Hinata: Byakurenden

Promotion

The Forest of Death stood in tatters, the majority of the giant trees that comprised it having been annihilated. Even for a battle between Ninja, this was beyond excessive.

And to think that the one primarily responsible for all this, Uzumaki Naruto, had been the one to lose that fight.

Itachi couldn't help but be in awe of the fight he witnessed. This was a man that once traveled the world with Hoshigaki Kisame as his sole companion. In that time, he felt like he had seen it all, yet here in his own backyard, he was reminded of just how vast their world was.

"Lord Fifth," Yugao landed next to him without a single sound. She had a hand pressed up to her ear, tapping into the listening device and monitoring the chatter coming through. "It would seem the battle here has gotten the attention of the villagers and is causing concern." She reported. That was hardly a surprise, several of the explosions big enough to shake the village.

"Take your team and temper their fears." Itachi ordered quietly. He would leave it to her to decide how much information she wanted to pass out. Yugao gave a silent bow in acknowledgment. Just before leaving to carry out her duties, she nodded at Hinata in congratulations. Then she was gone with a blink of the eye.

The action drew Itachi's attention to the winner of the not-so-little exhibition match they just held. She also seemed to be standing on her last leg and had that final trick of hers not worked, the battle might have ended very differently. All the same, he expected nothing less from the White Lotus. From the first time they met, Hinata had done nothing but surprise him.

"Are you feeling well?" Itachi asked, wondering if perhaps they should have this talk later. However, Hinata gave a determined nod, ready to hear his verdict. She had put everything on the line for this fight in order to prove she was ready to fight Amaterasu. However, that left Itachi with a question. "Why did you stop at the Fourth Gate?" He asked.

Two years ago now, he had seen Hinata use the Akejishi in an attempt to drive back Amaterasu. He also watched as it failed. A Jutsu of that level wasn't enough for the fight to come, but she didn't unveil anything beyond it either. Certainly, her growth in elemental manipulation was impressive, but all that meant little in the face of a literal goddess.

"…You said that our attacks shouldn't reach outside the forest." Hinata answered hesitantly, unsure if that was the right answer. "I was also worried that if I put out more power, Naruto would match it." That worry was well-founded, as it seemed like Naruto had little concern for the limitation Itachi had placed for fear of the village itself.

"So you're saying you can go further, but chose not to, and diving head-first into the Biju-sama was your solution?" Itachi clarified, earning an embarrassed nod. "I understand." He paused, just long enough to let the awkward silence hang in the air. "In that case, I grant you the rank of Special Jonin." The same rank Naruto and Sasuke had already attained.

"L-lord fifth?" Hinata's voice cracked in confusion, not quite understanding the logic.

"You have a good head on your shoulders, Hinata of the White Lotus." He made sure to use her epithet for emphasis. "You've proven that you have not just the power, but the cunning to face what's to come. That's why I'm promoting you and placing you on a special team along with Naruto and my brother, Sasuke." He nodded sideways and Hinata just now realized that Indra's reincarnation had walked up to them and was waiting for the conclusion to their conversation.

Hinata could feel the immense power of the Rinnegan, an ocular power above even the Nichiren Byakugan, coming from him. However, it was hidden by his hair that was mostly unchanged from the last time she saw him, except that now his bangs covered his left eye. The rest of his body was also completely covered by a navy blue cloak, including his robotic left arm.

"Sasuke-kun." Hinata turned rigidly to face him, struggling for several awkward seconds on what to say, before finally deciding on bowing, "I'll be in your care." In the end, she only offered a simple standard platitude, not sure how else to talk to him.

"Likewise," Sasuke responded in a way that seemed to imply it really had nothing to do with him. There was another awkward pause, before he cleared his throat and continued. "Sorry about the last couple times we met. I wasn't in a good place."

He was, of course, referring to the complicated past he shared with his brother. A false rumor had spread that Hinata was responsible for his death and Sasuke had set his anger on her. Then, when it turned out Itachi was alive, he had been willing to accept help from the enemy and attack his own allies to achieve his revenge. Naruto put a stop to that, however. The last time she saw him, he and Itachi had started the road to reconciliation.

"No, please don't feel like you have to apologize for that." Hinata shook her head, waving both hands in front of herself. She couldn't help but glance back and forth between the two brothers that stood by her now. "…So the two of you have reconciled?" She asked.

"…" Itachi said nothing, merely closing his eyes and waiting silently for Sasuke to be the one to give his judgment. After all, it had been his actions that caused all their problems and as such, he had no right to speak for Sasuke's feelings on the matter.

"…Things aren't like they used to be." Sasuke admitted after moments of contemplation. If Itachi was hurt by that claim, he didn't show it. "…but well, it's not like things as they are now are bad. It's good to have my brother back." He finished, refusing to look at either of them and instead finding the tree-line very interesting.

"…There you have it." Itachi said, trying to push the conversation along, but unable to hide the small, rare smile on his face. "You must be tired after your trip and this battle. Take some time off and I'll call on you when it's time for your team to set out." With that said and done, he and Sasuke took their leave.

"I don't see why this is my fault!?" The boisterous, indignant cry of the toad hermit, Jiraiya, pulled Hinata's attention to where Naruto had fallen. The two Sannin and his sensei, Kakashi, had gathered around the fallen blond.

Tsunade was busy healing his wounds, a green glow wrapped around her hands as she worked. Just because she was doing the delicate task of healing, didn't mean she couldn't give her teammate an earful.

"He lost because of a kiss!" She berated, unable to actually point a finger at Jiraiya, but her glare did the job all the same. "That's exactly like something you would do, so you tell me where you think he got that from?" Unfortunately for Hinata, the current subject of their argument brought the embarrassing truth of her victory to the forefront, and her entire face turned bright red.

"In the first place, how is that even a loss?" Jiraiya huffed, face twisting in a perverted grin. "Getting smooched like that in the heat of battle by a babe his age… I might have a new idea for my next book." He started giggling unceremoniously to himself, much to his teammate's disgust.

"You're hopeless." Tsunade snarled, her work almost all but done now. It would have ended there, but Jiraiya couldn't help but be his own worst enemy.

"Hey, maybe we should have a spar of our own? I'll let you win too, if you-" He didn't even finish that statement, his lecherous grin warping into a mask of horror. Tsunade took him up on the offer for a spar, only not in the way he had intended, throwing a fist where his face had just been. She hit one of the massive trees, snapping it in half like it was a twig.

"Get back here!" Tsunade roared, as Jiraiya hopped over the chain link fence and made a break for it. She gave chase, her fists promising violent vengeance. The two of them disappeared, leaving behind Naruto and his teacher.

"Alright, let's get you back home." Kakashi didn't even react to the craziness that just happened around him, instead picking up Naruto and throwing him over his back to carry him. As he adjusted the now sleeping blond, he turned to Hinata and nodded in acknowledgement. "He's a lot of trouble, but thanks for giving him the fight he wanted. I know he enjoyed it, conclusion and all." With that, he carried Naruto off.

Most of the spectators had left now, the remaining members approaching her.

"Hinata." Kurenai jogged up to her student, careful of the baby inside her. She grabbed Hinata's forearms, inspecting her for injuries like a worried mother. "You've always been one to overdo it." She couldn't hide her exasperation, despite looking simultaneously thrilled by her student's victory.

"Congratulations." Asuma translated that elation for Kurenai, as she was unable to say it for herself. He hadn't let his wife get far, constantly concerned for her and their baby.

"Thank you, both of you." Hinata responded, gently hugging her teacher and nodding over her shoulder at Asuma. As she pulled back, she noticed that the Sarutobi Hiruzen had come along with them, standing just behind his son. "Lord Third." She acknowledged him with respect.

"Please, no need for that." Hiruzen said with a dismissive wave. "I'm all but retired. And after the spectacle you and Naruto showed me, I feel comfortable with leaving things to this generation. For me, the only thing I'm looking forward to is playing with my soon-to-be-born grand-daughter." He laughed, and Hinata was glad to see him in such high spirits.

The family of three then bid them farewell, leaving Hinata alone with her own family.

"Nee-sama…" Hanabi approached her big sister cautiously. "Are you alright?" She had been terrified when that big explosion had enveloped the two combatants, only more-so when their unconscious bodies bounced into view just in front of them. Yet against all odds, both of them got up and kept fighting.

She couldn't understand why they did that. Was winning that fight so important to them? Like before, it felt like Hinata was becoming some kind of distant figure.

"I'm fine, thank you." Hinata rubbed her sister's hair. The gesture was comforting, yet somehow out of place for a person now capable of the things Hinata was.

"You've come so far beyond anything I thought imaginable." Hiashi praised, and yet he felt like what he said was underselling her power. He also chose to ignore the kiss, something they both seemed to agree was better left unsaid.

"Thank you, father." Hinata beamed, his praise meant the world to her, even if he felt it was short. "Shall we go back home?" She asked, and they both agreed.

For the first time in two years, she was looking forward to sleeping in her own bed again.

Several days had passed since the spar and Hinata's promotion.

She spent those days leisurely at home, playing with her sister, enjoying tea with her father, and catching up with the members of the branch clan to make sure they were adjusting to no longer having the caged-bird seal.

It was peaceful. One could almost believe that everything in the world was like this and that a goddess from another dimension hadn't invaded; A goddess that Hinata would one day have to fight. It was exactly because such a fate awaited her that she wanted to enjoy these tranquil days. Of course, if she was being honest, there was one other thing she truly wanted.

Since their spar, Hinata hadn't seen Naruto even once. It wasn't like it would be difficult for her to find him, as she was able to trace his essence as a reincarnation of Asura. So that wasn't the issue. No, the problem was that she didn't even know how to approach him.

Twice now, they had parted ways on a kiss. The first time, she left for two years without waiting for his answer. The second was in the middle of a heated battle of which there was no chance to speak afterwards.

As such, she had no idea of his feelings in regards to both kisses that she forced on him. She couldn't help but be worried that he might even resent her for them. After all, he had expressly stated that such a conversation would come after the battle and she broke that promise. While it was true, her intention with the second kiss had been to catch him off guard and give herself an opportunity to win the battle, but would he see it that way and understand?

The only way to know for sure was to ask him, but she wasn't brave enough to seek him out. Not that it mattered, as they would have to see each other sooner or later, anyways. After all, they were to be on a team now. They would see each other when they were called out on a mission. So she resolved herself to just wait for that timing.

Or so she told herself.

"Hinata-sama." Natsu announced her presence, the maid standing just on the other side of the sliding paper door to the tea room. Despite Hinata's request to many members of the branch family, they insisted on using the honorific when speaking to her.

"You may enter," Hiashi answered, Hinata and him having just finished their afternoon tea. As Hinata collected the tea cups, Natsu slid the door open and bowed, before taking only a single step into the room. She didn't look up, merely standing straight with her head bowed, eyes closed, and hands folded in front of her.

"Hinata-sama," Natsu repeated. "I've come to inform you that Uzumaki Naruto is at the gate and requests your presence." She said, a moment of silence following her announcement. That silence was interrupted by the porcelain cups and plates Hinata was holding beginning to clatter against one another as her hands shook, face turning bright red.

"I'll take those." Hiashi tried and failed to hide his mirthful smile as he did just as he said, taking clattering cups from her hands. "Go see him," He ordered, before turning to the maid. "And Natsu, you can prepare dinner just for Hanabi and myself tonight." His implication was clear. If possible Hinata's face got even redder and she just wanted to run away. Which was exactly what she did. She fled towards the gate wordlessly, feet carrying her closer to a reunion with Naruto, almost against her will. Her emotions were a jumbled mess, full of both trepidation and hope.

Finally, she reached the gate to the clan compound and just as Natsu stated, Naruto was standing there waiting for her. Perhaps standing wasn't the right word, but more like fidgeting on the balls of his feet. He had his hands brought up around the back of his head, elbows in the air. His sky-blue eyes were gazing around anywhere but at the gate and his clothes appeared to have been either repaired or replaced, sporting the exact same look as when they last met.

"Naruto-kun," Hinata squeaked, unable to properly articulate anything closely resembling a thought, forget about actually speaking.

"Ah, Hinata." Naruto looked stunned for a second, like he hadn't actually expected her to appear, despite being the one to call on her. "You uhh… you haven't been to see me since our spar. So I thought… well, I'll just come see you then, or something." He trailed off, eyes looking anywhere but at her directly.

"…You were waiting for me?" Hinata felt the rate of her heartbeat double, maybe even triple. First of all, it didn't seem like Naruto was mad at her. In fact, he seemed just as equally flustered as she was. That should have been enough to put her at ease, yet somehow seeing the usually brash Naruto also like this only made her more anxious.

"I mean, yeah!" Naruto said it like it was obvious, sounding slightly exasperated. "I mean, you kissed me out of the blue two years ago and then ran away. Then the other day…" His cheeks tinted in a slight blush. As if aware of it himself, he quickly shook his head. "Anyways, the point is that I'm not gonna just let you run away without finally talking about this!" He declared, stepping forward and grabbing her hand.

He started to drag her along, walking slightly ahead as she stumbled behind, hand-in-hand.

"T-talk about it?" Hinata's brain couldn't keep up, unsure if she should prioritize Naruto's actions or his words first.

"D-don't make me spell it out, idiot!" Naruto shouted out of reflex, brought on by his own embarrassment. "I'm- I'm saying you and I are going on a date, alright!?" He grumbled, unwilling to turn around and face her.

"A- Ah…" Hinata couldn't form any words more eloquent than that, simply uttering a stuttered agreement. From there the two of them walked in silence, Naruto still pulling her along by the hand to their destination, wherever that was still unknown. She didn't have to wait long to find out, Naruto dragging her to his favorite ramen stall. After arriving, the two of them stood outside it for several more moments in silence.

"It's not like I know anywhere else to take people on a date." Naruto grumbled, still refusing to look at her but also having not let go of her hand. "If it's too lame for a date, I understand. But I'm gonna have to ask you to choose another place." She could see the back of his ears tint red, and knew his whole face was probably the same. Finally, it felt like she was able to calm down a little and as the butterflies in her stomach settled, she couldn't help but smile.

"It's a perfect place for a date, Naruto-kun." She assured him, and she wasn't just saying it to be nice. There was no place she would rather eat than here. After all, it was the first place they ever went out to eat together, and she knew it was his favorite. The fact that he wanted to share it with her again made her heart overflow with joy.

"Welcome!" The stall master's voice boomed as the two pushed back the flaps to enter. "Oh, Naruto… and if it isn't a face I haven't seen for a while." He beamed at Hinata as they took their seats. "You two here to challenge each other again, Miss White Lotus?" He was, of course, referring to the first time the two came here together. It was a rather embarrassing memory for Hinata, as she ended up looking like a glutton, out-eating Naruto in a competition.

"Nah, just something normal this time." Naruto thankfully said, no doubt out of concern for his own budget. The last time he lost, it took him literal months to pay off his and Hinata's tab. He then placed a typical order and Hinata did the same. As they waited for their orders, Hinata finally had a chance to organize her thoughts.

She had loved Naruto for a long time now. Ever since that day: It had been a snowy and she was being picked on by three other boys for her strange eyes. It was Naruto that came to her rescue and although he had gotten beaten senseless by them, he hadn't given up. That's right, it wasn't the act of saving her that endeared her to him, it was his unwavering confidence and determination in the face of adversity. She couldn't be like that back then, but now she believed she had changed. And it all started from having watched him and following his example.

Now he was the one asking her out a date. But what exactly did that mean? Was he saying he liked her too? Or was this his way of trying to work out his own feelings and see where things went? Hinata didn't dare ask, scared of what the answer might be. She had waited two years to be with him again, and she never imagined it would be in this way. So she wouldn't dare complain or bring up unnecessary topics. All she wanted was to enjoy this moment.

Even if they weren't an official couple, the fact he was at least considering her was more than enough for now.

Her thoughts sorted, Hinata was able to enjoy the comfortable silence that settled between them. Or perhaps it was actually an awkward one, neither of them knowing what to say? Regardless, Hinata just knew she was happy being in his presence. Soon enough their bowls of food were placed in front of them. They dug in, enjoying their noodles in peace. It didn't take either of them long to finish, and despite Hinata's protests, Naruto insisted on paying as he heard that was proper on a first date.

Their food finished, the two of them exited the stall into the village illuminated by a low sun. Despite the beauty of their village in the orange light, Hinata couldn't help but be apprehensive of the sun and its rays, of which Amaterasu was the goddess of. Yet with Naruto by her side, she felt that she might be strong enough to actually face it.

"What should we do next then?" Naruto asked, extending his hand. Hinata took it, her fingers interlacing through his. The two of them then started walking, not sure of their destination.

"Anywhere is fine." Hinata answered, leaning into his arm slightly, a soft smile on her lips. So long as she was with him, she knew she could be happy no matter what they were doing.

Unfortunately for them both, their next destination had already been decided. They just didn't know it yet.

"Naruto, Hinata." Sasuke appeared from the crowds of people they walked through, standing directly in front of them now. "My brother is calling for us. We have a mission." He didn't comment on their closeness, although it likely wasn't a surprise to him as he had also seen the kiss from their spar.

"Now?" Naruto asked, despite the fact that he normally would have been excited at the idea of a mission. It seemed their date would have to end after only managing dinner, however, as there was no refusing their Hokage.

"What happened?" Hinata knew there was no point in delaying, and they could always finish their date another time. Yet something about the way in which Sasuke appeared and called upon them was off. Like he was in a rush. Whatever the mission was, it was a big deal. Sasuke was silent for several seconds, clearly debating whether or not to reveal what information he had. After finally realizing they would hear it sooner or later anyways, he let out a sigh, already anticipating the headache.

"Listen to me calmly," He said with a voice unnaturally grave, his one visible eye glancing between them. The two glanced at each other, their date almost all but forgotten now as concern and dread filled them. And what Sasuke said next allowed them to immediately comprehended the gravity of the situation.

"Sunagakure - The Village Hidden in the Sand has fallen."

Chapter End

AN: A little bit of a shorter and fluffier chapter, following the longer one from last time.

Thanks to everyone that reviewed the last one, I was really happy to see so many of you enjoyed the battle. Your kind words really meant a lot!

As you can probably tell from the ending stinger, but I'm still trying to somewhat follow Canon's outline (despite how different everything is), and this is story is starting off with a calamity at Suna as the inciting incident. The whole fic won't be able to follow that outline, of course, but at least for the start of this second phase, I want to begin in what feels like familiar territory. Anyways, I also hope to bring some exciting changes to this arc, so look forward to it!

Next time, the start of a new mission.