Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Hinata's Secret Life ❯ The tournament ( Chapter 18 )

The tournament and Hanabi

 

The early morning sun was beginning to shine and fill the air with warmth as the group made their way to the tournament. Instead of having it at the academy, because of Gaara's arrival they made it at the stadium. Hinata noticed that the stadium didn't look too much different then when she was there for her Chounin exams. All the damage that was done years ago ha been fixed and you can't even tell anything happened. Malina and Ramen who had never been there before stared wide-eyed at the massive building before they were quickly ushered in. Naruto after setting the group in stands where they would be able to see the best took Ramen to register.

 

Leading Ramen and Kitsune to the registration table Naruto was shocked to see it was ran by his old teacher Iruka. With a big smile on his face Naruto lead Ramen to see his old teacher unaware that Iruka already knew about Ramen. “Hey Iruka-sensei, we are here to check in” Naruto said. “What's the matter sensei?” Naruto asked seeing Iruka's face whiten at the sight of Naruto and Ramen.

 

“I am so sorry Naruto I had no idea he was really your son.” Iruka said with his head bowed apologizing. Naruto was in shock because he didn't know Iruka had met his son, and why was he apologizing. While Iruka was upset that the one person he considered like a son to him, he insulted his child.

 

Ramen stepped forward and asked Iruka “Mr. Teacher do I still need a second person to back me to get into the academy. My Uncle Gaara is here and he would gladly do it.” Ramen had not knowing that the situation had been dealt with completely shocked Naruto as he began to put two and two together as to why Iruka was apologizing.

 

“No Ramen” said Iruka “you don't need a second backing you are free to begin at anytime. If you make your way into the room at the end of the hall, the testing will begin in a few minute. Do you have your ninja tools?” Seeing Ramen nod Iruka continued “then you are all set to go. Good Luck” he said as Ramen made his way into the room the Iruka had instructed.

 

Making sure that Ramen had left Naruto turned to Iruka and gave his a cold stare and asked “what the hell is going on? Why would my son need a second backing?”

 

Iruka seeing the said began talking “do you remember a few years back when all those women were trying to get there kids into the academy saying they were your kids to try to trap you into marriage because of it?” When Naruto agreed Iruka continued “Hokage-sama at that time had decided that in order for anyone to get into the academy you had to have her permission and second a backing of a family. It was decided that anyone trying to claim the Uzumaki name would need two backings to weed out the liars.” Iruka stopped and took a deep breathe before continuing “I swear I didn't recognize Hinata and Sasuke when they brought Ramen in, so when they went to register and Ramen gave his name as an Uzumaki, I thought it was another trick. It wasn't until after I had already stuck my foot in it did I realize that this wasn't a trick. By then they were pissed at me rightfully so. Sasuke gave him the backing of the Uchiha clan and Ramen said they could use the Kazekage for the second backing. I filled out the paperwork to allow Ramen to join, but after wards I had nicely gotten threatened because of the way I treated them. I had found out later that they were telling the truth but I swear if I knew Ramen existed this never would have happened. I am so sorry Naruto. I treated your child like that.” Iruka said with his head down filled with guilt.

 

Naruto thinking on this said “I understand why you did it and your reasoning, but I still don't like it. He is my son there is no denying that part, nor would I want to. I will forgive you Iruka because I know you didn't do it in malice, but it is not me you should apologize to, it's Hinata. So I suggest you do that at sometime. I don't want my child treated any differently than anyone else.” Naruto said before walking off and joining Hinata in the stands.

 

Meanwhile Ramen had practically skipped into the room with all the other participants, excited by his first day. What he wasn't expecting when he got there was Shikamaru in the middle of the room trying to keep fights from breaking out. Moving closer to the newly familiar person he soon saw that the other kids soon stopped talking and looked at him and Kitsune. Unsure of what to make of the situation Ramen said loudly “Hi I'm Ramen Uzumaki, nice to meet you.”

 

Some of the people went back to talking until a boy a little bigger then Ramen made his way over to him and gave him the once over taking in his shoes, shorts, ninja holster at his leg and dark orange shirt, before lifting his nose in the air saying “not even worth my time, or energy.” The boy turned around with his back facing Ramen said “trash like you isn't even worth my time” before making his way to the group on the other side of the room.

 

Before Ramen could even say anything a girl with black hair in pigtails wearing a long light green jacket that covered most of her face and sunglasses said “Don't worry about him. He thinks he's all high and mighty because of his name. If he knew the whole story of yours he wouldn't be able to say anything. By the way I'm Shuri Aburame, nice to meet you Ramen Uzumaki.” Shuri said holding out her hand.

 

Ramen seeing her hand shakes it and then says “hey Shuri you have a bug on your hand.”

 

Shuri said “oh that's nothing, my clan has control over bugs, and most live inside of me. You don't think it's gross do you?” Shuri asked hoping not to loose a friend.

 

Ramen said shaking his head no “that's cool I don't think we have any thing cool in our clan like that I should ask my dad. Oh yeah I almost forgot” Ramen said then motioned to Kitsune who was sitting at his feet resting “this is Kitsune, she's been with me for years. Everywhere I go, she goes. ” hearing a small cool from Shuri Ramen continued “I hope we can be friends” he asked shyly.

 

“I would like that Ramen” Shuri said confidently “not many people want to be my friend because they think my bugs are gross. I'm glad you don't though.”

 

Ramen then said with a laugh “it can't be any different then having a fox for a friend, right.” Ramen was happy he had finally made his first friend, and he figured he would do anything in his power to keep it that way. The monitor in the middle of the room then stood up and led the kids' single file out to the center of the stadium to begin the testing.

 

Meanwhile Tsunade had just stepped up to the podium to make an announcement. “People of Konoha” she started “it is my great pleasure to start the testing for the academy placements. This year you will find that we have been honored with the presence of the Kazekage from the Hidden Village of Sound for a visit, so please make his presence as enjoyable as possible for how you treat him reflects on all of Konoha. Without further ado let's meet this year' academy hopefuls.” She said as she sat down, signaling the kids to enter the arena.

 

“You know she really didn't need to let them know my presence here” Gaara said “luckily I didn't wear my robe or else we would be swamped by people just having to meet the Kazekage and all their `available' daughters.” Gaara said with a shiver, at the thought. “They are worse than fan girls.” He said making Sasuke, and Naruto get a shiver also. Unfortunately they had experience with fan girls and none of them pleasant.

 

They were about to start talking again when the students began to walk into the arena, following an examiner. Taking in his black ninja pants and fishnet shirt with his green Chounin jacket with his headband attached to it. Hinata followed it up to see a familiar smirk on his face with a cigarette in his mouth. Hearing Temari gasp and say Shikamaru, Hinata knew it was him. Although he had changed over the years, he looked older more mature. His former hair was no longer looking like a pineapple on the back of his head. Instead it looked straightened and flowing down his back. Hinata had to admit it was a good look for him.

 

Shikamaru explained to the crowd that first they were going to test the students on their kunai, stars and shuriken throwing experience. Taking the kids to a group of posts that had targets on them, the lined each student up with a post. Making sure the judges were in place they then gave each student hopeful three of each weapons to throw at the post. The kids began throwing and soon there were only two people who had not missed a target. One was Ramen and the other was the boy who picked on him. Each taking a shuriken then began throwing them at the targets to see who was better. On the last shot the other kid missed while Ramen's hit.

 

“That kid has some of the best aim I've seen in years” Said a woman in an ANBU uniform, minus the mask. Hinata hearing this looked up at the woman standing next to her with long flowing brown hair partially held up by buns on the sides.

 

Hinata only knew one person who ever wore their hair in buns, so she asked “TenTen?”

 

Sitting down the other woman with warm brown eyes said “in the flesh, it's been years Hinata.”

 

“Yes, yes it has” Hinata said keeping her eyes on the tournament “what have you been up to lately?” The kids were then moved to a different part of the arena where they had to run around and jump over obstacles.

 

“Let's see” said TenTen “I've made ANBU with Lee and Neji. Got engaged the other day and heard I had you to thank for it, and guarded Hanabi so she could heal from her sealing, which again from what I understand I have you to thank for.” Watching the kid run and dodge she then saw a little boy pulling ahead with a fox matching him step for step. “Hey who is that boy I've never seen him before. He's really good.”

 

“The boy with the fox is my son Ramen; I'm surprised Neji didn't tell you about him, especially since he lost to him at goldfish the other day. Now why are you thanking me for getting engaged? I didn't propose to you, and I'm glad I was able to help Hanabi.” Hinata asked the woman sitting next to her.

 

“Neji said you had a son, but he didn't tell me anything else. Knowing him it was most likely because he hates to loose, even at a card game and yet he lost to a little boy that's hilarious. What I mean is when you removed Neji's seal it freed him making him able to marry me. No one in the Hyuuga knows the seal is gone and his forehead protector still covers the area so they won't be able to activate the seal if he is with me. You gave him a future, and I am glad.” TenTen said with a huge smile. “Hanabi is here hiding watching the tournament. She will speak with you afterwards, to let you know what is going on. I need to go and find someone for Naruto so I shall return. It was good to see you Hinata.” TenTen said standing up before disappearing.

 

When all the participants had finished the race they began the fighting part of the tournament. Taking in that Ramen came in first, but barely on the race they had decided to place the top four against each other. The first fight was announced as Shuri Aburame against Amelia Yoshiko. Hearing the name Aburame Hinata head towards Naruto and asked “is that Shino's kid?”

 

Kissing Hinata on the head Naruto looked around until he came across someone who looked with Shino sitting with a group of people. Pointing them out Naruto said “if she isn't then she at least is family. That's him over there.” Watching the match Shuri had beaten Amelia easily, because Amelia forfeited instead of fighting. Apparently she couldn't handle the bugs.

 

Declaring Shuri the winner Shikamaru then announced the next tournament between Ramen Uzumaki and Hiro Hyuuga. `Oh shit' thought Hinata `hopefully if we're lucky he's from a branch family, and the main family isn't here'. Looking around Hinata soon realized her worst fears came true for a few rows over was her father sitting by a strange lady, surrounded by Hyuuga's. `Oh God this can't be good.' Thought Hinata as the fight in the arena began.

Shikamaru yelled begin and both boys got into a fighting stance. The boy who had previously picked on Ramen said “you shall see there is no greater clan than the Hyuuga's. I can beat you without using my bloodline.” Hiro said as he went to attack Ramen using taijitsu. Ramen skillfully blocked and dodged every attack while occasionally trying to attack on his own. Hiro carefully tried to break Ramen's defense before feeling him self begin to tire out. `He thinks this is all I can do' thought Hiro `this puny kid is going to know the true meaning of pain. No one can match a Hyuuga in combat' thought Hiro before moving his hands in a series of seals before yelling “Byukken”, and standing in the Gentle Fist style stance.

 

Ramen then thought `If he can use that attack, then so can I'. Ramen brought his right hand in front of his face with his second and third fingers pointing up before closing his eyes. Gathering chakra in his eyes he then yelled “Byukken” turning his eyes to a pale blue. Seeing his opponents eyes widen at the thought of him using Byukken Ramen quickly got into a stance that he was taught to counter any Gentle Fist style.

 

Hiro mad that someone outside of a Hyuuga dared to achieve his sacred bloodline rushed to attack Ramen aiming for his heart to stop him instantly. Ramen seeing the attack pushed it out of the way and brought up his other hand to attack. Hiro went to block Ramen's other hand and felt a sharp pain in his hand. Thinking he hit Ramen really hard, which is why it stung he began to attack harder, only to have Ramen block him blow by blow. Within minutes Hiro was breathing hard and found it harder and harder to move his arms to attack or block, Ramen stood up and told Shikamaru “I win, he won't be able to use his arms for a while and if he tries he will only be in more or more pain.” Shikamaru seeing that this was true declared Ramen the winner.

 

Up in the stands Hiashi sat and thought `so that demon spawn can use Byukken can he. We will just have to take care of that won't we? I will not have our family associated with demons.'

 

Upon hearing that Ramen had won his family, minus Malina and Yuki, jumped down into the arena to give him hugs. Before they could get there though Ramen went to Shuri and congratulated her on her win. Hearing his family running and cheering towards him he grabbed Shuri's arm and led her to his family to introduce his new friend.

 

“Ramen I'm so proud of you” gushed Hinata but before she could give him a hug she saw his hand on the girls arm “so who is this nice girl?” she asked.

 

“This is my new friend Shuri” Ramen said happily. Looking to Shuri he said “Shuri this is my family.” Shuri took in the group and saw that they didn't look related at all, but you could see the love for Ramen in their eyes.

 

“Shuri!” was yelled from outside the group. Shuri hearing her name and recognizing the voice of her father said “I'm over here daddy” before raising an arm signaling where she was located.

 

Her father walked over in a giant coat that covered his face more so than Shuri's with bigger glasses. His jacket was a deep green that reached down past his knees. On top of his head he had a giant black afro that was standing a good ten inches high. Walking up to his daughter he soon took in the people surrounding them. He saw the Kazekage of Sand and his sister. Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, some lady with a baby and a tall long-haired woman with her back towards him talking to the lady with the baby. Standing next to Shuri he asked “Shuri who is your friend, here?” he said motioning to Ramen.

 

“Hi Shuri's dad, nice to meet you” Ramen said cheerfully “I'm Ramen Uzumaki.” Raising an eyebrow at the name Shuri's dad looked at Naruto who in turned nodded that his name was correct.

 

“That's quite interesting” Shino said noting that he had to ask Naruto when this happen. “So young man where did you learn to use the Byukken, last I knew only people with it in their bloodline can use that attack.”

 

Ramen's face moved in confusion thinking it over said “I don't know what you mean. I was born with it I guess. My mom uses it also. Right mommy” said Ramen turning to his mom.

 

The dark haired lady turned around and looked at Ramen with her soft lavender eyes “What was the question sweetie? Sorry mommy was talking to Aunt Malina” she asked her son with a smile on her face.

 

“Hinata?” said the man that was Shuri's father.

 

“Shino?” asked Hinata “it's good to see you. How have you been?” Hinata asked genuinely for she really missed her old teammate.

 

“Good I see you met my daughter Shuri, we really should catch up. How about I get the old group together later tonight say eight at the Jounin club and yes kids are allowed?” Shino asked.

 

Looking at the others seeing they thought it was a great idea she said “that sounds great. We shall meet you there at eight tonight. It was great seeing you Shino.”

 

“You also Hinata” turning to Shuri he said “come on Shuri, we have stuff to do, don't worry you will see Ramen later.” With a bye from Shuri and a wave she and Shino walked off.

 

Seeing that most of the people there had left already the group proceeded to go and see Tsunade and Shikamaru to find out about Ramen's placement. Naruto and Hinata slowly made their way to the back of the group where he laced his fingers with hers. Smiling a small smile he said “I knew he's been trained in how to be a ninja but I wasn't expecting him to be that good. What happened?”

 

Hinata smiled and said “when he was younger I told him about how great of a ninja his dad was and since then he wanted to train. By the age of two he could activate his Byukken, which I never expected since he has your blue eyes. At that age of three we received the summoning scroll. I was shocked to say the least that he was able to do it him self. I knew he had a lot of chakra but not that much. I figured he had better learn to control that chakra and his abilities so that if for some reason I'm not there he can protect him self.”

 

“At that point we worked on chakra control by walking up trees and on water. When Itachi visited he helped train him in the throwing of weapons, and attack planning. The running he learned by having to run after playing pranks on someone.” Hinata stated. Seeing that Naruto was listening she said “as he got older we worked on his jitsus as he seemed to want to learn everything he could, but he had to learn in secret. He did go to school until last year, but unfortunately he really didn't have any friends. Either the kids were scared of Kitsune or there parents didn't want them associating with us because of me. I tried to give him as normal a childhood that I could but it didn't seem to work. So I am glad he made a friend, for the first time in his life he has a friend, his own age.”

 

“You've done good raising him Hinata” Naruto said kissing her on the top of the head “don't ever think you didn't. You trained him just like he wanted, and I couldn't be prouder of him. Hell I would have been proud even if he lost but he didn't.” Naruto said as they entered the corridor leading to the meeting area.

 

“He never should have activated his Byukken” said a voice from behind them “now Father will be after him.” Hinata whirled around to see Hanabi standing there. She had changed to Hinata. Her hair was still short, but she was taller and her body was fuller. Not as tall or as full as Hinata's but not flat either. She had her leaf symbol of her forehead covering where her seal once was.

 

“What do you mean Hanabi?” Hinata asked looking shocked at hearing Hiashi would be after Ramen.

 

“You seen the kid he fought against right?” Hanabi asked.

 

“Yes but what does that have to do with anything?” Hinata asked still not getting the whole picture.

 

“Hiro Hyuuga is the heir to the clan and fathers third child. A year after you left I found out father was sleeping with a woman from the branch family. When she became pregnant he married her, and soon they had Hiro. Father figured you would be killed on the mission so that made me heir. When you came back he officially disowned you and a few days later me also. Because he considered you weak he didn't put the seal on you, and didn't think Ramen was a threat. Now he knows he can use the Byukken, I would keep a close eye on him. I'll see you tonight at the party; I would love to meet my nephew. We have much to catch up on, and I look forward to it.” Hanabi said before walking into the shadows.

“I didn't know my father thought I was so weak that I would just die on my mission” Hinata said sadly “did anyone ever have any faith in me? I may not be the strongest ninja there is, but I like to think I don't need to be protected all the time either. You know what I mean.”

 

Naruto turned and pulled Hinata into an embrace holding her close “to me you were never weak. You have always been one of the strongest people I have ever met. I had never had anyone stand behind me the way you have and while I know for a fact you don't need anyone to protect you. I want to. I want to keep you safe and with me always Hinata because I love you and without you I'm nothing.”

 

“Do you really mean that Naruto” Hinata asked with a small smile on her face. He didn't see her as weak but only wanted to protect her because he loved her. Tears of happiness slowly started to fall from her eyes.

 

“Yes I really mean that” Naruto said holding both sides of Hinata's face lifting it up to see into her eyes while using his thumbs to wipe away her tears. “Hinata” Naruto started kind of shyly “it's true I love you and without you I am nothing. I want to protect you and Ramen with my life so Hinata.” Naruto said taking a deep breath “will you marry me? There is no one I would rather spend the rest of my life with. You are the one I want to come home to; you are the one I can't live without. So please marry me.”

 

“Always” Hinata said with more tears flowing down her face “I have always wanted to marry you and to be with you. There has never been anyone else for me and there never will be. I love you Naruto.” Hinata said bringing up her right hand and putting it on Naruto's and stood up on her toes bringing her lips to his. Returning the kiss Naruto wrapped one arm around her waist and bringing his other to his pants pocket here he pulled out an object. Without breaking the kiss he placed is on Hinata's left hand, ring finger. Breaking the kiss Hinata pulled her hand up to see the ring Naruto had placed on it. It was beautiful diamond that looked like it was light lavender, with a band that looked like it was a curled up nine-tailed fox making the band, with a small red ruby that looked like it flowed with chakra at the end of each tail surrounding the diamond. Gasping at the detail in the ring Hinata said “it's beautiful, where on earth did you get it?”

 

Naruto said “glad you like it; I designed it just for you.” Kissing Hinata lightly on the forehead Naruto said “come on the others are waiting for us.”

 

Reaching down to give her another small kiss in the lips they were soon interrupted when Sasuke interrupted “Can you guys not do that in a public place? The others are coming and I doubt they want to see that.” He said mentioning the kiss he walked in on “Tsunade said the results will be given at the party tonight, so everyone is headed towards the house to get ready. See you guys later.” Sasuke said before continuing down the hall leaving Hinata and Naruto there.

 

“I guess we should start heading to the house then huh.” Naruto said softly “I figure if we walk slow enough they should be able to catch up with us. What do you say?”

 

Wrapping her arms around Naruto's waist leaning her head on his shoulder Hinata said “I think that's a wonderful idea, even though I'm not ready to let go of you yet.”

 

Putting his arm around Hinata's shoulder pulling her close Naruto began walking them out of the stadium saying “you will never have to.”

 

In another part of town someone was thinking `that kid will pay for making a fool of us.'