Wantanabe Yuji stood quietly to the side of the training area. His students were practicing advanced tricks with shuriken and kunai. Yuji couldn't help but laugh at the antics of his students. Kiba was constantly scanning the roads while Naruto and Hinata smiled at each other when they thought no one was looking. The first time Yuji noticed Kiba's increased awareness; the Jonin quietly asked about it.
"Civilian Fangirls!" The Inuzuka shuddered. "Next time I see the Uchiha, I'm going to apologize for laughing at his horrible burden."
Wantanabe laughed again. Despite his amusement, he was focused on his students. They were becoming proficient in the wired-shuriken techniques. Team 4 would likely never be able to pull off some of the feats an Uchiha with the Sharingan could, but they would be beyond most others. In a moment of vanity, he admitted that his students had an incredible amount of potential. He was proud to be their teacher.
"Excellent work. Let's take five minutes before we head to the Tower for a mission."
The Team acknowledged their sensei and moved to rest. Yuji walked over to the Genin as they did their cool down exercises.
"Naruto-kun and Hinata-chan, I feel now is a good time for you to explain the story behind your 'creative' way of meeting curfew."
The two Genin in question blushed and laughed nervously. "We, uh, lost track of time up on the Hokage Monument." Naruto admitted.
Hinata cast her eyes towards the ground. She looked bashful, but there was no denying her smile. "It was hard to move around Konoha, especially dressed up. We got within sight of the Compound with five minutes to spare. I… I didn't think we were going to make it. I really didn't want to think what my father's reaction would be."
"Luckily I planned for that. I hid two small logs near the wall. We used body replacement and got back on time."
Kiba shifted as Akamaru crawled into his jacket. "Praise the Log?"
"Praise the Log." Naruto intoned with mock reverence.
The Jonin-sensei chuckled. "You can practice your religion on your own time. Let's get a mission."
"I hope we aren't painting houses or chasing after that evil cat." Hinata pouted.
Akamaru barked in agreement. "Ain't that the truth! What mission do you think we'll get, Naruto?"
"Huh? Oh, right. Sorry, I was distracted." Naruto responded finally to Kiba's question. He saw the Inuzuka's raised eyebrow. "Hey, blame Hinata-chan for being so cute! Anyway, we'll probably get something like walking civilian dogs or moving packages."
Kiba was teasing Naruto and Hinata about the step they had taken in their relationship. Naruto suddenly gaped and pointed towards the gates.
"No way!" The rest of Team Four watched as Naruto rushed over to the Gates. "Oi! Sasuke, why is your team at the Gates?"
The Uchiha smirked. "Team Seven has a C-rank mission! We're going to escort some bridge builder to Wave Country!"
"If Kakashi-sensei ever shows up!" Sakura moaned.
Yuji let the teams speak for a moment. His Genin had trained hard this morning, even after staying out late at the festival. He was especially proud that the kids had trained without complaint.
Kiba approached Sasuke. "Hey, Sasuke, I'd like to apologize for something."
"Hn?" Sasuke was so shocked he couldn't even say a word.
"Yeah, I never knew the horrors of Fangirls until last night. I apologize for making light of the terrors you experienced in the Academy."
The Last Uchiha was still stunned. "Apology accepted, I guess. If you need places to hide from them, I'll tell you when I get back."
Kiba nodded. The two were now allies against a mortal and terrifying foe. Hinata and Sakura were off to the side talking about the festival.
"And then Sasuke-kun took me to a dock on the Uchiha grounds to watch the fireworks."
Hinata couldn't help but smile at the look in Sakura's eyes. "Naruto-kun and I watched the fireworks from the top of the Hokage monument."
The girls chatted away and off to the side, Naruto and Shino were conversing about the mission. "Man, you guys are so lucky! We're stuck with D-ranks until Yuji-sensei thinks we're ready."
"I will confess that I believe it may be too soon for us to undertake this mission. However, I am confident in our individual abilities."
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, I just hope we get one soon. I mean, Team Four has been training a whole bunch. I know we can handle a C-rank."
"FINALLY!" Sakura shrieked as Kakashi and Tazuna appeared further down the street.
Kakashi cast a quick glance at Naruto. The blond couldn't see the man's face under his mask, but he swore Kakashi was smiling. "Sorry we're late. You see, Tazuna and I were walking past the museum this morning when a saber-toothed tiger escaped from his icy prison! We had to run and were only saved when Tazuna offered it some sake! The cat got drunk and went to sleep! It was adopted by a little orphan girl who named him Snooples. The big cat had a change of heart and let us go!"
"LIAR!" Naruto, Sakura and Hinata all yelled at the same time.
Yuji sighed. "My apologizes, Kakashi-sempai."
The masked Jonin shook his head and made a quick hand sign. "Don't worry about it, Yuji. We're heading out. We'll have to catch up and trade stories later."
"I'd like that. Good luck, sempai."
Kakashi waved and lead Team Seven and their client out of the village. Naruto and Kiba looked in their teacher's direction and were about to ask if they could get a C-rank mission. However, there was something off with their teacher. It almost looked like Yuji-sensei and Kakashi-sensei had completed an entire conversation without words.
The Genin remained quiet as they entered the Hokage's Office. "Team Four reporting for a mission assignment, Hokage-sama."
The Hokage looked up and grinned. Mizuki was assisting the Hokage at the moment and barely managed to hide his distaste for the Jinchūriki and his lackeys. "Ah, it is good to see you all. I have only a few D-ranks left for today."
Before Mizuki could take the satisfaction in assigning Team Four a babysitting mission, the Hokage intervened. "The Hospital has a second shipment of Quinine that has just arrived. It is a small order so you should be able to undertake a second D-rank before the end of the day."
"We accept the mission, Hokage-sama. Team Four will return for a second mission soon."
The boys liked the idea of doing multiple D-ranks. Hopefully, this would allow them to undertake a C-rank soon. Naruto made use of his Kage Bunshins and this allowed the entire delivery to be transported in a single trip. Everyone was curious about the C-rank mission Team Seven had received. Yuji-sensei had been preparing to answer the inevitable questions all morning. He hadn't expected his team, especially Kiba, not to ask when they would get their own C-rank. They were showing incredible maturity.
"Wantanabe-sensei, will we have time for a second mission?" Yuji had expected that question from Naruto or Kiba, but not from Hinata.
"Yes, Hinata-chan. We have time." The Jonin smiled as he heard the two boys shout 'awesome'.
Team Four made their way to the Tower. Yūhi Kurenai led her Genin team of the twins Kenji and Miho, and Hibachi out of the Hokage's office.
"You guys just finish a mission, too?" Kiba asked Team Eight.
Hibachi nodded. "Heck yeah! It was actually interesting! We were the escort for a foreign merchant for the day!"
Kenji snorted. "All we did was escort him from his hotel to the bank and the Kuruma compound."
Naruto perked up. "What rank?"
The beautiful genjutsu mistress smiled at the other Genin team. "We did not leave the walls of Konoha, so it was only a D-rank."
Miho rolled on the balls of her feet. "I guess you heard about Team Seven's C-rank?"
"We saw them this morning before they left." Hinata mentioned idly.
Kurenai collected her Genin and the two teams parted. Team Four returned to the Hokage's office.
"Jiji! We finished the mission!" Naruto proudly announced.
Mizuki snarled at the blond. "Show some respect for your Hokage!"
"It is alright, Mizuki-san." The Hokage gently diffused the situation.
Wantanabe fought the urge to shake his head. "As my hyperactive Genin said, we have completed the delivery to the Hospital. Team Four would like to request a second mission."
Sarutobi nodded to Mizuki. The teacher cleared his throat. "There are only two missions left for the day. You can walk the dogs of the civilian merchants or babysit for the members of the civilian council."
"Dogs!" All three Genin said in unison. Akamaru yipped in agreement.
"Very well." Mizuki handed over the scroll to Wantanabe. "Good luck on your mission."
Team Four left the Office after bowing. The Sandaime relit his pipe.
"Mizuki-san, I believe you have done enough today. I thank you for your assistance."
Mizuki bowed. "You are welcome, Hokage-sama. Good evening."
The teacher left quickly and the Hokage turned his attention to the ANBU who was waiting outside the window.
"What is the situation?"
The Badger-masked ANBU entered the room. "As per the message Kakashi-sempai sent through Wantanabe-sempai, we sent a patrol along Team Seven's route. It is as we feared; Tazuma filed a false mission request. We secured two missing nins, the Demon Brothers."
"Where are the former Kiri ninja now?"
Badger inclined his head. "They are with Ibiki-san."
The Hokage flipped through the roster of available Jonin. There were only a few currently in Konoha. The Sandaime smiled as he saw the last name on the page he had just flipped to.
"Please summon Hyūga Kō. I have a mission for him."
"You know, this isn't a half bad way to end the day!" Kiba had taken the lead on the cell's final D-rank of the day.
Hinata rubbed a small black and white spotted dog behind the ears. "It is! What do you think Naruto-kun?"
"I'm with Hinata-chan. We trained a lot this morning and completed a valuable D-rank after lunch. This is a good way to wind down!" Naruto smiled at his teacher and teammates.
Kiba snapped out a few weird sounds and the mass of dogs turned left at the intersection. The young men and young woman happily conversed about a dozen different topics. All the while, their Jonin instructor was watching them. He was of two minds. One the one hand, he was incredibly proud of his students. They all possessed an amount of potential Wantanabe had trouble believing somehow. Above all, his team trusted and respected each other implicitly. Kiba and Hinata never wavered in their acceptance of Naruto's terrible burden. Those three would fight tooth and nail for each other. Each possessed the Will of Fire that the Hokage spoke of so fiercely.
That part of his mind considered his students ready.
The second part of his mind wasn't entirely sold. They had made incredible progress, certainly. However, they had several areas that needed work. He knew that Kakashi-sempai had his concerns about the sincerity of Team Seven's C-rank.
But, was the Copy-nin's concern born from lack of faith in the client or lack of faith in his team? He doubted it was the later. Hatake had never even passed a team before his current Genin. Yuji sighed and was almost wishing for a solo C-rank to clear his head.
"Ano, is everything alright Wantanabe-sensei?" Hinata asked while coaxing a small dog back to the mass of canines Team Four was walking.
"Everything is fine, Hinata-chan. I was merely thinking of how productive today has been."
"Oh, I hope we have met your expectations Wantanabe-sensei."
The teacher could only nod silently. Naruto and Kiba began returning the dogs to their owners. The task was completed quickly and Team Four began the walk back to the Hokage's Tower.
Kō entered the Hokage's office as ordered by the ANBU. The Hyūga couldn't believe he was already receiving his first solo Jonin mission.
"Sandaime-sama, I am reporting as ordered."
"Ah, it is good to see a Jonin with a sense of punctuality. I am sure that you have heard that Kakashi-san and Team Seven received a C-rank mission this morning."
Kō nodded. "I am aware, Hokage-sama." He was also aware that Naruto would be complaining the second he got home.
"Kakashi had his doubts about his client's sincerity. It seems that his prudence has borne fruit. Team Seven was engaged by two missing nin from Kiri. I have not received word from Team Seven in some time so I must assume they have been engaged by another enemy. You are to depart, immediately, for the Land of Waves to support Team Seven."
The freshly promoted Hyūga bowed to the Hokage. "Are there other objectives in addition to the original mission parameters, Hokage-sama?"
"Bring them back alive, Kō-san."
The Jonin bowed to the Hokage and departed immediately. He rushed home and collected his ninja gear. Kō wrote a quick note to Naruto informing of his mission and left some money. The Hyūga rushed through the Hidden Village of the Leaves and departed for the Land of Waves.
Hiruzen was celebrating his great, though temporary, victory over his hated enemy; paperwork! He was happily mixing paint when Team Four returned from their late mission.
"Good evening, Hokage-sama. Team Four reporting the successful completion of the dog walking mission." Wantanabe stated crisply.
The Hokage walked to his desk and handed out the payment for the mission. "I must commend you all for your efforts today. Very few teams complete two D-rank missions in the same day."
"My team is very diligent and driven, Sandaime-sama." The Jonin couldn't keep the pride from his voice.
The Third Hokage took a satisfied drag on his pipe. "Excellent. That will serve them well. I do believe you have all earned some rest for the evening."
"Thank you, Jiji!" Naruto had always liked Old Man Hokage. He would often wish he had more time just to visit him.
"You are welcome Naruto." The aging Kage smiled. Hinata and Kiba added their thanks. Sarutobi returned to his painting with a light in his eyes and a spring in his step.
This generation certainly has the Will of Fire.
"Huh, the lights are off…" Naruto said nonchalantly as he unlocked the door. He flipped the switch and immediately noticed the note on the counter.
Naruto, the Hokage gave me an urgent mission. Team Seven needs backup on their mission. They were engaged by a pair of missing-nin. Don't worry, I'm a Jonin now. I don't know how long I will be gone. Money for food is in the usual place. Behave while I'm gone! If you want, you can stay at the Compound. – Kō
"Nii-san got a mission! Oh man, Sasuke is going to hate being rescued by a Hyūga!" Naruto was proud of his older brother. He had to brag about this! Naruto quickly washed up and changed clothes. He'd do laundry tomorrow night. On his way out, he locked up.
The blond decided he was going to take the short cut and used his chakra to walk down the side of the apartment complex.
"Good evening, Naruto-san!" An older woman was walking up the stairs towards her apartment.
Naruto waved. "Good evening, Kikyo-san! How are you?"
The store clerk smiled. "Oh, I am fine. I thought you would be finished with your shinobi duties for today."
"I am! My team is awesome! We finished two D-rank missions in one day!"
Kikyo clasped her hands together. "Fantastic!" She then noticed that Naruto had cleaned up. "Are you headed to see Hinata-sama?"
The woman laughed as the young ninja blushed slightly. "I am. Kō-niisan got a special mission from the Hokage and had to leave earlier today. My original plans to hang out with nii-san kinda are out the window now."
"Did he? I will pray for his safe return." Kikyo said as she opened the door to her apartment.
Naruto waved vigorously. "Thank you, Kikyo-san! Have a great night!"
It was still early in the evening and the streets of Konoha were bustling. This was Naruto's favorite time to just walk through the city. There was an undeniable energy in Konoha. The blond loved Konoha. Unlike all the other major Shinobi villages, the civilians were allowed to mingle with the ninja. Naruto would have never gotten to enjoy talking to his non-ninja neighbors in Iwa or Tanigakure.
As he made his way to the Hyūga Compound, he simply listened to the sounds of Konoha and watched as the city went about her business. Naruto savored the smells of the restaurants and the other shops. The Jinchūriki saw a few places he was considering for his next date with Hinata-chan.
Naruto checked in with the guards and was greeted by Hanabi.
"Naruto-niisan! I thought you were looking forward to hanging out with Kō-san tonight!"
Naruto shook his head. "Nii-san got an important mission from the Hokage! He had to leave earlier today."
Hiashi's youngest daughter grabbed Naruto's hand. "Come on! Everyone is in the sitting area; you have to tell us everything!"
Naruto was led into the sitting room by the excited Academy student. "Guess who's here!"
The assembled Hyūga smiled as Naruto entered behind the bounding Hanabi. "Good evening, Hiashi-sama, Hizashi-sama and Neji-niisan." He bowed politely. "Hey Hinata-chan!" He didn't even hide his excitement.
The three Hyūga men shook their heads. It hasn't even been two hours and he's acting like he hasn't seen her in days.
"Hello Naruto-kun." Hanabi gave her sister a mocking, but good natured, 'aw' as Naruto sat next to her. Hinata returned the favor with a face.
Hiashi, as always, maintained exceptional poise and hid his considerable amusement. "Naruto, would you care to share the news that has my youngest daughter so excited?"
"Of course, Hiashi-sama. I'm sure the news that Team Seven got a C-rank has reached the Compound?"
"It has. Hinata-sama expressed her… shock that they received one so early in their careers earlier." Hizashi said with a laugh.
Naruto had been waiting to complain, loudly, to Kō about Team Seven getting a C-rank. Naturally, Kiba and his family were likely talking about it; probably much louder than Naruto would have. The fact that Hinata had spoken so strongly about it was surprising. Hinata had the 'Hyūga Poise'. She had incredible emotional control. Naruto wore his emotions on his sleeves and it was trivial for him to show his passions. Hinata was not as quick to act on her emotions as Naruto was. She was just as emotional as Naruto, but her passions did not have the control over her as Naruto's possessed over him.
He was grateful for it. Hinata's calm would probably end up saving his life one day. The Uzumaki's first instinct was to rush into any given situation and act on his first impulse. In Yuji-sensei's training exercises, Hinata was always the one to keep Kiba and Naruto focused. Naruto trusted her completely.
"Evidently, Team Seven's mission got complicated. They were attacked by two missing nin. Kakashi-san defeated them. He requested assistance. Jiji, er, Hokage-sama personally selected Kō-niisan to support Team Seven. Sasuke is going to flip when he's rescued by a Hyūga!"
Naruto beamed at the satisfied and triumphant smirks on Neji, Hizashi and Hiashi's faces. "That is excellent news, Naruto. Do you have plans for dinner?"
"No, Hiashi-sama."
The Clan Head nodded. "I will inform Rika to set another place at the table. It will be an excellent opportunity for you and Hinata to share your experiences at the Festival with the rest of us." He was enjoying invoking his paternal right to make the boy dating his daughter squirm a bit.
"Yes, I will enjoy hearing the story as well." Hizashi turned towards the amused Neji. "I'm sure you will not mind sharing a few details about your date, too."
The grin that had adorned Neji's face underwent a metamorphosis. Now, Neji shared the same look of 'concern' as his adopted brother figure. The dinner was simple by Hyūga standards, but made with the highest quality ingredients. The twin Family heads took far too much enjoyment in prodding Hinata, Neji and Naruto about their dates. The boys made considerable effort to point out that they had been complete gentlemen on their dates. Hinata put an equally considerable effort to support her boyfriend and older brother. Hanabi, for her part, called on every minute of the etiquette training she had received to resist the urge to cackle. Hiashi seemed satisfied with Naruto and Hinata's 'report' and allowed permitted them to leave the table when they finished their meal.
"Why did that feel like a B-rank mission?" Naruto said as soon as Hinata and he left the room.
Hinata shook her head and smiled. "Father was just curious how the festival went."
Naruto looked at the heiress in disbelief. "Curious! That was an interrogation! Iruka-sensei should borrow your dad for a day and have Hiashi-sama ask questions to the students! It'd be great training for handling being questioned by enemy nin!"
"Naruto-kun! Father is not that scary!" Hinata playfully thumped Naruto on the back of the head.
"But that was nerve wracking! I mean, I kept thinking I wasn't going to meet the high standards you deserve and get Jukkened back to the Sage of Six Paths!"
Hinata took Naruto's hand. "You do realize that Father likes you? Right, Naruto-kun?"
The Hyūga patron shook his head. "I know, but you're his daughter. Hiashi-sama liking or disliking me doesn't apply in that situation! Hinata, you should be on a pedestal above pretty much everyone else."
"I don't want to be on a pedestal above you Naruto-kun. I want to walk beside you." Hinata spoke in a quiet but contented voice.
Naruto smiled as the couple sat on Hiromi's favorite bench. "There's the blush! I was afraid I'd never see it again. You're finally showing all the confidence you have to the world."
"I… We are ninja now. I have to start being strong for you." Hinata rested her cheek on Naruto's shoulder.
"Start being strong? You've always been strong…" There was a quiet moment and time seemed to slow to a crawl. Neither Shinobi had felt this complete since the Hokage Monument.
Hiashi and Hizashi walked through the corridors of the Compound. "You enjoyed making the children squirm, nii-san."
The older twin held the ghost of a smile. "I have a Council Meeting tonight. I needed the entertainment. Besides, I am Hinata's father and have a right to know how she was treated on her date."
"I know. You bear a heavy burden, brother. I have enough stress with Neji. If I have that much trouble with a single son; I could not imagine the stress of having two beautiful daughters. They will both be dating soon. If you need help putting their boyfriends in place; let me know."
Hiashi chuckled with a combination of humor and horror. "Thank you, brother."
"Ah! There you are, Hiashi-sama!" The Clan Head envied Naruto's ability to act on his emotions at that moment. Naruto would have groaned and rolled his eyes at the person approaching.
Hiashi's station did not allow for such luxuries. "Good evening, Yoshinori-san. Is there something you require?"
"Yes, I have heard news that Hideko-sama is retiring tonight." Yoshinori bowed.
"That is correct." Hiashi was willing his political foe to be satisfied with the answer and leave.
Hiashi had no such luck. "It is a shame, he is a fine man. Do you know who is replacing the esteemed Councilor?"
"Hideko-san's successor is unknown to me." According to the letter of Clan law, only Hisao the Head of the Council should have access to the Register. Yoshinori and Hiashi were maneuvering for any advantage.
"Then, there is substantial turnover on the Council tonight. Will Hinata-sama be attending?"
Yoshinori weathered the glares from the twins. Hiashi fought the urge to growl at the man. "My daughter has completed a strenuous day in service to Konoha. Hinata trained all day with her Jonin instructor and completed two D-rank missions with her team. As a reward for her hard work and dedication, I have allowed her to rest tonight."
"Her service to Konoha has brought honor to the Clan. However, the heiress should be personally involved and aware of such momentous shifts in the political power of the Clan. It would appear unseemly if the heiress was not involved in this process."
If Hizashi had not put his hand on Hiashi's shoulder, the Clan Head would have activated his Byakugan. It was widely known that Hiashi possessed two emotional pressure points: the memory of his wife and his love and pride for his daughters.
"My heir, my daughter, has a name! You will refer to Hinata as Hinata-sama as befitting her position."
"I offer my apologizes, Hiashi-sama."
"I am not the one who you are required to apologize too. Hinata is likely in the garden. You will apologize to her in person and we shall attend the meeting."
Yoshinori fought the urge to smile. He had maneuvered Hiashi into bringing Hinata into the meeting. There was no way the heiress could be insulated from seeing her father lose control of the Council now! Once Takeshi joined Yoshinori on the Council, they could begin eroding her will. It would be a long process, but they would force Hinata back into the emotional trap she fell into after the death of her mother. Yoshinori realized the cruelties of his plan, but the needs of the Clan came before any individual.
Hizashi led the two main branch members towards the Gardens. Nominally, he was fulfilling his role as a member of the Branch House. In truth, he was allowing his brother to vent his frustrations by glaring a hole in Yoshinori's back. As Hiashi predicted, Hinata was in the garden. Yoshinori felt the bile rise in his gut.
She was with the demon.
"You've always been strong…" The future councilor watched in horror as the two leaned in for a kiss. He cast a quick glance to the Clan head and bit back his shock. Hiashi was smiling. He was happy that his daughter was consorting with the Kyūbi. He did not care for the heiress, but he could not allow this!
"Excuse me, Hinata-sama." Yoshinori stepped into the Gardens. He never saw Hizashi struggle to calm his enraged brother. "I am sorry to interrupt, but I must apologize, I have been showing insufficient respect for your position."
The councilor bowed to hide his triumphant grin. Naruto growled and mumbled. "If you want to apologize, get the hell out!"
Hinata was equally as furious. Naruto-kun was about to kiss me! "I am not sure I can accept your apology, Yoshinori-san. Your tone lacks sincerity. If I am to forgive you for your disrespect, I must see action."
Yoshinori noticed the choice of honorific and Hinata's own tone. "Hinata-sama, I am being elevated to the Council tonight. Protocol dictates that Councilors be addressed with sama."
"I am well aware of the dictates of protocol, Yoshinori-san. I am also aware that you are not a Councilor yet."
The elder Hyūga ground his teeth. The demon was gloating at the disrespect Hinata was showing him! Yoshinori could not abide by this! He rose to his full height and prepared to respond to Hinata's barb.
The subtle amount of killing intent leaking from Hiashi stifled any retort Yoshinori could offer.
"My daughter, you are to accompany us to the Council chambers. As Yoshinori-san pointed out, we are elevating two new members to the Council. You are my heir and have the right and privilege to speak for or against the nominees." Hiashi, surprisingly, was not the angriest man in the room. That honor belonged to Naruto; who wanted nothing less than to challenge Yoshinori to a duel right then and there. Only Hinata's presence kept his fiery emotions under control.
"Of course, otou-sama." Hinata's voice carried all the formality and dignity her station commanded. In an instant, her tone shifted. "I'll see you tomorrow, Naruto-kun."
She quickly kissed Naruto on the cheek. Naruto was slightly less angry. "I can't wait, Hinata-chan. Good night Hiashi-sama, Hizashi-sama. Bye Yoshinori."
It was as polite a 'fuck you' as Hiashi had ever heard. He knew there was a reason he let Naruto date his daughter.
As Naruto stormed out of the gardens, Yoshinori scowled at Hiashi. "How can you allow that child to be so… familiar with Hinata-sama?"
Hiashi walked off so that his enemy could not see the smile on his lips and the light in his eyes. "There is no Clan law against a couple being affectionate with one another."
Yoshinori had been thoroughly outmaneuvered and he knew it.
The sea was very calm tonight. Kō was thanking any deity that would listen for this fact. He had been pushing hard to catch up with Team Seven. The Jonin had to admit he was impressed by the pace the Genin Team had made especially considering they were escorting a civilian.
"Byakugan!" Kō activated his Dojutsu and searched the area. At the very edge of his vision, he found a battleground. "Oh no."
The Hyūga rushed to the location. This must have been a fierce battle. Kō continued to scan the area for evidence of the encounter.
The area was recently flooded. The water still has a bit of chakra residue as well. Whoever was here must have possessed a powerful Water Affinity.
Shuriken and kunai littered the ground. Kō noticed a pattern in the locations of the thrown weapons and a few wet areas. "Mizu Bunshins, and a lot of them. Whoever they fought was strong…"
The Konoha shinobi was relieved that there wasn't much blood on the ground. He did notice a few dead Kikachū bugs. "Team Seven is still alive."
Kō focused more Chakra into his Byakugan and expanded his range. "Found you."
The Jonin rushed towards the location he had noticed the Aburame boy patrolling. It took a few minutes for Kō to reach the house. He did not want to accidently force a confrontation, so the Hyūga emerged from the woods on foot.
"Good evening." The Genin entered a fighting stance, but nodded politely.
"You are a Hyūga."
Kō returned the nod. "I am. Sandaime-sama sent me as relief."
"I will need proof of your identity, Hyūga-san." Kō nodded and presented a scroll to the Aburame. A small swarm of Kikachū inspected the scroll before their host would accept it. The Genin opened the scroll when he was assured of a lack of traps. He read intently.
"Welcome, Jonin Hyūga Kō. I am Aburame Shino. Please follow me; I am sure Kakashi-sensei will want to speak with you."
Shino lead Kō into the comfortable home. The other two members of Kakashi-sempai's cell were sitting at the table with an older man and an attractive young woman.
"Did Konoha send you as backup?" Uchiha Sasuke asked between bites of food.
Kō nodded. "Hokage-sama is concerned about the incorrect ranking of this mission."
The old man flinched. That meant he was likely Tazuna; the client.
"We're glad you are here. Kakashi-sensei is exhausted. If Zabuza comes back…"
That name sent a shiver down Kō's spine. "Zabuza! He was a former member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. Where is Kakashi-sempai?"
"I'll take you to him." Sasuke finished his food and led the newly arrived Jonin to the upstairs bedroom.
Hatake Kakashi was laying on a futon. Kō could tell he was feigning sleep, even without using his Byakugan. "Kakashi, the Hokage has sent the backup you requested."
"I'll speak with Kō-san in private. It is Sakura's turn with the watch. Let her know for me, Sasuke."
"Sure." The Uchiha left the two Jonin alone.
"You made excellent time." Kakashi said with a pleased light in his visible eye.
Kō chuckled. "I wore myself getting here. The Hokage was adamant that Team Seven return alive to Konoha after completing your mission."
Kakashi propped himself up. "Sandaime-sama cares deeply for every shinobi under his command. If it was his choice, Sandaime-sama himself would be our back up."
"I wouldn't doubt it." The Hyūga took a deep breath. "Your Genin mentioned that you fought Zabuza, the Demon of the Hidden Mist."
"We did. My team surprised me when they rescued me from Zabuza's Water Prison. And for the next question, Zabuza is still alive. He was rescued by a false Hunter-nin. As long as his accomplice isn't a medic-nin, he'll be out of commission for a week."
Kō accepted the more experienced ninja's explanation. "How long will you be out of commission?"
"Around a week. Unless you brought soldier pills."
"I'm afraid I did not. I haven't used them in years. According to the medics, I am allergic to some of the ingredients."
"Well shit. Looks like we'll have to recover naturally. Kō-san, I have a request."
Kō leaned against the wall. "What is this request, Kakashi-sempai?"
"My Genin need more training. I've drilled how to move and fight like shinobi and not martial artists into them while we were in Konoha. They'll need something that will help them survive the next battle."
The Hyūga closed his eyes as he thought. "New Jutsu is the first thing that springs to mind. However, even as talented as they undoubtedly are; they couldn't learn one in a week without being so exhausted from training that they'd be incapable of fighting a fresh Academy student much less a Swordsman of the Mist."
Kakashi grunted. "I agree. Wait, chakra control! The Hyūga are famous for their chakra control. Do you have an exercise that could help them?"
"Tree climbing would have the fastest return on investment."
"If you could give my team a crash course in chakra control I'd be grateful." Kakashi said softly. "I'm still exhausted from overusing my Sharingan. If you need anything else, talk to Tsunami or Tazuna."
"I'll keep an eye on your team until you recover." Kō promised as he left the room. As he walked down the stairs, he saw a small boy glare at him from a darkened room. The boy slammed the door before Kō could say anything.
Sasuke and Shino were resting, but not asleep. Shino turned his attention towards the fresh Jonin. "Did Kakashi-sensei leave any instructions for us?"
"Yes, we are going to train tomorrow. I want you all rested. Get some sleep." Kō made use of what Naruto referred to as his 'Authority Figure Voice'. He was pleased to see that it worked just as well on Sasuke and Shino as it did on his hyperactive little brother.
The diversion was needed. It helped keep the dark thoughts of the threat lurking in the mist from consuming him.
Hinata kept her perfect posture and appeared perfectly attentive. She was already aware of the monthly financial statements. As Hisao and Akihito debated some minutiae about the budget, Hinata thought back to the moment in the garden. The night had been wonderful. No, the day had been wonderful. The night should have been magical. Hinata fought the urge to sigh. They had been so close!
The heiress shifted her attention as the argument over the stipend for the Clan's wet-nurses ended. Hisao began reading a report on the success rate of missions. Hinata did not focus on the details because she would likely read the report itself tomorrow while working with father.
Missions. Akihito asked Hinata about Team Four's performance. Hinata answered the question politely, but her focus was elsewhere.
"As you can see, my daughter and her team have accomplished a great deal in their short time together. I assure you that Hinata-sama and Clan Ward Uzumaki will continue to be a source of pride for the Hyūga Clan." Hinata smiled as her father praised her. She was thankful that he supported Naruto-kun as well.
You've always been strong… Naruto's words rang in her mind. He possessed the ability to say the right words right when she needed to hear them. Hinata could recall all the times Naruto had supporter her. Sometimes, he would loudly cheer her by shouting 'Kick their ass, Hinata-chan!' Other times, he would simply stand off to the side and flash a warm smile. That smile had saved her. Hinata had retreated so deeply into herself after Hiromi's death. Naruto had dragged her back to life. The blond boy was such a fixture in her life that it was little surprise she had absorbed some of his boundless confidence.
Hinata sometimes found it hard to believe how far she had come from the nervous Academy student who stuttered at the slightest attention. Now, she was almost a completely different person. Hinata had told off a future member of the Clan Council without hesitation. The confidence had flowed so easily because she knew Naruto-kun, her uncle and otou-san would always respect and support her.
Wantanabe Yuji smiled as he tucked in his son. He leaned back on the chair where moments ago he had read Takao's favorite story. As he watched his boy sleep, Yuji's thoughts returned to his Genin team. They were strong willed, talented and above all loyal to each other. They were also someone's sons and daughter. Were they ready? True, a C-rank mission was unlikely to be truly dangerous for a trained shinobi. In fact, Yuji had undertaken multiple solo C-ranks himself. His Genin were not experienced shinobi. It was even worse that Team Four were the children, regardless of birth or adoption, of some of his closest friends. Wantanabe would have concerns sending his own children on a C-rank with a rookie Jonin instructor. How could Hiashi-sama, Tsume-sensei and Kō not have their own doubts?
The former hunter-nin shook off his internal debate. He would not give his beloved children ill dreams because of his own sour mood. Wantanabe kissed Takao on the forehead. The two year old smiled and gripped his stuffed deer tighter.
"Dream grandly."
Suzu was already in the bed when Wantanabe entered their bedroom. "I haven't seen you this tense since the dinner where you proposed."
"You know how I get when faced with momentous life changing decisions." Yuji smiled at the memory of his fumbling for the engagement ring.
"Oh yes. I remember how you nearly dropped the ring in my lap." Suzu joined her husband in smiling at the memory. "I also recall you agonizing over Hokage-sama's request for you to take a Genin team."
"That's partially what I've been thinking about. Kakashi-sempai and Team Seven received a C-rank Mission." Yuji mentioned as he entered the bathroom.
Suzu rolled onto her side. "Let me guess; Naruto-kun and Tsume-sama's boy have been bugging you about getting a C-rank as well."
The sound of running water answered Suzu initially. "This might scare you, but they haven't. Team Four has been incredibly mature about it. I think they trust my judgment."
"They don't just trust your judgment, babe. Your Genin respect it." She paused. "Something else is adding to your apprehension."
Yuji didn't respond for a while. "Kakashi-sempai told me in ANBU sign that he doubted the accuracy of the Mission ranking. I delivered the information to Hokage-sama and the Sandaime agreed. He deployed an additional Jonin in support of Kakashi-sempai."
"Oh." Suzu could see how that would worry her husband. "Not every C-rank will be misleading like that. Besides, I think you're asking yourself the wrong question."
Yuji slipped into the bed and wrapped his arms around his wife. "And what question should I be asking?"
"Are you worried concerned about your Genins' ability as Shinobi or your own abilities as a teacher?"
There was silence. "I look at them and I see Takao and Asami."
"Yuji-kun, I understand, I really do. You were really deep into ANBU for the past few years. I know you are making up for lost time with our children. But you are losing sight of a simple fact: Naruto-kun, Kiba-kun and Hinata-sama are not your children. They are your subordinates. Have faith in them."
"You should be the Jonin instructor, not me. I spent too much time in ANBU."
Suzu nuzzled her husband. "Why do you think it took Kakashi-san so much time to pass a team?"
Obito. Yuji thought glumly. "Thank you, my love."
Wantanabe finally settled his thoughts and drifted off to sleep. He slept peacefully and woke up ten minutes before his alarm. After a quick breakfast, he headed to Training Ground Sixteen. Yuji-sensei heard his team talking excitedly.
"Hinata, you're joking right? There is no way your Clan's Council would allow a Branch Member to join them." Kiba spoke with incredulity dripping from his voice.
"There are multiple traditions for becoming a member of the Clan Council. Many have fallen out of favor due to fear of a single bloc taking control of the Clan. They haven't been banned, but are unpopular." Yuji was pleased to see his team warming up as they conversed.
Naruto jumped up and down a few times. "I can't believe Hideko would nominate a Branch Member to take his seat on the Council. Didn't he always complain that Hiashi-sama 'was moving too quickly'?"
"Hideko-sama was opposed to father's positions. This caught everyone off guard."
Yuji took this opportunity to appear behind Kiba. "Like I just did with all of you?"
Akamaru yelped and Kiba spun around with a 'gak!' "Good morning, Yuji-sensei!" Naruto said with a smile.
"Good morning, Naruto-kun." The Jonin instructor smiled at his charges. "Good morning as well, Kiba-kun and Hinata-chan."
"Good morning Wantanabe-sensei." The rest of Team Four said warmly.
"I'm glad you have spent your time wisely. Today, we are going to work on coordination. An experienced Shinobi cell can move as a single body. The best teams know what their comrades are going to do instantly. Follow me and we'll get started."
Yuji coached Kiba, Hinata, Naruto and even Akamaru on how to read body language. Team Four spent nearly an hour and a half learning the habits and reactions of each other. Wantanabe had to remind his team that true understanding of coordination only came after repeated missions.
"Team Four, follow me. Let's go to the Hokage Tower to receive a mission." Akamaru barked and performed a spinning jump that caused Wantanabe to laugh.
The Mission Office was a hub of activity. Teams Ten and Four exchanged greetings. Well, everyone but Shikamaru, who merely muttered 'troublesome' under his breath.
Yuji stepped in front of his Genin and bowed to the Sandaime. "Team Four reporting for a mission assignment, sir."
"Ah, I was wondering when you would arrive. I have a number of available missions. A farmer needs assistance with harvesting his eggs, several civilian houses need maintenance…"
Wantanabe Yuji took a deep breath. "Forgive the interruption, Hokage-sama, but I believe Team Four is ready for a C-rank mission."
The Sandaime relit his pipe and took a deep drag. "Are you certain, Wantanabe-san?"
The Jonin nodded. "I have complete faith in my Genin, sir."
Hiruzen Sarutobi flipped through a pile of mission requests. The Professor finally settled on a mission. "A merchant caravan has requested an shinobi escort as they return to the Land of Honey. The merchants have commissioned this assignment because of a number of suspected bandit attacks near the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Honey."
"On behalf of Team Four I accept the assignment, Hokage-sama." The Jonin's solemn tone was completely at odds with the jubilation of his charges.
Despite his earlier reservations, he smiled along with his team.
Author's Notes: Plot Advancement no jutsu! So, Kō has caught up to Team Seven while Naruto, Hinata and Team Four are about ready for their own C-rank mission.
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