(Ten Months Later)
Hinata (age 13) was in her room assembling everything she needed. After seeing that all of the food and other required necessities were gathered together, she took and opened the scroll Naruto (age 13) prepared for her in advance. She used it to seal away everything she assembled in her room. When that was done, she rolled the scroll close and tied it before hiding it inside her Eskimo-like jacket.
Seeing that she was ready to go, she left her room and made a quick pace through the house to meet up with Naruto (age 13). On the way she passed by Hanabi (age 8) who was walking from the opposite from her.
"You're sure are in a hurry this early in the morning neesan," Hanabi acknowledged.
"I'm…hu-hu…rrying to meet up with Naruto-kun," Hinata replied between her stuttering.
"I see," Hanabi replied, "Though I still don't understand what you see in him neesan."
"Why so," Hinata asked as turned to face her younger sister.
"He's not a prodigy," Hanabi explained, "Or strong as Neji (age 14). He has the poorest grades and is the dead last your class from what this Uchiha Sasuke (age 13) once told me when he came by here some time ago. And everyone knows this Naruto is a troublemaker and he's constantly getting into trouble."
"I'm even more confused as to why father, despite knowing about Naruto's infamous reputation, even allows you to associate with such a hooligan, let alone hangout with him from time to time. I fear that your time with him will have a bad influence on you neesan; you may start acting like him. The elders as you already know don't approve of your friendship with him."
What Hanabi didn't mention was that frequently she'd hide behind walls, crates, and other objects large enough to conceal her appearance whenever she was secretly eavesdropping or spying on Hinata and Naruto whenever he came by to spend time with Hinata. Sometimes she would try to move and hide behind closer objects in order to hear what they were talking about. So far Hanabi wasn't able to find out much about the things they'd talk about and often times they would move on and head someplace else before she could really hear anything they were talking about.
Hanabi would try to study Naruto while trying to ascertain whether he was all of the negative things she heard people say about him. She never once felt any form of hostility or danger from him as she overheard some of the things the villagers said of him. She couldn't understand why almost everyone in Konoha hated Naruto and treated him harshly. True he pulls a lot of pranks and jokes but none of them were ever life threatening to anyone.
"And w-where do you…stand in all this," Hinata asked.
"I doubt what I say would matter anyway," Hanabi remarked, "You wouldn't listen regardless and you would still choose to be with Naruto anyway."
"I will admit," Hinata replied meekly, "I never thought you were that attentive to me."
"I learned to be mindful of things that take place on around me," Hanabi said, "Something father taught me. But tell me, why do you choose Naruto over Sasuke? I know this Sasuke person really likes you and a few times he even asked me a few things about you."
"Did he," Hinata asked, rather surprised by that revelation, "And…what did you tell him?"
"If you must know," Hanabi replied, "I told him that if he's so interested in you to go ask you his questions himself."
"I see," Hinata said, holding back a giggle that wanted to escape her throat, "I appreciate your concern for me, but I must be on my way now."
"But neesan-"
Hanabi was about to say something further but Hinata turned and ran off from the manor.
"She never answered my question," Hanabi said to herself before she turned and walked deeper into the house, "Why does neesan like Naruto so much? And why is father willing to overlook Naruto's faults and ill-viewed reputation and allow him to even associate with us? I don't understand."
(Meanwhile)
Hinata saw that was she about to be running late so she quickened the pace. She was making good timing when…
"Hinata!"
Hinata stopped and turned to see Sasuke walking and making his way over to her.
No, Hinata sighed, Not now!
"Sasuke-san," Hinata greeted. Smiling, Sasuke said, "Since you're on your way to the Academy, how about we walk and talk together? I could use the company."
"I…suppose," Hinata replied as Sasuke smoothly walked and stepped up next to her at her left. Sasuke and Hinata started walking towards the Academy while Hinata's mind was racing with many thoughts in her mind.
This isn't good, Hinata thought, If I don't think of something fast I'll-
"Sasuke-kun!" two female voices yelled out. Sasuke sighed and grumbled under his breath, "Not those two again."
Hinata looked to see Ino (age 13) and Sakura (age 13) running and racing to catch up with Sasuke.
"Sasuke-kun wait for me," Ino shouted as she quickened her pace.
"Out of my way Ino-pig," Sakura yelled while trying to shove Ino out of her way.
"Fat chance Forehead Girl," Ino retorted as she shoved Sakura away from her. The two girls caught up to Sasuke and Hinata.
"Sasuke-kun," Ino asked as charming and feminine as possible, "Why don't we walk together to class?"
"No way," Sakura argued, "I'm going to be walking with Sasuke-kun!"
Seeing this momentary distraction, Hinata looked to see a collared black cat run by. Deciding to follow it, Hinata went after the cat causing the cat to run off from her. A moment later, Sasuke turned to see Hinata running from them in a different direction.
"Where is she going," Sasuke asked himself before leaving Ino and Sakura to argue with each other before realizing that Sasuke was no longer there with them but following after Hinata.
"What does he see in her," Ino asked aloud, "I'm a clan heiress too!"
"Shut up pig," Sakura replied, "I'm someone special too!"
"In your own world you are Forehead," Ino shot back as she and Sakura chased after Sasuke. The Uchiha looked and saw Hinata turn and run into an alley. He followed after her and soon entered the same alley she ran into. He found Hinata trying to encourage a cute looking young black kitten standing on top of a tall fence to come to her.
"You ran all this way for a small cat," Sasuke asked skeptically.
"It might belong to someone," Hinata said, "I thought I'd retrieve and return the cat."
Sakura and Ino entered the alley and found Sasuke and Hinata standing in front of the tall wooden fence that blocked any passage through the alley.
"Here kitty," Hinata said sweetly with her arms extended toward the feline, "It's alright. You can come to me. I'll take you back to your owner safely, I promise."
The black kitten meowed before it turned and jumped to the other side of the fence and ran off.
"It got away," Hinata said a bit sadly, "I really thought I had her that time."
"You wasted Sasuke-kun's time for a cat," Sakura asked with a scolding tone. Hinata lowered her head meekly.
"That's enough out of you Sakura," Sasuke replied as he turned away from the fence, "It's not Hinata's fault. I chose to follow after her. Besides we need to hurry on our way to class now. We're about to be late."
Seeing what Sasuke was talking about, the four of them made their way out of the alley and toward the Academy. The said black kitten jumped back over the fence and walked out of the alley to see the group heading away from her. The kitten then ran off in another direction.
(Thirty Minutes Later, Outside The Village Walls In The Forest)
"She's running late," Naruto said as he stood at the bottom base of the waterfall, "It's not like Hinata to be late like this. I wonder if something came up."
Naruto waited for another eight minutes. He was about to get up and investigate what happened when his eyes caught sight of a black kitten approaching him. Curiously he went over toward the kitten as the female feline meowed to him.
"Hey there," Naruto asked, "What are you doing out here?"
When he got close enough to the kitten, he was about to reach down to pick it up when the kitten burst into a cloud of smoke.
"Huh," Naruto said confusedly. When the smoke cleared, it revealed to be Hinata standing in the spot the "kitten" was.
"Hinata-chan," Naruto said happily, "What happened? I was getting worried."
"It was hard getting here without getting caught," Hinata said, "I ran into one obstacle and then another."
"What were they," Naruto asked.
"Hanabi kept pressing the matter about why I like you so much before I was able to get way from her," Hinata explained, "I had a run in with Sasuke who wanted to be my escort to the Academy before Ino and Sakura appeared wanting to accompany Sasuke to class."
"How did you get away from them," Naruto asked.
"I found a kitten and followed after it into an alley. Catching it, I quickly made a kage bushin of myself before I leaped to the top of the fence blocking the alley with the kitten. Letting the kitten go to the other side of the fence, I henge'd into the same kitten and stood top of the fence just as Sasuke arrived.
"My clone acted quickly in acting like 'she' was trying to retrieve and bring me back home to my owner. I ran off and hid myself until I was in the clear to leave by means of another route and make my way over here where you were waiting. But I had to stay in that kitten form while avoiding being spotted."
Naruto laughed and applauded Hinata's ingenuity.
"That was so cool how you got away from them my sly Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit," Naruto cheered, "You're becoming more like me every day."
"Yeah," Hinata replied, "That's what Hanabi said. I'm still wondering how you talked me into cutting class today just so-"
"You can spend the day with me and do something better with your time other than listening to Iruka-sensei ever so interesting lectures," Naruto interjected.
"If father finds out about this," Hinata said worriedly.
"He won't," Naruto assured, "This is our Cut Day, the day we get to cut class and do whatever we want so long we don't get caught doing so. I pulled stunts like this through the year whenever I wanted to skip out on class without getting caught when there was something I wanted to train myself in that required more of my time and energy. Besides, I believe I told you already that Iruka-sensei's planned lectures that I managed to look into yesterday won't involve any spars or any physical training. Just reviews of about the history of our late Yondaime and how he brought about Kyuubi's defeat."
"And that doesn't interest you as something worth reviewing," Hinata asked.
"Did it do likewise with you seeing that we're both here now," Naruto shot back.
"Fair comment," Hinata shrugged before reaching into her jacket and pulling the rolled up tied scroll out, "In any case, there's no turning back now. We might as well get our proclaimed Cut Day started."
"You sound more excited about this than I do," Naruto teased.
"I just hope we don't get caught," Hinata said.
"Relax," Naruto assured, "I'll make sure nothing happens to you."
"You promise," Hinata asked for reassurance.
"I give you my word," Naruto said confidently, "And I never go back on my word. It's my nindo! Dattebayo!"
Having his reassurance Hinata opened the scroll and laid it on the ground. Standing in front of it, she made the required hand sign.
"Kai," Hinata said as the scroll burst into a cloud of smoke and unsealed its contents.
(Meanwhile)
Everyone was in class reviewing the notes Iruka was giving them about Yondaime and his time reigning as the Hokage before Kyuubi's attack on the village. "Hinata" was sitting at "her" desk going over "her" notes while "Naruto," now wearing a ridiculous bright orange jumpsuit with blue and white linings around it with a pair of goggles around his head, was resting "his" head on the desk, sleeping. After another twenty minutes…
"NARUTO!" Iruka yelled. "Naruto" woke up instantly and stood up from his desk and yelled, "I'm innocent! I swear I wasn't peeping and sneaking into the women's bathhouse again!"
Everyone burst out laughing at "Naruto's" reaction as "he" looked around and realized where "he" was.
"At least we know where your mind is Naruto," Iruka remarked, "Now you mind explaining what we the class were discussing?"
"Something about Yondaime and Iwa, and how he slaughtered a whole army of Iwa ninjas by himself in less than a second," Naruto said scratching the back of his head, "Though I don't quite understand how a mere human like Yondaime could kill a bijuu, let alone the strongest of them. I know Yondaime was a powerful Hokage and everything, but it doesn't seem to make sense to me whenever I think about it. Something about that story doesn't quite add up."
Iruka hid his nervous expression while thinking of something to say.
Could Naruto be on the verge of figuring out the village's darkest secret, Iruka wondered worriedly.
"Naruto," Kiba (age 13) said, "Little ever makes sense to you. Besides, I'm sure you were sleeping in class when that part of your question was covered."
Before "Naruto" could retort…
"That's right," Iruka said, piggyback riding on Kiba's statement, "Next time stay awake for my class and you'd probably understand the village's history more than you do now."
"Whatever," "Naruto" snorted as he sat back down on his seat and turned to look at Sasuke.
"Hn," Sasuke grunted as his response to "Naruto."
"Don't act like you're all cool and crap teme," "Naruto" said.
"'Naruto," Iruka warned, "One more out burst from you and I'll have you on bathroom duty."
"Don't you mean bathhouse duty," "Naruto" asked jokingly.
"NO YOU MORON!" Iruka yelled with his face reddened. Everyone was laughing again.
"Idiot," Sasuke muttered.
"Just sit down and pay attention," Iruka said after calming down. Seeing that "Naruto" was done causing another ruckus, Iruka resumed the review with the class.
I think I played my part convincingly, "Naruto" thought, And "Hinata" is doing likewise also.
(Back At The Water Fall Deep In The Forest)
Naruto, wearing only his black swimming trunks, was standing at the base of the water fall with six of his kage bushins, was catching his breath while they were standing in front of the falling waters. Hinata, wearing her white two piece bathing suit, was standing on the water several feet behind Naruto and his clones. She was wearing her swims clothes underneath her regular clothes earlier before she left her house thus she didn't have to waste time putting them on after arriving at the waterfall. She simply had to remove her regular clothes and sandals. It was likewise with Naruto and his swim trunks.
Off to the side at the shore of the water fall was a prepared picnic site with their drinks, lunches, towels and folded clothes were. A large comforter blanket was opened and lying own ground where their belongings were.
A moment later, Naruto dispelled his clones and absorbed the experience his clones had gained for him.
"That was really good Naruto-kun," Hinata cheered, "You managed to split the waterfall that time."
Naruto turned and gave Hinata a large smile.
"I've been practicing that for some time now," Naruto said, "It's only now I've managed to finally get the job done."
"You came a long way," Hinata replied, "But I still have a way to go in mastering my water manipulation."
"But you made great progress too," Naruto encouraged, "Far more than you thought you would. At the rate you're going you'll be a true spring water rabbit."
Manipulating some of the water around them, Hinata levitated it over to her and shaped it into two bunny ears over her head while making a bunny tail with the rest of the remaining water.
"Aren't I already I spring rabbit," Hinata joked.
"A delicious looking one at that I might add," Naruto said with a lecherous smile as he eyed Hinata up and down. As a young teenager, Naruto saw that Hinata was developing in a beautiful girl and her breasts were developing between B and C cup, which was surprising even for him. With regards to her body, she had a figure many girls their age would die for and her secret training with Naruto only served to help shape it all the more. Hinata's face was burning crimson at Naruto's behavior and how he was studying her.
True, Hinata admitted to herself, Naruto-kun is a pervert, there's no denying that fact. But he never had me do anything I was never comfortable with or bring more trouble for me than it was worth.
As Hinata was looking at Naruto, she too saw how Naruto have changed and developed over the course of time. No longer was he that slim undernourished orphan who ate only ramen or whatever else he could eat. His time practicing and training vigorously with a better diet plan really did works on his now built well-toned yet still developing body; and his seals Inryoku Fūjin (Gravity Seal) Chakra Sokubaku Fūjin (Chakra Restraint Seal) served to add to the strength and stamina his body radiated and carried.
Still, Hinata thought, There were times, secretly, wished that I could just-
"Hinata," Naruto called out, "Earth to Hinata-chan."
Hinata snapped out of her daze daydreaming and looked back at Naruto.
"Were you dreaming of me," Naruto teased. Hinata's red face clearly confirmed Naruto's suspicions.
"I hope I was everything you were dreaming of in whatever fantasy you were having," Naruto remarked.
"Naruto-kun behave," Hinata giggled.
"Well," Naruto said, changing the subject, "It's time for your training session."
Nodding, Hinata prepared for her training as she walked and moved away from the water fall. Clearing her mind off all distractions, she assumed a Jyuuken stance on top of the water and started practicing the water manipulation stances that Naruto helped her learn. The moves themselves weren't typical water manipulating stances that most water-type ninjas used. These stances were more like a hybrid blend of Tai Chi and ballet dancing with a mix of Jyuuken.
For the past ten months, Hinata had been practicing hard in her water manipulation. While doing so, she experimented on creating new water battle moves, both offensive and defensive types, and combining them with her Jyuuken. That was proving to be a difficult task over the first couple of months as a backlash effect would occur whenever she failed to fuse her Jyuuken and water manipulation with Byakugan. In time though, she was seeing signs that her perseverance and consistency were starting to pay off as she was making pleasing progress in her efforts.
For half of their elemental training over the months, Naruto had focused on Hinata strengthening her stances, so that she could withstand the backlash effect of failing to fuse Jyuuken and water manipulation, while at the same time, be able to control the amount of water she used. Naruto explained that using elemental manipulation and Jyuuken would be very difficult to pull off since it was almost like trying to do two things at the same time. But he was sure that in time, Hinata would be able to pull it off.
Naruto's own training was of course was far from easy. He spent nearly every day practicing his wind manipulation, but slowly and surely he was making progress and improving his strengthening the use of his elemental affinity, along with strengthening his chakra control with the help of his Chakra Sokubaku Fūjin.
As Naruto watched Hinata gracefully maneuver her body with such fluidity with the river waters levitating and dancing around her body as she manipulated it, he couldn't help but admire her beauty, strength and self-confidence she developed over the years.
If only she would do that kind of water dancing naked under a full moon in a starlit night, Naruto wondered with a blush and perverted giggle escaping his mouth. After another twenty-five minutes, Hinata smoothly concluded her training and took a breath.
"How was I," Hinata asked as she turned to look back at Naruto.
"Mind if I get your performance on DVD," Naruto joked. Hinata giggled with her cheeks reddened.
"So I did good then," Hinata figured.
"Awesome is more like it, Dattebayo!" Naruto replied, "C'mon. Let's take a lunch break."
Hinata agreed and walked over to their picnic site. Reaching the comforter blanket, Naruto reached down and retrieved both his and Hinata's towels. The pair dried themselves up before sitting on their comforter blanket together.
"This is great," Naruto said happily, "The best hooky I ever played!"
"For what it's worth," Hinata said as she got their lunches out from her basket, "I'm happy I decided to follow along with you."
"I know," Naruto agreed, "Because you're my girl!"
Naruto smacked his mouth shut, realizing what came out of his mouth. By this time, Hinata herself was shocked and surprised by Naruto's declaration and the color on her face testified to that.
Stupid!, Naruto mentally berated, Why did you have to say something so cheesy like that?
I'm Naruto-kun's girl, Hinata thought excitedly, Naruto-kun called me his girl! Does that mean that I'm his girlfriend officially now?
Naruto was about to say something when…
"Naruto-kun," Hinata asked hesitantly with hope present in her voice, "Do…Do you…re…really think of me…as…your girl?"
Naruto sighed, seeing no point in cover it up.
"Hinata-chan," Naruto said, "I know that we're close friends and have been for a few years now. I would be lying if I said that there weren't time I wish we could be more than just friends. To be honest, I always wanted to ask you to be my girlfriend, but back then I never worked up the courage to do so in spite of that fact that I knew you always like me."
Hinata felt her heart beating hard and racing with anticipation and hope. Even if they did get caught and in trouble playing hooky later, for Hinata, it would be worth it if her expectations for what Naruto was about to ask her came true.
"Hinata-chan," Naruto asked, "Willyoubemygirlfriend?"
Hinata didn't quite hear him clearly as he asked the question too quickly with his words blurred today.
"Huh," Hinata muttered. Seeing his mistake, Naruto corrected himself and asked again, "Will you be my girlfriend?"
For Hinata, it was like Naruto proposed to her. She couldn't remember the last time she was this happy.
"I'd love to," Hinata accepted happily with a few joyful tears coming down her face.
"Yatta!" Naruto cheered excitedly before embracing an equally happy Hinata, whose face burned hotly from feeling Naruto's body against her skin. Naruto too blushed upon feeling Hinata's soft body and skin against his. He had to pull away, fearing his perverted nature would get the better of him.
"This has been the best day of my life Naruto-kun," Hinata said as she passed Naruto his sandwich.
"Best day of your life so far," Naruto grinned as he and Hinata ate lunch together as an official couple for the first time.
(Later That Day; At The Academy)
Lunch break was over and "Naruto" was walking down the hallway mumbling about how "he" just narrowly passed "his" exam a while ago. It wasn't a perfect grade like Sasuke but that was the appearance "he" wanted to accomplish. After all "he" had to maintain "his" façade as the dead last of "his" class. Soon though, "Naruto" looked to see Mizuki, one of the Chuunin Academy senseis, making his way over to "him."
"Hey Naruto," Mizuki greeted with a friendly tone. "Naruto" smiled and greeted, "Hello Mizuki-sensei."
"I heard from Iruka that you actually passed your test," Mizuki said, "Even though it was only by so much from what he told me."
"Hey," "Naruto" replied, "I passed and that's all that matters. It's just another stepping stone in my quest to be Hokage someday."
"I know," Mizuki said, "You told me and everyone this before. You are aware that the Genin Exams will be held tomorrow, yes?"
"Of course," "Naruto" said scratching the back of his head, "I didn't forget; though I hate to admit that it'll be my third attempt at trying to pass that test again."
"You shouldn't worry too much Naruto," Mizuki encouraged, "I'm sure you'll do better and pass this time around."
"You really believe I stand a chance," "Naruto" asked, "You know Iruka-sensei isn't the forgiving type when it comes to those exams."
"Perhaps not," Mizuki agreed, "But don't sell yourself short yet. Just give it your all and I'm sure that'll be enough for you to pass and finally become one of Konoha's Genins."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence Mizuki-sensei," "Naruto" smiled, "Just you wait! I'll pass with flying colors! Dattebayo!"
With that said, "Naruto" left Mizuki alone in the hallway and made "his" way to 'his" next destination.
"Do you really believe in Naruto-kun being able to pass and become a Genin," "Hinata" asked coming out from hiding behind a nearby staircase. Mizuki turned and found "Hinata" approaching him.
"Hinata," Mizuki greeted, "How long were you there?"
"I was heading back to class when I heard you encouraging Naruto-kun to do his very best in next week's Genin Exams," "Hinata" explained, "Very few believes Naruto can pull it off and achieve his goal in becoming Genin."
"Well," Mizuki said, "He's no prodigy like Sasuke or your cousin Neji, he doesn't have book smarts like your classmate Sakura. But he has a strong drive that keeps him going regardless of his many failings."
"You shouldn't worry yourself too much about him Hinata," Shikamaru (age 13) said as he and Chouji (age 13) approached her from behind, "It's just troublesome to do so. Whether or not he passes the Genin Exams this time around depends entirely on his performance much more so than his perseverance, regardless how admirable his determination is."
Hinata sighed lowly knowing that Shikamaru was right in his statement.
"You didn't have to be that harsh about it Shikamaru," Chouji said, "She's obviously concerned for her friend's career as a future ninja."
"Well," Shikamaru replied, "I just don't want Hinata to build up any false hopes or have too high of expectations for what might or might not happen. It's the sad reality of things in this life we live in."
"You truly are a source for comfort," Chouji remarked cynically.
"As much as I'd like for us to stick around and discuss Naruto's uncertain future," Mizuki said, "I think it would be best if the three of you hurried on your way back to class. Iruka would be rather upset with me if he believes me to be the reason for why you guys are late for his class."
Nodding, the three hurried on their way back to class.
(Thirteen Minutes Later)
All of the students were conversing with each other while waiting for Iruka to enter the classroom. A minute later…
"Sorry for the delay. I got held up taking care of something at the last minute," Iruka apologized as he entered the classroom. Everyone gradually quieted down as he went over to his desk.
"Everyone's back I see," Iruka said as he stood behind his desk and looked around and found that everyone was sitting at their seats; almost everyone.
"Has anyone seen Naruto," Iruka asked with annoyance clearly present in his tone.
"Maybe he decided to drop out and start the class all over," one of the student remarked. Some of the students snickered, which only served to annoy Iruka further.
What are you up to now "Naruto-kun", "Hinata" wondered.
(An Hour Later; At The Hokage Tower)
Hiruzen was relaxing in his private study not having to do some much paperwork. He decided to take the time to practice his calligraphy as a means to enjoy his current free time. Soon though, his once free time was interrupted.
"Hokage-sama!"
Hiruzen sighed seeing that his once peaceful day was going to end all but peacefully.
"Hokage-sama! Come quickly! It's an emergency!"
Two Chuunins ran into his private study as he turned to face them.
"What now," Hiruzen asked with annoyance in his voice, "Is Naruto causing trouble again?"
"It's the Hokage Monument," one of the Chuunin said, "He's vandalizing it with paint; even now as we speak!"
Hiruzen sighed again as he puffed out some from his tobacco pipe. Having no other choice, he got up and placed on his Hokage robes and hat before making his way to the roof of the Hokage Tower. Upon arriving with a few over Chuunins and Jounins, they found Naruto on one of the scaffold brazenly painting and writing large graffiti all over the monument.
On Senju Hashirama's head, who was also known as the Shodai, there was a painting of the Senju Clan seal insignia and a spiral painted next to it. And all over the Shodai's face were paintings of spirals.
On Senju Tobirama's face, once known as Nidaime, were a graffiti writings that blatantly stated "Never Scored," "Celibate," and "Never Peeped."
On Hiruzen's head, there was red paint drawn down both ends of his nose with a blush that was painting on his cheeks. His face also had graffiti writings that said "Pervy Old Monkey."
On Namikaze Minato's face, once known as Yondaime, were black whisker markings painted on his cheeks with a statement that said "The Uzumaki will rise and become the second coming of Yondaime, and surpass all of the previous Hokages."
By this time, everyone in the village was seeing the stunt "Naruto" was pulling in front of everyone. The question was how was he able to do so without anyone finding out up until now.
"Naruto," one of the ninjas on the Hokage Tower yelled, "What the hell do you think you're doing!"
"You blind stupid!," "Naruto" yelled back with a large cheese smile, "I'm giving this old monument a new makeover. It's been in great need of one and I'm just the one to deliver it!"
"You have any idea how much trouble you're in," another ninja yelled.
"Like that would stop me," "Naruto" retorted with grin never leaving his face, "It's more fun doing this here than listening to any crappy ass lecture I get from Iruka-sensei!"
As if on cue, Iruka appeared on the roof of the tower where Sandaime and the other ninjas were.
"Hokage-sama," Iruka said with a bow, "A thousand apologies! Naruto was reported missing and not returned to class this early this afternoon and I've been looking all over for him! It's only now that I've found him committing this act of vandalism while cutting class!"
"You and everyone else I might add," Hiruzen replied calmly.
"Let me deal with this," Iruka said as he turned and looked up at "Naruto," "NARUTO!"
"Naruto" turned and looked down at Iruka staring back in him angrily.
"YOU'RE IN A WORLD OF TROUBLE FOR CUTTING CLASS AGAIN AND VANDALIZING THE HOKAGE MONUMENT!"
"Catch me first!" "Naruto" laughed as "he" leaped off the scaffold with the cans of paint in hand and made "his" way to the surface from scaffold to scaffold. Iruka and the other ninjas took to flight to chase after "Naruto." Reaching the streets, "Naruto" started running from the ninjas after "him" while still holding the cans of paint.
"Get back here Naruto!" one the ninjas ordered. "Naruto" just laughed and continued running while hopping over fences of backyards, gardens and alleys. Getting to one alley, the group of ninja lost sight of "him."
"Where did that scornful child go!" the lead Jounin asked aloud. They looked around and saw "Naruto"nowhere in sight. Just then, paint fell and spilled over them from above.
"Suckers," "Naruto" laughed before tossing the emptied cans of paint at them and running off.
"Damn you Kyuubi-gaki," one of the Jounins cursed. "Naruto" ran off with the same ninjas after "him." A minute later, "he" turned "he" corner to "his" right and hid behind another "his" camouflaging cloak, blending in with the wall as the paint-covered ninjas ran and passed "him" by with realizing it.
"Get back here," the lead Jounin ordered.
"Naruto" grinned victoriously removing the camouflaging cloak off "himself" and said, "That was so easy."
A second later…
"HEY NARUTO!" Iruka screamed from behind "Naruto." The blond jumped and turned to see Iruka.
"The hell!" "Naruto" yelled, "How do you be finding me?"
"Never mind that," Iruka retorted, "You got a lot of nerve cutting my class again!"
"By now that shouldn't come as a surprise," "Naruto" remarked. Iruka's right eye started twitching as he felt the urge to repeatedly smack "Naruto" across the head build up.
"I'll deal with you being punishment later," Iruka stated, "Right now I have a class to teach and like it or not you're coming with me!"
Before "Naruto" could argue, Iruka grabbed and dragged "Naruto" back to Academy.
(Meanwhile)
Hinata and Naruto were enjoying a nice swim together in the river when they decided that it was time to clean up and return back. The fact that their kage bushins didn't dispelling told them that everything was going good so far.
"This was the most fun I had in a long time," Hinata smiled, "Thanks for a lovely day Naruto-kun."
"I aim to please, my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit," Naruto grinned as he approached and stood in front of her. The water level they were standing in was a few inches beneath their waists. He stood facing her, Hinata felt heat building up within her being as Naruto look ready to do what she believed he was going to do with the roaring water fall ever so audible in the background.
No way, Hinata thought, Is…Is he really going to…I mean…I did agree to become his girlfriend and…
Naruto felt surprisingly nervous for what he desired to do at this point.
Idiot!, Naruto's mind screamed, Just kiss her already! You she wants this as much as you do! So go for it!
Seeing the looking on his face, Hinata asked, "Naruto-kun, are you alrig-"
Hinata was cut off when Naruto suddenly embraced and kissed her on her lips for the very first time. Her eyes widened from both shock and excitement when she felt Naruto's lips against hers.
He's kissing me!, Hinata screamed happily in her mind, I'm being held and kissed by Naruto-kun!
She felt like she was in a dream. Everything seemed too good to be true. That thought however was knocked to the side when she felt Naruto's arms wrapped around her waist and held her a little tighter to his still wet figure. While fighting the urge to faint, Hinata embraced and wrapped her arms around Naruto's neck and returned the kiss with the same amount of passion as their kiss grew deeper with their tongues waltzing together. Despite how cold the water was, Hinata felt completely warm within herself.
For Naruto, it was an amazing experience. He read from many Icha-Icha Paradise books how great kissing a beautiful girl was and even what styles of kissing were used, one of which he was trying out and using. But he never in his life thought it would be and feel this good. On the same note though, it took every bit of self-control he had within himself to keep from getting carried away with the position he was in with Hinata as he was starting to feel more hormonal than he counted on. The feeling of her smooth and wet body against his was driving him mad and he was so tempted to do a little more. However, not wanting ruin the best moment he was having with his new girlfriend, Naruto exercised self-restraint.
It wasn't until after another four minutes when the couple finally, but reluctantly pulled their lips away from each other in order to catch their breaths.
"Wow!," Naruto exclaimed with a blush of his own on his face, "So that's how you taste like!"
"Naruto-kun!," Hinata giggled before resting her head on his shoulder with her arms still wrapped around his neck, "This was a perfect day. You made me so happy. Thank you."
"No Hinata," Naruto said, "Thank you. If anything, I don't deserve a maiden as beautiful and elegant as you. Too bad this moment can't last longer. We have to go back and soon."
"…I know," Hinata admitted with disappointment present in her tone, "But let's bask in this for just another minute."
Naruto agreed as he continued to hold Hinata in his arms. Soon though, the couple made moves to clean themselves up and return back to the village. While doing so, they had to make certain that they didn't leave any loose ends behind.
(Twenty Minutes Later; Back At The Academy)
Everyone was standing on line in class performing a henge test Iruka had everyone do on account of "Naruto" cutting class in the middle of the day. Everyone but "Hinata" gave hateful glares at "Naruto" but "he" simply shrugged them off and told everyone that "he" didn't give a damn. Soon though, "Naruto," being last in line, went up next and was told to do a henge. Grinning "Naruto" gathered some of his reserved chakra and performed his jutsu as he burst into a cloud of smoke. When the smoke cleared…
"Iruka-sensei," 'Naruto" said sensually and with an arousal tone as the naked big breasted blond young woman "he" transformed into with both hands on both breasts with very little smoke cover 'her' privates, "Can you give me a more pleasurable form of examination please? Or would you prefer to watch while I perform it myself?"
Gawking at the sexy young naked 'female' "Naruto" turned into with what was spoken; Iruka, Sasuke and the other males present flew backwards from nasal blood loss. "Naruto" changed back and burst into a fit of laughter. "Hinata" shook "her" head with closed eyes at "Naruto's" performance while the rest of the girls in class were seething bloodlust at "Naruto," especially for the irritating fact that he could still get that kind of reaction from Sasuke.
"That was so easy," "Naruto" laughing, "It's so fun knocking you guys out like this!"
"DON'T USE THAT ABSURD HENTAI JUTSU IN MY CLASS AND LEARN TO TAKE ME MORE SERIOUS!" Iruka yelled at "Naruto" in a fit of rage after regaining consciousness faster than "Naruto" expected. After a few moments, all of the other boys woke up and were unhappy about how "Naruto" caught them all off guard again.
"The rest of you may go home now," Iruka said, "Naruto, stick around. You're not off the hook, not after the stunt you pulled on the monument."
All of the other students got their things and left the class. Sasuke turned and gave "Naruto" a hate-filled death glare.
Damn you Naruto, Sasuke thought angrily, You caught me off guard with your Oiroke No Jutsu again and made me look like a fool in front of Hinata, again!
"Do you miss 'Naruko-chan,' Sasuke-kun," "Naruto" mocked with a look that spelled trouble, "Shall I arrange for you to see 'her' again? I can if that's what you want."
The result was instantaneous as Iruka smacked "Naruto" hard across the head. By this time, Kiba, Chouji and Shikamaru were holding their guts while laughing their asses off at the scene between "Naruto," Sasuke and Iruka.
"Knock it off Naruto!" Iruka berated. "Naruto" rubbed the spot where Iruka smacked "him."
"Damn it sensei!" Naruto yelled, "Lighten up! I was only joking!"
"…Naruto-kun," "Hinata" sighed with her eyes closed.
"I'm going to seriously hurt Naruto one of these day," Sakura growled.
"Get in line Forehead," Ino remarked while radiating the same amount of bloodlust and malice.
(Later)
Naruto and Hinata returned back to Konoha undetected and stood on the off of one of the houses Naruto shuushin'd to with Hinata being carried bridal style in his arms. Naruto was about to say something when…
"Naruto-kun," Hinata said as she pointed and directed Naruto's attention to the defaced monument, "Clearly something has taken place during our absence from the village."
Naruto looked to see what his girlfriend was talking about. Upon seeing the monument…
"What the hell," Naruto remarked after seeing the mess it was in, "When did this…"
Just then memories came flashing and merging with his mind, his and Hinata's. It was after a couple of minutes when the memory and experience flashes were absorbed and settled into their heads, giving them a more thorough understanding of the day's events inside the village walls. A minute later, Naruto started snickering before bursting into an all-out fit of laughter.
"You really are such a clown Naruto-kun," Hinata remarked, "I can't believe 'you' did all this."
"But you hold affections for me anyway," Naruto grinned before his moved closer and kissed Hinata on her lips while still carrying her. Enjoying this kiss, Hinata kissed him back and just as she was getting into the mood of things…
"NARUTO!"
"Ah, damn it," Naruto muttered dejectedly knowing how much trouble he was in after hearing the tone of Iruka's voice. Hinata climbed down off his arms and stood back on her feet.
"It'll be best if you're not seen here with me," Naruto advised, "Hurry on home quickly."
Hinata nodded and gave Naruto a quick peck on the lips before turning and leaping off the roof and making her way down the wall and onto the ground just seconds before Iruka appeared behind Naruto. The said blond turned to faced his angry Chuunin sensei.
"The hell!" Naruto yelled, "How do you be finding me?
"You're not escaping your punishment that easily Naruto," Iruka said, "Let's go! You have a monument to thorough wash clean."
"Just my luck," Naruto muttered lowly as he was taken away by Iruka, "Should have seen how "I" would get myself into trouble for cutting class and everything "I" did."
"You only have yourself to blame for that Naruto," Iruka chastised.
"Uugghhh," Naruto muttered, "Oh the irony."
(Later At The Hyuuga Manor)
Hinata was entering her clan's estate saying "Hello" to all of the Cadet Branch members she passed by. They replied back to her as they took note that Hinata was considerably happy, more so than usual. Reaching her house, she removed her sandals and entered the house, making her way toward her room. Reaching her door…
"Naruto is in trouble again, neesan," Hanabi stated from behind her older sister, "I'm sure you saw what he did to the Hokage Monument."
"…Y-Yes," Hinata said meekly while instinctively putting her mask back on, "I did."
"I was with father at the time when we caught sight on him running from the Chuunins and Jounins that were covered in mixed colors of paint," Hanabi explained, "We also saw how Naruto managed to outwit and lose them without them knowing that he was still in the same spot hiding under a camouflaging cloak the entire time. The chase ended when Naruto got careless and was finally caught by your class sensei."
"Was…father mad," Hinata asked as worried as possible.
"Hard to say," Hanabi replied, "I couldn't read his expression or what was going through his mind at that moment. His expression was completely neutral.
"I will admit that I was rather impressed at how Naruto eluded the ninjas after him so skillfully long after defacing the monument underneath everyone's nose. But I still wonder what it is about Naruto that you see in him. What makes him so special to you?"
"I-…I," Hinata stuttered.
"Yes," Hanabi insisted, wanting to hear her sister's explanation.
"I-I'll…tell you about it…someday," Hinata finally said before opening her door and hurrying inside before closing it behind her. Hanabi stood there with a frown on her face.
"Damn it neesan," Hanabi muttered very lowly under her breath so no one would hear her, "You're still evading my questions."
"Is something troubling you Hanabi-sama," Neji asked as he appeared behind her. Hanabi turned to see the Hyuuga prodigy stand and towering over her. Not the least bit intimidated, Hanabi said to her older cousin, "Nothing for you to worry about."
"Does it involve Hinata'sama's close association with this Uzumaki Naruto," Neji asked with a knowing implication.
"I told you Neji," Hanabi said, "It's not your concern."
Saying nothing further, Hanabi left the scene and went about her now business. Neji turned to Hinata's door.
"Failures attracts to troublemakers," Neji said, "That's the fate predestined for Hinata-sama. Nothing will change that."
With that Neji turned and went about his business.
(Meanwhile At the Monument)
"Hey Naruto," Iruka offered while sitting on top of the head representing Sandaime, "If you finish cleaning the monument in a timely manner, I'll…treat you to ramen at Ichiraku."
"Great!" Naruto cheered with renewed enthusiasm while standing on the scaffold, "I'll have this monument clean in no time."
Iruka was happy to seeing Naruto's expression change into a happier one. But deep down, Iruka still wondered what triggered Naruto to question what really happened the night Kyuubi was defeated. Iruka could only wonder. For Naruto…
I may be stuck with this cleaning chore, Naruto thought, But in the long run…
Naruto thought back to when he was passionately kissing a wet and soaked Hinata in the river earlier that day. His smile grew ever so wide.
It was sure as hell was worth it, Naruto concluded happily, And I'll get free ramen as an added bonus too!
Though Naruto's planned "Cut Day" backfired to some degree, he still was able to come out the winner in more ways than one with Hinata officially becoming his girlfriend. The Genin Exams is tomorrow for everyone, but how will everyone react when they learn that Hinata and Naruto are officially boyfriend and girlfriend? How will Sasuke react when he finds out? Find out what happens next time.