Well heres the next chapter for you guys, hope you enjoy it. Anyway just want to say thanks to all those who have reviewed. I also want to thank once again Dragon Man 180 and THE HEE-HO KING for their continued support to the story. Hope you all enjoy the chapter!

By the way, I have exams coming up soon, so there may be a short or a long delay on the next chapter. I will try to write it up any chance I get.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Neverwinter Nights 2

Chapter 4

Iruka finally managed to calm the newly formed Team 8 down long enough for him to call out the remaining team.

"Finally…Ok, since Team 9 are still in circulation from last year, Team 10 will consist of Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Naru and Chouji Akimichi. Your Jounin instructor is Asuma Sarutobi." There was a sudden shriek, and everyone glanced to where it had come from. Ino was standing up from her seat, glaring at Iruka.

"How come the forehead girl gets to be on a team with Sasuke while I have the fatso and the lazy bum on my team?!" She asked angrily.

Iruka frowned at the irate blond girl. "We picked these teams based on individual abilities and their overall progress in the academy. Your team goes well together as your fathers have proven when they were in their Genin cell. I also explained to you before I read them out that the teams could not be changed, so do not bother demanding me to change them." Iruka replied cutting off all of her protests. Ino sat back down in her seat in a huff and glared at Sakura who had a giant smirk on her face.

Iruka cleared his throat before addressing the class once more.

"Your Jounin instructors will arrive in a few moments. I wish you all the best of luck and I hope you do your best on the field." With a last parting smile to the mostly joy filled Team 8, Iruka vanished in a flurry of leaves. As soon as he had gone, the class broke out into chatter; some annoyed and upset with their team placing while others were content or over the moon. All the girls except for Hinata were glaring at Sakura who was completely ignoring Kiba and trying to woo Sasuke. Naruto, Tarek and Hinata were chatting happily together and even managed to get Shino slightly involved in their conversation. Naruto was staring at Hinata's joy filled eyes as she laughed at a joke Tarek had just told her.

I have never seen Hinata this happy before, why does it make my stomach flutter seeing her so happy? Naruto thought puzzled. As he pondered the thought, Tarek glanced in his direction with a smirk. He had seen Naruto looking at Hinata differently, and it gave him hopes for Hinata.

Maybe finally the dense idiot will work it out and realise his own feelings for her as well. Tarek thought.

"This is only the first step I'm afraid. As you know, Naruto had grown up for five years without anyone to care for him. He may have developed a brotherly bond with you, but this is completely different since his interactions with the opposite gender have been limited, much like yours actually." Raven told him with a smirk. Tarek glared at his grandfather with his minds eye.

Seriously, when do you think Naruto will finally realise his own feelings for her? Tarek asked his grandfather after a few moments of glaring at him.

"He probably won't ever realise his feelings for her until Hinata works up the courage to tell him herself." Raven answered after pondering the question a few moments.

Tarek snorted mentally at that Yeah, like that's ever going to happen. She is just too shy

"You never know, Hinata may surprise you. Now when are you going to get yourself a girl to settle down with?" Raven asked grinning maliciously.

Tarek spluttered out loud at that question, causing Hinata and Shino to look at him questioningly. Naruto rolled his eyes realising that he must have been talking to his grandfather. Tarek was saved the trouble of coming up with a plausible explanation when the classroom door suddenly opened. The whole class went silent as a man with a black beard, black hair and onyx coloured eyes walked in accompanied with a woman with raven coloured hair and bright red eyes. The woman glanced around the room before finally asking "Team 8?"

Naruto, Tarek, Hinata and Shino stood up silently staring at the woman. Nodding the woman addressed them.

"I am Kurenai Yuhi, your Jounin instructor, follow me please." She walked back towards the door and waited for them to follow. Team 8 made their way towards their instructor. When they passed Team 7's desk, Naruto and Tarek glanced in their direction and smirked slightly.

Their in for a very long wait Naruto thought inwardly chuckling. Naruto and Tarek both knew all too well about Kakashi's poor time keeping and knew that Team 7 will probably not see him for at least two-three hours. As soon as Team 8 had reached Kurenai, she nodded to them silently before leading them out of the classroom. Tarek wondered what this instructor will be like and couldn't help but feel a little sullen that Kakashi wasn't their team's instructor.

Ahh well, at least the three of us are together on the same team Tarek thought grinning slightly. They left the academy building and followed Kurenai to the corner of the yard where the swing was. Naruto, Tarek and Hinata smiled gently as they reminisced about all the times they sat there. Kurenai leaned against the tree and looked back at the four of them and smiled kindly.

"Take a seat." She told them in a kind vibrant voice. Once they had all seated themselves, she continued.

"Ok now why don't you all tell me about yourselves, you know, your likes, dislikes and dreams for the future. I'll go first. My name is Kurenai Yuhi; I am a Jounin who specialises in various types of Genjutsu. I like gardening and studying psychology. I dislike smoking and people who think women cannot be effective ninja. I have no dreams or ambitions worth noting. Now it's your turn." She said looking at each of them.

Naruto decided to go first. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki, I like training, hanging with my friends and eating Ramen. My dislikes are people who judge others before they get to know them. My dream is to one day become Hokage so that I can protect this village and those who are precious to me." Kurenai smiled and nodded at this. She knew all about Naruto's dream to be Hokage and she could understand his dislike for people who judge before getting to know someone. Tarek spoke up next.

"My name is Tarek Swordstalker, I also like training and hanging with my friends, In addition I enjoy reading literature. I also dislike people who judge others before they get to know them and I especially hate people who look down on someone because of birth defects. My ambition is to restore the Swordstalker clan and to gain equal rights for those with birth defects." Tarek said determination rushing through him. Kurenai nodded her head in respect.

Oh how could the villagers have been so cruel to these two boys'?! Kurenai thought, half angrily, half sadly. She knew about both secrets the boys held, The Hokage had told her about Tarek this morning. Especially the fact that as a side effect of having the Silver sword sealed inside of him, Tarek had shimmering silver eyes which he had to keep hidden from everyone else. She looked towards the other person who was wearing heavily tinted sunglasses.

"My name is Shino Aburame; I like to study different Insects. I dislike people who kill insects for no reason. My ambition is to develop my own insect techniques with the help of my hive." Shino said stoically.

Hmm...Not much of a talker obviously Kurenai thought before finally turning her gaze to Hinata. Hinata was nervously twiddling her fingers and had her head down. After a few moments of waiting for her to speak, Kurenai was about ready to coax her when Naruto put his hand on Hinata's shoulder. Startled, Hinata turned her head to look at Naruto, her face turning crimson. Naruto just gave her one of his foxy grins. Hinata slowly smiled in return then sat up straighter and looked at Kurenai directly in the eye. Kurenai had watched the two intently and was now smiling broadly.

Well, well, isn't that interesting Kurenai thought.

"M-my name is H-Hinata H-Hyuuga. I like t-to be with my friends and I like t-to p-press flowers. I-I dislike people who think t-that others are w-weak and people w-who hurt o-others for no reason. M-my ambition is to r-rid my clan of the Branch house c-cursed seal and t-to be t-the next clan h-head." Hinata managed to stutter out. As soon as she was finished she went back to twiddling her fingers.

She obviously has a confidence problem, but Naruto seems to boost it. She obviously has a crush on the boy Kurenai thought. She turned her thoughts to analyzing her team.

"Alright since we have all gotten to know each other, I want you all to meet me tomorrow at Training Ground 8. I want to see exactly what sort of skills you all have so I would like you all to meet me there bright and early at 7:00 am tomorrow. Do you have any questions?" Kurenai waited a few moments but no one asked any.

"Ok, well until tomorrow you are free to do what you want, Tarek, can you come with me a moment please?" Kurenai asked. Tarek looked at her in puzzlement for a few moments before nodding. Naruto, Hinata and Shino watched as Tarek and Kurenai left through the academy gates. Naruto frowned wondering why Kurenai would only want to see Tarek. Shrugging it off since he could always find out later, he smiled and turned his head to face both Shino and Hinata.

"So how about we go and celebrate the birth of our team, Tarek will join us later. Ichiraku's Ramen stand sound good to you guys?" Naruto asked them both eagerly.

Shino stood up. "Sorry Naruto, I will have to decline." He said stoically before leaving through the same gates as Tarek and Kurenai had. Naruto seemed a little dejected for a moment before smiling once more and turning to gaze at Hinata.

"How about you Hinata, you want to come with me, my treat?"

Hinata's face turned bright crimson and she looked at Naruto in astonishment. A meal with Naruto. Just the two of us?! Yes! Hinata thought triumphantly, twiddling her fingers all the while.

"Y-yes Naruto, I-I would r-really l-like that." Hinata stuttered quietly.

Naruto smiled broadly. "Great let's go!" Naruto shouted taking her hand and dragging her towards the gate. Hinata was stunned that Naruto had taken her hand, since he had not done this since they were eight years old. Is it possible that Naruto likes me? Hinata thought hopefully.

Kurenai and Tarek finally arrived at their destination. Tarek was surprised.

Why are we going to see the Hokage? Tarek thought looking up at the Hokage tower in front of him. Kurenai hadn't said a word to him and continued to lead him inside. As they were walking up the stairs, Tarek tried to talk to his grandfather, wondering if he knew what this was about, but his grandfather was strangely silent. Puzzled at this, Tarek didn't notice that they had arrived at the Hokage's office. He was eventually pulled from his thoughts when Kurenai put her hand on his shoulder. Startled Tarek turned his head to look at her. She gave him a small smile.

"Tarek, the Hokage wishes to speak with you alone. I'll be waiting out here for you ok?" She said softly.

Tarek just nodded and knocked on the door to the Hokage's office, all the while wondering what the hell this was all about.

"Come in." The Third Hokage called from inside. Steeling himself, Tarek opened the door and walked inside. The Hokage was sitting at his desk, smoking from his pipe. He smiled as Tarek walked in and returned the young Genin's bow. He noticed that Tarek's eyes were on the package in front of him, and he smiled to himself.

"You wished to see me Lord Hokage?" Tarek asked politely after a few moments of silence.

"Yes Tarek, I wished to discuss with you a very important matter." The Hokage replied, putting down his smoking pipe. He then continued.

"You see Tarek, after the attack on your family we found a will written by your father. It clearly stated that if anything should happen to the family, Konoha was to take you in and train you as a Leaf-nin. It also stated in the will that only when you have become a Genin can you receive your birthright."

Tarek looked at the Hokage in puzzlement Birthright? What birthright? Tarek thought wondering why his grandfather had never mentioned this before. He shook himself from his thoughts when the Hokage began to speak once more.

"You see Tarek, though I cannot claim to know everything about your clan, I do know that every member of the Swordstalker clan had their own birthright. That birthright is a sword that could only be wielded by the one person it was made for. I do not know the exact details of how this was possible; however I do know that these swords were precious to your clan and that no two swords were ever the same." The Third Hokage picked up the package on his desk and held it out.

"Tarek, as followed from the directions in your fathers will, I hereby hand you your birthright." The Hokage stated formerly. Completely speechless, Tarek numbly walked to the Hokage's desk. Once there, he gently took the package from the Hokage's hands, and with his own hands trembling, he began to remove the packaging. The Hokage watched silently as Tarek finally removed the last of the packaging. He stared at the scabbard which had a complex design. In the centre of the design was some kind of crest.

"The crest is your families." The Hokage said in a barely audible whisper. Tarek studied the crest. It was a sword with a golden hilt and a jagged silver blade. With a start, he realised that his crest was the Silver sword of Gith. Bringing his attention away from the scabbard, Tarek stared at the weapon's hilt. It was the hilt for a Katana. It had a flame coloured handle, and on the pommel was a shimmering flame coloured gem. Fingers shaking in excitement, Tarek gripped the swords hilt and slowly slid it out of the scabbard. He was astonished to find that the sword was so well balanced. Tarek stared down at the blade, a blade of finely polished steel that allowed him to see his own reflection. As he held it up to the sunlight streaming from the office window, something happened that the Hokage and Tarek would never forget for the rest of their lives. The gem flared brightly and fire slowly consumed the blade. Once the fire had reached the tip of the blade, a blazing image of a bird appeared at the tip. The bird screeched loudly, and Tarek heard a musical voice in his mind.

"I am the Blazing Phoenix!" The voice sang triumphantly. Then with a bright orange flash, the bird disappeared and the fire slowly crawled back down the blade until it vanished entirely. The fiery gems flare died down to its previous shimmer. For several minutes, the Hokage and Tarek just stared at the Katana in astonishment. Finally the Hokage managed to recover from his shock and felt gratitude to Kami that he was granted this once in a lifetime sight. He noticed that Tarek was still staring at the blade in shock. The Hokage began to chuckle, bringing Tarek back to reality.

"Well, that was certainly very impressive." The Hokage said quietly. Tarek looked at him dumbfounded.

Impressive is a bit of an understatement Tarek thought.

"What…What Happened?" Tarek asked turning his gaze back to the sword.

"I do not know…" The Hokage said turning serious once more.

Suddenly the door burst open and in stepped a kid of about ten years old with brown hair and onyx coloured eyes. Around his neck was a big blue scarf that hung down to his feet. He held a kunai in his hand and was looking directly at the Hokage, a look of triumph on his face.

"Now your mine! I will be the Next Hokage!" The boy yelled before charging towards the Hokage. He only got about half way through the room when he tripped over his huge scarf, falling face first to the floor. Tarek arched an eyebrow in confusion.

Who the hell is this kid? He thought puzzled, lowering his new Katana. He glanced back at the Hokage and was surprised to see him with his head in his hands, muttering something to himself. Even more confused than he already was, Tarek looked back at the boy who was making his way back to his feet. Once the boy was back to his feet, he glared at Tarek and pointed an accusing finger at him.

"You tripped me up didn't you?!" The boy yelled accusingly.

Tarek arched his eyebrow once more. "I didn't trip you; you tripped over your own scarf." Tarek replied quietly.

"Yeah right, you just wanted to embarrass me!" The boy yelled.

Tarek sighed and turned his back to the kid who continued to yell at him. He slid his new Katana back into its scabbard then turned his gaze to the Hokage. He was about to renew his conversation with the Hokage when Kurenai and a man wearing a bandanna and dark sunglasses rushed in to the room. Kurenai's face was bright red and when she saw the kid with the scarf, she glared at him with daggers in her eyes. She grabbed the boy by the back of his shirt and lifted him so he was facing her. A look of fear crossed the boy's face as he saw Kurenai's death glare. The man in the bandanna was demanding her to let go of the boy but she just gave him a glare which shut him up. She then turned her glare back to the boy who was desperately trying to get out of her grip.

"You…little…brat!" Kurenai yelled before hitting him across the head. The blow sent the boy flying into one of the Hokage's book shelves, knocking it down in the process. Tarek looked at his sensei in amazement and a little fear.

Note to self; never ever make her angry Tarek thought.

"Agreed…That is one woman you do not want to ever have angry at you" Raven said fearfully.

Tarek was interrupted from demanding why his grandfather didn't answer him earlier when the man in the bandanna ran towards the kid.

"Honourable grandson!" The man shouted. Once he had picked the dazed boy up he turned and glared at Kurenai.

"How dare you, he is the Hokage's grandson, and you hit him?!" The man yelled at her. Kurenai and Tarek were both surprised. They glanced at the Hokage and then back at the boy.

I honestly can't see any resemblance Tarek thought.

The Hokage sighed and lowered his hands from his head He turned his gaze to the boy who seemed to have recovered from Kurenai's blow.

"Konohamaru, as much as I enjoy your company, I would prefer you did not come to see me when I am in the middle of a meeting, Besides, isn't Ebisu suppose to be teaching you right now?" The Hokage asked turning his gaze to the man in the bandanna. Ebisu began to sweat slightly.

"H-he just got away from me for a moment Lord Hokage. It won't happen again." Ebisu answered bowing low to him.

The Hokage sighed "Very well. Now Tarek, do you have any other questions?"

"Not at this moment in time Lord Hokage. I thank you for the gift. If I find out anything about…what happened, I promise to let you know" Tarek replied bowing low.

The Hokage nodded "Very well, you are dismissed Tarek. I daresay you want to go and celebrate with your team mates." The Hokage said smiling.

Tarek grinned in response and bowed once more before leaving the room, Katana in hand. The Hokage then turned his gaze to Kurenai.

"Now Kurenai, can you explain to me what happened to make you lose your temper with Konohamaru?"

As Kurenai began to recount what Konohamaru had done, the boy in question was staring at the door which Tarek had just walked through.

Grandfather was having a private meeting with him and gave him a sword? He must be really strong! He could help me become Hokage in no time! Konohamaru thought excitedly.

Tarek left the Hokage tower and made his way to Konoha's park. He wanted to have a talk with his grandfather and didn't want to be interrupted. A few minutes later, he was sitting on a bench underneath some oak trees. Closing his eyes he saw the familiar silver mist he always did when coming to the Silver swords mindscape. He waited for the mist to dissipate, revealing the silver training hall and walked up to his grandfather who was sitting down, legs crossed, meditating. He sat down in front of his grandfather, getting in the same position, and waited patiently for his grandfather to address him. After a few moments, Raven opened his eyes and regarded his grandson.

"I take it you have some questions?" Raven asked.

Tarek nodded before finally asking "Why didn't you tell me that I had a sword made for me?"

Raven sighed before finally answering "Because until now I didn't see the need to tell you about it, and I wasn't sure whether or not it was lost during the attack or if your father sent it to Konoha for safe keeping. Evidently, he did the latter."

Tarek nodded, though he still felt a little annoyance about not being told about the sword. His thoughts turned to what happened in the Hokage tower.

"What happened when I drew the sword?" Tarek asked quietly.

Raven rubbed the back of his head and grinned at his grandson. "When you drew the sword, it recognised you. So what happened is called the sword naming ceremony. It is a ceremony where the Swordstalker learns their swords true name. The blazing bird or Phoenix was your sword revealing its true nature to you."

He then chuckled. "I remember an occasion where one of your cousin's swords revealed its true nature by flooding the entire building. I decided then that all naming ceremonies will take place outside, well it was more like your grandmother decided since she wasn't very happy about the incident to say the least."

Tarek smiled at this but it soon turned into a puzzled frown. "How are these swords made?" He asked curiously.

"When a Swordstalker is born, the head of the clan tests the newborns chakra element. In your case, your chakra element is fire. We then take some of the newborns blood and place it on the Silver sword. The Silver sword then glows the colour of the persons element and produces a gem of the same colour. Don't ask me how, because no one knows how it does this. At any rate, we then make a sword depending on what the parents wish their newborn to use and place the gem in the pommel. When the Swordstalker is then deemed old enough, the sword is given to them and the naming ceremony occurs where the Swordstalker learns their swords true name." Raven answered.

Tarek still had a puzzled frown. "So my swords true name is 'Blazing Phoenix'?"

Raven nodded his head in confirmation. After a few moments of silence, Raven finally spoke up again, changing the subject.

"Yesterday, you finally mastered Sword Art: Crimson Wave, so I think now you are ready to learn the Sword Art Elements. Since your chakra and your sword are aligned with fire, I will teach you Sword Art Element: Flametongue. With your natural affinity to fire it shouldn't take you too long to learn and master it. The difficulty comes when I teach you the Flametongue Release: Firebrand, but we can worry about that once you have mastered the Sword Art Element."

Tarek suddenly felt excited. He had been waiting to start learning the Sword Art Elements for a long time and the prospect of learning the Flametongue release made him want to cry out in joy. He refrained from doing so however, knowing that his grandfather would be annoyed.

"Now I would say we will begin training now, however, I know that you wish to meet your friends so once you have met them, we will begin training at the usual training ground. Oh and before I forget, don't let anyone else touch the sword. It is tied with you, so if anyone else touched it would burn them severely." Raven said signifying the end of their conversation.

Tarek nodded and said farewell before pulling himself away from the Silver swords mindscape.

Naruto and Hinata parted the curtains to Ichiraku's Ramen stand and took two seats in the corner. Ayame noticed the stands best customer and one of his best friends sitting there and smiled warmly at them both before walking towards them.

"Hey Naruto, Hinata, I see you both passed your Genin exams, congratulations!" "Thanks Ayame, but I didn't pass the Genin exams." Naruto replied, one of his foxy grins on his face. Ayame looked at him in puzzlement, her eyes drifted to his forehead protector.

"If you didn't pass, how have you got a forehead protector signifying that you're a ninja of Konoha Naruto?"

Naruto, with his foxy grin still on his face began to go over the events of the previous night to her and the chef Teuchi who had just joined them. He made sure that anything about the Kyuubi wasn't mentioned. He did not want the people that were precious to him to look at him with hatred or fear in their eyes, for he knew it would break him. Once Naruto had finished, he noticed that Ayame and Teuchi were staring at him, shock and awe evident on their faces.

"T-that's amazing Naruto, I can't believe you managed to survive that encounter." Teuchi said gravely.

Naruto's foxy grin fell and he took on a sombre expression.

"I wouldn't have survived if Tarek and Iruka-sensei hadn't been there to help." He said quietly.

Teuchi and Ayame were surprised to see Naruto so sombre. They had always seen him with a smile on his face and seeing him sombre like this had them worried. Hinata only gazed at Naruto sadly. For the first time ever, he was letting his mask down in front of the people he cared about. She had always been able to see through his mask even though he had never realised it. Building up her courage, Hinata gripped Naruto's shoulder with her right hand. Naruto gave her a look of gratitude that made Hinata's heart soar. After a few moments of silence, Naruto shook his head and gave them all one of his foxy grins.

"Ahh well, anyway, one Miso Ramen for me and one Beef Ramen for Hinata please." Naruto said rubbing his hands together in anticipation. Hinata took her hand off of his shoulder while Ayame wrote down their order and Teuchi returned to the back where he was cooking, both of them with thoughtful expressions on their faces. Naruto and Hinata just talked about little things while their Ramen was being made. A few minutes later, Ayame brought over their Ramen, and they said their thanks. They both ate in silence, both deep in thought. Hinata glanced at Naruto who continued to eat with a smile on his face, his azure eyes glowing. Hinata sighed. Oh how she wished she could lose herself in those eyes, to be held by him with love, not just friendship.

Were alone…Now would be a great time to tell him how I feel. But what if he doesn't feel the same way? Hinata thought sadly. She wouldn't be able to handle it if Naruto rejected her and then stopped being her friend.

But…what if I never tell him and I lose the chance to be with him. Oh what do I do? Hinata thought not knowing where to turn. Naruto glanced in her direction, noticing that she had stopped eating.

"What's wrong Hinata?" Naruto asked knowing she had something on her mind.

Hinata jumped and her face turned crimson. "N-nothing Naruto, its n-nothing." She managed to stutter out giving him a shy smile.

Naruto put down his chopsticks and leaned in closer to her. "There is obviously something bothering you Hinata, come on you can tell me." Naruto said quietly with one of his foxy grins.

Hinata was beginning to panic. She just couldn't tell him how she felt, she couldn't. She suddenly felt herself beginning to black out. Naruto noticed this and grabbed her shoulders.

"Come on Hinata don't faint on me now." Naruto said shaking her slightly.

This seemed to help, and Hinata remained conscious though her face was a darker crimson because of how close Naruto's face was to her own. Oblivious to this, Naruto leaned in a little closer.

"Now come on, tell me what's bothering you." He asked quietly. Hinata stared into Naruto's eyes, her heartbeat and her breathing becoming quicker. As Naruto stared into Hinata's lavender-white eyes, he felt his heartbeat quicken and was puzzled over why. They stayed like that a few moments, not realising that Ayame and Teuchi were holding their breath and were watching them with wide eyes filled with anticipation. As Naruto continued to stare into her eyes, he suddenly felt the urge to lower his head further so that their lips were touching.

What the hell?! Why would I want to kiss Hinata, she's one of my best friends! Naruto thought fighting the urge. However the longer he stared into Hinata's eyes, the stronger the urge became, and before he knew it his head was slowly lowering. Hinata's eyes widened as she realised that Naruto was lowering his head towards her.

Is Naruto…is Naruto going to kiss me?! Hinata thought. This had only ever happened in her dreams. Feeling joy rush through her, Hinata closed her eyes and slowly lifted her head to meet his. Teuchi and Ayame gasped as they watched the two friends inching closer and closer. Just as their lips were about to touch however, Tarek parted the curtain carrying his new Katana in one hand and smiling broadly.

"Figured I would find you guys here what…" He stopped, his eyebrows arching so much that his eyes were partially visible above the glasses. As soon as they heard Tarek's voice, Naruto jumped back away from Hinata, his face crimson, and started eating his Ramen once more, ignoring the fact that it had gone cold. Hinata had her eyes open wide and her face was a never before-seen-shade of crimson. She also turned back to her Ramen and began to eat once more. As Naruto ate his Ramen, he couldn't help but feel some resentment for his friend, and he didn't understand why. Tarek just stared at them both as they silently ate their Ramen. Finally shaking himself from his shock Tarek grinned slyly and took a seat beside Naruto. He was about to open his mouth to comment when suddenly Ayame gave him a glare that promised pain if he made a single comment about what he just saw. Gulping, Tarek decided to keep his mouth shut. A few moments later, Ayame placed Tarek's usual order down in front of him and after saying his thanks Tarek began to eat silently. After a few moments of awkward silence, Naruto finally looked in Tarek's direction and smiled as if nothing had happened.

"Hey Tarek, so what did Kurenai-sensei want to talk to you about?" He asked curiously. Hearing this question, Hinata turned her face in their direction, her expression curious despite her face still glowing. After finishing his mouthful of Ramen, Tarek glanced in their direction.

"Well it wasn't actually Kurenai-sensei who wanted to talk to me, it was the Lord Hokage." Tarek answered. Naruto stared at Tarek with a puzzled expression "What did the old man want to see you about?"

Tarek smiled at Naruto before picking up the Katana he had placed beside him and placing it on the counter. "This is what he wanted to see me about." Tarek answered. Naruto whistled in appreciation as he studied the scabbard and the Katana's hilt. Hinata leaned forward to get a better look and studied the shimmering flame coloured gem.

That gem is beautiful. It shimmers much like Tarek's silver eyes do Hinata thought. After a few moments of studying the sword, Naruto made to grab the hilt, but Tarek grabbed his wrist before he could. Naruto gazed at Tarek in confusion.

"If anyone touches the hilt other than me, it will burn them." Tarek explained. Naruto and Hinata's eyes widened at hearing this. After a few moments of silence spent staring at the sword on the counter, Naruto glanced once more in Tarek's direction.

"Ok so why did the old man want to give you a new sword? Is it an early birthday present or something?"

Tarek shook his head. "No, it's my birthright. The Katana is named 'Burning Phoenix' and Lord Hokage said that it's a sword that my clan had made for me when I was born." He explained.

"When y-you w-was born?" Hinata asked.

Tarek went on to explain everything the Hokage had told him, adding some of the information that his grandfather had given him, making sure to omit anything that had to do with the Silver sword. Hinata thought he was talking about the Hokage whenever he gave information his grandfather knew, but Naruto knew exactly who he was talking about. After Tarek had finished explaining, Naruto and Hinata both looked at the sword with thoughtful expressions. After a few moments of silent contemplation, Tarek finished the rest of his Ramen and stood up picking up Blazing Phoenix.

"Anyway, I'll see you later Naruto, I'm going to try this sword out. See you tomorrow Hinata. Bye Ayame, Teuchi." Tarek said smiling before parting the curtains and leaving. Naruto and Hinata watched him go before looking back at each other. Hinata's face turned crimson as she thought of how close Naruto and her came to kissing each other.

It must mean he likes me! Hinata thought, mentally dancing for joy. Naruto gave her one of his foxy grins and stood up.

"I'll see you tomorrow Hinata, I'm going to get some training done." He said handing the money for the Ramen to Ayame before saying goodbye and leaving.

Hinata watched him go, confusion written across her face. Usually Naruto would ask her to go training with him, so why didn't he ask her today, and why didn't he mention anything about what they had nearly done? Puzzled and feeling a little upset, Hinata said goodbye to Ayame and Teuchi and headed home.

Naruto was slowly making his way to Training Ground 11, his thoughts whirling about chaotically in his mind.

Damn it, I came really close to kissing her, why would I want to kiss her? She's one of my best friends god damn it! It not as if I like her more than th- Naruto stopped abruptly.

What if I do like her more than just a friend? What if I…Naruto couldn't finish the thought. It was ridiculous. His thoughts suddenly turned to the villagers if they found out they were together. No, even if he did feel that way for her, he couldn't be with her. He would not allow her to be treated like he had been his whole life. Resolute in his decision, despite denying how he really felt, Naruto pulled a small scroll out of his pocket. Opening it he looked at the technique which was the reason he was heading to Training Ground 11.

The Burning Rave, I didn't get an opportunity to learn it. Well all I can say is it's lucky that I brought a blank scroll with me last night Naruto thought, studying the guidelines for the technique. The technique required a lot of Chakra, something Naruto could provide in abundance, but the technique also required a measure of chakra control, otherwise the technique could grow out of control. Knowing that his Chakra control was very poor, Naruto decided that he was going to try and improve it so that he could learn how to use the technique. The scroll recommended the 'Climbing Trees' exercise and had details on how to do it. Determined, Naruto closed the scroll and ran the rest of the way to the Training Ground.

Tarek swept his hand over Blazing Phoenix focusing his chakra into the blade.

"Sword Art Element: Flametongue!"

Fire made from chakra suddenly blazed forth from the blade. Raven nodded and then threw kunai that had materialised into his hand. Tarek swung Blazing Phoenix in an arc and a tail of fire following after the blazing blade consumed the kunai just before they hit him, melting them instantly. Tarek then charged towards Raven who had materialised his own Katana. Tarek swung Blazing Phoenix down upon Raven's head, but Raven parried the incoming blade with his sword then made a thrust towards Tarek's midsection. Tarek spun back, deflecting the incoming blade, and then followed though the spin with a slash towards Raven's shoulder. Raven jumped back, his clothes slightly singed from the blazing blade. Raven made a move towards Tarek but stopped as he saw the fire dissipate from Tarek's blade.

"Damn it!" Tarek said scowling.

Chuckling, Raven held his sword at his side and walked towards Tarek. "You are doing very well Tarek, your control over the fire and the time you can keep it up has increased immensely. And to think, you only started learning how to do the jutsu two hours ago." Raven said giving Tarek a proud smile.

Hearing the compliment made Tarek smile slightly. Worn out after two hours of constantly using the jutsu, Tarek placed Blazing Phoenix back into its scabbard and sat down on the shimmering silver floor. Raven sat down a few feet away from Tarek, laying his sword down on the floor. They sat there for a few minutes in silence until finally Tarek gazed at his grandfather, a question on his mind.

"What happened to your sword grandfather?"

Knowing exactly what Tarek was asking, Raven picked up the sword he was using once more and wordlessly held it up for Tarek to see. Tarek noticed immediately the lightning coloured gem on the Katana's pommel.

"This is it, a sword which has been with me for thirty six years, known as Divine Tempest." Raven said with a reverent tone.

"So your affinity is to lightning grandfather?" Tarek asked.

Raven nodded, confirming Tarek's guess. They remained in silence a few minutes longer until finally, Raven stood up.

"Well let's continue, you-" He suddenly stopped and tilted his head as if listening to something.

Tarek frowned at his grandfathers puzzling behaviour. After a few moments waiting patiently for his grandfather, Tarek finally addressed him.

"Is there a problem grandfather?" Tarek asked.

After a few moments, Raven's head returned to its proper position and he regarded Tarek.

"It seems there is someone trying to wake you up. I'm surprised you didn't notice actually." Raven said quietly.

Tarek frowned at this and concentrated on his mind. Suddenly a girl's voice came echoing through the hall.

Come on wake up; oh please don't tell me you're dead.

Raven and Tarek both sighed dramatically. Then without a word to Raven, Tarek pulled his mind away from the Silver swords mindscape. He opened his eyes to see a girl with grey coloured eyes and brown hair tied in two buns at the top of her head, a Konoha forehead protector wrapped around her forehead, staring down at him with a concerned look. Noticing how close the girl's face actually was to his face made Tarek blush slightly and moving his head away, he sat up and stretched. He had been lying down underneath a tree at his usual Training Ground so that he could train with his grandfather undisturbed.

"Sorry about that, I must have drifted off to sleep when I was taking a break from training." Tarek lied, since he was feeling just as worn out as he was in the Silver swords mindscape.

"I tried to wake you up several times and you didn't answer, are you sure your ok?" She asked.

"I'm fine, I'm just a deep sleeper." He lied, standing up. He turned his head to gaze at her for a few moments. She wore a pink sleeveless shirt and wore green ninja trousers. On her back were two medium sized ninja scrolls and he noticed that she was twirling a kunai on her left forefinger. It was then he realised that she was looking directly at his eyes. He snapped his hand up to them and immediately noticed that he didn't have his heavily tinted sunglasses on.

"Looking for these?" the girl asked, smiling slightly holding up his glasses in her right hand. Realising that it was too late to cover up his eyes now, he waited for her to start calling him an abomination or a demon; however, what she said next shocked him completely.

"You know, you shouldn't keep your eyes covered up, they are nice to look at." She said with a small smile. She slowly stood up, still twirling the kunai on her left forefinger.

Tarek stared at her in shock, as she held out his sunglasses to him. He took them out of her hand and just held on to them, still staring at her. She hadn't been shocked or frightened like any of the villagers had been when they had seen his silver eyes all those years ago. She had been as accepting as Naruto and Hinata had been.

"I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself, my name is Tenten Agraweh, what's yours?" Tenten asked finally.

"My name is Tarek Swordstalker. Thank you for your concern about my well being." Tarek answered inclining his head to her and putting his glasses in his jacket pocket.

Her smile widened. "Well I couldn't exactly leave you there without making sure you were ok could I?"

Tarek chuckled at that. "I guess not."

"By the way what ninja rank are you?" She suddenly asked.

"Newly appointed Genin, why do you ask?" Tarek asked looking at her curiously.

"I was just curious; I noticed you had a forehead protector. I'm a Genin as well you know, a year your senior." She answered.

Tarek nodded, wondering if there were more reasons to why she asked. Mentally shrugging, Tarek bent down to pick up Blazing Phoenix. As soon as Tenten caught sight of the sword, her eyes lit up. Tarek turned around, sword in hand and was startled at the excited look in her eyes.

"May I look at it?" Tenten pleaded in a quiet child like voice.

Tarek arched an eyebrow wondering what on earth she was talking about.

"Your Katana, may I see it?" She asked again in the same child like voice.

Pondering for a few moments, Tarek finally nodded and drew Blazing Phoenix from its scabbard. She moved closer to him and studied it with awe filled eyes. After a few moments, her hand lifted as if to touch the sword.

"May I hold it?" she asked in a reverent voice, not taking her eyes off of the weapon.

Tarek found her fascination with Blazing Phoenix a little weird to say the least, so he slid the sword back into its scabbard, cries of protest coming from Tenten.

"Unfortunately, I am the only one who can wield it safely, Blazing Phoenix has a defence mechanism that stop's anyone but me from wielding it." Tarek explained.

"Blazing Phoenix, so that's your swords name." Tenten whispered her cries of protest ending after she heard its name.

Tarek nodded his head in amusement. Though her fascination was a little weird, he couldn't help but notice how cute she was with that dreamy look on her face. He blinked wondering where the thought had come from. Shrugging the thought away mentally, Tarek leaned against the tree and gazed at Tenten.

Tenten gazed back at Tarek with a sly look in her eye. "So you're a Sword master?" she asked Tarek, twirling her kunai once more.

Tarek shrugged "I wouldn't say master, but I'm working on it."

"Well it just so happens that I am a weapon master." She said with a small smirk. Suddenly she stopped twirling the kunai and with a speed that surprised Tarek, she tossed the kunai straight at him. Reacting instantly, he drew Blazing Phoenix quickly and knocked the kunai away. His gaze met hers and he saw a determined glint in her eye.

"Tarek Swordstalker, I challenge you to a duel." She said with a cold formal voice.

Ok well hope you enjoyed, please review and tell me what you think of this chapter.

Note: If Tenten seemed a little OOC, then I apologise, I honestly do not know Tentens personality well and have tried to work with what I know. Hope you still enjoy the story despite this.