At The Uchiha District)
It was late and Sasuke was still in the Uchiha Library looking up information about the Mangekyō Sharingan. He spent several hours looking for methods to attain it without following the method Itachi told him of. He even tried to look for how Madara obtained the Mangekyō Sharingan, as well as how he controlled Kyuubi. So far, his search had ended in failure, as Madara's methods were never documented.
"The only thing I learned today is that the dobe has Kyuubi sealed in him!" Sasuke said in frustration. He was currently sitting in front of a desk covered in opened scrolls and books.
"There has to be a way, I'm sure. Madara managed to acquire it, but nowhere was it said how he did it," Sasuke thought out loud. He looked at the time and saw that it was late.
"I'll have to continue my search later. I'll figure out how to gain the Mangekyō Sharingan and show the dobe the true meaning of power! Then taking Hinata from him will be simple!" Sasuke said to himself as he left the library, ending his research for now.
(The Next Morning)
It was 5 in the morning, and Naruto was alone at one of the training grounds. He took off his jacket and shirt, leaving him only in his orange pants and blue sandals. In his hand was the scroll containing the sealed gift Hinata had given him. He opened it and poured chakra into the seal.
"Kai!" Naruto said as he released the seal, unleashing the gift his girlfriend had gotten for him. In his hand was a custom made traditional katana. The sheath itself was a beautifully polished shining black, with a golden Uzumaki Clan insignia inscribed into it. The hilt of the katana was custom-made, possessing a black handle with gold and silver carvings around the top and bottom edges. Unsheathing it, Naruto held the refined razor sharp weapon in his hand as he admired it. The blade itself was made with an exceptionally rare metal known as chakra metal. This high-class alloy was very expensive, and very few were known to be able to afford it.
In Hinata's case, she had the katana made while Naruto was away in Nami no Kuni. She learned about chakra metal a few months before their Genin Exams after overhearing a conversation Tenten was having with Gai. She remembered the sullen look on Tenten's face when she learned how much chakra metal costs.
After they left the shop, Hinata went in and asked the weapon smith about it. The weapon smith explained that chakra metal was a specially created high density alloy made with titanium, other chemical elements, and chakra. Such alloys had very high strength and toughness. They were light weight, had extraordinary corrosion resistance, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. However, the high cost of both raw materials and processing made it hard to come by.
When Hinata thought about all that Naruto had done for her, she wanted to give him a unique gift in return. She had saved up an impressive amount of money with the allowance her father gave her, but it still wasn't enough to purchase the alloy. After becoming a Genin, the payments from all of her D-rank missions were added to her savings, along with the money her father was still giving her and, thankfully, after becoming a Genin, her allowance increased. A week before Naruto's return, she finally had the amount needed to purchase the alloy. After buying it and describing how she wanted the katana made, the weapon smith told her that the katana would be ready in eight days if he started right away. She was thankful that it would be ready soon, and made sure that no one but herself and the weapon smith knew of her objective.
Inscribed on both sides the shining silver steel blade were kanji for "Unbreakable Will" with the official familial insignia of the Uzumaki Clan inscribed next to it by the hilt of the katana. Naruto swung the katana around a couple of times to get a feel for it. A cool breeze blew by allowing some leaves to fly by Naruto. As they did, he took a swift swing at one of the leaves, slicing it in two. Turning to one of the training posts, he focused his wind element into blade and then took a fast swipe at it as the blade seemingly went straight through it without touching it at all. That was until Naruto pushed the upper portion of the post that was cut. The said portion of the post fell off with a thud.
Summoning two kage bunshin, each possessing the same katana as the original, he had them attack him in a fierce sword dance.
(Three Hours Later; Back At Naruto's Apartment)
Honoka was up and active after cleaning and preparing herself for the day. A moment later, there was a knock on the door. She went over to it and opened the door to find Shino standing outside.
"Greetings, Honoka-san," Shino said.
"Good morning to you, Shino. How may I help you?" Honoka greeted. Shino handed her a small envelope which she took and opened. She read the letter and looked back at Shino who looked to be struggling to keep the excitement of his bugs under control.
"You're clan wishes for Naruto-kun and I to come by?" Honoka asked.
"Yes. They would like to meet you after hearing about your ties with Naruto and the special chakra you possess. My clan and I were also well informed about the Uzumaki Clan and the Shodai's and Yondaime's marital ties with them. Many in my clan, along with myself, expressed our disappointments and complete disapproval in the poor judgment and illogical mannerism in how the village council and hierarchy sabotaged our village's recorded history and educational upbringing in connection with your homeland, its people, and Naruto's family," Shino expressed.
"I see. I'll inform Naruto-kun of your clan's invitation," Honoka assured. Shino nodded and headed back home. Honoka closed and locked the door right as Naruto came out of the shower with his towel around his waist.
"We have another clan invite, this time from Shino's clan," Honoka informed Naruto as she looked at him to see that the wounds and slashes he endured during his training with his clones were healing up nicely thanks to Kyuubi's chakra. Despite his age, Honoka acknowledged and mentally credited Naruto for taking care of his figure.
"So Shino's clan wants a turn at us, huh? I suppose we can entertain them. Evidently, Hinata-chan's team was quick to respond to learning the truth about our clan, and each of their clans took turns in meeting us," Naruto realized.
Honoka thought about what Naruto was saying and found the event rather interesting.
"You have a good point, now that I think about it," Honoka replied.
"Don't I always?" Naruto grinned as he made his way into his bedroom.
"Aren't you modest," Honoka remarked as Naruto shrugged and closed the door behind him.
(Meanwhile)
Hiruzen was in his office, smoking his pipe and drinking tea. He thought back to yesterday evening when he explained everything that happened and was discussed during the meeting to his clansmen. As expected, the younger members of the clan didn't take too well to learning the truth and how it was kept from them for all those years. Even more upsetting was Konohamaru's outburst and anger upon learning the kind of life Naruto was forced to live. Despite his grandson's reaction, Hiruzen was patient and allowed the boy to express his indignation on Naruto's behalf. Hiruzen knew that he also lost some of Konohamaru's respect as a result of what he'd done in the past, but all things considered, he knew that it was to be expected.
Now he had to address the entire village about the truth regarding Naruto, and he knew that his proclamation was going to reach other villages and nations fast considering how many foreign shinobi from other hidden villages were already here in Konoha. He could only image what might result from what Naruto requested.
(With The Suna Ninja; In The Hotel Room)
Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara were assembled together after Baki called them out. The Suna Jounin stood in front of them with a calm but serious demeanor.
"Temari, it was brought to my attention yesterday that you were in the company of the Hyuuga heiress, correct?" Baki asked.
"Yes, I was," Temari answered.
"What was your motive behind spending time with this Konoha Genin," Baki inquired.
"I was hoping to find out more information about her and another ninja through her," Temari replied.
"Would this other ninja happen to be Uzumaki Naruto?" Baki asked.
"…Yes, Baki-sensei," Temari said.
"What was it about this Naruto that moved you to investigate and learn more about him?" Baki asked. Temari was surprised that Baki directed his attention solely on Naruto. She felt that she was placed under the limelight, as all eyes were now on her, waiting for her explanation.
This is so embarrassing, Temari mentally wailed despite her calm and collected exterior, knowing she couldn't stay silent forever, thus she explained, "He approached and spoke with me in a manner that completely caught me off guard. I was entirely unprepared for how he managed to verbally break through my defenses and entice me into dropping my guard towards him."
"Was there anything in particular about Naruto that you managed to find out through the Hyuuga heiress?" Baki asked. Temari wasn't expecting that. If anything, she was expecting Baki to verbally reprimand her for losing sight of why they were in Konoha in the first place.
"Only that the Hyuuga heiress is his girlfriend, and that he's lived a difficult life. Hinata was vague and cautious about how she answered my questions," Temari explained.
"I see. Did she happen to inform you that Naruto carries a bijuu like Gaara?" Baki asked. Gaara's head shot up upon hearing that, as did Temari and Kankuro.
"Say what?! That goofy-looking shrimp is a Jinchuuriki?" Kankuro asked in disbelief. Baki nodded.
"How can that be? He acts nothing like Gaara!" Kankuro remarked. Gaara chose to ignore Kankuro and listened to Baki silently. But a thought came to Gaara's mind.
"Which bijuu does Naruto carries?" Gaara asked.
"The Kyuubi," Baki replied. That bombshell shocked Temari and Kankuro immensely, while Gaara now had an intrigued look on his face.
"A brother with the same burden here in Konoha, and he carries the strongest of the bijuu," Gaara thought out loud.
"How did you find this out, Baki-sensei?" Temari asked.
"That's not all I found out about this Genin as I was just at the right place at the right time. I was listening on a conversation between two Jounin as they were talking about the Uzumaki in a private booth in a bar yesterday evening. I learned that there's more to this Genin than he lets on," Baki said as he went into further detail about Naruto based on the information he heard. The three Genin listened carefully as they took in everything they heard. By the time Baki was done, Temari and Kankuro were shocked as they thought over everything Baki had said. Gaara, though, had other thoughts circulating through his mind about Naruto.
"Will this affect the plan, Baki-sensei? I mean, that gaki possesses a bijuu far stronger than Gaara's, and he's the son of the famed Yellow Flash, not to mention he's from the once feared Uzumaki Clan," Kankuro spoke after a period of silence.
"And you thought that he was just a flirty little shrimp," Temari replied. Ignoring her, Kankuro asked, "Was there anything else you found out about the Uzumaki, like his strengths, skills, and things like that?"
"No. What I told you is all I was able to learn," Baki said before turning his attention back to Temari, "Temari, seeing as you've already starting looking into this Genin, I want you to find out more about him. I want you to observe him closely to see how strong he is in order to see how much of a threat he might be to the plan. Use any effective means to do so as long as it doesn't blow your cover."
"I understand," Temari said with a nod, knowing already that she was going to enjoy her assignment, except she was going to do it her way. She knew she had to find something about Naruto that would potentially get him to open up to her and reveal secrets about his abilities, and by extension himself. Learning that Naruto was the son of Konoha's late Yondaime only served to make things interesting for Temari, considering that she, too, is the daughter of a Kage. Temari just had to make sure Hinata wasn't there to get in her way.
Kankuro on the other hand thought about the possibility of getting a shot at challenging and beating Naruto so that their village could gain some fame for defeating the son of Konoha's Yellow Flash.
"The Uzumaki is one of my brethren Jinchuuriki, and I find him worthy of feeding to my mother. He'll be my greatest conquest of all," Gaara said in a low, dark tone, which sent cold chills down his siblings' spines.
"You'll take no such actions against Naruto, Gaara. Like I said, we need more information about him in case we need to make adjustments to the plan. Understand?" Baki instructed. Gaara gave no reply as he turned his head away.
(An Hour And Ten Minutes Later)
Naruto and Honoka were making their way to the Aburame Clan estate, located on the southeastern part of Konoha. Frankly, Naruto didn't completely know what he was to expect from that clan, but he had some plausible ideas. Since Shino's clan was known for their usage and attachments to insects, he was sure that the Aburame compound would be filled with a variety of them. And Honoka's potent special chakra would only cause the same reaction as it did with the Inuzuka Clan.
"I had no idea that Shino's clan compound was this far from the center of the village," Honoka commented.
"Considering his clan's adoration of insects, it's not surprising," Naruto remarked.
"So, what was the gift your beloved girlfriend gave you?" Honoka asked.
"A brand new custom-made katana, specially made for me," Naruto replied with a smile before snorting, "But she told me that she didn't want to be the lead female protagonist in my new series."
"Considering the smut you read, I'm surprised you're annoyed by her reply."
"I was intending to make myself the lead male protagonist in the story. I originally started writing everything out in the first person as though it was my personal journal. I was writing my most intimate experiences, thoughts, and feelings. In truth, I was going to use altered versions of my name and Hinata's in the story. But when she declined my offer, assuming that it was going to be just another smut story like Icha-Icha Paradise, it put me in a position where now I have to go back and almost start over.
"I won't deny that there will be sex scenes in my series. However, they will have more romantic and intimate feelings to them, as I would have written and expressed them in more poetic terms as I carefully and verbally painted the picture of what exactly was happening."
"I think that's why Hinata didn't want to be the lead female protagonist in your stories. She wasn't into the idea of others visualizing exactly how you would have made passionate love to her, regardless of you using altered versions of your names," Honoka figured.
Naruto was about to give his reply, but Honoka beat him to the punch and continued, "Plus, I recall what you told me about your issue with Sasuke seeking to steal Hinata from you. So tell me, can you stomach the possibility of Sasuke reading your books with you and Hinata in them? I know you don't want Sasuke to keep bothering Hinata, so do you want to risk him reading about Hinata in those books?"
"I see your concern, Honoka-nee. However, Sasuke would be sickened by the very thought of visualizing in graphic details what my novel counterpart and Hinata-chan's novel counterpart would be doing together. Plus, Sasuke made it clear that he has no interest in reading my books anyway. And even if he did, he'd just be stuck reading about someone based off of a real person he'll never have. Either way, Sasuke is screwed."
Honoka shook her head and commented, "Regardless, I'm sure Hinata declined the role because she doesn't want to be fantasized about by anyone but you."
"But it's OK for girls to gossip and talk amongst each other about how great or lousy their guy is in bed, right?" Naruto shot back, "Such double standards. I know what these young girls, women, and kunoichi talk about amongst each other when men aren't around. After listening and taking notes on their conversations, I find myself questioning whether or not some those females are even bigger perverts than I am! The things they say they'd love for their men or boyfriends to do to them and for them!"
"How did we deviate into this subject again?" Honoka asked, wanting to end the conversation as soon as possible.
"I don't know, but things were getting rather interesting and intense," Naruto joked.
"Yeah, well this is too intense for me, so let's talk about something else please," Honoka suggested.
"Why bother? We're at the Aburame compound now," Naruto pointed out as both he and Honoka looked around at the home Shino and his clansmen lived in. From what they saw, everyone looked pretty much normal. The only thing that seemed off is that everybody, no matter how old or how young, was wearing a pair of sunglasses.
"I wonder if they also shower and sleep with their sunglasses on," Naruto remarked under his breath.
"That's not something you have to ask Naruto," Shino replied as he and his father Shibi walked over to them. Behind them were a couple of the other members of the Aburame Clan. Upon getting close to Honoka, they felt the same experience Shino felt when he approached Honoka for the first time, and what Shino was feeling now was no different as he kept his bugs under control.
"Your presence in our hive has indeed stirred up an unusual amount of excitement and fervor among our bugs. It's as my son described of his encounter with you Honoka-san. I'm surprised I didn't experience this yesterday during out meeting at the Hokage Tower," Shibi said.
"I suppose my chakra wasn't as potent at that moment for whatever reason," Honoka admitted with a nervous laugh while scratching the back of her head.
"Regardless of the reason, we welcome you into our home and the Aburame Hive."
"Hive? I'm surprise you guys don't use the terms "nest" or "colony"," Naruto admitted.
"We do, but for specific designations," Shibi corrected, "Each member of the Aburame Clan is given their own bug colony sealed into their body. The nest is where these special bugs are bred. But all of us living and co-existing together on this land in our symbiotic make up form one huge hive."
Naruto nodded in understanding, as did Honoka.
In the past, I'm sure I wouldn't have understood some of the things he said, Naruto admitted to himself.
Shibi continued, "Before we proceed, as the head of the Aburame Clan, I wish to offer my most sincere apologies and personally say, I'm sorry, for the turmoil and hardships you were forced to endure in our village, Uzumaki Naruto-san. The actions of the Shinobi and Civilian Council were strongly disapproved of by my clansmen. The Shodai and Nidaime's laws should have prevented this corruption of our village's education system.
"The actions of my clan's higher ups towards you, along with my own, regardless of our unwillingness to be part of it from the start, were found to be illogical and disappointing by my clansmen, thus our dedication to logic and sound reasoning had been questioned by many of our own. It will take some time for the higher ups and myself to make amends for our poor choices in the past in regards to you, Naruto-san. On behalf of my clansmen and myself, I ask that you please accept our most sincere apologies."
Though Shibi didn't get on his hands and knees before Naruto like Tsume did, it was very clear to Naruto and Honoka that Shibi was honest in his approach, and considering the Aburame Clan, Shibi's speech and humble tone revealed feelings of regret. It was clear that no excuses for their past actions were being made. They owned up to their mistakes.
"I accept your apology, Shibi-san," Naruto said, giving a respectful nod of acknowledgment. Shibi nodded in return and gestured for Naruto and Honoka to follow along with them.
"Please come in, as we give you a personal tour of the hive," Shibi invited. The two Uzumaki followed from behind with Shino and others coming along while their bugs were still begging their owners to allow them to sample Honoka's chakra. As they were walking through, butterflies, lady bugs and dragonflies started flying around Honoka.
As the insects were circling around Honoka, she stopped to admire them as she stretched out her hand, allowing some of the insects to land on her fingers and shoulders as she viewed them.
"They're beautiful," Honoka said, complimenting the insects as she looked at all the different colors and patterns of their bodies. Looking around, she added that the Aburame Clan has a lovely home that was really in tune with nature.
"This is just like that time with the Inuzaka Clan. Honoka-nee. I'm really gonna have to get you to learn how to control and shut off that effect at will," Naruto chuckled.
"Whatever you say, Naruto-sensei," Honoka snorted sarcastically.
"Your humility is such a refreshment, Honoka-nee," Naruto remarked only for Honoka to stick her tongue out at him.
Those two really do behave like siblings, Shino thought as he observed how the two Uzumaki interacted with each other. Some of the other Aburame members though were thinking about how influential Honoka's special chakra was in drawing out insects of various species and size. Like the Inuzuka, they were thinking that she could be an asset to them in acquiring new species of bugs for their research and potential ninja use. She would be like a queen matriarch among insects. But unlike the Inuzuka, the Aburame Clan members knew when to keep their personal thoughts to themselves.
Naruto and Honoka followed Shibi to another sector of the hive. In the meantime, Honoka managed to have the dragonflies, lady bugs, and butterflies take off and go about their business. After another minute, they stood front of a one story building.
"Where are we now?" Naruto asked.
"This is where my clansmen research insects with the intent of learning how to apply their abilities better for missions," Shibi explained before opening the door and allowing the two guests into the facility. Entering the building, the first thing Naruto and Honoka saw was a long hall way with eight doors on both sides.
Quite the number of doors you have here," Naruto remarked.
"Each room is designated for a specific purpose but we'll let you see at least two of these rooms," Shino replied as he opened the first door, revealing a research library with a couple of tables, shelves of books and several computers and printers.
"Your library," Naruto said.
"Our archive and data collection of our findings related to insects," Shino clarified. Naruto and Honoka's right eyebrows twitched while wondering just how many kinds of insect species the Aburame Clan found just by looking at all of the books on the shelves. When Naruto thought about the possible number…
"I had no idea that there were so many different kinds of bugs," Naruto admitted.
"My clan has been intent in finding as many as possible in our quest to discover the the purpose of each of their existences," Shino commented, "Beetles and ants happen to be among the personal favorites of several of my clansmen. This is one of the rare rooms in this facility that's open to everyone in the village, as we wish to share our vast knowledge and research with others interested in studying insects."
Naruto nodded as they entered the archive. Honoka noticed that the library had insects encased in small glass cases hanging on the walls in display. The insects ranged from various species of butterflies, moths, beetles, bees, hornets, grasshoppers, ants, mantises, locusts, flies, dragonflies, wasps, crickets, and others from the elemental nations. Honoka went to one of the books on butterflies and opened it. She skimmed through the book, looking at the many kinds of colors, designs, and shapes some butterflies came in.
"So you have a thing for butterflies Honoka-nee?" Naruto observed.
"I like their beautiful colors and designs. It makes me wish I could sprout wings like theirs and fly high through the skies," Honoka said as she visualized herself with huge gorgeous butterfly-like wings soaring and flying through the clouds with her long red hair dancing with the wind.
"Tch…And people say that my head is in the clouds. " Naruto remarked cynically. Although I gotta admit Honoka-nee would look quite pretty with butterfly wings, he thought as he visualized Honoka with multicolored butterfly wings and even a pair of antennas on top of her head. The image was quite an attractive sight to him and he put that thought away for a possible idea for his book featuring female characters' love of the sky and their desire to be free like the wind.
"Oh, who asked you?" Honoka retorted sticking her tongue out at Naruto again, then put the book away as they left the room.
Shino closed the door, and the two Uzumaki clansmen followed the father and son pair to the next room three doors down. Shino opened the door for them to show them a sophisticated laboratory. There were computers, scanners, microscopes, vials, tables, charts, graphs, and other items and equipment organized around the large room. There were a couple of the Aburame Clan members working on the bugs of current interest.
As Naruto and Honoka walked in, Honoka stopped when her eyes came across the particular insects they were investigating in the laboratory, cockroaches and water bugs, and there were quite a number of them that were being kept in containers, while the dead ones were being analyzed and dissected.
"We're doing a special study on these particular kinds of insects. We're conducting experiments and research on their resistance to radiation and possibly poison too," Shibi explained. The effects of Honoka's special chakra took root as all of the cockroaches and water bugs being kept inside their containers started scurrying in an energetic frenzy, wanting so much to run and fly over to Honoka.
"As usual, even these bugs want to run over to you, Honoka-nee," Naruto remarked before he turned to look at the older Uzumaki. When he did though, he saw that Honoka lost all the color in her face as she turned completely pale. Her mind started flashing back and giving her glimpses of an event that happened long ago. As it did, her facial expression also changed to that of deep fear and dread as she started trembling and tearing up.
"Honoka-nee! What's wrong?" Naruto asked worriedly.
"K-K-Keep away…Please…Sta-Stay away!" Honoka cried softly as looked at the water bugs that wanted to fly and rush over to her. She started getting weak until he fell to her knees and curled up.
"Honoka-nee-"
"Please! Make them go away," Honoka wept quietly and fearfully. Naruto had never seen Honoka like this before and it truly worried him. Even Hinata never reacted like this about anything as far as Naruto knew. No one needed to be a scientist to see something was terribly wrong. Naruto hurriedly embraced and helped Honoka back to her feet before helping her exit the room with Shino and his father following the pair after forcing the bugs to calm down.
Once outside, Shibi closed the door and said, "I apologize for the undesirable reaction and experience your cousin has endured, Naruto-san. From her earlier admiration of insects, we didn't expect this kind of turn out from her after seeing those species of cockroaches. Clearly, Honoka-san has a deeply entrenched traumatic weakness toward those creatures, a phobia, if you will."
"To tell you the truth, I wasn't aware of this until now. She never told me about it," Naruto replied as he tried calming Honoka down, who was still crying and trembling, "I ask that you and those who saw this please keep this to yourselves and tell absolutely no one about this. If our enemies were to learn of this, they'd use her phobia against her."
Shibi and Shino nodded.
"I'll inform those inside the room of this issue and instruct them to take an oath of silence concerning Honoka-san," Shibi assured.
"Thank you. I would love to stay longer, but unfortunately, Honoka-nee's condition has cut this visit and tour short. I'm afraid we'll have to leave much earlier than scheduled so I can take care of her. Thanks for everything, regardless," Naruto said.
"You both are free to stop by anytime, Naruto-san," Shibi said. Naruto nodded and while holding Honoka, he performed a smokeless shunshin with her back to his apartment.
"I wasn't aware that Naruto was able to do that. I wonder what more surprises he has in store for us," Shino commented.
"Only time will tell," Shibi replied before going back into the laboratory with Shino to discuss the matter of Honoka with those who saw what happened.
(Back At The Uzumaki Residence)
Naruto was back in the bedroom he gave to Honoka. He was sitting on the bed beside her, rubbing her back while getting her to calm down. One of his kage bunshin then appeared through the door with a cold glass of water and handed it to her. She took the glass and drank out of it slowly.
"I'm sorry, Naruto-kun. I never meant to…I mean…the way I…" Honoka apologized through her stuttering words.
"It's all right, Honoka-nee. No one's upset at you. I'm just worried about you," Naruto assured, "We were all caught off guard by the way you reacted toward those bugs. I admit I'm not fond of them myself and-"
"I detest and downright despise them! But at the same time, I'm completely terrified of them!" Honoka interjected. Naruto wondered what could have happened to have triggered Honoka's extreme hate and fear of those insects.
"Honoka-nee, if you don't mind me asking, did something happen in your past that led to this? Were you bitten by them or something?" Naruto inquired.
When Honoka sought to remember the event, she cringed and dropped her glass cup as a few sobs escaped her mouth. The glass shattered on the floor, spilling the remaining water. The clone went to get a mop, broom, and dust pan, while Naruto calmed Honoka down again.
This really is a problem if even remembering that event can trigger this kind of reaction. Clearly Honoka isn't ready to talk about it, and it would be best that I don't try to force it out of her either. But something will have to be done to silence if not control her fear of cockroaches and water bugs. Much like Tsunade's fear of blood…Wait! How do I even know about that!? Naruto thought before snapping back to reality.
"It's alright Honoka-nee. You don't have to tell me anything if you're not ready to. Just know that I'll be here for you anytime you feel ready to talk about it," Naruto reassured.
"…Thank you," Honoka accepted. The clone returned and cleaned up the mess. After another thirty minutes of talking, Honoka decided to take a nap, hoping that after a good amount of sleep she would be back to normal. Allowing her to sleep, Naruto left the apartment and made his way to another destination.
(An Hour Later; At The Ninja Academy)
Hanabi was at her desk hearing Iruka's lecture about jutsu and such. Though she looked to be paying attention, the fact of the matter was that Hanabi was completely bored and uninterested in the class. All she kept thinking about was Naruto and what he offered to her: personal training and creating a whole new Juuken style, the Drunken Juuken. She was thinking about how that would look like and how effective such a hybrid style could be, the fusion of Drunken Fist and Gentle Fist.
He's not even a Hyuuga yet he understands our fighting style to the point that he came up with a wild idea about creating a whole new hybrid Juuken. Is such a thing even possible? And he wants to create that through me and not Neesan. Hmph…I must be a special case if Naruto-kun seeks to have me master a whole style that's not even invented yet and he promised to train and help me accomplish that. Something like this has never been attempted and yet Naruto-kun is sure he can succeed at this and pull it off through me as I already submitted and agreed to his special training. But he has yet to start carrying out his sworn promise to me, Hanabi contemplated.
"Hanabi," Iruka called out. Hanabi snapped out of her trance and looked back at Iruka, "Yes, Iruka-sensei?"
"While I'm aware that today's lecture isn't the most exciting it's still part of the curriculum. Please stay focus," Iruka requested.
"Sorry," Hanabi mumbled before Iruka turned back to the chalkboard and resume the lecture. Meanwhile Konohamaru, sitting next to Moegi with Udon sitting in front of them, was suggesting to his two friends to go search for Naruto and have him play ninja with them. He also said that he wanted to talk to him about what his grandfather explained to him and to the rest of his clan. Moegi and Udon agreed as they too had things they wanted to talk over with Naruto concerning what they found out from their elderly relatives. Hanabi overheard their conversation and saw that she was going to have some competition for Naruto's time and attention.
(Two Hours Later; In Another Part of Konoha)
Sakura was sitting in the park bench alone watching the children playing and laughing together as they were enjoying themselves as though they didn't have a care in the world. One of the boys was sitting by himself looking like no one wanted to play with him. Sakura noticed one of the children's parents coaching them to head to where the lone boy was and ask if he wanted to come and play with them. She watched as the whole scene played out in front of her. Before long the once lone boy was now playing and laughing with the rest of the children.
When Sakura thought back to Naruto's life and everything Kakashi told them about Naruto's life and his entire family and clan history, she couldn't help but feel awful that she was a contributing factor to Naruto's hardships in life. As a child, her mother and father never allowed her to play with Naruto and would pull her away from him like how the other children's parents have. As a child, she never knew why but she just went along with what her parents told her and when she ended up in the same class with him when they started attending the ninja academy, because of her parents' influence and that of her other peers, Sakura's treatment of Naruto was just as bad if not worse.
Yesterday after confronting her parents about Naruto and everything she found about him and the Uzumaki Clan from Kakashi, both her mother and father were in shock and in denial. They tried to justify their actions in explaining how she, Sakura, wasn't there when Kyuubi was slaughtering all those around him with no discrimination and that among the casualties were some of their relatives and dear friends. Sakura argued that Naruto wasn't Kyuubi the monster that did those things and she added that the fact that the older generation and her own parents used Naruto as a scapegoat and did nothing to help him shamed and sickened her.
"Yo Forehead!" Ino called out as she approached the lone Genin. Sakura turned to her friend and rival and snorted, "What do you want Ino-pig?"
Ignoring the name she was called, Ino replied, "Nothing from you of course. But I couldn't help but take notice of that face you were making while looking at those children playing in the park. I think you're too young to be considering having children and you certainly won't be having any of Sasuke-kun's."
"Shut up! I wasn't thinking about getting pregnant." Sakura shot back.
"Having Sasuke-kun's children would be a dream come true, shanaroo!" inner-Sakura yelled.
"I was thinking about Naruto and everything I found out about him," Sakura corrected.
Ino replied, "You too, huh? My father called me and the rest of our clan together and told us a whole world of things that had our heads spinning. We were left in a state of total disarray, confusion and anger after being told the truth regarding Naruto's life and his familial history with Konoha and Uzu no Kuni. I still can't believe Naruto's father is the famed Yondaime! I mean, who'd have thought that Naruto was the son of the Yellow Flash and is the heir of the Uzumaki Clan!?"
"I didn't even know that there even is an Uzumaki Clan, a clan of feared seal masters. But after hearing Kakashi-sensei's entire explanation everything made sense," Sakura said, "My parents had a hard time believing my explanation of Naruto even though I told them it came from Kakashi-sensei himself who was Naruto's father's student. I even went as far as to tell them that Kakashi-sensei showed Sasuke-kun and I a copy of the marriage certificate of Naruto's parents kept at the Hokage Tower."
Ino told her story, "My dad had me and everyone else look at pictures of Naruto, Yondaime and Naruto's mother which he somehow acquired. I never knew Naruto's mother was that beautiful and like Honoka-san, she had very long gorgeous red hair. After all of us examined the pictures, there was no denying the resemblance Naruto had with both Yondaime and Uzumaki Kushina. Dad told us that he, Chouji's dad and Shikamaru's dad tried to adopt and get Naruto to be part of one of their clans after Shikaku-san uncovered the truth on his own. But the village hierarchy overruled them and forbade them from speaking the truth. All of us felt awful that we shamed Yondaime's sacrifice but we were angry at how we were lied to about what really happened the night Kyuubi attacked along with lies and half-truths we were taught in the academy and how Naruto suffered because of this village's dark cover up.
"But I'm surprised that as great of geniuses Yondaime and Naruto's mother were, Naruto isn't like how his parents were."
"You're wrong Ino," Sakura corrected, "Naruto is naturally strong and gifted, he always has been, more so than he let others believe. I saw firsthand what Naruto is capable of when he's angry as he singlehandedly slaughtered and butchered over a hundred bandit samurai and mercenaries within a span of a few seconds using and combining Zabuza's sword with a powerful wind jutsu he created through wind manipulation. And all that was done without relying on Kyuubi's power. I didn't want to say it at the time, but the look he had in his eyes and face terrified me, especially when he revealed that he even had their leader fed to sharks!"
Ino looked at Sakura in disbelief and replied, "You're joking right? Naruto actually did all that?"
"If you don't believe me then feel free to read our mission report about the events in Nami no Kuni we gave to Sandaime-sama. I'm not making any of this up," Sakura retorted, before her tone become more uncertain, "I always thought we knew everything about Naruto as being just a troublemaking pervert and dead last that failed everything at the academy, peeks in women's bathhouses and openly read adult-rated smut books. But our first real mission in Nami no Kuni made Sasuke-kun, Kakashi-sensei and me realized that we don't know Naruto at all. Nobody does."
"What are you talking about?" Ino asked curiously.
"Beside jailing the Kyuubi, Naruto hide other secrets about himself which he won't reveal to any of us. During our mission we saw unfamiliar seal writings appear and glow around Naruto's body for a very short moment but we were unable to make them out. They weren't the seals used to hold Kyuubi but they were something else. Kakashi-sensei don't know what they are or what they do and he said that there's no known record of those seals in any of Konoha's archives. What he did tell us is that judging from the intricate designs of those seals that it would take a veteran seal master to make and apply those seals," Sakura said.
Ino looked at Sakura and saw the expression in her eyes. She knew the pink haired girl long enough to know when to take her serious and from what she was saying it was clear to the Yamanaka that her friend and rival was serious. After hearing her words, Ino decided to reveal something of her own.
"That's quite an interesting story Forehead. To be honest, I never thought much of Naruto at all at first and I used to believe him to be a untalented "dead last nobody" who'd always be inferior to Sasuke-kun in every way. But to tell you the truth, there were times I questioned Naruto truly being the believed dead last, even while we were attending the academy."
"What do you mean," Sakura asked.
Ino elaborated, "Think back to when we had our Academy Field Day a couple of years ago when Sasuke-kun lost to Naruto in their first match. All of us were in denial and refused to accept what we saw. However Sandaime-sama silenced all of our arguments and confirmed Naruto's increase in skills, making it clear that he could pose as a challenge to Sasuke-kun. And then later that same day he used his Oiroke no Jutsu and knocked out all of the males there, including Sasuke-kun and Sandaime-sama before putting cuts on their necks as though he was slaughtering them. All of us girls were angry at what Naruto did believing him to be making us out as sluts. But the group of kunoichi there silenced us when they praised and explained what Naruto did and how he out of all of us truly understood what being a ninja involved. Despite knowing what they said was the truth, I didn't want to believe it, especially after seeing how Sasuke-kun lost so badly to Naruto, twice in one day in fact.
"Second we have the Genin Exams when Naruto used and combined Kage Bunshin with Henge, something Shikamaru stated was no easy feat, especially without the required amount of chakra which would kill a person as a result of chakra exhaustion.
"Then there was the day Hinata and Naruto finally hooked up a few days after we became Genin. Sasuke-kun was clearly unhappy with that as he clearly wanted to fight Naruto because of it before Naruto switched places with me to save him from kissing Sasuke-kun by accident when some stupid boy bumped into Naruto carelessly. Iruka-sensei broke up the fight between Naruto and Sasuke-kun in the training field only for him and all of us to find out that Naruto was making out with Hinata in the classroom the entire time while Sasuke-kun was actually fighting one of Naruto's clones. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out when Naruto made the clone and pull the substitution between himself and his clone."
"That's my point, Ino. Naruto was always talented and gifted." Sakura said, "What I don't understand is how could Naruto, with everything we've seen of him up till now, still become our class' dead last despite the fact that he's such a strong and dangerous Genin!"
"Well it's clear that we won't get our answers out of Naruto directly." Ino remarked with her arms crossed her breasts, "And the only person I think who knows Naruto better anyone else is his girlfriend, Hinata. Perhaps we can get her to talk and reveal some secrets about Naruto."
Sakura doubted Ino's suggestion and said, "I'm not sure. Hinata is too shy and isn't the type to-"
"Forehead, we were told and taught lies about Naruto and Konoha's history growing up and frankly I don't trust many of the grown-ups about Naruto now as a result. Since Naruto isn't willing to open up to you for obvious reasons," Ino implied earning a glare from Sakura, "I suggest we persuade his girlfriend to spill the beans. It'll be like a girls' hangout. We just have to find Hinata first," Ino suggested as she grabbed Sakura and dragged the girl along as they left the park to find Hinata. Nearby was an older teenage girl who was watching in hiding and listening to their conversation.
"Good luck getting Hinata to talk because you won't get much from her, if anything at all," Termari remarked in a low tone, "So that blonde cutie is a natural genius with unknown seals that only a seal master can make and apply, huh? And he has a natural affinity for wind like me," Temari cracked a grin, "that's a major plus and bonus mark in my book. And he even killed a hundred men in a span of a few seconds in his first mission. He truly reminds of things I heard about his father that made him the ever feared Yellow Flash," Temari contemplated as her smile widened, "Things about that Naruto just keeps getting interesting. If only I knew where he was now."
Temari left the scene to continue her search for Naruto. As she did so, she was thinking about everything she learned through listening to Ino and Sakura's conversation about Naruto and the many mysterious and unexplainable factors surrounding the blond Jinchuuriki. But that only served to fuel Temari's growing interest in Naruto regardless of the age difference.
(Two And A Half Hours Later)
Naruto found himself at the one spot he'd always retreat to whenever he needed time to think and meditate about important issues: the Hokage Monument.
After making a quick journey there, Naruto found himself sitting on top of the head representing the Yondaime. As he sat there, he thought deeply about Honoka's plight, and how he could develop some form of therapy for her to overcome her phobia. He knew what would happen if enemy ninja were to accidentally or even intentionally discover her weakness, and he couldn't afford to risk that possibility. But with Honoka's inability to talk about what caused her phobia to happen, Naruto was left with limited information that he could use to begin developing the needed treatment to cure it.
"First I had to help Hinata-chan overcome her personal demons, now I have to help Honoka-nee overcome hers. Maybe I should find a second career in ninja therapy," Naruto said to no one in particular before closing his eyes and dropping to the ground on his back. A minute later, he opened his eyes and found an unexpected newcomer standing over him and looking down at him.
"What are you doing here?" Naruto asked.
"I was looking for you, Naruto-kun," the newcomer answered.
"How did you know I'd be here?" Naruto asked.
"I spied on you enough to know some of the places you like to be at when you want time to think or be by yourself. Besides, I didn't find you at your apartment or at that ramen stand you love to go to after I was done listening to Iruka-sensei's boring lectures. So I figured you'd be up here away from everyone," Hanabi explained.
"So you found me, what for?" Naruto asked while still lying on his back looking up at Hanabi.
"I wanted to find you before Konohamaru did. He was hell bent on getting you to play ninja with him and his two friends while also wanting to talk to about something or other. But I was at a loss wondering how an expert ninja like yourself plays ninja," Hanabi replied with an unimpressed tone.
"Would you like a demonstration, my Little Nighttime Firecracker?" Naruto remarked mockingly. Hanabi moved to give him a Juuken strike to the chest. The attack hit Naruto dead on, but Naruto popped into a cloud of smoke.
"You think I'd allow myself to be left vulnerable that easily? I thought you were taught better than that," Naruto said as he appeared behind her. Hanabi didn't have time to react when Naruto quickly knocked her off her feet and pinned her to the ground on her back.
"Tell me seriously, what are you here for?" Naruto asked.
"I'm holding you to your word, and I won't stop seeking you out until you keep your promise to me. You promised to train me and help me create a whole new hybrid Juuken, the Drunken Juuken, something our clan has never seen," Hanabi answered.
"Our clan?" Naruto asked teasingly, catching that Hanabi didn't realize what she said.
"My clan; you knew what I meant!" Hanabi corrected herself despite her blush, "I want to be strong and smart like Neesan and I know you can help me get there."
"It's interesting that a year ago you wouldn't have been talking like this. Then again, I was the one who kept you in the dark about Hinata-chan for all these years, and it's only fair that I fulfill my promise to you. But you caught me at a time when I was in very deep thought about a matter of utmost importance," Naruto said as he allowed Hanabi to stand back up. She dusted herself off and looked back at Naruto.
"And what might that be?" Hanabi inquired.
"It's a private matter regarding a particular plight a dear friend is going through. Out of respect for this friend, I can't discuss it," Naruto explained. Hanabi respected that and decided not to press the matter further.
"Alright. But I'm still not leaving here emptied-handed. I want some form of introductory training one way or another," Hanabi replied as she pointed her right index finger at him, "I won't let anyone else have time with you until I'm through with you for the day! Not even Neesan!"
"You're such a masegaki, wanting to get your way with me," Naruto smirked. Hanabi assumed a Juuken fighting stance, getting ready to fight him.
"I learn more from you and so does Neesan. My real class started the moment I arrived here," Hanabi stated.
Naruto chuckled. "It's clear that you won't leave, and I see that there's no way around changing your mind."
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and exhaled. A moment later, he opened his eyes again and looked back at Hanabi with a completely different personality aura and vocal tone as he spoke, "Very well then. I'll give you a taste of what my training for you will entail."
Before Hanabi knew what happened, Naruto suddenly appeared right behind her.
He's fast! When did he move!? the astonished Hanabi yelled in her mind, but she didn't have time to think about that, since he grabbed her and body flickered with her to an isolated location.
(Elsewhere)
The sounds of sharp steel meeting wood were heard in the forest, and anyone close-by could identify that the sounds were actually made by kunai and shuriken hitting the hardwood of either training posts or target bull's-eyes. It would come to no surprise to anyone in Konoha to come across hearing such noise; after all, if someone ventured out to one of the dozens of trainings grounds around the village, one would count on hearing the various sounds of ninja training to keep their skills honed or learning something new.
This was precisely what Tenten was doing as she flung dozens of kunai and shuriken at the many bull's-eye targets stationed on trees and posts in the forest her team commonly used for training. Her brown eyes were keen and focused, guiding her hands to throw the weapons with on the mark precision as she ended up hitting the very center of the bull's-eyes flawlessly. When it came to any hand-held steel weapon, this young tomboyish kunoichi knew how to use them all with cutting edge accuracy.
Presently, she was alone while training, and this suited her just fine. After everything that happened at the Hyuuga Compound yesterday and with the Chuunin Exams starting tomorrow, Tenten needed some alone time.
Grinning in knowing Lee was training elsewhere while Neji trained with his clan, Tenten felt satisfied that she was definitely all alone now and her day would go smoothly without problems.
After flinging more sharp weapons at her targets, her trained sixth sense felt a presence approaching her, and judging from it, it was not any of her male partners from her team. With quick reflexes, Tenten pulled out a kunai from one of her storage scrolls and twisted around to throw the weapon in the direction of the presence was coming from. It imbedded into the tree the newcomer was standing next to, startling the newcomer in the process. "Tenten-san! It's me, not an enemy!"
Tenten blinked upon recognizing her, "Hinata? What are you doing here?"
Fiddling with her fingers, Hinata said, "I came here to train for tomorrow's Chuunin Exams w-when I heard sounds of weapons be-being thrown. When I-I saw it was you, I decided to appro-approach you-u but I didn't expect a thrown kunai as your welcome."
"Sorry, nothing personal; I just didn't know what was quietly coming near me. You can never be too careful," Tenten replied and continued, "I'm training for the Chuunin Exams too and I saw some real possible competition. Is Naruto participating?"
"Oh yes. He and his team had signed up for it," Hinata confirmed.
"That's good. After hearing that story about Naruto's skills being on par with the Seven Swordsmen of Kirigakure, I'm seeking to have a shot at challenging him to a sword fight to see his skills for myself. It's not enough for me to just hear it by word of mouth," Tenten stated with eagerness in her tone and character.
"Maybe you will get your chance. Who knows. And judging from all the bull's-eyes and targets you hit, you might actually give Naruto-kun a challenge," Hinata said as meekly as possibly.
"Might give Naruto a challenge," Tenten remarked, "There's no "might" if I'm given the chance. I'm going to give him all I got if I'm given the chance."
Hinata giggled, "He might actually like it and learn something from it if it so happens."
Tenten smiled but then remembered what happened yesterday.
"In all seriousness Hinata, ever since yesterday I've been left to wonder what kind of guy Naruto truly is and why you and your little sister love him so much though I heard both of your explanations. His life story was really unbelievable and I don't know how I would have turned out if I was in his shoes. I learned from Gai-sensei that my teammate Lee is friends with Naruto though Neji obviously don't like Naruto at all, or you and Hanabi for that matter; no offense," Tenten said.
"It's OK. Ne-Neji-niisan and I have a troubled history…and I've been meaning to fix that," Hinata explained, "But putting that aside, I-"
"Hinata!"
Hinata and Tenten turned to see Ino and Sakura running over to where they were. They two girls finally arrived and approached Hinata.
"You're hard to find, but we finally found you," Ino said catching her breath before turning to the older girl she didn't recognize, "Who are you?"
"I'm Tenten. And whom might you two be?" Tenten inquired.
"I'm Yamanaka Ino."
"Haruno Sakura."
"Nice to meet you," Tenten greeted, "So why were you two looking for Hinata?"
Ino, going straight to the point, answered, "We have some questions we'd like to ask her about Naruto. Sakura and I were discussing everything we learned and thought we knew about him only to find that there's more to Naruto than what's on the surface and what he allows everyone to believe about him. And learning the truth about his backgrounds and familial line and history only serves to add to the mysterious about Naruto. We know Hinata knows some juicy details about him and we were wondering if she'd be willing to share with us."
Hinata sighed to herself. In the past, Ino and Sakura didn't care about anything involving Naruto at all and now here they were seeking out more information about someone who's name was not Sasuke.
"There's really nothing to say besides what you and everyone else will hear and find out as news of his exploits and familial legacy is already circulating around Konoha," Hinata said.
"C'mon! Don't be so stingy!" Ino insisted as Tenten went to collect and gather all of her weapons and belongings to seal away in her storage scroll.
"If you must know Hinata, Ino-pig practically dragged me all over the place looking for you in order to learn the truth behind that blond knucklehead," Sakura remarked.
"Excuse me but you were the one who told me that you were thinking about him while you were alone at the park," Ino replied. Sakura glared at Ino and retorted, "I'm not and never will be interested in Naruto in that way! I have eyes only for Sasuke-kun and nothing will change that Ino-pig!"
"As if Sasuke will ever give you so much as a look! Whatever! I'm sure in time he'll look at me as a real woman after I show him what I can really do," Ino said confidently. Hinata inwardly smiled in relief that Ino and Sakura still manifested romantic interest in Sasuke and not Naruto especially since she now had to deal with Temari's new interest in her boyfriend. By the time Sakura and Ino were done arguing, Tenten was done packing and sealing her belongings.
"Instead of looking for news and gossip about Naruto, shouldn't you two be preparing for the Chuunin Exams starting tomorrow like how Hinata and I were doing before you two arrived here? You both are participating, aren't you?" Tenten suggested.
"We are," Sakura confirmed.
"Then you two should put aside the matter about Naruto and focus on preparing for tomorrow. I'm sure Naruto is doing the very same thing I'm suggesting you two girls ought be doing now," Tenten added.
"You're such a killjoy, but I suppose you're right. I'd hate to look sloppy and useless in front of Sasuke-kun," Ino said.
"Like you aren't already," Sakura remarked.
"What was that Forehead!?" Ino growled before both girls glared angrily at each other looking ready to fight. In the process, both girls failed to notice Hinata and Tenten making a quiet and quick exit, leaving the both of them where they were.
"Say Hinata, since we still have some time left, wanna grab a bite to eat?" Tenten suggested.
"I'd like that," Hinata agreed as they left the training ground.
(Back In Konoha)
Kakashi, Gai, Kurenai and Asuma were gathered together at a common bar many of the Jounin and off-duty ANBU come to for a refreshing hangout and chitchat. Currently the four Jounin-sensei were conversing together about a common topic.
"My youthful students will demonstrate first hand the burning zeal their training with me has produced! How about yours Kakashi," Gai shouted enthusiastically. Kakashi was reading his Icha-Icha Paradise book when he looked back at Gai and replied, "Oh did you say something Gai?"
"Argh! Curse your hip attitude my eternal rival!" Gai exclaimed.
"Keep it down Gai! I'm sure our Genin will do just as fine as yours if not better," Asuma remarked smugly.
"And how has your students been measuring up so far?" Kakashi asked.
Asuma explained, "They were a little hard to work with at first, but when it comes down to business they work well together just like their fathers, the original Ino-Shika-Cho trio."
"My team has proven to be capable of working together too. It helped that they were friends at first before becoming Genin as it aided in their overall team dynamics," Kurenai said, "Hinata made some improvements also and even her father acknowledged her progress. Though she's still struggling in other areas of her training."
"It's good to hear of both of your teams' improvements," Kakashi with his head still in his book.
"What about your team, Kakashi? How do they fair?" Asuma asked.
"As dysfunctional as ever," Kakashi remarked with the same tone never breaking his eyes away from his book. Gai, Kurenai and Asuma sweat-dropped on hearing that.
"You mean they made no improvements in their team dynamics whatsoever?" Gai asked skeptically.
"As a team, they work fine. But on a personal level, that's a whole other story, especially in the case between Naruto and Sasuke," Kakashi said.
"What about those two," Asuma asked.
"I can answer that," Kurenai cut in, "The Rookie of the Year has been trying to get Naruto's girlfriend to become his girlfriend. Hinata told me about how Sasuke has been pursuing her. And earlier today she told me how Sasuke recently approached and confessed his feelings for her while trying to convince her that Naruto isn't right for her and that he's what's best for her."
"I reprimanded and talked to Sasuke repeatedly about such actions and how they would result in bad blood, mistrust and betrayal occurring amongst team members. I'm going have to be harder on him this time seeing that he refuses to take me serious," Kakashi said as he closed his book and got up before walking off out of the bar after his eye caught sight of Sasuke walking by outside the bar. Kakashi caught up to Sasuke before he could get far. He grabbed Sasuke by the left shoulder and restrained him from walking further. Sasuke turned his head to see Kakashi looking back at him with a false smile.
"Sasuke, we need to have a nice long private chat," Kakashi said.
"Can it wait for another time? I really have some important work to-"
Sasuke stopped talking when he felt Kakashi's grip on his shoulder tighten painfully as he applied pressure on his shoulder. The Genin grimaced and cringed after feeling the pain pierce through his left shoulder and arm.
"Whatever work you have to do can surely wait as what I have to discuss with you can not," Kakashi said firmly with an iron tone as his right eye narrowed at Sasuke. The Uchiha didn't have a chance to argue when Kakashi shunshin'd with him to another location.
Meanwhile back inside the bar…
"I know how much Hinata loves and cares for Naruto, but his infamous perverted character is what bothers me and I'm even more troubled that Hinata isn't bothered by Naruto's behavior at all, considering that she told me that Sasuke told her that if he was dating her that he wouldn't behave in the shameless perverted manner that Naruto does," Kurenai said.
"Many guys will often tell a female whatever they want to hear if it'll get the girl to date them. But not every girl will buy into what some guy would say to them," Asuma remarked.
"Weren't we talking about our youthful students' future performance in tomorrow's Chuunin Exams?" Gai asked while wondering how the conversation deviated from the original topic.
(Hours Later, At The Hyuuga Compound That Evening)
"Tsss! Itai (Ouch)!" Hanabi grimaced from one of the sores Hinata rubbed with her soap foam-covered washcloth.
"I can't say you didn't bring this upon yourself, Hanabi," Hinata remarked as she and Hanabi were both naked and wet in the bath together, with Hinata washing and cleaning Hanabi, who was sitting on a small seat with her back facing Hinata. The younger Hyuuga was still wincing from the sores and pains she endured from her firsthand training bout with Naruto.
"This is nothing! I endured harder blows from Father during my training with him," Hanabi replied, trying to sound convincing while trying to ignore the pain from her sores.
"Then I'm sure Naruto-kun's training shouldn't be that hard for you to endure," Hinata replied while scrubbing Hanabi. The younger female frowned at her older sister's sarcastic jab.
"You've changed, Neesan," Hanabi remarked.
"Life is all about changes, Hanabi. We're never the same person we were yesterday. Every experience we go through, everyone we meet, every place we go, everything we learn; they change who we are and how we see things and others. But Naruto-kun, without a doubt, had the greatest impact in changing who I am," Hinata explained.
"I'm sure in time Naruto-kun will change me as well. After all, it was his training that made you stronger and smarter than before, right?" Hanabi replied. Instead of getting a reply, Hanabi got a bucket of water dunked over her.
"You'll find out tomorrow," Hinata said, "But since you're serious about training with Naruto-kun, I'll support you," Hinata said, and then pouted, "Though I'm still annoyed that he won't tell me what he's training you in."
Hanabi stood up to face Hinata and shot back, "As if you told me anything about your training with Naruto-kun!"
"Naruto-kun forbade me! You can't blame me for that!" Hinata said defensively.
"Just like how Naruto-kun doesn't want me to tell you anything for now either! The fruits of my new training will be a surprise!" Hanabi exclaimed before she went and grabbed a bucket and opened a faucet to begin filling the bucket to the top with water.
"All right then! In the future, we'll test each other to see how far we both came in our training with Naruto-kun! I'll test your fruits to those of my own!" Hinata suggested as she turned and started heading for her towel.
"You're on! I'll show you how much Naruto-kun has changed me, Neesan!" Hanabi agreed before taking the bucket of water and throwing the water at Hinata whose back was turned to her. Hinata screamed loudly after being hit from behind with the water which turned out to be freezing cold water. With Hinata in the disoriented state she was in from being hit with freezing cold water, Hanabi rushed at her and tackled her before they both started grappling and water fighting inside the bath. Screams and sounds of grappling, water splashing and water being thrown were heard from outside the door.
Hiashi sweat-dropped and shook his head as he walked past the door and thought, I don't even want to know or be bothered with what those two are arguing or fighting over. Though I have an idea what…well more like who it is they are disputing about.
From outside the house, Neji heard the two sisters as he was heading back to his room after doing some evening preparation for the beginning of tomorrow's Chuunin Exams.
"Ugh! Disgraceful!" Neji sneered as he decided to ignore them and continue on his way, "Last year this wouldn't have happened at all."
Neji was still stupefied at how Naruto changed both Hinata and Hanabi this much. As for the rest of the Hyuuga Clan, they chose not to even bother with the girls and just let them settle their matters alone.
Despite what others thought about them at the moment, both girls actually bonded and had no actual ill will towards each other.
(Later)
Naruto, now in his sleeping clothes, was leaving the bedroom after talking and checking up on Honoka who was dressed in her sleeping gown. He reached the door when something instantly rushed through and infused into his mind. Honoka saw that Naruto momentarily froze in place as he was walking out the door.
"Is something the matter?" Honoka asked curiously. A few moments later, Naruto returned back to the present.
"Everything's fine Honoka-nee. Goodnight." Naruto said as he walked out and closed the door behind him. Once outside, Naruto burst into a loud fit of laughter from the memories his spy clone gave him as held his sides which started hurting from his hard laughter. He doubled over as tears ran down his face.
"What's he laughing about?" a confused Honoka asked out loud as she was sitting on Naruto's bed after hearing her cousin's sudden laughter. She couldn't help but wonder what happened that got him to suddenly laugh so hysterically.
Many things are taking place all at once, some of them being unsettled matters. Will Naruto find a way to help Honoka overcome her long time phobia? With Temari being assigned to seek and find out more secrets about Naruto, will she fulfill her mission, or does she have an ulterior motive of her own? Will Kakashi get Sasuke to stop his pursuit in trying to steal Naruto's girlfriend after he sternly reprimands Sasuke on harder grounds for his disobedience? Also, Hanabi wants to prove that she'll become just as strong and smart as Hinata through Naruto's training. Find out what happens next time!