Yo everyone. Chapter 1 - Unexploited Fame
Hyuuga Estate
She sighed as she rummaged through her pack to make sure everything necessary was there. Its been a while since I've been on a mission, She thought to herself. In fact, no shinobi from the village hidden in the leaves were set up with any missions, not since the eight members, Naruto, Kakashi, Sakura, Kiba, Sai, Shino, Yamato and Hinata, were sent out to find Akatsuki member Itachi who would, in theory, lead them to Konoha's traitor Sasuke. Their mission was held up by another Akatsuki member, Tobi and it was soon revealed to the team of Sasuke's victory and Itachi's defeat. After the event Sasuke had fled and his location was unknown to anyone. Hinata Hyuuga now revelled in the fact that she had been assigned to one of the first missions Konoha had endured in a long time. The mission itself was not so much as exciting but the squad she had been assigned with that consisted of a certain spiky blonde headed ninja who could make her face slightly redden just from the thought of him, Naruto Uzumaki, her heart skipped a beat or two when she had learned that she would be with him on the mission for just under a month. She was also teamed with Kiba Inuzuka, the Dog Nin and Shino Aburame, the Insect Nin. This selection of teammates made her recall memories of previous missions that the squad members had been assigned together. Her first and most prominent memory made her blush deep crimson from head to toe as it was when Naruto caught her dancing naked by a waterfall about three years ago, though he hadn't recognised her the young Hyuuga Heiress and she still wasn't sure wether she had wanted him to. (A/N: Filler Episode 148) From then Hinata had remembered pushing herself to train harder and harder so she could make him recognise her and prove her worth. She finally had the chance to test and show-off her newly achieved strength as she whitewashed an entire colony of attacking wasps as well as their Queen and had collapsed only to be caught by Naruto. The last thing she remembered from that event was the sparkling of two cerulean spheres softly staring down at her, complemented with an adorable smile.
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Somewhere In Konoha
The cool breeze flowed between the buildings as the moon illuminated the roads and bathed the city in a silvery brightness. The sounds and movements of the city slowly retreated into the night as the cold air pressed into the metropolis. A dark silhouette of a person sitting with their legs crossed, on top of a large pillar that towered over most of the buildings, was all that remained in the silent darkness. Gradually a bright, red flame-like aura began to lap around him. Slowly the being opened his eyes to expose shades of colour that morphed between a dark red and a bright green, the pupils were a crosshatch of a black vertical slit and a horizontal slit. As the aura grew stronger it began to reveal an orange and black jumpsuit, blonde spiky hair that danced around like flames in the wind and the fanged smile of a devil. Kyuubi-Sage mode complete, Naruto thought. [Very good Kit], a deep growl infiltrated his mind, Naruto chuckled softly, Soon I will be able to control all your power Kyuubi, Naruto told his inner demon. [I have to say; you've come along way Kit. But what will you do with my power when you decide to use it? I wonder.] Naruto took no time to reply, you already know that I pledge myself to the village with all my power to protect it. I guess that means, in a way, that you, Kyuubi, will be making up for when you attacked Konoha 17 years ago. With that the boy leaped from the high pillar and landed softly on the ground, as he walked home the aura retreated within him and his eyes returned to their cerulean blue colour.
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Front Gates
The morning crept up quickly and the squad of four prepared themselves as they each left their homes to set off to the meeting point. Shino, Kiba and of course Akamaru were waiting by the gates of Konoha chatting to the Jonin guards at their stations when Naruto arrived. Sleepily he greeted them, "morning guys, its been a while since I've been on a mission with the members of team 8". They all nodded in agreement and moved to the middle of the road just outside the gates while they waited for their final teammate. Hinata watched them from a distance as she leaned against a wall too nervous to confront them. A hand rested on her shoulder and she let out a loud squeak that was shortly accompanied by a concerned voice.
"Don't tell me your gonna pull out now Hina-chan?" Ten Ten pushed her on, "you've been waiting to be with him, away from the village for ages and now your too scared to even stand next to him a few metres out site of the gates."
"Y-y-you know... I'm n-not good at... T-talking to h-him," Hinata forced out, "I just-"
"There you are Hinata!" a familiar voiced boomed from behind her, "You know we've all been waiting for you right?" Naruto was walking towards her and she felt her blood pumping harder and faster into her face and a bead of sweat break out on her forehead. But before she could step back she felt a forceful shove from behind push her out from the building,
"Go on Hinata," Ten Ten encouraged then she added," remember to breath".
"N-Naruto-k-kun..I umm..." She Started.
"Lets go Hinata", Naruto broke in, "Kiba and Shino want to get a head start so we can rest up a bit when we arrive there." Before Hinata had the chanced to answer Naruto had clamped his hand around hers, making her blush intensify, and was dragging the girl with him to join the others.
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On The Road
As they headed towards the Land of Waves, Naruto was deep into telling the group about the last time he had been there. Hinata was lost in her admiration towards him as she watched him from behind, she only zoned into the conversation every now and then as he told them about how Team 7 had to help and protect a Master Bridge Builder Tazuna-san and his Grandson Inari-kun while they worked to complete the construction of a bridge that connected them to the mainland. He told them of the great swordsman of the Mist Zabuza whose mission opposed theirs and how he had died at the hands of Gato when he disobeyed. Then he sighed when he recounted their teary depart as he promised Inari that he would come back to visit, that was 5 years ago. While the others made comments of astonishment Shino remained silent in his almost completely hooded coat, no doubt paying close attention to every aspect of the past event and details of the Land of Waves. After a few hours of travelling the team had set themselves out in formation, Kiba and Akamaru were scouting ahead while Naruto covered the rear. "S-Shino-kun", Hinata spoke softly.
"Hmm....What is it Hinata?" The tall furtive shinobi asked.
"I-I was just wondering. C-could you tell me why we are going t-to the Land of Waves again, I-umm wasn't quite paying attention during our brief?" she replied. She had berated herself when she had realised that she had lost focus in front of the Lady Hokage's brief and besides, little word was spoken through out the group as to what the point of reaching the land was.
"I-", Shino began before he was abruptly interrupted.
"Hinata! Shino! I have a question to ask." A loud voice erupted from behind them. Hinata blushed as Naruto stood beside her.
"Well if you were about to ask about what our objective is, I was just about to tell Hinata?" Shino stated, Trust Naruto to have already forgotten.
"I was only going to ask 'are we there yet' but anyway it was just an excuse for me to come and walk with you two because I was getting bored back there, at least Kiba has Akamaru." Naruto grinned sheepishly.
"Ok well, the Hokage gave direct orders to me and said that Team 8 are assigned to a mission where we are going to be accompanied with Naruto as Kurenai Sensei was put on leave so she could be with her baby. All she said is that we are to meet someone at the Great Bridge that links the island to the mainland, she also said that our team was chosen due to our tracking specialities." Shino paused letting it sink in to his listeners.
"But what abou-" Naruto began, looking across Hinata over to Shino.
"Technically, Naruto, you are supposed to be somewhat of a bodyguard to the group, all though you are more likely going to put us in danger than anyone else." Shino finished with a smirk, though it was impossible to see past his hood. Naruto winced a little as a mortified expression blew over his own face and replied with nothing more than a "Not funny" which astonished Shino because of the fact that the blonde didn't even put up a fight about it. He felt a small tug at his sleeve and looked up to stare into a soft pair of eyes.
"I-umm I believe in-in y-you Naruto-k-kun,” the girl shakily whispered. The blonde began to raise his hand but realised that he didn't really know what to do with it so he rested it on her shoulder.
"Arigato Hina-chan, you don't mind me calling you that do you?" She felt very unstable under the slight pressure on her shoulder or maybe it was all the blood rushing to her head as she heard him give her a nickname. She began to feel light and as her world darkened she could see the ground rising up to meet her, but it never came. Naruto had caught her and looked up to Shino for help, she was his teammate after all. The silent shinobi merely shook his head and before continuing to walk ahead.
"She'll come to in about ten or so, so just carry her until then. Make sure you give her some water too when she wakes." He advised The blonde shinobi looked down at the pale heiress resting on his arm, he raised his free hand to her forehead noting how smooth her milky skin was. His heart pounded in his chest as his fingertips trailed down her silky cheek until they pressed to the top of her neck as he safe-checked for a pulse. As he continued to examine her, his eyes caught on the steady rise and fall of her chest, he realised that he had never payed such close attention to a female before. Images bombarded his mind and he felt his face turn very red, he could have sworn that his nose began to bleed. He hooked his free arm under her legs and lifted her up bridal style, the Hyuuga stirred and her head curled into his chest. Turning around he took off to catch up with Shino. They walked on a little further and Naruto was starting to wonder what had become of the old village, what would it look like now? He remembered the rough conditions they we're living in due to Gato and his control over the people. He thought about Inari and tried to imagine how he had grown up, He'd be about 13-14 years old now, Thought Naruto, I wonder if he's become a strong protector of the village or something, he chuckled remembering how the little tyke had worked up his courage and brought all the villagers to help defend Team 7 and the village from the raid on the bridge.
"Shino-kun?" Naruto questioned, "Where did Kiba and Akamaru go?" as he realised that they we're nowhere to be seen.
"Hmm, they must have gone to scout further up ahead," Shino replied, "probably just seeing where their noses would take them".
She was warm, she couldn’t remember the last time when she was this relaxed and comfortable. Vaguely, she took note of the continual rocking feeling, she breathed in deeply, her nose twitched at the unexpected musk scent. Slowly it grew on her and she clung to it, when it seemed to clear away she took a deeper breath to catch it again. She rubbed her cheek on her rather hard pillow. * thud thud*, she reflexed her head away before relaxing again confused about the strange beating she pressed her ear back up on her pillow, * thud thud*. Hinata stirred in his arms and her eyes followed through by fluttering open. At first she tried to stretch out but realised that her movements were quite restricted, she turned her head only to push in to something and gasped loudly when she realised where she was. Jumping out of his arms suddenly caused her head to pound slightly. "Take it easy Hina-chan" Naruto smiled as he handed her a bottle of water, he was glad to see her fine and awake but had already begun to miss the warmth on his chest. "A-Arigato Naruto-kun" She whispered with a blush. A few minutes late the threesome heard someone up ahead calling out to them.
"HEY!!! HEY GUYS COME HERE!!!" Kiba's indistinctive voice was heard, and the group of three broke out into a run to see what the problem was. Naruto heard a jingle followed by a soft 'thud' and turned around to find that his tools had fallen out of his bag so he began to walk back and get them.
"Don't wait for me, just go see if Kiba is alright". After he shoved the weapons inside his pouch he tore off after them. As he caught up he saw the three of his teammates standing with their backs to him facing something, when he stood beside them he also stood in awe with his gaze on the plaque that arched over the start of the bridge.
"Well would you look at that, haven't seen this in years," Naruto said after a long silence.
"N-Na-Naruto..."Hinata started, "I-I didn't know you were f-f..amous."
"Hmm...The Great Naruto Bridge... I guess they named it after I helped finish its construction and saved the village from the overlord Gato." And with that Naruto felt someone wrap their arms tightly around his neck and the warmth return to his chest. The others blushed and looked away after witnessing more emotion than Hinata had ever shown in her life.
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The Great Naruto Bridge
Naruto stood, dumbfounded as Hinata’s grip on him loosened. She began to realise what she had just done and felt a panic, like a coiled spring, inside her. As he felt her retreat slowly his eyes locked on to hers and he watched as her own avoided his, occasionally connecting before darting off somewhere else. Eventually Naruto broke the awkward silence,
"Well at least we know we'd probably get a warm welcome," he laughed. The group began walking across the long bridge with Kiba and Naruto joking about being spoilt and pampered by the villagers who were in his debt, Naruto could not take his eyes off Hinata whenever she joined in, What’s wrong with you? Baka, he criticised himself, he was feeling something strange beginning to build inside of him but he didn't know what it was. He watched the young girl giggle for the first time in front of him as her long shiny hair was swept out into the breeze. Just then he took a knock to his side and called over his shoulder to the person responsible.
"Hey! Watch where your going kid!" and he turned back to face forward.
"N-Naruto?" Naruto froze. "Haha it is you Naruto!" a young energetic voice called out, "How could I miss that orange jumpsuit, what other shinobi wears clothes like yours?" Naruto turned around slowly.
"Inari?" he gasped just as he felt someone tackle him in his chest and wrap their arms around him. He looked down to find a young brown haired boy gazing wide-eyed back up at him wearing an easily recognisable faded yellow hat as well as a huge smile.
"I knew you'd be the one on this mission, I just knew it!" the boy puffed as he let go of the shinobi.
"Hey, its been a while," Naruto stated as he bent down to one knee, "you've grown a lot taller now Inari, and you've still got that hat". He added with a chuckle while patting him on the head.
"Haha, well I've got so many stories to tell you Naruto, since you've been gone I've been training real hard so I can protect the village, because as you already know we don't have any security like you shinobi." At that Inari stared behind Naruto to look at his teammates, "what happened to your other friends Naruto?" then the young boys eyes fell on Hinata and he immediately blushed and hid his face. Naruto recognised the blush and grinned,
"I also have many stories to tell you." He winked as Inari looked up to him, and with that Naruto stood back up, "But for now, me and my teammates have to wait to meet someone important here on the bridge."
"Well its a good thing I ran into you earlier," Inari beamed, "because that person is me." He finished pointing his thumb into his chest.
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The Land Of Waves
As they walked through the village Inari told the group about how the island had become a holiday paradise and now there where resorts and high classed hotels scattered all around. He led them down towards the edge of the village where Naruto immediately recognised the old house by the water, he stared out to the wharf as the memories of his visit flooded back to him. They walked through the front door of the house where they found his family sitting at the table in the kitchen,
"Grandpa!" Inari called as he ran up to him, "look who came back!" Naruto watched as the old man slowly got up out of his seat, the 5 years had aged him tremendously.
"Well, if it isn't that pipsqueak shinobi from all those years ago." The village elder coughed in his rough voice. He shook the shinobi's hand before easing himself back into his seat.
"Hmm...I must say that I didn't expect you to be here until tomorrow so," he looked over towards Inari, "Inari can you run off and tell Lady Hanoi that our guests have arrived early and tell her that Naruto has returned ok?" Inari grinned and tore off out the front door.
"Now," Tazuna continued, "I've already booked a reservation for two rooms for you guys at our most popular and highest rated hotel where all meals are free and waiting and..well..seeings this is an island...have spectacular ocean views." Before anyone could interject he added after noticing there expressions, "Don't worry about it, since you helped us complete the bridge we've had many travellers flock here for a break. Tourism has become the main aspect of wealth in this community and because of that the villagers know they owe a debt to me and in turn I owe a great dept to you and your friends, Naruto-kun." He paused to let it sink in, " Now, I'm sure your all exhausted from your journey but its not about to end, so I'll let you leave to choose what you will, whether you want to explore the village or settle down in your rooms. I'll explain your purpose of being here first thing tomorrow morning." As they walked down the street Hinata watched as the villagers waited by their stalls bartering to passing tourists and occasionally being successful in plucking some off the street where they would begin to browse through the shelves packed with interesting items like pearls and large shells with mirrors on their insides. She watched as beggars sat on the side of the road, some with their beady eyes watching their every movement and others that appeared to be passed out or sleeping. The group walked up the stairs and entered the door to the Hotel of Stars and made their way over to the receptionist.
"Ahh, your the visitors from Konoha I take it," The young woman behind the countered looked up at them, her dark brown hair was left to drape down past her shoulders and her hazel eyes caught sight of the spiky blonde headed boy before her, "N-Naruto!" Oh Kami!, Naruto thought, can anyone around here say my name without stuttering?! No offence Hinata... then he looked up. High on the wall behind her, where everyone could see it, even people on the street, was a large painting of his younger self in his orange jumpsuit with a kunai in his mouth pressing his hands together out in front of his body in the form of the 'boar' sign.
"I am Lady Honai, proprietor of this humble hotel that without your courageous efforts, all those years ago, I would not own and still serve under Gato's laws. Allow me to take you to your rooms," The young woman had jumped out of her seat and was bowing her head low before him, "I will gladly be of service to you in any way possible." She added with a devious grin. Naruto shifted on the spot, someone cleared their throat from behind him when he hadn't answered after a moment, "Uhh, no that won't be necessary," he scratched behind his head while holding a sheepish grin, "could you please just take us to our rooms?" Lady Honai stood up slightly offended but willingly took them to the top level of the manor to where a short hallway led to two doors.
"Ok here are your rooms, there is one for the boys and one for the lady," she paused, "unless you were planning on mixing it up a little." The four of them bowed their heads to cover up their blushes.
"And we call ourselves shinobi after failing to hide our embarrassment at a comment like that." Shino whispered in a sigh so that only his three teammates could hear him.
"Mhmm... Well that's about it. You may call for room service whenever you wish; Tazuna-san had insisted that he would cover for everything but I claimed that I had to pay for my debt to him somehow, so you are free to do and have whatever you like." She finished and left with a wink. Before they separated for their rooms Shino stood before them, “Ok everyone get a good nights sleep, we have a big day ahead of us.”
“Hai,” Hinata answered with a nod before sliding open the door to her room, she couldn’t bring herself, however, to walk in with taking one last look at the blonde. Turning slowly her eyes trailed along the timber floor until they fell upon a pair of feet with a familiar orange draping over them. But there was something strange about them; she could see the toes facing her instead of the heels… was he? Her breath hitched and she snapped her head up. He was looking straight at her with his head cocked slightly to the side.
“Are you ok Hina-Chan,” he asked with concern. She stiffened and stepped back for the ajar door, blindly reaching for the handle,
“H-Hai, A-Arigato Gozaimasu.” Finding the handle she swiftly pulled herself inside leaving the blonde alone in the hallway. Leaning against the back of the door she whispered, “Good night. Naruto-kun.”Cheers Till next time > Leaf > Out