Chapter 12: Hyuga's one Uchiha's zero
This was the end for him Sarutobi knew it, maybe if he was lucky Hitomi would only beat him enough to the point that he could use it as an excuse to retire. But he doubted she would let him off that easily. Just as he was saying his final prayers and Hitomi was beginning to reach striking distance
The ground in front of Sarutobi cracked and a pair of sleeved hands burst through the ground. The hands than disappeared back inside the ground and a mop of blonde hair replaced it. Though it seemed like whoever it was, was slightly stuck as they couldn't get the top of the head any further out of the ground because he didn't make the hole wide enough.
In an instant Sarutobi was surrounded by his Anbu, even though he was slightly irritated that they made no movement to protect him 5 seconds ago when Hitomi was rushing at him.
But Sarutobi had bigger fish to fry at the moment because somebody had actually managed to tunnel through the floors of the council chambers. The entire room was protected with a multitude of seals, many of them of Uzumaki origin whom were known as the greatest of all seal masters.
Hitomi who had stopped her charge at Sarutobi the moment she saw that familiar mop of blonde hair. Tilted her head slightly than asked in a hopeful tone.
"Naruto-kun?"
The mop of blonde hair disappeared back inside the hole then a moment later a figure rocketed out of the ground at a high speed, kicking up a ton of dust and rubble, the figured flipped in mid-air and landed in front of Hitomi.
"You called Lady Hyuga?"
Almost instantaneously Hitomi reached over and grabbed Naruto pulling him into a hug and started kissing the top of his head while saying in between kisses "Thank," Kiss "God," Kiss "Your," Kiss "Alive," Kiss "Naruto" Kiss.
This lead to an influx of jealousy from many of the men in the room, whom had always dreamed of getting kissed by the goddess that was Hitomi Hyuga. Hiashi who saw this flicked his hair backwards with one hand, "Yeah dream all you want boys but I'm the one who gets her and her kisses in bed later tonight." He thought with a smirk.
Sarutobi immediately felt relief that he hadn't hurt or killed Naruto, but he was stupefied with how a four year old was able to not only break through multiple seals, but also survive without a scratch on him when he had clearly been hit by multiple shuriken.
Sarutobi took a few steps toward the boy who was still in Hitomi's grasps, who immediately growled at him and hugged Naruto closer to her body.
"Now, now Lady Hyuga I'm not going to hurt him, I just want to ask some questions." Sarutobi said in his best convincing tone, which sadly didn't work as Hitomi snarled at him
"That's what you said before you almost killed him, how can I trust you won't try to kill him again. What are you going to do this time drop an earth wall on him to see if he can tunnel out of that too?"
Putting up his hands to show he meant no harm Sarutobi said, "You and me both know that even a earth wall of my caliber cannot match up to the strength of the floors of this council room, I just wanted to ask Naruto-kun how he was able to bypass all our seals, and also how he survived being hit by the shuriken." Though he said the last part more quietly, hoping to not further enrage the Hyuga Matriarch.
Hitomi's eyebrows furrowed slightly than slowly she released her grip on Naruto and set him down, though she kept one hand on his shoulder in concern.
"Yes Naruto-kun, I would also know how you were able to penetrate these floors?" Hitomi said in a sweet tone to Naruto. Which caused Sarutobi and other council members to sweat-drop at the sudden rapid change of tone in her voice.
Naruto looked at her with confused eyes, which caused Hitomi to flush slightly "Gosh he looks just like how Minato did whenever he got confused with the rules of the Hyuga clan, Naruto asked.
"What do you mean Lady Hyuga?"
Sarutobi eye-bow quirked slightly then said, "Do you know how strong these floor are Naruto-kun, It would take somebody at least Kage level to break through them. And even then it would take them a long time to do it, this room is one of the safest rooms in Konoha when the doors are closed and locked from the inside."
Naruto had a puzzled look on his face when he asked, "What do you mean Hokage-sama I was able to tunnel through the floor like a hot knife through butter, it wasn't very hard actually." He finished with a smile.
Inside of Naruto's mind Hashirama was holding onto his sides laughing, at the prank he had made Naruto play on Sarutobi.
He had told Naruto exactly how to use his Mokuton chakra to bypass all the seals in the room, and it was only due to the boy's inexperience and horrendous chakra control, did he get slightly stuck at the part where he was supposed to bust through the floor.
Kurama who was also extremely amused at the scene said to Hashirama.
''You know if it's possible that some of your chakra was left in me, than maybe some of my fox traits were rubbed off on you to. Especially since you seem to be such an accomplished prankster."
Hashirama wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and said "Maybe Kurama… just maybe." Turning to Kurama Hashirama gave him one of his best attempts at a foxy grin, which only prompted Kurama to stare at him in surprise for a second then return one of his own famously patent foxy grins.
Back outside the Hokage signaled 2 of his Anbu to attempt to penetrate the floor with the head-hunter jutsu which he assumed that's how Naruto did. They jumped up slightly and aimed their fists downward in preparation, to channel their chakra through the floor so they could tunnel into it. Much to the surprise of everybody in the room they all heard a sickening crunch sound, as both Anbu's punched the seal reinforced floor with quite a bit of force enough to fracture the hand of both Anbu's.
Naruto inwardly fought as hard as he could to keep from breaking out in laughter, his mouth twitched irregularly as he suppressed the need to laugh. Lucky for Naruto nobody had seen it because they were all still frozen in shock.
Especially Fugaku Uchiha who thought to himself, "A four year old boy had been able to do what even two highly trained Anbu could not, just how powerful could he become with proper training."
"A wood clone!" somebody in the council said, turning to the center of the room the usually reserved Shibi Aburame was on one knee examining the remains of a wood clone. Which currently laid in the spot Naruto had fallen in.
"This was his chance, I must have him" Fugaku thought. This boy has so much potential and the ability to use Mokuton, if he were to be loyal to the Uchiha clan no doubt we would be able to put those dammed Hyuga's in their place, and claim our rightful place as the rulers of Konoha.
Immediately Fugaku turned to the Hokage and said, "Hokage-sama we of the Uchiha clan would like to open our doors and allow Naruto-san into our clan to live and train.
"What?" Sarutobi asked clearly confused, he thought to himself. "Why would the Uchiha clan want to let somebody without the Sharingan into their clan? They have spent years preaching how the Sharingan is to be as pure as possible.
"Since Naruto is an orphan with no living parents and his only legal guardian is the often absent and extremely busy Sannin Jiraiya-sama, we would like to officially bring him into our clan as to provide him with a stable and loving environment." Fugaku said smugly as if he had already had the boy under his control.
"If I'm not mistaken Naruto has parents though they are not of blood but they are loving to him nonetheless." Sarutobi retorted still not realizing the game Fugaku was playing.
"Really now," Fugaku said in a snide tone. "Whom might they be then if you wouldn't mind me asking?" He had already decided that he would put them under a genjustu, to convince them to transfer guardianship of Naruto over to him.
"The two toad sages of Mount Myoboku Ma and Pa." Sarutobi replied.
This made Fugaku intensely livid, knowing that he would not be able to physically reach them at Mount Myobuku without the Toad contract. Quickly thinking of an excuse to claim Naruto anyway Fugaku stated. "Well they have their duties in Mount Myoboku so we cannot expect them to come to Konoha to look over him, if I'm not mistaken Naruto will be moving to Konoha permanently soon for the start of his training?"
Hiashi hearing this was currently boiling with rage, almost to the point he was frothing in the mouth with it. Unlike the Hokage who often only saw the good in the people of Konoha, Hiashi knew instantly what Fugaku was up too.
The Byakugan wasn't called the all seeing eye for nothing, he knew Fugaku only wanted Naruto because of his newly found power and how it would benefit his clan, if Naruto hadn't shown these powers to the council today, Fugaku wouldn't have batted an eye lash in Naruto's direction even if he was being beaten to death in the middle of the street.
Before the Hokage could say anything else Hiashi said, "Actually Fugaku me and my wife were already talking about having Naruto-kun live with our clan, so there is no need for you to worry about him not having a proper upbringing inside Konoha." He finished with a grin, "Like I would let a bastard like you believe that I would sit idly by as you looked to exploit Naruto." Hiashi finished mentally.
Fugaku frowned slightly and thought, "Dam you Hiashi you will not stand in my way to glory." Settling himself slightly he said out-loud, "Be that as it may, but I believe the Uchiha clan would be a better environment for Naruto to grow up in. Also as you know my wife went on a few missions with Kushina in their youth so I'm sure she would be ecstatic to raise the child of one of her friends."
Suddenly out of nowhere Hiashi began chuckling than it became laughter which slowly became full blown maniacal cackling, which began scaring the other members of the council.
Nobody really called seen this side of the usually tempered and impassive Hiashi Hyuga, clutching his sides Hiashi said with a deranged grin, "An acquaintance that was what your wife was to Kushina a mere acquaintance, while on the other hand my wife was her best friend in all of Konoha even to the point where they were basically sisters. So tell me who is more would be more ecstatic and more importantly more qualified to raise Naruto? Clearly it is not your wife but mine."
It was at this point Sarutobi had enough with the two of them bickering; these two weren't just any clan heads but they were the clan heads of the two most respected clans in Konoha. But here they were like two children in the playgrounds fighting over who gets to play with the new toy. Slamming his right hand down on the table, he instantly got both of their attention.
"You two will cease with these narrow-minded insults immediately, you two are supposed to be setting an example for the other clan heads and to the younger generation." Sarutobi waved his hand at Naruto. "And never the less Naruto is not some object you two can fight over he is a human being. Now I do not know which of you would raise him up to be a better person, and even if I did that choice would not be mine to make. It would be Naruto's choice ultimately of whom he wants to stay with and learn from. So instead of fighting against each other why don't you ask who Naruto wants to live with."
Both Hiashi and Fugaku glared at each other slightly than sat back down in their assigned seats, Than Sarutobi motioned for Naruto to walk back to the center of the room, where he would decide which clan he would want to stay with.
When Naruto reached the center of the room Sarutobi said to Fugaku, "You may be allowed to go first Uchiha-sama in your attempts to convince Naruto here why he should choose the Uchiha clan over the Hyuga clan." Sarutobi saw Fugaku smirked and quickly added on, "Only because Naruto already had some exposure to the Hyuga clan so it would only be fair to level the playing field slightly." This served to wipe the smirk from his face.
Standing back up Fugaku said to Naruto, "Now Naruto-san as you know we the Uchiha are one of the strongest clans in all of Konoha," pausing slightly to allow himself to make a smug look. "And over the years there have been many who have wanted to join the mighty Uchiha clan due to the amount of fame, fortune and power we could provide for them.
But we denied them all because they were deemed unfit to join our prestigious clan, so you see Naruto-san that this chance that we are offering you has never been offered to anybody else before, you are getting this one in a lifetime chance only granted to you and you only whom I deemed worthy of the Uchiha name. And when you carry our name it means you are the best of the best and an elite by all means."
Fugaku then placed extra an emphasis on his next sentence. "Now Naruto-san do you know what power we could offer you."
With a blank look on his face Naruto asked, "No Uchiha-sama I do not know what kind of power you can offer me, would you care to elaborate?"
Thinking he had got the boy in the bag he said to Naruto, "The mighty Sharingan eye has copied hundreds of thousands of techniques all of them would be at your disposal, also we are known for our mastery in the art of genjustus. With these at powers at your command nobody will be able to stand in your way."
Fugaku had expected the boy to be drooling at the prospect of learning so many techniques, but one look on Naruto's face and it was extremely clear he was dead wrong; instead of the look of astonishment the boy looked just as impassive as he was before.
Naruto shook his head slightly than said, "Uchiha-sama if I were to join your clan I would only obtain your name and not the Sharingan, so my learning of hundreds of thousands of techniques would be near impossible for me to achieve in one life time. But even if I were to somehow obtain the Sharingan, I would not use it in that way because I have been taught by my grandfather Jiraiya that learning all the jutsus in the world is worthless, because you would never be able to refine them all and learn how wield them all properly. Regardless the Sharingan would be of no use in helping me refine my current skills, Mokuton is a blood line and the only person who would have been to teach me how to use it was the Shodaime Hokage who has been dead for many years."
Naruto heard a loud cough from inside his mind.
"And as for genjustu, I have been informed by the toads on Mount Myoboku that I have a very special condition that makes me immune to all forms of genjustus, but the downside to this is that I myself have almost no ability to perform any genjustu at all." Naruto had lied about the last part it was actually Kurama who told him about it.
"But there is one skill that I could definitely benefit from learning… Taijutsu. Now I know the Sharingan is able to copy Taijutsu stances to a certain extent, but" Naruto drew the 't' out then placed his hand on his chin stroked it slowly and turned to Hiashi and asked. "Hiashi-sama my memory seems to have chosen an unfortunate time to escape me, would you care to help me with this quote that has been coined famously by many Hyuga's. I believe it started off something like 'When it comes to Tajutsu…. Hyuga's reign supreme.'" With both
Naruto and Hiashi finishing the quote together. Unnoticed by the others the Hyuga clan head's lip curled up slightly in a grin which he directed at Naruto.
Noticing the grin Naruto turned back to Fugaku and said, "Uchiha-sama you have asked me a mound of questions, now would you be so kind as to entertain one of mines?
Seeing Fugaku nod Naruto continued in his blank face, "You yourself said Uchiha-sama that people would beg you to allow them to join the Uchiha clan in their quest for power and I correct.
Once again Fugaku nodded in agreement
"Now no disrespect to your clan and its abilities, but if your clan's power is so well known and wide spread to the point where people would come from all around in attempts to join you. Than why do you allow the Hygua to tell everybody that they are the strongest in Konoha? I have only been in Konoha for a few days and I have already heard this quote many, many times said by Shinobi and civilian alike." Naruto finished with a slight shrug.
Fugaku saw this was going south very quickly for him, he knew that if he didn't use more underhanded tricks he would lose his chance to obtain the Mokuton and Kyubi's power. Luckily he was well connected enough to have some dirt on the Hyuga clan, still hoping he could convince Naruto to join his side.
"Yes that might all be true Naruto-san but I have seen how the Hyuga clan treats you, is it not true that the first night you were with the Hyuga's that you were almost killed because of internal issues within the Hyuga clan? So tell me how the Hyuga clan is supposed to focus on training when they have their own issues to deal with?"
Hiashi stood up clearly infuriated that Fugaku knew about that incident and said, "I have already dealt with that issue Fugaku. And as for the attack on Naruto's person that was all a mere case of him being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But if you do not believe I have dealt with the issue you can ask Hokage-sama yourself he has a full report that I have personally written."
Fugaku gritted his teeth but he wasn't done just yet, "Still even if it was an accident, I have seen how your clan treats Naruto like he's trash."
"What are you getting at Fugaku, what proof do you have for such statements against my clan?" Hiashi asked fury prominent in his voice.
"What proof do I have, you ask Hiashi? It has been seen publicly how you have basically reduced this poor boy to nothing but a servant and plaything for your daughter. One of the last of the Senju clan, made to run around town buying sweets for your daughter, whom was scared off by the sight of a Kumo Shinobi, leaving Naruto to fend for himself. Your clan's treatment of Naruto disgusts me!" Fugaku spat out at Hiashi.
This time it was Hitomi to interject into the conversation, "Naruto is no servant boy to my clan, he is my daughter's best friend and savior. Whatever they do is between them and not for you to interpret as you please."
"Be that as it may Lady Hyuga, tell me why is it that Naruto is your daughter's only friend? I'm sure there are other children inside the Hyuga clan. Specifically inside the branch family maybe it's because you fear those that have ill intentions toward your daughter? How can we be sure your branch members don't have these same ill intentions toward Naruto for associating with your daughter, this will impede him from reaching his true potential, this is too big of a weakness and deterrent to his growth to ignore" Fugaku exclaimed hating how every bad point he bought up against the Hyuga's was countered so easily. Forcing him to use any pathetic excuse he could come up with to try and remove Naruto from the Hyuga's.
This greatly enraged both Hyuga's but it was Naruto who countered Fugaku instead. "Uchiha-sama I have to agree with you when you say that the branch house is a dark stain on the Hyuga clan, but all of us have our secrets, weakness's and skeletons in our closets. Just by reading books on clans of Konoha and I can already deduce some of the clans weaknesses." This had earned many gasps and many frowns from the clan heads. Naruto seeing this gave a small smile. "Fret not I only know of the obvious weakness's and nothing about your secrets." Naruto said hoping to reassure them.
An incredulous Tsume said to Naruto, "Prove it Naruto-kun what are our weaknesses." Some of the clan heads were quite intrigued on wondering what a four year old knew about their clans, why some others were more scared about what weaknesses could be potentially revealed.
Naruto turned over to Tsume and did a short bow the said, "The Inuzuka clan from my studies I have done on them I have learned many things about them like how they are one of if not the most loyal clan to Konoha," this statement made Tsume beam with pride. "They are also extremely well in tune with their ninken partners, living a symbiotic life style with them allowing the Inuzuka to combine with their partners to overwhelm their opponents. But… this is also their weakness if you separate the pair your greatly diminish their effectiveness in battle, and if you happen to kill one of them you would cripple the other for life. Also by fighting them in a cramped area you greatly decrease the amount of skills they can use.
Naruto then proceeded to go through the weakness's he knew of all the other major clans of Konoha
"The Aburame's weakness they are not as big of a threat once you get into their guard, due to lack of focus in taijutsu or kenjutsu. Also they are all naturally weak toward lighting affinity users so against Kumo they would be at a serious disadvantage.
"The Nara depend too much on the shape of the battlefield and how that accommodates their jutsus, if there is no shadow or the shadows aren't in the proper position than the Nara's techniques are of no use. This means that flat plains where there are little objects to cast shadows is not the most viable fighting area for a Nara"
"The Akimichi need to constantly eat in order to harness the ability to convert calories into chakra, so unless they can be ensured with a supply of food long term missions should not be given to an Akimichi.
"The Yamanaka rely heavily on their mind body switching techniques which from what I believe, all leave their bodies vulnerable. So Yamanakas are definitely not suited for solo missions. Where the is nobody to watch over their bodies.
"Then there is the Uchiha clan your weakness is also your pride," Naruto pointed to his own eyes. "Uchiha's rely heavily on their sharingan in a battle. Though I cannot blame them for it is a truly remarkable Dojutsu, but if an enemy were to somehow disable its use than your skills would degrade immensely. And if my studies are correct than ninjas from the mist would easily trump an Uchiha.
Though most of the clan heads were glaring at Naruto, deep down inside they knew this four year old boy was right. And if a four year old could figure it out than their enemies surely could have too.
Mentally most of them made notes to up their training for their entire clan to cover their flaws. All with the exception of Fugaku Uchiha,
It was at this point he had lost all sense of dignity. While also seething from the mouth with fury, he thought to himself "How dare this boy mock the mighty Sharingan. When he was under his control he would properly reeducated him in the powers of it. He roared out at the boy the last vestiges of formality leaving him in his power-induced blindness.
"WHAT DO YOU WANT THAN?"
"RANK? I WILL LET YOU RULE THE UCHIHA CLAN WHEN I RETIRE!"
"MONEY? ALL THE FUNDS IN THE UCHIHA TRESURY WILL BE OPEN TO YOU"
"LAND? ANY LAND IN THE COMPOUND I CAN GIVE TO YOU"
"WOMEN? I WILL BETHROAL TO YOU ANY FEMALE IN THE UCHIHA CLAN"
"SO TELL ME BOY WHAT DO YOU WANT!"
Shock would be an understatement if you were trying to describe the council right now; nobody would have ever imagined the Uchiha clan head would lose his cool like this. Nevertheless over the rights to care for a four year old boy. Sarutobi was about to say something to calm the enraged clan head, but Naruto beat him too it.
"Rank? You wish to sever the ties between you and your own son whom is currently set to become the next clan head? I for one cannot live with the guilt of doing such an action?
"Money? I have no need for excess of it let alone the entirety of an entire clan's treasury, I have been taught all my life that too much money is one of the many roots of evil.
"Land? The land you offer me is miniscule compared to what I have inherited, due to my new found Senju bloodline.
Sarutobi thought to himself with an amused tone "Oh my boy you actually have inherited so much more than only your Senju side, I wonder what you say when you find out you also own an island that is home to the most abundant minerals ever discovered."
"And Women? No offence Uchiha-sama but nothing you can offer me compares to what I have the chance to gain with the Hyuga clan.
"Oh and why is that boy" The slightly deranged Uchiha head requested.
Looking to humor the man Naruto responded, "Tell me Uchiha-sama but who is the most desired female in all of fire country."
Fugaku clenched his fist knowing where this was going.
Hiashi also knowing where this was going postured himself a bit higher and his lips curled up in a slight smirk.
Seeing no response from Fugaku Naruto continued anyway, turning his head to Hitomi who reddened faintly Naruto said,
"It should be no secret to anybody on this council that it is Lady Hyuga, Even though I was first told this by my Grandpa the moment I saw her I knew he was not exaggerating when he said she is a flawless beauty that is in a league above all others."
Hiashi mentally noted that he would have a few words with the Sannin, next time he saw him. Before he could continue his mental rant Naruto's next words gathered his attention.
"And which Kami has graced her with a daughter that is very much equal to her in beauty and kindness….. Naruto instantly slapped his hand over his mouth, instantly realizing what he just said in front of the entire Shinobi council and more important Hinata's parents. Though they didn't look angry Hiashi actually was rubbing his chin with a thoughtful look, while Hitomi was giggling into her sleeves.
While Tsume who was sitting next to Hitomi, was actually roaring with laughter and slapping her hand on the table, a few of the male council members actually gave him thumbs up and a grin.
Even Sarutobi required a moment to recompose himself, after that comment by Naruto. "Well I'm guessing since you are so passionate about the females of the Hyuga clan, you have made your choice already Naruto-kun? The old Hokage said hoping for Naruto to make his decision before the stake between the two clans got wedged any deeper, deep inside he held on to the hope that one day the two clans would somehow find peace with each other.
Naruto turned toward the Hokage, "You are correct Hokage-sama, though I would just like to make it known to you that I had already decided my choice at the very beginning. I merely wanted to see if what I read about the Uchiha-clan was true." Naruto said as he watched the Uchiha clan head storm from the room completely oblivious to what he was saying now. "They are more stuck up and ignorant then my grandpa is perverted."
This had evoked another round of laughter from all of the remaining council members, after the laughter died down Sarutobi stood up and said. "Well it has been quite an eventful day, I'm sure we all have better things to do with our lives. He grumbled to himself something about "dammed paper work." Than continued, so if there is nothing else to discuss this council is hereby dismissed. All the clan heads began to file out of the room before Sarutobi called out.
"Actually Hiashi, Tsume do you two mind staying for a moment I have something to discuss with you two.
As Naruto was walking out with Hitomi she leaned toward him and said, "Naruto-kun do you mind if you help me play a small prank on my daughter. Who more than likely has disobeyed my orders to stay back at the compound, and is currently outside of these chambers as we speak."
"How so Lady Hyuga?" Naruto asked he was quite reluctant to play a prank on his best friend. Especially one he had such strong feelings for.
Hitomi saw the distress in Naruto's eyes at the possibility of having to prank Hinata and quickly put him at ease. "Don't worry Naruto-kun, its nothing serious just something little, all I want you to do is when you see her outside don't say hi to her and just walk by her I want to see if she can recognize you.
With a sigh Naruto nodded his head and walked ahead of Hitomi, as to draw attention away from himself so Hinata wouldn't notice. Walking out he saw Hinata standing with only one of her guards, while craning her neck as much as she could and standing on her tip toes trying to look for signs of her blonde haired hero or her parents. Though amongst the anticipation, Naruto also saw a flash of annoyance and he quickly wondered why.
FLASH BACK
1 HOUR AGO
Earlier at the Hyuga compound a messenger had come to tell Hitomi that she was needed at the council chambers for an important meeting regarding Naruto, Hinata hearing this asked to come along in concern for her Naruto-kun. But Hitomi had quickly denied her telling Hinata that it was pointless for her to come along, because she wouldn't have been allowed into the council chambers
But after a hour and a half of waiting Hinata could take the torture no more. Much to her two guard's displeasure she took off like a rocket toward the council chambers, while she was rushing through the Main Street when a boy of her age had stepped in front of her, and if it hadn't been for her slight Shinobi training she would have collided with the boy.
The boy had a wooden ceremonial sword in one hand, and his other hand reached inside his pocket to take out a yellow rectangular piece of paper than he asked Hinata.
"You're the Hyuga Heiress right?"
Hinata scowled at the boy slightly for getting in her way, "Yes I am, though if you can see I am very busy at the moment and must get going."Hinata tried to maneuver around the boy but he stopped her again by stepping in her way once more. This was quickly starting to annoy Hinata.
"My mom told me you were corrupted by the demon's taint, so here I am to purge his taint from your body. Afterward my mom told me that you will have to marry me in repayment for saving you from the demon's corruption."
The boy raised his hand with the paper and slapped the yellow paper on her forehead, which had caused Hinata's head to pop back slightly. He then bought the sword up and was able to stab it at the paper on Hinata's forehead, but was stopped when Ko who had just caught up with Hinata bought down a full powered Juken palm on the wooden sword shattering it, While Tokuma had grabbed the boys wrist an twisted it pushing the boy to the ground.
At this point the boy's mother ran out toward the boy in shock but was stopped when Ko raised a kunai at her, and stated to the women.
"Who does this boy think he is, to assault the Hyuga Heiress so brazenly in the middle of the street?"
The women with a taken back expression said, "But there are rumors that she was corrupted by the demon, my boy is doing you a favor by cleansing her of it. You should be grateful not treating my son like he is some sort of criminal."
Ko with an angry look snarled at the women and said, "Not only does your son assault our Heiress, but then you spew lies about how she is corrupt. This is an insult to the Hyuga clan and you can rest assured that both Hiashi-sama and Hokage-sama will hear about this."
The women with a nervous expression said quickly, "Well we are sorry that we got in your way, now if you could let my son go we will be out of your hair."
Ko with the same angry look, said to the women, "No, what you did to Hinata-sama is unforgivable. Tokuma will escort you and your son to the detention center, where you and your son will be properly interrogated on your assault on Hinata-sama."
Normally Hinata was a caring and forgiving person and would have let something like this slide, but not today she had already faced another Kumo-nin although this one was much kinder and now she was dealing with the stress of being uninformed of what has happened to her Naruto-kun. She no longer had the patience or tolerance to deal with these people and their made up stories. So she just watched as Tokuma took them away, ripping off the paper on her forehead she quickly resumed her journey toward the council chambers.
FLASH BACK END
So here Hinata stood hoping to catch a sight maybe a glimpse something to comfort her, somebody to tell her that everything was okay. She was focusing so hard that she failed to realize that Naruto had walked right in front of her and past her, now Naruto stood behind her next to Ko who he gave a grin to. Ko recognized him almost instantly though he was still in awe at his sudden growth, Ko was about to say something to Hinata but Naruto quickly made a shush sign with his finger over his lips.
Upon seeing her mother Hinata ran at her and hugged her around the waist and asked, "Okasan, where is Naruto is he okay, what are they going to do to him?"
Hitomi beamed at the amount of care her daughter showed for Naruto, they would definitely make an excellent couple one day.
"Sweetie Naruto-kun is fine, didn't you see him he walked out before I did?" Hitomi said with a faked confused look.
"What?" Hinata said in worry, it was impossible for her to miss Naruto. He had blonde hair for Kami's sake the only person that passed her with blonde hair was Yamanaka-sama and…. Instantly
Hinata whipped around and saw the boy with blonde hair and blue eyes smiling at her
"Naruto…."She whispered though he wasn't the
same Naruto from this morning. Gone was the cute little Naruto replaced by this taller more handsome Naruto.
Instantly Hinata turned her gaze to the floor blushing up a storm, than without any notice she launched herself in a horizontal fashion like a human rocket at Naruto, and latching onto him while burying her face into his chest? This surprised Hinata because earlier this morning when she hugged him, her head was able to rest happily into the nook of his neck, but now she barely reached the top of his chest. This didn't really matter to Hinata anyway the feeling of warmth and care that he provided was still the same as it was this morning.
Never removing her face from his chest, in fear that she would faint from staring into that gorgeous new face Hinata asked. "Naruto-kun what happened to you?" though secretly she hoped that these changes were permanent because along with the warmth and care he usually gave off, this older form of Naruto also emanated an aura of protection and safety.
Naruto slowly stroke the back of her head and said, "When I was walking back to the Hyuga compound, I was attacked by some drunken man." This earned him a gasp from Hinata whom had instantly lifted her head to look up at him in worry.
"The man tried to kill me, but before he could do any damage a part of my chakra awakened and was able to save me and stop the man. Though it came with the price of changing my body what you see now."
Hearing that her Naruto-kun was almost killed was too much for Hinata, who began sobbing lightly into his chest. She then said, "Please Naruto-kun promise you will never put yourself in danger like that again."
"What do you mean Hinata-chan, I didn't purposely try to get killed" Naruto asked.
"It's your fault though, if you didn't make me leave this morning this wouldn't have happened! Promise me Naruto, promise me you won't put yourself in danger again!" Hinata exclaimed while a few tears still leaked out.
Naruto turned his face away from her and said, "You know I can't do that Hinata-chan, we both want to become Shinobi and a Shinobis life style is one of danger and death. Sometimes we have to put ourselves in danger because we are ordered too."
Hinata detached herself from Naruto than shook her head violently and said, "I don't care promise me you won't Naruto." She then stamped the ground with her foot and crossed her arms in front of her chest, while she attempted her best Hyuga serious face. Naruto almost sweat dropped seeing how she changed from crying and worried Hinata, to serious and demanding Hinata.
Still Naruto shook his head and said, "I'm sorry Hinata I can't."
Deep inside Hinata knew what Naruto was saying was right, but regardless she would still try to have her way. Suddenly a light bulb turned on in her head and she remembered a technique her mother used against her father when she wanted something he refused her.
Summoning all of the irritation she had within her she said to Naruto, "Yeah, well if you aren't going to promise me than you can sleep on the floor tonight." While giving Naruto her best attempt at the Hyuga glare.
Before Naruto could say anything back he heard giggling than he heard somebody say.
"WAPISH," turning to the source Naruto noticed it was the Akimichi clan head, talking with some of the other clan heads while making a whipping motion with his hand. "And that is how you properly tenderize a steak."
"Really?" The Nara clan head asked. "I always thought it was more of a WHITCHH would be best to tenderize the meat." while the Nara did basically the same whipping motion. "Kind of like how I make the deer move faster toward the springs, so I could have more time to relax afterwards."
"No, no, no!" came the Yamanaka head, "It's definitely more of a WATCHA! As Naruto watched as the Yamanaka clan head did the same whipping motion with his hand as the last two did. "I would know because that's how I whip those who don't want to speak down at the interrogation department, It really makes them sing."
"Hmm yes maybe, that could work" The Akimichi clan head said.
"Yes I do believe Inoichi is correct, we must try it when we get home" the Nara clan head supposed in agreement
Than in a moment that Naruto believed was a coincidence all 3 of the clan heads turned to him simultaneously, and gave him a smirk than walked off together.
All Naruto could say about the strange conversation they had overheard was, "That was kind of weird right Hinata-chan?"
All he got was a "HMPH" from Hinata as she walked off back to the Hyuga compound quickly followed by Ko.
LATER THAT NIGHT
HINATA'S ROOM
Hinata was currently tossing and turning on her bed, obviously having trouble sleeping. Undoubtedly she was still angry at Naruto for not promising her earlier, and even more angry at herself for not being able to fall asleep. Sitting up on her bed Hinata stared down toward the floor, where Naruto was sleeping on an extra futon. Groaning with slight frustration she grabbed her pillow and stood up off her bed.
Walking over to where Naruto laid, she lifted the covers of Naruto's futon and slipped inside and cuddled against him, laying her head on-top of his chest. This woke Naruto slightly who said drowsily.
"Huh? What happened you okay nata." He said while trying to rub the haze of sleep away from his eyes.
Without moving from her position Hinata said, "This never happened…."
A HOLY THIS LONG ASS CHAPTER.
BEEN SICK SO THIS CHAPTER MIGHT SEEM MORE DROWSY THEN USUAL