Sorry for late update! My hand got injured while I was cleaning our windows, it was painful! Fortunately it's fine now. For those who were asking this story will only have three chapters depicting Naruto and Hinata's life after Neji's death (Yeah it has been two years but I'm still not over his death). For anyone who wanted to know, yes I am new here but that does not mean that I'm new in writing Naruto fanfictions, I just upload it in different sites and now I can't find some of it ( because I was stupid and thought that I was never good enough to post something here in FF – there are so many great authors). Even though I still think like that, I just want to share my stories here. I'm rambling sorry. Let's go on with the story.
Note: this chapter would be a little Naruto-centric.
Disclaimer: NO I do not own Naruto if I did SS and NH would be canon by now. It's been ten years since I had been shipping them. My heart can't go on much longer. Kishi please!
The sky was clear and the sun was bright - a perfect setting for the most important event of Naruto's life as a shinobi. As he walked to the unfamiliar streets of the newly renovated Konoha, he observed that many people have already gathered around the Hokage tower waiting for the event to start. He continued his journey and overheard some of the conversations of his fellow ninjas. He was glad to hear their joyous laughter about seeing their friends and families again after the painful war that they've been through. He smiled, happy that this event let people forget the time of sadness for the past several weeks.
'What a nice feeling.' Naruto thought as he reached the entrance of the tower.
The two ninja guards, namely Izumo and Kotetsu, opened the door for him. They greeted him with so much respect and enthusiasm that it made him ecstatic. Naruto gave them his signature thumbs up and his warmest smile and blabbering bout how he's going to be the best Hokage that Konoha had ever seen. It's that one thing that will never change about him.
He looked at his clock and noticed that there was only fifteen minutes left before the ceremony starts. He ran onto the flight of stairs as fast as he could. When another group of shinobi tried to congratulate him, he just waved and smiled.
Luckily, he got there on time and saw both of his team mates at the door leading to the top floor, their scowls prominent. Sakura and Sasuke were already waiting for him, ready to go and call him if he didn't show up on time.
"Sakura-chan! Sasuke-teme!" He approached his best friends.
"Naruto! You idiot! There's only few minutes left! Where have you been?" Sakura scolded. She was irritated by his lack of sense of time at this moment.
"Sorry Sakura-chan. Many people tried to approach me and... and..." He tried to explain his self as best as he could but Sasuke intercepted him.
"Leave it Sakura. Let's just go. The dobe probably did something stupid again." Sasuke said with a hint of playful mockery.
"What did you said? You're just jealous that I-" Naruto was intercepted again but it was Sakura this time.
"Don't start bickering will you? I'm going to be a little kinder since it's your special day" Sakura took their arms and led them both to the top floor.
Naruto felt agitated when he saw all the people who were there to witness the ceremony. He didn't notice that both of his team mates had left him to stand with the others - Kakashi, Yamato, Sai, and the rest of Konoha twelve with the exception of Hinata. His eyes tried to find her but Tsunade already started her speech.
"Today, I am leaving my position as the Hokage to Uzumaki Naruto. We must be proud that a great shinobi will lead this village. " Tsunade looked around and then she continued.
"I and all of the allied shinobi forces that his desire of peace and understanding will lead us to greater future. Thus, I giving to you the symbol of being a Hokage" Tsunade walked a little closer to Naruto and carefully handed the Hokage cloak and hat.
Naruto accepted it, feeling a little weird. He can't explain it but probably it was the best thing he ever felt in his life, to actually live your dream. Slowly, he put on the cloak and hat. He looked at Tsunade and she nodded. It was his turn.
"First of all, I would like to thank all the people who helped me become who I am right now without them I'd be nothing. Thank you for my mother and my father who gave me the most unconditional love a son could ever receive. Thank you to Kakashi-sensei for teaching me the beauty of friendship. Thank you to my team mates for keeping me in line and teaching me what is really important. Thank you to Jiraiya-sensei for everything you have done for me." His voice was a little heartbroken at mentioning the names of those who were not breathing anymore. He continued despite the sadness in his heart.
"Thank you to Neji who had sacrificed his life and protected me. I will be forever grateful for what he has done. I will make sure that I will be able to live his dream for the Hyuuga Clan." Naruto stopped and looked around. He needed to see her now and stand by her side once again. When he saw her there, standing with the other clan representatives, he immediately moved beside her. A lot of people were surprised by his action but they never worded a reaction. He took her hand and with the swiftest movement they were at the center of the rooftop where he had been moments ago.
He looked at her. His heart fluttered when he saw her smile at him. Slowly, he reached for her hand inviting her to him. He gave her that same look when he touched her hand during the war. It was gentle, soothing, and loving – all at once. When he felt her hand trembled, he squeezed it tenderly as if trying to say that there's nothing to be afraid of.
Then he looked at the people below, he can tell that everyone who had watched their interaction giggled and cooed, murmuring how they look great together. It was at that moment that Naruto decided to speak once again.
"Lastly, I want you all to meet Hinata! She saved me so many times that I can't keep track anymore. From the very beginning, she supported me although I'm too dumb to realize that." He chuckled. He looked into her beautiful lavender eyes once again. "I'm so grateful to her. If not for her, I wouldn't even be here alive. I would have been succumbed by darkness." His smile never faltered. Then he continued.
"Now with their honor, I vow to protect this village with my life. We will have peace with every nation. We will now be able to understand each other, ending the cycle of hatred between villages. The children and citizens of Konoha will no longer feel the pain of war." He assured.
"And lastly, I will be the greatest Hokage. Believe it!" He shouted the last sentence loud and clear to all the people who were there.
"Naruto-kun you'll be." She cheered.
The people applauded and shouted their praises for the new Hokage. After that, they both waved their good bye. They turned their backs and faced the clan representatives. The Nara, Inuzuka, Akimichi, Aburame, Yamanaka, and even the Uchiha clan, which is a one man clan at the moment, had bowed and paid respect for Naruto. They told him that they will do anything as best as they can to protect him and the village. The last clan representative was Hinata's father, Hiashi Hyuuga. Naruto and Hinata were surprised when he bowed so lowly and spoke to them.
"Please take care of the Hyuuga Clan and fulfill my nephew's dream. Our clan needs you Hokage-sama. And please…" Slowly, he stood straight. He looked at both of them. His face was stoic but his eyes betrayed his façade. He may try to hide it but everyone who was there can see it, he was worried for his daughter. "Please take care of Hinata. I have never been a good father to her so… make her happy for me."
"Sure I will. I never break a promise!" He said.
"Thank you. And also." He coughed falsely. "Her mother and I are waiting for your visit to formally take her hand in marriage." When he said that the scene suddenly became lighthearted and joyful.
"Father!" Hinata shouted. She was blushing madly.
"Um ye-yeah. That sounds great." Naruto stuttered. Not really knowing what to say. A light blush stained his cheeks.
"Well, I should take my leave." With that he was gone, leaving the pair alone.
Naruto cleared his throat and spoke.
"That was unexpected." He said then laughed. "but I think I should! Right Hinata?"
Hinata blushed even more. She promised herself that she would never faint in front of Naruto ever again but she can't handle it. She was on the verge of fainting. It was like asking her to marry him.
"Ma-maybe it's not the time yet Naruto-kun. We should talk about it first before we…." Hinata was then intercepted by Naruto.
"I know Hinata. I was just joking!" He said a little too playfully.
Hinata misunderstood what he said completely. She thought that he was just joking about marrying her someday. She lowered her head and tried not to cry in front of him.
When he saw her reaction to what he said, he immediately corrected himself.
"Hinata… I was joking about the marriage thing… I mean I was joking about formally going there because I know it's too early. What I'm trying to say is I'm serious about marrying you someday." He said as fast as he could. He definitely did not want to make her upset.
Hinata looked up to him, feeling utterly stupid. He cupped her cheeks and touched her lids tenderly. She closed her eyes and muttered an apology.
"Well, that's my Hinata." He said while trying to stop her tears from falling.
She giggled when Naruto hugged her tightly. His right arm clasped around her waist and his left hand cradling her head.
"Well, that's my Naruto." She said, her voice sounded happy.
"How 'bout we go on a date?" he whispered.
"Right now?" she asked.
"Yeah, 'cause you know I will probably going to be very busy after this and we won't have much time to each other." He explained, trying not to sound too downcast about the idea.
"of course I will go with you! How can I reject a date from Hokage-sama?"
"Yup. You can't. You love this Hokage too much."
He kissed her forehead before giving space between them. Then, he intertwined their fingers again and walked toward the exit. Unbeknown to them, a certain pink-haired kunoichi was a little jealous of their very sweet interaction. She was jealous because she wished that a certain uchiha wouldn't be so serious.
Yey! I gave you some fluff because the first chapter was so dramatic. Did you enjoy the cute NH interaction? That's my headcanon for them. They'll be playful but sweet to each other. Have a nice day everyone!