stay in back, using his insects for recon. And Ino had quickly said she would rather be behind Hinata, to help guard her. That had led to his current predicament.

And as they stumbled along, he could not help but think back to another time he had held her hand, a time before all this had happened.


He stared ceaselessly, listlessly at the frail form in front of him. Like an automaton, Naruto smoothed his calloused thumb over the silky skin of the little patient's hand. And he waited for her to wake up.

"Please..." He whispered brokenly to the beeping machines, to the silent breeze, to anyone really. It did not matter, because at this moment in time, he wanted her to wake up. And as if his prayers had been heard, after three days, two hours and twenty seven minutes, Hinata Hyuuga finally opened her beautiful, heart-stopping, lavender eyes to meet his own.

"Naruto-kun?" She whispered hoarsely. She winced as she heard her voice and felt the heaviness of her inactive body. Her wound still ached dully.

Naruto forced a smile, hiding the lump in his throat and the relief so light, that it was almost heavy. He placed his other hand on hers, hoping to reassure her and him that she was okay. She was awake and talking.

"H-hey, Hinata-chan."

She smiled back, and despite the horrid ache pervading her entire being, she was happier than ever before. Tears bubbled over and trailed down her pale cheeks. "You're safe."

Then she began to cough, a dry hacking cough that threatened to break apart her tiny form each and every time. And Naruto felt himself nearly breaking along with her.

He patted her back, hating the crinkling of the flimsy, ugly hospital gown against her body. She should never have to wear this, never. He hated that he was partly to blame for her being here. He hated her coughs, he hated the machines, but at this moment, he hated her unending, crazy, blind love for him most of all.

His hair was unbound, Hinata noted as her coughs slowly stopped. She liked it like that. It framed his eyes nicely. But his eyes…his beautiful azure eyes were dull and ringed with dark circles. He looked so tired.

"I-I'm okay, r-really." She wheezed happily, hoping to relieve some of the underlying tension and worry she read in his gaze.

He winced. This was wrong. Her being poisoned in his place was wrong. Her reassuring him, when he wasn't even the one hurt, was wrong. Her protecting him was wrong. He remembered her back the best of all, her hair flowing. It was always, always her Back. He saw her back when she tried to save him from Pein, he saw her back when she had jumped in the way of the Juubi's attack. (Even if it had been Neji who protected them both in the end, for one heart stopping moment, all he had seen was her back.)

But just three days, two hours and thirty minutes ago, he had seen her back again. And the poisoned sword that ripped through it, decorated in her blood and self. The same sword he had been about to block. (But Hinata had not known that.)

"Please," he whispered brokenly, once more. "Please don't protect me anymore."

Hinata's smile slowly and surely disappeared. "W-what?"

And Naruto let loose the turmoil that had been swirling and frothing inside these past three days. He let go of her hand, jumping out of the worn seat and pacing in the tiny room. His steps echoed in time with the beeping of the monitor.

"Stop protecting me!" He looked at her, hating the way her indigo hair matched the blue of the blankets. Hating the way the white of her gown made her look sicker. Hating the way she thought she could handle everything, hating that she could so easily throw away her life and leave. (Leave him.)

"I want to." She said quietly, waiting.

And somehow that agitated him even more. He turned towards the girl, eyes wild and frenzied. "YOU'RE NOT STRONG ENOUGH!"

'That's a lie. I'm not strong enough,' was his unsaid thought. Not strong enough to protect her, not strong enough to lose her.

But Hinata could not read minds; that would be absurd. So she took what he said at face value, her face becoming as blank as the white walls of the room. She turned towards the small window, the slate gray sky echoing her eyes. "I guess I'm just being selfish."

He slumped, his anger dissipating in the face of such a broken opponent. And the lump in his throat grew larger and larger until he could not breathe. He left the room hurriedly.

Hinata continued to stare out the window blankly, tracing shapes in the clouds. Her waist length hair haphazardly tumbled over her shoulders, making her appear all the more frail. Naruto's words echoed through her mind, and her eyes hardened. A silent resolve slowly wove its way through her soul, an invisible ribbon of shining steel winding its way up her bowed spine, setting the foundation for what was to be her future.

Naruto slid down a wall, two hallways away and let the tears fall. And whether it was from relief, or anger, or hate or heck, even love, he did not know.


Kusagakure was unlike anything Naruto had ever seen, and that was really saying something. If someone had told him to picture how a race of junglemen would form their civilization, the image conjured would have been closest to this. And even that was a distant comparison. For Kusagakure was not a normal village with a clutch of buildings arranged on the ground.

Kusagakure was small wooden houses nestled on the branches of the largest damn trees this side of the ocean. It was elaborate staircases spiraling to new heights and rope bridges spanning meters from one tree top to the next. It was giant mushrooms growing from the sides of the even bigger trees, acting as platforms for more wooden buildings and springy play places for some young aspiring ninja.

The whole place was illuminated by an emerald green hue, the color of sunlight streaming through foliage. There were some structures on the ground level. These were generally communal places, including a small clinic and a public bath. Tents sprawled across a wide dirt road that wound around the largest tree, a kind of busy market selling odd looking produce.

It was amazing. It was imaginative. It was tiny.

Despite the wide expanse of space that the forest offered, the village was concentrated in a few square miles, most of its infrastructure circled around the largest tree. The occasional ninja could be seen leaping from one branch to the other, but it was mostly civilians making their way contentedly up staircases and from one tree to another. It was maybe one fifth the size of Konoha.

Karin frowned at the growing crowd that came to observe the rare outsiders. This would not do, bringing attention to the emissaries. She told the group to wait in the square, leaving to bring the Head Ninja to them.

From among the crowd, a small boy with a wooden kunai clumsily held in one hand and a dingy green shirt gazed in awe at the group.

"They're from Konoha! They're from the same village as the Hero!"

A buzzing rang through the crowd, and Naruto stopped as the boy shyly approached them. He waited patiently.

"Do you know Naruto Uzumaki by any chance?"

Naruto grinned, amazed that his name had reached even this isolated village. He gave a thumbs up, using it to point to himself. "I'm him, buddy."

The smile lighting up the boy's tanned face was so bright, Naruto wondered if he would ever be sad again. He was still floored by the kid's admiration. And to be honest, he was still very unused to the idea of being so famous. It was one thing to be at home in Konoha. It was another to be recognized in a foreign place. He nervously rubbed the back of his head.

"Can you please sign my kunai?" The boy asked and Naruto obliged, highly embarrassed. The boy's friends had begun to peek through the crowd, wondering if they too could talk to the World's Hero.

Ino shook her head despairingly, wondering if they were ever going to reach the Council Building. Shino was distracted by the myriad of insects humming throughout the brush. This might be a great opportunity to document some new specimens.

Hinata smiled at her future Hokage, unwittingly finding joy in his humble reception of the admiration and compliments. She was glad that he was still that way, ever humble and gracious in an endearingly blunt manner. She then chastised herself. These thoughts, they would do no good. She had to focus.

She approached Naruto, hoping to bring her team back to task. Unfortunately, it turned some of the attention of the twenty or so people to her. Several gasps rang through the crowd as they recognized her.

"Hyuuga-san!"

"It's her…the Water Seeker!"

She blushed heavily, wishing they would not call her so formally. And that title, oh dear…She took a deep breath and bowed deeply to those gathered.

"Thank you for having us, people of Kusagakure."

Most clapped and applauded their welcome, glad for the return of such a valued ally. There were others who were unsure what to think and lightly murmured in worry. And still a few others glared with distrust and hate towards the group, flashing looks of fear at what they thought was the ghost of the Yellow Flash.

Hinata felt the veiled animosity and quickly glanced over in the direction of the Council Building, relief flooding her as she saw Karin approaching accompanied by a bearded man who appeared to be in his late thirties. Guarded green eyes surveyed the travelers with curiosity and recognition flashed in his gaze as it settled on the future Hokage.

He made his way confidently across the square, parting a way through the small crowd to reach the guests. He reached Naruto first and with a jolly laugh that seemed to shake his entire frame, grasped his hand and began to shake it vigorously.

"Welcome Uzumaki Naruto. It's a great pleasure to finally meet you."

And what the man lacked in height, he seemed to make up in sheer bulk of muscle. Naruto felt his hand bruise as the Head Ninja shook it overzealously. He grinned at his new acquaintance; the man's joy was infectious. "Nice to meet you to Mr….."

Another jolly laugh and a hearty chuckle denoted his glee. "I apologize. My name is Kazuki Kusano, but you can call me Ikki."

Naruto waved over the rest of his team, wanting to introduce them. He again continued the introductions, with Ikki's occasional amazed remarks and friendly compliments. Ino blushed slightly at his remarks on her talents and beauty. Shino was invited to view the special insects collection housed behind the council building. He then turned to an approaching Hinata. She had gone over to the crowd and spoken with old friends and acquaintances, congratulating new mothers and graduated children and asking about their overall health.

Hinata smiled brilliantly at the grinning Ikki, remembering the first time she had met the man. "Good afternoon Kusano-san."

"HINATA-CHAN!" Ikki exclaimed, rushing over to envelop the tiny girl in a bear hug. Shino looked on amusedly as the Hyuuga stiffened, still unused to close contact. Her feet were dangling several inches from the ground and her hair was sticking uncomfortably close to her mouth.

"Umm…Nice to see you as well." She said breathlessly, her lungs only slightly crushed by his overzealous welcome. She stayed still, knowing that struggling was futile.

Ikki finally set her down, laughing at her dazed expression. He placed a burly hand on her shoulder to steady her and as an affectionate gesture. "Welcome back, Water Seeker."

She stifled a groan, wondering just when that had become her nickname. She smiled at the affectionate Head Ninja, aware that this was simply his way of showing they were friends, and she was glad for that. She tilted her head politely, wanting to get down to business.

"Kusano-san, we are here to help with guarding the construction of Kannabi Bridge."

Ikki sighed. This was Hinata Hyuuga, the unfailingly polite, kind and always all-business hero of Kusagakure. He turned his gaze slightly to the left at the Hero of the World. He smiled slyly when he saw Naruto Uzumaki unknowingly sneaking looks at the little, oblivious Hyuuga. It seemed these two heroes had unresolved business.

"The Council would like to meet you all." Ikki looked at the group, shrugging his shoulders regretfully. "I wish you could have rested first, but they were pretty stubborn about it."

He indicated towards a large wooden building, its slanted roof matching the silvery gray shades of the surrounding tree. It was at the edge of what would have been a town square, a compact trail leading up to the gnarled roots of a particularly wide tree. Ino gaped as she made out the shape of steps formed by the roots. The tree's extensions had been grown into the very structure the villagers had needed.

"Ninjutsu?" Naruto wondered out-loud as they passed the thinning crowd, following a chatting Kusano and an impatient Karin.

"Tree shaping." Karin responded with another know-it all gesture. Shino's glasses glinted in recognition of the answer and Ino sighed in awe, familiar with various things dealing with vegetation.

"Took ten years of hard work and careful planning." Ikki grinned proudly. "Ah…before we go any further…"

Naruto looked questioningly at the man. "What's wrong?"

Hinata's thin brows knitted in concern. If she had been specifically requested, then something must be going awry with the prior agreements. "Is it the isolationist factions?"

Ikki flinched, his shoulders drooped as her words hit the truth. "There's been some complications with them. They don't trust you guys. And there have been numerous attacks on the bridge builders and construction crew."

Ino asked. "Have they been tied to the isolationist group?"

"I really don't think so, right Ikki? I mean the attacks are still happening and no one's been arrested, so no I'm guessing no evidence has been found." Naruto answered, correctly tapping on Ikki's major concern.

"My insects detected several traces of gunpowder residue when we were near the bridge. It had already been detonated and recently…it seems the most recent attack was about a month ago." Shino added.

Ikki was floored. This team was truly formidable and he was glad his request for help had been answered. Maybe with their backing, he could finally resolve the tension between the isolationist faction and the others. He smiled. "Just put on your best faces and be prepared to vouch for yourselves."

Finally, they reached a well-lit hallway, the torches shining brightly in intricate iron sconces. The heavy wooden doors were engraved with beautiful reliefs of dahlia blossoms on rising stems. (Dignity, Instability) Ikki threw open the door, startling the council members.

Fifteen or so men and women dressed in shades of muted green were seated around a long table. The lighting of the room was dim, lending itself to the secretive and serene atmosphere of the gathering. Their hushed discussions quieted as soon as Ikki stepped into the room…And started up again once they saw who was accompanying him.

The older members, those with gray threaded through their hair and wrinkles adorning fearful faces could not stop gazing at the blond man standing at the lead. His sunny hair in disarray and framing his handsome features only served to put them on edge. The glint in his fierce blue eyes was all too familiar to those who had survived the attack by the Yellow Flash. The only real confidence they had was in the tiny female with pale eyes accompanying the team.

Still others grouped at the farthest end of the table glared at the newcomers, unwelcoming to outsiders. They did not need their help. They did not need this bridge. Kusagakure would not benefit from these foreigners. But they had been outnumbered, and now they would be exposed to the world.

It was those closest to the door that smiled openly towards the Konoha ninja, happy murmurs and exclamations of delight. This was the World's Hero, here to help them progress into a new future. There were the heirs to the Aburame and Yamanaka clans. There was the Hyuuga girl, the ambassador who had risked life and limb to help in their time of need. They could be trusted.

"Let us continue the deliberation then, shall we." Kusano waved at the council, indicating to the four ninja that they may sit wherever they chose.


Hinata could feel the beginnings of a pulsing headache. She resisted the urge to rub her temples as the "debate" continued. They were simply the same arguments repeated over and over, hidden underneath layers of doubletalk and veiled insults. She laughed inwardly. However tiring this was, it was nothing compared to the Hyuuga council meeting she had attended just five days ago. She was still reeling from the revelation, but had pushed aside her worries to concentrate on this mission.

"You saw what happened after we joined with Oto!" Shouted Hideki Matsumura, a middle aged man with lightening hair of an odd green hue. "What's to stop others from doing the same?"

"Matsumura, you're cowardice knows no bounds. Do you not have faith in our abilities as a hidden village?" Argued a younger council member, one who supported the bridge rebuilding.

"Think of the economic benefits of trade. Outside lands have much to offer." Offered Ikki. "Did we not all agree to this when Hyuuga-san was here previously?"

All eyes turned to the long forgotten ambassador, her quiet presence having been lost in the escalation of the debates. Hinata straightened, wondering if all their progress would be lost within the span of one meeting.

"In the agreement signed with Konohagakure, it was promised that we would share our trading partners with Kusagakure and that we would offer our shinobi services when they are needed." She reminded, her voice steely. Konoha was no liar and for them to doubt their sacred word was insulting.

"Konoha was the one who destroyed our bridge in the first place! You ruined our economy and now want to reap the benefits of trading with us for our rare produce," pointed an elder with curling silver hair and an accusing glare. His arms were into the folds of his green robes in frustration. He would occasionally sneak wary glances at Naruto, as if waiting for a surprise attack at any moment.

A fist slammed onto the table, silencing the arguments. All turned to an incensed Naruto, his mouth contorted into a grimace.

"You attacked us first. You joined with Iwagakure and your home became a battlefield. Don't pin the blame on Konoha."

Ino and Shino stiffened. Here came the infamous Uzumaki rage. Hinata's eyes widened, knowing how delicate the situation was, how could Naruto not be aware of it?

She caught his glance, her eyes narrowed and she nodded imperceptibly. 'No' she warned, hoping he would not continue. His eyes darkened and solidified with a familiar resolve, he turned his head from her, choosing to continue. She wanted to cry in frustration, to kick a wall in anger. But that would be rude and unseemly. 'Naruto Uzumaki you…you...'

She could not finish her thought before he began again.

"You." He stated firmly, pointing rudely with his index finger to the astounded isolationist members. "What are you so afraid of, huh?"

"We…we…we will not bow down to outsiders. We would rather die before allowing that disgrace again!" defended Hideki, he rose to match Naruto's confident stance, but to no avail. No one pulled off the confident hands-on-hips stance better than Naruto Uzumaki. (Maybe Sasuke Uchiha could, but no one ever tried to bring it up.)

"Almost ten years ago, your village, Sunagakure, and Otogakure teamed up and decided to attack our village when the bonds of trust between Hidden Villages were the most valued. The Chunin Exams…ring a bell?" Naruto reminded, his gaze sharp. He waited but no one responded.

Karin nodded firmly, she remembered all too well. Her genin team and one other had been selected from Kusagakure to compete. The other team had been mysteriously killed, with one of the members having been Orochimaru in disguise. And that was the first time she had set eyes on her beloved Sasuke-kun. He had looked so handsome with his raven hair in the wind, his smile as he rescued her from the stupid bear. His arms strongly muscled and his… She literally had to pinch herself to bring herself back from that distracting train of thought. She turned back to her clansmen, intrigued by his talk.

When no one answered, Naruto glanced at his teammates. Ino was gaping again and Shino seemed to be waiting for something. He continued, "Suna's secret weapon was their Jinchuriki, Gaara and Orochimaru killed our Hokage."

The council began murmuring, wondering where this rash young man was going with his speech. They had heard the legends of this Uzumaki, his strength and his ability to rally the loyalty of almost anyone. They waited with baited breath; even those opposed to foreigners grew curious.

Hinata stilled, upset at his blatant refusal to listen to her. But still, this was Naruto, and no matter what, she believed in his ability to inspire the correct attitudes in others. She prayed that nothing too grave would come out of this.

"Today…Gaara is the Kazekage and one of my dearest friends. Orochimaru helped fight against Madara in the Fourth Shinobi War and Konoha is helping rebuild Oto into a better village with a brighter outlook." His fists clenched. "We all fought side by side, and there was no difference between us. Because we were all comrades."

"We were not involved in that war!" Interrupted a more vocal isolationist, his brown eyes widened at the glares received not only from the Konoha ninja, but from other council members.

Naruto smiled sadly. "I'm glad you weren't. And because of that, you're here now. You survived."

"Exactly!" shouted another and was chorused by the others. The bridge proponents grew worried; this boy was contradicting their very arguments. What was he playing at?

"You survived! But you're not living!" Naruto exclaimed vehemently, his palm flat on the table. His eyes burned with intensity. "You haven't changed for the past decade. You're clinic is hardly enough medical care for your citizens. Your produce is limited and your shinobi force is weak. Really weak."

This was reacted to with outrage. He had pointed out there weakness and it was frightening. They did not know if this was a threat or not.

Hinata nearly banged her head on the table. First rule of diplomacy, do not coerce your possible ally. Or at least do it subtly. Shino and Ino glanced worriedly around at the turmoil and even their supporters were somewhat hesitant now.

Naruto remained surprisingly calm, his resolve never faltering. He continued and the room quieted. "You need our help. We can provide you with the medical aid you need and the training facilities for new recruits. We will not abandon you."

The room remained silent, on a precipice. One more word and the opinions could go either way. Hinata knew what had to be done.

"Karin-san, what were the tuberculosis statistics for this past year?" She queried politely, glancing over to the red haired female.

Karin cringed. "Thirty percent of our population contracted the disease. Mortality rate was fifty percent."

"Kusomoto-san," Hinata turned to address the only genin instructor of the small village. "How many graduates this past year?"

The elderly teacher was surprised to be addressed so abruptly. He smoothed his dark green shozoku and cleared his throat before muttering ", Three."

"Yamanka-san, how many in Konoha contracted tuberculosis this year?" Hinata turned towards her friend, smiling.

"One, and he was a visitor." Ino grinned, seeing where this was going.

Naruto was stunned. His points had been made and had almost been enough to tip the scales, but Hinata was delivering the finishing blow and with statistics. He waited patiently for her cue.

Hinata turned to glance at her teammate. Shino did not even have to be asked before he responded.

"Thirty new graduates and all have passed their initial team tests." He stated bluntly.

She turned to stare calmly at the now buzzing council and continued. "Esteemed council of Kusagakure, once upon a time I was kidnapped by the Head Ninja of Kumogakure. The entire incident resulted in the death of my uncle, all to avoid a war with the country in question."

She closed her eyes, remembering. "Today, a family of Hyuuga live in the village of Kumogakure, unafraid of their former enemies."

She continued," The village of Amegakure was home to one of the Akatsuki founders. He started the whole affair in part because Konoha ninja had killed his parents in cold blood. That child grew up to be the one known as Pein."

Gasps filled the air and Naruto tensed, remembering Jiraiya and the whole incident. He remembered this little Hyuuga especially, with her will of fire and her declaration of love. He looked at his ambassador, surprised by her insight and grew worried when she stopped.

Her lilac eyes opened, shining with something indefinable and gestured towards him. "Our village was nearly destroyed and many of us lost loved ones, including our future Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki. But instead of avenging his loss, he forgave Pein and resolved to end the cycle of hate in the Shinobi World."

She finished quietly. "And he did. "

She then looked at him, catching his burning gaze and nodded. He understood that he should finish it.

"Thanks to everyone, to all the villages who fought, we are here. Amegakure is now an ally and we are helping implement a new medical program there and have begun trade. We're all together in this, Kusagakure, and I'll tell you this…"

He stopped and gave his signature grin, thumbs up. "I will not ever abandon you. It's a promise of a lifetime."

He sat back down and waited. He expected indignant shouts and possible retaliation.

Instead there came silence and then the slow clapping. Ikki was smiling bigger than he had in a while and was rhythmically clapping his large palms together. He was followed by the Genin teacher and then one after the other; eleven out of the fifteen council members were applauding the Konoha shinobi. The others were looking at them with grudging respect and others still remained gravely silent.

Naruto rubbed his head bashfully as the compliments came in and Hinata blushed, still a bit angry at her future Hokage.

Ino and Shino sighed in relief, glad that Naruto and Hinata's tag team talk-no-jutsu had worked. Now all that was left was the security part of the mission. After this meeting though, that seemed like a walk in the park.


The Konoha emissaries were finally lodged in their temporary quarters. They had received a large room small inn of sorts perched cheerily about thirty feet of the ground level. Their room was resting on a giant mushroom, the temperature pleasantly regulated by the insulation it provided. Bright little lanterns lit the entirety of their common room and the two adjoining bedrooms. The fire crack merrily in the stone fireplace as they all sat in plush chairs, relaxing after a long day of travel and politics.

Naruto was sprawled on a red armchair, eyes half lidded in sleep. Ino and Shino had decided to take first shift for watch at the bridge, and Shino had left several bugs behind to alert the other two if anything were to go awry.

Hinata stepped out of the bedroom, dressed in her usual dark long sleeve and pants. She glanced over at Naruto, wondering at his nonchalance at the entire situation. She was still inwardly fuming, which was very unusual for her. This man had completely ignored her advice, nearly worsened an already delicate situation and…and had gained them a few more allies in the process. She grudgingly admitted that Naruto either was ridiculously talented or absurdly lucky. She could not tell which.

Still, she refused to speak with him. Not until he acknowledged his error, or at least till he apologized.

She made for the tiny kitchen when his voice stopped her. "Nice job today, Hinata."

She looked at him over her shoulder. He was grinning and giving her another of his thumbs up. He was utterly oblivious to any anger she might have towards him. She gave a curt nod, "Thank you, Naruto-san."

And because he had been focusing on her so much these past few days, he was able to hear the snap of steel and the undercurrent of aggravation in her lilting voice. To any other stranger, she would seem nothing but polite. But he knew better than that. She needed to stop being so damn butthurt all the time. If she was angry, she should simply come out with it.

His mouth flattened and his eyes sharpened. "What did I do wrong now, Hyuuga?"

"Nothing at all, Naruto-san. You were perfect today." She replied politely, finally reaching her breaking point. Her hair whipped around as she whirled to face him fully. Her eyes became frigid, the lilac darkening to almost violet.

"Just spit it out. Was it because I didn't take your advice?" He accused, his voice growling out through clenched teeth. He was on his feet now, outraged.

"Advice? What advice Naruto-san, it was simply a possible suggestion. I only wanted to make sure that nothing would happen. But of course, I wasn't needed so it does not matter really." She bit out, controlled anger burning through her.

"I did fine. I even got us support!" He defended himself vehemently, waving his arms wildly.

"Oh yes…support. And at what cost, Naruto-san? We have two new supporters, but at what price?"

He clenched his fists again. She was just so infuriating. She didn't fight like a normal person. Her statements were always controlled, never shouted. "They were too scared! They needed to see that we could help them!"

"Did you truly take the time to look at their side of things Naruto-san?"

"What the hell Hyuuga? They're the ones blowing up the bridge!"

"There is no evidence."

"It's plain as day, are you blind or what?!" He shouted finally.

And for some reason, she flinched at the statement. "You accused them of being weak. You insinuated that they needed us to survive."

"You said it yourself. Those statis-"

"Those statistics were simply a way of showing what we could do, Naruto-san." She replied just a little louder now. "Do you even know the meaning of subtlety?"

"What subtlety? You mean playing games. You're just like that saying…you say the nastiest things in the nicest of ways. Why can't we just be honest?!"

Hinata's eyes widened. He was insulting her skills in her specialty. He had no right.

"And what? You're approach is like having food in one hand and a fully powered Rasengan in the other and asking them to pick."

Naruto hissed. "That's not it at all, Hyuuga and you know it. Konoha also needs them as allies."

And soon Hinata's anger blended with previous hurt, Tenten's words ringing in her thoughts. 'There were others.'

"Is that what these people are, just another in a long list of allies that Konoha collects like discarded lovers?"

Naruto's eyes widened, realizing what she was insinuating. How did she find out? And who was she to judge his romantic life. She had no right; she gave him up five years ago.

"Is that what you're comparing it to?! Well then, no. Kusagakure is that village that clearly cannot help itself and stubbornly refuses to accept any aid. Kusagakure is like the bitter girl who closes herself up because she's scared of real life. Kusagakure is like the girl who ran away and refused to face up to whatever problems she had!"

Hinata stilled, the building pressure behind her eyes prompting her to blink rapidly. She would not cry. She would not cry. And yet the tears fell, her eyes lightening back to the color of liquid mercury. And Naruto stopped, because he realized just what he had said.

"Hinata…" He reached for the girl, only for her to brush off his hand and run out of the room, the door slamming on her way out. He remained standing for a few second before falling to the floor, his head buried in his hands.

"I'm such an idiot." He muttered. He stayed in that position for several minutes more, only for a high pitched buzzing to disturb him. He glanced to his shoulder, finding one of Shino's insects. He stood up rapidly, something was wrong.

And all of the sudden the smell of smoke wafted to his nose and several screams were echoing outside his window. He could see the glow of the fire and then came the screeching of a seabird, followed by the roar of water. He could see a small figure guiding a giant dragon, gracefully waving her arms to fight the indistinguishable opponents.

She was too busy protecting the civilians, she did not see the approaching masked man behind her, a kunai poised at her neck.

"HINATA!"


a/n: Wooh this chapter was a doozy.

Recommendation time!

YungHime's By Your Side- She updates amazingly fast and her story is chock full of realistic romantic tension and angst. Naruto and Hinata begin a very confusing relationship in which the lines of lust and love become blurred, with both parties experiencing hurt galore. It's playful, sad, happy and everything in between, so check it out.

MangoSpoons Once Upon A Maybe- a twist on the age old Frog Prince story involving our favorite couple. It's short, sweet and full of modern fairytale fun.


Omake: Several minutes after the council meeting, Karin had dropped them off to their rooms. She bade them farewell and gave one last fuming glance at the tense ambassador then left.

Ino looked at her friend curiously. "Hey, Hina-chan…"

"Yes, Ino-san?" Hinata turned politely, smiling.

"Why is Karin so angry with you?" She asked.

"Umm…that is a very long story." Hinata shifted uncomfortably, looking very guilty. She tugged at a strand of hair, hoping Ino would drop the subject.

Unbeknownst to the two, Karin was listening in to the conversation and slammed open the door to butt in.

"Because she destroyed my house with her stupid Water Jutsu!" Karin glared at the petite heiress, her fiery red hair flying in disarray.

"I already apologized Karin-san." Hinata defended. "Many times and I offered to pay for the damages."

Ino stared at the interrupter, amazed. "Hina-chan? You were that strong?"

Hinata blushed, embarrassed.

Karin stamped in frustration and left muttering. "Stupid water users, always messing up things. She and Suigetsu should just have a Destroy Karin's Stuff Party."

The door slammed shut again as the two kunoichi looked at each other, very confused.