(Chapter 23: A Date with A Hyuga Menace)
The month of July was something that had our superhuman blonde both excited and nervous at the same time given that it would be his first time going out on a date with someone, as never did he think in his lifetime that he'd get this far with a girl much less someone of Hanabi's standing. Considering that to him having fought against Raiga Kurosuki and his team assessment with Sasuke and Sakura in Takigakure was much less nerve-wracking than what he signed himself up for in his date with the elder Hyuga sister.
(Senju Estate, July 9th, 997 S.E, 2:10 Pm)
It was a little bit after 2 in the afternoon as Naruto was with his grandpa Dan at the Senju household, having wanted to get the retired jonin's advice on how to not utterly screw himself on his upcoming date.
"Wait a minute?...That's all I have to do to not screw up with Hanabi?... Just be myself and that's it?!" Naruto asked the Senju patriarch almost gobsmacked at how simple this was
"Pretty much as far as advice goes. Just be yourself, don't be a total ass, and don't be a total sleazeball or cheapskate. If you follow that then I'm pretty sure everything is going to go smooth as can be." Dan told his grandson on the gameplan of how to go about having a nice date with Hanabi
"Huh, and here I thought that it was gonna be a lot more complicated than that...But here you go making it look easy." Naruto replied surprised that it was that dang simple
"Trust me, Naruto. Sometimes it is just that simple… After all, its' how I managed to get your grandmother into dating me…Granted I had to get past Lord 1st and Lord 2nd, but I still managed it...somehow." Dan said back
"To this day I still don't know how you made it past those two. From what Granny told me Lord 1st was something else, and Lord 2nd was just a menace altogether...I mean just what kind of miracles were you pulling to get past the two strongest shinobi in the world, to date grandma..much less even get her their approval to put a ring on her finger?" Naruto said wondering how his grandpa made it past the Senju brothers in order to
"I don't know how I did it either…All I can chock it up to is being incredibly lucky." Dan said back
'Plus it was either I put a ring on Tsunade's finger, or Lord-Hashirama would've shown me why he beat Madara and made it look like light-work.' Dan remarked to himself over how over-protective the 1st Hokage could be concerning Tsunade
"Well, if you can land someone like Granny; then maybe my chances of sticking it out with Hanabi won't be all that bad...Who knows maybe I'll get lucky with her one day." Naruto replied in seeing his chances being relatively good by comparison
"The only thing I would say you'd have to worry about is Hiashi. Then again if he's fine with letting his youngest date your psychopath for a younger brother. Then he should be more than fine with allowing you to be with Hanabi." Dan spoke
"I mean your not wrong, as how the hell those two are together is beyond me…Especially when Toshiro is a goddamn lunatic." Naruto replied in full agreement
'Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he beats the hell out of her every time they get in an argument...The idiot really does not like being told no.' Naruto remarked to himself on the likelihood of such a thing
"I don't know. However, I'm willing to bet that he must have had some incredible dating advice from Minato, or Jiraiya given how many women he's ran through…Say what you want about the man, but he is nothing if not a smooth-talking pervert." Dan said in regards to the younger twin brother of his grandson
"If Toshiro takes after Pervy-Sage, I'm betting he'll give mom and dad a legions' worth of bastard grandkids before he hits 25." Naruto spoke causing Tsunade's husband to chuckle at the thought
"Now that would be something else to see…Kushina would have his hide if she caught him sleeping around that much. Say what you want about your mother, but she tear him in half if she found him following in Jiraiya's footsteps to that degree." Dan replied knowing full well that Kushina wouldn't tolerate such a thing whatsoever
What with Kushina having grown to her wits end with Toshiro and Mizore's attitudes becoming more prominent, and as such had beyond training limited their interactions greatly with the Toad Sannin, hence why Dan knew for a fact that the moment Toshiro started siring bastards or took after Jiraiya any further…That she would not only force Jiraiya to know the meaning of an 'empty bag' so to speak, but would make sure that Toshiro would permanently regret thinking with his smaller head, than the one on his shoulders for the rest of his days.
"I don't doubt it, but then again grandpa…I could really care less about it, since sooner or later my dickhead brother and sister are gonna fuck up and fuck up severely." Naruto spoke knowing with how egotistical they were that it was only a matter of when and not if before they tore their personal lives apart
"Because, at the end of the day, gramps. This whole chosen one schtick they've got going on if just gonna make them that more dysfunctional and toxic to be around…Hell, I'll give a year or two before they try to buck up against mom and dad, because they think their all that and a bag of chips." Naruto added in knowing it was only a matter of time before they got to said point in their lives
"Fair enough, seeing as how in a few months that the 3 of you will turn 18." Dan remarked knowing that day was fast approaching
"Yeah, as at that point we're all grown-ass adults…Dang, I still can't believe I'm gonna be 18 in 3 months." Naruto said in the stark realization of his upcoming 18th birthmas
"Neither can I…My grandson's becoming a young man. Where did the time go, when just yesterday it feels like I was watching you learn how to walk." Dan said making Naruto's face redden somewhat
"Come on, grandpa, you don't gotta make it sound so corny." Naruto pseudo-complained
"With how far you've come, I think that I'm allowed to be corny…Especially when you are going to be going out on your first date soon." Dan replied with a proud smile at Naruto having made it thus far
"I'm sure Tsunade would agree with me, if she were here with me right now." Dan added
"Believe me I know…Hell, she'd probably be gushing about it right now if she weren't at work." Naruto said back knowing his grandma would be doing just that if she were here in person
"Well, I will be sure to let her know all about it after your date this Tuesday." Dan said
"If everything goes well, then she'll know all about it too. Hopefully, Hanabi likes dinner and a movie…Because, that's the best thing I can think of for a 1st date." Naruto told the elder between them on what his game plan was
"Hey, that isn't a half-bad idea for a first date, Naruto. You really can't go wrong in doing that…Hmph, its what I did when I convinced Tsunade to go out with me." Dan said to Naruto in knowing that it couldn't go wrong
"And how'd that all go?" Naruto questioned
"Other than having to have Orochimaru be our wingman so Jiraiya wouldn't mess things up for me. Things went pretty well…Although the same couldn't be said for him, since good luck explaining why you got bit in the taint by cobras." Dan answered back much to Naruto's surprise
"Wait a minute, Orochimaru…Super deadly snake summoning Sannin, Orochimaru was your wingman?" Naruto asked as Dan nodded
"Yes he sure was…It was at a time before he went rogue, a time when he was a rather nice guy and rather charming in his own way." Dan answered back remembering times in which the Serpent Sannin was a much kinder gentler soul
"...It's almost a shame that we never could find him someone to love. Then again he was a man of duty, and always trying to advance technology and such to make living not so harsh on everyone. So can't say I blame him for not having much of a love life." Dan further spoke in regard to his once friend
"Man, who would've thought that Orochimaru of all people would make for a wingman." Naruto said still thrown for a loop at the information
"Trust me, Naruto. It was at a much different time…Had he not gone rogue, and not spiraled out as much as he did during the war…I'm sure you would've loved knowing him." Dan replied knowing that had things gone differently then perhaps Orochimaru would've made for a standout godfather
"Man…I'll take word for if you think that highly of him." Naruto said back
"...Buuuttt, that being said. I think I'll leave you to the rest of your day. After all, it's not everyday that my favorite grandson gets to go on his first date!" Dan said with a broad goofy grin
"I'm your only grandson, grandpa." Naruto replied in a deadpan
"You get what I'm saying, Naruto...I swear where did you learn how to be such a smart-alec from?" Dan spoke as Naruto gave a light chortle
"From Kazushi and Sakura." Was Naruto's only reply
"Go figure it would be from one of the Kure's and my psychopath daughter." Dan deadpanned knowing that Kazushi would be behind Naruto being a smart-mouth
"Hey it isn't my fault that there super-fun to hang out with." Naruto said back before getting up from the couch
"I won't blame you there, but perhaps you should get going...Don't you have work in about an hour or so?" Dan asked Naruto's eyes widened
"Oh shit your right, well bye grandpa, I'll see you later!" Naruto said as he dashed out of the house as fast as his legs would allow
'...Where does the time go?' Dan wondered to himself as he watched Naruto dash out of the house
(2 days later, July 11th, 997 S.E, Yakiniku Q, 5:25 Pm)
Soon enough the day came for Naruto's date with Hanabi and as such the two were out at Yakiniku Q having dinner with each other before they headed out too the movies.
"By the way, Naruto. Thank you for taking me out today…It has been both intense and stressful lately." Hanabi thanked the superhuman in front of her
"Not a problem at all. Besides, I figured with everything going on with your clan and stuff; that you could use something nice…Or rather nicer, since I know a first date here ain't much, but I'm on a genin's budget." Naruto said knowing that this wasn't a perfect 1st outing but it was the best he could do with what he had at the moment
"It is quite alright, Naruto. There is really no need to apologize for taking me out here. I would rather this, than for you to drain all of your finances for a date…I am not that shallow after all." Hanabi replied
"Thank goodness, as here I thought I was gonna have to go into debt to impress you…Since your a pretty big deal, and I'm just some starter pack genin." Naruto said back semi-sheepishly
'I mean seriously, what the hell does she even see in me; when there's a ton of guy that got their shit together better than I do?' Naruto internally wondered to himself
"Regardless of your rank, you are still a nice young man who I'm glad to spend time with…If anything you are by far a step up from those my father have tried to put in my path." Hanabi spoke as she and Naruto finished their plate of appetizers in the form of dango skewers
"Let me guess, they were a bunch of hoity-toity noblemen that looked like they couldn't throw hands to save a life?" Naruto guessed
"Correct! While having high status is all well and fun. I much prefer someone who could be my combative as well as my emotional equal…A partner is of no good to me it they cannot defend themselves, and neither if they are emotionally or mentally weak." Hanabi answered back in underlying disgust of her fathers' past attempts to give her suitors
"And while I haven't known you long enough to be certain if we are emotionally similar enough to be partners in the long term. I can make a strong summation that you are more than able enough to be my potential equal in taijutsu." Hanabi added knowing that Naruto was a borderline prodigy when it came to taijutsu
'I'd say that I'm a bit more than her equal with my super strength and super speed. But on a technical level, she'd definitely kick my ass.' Naruto remarked to himself knowing he'd get destroyed when it came to technique
"Well, I kinda had to get good with taijutsu. Since the 9 tails decided to mess with my chakra network to where I can't mould chakra like everybody else…Granny says that I was lucky what happened didn't completely obliterate everything." Naruto told Hanabi
"Really?...As I hope I'm not being rude for asking this, but is that the reason why I've never seen or heard of you using ninjutsu?" Hanabi asked in curiosity
"Yup. Thanks to the fox, I'm not really able to direct and mold chakra…That's why I chose to get super good with taijutsu. If it weren't for Grandpa Dan helping me with the basics, and the Kure's seeing I was worth something and helping amp my stuff up even more…Then I wouldn't have been able to make it to where I can do as decent as I did at the academy, much less get my own headband." Naruto answered the elder of the Hyuga sisters
Since as far as Naruto was concerned he owed a great deal to his grandpa Dan and the Kure clan for helping him become so proficient with taijutsu, given that without them to help him work his physical strength, endurance and speed to their limits before becoming the inheiritor of Arcues's strength, then he knew full well that things would've been far, far more difficult in the long run.
"Besides, it isn't all that bad. Thanks to my little 'hiccup' I managed to make some great friends, get so good with taijutsu that I'm pretty much better than my siblings at it. And hell, I managed to get so good with it that I managed to impress a beautiful lady." Naruto added getting a light giggle from Hanabi
"Indeed, your taijutsu prowess is incredible to say the least. If there is any more time when you are available. I would love to see more of what your capable of." Hanabi said curious to see more of what Naruto's hand-to-hand skills were like
"Trust me, you haven't seen all of what I can do just yet." Naruto replied with a smile
"Really? Now you have my interests…Care to share just what it is your hiding?" Hanabi asked with an small yet inquisitive smile of her own
"Now that would be spoiling a surprise, Hanabi. And trust me what I can do is better kept as one." Naruto answered back
"Fair enough, I suppose...That being said, I would love to revisit this issue at a latter date." Hanabi replied knowing fair was fair when it came to concealing their secrets
"Hey, that's fine by me; just set it up for when you wanna scrap...But on a side note, I did wanna say congrats on your new promotion to tokubetsu jonin by the way…If there's anyone who deserves that promotion, its you." Naruto said congratulating his date
"Thank you, it means alot considering the hard work and countless man-hours I put towards obtaining it...At least now Anko won't hold bragging rights over being a higher rank than me." Hanabi said back as their food soon arrived at their table
"...Granted I wasn't able to obtain one toward becoming a full jonin. However, I feel as though with enough time and missions under my belt; that I should be able to do so within a year or two's time." Hanabi further spoke
"Well, I say its nonsense that you didn't get it. I mean you are one of the most skilled Gentle Fist users I've seen. Heck, I'm pretty sure that with how much of beast you are with it; that you could even give your old man a run for his money!" Naruto replied in having more than enough of a good feeling that she was skilled enough to be a full jonin
"Thank you for the vote of confidence, Naruto. However, I am not discouraged by it at all. If anything it is merely another obstacle for me to overcome toward my goal of being a well-respected shinobi." Hanabi said undeterred and if anything more dedicated than ever toward her goal
"Dang, well in that case, good luck to you and more. Because if no one else rooting for you, then I most certainly will be." Naruto spoke causing Hanabi's smile to further widen
"Thank you, Naruto, and I do appreciate the sentiment. Even moreso when there is still so much left to fight for, and to aspire towards. Seeing as how I still have to contend with Hinata for my birthright to one day lead the clan…much to my father's pigheadedness in refusing what's mine." Hanabi replied knowing that there was still an arduous journey ahead of her concerning her birthright
"Well, I'm sure you'll get there one of these days. Because, out of all the Hyuga I know, and that's really very of you guys to be honest…You are the best one I know that can do it." Naruto told her eliciting a small chuckle from his date
"Again, your confidence in me is incredibly refreshing…However, as much as I'd love to chat with you. I feel as though we should dig in as well. I wouldn't want for our food to get cold." Hanabi said as their food soon arrived
"Oh yeah, yeah, good point." Naruto agreed as the two began to dig in
From there the two ate and chatted amongst themselves as the evening wore on into the oncomings of night, with both in good spirits as their day continued with Hanabi telling him stories of hers and Mizuki's drunken shenanigan much to Naruto's amusement and laughter. All the while Naruto told her stories of his growing up around the Kure's and how training under Kazushi as his jonin sensei had progressed, given that his cousin's training sessions and physical training and conditioning of himself and his friends was nothing if not 'intense'; which fascinated and surprised Hanabi all things considered.
It was also as they ate at the restaurant in question that Hanabi got to see Naruto express himself more in his unabashed cheerfulness to the point of it crossing into dorkiness at times, which caused more than a few small bouts of laughter in seeing that despite everything; the eldest of Lord 4th was able to maintain such an intensively joyful spirit. On the otherside of things Naruto was more than all for in seeing that as time wore on before they headed off to the movies, that he couldn't help but be entranced by the determination and unwavering spirited commitment that Hanabi showed toward furthering her skills in the Gentle Fist, as well as her dreams toward becoming a respectable shinobi and potential clan head.
The two after sharing an hours-long conversation and such over their food, which much to the surprise of some of the patrons was stacked nearly a half-dozen plates high; had eventually left the restaurant to head to the theatres…What with Naruto having taken Hanabi to see a horror-comedy movie that had come out recently about a group of university students that had moved into a haunted apartment complex, and were not being made the target of a ghosts' shenanigans to moreso drive them insane with over-the-top pranks and supernatural shenanigans than actually kill them.
The movie in question had Naruto borderline howling with laughter from the absurdity of it all, in seeing the actors fumble and be made the butt of all sorts of supernatural foibles; while Hanabi found herself chuckling at a couple of scenes and even a few jump scares that were made hilarious by the obscenity of it all. Hence why after the near two-hour long movie that Hanabi and Naruto left the theatre in extremely good spirits; laughing and chortling after the almost gut-busting aftermath of it all, with the night being made even moreso a cheerful one given that they were able to head out under a rather warm and starry night.
Yet as with all good things as they walked and chatted about the summer night; it had to come to an end as they eventually headed back to the Hyuga compound to bid each other farewell.
"...Thanks again, for doing this with me, Hanabi…I-I really appreciate it...Its not often I get to go out with someone great like yourself." Naruto said semi-bashfully to the elder Hyuga sister before him
"Not a problem at all, Naruto. If anything I rather enjoyed our time together. It was quite a lot of fun to be honest with you." Hanabi told Naruto with a merry smile on her face
"In fact, I look forward to doing this again with you at a later date." Hanabi further said to the superhuman blonde
"Wait, really?!" Naruto questioned in excitement
"Yes, as the next time that I have free time on my hands. I would not mind doing another date night with you." Hanabi answered back bringing a tinge of red to Naruto's elated face
"That…That honestly means a lot more to me than what you could imagine, Hanabi." Naruto said feeling his heart pound in his chest
"In any case, thank you for the rather nice night tonight. I look forward to our next meeting." Hanabi replied before standing herself up a bit to give Naruto a quick kiss on the lips
"Until, next time Naruto…This is goodnight." Hanabi said with a slight mischievous grin as she headed inside her home
'Man my first date with a pretty girl and I got a kiss on the lips…It really does look like things are coming up my way for once.' Naruto remarked to himself as he headed home
However, as the inheritor of Arceus's will; headed back home; Sakura stood in hiding on a nearby tree having kept a close watch to make sure absolutely zero interference occurred with her little brothers' date with Hanabi…Yet as she sped home and eventually met with and congratulated Naruto on his date that had gone swimmingly well without interference, she eventually unraveled a small scroll she had kept at her side.
With her tossing it on the bed before making the snake seal and in a puff of smoke was a frightened and bound Gamakichi who had a rag that she used to knock him out, before she secured him as she proceeded to slap a chakra-suppressing tag on his small chest before stringing the small toad like a side of beef. As she waited for him to wake up for later questioning after seeing him follow and curtail her friend all throughout her date, which had her intrigued and annoyed that a toad summon would be watching Naruto.
'Alright, the moment your little punk-ass wakes up. We're going to have a very long talk on why your spying on my little brother.' Sakura said to herself as she locked the door and activated the sound-proofing seals for what would be a long night
(The next day, July 12th, 997 S.E, Hyuga Compound 2:10 Pm)
It was the following day later, as Hanabi had finished helping Neji with his Gentle Fist training; which unlike what she usually went through with her sister was a far less caustic affair.
"You seem quite a bit happier today than normal, Lady Hanabi." Neji noted as Hanabi parried another of his strikes
"Really? How could you tell?" Hanabi questioned as she countered a Gentle Fist strike with a swift kick at Neji's left leg
"It is simple really. Normally you would've gone for far more lethal and ferocious counters during our training sessions. However, you've acted more defensively, and with far less aggression than normal." Neji replied as he barely dodged another flurry of Gentle Fist strikes
"Perhaps I simply wanted to see how you would do when on the offensive for a change." Hanabi countered as she weaved her way out of what could've been a particularly harsh strike to her kidneys
"While that may have been the case at any other point. I know that your increased happiness is also due to the fact that, you've allowed me to last this long against you…Who would've figured that your outing last night would've had such a profound effect on you." Neji responded as Hanabi landed a Gentle Fist strike to his liver that stopped him in his tracks
"...While I admit that my time with Naruto was a rather enjoyable one. Do remember that in a training session such as this, that anything can happen if you are not present in the moment." Hanabi said to her cousin before landing a follow-through roundhouse kick that knocked him flat on his butt
"Fair enough, Lady Hanabi…Still, I felt it necessary to comment on such a thing; given that you are rarely seen happy outside of your missions, or nights drinking with Mizuki." Neji remarked while recovering from the parlytic effect of a hard shot to the liver
"In my defense, Neji. You would be in a sour mood if you not only had to train the disappointment that is my sister. But in addition to that, have been constantly denied their birthright as the future leader of the Hyuga clan…Honestly, those two things, in particular, are the only things that have brought me joy in recent memory." Hanabi replied
"Or at least were with the exception of last night, with Naruto." Hanabi said still in good spirits after the night prior
"If it means anything, I am happy... that everything went well for you last night...You are much deserving of happiness; after having to suffer the pigheadedness of my uncle." Neji said back while groaning from the blow that had sent him skidding 10 feet away
"Thank you, Neji, and I will admit that for a date that wasn't with one of those noblemen father tried to set me up with. That it was rather nice all things considered…Although, the nerves he had during were rather adorable to see." Hanabi remarked in finding it rather cute to see the usually bold Naruto become a flustered mess
"That does pose a question or two that I have concerning him?" Neji asked as he eventually stood himself up
"What is it about him that you wish to ask?" Hanabi questioned
"Just what is this between the two of you? Is it going to become anything serious, a casual fling, or something else entirely?" Neji asked back
"Hmmm, in concerns to our relationship with each other. We agreed to keep it to harmless fun all things considered…Seeing as how we are both still young, and don't have it in either of us to pursue a serious relationship. Therefore, we decided to keep it semi-casual and see where it goes from there." Hanabi informed her cousin
Since the pair had felt that the best thing to do in things going forward; was to keep things semi-causal between them and not make themselves a full-blown item, given that while they had a great time with each other last night. That as it currently stood with how things were and may continue to be that neither of them were ready for a completely serious and committed relationship to each other, and as such were completely fine with keeping things to a more friendly basis with each other.
"Why did you want to know?" Hanabi asked
"I wanted to know for the fact that my Uncle and your father always looking to advance the standing of our clan. That I wanted to know how you feel about everything, before he eventually finds a reason to try and have the two of you enter into a more 'serious relationship' for the good of the clan." Neji told her knowing full well that Hiashi was looking for ways to advance the Hyuga's standing in the village or anywhere else for that matter
"After all, its the main underlying reason as to why he allows and pushes for Hinata to continue seeing Lord Hokage's youngest son." Neji added knowing the sole reason as to why Hiashi approved of said relationship
"Don't remind me of that…I still do not understand what she sees in that pitiful excuse of a young man. Especially given the fact that I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't pressured her into having sex with him already." Hanabi said
"You really think that he would've coerced her already?" Neji questioned
"I don't doubt it for a moment. With the fact that Hinata is too soft-hearted to muster the strength to say no to anyone. In conjunction with how much he takes after or has begun to take after Lord Jiraiya, I wouldn't doubt such a thing." Hanabi replied knowing that while not necessarily 'easy' that her sister was very easily pressured into things
'I just hope that she has enough decency to use protection if that is the case...Otherwise, father will become a grandfather all too soon.' Hanabi hoped to herself
"While I may not like Lady Hinata all too well. I seriously hope that nothing too horrible comes to her. Seeing as how unlike what you have with Naruto so far, her relationship with Toshiro from what I can see from afar with my Byakugan is considerably more toxic than what they present." Neji said having seen that things weren't as rose-tinted as they were often presented
"I wouldn't doubt it…However, should Father find out about my and Naruto's relationship. I will continue to keep it as such. The man has lost and continues to lose my respect by persisting in his idiocy of having Hinata as our future clan leader. As such if he will not listen to me when it comes to our clans' future in the hands of a spineless dullard, then I will not listen to him on the matters of my relationship." Hanabi replied in regards to her father
"Fair enough I suppose…That being said, would you mind having another round with me? I would like to sharpen my counters to be more effective. Lee is not regarded as a taijutsu prodigy for nothing." Neji requested from the elder Hyuga
"If you insist. However, this time around, I will not be as easy on you as I was beforehand." Hanabi replied as she activated her Byakugan to emphasize her point
"Then let us begin, again." Neji replied activating his own as the two rushed each other once more
(2 days later, 6:30 Pm, July 14th, 997 S.E, Ichiraku Ramen)
It was days later as Hanabi was out with Mizuki as the two were talking it up over being assigned their latest mission together.
"Of all the places to go, I didn't think we'd get sent to the Land of Vegetables for a mission." Mizuki spoke as he ate his bowl of chicken and shrimp ramen
"Neither can I, then again with what has happened there. Our presence is rightly needed." Hanabi replied
"Besides, there is no one else that I would have to accompany me on a mission than you. You are one of my closest friends after all, and I see no reason why I wouldn't have you there with me." Hanabi further spoke to the white-haired Chunin beside her
"Hey, someone has to watch your back…You might be one of the fastest people I know, but no matter how bullshit quick you are. You can always use a second pair of eyes on you." Mizuki replied while Hanabi finished her bowl and began to dig into her eggrolls
"Have you forgotten that my Byakugan are some of the strongest in the village? I can see things from miles away, which coupled with my speed; makes your statement rather redundant." Hanabi countered as she poked him between the eyes with her chopsticks
"...Even with your eyes being as good as they are, it never hurts to have someone watching out for you. Since you can see from here to Grass Country for all I care, but you can't see everything coming your way numbnuts." Mizuki retorted as he gave her a playful slap to the back of the head to make his point
"Fair enough, I suppose...However, my point still stands about my speed being superior to yours." Hanabi said as she took a bite of her eggrolls
"Still, how is it that we are going to do our mission? Given that we are too end the threat of these Janin, who have plagued the new Daimyo for over a year at this point." Hanabi asked
"Simple. Since they massacred all their previous supporters and such, just in case they didn't want another coup on their hands. We can sneak in as new hires that can help them find and locate the new Daimyo, since if they're as power-hungry as I think they are. Then they won't pass up a chance to take out the last bit of competition in their way." Mizuki answered back on his game plan
"And you are sure this will work?" Hanabi asked once again
"Without a shadow of a doubt, Hanabi. I mean don't get me wrong, we will have to get a disguise ready. Since it won't really work out for us if they see your eyes and stuff…But other than that I'm pretty sure that everything else with my master plan will be foolproof." Mizuki replied with nothing but certainty and confidence in his plan
Seeing as how from the white-haired Chunin's perspective, it made perfect sense to pose as would-be assassins and such for hire for the Janin to assist them in taking out the current Daimyo of the Land of Vegetables. Considering that with her out of the way, the Janin could have their opportunity to assert themselves as the ruling force in said area…something that he knew that treacherous snakes like them would be chomping at the bit for.
"I won't lie when I say that it is a good plan, Mizuki. However, it is a very risky plan if we aren't careful. Given that one wrong move and we risk leading lady Haruna into her own death." Hanabi remarked with how large of a gamble there was with said plan
"Hey, it's not a good plan if there isn't some risk involved…All we need to do is just play are cards right, and set these bastards up for one helluva surprise once we're done with them." Mizuki said back
"Plus with how strong we both are, together. I honestly don't see any way possible we can lose! I'm telling you this right now, that we're gonna come out on top with my plan." Mizuki added with a proud grin of how foolproof he saw his plan was
"When it comes to our strength combined against an enemy. I will not disagree with you that we are close to unstoppable. Seeing as how with your brute strength and earth jutsu, and my Byakugan, Gentle-Fist, and my secret weapon. That our chances of defeat are slim to none." Hanabi replied
"Exactly! So how about it? Are you up for making total suckers out of these guys?!" Mizuki asked with his grin widening as he saw Hanabi sigh before looking back at him
"Seeing as how there is very little that can go wrong with this plan of yours; the more I think about it. Then I will agree to going along with it." Hanabi answered as Mizuki couldn't help but raise his fists in cheer of Hanabi's agreement
'Score! Oh man, are we gonna do so much bullshit with this.' Mizuki said to himself in excitement
"...To this day, I still do not get how you are able to sucker me into your plans...Especially, when they sound so cartoonish most of the time." Hanabi said still wondering how Mizuki as able to do it
"What can I say? I'm just that charming…You know, you could learn a thing or two from being as great as I am." Mizuki replied with a smug grin at having once again convinced the unflappable Hanabi Hyuga to go along with his plans
"I swear if it were anyone else who acted as childish or outlandish as you do. They would have a Gentle Fist strike to their throat by now." Hanabi said back
"Hey, its not my fault that I'm your best friend forever! Plus, coommme on Hanabi, you know you can't be at me when everything works out for us…Since how many times have my plans had us coming out on top?! Hmmm, come on tell me one time my plans have screwed us up?" Mizuki asked with his smug grin still present
"As far as I can remember…zero. Although that makes it all the more both frustrating and yet impressive; that with every hair-brained plan of yours. That somehow it manages to succeed." Hanabi answered
"Just how is it that you make these plans of yours succeed?" Hanabi wondered
"Other than being incredibly lucky, and just damn good at what I do…I honestly don't fucking know. It's just that shit happens to work out for me most of the time, and even when it doesn't I still somehow wind up winning." Mizuki replied
"Regardless, I cannot wait to see how this one works out for us…If we become heroes to an entire country because of this, then I will be shocked." Hanabi spoke
"Trust me, everythings' gonna work out just fine for us, Hanabi. So how about you quit being a worry-wort; enjoy some more ramen on your best friend in the world, and relax for a spell." Mizuki spoke as their next bowls of ramen came
"Considering that my good mood is still intact after my date earlier this week. I suppose that a bit more relaxation couldn't hurt." Hanabi replied as she soon finished her plate of eggrolls
"That's the spirit!...And just think, you get to have bragging rights to Naruto that you liberated country from a trio of evil dickheads." Mizuki added as a small smile crossed Hanabi's face upon hearing this
"Hmm, that would be quite a feat to share with Naruto on our 2nd date together." Hanabi replied
"You're damn right it would be!" Mizuki said back
"In any case, this is going to make for one interesting mission to say the very least." Hanabi spoke as the two continued eating their ramen
"Oh hell yeah it is, but until then. I'm gonna live it up like there's no tomorrow!" Mizuki replied as he continued to dig in to his fresh bowl of ramen
'How I became friends with this man is a mystery…Even still, no one can say that he doesn't make for incredibly entertaining company.' Hanabi said to herself as she decided to just surrender herself to the good cheer and atmosphere that came with being Mizuki's friend
So with Naruto's 1st ever date having gone successfully well with Hanabi, it seems that both Sakura has caught herself a toad for questioning and Hanabi herself soon going on a trip to the Land of Vegetables with Mizuki for an upcoming mission…How things will go for the duo is all up in the air for the all-new chapters of, Naruto: The PokeSage!
Alright, that takes care of that as I hoped you enjoyed the events of this chapter in having Naruto on his 1st date and everything that went into it.
Furthermore, I also hope that everyone's liking how things are shaping up in Part 2 of the story; given that there's still a whole heck of a lot more to come down the pipeline…As trust me things will only continue to switch up from here on, and as such I hope I will have everyone's continued support toward the story.
But with all that said and done this is Pravus666 signing off till next time, with our next chapter having Hanabi and Mizuki's joint mission together, as well as Naruto going on a solo outing after one of the Plates…so stay tuned for that!
Part 2 Theme Song: To the Pain by Nonpoint
Random End Song: All the Small Things by Blink-182
Now then onto some of the reviews from the last chapter.
Guest (1): I'm glad you love the story so far my guy, and hope you'll stick around to see more. Also, that being said with Nagato disregarding Orochimaru as a nuisance in their mind. You have to remember that this man despite being a cripple and using literal puppets to do his bidding, believes he is a God of an entire country (despite not having gone beyond the basics of what can be done with or created with the Rinnegan). As such is it really that hard to believe that he's up his own ass enough to believe that Orochimaru ain't shit?
Guest (2): Oh its definitely a strong possibility that Naruto can do that once the plates are all gathered, but at the end of the day its if Naruto wants to do so; or decide screw it lets' keep the difficulty as is.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: I'm glad you liked the last chapter, since it was a doozy to write up. Furthermore, I did promise that Orochimaru is gonna be a menace seeing as how with their mind being that of a mad scientist did you really expect them to not play around with what they can and can't do with the Rinnegan...Not to mention that this was them just taking their new body out for a test-drive...so just imagine what its gonna be like for Konoha when the Invasion comes and Orochimaru wants to run Minato, Kushina and Jiraiya's fade with their new powers in tandem with what they can pull off given the abilities on all ends from the D.N.A samples and plates they'll continue to acquire. Also, yeah Kimimaro is now not only at 100% but even more so given that he was given bodiliy augmentations to make his use of the Dead Bone Pulse much more efficient, so he's gonna be a problem on top of the fact that...he also has a newly improve Curse Mark on top of all of that as well. And as Orochimaru said in concerns with Tayuya; the only reason that she was still around is because they were shortstaffed and without many options for their elite and brightest, but with them doing things in concerns to the Hidden Mist and ferrying/shepherding refugees from the purges to Otogakure...they now have a lot more to work with and as such Tayuya is no longer really needed, and is on the chopping block so to speak; considering that she failed to change and get with the program in thinking that she was always gonna be able to have a safe-spot amongst the Sound 5, and as such have free reign to say and do whatever she wants.
God of Wind 200: That is a possibility that Naruto can potentially do so, however its a feat that's easier said than done given that Orochimaru is now immensely more powerful than in canon and is probably one of the few things that can exist as Naruto's potential equal in power. So if he does its gonna be an uphill battle to do so.
starravenwolf: On the subject for when he brings Pokemon back it will be a toss up between Zorua and or Ditto, but personally I'd vouch for the prehistoric Pokemon like Rampardos, Bastiodon, Aerodactyl, Tyrantrum and etc to be the first ones he brings back; since I'm a sucker for dino Pokemon.
