A/N: The Wave Arc is officially over! Now a few things need to be taken care of. Then Gaara and his siblings will show up, signifying the start of the Chunin Exams Arc.
Chapter 12: The Big Reveal
The Village Hidden in the Leaves was in sight for the travelers. Kakashi had gone on ahead, saying he need to get back to his team quickly. "We're home!" Kiba shouted.
"Yeah, home," Naruto mumbled too low for anyone to hear as he hung back. Home, where everyone hated at him for something he had no control over. Where all the glare and resentment was aimed right at him. After spending some time in the Wave, where people greeted him with a smile and kindness, he dreaded returning.
All too soon for his taste, they passed through the gate and headed for the Hokage's office. Once there, Kurenai gave the mission report and explained Haku's presence. "Yes, Kakashi told me about him when he returned. So, you wish to join our ranks?" Haku nodded. "Hmm. You'll have to spend some time at the academy, but since you've already received training, you'll only have to be there a few months. You will join the other genin who failed the True Genin test the first time around and get assigned a team as afterwards. If you pass, you'll become a genin."
"Woah, Haku's a lot stronger than a genin. Trust me, I know," Hinata argued.
"Kakashi filled me in on some of his abilities, including his bloodline. Still, there are procedures that must be followed. You'll also have to spend a few sessions with Ibiki for security reasons. I'm afraid there's no alternative."
"It's fine." Haku assured. "Will I be confined?"
"No, but you will be monitored for a while. We can't risk anything."
"Understood. Thank you, Lord Hokage." Haku bowed and Hiruzen smiled. He was eager to have the boy, and not just because of his kekkei genkai. Though he could see why Kakashi made it adamant Haku was a boy. He looked quite feminine.
"He's expecting you now. The ANBU will escort you." As he said that, one appeared and lead Haku away.
Hinata leaned into Naruto's ear and asked if he had his prank worked out. He blushed, but not because of Hinata's closeness. It was because of how embarrassing a prank Kiba came up with. He managed a nod though. Once they received payment, Kurenai told them they had the rest of the day off and to be at the training ground at 7 tomorrow. As her students left, she stayed in the Hokage's office to speak about the incident at the bridge.
-
The trio went over to Ichiraku for some lunch. Afterwards, Hinata left, tell them her father has likely learned of her return and was waiting for her at the compound. "We gotta go too," Kiba told her.
Naruto looked confused. "We do?"
"If you want Yuki there to be your pet, we need to take him over to sis for a check up and to have him registered," Kiba explained. Naruto nodded. Luckily Hana liked him just like her mother. "Hey, maybe you can put him in your jacket like I do sometimes with Akamaru here." He showed him by taking Akamaru from the table and putting him in his coat with just his head and front paws sticking out. "Though most of the time he prefers my head. Try it."
Naruto did, lowering the zipper on his jacket slightly and putting Yuki in. He seemed comfortable. "Later guys," Hinata said as she ran off home. But when she was halfway there, from out of the shadows came Sasuke. Hinata sighed. "Really? Didn't we already go through this? Let me guess, you're here to insult Naruto, I get mad, kick your ass, then leave, right?" Hinata started to walk away, not wanting to waste her time on him.
Sasuke nearly growled at the memory, but suppressed the urge. "I simply want to tell you want you want to know. About Naruto's little secret and why the village hates him."
Hinata stopped. She wondered if this was a trick, or if he was lying. But curiosity got the better of her, so she turned around and gave him her attention. "Make it quick. And don't lie to me, or I'll be angry. And believe me, you won't like me when I'm angry."
"It has to do with the day he was born. I'm sure you know what I mean."
Hinata nodded. October 10, the day the Nine-Tailed Fox attacked the village. Everyone knew of that infamous day. She wondered what he was getting at. 'Is he saying Naruto is hated because he was born on the same day the Nine-Tails struck? That his birth was the reason for the attack or something?' "If that's the big secret, quite wasting my time. I already know."
Sasuke shook his head. "Oh, but you don't know this. Turns out, the Fourth Hokage couldn't kill the mighty fox. What we were told was actually a lie." Hinata frowned, causing Sasuke to smirk. "What really happened, was the Fourth sealed it away."
"Seal it in what?" Hinata asked while wondering what this had to do with Naruto.
"Not what, who." Hinata's eyes widened in realization. "That's right, our timid little mouse is actually a fox." Of course, Sasuke didn't believe Naruto was the Nine-Tails itself. Nor was he afraid of him. But it didn't matter what he thought. What mattered was driving a wedge between the two.
Hinata looked at the Uchiha angrily. "How dare you try and feed me this bullshit story!"
Sasuke expected this. "Ask Ino. She's the one who told me, and I doubt she'd make something like this up. And when you finally realise your Naruto is not who you think he is, just remember who opened your eyes." Hinata just huffed and ran home. Sasuke started to walk off, not noticing the bug flying off him and rounding the corner to it's master.
Hinata arrived home, still not believing what she heard. 'Seriously Sasuke, an unbelievable story like that? Am I supposed to buy it? Oh I'll talk to Ino alright, and when this mess is cleared up…' Her train of thought stopped when she saw her father waiting for her. "Father," she said, deciding to bow to speed things along.
Hiashi nodded, glad to see Hinata show some respect, though more likely she wanted to get this over with quickly. "Hinata, I heard about your mission. It seems you performed, adequately." 'Still, to have encountered a rogue jonin twice, not to mention someone like Zabuza Momochi, and survive is impressive. Good work, daughter. Hinata wait for the inevitable... "But," and there it is, "I was told you did not stick to our clan's taijutsu."
"It was necessary," Hinata argued.
"Perhaps that is because you are not yet proficient enough. Your skills in the Gentle Fist only surpass that of your sister due to age and experience, and you are not yet at Neji's level." Hinata sighed. "But before we get to that, we must talk about your teammate, the Uzumaki." Hinata frowned, wondering what her father had to say. It was asking too much to think he had suddenly changed his opinion about her blond crush. As he led his daughter to his office, Hiashi's thoughts turned to 'I pray Lord Third never learns of what I'm about to do.' "As you know, he is, not held in high regard amongst the villagers."
'Now Father's gonna tell me why people hate him? At least maybe now I can learn the truth. Take that Sasuke!'
"There's no easy way to say this, so I'll get straight to the point. When the Nine-Tails attacked the village, the Fourth Hokage seal the demon away inside a child, Naruto."
'What! Now you're telling me that too?' "Is this some plot you and Sasuke cooked up? Cause he just told me the same thing not too long ago." Hinata said, crossing her arms.
Hiashi was surprised, something Hinata noticed. 'How'd the Uchiha find out? No matter, at least if I'm found out, I can say Hinata already knew.' "I was unaware that the young Uchiha had informed you of this. Nevertheless, it does not change the fact that it is true. Naruto holds one of the most powerful beings in him, and he is dangerous to be around. Originally, he was suppose to be on Sasuke's team since his Sharingan can possibly subdue the beast long enough to be resealed should it ever get out. Now that you know, I trust you'll take the appropriate steps."
Hinata didn't answer. She just balled her fists and walked out, not bothering to wait for permission. She left the compound, only to run into Shino. "We need to meet with the others," he said.
-
Naruto walked toward his home alone. Hana had asked to keep Yuki overnight and for him to return tomorrow. Kiba was walking with him when Choji came and told Kiba to follow him. When Kiba asked what this was about, the Akimichi heir said he didn't know, just that Shino wanted to talk to him. Naruto asked to come along, but Choji told him it was private, so now he was walking alone. Luckily, the villagers stopped ambushing him when he was alone. Apparently now that he was a shinobi, they figured they'd let the enemy deal with the 'demon brat'.
He arrived at his apartment, only to see Sasuke in front of it. "W-what do y-you w-want, Sasuke?" Naruto asked, trying to sound brave, but failing.
Inside him, the Nine-Tails scoffed at Naruto's behavior. "You faced an two chunin, a kekkei genkai user of exceptional skill, and an elite jonin not that long ago! How can a mere genin scare you?" the fox yelled.
"What, I'm not allowed to visit? I'm hurt," Sasuke sarcastically remarked.
"J-just leave m-me a-alone," Naruto said as he quickly rushed past him to the door.
"Just hold on a sec, Foxboy." Naruto froze. "That's right, I know all about your big secret. To be honest, it makes no difference to me. Demon or no demon, you're still a loser. Nothing will change that." Naruto actually sighed in relief. Even if he and Sasuke would never be friends, he'd rather have Sasuke treat him like this than fear him for the fox. "Can't say the same for Hinata though."
Naruto looked at the Uchiha horrified. "Y-you… you didn't…"
"Oh I did," Sasuke said with a smirk. "Ino knows too. No doubt all your other so called friends will find out and soon." He walked over to the boy and leaned toward his left ear. "Normally, I wouldn't have bothered with you. Yes, I insulted you a few times, but I find you to be beneath me. But you got in my way with Hinata, forcing me to lower myself in order to ensure her rightful future at my side." He pulled away walked off.
Naruto opened the door and rushed to bed, all sorts of thoughts rushing through his head. 'What now? Will they hate me too? Will they treat me like the plague?' His thought turned towards his best friend. 'Hinata, what will you think of me?'
-
Shino and the other rookies, minus Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, were outside the academy, by the lone swing on the tree. The sun was low, giving the sky a yellow orange glow. Since it was late, no one else was there. "I assume, you are all wondering why I asked you all here." All of them nodded except Hinata, who knew what this was about. She looked like something was bothering her. Something that upset her. "First, how many of you know Naruto's secret?"
They were surprised by the question, but even more surprised when Hinata, Ino, and Shikamaru raised their hands. "Who told you?" Ino asked.
"No one," Shikamaru answered. "I figured it out shortly before we graduated. Confronted my dad about it. The look on his face said everything. Figured it'd be troublesome to reveal it without Naruto's permission, so I kept my mouth shut." He turned to Choji. "Sorry about that."
Choji just ate another chip. "I get it. It wasn't your secret to reveal."
"Well, now I believe is the time to reveal it," Shino said. "After all, if he doesn't, Sasuke will."
"W-what makes you think my Sasuke knows?" Ino asked nervously, not looking anyone in the eye.
Hinata kept quiet, an angry look on his face, so Shino answered instead. "I overheard him tell Hinata, and mentioned that you could attest to it." Hinata looked at Shino in surprise, but then nodded, confirming what he said was true.
"Can we get to telling us the secret already!" Kiba demanded as he gestured to himself and Choji. "Cause apparently we're the only ones left out of the loop."
So they told them what they knew, about Naruto carrying the Nine-Tails around. Needless to say they were not expecting that. Kiba's mouth hung open while Choji dropped his chips. Ino was nervous the whole time and Hinata still hadn't said a word, much to everyone's surprise.
"That's… that's…" Kiba tried to speak but was at a loss for words.
"I don't think I could ever look at him the same," Ino admitted, drawing all eyes on her. "I know he's not the fox, but there's so much we don't know. What affect does this have on him? Could he be influenced by it? Is he even safe to be around?"
"Naruto is Naruto, no matter what," Everyone turned toward Hinata, who finally spoke. Her voice was firm, she would not be swayed.
But Ino tried anyway. "Hinata, I don't want to believe Naruto is dangerous, but…"
"But nothing!" Hinata shouted. "I'm his teammate and not once has he shown any sign of that thing in him. Right Kiba!" She turned to her other teammate, only to see unease on his face, which confused her.
"Um, actually, I think something did happen. Back on the bridge, when you were unconscious and we thought you died, Naruto got angry and shouted that he'd kill Haku, then this red aura flared up. I think it was chakra, but it felt… frightening." Akamaru whimpered at the memory as Kiba continued. "I didn't see much, since Kakashi-sensei told me to leave, but I got a look at Naruto, and he didn't seem like himself. Kakashi-sensei told me what I saw was a genjutsu, but now, I think he used the fox's power."
"See," Ino said. "As much as I hate to admit it, Naruto does carry a risk. I'm not saying we should act like everyone else, but…"
"You want us to be afraid of him?" Hinata said in disbelief.
"Look, I told you I don't enjoy this, but we have to face facts," Ino argued. She wasn't happy with what she was saying, but she couldn't ignore this. "Kiba said it himself, Naruto succumbed to the fox before. How do we know he won't do it again?"
"For all we know, it really could have been a genjutsu," Hinata countered.
"It wasn't." The rookies jumped as they turned to the source of the voice. Up on one of the tree branches was Haku, in his hunter nin attire, minus the mask of course.
"Hey, who are you?" Choji asked.
"That's Haku," Hinata answered.
"Wait, you're the one Naruto said he'd kill?" Ino asked.
"Corrected, and try he did. Almost succeeded, until Lord Zabuza saved my life."
"Who?" Choji asked.
Hinata and Kiba explained how Zabuza was hired to kill the old man they were protecting and Haku use to work for him, then quickly explained that Zabuza had a change of heart, sort of, and helped kill Gato. Now Haku was in the process of becoming a Leaf shinobi. "As I was saying, what you saw Kiba wasn't a genjutsu. Naruto believed I had killed his most precious person and lost himself, giving his demon power over him."
"See, the Nine-Tails does have power over him." Hinata glared at Ino, who shut up.
"I believe that is only in moments of intense anger, however," Haku assured.
"Um, that doesn't exactly fill me with confidence," Choji admitted. "Sorry, but given how he was treated, it's amazing he hasn't gone on a killing spree already."
"As troublesome as it is, Choji's got a point."
"Naruto never hated the villagers." Hinata said, "Hell, his dream is to become Hokage so he can give them his protection, as undeserving of it as they are."
"Yes, his ability to forgiven their wrongs is truly unique." Haku agreed. "Because of that, I believe instances like what happened on the bridge will not come often."
"But they will come, right?" Ino asked. Haku didn't say anything, but the look on his face was answer enough. "Hinata, I know you care about Naruto but see reason." But Hinata just held up her hand. She would not listen anymore. She turned away and walked off. Ino sighed and left for home herself.
Shikamaru sighed. "Things are gonna be troublesome for a while. What a drag."
"Agreed," Shino said.
"So, what now Shikamaru? How do we act?" Choji asked, looking to his best friend for guidance.
"I can't make that decision for you Choji. I've had plenty of time to think up the many different scenarios involving Naruto and the Nine-Tails. I've made my decision, now you have to make yours." Choji sighed. "What about you, Shino. What do you make of all this?"
"While logically there is danger in his condition, I choose to wait until that danger shows itself to address it." Shikamaru nodded. He was thinking along the same lines. As far as they were concerned, until they saw any sign of Naruto falling to the fox, they'd treat him no differently than before. Choji decided he need time to think before he came to a decision. Same with Kiba.
-
"Hinata!" Hinata stopped roof hopping and turned toward Haku, who had been following her. "It good to see that you still value Naruto."
"Of course I do. Nothing will ever change that," Hinata said with conviction.
Haku smiled. "Good. Though I have known him only a short amount of time, I feel as though we share a bond. Perhaps it's because we both experienced the same pain. The pain of loneliness and having no purpose at one point in our lives."
"It does annoy me though that Naruto didn't tell me," she admitted.
"You have to look at it from his point of view. He was outcasted for something he had no control over. And because so many of them view him with distain for that one thing, it made him hesitant to share it, for fear of losing what he has gained. My mother was similar. Though she loved my father with all her heart, she did not tell him of her bloodline for fear of losing him. A fear that later proved to be accurate."
"I… guess that makes sense." Haku was about to leave when Hinata spoke. "Hey, Haku?" Haku turned back toward her and saw a sad look on the young Hyūga's face. "You said, that Naruto changed because he thought I died, right?" Haku nodded. "Does that mean, that it was my fault?"
"There's no point in placing fault. You did what you did to protect him. If anything, the fault is my own for throwing the senbon." Hinata felt relieved, but Haku wasn't done. "However, do not underestimate how important you are to him."
"What do you mean?" Hinata asked.
"I told you, back on the bridge, that Naruto was loyal to you above all else. You saved him from his hell just as Zabuza saved me from mine. You are his most precious person. And while you may never truly understand just how much you mean to him, the fact remains that if anything ever happened to you, he would be devastated, something the fox demon would no doubt take advantage of." Haku turned away and left.
Hinata stood there for a sec before racing off to her destination once more.
-
Naruto poured boiling water into the chicken ramen cup. He tried to take a nap to calm himself down after what Sasuke told him, but that just gave him nightmares. He recently woke up and decided some ramen would be better. As he waited, he wondered how Hinata reacted. 'I guess the fact that she hasn't come after me is a good sign.'
Just then, someone was knocking on his door. "Naruto? It's me, Hinata."
Naruto stubbled. Hinata was here. 'Is she here to talk about fox? Is she gonna yell at me?'
"Hey, Naruto, you home?"
Naruto considered pretending he wasn't but then he remembered Hinata's Byakugan. She could see if he was in there if she wanted to. Sighing in defeat, Naruto called out, "O-one second." He slowly made his way to the door and let her in,
"Thanks. Where's Yuki?" Hinata asked. She wasn't sure how to bring up the subject of the fox so she figured she'd start with some small talk.
"Oh, um, H-Hana said s-she had to k-keep him overnight, ya know," Naruto answered. 'Maybe Sasuke was just messing with me.' A ding reminded him of his meal. "Oh, um, w-want something?"
Hinata shook her head. "Nah, I gotta head back for dinner soon. I just figured I'd spend sometime here."
"Oh, w-well come in." Naruto moved to the side and allowed Hinata to enter.
'Ha, if Father heard I was in a boy's house alone with him…' She broke her train of thought and sat at Naruto's small dining table. He followed shortly and sat across from her, chopsticks and ramen in hand. "Hey, um, ran into that jerk Sasuke earlier today."
Naruto froze mid slurp, noodles hanging out of his mouth. 'So Sasuke did talk to her!' Finishing his noodles, he nervously asked, "W-what did he want?"
"Oh, he was trying to separate us me this crazy story about you. I wasn't buying it, so I left, not wanting to waste anymore of my time."
Naruto nearly sighed with relief. 'She doesn't believe him!'
Hinata almost frowned at the relieved look on his face, but remember what Haku said. "Anyway, I got home, where my father was waiting for me. He said I was adequate."
"B-but you were g-great!" Naruto argued.
"Thanks, but I learned a long time ago Father isn't one to say 'Good job!' or 'You did great!'. In fact, any verbal acknowledgement is rare in itself. Usually he just nods if I did good and frowns if I didn't meet his expectations." Hinata assured. "Anyway, he was disappointed that I didn't rely on the Gentle Fist, so he's probably gonna have me train with him more." Naruto nodded. Unfortunately, this meant she wouldn't be around as much. "But before he dismissed me, he told me something strange."
"W-what?" Naruto asked as ate more ramen.
"He told me the same story Sasuke told me." Naruto choked on his food and spilled his ramen. Hinata quickly ran behind him to give him the Heimlich maneuver. Naruto spat out some chicken. "Shit, sorry Naruto. I was trying to subtly bring the subject up, but forget it, I'll just say it. I know the Nine-Tails is inside you and I don't care! You hear me, I don't care!" Hinata told him as he caught his breathe.
"You… you don't?" Naruto said surprised.
"No. You're still you." Hinata said as she moved him to couch. "The only thing that upset me about it was the fact that you didn't tell me. How long have you known?"
"S-since graduation. M-Mizuki-sensei t-tricked me into s-stealing an important s-scroll, telling me I'd g-graduate if I did. It's h-how I l-learned the Shadow Clone Jutsu. B-before he t-tried to k-kill me, he told m-me about the fox." Naruto stared at the ground. "Um, b-by the way, d-do you think the o-other know now?"
"Well, yeah, the others know. Except maybe Sakura. I doubt Sasuke would have a reason to tell her."
Naruto sighed. "Sasuke t-told them too, huh."
"Not… quite." Hinata said. "Shino asked the others to meet at the academy. Apparently, Shikamaru figured it out. Gotta admit, he may be lazy, but he's definitely a genius. Shino overheard Sasuke tell me, and Ino knew too. In fact, she's the one who told Sasuke."
"W-what? Why w-would she…"
"Ino may be our friend, but she's also a major fangirl. She's second only to Sakura. She'd do almost anything to be with him," Hinata said with a sigh. She really wasn't happy with Ino. First she tells Sasuke Naruto's secret, despite knowing that Sasuke never liked Naruto, then she says we need to be afraid of him for something he never had a choice in? No, she definitely wasn't gonna be speaking with her for awhile. "Don't worry, if they are your true friends, they won't care either. Besides, you'll always have me."
"T-thanks Hinata." Naruto said with a small smile. 'Maybe it won't be so bad.'
"So, any other surprises for me? I mean it can't be bigger than the Nine-Tails, right?" Hinata asked.
"Um, t-there is this one," Naruto said, tapping his index fingers together. "B-but Lord Third told me n-not to tell anyone."
"Oh, now you soooo gotta tell me now!" Hinata said leaning closer.
The boy started to blush deep red. "Um, w-why d-don't I t-tell you another t-time, o-ok?" Hinata pouted but agreed. Enough of Naruto's secrets were revealed for today. She'd get it out of him one day. A devious smile crept to her face as she thought of how to extract the info, which creeped Naruto out. "Um, t-there is one thing, b-but you can't tell s-sensei, or t-the Hokage,"
"Ooh, a secret just for me. Don't I feel special," Hinata teased. "Lay it on me."
"Um, well, w-when we were on the bridge…"
"I already know the truth about what happened while I was unconscious. Haku told me."
"Oh, well, a-after that, I sorta m-met the fox."
Hinata looked at him in shock. "You met the fox? Really? How big was he? What did he look like? Did he really have nine tails? Did you speak to him?"
"Y-yeah, h-he told me he d-didn't like me, but h-he'd keep me alive, b-because of w-what would happen to him."
"He better not let anything happen to you! Hear that fox! If anything happens to my Naruto, I'll find you and kick your ass!"
"Ooh, I'm so scared!" the Nine-Tails remarked sarcastically in Naruto's head. "Hmph, you humans sure like talking big."
Hinata noticed Naruto winced and asked what's the matter. "Um, h-he's um, in my head too," he answered nervously.
To his surprise, Hinata didn't seem fazed. "So, you've a killer fox talking in your head. Must be troublesome." Hinata frowned, which worried Naruto until she said, "Gah, now I sound like Shikamaru!" See looked at the clock. "Oh crude, look at the time! I gotta get home for dinner!"
As Hinata made her way to the door, Naruto asked, "S-so you r-really don't m-mind? A-about the fox?"
Hinata stopped before the door, walked over to Naruto, and did something unexpected. She kissed his cheek and whispered, "Believe it." before running out the door and shutting it. Hinata leaned back against the door, face all red. 'I can't believe I did that!' she thought. Then she heard thud from inside. 'Guess he couldn't believe it either.' As she raced home, she thought about the young jinchuriki and what Haku told her. 'I need to get stronger, so what happened to you on the bridge never happens again! No matter what, I'll protect you, even from the fox inside you. Because you're precious to me too.'
-
Shino: I didn't have that many lines.
Alpha: You are impossible to please. You know that, right.
Shino: I wish to stand out.
Alpha: You do stand out. You're not a nameless character.
Shino: People keep forgetting my name.
Naruto: I hadn't seen you in over two years! And most of you was covered! Excuse me if you weren't easy to recognize!
Alpha: He's got you there. Plus, you know he's not the most observant person.
Shino: True.
Naruto: Hey!
Alpha:Anyway, now that that's out of the way, I can get to the meeting with the Sand Siblings and some drama for the exams.
