As Asuma predicted, Naruto and the salesman came up from back of the store with the boots. Once bought, Naruto was so excited he wanted to try them on right now. While putting the boots on, the shopkeeper explained to the boy how to clean them and give him a balm that would waterproof them.
"It's a special balm," he told Naruto and Asuma. "Just apply over the flame pattern on the heels and that will do. Don't forget to do it every week however, it's very important if you want them to last."
Once they left, Naruto couldn't stop grinning like an idiot. Asuma, knowing Kurenaï's plan, asked if Naruto wanted him to help him train to use his boots effectively for the rest of the afternoon. Naruto, of course, gladly accepted.
O0o0o0o
Kurenaï started to prepare her house in case Naruto decided to stay for good. And for that, she threw out the alcohol in her fridge, the last remaining clues that Asuma left like his cigarette packs in her living room and hid a few things in her room like her embarrassing photo albums. Once she finished with her cleaning (which took twice as long as she predicted), and was satisfied of the result, she ate a quick bite before go shopping for a few things. She wanted Naruto to experience a family dinner, something she was sure he never had never do before. For that, she bought a few family games in a toy store (the seller assured her they were popular) and borrowed a movie that she thought both Konohamaru and Naruto would like.
Once at home again, Kurenaï began to cook for tonight's party. She was almost finished when she heard a knock at the door. She could hear Naruto, Asuma, and Konohamaru's voices, and it sounded like they had a good time. She answered the door with a smile, but quickly lost it at the sight that greeted her; Naruto was covered in sweat and dirt. After taking that in, her ninja-training caused her to note a set of new, metal boots on his feet...
What are those? she thought.
Noticing her glance, Asuma chuckled. "We stopped at my favorite weapon shop on the way home and Naruto fell in love with my friend's creation. We had a fun day full of discoveries, right Naruto?"
After that, Naruto went off telling how awesome a Sensei Asuma was (but not as awesome as Kurenaï) and about everything that happened today, from the Ultimate Frisbee match to the training with his new boots.
Kurenaï listened attentively and once Naruto stopped to catch his breath, she said, "Well, well! You sure had an interesting day! Please Naruto, go clean up before dinner."
While Naruto headed off to the bathroom, Konohamaru started setting up a videogame he brought to play with Naruto.
Seeing the two boys were occupied, Kurenaï leaned over and whispered to Asuma, "I know you said you'd help me but isn't that too much? I'm glad you promised Naruto you'd help him train in wind chakra training but-"
"I know what you are about to say," replied Asuma, "but even if that shop sells expensive items, they're worth it. He told me he wished his best artwork to be worn by someone from the Leaf village since his grandson didn't need them. Besides, the old man doesn't have a lot of clients; I try to give him good business."
"Then at least let me pay you back half of the price you bought them."
"Hey, c'mon! It's my money and I do what I want with it. Besides, once you see what Naruto can do with it, believe me, you will be amazed."
Before Kurenaï could question Asuma further, Konohamaru came back, asking if they were gonna eat soon, 'cause he was really hungry. When Naruto came back, the table was made and he saw they were having burgers and fries tonight! Joining the others, they all had a great time.
After dinner, they put on the movie, a ghost comedy. 10 minutes in it, Naruto had the willies! Apparently, the boy didn't like ghosts at all. Fortunately, Konohamaru distracted Naruto by a round on his latest videogame, a fighting game! Zoning out of the world around them, they fought each other until Konohamaru begin to doze off.
It was Asuma cue. "Alright, time to go now. Say goodnight Konohamaru."
After mumbling those words, Konohamaru fell asleep in Asuma arms. He smiled and looked at Kurenaï. "This kid's sleeps like a log. Once he goes down, nothing will wake him up. I should know; I dropped him down the stairs once."
After Asuma and Konohamaru left (Naruto had to pack Konohamaru videogames for them), Naruto begin to feel drowsy himself. Seeing that, Kurenaï make him go to sleep. Once she put the already half-asleep Naruto on his bed, he mumbled, "Thanks Mom..."
Kurenaï, embarrassed at first, realized Naruto wasn't aware of what he just said that. Leaving the room, she began to smile. Also tired, she went to bed soon after that.
O0o0o0o
Naruto woke up early the next morning. Looking around, he listened carefully.
...
Nothing. Good!
Moving as quietly as he could, Naruto snuck out of bed, got dressed, and sleeked out of his room and into the kitchen.
Nearly giggling to himself in childish glee, Naruto went to with is plan: he was going to make Kurenaï-sensei breakfast...in bed! He was just so clever sometimes.
He planned on eggs, but quickly changed his mind. Just as he was about to break the first egg open on the skillet, the smoke-alarm seemed to glow with light. Wondering if he was having an epiphany, Naruto's mind suddenly constructed a visual of him starting a fire, the alarm going of, and Kurenaï flying down the stairs, screaming "What happened?" He didn't even wanna find out what she'd say when she found out!
Putting everything away, Naruto instead made some toast with peanut butter and honey accompanied with a glass of milk, both for Sensei and for himself. After eating his share, Naruto set up Kurenaï's on a platter, as pretty and neat he could, and went into her room...
When he opened her door, Kurenaï wake up...and time stopped.
Having moved a lot during the night, her blanket were almost all gone and Naruto had a clear view of Kurenaï only wearing her underwear and a bra. The two was in a state of shock for a few seconds. Then Naruto gave her a nervous smile, set the platter on her drawer as quickly as he could (making a pot of flower fall over and break) and was out the door in a flash, shutting it behind him.
Thinking nervously, he ran to "his" room and was trying to pack his things when he heard Kurenaï's voice behind him, "Where are you going?"
Her voice was sweet but Naruto still was afraid to turn around, becoming really stiff. Gulping, he was waiting for his punishment when she said, "I'm not mad Naruto. You don't need to afraid."
Surprised, he slowly turned around. Kurenaï was there, already dressed and smiling. She let herself drop on his bed and pointed him to do the same. Still worried, he did, not looking in her eyes.
"I know you didn't do it on purpose. Did you really think I'd be so mad I'd make you leave?"
Naruto, a bit nervously, answered, "Well, maybe…wouldn't that be normal? I mean I've been staying here a long time now and that must be burdensome on you."
"If you really want to leave, I won't stop you… But honestly, having you around made things so lively."
She asked for him to look her in the eyes. "Now Naruto, I want to ask you something. You know that I live alone, and we both know that being alone sucks. Since I got no use for this spare bedroom, would you like to live with me?
Surprised at first, Naruto eyes became larger. But he then looked sad. "I'm not sure I should, I' just end up doing something that would make you hate me-"
Without warning, Kurenai's hand darted out and slapped Naruto across the face!
"Naruto," she said firmly as tears welled up in the boy's eyes, "stop saying you're not worthy. It's not true. People get into fight all the times and make up after that. It won't be any different. And besides, if you feel guilty, take it as the personal ethic and good manners lessons I wanted to teach you. That slap was your punishment for opening my room's door without knocking. Now, we can make up and move on. What do you say?"
Rubbing his stinging cheek, Naruto smiled. "Understood sensei!"
Chuckling, she then told him to unpack his things and that they'd need to go pick up his things at his house to move in with her. On the way back to Naruto's official new home, they met Hinata and Shino. Kurenai greeted her genins with a smile while Naruto yelled greetings and ran up to them.
"I'm glad to see Team 8 so cheerful in the morning. We were heading to my house," said Kurenaï, "I will tell you our next assignment there."
On the way home, Naruto listed of all great things that had happened since they last saw each other. Kurenaï interrupted Naruto a few times to mention points like the fact she didn't ask Asuma to buy those boots for him or the fact that Naruto living at her house doesn't mean he will be receiving any special treatment.
She was worried about Shino and Hinata's reaction… While Hinata seemed very glad for Naruto, she sensed, even if it was hard to see, that Shino was somewhat jealous. Kurenaï thought about it and realized he was maybe jealous of the special training both Hinata and Naruto did get, while he had none. Even if Kurenaï was seeing him as the strongest of the three genins (though Kurenaï wouldn't admit it in front of the others), she guessed it could be helped: Shino was feeling left out.
She realized in his case it would be difficult however: the Aburame clan kept their chakra to feed the bugs inside of them so they hardly have chakra left to learn other techniques, at least while they were genins. Kurenaï recalled the talk she had with Shino's father when it was announce she was his assigned sensei. When she asked about Shino's training, they explained all that to Kurenaï and told her to not worry about new techniques for Shino.
If only Shino wasn't an Aburame, she thought sadly. He has such a great mind and potential, if only he had chakra to spare...
She suddenly stopped, in the middle of the street. Struck by a sudden idea, she looked back at Naruto and Shino until they realized their sensei wasn't following them.
Hinata was the first to ask, "Sensei, is there a problem?"
Grinning, Kurenaï excused herself, she explained she was lost in thought. Arriving at her house, she had to polish the idea she had in mind.
It could actually work… But I have to ask Shino's father before doing so, thought Kurenaï, Just in case.
They dropped Naruto's things in the house and Kurenai picked a few things before they stepped outside.
"Alright team, listen! We are going to do a special training exercise tomorrow. Shino, is your father home today?
Shino nodded: "He was lightly wounded during his last mission, he is resting at our house right now."
"Then follow me, I have something I need to ask him personally. You two," said Kurenaï while turning to Hinata and Naruto, "I'm giving you a day off for today. But I have something so ask of you Naruto."
She handed her house key to Naruto. "If you don't mind, could you return the movie I borrowed yesterday to the store? It's the one the closest to the ninja academy, you should know about it. And go make a copy of this key, you'll need it from now on. Now, let's go Shino."
She left her two other genins behind, Shino following her trail. With a weird look, Naruto looked at the key. Naruto asked Hinata, "Euh, Hinata? Where can I make copies of this key? "
Hinata couldn't look him in the eyes and begin twitching her fingers. "I-I know where we can do that. Can I-I show you the way? "
"Yeah," sighed Naruto, "it would be a great help for me, thanks… Hey, are you alright?"
"Y-Yes," she said, blushing even more. She couldn't help but thinking, I'm alone with Naruto-kun! Maybe… Maybe we could make something else after that?
Noticing Hinata becoming red as a tomato, Naruto putted her hand on her forehead, approaching himself from her face: "Are you sure? You looks like you're gonna faint again-"
And of course, that's what she did, falling right into his arms.
"What did I do?" Naruto said, wondering what someone does when a girl faints. Then he realized he had another problem. "Wait! Wake up; you still need to show me where to get a key!"
O0o0o0o
The Aburame clan was a powerful clan. They were now the second richest clan after the Hyuuga, having a special niche in Konoha as their best spies. Their bug techniques were also very effective in combat situation so few contested their role within the Konoha Village. Unlike the Hyuuga however, they remained modest and their home blended in with the rest of Konoha. Even inside, most of them weren't richly decorated. There were rumors about how they used that money, the less kind ones saying they needed to give huge dowries to people marrying someone from the Aburame Clan, to compensate the bugs within their bodies…but nobody would ever have the courage of saying that in front of a Aburame however.
Kurenaï asked Shino's mother for an audience with her husband in private. She waited in the living room until he came and greeted her. He had a bandage around his arms but seemed in no pain and, as far as she could tell, seemed at peace.
"Greetings to you Shibi… Are your injuries serious?
"Not at all Kurenaï-san. The doctors always are worry more than they should."
"I'm glad to hear it. Now, for what brought me here."
She then had a long discussion with the man. She explained her idea, which his father was reluctant at first, especially when mentioning Naruto name. After a while however, he admitted her plan could actually work…however, he imposed a strict condition: a member of the Aburame Clan would be present at all times, since that training could affect the hive inside Shino.
Fair enough. Kurenaï was pleased it went so well.
Still worried, he still asked, "Are you sure it won't go bad?"
"That training technique requires shadow clones, I don't think there will be any problem. I also have special chakra seal given to me by the Hokage himself, in case the highly inappropriate happens. And honestly, I can't think of anybody else. There are not a lot of people that would accept doing that or have the stamina for it. It's also one in a lifetime chance, don't you think it's worth the try?"
After a while, Shibi finally nodded. " When do you want to start?" he asked.
"As you know, it does gonna be the Chuunin exams soon, so I might only give reading to Shino for the time being. I strongly believe all my genins have the potential to do the exam but, of all my genins, he is the one I have the highest hopes for."
Thanking Shino's father, she went to announce Shino the good news. She explained her plan to him and one eyebrow rose on his forehead.
"That's something very unusual for an Aburame. You really think I can do it? And does my father really agree about that? "
" I'm sure you can do it. And you really think I would have told you this without talking to your father first?"
She lowered herself to be at his level. " I'm less worried about you then I am for Hinata and Naruto. You have great potential within you Shino. Never doubt your own skills."
After a few second, Shino finally said, " Thank you sensei."
She sensed her words meant a lot for the young boy. After patting his shoulder, she wished him a nice day before going.
O0o0o0o
After finally recovered from fainting, Hinata felt ashamed. Naruto seemed so worried.
He will think I'm weird… But what should I say? It's so awkward now…
And indeed, it was. Naruto didn't know what to say after that and honestly, he thought it was for the best to just ignore what just happened. After a while, he tried to think of a diversion:
" So, hummm…do you train often at home?"
Hinata was glad to have a subject of discussion: " Y-Yes! We have daily exercise to attend early in the morning and have personal training every two days at my house."
He then grinned. "No wonders you're so strong then!"
To what Hinata cheek began to rose up. Because she didn't answer anything, he misunderstood and thought it would be better to shut up.
Man, he thought, I don't know what to do. Even if I compliment her, she doesn't go out of her shell. Maybe she's training too hard, that could explain she has such a weak constitution…
Suddenly, he had an idea...after hearing his grumping stomach. With a large grin, he said, "Hey, I know! Let's go to Ichiraku ramen together, my treat! There's nothing better to give us back our energy! C'mon!"
Without waiting for her answer, he grabbed her and went to the Ichiraku ramen shop. They had done all the chores and it was near lunch time anyway…
Once there, they had a fateful encounter: all of Team 7 was there and they seemed to arguing about something. Naruto's happiness went down the drain; he didn't really want to meet Sakura and her "so-perfect" Sasuke. However, he decided to not run away so he gritted his teeth and went to greet them. Kiba was the first to notice them. While Sakura yelled to him to listen to her, he gave a loud greeting to Hinata and Naruto. Finally noticing them, Sakura greeted them politely while Sasuke just gave a small nod.
"Hi there, Sakura; you too Kiba. As for the other guy, I don't care…"
To which of course, Sakura warned him to chill out and to not address her precious Sasuke-kun like that. Naruto took a good look at Sasuke…
That guy, thinking he's so strong. I'm sure I could beat him now, thanks to Smoking-Sensei gift…
Sakura sighed, watching as Natuto glowered at Sasuke-kun. He was so immature!
"N-Naruto-kun, shouldn't we sit down?" Hinata asked attentive.
"Oh, you are right!" Naruto responded, shaken from his thoughts. Turning to the old man behind the counter, he greeted him loudly: "Yo! I will take a bowl of ramen with extra portion of beef today!" Thinking, he then added, "Uh, please?"
Hinata wondered what happened just now. Was Naruto bothered by Team Kakashi's presence? She sat down next to Sakura, so she could be between them and Naruto; maybe that would help keep his mind off them.
Soon, Team 7 went back to arguing. Naruto and Hinata couldn't help but overhear.
"No way, Sakura!" Kiba said defiantly, "Sasuke torched 'em, so he can pay for your new dress!"
Akamaru, who was resting on his head, yipped in agreement
Sakura chewed her food and swallowed before responding. " Sasuke-kun was enough of a gentleman to agree he would." She put emphasis this, flashing a smile towards her beloved team-mate, who just nodded, ever so slightly, in response. "But Kakashi-Sensei said you're responsible too! So you're gonna share the bill with him."
"What are you guys even talking about?" Naruto finally asked, his curiously getting the better of him.
"Oh," Sakura said, not realizing how loud they were being. "Kiba and Sasuke ruined my clothes on our latest mission," she explained, "so now they have to buy me replacements. Only Kiba's trying to wriggle out of it!"
Naruto looked at them with a weird look: "The mission's fee should easily replace any damaged outfit, why you want your teammates to pay for it?"
Sakura begin to blush… a lot. Chuckling, Kiba started to say something among those lines: " Well, when Sasuke torched 'em, we both got a nice view of-"
Sakura gripped down on Kiba's shoulder, crunching down so hard that his face twisted in pain.
"Compete that sentence and I won't stop at just kicking you where it counts like last time!" Sakura said savagely.
"I don't get it," Naruto said thickly, "what happe-" Then something in his head clicked in place. They saw Sakura naked! "Oh, you LUCKY DOG, Kiba! I wish I was-"
SMASH!
Naruto's world went black.
After recovering, Naruto found himself on the floor, head feeling like it was gonna explode. Sakura, Ayame, and even Hinata were all glaring down at him, clearly disgusted with his antis! Gulping, he suggested, very sheepishly, "Uh, I guess I should apologize for not being very gentlemanly?"
Sakura scoffed at him and turned away, while Hinata sighed, face turning from anger to…sorrow, or something? Ghaa! He was never any good at identifying girls' emotions!
After that, he just shut up and stated to eat his ramen, carefully listening to Team 7's argument, vowing to keep his mouth shut
"Oh come on!" Kiba shouted. "Akamaru only pissed on your clothes. It was Sasuke who set them on fire!"
" I don't care, you are paying," Sakura responded flatly, "That dog is your responsibility. Since we went over our mission on the Land of Waves, your head has become way too big."
Grinning, he turned to Naruto and Hinata. "With good reason, too! Now there's a giant bridge in the land of wave named 'The Great Akamaru Bridge.' See, it turns out this Rank A mission was a breeze for Akamaru and me!" He puffed out his chest and grinned, his sharp teeth flashing.
Naruto almost choked on his food. "Class S?" Naruto stammered, dumbfounded. "How'd you get a mission like that?"
"The old man said it was only Rank C," Sasuke grunted, not even looking in Naruto's direction.
"Ah, man, I wish that happened with us," Naruto said. Then he winced, remembering how badly their first high-ranking mission went. "How did you guys do, anyway?" he asked slowly; privately, he hoped badly.
"Utter success!" Kiba said, pumping his arms. "You should have seen how baddass Akamaru and me were! There was this one freak had shark teeth and a sword the size of a tree!"
"No way!" Naruto whisper. He was feeling so jealous.
"Yeah," Kiba reassured him, glad that someone wanted to hear how great he was, and not talk about Sasuke-kun. "And there was this dude that looked like a chick, and he had an Ice-jutsu. Me and Akamaru took 'em both on at once!"
"Dude..." Naruto gasped in awe.
"Hardly," Sasuke suddenly interjected.
"Who's telling the story, pretty boy?" Kiba demanded.
"If you're going to lie, and least make it believable," Sasuke said, a hint of disgust in his voice.
"Eh?" Naruto said, wonder fading from his eyes.
"Kakashi fought the swordsman by himself," Sasuke explained, more to Kiba then Naruto, "and the three of us all had to fight the Ice-release user...and they still got away."
"Hey!" Naruto said, looking at Kiba angrily, "what gives?"
While to boys continued their talk, Hinata suddenly found herself feeling very left out. She had hoped this would be a good way to get closer to Naruto...now, he was just hanging out with the boys.
"Hey, Hinata-san," Sakura said out of the blue. Without Hinata noticing, she moved herself and her bowl next to her.
Hinata jumped a little, not used to being addressed so polity outside of her home. "Yes, Sakura-chan?"
"I don't know about you, but I'm feeling left out," Sakura said, looking over as Naruto and Sasuke glowered at Kiba.
"It's nice that Naruto-kun is having a good time," Hinata responded softly.
"What's it like with him on your team anyway?" Sakura asked. "It must be hard. I mean, he's loud and rude, and he nearly failed in school-"
"N-No! It's not like that, " Hinata try to explain softly. " He always rescued me when I'm in trouble a- and…" the last words were almost a whisper: " He is stronger than you think."
Sakura looked wide-eyed for a moment, before saying, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have talked about your team-member that way."
After a pause, Sakura asked, "Say Hinata, would you want to come with us shopping? I could use other girl's advice."
Hinata was puzzled. " Huh? I don't understand, why do you need my advice?"
Sakura eyebrows went up. "What? You've never gone on a girl's shopping-session before?"
Hinata looked down in embarrassment. The only girl time she had was with her little sister.
Seeing Hinata's reaction, Sakura gave a kind smile. "Then I guess this will be your first time! I'm sure we will have fun!"
Suddenly remembering how she wanted to spend time with Naruto, Hinata tried to say something. "B-But Naruto and I-! W-we wanted to-"
Grinning, Sakura simply answered, "Don't worry, he can come along. We're gonna need a pack mule anyway!"
Turning to the boys, she announced Hinata and Naruto's sudden inclusion in the shopping session.
END OF CHAPTER
Authors note:
Sorry, I know its been a long time since my last posting. Read my profile to understand why...