Hey, hey!

Time skip this chapter. Just to let you know. Kind of was the set up from last chapter.

I'm glad you guys are liking the story so far! Hope you enjoy this chapter.

"Neji. I don't understand. Hinata got an, A, on her final exam. She passed with flying colors on the written exam and executed a clone perfectly. What's the problem?"

Naruto was sitting outside on the porch in the Hyuga compound. He was in the backyard with Neji and the two were lounging around and watching the koi fish in the pond. Naruto and Hinata had taken their final academy exams today. Both passing. Naruto got a 'B+' on his final written exam and Hinata a solid 'A'. Yet, Neji couldn't accept her not getting an 'A+'.

Neji looked at Naruto. How he was slouched and leaned his back against a wooden column lazily. One leg tucked to him and the other sprawled out. He wore a kimono, just because it was traditional in the Hyuga household and because Hinata wore one. Naruto wanted to make Hinata happy by fitting in, but he still wore it incorrectly.

The kimono was barely tied and was showing his chest, that was wrapped all the way down to his hips. Naruto's way of concealing his nine tails mark, that he hasn't fully gotten a hold of yet. Naruto started working on conquering the nine tails privately himself. Having small success, but it was progressing in the right direction.

Believe it or not. A stable home environment helped regulate Naruto during this journey. Calmness is what Naruto needed, and calmness is what Hyuga's pride themselves in.

Naruto's kimono was orange. Not bright and hot, just a soft, cream colored orange with the Uzumaki symbol on both sides of his arm. His sleeves were white flames and almost went pass his hand. He had on a dark brown pair of momohiki's and a dark brown susoyoke wrapped around his waist, tied in a small bow in the front. He wore tabi's with his dark brown sandals and while he wasn't completely in a traditional kimono style. Naruto looked the part at least. Even donning a rich, pear shaped, blue topaz necklace that settled on the middle of his chest. A gift from Hinata, that just so happened to be her birthstone color.

Anything for her best friend.

Naruto still had wild blonde hair. Framing his face and reaching the end of his neck. Sometimes if it was too hot, he's put it in a wild ponytail just to get it off his sweaty skin.

Even with the wardrobe change, and living in the Hyuga compound for the past four years, 13 year old Naruto was still as rebellious as ever. Just more controlled now. "She didn't answer the extra credit question that would have given her an A+. I got an A+. So, it doesn't look good for the Hyuga clans leader to get an average 'A'. She's better than that."

Naruto fought the urge to roll his eyes. "I got a 'B'. Almost everyone got a 'B' except Ino, Shino and Sasuke. I think Sasuke got an 'A' because he didn't answer the extra credit either, but Shino and Ino got an 'A+'. So what? Hinata killed it on the clone execution and got kudos from our instructor. Hinata over all is an 'A' student throughout her whole time in the academy. Her, Shino, Ino and Sasuke. Like, she's not beneath anyone in the class."

Neji looked annoyed with the average answer and sorry excuse. "Settling. That is what you're saying. That is not how we work here. Also, for the love of God. Naruto stop going back to your old apartment. Another pile of ashes was found out there and sooner or later, they're going to pinpoint it to you. Let up on your 'extracurricular activities' would you."

Naruto pouted at this and crossed his arms over his chest. "You complain now, but when you 'need me', you have no shame in asking me to indulge in my stress relieving activities. It's all harmless fun Neji."

15 year old Neji did not find anything Naruto was doing on his free time as, 'fun'. "When I ask you to take handle someone and make sure they aren't a problem anymore. That is purely for the sake of the Hyuga clan and Hinata-sama. Not for 'fun'. When people make threats, or start acting shady towards us. Yes, it is fine to do what you do. We're protecting our people. Me and you both know there are people in this village with high power on the council that hate people like Hyuga's and Uchiha's. Noble clans make their skin crawl. I'm protecting our family. I ask you for help. So, please. Let up on the 'fun', Naruto."

This time Naruto dropped the pouting and rolled his eyes. Neji was so serious. All the time. "Fine, fine. I'll cut back and only do it when you ask. 'Neji-sama'." Neji gave Naruto a pointed look in return. "You stress me out."

That was all Neji said before Hinata opened the back porch sliding door and came outside to join them. She smiled at them as she had a tray of snacks for all of them to share. Hinata wore a mini kimono. Naruto swore it was with the finest material, because he loved to touch it. It was a wine purple color, with a violet obi wrapped around her with padding. Her kimono stopped a little above her knees and she wore her ninja sandals with it.

Hinata's hair had grown over the years and was to the middle of her back. She had a beautiful purple Anemone flower headband that pulled back her hair so it wouldn't get in her face. Letting her bangs be the only thing touching and framing her face. Her headband was a special gift from Naruto, for her 13th birthday.

Anything for his best friend.

Hinata silently sat on the porch with Neji and Naruto. Neji had just got back from a simple C-ranked mission with his team. He was still in his mission clothing. A cream colored open robe with slacks to match with it. His forehead protector wrapped around his head. Not for what he used to wear it for. No, after the death of Hiashi Hyuga. His forehead was clear of the caged bird seal. All Hyuga's were.

Neji and Naruto smiled at Hinata as she gave them their snacks and tea. However, Neji quickly brought up the topic about her grades. "An 'A', Hinata? What was the extra credit question?"

Hinata bit her bottom lip, and started to pick with her fingers. "Where is the second heart on the human body?"

Neji arched his brow at this. "What did you think it was?" Hinata took a deep breath and looked off to the koi pound. "Umm. The calf muscles?"

Neji chuckled at this and patted the top of Hinata's head. "You doubt yourself too much. That was the answer. Don't doubt yourself. That could have been your 'A+'. Either way, I'm proud of you. Just know that if you take out the second heart on a human body. That makes the person just as vulnerable and likely to die, just like if you took a stab to their heart."

Hinata smiled at Neji's fatherly advice. He's taken that position for the last four years it seemed like. "Thank you Neji. I'll keep that in mind."

She then turned her head and looked at Naruto. He was looking back at her with a calm expression, attached with his signature grin. His blue orbs seemed like they were staring into her soul. Always heating her face up. "We'll be getting our teams tomorrow Hinata. I'm 90% sure we'll be on the same team. We have to be. It's not like I'm bottom of the class. I'm not even a 'C' student. I'm an 'A or B' kind of student and I think the dead last for our class is Kiba Inuzuka. Like second is Shikamaru Nara, but we all know he's actually the smartest in our class. Just a lazy ass."

Hinata giggled at this. They in fact all knew Shikamaru was just lazy.

"I really hope I'm on the same team with you Naruto-kun. That would make me so happy." Naruto smiled at this and Neji rolled his eyes again as he stood up. It was getting too mushy for him. He bid the two a good night and left.

Naruto grinned at Neji leaving and looked at Hinata. "Why wouldn't they put us together. You're a jack of all trades Hinata." She smiled bashfully and dug her hands into her lap bashfully. Her dimples showing as she strained not to smile to wide. This made Naruto's chest grow warm. She was the sweetest person he knew. "We would fit perfectly together. Man, going on missions together is going to be so cool."

Hinata finally smiled, showing her teeth and nodded her head in excitement. "I think it will be too!" Catching herself becoming too excited she reeled back into her soft nature. "Just so we can continue to support one another."

Naruto smirked as he looked at Hinata. At his best friend. His rock to this chaotic world. "I agree. So, I heard now that you're getting older the Hyuga elders are pushing more leader responsibilities on you. Tsk. You've done more since you were nine, than I've seen most do at 16. Don't overdo it Nata."

In private, she was his Nata. That's what best friends do. They have nicknames for one another.

Hinata's cheeks turned rosy and she nodded her head in understanding. Naruto was always looking out for her best interest. "I am taking the role now of making more important decisions. 13 is an age to start showing maturity. I cannot let down my people and seem uncollected and weak now. I have to keep thriving."

Naruto crawled over to Hinata and smirked at how her blush darkened. He started to massage her shoulders from behind her back and sighed in content. The best part of his days were catering to his best friend. "Do you need my help in anything?"

Any need for him to get rid of any issues?

Hide any bodies perhaps?

Hinata knew what he meant. Yet she was so use to everything happening. She thought it was normal to get rid of her problems this way. Since Hinata's father passed, her grip on reality wasn't really there anymore. Her morals and judgement of right and wrong was there, but Hinata didn't understand that what Naruto and Neji were doing was wrong.

She loved Naruto and Neji. She trusted them with her life. There was no way her guardians were doing bad things. Just things that were needed.

Hinata giggled at Naruto. Normal people wouldn't do such a thing at what he was hinting at. "No Naruto-kun, and Neji is right. Please refrain from your nightly hobbies. If someone was to find out it was you, and tried to punish you. The Hyuga family would have to resort to violence. In any means necessary."

Hinata didn't see Naruto, but a big smile appeared on his face. Here this sweet, sweet girl was making promises of harming others. All for him. He felt a chill that brought excitement to him. "Yes ma'am."

"Alright our new Genin's of Konoha. Congratulations! Today, we announce our team assignments. So let's get with it."

Naruto sat at his desk beside Hinata. In his typical kimono. He had like ten of them, and one just for fancy occasions that was all white. Hinata was in her purple kimono, and Naruto thought they looked like the perfect future teammates.

Or couple.

He wouldn't voice that though.

Iruka smiled at his students as he listed off the teams. "Team ten: Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka and Choji Akimichi. Team eight: Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga and Kiba Inuzuka. Finally team seven: Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno and Naruto Uzumaki. Do your best class. I'm very proud of you. Just hold tight and your Jonin leader will come to pick you guys up. See you around!"

With that Iruka left all the students to marinate their new teammates. Meanwhile, Naruto looked absolutely SICK.

"What?" He mumbled this with wide eyes before looking over at Hinata. Her eyes looked just as sad, if not sadder and her bottom lip trembled. He made her feel so sure that they were still going to be together. "N-Naruto-kun."

Oh no. Not the stutter. She was really upset.

Naruto looked panic. His best friend wasn't happy. Heads needed to roll. "I'll go talk to Iruka-sensei. This has to be some mistake. How the hell did I end up on a team without you?!" Hinata reached for Naruto's hand as he went to get up. She didn't want him to get into trouble for complaining. She didn't want him to be labeled as the 'complainer'.

"N-No! I-It's okay Naruto-kun. J-Just promise me that we'll still be there for each other. I-I don't want to lose you. Your friendship is v-very special to me."

Oh! She was killing him with the stutter. He was feeling down right AWFUL.

"Hinata. Of course. Don't think like that. I should be the one telling you not to forget about me! So, please, don't forget about the fact we're a team outside of this, and I'm always going to be there for you. We live together. I'm going to make sure every night I sleep at home, that we have dinner together." He took Hinata's hand and squeezed it for reassurance. Finally bringing a smile to her face. He had to at least get her to smile.

"Yo Hinata! Our sensei is here! Come on, it's time for the real fun to start."

Naruto's face immediately turned sour at hearing Kiba's voice. Who the fuck was he talking to? Surely not his Nata. "Don't you come home with fleas either. I won't forgive you Hinata." He mumbled this for only him and Hinata to hear and she blushed several shades before an airy giggle escapes her. "Oh Naruto-kun."

He smiled at her when she squeezed his hand back and stood up to leave with her sensei and new teammates. The team he wasn't on.

When Naruto saw team eight and team ten leave all at once, his face went back to that sour look. He was alone with team seven and no sensei. The guy was late and left Naruto to dwell on his thoughts. "How the fuck did I end up on this team?"

He just couldn't wrap his mind around it. "How did Hinata not end up on this team. I'm a combative fighter. She's a combative fighter. I got A's and B's. She got all A's, but so did Sasuke. Sakura got the same grades as me. Like…how the fuck did this happen?"

Sakura was sitting two chairs away from Naruto and rolled her eyes at his complaining. "We can hear you Naruto."

He just ignored her. "Typically the best student and the worst student are on the same team together to balance it. Shikamaru got Ino. She was one of the people that were top of our class. Kiba got Shino AND Hinata. How the fuck is that fair? Yet, my team is all high graded students. What in the entire fuck man."

"Hey! Can you please stop cursing! What the heck is your problem?!" Sakura banged her fist on her table as she glared at Naruto. Finally, this caught his attention and Naruto turned his head and looked at her. His eyes in a frosted daze. "It's you."

Sakura was the dead weight. She was the lesser of him and Sasuke. Sakura was 'C' at most when it came to combative courses in the academy. Knowing all the moves, but not very good at executing them. Yet, she just banged her fists at him. Like she could cause him harm.

Sakura saw the shift in Naruto's personality and watched as he started to glare at her. An intimidating, icy glare.

She had no clue what he was capable of. What he's been doing since he was eight years old.

Naruto concluded, Sakura was the reason he wasn't with his best friend. "Cut it you two. I'm tired of hearing both of you go back and forward." Sasuke had his arms crossed over his chest as he sat at his desk. Naruto held a finger up in a manner like he was telling Sasuke to mind his business and be quiet. He continued to stare burning holes a Sakura until she avoided his eyes uncomfortably.

Satisfied, Naruto turned to look at Sasuke. Who was now glaring at Naruto. "If you're going to complain this whole time, be my guest and tell our sensei. So he can grow annoyed with you and send you back to this basic academy. Then maybe you'll learn to stop complaining and know your place Uzumaki."

Naruto grinned at this. Him and Sasuke both were A+ students when it came to combative training in the academy. "My place? Well, what's your 'place' Uchiha?"

Sasuke arched his brow at Naruto. Not intimidated in the slightest. "My place isn't under the Hyuga clan's ass. That's for sure. Quit acting like you're scared they'll send you back to the orphanage."

Naruto heard Sakura gasp at the comment, but he just chuckled at it. His pointer finger tapping his chin in thought. "That's right. When I made my exit out the orphanage, you made your entrance Uchiha. How's that going for you?"

Sasuke stood up from his desk and made his way over to Naruto in a matter of seconds. Naruto didn't even get out his seat. He just stared up at Sasuke with an ear-splitting wicked smiled. His eyes growing unstable in excitement.

Do it. Come on Sasuke. Do it.

Sakura stood up from her desk, but didn't move to stop them. "Guys. Please stop. I don't want us getting into trouble."

Both males ignored her, but looked at the door to the classroom as they sensed another presence. "I agree with her. Drop the attitude you two." The man at the door was a silver haired Jonin. Slim figure and tall. He had one of his eyes covered with his forehead protector and looked at his new students rather bored. Already fighting among each other.

Kakashi shut the door to the classroom and leaned against it. "Let's get to know each other. Shall we." A small smile graced Naruto's face. He already knew this man.

"This sucks. There is no reason what so ever that me and Hinata didn't get on the same team, Boss. It makes no freaking sense. We would have beast mode any task if we were on the same team!"

Obito was standing on the side of a tree with Naruto. Listening to him vent. Naruto's nickname he had for him, calling him 'Boss', was something Obito just ignored. Naruto was his go-to for a lot of side quest. Obito used Naruto the same way Neji did. Naruto made people disappear fast and without a trace. So, Obito would, 'hire' Naruto and earned the name, 'Boss. This kid has been a menace since Obito has met him.

They had just wrapped up training with Minato's historical 'Rasengan', and Naruto seemed tired. Yet, he still had the energy to complain about his team placement.

After listening to how everyone was placed on their teams. Obito could admit, it was a bit…odd.

They wanted to separate Hinata and Naruto for some odd reason. Whether it was the doing of the Hokage, the council, or both. Obito didn't know, but it would seem that Naruto and the Hyuga clan were ruffling some feathers. He didn't think they knew what was going on, but the thought of the nine tails jailor and the all mighty Hyuga clan forming a strong alliance really must have bothered them.

Hinata was hanging above Naruto and Obito. Her feet on a tree branch hanging upside down. Her hair dangling on Naruto's forehead. "Naruto-kun. Please, don't be too upset."

Naruto still grumbled. Now he would only be able to see Hinata half his days, instead of his whole day. Tonight he got to watch Hinata train in rotation and worked on perfecting her chakra control and endurance. It was something she really struggled in a few years ago, while her father was training her. Now she was close to perfect in it.

With Naruto on team seven, these nights with Hinata would lessen. This was ruining him.

"You know what I think Boss? I think they want to pair her with Shino and Kiba so she'd fall for one of them, and marry her off."

Obito was half listening to the whole complaining spew Naruto was on. Until he heard that and snapped his head over to him. "What?" That was the most outlandish, weirdest conclusion to not being paired with someone that he's heard. Sometimes Naruto could be a little controlling and possessive when it came to Hinata. He talked irrational and had extreme tunnel vision.

It was a good thing in Obito's eyes. It was easier to get Naruto to sway his way, he'd just bring Hinata into the picture.

Naruto was glaring holes at nothing in particular as his mind continued to run wild. "Yeah! They want her to be with Kiba or Shino. They're forcing them on her. That Kiba guy even walked Hinata home today."

Obito let out a sigh and scratched the back of his head. This kid was only getting crazier by the day. "Naruto. Her teammates are trackers. Hinata can fit in with her Byakugan. That's the ultimate tracking team. Genius really."

Naruto snapped his head over to Obito and couldn't think of a rebuttal. "Yeah…but-but…She's a combat fighter too. Like why not pair her with me and Sasuke. That would be an ultimate team too! Now I'm on a team with Sakura, and her lifelong goal is to marry fucking Sasuke Uchiha. I have to sit around all day and watch her make heart eyes at Sasuke. While he pretends he's not interested. I'm losing my freaking marbles Boss!"

Obito had to hide a smile. This was rather amusing. Was Naruto…jealous? All because he couldn't be near Hinata all day?

"To top it off. Our sensei is your old teammate." Obito zoned back in and looked at Naruto. Oh really? "Kakashi?" Naruto nodded his head and scowled. "Yeah. I've heard around about him. He fails all his genin teams. He gives them this 'bell' test, and it's impossible for anyone to pass it. They all fail and he sends them back to the academy."

Obito chuckled at this. Kakashi had adopted their sensei's style he saw. "Did you see the Sharingan I gave him?" Naruto shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "No. He has his forehead protector over that eye. I'm sure that's the eye. I'm sure that's why he has the legendary name 'The Copy Ninja'. How the hell am I supposed to get the bell from someone like that?!"

Obito started to walk down the tree as he grinned at the thought of the test. It was such an annoying test. "It's not meant to show individual strength. It was a test your father did. It's meant to show team work. If you don't work as a team. He'll automatically fail you. Even if you did get the bell from him."

Naruto's mouth dropped as he followed Obito. "What the hell man! He was going to trick me!" Obito shrugged his shoulders at this. "Yeah. Well I'm only tipping you off because I need you to stay under Hatake. You being on his team is a good thing. He's one of Konoha's weapons. I need eyes on him at all times. I need all the details of Konoha's inside structure now that you two are official ninjas. Who to look out for. You two are perfect little spies."

Hinata soon walked down the tree and made it beside Naruto as she looked at Obito with admiration. Obito smiled at Hinata and patted her head. "I'm proud of you Hinata. You've been doing good. I haven't forgotten about the Hyuga clan. Cloud village has the eight tails there. I will be getting the host for said tailed beast and I will be attacking Cloud village in the near future for you and your family's honor. For what they did to your uncle."

Hinata showed her teeth as she smiled happily at Obito, and the connection the two had made Naruto completely sick.

He hated their connection.

Now was not the time though to dwell on that. "We gotta go back now Hinata. Been out too long. Before I know it, my sensei is going to start wondering what I do on my spare time. So, let's head back." Obito watched as Hinata took his hand and gave it a small squeeze, before turning around to go back home with Naruto.

The walk back to The Hyuga compound was a comfortable silence. They trained with Obito pretty far and on the outskirts of Konoha. Just showing how advance Naruto and Hinata had become in suppressing their chakra, and being undetected. "Naruto-kun. Are you upset with me? You've been looking rather annoyed lately."

Naruto laced his hands with Hinata's, because he felt like their alone time was the only time he could do this. He was still silent, because Hinata didn't like for him to hesitate before he answered her. It brought out her anxiety, and that's what he wanted. He wanted her to be nervous. He wanted her to cling on to him more.

His silent punishment for her smiling at Obito the way she did tonight.

He couldn't have her on a team with him. He had to share her during training. His time with his best friend was getting less and less, and Naruto didn't like that. He still wanted Hinata to focus on HIM.

Not Obito.

"Why do we have to do everything Obito says to do? Why can't we do what our dream is Hinata? Do you still want to do our dream? Or did you want Cloud attacked?" Naruto made it seem as if he was going to let go of her hand and internally smiled when Hinata clung to it.

He knew Hinata didn't like to feel alone. He knew she had abandonment issues. Losing her mother, uncle and father. Hinata was terrified of losing more people in her life. Naruto just wanted her to know that he was just as important as those people. That's all!

"I still want to achieve our dream Naruto!" In private he was Naruto. Hinata knew he wasn't a big fan of honorifics. Just be normal to him. "I want you to be Hokage. I want you to lead Konoha, and I will be there by your side. The Hyuga clan will always be there for you Naruto. I…I will always be there for you."

She whispered the last part. Much too shy to say it with the same passion. Rejection was another thing Hinata was terrified of. Sadly, it was something Naruto was terrified of as well. So, Hinata never told Naruto that she admired him to the highest level, and Naruto never told Hinata that he had strong feelings for her. Very, very strong feeling.

Naruto did end up smiling at Hinata, which immediately calmed her nerves.

They were just best friends. Best friends that held hands. Best friends that cuddled. Best friends that world rotated around one another.

When they arrived back home. Naruto walked Hinata to her room and smiled at her as he bid her goodnight. When he walked down the hall to his room, he was met with a bored looking Neji. Sitting on his bed. "Neji. What the hell man."

Neji was in his pajamas and looked at Naruto's ninja forehead protector that Naruto left on his nightstand before heading out to train. The older Hyuga smirked while looking at the protector. "Not taking your fancy Konoha protector while you fraternize with the enemy."

Naruto rolled his eyes and ignored the picking. "What is it you want Neji? Got a job for me?" Neji smirked at Naruto as he handed him a scroll. "You'll like this one. I personally want this nuisance gone. As you know Naruto. Hinata is 13. I am 15. Luckily I found my own suitor to court before the elders fixated on me. Tenten has just the right doormat genes that they'll let me court her. Hinata-sama. She's starting to get requests in. From noble clans like ours. They marry their heirs and heiresses off early. They groom them now. Hinata-sama has gotten her first offer. I don't like him, and I'm sure you wouldn't like him either."

Naruto opened the scroll and saw that it was a 30 year old man. Already with two wives of his own. "Men like that Naruto, they just want young wives forever. To make up for their lack of maturity as a man. I can see that, and I haven't reached out my teens yet. My point being, you take this guy out, and it may not be more right now, but more suitors will start trickling in. So, if you like my cousin so much. Put the request in to court her Naruto. Don't wait. You don't have to marry her at 13, just seal the deal to get these damn pest off her back."

This was NOT the news Naruto needed today. Getting assigned a shitty team. Having an asshole as a sensei, that he knew was going to be under his ass. Obito was plucking his nerves with his friendship with Hinata growing stronger. Now THIS. Now someone was actually TRYING to take his best friend. HIS HINATA.

Naruto took that back. This is exactly what he needed tonight. He was going to chop this bastard up into tiny little fucking pieces. Until he felt all his stress lift from his shoulders.

Hinata was his best friend, but she also belonged to him.

End of chapter.

So, no fun 'stuff' this chapter. However, it's flowing into next chapter. My main goal this chapter was to focus on Genin Naruto and Hinata. To show how they've changed from the 9 year olds and are now more confident and witty. The Naruto and Sasuke altercation was my favorite to write.

Also, I wanted to point out Hinata's mental. With the passing of her father, you'll see the mental nose dive Naruto and Neji see.

Naruto's like...a hit man in a way. Just a bit more twisted with it. I wanted to show two sides of Naruto here. I wanted to show how he flips the switch sometimes and turns to a different person when he can't have his way. His ways of manipulation will only grow from here on out. Believe it or not, Hinata's taming Naruto until he finally cracks.

Well, next chapter will be a new method of torture. Take your guess! See you next week!