Chapter 4: Here Comes Mayhem
"Life is nothing without a little chaos to make it interesting."
― Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, Demon in My View
Boruto & Himawari-Hokage Office
Boruto bites his tongue before he can speak.
"Lord Third, aka Sarutobi Hiruzen, died giving his life to protect the village during a joint invasion of Suna and Oto into Konoha 20 years ago." Shino reviews aloud.
Sarada raises her hand to his left. "Aburame-sensei, weren't you involved in those very exams?"
A flurry of curious whispers arises hearing that, Shino raising his hand to call for quiet.
"Why yes, I was Sarada. Not just me though, a majority of your parents were involved in that year's Chunin exams as well. The Final Rounds in fact were interrupted due to the invasion starting. Why? That is for you all to study for the upcoming exam next Thursday. You'll need to focus reviewing the major events that led up to Suna and Oto joining forces and ways we can prevent such a thing from happening again." Shino explains.
Shikadai nudges Boruto on his right. "I think these are the exams where my Old Man actually became chunin."
Boruto chuckles dryly. "Really? And these must be the exams where my Old Man stayed a genin. Oh hey, wanna pick up the new Shinobi Picture Scrolls pack cards after school today? I saw online they're getting released today!"
Shikadai nods, discreetly pulls out his phone to text Inojin. "Yeah, let's all meet at the main entrance after school and head over together."
Sarada sends Boruto a glare at his bad mouthing of Lord Seventh, though it isn't like what he's saying is a lie really. He doesn't recall Papa or Mama saying he ever officially went up in rank. Perhaps he did in some outside lessons with Mr. Hatake or Granny Tsunade at some point, though such updates went in one ear and out the other for him...
He sits back in his chair, doesn't bother with hiding his yawn eliciting dark eyes to narrow.
Boruto matches her scowl. "What? I don't need to be a history nerd like you y'know!"
They both know he has the highest scores in the class, a feat that seems to annoy her to no end.
Sarada clicks her tongue, lowers her voice to keep Aburame from sending his beetles their way. "You could at least try to pay attention Boruto. The Chunin Exams are the only way you'll get promoted if you even still want be a shinobi like Lord Seventh and Papa."
Boruto bristles at her tone and Sarada smirks knowing she's finally gotten under his skin.
"I don't need to study topics I already learned dozens of times from Mom, Gramps, and Auntie y'know!" He counters back.
Cobalt peers once more between Sarada and the chalkboard, shrugs.
"How is this going to ever be important to me as a shinobi anyways?"
Lord Third's Death is one of the first general topics they learned of the Konoha Invasion Incident from Aburame-sensei's World History lectures. He's been quizzed and tested on it in both in his geography and history classes in and outside of the Academy.
A bronze bust of Hiruzen's head presides outside the Academy to honor his legacy.
But that's really all he can recall of said topic.
Himawari looks to Boruto, the topic of the Chunin exams one she hasn't really had to dwell on. If anyone knows the answers to what Lord Third wants to know, it will have to come from him.
Boruto doesn't meet her gaze, though she can read in the way his features shutter that he's about to lie.
"To be honest Lord Third, we haven't gone into major subjects like the Chunin exams yet since we haven't even formed our 3-man teams yet. Hima is 2 years below me and I know her classes just cover general studies. In the future, you don't necessarily need to be a shinobi, there's multiple career options available." He explains.
He carefully avoids bringing up the last major Shinobi World War, how Papa and Mama's Chunin Exams will get interrupted at some point.
'Keep quiet.' He repeats over and over despite his heart's incessant pounding in his ears that he'll question him further.
There's no need to say more, not when it will just give him additional stress.
Hiruzen rubs his chin, sits back in his chair with a soft grin.
"Hmm, it's good to know children of the future don't necessarily need to become a shinobi in order to achieve success and provide enough income for their families. Times of peace must mean people are living longer and healthier lives as well."
Boruto and Himawari nod along.
Hiruzen takes a long drag from his pipe, turns his gaze solely on Boruto.
"Still, I feel there's something you aren't telling me Boruto. Be honest with me, I know things have been stressful for you both since ending up here, but I don't want either of you to feel you can't trust me."
Himawari squeezes at Boruto's hand beneath the table, is with him no matter what choice he makes next.
Cerulean peers back up into warm brown.
His throat feels like it's caught in a clamp. "Suna...and Oto. They both have plans to destroy the village using the guise of the exams, but I don't know when that part exactly happens."
Hiruzen puts his pipe aside, looks as if he's aged a decade in front of their eyes at this news, brown eyes dampening in surprise.
He rubs at his forehead slowly, takes a shaky sip of water.
"Otogakure as well you say?" Hiruzen mutters.
Boruto keeps his body straight as he can to hide his squirming, nods.
"Yes, I don't have the full details though..."
Hiruzen shakes his head, expression darkening with a swirl of memories.
"One of my old students created that village based on reports I've gotten. I...I let him go when I could've killed him and now he's going to attack the very village he once called home." He breathes out.
Himawari sends Boruto a questioning look at what Hiruzen means, Boruto faintly shaking his head.
"I'll explain later." He quickly mouths.
He doesn't even know exactly who he's referring to, it's been a while since they discussed the invasion, and he had no reason to look into it beyond the basics for exam purposes.
Himawari looks back to Hiruzen.
"Can we head back to the Hyūga manor now please?"
Hiruzen nods slowly, has changed his focus to a stack of files. "Yes, no detours you two."
His gaze lingers on Boruto as they get up to leave. "Thank you for telling me, despite being nervous and my own pressuring. We'll make changes to our security. You might not see it this way, but I'm sure you just saved plenty of lives."
Boruto gives a half-smile, leads himself and Himawari out.
Even if that's true, it's done little to help this sourness building in his gut.
"Why is he so sad now? Did you say something wrong?!" Himawari hisses on the way back.
This time, they avoid the crowded night markets, still catch a few withering glances sent their way.
Boruto shrugs. "I don't know! I didn't even give full details!"
But his chest lurches as Himawari blows out a breath.
He needs to speak carefully, for both their sakes.
Boruto & Hinata- Hyūga Compound
'What is that?' Boruto slowly cracks his eyes open.
He wakes to muffled talking, a cacophony of footsteps.
Dawn creeps up on the horizon as he sits up slowly, moon still visible in the sky as it shifts from black to swaths of violet and pink. He glances back to Himawari still buried in amid a sea of pillows, tiptoes out.
Hiashi's voice comes first. "Do not disappoint me Hinata. You may no longer be heiress, but you'll still be representing the Hyūga name during these exams starting tomorrow afternoon."
"I-I won't Father. I'll...do my best."
Boruto crouches to the floor into the shadows where sunlight has yet to reach, thankful neither look his way.
"Your best isn't good enough. It's a shame that Neji has a point, you're far too softhearted to be a kunoichi." Hiashi scoffs impatiently before carrying on to the dining hall.
He leaves Hinata there, Boruto waiting until he's truly gone before stepping into view.
'I've never seen Mom look like this.'
Hinata's gaze remains on mahogany flooring, body stiffened in place as Boruto reaches a hand forward to her shoulder.
They both startle back, Boruto raising up his hands.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you!"
Hinata wipes back a rise of tears, shakes her head. "No, it's fine."
She settles on the last steps of the patio watching the koi pond come to life as an attendant comes to feed them, silver to orange scales glistening in morning light.
'Should I leave her alone?' Boruto considers only for Hinata to pat the spot beside her.
"You heard all that, didn't you?" She begins softly.
Boruto winces as he sits down, nods reluctantly.
Hinata half-smiles. "That's alright, I figured you did. Father...as much as his words pain me, is right. A shinobi too weak-willed like me will be a burden to her teammates and easy prey to her enemies."
Boruto clicks his tongue. "That's not true! You're never afraid to reprimand Hima and I when we need it y'know!"
Hinata blinks, cocks her head slightly. "Reprimand? Why would I do that with you two?"
'Crap, I need to just stop talking whenever I'm around Papa and Mama's younger selves!'
"Err, well you sometimes spar with us and need to scold us if we play too roughly!" He scrambles out.
Hinata simply hums at that, Boruto inwardly cursing himself that he should've just stayed in bed.
A giggle eventually escapes her lips. "You're a terrible liar Boruto."
But unlike Papa, Hinata doesn't press him for answers.
Yet.
Her gaze fixes to him, taps her fingers against the ends of her jacket.
A blush rises to her cheeks, fidgeting to find the right words.
"I...I've actually wanted to ask you something though. And maybe I shouldn't know, but Naruto asking me brought about my own curiosity. You and Himawari look so much like him, and yet...Himawari has the byakugan, an ability only unique to our clan. Is...Is there a chance that Naruto & I are your parents?"
Boruto bites his tongue as opalescent glimmers with anticipation her theory is correct, but he has to divert her from this topic, he's getting too close to being fully honest the same way he was with Papa.
"My parents...don't really act like you or Naruto." He lies.
At least, not fully in terms of their current personalities and behaviors.
Hinata fiddles with her hands, leans back. "Oh, I'm sorry. I-I shouldn't have even asked-"
Boruto darts his eyes down seeing her features dampen, sighs. "It's just that Papa is so busy all the time and Mama allows it! I don't know why he even wants that stupid job with what I've seen around here so far."
Hinata pats at his hands to regain his attention. "If it's in regard to being a shinobi, then I'm sure your Father considers his assignments important for the village and protecting you, your sister, and his wife."
"No, it's just a dumb office job." Boruto confesses, words tumbling out.
'Stop. You can't say more!' He bites his tongue.
Hinata giggles making his brows furrow. "Even that too holds it's importance Boruto. Father has long meetings with other clan heads and officials around Konoha too. Perhaps suggest your own Father get a planner to keep his events organized or...just tell him how you feel to help with his time management. Ko and Hoheto do so for my Dad."
"I doubt he would listen, he can be stubborn like Grandpa." Boruto mutters.
But then again, Papa is nothing like how Grandpa currently is.
"Are you sure? Your Mom and Dad probably want to hear your thoughts on matters just as much as they want to share their own experiences with you and Hima no matter what path you two take."
Azure widens, memories rising up unbidden.
They've had this conversation before, will have this conversation one day...
"Good luck on your first day! No matter what path you go down Boruto, your Father and I will support and love you." Hinata squeezes him close for one final hug.
Naruto moves to brush remnants of his bed head down, fingers shooed away.
"Don't cause trouble for Shino or any of your other teachers please. They already saw some of your antics over the summer." He warns.
Pink burns at the tip of his ears, hearing Inojin and Shikadai's snickers right outside the door, gives Hinata a quick hug back, Himawari accepting a half hug before he rushes from their sides.
"Alright, I'm off!" Boruto announces.
"Wait, what about my hug?!" Naruto calls out, Boruto snorting as he glances over his shoulder.
"Get one from Mom or Hima!"
"...Fine, I will!" Naruto shouts back, Boruto groaning under his breath as he affectionately pulls them both close.
"Is giving morning hugs a normal routine at the Uzumaki household? I should draw this to commemorate the moment!" Inojin snarks.
Boruto sends him a look to shut it. "No! Geez, just pretend you never saw that y'know!"
Shikadai shakes his head, matches Inojin's smirk.
"When's the next time we'll get to see Lord Seventh acting in such a way? He always looks so cool and collected during the interviews I see on TV and online."
Inojin nods. "Did you see how he stopped that attempted robbery at the bank last week with a single jab from one of his clones?!"
Boruto tunes them out, cobalt focusing on ahead.
'Ugh, can I go one day without hearing about how awesome Papa is?!'
He blinks away the memory, because despite their teasing, Inojin and Shikadai were in awe of Naruto even when he was just...late for work that particular day.
"Hey, why do you like Naruto?" Boruto suddenly asks.
Scarlet runs down to Hinata's neck.
"W-Why?" She questions back.
Boruto nods, shoulders relaxing at this change in topic.
"Yeah, why? What's so great about him? I mean he's pulled pranks on so many shopkeepers that I can hardly visit any shops without being mistaken for him, he sleeps or skips classes at the Academy from what I've heard, and he's reckless and destroyed property all over the village. None of these are good qualities."
He pauses at his rambling.
'Yikes, I sound like Papa when he's scolding me for causing mischief!'
Hinata straightens, gestures with a wave of her hand around the manor.
"You've seen for a while now how cruel the Hyūga can be behind closed doors, how harsh Neji and Father are with me." She begins.
A night officer passes by them and she quiets herself seeing his lips twist into a smirk.
"Morning fallen heiress." He chortles in greeting before carrying on to his quarters.
Boruto balls his fists at his sides, recognizes him as a Branch member who cheered when Neji struck Hinata down during their latest sparring session.
Hinata blows out a shaky breath, continues on.
"Those very things that annoy people about Naruto are the things I like the most about him. Naruto never lets what people say about him affect him. He gets back up after being pushed down, no matter how many times. He's determined as ever to prove himself by becoming Hokage one day and looking at him gives me a spark of confidence too."
Azure widens in surprise, words faltering.
"Does...Pa or um Naruto know that?"
Hinata shakes her head, squirming at Boruto's bemused look.
"W-Well no, but I'll tell him eventually!"
Boruto rolls his eyes. "Just offer to get ramen at Ichiraku's and tell him then. Or studying together at the library or something y'know."
Pearl twists back to him, light grin playing at her lips again.
"I will. He...He already knows now that I like him. Don't think I didn't notice though;you're hiding something from me and I intend to find out eventually!"
Boruto stiffens, fumbles through his mind for more lies only to hear a yawn behind them.
Himawari.
"Big brother, you didn't wake me up! Geez, what if all the pancakes are already gone?" She huffs while rubbing at her eyes.
Hinata absently moves a hand forward to help her remove grit from her eyes.
"There's plenty left Hima and even if there isn't, I can show you how to make some or Lady Natsu can."
She rises from the steps, grabs Himawari's hand who sleepily obliges letting her lead the way.
Boruto stays back, only for Hinata to stop and peer over her shoulder at him.
"You too Boruto. You can't do sparring on an empty stomach."
'She's not going to try and force more answers out of me?' He considers as he moves to match her pace.
A light grin etches her features, perhaps already saw in his expression all she needed to know for now.
Naruto & Himawari- Naruto's Apartment
'Alright, I got this!' Naruto pumps himself up.
His application is in, the first part of the exams is set for tomorrow afternoon in classroom 301.
He'll eat a proper dinner and breakfast, make sure his alarm is set properly for 6:00 am sharp to get some final sparring and reviewing in before he makes his grand debut!
'Everyone's finally going to see how impressive I am no matter which nation they come from! I may even make chunin over Sasuke once those Old Farts truly see me in action!' Naruto beams to himself.
Sunlight heats his back, warm breeze brushing at his back turning his attention towards his plants situated about the patio.
'Oh crap, I haven't even watered them yet today!'
These past few days of light rain in the afternoons has made him lazy at watering!
His eyes fall to below hearing shouting and panicked yelps, watering can slipping from his hold seeing that same violet hair again.
That strange boy's kid sister.
And in front of her, a trio he's never seen before.
"Damn, are all shinobi in this village this weak?! I admit I wasn't expecting you to be one of those Hyūga I've heard about considering that lucky jab you got on me. However, it felt more like a light tap with how slow you are at putting in any real force behind it. Guess these exams are going to be a cakewalk at this rate!" The tallest of them chuckles, cracks his hands while stepping closer.
Himawari's byakugan deactivates, trembling.
Even landing that strike to his arm hasn't slowed him down at all.
"I told you, I'm not a shinobi. And I didn't mean to bump into you." She repeats.
The girl from the group scoffs. "Your byakugan says differently. Your whole clan is known for those eyes that can see chakra networks, don't play dumb with us."
Her stomach sinks at her cruel smile as she nods to her brother to go ahead and finish this. Isn't she supposed to be Mama's friend that moved here from Suna? All of them are her parent's friends in some capacity.
But not now.
Lord Third's warning rings in her ears like alarm bells.
'You're in the past, I know things aren't the way you're used to...'
She clenches her eyes shut, sees strangers pass by in a hurry or give her scolding looks for causing apparent trouble once more.
'I shouldn't have gone out. I just wanted to get Boruto a snack after that extra sparring session he got roped into.' Himawari bites her lip.
A gust of wind pierces the air, opening her eyes to see Kankuro's cheek bleeding.
Blood coats the stone that lies between them on the pavement, second shot making him jolt back.
His gaze turns to his right and Himawari follows, sees Naruto reaching for a slab of brick next, eyes shining bright vermilion.
"Get away from her." Kankuro freezes while Temari's grin evaporates.
'Shit, what is this kid? Her sibling? Those eyes, damn it, don't tell I've gone and messed with Konoha's version of Gaara.' Kankuro grits his teeth.
Naruto rooftop hops down to beside Himawari, quickly looks her up and down for any injuries before glaring back to the trio.
"Why the hell are you attacking one of our civilians?! Those headbands aren't from Konoha meaning you guys are outsiders."
Temari scoffs, pulls out her examination and identification card. "Obviously moron. In case you forgot, different villages are in attendance for the Chunin Exams Konoha is hosting this year. We have permission from Suna to be here for them."
Naruto fixes her with a glare that stops her from saying anything else, steps back hesitantly seeing crimson swirl anew in his eyes.
The duo look to Gaara silently on what he wants to do, studying Naruto instead. Whatever he sees in his eyes gets him to nod and turn away.
"Kankuro. Temari. We're done here." He orders.
"What?! But, this girl can't just get away with-" Kankuro starts only for Gaara to hold up a hand.
Verdant darkens. "I said we're done. Unless you want me to kill you here and now Kankuro? I can easily find a replacement for you for these exams while they carry the remnants of your corpse back to Suna."
Whatever argument on his lips fades, Kankuro pursing his lips shut.
"Fine. Whatever." He grunts.
'Breathe. Breathe.' Himwari gulps in air as the trio thankfully departs, tries the same mantra Papa told her to use when she's nervous.
'Count to 10 slowly Hima. Relax your shoulders and your head.'
Tears fill her eyes, taste of salt tinging her lips.
'It isn't working!'
And everything from breakfast to lunch comes back up onto the ground, hand tugging her forward feeling more stares upon them.
"What was that just now?" A man asks.
A tenant Naruto recognizes from the floor below him shrugs, auburn eyes studying them dully.
"Don't know. Probably Naruto up to no good as usual. Trying to use a clone or transformation jutsu to get out of trouble or start a fight."
Himawari stays frozen in place, Naruto continuing to pull at her hand.
He doesn't see Boruto anywhere nearby which could be a bad sign.
"It's alright. I'll help you get cleaned up." Naruto relates, leaves no room for her to argue as she lets him finally move her along away from the crowd.
She takes in the mess of his apartment curiously, hops over empty ramen cups and piles of laundry.
"So this is what it looked like inside Papa's old place...Mama did say it was super dirty." Himawari mumbles behind him.
'What is she talking about?' Naruto glances back to her.
"Yeah, sorry for all the mess! I don't get guests that often y'know."
Himawari shakes her head, fidgets by his kitchen table.
"I shouldn't be a bother. I'm not that messy...I can just go back to the compound and get cleaned up!"
Naruto shakes his head, digs through his cupboards.
'Geez, where did I put that first aid kit?'
Finally his hands clack against metal, blows away a sheen of gray dust.
'Found it!'
He turns back to Himawari, gestures for her to sit. Nah, it's no big deal! Besides, what are you doing away from the Hyūga manor anyways? And without your brother?"
Himawari wrinkles but does as he wants.
"Big Brother and I aren't glued together! I just wanted to get us some snacks, Grandpa wanted him to spar one more round with the older Hyūga men. I figured since he's been having trouble going about the village unless he's transformed that I might have less trouble and admittedly...I wanted to get away for a bit."
"Because?" Naruto pursues as he double checks the box that it has enough supplies.
Himawari shrugs, cerulean dropping to his wood flooring before a scowl rises up.
"Because a lot of the attendants and clansmen always whisper about Boruto and I! They call us...half-breeds. Grandpa says to ignore them, and he does force them to run laps when he hears them, but I think using the gentle fist works better though Mama said-
Her shoulders lock up, pursing her lips not to say more as Naruto plops down beside her, reluctantly holds her hands out for him to assess for any deep cuts or bruises.
Naruto chuckles lightly as he puts a band-aid to a cut on her shoulder and wraps at her bruised ankle. "Oi, you and Boruto always freeze up at any mention of your parents! Why?"
Himawari tenses, voice dropping to a whisper.
"Lord Third said to not create any problems by speaking of the future with unauthorized figures."
Naruto snorts at her by-the-books answer, waves it off.
"Well, the Old Man never said anything about me looking into it; did he?! In fact, I'm going to ask Hinata about it tomorrow y'know! I know she's a key point of connection to getting the truth to you and your brother's real identities! I just need to catch her before the afternoon exams start, maybe over breakfast?"
Himawari stiffens while Naruto rambles out his plan.
'Wait, did Papa and Mama start dating this early?'
A pit grows in her stomach as dozens of thoughts form and collide, she shouldn't have come here...
Azure moves to study the books upon his table, questions similar to ones she's peered over Boruto's shoulder reviewing late into the night.
Naruto follows her stare, instantly deflates.
"Ugh, Sakura said to study those in case there's any written component involved in these exams! I hope not, I slept through a majority of our lessons on Warring States History, Ninjutsu Theory & Practicum, and Shinobi tools for on and off the battlefield."
'Ah, that's right. Papa wasn't the best student. He didn't like to study going by his old report cards that Boruto dug up and posted around the Hokage office that one time.' She recalls.
Himawari scours the text before leaning back, rubs her head before snapping her fingers.
"Oh yeah! It's not always about the questions!"
Naruto cocks his head. "Huh?"
"The writing and multiple choice! Boruto and I, well in the future, things like the Chunin Exams are broadcasted or available to watch online. Usually there's some type of underlying trick to the exams, a hidden meaning usually like teamwork or confidence to power through a difficult situation."
Interest sparks in Naruto's eyes, Himawari going on at his excitement.
"So, last year or maybe it was the year before, the exams were held in Iwa. The first part was rock climbing, and the teams had to decide between the easy looking climb that hid more dangers in the caves, or the climb filled with more obvious hazards like sharp stones and jagged hills, but a straightforward path in the caves. They only had like 2 hours to get to the top."
Naruto nods along. "So the hard path was the correct choice, right?! To prove you're strong and fast enough no matter the challenge?"
Himawari shakes her head.
"It didn't matter what route you picked. The judges scored on teamwork and spying on the other teams to collect intel on the obstacles ahead. Err, maybe it will sort of be like that? You can use your wind jutsu to help you I'm sure!"
'Wind? Ah, but I don't know any techniques off the top of my head, I'll have to think up something!'
Naruto rubs his chin, glances back to the textbooks before shutting them and pushing them aside.
"That means I don't need to study y'know! Thanks for the tips!"
Himawari withers.
'I hope I didn't just cause Papa to fail.'
He gestures for her to stand, nods to her now bandaged ankle.
"Alright, let's get you back home to the compound! I don't need any of those Hyūga guards lecturing me!"
Himawari hesitates before hopping onto his back, pair heading out into late evening air.
The sky moves from burnt orange to ink blues and violets, head lolling against his shoulder feeling sleep catch up with her.
"Sorry...Sorry again for the trouble Papa." She slurs out drowsily.
Naruto stills, Himawari's eyes shut when he glances to her.
'Papa?'
His mind rewinds, all those times she and Boruto hastily corrected their speech around him, their shared similar features...
"Ah, I could just be hearing things, though I'll find a way to get confirmation." He mutters, his chest ignites with curiosity, fighting down the urge to shake her awake to truly know what she said.
Hinata is right by the back gates as he approaches up, breathes out a sigh of relief between adjusting at her sandals.
Naruto grins, Hinata half in rising moonlight trying and failing to keep to the tree's shadows, silver glow making opalescent eyes shine.
"Oh, thank goodness! Boruto and I were just about to go looking for her! S-She wasn't in her room, and I thought maybe with other nations here in town for the exams-" Hinata stops herself, reddening at his smile.
Boruto silently watches them, rubs at his head equally relieved.
"Where was she?!" He hisses.
"Near the markets." Naruto answers.
His gaze goes back to Hinata as he slips Himawari unto her back slowly to not waken her.
"She wanted to get some snacks and ran into a bit of trouble, but she's okay! I patched her up y'know!"
He pauses, hand lingering on Himawari's back, glancing to pearl quietly while Boruto shuffles away to lookout.
"Hey, umm does she or Boruto ever accidentally call you-"
He presses his lips together, if he's wrong about this then he'll be embarrassing them both. But Hinata said she likes him, only him, and his curiosity drives him to find out more about her...
The grass shuffles behind her, streams of yellow from flashlights forming paths in the dark.
"Get down!" Boruto whisper-yells.
"Hazuko, you go left and I'll take right! She can't have gotten too far, especially at this time of day." The oldest of the guards' Hiyuko commands.
"Where did Lady Hinata get to now? She and that half-breed can't both be missing or else Master Hiashi will have our heads!" Hazuko growls before Hiyuko quickly shushes him.
"Keep your voice down, damn it! You saw what happened to those two aides last week when Master Hiashi overheard their gossiping and complaining!"
Naruto steps back before they can hopefully notice him.
"Never mind, now isn't a good time!"
Hinata reaches her hand forward for his jacket before he can fully move back, pink darkening her cheeks as she stumbles out a goodbye.
"A-Alright thank you again. Goodnight Naruto."
He nods, ducks low just as bright light hits his face.
'Tomorrow. I'll ask her about it then.'
-x-
The chunin exams get in full swing with changes next chapter! I enjoyed writing the kids interact with their parents, fun Mother & Son and Father & Daughter bonding!
As August comes to a close, pa-tre-ons and readers can send me suggestions for who they want September's Couple of Month to be! (And get early access to chapters, more NSFW stuff, and my original writings). I'll be posting drabbles to hopefully mini stories on the couple I see you guys want me to do the most throughout the entire month. This month's couple is Soul x Maka from Soul Eater! I go by TheLovelyMidnightWriter there!
As always, let me know your thoughts!
Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!