Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath ❯ Naruto's Decision ( Chapter 10 )

Chapter 10 Summary: As Hinata finally reveals her feelings to Naruto, he must decide whether to accept or reject them. His choice will not only affect his life, but also the lives of Hinata and Sakura as well.

 

Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath

 

Chapter 10: “Naruto's Decision”

 

“Naruto, we need to talk.”

 

“Um, ok Hinata? What's up?” Naruto nervously replies to the Hyuga princess.

 

Hinata stared for a moment at the boy she loved, before bursting into tears and throwing her arms around him to hug him as tightly she could while she buried her head into his shoulder and weeping said.

 

“Oh Naruto, I was so scared when I saw you earlier, all that blood and the doctors talking about you dying. Please Naruto, don't ever frighten me like that again. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you.”

 

Naruto suddenly felt extremely guilty for scolding this girl who had saved his life not once but twice in the past several days. Hearing her voice echo with concern and seeing tears over his well being, he knew right then and there he'd rather face a thousand enemy ninja's than see and hear Hinata like this again. As he stroked her hair and continued to hold this girl in his arms, he began to say with remorse.

 

“Please don't cry Hinata, I'm alright. You saved me again, I'm sorry I got mad at you. I didn't mean it; I just don't want to see you get hurt. I don't ever want anything bad to happen to you Hinata, not over me. Please stop crying and look at me, I really am sorry, believe it.”

 

Hinata reluctantly began to loosen her embrace on Naruto, even though she loved the feeling of him being so close to her. She sniffled once and tried to wipe the tears out of her eyes before looking up into his face and saying.

 

“I, I, believe you Naruto. You don't have to be sorry about anything. I'm just relieved that you're ok.” Hinata then smiled for the first time since Naruto's near death.

 

Naruto looked at the girl sitting across from him and began to notice for the first time how truly beautiful she is and how very lucky he was to have her in his life. He returned Hinata's smile with his own trademark grin before asking Hinata a question.

 

“Hinata, why did you kiss me?”

 

Hinata began to blush profusely at Naruto's inquiry, before softly stammering an answer.

 

“I, I. kissed you for two reasons Naruto. The first reason is that it seemed a good way to keep you quiet while you were talking. The second reason is be, because I wanted too.”

 

“You, you wanted too? But why?” Naruto stutters.

 

“Why, because I like you Naruto.” Hinata replies.

 

“I, I, like you too Hinata.” Naruto says, not understanding yet what Hinata is trying to tell him.

 

“No Naruto, I like, like you.” Hinata replies.

 

“I'm not sure I understand Hinata? You mean like boyfriend girlfriend like?” Naruto asks.

 

“Y, yes, Naruto, like boyfriend girlfriend. Did, did, you ever think about us like that Naruto” Hinata anxiously stammers with hope in her voice.

 

“No, I never thought about us that way.” Naruto absently replies.

 

“Oh.” Hinata softly says her voice now tinged with sadness. Hinata feels her heart breaking as she slowly begins to rise to leave.

 

Naruto immediately saw the pain and disappointment on Hinata's face and realized he had inadvertently hurt her. He sat up in bed and grabbed her hand to stop her from leaving before saying.

 

“Hinata please don't go. You don't understand. Please sit down let me explain.”

 

Hinata paused a moment as she held Naruto's hand, unsure of what to do? Finally, much to the relief of Naruto, she slowly sat back down and waited to hear what Naruto was going to say.

 

Naruto took a deep breath, before trying to explain what he meant in his response. He nervously began to speak and hoped he was smart enough to convey to Hinata what he felt inside.

 

“I'm, I'm sorry Hinata. I didn't mean to hurt you. I, I, never thought about us like that, because I never in my wildest dreams believed a girl like you would ever want a guy like me. In my mind, that just seemed crazy.”

 

“What, what do you mean, a girl like me?” Hinata asks.

 

“C'mon Hinata, you know what I mean. You're kind and smart and beautiful, not to mention you're also a princess of one of the most powerful clans in Konoha. Why would I ever think that a girl as classy and as special as you would have anything to do with a loser like me?” Naruto dejectedly says while looking down towards the ground.

 

“Naruto, how can you say that about yourself. You are not a loser! That's Sakura and Sasuke talking. You're one of the bravest and strongest Shinobi we have in this village. You've saved all of us countless times. You save us everyday by keeping the Kyuubi at bay. You're also kind and loyal and always willing to help those in need. Your nindo is both honorable and noble and you give confidence to those around you. I know you do with me. In my opinion, that doesn't make you a loser. I swear Naruto, if I ever hear you say something as dumb as that again, I may have to hit you.” Hinata quickly responds, annoyed at Naruto's assessment of himself.

 

Naruto was taken aback by the Hyuga girl's response. He never before had anyone defend him as vehemently as she just had. He stared at Hinata not quite sure of what to say, before he finally asks.

 

“You, you really believe all of that Hinata?”

 

“Of course I believe it Naruto, and I mean every word. Everything I've said to you is true whether you believe it or not.” Hinata replies.

 

I believe you Hinata, you're too nice to lie to me.” Naruto answers back.

 

“So you see, it's not so crazy that a girl like me as you put it, would care about you.” Hinata softly says.

 

“You really do care about me don't you?” Naruto says as he squeezes her hand.

 

Ye, yes, Naruto, I care about you a lot.” Hinata lovingly stammers blushing slightly as she also squeezes Naruto's hand.

 

Needless to say, Naruto was shocked that a girl like Hinata would truly care about him. He thought back to all the times in the past he had been around her, and those memories made him angry with himself. How could he not have seen or known how she felt right in front of his eyes. Naruto couldn't understand why this wonderful girl would care about him so deeply, when he had failed to notice her time and time again. He looked down, as tears began welling up in his eyes. Hinata saw this and concerned asked him.

 

“What's wrong Naruto? Why are you sad?”

 

“I, I, just don't understand Hinata? Why? Why would you care about me so much? I'm such a fool! I never saw or knew how you felt. Why would you want to be with someone as dense as me? I was no different with you, than Sakura was with me. I ignored you and didn't even realize I was doing it. I'm no better than Sakura; in fact I'm worse!” Naruto said in a choked voice looking up before a hand slapped him across his face. And an angry Hyuga princess began to say.

 

“How dare you say something like that Naruto!”

 

“You, you hit me Hinata? Naruto says stuttering and rubbing his cheek.

 

“I warned you I would if you said anything dumb about yourself again!” Hinata angrily replied, as she stood over Naruto by his bed and continued.

 

“I can't believe you would say that about yourself! You've never abused, insulted or treated me badly in anyway. You didn't purposely ignore me! I never expressed to you how I felt because I was always nervous and shy around you. But that wasn't your fault but mine. When you did talk to me, you were always friendly and kind and caring. You never treated me like I was nothing. Not like Sakura did to you.”

 

“Hinata.” Naruto meekly says.

 

“Quiet Naruto, I'm not done yet. I'm so angry with you right now for saying something like that, I can barely think. Did you not hear anything I've said to you?”

 

“Hinata!” Naruto says a little louder.

 

“I said be quiet Naruto, I'm doing the talking right now!” Hinata sternly replied.

 

Suddenly, Naruto couldn't take it anymore and grabbed Hinata before she could say anything else and kissed her as fiercely as she had him, if not more. Hinata's eyes suddenly grew wide at this action and her body went rigid for a moment, before succumbing to the wonderful sensations she was feeling and began kissing him back passionately. After a blissful minute, Naruto slowly pulled away and a breathless Hinata looked into his eyes and asked.

 

“Why, why did you kiss me Naruto?”

 

“I kissed you for three reasons Hinata. The first reason, like you is that it seemed a good way to keep you quiet while you were talking. The second reason is because I wanted too.”

 

“What, What is the third reason Naruto?” Hinata asks.

 

“Well, it's not really a reason but more of a request I guess.” Naruto replies.

 

“What would that be Naruto?” Hinata says.

 

“I want to kiss you some more, a lot more” Naruto sheepishly answers and blushing looks into Hinata's eyes waiting for a response.

 

It took all of Hinata's self control to keep from fainting upon hearing Naruto's request, before smiling as her heart was filled with joy and quietly said.

 

“O, ok.”

 

This time Naruto lovingly wrapped his arms around Hinata, and she returned his embrace as they kissed once more. Each moaning the others name in unison as they truly kissed one another for the first time.

 

Outside the room, a certain pink haired kunoichi had heard the majority of Naruto and Hinata's conversation. Gai Maito's legendary speed had lived up to its reputation and Sakura had arrived at the hospital a mere couple of minutes after Hinata had. The Medic Nin on duty had reversed the chakra point that had been struck on Sakura, but told her to wait, as full sensation would not be restored for a while. While waiting, she saw Ino, Shikamaru, and Chouji walk by and overheard Ino saying.

 

“Geez guys, I've never seen Hinata act like that! She was almost scary!”

 

“What do you mean almost! Do you think Naruto will be alright?” Chouji asks.

 

“Of course he'll be alright Chouji. Hinata loves Naruto. She wouldn't do anything to hurt him, not like Sakura!” Ino replied, as Team #10 rounded the corner of the hallway and disappeared.

 

Sakura whole body bristled at Ino's last statement. However, she wanted see Naruto and make sure he was ok, and maybe try to salvage anything that was left of their relationship. Slowly she left the medical office and shuffled her way towards Naurto's room. When she got there, she froze when she heard Naruto ask.

 

“Hinata, why did you kiss me?”

 

The rest of the conversation had been nothing more than an affirmation of what Sakura already knew. When she peeked her head around the doorway and saw Naruto and Hinata engaged in a passionate kiss, her heart and mind finally shattered. She knew at that moment that she had lost Naruto as a teammate, as a friend, and as a possible love. In short, she had lost him completely. As much as she wanted to cry out in grief, she found she had no voice left, and no more tears to give. All she could do was slowly walk away and reflect on what could have been.

 

As Naruto and Hinata got to know one another a little bit better. Tsunade and Kurenai were slowly but surely finishing off a very fine bottle of sake. Kurenai recognized the bottle she and the Hokage had been drinking from as the one she had given to Kakashi. She thought about it a moment and decided that complimenting Tsunade on it might be a way to find out about Kakashi's whereabouts.

 

“This is a very good vintage of sake Lady Tsunade, you have excellent taste.”

 

“Thank you Kurenai, I wish I could take credit for it. I got this from Kakashi as an apology for his drunken melee a while ago. Pretty smart of him I must say. I was ready to put him through a wringer that day, but he was so polite and spoke so sincerely about Naruto, that I couldn't go through with it. Plus, between you and me I've always secretly suspected that he's a hottie underneath that mask of his. I wouldn't mind seeing what he's got under there and having a taste of that as well” Tsunade says while laughing and pouring herself another drink.

 

`You have no idea.' Kurenai silently thought to herself, as her mind travels back to the night she and Kakashi kissed. After a pause, she snaps out of her revelry and cautiously says.

 

“Speaking of Kakashi, I haven't seen him since then Lady Tsunade. Do you know where he is?”

 

“Kawashi, er, I mean Kakashi, yeah I had to send him out on a very important mission.” Tsunade answered slightly slurring.

 

“Important mission?” Kurenai says. “Nothing too dangerous I hope.” Her voice edged with concern.

 

“I really don't know? I've been getting some rather disturbing reports about Orochimaru, Sasuke, and the Akatsuki. But its all been rumor and conjecture, so I sent him out to see if he could find out anything more substantial. I won't lie to you; it could be very dangerous when dealing with that motley assortment of characters. But I can't think of anyone better who could handle themselves against whatever is thrown at him than Kakashi. So, I wouldn't worry too much. Why do you ask Kurenai? Is something going on between the two of you?” Tsunade asks the Jounin kunoichi.

 

Kurenai began to blush slightly, and shifted in her chair upon hearing the Hokage's question, before quickly stammering a reply.

 

“N, no, Hokage-Sama. There's nothing going on between us. He, he's just a friend and I was just concerned because I hadn't seen him in awhile.”

 

Tsunade noticed the blush in Kurenai's face and change in her demeanor. She had made her remark of “something going on between the two of you?” as an innocent joke. Now she was beginning to wonder if something was going on between them? After thinking about it a moment, she laughingly brushed it off in her mind and began pouring another drink. When it came to men, Kurenai was well known as the “Ice Queen of Konoha.” The idea of her and Kakashi just seemed to absurd to consider. After downing another drink, Tsunade put her cup down and said.

 

“Well Kurenai, should we go check on Naruto and Hinata right now?”

 

Kurenai looked up at the clock and said.

 

“Let's give Hinata another hour before we check on them Hokage-Sama. I want to give her ample time to tell Naruto how she feels.”

 

“Yeah knowing Naruto, she'll have to spell it out for him in big bold letters before my grandson would figure it out.” Tsunade absently says, as she downs another cup of sake.

 

“Grandson, Lady Tsunade??” Kurenai remarks.

 

Now it was Tsunade's turn to blush slightly and squirm in her chair upon realizing her slip of the tongue before nervously answering.

 

“Grandson, grandson, did I say that? I, I, meant Naruto. I guess I sort of look upon Naruto as a grandson, if, if I had one you know.”

 

As Kurenai watched the Hokage quickly pour and down another drink, she pondered Tsunade's reply. For the first time, she noticed that there were similarities between Naruto and Tsunade. The most obvious being that both had blonde hair, and a hair trigger temper. Kurenai also remembered that while the woman across from her appeared no older than herself. In actually, her true age could conceivably make her a grandmother. Finally, Kurenai shook off the notion of Tsunade and Naruto relations. The whole idea seemed too preposterous to even consider. However, as she extended her cup to get another drink, a small remnant of the thought would not budge from the back of her mind.

 

As Kurenai was musing over Naruto's heritage, her student Hinata was loss in a world of rapture as Naruto held her in his arms. She had always fantasized what it would be like to hold and kiss Naruto. Now that it was a reality, it was far better than anything she had ever imagined. As much as she never wanted it to end, she began to feel very tired and light headed, as she began to collapse in his arms. Naruto felt her swoon and using all the strength he had left, as he too was feeling very weak eased her down into the chair by his bed and in a voice teeming with concern asked.

 

“Hinata, what's wrong? Are you alright?”

 

“Yes Naruto, I'm alright. I guess I'm just weakened by the all the chakra I used earlier. Please don't worry I just need some rest. I'll be fine in awhile.” Hinata replies softly.

 

“I'll always worry about you my ritoru hana (little flower) it's just my nature, believe it.” Naruto says with care.

 

Hinata began to blush at Naruto's pet name for her. As she placed her hand on his cheek and stroked his face, she said.

 

“Naruto, that is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

 

“Well I mean every word, believe it! In fact I almost forgot! I haven't given you your flower yet today!” Naruto exclaimed, as he reached for the flowers on the side table Hinata had given him to put one in her hair. It had become a private ritual between the two during Hinata's daily visits, one that she secretly loved because it always ended with a kiss on the cheek afterwards. However, this time it wouldn't be a mere kiss on the cheek as Naruto leaned forward once more to kiss his new found love on the mouth. Once again, as they kissed each moaned the others name before fatigue claimed them both and they slumped down. Hinata was the first to speak afterwards.

 

“Naruto, I think you need some rest?

 

“You too Hinata, but I don't want you to leave.” Naruto replied weakly.

 

“I won't leave Naruto, I promise.” Hinata said as she laid her head against his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his as if hugging a pillow.

 

As sleep began to overtake them both, Hinata was the first to go. As Naruto stared at the Hyuga princess with drooping eyes, he heard her softly murmur “My Naru-Kun,” and clutch her arms around his a little tighter. Naruto smiled upon hearing this and for the first time in as long as he could remember, he drifted off to sleep with a feeling peace and love that he had never experienced before.

 

A little more than an hour later, Lady Tsunade and Kurenai slowly stumbled their way down the hallway towards Naruto's room. They had stopped off first to get the report on Naruto's condition and speak to the lead Medic Nin who had helped in saving Naruto's life earlier. After that, as they made their way towards Naruto's room, both of them silently wondered what they would find when they got there. Kurenai prayed that Hinata had finally gathered the courage to tell Naruto how she felt about him. Tsunade hoped that her grandson would see how much Hinata cared about him and be smart enough to accept it. Something she herself hadn't been able to see and do with Jiraiya in her own life. She didn't want Hinata to go through what Jiraya obviously had in his life. When they reached the door and opened it, the sight of Hinata curled around Naruto's arm and both of them asleep peacefully with contented smiles on their faces, nearly brought them to tears. After taking a moment to gather themselves, Kurenai spoke first and whispered.

 

“Should we disturb them Lady Tsunade? They both look so at peace.”

 

“They really do don't they.” Tsunade whispered back. “As much as I hate to wake them, I really should check on Naruto's wound, even if the Medic Nin said that Hinata did an excellent job.”

 

“Ahem!” Tsunade coughs.

 

Hinata begins to stir slightly, but there is no movement on Naruto's part yet.

 

“Ahem!!” Tsunade coughs a little louder.

 

This time, Hinata begins to slowly rub her eyes and to look about the room before her eyes fall upon Tsunade and Kurenai standing in the doorway. Like being shot out of a cannon, she abruptly let's go of Naruto and quickly stands, her face turning red as she nervously begins to bow and stammer.

 

“Ho, Hokage-Sama, Kur, Kurenai Sensei, welcome. How, how may I help you.”

 

Naruto feeling the loss of Hinata on his arm begins to stir and groggily sits up while calling out.

 

“Hinata, what happened, where are you?”

 

“It's alright Naruto, I'm still here. Please wake up. You have some visitors.” Hinata replies while taking his hand into her own.

 

Naruto shakes his head to loosen the cobwebs and looks around before his gaze falls upon the Hokage in the doorway.

 

“Oh geez Hinata, it's only baa-chan (granny) Tsunade. The way you were talking, I thought it was somebody important” Naruto groans, as he flops back down into his bed.

 

Kurenai being slightly inebriated, couldn't stifle her giggle at Naruto's remark before a cold glare from the Hokage made her tremble a bit. Tsunade for her part turned her attention back to Naruto and grinding her teeth was about to let loose with a torrent of obscenities toward him when Hinata's voice suddenly rang out.

 

“Naruto, that's not nice! That is the Hokage, be respectful! You apologize right now!”

 

“Huh, what, your kidding right Hinata?” Naruto asks while sitting back up.

 

“No Naruto, I'm not kidding! You apologize to Lady Tsunade.” Hinata sternly replies.

 

“C'mon Hinata, don't make me do this.” Naruto pleads.

 

“I mean it Naruto! Right now!” Hinata says with authority.

 

“Grrrrrrrrrr, ok fine! I'm sorry Hokage Tsunade, please forgive my rudeness.” Naruto says with penitence through clenched teeth. He then looks to Hinata for approval and she nods her head slightly and squeezes his hand.

 

Tsunade, absolutely floored by this series of events, turns to Kurenai and whispers.

 

“Oh I am liking this girl more and more, Kurenai.”

 

She turns back to Naruto and Hinata and knowing this will drive Naruto up the wall says.

 

“Thank you for your greeting Hinata, and I accept your apology Naruto. You could learn a lot from this girl on how to speak to your elders if you're smart enough to listen.”

 

Naruto could only glare at the Hokage while slowly grinding his teeth before he says.

 

“Why are you here baa, I mean Lady Tsunade. If you're here to see me I'm fine.”

 

“Who says I'm here to see you brat! Maybe I'm here to see the first born and future head of the Hyuga clan, and a personal friend of the Hokage.” Tsunade scoffs causing a slight yelp to be uttered by Hinata as she remembered what she had said to the doctor earlier that day.

 

As Hinata quickly looked down and began to chew on her lower lip nervously, Tsunade saw the apprehension in her and quietly said.

 

“Hinata, please come here.”

 

As the Hyuga princess slowly walked over to the Hokage, Tsunade knelt down on one knee and hugged Hinata much to the surprise of everyone including Hinata herself and said.

 

“Hinata, I'm not upset about what you said. In fact I would be honored and very happy to be your friend.”

 

After the initial shock wore off, Hinata returned Tsunade's embrace and replied.

 

“Th, thank you Lady Tsunade, I too would like that very much.”

 

After a moment they both released one another and Tsunade still kneeling in front of the girl, said.

 

“However, that being said, I can't have you punching out other Shinobi whenever you feel like it Hinata without some sort of punishment.”

 

“Huh? Hinata, you hit somebody?” Naruto curiously asks.

 

“You haven't told him yet Hinata?” Tsunade remarks.

 

“N, no, Hokage-Sama.” Hinata nervously replies.

 

“Don't you think you should? It would be better if he heard it from you.” Tsunade says to the nervous girl.

 

“Hai.” Hinata quietly remarks as she turns and timidly walks over to Naruto.

 

“What's going on Hinata? You hit somebody, are you ok? Naruto asks.

 

“I'm, I'm ok Naruto. Yes, I did hit someone.” Hinata anxiously answered as she shifts her feet on the floor.

 

“So, what happened Hinata?” Naruto says.

 

“Um, well Naruto, I, I, was very upset when I saw you earlier bleeding and unconscious. Af, after I helped the doctors save you, I found out that Sakura had been here when your wound reopened. I, I, got very angry Naruto. I'm sure she had something to do with what happened to you. So, I tracked her down at the Hokage's office and I, I, hit her.” Hinata meekly says as she nervously attempts an explanation.

 

“You, you, punched out Sakura?” Naruto replies, in a monotone voice.

 

Hinata could only nod her head, as she looked to the ground, fearful of what was about to happen. She was sure this was the moment; Naruto would tell her he hated her and never want to see her ever again. Hinata also knew the moment he told her this she would die, she was sure of it. As the Hyuga princess waited for the axe to fall from Naruto, The response she heard shocked her completely.

 

“You (giggle) punched out Sakura! (giggle, giggle)” Naruto repeated, trying his best to stifle his laughter. After a moment, he realized he couldn't and he began to laugh uncontrollably while saying.

 

“You, (ha, ha, ha,) hit Sakura! (ha, ha, ha, ha, ha) Oh God, Hinata, (ha, ha, ha,) that's the funniest thing I've ever heard! (ha, ha, ha, ha) Oh man Hinata, your making my sides hurt! (ha, ha, ha)”

 

As Naruto flopped down onto his bed still laughing hysterically while clutching his side, a confused Hinata stammered.

 

“You're, you're not mad at me Naruto?”

 

“(Ha, ha, ha,) huh? Mad at you? No, why would I be mad at you? I always figured someone would punch out Sakura one of these days. I just can't believe it was you who did it! (ha, ha, ha, ha)” Naruto, still laughing replies.

 

“You don't hate me then?” A hopeful Hinata asks.

 

Naruto laughter slowly subsided when he heard this and said.

 

“Hate you? No, I don't hate you. I may not be the smartest guy in world, but I'm not about to start hating my girlfriend the first day she is my girlfriend. (ha, ha, ha, ha)”

 

“Girl, girlfriend!” A suddenly wide-eyed Hinata says.

 

Naruto stopped laughing when he heard this and sitting back up and rubbing the back of his head looked directly at Hinata and sheepishly said.

 

“Um, yeah, I guess I should have asked you about that first, huh?”

 

Tsunade and Kurenai both slapped their foreheads in unison upon hearing this. As Naruto began to speak again, he said.

 

“Um, Hinata would you, I mean do you want to be my girlfriend? If, if you don't I understand. But, but I would be honored if, I mean? Oh man this is hard; I don't know how to do this right. Please Hinata, help me out on this; I don't want to screw this up with you. Do you understand what I'm trying to say-mmmmph?”

 

Naruto's last word was suddenly smothered by Hinata jumping into his arms and embracing him, while planting fervent kisses on his mouth and face. After about a minute of this, Naruto finally pulled away and touching his forehead to hers asks.

 

“Does this mean yes?”

 

Hinata squinted and giggled upon hearing this and quickly answered.

 

“Yes Naruto, I would love to be your girlfriend very much!”

 

“That's so awesome!” Naruto replies as he leans down to kiss Hinata once more before hearing a loud cough from Tsunade letting the new couple know that there were other people in the room.

 

“Grrrrrrrr, leave it to baa-chan to ruin a good time.” Naruto remarks.

 

“Naruto!” Hinata playfully says.

 

“Sorry Hinata. I meant Hokage baa-chan. Is that better?”

 

Both Hinata and Kurenai giggled at hearing this, which prompted a very annoyed Lady Tsunade to shout.

 

“That's it! I give up! If you've got enough energy to piss me off brat! Then your doing fine! I'm going back to the office to drink some paperwork! Damn it, I mean finish some paperwork. Kurenai, I'll leave handling the punishment for Hinata in your hands.”

 

After Lady Tsunade left the room with an unseen smile on her face, Kurenai looked to Naruto and Hinata and sighed. She really didn't want to hand out a punishment to Hinata. The truth of the matter was she was as close to Hinata as Gai was to Rock Lee. Kurenai had grown over the years to look upon Hinata more as a little sister than as a student. The smile on Hinata's face right now brought a sense of joy to Kurenai and she didn't want to ruin the moment. As she was about to call Hinata over, Naruto suddenly spoke up and said.

 

“Lady Kurenai, please don't assign a punishment to Hinata, it was my fault she got upset, and did what she did. I'll complete whatever punishment you give as soon as I get out of here in her place, believe it!”

 

`Damn, why did he have to go and do that for? Like I really want to do this.' Kurenai thought to herself.

 

Kurenai looked at Naruto and could see his blue eyes pleading towards her to accept his offer. As much as she wanted too, she knew she couldn't disobey the Hokage. It pained her to reject his offer to take Hinata's place, but she knew she must and said.

 

“I appreciate your offer Naruto, that's very noble of you, but I'm sorry to say I must refuse it. Hinata must learn that there are consequences to her actions.”

 

Naruto was about to argue with Jounin Sensei when Hinata squeezed his hand and said.

 

“It's alright Naruto, I knew I would have to face some sort of punishment for my actions. I'll take whatever I have coming, because I don't regret a single thing I've done.”

 

“Are, are you sure Hinata?” Naruto replied in a voice filled with anxiety and concern.

 

“I am Naruto, thank you for trying to protect me.” Hinata softly remarks.

 

“I'll always protect you Hinata, believe it!” Naruto says with confidence, as he smiles at Hinata and she smiles back.

 

Kurenai looked at the two and a sly grin came across her face as she thought of a way to follow Lady Tsunade's orders, without causing any grief to Hinata or Naruto. After a moment she spoke.

 

“Hinata, I've decided upon a fit punishment for your actions. When you are not training with your team, you will spend the next two weeks of community service here at the hospital helping in the ICU ward. You will help to take care of all the patients in that ward, do you understand.”

 

Hinata smile grew even wider than before, as she rushed over and hugged her Sensei while quietly whispering.

 

“Thank you Sensei.”

 

Naruto was confused at this. Unlike Hinata, he hadn't realized yet that he was the only patient in the ICU ward. When Hinata came back to his side and whispered in his ear what Kurenai had done. He hugged Hinata to him and mouthed a “thank you” to the Genjutsu master as a single tear rolled down his cheek. Kurenai smiled and nodded her head before turning and closing the door behind her. As she walked away, she thought to herself.

 

`You've got yourself a keeper there Hinata, hang onto him they're rare indeed.' I only hope I can find one in my life, as special as the one you have in yours.'

 

 

 

Authors Note: Wow, 10 chapters! I'm not even close to reaching the ending I have planned for this story yet. Once again thanks for all the reviews! I enjoy discussing the story with the people who really seem to enjoy it. I've got maybe 3 pages written for the next chapter. I hope to have it ready to go by the end of the month at the latest. Thanks again to everyone, and take it easy!

 

Kingkakashi