Extra note 31/03/22
Seems like email alerts are not working for outlook/Hotmail email accounts and this is a widespread issue. As always, given FF has issues with things, all of my updated chapters are available for free on my pat reon after I post them here and I am doing at least one update a month, so if you want to check if I have updated a story but haven't gotten an alert for the month, check there.
(I also realise the irony that no one with an outlook/Hotmail email is going to see this until alerts are back or through sheer luck, but I will get the word out for now at least.)
Original note 19/03/22
Been some time since I did an update for a straight Naruto fic. I don't mean to overstate my own clout, but hopefully this helps bring about a renaissance of sorts to the Naruto fan-fic archive. I suspect I am not the only one who was largely disillusioned with the end of Naruto/start of Boruto. It really was hit or miss in a way that I realise we were spoilt with in Naruto, as there are very few arcs in Naruto that bombed (not counting fillers).
Of course I will apologise for my long absence from the Naruto archive as well, it was in part due to the above and in part to enjoying writing fics for other archives more. I also stopped reading Naruto fics for a while due to how formulaic they all became, but it has allowed me to come back into things with some fresh perspective and helped free me from the Naruto tropes. Of course, some tropes will still be present, especially early on into the pre-Chunin exam part, but the story will hopefully still be unique enough to hold interest until I can get to some major deviations.
I will also admit the Kaguya stuff after Madara did get a bit fan-fic-like at times, but hopefully I can make better use of it. It will become more apparent with time, but I plan to make use of all of the Kaguya lore we got at the end of the Manga. Whether I actually use Kaguya Ootsutsuki herself remains to be seen however. What this means though, is aside from the main plot with Naruto, there will be a background plot of the main clans associated with the "moon people" and their offshoots.
Lastly, I have been steadily at work doing chapters and have 12 chapters (some proofread, others yet to be proofread) on my pat reon across multiple different stories and archives. Excitingly, once I have met a monthly update requirement and have 12 chapters stocked, I will update as soon as I complete another chapter meaning updates will become more frequent across the board. I've also added more incentives to support me on pat reon with things like omakes and special features put up for patrons regardless of tier support, so now is a good time to maximise benefits.
Enjoy!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Naruto and Sasuke looked into Naruto's lineage, finding an alteration to the Uchiha family tree a few generations back, with no further information to work with. Naruto declared he would look into things himself while instructing Sasuke to train with his Sharingan. Meanwhile, Hiruzen and Danzo came to an agreement and would each choose a set of tutors for Naruto, with Danzo predictably choosing himself and two other Root agents, while Hiruzen chose Kakashi for the ninjutsu portion, who was also assigned the task of reporting to Hiruzen on Naruto's progress. Naruto would then go to the hospital and meet Medical Director Riko Naori who led him to his medical jutsu instructor, Kabuto Yakushi.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Naruto anime/manga all I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Heavily demonic voice'
'Fox or Death talking'
"Fox or Death thinking"
*expression*
Jutsu
Flashback
Chapter 9 – Slices of life
'So Naruto, it isn't common for children your age to be interested in medical ninjutsu.' Said Kabuto.
'Why's that?' Asked Naruto.
'Well, most kids like big flashy jutsu.' Said Kabuto.
'Yeah, but even if you have big flashy jutsu, if you come home and celebrate with a bowl of ramen that was poisoned, the big flashy jutsu aren't going to help you.' Retorted Naruto.
'Well, you are not wrong there. Although, we won't be working on poisons here, I think you have a different pair of instructors for that. We will be looking at healing damage.' Said Kabuto.
'But isn't poisoning damage too, even if it is inside?' Questioned Naruto.
'It is. I see you are sharper than I had been expecting, young Naruto. Let me clarify then, we will be focusing on how to use medical ninjutsu to heal injuries which compromise functioning if damaged, skin, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, bones. While poisons can affect these things, it does not affect the structure of the tissue, it affects the contents of the tissue.' Elaborated Kabuto.
'Oh, so it is like we are knitting then.' Said Naruto.
'An apt analogy. Even if the material changes colour or consistency, medical ninjutsu brings the material together.' Said Kabuto.
'Isn't that dangerous, if something gets infected, isn't it better to just cut it off so it doesn't spread?' Asked Naruto.
'Normally, yes, but for a shinobi, once you lose a finger, your abilities are compromised forever, for that reason, maintaining the structure is our main goal, tissue damage can be healed later and the body, given enough time and nutrients, can overcome almost anything.' Said Kabuto.
'I see… I guess that makes sense, but wouldn't it be better if you could just cut the finger off and grow a new one and stick it on?' Asked Naruto.
'Well, young Naruto, if you can figure out a way to do that, the ninja world would bow to you, as no one has been able to accomplish such a thing before to any great success.' Said Kabuto.
'Then let's get started!' Declared Naruto.
-line break-
The next day, Naruto found himself back in the dark underground of Root. Fully having expected Danzo to be his next instructor, Naruto was surprised to see a masked individual in black garb.
'I am Torune Aburame. I will be your poison instructor.' Said the man, before turning and walking away.
Following the prompt, Naruto followed the man as he led them to a small room filled with cages of varying sizes with different animals in them. Torune walked over to a small metal cabinet and opened one of the drawers, withdrawing two scrolls, two vials and numerous syringes. Naruto curiously walked over to the cabinet, as Torune stepped aside. Naruto picked up the first vial and noted the liquid was clear and colourless. Placing it down and picking up the second one, Naruto noticed it was a clear purple. Torune then returned and place a small white mouse on the table. The mouse looked slightly sedated, but otherwise healthy.
'These mice have no capacity to create antibodies. Any poison will kill them without an antidote. We will trial a new poison every month and on the last day of the month you will be the subject, while it is unlikely any poison will be strong enough to kill you, enduring the full dose of many will lead to consequences. Consider these mice an extension of yourself, with each death, your risk of death rises. All the components of both the poison and the antidote are in front of you and contained within the shelves of this cabinet. You find the right combination, or the bodies pile up, just like in real life. I will answer one question a day about each poison. Any questions?' Asked Torune.
'Do any of these poisons not have an antidote already?' Asked Naruto.
'Yes.' Said Torune, before moving to the back of the room and taking a seat, as Naruto was left to his task.
-line break-
Naruto was led to the torture and interrogation unit of the Leaf village by an Anbu.
'And you are sure I'm not in trouble?' Asked Naruto for the fifth time, causing the Anbu escorting him to sigh.
'No Naruto, you are not in trouble.' Said the purple haired Anbu for the fifth time.
'Ok, I'm just making sure. If you are lying to me, there aren't that many purple haired Anbu around you know, I will avoid you.' Said Naruto.
'Funny you say that.' Said the Anbu, as they finally met their target, another purple haired woman.
The woman was wearing a sleeveless chainmail shirt with a tan skirt and tan trench coat over the top, in addition to a pair of knee length boots with shin guards.
'So this is my new minion, eh? Not much to look at. What's the matter kid, cat got your tongue?' Asked the woman, noticing Naruto staring at her.
'Anbu lady doesn't have my tongue, I'm just trying to figure something out. Are you a TWIT?' Asked Naruto.
'TWIT? Asked the lady in confusion.
'Teenage woman in her thirties.' Clarified Naruto.
'The hell? I am a teenager.' Said the lady indignantly.
'Oh… then why are you trying to look like an older lady trying to look like a younger one? Why not just look like yourself then?' Asked Naruto.
'What the hell is that supposed to mean?' Asked the lady.
'I mean, why don't you just act your age, if you are really a teenager and aren't lying to me?' Questioned Naruto, looking at her with narrowed eyes.
'I am acting my age!' Exclaimed the woman.
'Now you are acting my age… are you doing it for attention?' Asked Naruto.
'Well, I will leave him in your care, Anko.' Said the Anbu, before leaving the pair.
'Hey kid, who do you think you are talking to me like that?' Asked the now named Anko.
'Just someone who realises when someone is trying to act a certain way. It's like those kids who try to act like adults, but you're doing it the other way around.' Said Naruto.
'Oh, we are going to have so much fun together.' Said Anko, with an evil chuckle.
'So are you the poison expert then?' Asked Naruto.
'What makes you ask that?' Asked Anko.
'Because you don't need to confuse people with your appearance for big explosive ninjutsu, but it can get you close enough to poison someone's ramen.' Said Naruto.
'You're a weird kid, you know that?' Asked Anko.
'I bet people told you that when you were my age too.' Retorted Naruto.
'Actually, you are already weirder and at a younger age than I was when people started saying that.' Said Anko.
'Ok then, if I am already better at being weird than you, then let's get on with the poisons so I can beat you there too.' Said Naruto.
'We'll see.' Said Anko.
-line break-
Naruto again found himself in the dank basement that was Root, only this time he stood in front of the leader.
'How is your training progressing so far?' Asked Danzo.
'Why ask me, don't you know already?' Asked Naruto.
'I seek your opinion for collateral information.' Said Danzo.
'I think it is going well. I like poisons and they are easy to use once you figure out the solution to making an antidote.' Said Naruto.
'Very well, we shall start the Ninjutsu training in earnest now. I will defeat you with one kunai and one shuriken and you must attempt to do the same.' Said Danzo.
Naruto raised an eyebrow at this, before matching Danzo, who withdrew a kunai and shuriken. Danzo threw the kunai at Naruto, before making a set of one-handed seals, before the one kunai became thirty. Naruto ducked down before doing a somersault, letting the kunai pass below him before coming to land in front of them. Danzo then followed this up by throwing the shuriken and made two different sets of hand signs before locking his right hand with his fingers against the palm with the thumb and pinkie extended. Naruto saw the shuriken multiple as the kunai had, before they were propelled by a gust of wind. Unlike the kunai, the shuriken were more spread out and left Naruto no space to dodge. Realising he needed to use the environment to his advantage, Naruto used his small stature to lower himself between the embedded kunai. The shuriken clashed with the kunai, causing them to ricochet off and miss Naruto for the most part, sustaining only a few stray grazes. From his place on the ground, Naruto noticed Danzo had yet to move from his spot and seemed to be waiting for his retaliation. Naruto quickly picked up the kunai around him and started to throw them in an arc heading towards Danzo. Naruto tried to mimic the hand signs Danzo had used, but was unsuccessful, only managing to emulate a small gust of wind. Danzo put his hand out and a stronger gust of wind broke through the barrage, only for a kunai to be thrown from above by Naruto. Danzo raised his hand and prepared to blow away the kunai, only for Naruto to throw his shuriken at Danzo's legs. Danzo to his credit was undeterred and split his hands up, aiming one hand down and the other up, before two weak blasts of wind deflected Naruto's weapons.
'You are a fast learner it seems.' Commented Danzo.
'And you've learned more tricks than most people.' Said Naruto.
'As will you. We will now repeat the exercise.' Said Danzo.
Naruto exhaled at this, resolving to move Danzo this time around. Not giving Danzo the chance to start the offensive this time, Naruto charged at Danzo. The wizened man seemed to frown at this, seeing Naruto pull out his kunai and prepare for a slash. Danzo returned his strike with one of his own, before noticing Naruto had his shuriken held in his other hand which he jabbed out at him with. Momentarily surprised at the unorthodox tactic, Danzo used his own shuriken to deflect the punch, covering the sharp device in a thin coat of wind. It seemed Naruto's punch was a feint though as he opened his hand into a knife edge chop, hooking the shuriken around his middle finger. Naruto sustained a long slash along his forearm, but managed to cut Danzo's sleeve in the process. Danzo raised his leg and kicked Naruto back.
'Got you.' Said Naruto triumphantly, even as he rubbed his bleeding wound, stemming the blood loss slowly, as his skin stitched itself back together.
'You sustained an injury and did not inflict one.' Commented Danzo.
'Are you sure, maybe we should try one more time then?' Challenged Naruto, drawing another kunai.
Danzo didn't let Naruto take the initiative this time and breathed on his shuriken, turning it into a metre long wind shuriken with a metal core, which he then threw at Naruto. Naruto smiled and rushed towards the incoming shuriken, ducking under it and hooking his kunai in the centre and giving a spin before throwing it back at Danzo. Danzo took his kunai out and bathed the blade in wind, preparing to deflect the shuriken, only for his hand to spasm momentarily. Naruto saw the spasm and threw his kunai and shuriken out at either side of Danzo. Danzo conceded the defeat and leapt to the side, causing the three projectiles to miss him.
'I see your progress is going well then.' Said Danzo in acknowledgement.
'You haven't seen anything yet.' Said Naruto, as he withdrew another kunai and shuriken.
-line break-
After Naruto's battle with Danzo, Naruto found himself sitting in front of an individual wearing a monocle and white lab coat.
'So you've learnt how to use poison in weapons. Your healing technique looks sloppy though.' Said Magire, the assigned medical trainer from Root.
'Well, it is kind of hard to heal when you regenerate before you get the chance.' Said Naruto.
'Is that so? Then I need to work on something to help with that, that's all.' Said the man, before gesturing for Naruto to follow him.
'What are we doing today?' Asked Naruto.
'Practical applications, that's all.' Said Magire, before leading him to a large mess hall, where many masked individuals were locked in combat.
'What is this? Cheap manual labour?' Asked Naruto, only for Magire to smirk.
'It's a competition, that's all.' Said Magire.
-line break-
Naruto was currently healing a grey-haired individual, before noticing he seemed to be healing slower than the others.
'You're sick, aren't you?' Asked Naruto quietly.
'We are all dying, just some of us at different rates.' Said the Root agent.
'You're not wrong, but you should try and slow it down.' Said Naruto, before his technique seemed to change and the agent healed at an accelerated rate, something which Magire noticed out of the corner of his eye.
'All done.' Said Naruto, before moving on to the next individual.
-line break-
As Naruto waited in a training ground with Cat standing across from him, Naruto found himself getting bored. Finding himself bored of surveying the surroundings, Naruto started to appraise Cat.
'So, do you and Anko go to the same hairdresser?' Asked Naruto, causing the Anbu to quirk their head in his direction.
'I mean no one else has purple hair in the whole village.' Added Naruto, answering the unasked question.
'Our hair colour is natural.' Said the Anbu.
'All the more reason to have the same hairdresser. Doesn't purple hair need special care or something?' Asked Naruto.
'No.' Said the Anbu flatly.
'Yo.' Said a silver haired man, casually approaching the pair.
'See, if you don't look after your hair, it will go silver.' Said Naruto.
'Go silver? This is my natural hair colour.' Said the man.
'Have fun.' Said the purple haired Anbu before leaving.
'So wait, you were born with silver hair?' Asked Naruto disbelievingly.
'I don't know. Probably.' Said the man with a shrug.
'How can you not know?' Asked Naruto.
'Well, I don't remember much from when I was born.' Said the man.
'Oh. How do you know you didn't just have blue hair and then got exposed to radiation and it turned your hair silver?' Asked Naruto.
'Hmm, I don't.' Said the silver-haired man.
Naruto hummed at this and seemed to mull this over.
'So what are you going to teach me?' Asked Naruto.
'Manners apparently.' Said the man.
'What do you mean? You know I'm Naruto and I know you are the only guy in this village with silver hair.' Said Naruto.
'So what do you plan to address me by?' Asked the man.
'I was thinking silver-haired guy.' Said Naruto.
'It is Kakashi Hatake.' Said the man.
'Whatever hat-man, or should I call you mask-guy…' Said Naruto thoughtfully.
'Well, if you want to learn any ninjutsu, how about you try calling me Sensei for a change.' Said Kakashi.
'Mask-Sensei… sure, I can do that.' Said Naruto.
'So what do you know so far?' Asked Kakashi.
'Nuh uh, you tell me what you want to teach me first, I'm not supposed to share what I learn with other people, it is all a secret. You wouldn't like it if I told Anko what you teach me.' Said Naruto, crossing his arms over his chest.
'Well, I guess a ninja is entitled to their secrets.' Said Kakashi.
'So what are we going to do then?' Asked Naruto.
'Why don't we play a game of tag, you're it.' Said Kakashi, before appearing behind Naruto and patting him on the head.
'Tag?' Said Naruto, as Kakashi walked over to a lake, before literally walking over the lake.
'What the hell?' Exclaimed Naruto.
'Loser pays for lunch.' Said Kakashi, causing Naruto to run to the lake and jump in, before swimming across to Kakashi.
Just as Naruto was about to reach Kakashi, a small wave rippled out and pushed him back to the edge of the lake.
'Hey, you didn't say we could use chakra!' Protested Naruto.
Kakashi raised his eyebrow, wondering if Naruto had already learned the water walking technique, only for Naruto to slap his hands on the water and go flying into the air with a boost of chakra. As the blond and orange missile neared Kakashi, he jumped backwards, leaving Naruto to belly flop on to the water, but remain stuck to the surface, with ripples spiralling outwards.
'You can't escape.' Said Naruto, before using another blast of chakra to launch him forward.
-line break-
'Look on the bright side, at least you don't need a shower tonight.' Said Kakashi, as a drenched Naruto sat on the grass.
'Very funny.' Said Naruto.
'Now then, time for you to buy me lunch.' Said Kakashi.
'Fine, but I'm choosing where we eat.' Said Naruto.
The pair walked to the only indoor location Naruto actually liked, Ichiraku Ramen. As Naruto started to eat, he noticed Kakashi still had his mask on.
'Aren't you going to take it off to eat?' Asked Naruto.
'Take what off?' Asked Kakashi.
'What do you think?' Retorted Naruto dryly.
'Oh, of course, how rude of me.' Said Kakashi, before taking off his gloves.
Naruto narrowed his eyes at the gloves, before looking back and noticing the bowl was now empty.
'Well, I need to get going now, see you in a week.' Said Kakashi, as he put his gloves back on, before exiting the stand.
-line break-
'Well Kakashi, how is his progress going?' Asked Hiruzen, taking a puff from his pipe.
'He is certainly unorthodox, but that may work in his favour.' Said Kakashi.
'Elaborate.' Said Hiruzen, locking eyes with Kakashi.
'Well, he can't water walk, but he can propel himself on water with wind chakra.' Said Kakashi, causing Hiruzen to tilt his pipe down.
'I see. I often think about how things could have been different if Danzo didn't surround himself in the shadows.' Said Hiruzen.
'Are you okay with this?' Asked Kakashi.
'I don't know yet. This is a trial more than anything. Who the trial is for, I wonder... if Naruto can bring Danzo into the light, it speaks deeply of the pair of them.' Said Hiruzen.
'Can we really leave Naruto under Danzo's tutelage? While you can expressly end Danzo's formal right to train Naruto, who is to say Naruto doesn't seek him out?' Asked Kakashi.
'True, I had already anticipated Naruto would still want some training outside of the academy, but I also doubt he will neglect his studies with medical ninjutsu or poisons. It would just continue as an unofficial arrangement.' Said Hiruzen.
'Do you worry about the perceived favouritism?' Asked Kakashi.
'Not if Danzo benefits. Aside from myself, no one else in this village can match Danzo's esteem or outspokenness to what should be done with young Naruto. Even Jiraiya is not able to override Danzo, at least for now. Kakashi, I had hoped for Naruto to be placed on your team when the time comes, but it may not be possible. Is there another Jounin you believe would be able to work well with you as well as Danzo?' Asked Hiruzen.
'A rhetorical question as I'm sure you know there is only one uniquely suited for this role.' Said Kakashi.
'Do you think he is ready?' Asked Hiruzen.
'No, he will need a few years to restructure, but I doubt you planned for Naruto to graduate early in any case.' Said Kakashi.
'Fair enough. You are dismissed.' Said Hiruzen, placing the pipe back into his mouth, as Kakashi vanished in a swirl of leaves.
-line break-
It was finally Naruto's day off and for once he didn't feel the need to train, having found a great deal of his success with his assigned tutors. While each one only tested the surface of Naruto's true knowledge, Naruto suspected at least half of them knew he was keeping a lot beneath the surface. Even with Danzo's suggestion to not use his mask around the man, Naruto knew both of them understood he was still hiding some things. It was with this knowledge that Naruto made his way to the Uchiha Clan district. It didn't take Naruto very long to find Sasuke, as he seemed to be clearing out the attics of a bunch of buildings.
'Yo, Sasuke.' Said Naruto, causing the boy to bump his head on a wooden beam and curse up a storm.
'What do you want?' Asked Sasuke.
'I'm going to join the academy next year.' Said Naruto.
'And you are telling me this because…' Said Sasuke with a confused glance.
'Because I want you to go too.' Said Naruto.
'Why? It's a complete waste of time.' Retorted Sasuke.
'No, that's what happens when you wear a dozen wrist watches as a belt. As for the first part, you need to join because we both need a rival. Also, you can't just keep moving dusty books around if you want to get to the truth of things.' Said Naruto.
'That's not the first time you said something like that. What would a kid like you know?' Asked Sasuke.
'Does it matter? You know I know something that you want to know, just listen to me and trust that I have your best interests at heart. If it helps, just think of me as family.' Said Naruto.
'Considering what my family did, I don't want to think of you as family.' Said Sasuke dryly.
'Fine, then consider me your competition.' Said Naruto.
'I don't understand you at all.' Said Sasuke, with a shake of his head.
'Well, you don't have to. You just need to listen and trust me. Be honest, who else can you trust in this village?' Pointed out Naruto.
'Fine, I'll go to the academy, but in return, we need to train or spar at the end of every day. I know you are hiding things from me, but you can at least help me get stronger if I have to put up with your annoying face.' Said Sasuke.
'Hmm, you know, I accept, I need a good punching bag and you're probably the best I can get.' Said Naruto, surprising Sasuke at his agreement, before processing the second part of the sentence.
'You wish, you're going to be my punching bag, don't forget, I have the Sharingan.' Said Sasuke, momentarily activating his eyes.
'And don't you forget, so do I.' Said Naruto, showing his slightly more advanced Sharingan with two tomoe in each eye to Sasuke's one in the left and two in the right.
'Hn, whatever. Did you have any luck finding out about your lineage?' Asked Sasuke.
'No, I'm still missing a piece of the puzzle, but I have a theory, I just can't confirm it.' Admitted Naruto.
'And how are you going to do that?' Asked Sasuke.
'No spoilers now, just know that for every special skill, there is usually a similar counterpart.' Said Naruto.
-line break-
Having turned eight a few weeks ago, Naruto was ready to start his new life as an academy student. It was as he made his way for the registration ceremony, trudging through the thin layer of snow surrounding him, that he noticed a little altercation.
'Weirdo!' Said a child, before the sound of a thud was heard.
Naruto made his way to the sound of the disturbance and noticed three boys were crowding around a girl who was sitting on the cold snow.
'You look like a ghost.' Said another child, poking his finger out at the girl, causing her to withdraw.
'And you look like a snowman.' Said Naruto.
'Huh?' Said the boy, as he turned to face the direction he had heard the voice from, only for a massive snowball to smash into his face and knock him off his feet.
'Three against one doesn't seem fair.' Continued Naruto, bouncing a snowball in his hand.
"There are four people watching us and three feel like the girl. What is this, some kind of test?" Thought Naruto, noting there were quite a few observers who weren't intervening.
'Get him.' Said one of the other kids.
Naruto laughed and ran at the two boys while the third picked himself up, just in time to see Naruto kick one in the knee causing him to fall to his knees, before dodging a punch from the other one and slamming an elbow into his back, sending him in to his fellow attacker. Having seen the ease with which his friends had been taken down, the third tried to run, only for Naruto to throw a snowball at the back of his knee causing his leg to give out. Naruto was then on top of the kid in an instant, pressing his foot into the small of his back enough to make him whine in pain. Meanwhile, the girl who Naruto had just saved looked at him with wide eyes.
'Well, are you going to stand up for yourself or not?' Asked Naruto, raising an eyebrow.
The girl stared at Naruto blankly, trying to form a response.
'You've got two options in life, either become nice enough that no one would ever dream of hurting you, or strong enough that no one would ever believe they can hurt you. Bullies don't always respect the first option though.' Said Naruto.
'I don't want anyone to get hurt.' Said the girl quietly.
'That's nice. Once you decide to deal with the reality of the world, we should talk, maybe you could use a hand, since it seems like no one else is brave enough to help you out.' Said Naruto, causing those watching to startle at Naruto being aware of their presence.
'Either way, better get a move on before these guys get up.' Said Naruto, taking his foot off the back of his vanquished foe, before giving him a kick in the guts, causing him to cough out spittle and curl up into a ball.
With his piece done, Naruto made his way to the academy, only to find Sasuke waiting at the entrance.
'What kept you?' Asked Sasuke.
'Just evening the playing field is all, it wouldn't be fair if the only special eyes you deal with are your own. You could use the practice as well.' Said Naruto, before the pair entered the academy for registration.
So if it wasn't apparent by that last line, I do intend to give the Hyuuga Clan a bit more relevance to the story other than just being the clan Hinata and Neji are a part of. I am not doing a Naru/Hina either, but Hinata, Hanabi and Neji will all have important roles of varying significance in the story.