Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book I: Dissension

Chapter IV: Revelations under the Star Filled Sky

She was so busy today. Usually it's never this busy, especially at this time of the week. But it was busier than she'd ever seen it. Every seat taken, every table filled with food. For the last hour she'd been running ragged trying to fill each order. Her two waitresses were also visibly tired. But she knew it was worth it. Tonight was a special night. One of the villages was most celebrated heroes has come home and it was cause to celebrate. She herself was brought to tears when she saw Naruto arrive. Her father always loved Naruto and she too had grown to love him. When he left it felt has though a void had taken his place.

Naruto sat in his favorite booth near the kitchen. Ayame never understood why he loved to sit there. All the other customers hated that booth as it was always hotter there. But Naruto loved it. He said the one thing he loved more than ramen was the smell of it cooking in the kitchen. Ayame found it strange; but then again she found that strange and Naruto sometimes went hand in hand.

Sitting in his seat, Naruto found himself surrounded by his closets friends: Sakura, Hinata, Shikamaru, Choji, Neji, Lee, Tenten and Ino to name a few. And since he'd arrived villagers from all over came to wish him welcome home. Many came to thank him for his efforts. Children came in to see the legend that saved Konoha from Pain. Others asked for hugs, others handshakes, autographs were asked of him and before Naruto had realized it he was a celebrity.

"Hey Naruto," Choji laughed, "Remember during the Chunin exams when you farted in Kiba's face to win your match!"

Naruto leaned back in his chair and nearly spit out his ramen. "Yea," he said, "but I won didn't I?"

"Yea you did," Shikamaru said, "you won by a nose!" With that everyone burst into raucous laughter.

"Speaking of which," Naruto said, "where is Kiba?"

"He and Shino were sent on a mission," Hinata replied. "How come you didn't go Hinata?" Naruto said.

"Well," She replied, "I was already on a mission at the time."

Sakura sat watching everything that was happening and couldn't help but feel happy. It had been years since they had all got together like this. Naruto, she thought, you really are something. Looking over, she saw Ayame behind the counter taking a breather. Sakura got up and went over to her. "Hey Ayame," she said, "How have you been?"

Ayame wiped some of the grease and sweat from her brow and smiled at Sakura. "Great," she said, "we haven't had this much business in a long while. Naruto should stop by every day."

"I know," Sakura replied, "It's just like old times. And it seems like the entire village has come out to welcome Naruto."

It was then Naruto appeared to whisper something to Hinata who promptly smiled and nodded and rose from her seat. Naruto rose as well and proceeded to escort Hinata outside.

"Where are you two of to," Choji asked. "We'll be right back," Naruto responded, "So try not to finish all the Ramen and pork." Sakura seemed to once again have a blank emotionless expression watching Naruto and Hinata leave.

Ino, after watching them leave, turned to Sakura with a look of concern on her face. Realizing both Ino and Ayame were staring at her Sakura began to smile and turned to Ayame, "When you get a chance could you please bring me some more juice?"

Ayame smiled, "Of course Sakura." Sakura then turned and returned to the table as Ayame looked on, her smile fading from her face.

Outside, the sun was setting and a cool breeze was blowing. Naruto and Hinata had made their way to a small bridge several blocks from the Ramen bar. Along the way Naruto was stopped several times to be welcomed by more villagers. One young child who was now entering the academy asked for his autograph. Naruto signed without complaint. At the bridge Naruto and Hinata stood side by side, leaning over the side watching as the water ran.

Naruto turned around and leaned on the side of the bridge. He stared into the sky for awhile, as if gathering thoughts. After a moment he turned to find Hinata looking at him expectantly. "Hinata," he said, "Do you remember back during Pain's attack? Do you remember what you said to me?"

"Yes," she replied, "of course."

"You said," Naruto continued, "that you loved me. Did you mean that?"

Hinata stepped forward and exclaimed, "With all my heart! I always have and I still do."

"Why," he asked genuinely interested in her answer.

"I remember the first time I ever saw you," she continued. "It was our first day at the academy. Even then you looked so excited, so happy. Right then and there, in front of everyone, you said you would be the greatest ninja out of all of them. That you would become Hokage! They all laughed, but even then I knew, somehow I just knew you really believed it. The others used to laugh at you, ignore you and avoid you. But I watched you work so hard, you never stopped trying to be better. Seeing you fail over and over but never giving up helped me. It made me feel like I could become better too, that if I kept trying I could also become recognized by everyone. I could be recognized by my father."

"I just wish that," she continued, "that I had the courage back then, to approach you. But I didn't. It wasn't until that day, seeing you in trouble that I knew I had to do something. My life didn't matter then not if I could protect you. I love you Naruto."

Naruto seemed to regard Hinata in quite contemplation for awhile. He was unsure what to say. He couldn't believe that this was Hinata. She seemed so confident now, so sure of herself. He was proud, Hinata had indeed, over these years, become strong.

Naruto came closer to Hinata, staring into her eyes it was if he saw complete acceptance. He took her into his arms and hugged her tightly. "Hinata," he whispered to her, "Thank you." Breaking their embrace Naruto said, "Hinata this is all so amazing. I can't believe you've felt this way the entire time. I have to be honest this is all very…confusing."

Hinata looked away, "You mean Sakura right?" Naruto had a pained smile on his face.

"Sakura," he said, "Is waiting for Sasuke. But I….I just…"

"It's all right Naruto," Hinata interrupted, "you need to work some things out with her and Sasuke. Just know I'll be here waiting."

Back at Ichiraku Ramen Bar the party was still in full swing. Ino and Neji were chatting in a corner while Lee and Choji fought over the last piece of fried pork. Tenten was having a conversation with a few of the other patrons while Shikamaru was engrossed in a game of Shogi with another gentleman. Sakura sat off to the side, close to the entrance speaking with Tsunade, who had recently arrived.

As they spoke Sakura kept looking at the entrance, something Tsunade noticed. Eventually she said, "Perhaps you should go check on Naruto."

Sakura looked at Tsunade and said, "Nah, I'm sure he's ok. He's with Hinata and they should have some time alone."

"I wonder what their talking about," Tsunade continued.

"Who cares?" Sakura exclaimed.

"Well," Tsunade continued, "If you don't care then why do you keep staring at the door?"

It was then Hinata entered the bar. Both girls immediately made eye contact with one another. They both smiled weakly at each other and despite the festive surroundings there was an air of awkwardness and tension between them.

After a few moments Sakura realized Naruto did not return with Hinata. "Where's Naruto," she asked as she looked outside.

"He said he had something to do," Hinata replied, "and that he'll return soon."

******Konoha Cemetery******

He knew he had to come here, but he didn't know it would be this hard. Looking at this tombstone, seeing these words. He never got to attend the funeral, didn't get the chance to lay flowers on the grave. Never got the chance to say his last words or shed his tears of mourning. In a way, because he missed these things, it was like they never happened. It was like he had never died. But now, standing here, he felt the weight of the truth and the burden of his failure.

Hatake Kakashi, friend, mentor, defender of Konoha. The words written were simple, but to Naruto those words weren't enough. To Naruto, Kakashi was so much more. Kakashi, taught him one of his greatest lessons. Individual ability is important but what is more important is teamwork. No one can do it alone. Everyone needs somebody to depend on. Yet when Kakashi needed some one, he wasn't there. He saved the village, yet still he felt like a failure.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Naruto turned to see Iruka coming up the path.

"Iruka-sensi," Naruto said.

"Hey Naruto," he said, "I heard you were back. Sorry I couldn't stop by sooner but I was busy." Iruka came up and hugged Naruto and stood back sizing him up. "My Naruto," he continued, "you have grown into one hell of a man. How have you been?"

"I've been just fine Iruka-sensei," Naruto replied. "How did you know I'd be here?"

"I know you," Iruka replied.

Iruka turned and looked at the grave site. "Kakashi was a good man," he continued, "and a great friend. I miss him."

"Yeah" Naruto breathed deeply, "he was."

"You know," Iruka continued, "he used to talk about you all the time. He was hard on you, but he always said, Sasuke was more gifted and Sakura was smarter. But you…you were special. Even then he knew you would be someone important to this village. If only he could see how right he was."

Naruto stared at the tombstone trying to hold back the tears. The last thing he wanted to do was cry, but he couldn't. Slowly the tears began to flow. "But," he said, "He can't can he? Because he's dead. He's dead because I failed him!"

Iruka was shocked by what he heard and found it hard to respond. "Iruka-sensei," Naruto continued, "you said he should be proud. And the entire village treats me like a hero. But why, do I feel like such a failure! Sure I saved Konoha, but I couldn't save Kakashi-sensei. When he needed me I wasn't there! It's just like the Purvey Sage and Sasuke. I have failed to save those closest to me!"

Naruto felt as if all his failures were now weighing on his shoulders. He felt his heart failing into despair when he felt Iruka's hand on his shoulder. "Naruto," he smiled, "You really are an idiot. Kakashi and Jiraiya-sama, they chose the path they lived. They died to protect this village. They died to protect you. Because they believed you have something special. They believed that you are destined to change this world. They had no regrets in doing so, because they believed in you, like I believe in you. None of us could have saved them. But you can dedicate your life to honoring their sacrifice."

Naruto had stopped crying as he listened to Iruka. After he had finished Naruto took a moment to consider his words. Staring at the moon and stars he remembered Kakashi's words: Naruto, I believe you are the only one capable of surpassing the Fourth. Naruto stuck his hand in his back pocket and took out Jiraiya's first book and stared at it. After awhile he looked up and smiled at Iruka. "Yea," he said, "your right. Thanks Iruka-sensei."

"Naruto!" Naruto turned to see Sakura emerging from the darkness. "There you are," she said, "I've been looking everywhere for you. It's not much of a celebration if the guest of honor isn't there. C'mon!"

Naruto smiled. "Right," he said, "coming Iruka-sensei?"

"I'll be there in a moment Naruto," he said. As Naruto and Sakura disappeared down the hill, Iruka turned and stared at Kakashi's grave and smiled.

******End of Chapter 4******

Next Time: Team Seven