DISCLAIMER
The following is a fan-based
FICTION
Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto and Shueisha.
Please support the official release.
Chapter 13: Canine Escalation
Training had gone well for one Hyuuga Himari. While she wouldn't say she was truly mid-Chuunin material, her current level of preparation plus a praise from her sensei had made her willing to believe she was gold for the jacket.
The fact that her infuriating rival Menma was not as interested for the challenge and just wanted to 'find out new foes' truly made the Hyuuga girl particularly vexed. They had a pride to protect and show through their strengths and abilities - this was not a silly competition!
Yet, she had to say that her twin sister may as well consider skipping on the challenge this time around. Hinata was doing good steps, but Himari was a realist: her sister was ill-suited for combat, especially when her proficiency lied on the notion of espionage.
To say that Hinata was utterly smitten and borderline obsessed with Ruruko, Jonno's daughter, would be... hypocritical for her to say. After all, Himari had her own reasons to spy on Jonno herself, and it had to do with a 'tactical' view of life.
There was no way in hell she would just plan a retirement once she decided to make a family, so it was fair to say that she needed a househusband- and why not someone that was well-known, reputable, and had a wealthy pedigree?
Sure, Jonno was no nobleblooded shinobi, but that wasn't important to her. To Himari, what counted was that he was reliably good at housechores and could handle the delicate task of stay-at-home dad. Ruruko was a fine example of his good-willed efforts despite the blonde's inherent airheaded nature.
Alas, the goal was even greater than going through the Chuunin Exam. Not only was Jonno known to not entertain dates with women of his age group, but he seemed the kind of man that was 'work and family'. So, he wasn't just going to willy-nilly bow his head to her demands of becoming her husband. And that also made him even more precious to Himari.
What convenience would it be to have a yesman as a husband? She needed someone that could butt heads, advise her in time of needs and... be a rough lover when she wished for it.
Still Himari was no dummy, and she saw that her budding frame wouldn't be enough to seduce him. Nonetheless, she had to adopt a more sultry outfit when compared to her twin sister, but it was less about standing out to Jonno and more to not be confused with her more shy twin sister.
Having to tell their little Hanabi-tan who was who constantly just drilled holes through her brain. Luckily for Himari, Hinata's preference for conservative pieces allowed them to stand out for very little changes to their outfits.
And, despite all of that, Hinata was Himari's best spearhead to worm her way to Jonno: if Hinata succeeded in seducing Ruruko, then Himari would be a foot in to claim the blonde's dad and become her... mom? Step-mom? Her dad's mistress?
Nonetheless, today was a day far different than usual. She had finished training early, she had gotten a nice warm shower at home, and she was on patrol to 'stumble on' Jonno while he was busy at work. Except... she was quick to notice that the pizzeria was closed for the lunch break, and that Jonno was outdoors by the courtyard playing with someone Himari easily recognized and scowled up.
Inuzuka Kimi.
Second daughter to Inuzuka Tsume, the Matriarch of the Inuzuka Clan, Kimi was one of Hinata's teammates together with Aburame Shino. At first glance, one could easily mistake Kimi for a boy and, rightfully so, assume she is one due to her propensity to be less inclined for feminine attention and more accustomed to boyish activities.
Kimi was a tomboy and a 'trap'. She looked boyish as her baggy jacket and long pants hid away her more slender figure, but she had a bit of a big butt that she 'got' from her mother (her sister Hana having inherited Tsume's breasts). She was aware of what she was, but she was also uncaring of making that known these details to others.
Sometimes, Kimi would even play with that element to prank others but... Himari had a feeling that she wasn't doing that in that case. Akamaru was barking happily as the pup played with his giddy owner and Jonno. A small rubber ball was being kicked around as Kimi laughed happily as they played what looked to be some rudimentary sport play.
Despite the wholesome connotation of that sight, Himari was feeling utterly ugly inside. Kimi definitely had not told the man about her 'secret', or maybe she did. There was a sense of trust and ease that Himari couldn't expect to see these two have around each other.
Kimi was such a bratty troublemaker, while Jonno was a stern father when things got too off-hand but... both were being 'tame' around each other. The game went on for almost a hour, but Kimi seemed to remember it was time to go back home for dinner and bolted right to the path to the road... where Himari was waiting for her.
Right as she turned the corner, the canine brat jumped in surprise.
"O-Oh... Hi Hima-chan!"
Akamaru barked as a greeting, mimicking his owner as Himari narrowed her eyes at Kimi.
"Kimi, Akamaru. So, playing with Jonno-san?"
"You know him too?" Kimi squeaked in surprise, seemingly at ease with dabbling in that topic. "He is so awesome, right."
"Yes... why?"
"Hm?" The Inuzuka girl tilted her head to the side. "Whaddya mean?"
"How do you know him and why do you... play with him?"
"Oh, that's... well, that's because he is... we order pizza from him. And I tend to be the one to go and take it," Kimi explained, yet she wasn't being fully honest. Which made Himari aware something else was up. "That's all."
"And?" The hyuuga girl pushed and Kimi tensed up.
"L-Look, I get it. Lame and all, but Jonno-san is so cool. Plus, he prepares me and Akamaru free snacks when we pass by. And..." Kimi paused, then gave a serious look to Himari. "Can you keep a secret?"
"...Sure." It all depended on the secret itself.
"Well, Jonno-san is so nice. And he is so caring, and while Ruruko scares us at times... well, I kind of am jealous of her. Having Jonno-san around to care for her, have fun with her and... be her dad, that's sure awesome."
...No way.
"You want him as your father."
"W-Well, I am not going to ask him that directly but... I kind of wish that at times. But I am not sure mom would be fine to know that. I mean, she has been looking for a partner but... wait."
Kimi's eyes widened in realization. "Maybe it could work!"
No...
"Kimi-"
"Sorry, Hima-chan. But I have plans to plan and food to deliver- bye!"
The canine moron left at once, leaving Himari gawking at her fat-bottomed tomboy's retreating frame. Did- Did she just create competition in trying to clear air with this new threat?
...
I need to go back home. These people are just going to try to make me dumber but... I have my own plans to get ready for.
After all, the Chuunin Exam was going to be a big thing to focus on, and, once she was done there, she was definitely going to increase her attempts to secure her man.
