I don't own Naruto in an way shape or form.
talking: Ya' know
thinking: Ya' know
jutsu: Flying Raijin Jutsu
Summoning talking: You little runt
Summoning thinking: You little runt
Tailed Beast talking/slight possession: Damn you 4th Hokage
Tailed Beast thinking: Damn you 4th Hokage
Chapter 20: Request, Promotions and Gifts
"I'll admit, I missed the village more than I thought I did." Said Tsunade, as she and the others walked through the gates.
"Hnhn. I know I missed this place. It's great to be back home!" Said Shizune.
"Yea, it's about time we get back. It's been way too long if you ask me. Hee hee." Said Naruto, anxious to see Hinata after so long.
"So, I asume I'll be headed to the Hokage's tower first?" Tsunade asked.
"Hold on a second!" Said Naruto, gaining Tsunade's attention.
"Huh?"
"You gotta go to the hospital, and heal Sasuke and Kakashi sensei." Naruto explained.
"Oh, that's right. I completely forgot. Alright, let's go." Said Tsunade, as they all started heading to the hospital.
-At the hospital-
During the trip at the hospital, Tsunade had started with awakening Kakashi. After giving a quick scolding towards Kakashi, they continued on to Sasuke. Upon awakening, Sasuke showed practically no emotion. Sakura however, was completely relieved to finally see Sasuke awake. Considering that she was there practically every day, then yea she should be. lol.
Once she was finished with those two, Tsunade was introduced to Rock Lee. Might Guy's heavily injured student. After dismissing Naruto, Tsunade started examining Lee. Unfortunately, Tsunade admited that there wasn't much even she could do. That information however, made Guy very upset. But after explaining that even with her skill, Lee only had a 50/50 chance of suviving such a delicate operation.
"Hey girly. How ya doing?" Asked Gamakichi, appearing atop Hinata's head.
"Gama*huff*kichi? *puff* What *pant* are you *pant* doing here?" Hinata asked, confused as to why he as there.
"I thought you would've figured that out. Naruto's back in the village. He just walked in about an hour ago. Anyway, he wanted to know if you wanted to go on a date tomorrow." Explained Gamakichi.
"Naruto's back? That's great! But why tomorrow?" Hinata asked.
"He just wanted to give you time to prepare. Remember that you guys are to keep your relationship a secret? It would be suspicious if you didn't go home tonight without letting you dad know, don't you think?"
"Oh, right. Sorry."
"Heheh. Don't worry about it. Anyway, what do you say? Tomorrow sound good?"
"Ofcourse! It sounds great! I can't wait to see Naruto!"
"Alright. I'll go tell him it's a 'go'. See ya later girly. Bye 'toots'!" With that Gamakichi hopped away to let Naruto know the details, while muttering something about 'snacks'.
"Hmm. Naruto's back, huh?" Asked Kurenai. "I wish that toad would quit calling me that!"
"Yes. I hope he didn't run into any trouble." Said Hinata, voicing her concern.
"Shouldn't matter too much. He has that jutsu, and he had Lord Jiraiya with him." Kurenai replied, calming Hinata's worries.
"You're right. Let's get back to training, sensei." Said Hinata, getting into her Clan's fighting stance.
"Right, let's go!"
-Hokage Monument-
"You've really been training that hard, Hinata?!" Naruto asked, wondering why Hinata was training so hard.
"Y..yes. You see, Kurenai sensei asked what we would do should our enemies learn of you jutsu. She believes that we could go to war, because the other Hidden Villages would fear that jutsu. And if they somehow find out about our relationship, then I'd be nothing but a burden if I were to be captured." Hinata explained.
Naruto let the words sink in for a moment, before replying. "I guess that makes sense, Hinata. But if that happened you'd have a kunai with the seal on it. That way I'd be there to help you get out of there."
"Maybe, but what if they tried again? They could possibly kill me before you got there. I don't think either of us wants that. I don't want to be a burden to you, Naruto."
"Hmm. You're right, Hinata. Sorry."
"It's ok, Naruto. I promise you, that I won't be a burden to you."
"Hinata, you could never be a burden to me. I just don't want you to push yourself too far, ok?" Naruto asked.
"I'll be fine. I promise." Hinata relied.
"Heh. Alright, Hinata." Said Naruto, leaning in a little closer to Hinata.
Hinata blush sightly with the closeness. But she could sense that something was off about Naruto. Curious as to what it, Hinata was about to ask about it. Before Naruto beat her to the punch.
"I think things are gonna be more dangerous from here on out, Hinata."
"Huh? Why do you say that, Naruto?" Hinata asked.
*Sigh* "The day we left in search of Grandma Tsunade, we met two very powerful ninja. One of them was Sasuke's brother, Itachi. He was the guy that killed off the whole Uchiha Clan. His partner was some guy from the Mist Village, Kisame Hoshigaki." Naruto explained.
*GASP* "Th..they're incredibly dangerous shinobi! Why did you meet them?!" Hinata asked, panic rising within her.
"It wasn't by choice. Those two are part of group called Akatsuki, and for some reason they want the Nine-Tails that's inside me. I managed to hurt Itachi, but it was only because I caught him off guard. He'll be more cautious next time." Naruto explained.
"I..I see. We'll have to be more carefull as well then, right?" Hinata asked.
"Yea. Anyway, don't worry about it right now. Ok? Let's just enjoy the rest of our date, ok?"
*Sigh* "Ok."
The two just sat there for another hour, before they got into their disguises and Hiro(Naruto) walked Hina(Hinata) to her sensei's apartment. Before parting, the two kissed eachother 'goodnight'. Once inside, Kurenai asked how everything went noticing the look on Hinata's face. Hinata then explained what happened to Naruto, during his mission. Although Kurenai knew Naruto could use that powerful of a jutsu, she was still surprised that he managed to land a hit on Itachi when she herself couldn't do anything to him. None the less, she was glad that he was safe.
-The next day-
Hinata was headed towards her father's office. She had something important to speak with him about. She had already thought of what he would say and ask, so she already had her answers prepared in advance.
*Knock knock knock* "Enter." Said Hiashi.
Doing as told, Hinata entered. After closing the door behind her, she walked up a chair in front of her father's desk. "Good evening, father." Said Hinata, as she bowed before taking her seat.
"Hm. What is it you want, Hinata?" Hiashi asked.
"I was wondering if you'd be willing to resume my training with the 'Gentle Fist'." Said Hinata, managing to keep herself from stuttering.
Looking up, Hiashi wondered why she wished him to resume her training. Despite his curiousity, he didn't show any emotions as he replied. "Why do you wish for me to resume your training?"
"I..I've been training as hard as I c..could with Kurenai sensei, so I'm sure I've gotten a little st...stronger. B..but, I'm not g..etting stronger with the Gentle Fist. If I.. If I resumed my Gentle Fist training, then I'm sure I would b..become even less of a burden to others. I also wish to p...prove m..myself worthy of being the Heiress to the Hyuuga's Main House." Said Hinata with the firmest voice she could muster. Even though everything he said was true, those reasons were nothing compaired to her true reason. She wanted to protect Naruto from the Akatsuki.
Hiashi didn't show it, but he was genuinely surprised by the determination in her eyes. He's never seen that look on her. Again however, he knew it wasn't the whole truth. He was getting curious with her recent increase in courage and determination. Although he was curious, he wasn't going to interfere with whatever it was. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to find out. He was patient, so he would wait a little longer. Despite all this however, there was another slight issue. He could easily deal with, but it would take more of his time away from running the Hyuga Clan. "You realize that I'm still training your sister. I've also started training Neji. If I were to start training you as well, it would take time away from running the Clan."
"I'm aware of that father. But I promise you I won't be a waste of time, I won't make you regret training me!" Said Hinata, determined to keep her word.
"Very well. I'll give you a chance. Your training starts tomorrow morning." Said Hiashi, after a few moments of consideration.
"Understood. Thank you, father." Hinata replied, as she stood up, bowed and left the office. Hinata then left to get ready for bed, in order to rest up for tomorrow's training.
-2 weeks later-
During the past 2 weeks the reconstruction was coming along nicely. With Tsunade officially inagurated as Hokage, the villagers were able rest easy and not worry about another attack. Tsunade had spent alot of time figuring out a way to help Lee. She looked through book after book, until she found something she could use. It mentioned the activation of all the cells in the body, in order to enhance the body's healing. It was a rather complex technique, but she was sure that with enough practice she could pull it off.
Tsunade was currently going through the recomendations for Chunnin candidates. These recomendations came from various proctors, as well as various Feudal Lords. Tsunade had already met with the proctors and communicated with the Land of Fire's Feudal Lord, via letters. Their reasoning seemed very reasonable for the recommended candidates. All that was left to do, was to promote the worthy candidates. *Knock knock* "Enter." Tsunade called out.
Upon hearing permission, Shizune walked in. "Lady Tsunade, the proctors and the to candidates are here." Shizune informed.
"Ah yes, send them in." Tsunade ordered.
The proctors that saw over the first and third part of the exams, entered and stood behind Tsunade. While the 2 candidates, who made it to the finals and were chosen to be promoted, stood before everyone in the room.
"You may have guessed why the 2 of you are here, but I'll explain anyway. The 2 of you have been recommended by the proctors, based on the your performance, to be promoted to the rank of Chunnin. Shikamaru, you've proven to be able to level head on your shoulders despite being in stressfull situations. Naruto, you're able to effectively hide you jutsu. Also, with the 'Hidden-Mist Jutsu!' you can hide you team and prepair you strategies. Resulting in effectively ambushing your enemies, considering no one with expect that technique from a Leaf Shinobi." Tsunade explained, with a smile on her face.
"WAHOOO! Alright, I'm a Chunnin!" Naruto cheered, earning a laugh from everyone in the room. And causing some of them to question their own recommendation for Naruto.
"Umm. Excuse me, Lady Hokage." Said Shikamaru, gaining the attention from everyone in the room.
"Hm? What is it Shikamaru?" Tsunade asked.
"Naruto never used the 'Hidden-Mist Jutsu!' in the finals, so why did you even mention it?" Said Shikamaru, causing the proctors to look at Tsunade and Naruto curiously.
"That's true, Naruto used smoke bombs during the exams. However, Naruto used the 'Hidden-Mist Jutsu!' while on his mission to search for me. That's why I mentioned it. It's just a little more credit towards his promotion." Tsunade explained.
"YEAH! Don't be a downer, shikamaru. We should be celebrating, hee hee!" Said Naruto, putting Shikamaru in a headlock.
"Gah! Let go, Naruto!" Yelled Shikamaru, the display earning another laugh from everyone present.
"Congradulations, Shikamaru!" Said Ino. Squad 10 were currently at their favorite BBQ joint, well Choji's favorite anyway.
"Yea, who knew you'd be promoted." Said Choji, placing another rib in his mouth.
*Sigh* "You know, I thought the same thing when Naruto was promoted." Said Shikamaru, not realizing that he'd regret saying that. Shikamaru was now donning his new Chunnin flack-jacket.
"WHAAAAAT?! NARUTO WAS PROMOTED TO CHUNNIN?!" Yelled Ino and Choji, simultaniously.
"Yea, so don't be so surprised about me making Chunnin." "Damn, I should've known to keep my mouth shut. *Sigh* What a drag." Shikamaru said/thought.
"Well, I don't think we should be that surprised. Whatever he did to beat Neji, he managed to hide it from hundreds of spectators. That's a key advantage to have, which is probably why he was promoted in the first place." Said Asuma, explaining why Naruto was promoted.
"Well if Naruto was promoted, then Sasuke definately got a promotion. Right?" Ino asked.
*Sigh* "No. Just Naruto and myself earned promotions." Shikamaru replied.
"WHAAT?!
"WHAAT?! YOU were promoted to Chunnin?!" Sakura yelled, as Squad 7 were on their training field.
"Hee hee. Yup!" Naruto replied, with a large smile on his face. Like Shikamaru, Naruto was also donning his new Chunnin vest.
"Congradulations, Naruto. I'm sure you've earned it." Said Kakashi, with his little 'eye smile'.
"Thanks, Kakashi sensei."
"Hmpf. He may be a Chunnin, but he's still a loser." Said Sasuke. "Damn. Even though I wasn't promoted, I'm a little jealous that Naruto earned that promotion. Though I'll never admit it out loud."
"Sasuke, you jerk! Can't you show me at least a little credit!"
"He's right, Sasuke. Naruto is your superior now. That means you 2 need to not only show Naruto respect, for his rank at least, but also follow his orders. Understood?"
*Sigh* "Alright, Kakashi sensei." Said Sakura, although quite reluctantly.
"Hn, whatever." Said Sasuke.
"And Naruto, don't let that power get to your head. Their lives on your hands. Understand?"
"Right, Kakashi sensei. I won't let you down, or let them die!" Naruto replied, determination in his eyes and voice.
"Hmhm. Good." "He may have his mother's personality, but he act like his father every now and then." Kakashi thought, as he brough something out from his weapons pouch. "Anyway I got something for you, Naruto."
"Huh? What?" Naruto asked, bouncing with excitment.
"Lady Tsunade, told me in advance that you were being promoted. So, I got you a pair of gloves like mine." Said Kakashi, holding a pair of gloves with a metal plate just below the knuckles. The only difference is that the fabric was orange, instead of the usual dark blue.
"COOOOOL! Awesome! Thank you, Kakashi sensei!" Naruto yelled, taking the gloves and putting them on. "Alright, they fit like a charm! And they're orange!Thank you, sensei!"
"Heh heh. No problem. I figured you'd like the color. Now, lets get some training done." Said Kakashi.
"Right!" Squad 7 replied.
-The next day-
"Hey, Naruto."
"Huh? Oh hey, Kiba. Hey Shino, Hinata and Kurenai sensei." Said Naruto, turning around to see it was Kiba who called.
"H..Hi, N...Naruto." Hinata replied, going into acting mode.
"Good morning, Naruto." Shino replied.
"Hey, Naruto. Congradulations, on your promotion." Said Kurenai, as she greeted Naruto.
"Hee hee, thanks." Naruto replied.
"Sheesh. Can't believe YOU of all people got promoted. The 'dead last' of our graduating class, unbelievable." Said Kiba.
"Coming from the one who got beat up by said 'dead last'. Heh heh." Naruto countered.
"Why you..."
"Calm down, Kiba. Anyway congradulations, Naruto." Said Asuma, walking up to the group with his squad.
"Thanks, Asuma sensei." Naruto replied.
"Yea, gongrats." Said Choji and Ino.
"Thanks, guys. Uh, did all you guys want something?" Naruto asked, curious why he was suddenly the center of attention.
"Oh I just thought I'd treat you to some ramen, nice gloves by the way. Those a gift from Kakashi?" Kurenai asked.
"Yea, they're awesome. And ramen would be great, thanks." Naruto replied.
"No problem. Oh, here. It's a book on using and dispelling Genjutsu. It could come in handy one day." Said Kurenai, as she handed him a book.
"Thanks, Kurenai sensei. I'll try my best with what I can learn from it."
"Heheh. That's good."
"Well since Kurenai gave you your gift, how about I give you yours now. Here." Said Asuma, pulling out a '10 x 3' inch box.
"Sure. What is it?" Naruto asked, taking the box.
"Shikamaru got a chakra dagger. It obsorbs the wielder's chakra. Your's are more like my trench knives. Since your a 'Wind' type, I figured you could have a real good use for it. Just concentrate you 'Wind' chakra while your fighting, and you'd be an even more formidable than you are now." Asuma explained, as Naruto opened the box and tried on his new weapons.
"Ah wow! This is awesome! Thanks, Asuma sensei!" Said Naruto, throwing a few punches in the air to get a feel for his knives.
"Heh heh. No problem, kid. Anyway the ramen is on you, right Kurenai?" Asuma asked, turning towards Kurenai.
"Yea, but only Naruto's and my Squad's. You're paying for you and your squads. Heheh." Said Kurenai. With that the group went and ate some ramen.
Well, that's it for this chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed this one. Anyway, next chapter starts a new mission. But first a small conversation. Curious yet? Well you'll find it satisfied after the next update. Anyway, thank you and please review.
