Team Four had exploded from the Hokage's office as soon as the words 'you are dismissed' escaped the Sandaime's mouth. Kiba and Akamaru were leaping and shouting in excitement as they rushed down the stairs as Hinata and Naruto shared a warm smile. The Inuzuka and his nin-ken partner were in the process of saying goodbye when cries of 'It's Kiba-kun' filled the air. Naruto laughed as Kiba grabbed Akamaru and ran for his life. A knot of civilian girls appeared and looked excitedly around. Naruto was still doubled over laughing and didn't see a few of the civilians cast approving glances at him. He also didn't notice Hinata cast the famous 'Hyūga Ice Glare'. The civilians were off and running by the time Naruto got his laughter under control.
"Ah man, sucks to be Kiba." Naruto chuckled a bit.
"I thought most guys would like to have a ton of girls chasing after them."
Naruto wrapped Hinata into an embrace. "Most guys aren't lucky enough to have you."
"Thank you, Naruto-kun." Hinata's reply was barely a whisper. Once again, Naruto knew exactly what to say.
"Neh, Hinata-chan, I know we have to get ready for our mission, but I've been thinking…" Naruto's voice trailed off. He had been thinking. A lot.
Hinata couldn't resist and wrapped her arms around Naruto's waist. "About what, Naruto-kun?" She had also been thinking. A lot.
"The clients' caravan doesn't leave until the morning. Do… do you want to go out tonight? I know it's kinda sudden, but we won't be back for a while 'cause of the mission."
"I'd love to." She answered happily. The pair had completely forgotten they were standing in the doorway to the Hokage's Tower.
"Oi! You two! Make out on your own time!" The two Genin leapt apart in nervous shock as a Chunnin they didn't recognize walked past them.
Naruto's smile hid his tinge of embarrassment. "So, uh, where do you want to go?"
"Ano, we could go to that new bistro near the Academy. Neji-niisan says it is very nice. He goes there with Tenten after missions."
The Jinchūriki snapped his fingers. "That'll work! I know it's not like a real date, but it'll work since I kinda just sprang this on you two seconds ago." Naruto smiled. "If that's ok? I mean, when we get back, I can set up a real date, at a place that needs reservations and everything!"
"Tonight will be wonderful, Naruto-kun. But… I'll probably hold you to that 'real' date."
Naruto looked at the clock at the desk. "It's not even noon yet. That'll give us plenty of time to get packed and ready."
"Translation, it'll give me plenty of time to get ready." Hinata smiled.
Naruto put his hands behind his head. "Yeah, Hanabi-neechan mentioned how panicked you were for the festival. So, what time do you want me to pick you up?"
"I'll need to let father know… I'd say five will be fine."
The couple gave each other a quick hug. "I'll see you then, Hinata-chan."
The two parted ways. Naruto watched as Hinata headed towards the Hyūga Compound for a bit. He finally let his excitement overtake him. Naruto leapt in the air and shouted a wordless cry of joy.
"A date with Hinata-chan tonight and a C-rank tomorrow! Hell yes!" The blond said after he landed.
Team Seven followed closely behind the Hyūga Jonin. They had all left after a quick breakfast and walked to a grove of trees. Kakashi's students had very different reactions to Kō's training location. Shino simply sat passively. Sakura looked around the misty grove with a smile. Uchiha Sasuke didn't quite glare at the Hyūga.
"I have spoken with Kakashi-sempai and we have agreed that you all will need additional training for the upcoming battle with Zabuza. You are all talented shinobi; that is evident by your survival against a Swordsman of the Mist, but Zabuza will know not to underestimate you again."
Kō watched as Hinata-sama's rival raised her hand. "Hyūga-sensei, what kind of training are we going to do?"
"Chakra control. You are going to climb trees by channeling your chakra through your feet. "Before you ask, this is the most effective way to strengthen you quickly without exhausting you to the point of uselessness. Watch carefully."
The Jonin turned and walked up the tree and out onto a branch. He hung upside down like a bat and smiled at the Genin. "Good luck."
Surprisingly, Shino was the first to attempt the exercise. Kō released his chakra and fell towards the ground. He twisted in midair and landed in a crouch just as Shino lost control of his charka.
"Wow! Good job, Shino-san!" Sakura cheered as she walked up to the tree. Shino nodded and stood next to Sasuke.
"I bet she makes it to the top in one try." Sasuke wore a confident smirk.
Shino stood impassively next to his teammate. "I would not take that bet, Sasuke-san. Why? Our teammate has incredible chakra control and will undoubtedly complete this exercise before both of us."
Haruno Sakura quickly proved her teammates correct and made it to the top of the tree. The pink haired ninja sat on a branch and tried to catch her breath. "How was that, Hyūga-sensei?"
Kō smiled at the girl's accomplishment. Sakura made have been Hinata-sama's rival, but it was hard to be angry at someone who had just accomplished something rather amazing. "Excellent work, Sakura-san. You have chakra control that many medic-nins would be jealous of. I will speak to Kakashi-sempai about improving your chakra endurance after the mission."
The Last Uchiha gave his first attempt and made it nearly six feet up the tree before falling down. Sasuke rose from the ground. "I'll get it this time."
"Don't overexert yourself. Remember, Zabuza is still out there. Your focus needs to be improving as much as you can before we battle the nuke-nin again." Kō easily summoned his Authority Figure Voice.
Sakura swung her legs back and forth on her branch. "I'll be sure to help keep them straight, Hyūga-sensei!"
Kō smirked. "Why are you two sitting around? Zabuza won't politely wait for you to complete this exercise before he attacks!"
Shino and Sasuke nodded and resumed their exercises. Kō had given them a goal, hope and something to focus on. He prayed that would be enough.
Takeshi paced like a caged animal. His plans to purify the Hyūga Clan were coming down around his ears. Everything had been proceeding smoothly. Yoshinori had been elevated to the Council. This was to be expected, Yoshinori was Takeshi's senior by several months. Yoshinori was also a very successful business man that could react quickly to changing economic situations. He had brought great wealth and prestige to the Clan. Unfortunately, his viewpoint was colored by the necessity to act quickly to maximize profit. Yoshinori saw everything in terms of numbers and urgency. Takeshi should have put him on a tighter leash. The fool had nearly ruined everything. Takeshi was upset by a Cadet Family being elevated to the Council.
But, it was a temporary difficulty.
No, Yoshinori's interference with the plans regarding Hinata was the true catastrophe. The original plan had been a long term conspiracy. Takeshi had trouble believing that Yoshi would act so rashly and foolishly. His ham-fisted attempt to interfere with Hinata's relationship with the Kyūbi container had backfired spectacularly. Takeshi snorted because he knew that would happen. This interference would only strengthen their budding relationship. Worse, Hiashi was now speaking openly of how much he approved of Uzumaki courting his daughter.
"Damn that accountant." Takeshi hissed as he poured a drink. His original plan was beautifully subtle. There was to be no overt moves against the couple. He had originally hoped that Uzumaki would view Hinata as a sibling like he did with Hanabi and Neji. Somehow, the bastard Clan Ward had defied those odds and developed an almost longing affection for the heiress. The feeling was a terrible mockery of Takeshi's love for the late Hiromi-sama. Fate seemed to enjoy tormenting him, because unlike Hiromi, Hinata openly and completely returned the affections of the Uzumaki child.
It took all his will not to cry out due to the deep emotional wounds seeing them so happy reopened. The Hyūga conspirator knelt into a meditative position and calmed himself. It took a few minutes, but eventually he restored his emotional balance.
I can salvage this. The coming year would be a time of incredible turnover on the Hyūga Clan Council. He was still the next name on the Register. Takeshi would be on the Clan Council! There would need to be some… rearrangement of the Register in order to ensure the anti-Hiashi faction achieved a majority. However, with Takeshi and Yoshinori's resources, this was a minor concern. Yes, once Takeshi and Yoshinori had a secure bloc on the Council they could proceed with the original plan. The first step would be to limit the power of Hiashi by any means. If he remained popular with the majority of the Clan, it would be impossible to carry out the second and third stages.
Stage two was the removal of Uzumaki Naruto as an obstacle. They could not kill him. In fact, killing him would be a folly of unimaginable proportions. One, he was actually a very talented shinobi and a powerful asset to the village. Takeshi would never do anything to harm Konoha. Second, and most importantly, killing him could possibly undo the Yondaime's Seal. Takeshi, unlike Yoshinori, had complete faith in the power of the Yondaime. The Hyūga took another deep breath and returned to his original plotting. It would not do to have his mind a jumbled heap of thought. Third, he was a valuable political asset. If the anti-Hiashi faction could somehow marry the Uzumaki to one of the daughters of a minor clan, it would garner a useful ally.
It would also clear the way for the final stage; marry the heiress off to Takeshi's nephew Yuudai. It was not a cruel match. Yuudai actually pined for the heiress. Granted, many individuals pined for the Hyūga heiress. Hinata was truly becoming a woman worthy of marriage.
Takeshi sighed as his mind returned to the original problem. Yoshinori had acted far too soon. He had angered and emboldened the heiress. Her speech still rang in his ears.
"August Councilors, I wish to speak on behalf of the nomination of Minoru to the Clan Council." The heiress paused and received permission. "The nomination of Minoru, son of Hideko-sama, is a chance for a new dawn for the Hyūga Clan. As heiress, I fully support the nomination. Hideko-sama is well within his rights according to Clan Law to name his successor. Hiashi-sama, my father, is well within his rights as leader of the Clan, to take the nomination under advisement. I applaud his wisdom in upholding the nomination. The time has come for the voice of the Branch House to be heard. Are we not all full blood Hyūga? How is it that a majority of our Clan, our family, can have no say in the governance of the Hyūga? We allow our esteemed Clan Ward, Uzumaki Naruto, the right of speech before this August Body. The Council has rightly praised Uzumaki-san for his wondrous achievements and the honor which he has brought to the Hyūga. How can we not extend the same right to our own blood?"
It had been stirring. Hinata had spoken with steel and a confidence she had never possessed before. Takeshi felt no shame in admitting she had finally acted in a manner befitting her station. It was a tragedy her views were so radical that they would destroy the clan. Her sudden confidence was quickly erasing the doubts that lingered about her fitness to lead the Clan. A final breath restored his resolve and Takeshi rose to his feet; his drink forgotten.
There was a great deal of work to do.
Naruto rummaged through his closet looking for something to wear tonight. He had already chosen a pair of khaki slacks. Now, he was debating what was needed to complete his ensemble. Naruto sat on the edge of his bed in his training gear finishing a cup of instant ramen. A wicked grin appeared on his face.
"AHA! No one is here to stop me from wearing some orange!" Naruto leapt from the bed and grabbed an orange, long sleeved collared shirt and a blue sweater vest. It had been a battle to convince Kō to let him have that shirt. The memory of the argument was fuzzy, but Naruto thought he remembered Kō using the Heavenly spin.
Naruto cast a quick glance at his clock. I've got time! He hurried getting ready. The years of social training the Hyūga pounded into his skull came racing back. Naruto finished with the buttons on his wrists and grinned.
"I can't wait to see Hinata-chan's reaction!"
Yamanaka Ino was very bored. Team Ten had completed a bit of training and a pitiful D-rank mission. She had hoped that working in her family's flower shop would make things interesting. Unfortunately, no really good gossip had shown up yet. She leaned against the counter and sighed. The door chime sounded and Ino looked up in surprise.
"Welcome to the Yamanaka Flower Shop."
"Hey Ino!"
Ino perked up. "Oh, hi Naruto! What are you here for?"
The Hyūga Clan Ward chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "I need some flowers. Hinata-chan and I have a semi-date before we leave on our C-Rank tomorrow morning."
Wow, he cleans up nice. Too bad Sasuke-kun never dresses like that. "Semi-date? C-Rank?"
"Yeah, I kinda sprang it on Hinata-chan this morning after we got the mission. We aren't sure how long it'll be until we can just hang out again. Oh, yeah, C-rank. We're escorting a merchant caravan to the Land of Honey."
"That's sweet." Ino inwardly grumbled that Team Ten hadn't gotten a C-Rank yet. "So, what flowers do you want? Maybe some Cactus flowers?"
Ino cackled as Naruto paled and took a step backwards. "DO YOU WANT NEJI-NIISAN AND HIASHI-SAMA TO MURDER ME?"
"Calm down, Naruto! It was a joke." Ino's laugh fell from a cackle to a chuckle as Naruto relaxed.
"I, uh, was thinking white and pink roses." Naruto said sheepishly. Ino tapped her fingers against her chin.
"Excellent choice. Hinata's favorite color is lavender… I'll throw in a few lavender roses. No harm in reminding her it was love at first sight, eh Naruto?"
Naruto nodded and grinned. "Brilliant! Glad to know that my fellow blond has my back."
Ino laughed as she flipped her ponytail over her shoulder. "Of course! Us super attractive people have to stick together, you know! I want details when Team Four gets back from your mission!"
"Sure thing, Ino." Naruto said as he paid for the flowers. Thank the Yondaime I'm going on a C-rank…
Ino handed over the bouquet. Naruto was halfway to the door when Ino called out to him. "Tell Hinata-chan I said hi! Have fun tonight!"
"Thanks Ino!" Naruto waved with his free hand and exited the shop. The citizens of Konoha were staring. Naruto noticed the glances weren't the usual nervous distrust. A few were actually shocked approval. He rounded a corner and heard some civilian girls whisper that they already hated whoever 'landed' Naruto.
"Naruto!" A voice called out causing Naruto to smile.
"Hey, Iruka-sensei!" Naruto shifted the very expensive bouquet as he waved.
The teacher walked beside his former student. "So, where are you taking Hinata-sama?"
"Is it that obvious?" Naruto chuckled.
"Let's put it this way, the instructors had a pool going after your infamous tracking exam to see how long it would take you two to start dating."
The blond wasn't sure whether or not to be offended. "I hope you won."
"I did, actually. Thanks Naruto." Iruka smiled. He genuinely liked the boy. At first, he believed the Fox had influence over him and was slowly corrupting the Hyūga. However, the boy was so infectiously happy and cared so deeply for his friends and family that all doubt was washed away.
"Awesome!" Naruto flashed his now infamous grin. "Hinata-chan and I are going to that new bistro by the Academy. Neji-niisan says it's really good."
Iruka chuckled. "It is. I recommend their coffee."
"I like coffee, but I'm not sure it's a good idea. The caravan my team and I are escorting leaves pretty early in the morning." Naruto had divided his focus between his conversation with Iruka and the hope Hinata would like the flowers. Thus, he missed Iruka's shocked expression.
"That means a C-rank! Naruto, I have faith in your team, but are you sure you are ready?"
Naruto continued to smile. "Yuji-sensei believes we are ready."
"I'll admit I'm surprised you and Kiba did not pester your Jonin instructor for a C-rank."
Naruto's pace quickened when he saw the Hyūga Compound in the distance. He was going to be a few minutes early, but the Compound was his second home. "Team Four respects Yuji-sensei's judgment, Iruka-sensei."
The scarred teacher could practically feel the joy radiating off Naruto as the Hyūga Clan Complex came into view. "Naruto."
"Yes, Iruka-sensei?"
"I just wanted to say that I was proud to be your teacher. Enjoy tonight and stand with your teammates on your mission. I know you will make Konoha proud."
Iruka's words filled Naruto with pride. "Thank you, Iruka-sensei."
The teacher shook his head and laughed as Naruto tried to bow without dropping the flowers. "Good night, Naruto."
Passersby would never have noticed the greeting the Hyūga guards gave Naruto. The young Genin, who had been raised with Hyūga, recognized the subtle message the pair sent him.
Nice work, kid.
Naruto responded with a surprisingly subtle gesture of his own. Thanks. I hope Hinata-chan will like them.
Naruto made it three steps into the Compound when he was ambushed by Hanabi.
"You're early." Hanabi said with a smirk.
"Yeah." Naruto said idly. "What, I can't visit people who are practically family?"
Hanabi was trying to look behind Naruto's back. "What did you get onee-chan?"
"Flowers."
Hanabi feinted in one direction and spun around Naruto. She gasped when she saw the roses. Naruto was shouting after the running Hanabi not to ruin the surprise. A moment later, Naruto heard Hanabi squeal from somewhere in the compound.
"Onee-chan! You're boyfriend is awesome!"
Sasuke pushed through Tazuna's door and flopped on the closest piece of furniture. Kakashi was still recovering but had managed to come downstairs to ask about the Tree Climbing. However, it was currently late in the evening. Tazuna, the bridge builder's daughter and grandson were all asleep. Shino was asleep and Sakura was on watch. The last Uchiha sometimes wondered why the Hokage and Iruka-sensei had placed Sakura on Team Seven. Sakura possessed an instinctive talent for genjutsu. Yūhi Kurenai would have been able to refine the pinkette's natural talents. But Sakura was on Team Seven and Sasuke wasn't about to complain.
"There is no need to tire yourself out, Sasuke."
The Last Uchiha looked over to where Hyūga Kō was exiting the kitchen. "I have to get stronger. If I fail here, I will never achieve my ambitions."
Kō sat on the couch across from Sasuke. "I understand Sasuke, but do not let yourself be consumed by your ambitions. Gaining strength to achieve a goal is admirable. You must be wary and make sure that you do not begin to seek power for the sake of gaining power."
"I must avenge my clan." Sasuke said as he leaned back on the arm of the chair.
"I can understand that. You were robbed of family, but do you not also have a duty to rebuild the Uchiha?"
"I can't rebuild the Clan, not yet. The Traitor is still out there. As long as he lives, there can be no rebirth for the Uchiha."
Kō arced an eyebrow. "Itachi is a threat, yes, but you can rebuild you clan even if he is still alive."
"Don't mention that name!" Sasuke growled before sliding back down the arm. "As long as he is out there, everything that I do, can, will or could love is in danger. You do not know that man like I do. He never gives up. He never leaves anything unfinished. His every action is aimed to be as close to perfection as a human being can manage. If I rebuild the Clan while that man lives, he will return to finish what he started on that night of hell."
The Hyūga Jonin noticed several emotions racing through the boy in front of him. He firmly believed that Itachi would return and destroy any of Sasuke's attempts to rebuild the Uchiha.
Kō was struck by one simple fact above all others. Sasuke still had an unbreakable, if twisted, admiration for his brother.
Naruto had not added anything to the 'Weird Hyūga Girl Stuff Hinata does' folder in the back of his mind since the Academy. Tonight had finally given him a new entry. Hinata had reacted like he expected when she saw the roses. She had blushed up a storm and taken them to her room. Naruto waited patiently for her to return while telling Hiashi-sama exactly where they were going and exactly when they would be back. The couple had left hand-in-hand and talked about how excited they were about the C-rank mission.
Hinata had suddenly grabbed onto Naruto's arm as if it would prevent her from drowning. Naruto wasn't sure of the reason why but he certainly wasn't going to complain. Then, Hinata rested her head against his shoulder.
All coherent thought pretty much fled at this point.
"Naruto-kun, do you think our mission will be mislabeled like Team Seven's?"
Hinata's voice restarted the gears in the Uzumaki's head." We'll be fine, Hinata-chan. I think what happened to Sasuke and the others was a freak occurrence."
The two reached the café and were greeted by a waiter who led them to a seat by the window. Hinata did not enjoy flaunting her status as a Hyūga, but there were times it was definitely an advantage. The table she and Naruto were given had a beautiful view of the gardens at the edge of the park.
The waitress returned and Naruto and Hinata ordered their food. Each sat in comfortable silence. They savored the calm before their first C-rank mission. Suddenly, Naruto's face was split by a goofy grin.
"You know, I'm going to have to eventually create a whole new language for our dates."
Hinata sipped at her water for a second. "What do you mean, Naruto-kun?"
"I'm probably going to run out of words to tell you how good you look." Naruto smiled as he got another look at Hinata. She was wearing a simple lavender dress and a small white sweater jacket. It was taken all of Naruto's self-control, manners lessons with Kō-niisan and his undying fear of Hiashi-sama's wrath not to drool at the glorious image in front of him.
The Hyūga heiress blushed. "Thank you, Naruto-kun."
"I ran into Tokuma-san on my way to the training field. He told me about your speech. I wish I had been there. You keep finding new ways to make me proud of you." Naruto reached across and gave Hinata's hand a squeeze.
A waitress politely brought out the food. The young woman smiled at the couple. As she walked away, she winked at Hinata; who promptly blushed. Naruto and Hinata ate the meal and simply enjoyed being so close to each other.
"Iruka-sensei and Neji-niisan weren't kidding. This place is almost as good as Ichiraku." Naruto said as he leaned back in his chair.
Hinata maintained impeccable table manners. "The food was excellent. I will definitely have to recommend this restaurant to the Clan."
The Clan Ward and the Heiress erupted into laughter when they heard the owner shout out in unbridled joy. Naruto paid for the meal and tipped their server in spite of Hinata's protests that Naruto had spent enough already.
"Hey, Hinata-chan. We've got a bit before we have to make a mad dash back to the Compound. Want to walk through the park?"
The response was not verbal. Instead, Hinata happily took the offered hand. The pair walked through the garden and talked about the flowers. Naruto revealed that he was hoping to start a garden soon. He hadn't purchased or planted anything yet because he was saving up for a system he saw in Ino's flower shop.
"It self-waters. There is a large water bladder inside the pot and it somehow waters the plants at a regular interval. We'll be going on a lot of missions and it would suck if I came back and my plants were all dead."
Hinata giggled and leaned forward and smelled one of the roses. She was enjoying tonight. Granted, she enjoyed every single moment she spent with Naruto. Tonight was special because it was their night Hinata was thankful that her family or their friends weren't with them tonight. She had also loved the Festival, but the crowds had prevented moments like this. Hinata admitted to herself she liked what Naruto was wearing tonight more than his formal outfit. Naruto had so much natural energy that formal clothes seemed out of character for him.
"Hey Hinata." Naruto whispered.
The heiress spun around. "Yes, Na…" She never got a chance to finish asking her question. In all of her dreams about this moment, Hinata threw her arms around Naruto and gave Naruto every bit of passion she possessed. The moment passed all too quickly, but being wrapped in Naruto's arms was a welcome consolation.
"Yoshinori's not around."
Now, Hinata responded as she did in her dreams.
The sun was rising over Konohagakure and the Hidden Village was awakening. Several citizens, however, were very much awake.
Kiba and Akamaru were bolting through the streets as the city came to life. This was one of the moments the Shinobi and Nin-ken had dreamed of their entire lives. It was their first real mission! Kiba had slept well. His mother and sister had been shocked when they came into the kitchen in time to see Kiba putting up his dishes and bolting through the door. Akamaru trotted alongside his human partner. The dog barked a few times.
Kiba flashed a toothy grin at the white puppy. "I'm excited too, buddy."
Another Genin was heading for the North Gate from a different direction. The young woman was not running so much as gliding. Hinata was still in the midst of a fierce internal debate that the past day had not been some wonderful dream. Wantanabe-sensei said they were ready for a C-rank mission. This morning, her father had assembled the Hyūga Clan Council and praised Hinata. It all paled in comparison to last night.
Naruto-kun kissed me!
Uzumaki Naruto was already waiting at the North Gates. He had never needed to sleep as much as most people. This was fortunate because sleep did not come easily last night. Naruto couldn't believe that he was here at this moment. A few hours ago, he kissed Hinata. Occasionally, he would ask himself if he was really that lucky. Then, he would look around in expectation of Hiashi-sama and Neji-niisan appearing to demolish him.
So far, I'm still alive.
The other obstacle to a full night's sleep had been the excitement of today's mission. Naruto was finally getting the opportunity to see the wider world. Konoha's walls had been the boundaries of Naruto's existence. He, and his Team, had earned their C-rank mission. Naruto was leaning up against the great walls of the Hidden Village when Wantanabe-sensei arrived.
"Good morning, Yuji-sensei."
The Jonin was wearing the traditional Jonin uniform, but had his quiver and bow. "Good morning, Naruto-kun. I'm surprised that Hinata-chan isn't the first one to arrive."
"Couldn't sleep, too excited." Naruto chuckled.
Yuji nodded and stood next to the blond boy. Moments later, Hinata rounded the corner and jogged over to the two Shinobi.
"Good morning, Wantanabe-sensei. Naruto-kun!" Hinata bowed to her Jonin Instructor before being enveloped in a hug from Naruto.
Wantanabe Yuji smiled. "Naruto-kun, Hinata-chan. I am happy for the two of you. However…"
Naruto and Hinata recognized the tone of their commanding officer and broke the hug. "However, I expect you to put aside your personal relationship during our mission. The second we leave the walls; you are not a happy couple. Once we are past the walls, you are Shinobi under my command and I demand professionalism. Are we clear?"
"Yes sir!" The pair replied crisply.
"Good." Wantanabe looked past Naruto and Hinata and saw Akamaru and Kiba approaching. "Good morning Kiba-kun and Akamaru."
"Morning, Wantanabe-sensei." Kiba threw his arms around his teammates' shoulders. "Ready to kick some ass you two?"
Naruto smirked. "We're ninja. We wake up ready to kick ass!"
"Damn straight!" Kiba laughed.
"Team Four, there are a few things we need to talk about before we depart."
The Genin quickly focused their attention. Yuji continued to wear a serious expression. "Let me see your packs. I will make sure you are adequately prepared for the mission."
Wantanabe inspected each of his Genin's packs. The Jonin grinned. "All of your packs are in order. Kiba-kun, I would like to know why you have soldier pills."
"A few of my Clan's techniques require soldier pills. Besides, you never know when a few might come in handy during an emergency."
"Very well." Yuji gave the packs back to their owners. "Hinata-chan, I suggest that you wear your hitai-ate on your forehead. The Land of Honey has close ties with Kumogakure. It will be safer if you are believed to be a member of the Branch Family."
Hinata trembled slightly at the mention of the Hidden Cloud Village. They coveted the Byakugan and had made one attempt to seize it already. If Kumo knew she was in one of their client states, they would make another attempt to seize her. She cast a quick glance at Naruto and immediately felt a little better. He was with her. She believed that as long as she had Naruto with her that she could take on the world. Hinata also knew that Kiba-kun and Yuji-sensei would be there as well. I have to believe in myself and my team.
Naruto felt Hinata tense and struggled to suppress his anger. Kumo would never lay a finger on Hinata-chan. Naruto knew Hinata was a strong ninja but every part of his mind screamed out the need to protect her. If he had to stand against the Raikage himself for Hinata's sake, Naruto would do it.
Kiba was having a similar, if not as intense, reaction to Hinata's nervousness. Hinata was the sister Kiba wished he had. More than that, she was a member of his pack. The Inuzuka clan held the virtue of loyalty above all others. He would fight for his team even if Naruto and Hinata weren't members. Kiba swore he would fight even harder because those two were his best friends.
Wantanabe watched the emotions play across his subordinates' faces. The Will of Fire. He thought with pride.
The merchants arrived a few minutes later. A rotund man wearing fine burgundy robes waddled towards the Shinobi.
"Ah! Good morning! Your punctuality is impressive!"
The Genin bowed and Yuji politely nodded. "Good Morning Takumi-san. I am Wantanabe Yuji, Jonin of Konoha. May I present Team Four."
"Hyūga Hinata." Takumi looked shock and whispered 'Hyūga' under his breath.
"I'm Inuzuka Kiba and this is my partner, Akamaru!" The dog barked a greeting. Once again, the merchant was impressed. Two of the Shinobi escorting his Caravan were from prominent clans. They were only Genin, but Takumi would leave that detail out when bragging of the quality of shinobi he hired to potential customers.
"Uzumaki Naruto!"
Takumi did a double take. "Uzumaki? As in the former rulers of Uzugakure?" It was rumored that Iwa and Kumo had completely wiped out the Uzumaki. The entire Clan had seemingly vanished into the mists of history. Takumi could not believe his luck. He only needed a basic escort, but had earned something far greater. Prestige. His customers would no doubt be impressed by his wares now. He had members of three powerful shinobi clans protecting his convoy. He would likely never have to spend another cent on advertising for a year. Once word filtered out about the caliber of Shinobi he hired! It was enough to make Takumi run to the nearest temple.
Naruto couldn't believe what the client had just told him. The Uzumaki had been rulers of a Hidden Village. Uzugakure… He had read about that village once when studying for a test on one of the Shinobi World Wars. Iwa and Kumo had attacked the village because the Hidden Village in the Whirlpools were the masters of sealing.
I don't believe it. How did I never make that connection?
"Now that introductions are out of the way, Takumi-san, shall we depart? We would not want you to be forced to have to alter your timetables."
The merchant adjusted his expensive hat. "Yes, yes!"
Kiba walked beside his teammates. "Did you see how he reacted to us?"
"I did, Kiba-kun. He seemed to be very impressed by all of us." Hinata said with a smile.
Naruto crossed his arms. "If he's impressed now, wait till he sees us in action!"
Hyūga Yuudai slid the door to his uncle's study open. The young Chunnin was exhausted as he had just returned from an extended mission to patrol the border with Grass Country. Yuudai stood in front of Takeshi's desk as his uncle finished signing a paper.
"Yuudai." Takeshi said without looking up.
"Uncle, you needed to urgently speak with me."
The conspirator motioned for the Chunnin to sit. Yuudai took the offered chair. "My nephew, I have a proposition for you."
"I am listening, Uncle."
Takeshi interlocked his fingers. "Hiashi is leading our clan to ruin. He is giving the Cadets far too much leeway. I fear they will rise up against us."
"It is a very real possibility." Yuudai responded carefully.
"Indeed. Those of us who honor and value the proud traditions of our Clan are growing in strength. Our bloc will soon be the dominant voice on the Clan Council."
The Hyūga Chunnin tugged at his Flak Jacket. "I do not dispute that this is a victory for us. Unfortunately, Hiashi-sama still holds considerable power. It is also a tragedy that Hinata-sama's kindness has rendered her equally as misguided."
Takeshi fought to keep the grin at bay when he heard how wistfully Yuudai had spoken about Hinata. "You are correct; it is tragic. We are blessed in that we have an opportunity to save the Clan. I am next on the Register. Once I am on the Council, Yoshinori-sama and I will increase the Council's authority. We will ensure that the Clan is represented by more than a single individual. The Clan Head will still wield authority, of course, but we will arrange a suitable match for the heiress to ensure that she recognizes the proper path for the Clan."
Yuudai's heart soared. He had not been comfortable when his Uncle had summoned him. Takeshi was a schemer and thrived on plots and machinations.
But the message Yuudai had just received washed all doubts away. "What role will I play?"
"A vital one. Our faction recognizes you are the only acceptable suitor for the heiress."
The chunnin's gaze hardened. "And the Uzumaki trash?"
"Shall be dealt with, I assure you."
Takumi was overseeing two of his employees preparing the wagons for departure when he noticed the young Uzumaki suddenly freeze in place. It was a most curious reaction. The merchant realized that the boy wasn't freezing due to any emotional distress. He also knew that it wasn't due to the proximity of the Hyūga girl. Naruto would get distracted by the young woman occasionally in camp. Fortunately, he was exceptionally professional while the Caravan was moving. Takumi decided to indulge his curiosity.
"Excuse me, Uzumaki-san."
Naruto turned and bowed slightly to the client. "Is there something you require, Takumi-san?"
"Ah, yes. I am curious about something." Takumi paused and dabbed at his temples with a handkerchief. "I have noticed that you have paused several times over the past two days before reporting to Wantanabe-san. Why is that?"
"I have a special jutsu that I use to scout the surrounding area. The technique allows me to investigate anything discovered by Hinata-chan's Byakugan or Kiba's sense of smell." Naruto responded. Yuji-sensei had reminded his students not to reveal any of their secrets to the clients. It was a somewhat difficult order to follow for Kiba and Naruto. They both wanted to impress the civilians by telling the merchants about their abilities. The boys wanted to start building a formidable reputation as quickly as possible.
"Fascinating."
"Thank you, Takumi-san. If you would excuse me; I must report to Yuji-sensei." Naruto bowed quickly and found Yuji-sensei packing away his tent.
"Report, Naruto-kun."
Naruto nodded. "My Kage Bunshins just dispelled. Hinata-chan definitely found the remains of a camp. It was pretty big. There was evidence of at least twenty-two tents. A pair of the clones found where they dumped their garbage. Looks like the camp had been abandoned for a week or so."
"This area is the hunting grounds of a semi-nomadic tribe. It is possible that Hinata-chan discovered a simple hunting camp. However, we are going to proceed as if the camp was a bandit hideaway."
"Yes sir. I'll let Kiba and Hinata-chan know." Naruto saluted after Yuji dismissed him.
Kiba and Hinata had finished packing and were helping the merchants prepare to move out. Kiba noticed Naruto approaching first. The Inuzuka tapped Hinata on the shoulder and motioned towards their blond teammate.
"Morning Kiba. Good Morning, Hinata-chan." Naruto said cheerfully as friends jogged over.
Kiba pounded his fist against Naruto's. "Morning dude. Your Kage Bunshins find anything?"
"Well, Hinata-chan, you were right. It's definitely a camp of some sort. According to the memories of the clones, I'd say the camp's been abandoned for about a week. Yuji-sensei says there's a possibility that it's a hunting camp for that tribe. He also said that he doubts it and wants us to prepare for a bandit attack."
The other two shinobi nodded. Akamaru erupted into a series of barks and growls. Kiba responded with a few grunts. "Akamaru says it's definitely bandits. He hasn't noticed many game tracks, none worth hunting anyway. Hell, Akamaru hasn't really smelled anything. If this was primo hunting grounds, I would have smelt something by now."
"What's our positioning going to be?" Hinata placed her hands on her hips.
Be professional! Naruto reminded himself. "We need Hinata-chan to be where we can get the best Byakugan coverage."
"Definitely. I'd say you should be in the middle part of the caravan then, Hinata." Kiba began to smile feraly. The thought of the coming battle was causing his blood to sing.
The Hyūga heiress nodded. "It's definitely the best position for me."
"Do you want point, Kiba? You'd be able to pick up potential ambushes better than me and with Akamaru you can handle bandits long enough for us to show up and help you finish them off." Naruto paused. "I'll be positioned halfway between you two. It'll allow me to respond quickly to any ambush."
"What about ambushes to the rear? If these bandits are professionals, they'll hit the rear of the caravan to prevent us from running away." Hinata asked.
Naruto didn't immediately respond. He quickly sketched out the surrounding area from the memories of his clones. "Let's not forget that we are a four-man team. Yuji-sensei is as much a part of our team as anyone of us."
"I appreciate that, Naruto-kun." Yuji grinned as he rose from his seat on the edge of one of the wagons.
"Wantanabe-sensei, how long have you been watching?" Kiba asked with the anticipation of battle thick in his words.
"I arrived shortly after Naruto-kun did. I am proud of your planning. The reasoning was sound. We move out in five minutes."
Team Four nodded to their commander and wished each other luck. They would soon be true shinobi.
Gatō, the powerful shipping magnate and underworld boss, gritted his teeth as his private physician attended to his broken wrist. That damned effeminate ninja had a grip! Gatō had always planned on betraying the missing-nin he had hired. It was a business decision at first. Dead men don't need payment. He could also collect their heads and that barbaric blade and sell it back to Kiri. That show of 'goodwill' could possibly get him some lucrative contracts with the Hidden Mist Village. After today's embarrassment, it was a personal choice.
"Finished, Gatō-sama." The Doctor spoke softly.
The Crime Boss nodded. "Good, get out." The Doctor left without another word. The short industrialist grabbed the nearest business document. It was a report from the geologist he had hired. Gatō fought the urge to clench his fist and shout. There hadn't been a mistake. This god-forsaken island had a coal deposit after all. Better yet, it covered nearly the entire island. He was going to have to strip mine the entire island, but there wasn't any real estate worth saving in Wave anyway.
He reached for the next document. "Well, well, my associate sends an update…" Gatō reached for his ornate letter opener and tore the envelop open. His secret business partner in Konoha wanted an update on his investment in the Land of Noodles. His contact was far too arrogant for Gatō's liking, but the business partner had informed him of Tazuna hiring shinobi. I guess I do owe him a prompt response. Gatō quickly penned a letter to his co-investor. He included all the relevant information: how the Land of Earth's tariffs were affecting production, the amount of ships entering ports and the number of missing girls and illegal immigrants from the chaotic Land of Sound.
After handing off the return letter to his most trusted associate, he burnt the letter. The criminal magnate used the burning letter to light a cigar. Gatō leaned back in his chair. He was pondering the riddle of his business associate. The man came from a powerful mercantile interest; that was obvious. He never expected a shinobi clan to be so business minded. It was a shame Gatō could never openly hire them. Maybe if his associate's plot succeeded… Now that was a happy thought.
"Byakugan!" Hinata whispered as she flashed though the hand seals. She had been scanning the surrounding area with her Byakugan every fifteen minutes. Occasionally, Hinata would see something and Naruto would send out a Kage Bunshin or two to investigate. Team Four had discovered a second camp. Naruto's Kage Bunshin runners reported to Hinata and Wantanabe-sensei that Kiba detected the scent of smoke on the wind. He said it was distant and for a time it was beyond the range of Hinata's Dojutsu.
"Oh no…" Hinata breathed. There was a burning barricade manned by several bandits nearly a mile in front of them. "Naruto-kun! Get Wantanabe-sensei! We need to stop!"
In the distance, Naruto leapt up and landed on one of the corners of the wagon. "On it, Hinata-chan!"
Several Narutos scattered to warn the others. The Caravan halted and Team Four and Takumi met at the center of the Caravan. Takumi was pacing nervously when Hinata relayed the information about the barricade and the bandits lying in wait.
"Genin Hyūga, do you have an estimate of enemy numbers?" The Jonin asked in a voice he hadn't used since his time in ANBU.
The partially disguised Hyūga noticed the tone of absolute authority immediately. "I estimate…" She was not comfortable revealing the numbers. "Enemy numbers are likely at least twenty with the possibility of up to thirty."
"Very well, thank you Genin Hyūga. Genin Inuzuka, have your senses or those of Akamaru uncovered anything?"
Kiba wiped a bit of blood from between his nose and lips. "Sir, the winds are favorable for Akamaru and me. We're confident in our assessments. The enemy is all male and none are very young. I'd say they are either experienced or lucky."
"There both." Naruto cut in. "Wantanabe-sensei, I would like to suggest a strategy."
The former Hunter-nin nodded severely. "Speak of it Genin Uzumaki."
"Well, it involves Kage Bunshins…" Naruto began to explain his idea. Wantanabe Yuji was impressed by its simplicity.
Only Naruto could carry out this plan. I don't know anyone who can speak so casually about creating dozens of Kage Bunshins.
Kyu Bong grinned broadly as he loosened the fastens on the dagger at his side. He, like the rest of his comrades, wore a simple uniform based on the militias of the Land of Honey. The simple brown tunic lulled the unwary into a false sense of security. Lone travelers or those with no valuables would not recognize them for their true line of work. The merchant caravans would never dare to report them to the authorities. It was an elegant solution the highwayman admitted in a moment of vanity.
He had heard the wagons before he saw them. "Halt, good travelers! This is a Land of Honey militia checkpoint!"
There was a child leading the caravan. Kyu Bong fought to keep the surprise from his features when he recognized the boy was wearing a hitai-ate. Shinobi. He thought with disdain. Children playing soldier.
The boy wearing a grey, fur-lined jacket stopped and crossed his arms. A white dog eyed Kyu Bong warily. "If this is a Land of Honey Checkpoint, the Land of Fire won't be happy that you're on this side of the border."
Shit! The bandit knew that ninja were well educated for their age, but he had no idea. "I am sure it is an honest mistake. I am merely a soldier following orders."
"Then you won't mind showing me your orders." The ninja actually growled at him!
"My orders are" Kyu Bong reached to his side and drew his short sword. "to attack!"
"Enemy attack!" The feral looking shinobi barked as he drew a kunai. Kyu Bong and his four associates charged.
"Don't you mean ambush, whelp?" Kyu Bong heard Baldy sneer.
Baldy screamed out in pain as the kunai struck him in the chest. "Ambushes imply we didn't know you were coming!"
Kyu Bong felt unease rise into his throat. The child was grinning! He was ecstatic at the prospect of battle.
At least we have the advantage in numbers.
Six bandits charged out of the woods screaming and brandishing crude weapons. Naruto drew a brace of shuriken and was already breathing heavily.
You are a Shinobi of Konoha. This is what you were born to do! Naruto tried to steady his breathing and threw the shuriken. The 'ninja stars' as civilians and levied soldiers called them were generally not lethal weapons. Shuriken were generally used as distractions to slow enemies or create openings. Naruto's ploy slowed the advance of his enemies. One even fell to the ground. The blond Genin was so focused on the advancing bandits that he failed to notice he had claimed one of the criminal's eyes.
Naruto drew a kunai and countercharged his enemies.
"This isn't a game child!" A large brigand with a club yelled. Naruto rolled under the wild swing and stabbed his kunai deep into his thigh. The ninja twisted the weapon and dragged the blade through the thigh. The cut was so deep Naruto felt the tip of his kunai scrape against the man's femur.
The bandit would bleed out quickly. The Femoral artery had been severed completely.
Naruto instinctively moved inside the swing of another bandit and grabbed the man's wrist. The bandit had a look of shock at Naruto's strength. A snap kick shattered his knee and Naruto slashed the man's throat.
I'm going to have nightmares about this later. The boy thought in a strangely detached manner.
Another bandit swung a toothed ax at Naruto. There was no way he could dodge.
In desperation, he molded his chakra and shouted. "Kawarimi!"
He landed a few feet away and heard the axe man roar in shock at 'beheading' a mahogany log. Naruto leapt from his position and drew another kunai. He stabbed viciously into the man's skull. The ninja wretched the blade from his victim and threw it at a shocked bandit.
The man died with a gurgle.
The lone remaining bandit tried to run for the woods. He made it three steps before an arrow passed clean through his heart.
"Reinforce the others." Wantanabe ordered crisply. Naruto used Kawarimi once again to switch places with one of his clones. The fight had taken place away from the caravan. Naruto had ordered his Kage Bunshins to remain with the caravan in case bandits slipped past Team Four. One of the merchants gaped as yet another Naruto appeared in a puff of smoke and leapt away. He took a moment to assess the situation. At the front of the convoy, he saw Akamaru tear a man's throat out. Kiba was on all fours and Naruto could actually see chakra leaking off of him. The bandits facing Kiba were radiating fear.
Naruto turned his attention to the flank Hinata was defending. One bandit was on his knees staring at his profusely bleeding stomach. Three others were circling Hinata. Every fiber of his heart told him to rush to aid Hinata, but his mind forced him to realize she was in complete control of the situation. It was at that moment, the three brigands charged.
"Hakkeshō Kaiten!" Hinata yelled. The three bandits were tossed aside like debris in a stormy sea. Naruto actually saw that one had severe chakra burns on his face and hands.
"Naruto-kun! Three more bandits are trying to hit the third wagon! Two are coming for the fifth!"
"I'll take the ones heading to the third wagon! I'm closer." Naruto spoke with authority.
He arrived at the third wagon just as the bandits did. They actually stopped in midstep as they saw him. Naruto was a child in their eyes, but he was covered in the blood of their comrades. And in his eyes, they recognized the fact that Naruto would not stop until his mission was complete. Their pause had doomed them. The closest bandit fell when a kunai split his forehead and another pierced his heart. Naruto landed a few feet from the second bandit. The lanky criminal threw a sloppy punch that Naruto blocked with trivial ease. Naruto responded by punching the man viciously in the throat.
"Tsūga!" Naruto wheeled around when he heard Kiba call his attack. The damage the Passing Fang Jutsu did was shocking in its violence. Naruto watched in a haze of morbid awe as the brigand was reduced to bloody offal.
Naruto shook the image from his mind. "Kiba! Is the flank secure?"
"Yeah, I took care of the enemy manning the barricade! What about your flank and Hinata's?"
Naruto and Kiba leapt off to where Hinata was defending the fifth wagon. "Hinata-chan should have the final wagon secure by now!"
The boys reached the fifth wagon and saw Yuji-sensei hand a panting Hinata a canteen. "Report, Genin."
Naruto fought the urge to gulp at the tone. His sensei's Hunter-nin voice was more terrifying than the bandit attack. This is a Jonin. "We have secured the barricade and the western flank, sir."
Takumi nervously approached the Shinobi. "Is it done, Wantanabe-san?"
The Jonin nodded once. "It is. We should move out."
"Of course, the caravan is ahead of schedule. We will travel six miles and set up camp at a nearby ridge. I am sure that your team is exhausted from the battle."
Yuji cast a proud glance at his Genin. "By the time the caravan is ready to depart, they will be combat ready again. They are all exceptional shinobi."
Team Four basked in their Jonin Instructor's praise. The Caravan progressed quickly. Wantanabe was pleased at how quickly Hinata, Kiba and Naruto set up their own tents.
"Ano, Wantanabe-sensei, who will have first watch?" Hinata asked as she rolled out her sleeping bag.
"I will. Naruto still has a few Kage Bunshins active. They will assist me. All of you did well today. Sleep the entire night."
As Yuji moved to give instructions to Naruto's Kage Bunshin; he chose to ignore how close together Naruto and Hinata had placed their sleeping bags. Tonight would likely be traumatic for them. He could not bring himself to deny them the comfort of proximity.
Sleep came quickly for the young ninja, but it did not linger easily.
Author's Notes: The Plot Advancement no Jutsu continues!
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