Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered ❯ Moments in Teal and Red ( Chapter 15 )

Disclaimer: Now do I really have to say this when we all know the awful truth? Oh you don't know ::cries:: I don't own Naruto….happy now ::runs::

 

Warning: slight gore, as well as a reference to the manga, although the series is finally catching up to it. You might not even notice it though.

 

 

Chapter 15: Moments in Teal and Red

 

 

Naruto inhaled deeply. The cool morning air filled his lungs and calmed his nerves. Two weeks. He was going to have Hinata all to himself for two weeks. He couldn't wait. Not only was he excited about taking her to the Tea Country, since she hadn't gone there yet, he was also kind of excited about seeing Idate again.

 

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hinata walking up. She was right on time. As she approached him, Naruto could see she was smiling. Suddenly not even the cool morning air could calm his nerves. He was going to have Hinata all to himself for two weeks. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

 

“Good morning Naruto-kun.”

 

“Morning Hinata.” Naruto leaned down and gave her a small kiss on the forehead. “Ready to go?”

 

After a quick pack adjustment the two were off. The trip there would take only one day, two if they got lazy. But Naruto didn't want to spend the night out in the woods, especially since the rogue ninja was still on the loose.

 

When they entered a clearing, Naruto motioned for Hinata. Naruto wanted to be far away from the village before doing this; he didn't want to upset anyone. Thankfully this clearing was the perfect distance away. He took off his pack, and helped her put it on. She was going to have to wear two packs for this, but she didn't mind. He got down on his knees and waited for her to wrap her arms around his neck. When she finally did, he reached back and grabbed her legs. He stood up and started to tap into the Kyuubi chakra. After a moment of concentration he squeezed Hinata's leg, signaling her to hold on.

 

Anyone watching them from a distance would have wondered what the hell happened. One minute the couple was there, and the next they were gone.

 

 

What would have taken a day, took Naruto one afternoon. They arrived in the Tea Country that night, slightly tired but over all okay. Naruto didn't waste time showing Hinata around, since he had a whole two weeks to do that, so instead they went straight to the Wasabi compound. By this point he had put Hinata down and was once again holding his pack.

 

As they entered the compound, the sounds of dinner could be heard. The couple followed the sounds to one of the buildings. Naruto opened the door to reveal the entire clan eating dinner. He recognized some of them, but the vast majority of them were unknown to Naruto. He quickly scanned the room until he found Idate.

 

“Oye Idate! Aren't you going to welcome me?”

 

The entire room went silent and all eyes turned toward Naruto and Hinata, well mostly Naruto. Idate quickly got up and approached Naruto. As he stood in front of Naruto his face remained emotionless.

 

“Quit the act. I know you're excited about seeing me.” Naruto playfully punched Idate in the shoulder. Instantly a smile appeared on Idate's face and he hugged Naruto.

 

“It's good to see you again Naruto. Want something to eat?”

 

Naruto looked back at Hinata. He could tell she was tired. Food could wait. They needed sleep.

 

“No thank you. Could you show us where we'll be staying?”

 

Idate looked behind Naruto and quickly introduced himself to Hinata. “My name is Idate. I take it you're Hinata. Please follow me and I'll show you to you're rooms.”

 

With that Idate turned and walked toward the housing area of the compound. The head of the clan had died a few years back. After a unanimous vote, Idate was named the new head. He was so excited he wrote a letter to Naruto announcing his new position. From then on the two would wrote letters to each other every few months. But they hadn't actually seen each other since before his promotion.

 

“This used to be my living quarters.”

 

The house was large, three bedrooms, one bathroom, a small kitchen and living room. There was a long porch that ran along the wall where the bedrooms were located. Naruto knew the porch faced the ocean. When Idate was through giving them a tour he showed Hinata to her room at the end of the small hall.

 

“Naruto, your room is this way.”

 

Naruto noticed that the room set aside for him was at the other end of the hall, with the third bedroom separating the two. He shook his head at Idate.

 

“What? Are you not happy with the house?”

 

“No it's not that. It's just that we're going to end up sharing a room.”

 

“You have some guts Naruto. Sharing a room, and with a Hyuuga no less. Well do whatever you want. Breakfast is served at 8, if you can't make it I'll have the cook set something aside for the two of you.”

 

Turning to walk back to Hinata's room, Naruto said a thank you over his shoulder.

 

 

Naruto woke up feeling slightly cold. Without opening his eyes he felt around the bed for Hinata. When he couldn't find her he sat up in the bed. He spotted her through the open door standing on the porch. She had on a robe and was staring at the ocean. Without turning she told Naruto good morning. Naruto got up and stood next to her. The ocean looked beautiful.

 

“Have you ever seen the ocean before?”

 

“No I haven't. Thank you for bringing me here Naruto.”

 

“Maybe later today we can go down to the beach.”

 

The peaceful moment was broken when Naruto's stomach growled. He laughed sheepishly and scratched the back of his head.

 

“Let's get washed up and go have breakfast before you start eating the bedding.”

 

“Aww, Hinata that's not nice.” He playfully lunged at her in an attempt to tickle her. Hinata easily escaped his hands and ran to the bathroom. Within 15 minutes the couple was able to leave the house and head toward the large mess hall. As they approached they saw a few men already leaving the mess hall. Upon entering Idate waved them over.

 

“I thought you two were going to sleep in?”

 

“We didn't eat anything all day yesterday. Hunger beat out sleeping.”

 

Idate laughed at Naruto's antics. One of the servants quickly came and gave Naruto and Hinata their food. When they were done, they stayed and talked with Idate. The conversation was light. Hinata wanted to know about when he first met Naruto. As Idate told Hinata, Naruto would randomly yell at Idate for exaggerating certain situations.

 

“…then as Naruto was holding on to my ankles all of his kunai fell out of his pouch. You should have seen the look on his face. All he could do was yell like a little girl.”

 

“Hey it was either the weapons or you. Be glad I had a momentary lapse of stupidity and didn't let you go.”

 

Laughter erupted from everyone listening in on the story. As Hinata looked around, she noticed that the boy sitting across from her was staring at her. The boy leaned forward and stared at her face intently. When Naruto noticed he fell quiet and waited to see what Hinata would do. The whole room fell quiet by the time the boy was only a few inches from Hinata.

 

“Why are your eyes so weird?”

 

One of the clansmen sitting closest to the boy grabbed the back of his pants and pulled him back in his seat.

 

“Don't ask rude questions!”

 

“Why? I want to know.”

 

Idate became worried that Hinata was going to get upset, or worse that Naruto would get upset. Trying to defuse the situation, Idate began apologizing for the boy's behavior.

 

“Idate-san, it's okay. It's normal for young children to be curious.” Hinata turned to the boy and smiled warmly at him. “My eyes looks weird because they have no color. All the members of my clan have the same eyes.”

 

Encouraged by Hinata's response the boy ran to the other side of the table and stood next to Hinata. She noted that the boy couldn't be more then six years old. He cupped her face and moved it back and forth to get a better look at her.

 

“Why do all the members of your clan have eyes like this then?”

 

“It helps me in battle.”

 

“Battle? Are you a ninja?” When Hinata nodded the boy became so excited he let go of her face and started jumping. “Really?! I've never met a ninja before. Does that mean Naruto is a ninja too?” When she nodded again the boy stepped back and clapped his hands together. “Can I see you fight? I wanna see a ninja fight!”

 

Naruto and Hinata both laughed at the enthusiasm of the boy. Idate once again began apologizing.

 

“I'm so sorry. His father just recently joined the clan. He has a strange obsession with ninjas.”

 

Naruto waved off the apology from Idate.

 

“There's no need to apologize.” Naruto turned back to the boy and put his hands on the boy's shoulders. “You wanna see a ninja fight?” The boy nodded enthusiastically. “Okay, but only if Hinata agrees.”

 

The boy quickly turned to Hinata and bowed graciously. “Please Hinata-sama!”

 

Hinata reached forward and lifted the boy's head by hooking her finger under his chin. “Well I haven't sparred with Naruto in quite some time.”

 

Overjoyed the boy threw himself forward and hugged Hinata. Hinata laughed and sat the boy down in her lap. He spent the rest of breakfast eating off of Hinata's plate, as well as Naruto's. Once they were done eating Naruto asked Idate if there were any large clearings in the area to hold the sparing match in.

 

“No, unfortunately we don't have any large enough. I know Hyuuga techniques take up a lot of space.” Hinata turned and looked at Idate with a surprised look on her face. “Oh I should have told you Hinata, I'm originally from the Hidden Leaf, and so I know all about the Hyuuga clan.”

 

“I know we can hold the match out on the beach, or better yet on the water. How does that sound to you Hinata?”

 

“That works. We don't have to worry about you knocking any trees over.”

 

“Oh and Idate, do you by any chance happen to have a spare katana I can borrow? I left mine at home.”

 

“Yeah actually I do.”

 

“Thanks. So shall we go?”

 

After changing into something more appropriate for sparring, Naruto and Hinata walked to the beach. When they got there the whole clan, and a few villagers were already waiting. Idate handed Naruto his spare katana, and told him if he breaks it not to worry about it. After throwing the young boy a smile, the couple walked out on the water. Naruto strapped the katana to his back and faced Hinata, who was already in a fighting stance.

 

“Don't hold back on me Hinata.”

 

“Same to you.”

 

A slight gasp passed through the crowd when Hinata activated her Byakugan. Naruto knew why they gasped. It wasn't everyday you saw huge veins pop out near someone's eyes. Naruto reached back and unsheathed the katana. Holding it in a casual looking way, he fell into a stance and rushed at Hinata.

 

 

 

Knock knock

 

Sakura looked up from her reading when she heard the knocking on the door. It had been a long time since the house had gotten so many visitors. Only an hour ago, Hijiro had come by looking for Sasuke. Sasuke grabbed a small box from Naruto's room and left with Hijiro. He said he wouldn't be back till later. A few medical nins also came by to tell Sakura that they were going to be helping her out. Even Iruka came by with a list of genins that had great potential when it came to medical jutsu's. She was actually looking over that list when she heard the knocking.

 

Knock KNOCK!

 

“I'm coming, geez. Have some patience.” Sakura opened the door prepared to give whoever it was an earful, but she never got the chance.

 

“But it's so much fun getting you mad.”

 

“Kakashi, honestly.” Sakura moved aside and let her old sensei walk in.

 

“Would you prefer I came by at 3am again?” Sakura could tell he was smiling by the way his eye looked. Who would have guessed one eye could tell you just what his mouth was doing? Kakashi removed his shoes and walked over to the table, where Sakura was already sitting.

 

“What is it you want to tell me?”

 

“Well…” Kakashi reached into his vest and pulled out three letters, two thin and one thick. The two thins ones were addressed to Sakura and Sasuke. The thick one was addresses to Naruto. “…I was sent to give you these.”

 

Without hesitation Sakura snatched the one addresses to her. She quickly opened it and read it. When she was done she threw her arms around Kakashi. “I MADE JOUNIN!”

 

“Sakura, I think you broke my shoulder.” Sakura quickly released Kakashi, only to see that he was joking.

 

“Can I open their letters?” She pointed at the other two letters on the table. The curiosity was killing her.

 

“Sorry, only they can open them.” Kakashi quietly laughed at the pout that Sakura gave him. In that small instant he felt like she was twelve again and he was her sensei. But just as quickly as that moment came, it was gone.

 

“Stay for dinner. I want to celebrate.”

 

Kakashi nodded. They sat at the table for a few hours talking and reminiscing of the good old days. He gave her some advice about the jounin ranks, who to watch out for, who gossiped too much, who liked to kiss butt and so forth. Once it started getting dark, Sakura got up and started dinner. Kakashi walked around the living room looking at the pictures on the wall.

 

So many memories.

 

There was a picture of Team 7 when his students were only naïve twelve year olds. He saw Sasuke and Naruto yelling. He assumed Sakura took the picture. There was a picture of Naruto and Jirayia. The old hermit had his arms crossed and was looking away from a very angry looking Naruto. There was a picture of Naruto, Sakura and Idate. Kakashi remembered that day; he took the picture. It was his first time meeting Idate. Next was a picture of Sakura and Lee; Naruto's fingers were in the top corner of the picture. The last picture that got his attention was also the newest addition. It was Team 7 again; instead this time his students were sixteen years old. They were also as tall as him.

 

`How times change.'

 

“Welcome home, Sasuke.” Kakashi had been staring at the picture with such concentration that he didn't hear Sasuke walk into the house. It wasn't until Sakura welcomed him home that Kakashi turned and went to the dinning room table.

 

“Evening Sasuke.”

 

“Kakashi.” Sasuke was looking at the letters on the table. He picked up the one with his name on it and opened it. He read it slowly, then folded it up and put it in his pocket.

 

“Well, did you get promoted?”

 

Sasuke looked at Kakashi, smirked and walked into the kitchen to help Sakura.

 

 

“Naruto, I think your girlfriend kicked your ass.”

 

“Shut it Idate.” Naruto was laying face down on the beach. Hinata was sitting next to him. She had her hand on his back and was rubbing soothing circles. The villagers had left a while ago once the spar was over. Half of them were wet from all the ocean water they splashed around, while the other half had run off when Hinata had thrown Naruto on the beach. Naruto toned out Idate. The hand on his back was putting him to sleep. Once the sun had set he felt the same hand shake him awake.

 

“Naruto get up, we have to get back.”

 

Without a word Naruto got up and walked back to the compound. After taking quick showers the couple went to dinner. The entire clan showered Hinata with praise and teased Naruto about losing. Naruto took it well, but Hinata knew something was wrong. After they returned to their sleeping quarters, she stopped Naruto as he walked over to his pack to get his pajama bottoms.

 

“You held back. Why?”

 

Naruto looked away. He stared at the floor for a moment before answering. He knew Hinata would wait patiently for an answer.

 

“I didn't…I knew they would take it better if you won.”

 

Hinata grabbed Naruto by the shoulders and turned his body so they were now facing each other. “Naruto, I don't understa—“

 

“They won't praise someone who beat their girlfriend. If you won no one would have their feelings hurt.” A small smile graced Hinata's face. She moved her hands from his shoulders to his face. “We can have a real sparring match when we get back home.”

 

“You promise?” Naruto finally turned his eyes back onto Hinata. He smiled back at her, and nodded. “Good, now lets get to sleep. Tomorrow we have to get fitted for kimonos.”

 

 

After dinner, the former team members sat around the table drinking tea. Sakura asked Sasuke how his meeting with Hijiro went. Sasuke said Hijiro was more organized then he expected. He was also very understanding, and Sasuke had no doubt that Hijiro would remain faithful to the idea and image Naruto had.

 

After Sasuke was done talking, silence filled the house. Kakashi caught Sakura staring at the thick letter with Naruto's name on it. He knew what the letter said, but he wasn't about to tell them that. Sakura was likely to beat the answer out of him.

 

“Sakura if you keep staring at it the letter is going to catch on fire.”

 

Sakura glared at Kakashi. When she saw Sasuke smirk at the comment, she clenched her fist. When she felt she had glared at Kakashi enough, Sakura turned her attention to Sasuke. “Don't tell me you're not the least bit curious?”

 

“It doesn't matter. You're still not going to read it.”

 

Sakura couldn't suppress the loud groan. It might not have sounded very ladylike, but she could care less. Kakashi and Sasuke were pushing all the wrong buttons. If only Lee was here he would make her feel better.

 

LEE!

 

“Kakashi, did all the promotion letters go out today?”

 

Kakashi turned his face upward and thoughtfully scratched his chin. “Well……I think so.”

 

“I wonder if Lee got a letter?”

 

Sasuke got up from the table, and headed toward the kitchen. On his way he grabbed Sakura's empty teacup. “Why don't you go ask him?”

 

“He's out on a mission. He won't be back for another few days.”

 

When Sasuke came back from the kitchen, Kakashi got up. “Well it's been great. Thank you for dinner, but I have to get some sleep. Old age is really wearing me down.”

 

“Kakashi-sensei you're not old.”

 

“Sakura shouldn't you call me senpai now?”

Sakura heard the playfulness in Kakashi's tone. Calling Kakashi senpai was his way of telling her she was no longer his student. The thought saddened her, but also excited her. She walked Kakashi to the door. Sakura knew Sasuke was following them.

 

“Well then, I'll see you two around.”

 

“See you Kakashi-senpai.”

 

“Bye Sakura.” He smiled warmly at her. Turning his gaze to Sasuke, Kakashi knew better then to expect Sasuke to call him senpai. “Sasuke.”

 

Sasuke only nodded.

 

After all the dishes were washed and put away, Sakura went to take a shower. Sasuke waited in his room for Sakura to finish. He sat at his desk and looked over the notes and drawings the students had given him. His favorite was a homemade card they had made thanking him for all his extra help. The students made him feel somewhat redeemed. He knew none of them would ever feel insignificant or ignored like Itachi used to make him feel. But now that he was a jounin he would be taking missions again. His students would now look up to someone else. For a moment he felt a little sad at the idea of not being able to teach again. The moment was gone before he had a chance to think it over too much though.

 

“Sasuke, are you there? I want to ask you a question.”

 

Sakura was lightly knocking on his bedroom door. Sasuke got up and opened the door for her. She entered the room and sat on his bed, while he returned to his seat at his desk. The door remained open. Sasuke noticed that Sakura was already in her pajama shorts and t-shirt. Her hair was down and she had a towel wrapped around her shoulders. She was also nervously pulling on the corner of her towel.

 

“What did you want to ask me Sakura?”

 

Sasuke could tell she was gathering her courage. It was rare occasion when Sakura was nervous around Sasuke. He knew that whatever she wanted to ask was not going to be getting a simple yes or no answer.

 

“I was thinking that since you're going to be going on missions again, and I'm going to be working on my training project that……well….”

 

“Sakura, just say it.”

 

“Sasuke why don't you find someone to take care of you?”

 

Sasuke was taken back by her question. He suddenly felt very insulted. “Do you not think I can take care of myself? I was alone for a very long time Sakura, I know how to take care of myself.”

 

“Sasuke you're still alone.”

 

“What do you mean? I have you and Naruto.”

 

“No Sasuke. Naruto and me can't give you the care you need. When I said alone, I meant you don't have someone to care for. A significant other. I know sometimes you feel left out when Lee or Hinata come over. I know you do, even if you don't say anything. But now that we have missions again and jobs we're not going to be around as often. And if Naruto marries Hinata he'll move out. If I marry Lee, I'll have to move out too. I just want to make sure you're taken care of.”

 

Sasuke looked away from Sakura when he figured out what she was getting at. Now that she was done talking, he remained silent. She wanted him to find a girlfriend. But he didn't really want one. He had told her before; he wasn't the kind of person who was capable of loving someone. He knew his own limits when it came to his heart. He had been through too much, had seen too much to be able to let someone in. He knew he was incapable of opening himself up to someone, of being vulnerable. The friendship and comradery he felt toward Sakura and Naruto were probably as far as he would ever go, and they were expectations. They had gotten past his defenses without his consent, but he wasn't going to let that happen again. The defenses he had built around himself had already set root. He knew he couldn't knock them down.

 

“I'll be fine.”

 

“But Sasuke, don't you want a family, someone to love. I know you're not as cold hearted you as act. You can bring back your clan, you can -“

 

“I don't want a family!” Sasuke hadn't meant to yell at Sakura, but what was done was done. He took a deep breath before continuing. “The Sharingan is a curse not a gift. My clan will die with me and him.”

 

Sakura remained quiet. She didn't know what to say. For a long time she thought that maybe Sasuke would find someone, that he would be happy. Maybe there was someone out there who could melt his heart, make him laugh and smile and love. Maybe that someone could bring out the Sasuke that could have been. But that idea, that dream, could only be possible if Sasuke wanted. Now that dream slipped threw her fingers like sand.

 

“Sakura, stop worrying. I'll be fine. Now if you don't mind I want to shower before going to bed.”

 

Sakura hesitated for a moment before getting up and leaving the room. Sasuke quickly got his towel and went to the bathroom. Sasuke took his time in the shower. He would have stayed in the shower longer expect the water started running cold so he got out. As he dried himself in front of the fogged up mirror, he reached over and wiped away the condensation. He just stared at himself for a while. Every scar he saw in the mirror he would run his hand over. He slowly turned his body so he could see his back. Reaching back he touched the top of his shoulder blades. A shiver ran down his body. Turning back to face the mirror he felt depressed. His precious people were leaving him, and there was nothing he could do. He had no right to tell them to stay, to forget their new loved ones and stay with him. Who was he to tell them anything? He caused them so much pain. They deserved to be happy.

 

They were going to be happy without him, and he could only be happy for them. That was all he had to look forward to, being happy for them and not for himself. But his time of selfishness had come and gone. He knew now, he would forever be a bystander in everyone else's life. The thought didn't give him comfort, but strangely it also didn't make him mad. It just left him feeling empty and alone, again.

 

But who was he to hold them back?

 

 

Never in his wildest dreams did he think that being fitted for a kimono would be so much work. Thankfully after an hour of being measured, stretched and pulled he was told to go home. His kimono would be sent to him tomorrow. The entire time he was being fitted Idate laughed at him. The bastard already had a kimono. After leaving the shop Naruto and Idate headed back to the compound. Idate had invited Naruto to his quarters, he said he wanted to do some catching up. Naruto agreed only because Hinata's fitting was going to take much longer than his. When they reached Idate's house, they sat on the porch drinking tea.

 

“So tell me, how did you get yourself a Hyuuga?”

 

“My natural charm of course. Oww.” Idate smacked Naruto in the head. Naruto laughed as he rubbed his head. Idate didn't hit him hard, but faking injury made Idate laugh harder.

 

“You know you're much happier than the last time I saw you, and it's not all because of her.”

 

Naruto stopped laughing and looked down at his drink. “What do you mean?”

 

For a long time Idate didn't say anything. Naruto could tell by his mannerisms that Idate was searching for the right words. “I haven't seen you in almost two years. The last time you came neither you nor Sakura were happy. Now you're truly happy, and I think it's because of the return of Sasuke.” A silence fell between the two of them. Naruto didn't really know what to say, or where to take the conversation for that matter. So instead of putting his foot in his mouth, he said nothing. “So how is he anyway?”

 

“Sasuke is good. He still insults me, that will probably never change. He was a good teacher at the academy. All the students loved him. He seemed happy.”

 

“What do you mean seemed?”

 

“How can I put this? Sometimes I catch him staring off into space, but the look on his face worries me. It's like he's looking for something, but either can't find it or doesn't know where to look. I want to help him, but I know if I mention something he'll just close up.”

 

“Maybe he doesn't need the kind of help you're thinking of. Maybe he needs to be shown the path. He's lived a dark life Naruto, and sometimes that darkness can hide the path your looking for.”

 

For the next couple hours the pair just sat in silence. Idate wanted Naruto to absorb and understand what he was saying. He believed in Naruto with all his heart. Somehow, he knew Naruto could save Sasuke from anything. He had done it before and he could do it again and again. Idate reached down for his forgotten cup and took a sip. He cringed when the tea hit his tongue; it was ice cold and flat. He took both his cup and Naruto's and walked in toward his kitchen. When he came back Naruto was putting his shoes on.

 

“Hinata is probably worried about me. Don't expect us to be at dinner, she said she wanted to cook dinner tonight. Oh and thanks for the talk Idate.”

 

 

“Why are you so happy?”

 

When Sasuke got home from training he caught Sakura in the kitchen humming a song. She was also dancing in front of the stove as she stirred whatever it was she was cooking.

 

“Lee is coming over tonight, he just got back from his mission. Oh and welcome back Sasuke.”

 

Sasuke smirked and walked toward his room. She always welcomed him and Naruto home. Even if they were gone for only a few minutes, she would always say, welcome home. Sasuke took a quick shower before eating dinner. When he walked into the dinning room Sakura was hugging Lee. Sasuke felt like an intruder, so he quietly slipped back into his room. Watching the couple share moments like that made him feel embarrassed.

 

“Sasuke, dinner.”

 

When Sasuke walked back in, Sakura was in the kitchen and Lee was smiling at him.

 

“Congratulations Sasuke-kun on making jounin.”

 

“Thank you. Did you make jounin as well?”

 

Both men sat down as they spoke. Upon hearing Sasuke's question, Lee gave him a good guy pose.

 

“Actually I was asked to join the Anbu. Neji got asked as well. I'm surprised you didn't get asked.”

 

Sasuke didn't respond to the comment. He knew why he didn't get asked. They still didn't trust him. It angered him slightly that the village didn't trust him enough to join the elite Anbu forces. Being asked to join the Anbu was a privilege only few ever got. Being asked to do S-class missions, and leading a team of fellow Anbu was only reserved for those with the most skill, leadership qualities, respect and trust. He felt he had all those qualities, but apparently not everyone felt that way.

 

Without saying a word, Sasuke turned and went to his room. Lee turned to Sakura and gave her an apologetic look.

 

 

Naruto stood in front of the mirror making sure his kimono was on right. The lady had fitted him with a black kimono. She said it brought out his eyes and hair. When he first saw it, he was upset. He wanted a bright color. But now that he had it on, he had to admit she was right. Black did suit him. He reached into the box his kimono came in and grabbed the new sandals made specifically for tonight. He walked into the living room and waited for Hinata. She was changing in one of the other bedrooms.

 

He didn't have to wait long. Naruto watched as Hinata walked toward him. She had her hair tied back in a bun, ornamented with hairpins. Her kimono was white with teal flowers decorating the bottom and the sleeves. Her obi was the same teal as the flowers. Naruto had to remind himself to breath.

 

“Hinata you look amazing.”

 

Hinata approached Naruto and ran her hands down his shoulders, smoothing out any wrinkles he had. “You look amazing too.”

 

Naruto grabbed one of her hands when it touched his. “Let's go.”

 

They didn't have to walk far. The Sakura Festival was held in a nearby park. People from all over the Tea Country were walking the streets. All of them were dressed for the occasion. Once in the park the couple took a moment to look around. There were stands lining the entrance to the park. Some were food, some were games, and there were even a few street performers. Naruto smiled when he saw a game stand that was giving away frogs. He pointed to it, and Hinata laughed when she saw it.

 

“I'm going to win you a frog this time.”

 

They walked over to the stand and watched one of the villagers try to win a prize for his girl. The game was simple. Knock the three bottles off the platform. Unfortunately, the villager wasn't able to win his girl a prize. It didn't look like she cared though. Naruto grabbed a few coins and set it down on the counter when the young couple walked away. The stand owner gave Naruto three balls. After winking at Hinata, Naruto threw the first ball. He was able to destroy the pyramid the bottles formed, but wasn't able to knock two of the bottles off the platform. With his next throw he was able to knock both the remaining bottles off the platform.

 

“Yatta! Hinata which one do you want?”

 

Hinata looked over all the toy frogs. She paused when she was a small blue frog with an orange chest. She pointed to it. After thanking the man, Naruto and Hinata walked deeper into the park. Hinata squeezed the frog and smiled when she realized how soft it was.

 

“Do you like your prize?”

 

“Yes. It reminds me of someone.”

 

Naruto looked away from Hinata and blushed. It wasn't often they said lovey dovey things to each other, much less in public. Hinata spotted a bench just off the paved path and lead Naruto to it.

 

Hinata sat with her hands in her lap holding the frog, while Naruto sat with one of his arms around her shoulders. For a long time they just sat in silence, enjoying the fall of the petals and how they danced in the wind. Naruto felt like he was in a dream. Peace like this doesn't exist in the real world, it can't.

 

He wondered if he should ask her now. The moment was perfect. Taking a moment to gather his courage, Naruto removed his arm from around her shoulders and grabbed her hand. Hinata looked from his hands to his face.

 

“Hinata, I'm happy I was able to share these memories with you.”

 

“I'm happy too Naruto.”

 

“I want to tell you something, and I know I'm going to stumble over my words so don't say anything until I'm done.”

 

Hinata turned her body so she was facing Naruto better and nodded. “Okay.”

 

“You're almost the complete opposite of me. I'm loud and yeah sometimes I'm a little annoying, you're quiet and well mannered. I don't think before I speak sometimes, where as you're soft spoken and say soothing words. You're from a noble family and I'm an orphan. Yet all those things don't really matter when I'm with you. When we first started dating I thought it wouldn't work out because we were so different. Yeah we had some hard times because of it, but you stayed with me. You make me feel things I've never felt before.”

 

Naruto raised the hand not holding Hinata's and cupped her cheek. He rubbed his thumb on her cheek and watched as she closed her eyes and pressed into his hand.

 

“When I'm with you I feel wanted, needed. Before I was with you I never knew there was something missing. I know now that you were missing. I don't know if you are my other half. I don't know if you complete me. What I do know is that with you I feel more complete then I've ever felt before. I don't want to lose that; I don't want to lose you.”

 

Naruto brushed away a tear from Hinata's cheek. He let go of her hand and reached into his kimono. He pulled out a small box and stood up. She opened her eyes and watched him. He placed the box on the bench, turned and took a few steps away. He couldn't hear her reach over for the box or open it, which made him very nervous. He looked up. The trees blocked out the majority of the sunlight, but they also blocked his view of the sky. From between the branches he could see the bright blue, as well as some sunlight peaking through. Looking over the park, he saw how truly beautiful it all looked, the green grass, the pink petals, the bits of blue sky and the rays of sunlight that peered down. If Hinata was the beauty of the park, Naruto felt he was the sunlight. It didn't overshadow the overall beauty of the park, just made it all the more beautiful. He smiled when he realized how narcissistic the idea was.

 

He gasped when he felt a pair of arms around his waist. He looked down and could tell by the skin tone it was Hinata. He reached down and grabbed her hands. He stopped when he felt it. She was wearing the ring.

 

“Hinata, do you know what I didn't have the courage to ask you?”

 

“Yes.”

 

He turned in her arms to face her. As soon as he was face to face with her she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. When she finally pulled away he could see fresh tears in her eyes.

 

“You accept?”

 

“A million times yes.”

 

A cloud must have moved out of the way of the sun, because at that moment the entire park got brighter. As Naruto leaned forward to kiss her again he thought that maybe she was the sunlight to his park.

 

The rest of the afternoon, Naruto and Hinata spent on that small park bench. Naruto told her that he wanted to wait until they both turned 18 before getting married. That left them with a little less than two years to plan the whole wedding. They talked about what kind of wedding they wanted, whom they wanted to invite, what food they should have. Well Naruto talked about the food. When Hinata mentioned she was going to be Uzumaki Hinata, Naruto shook his head.

 

“Don't change your name.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Keep the Hyuuga name. You're going to be head of the clan, and besides the Hyuuga name is more respected than the Uzumaki name.”

 

“Naruto I'm not ashamed of you. And your name carries just as much respect as mine does.”

 

“Hinata, please. Keep your name.” Naruto sighed when he saw the look Hinata gave him. It was the classic Hyuuga glare, the one Neji regularly had on his face. Naruto knew Hinata wasn't going to back down. “Okay how about this, for all public purposes you'll be Hyuuga Hinata, but for private matters you'll be Uzumaki Hinata.”

 

“No I don't like that idea. I will have one name and it will be Uzumaki Hinata.”

 

Naruto was about to say something when he heard screaming. Both he and Hinata turned to see the people fleeing the park. Hinata instantly activated her Byakugan.

 

“They're being chased by nins. I can't tell what village their from though. There are about fifty of them.”

 

Naruto reached down and ripped the bottom of his kimono so he could freely move his legs. He helped Hinata do the same when she reached down. Hinata moved to run toward the nins when Naruto grabbed her arm and stopped her.

 

“Go to the village and get the villagers out. I'll take care of them.”

 

“Naruto you can't stop fifty men, let me help you.”

 

“Hinata please. I won't be able to fight if I'm worried about you and the villagers. I'll be fine.” When Hinata hesitated, Naruto pulled her back and hugged her. “Please, go.”

 

He didn't wait for a response. He let her go and took off running toward the direction of the nins. Hinata turned and ran toward the village. She would have to trust Naruto to come back to her. Fingering her ring she ran faster. The village was in total chaos. Men were running toward the park, women were gathering the children. She spotted Idate and ran to him.

 

“Idate!”

 

“Hinata, where's Naruto?”

 

“He's holding the nins back.”

 

“By himself?! Is he insane.”

 

“Look, where can I take the villagers to make sure they're safe?”

 

“There's a cave in one of the cliffs on the beach.” Idate turned and called for one of the members of the clan. “Help Hinata take the villagers to the cave.”

 

The pair quickly began gathering all the women and children. Hinata would run up to building and quickly scan them to make sure no one was inside. She could hear the battle raging on, and at times she felt a high surge of chakra coming from the park. She knew it was Naruto's chakra, no one else's chakra felt that way. It gave her little comfort though. If he had to use so much power he must be desperate. The faster the villagers were out of harms way the faster she could help Naruto.

 

Once all the women and children were safe inside the cave, Hinata did a quick scan to make sure everyone was all right. She turned and was about to run out of the cave when Idate and a few of his men ran in. They had left the village to help Naruto fight.

 

“Where's Naruto?”

 

“He forced us to leave.”

 

Hinata moved past them and stopped dead in her tracks. She stopped breathing when she felt the huge surge of chakra. Even some of the villagers gasped. Quickly regaining her composure Hinata ran toward the park. As she got closer to the park there was evidence of a battle. Some of the buildings were on fire, trees were toppled over and the ground was covered in battle scars. She entered the park and ran toward the source of chakra. As she got closer she could see a clearing, which was probably created when the battle began. When she reached the edge of the clearing she slipped and fell. She almost screamed at what she saw.

 

 

After quickly leaving Hinata, Naruto ran toward the nins. He encountered a group of three. All three were armed with katanas. Quickly disarming and killing one of the nins, Naruto took his katana and killed the other two. He strapped one of the katana's to his back and took the other two with him, holding one in each hand. He quickly ran around and killed every nin he encountered. He soon noticed that the nins were surrounding him. He ran into a small clearing in the park and bit his thumb. After running through seals he slammed his hand on the ground. The smoke hadn't cleared before Naruto was once again fighting some nins off.

 

“Oye! What the hell is going on?”

 

Naruto knew by the voice it was Gamakichi. Naruto turned and moved toward the frog, who was currently throwing nins around with his tongue. He turned and looked at the frog the first moment he had. Gamakichi was now up to Naruto's waist, the perfect size for the assignment Naruto was going to give him.

 

“I need you to go to Konoha and tell Tsunade what's going on. Tell her the Tea Country is being attacked by…” Naruto scanned the bodies lying on the ground. He kicked the one closest to him over to look at his forehead protector. “…the Sound. Damnit. Go now as fast as you can!”

 

Without a word Gamakichi jumped out of the clearing and was gone. It would take him at least an hour to get to Konoha. He was the fastest frog Naruto had. That one moment Naruto spent watching Gamakichi run off was cut short when he felt a kunai dig into his calf. He reached down to take it out, but stopped when he was kicked. From the ground, Naruto looked up and saw that he was surrounded. From behind the nins surrounding him he saw Idate and a few of his men fighting.

 

“Idate, get out of here!”

 

Naruto saw Idate turn and look at him. Naruto cursed when Idate shook his head and went back to fighting. The nins were quickly overpowering Idate and his men. The men surrounding Naruto were also moving in. Naruto knew he had no choice; he would have to use the Kyuubi. Quickly calling upon the Kyuubi, Naruto went through seals faster then he knew possible and created a handful of clones. The clones ran toward Idate and his men, grabbed them forcefully and ran off with them. With Idate gone Naruto could concentrate on the nins before him.

 

“Who would have thought we'd run into the demon of Konoha.”

 

Naruto turned to look at the nin who had spoken. When his eyes fell on him the nin smiled. He reached into one of the pouches on his belt and pulled out a teal obi. There was blood splattered on it.

 

“You know the girl we took this from begged for her life ---“

 

Naruto didn't hear what else the nin said. The obi, it was the same one Hinata had on. He couldn't remember seeing another girl wearing a teal obi. The obi went for teal to red because that was all Naruto saw. Red. With a force he had only used once before Naruto sent out a huge pulse of chakra. More then half of the nins fell to the ground, a few actually died from the sheer force. No one was prepared for what Naruto did next. He went from nin to nin and literally tore them to shreds with is claws.

 

One thought ran through his mind: Hinata.

 

They had taken her away. She was gone, gone forever. After the last nin was dead Naruto simply stood in the middle of the clearing. He was covered in blood. His face, hair, clothes all red. His hands dripped with the blood. Tilting his head back he silently cried. That's when he heard a noise behind him. He quickly turned thinking it was another nin. What he saw made his heart skip a beat.

 

Hinata was on the ground, having slipped on a puddle of blood. She had a look of pure horror on her face as she stared at Naruto. But he didn't care because she was alive. He pushed down the Kyuubi chakra and fell to his knees from fatigue.

 

“Are you okay Hinata? Did that hurt you?” Naruto could see that Hinata was breathing heavily. It was probably a combination of running and shock. Heck he was shocked now that he took a good look at the clearing. “Hinata?”

 

“I'm fine.”

 

“I thought they hurt you. One of the nins had a teal obi. He said he killed the girl.”

 

Hinata quickly looked down. She still had her obi on. She looked back to Naruto. He had a look of relief and guilt. Relief from knowing Hinata was alive, and guilt because of it. If she was alive that meant someone else had died.

 

“I sent one of my frogs to Konoha. He should get there soon.”

 

Hinata slowly stood and walked to Naruto. She pulled up the shredded remains of her kimono as she stepped over bodies and puddles. When she got close to Naruto she stopped. She didn't know if she should hug him, clean him off or run.

 

“Are the villagers okay?”

 

“Yes. They're hiding in a cave on the beach.”

 

Naruto nodded. He had to stay awake long enough for Gamakichi to reach Tsunade. If he passed out Gamakichi would be dispelled.

 

“Hinata, I need to get rid of the bodies before the villagers see them.”

 

Naruto slowly stood and reached for the feet of the body closet to him. A hand stopped him though.

 

“At least let me help you do this.”

 

Naruto nodded. Between the two of them they piled all the bodies in the center of the clearing. Naruto made sure to take one of the nins forehead protectors before moving back. Using what little chakra he had left he made a huge fireball, setting all the bodies on fire. As soon as the pile of bodies caught on fire, Naruto passed out.

 

 

Gamakichi made it to Konoha in record time. He knew the situation he had left Naruto in was bad. He could tell just by the way he looked. As he jumped through the gates a few of the Konoha nins tried to stop him. But he paid them no mind. He went straight to the Hokage Tower and jumped in through the window, breaking it in the process.

 

Tsunade jumped back from her desk. She was having a conversation with Sakura when suddenly a huge red frog broke through her window. Sakura was the first to recover.

 

“Gamakichi?”

 

“Sakura-san. Tsunade, Naruto sent me. The Tea Country is being attacked by the Sound.”

 

By this point all the nins chasing the frog, as well as those close enough to hear the commotion had entered her office. Tsunade ignored them all though.

 

“Are you sure of this?”

 

“Yes. When I left he was fighting them all. I think he was planning on using it to stop them.”

 

“How many were there?”

 

“Less then fifty.”

 

Tsunade quickly digested the information. Fifty nins could be devastating for a place like the Tea Country. Everyone who lived in the Tea Country were peasants and farmers.

 

“Where was Hinata?”

 

“I don't know.”

 

“Find Kakashi!” Tsunade ordered no one in particular but she knew someone would take off. She returned her attention to Sakura who was walking out the door. “Where are you going?”

 

“To get a pack ready.”

 

Tsunade sighed heavily. Of course Sakura would want to go. She also had no doubt Sasuke would hear about this soon and would want to go. “Sakura, get one of your medical nins to go with you just in case.”

 

Sakura nodded and ran out. Tsunade watched the frog walk around her office. He seemed nervous, which made her nervous. The frogs were usually calm and collective. “Someone bring me Shikamaru, and Shino!”

 

Tsunade opened a drawer, and pulled out a blank scroll. Just as she was about to write in it, Kakashi and Sasuke entered her office. They both already had their packs.

 

“There was an attack on the village Naruto is staying at.”

 

“How do you know?”

 

Tsunade pointed to the frog that was standing in the corner behind the two.

 

“Hey I remember you two. The lazy sensei and the bastard.”

 

The comment would have normally made Kakashi and Tsunade laugh had the situation not been so tense. Things had to have been bad for Naruto to send a frog.

 

“I'm going to be sending you two, Sakura, one other medial nin and Shino. I want you to -“

 

Tsunade stopped mid sentence when the frog suddenly disappeared in a poof of smoke. She turned to Kakashi, who in turn looked at her. They both knew what it meant when a summons disappeared. Either Naruto dispelled it of his own free will, passed out or died.

 

“Maybe it would be best if you two left now.”

 

 

Well apparently not a lot of you liked my last chapter. Sorry, all I can say is that there is a purpose to my madness.

 

I know bloody chapter. My beta is gonna be mad. I kinda changed things around from the last time I talked to her. But oh well.

 

Let's see the chapter style was a bit weird I know. But I figured everyone would get bored reading only about Naruto and Hinata. Besides this way seemed a little more interesting. I hope I didn't confuse anyone. I will try never to write a chapter this way ever again.

 

WHOO HOO FOR FROGS!! I love Gamakichi, he's just too funny. I figured the frogs would know who Team 7 is, since during the Sannin fight Gamabunta knew who Orochimaru, and Tsunade were.

 

Oh and for all those who are curious here's a link to a crash course on kimono's. http://www.japanesekimono.com/index.htm