(The Follow Day; At The Hyuuga Manor)
Hinata, after bathing herself, was currently in her room, her door locked and window curtains closed. Currently she was standing completely nude in front of her full length mirror, looking at her reflection showing not only her well trained yet still developing young teen body but also all of the intricate seal writings that were all over her body and face from the top of her head to the sole of her feet. The Inryoku Fūjin (Gravity Seal) and Chakra Sokubaku Fūjin (Chakra Restraint Seal), the very seals her boyfriend gave to her personally. Between her breasts were complex seal writings in a spiral design resembling the Uzumaki insignia. This was where chakra was being fed from into the seals and where her heart was energizing the seals.
The seals themselves were glowing with chakra running through them like blood running through veins and arteries. The level of her seals had greatly increased over the last few years she had them on her and never once had she released or lower the levels of her seals and neither had Naruto. Her chakra control was stronger and her chakra reserves, though not as large as Naruto's, became much larger than before allowing her to perform stronger and higher levels of jutsus, and using her Byakugan for longer periods of time.
Without a doubt Hinata was far stronger, faster, smarter and more acrobatically agile than she let on. Her skills and mastery in water manipulation was more advanced than anyone her age group in Konoha and though she managed to combine some of her Jyuuken with her water affinity, she still had quite a way to go. And speaking of her Jyuuken, it was keenly polished and presently mid-to-high Jounin-level without water manipulation alone. Truly she came a long way.
But to everyone else, except Naruto, she was the shy, timid, stuttering Hyuuga Hinata and disappointing Hyuuga clan heiress who was looked down on for not being able to learn and grow stronger in the clan's Jyuuken arts. It was said that her cousin Neji was a prodigy in their clan's Jyuuken and some in the Main House found it insulting that a member of the Cadet Branch House was far more advanced and learnt in their style while the proclaimed heiress couldn't even win a match against her own younger sister. Hinata was considered a bane and disgrace as a result.
"If they only knew the truth," Hinata said to herself in an under tone. Part of Hinata felt bad for hiding so much about herself from everyone. Even Yuhi Kurenai wasn't aware of her true abilities even though the young Jounin became a mother figure to Hinata. Neji would look at Hinata with hate-filled glares, demean and ridicule her whenever there was a moment he could do so while giving his misguided statements about fate. Hinata would often try to make peace with Neji but so far all of her efforts met with failure.
"Life can be cruel sometimes," Hinata said lowly as she caused the seals to disappear back into her body. She then got dressed and left her room to get some breakfast to eat. On the way, she happened to see Neji walking down the hallway from the opposite direction.
"Good morning niisan," Hinata greeted politely.
"Hinata-sama," Neji acknowledged her with a neutral tone.
"D-Did everythi-ng go alright with you and your team yes-terday after…training," Hinata inquired, "You looked a little roughed up when you-u returned home yesterday eve-ning."
"Sake poured into my teammate Lee's food accidently without us being aware of it at first and he turned into an all out Suiken (Drunken Fist) fighter," Neji explained, "It took the combined efforts of both myself and Gai-sensei to stop and restrain Lee without hurting him before he wrecked the establishment we were eating at and brutally attacked anyone who approached him."
"I see," Hinata replied meekly, "Lee…must have so-me hidden potential, if it took both you and Gai-sensei to at least hold him down."
Neji scoffed, "Don't make such senseless and foolhardy statements Hinata-sama. Lee is my class' dead last just like that imprudent clown Uzumaki Naruto of your class. The very fact that the Main House tolerates Naruto's presence in our clan's land sickens me and knowing that both you and Hanabi-sama are so fond of him disgust me. Neither Lee nor Naruto can change what fate had predestined for them no more than what fate has decided for you as being an unchanging weakling."
Saying nothing further, Neji walked off from Hinata's sight and to wherever it was he was going. Hinata shook her head and sighed to herself before resuming her original course in getting herself some breakfast and putting Neji's disrespectful behavior behind her. Though she wished both she and Neji had a better relationship with each other as cousins however, a darkened and hardened part of her really wished to humble and put Neji in his place, physically and painfully. It was her gentle nature and Naruto restricting her from revealing her true character that kept that darkened and hardened part of her nature at bay.
(Meanwhile)
Naruto had just finished ninja ID photo with his card finalized. Surprisingly, he wasn't in the mood for jokes like painting his hands and face with feudal war makeup for his photo shoot, though it was tempting. After his ID card was made, Hiruzen told Naruto to head to his office so he could discuss something with him. Arriving at the office, Naruto stood in front of Hiruzen's desk.
"So what is it you wanted to see me about," Naruto asked. Hiruzen tossed a sealed envelope at Naruto who effortlessly caught it.
"Your unofficial B-rank pay for Mizuki's capture and the return of the Forbidden Scroll," Hiruzen said.
"Is that all," Naruto asked.
"No," Hiruzen replied, "There's something further I wish to discuss with you; something I neglected to mention to you yesterday about your clan's ties with Konoha."
"Alright," Naruto said, "You have my full attention."
"I'm sure you notice the red spiral designs that all of the ninjas of Konoha wear, yes," Hiruzen brought up.
"What of them," Naruto remarked.
"That spiral is the official insignia of your clan, the Uzumaki clan and of Uzu No Kuni," Hiruzen stated.
"Say what," Naruto said.
"The Senju clan, the clan that the Shodaime, Hashirama, and his brother Nidaime, Tobirama came from, had very strong bonds and ties with the Uzumaki clan," Hiruzen explained, "In fact, both clans had a common ancestor thus they're practically cousins and brethren to each other. So close their ties to each other that Shodaime fell in love and married Uzumaki Mito and decreed as law that all Konoha ninjas wear the crest of the Uzumaki clan. The Uzumakis too were known for their red hair, which was basically their trademark."
"Amazing how this vital piece of the village's history was omitted from the Academy's lecture program," Naruto remarked, "I find it insulting that the village wears my family crest yet scorn the surviving heir and legacy of the Uzumaki seal masters. Wouldn't Shodaime be proud to see what his people have done?"
Hiruzen didn't miss the stinging sarcasm in Naruto's words and tone.
"Was the Uzumaki clan truly forgotten by the villagers," Naruto asked, "Or is it because that I'm a known Jinchuuriki by the older generations that my clan's legacy which help build this village was kept classified from those of the younger generation?"
Hiruzen sighed, "…As I told you before, both your parents and clan made powerful enemies. You being the son of Yondaime and the rightful heir of the Uzumaki clan would price of huge price tag of your head."
"It's rather contradictory really seeing that my last name is Uzumaki," Naruto emphasized, "It'll be known to many others once you start assigning me C to S-class missions."
"Go straight from C to S-class," Hiruzen noted, "Aren't you sure of yourself."
"Why shouldn't I be," Naruto shot back, "My first lifelong mission is in fact a high S-class mission that my own father, your late successor, gave me personally a mere hour after my birth: Jail Kyuubi No Kitsune as its Jinchuuriki while protecting Konohagakure No Sato from it. And find a way to use Kyuubi's chakra to protect the village. Tell me what about that isn't S-class, documented or not, especially since you and your unknown ninjas, eye witnessed me being given this mission though I wasn't an official ninja at the time of my birth? Perhaps you can start paying me thirteen years of S-class pay for my services jiisan which Konoha is far behind on."
Hiruzen's right eye started twitching as he listened to Naruto's words, most of it serious while the last part he was sure was a joke to get on his nerves.
"Thirteen years of S-class pay," Hiruzen remarked as he took a puff of his pipe, "…Surely, you can't be serious."
(Outside The Office)
A small youth with a white helmet and long blue scarf approached the door and quietly cracked it open enough to see Naruto and the Hokage talking to each other. The said youth held a kunai in one of his hands.
I'll get him for sure, the youth said, He won't escape from me.
Grasping his kunai, the boy rushed through the door and went straight for his target.
"You're mine Naruto," the boy yelled as he rushed at Naruto. The blonde Jinchuuriki turned and side stepped the boy to the left.
"What the hell," Naruto exclaimed as the boy passed by Naruto. Moving too fast, the boy stepped on his own long scarf and lost his balance before falling facedown to the ground with an audible thud.
"Konohamaru," Hiruzen chided and sighed, "…What's the meaning of this?"
Konohamaru whined and rubbed his sore face after crashing to the floor
"Konohamaru," Naruto questioned, "And who's he exactly?"
"…My eight-year-old grandson," Hiruzen replied with a puff of his pipe. Konohamaru stood back up and turned to Naruto with his kunai pointed at the blonde.
"Why the hell are you trying to attack me," Naruto asked.
"I heard from some kunoichis how you soloed my grandfather and all of the ninjas and wannabes with him at the ninja academy when you were nine years old," Konohamaru said, "If I can solo you, then I have a shot at beating my grandfather!"
Hiruzen felt the wound in his pride widened on hearing that.
He placed me on a pedestal lower than Naruto's, Hiruzen mentally groaned as he could only wonder from which one the kunoichis Konohamaru received his information. Naruto looked at the eight-year-old incredulously before smirking. His smirk turned into a snicker, which in turn turned into an all-out laughter. Naruto held onto his sides from the cramps that formed from his hard laughter.
"I like you kid," Naruto laughed loudly, "That's the first time anyone ever thought so highly of me to the point of believing that my defeat would mean having a shot at defeating the Hokage! After today you scored very high marks in my book!"
"Don't take me lightly Naruto," Konohamaru challenged as he ran towards him again with his kunai aimed at him. This time however Naruto rushed at Konohamaru at a speed Konohamaru's eyes failed to see. The next thing Konohamaru knew was that Naruto was holding him firmly with his right arm twisted and pressed to his back with Naruto holding the very kunai used against him at his jugular. The boy was able to feel the cold razor sharp blade up against the skin of his throat. Konohamaru cringed from the pain but trembled more so from the bloodlust that leaked from Naruto.
"You can't do this to me," Konohamaru whined while trying hide his fear, "I'm the Hokage's grandson!"
"Konohamaru," Naruto said patiently, "I took out a Chuunin, with the utmost brutality, just last night for pissing me off. You think your status as the Hokage's grandson matters to me? I could care less if you were the sole grandson of the Hi No Daimyo himself!"
"Honorable grandson," the Jounin called out as he ran into the Hokage's office to see what was transpiring. After seeing the position Konohamaru was in, the Jounin looked at the one responsible. Upon seeing that it was Naruto, the Jounin gave the Jinchuuriki a dirty and threating look.
"Disarm yourself and release the honorable grandson this instant," the Jounin warned, "Or suffer the consequences!"
"I'm in my rights," Naruto replied, "He attacked first and I merely acted on self-defense."
"He's telling the truth Ebisu," Hiruzen defended, "Konohamaru was at it again hoping to catch either me or one of my ninjas by surprise."
Naruto removed the kunai from Konohamaru's throat before he released him. Konohamaru turned to face Naruto.
"You have a long way to go before you can beat your grandfather or anyone else at his level," Naruto said before dropping the kunai at Konohamaru's feet. The boy bent down and reached for it. When he did however, Naruto punched the back of Konohamaru's helmet hard enough to knock the boy to the ground on his face again.
"Ow!," Konohamaru whined after feeling his face hitting the ground again.
"Honorable grandson," Ebisu called out as he hurried over to the youth. Hiruzen watched the scene before seeking to chastise Naruto while wondering what triggered Naruto's sudden actions.
"Lesson One," Naruto said, "Never lower guard and eyes to an enemy that had it within his power to kill you mere moments ago before seemingly sparing you. I baited you to pick up that kunai and you predictably fell for it, dropping your guard completely. If I were a true enemy, you'd dead now."
Konohamaru looked at Naruto with a frown but gave him no retort.
"You dare talk like a know-it-all before the Hokage and his honorable grandson," Ebisu accused, "Have some respect brat!"
"My respect is earned not given freely," Naruto replied, "And who are you exactly?"
"I'm Ebisu," Ebisu said, "And I'm Konohamaru's sensei."
"Don't look like much to me," Naruto mocked, "More like another closet pervert."
"You insolent brat," Ebiuse retorted indignantly, "Don't you dare insult me!"
Naruto shrugged and turned back to Hiruzen, "I'll be seeing you whenever!"
Naruto way over to the balcony and leapt off of it. Landing on one of the roof tops, he dashed off away from the tower. Hiruzen stood up and walked over to the balcony where Naruto took off from. Ebisu, went over to Hiruzen and apologize, "My apologies Hokages-sama. I should have been more alert in keeping Konohamaru from being struck by the Kyuubi-brat."
"You ought to be more concerned by the fact that my grandson is no longer in your sight again," Hiruzen pointed out as both turned to see that Konohamaru was no longer in the office. In fact, he was no longer present in the building.
"Now where did he run off to," Ebisu hollered.
(Meanwhile)
Naruto was making his way to his next destination, all the while thinking of what Hiruzen told him about the ties between the Senju and Uzumaki clans.
Some respect my people from my mother side of the family were given, Naruto thought, I'm going have to change that in time and correct this village's past sins against my clan. I still wonder though how I knew all the names of those bijuus. It wasn't in the Forbidden Scroll and there was no mention of any of the Sannins knowing of their names either.
While Naruto was thinking about those and other things, his eyes soon caught sight of something that didn't blend in well with the scenery of the wall.
"If you're going to spy and follow me," Naruto replied, "At the very least, put more sincere effort into it."
Konohamaru dropped the blanket sheet meant to conceal him from Naruto's sight.
"You're truly are a strong ninja Naruto-niichan," Konohamaru praised.
"Niichan," Naruto repeated as if the title was foreign to him, "No one ever called me that before. So what do want Konohamaru?"
"I want to learn from you," Konohamaru answered, "I want you to become my new sensei."
"What," Naruto replied, "Your sensei?"
"Yeah," Konohamaru said, "I heard things about you from a couple of kunoichis that said from what they saw and see in you that you have true potential to be a great ninja."
"Are you making that crap up just so you can try to get me to drop my guard and attack me by surprise again," Naruto asked.
"No, I swear it," Konohamaru hurriedly confirmed, "On my honor as the future Hokage!"
"You want to become Hokage," Naruto asked.
"That's right," Konohamaru said, "You singlehandedly defeated my grandfather years ago."
"Actually," Naruto muttered, "I did it again recently."
"You did what," Konohamaru asked.
"Nothing, nothing," Naruto replied quickly, "Since I'm said to have bested jiisan and you wish to become Hokage like I do, why would you want me to become your so-called sensei? Don't you think that's a contradiction since we both want the same goal?"
"What's a contradiction," Konohamaru asked with a confused look.
"When certain chain of events, objectives or statements made that doesn't make sense or go together," Naruto answered.
"Whatever," Konohamaru replied, "I want you as my new sensei because of the way you treat and view me. You're not like Ebisu-sensei or the other villagers."
"Really," Naruto asked, "How so?"
"Everyone's always sucking up to me," Konohamaru said with annoyance in his tone, "They don't see me for me. They only see me as "Honorable Grandson" of Sandaime Hokage. It sucks always being under my grandfather's shadow and only be acknowledged just because of who I'm related to."
"What about this Ebisu person," Naruto inquired, "He's a Jounin, yes?"
"Ebisu-sensei is always talking about knowing short cuts to becoming Hokage," Konohamaru remarked, "So far I haven't seen any results. But what you taught me today at my grandfather's office proves what I heard about you, and you're not afraid to tell me or anyone else things as they are."
"And here's something else to learn," Naruto said, "There are no short cuts in life or in accomplishing anything we want to do. But tell me something; are you good at any ninjutsu?"
"I have studied and practiced using chakra," Konohamaru explained, "But I haven't gotten the part of henge or anything else down pack yet."
"Alright then," Naruto suggested, "Let's see what we can do about that. You up to it?"
"Yeah," Konohamaru said enthusiastically as he followed Naruto tot their next destination.
(Meanwhile Elsewhere)
Hinata left her house and was making her way over to the Hokage Tower to get her ninja ID made. She sighed to herself knowing that she and Naruto wouldn't be on the same team. Part of her wished that Naruto didn't choose to become the dead last on purpose and become one of the regular students so that he might have possibly ended on the same team with her. Soon though her mind drifted off to Hanabi and the issue going on between Hanabi and Naruto.
I wonder what Naruto-kun has on Hanabi that she doesn't what me or anyone else to know about, Hinata wondered, She was really serious when she said she didn't want me inquiring of Naruto-kun about it. Is her secret really that embarrassing?
"Hinata," a voice called out to her. Hinata turned and saw who was approaching her. She mentally sighed seeing that she was going to have to deal with her new situation now.
"Sasuke-san," Hinata greeted as the proclaimed Rookie of the Year approached her.
"Hinata," Sasuke greeted back as stepped and stood beside her, "It's good to see you. I didn't think I'd run into you today. Are you busy?"
"I ha-ve s-some business at the Hokage T-Tow…er to take care of," Hinata stuttered as meekly as possible, hoping Sasuke would find her too busy to be around.
She's cute when she stutters like that, Sasuke thought, Though I'll have to think of some methods to help her improve in her speech.
"You're on your way to have your ninja ID made up, yes," Sasuke figured. Hinata saw that Sasuke figured her out.
"Yes," Hinata admitted.
"Well then," Sasuke suggested, "I'm sure we can go together. I was heading there as well to have my ID made up too."
I guess there's no avoiding this, Hinata thought, Looks like I'll have to endure this for a while.
Hinata resumed her pace to the Hokage Tower with Sasuke walking beside her. It was a quiet stroll until…
"Hinata," Sasuke asked, "Were you offended by Naruto's vulgar reference of your bloodline limit?"
"What do you mean," Hinata asked.
"I mean during the Genin Exams," Sasuke elaborated, "He referred to your bloodline limit with a warped implication. I know you like hanging around him and all and he likes pulling pranks, but don't you think that crossed the line?"
"I admit that I was a little an-noyed when Naruto-kun was making jokes on me during the Genin Exams as perverted as they were," Hinata said meekly before she defended, "But Naruto-kun w-was crac-king jokes on himself during the Genin-n Exams…also. Most of his jokes and insults in fact…were aimed at himself. Even that Kawarimi he pulled was aimed not only to make fun of many of the girls in c-class, but also at himself in imply-ing how people use a life size dummy of himself for their anger management sessions."
"You interpreted all that from Naruto's jokes during the Genin Exams," Sasuke asked incredulously.
"When you spend time with someone for a good amount of time," Hinata replied, "You learn a thing or two."
"I see," Sasuke remarked, "Was interpreting jokes and pranks all Naruto taught you?"
"I learned to see the motives underneath the actions taken," Hinata said, "Something I learned from Naruto-kun's actions."
Sasuke saw that Hinata was rather devoted to Naruto. He also saw that even when he was aiming to find fault with the blonde Jinchuuriki, Hinata found ways to negate and invert whatever he said about him.
"If you don't mind my asking Hinata," Sasuke continued, "Do you believe there's a chance that you and I might end up on different teams?"
"Iruka-sensei did say that you are our class' Rookie of the Year," Hinata said, "And because my cur-rent level of skills isn't currently at your level, I'm sure they'll select someone to fill in that spot."
"You're the only kunoichi I know of in our whole class who takes things seriously while the rest don't show that same mind frame," Sasuke replied, "What's more is that I can't even believe that I'm admitting to fact that Naruto's crude performance during his Genin Exams testified to that. The girls' reaction to Naruto was anything but professional, for future kunoichis it was disgraceful. I often find myself asking if they learned nothing over the years at the ninja academy.
"Regardless of whatever faults you still might have, you've always showed effort and success in correcting them. You're not like those other girls Hinata. That's one of the reasons why Naruto's idea of you not being part of my team bothers me."
"I'm flattered by your praises of me Sasuke-san," Hinata said, "It's true that some of our…female classmates still have their faults. B-But I'm confident that i-in time they'll find ways to fix them."
"That's time lost," Sasuke replied, "They could have followed your example and make the corrections while at the academy not wait until so much time gone by to do so. Something like that will only drag and slow me and everyone else down."
"Y-Y…you said yesterday that if we're p-paired together you'll be sure to help me get stronger an-and improve and likewise I could help you as we advance together, right," Hinata asked.
Sasuke grinned, "I didn't forget what I said. I meant it when I said that to you."
"Well th-then," Hinata meekly suggested as she started tapping her index fingers together again and again, "Why not show that same…interest in whoever your new female teammate might be? In that way, she won't a burden in drag-ging a…and slowing you and everyone else down."
Sasuke's grin vanished on hearing Hinata's logic and how she used his own words to against him.
"I don't know how you do it Hinata," Sasuke remarked.
"Do what," Hinata asked quizzically.
"You being able to find ways to invert whatever I say even when I was sure I was right," Sasuke explained, "Not that what you said before was wrong but you have a way of making me see things from a different point of view, particularly your point of view. And you do so without trying to force the point but instead by using common sense and persuasiveness. That's one of the things I like about you."
Hinata was starting to feel nervous as she was hoping that Sasuke wasn't trying to put the moves on her so to say.
Maybe if I had acted like one of his fangirls Sasuke wouldn't like me as much, Hinata thought before she tried to visualize herself acting as a Sasuke fangirl rather than as the shy and timid stuttering girl everyone else is used to seeing her as. Her thought bubble burst within less than mere seconds before 45% of the visuals could be completed.
That was so wrong I couldn't even picture it, Hinata shuddered with discomfort.
"Something the matter," Sasuke asked when he caught sight of Hinata shaking for some reason.
"Oh….Uh,nothing," Hinata said, "Just an un…wholesome thought that popped into my head just now. It left a rather…unpleasant aftertaste."
"You have those too," Sasuke remarked, "Surprising."
"I'm human," Hinata replied, "It happens."
"Be that as it may," Sasuke continued before shooting her a grin, "But for you I'll make an exception."
Sasuke was enjoying his time with Hinata and for once without Naruto being there to intervene or put a folk in his endeavors.
"If you're so interested in Hinata why don't you go ask her your questions yourself?"
Those were Hanabi's words to him some time ago. Though he was annoyed at how Hinata's younger sister brushed him off in refusing to answer his questions about Hinata, he soon thought that perhaps taking that approach would be a better idea after all.
"Hinata," Sasuke asked, "Besides practicing your clan's Jyuuken and training to improve…is there, any hobby of some sort you like to do? I know you like doing things with Naruto but what do you like to do when Naruto isn't around you?"
Hinata looked back at Sasuke and wondered if he was seriously asking her about her interests and hobbies. She replied as timid as possible, "N-Nothing spe-special really. My personal hobbies surely…couldn't be of any interest to you. I mean…well…"
"You don't have to be embarrassed about them in front of me Hinata," Sasuke assured, "Feel free to speak freely about them with me."
"…," Hinata sighed lowly to herself. As she was about to reply…
"Sasuke-kun!," a feminine voice called out happily.
Not her, Sasuke grumbled mentally, Not now!
Ino came and tackled Sasuke from behind as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Sasuke-kun," Ino said with a happy tone, "I'm so happy to see you! I so totally missed you!"
Ino turned and saw Hinata standing there looking at her.
"Ino-san," Hinata greeting politely with a bow.
"Hey Hinata," Ino greeted mischievously, "Why are you hanging around with my Sasuke-kun? Aren't you supposed to be with your significant other right now?"
Hinata blushed hotly on hearing how Ino referred to her as "Naruto's significant other." The very thought excited the young Hyuuga heiress.
Do I really give the impression of being Naruto-kun's significant other, Hinata thought eagerly. Sasuke however was less than happy on hearing such a statement while seeing Hinata's reaction to it as he removed Ino off him.
"Ino," Sasuke said with a tone that showed that he wasn't happy with her actions just now, "Why are you here?"
Just as she was about to reply…
"Sasuke-kun," Sakura called out as she raced over to him. Sasuke groaned on seeing her coming their way now.
Just great, Sasuke grunted unhappily as Sakura joined them, Another source of annoyance!
"Hey Forehead Girl," Ino greeted mockingly, "Don't you have a library to spend your free time at?"
"Only if Sasuke-kun is willing to tag along," Sakura replied flirtatiously.
"Not happening," Ino retorted, "I was here first so I got dibs on him! Now get lost!"
"Make me," Sakura challenged.
"I don't make garbage," Ino retorted.
"What was that," Sakura shot back before both girls started growling angrily at each other. Sasuke sighed before turning to Hinata, only to find that she was gone.
"Thanks a lot," Sasuke said while trying to control his own anger at them, "I was enjoying some wholesome company and conversation until you two came and messed up everything! You scared Hinata off because of your stupidity!"
Sasuke hurried off to catch up with Hinata. Sakura and Ino turned to each other with a look of daggers.
"This is all your fault Ino-pig," Sakura yelled.
"My fault," Ino retorted, "It was you he blamed stupid!"
Ino ran off to chase after Sasuke with Sakura in pursuit not too far behind.
(Meanwhile In Another Part of Konoha)
"Damn kid," Naruto remarked, "Your execution of Henge is atrocious!"
What Naruto was looking at was a fattened and disfigured version of a young pretty woman that Konohamaru attempted to change into. Konohamaru failed miserably to execute henge in spite of his best efforts.
"But on the plus side you got her clothes' coloring correct," Naruto added before sensing bloodlust being aimed at him.
"Are you saying that looks like me," the woman said darkly before she threw a punch at Naruto from behind. Naruto side stepped her as her fist flew right passed him.
"Physically speaking, no," Naruto replied before he pointed to the still transformed Konohamaru and mocked, "But your violent behavior certainly reflects the ugliness quite accurately."
"Why you," the woman screeched as she chased after Naruto who screamed and ran from her.
"Boss," Konohamaru yelled worriedly as he changed back and ran after them. A couple of seconds later, Konohamaru was pulled behind a dumpster as the running pair turned the corner and disappeared from his sight.
"That ought to keep her busy for a while," Naruto grinned mischievously with Konohamaru looking at him with awe while trying to make sense of what just happened.
"Huh? But how," Konohamaru asked with a perplexed expression, "You were just being chased by that-"
"Things aren't always as they seem Konohamaru," Naruto interjected, "Don't always believe what your eyes see. Deception is just one of the many tools we ninjas use all the time."
"But if you're here," Konohamaru asked, "Then who was she chasing?"
"A kage bushin," Naruto said, "I made one appear behind this dumpster and switched with it faster than either you or woman could see. It'll be a while before she realizes that she got duped."
"You're so cool boss," Konohamaru praised, "Much better than Ebisu-sensei! You just gotta teach me your secrets and how to be just as cool as you!"
"Everything takes time Konohamaru," Naruto said, "And it won't happen overnight either. But let's do something else. There's a jutsu I created that I like to teach to you."
"Really," Konohamaru asked, "What kind of jutsu?"
"A really strong one that can knock out males effectively," Naruto explained as he led the younger boy out of the alley and over to their next destination that was a couple of blocks away from where they were.
"I usually would come here for my extensive research when I have the time to," Naruto said with a perverted smile, "The resourceful specimens I find here have proven to be most beneficial."
"What kind of research could you possibly get done here at the women's bathhouse," Konohamaru asked with a confused look.
"Research that helped me in improving my jutsu that I created and sharpening my sexual incentives," Naruto explained, "That's one of many instruments we ninjas also used to our advantage against unsuspecting targets, whether they're male or female."
"How do you sharpen your sexual incentives by looking at a bunch of naked girls and women," Konohamaru asked.
"Because Konohamaru," Naruto replied mischievously, "Girls talk."
"I don't get it," Konohamaru said with a dumbfound expression, "So what so if they talk. Don't we talk as we're doing now?"
"…That's not the kind of talk I'm referring to," Naruto sighed, "Let me explain to you in a way you can understand. But tell me, how much about girls do you know?"
"Not much really," Konohamaru admitted, "Except that I've seen some that looked really cute and pretty. I never kissed one either though sometimes they smell nice."
Naruto caught the blush that appeared on Konohamaru's cheeks after making that last comment.
"Well," Naruto said, "What you told me so far is a good start. Come; let me teach you some things about them as we go elsewhere for you to practice that jutsu I'll soon teach you."
(Two Hours Later; At The Hokage Tower)
Hinata was relieved that after a long wait, she finally got her ninja ID made up. She didn't think the wait would take that long even though there were others in her class waiting for their IDs to be made ahead of her.
I wonder what Naruto-kun is up to, Hinata wondered.
Hinata looked up and down the hallway to see Hiruzen coming from the opposite end with a troubled and irritated expression. From what she saw, he was grumbling something she couldn't completely make up except for a few words which were "absurd Harem No Jutsu."
Why do I sense that somehow Naruto-kun is involved in Sandaime-sama's current displeasure, Hinata thought as Hiruzen got closer to her.
"Hokage-sama," Hinata greeted. Hiruzen snapped out of his train of thoughts and looked to see Hinata looking up at him.
"Oh Hinata," Hiruzen smiled and greeted, "I take it that your ID was processed and developed."
"It was," Hinata confirmed, "Though it was a long wait. By the way have you seen Naruto-kun?"
More than I wanted to today considering the trouble and grief he and my grandson gave and will give me in the future, Hiruzen thought, And that Harem No Jutsu that overwhelmed Ebisu is something I better keep on guard against otherwise Naruto will catch me with it.
He placed his thoughts in the back of his mind and answered, "He was here earlier to get his ID made also. Both he and my grandson Konohamaru had gone hanging out together someplace."
"I guess I'll have to go find him then," Hinata figured before bowing and dismissing herself quickly. Just as Hinata turned the corner to leave, a door in front of Hiruzen opened and Sasuke came out of the room through the door. The Uchiha looked and saw the Hokage standing before him.
"Sandaime-sama," Sasuke acknowledged, "Hinata was here a while ago? Have you seen her?"
"She left not too long ago," Hiruzen said, "Something about meeting up with somebody."
"Hmm…," Sasuke sighed before asking, "Sandaime-sama, if I may ask…"
"Yes," Hiruzen encouraged.
"What are the chances of Hinata and I being paired together on the same team," Sasuke asked.
"Why do you ask," Hiruzen inquired.
"Naruto said that he was sure neither he nor myself would end up being paired with Hinata in a Genin cell team," Sasuke explained, "I wanted to know how true that was and if there's a likelihood that Hinata could be on my team."
Hiruzen was no fool. He was very well aware of the ongoing heated tension between Naruto and Sasuke for Hinata's affections that had been going on for a long time now.
"Why do seek having Hyuuga Hinata being placed on your team," Hiruzen asked, "Is there an ulterior motive behind your asking me these questions?"
Sasuke answered, "I find that I have the capacity to work better with Hinata and I'm certain I can help her grow and become stronger if given the chance. She isn't like the other shallow girls in class I have to put up with and unlike them, Hinata takes her role as a ninja seriously. She possesses other admirable qualities and her bloodline limit teamed with my yet to be awakened Sharingan would make a rather formidable team."
Hiruzen stayed silent momentarily as he thought about and analyzed Sasuke's words. Sasuke saw that the Hokage gave him no emotional expression or response to his speech. After another minute of quietly meditating on Sasuke's words, Hiruzen broke the silence.
"Here's something you must understand about the pairings of the three person Genin cell Sasuke," Hiruzen explained, "The pairing of the three person Genin teams is based on the students' physical, academic, strategic, cunning, and complementary talents essential for them as future shinobis. All of this is required to keep the power balance and dynamics of the team firm and stabilized as each team will be specialized in their role as future Konoha ninjas.
"What's also important to keep in mind is that playing favorites when deciding the formations of the Genin cell teams is both prohibited and dangerous because mismatched pairings can weaken the teams overall dynamics and that can lead to the deaths of the entire team altogether. You believe that a Genin team consisting of the Byakugan and Sharingan would be a formidable team. Sorry to say Sasuke but such a team wouldn't work as both bloodline limits are too different in their attributes and they do not complement each other's abilities."
Sasuke grunted lowly but he didn't dare show any open form of disrespect to Sandaime, especially after recalling what Iruka told him and the others the other day about being able to be subjected to receiving punishment directly from the Hokage himself now that they were official ninjas of Konoha.
"I understand Sandaime-sama," Sasuke replied with a short bow before turning and leaving the Hokage Tower. As Sasuke was leaving he was forced to wonder if somehow Naruto had long knew what Hiruzen had explained and if that was the reason why he was sure that neither he nor Sasuke would be paired with Hinata. Either way, hearing from the Hokage's own lips that the pairing of the Byakugan and Sharingan wouldn't work due to their too big of differences in their attributes silenced any argument Sasuke could have tried to use to convince Hiruzen to let Hinata become his Genin teammate.
It went without say that Sasuke was far less than happy that Naruto was right in the end. What made things worse was that Sasuke would have to swallow his pride and own up to the fact that Naruto knew this beforehand.
(All The While)
Hinata was leaping from roof to roof making a fast pace to Naruto's apartment. While on her way she wondered what that "Harem No Jutsu" was all about that Hiruzen grumbled under his breath and if somehow her boyfriend was involved in it. She would have to go straight to the horse's mouth to find out, she figured as she continued on her way.
After a good amount of time, Hinata arrived at her destination. Landing down on the roof, descended down the wall to the surface and made her way to the main entrance. Reaching the second floor, Hinata knocked on the door and waited for a response. When she got none, she pulled out a key and used it to open the door to his apartment. No one, not even the Hokage knew about the spare key Hinata possessed that Naruto gave her. Stepping into his apartment, Hinata closed and locked the door before removing her sandals and jacket and placing her jacket on a nearby hook by the door and going into the living room.
It almost feels like I live here, Hinata thought after thinking about how she entered her boyfriend's apartment. It wasn't too long ago when Naruto made and gave her a spare key. He told her that she was free to come and stop by whenever she wanted but he asked her not to tell anyone about the key he gave her, not that she was planning on doing so anyway. As she looked around, she found that Naruto stayed true to his word in always making sure his place stayed clean whenever she came by. She made her way to his kitchen and decided to have some fresh tea and other refreshments kept in his refrigerator.
(A Twenty Minutes Later)
A sound of a door lock being opened was heard and the apartment door opened. The Hyuuga heiress looked to see Naruto step in and close the door and lock it. He removed his sandal and set them aside before noticing Hinata's sandals by the door.
"Naruto-kun," Hinata welcomed. Naruto looked and found Hinata sitting on his sofa with a cup of tea in her hand and a few cinnamon rolls on a plate resting on the table in front of the sofa with a tea kettle sitting next to the plate.
"Hinata-chan," Naruto greeted, "What brings you here?"
"I didn't feel like going home yet so I came by here to be with you for a while," Hinata replied. Naruto removed his orange jacket and placed it on another hook on the wall by the entrance next to Hinata's jacket. He then went over to Hinata and sat next to her. Reaching for one of the cinnamon rolls, he took and bit into it.
"Harem No Jutsu," Hinata mentioned, "And spending time with Konohamaru while causing trouble?"
Hearing that caused Naruto to partly choke on the cinnamon roll he was chewing.
"How did you find out about that," Naruto asked a little surprised.
"I have my sources," Hinata teased, "Don't think you can hide everything from me, Naruto-kun. Like you said, I have Byakugan."
Naruto laughed as he wrapped his right arm around his girlfriend.
"Apparently I can't hide everything from you," Naruto said.
"What does that jutsu entails," Hinata asked.
"It's an upgraded version of my jutsu," Naruto explained, "I combined Oiroke No Jutsu with Kage Bushin and ambush unsuspecting perverts with it: Oiroke No Jutsu, Harem Version. Konohamaru's sensei fell for it easily after his hypocritical speech of gentlemen behavior. Konohamaru has potential to be a great ninja someday, he just needs to be trained and taught the right things although he proclaimed me as his rival for the title Hokage. But other than that how was your day?"
"Adventurous," Hinata replied critically, "Neji still hates me despite my best efforts to make peace with him after what happened to his father. He blames me and the main house for how things in his life turned out, but he focuses all of that hatred and anger on me for something that was never my fault."
"I can relate," Naruto empathized. Hinata sank deeper into his embrace, "The night before, his teammate Lee got drunk with sake falling into his food by accident and from what I was told, Lee turned into a natural born Suiken fighter. Neji said it took both him and Gai to subdue Lee without hurting him though they got roughed up themselves."
A Suikun fighter, huh, Naruto thought as the gears in his head started turning with ideas for a plan formulating, I'll definitely look into this.
Hinata went on to relate the rest of her day to Naruto. The blonde was snickering when Hinata told him how she used the momentary distraction caused by Ino and Sakura's bickering for Sasuke's attention to quietly leave and get away from them briefly before they caught up to her at the Hokage Tower to get their ninja IDs made.
"And that was pretty much my day," Hinata concluded, "Coming and being here was the only best part of it."
"That was quite a tale you shared with me Hinata-chan," Naruto said before he turned and lied down on the sofa with his head resting on Hinata's lap, "I have a long one for you and it goes back to yesterday after I departed from you, Hanabi and your father."
"Really," Hinata inquired as she started running her fingers through his hair with right hand while her left hand rested on his chest, "What happened?"
While in the position they were in, Naruto related everything to Hinata, from the time he bought and read the book "The Gutsy Ninja" to stealing the Forbidden Scroll to staging Mizuki to expose himself as the traitor to confronting Sandaime about the truth concerning his parents and backgrounds to additional information he found out from Sandaime earlier today about his clans ties to Konoha to what happened between him, Konohamaru and Ebisu.
Hinata was left utterly speechless after hearing everything Naruto told her about his parents and once renowned clan.
"Clearly Sasuke wasn't the only person who lost his clan," Hinata acknowledged while caressing Naruto's head which was still resting on her lap, "Your father was the Yondaime himself. I always wondered why you looked so much like our late Hokage. We all have seen his pictures in books many times but none of us ever made the connections."
"Who would after the life I was forced to live as the village's scorned pariah," Naruto remarked, "I wouldn't have thought so myself either unless he were to appear out of nowhere and tell me himself. I sure would have had some choice words for him after punching him in the gut for this burden he forced on me; but jiisan explained that in their final moments they gave and sacrificed themselves to protect me from Kurama's rage. But my father's final wish for me to be seen as the hero wasn't honored and my clan's legacy has been forgotten and forsaken by Konoha."
"It's sad that Konoha failed to acknowledge your parents' sacrifice and your clan's loss after all that your clan and Yondaime have for them," Hinata replied, "Even now."
"You acknowledged and opened your heart to me," Naruto replied, "You saved me from my darkness and lonely existence. Your father later acknowledged me and so did my Little Nighttime Firecracker."
"Hanabi you mean," Hinata remarked.
"Same difference," Naruto grinned, "In time all of Konohagakure No Sato will respect and acknowledge both me and my new clan. It'll be a clan like no other with me as both its clan leader and Hokage!"
"You can't be a clan by yourself Naruto-kun," Hinata said.
"If there's one thing life has taught me through all of my trials and hardships my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit it's patience," Naruto said, "And all good things take time with hard work and true effort and I certainly can't do this alone, "my significant other." Isn't that how Ino addressed you earlier today?"
"Are you proposing to me," Hinata asked teasingly, though deep down she was truly hoping what she was implying through her question was true.
"We came this far together and we will fulfill our goals together," Naruto replied, "Uzumaki and Hyuuga united and working as one."
There was a moment of silence between the two teens as they looked into each other eyes, as though they were reading each other's souls.
"You're the best thing that happened to me Naruto-kun," Hinata said softly, "I don't know how my life would have turned out if you didn't save me from those bullies all those years ago. You acknowledged and opened your heart to me and saved me from my own darkness and loneliness. You helped me become stronger, smarter and more confident in myself and in my abilities. That's why I'm not afraid of going through trials or great lengthens for you and with you…"
Naruto saw that his girlfriend paused momentarily. Hinata then gave Naruto her most affectionate smile, "Because, I love you."
It was now Naruto's turn to be look shocked and surprised with his heart racing. Sure, he always knew Hinata deeply liked him and he grew to like and care deeply for Hinata as well over the years. But this was the first time in his entire life that someone has ever told him that he was loved. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so happy. His girlfriend loved him and for Naruto, who in the past; had always been starving for affection and acknowledgment, hearing those three words meant everything to him.
"Do you really mean that," Naruto asked.
"With all my heart," Hinata replied. Naruto allowed everything to sink in and as he thought more about it, he knew in his heart he felt the same for Hinata.
"I love you too, Hyuuga Hinata," Naruto said affectionately with a sincere smile. The Hyuuga heiress smiled happily as joyful tears fell down her face. She soon leaned down and kissed Naruto. The Jinchuuriki returned the kiss as he moved his arms around her to embrace her with their kiss deepening. Hinata too embraced and kissed Naruto back just as hotly, if not more as both teens were now in their own world they shared.
(The Next Day)
Everyone was back the academy. Today was the day they would be assigned their teams and Jounin-senseis. Many of the girls were gossiping with hopes of being paired with Sasuke and having a romantic relationship blossom with him with the many missions and adventures they would have with him. Some of the boys ignored them, Sasuke especially as he sat alone at his desk with his chin resting on his hands while his arms held his head up on the desk.
"You believe that a Genin team consisting of the Byakugan and Sharingan would be a formidable team. Sorry to say Sasuke but such a team wouldn't work as both bloodline limits are too different in their attributes and they do not complement each other's abilities."
Too different he says, Sasuke contemplated, He wasn't even willing to give such a formation a chance to test out if his theory was true.
Just then, Naruto and Hinata walked in together into the class but with one significant difference this time. Unlike how they would enter the classroom hand-in-hand, Naruto now had his right arm wrapped around her waist holding her close to him with her head resting on his right shoulder with her left arm wrapped around his waist, in a mannerism that an official couple would walk together. This didn't go unnoticed by the others either.
"Hinata," Sasuke whispered under his breath as he looked at the young girl, feeling that should have been him in Naruto's spot with Hinata in his arms.
"Let her go Sasuke," a voice said from behind. Sasuke turned to see Shikamaru standing behind him with his hands in his pants pockets.
"She clearly made up her mind," Shikamaru continued, "A long time ago in fact. You're not the one she wants and she's clearly happy being with Naruto and Naruto is genuinely happy being with her too. And seeing you trying to rival Naruto for her and failing to win her over has proven to be truly troublesome for me to watch for the past three years. If you really like her, you'd let her go and let her be happy with who she wants."
Sasuke grunted and gave Shikamaru no reply as he turned away from the Nara heir.
"She never led you on Sasuke," Shikamaru stated, "She never showed any form of interest in you as you have in her and she has always been seen together with Naruto. Frankly, all of us, including your fangirls, saw this coming and none of us are surprised to see them together like this."
"Are you done," Sasuke asked coldly.
"You may not want to hear what I'm saying let alone how bluntly I'm saying it," Shikamaru replied, "But you got to and for your own good, it's best to let go of whatever feelings you have for Hinata and move on to someone else. Accept it, Hyuuga Hinata doesn't like you."
"Go away," Sasuke replied, "You're proving to be a real thorn to my side right now. I have neither the time nor desire to listen you any further."
"What troublesome spectacle you've become," Shikamaru mocked, "The Rookie of the Year brooding over the fact that he couldn't steal the Dead Last's girlfriend after three years."
Sasuke growled and started seething bloodlust at Shikamaru before the Nara heir shrugged and walked off having finished saying what he felt he had to say. Sasuke turned back around to face the front of the class with his fists clenched tightly on top of his desk.
This isn't fair, Sasuke thought, The one girl I truly like and want chooses to be with the dobe! What could she see in him? He's an infamous troublemaker, does poorly in class with the lowest grades and is a shameless open pervert and he even peeps in women's bathhouses! So why…in spite of all this, why does she still like him and not me? I don't understand!
Seeing Naruto and Hinata together romantically along with Shikamaru's brief words to him left Sasuke in a state of anger, jealousy and confusion. What will become of this? Will Sasuke take Shikamaru's advice and let go of his feelings for Hinata and move on? What will happen after the Genin teams are made and what new trials await them? Find out next time.