Chapter 3- The Sorrowful Smile
~Even though we've already earned our headbands, as Genin, we've barely entered the world of Shinobi. Even something as basic as a C-Rank mission is a huge opportunity… because no matter how strong you are or how many jutsus you learn, all that training won't mean a thing if it's going to be spent on chores. That's why I always pushed for more difficult missions… because no matter how dangerous they got, they gave me something I never had before: the chance to prove myself. Maybe if people saw what I could do… would their attitudes around me finally start to change…?
-Uzumaki Naruto
(Location- Konoha Village)
"Keh-heh-heh! That's one step closer to becoming Hokage! Better watch out, Tsunade-obachan, 'cus I'm coming for that title!" Naruto laughed to himself as he ran through the streets. It was night right now, and Naruto was just returning from the training grounds after meeting with Ebi. Even after all that work, he didn't feel tired in the slightest. Knowing that he'd gotten stronger really lifted his spirits… along with that sense of victory after successfully knocking Ebi out with the Sexy no Jutsu. "This calls for a little celebration! To Ichiraku's!" he cheered, heading towards his favourite ramen stand…
"There you are, Naruto!" a voice called. Naruto turned around and saw Sakura, "Where were you all day? I was looking for you!"
"(Sakura-chan was looking for me?)" Naruto thought to himself excitedly, "(First I land a C-Rank mission, next I get some kickass technique, and now Sakura-chan wants to see me! Everything's been going my way!)" he thought happily to himself, grinning broadly
"Lose the stupid grin, dobe. This is serious." spoke Sasuke
"Huh?!" Naruto opened his eyes to see Sasuke glaring at him. "What do you want?" Naruto returned the glare.
"It's about the mission tomorrow." said Sakura, "Kakashi-sensei wanted us to let you know that we're to meet him directly at Leaf Central, tomorrow morning!"
"Central, huh?" said Naruto, "Alright! I'll be ready!"
"Yeah and until then, watch out for house cats." Sasuke scoffed
"What was that?" Naruto growled at Sasuke.
"It's rare that we have the opportunity for a higher rank mission, and I wouldn't want it to be cancelled over a small matter like you bleeding to death." Sasuke smirked
"What was that?" Naruto shouted, raising his fists. "You wanna piece of me?!"
"Not interested." Sasuke merely turned and walked off with his hands in his pockets.
"GRRR… yeah, you better run!" Naruto called at him angrily, eager to introduce the jerk's face to his fist… "Whatever…!" he scoffed, before turning to Sakura. "Well now that he's gone, wanna come join me for a bowl of ramen, Sakura-chan?"
"I'd love to!" exclaimed Sakura.
"REALLY?!" Naruto exclaimed in surprise and excitement.
"No." Sakura replied flatly. "Sasuke-kun! Wait up!" she called, running to catch up.
Naruto stared in silence for a moment, "GODAMMIT!" He screamed, punching a nearby wall with his fist. "Ow…!" He closed an eye and gritted his teeth while shaking his pained hand. "Things have been going my way…? Tch! Nothing's changed…!" He closed his eyes and stood in silence for a long period of time… "Ah, whatever! No point being sad about that!" Naruto suddenly exclaimed to himself while grinning. "What am I getting so mad about? I shouldn't be down! He always looks at me like something stuck to the bottom of his shoe, and she always rejects me! What else is new!?" he laughed loudly at the statement and ran off to the ramen stand.
"Hmm… I fail to see what he thinks is so funny." Ebi said to himself, while sitting up on the wall Naruto had just punched. His interaction with his teammates was hardly something to laugh about… but the way Naruto simply laughed and grinned stupidly… "It's terrible…" he shook his head. Naruto's case wasn't as simple as smiling to hide sadness. "The way he grins and laughs, it says everything…" He looked down and closed his eyes, "His smile looks so stupid… because he doesn't even know how to smile."
"Not just sad… desperately lonely, too." Ebi commented. It was abundantly clear that Naruto didn't have the best of friendships with the Uchiha boy, while the pink-haired girl clearly didn't return Naruto's affections… but if either of them had stuck around, it seemed like Naruto would've been perfectly content. "No wonder he decided to spend the day with a stranger. He's that starved for companionship." The way this entire village has treated Naruto was nothing short of disgusting… but while they were guilty of neglect, was Ebi any better if he was manipulating him?
It didn't matter what excuses he came up with: 'Naruto wants to get stronger and I'm aiding him!', 'It's not like the technique's forbidden!', 'This benefits the Leaf!', 'There's just no other option!'. Deep down Ebi knew that it all came to a single, unavoidable truth. He was simply too weak to fight his own battles.
"Damn it, Third… why did you have to die?" Ebi glanced up at the stone face of Sarutobi Hizuren. Right when Ebi was finally at the cusp of completing the long mission… without the Third Hokage, was it already a lost cause?
(Meanwhile)
"Thanks Occhan! That was perfect as usual!" Naruto called to the Old Man as he stepped out of the Ichiraku Ramen stand. "AHHH…" He had a look of contentment as he stared up at the night sky and took a deep, refreshing breath. With his belly full, he was feeling much better as he enjoyed the cool night breeze. As Naruto walked through the streets, he saw a lot of stores and businesses closing for the night, and people were going home. "I should probably head home too…" He recalled that he had a mission to prepare for… but he was still feeling reckless, and continued to wander with no destination in particular.
Naruto looked down at his hand, a smile formed on his lips as he began gathering chakra. The energy in his palm began to turn, swirling into the rough shape of a sphere. With just a little help from his left hand, he could smooth it out and form a perfect Rasengan. "Finally graduated from using clones…" He commented to himself over his personal victory. This should have been a cause for him to celebrate… but without anyone else to acknowledge it, the victory just felt so hollow.
Naruto eventually found himself standing at a long bridge. He was unsure just how long he had been wandering for, but the night had grown dark and most of the lights in the houses had been switched off. It was obviously late… but Naruto just didn't see the point of hurrying back home. It wasn't like anyone was waiting for him… "Huh?" he turned around when he noticed one other was crossing the bridge… none other than Hinata. Her gaze was directed at the ground and she appeared to be deep in thought… but just what was she doing out here this late? "Hinata?" He spoke.
"A-ano?!" Hinata immediately snapped back to attention and looked up at him, "Naruto-kun!" she gasped softly, stepping back, "W-what are you doing out here?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing." he answered, leaning back against the rail, "I'm just taking a walk, to clear my head."
"I-I see…" Hinata said quietly, looking down. "Um… how was your training with Ebi-san?" she asked nervously, trying to make conversation
"Oh, that? It actually went pretty great!" Naruto said happily as he hopped up and sat his butt down onto the railing, "He's a freaking nerd, but you wouldn't believe the things that guy knows! Heh-heh! Figured out a way to up my chakra control!" He held out his hands and began collecting chakra. Hinata gasped as the chakra began to swirl in his hands, taking the form of the completed Rasengan. "Cool, huh!?" Naruto smiled, happy that he got a reaction out of the usually shy, quiet girl. As Hinata continued to stare, transfixed at the orb… Naruto closed his hands, causing it to dissipate.
"Ohhh…" Hinata let out a sigh. She had never seen such a jutsu, and for a moment was nearly mesmerised by the beauty of the chakra flow. She was a little disappointed, as she would have loved to stare at it longer…
"I'm telling ya! With all the stuff he knows, I don't even mind his whole gimmick of being a fake sen-WHOA!" Naruto suddenly exclaimed as he tilted backwards and fell! "AAAAH!"
"NARUTO-KUN!" Hinata exclaimed… only for her eyes to open wide at what she saw next.
"Heh-heh! Got ya!" Naruto laughed as stood on a perfectly horizontal angle. His arms were crossed and his feet clinging to the side of the bridge. "Alleyoop!" He pulled himself back up and sat on the railing.
"N… Naruto-kun… what was that?!" asked Hinata, still in awe over the Rasengan.
"What'd I tell you? I'm a great ninja!" Naruto grinned
"W-wow…" Hinata said in awe. "Naruto-kun is really amazing… y-you always seem to do the impossible. Every time I see you, you become stronger… e-even more amazing…" she looked down, blushing deeply, "I-I'm sure there's nothing Naruto-kun can't do…" Her smile began to fade as she let out a disappointed sigh.
"Huh?" Naruto blinked, noticing the shift in her mood, "What's wrong?"
"It… it's just that…" Hinata looked down, "I just don't understand… why am I so weak? No matter how hard I try." she looked up at him. "We had a mission today…"
"Awesome! How'd it go?" asked Naruto.
"It failed. Because of me." Said Hinata. Naruto cringed and slapped himself mentally. He shouldn't have said anything… "M-my teammates are very understanding, and they believe in me, even after all that… and I'm very thankful, but still… knowing that I'm holding them back… i-it's so frustrating…" she sighed, "Ah?" she was surprised when Naruto's hand moved forward, gently touching her chin and tilting her head up, so she wasn't looking down. "N-Naruto-kun?" her eyes opened wide
"You shouldn't be so upset with yourself. Your team understands that you're doing your best, and you should too!" Naruto smiled, causing her to blush. "You're a lot stronger than you think!" Naruto rested his hands behind his head and leaned back over the rail, "Try to have a little more confidence. Think about all you've done, and what you can do!"
"I remember…" Hinata stepped back, pushing away Naruto's hand and looking away, "I was beaten by my little sister Hanabi, and my father deemed me a failure and a disgrace to the…"
"That's not what I remember!" Naruto interrupted her, now sitting on all fours on the railing "You helped your team get through one of the toughest events in the chunnin exam, among hundreds of ninjas from all over the world! You stood your ground against Neji and kept getting back up no matter how many times he hit you!" He raised his finger, "And don't say it was nothing, I fought the guy too! I know what it's like getting hit by him, and believe me it really hurts! Heh-heh!" He said with a grin.
Hinata stared at Naruto for a moment, "T-thank you, Naruto-kun… I feel better now." she looked up to him, and smiled
"Hey, I made you smile!" Naruto exclaimed happily, leaning in closer to Hinata's face.
"A-ano…!" Hinata turned away, so Naruto couldn't see her blush.
"Aw, that's no good!" said Naruto in a disappointed tone, "Come on, let's see it!" he exclaimed, leaning his body side to side, trying to catch a glimpse of her face… but she kept turning her face away from him, "Yo Hinata! Get a load at this! BLEEEEH!" Hinata glanced at Naruto, only to see him currently standing on his head, sticking his tongue out while squishing his cheeks with his hand to make a silly face. Hinata couldn't help but giggle, "There you go!" Naruto grinned triumphantly, rolling over so he was upright again.
"Hee… Naruto-kun, you're so silly…!" Hinata said, still giggling a little bit. It was amazing how the boy could always make her smile. Naruto turned himself around so he was now facing away and looking at the sky…
"Yeah, I've been told…" said Naruto, leaning back a little with his hands behind his head. He made a motion with his hands, inviting her to sit with him. Having gained a little more courage now, Hinata happily complied. Naruto watched as she slowly pushed herself up onto the railing, careful not to fall. As he looked at her, he noticed a lot of things, how different they were. Unlike him, she was so shy and delicate… Naruto let out a sigh as his gaze turned downwards and the memories of his past flooded back. Of course Hinata wasn't like him… no one was.
Naruto's past was lonely and miserable. He lived his childhood being subjected to the cold stares of the adults, and not knowing why. Not only was he alone… but he was afraid. His frown grew as he remembered the fear and pain inside… all that sadness he's had to bear with… all for what? Naruto hadn't noticed, but he was clenching his fists tight.
"Naruto-kun?" Hinata spoke up. Naruto turned his head, and saw she was staring at him with a look of concern in her eyes, "Is something wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, it's nothing!" Naruto realized he was worrying her and instantly changed his expression. "Heh-heh!" He closed his eyes and leaned back, laughing with a dopey grin.
"Hmm…" Hinata frowned. She wasn't fooled. "No, something is wrong." she spoke in a serious tone. "I can tell."
"Heheheh…" Naruto's smile faded a bit as he opened his eyes, "What do you mean?"
"Please, stop this Naruto-kun. This isn't right." Said Hinata, "I don't like seeing you like this. Please, tell me what's wrong… because I can see that it's a false smile that you are putting on." Naruto didn't respond, or rather, he couldn't. He was speechless at what she said. "You put on a smile because you are hiding something… and it may be something that made you upset, or worse…" before Naruto could say anything, she grabbed his hand, "Please, tell me what it is. I… I just don't want to see you like this."
Naruto was still speechless. Really, he didn't know what to do. The way Hinata looked at him with so much concern, the way she spoke to him… no one's ever talked to him that way before. "Couldn't fool those eyes of yours… huh?" He let out a sigh as he looked down, "You really want to know why I always smile…?" His smile faded completely, and his face went somewhat grim. "All right, I'll tell you…"
Naruto got off the railing and stood by the edge of the bridge, while Hinata did the same. Never in his life had he ever talked about what he had gone through, but that was about to change. Hinata would be the first ever to be told by Naruto about his past.
"Back then, before I was going to fight Neji, I met you at the training grounds, and I told you about my mistakes that I made. There was something else I didn't say, another struggle that I've been going through…" he paused for a moment and sighed as he worked up the courage to talk… as if the subject made him feel ashamed. "For all my life, I've been living by myself, and hated by everyone. You've probably heard how I was hated, but not why… I can't tell you about that part, even if I had nothing to do with it. But what I can tell you though, is that my life has been a quiet hell."
Hinata remained quiet, and Naruto continued, "Living alone and growing up without parents was bad enough, but what really scared me were the villagers…" he said, shifting his position. "Anywhere I go, wherever there are people, I'm always met by the same cold stares. I was hated, and I knew it. All of them watching me like that, whispering behind my back, as if they're plotting to do something. I was angry at them for the way they isolated me, but I was even more scared, of what they could do to me… but as I entered the ninja academy, I saw they weren't planning anything…" Naruto turned to Hinata. "…they've already done it."
"W-what do you mean?" Hinata asked, feeling a little scared
"Their kids." Naruto said, "The kids my age, the same kids I wanted to play and make friends with… they didn't allow them to talk to me. They told them to shun me, to hate me just as they did. All this time I thought the adults were plotting against me… and I was right. They were teaching their kids to hate me, the same way their parents did."
"T… that's terrible!" Hinata exclaimed, outraged that the people of Konoha Village were capable of such a thing.
"It is, isn't it?" Naruto asked, "Iruka was an exception back in the academy, and eventually a few others I guess… but it's just not enough…" he said, turning around, away from Hinata. "I just wanted friends… you know? Even just one. Someone that'll be there on my side, to help me through my problems and make me feel better, even if I'm being hated, especially when I'm being put down by people… even my own team mates."
Hinata stood there, taking this all in. She was shocked, and appalled at what she heard Naruto say. "Naruto-kun…" she said silently. She remembered that she herself had a similar problem… Her father stopped caring about her, merely because she didn't live up to his expectations and favoured Hanabi because of her strength. However, Naruto's situation was so much worse than hers. Having no parents, no friends for support, and being hated by almost everyone in the village was so much worse than being looked down upon by her own father…
"That's why I smile Hinata…" Naruto turned back to face Hinata once again, this time with a sad look. "I don't care about looking like a fool or hiding the pain. I don't care what people see. I just keep doing it, in the hopes that maybe I'll feel better… and I guess all this time I've been smiling in vain." He sighed, "The same thing goes for friends too. I needed a friend, one that would always care for me, always support me. I keep dreaming that I'll find one, and I'll keep on dreaming, because no one like that exists…" he looked down at the floor of the bridge, with a sad look.
Hinata remained silent. She didn't know what to say, she was afraid to speak. "(N-no…)" she said to herself, closing her eyes. "Naruto-kun…" she slowly approached him, "All this time, you have been alone and treated badly… sometimes even by your own teammates. And you have no one to care for you… well, maybe Iruka-sensei and Hokage-sama, though they can't be around all the time because of their duties…" she added. Naruto didn't respond, but Hinata wasn't done yet
"Nobody saw that you would actually care for others. Naruto-kun." Hinata slowly looked up at him, "You even cared for someone by encouraging her to stand up… someone who was also being looked down upon… and you did it enough to have her care for you back." At those words, Naruto looked up at Hinata, surprised at what she just said. "Naruto-kun…" Hinata spoke, looking down and twirling her fingers, "You cared for me… you believed in me… and now, I want to do the same for you. I want to stand by your side and support you. That is because… I… I also care for you, Naruto-kun…"
"Hinata…" Naruto was speechless. He didn't know what to say.
"Naruto-kun… I don't want to see you smiling whenever you are hurt." Hinata grabbed Naruto's hands, "Smiling just to cover your pain, it isn't good for you. When you're unhappy… i-it just isn't right, sometimes it's best to not smile, when it isn't real. This is coming from a person who is now with you to help you."
"Hm…" Naruto looked down, "I know… but it still hurts" he said, placing his hand over his own heart, "It still hurts… just like when Sasuke and Sakura acted cold to me earlier today… the pain from being alone… it just won't go away…" he shut his eyes…
"It's okay Naruto-kun… I know it still hurts…" Hinata spoke gently, "But it will go away… because… you aren't alone anymore…" She slowly approached him. She didn't know what was going through her mind right now, but something was telling her it was the right thing to do. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him
"H… Hinata…!" Naruto gasped as Hinata held him, and a feeling of warmth washed over him… "I… I…" Naruto tried to speak, but he couldn't. All these unfamiliar emotions were surging through him. He was trembling, Hinata could feel it…
"Just let it go, Naruto-kun…" Hinata said softly, not letting go. Tears were starting to gather in Naruto's eyes. Finally, for the first time in what felt like so long, Naruto was shedding his tears, and cried from the pain he had gone through. Naruto collapsed to his knees, but Hinata supported him, as he cried on her shoulder. They remained that way, for what felt like forever… until Naruto's tears were finally running out.
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata said quietly. She could feel him… his body trembling in her arms slowly began to stop, as his own arms wrapped around her. Hinata's heart was racing, as thousands of things were going through her mind right now… "I… I've always admired you…" There were so many memories about him. Since the first time she laid eyes on him… "I wanted to know more about you…" Having grown up under a strict household, she had never seen anyone like him. At first she was curious about the boy, the way he acted really surprised her, and she wanted to learn more about him. "T-there was always something special about you… I just wanted to find out…" As time went on, she begun to admire him, "I wanted to be like you…" she closed her eyes. "But… over time… those feelings started to change… into something more… I wanted to help you… I want to be with you… Naruto-kun…"
They remained silent as they stood there. Naruto's heart was beating quickly, and he could feel Hinata's as well, beating as fast as his. Hinata holding him close like this… it so warm… so soft… Naruto, his eyes still closed, sighed blissfully. The same thought had crossed both their minds; they never wanted to let go.
"Are you feeling better now… Naruto-kun?" asked Hinata
"Yeah…" Naruto opened his eyes and smiled. Not a big fake grin, but a real smile. "Thank you Hinata." he said, looking into her eyes…
Suddenly, the two of them went red when they realized their arms were still wrapped around each other, and their faces were just inches apart… "Uh… ah…!" they suddenly let go and moved back. His heart was still pounding and his face was burning red, as was Hinata's. Both felt a twinge of regret for letting go.
"A… ano… it's… it's very late now" Said a flustered Hinata, staring down at her feet.
"Oh… yeah! You're right!" Naruto agreed, "I'd better get going! I got a big mission coming up tomorrow, I gotta get ready!"
"I see… g-good luck, Naruto-kun!" said Hinata as Naruto helped her up, "And… um… if… if it's okay with you… c-can I… if you don't mind…" Hinata tried to speak, "I'll see you off when you go… if it's okay with you N-Naruto-kun!" she added, timidly
"Sure, I see no problem in that!" Naruto smirked, "Heh! Now I'm more anxious than ever to start the mission, if it means I get to see you again!" he grinned, not noticing Hinata blushing deep at the statement, "And good luck to you too, Hinata" he smiled. Suddenly, he got an idea. "Hey, before we go, why don't we make a promise right now?" he asked, holding up his pinkie
"Ano?" Hinata blinked, a little confused
"Yeah, let's make a promise! Regardless of the outcome, whether we succeed or fail, we'll both try our very hardest on our missions!" Naruto smiled, holding up his hand
"I…" Hinata looked down for a moment, but then smiled. Nodding shyly, she held up her own pinkie and locked it around Naruto's, "It's a promise."
As the two stepped off the bridge and began walking in different directions, Naruto suddenly stopped, "Oh, and Hinata?" he called over to her.
"Y-yes, Naruto-kun?" Hinata turned around and looked at him
"Well… I just wanted to say… um… What you did for me… you know… you were really there for me… I needed that… and… just… I really feel better now, yeah…" Naruto looked down in embarrassment as he rubbed the back of his head, "Thanks for everything…"
"Um… y-you're very welcome… Naruto-kun." Hinata timidly twirled her fingers
"Well, I'm off! I'll see you soon!" He called as he turned around… only to come to a halt one last time. "Oh! And one more thing, Hinata!" He called, and Hinata turned around. "You remember when I was going to fight Neji? What I said to you?" Naruto paused for a second, "OTHER than that thing about you being a dark, timid and weird… uh yeah… and sorry about that part… just forget I said it…" he laughed nervously, seeing Hinata's expression. "Just… when I said I like people like you? After this whole talk, I've completely changed my mind, so just forget about that!"
"Oh…" Hinata looked down, sadly… but Naruto wasn't done yet
"Now I REALLY like people like you!" Naruto said happily. Hinata was stunned, her face blushing a iridescent shade of red, "Heh-heh-heh! Well, see ya tomorrow, Hinata!"
"Ah…" Hinata stood there. "I will Naruto-kun… and I promise…" she looked down at her pinkie, "I promise, I'll also try my best" she smiled as she headed home, with a definite spring in her step now…
(Location- Konoha Central)
It was about 9:00 in the morning, and Team 7 was gathered inside the lobby of the Village central. Their bags were ready and they were all waiting for Kakashi.
"So today's the big day, huh? We finally get to do the mission!" Sakura said happily, looking at Sasuke, "Are you excited, Sasuke-kun?" her question was answered with a mere scoff from the dark-haired ninja
Meanwhile Naruto was leaning against the wall, his eyes closed as he let out a yawn. He was tired after being up late last night, and his encounter with Hinata. "Heh…" A smile crossed his lips as he thought about the girl with the white eyes… he was really glad he ran into her. He never knew she was such a nice person. Naruto also remembered that promise they made, how they'd try their best on the missions. He was a little worried, whether she'd be alright… "Nah, nothing to worry about… she'll be fine…" he shook his head. Hinata may be gentle, but he really believed she was strong. That was one thing he liked about her, being determined to get strong, really not unlike him. Also the way she acted… so shy, gentle and ladylike… it had a certain charm… "Huh?" he looked up when he heard the door open
"Good morning everybody!" said Kakashi, entering the waiting room
"YOU'RE LATE!" Naruto and Sakura shouted, pointing at him.
"Well I see you're in fine spirits!" Kakashi chuckled, "Shall we get going now?"
"Um, shouldn't you at least explain the mission, sensei?" asked Sakura
"Don't worry about it, Kakashi-san, I'll explain it to them" a familiar voice spoke up
"Huh?" everyone around, "What the…?!" Naruto gasped at who he saw, "EBI!?"
"Yo, fancy meeting you again Naruto-kun" Ebi smirked
"What are you doing here?!" Naruto shouted, pointing at Ebi
"Ahem… I believe that's part of being the client, at least having enough decency to show up and explain the mission" Ebi answered, straightening his glasses
"YOU'RE the client?!" Naruto's jaw hung open
"Looks like it. It's a funny coincidence…" Ebi chuckled a little.
"Oh, you two know each other?" Kakashi blinked, looking almost surprised
"I suppose you can say that…" Ebi replied, but leaned in closer to Naruto "(And if you start calling me fake-sennin in front of others, I swear I WILL poison your next meal!)" He growled, "Let's move on! I'll explain things on the way…" He suddenly went back to being cheerful, causing Naruto to sweatdrop.
As the Team continued through the village, making their way towards the gates, Ebi was speaking to them. "As you know, the use of Chakra dates back thousands of years, long before the formation of the Hidden Villages or even the current forms of Jutsu. Over the centuries, much of this ancient knowledge has been lost and forgotten. I've dedicated my life to preserving the history of ancient chakra arts and uncovering the secrets of its origins in the ancient times before they are lost forever. That's why I hired your team…" he stopped walking a moment, "You see, after deciphering the old documents and scriptures, I saw a pattern in which many would speak of a certain scroll and ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING?!"
"GAH!" Naruto jumped when Ebi suddenly shouted at him. "S-sorry! I kinda spaced out there for a moment… eheheh…" he laughed nervously. His teammates all shook their heads and sighed, while Ebi continued explaining. Truthfully, Naruto wasn't listening to Ebi's lecture because he was looking out for Hinata, who said she'd see him off. Naruto sighed, she was nowhere in sight… might as well listen to Ebi…
"…was hidden centuries ago during a time of war. Even though the dynasty collapsed, their enemies never got their hands on their secrets held within their sacred scroll, and it has remained hidden till this day." Ebi explained, "From my research, I believe I may have indeed found the location of the ancient scroll…" everyone hushed, listening carefully, "I've traced its location to Gakido Peak, and your mission is to retrieve it for me"
"That's all? You just need us to find you a scroll?" asked Naruto
"Yes…" Ebi sighed. He hadn't been listening… but at least he understood that much.
"Yo Ebi, quick question." Naruto raised his hand, "You're supposed to be an explorer, right? Travelling the world, hunting relics and shit… but Gakido Peak's not THAT far away, even I know that, so why do you need to hire us NINJAS to go get it for you?"
"It's called being smart, a concept you're probably not familiar with." Sasuke crossed his arms, "Everyone knows there's bandits around Gakido peak, and it's especially dangerous for travellers. He's smart enough not to go there, that's why he's sending an idiot to retrieve it instead." Sasuke spoke, glaring at Naruto
"Um… Sasuke-kun? We're also going…" Sakura spoke up. Sasuke scrunched slightly, but Naruto's face immediately lit up
"Bandits eh…?" Naruto said, with a mischievous grin, "THEN WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?! LET'S GO!" he shouted, running through the village gates
"Hey! Don't run off without us!" Sakura ran to catch up. Sasuke grumbled, but also started running after Naruto
"We'll be leaving now Ebi-san, see you by the end of the day." Said Kakashi, who was casually reading his book, "And don't worry about anything. While my students may not seem like the most… reliable, they'll get the job done."
"You think?" Ebi shook his head and sighed when Kakashi disappeared in a burst of smoke. "I just hope Naruto will be fine…" His expression changed to one of concern. As he turned around to leave, something caught his eye…
"N-naruto-kun…!" Hinata huffed as she came running into the scene, "Naruto-kun? Where is he?" she asked, looking around, but Naruto was nowhere in sight. She sighed as she pulled out a container of medicinal cream, and held it in both her hands, "Before he leaves… I want to give this to him…"
"Give what, Hinata-dono?" Ebi asked, suddenly popping up
"AAAH!" Hinata screamed, nearly dropping the container, "E… Ebi-san! W-when did you get here?!" she exclaimed, carefully holding the container
"Urgh… I get that a lot. Believe me." Ebi sighed, his eyes moving to the container, "What have you got there?" he asked with interest
"Um w-well… it's… nothing…" Hinata replied, embarrassed
"Well, if you were planning on giving Naruto 'nothing', you're too late. They already left"
"Oh…" Hinata said, and looked down sadly at the container. She had arrived late because she was making it for Naruto. If only she had gotten here a little sooner…
"Don't worry, Hinata-dono" Ebi said, placing his hand on her shoulder. He smiled at her, "If you can't give 'nothing' to Naruto-kun when he leaves, then wait for him to come back. Then you can give him all the sweet 'nothings' you want!"
"Ano…" Hinata blushed a little as Ebi walked off, chuckling to himself. "Wait for Naruto-kun to get back…" she said, looking down at the container of medical cream as she stood in silence. "Okay then…" she smiled, looking up at the sky, "If I can't give it to you now… then I'll wait for you Naruto-kun… I'll wait for you to come back, and give you 'nothing' then!" she said, smiling brightly
The mission has finally begun, and as Naruto and his team leave the village, Hinata is anxiously awaiting him, for his return, and hopefully share their sweet 'nothings' (so to speak). With newfound friendship for each other, as well as a few other feelings still uncertain, this is just their first step… But how will they do on the mission? Will Team 7 safely recover the scroll from Gakido Peak? Find out next time on Naruto: Way of the Ninja!
(To Be Continued)