la di dee laaa dii dum daaa!!... Ummm, yea. Well here's the next chapter. ALL HAIL CHAPTER 22!! (sigh) School will be starting soon and the only thing I got to look forward to is drama class but oh well... I hope the homework lays off enough throughout the year enough for me to get the updates out as quick as I have been, but it probably won't (two English courses) (shudder) OH THE HUMANITY!! (cough) Ok I'll shut up now... onward for victory!! ...Wonder how many people even read these things at the beginning and end anyway...
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As all the Genin came out of the forest, they all slowly dispersed. Naruto searched around a bit before spotting Hinata. He jogged over to her and greeted her before they began to walk off together. The sun was getting low in the sky and would soon begin to set. Naruto had suggested they just go up to the Hokage monument and watch the sunset. She agreed with a small blush and the two walked off.
As they walked, Naruto ignored the stares as usual however the people who glared at the young blonde got glared back at by Hinata. Her actions got Naruto to look over and smile at her. "Imagine, the Hyuuga heiress hanging around with trash like that..." Naruto heard one of the villagers say. Hinata glared at the person, making their eyes widen. Naruto smiled at the shy Hyuuga, knowing full well how she can act when it came to protecting the people she deeply cared about. Naruto leaned into Hinata's ear and whispered.
"Don't worry, let them look. I'm sure they're just jealous." He said. Hinata nodded after shooting a last glare towards the staring villagers.
As they made their way to the top of the Hokage monument, Naruto showed Hinata his favorite spot on top of the Forth's head. Naruto was about to sit down beside her when he remembered something. "Hinata, I'll be back in a second I just wanna check on something." Naruto said before jogging off to the nearby woods. He bit his thumb and quickly ran through a few seals. When he slammed his hand on the ground, Kyuubi appeared.
The small fox looked around groggily before realizing where he was. "Meh… What's this about?" He asked once he came out of his snooze induced daze.
"Well, I figured you could enjoy yourself. After all, you did help me defeated that snake freak." Naruto replied placing a hand on the foxes head and ruffling his fur.
"Well, alright. I won't complain... This area is good for rabbits, plus tonight should be a full moon... You know how much I like being out to enjoy it." Kyuubi said as he licked his lips.
"You should have enough energy to last until noon-ish tomorrow. Have fun now." Naruto waved as the fox trotted off.
As Naruto turned to leave, he spotted a small patch of flowers and decided to pick a few. They looked to be wild marigolds and when he came back to the shy girl he handed her the flowers. "Thank you! They're beautiful!" Hinata said as she took the flowers. Naruto laid back to watch the sunset while Hinata looked unsure.
"Come on, I don't bite...usually." Naruto coaxed as he patted the spot beside him. Hinata turned bright red but leaned back onto Naruto's arm. The two didn't talk much and just sat up on the monument enjoying each other's company. As the setting sun painted the sky an orangey-purpley color, a single star shone above the pair. As Hinata stared at it Naruto spoke. "You know you, should make a wish on it." Naruto said staring up at the small point of light.
Hinata nodded slightly and closed her eyes. Naruto smiled and watched as the full moon began to bathe everything in a silvery light. Naruto shifted his gaze over to Hinata's face. As she opened her eyes, she looked over to Naruto. "N-Naruto ... I... I..." She never got to finish, not that she needed to. Naruto had leaned over and kissed her. When they broke apart Hinata felt stunned but happy. 'My wish came true.' She thought. Naruto went back to looking up at the steadily darkening sky as did Hinata, who was now redder then ever with a large smile on her face. "I really l-like you Naruto-kun." Hinata said softly making naruto smile.
"That's good, 'cuz I like you too." Naruto said, gazing up at the moon.
Hinata felt her face burn hotter, but didn't feel faint. As the moon moved steadily across the sky the two drifted into a deep sleep, held within the others arms.
--
The next morning Hinata awoke with a smile, feeling like she had just awoken from a very pleasant dream. As the morning sounds of the forest entered her ears, she opened her eyes, immediately noticing something was off. For one, she was laying on something warm for one for another there was an arm around her. As he moved her head to the side so she could look up, she saw that she had fallen asleep in Naruto's company, and he was sprawled on his back with his left arm around her. She had managed to move closer to him in the night and had managed to get her head into the nook of Naruto's neck.
She reburied her face in his neck as Naruto's head fell to the side back onto the top of hers. She closed her eyes once more, knowing the sun was just beginning to rise, wanting to make the moment last as long as she could.
--
Sakura, Haku, and Sasuke had arrived at the bridge, the usual meeting place of Team 7, and had begun to wait for their sensei. Sasuke glared at the sun as it began to grow steadily higher above the treetops. Kakashi had wanted them all there at seven in the morning, but the Genin had shown up at eight, knowing full well that Kakashi wouldn't be there. Sakura sighed as she plopped down on the bridge and eyed a bird that landed not too far off and had begun searching for food. Haku had leaned back with his eyes closed, thinking he could get in some more sleep.
An hour or so later a poof was heard as Kakashi popped in, waking Haku up. "Hmm... It could be just me, but I think this team is short a member." Kakashi said as he reached for his book.
Sakura slapped her forehead. "We forgot to tell Naruto! I knew it was too quiet..."
"Well it's his own fault for leaving so quickly after he got out of the forest." Sasuke said angrily.
"Well no matter. We still need to find him... any ideas?" Kakashi asked with a sigh.
"Check the ramen shop. That idiot is always there inhaling ramen..." Sasuke said as he began to head off towards Ichiraku.
"Or he could've done some training and passed out in a ditch somewhere." Sakura wondered as she jogged after Sasuke.
"Perhaps he just slept in?" Haku suggested as he took off after the pair.
Kakashi blinked. "I was going to say if we split up it would be faster. Oh well." He mumbled as he took off after his students.
As they approached the ramen stand, they saw there was no one even in there. Deciding to check Naruto's apartment, they found a mess but no Naruto. Kakashi thought a bit before they went off again checking around the training grounds. Soon they found him atop the Hokage monument. On top of the Forth's head to be exact.
As Kakashi looked to the blonde he smirked. 'Guess I should wake them.' Kakashi thought to himself.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the sight of his teammate. "Idiot" He said as he began to approach.
Inner Sakura squealed slightly at the thought of Sasuke holding her like that; outwardly she 'awwed' at the sight. As Sasuke got closer Naruto moved slightly, causing Sasuke to shift away from the blond. Naruto just buried his face deeper into Hinata's hair. Sasuke's shoulders sagged as he realized he had flinched at a sleeping Naruto. Haku smiled as he looked at Naruto and Hinata. 'That must be one of his very important precious people.'
Kakashi came up to the sleeping pair with a smirk hiding behind his mask. "So how should we wake them?" Kakashi said turning to Sakura and Sasuke.
"We could dump cold water on them?" Sakura suggested.
"How about we just-" Sasuke never got to finish. Kakashi had lowered himself into a crouch becide Naruto and Hinata his eye turned into a U as his shadow drew across they're sleeping faces. Kakashi looked around a moment before finding a small cluster of dew on the nearby grass. He wiped his hands through the water droplets as an evil gleam appeared in his eye.
Kakashi then proceeded to stick his smallest finger into the sleeping blonde's ear canal with one hand while dripping water droplets onto Hinata's nose with the other. Both the Genin's eyes raced open. Hinata jumped up to wipe her face while Naruto punched Kakashi.
"YOU JERK! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?!" Naruto screamed, sticking his own finger in his ear to get the water out. Hinata blushed as she realized she had been caught sleeping beside Naruto. Sakura giggled at the blushing Hinata who refused to meet anyone's gaze. "I'm sorry Hinata, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you..." Naruto said, looking up from hitting Kakashi.
"N-no it's alright..." Hinata stammered out. Naruto bent down and picked up the wilted flower he had given her the night before.
"You can always turn it into a pressed flower." Naruto said optimistically. Hinata nodded.
"Eh, Naruto, we were waiting for you. When someone is later then me, you know something has happened." Kakashi said with apparent humor in his voice. "Hinata you might want to find your team. They might be looking for you." Kakashi said turning towards the blushing girl.
"Y-yes, I will. G-goodbye Naruto-kun..." And with that, she took off down towards the training grounds. Although she was relived to be away from the awkwardness with Team 7, she was reluctant to leave Naruto.
"She looks happy to have been able to sleep with you, Naruto." Haku said. Naruto rubbed the back of his head before turning to Kakashi.
"Soooo... What did you need me for?" Naruto asked once the girl was out of sight.
"Training, dobe." Sasuke said crossing his arms.
"Shall we be on our way then?" Kakashi asked his team.
Team 7 looked at each other before shrugging and walking after Kakashi. As they were walking towards the training grounds, Sasuke caught a flash of movement in the corner of his eye. Kakashi saw it too.
Kyuubi had found Naruto. Unfortunately he was with his team. As Kyuubi watched them come closer and closer to his hiding spot under the leaves of a small shrub, the fox was debating what to do. He could dispel himself and allow himself to be able to talk to Naruto mentally. Unfortunately, Naruto would just need to re-summon him later. He settled upon just letting Naruto see him. 'He should be able to figure it out. I wouldn't do this if I wasn't sure this was important...'
Kyuubi grit his teeth as he tried to figure out what would be the better thing to do. Suddenly a hand grabbed the startled fox by the scruff of the neck. "Looks like I found what's been following us." Haku said as he lifted the fox up to eye level. Kyuubi lifted half his lip up showing his teeth.
"Awww! It's so cute!" Sakura said coming over to look at the animal. Naruto blinked as Sakura took the fox in her arms. Kyuubi's front paws and head were over her back as the fox looked to Naruto. Sakura squealed and cuddled with the squirming animal.
Kakashi's eye widened. 'Abnormally long ears, hand-like front paws, darker than normal red fur...Kyuubi...' Kakashi looked to Naruto, who gave a nervous smile and scratched the back of his head. Naruto glared back to the fox who tilted is head in an attempt in a shrug.
Sasuke took the fox by the scruff and looked into his eyes. Kyuubi had changed their color when he was grabbed so they looked yellow with red rims. Kyuubi gave Naruto a pitiful look as a sign for help. "You know I think there's something odd about this thing." Sasuke said as the animal looked back towards his dark haired captor.
Sasuke locked eyes with Kyuubi. Suddenly Kyuubi got an idea and, being so close to Sasuke's face, figured it would be easy. Kyuubi licked at Sasuke's nose and when Sasuke drew back at the saliva that had been put on his face, Kyuubi kicked his back paws up and scrambled at Sasuke's shoulder. Sasuke winced as claws dug into his flesh. The fox leaped onto Naruto's shoulder as he was coming up from behind Sasuke. Naruto could tell that the fox wanted to get to him. Kyuubi curled around his neck and acted like he was trying to nip at Naruto's ear.
"Sound nins acting suspicious. Follow." Kyuubi whispered into his ear. Naruto flinched, making Kyuubi loose his balance. He quickly regained it and placed his paw on his bare neck. Naruto tensed his shoulder, letting Kyuubi know he understood, and at once they put a silent plan into action.
"OW!! Stupid fox bit me!" Naruto yelled attempting to whack the animal off his shoulder. The fox growled loudly as it avoided Naruto's flailing and stayed on. Naruto pulled at the knot at his headband loosening it as he pretended to whack at Kyuubi again. Kyuubi got the hint and grabbed at the loose end of the cloth, then jumped off Naruto's shoulder with the headband in his jaws. Kyuubi wagged his tail in a playful manner as Naruto balled a fist. "HEY! GIVE THAT BACK YOU - YOU FUZZ BRAIN!" Naruto yelled as he threw himself at the fox. Kyuubi took off back into the woods with all five ninja chasing him. Naruto was in the lead with Kakashi in a close second.
"Naruto you idiot! Just leave it! You can always get a new headband!" Sakura yelled from behind.
"No I can't! Iruka sensei gave me his when I became a ninja!" Naruto said back, turning his head to talk to her and almost running into a tree.
"See? This is why I don't like animals..." Sasuke said in annoyance. "They're nothing but problems."
"They can also be wonderful companions." Haku said simply.
"And they're cute!" Sakura chirped in.
As the group ran, the fox begun to slow down it dropped Naruto's headband by a clump of bushes and rocks. As Naruto went over to pick it up he saw the sound nins. There were five standing in a circle over a large piece of paper. Naruto motioned to his team to keep silent and come over. They all managed to hide behind the rocks and leaves without being heard or seen.
"So where do we attack?" One of the enemy shinobi asked in a hushed tone.
"Here is where we are going to be. We will hide here and wait for the signal." Another one said.
"Konoha won't know what hit it." A third said.
"Alright then, we all know the plan, now let's go before were discovered." The second said to the other four. They all nodded to each other before one rolled up the map and tucked it away into a pocket.
Naruto looked over to where Kyuubi was hiding and gave him a silent thank you. Haku noticed the silent exchange between Naruto and the fox but said nothing. "We should report this to the Hokage!" Sakura half yelled once the sound nins had gone.
Kakashi nodded. "I doubt were going to be getting in much training anyway. Although, I still want you all to do a teamwork exercise. Though, the one I have in mind will need a lot more than a training ground." Kakashi said. "I'll go report to the Hokage. In the mean time, go to our usual training grounds and practice taijutsu and ninjutsu until I get there. Then I'll explain your teamwork exercise... sooo... bye!" And with that, Kakashi poofed away.
"Oookaaayyy then..." Naruto said as he turned to leave. Haku shrugged and began to follow. Sasuke made a grunting noise and walked off as well, Sakura following close behind.
Haku was watching the Naruto's as he walked. 'I guess there's more to you then I first thought. I hope you may be able tell me what relationship you have with that fox...' Haku smiled as he jogged to catch up to Naruto. 'I just need to get him alone to talk with him...'
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La dee da here's the next finished chapter! Hope you all enjoyed it! It didn't have the usual amount of humor but I think the last chapter had enough humor to make up for this one. So, yeah, everyone take a random sugary object off the table, but remember: if you don't review you won't get any sugary sweets!! So yea... KIMCAT AWAY!! (flies away, making hole in the roof)
THANKS AGAIN HELKAT FOR BETAING!