Author: Woohoo….thanks for the encouraging reviews! Sorry for the mistakes and long posting time interval and short chapter (it ain't easy being a second year graphic design student, the teachers are riding us hard :P) !

I am also browsing naruto wiki and using some character information to bring authenticity to the characters.

Also side note on Naruto psyche: Hinata confessed her feelings for Naruto bluntly I think during fight with Pain and later with Madara but Naruto being Naruto probably thought she was saying that in the friend sense because he hasn't been able to connect her behavior with her confession (he is used to being friendzoned). Plus I think since Hinata is so quiet and shy, many overlook her maybe except her teammates and were probably too busy to notice Hinata's feelings what with one fight after another happening in or around Konoha.

XX You are welcome to ignore my rambling below and continue from the Chapter 3 heading XX

Psssst…. I don't hate Ino & Sakura really but it's difficult for me to like bullies (aka Mean Girls in this case Ino & Sakura) who ruin others life with their cruel worlds and even though they might change when they grew up, it doesn't reduce the scar they leave on the victim. I was big, gawky, bespectacled and fat, more mature and elder looking for my age, my childhood was literally very painful as people really tried hard to bully me, but I was never one to lay down and take everything they dished out and used to lash out in return; that's why I can really understand why Naruto reacts the way he does. Finally in my late teens I grew into my overgrown body, became more confident and graceful but some of the careless words are hard to forget and especially the people who said them. (Be careful in making fun and bullying others since that victim never forgets and rarely forgives, teach this to your kids if and when you have them for a better world in future with fewer enemies ) :D

Disclaimer. Nopes Naruto still, unfortunately, doesn't belong to me. (^o^)v

Chapter Three

"Did you get to meet her?" A blonde long haired girl asked the pacing girl with pink hair in a loose ponytail. Both were waiting with other kunoichi for their medical checkups which was now more extended with the sudden inclusion of eye checkup.

"I waited for two hours before a expressionless Shizune san told me that Tsunade-sama was otherwise occupied and that I should get back to my duty." Haruna Sakura sighed gloomily.

"Ugh. What did we do to deserve this?" Yamanaka Ino moaned and grumbled. "First these extensive medical checkups because of you and Sasuke shagging in the linen closet, now the eyes checkup for some unknown reason and then back to examining the disgusting samples duty. Why are only we stuck doing that duty, we were supposed to work on dissecting ninjas with different hidden ninjutsus usage?"

"I know! It's not fair! Since all the shinobis got called back, I was so happy that Sasuke was returning back early but when he found that I am stuck with examining with with that…he actually volunteered for several patrol duties coinciding about time I get back…UGH ! " Sakura was livid and growing desperate. " Back then, that closet scene wasn't deliberate okay….Sasuke had came back from his second ANBU mission, I had night duty…how was I supposed to know that he wouldn't wait….would be that forceful and drag me off….." Sakura blushed remembering his and then her lack of control.

"Yea…. Sasuke and your face was worth looking when you got out and found Tsunade-sama and the whole staff waiting right outside." Ino smirked remembering everyone's scandalized faces. Sasuke and Sakura hadn't been quiet nor subtle enough to have the incident go unnoticed.

"Don't remind me." Sakura shuddered and winced remembering. "Tsunade sama first blistered our ears with the scolding but that was nothing compared to when she found out that we hadn't even thought of using protection…. I was scared for our life."

Ino sighed. "I was pretty jealous that you guys had gone so far….while Choji and I were barely able to peck… I thought he wasn't interested in me physically… if you and Shikamaru hadn't helped me realize that he didn't even know that I was trying to seduce him…."

Sakura nudged Ino. "But once he did…"

Ino turned crimson but grinned broadly. "His tongue is pretty talented with all the eating he does…."

Both laughed.

Sakura then turned to the 3rd medical-nin in their team. "Hinata you must be having fun learning all the new stuff."

The quietly blushing kunoichi, Hyuuga Hinata, who had been silently listening to their bold conversation, looked up at them and softly answered. "Tsunade-sama has assigned me to observe and record the impact of the changes left in the chakra and body due to different ninjutsu usage."

Sakura and Ino moaned.

Ino had become initially interested in becoming medical nin after Sakura started learning medical jutsus, but her interest had begun to grow on its own, she too had begged Tsunade to let her join the training along with Sakura and was now one of the advanced medical ninjutsu users, though her chakra control did not match up with that of Sakura and Hinata.

Hinata on the other hand had been personally vetted by Tsunade when she had heard of Hinata's emergency attempts in healing shinobis during the war. Tsunade had seen the potential in Hinata with her chakra control being up to par with that of a medical-nin, her knowledge of herbs and medicines, the added bonus of Byakugan altogether combined with Hinata's empathy, had been a win-win situation all around for her.

Hyuuga Hiashi, Hinata's overprotective father, as expected had been the biggest hurdle. He had protested against it, insisting that his daughter should not be subjected to it as she was a gentle and delicate lady, already in mourning for not being able to save Neji. Tsunade in turn had pulled rank and it had turn into a full fledge fight before Hinata had softly but adamantly given her consent.

Hiashi had since then observed in astonishment as Hinata had gradually grown to be an exceptional advanced medical nin. Her calm, patient, polite and gentle demeanor made her a favorite among the patients as opposed to hardcore Sakura and Ino, jolting them both in shocked realization at their unexpected rival. Though her personality was the reason Hinata had been always over-looked by many people but placed in the right situation, she was steadily glowing; her Byakugan an extra edge.

"Dammit! I want to do that too!" Sakura said grabbing her head in frustration with both hands. "I want to know what I am being punished for! But Tsunade sama won't even meet us.."

"I dunno…either" Ino said dejectedly. Then she looked up at the Hinata's concerned face suddenly. "Hey! You can help us out!"

Hinata stared at them wide-eyes, uncomprehending.

Sakura stopped in mid stride. "Of course! Brilliant idea, Ino! No one will suspect her!" She grabbed Hinata's slender shoulder in her strong grip, green eyes intensively boring into soft silvery white eyes. "Hinata you have to find out why we are banished to such…. such indignity, all those jealous doctoring and nursing cows, of our apprenticeship under Tsunade sama are now thumping and mocking us!"

Hinata wanted to protest at the task suddenly thrust upon her, not wanting to interfere with the Lady Hokage Tsunade sama's decision but she understood indignity…the sense of shame, helplessness and mortification at another's hands. They deserve to know why at least, Hinata mused, bravely trying to assure herself.

"Ano- I wil-I will try." Hinata whispered, resisting the urge to press her forefingers together, the weight of Sakura's hands was heavy.

Sakura straightened and took the seat next to left of Hinata, with Ino seating on her other side. They huddled in.

"Okay. When do you have the next session with Tsunada sam?" Ino inquired, her eyes contemplating.

"After one or two weeks.." Hinata mumbled.

"What?!" Sakura and Ino exclaimed loudly. Hinata winced at their loudness.

The other young Kunoichis, in the waiting area, turned to glare at them, Sakura getting some extra dirty looks.

Ino raised an pointed eyebrow at them, Hinata just implored forgiveness by giving a delicate and regal head bow while Sakura was suddenly adjusting her right glove before nonchalantly making a small fist.

Everyone turned their attention elsewhere.

Sakura and Ino turned back to swarm Hinata.

"What do you mean after two weeks?!" Ino asked furtively.

"Um…the Hokage Lady Tsunade-sama said she was going to be very busy, and I am to practice my Byakagun for documenting for few hours only in a day or so, so as to not strain it when in it will be needed later on." Hinata explained quietly.

"What about Shizune-san, why isn't she taking over your instruction if Tsunade-sama is busy?" Sakura asked quizzically, also a little bit peeved at not being included in the inner office dynamics. "What is happening at the Hokage's office that's making Tsunade sama so busy, that Shizune-san or Kakashi-sensei can't handle?"

"The Hokage Lady Tsunade-sama mentioned that Shizune san is busy making invitations and preparations for some special guests in nearby future. While Kakashi san is in preparation for gathering some background data on the guests with some ANBU teams." Hinata informed them timidly.

Both Ino and Sakura shared a private look. Why had they been demoted at such a time, when Tsunade sama clearly needed every extra hand available?

Abruptly Hinata stood up, looking panicky at the time on the clock at top of the gynecology reception desk. It was nearly 7 pm.

She hurriedly said goodbye to Sakura and Ino, before talking quietly to the receptionist and then sprinted out gracefully of the room.

Ino and Sakura staring at her sprinting back in bewilderment.

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Evening

On the other side of the Konoha Village

Naruto walked languidly through the market road going towards Ichiraku san's shop, with hands in his blue long baggy pant shorts and a loose white t-shirt with a orange Uzumaki swirl on the back. His hair, without the protector, fell naturally to frame his face; making him look younger.

Though he had his beloved protector in his pocket, just in case.

He observed the similar yet slightly different sights of shops and people milling around. People would often look at surprise in seeing him without his trademark shinobi outfit but would still call out, waving enthusiastically to greet him before going back to their work.

Naruto also took the time to call back and greet them all. The acceptance and happiness at the sight of him in the peoples' face, uplifted his mood a bit. The truth of Tsunade baachan's words glared vehemently at him from every direction.

He closed his eyes and lifted his face towards the sky. He could smell the appetizing smells and aromas from the food stalls. The bustling people: some were unwinding from long day at work, some leisurely walking by, while others busy buying or selling wares.

But he was only carving one thing at that moment. Ramen. Deliciously tasting, specially made for him by the old man, Teuchi san, the best Ramen maker in the whole shinobi world as far as Naruto was concerned.

Except the shop was glaringly missing from its place! Naruto felt the panic rise inside him as he dashed towards the place where the shop used to be but was now a flat land with no evidence of the shop. Naruto looked at the deploring empty land.

"Hey Naruto….Naruto!" A voice called to him.

Naruto turned to see Iruka sensei running up to catch him up. Iruka sensei slapped Naruto's muscled shoulder in greeting once he stood next to him, feeling a bit nostalgic seeing him grown up so tall and mature when only recently he was just a pipsqueak.

"Iruka sensei…" Naruto greeted back, looking miserable.

"What's wrong?" Iruka asked, a little taken back.

"Ramen…where did it go?!...I want my ramen!" Naruto said getting emotional.

Iruka guffawed. "You are still such a kid Naruto." He wrapped an arm around his shoulder and dragged him towards the opposite direction.

"Teuchi san relocated the shop to the other section, the block near the training grounds, the Academy and the Hokage building . "

"Yea…I haven't been able to stop by in a while, how is ouji-san and Ayame nee-chan?" Naruto asked, willingly being dragged along.

Iruka smiled wryly. "They are good but terribly missing their favorite customer. They are always asking where you disappeared off to. Inari and Tazuna san made the restaurant in record time and Teuchi san and Ayame san has been praising you day and night for it though."

"Aw man… the old man (ouji-san) is going to be vindictive for not stopping by before and charge me super-duper now." Naruto moaned.

Iruka laughed and chatted along with Naruto, bringing him up to date about the other recent happenings he had missed in the last few months.

They stopped before the polished new Ichiraku Ramen restaurant.

"Wow." Naruto stopped to look at it in amaze. It was a beautifully designed building.

He eagerly opened the door and rushed in to shout: "Tadaima!"

Everyone turned to see the commotion and saw a widely grinning Naruto.

Teuchi cooking in the kitchen at the back, hearing Naruto's cheerful loud voice passed the spatula to his stupefied special apprentice. Wiped his hands clean, before hurriedly coming out to the front.

To see Ayame whack Naruto on the head and him apologizing profusely while still smiling broadly.

"Naruto!" Teuchi grumbled. Pleased inward to finally see the dear boy after so long. He had grown up so much in such a short period. But is too thin for a growing man, Teuchi thought worried. He needs to eat more.

"Hello old man!" Naruto called out before coming near him, Iruka followed smiling.

It was good to see their misfit family together once again.

A pair of Byakugan eyes watched the scene wistfully before smiling tenderly and started preparing for love-filled special Naruto ramen, large order.

Author: Sorry sorry for the short chapter (O - O)v, will write a longer once the teachers ease a bit….Thank you for reading and reviewing!

Beta reader wanted! Please PM.