Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Demon's of Konoha ❯ Last Year of School ( Chapter 12 )

It was a foggy morning, fresh dew was on the leaves from the night before, but you couldn't actually see it. All you could do was feel it, normally cold toes could account for that. In our case it wasn't like that. Mud was along the trail but still our anxious traveler went on. To a normal person it looks as if someone was stepping into the mud making their shoes all wet. If you looked closely you could see that in fact they were walking on top of the mud. It wasn't long before the gates of Konoha appeared before our traveler. Stepping next to the gate to the wall by it, our person jumped over it as if it was nothing more than a crack in the sidewalk. Landing soundlessly and safely on the other side our person began walking through town taking in the familiar scents of Konoha.

 

Stopping at a condo on the third floor, the person in a huge black jacket inserted a key and then went through a series of hand signs and gave a small smile when the door opened. Quickly closing it behind them, the huge black jacket came off to reveal Hinata standing there. Taking off her shoes at the door Hinata headed towards her room only glancing at the clock on her way there. `Six in the morning, the boys are at training. School starts at eight and I have to be at Sarutobi's office at seven with my transfer papers. I won't see the boys until I get home' thought Hinata with a sigh. She had hoped that they would be there when she got there but knowing Itachi they didn't get any notice either. Opening the door to her room Hinata had seen that the room was exactly as she left it, only with more scrolls on her desk than she remembered. Dropping her bag and grabbing her toiletries Hinata headed to the bathroom to get ready for school.

 

Itachi had made it to Rin's three days ago to send Hinata back to Konoha. School was starting and Hinata needed to be there in order to graduate. Rin was happy for she taught Hinata all she knew, but she had gotten use to having the girl around along with a sparing partner. The parting had been full of tears and even Itachi looked to be about to break his composure. Hinata had even gotten Rin to promise to visit her at one point. When though was anyone's guess?

 

Itachi had left Hinata when she was a hundred miles away from Konoha and had her promise to walk the last few miles as to not a rise suspicion. The speeds they were traveling across the continent were faster then most Jounin Ninja travel. Itachi had told Hinata about her appointment with Sarutobi and what time school starts. He had taken care of her weight issue since they were not allowed in school, and by that I mean he found a cool way to conceal them.

 

Enjoying her time under the hot pressure of the shower Hinata quickly hurried up not wanting to be late for her appointment. Wrapping a towel around her body and her hair Hinata made her way to her bedroom again and seen her school uniform lying on the bed. Apparently she had missed it the first time. Grabbing a clean pair of underwear and a bra Hinata got those on first.

 

Then came what appeared to be a normal white tank top, but to those who could tell it was longer than most tank tops. It actually came down to her hips and when applied a little chakra to it, it wouldn't be able to raise up no matter what you did to it. This prevented her seal from being shown when she applied chakra to any source of her body. No matter what, even from the Byukugan it made her look like she had normal chakra coils.

 

Next her socks went on which quickly covered up the simple gold charm bracelets she had on her ankles. To the normal eye they appeared to be normal girly accessories, but since they were from Itachi, Hinata knew they weren't. In fact they were her training weights with Tani now in control of her chakra restraints.

 

Pulling up her blue plaid skirt Hinata was embarrassed to see it only went to mid-thigh. Her white blouse fit better and was glad it was long enough to tuck into her skirt. Her schools jacket was a blue to match her skirt but Hinata was glad it was able to button in the front and reach her wrists where it covered a couple of bracelets on each wrist. Over the year she had been gone, Hinata's curves filled out a little more. The insignia on her coat was in gold which simply was LH for Leaf High. Grabbing her black pair of school shoes Hinata quickly brushed out her hair thankful she kept it chin length, knowing that longer is harder for a ninja to take care of. Grabbing her school bag Hinata quickly left the apartment, setting the alarms before heading for her first appointment of the day.

 

The sound of wood crashing together and swearing was heard coming from different areas of the training ground. In the middle was a black-haired person wearing a black and fishnet shinobi shirt and matching black pants. Just below the knees on both legs were white wraps that covered the bottom part of his pants and parts of his shoes. To his left another figure in what could be described as green fatigues pulled himself away from the tree. “That hurt Itachi” the voice said revealing a head covered in what looked like a dude-rag covering his normally spiky blonde hair. Standing up on his left leg with his right one in a ninety degree angle with his toes pointing to the ground Naruto raised his left and right arms beside his head and stuck them out so that his hands were away from his body.

 

“Stop your whining Dobe” another figure stepped away from the tree on the right. “Take it like a man and stop mimicking the `Karate Kid'” the voice said stepping away from another tree which had a slight imprint of him left on it. The black-haired teenager dusted off his matching black clothes then got into another Tai Jutsu stance one that he had read about and wanted to try.

 

“Ahh Teme, you're no fun” Naruto said getting out of position. “I just wanted to see if it would work.” Grabbing a kunai from his pouch and put in front of him in a defensive position.

 

“If you don't go all out then neither of you will ever surpass me. After all these years I have expected better of you two. Maybe I should find new people to train if you guys aren't going to take this seriously” Itachi said looking very irate at the progress of two of his students. “Always go into a fight with killer intent and as if it was your last fight. Never let your opponent over-estimate you only under-estimate you.” Grabbing a scroll and releasing a katana from it Itachi said “Now come at me to kill me or you won't live though the battle.” Naruto and Sasuke released their katana and charged in to attack Itachi, come hell or high water the boys wanted to be seen as worthy to train. They vowed to be the best.

 

Not long after Hinata had left Sasuke and Naruto arrived all beaten up from the torture that Itachi called training. “Teme, I think your brother hates us” Naruto told Sasuke through one eye. The other had been swollen shut and was beginning to heal rapidly. By the time school started it should be gone.

 

“No he doesn't dobe. He just wants us to get stronger” Sasuke said with a small limp from the pain in his leg. He had a date with a shower and some of Hinata's healing ointment. By the time he got to school the pain would be gone, and hopefully his limp would be gone also. Last thing he wanted was to go to school with a limp, Uchiha's did not appear weak and in pain.

 

“And attacking us straight out makes us stronger how? Are you sure it's not because he needs to get laid?” Naruto asked disabling the lock on the door.

 

“Dobe, after comments like that just be thankful he isn't trying to kill us. Besides now we know which areas to work in” Sasuke said shutting the door behind the two boys.

 

“Oh yeah and what is that?” Naruto asked as he headed towards his room.

 

“Keeping your smartass comments to yourself, but really genjutsu for you and well for me, since I'm perfect my speed.” Sasuke said shutting the door to the bathroom to take a shower so he didn't have to listen to Naruto's tirade. The only reason Sasuke said he was perfect was to annoy his best friend, and after the ass kicking they had taken he needed it. Noticing something was different about the bathroom but not being able to place what it was Sasuke quickly took his shower so he could go to school. When he had emerged he was already dressed complete in uniform.

 

Naruto was at the table trying to tie his tie again while shoving a piece of toast in his mouth. No matter how many times he tried, that tie was never done properly, which always made Sasuke have to fix it. With their bags pack the boys exited the condo each taking a different way to school, so as to not appear to be friends.

 

It was finally here their last year. Only the people who passed would be in this class, making the numbers drastically decrease. When they were freshman there were four classes, and now as seniors there was one. Naruto was passing by the skin of his teeth, at least the persona of Naruto the world saw did. If it wasn't his promise to Itachi Naruto would be ranking with Sasuke in scores, although not if any of the teachers have anything to say about it. For some reason over the years Leaf High has gone threw a few teachers since Naruto started going there. When they were caught for unfair treatment, they were fired and sent to Ibiki. It wasn't long before people started to straighten up. Naruto was getting an honest education, and would pass on his own merit, along with everyone else.

 

Hinata made it to the Hokage's Office and stopped at the receptionists' desk right outside of the door only to see a woman with short spiky purple hair wearing a beige trench coat chewing on a stick of green tea flavored dango. At the sight of Hinata in her uniform, knowing that she had a guest to take care of she quickly swallowed her mouthful of dango. When she noticed Hinata's pale lavender eyes with no detectable pupil present save for the ring of blue Anko gulped and asked “How can I help you Hyuuga-sama?”

 

“Um” Hinata started “my name is Hinata no Sabaku and I have an appointment with the Hokage at seven.”

 

“no Sabaku, you said are you sure it's not Hyuuga.” Anko asked hoping the girl wasn't lying to her. The only reason she was playing secretary today was because of an issue a Hyuuga had accused her of.

 

“Absolutely positive” Hinata said with a small smile. “As I am sure the Hokage will attest to that.”

 

Still not sure she believed her Anko pushed the button on the little speaker on the desk. “Sir, a Hinata no Sabaku is here to see you.”

 

“I will be right there” the gruff voice of Sarutobi answered.

 

Before Anko could have Hinata seated at the bench to be called in the doors were pushed open and there stood Sarutobi, complete with his Hokage robes on and a pipe in his mouth. At the sight of Hinata he got a big smile on his face and said “Hinata no Sabaku, it's been a year. Come on in and let's find out how your training went.” To Anko Sarutobi said “Anko I don't want to be disturbed until this appointment is over. And I mean that by any means necessary.”

 

“Yes sir” Anko said sitting back down at the desk with a small smile on her face. She had just gotten permission to keep everyone away from the door even by physical bodily harm. No way could she get in trouble today for causing any unwanted fights. Right now she had the Hokage's blessing. For the first time in a long time things were beginning to look up for Anko.

 

Showing Hinata to her seat Sarutobi went and sat behind his desk and smoked on his pipe. Picking up the scroll that was on his desk he began to skim over it. “I have a written report from Rin that you have completed your training under her and at age eighteen are qualified to become a nationally certified doctor. Unfortunately here we don't allow the training until Chounin age which is also eighteen. It is her recommendation that you take the test as soon as possible as you can in some countries without declaring a loyalty to any shinobi nation. If that is your wish I will also allow it.” Sarutobi said placing that document on the table before picking up another.

 

“Itachi has written me also and mentioned your progression in nin jutsu, tai jutsu and even gen jutsu. From what I understand you don't have much experience in the `gentle fist' style, once your exile from the Hyuuga clan. If you want I can decree that someone train you in it. It is your birthright after all.” Sarutobi said folding his hands under his chin to see Hinata's reactions.

 

“I would rather not sir.” Hinata stated, “The Hyuuga's owe me nothing and I owe them nothing. I prefer to keep it that way. If Itachi-sensei thought I needed the training in the `gentle fist' style I know he would make sure I get it. As it is the use of my Byukugan is shaky at best, and really rather painful to use. I have other strengths that do not require the use of the style.”

 

`Itachi was right about her not wanting to learn it, and the use of her Byukugan but I can't help but wonder if training under the Hyuuga's would benefit her. From what I heard about her upbringing though I am not really sure. Hiashi would not let me tell him to train her, and instead would want it as a favor. With the problems he has with Anko I know he would demand that I kill her. For now, until proven otherwise I will abide by their wishes' Sarutobi thought.

 

“Now Hinata, I assume you will be living with the boys again and since they are not here, obviously do not know of your return yet. Think you will be alright living with them again or do you want me to find a place for you?” Sarutobi asked. “I know you are turning sixteen and some girls would like some privacy. If you ever need your own place please let me know.”

 

“I will be fine living with the boys” Hinata said standing up. “I grew up with them and feel comfortable there. They are all that's left of my family, and as Itachi said `family sticks together.' That is what we will do.” Hinata said with a smile on her face. “Now I have to get used to stuttering and acting shy again, when in the country I didn't have to do that.”

 

“You will do fine Hinata, after all you had some of the best teachers. Now if anyone asks you were helping Gaara get situated in Suna and attended school there. That is the only way we could keep you in school here in Konoha without everyone throwing a fuss. School transfers are not as uncommon as people think, but being home schooled and training is. Were you able to talk Rin into coming back?” Sarutobi asked with hope in his voice.

 

Placing her finger under her chin and she looked up appearing to be deep in thought she said “she did say she would come and visit, but she just never said when. Is that all?” `I wonder if there is a reason he has a hedge on him. By all rights he is Sarutobi, so I won't worry too much. Maybe he just has some serious bags under his eyes from waking up too early.'

 

“Yes that is all Hinata, you are dismissed. Your class room is number 238. Have a good first day of school.” Sarutobi thought but couldn't help but think `you're going to need it when you find out about Naruto's crush on Sakura and his new sexy jutsu. But then again maybe you can put him back on the straight and narrow.' With a smile on his face and a wave bye he smiled for the first time in a while. `Maybe having her back will keep the boys from doing any more pranks. I can't handle another one.' He thought as he took off his hat and released the hedge on his snowy white hair making it show a bright blue color. Putting the dye in his shampoo was the boys' latest prank and so far he was the only one who knew who was doing the mysterious pranks around town for the past year. Putting the hedge back on after hearing a commotion going on at his door, Sarutobi only sighed and thought `please let her be able to keep them in line.'

 

Sasuke silently jumped from to tree branch to tree branch until he was at the south entrance to Leaf High. Watching the girls huddling as they looked for him, Sasuke could only look on in disgust. Ever since puberty hit the girls have been after him and not in a good way either. After sex-education last year it had only gotten worse. Quickly Sasuke looked for a distraction and found one of Naruto in a hedge attempting to appear as Sasuke himself. There were times that Sasuke didn't like Naruto acting like he was Sasuke but when getting away from fan girls, anything was fair play. With the herd of fan girls chasing the Sasuke imposter, Sasuke slipped into the school and made his way to his classroom.

 

Moving to the back row Sasuke picked a seat on the very left leaving only one empty seat beside him. There were times that Sasuke hated people not knowing Naruto and him were friends. Annoying fan girls wanting to sit by him was one of those times. With his hand under his chin, looking out the big window by his seat, Sasuke heard the door open and shut but still didn't tear his eyes from the birds in the trees. Secretly he was thankful though that his aches and pains had disappeared with the help of Hinata's ointments. The last jar was almost empty and with no one around to refill it, Sasuke just might end up having to go towards the hospital if it came to it.

 

“May I sit here?” A voice asked breaking Sasuke out of his thoughts.

 

Sasuke turned his head to give the poor unfortunate girl who had asked to sit with him the infamous Uchiha Glare.

 

“Sasuke don't give me that glare you know it doesn't work with me.” She said hanging her bag on the other side of the two person desk.

 

Sasuke stopped glaring and actually looked at the girl who was talking to him only to realize it was Hinata. “Hinata” he exclaimed with an actual smile as he pulled her into a hug. “I've missed you. Yes you can sit with me, although watch out for the fan girls. They are out in full force.”

 

Sitting down next to Sasuke, Hinata had to smile. He still looked the same only older and if anything his glare was almost rivaling Itachi's. In looks Itachi was going to have a run for his money. “I'm glad to see you also Sasuke. I take it that what the herd of screaming girls I heard when I arrived. When I got here though they were kicking and stomping something into the ground I figured it was only a cockroach or something.”

 

“Oh man poor, Naruto.” Sasuke said with a small laugh, “Looks like I owe him one.”

 

Slowly students started to fill in the classroom giving the two strange looks before finding different seats.

 

“Still faking the rivalry” Hinata asked with a whisper not wanting the secret to let out.

 

“Yup and you can be sure he will be glad to see you also” Sasuke said. “People are coming `shows on'.”

 

Realizing what he meant when he began to look out the window again in interest. Finding nothing else to do Hinata pulled out her pencils and pens and placed them on her desk along with her notebook. Screaming was heard through the halls as the shouting of “move Ino-pig” and “watch it billboard-brow” was heard along with the door slamming open. In the door way were two girls both wearing the same uniform Hinata was but had expensive hair accessories in their hair, unlike Hinata who only wore hers down.

 

Hinata watched in something almost to fright as the two stomped over to her with fury in their eyes. It wasn't so much that Hinata was afraid, for she knew she could take both of them, but for the quick look of hunger in their eyes as they noticed Sasuke first then how fast it turned to fury as they spotted her sitting next to him. She had never seen anyone change moods as fast as that and she had a demon in her for Pete's sake.

 

“I suggest you move” the pink-haired one said in a high-piercing voice that made Hinata think of a banshee as first sound. “You are obviously new so you don't know, so here is a news flash. You do not sit next to Sasuke-kun only I do.”

 

“What do you mean Billboard Brow” the other voice of the blonde haired girl said. Luckily this voice sounded much more human. “I sit next to Sasuke-kun, not you.”

 

`What the hell is going on? Why is a banshee screaming who is going to die? Better not be us, I was just reading and I hear this screeching.' Tani asked before looking out Hinata's eyes to see who was talking. Taking in the voices of both the blonde and pink haired one Tani continued `Hinata I advise you to stay away from those two. Something about the pink-haired ones voice reminds me of death. It just might follow her. Now I'm going back to my book. Let me know if anything interesting happens.” Tani said before picking up her book that she put down and put some ear phones in her ears to tune out the sound.

 

“Sakura-chan you can sit next to me” a voice that was deeper than when Hinata last heard it said. At the desk in front of her Hinata looked up and seen the smiling face of one Naruto Uzumaki standing in front of her smiling with his eyes closed. “No reason to sit next to Sasuke-teme.”

 

“Shut up Naruto” the pink-haired one who appeared to be Sakura screamed out and hit him on the head getting an `ow' from the boy.

 

Rubbing his head with his eyes fixed on Sakura he asked “what's the big deal its jut Sasuke-teme.” Turning to see who was actually sitting in the seat next to Sasuke Naruto's eyes widened significantly. “Hinata is that you?”

 

“H-hello, N-N-Naruto-kun” Hinata replied with a small blush on her face. The stuttering part had been hard to achieve but looking at Naruto's older form from the boy she knew to the hunky young man he was becoming Hinata blushed at the thoughts that went into her head. `Damn, perverted demon' Hinata thought shaking her head to release the thoughts she was having.

 

`Who are you calling a damn perverted demon?' Tani asked dropping her book and looping into Hinata's self conscience. `Let me take a look this must be some beef cake in order to get you to blush.' Taking in a look through Hinata's eyes at how Naruto had grown all Tani could o was whistle. `Damn girl he is fine. Too bad he's too young for me, but Hinata he could work for you. I didn't think Naruto would grow up to be this cute. But he smells familiar, it's been so long and I just can't place his smell yet.' Tani said almost with longing in her voice. `Oh well, class is going to start and I want to finish my book.'

 

“It's been a long time Hinata” Naruto said with a genuine smile on his face.

 

Sakura looked from Hinata to Naruto and then to Sasuke before doing it again. `Let me see, this Hinata person is allowed to sit next to my Sasuke-kun but she blushes at Naruto. Naruto who has a major crush on me just smiles at her as if he is actually interested. So not only did she take my love interest but she also has taken my follower. That's it this girl is going to have a very painful visit here. She will soon know not to mess with Sakura Haruno.' Inner Sakura thought pounding on an image of Hinata in her mind beating her to a bloody pulp.

 

It had taken a week but a sense of normalcy hit the household with Hinata back again. Her first night back the trio sat up all night talking about what was going on and who missed what. Hinata was kind of sad though that no one had news of Gaara, but in a way she really wasn't surprised. Gaara wasn't much of a writer to begin with, but she had hoped to hear from her twin. She knew he was alive because Tani had informed her months ago that if Gaara was dead or dying, because of their being twins and Tani's connection with Shukaku, she was guaranteed to know. Hinata could only take comfort in that knowledge.

 

Hinata had gotten her old job back at the grocery store, which her employee discount came in handy when she took over the cooking duties to find that the only reason the boys ate so much was there was only so much stuff they could cook and with Naruto's ramen appetite only so much they could afford, thankfully the condo was already paid for.

 

Hinata was pleased to see that Sasuke still had his job at the lumber yard and that the restoration of the Uchiha compound was nearly complete, all that was left was Sasuke's old house. The blood had been cleaned years ago, back after the massacre had happened, when Gaara still lived with them and Itachi was getting sent on his long-term mission. Sasuke promised that once the restoration of the house was done he would build an area in the back for a garden for Hinata to grow her large garden instead of the small one they had at the condo.

 

Naruto still maintained his job at Ichiraku's only he worked in the back washing dishes and such to keep out of the public eye. The days where Ayame had off, Naruto used a hedge that Hinata found was his original `sexy no jutsu' on this busty blonde had on clothes, and was mute. A problem had arisen while Hinata was gone about some of the community having a problem with the `demon container' having a job at a local restaurant. Kanaka Ichiraku though wasn't one to normally fall under pressure and had to admit he had a liking for his favorite customer, but when they tried to burn his shop down he drew the line. He allowed Naruto to still work for him but in the back, which wasn't a problem for Naruto because it was easier for him to study this way.

 

His sexy no jutsu he developed in order to complete his pranking and avoid capture but found that with clothes, he's a hot girl which allows his to cover on Ayame's days off. The same people that gave Kanaka a hard time were the same people always flirting with Naruto in girl form. This is why Naruto stays silent because he can't change his voice properly and when he wants to tell off the customers for hitting on him, it just proceeds to get deeper. The hedge though works well as Naruto is effectively controlling his chakra carefully, letting him being able to hold it for hours on end.

 

Sakura was miffed at school when she found out that she couldn't sit next to Sasuke and when she sat next to Naruto to try and make Hinata jealous, was steamed to find out that Iruka had arranged assigned seats. This, Iruka had said, would make it easier to learn and not allow people to be distracted in class. Carefully Sakura had laid down apparent traps to convince Hinata to drop out of school, leaving the seat next to Sasuke empty. All attempts from paint balloons to bathroom pranks didn't stop Hinata from coming to school, but for the life of her Sakura couldn't figure out how Hinata was able to miss each trick.

 

Sakura did learn though that if she flirts with Naruto in front of Sasuke, Sasuke gets a bigger frown on his face than normal. Hinata just puts her head down and hides her eyes under her hair appearing as if she is trying not to cry.

Hinata in actuality is trying not to scream and yell at the pink-haired banshee as Sasuke and Hinata has nicknamed her, and even got Itachi in on it when they apprised him of her voice complete with Hinata in a full hedge. The great and powerful Itachi had gotten the chills at hearing the voice of Sakura and he killed people for a living. Luckily Naruto didn't arrive yet or else he could jump to protect his `Sakura-chan' as he had gotten to call her. Sasuke just frowns at Naruto's complete lack of not noticing anything where Sakura was concerned, and how it makes his own roommate feel.

 

Naruto had seen Sakura flirting with him and actually took it as actual interest. He refused to see the snide comments about Hinata or even the openly lustful looks she was beginning to give Sasuke. When they asked him about it he said they must be imagining things or worse yet were just jealous. After that neither wanted to ask him on why he allows Sakura to hit him, for fear they wouldn't like the answer.

 

Hinata on the other hand had finally come to realize the full extent of her feelings for Naruto and at sixteen knew she was in love with him. In retrospect Hinata realized she's love Naruto since she was five but didn't want to admit it, although one night looking at the stars on the roof of the condo with Sasuke, she finally did. Sasuke being the only family Hinata technically had left since no one had heard from Gaara since he left, and Itachi was a clone they summoned from a scroll. Sasuke was the only flesh and blood family she had, and while they were in nature cousins many times down the line, they were more like brother and sister.

 

Sad thing was many people didn't realize that and thought Hinata was vying for Sasuke's attention. This made Hinata the target for Sasuke's fan girls and with Sasuke's pretend indifference and Hinata's performance on her personality, it made her an easy target. With Hinata's looks though she wasn't without boy admirers and thankfully most she didn't go to school with. The kids from Konoha High would come into the grocery store just to flirt with her or attempt to follow her around town to find out where she lived.

 

The trio had worked out a system on getting home and leaving without anyone realizing where they lived and that they knew each other. Each day the group went different ways only to show up at the house at different times from jobs, training or what not. They had done such a successful job that even Iruka thought that Naruto lived alone and had no friends. Unable to say anything different the kids allowed him to believe what he wanted.

 

“Hey Hinata your good with math can you check this for me?” Naruto asked bringing forth a binder with papers stuck in between plastic sheets and his report card. “Something just doesn't seem right with this.” Naruto said, school was in the third quarter already and for the first time Naruto's report card looked questionable.

 

“Sure Naruto” Hinata said with a small blush that she was trying to keep from showing, but with Naruto always around it appeared she always had some on. “Set it on the table and let me get some paper and a calculator.” Grabbing the necessary supplies she headed towards the table to look at what Naruto was pointing at.

 

Helping Naruto with math was nothing new for Hinata who seemed to be a natural at it. For this reason the boys let Hinata handle the budget for the apartment, especially since they've begun to see the results of her work. Any late bills that they had or threatening shut-off notices were no longer there. They didn't have to worry about heat, water or even the electric bills anymore. Food was always in the house and they still had spending money along with CD's and once they turned eighteen they could start an IRA without parental consent which none of them would be able to obtain. Until then the savings accounts they had their whole lives were still in tacked.

 

“I've looked over these papers three times and I still can't figure out how these answers are coming out to be.” Naruto said with a small blush on his face at Hinata's closeness. While he swears he is in love with Sakura, Naruto can never help but blush when Hinata was around. When she wasn't he could smell her shampoo and instantly think of her and blush, instead of analyzing or reflecting on why this happens Naruto just accepts it just as he does her hugs and she gives them, or even the occasional kiss on the cheek. I mean she's been doing it since she was five so it doesn't mean much right. Shaking his head to get rid of such thought Naruto quickly got looking at the task at hand, but got distracted again as he watched Hinata chew her bottom lip as she sat in concentration and began punching numbers on her calculator as she flipped pages in Naruto's binder.

 

“How many days did you skip this semester or leave early?” Hinata asked her face still in concentration as she added up the numbers again.

 

Quickly getting up and gathering another book which Naruto kept his schedule for work and what pranks he played, along with weights change and even when he left early at school or skipped. It was all carefully arranged in Naruto's book which he never let out of the house. Only Hinata and Sasuke knew of its existence, only neither knew where he kept it.

 

“I only skipped twice and left early once, and that was the day I was painting on the monuments.” Naruto answered after consulting his book.

 

“Even with that your grades shouldn't be this low. You should be getting a solid C-, D+ and not an F.” Hinata answered as she looked up at hearing the front door opening. Naruto hearing the door also looked up and seen Sasuke walk in and at looking at Hinata and Naruto sitting close next to each other began to smile. That changed though when he seen the long looks on their faces.

 

“What? What's going on?” Sasuke asked taking off his jacket and shoes. He had just gotten out of work at the lumber yard, and was getting tired.

 

“We have a situation. Naruto's grades aren't matching his report card. Even with his skipping and leaving early his grades shouldn't be this low.” Hinata explained not liking what that was implying.

 

“Sarutobi's office then?” Sasuke asked getting his shoes back on. “I will meet you there in five minutes via back window.”

 

“Five minutes it is” they agreed as Hinata went to grab her large jacket and shoes and waited a minute and left after Sasuke. Naruto quickly gathered his report card and binder with his test papers in it and placed them on the table. Then he grabbed his orange jumpsuit and quickly got dressed and put on his shoes. Putting on his goggles and grabbing the binder on the table Naruto was out the door to meet Sasuke and Naruto at Sarutobi's office.

 

At the back window of Hokage Tower the trio quickly made their way inside in the protection of the dark. Sneaking into the office of the Hokage is not as hard as most people are led to believe, but then again not everyone was trained by Itachi or knew the ANBU guard waiting at the door. Only one guard watched Sarutobi's door and that was Kakashi. With a nod to the three, Kakashi allowed them entrance knowing that if they were there to see Sarutobi then something was up.

 

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Sarutobi asked. “If it's planning another of Naruto's pranks we are not scheduled for another one for two more months.”

 

“Nothing like that sir” Sasuke started respectively.

 

“It's more like someone is tampering with his grades.” Hinata finished as Naruto passed over his binder and report card. Sarutobi raised an eyebrow and opened the information that Naruto handed him and quickly went over his math also.

 

“So it appears to be.” Sarutobi said after a few minutes. “The grading of the papers is correct, and if I didn't know better Naruto I would say you were really stupid. Glad I make you take these tests for you actual grades here at the office. So that means who calculates the grades and put them in the computer mess up. Who is Iruka's teachers assistant?”

 

“Mizuki-sensei” the three answered all together. For some reason or another Iruka's teachers assistant had rubbed them the wrong way. Whether it was his treatment of Naruto, his ass-kissing Sakura because of her family connections, his attempt at being Sasuke's friend or even his treatment to Hinata to stay in Sakura's good side.

 

“I think he is up to something. So what do you want to do? Allow this to continue on a little longer and wait to see what he up to or do you me to have him questioned?” Sarutobi asked, allowing Naruto to make the decision. After all it was his future he was messing with.

 

“If I wait to see what he is up to what will happen to my grades will I fail?” Naruto asked seriously.

 

“No but at the end of the week bring me all of you test papers so we can keep track of the changes that he has made. Your grades are already different because of the test I have you take here. What is in your permanent record are different than what they are putting down now.” Sarutobi answered secretly pleased Naruto was worried about his future.

 

“Then I want to wait and see what he is planning. If it is something bad, then I want him to face punishment. If it is a personal vendetta for something I might have did inadvertally with a prank. I want to know. For some reason he doesn't like me and I want to know why.” Naruto answered.

 

“Then that is what we will do. Let me know what happens and what he is planning. I will keep my eyes out for anything out of the ordinary.” Sarutobi said. “You are dismissed and have a good week at school.

 

It wasn't until near the end of the final semester that the trio found out what Mizuki had planned. The morning started out like normal with the training of the three with Itachi in a no holding back brawl. Everyone pretty much got there ass kicked courtesy of Itachi but this time for the first time ever then ended in a draw. Both groups were sweating profusely when they were finished and broken kunai and shurikens littered the surrounding area around the group. Trees were broken and the ground was disheveled and broken in different areas. Thankfully nothing was broken or sprained for either group but it didn't seem like it would remain that way for long. Once the group was dismissed they headed back to the condo in the still dark of morning.

 

Hinata and Naruto walked to school part of the way as they always did. Sasuke left a few minutes earlier to find ways to avoid his every growing fan girls. Hinata found that if she walked to school partially with Naruto she was able to avoid her fan boys.

 

“Hinata” Naruto asked hesitantly “can you promise me something.”

 

“I can try Naruto, but without knowing what it is. I can't really” Hinata answered swinging her bag next to her leaving the arm next to Naruto to hang free. Naruto was walking next to Hinata with his hangs on his bag strap, which he was holding behind his head. Almost like his grin where he grabs the back of his head.

 

“Can you please try to be nicer to Sakura-chan? I don't know why you seek to antagonize her but she's starting to get really upset, and we've been friends for years. I don't want this to tear it apart. Please Hinata I really like her a lot and she's really sweet once you get to know her.” Naruto said with an almost sad look on his face.

 

`So does he completely miss what Sakura and her groupies have been doing to me? Os he really that dense that he can't tell I love him. I guess if it makes him happy then I can try right. Maybe I am just biased because of how I feel about him. What do you think Tani?' Hinata thought as she walked next to Naruto looking as if she was giving the question some thought.

 

`I say we kill off the pink-haired one and take him for ourselves. That's what we do in the demon world. Although there they want to marry the person with the best fighting skills, and ranking, here on the other hand they want the ranking, looks and money. Damn, Hinata why weren't you born into a rich, powerful family?' Tani asked from her little garden.

 

`With Gaara being my twin I technically am from a rich, powerful family. My father would be the Kazekage, kind of like our Hokage here.' Hinata answered. `I just think it's rude to rub in people's faces and until father acknowledges me who would believe me.'

 

`Sasuke would, and so would Naruto. He wants social acceptance, so maybe this is your chance.'

 

`Not like that. I want to be with Naruto that much is true, but you know what. I want him to want me, because of me and not because of what I could do for him.' Hinata answered.

 

`I want you to want me. I need you to need me.” Tani began singing jumping around as if she was serenading someone.

 

`Damn raccoon, last time I play classic rock music during yoga workouts.' Hinata thought only broken out of her thoughts as she heard Naruto ask. “So can your promise me Hinata?”

 

“I will try Naruto-kun I promise.” Hinata answered as a solemn promise. She really would try, that doesn't mean she would succeed.

 

Before Hinata could think much more she felt Naruto's arm go around her waist as he pulled her close while still walking next to her. Before Hinata could say or even form her mouth to ask `why' she sensed what Naruto had caught he first time. Following the two of them were Hinata's fan boys.

 

“Hinata-sama” was called repeatedly by the fan boys and so were offers for food, gifts, marriage and other various assortments.

 

By the time they had made it through the horde, which required an evil glare from Naruto as he held Hinata close making it seem like she belonged with him. Hinata could only smile and blush while in Naruto's warm embrace and while it lasted she could only wish that he was doing it because he felt the same as she did and not out of misguided brotherly love.

 

When the group had finally left Naruto released Hinata so fast she almost gasped from the lack of warmth. When she raised her eyes to look at Naruto's he said “We should split up here, and I will meet you at school.” With that being said Naruto jumped on the nearest roof and began his walk to school in silence unable to understand the sense of rightness that came of having Hinata near him. `Maybe it's just because I've known her forever. Once Sakura-Chan and I know each other like that it will feel the same way.' Naruto thought in his head before a second voice had joined in. `Idiot'. As quickly as it came it was gone again, making Naruto think he imagined the whole thing.

 

Hinata made her way to the school slowly getting nervous as she walked towards the school. Today was testing on how much you learned at the academy. It wasn't that Hinata was worried, no knew she could pass anything they threw at her and that was the problem. So far she had been able to achieve her average rating. Luckily the testing wasn't until the end of the day. Which also meant no more `special kunoichi training', which while it grossed out most people it didn't Hinata. After working as a doctor not much grossed her out anymore.

 

It was the end of the day and Hinata's most dreaded thing the final exams had finally come and testing was to be done. Sasuke as normal finished at the top of his class, even completing his bushins properly. Further down the line Hinata had finished hers as well striving to achieve an `average' grade. While she knew she could pass with flying colors, if she let it all show now, her mission from Itachi would have been a failure. After breaking many beads of sweat and a lot of concentration on failing some of her throws Hinata managed to pass with her `average' grade. Naruto on the other hand had the hardest time of all. Since he had to complete his mission as a complete idiot, he barely passed all of his tests which would mean it relied on his grades. Since they were being fixed Naruto knew he failed.

 

Hitae-ate's were given out and Naruto didn't receive one, at least in the eyes of the academy he didn't. Looking sad and lonely Naruto went to sit on the picnic table and watched as families came to congratulate the graduates. Sasuke was sitting on the roof while Hinata was in a nearby tree scouting to see if there was something Mizuki had planned.

 

`He's coming' Naruto said softly under his breathe but knew his two friends had heard him via the microphone under his school uniform. When nothing was replied Naruto knew the others were on their guard.

 

“Naruto there you are” Mizuki said as he walked towards the young man. Sitting down next to him and speaking softly as to not be heard Mizuki said. “I know you are upset that you failed, but there is a way to get extra credit. It's a little unknown secret that most are not even aware of. Are you interested?”

 

“Will I get to be a ninja?” Naruto asked hopefully.

 

“Yes you will. So are you interested?” Mizuki asked knowing he had thrown the proper bait out to the wannabe ninja.

 

“What do I have to do?” Naruto asked.

 

“In the Hokage's Office, behind the desk is a set of scrolls. If you can get past the Hokage and grab one of the scroll and get it to me at the cottage in the woods by training ground seven, you pass. But you only have three hours. Think you can still do it?” Mizuki asked with just enough challenge in his voice. He knew no matter what it would be hard to get past the Hokage, but the scrolls would be worth it.

 

“I will do it” Naruto said as he made his way to the office. Mizuki in his glee failed to notice the shadows of Naruto's friends jumping away.

 

The trio met Sarutobi in his office and told him what Mizuki had planned. Together they made a plan and Naruto set out with one of the lesser forbidden scrolls. Sarutobi knew what he was doing and gave Naruto one on bushins. The one thing Naruto had the hardest time producing. If he was lucky Naruto might learn something from it.

 

Naruto sat in a tree by where he was suppose to meet Mizuki and went to work memorizing the scroll. Not even Sarutobi would know how fast Naruto learned all of the techniques on the `bushins' scroll. Sasuke and Hinata went to work preparing for an ambush incase something happened. Kakashi was also there as a representative from Sarutobi. Plus he secretly wanted to see how his future team worked.

 

They weren't waiting long before Iruka had shown up asking Naruto what was wrong with him. When Naruto got around explaining about what Mizuki-sensei had said Iruka's eyes had widened as he was struck from behind with flying kunai. Falling to his knees first Iruka then had fallen face down as blood begun to slowly sweep through his shirt.

 

“You struck him, why?” Naruto asked getting angry.

 

“Because he was in the way, now give me the scroll.” Mizuki answered the boy but was slightly surprised at his nonchalant reaction at seeing Mizuki's betrayal. “You knew” Mizuki said in shock.

 

“Of course I would notice when my grades are being tempered with.” Naruto said with an eyebrow raised.

 

“Now who is going to believe a demon like you? You tricked the Hokage and stole a precious forbidden scroll. The only person who might believe you is dying now. I did my research you have no friends. So who is going to believe you demon?” Mizuki said with an evil maniacal laugh.

 

“I will” Sasuke said as he stepped out of the bush where he was hiding.

 

“I will also” Hinata said standing up from the tree in which she was hiding in.

 

“Interesting, Sasuke Uchiha and Hinata no Sabaku are here to help the demon.” Mizuki said as Sasuke and Hinata jumped into position next to Naruto.

 

“Hinata, take care of Iruka-sensei, heal him as best as you can. Dobe and I will take care of the traitor, anyone needs help hollar” Sasuke said as he got into a tai jutsu stance. Naruto followed suite and also got into a stance, one he didn't use at the academy.

 

Very interesting” Mizuki said “we have the last Uchiha, the banished Hyuuga, and a demon. I bet you would help him if you knew the truth about Naruto, and about how he is the nine-tailed demon fox. How does it feel to” Mizuki was saying before he was cut off by Sasuke laughing. “What's so funny?”

 

“The fact that you think we didn't know about the Kyuubi sealed inside Naruto. Doesn't matter to us he is just Naruto, one of our best friends and that's how it will stay. So are you going to fight or are you just going to stand around talking all day?” Sasuke asked with his usual Uchiha smirk showing he was anticipating the fight.

 

“Shut up Mizuki” Iruka said coughing up blood occasionally, in an attempt to pick himself up. “He is and always be Naruto Uzumaki to me and obviously to his friends. He may have it sealed in him but that doesn't make him a demon.” Iruka said before falling back down on his face.

 

With that being said Mizuki took off with the two boys in hot pursuit. Hinata dropped down next to Iruka and was glad to see he was still breathing. Grabbing a pair of gloves from her backpack she asked “Iruka-sensei I know you are in pain, but I need to know a few things. Are you allergic to anything that you know of? I know it must hurt to talk so please blink once for yes and twice for no.”

 

“No I'm not, but you should get help Hinata. The boys can be in big trouble Mizuki is almost Jounin level. I will wait here” Iruka said coughing up more blood.

 

“I'm not worried about the boys” Hinata said patiently. “If anything I worry more about them killing Mizuki instead of just stopping him. Don't worry they will be fine. They are way better than you think they are. Now let me get you taken care of, so conserve you energy please” Hinata asked with her head tilted to the side and a small smile on her face.

 

“You're not stuttering” Iruka said.

 

“I never did” Hinata answered truthfully. “But please don't tell anyone, it's an element of surprise.”

 

“Just like Naruto” Iruka said “always surprising me.”

 

“As one of his best friends I take that as a compliment” Hinata said. “Now rest before I put you to sleep. If the pain gets to much let me know.”

 

“Hinata I am a shinobi the pain will never be too much” Iruka said with a small smile. As he closed his eyes in concentration to fight back the pain.

 

Slowly Hinata began to remove the kunai from Iruka's back, after taking off his jacket and shirt. Cleaning the area and then grabbing a specially made ointment she put in on and some in the wound healing the worst of the damage, but when it got to shallow cuts she opened another box and began to put in stitches. Methodically she went and cleaned each and every wound. When had the cleaned she raised Iruka into a sitting position and carefully begun to wrap his chest and back with white gauze then wrappings to secure that his stitches wouldn't tear out. Wrapping her arm around his waist and putting his arm around her shoulder, she gentle stood them up.

 

“Kakashi” Hinata said after feeling his aura. When the masked ANBU agent jumped down Hinata passed him Iruka. “Take him to the hospital to finish getting treated. He will live, but don't let it known who did it. Let the Hokage know what is going on. I have to help the boys.” Hinata said gently handing the school teacher over.

 

With Iruka secure with Kakashi Hinata knew that what she needed would be fulfilled. Running to the fighting Tani couldn't help but ask `What do they mean that Kyuubi is sealed inside Naruto?'

 

`Naruto was born the night of the Kyuubi's attack here in Konoha. The late fourth Hokage in an attempt to save the village sealed him into a newborn child with his umbilical cord freshly cut. That child was Naruto.' Hinata relayed jumping branch to branch seeing fallen trees and craters showing her the boys had been that way.

 

`This is important, Hinata. When is Naruto's birthday?” Tani asked.

 

“October 10th the same night as the Kyuubi Festival.” Hinata answered as she was beginning to hear the shouting of the attacks.

 

`So then he didn't have a choice but to stand me up. If he was sealed into Naruto he had no way to make our wedding.' Tani said.

 

`Huh' answered Hinata, eyes widening at seeing Naruto take a gruesome punch to the face.

 

`I will explain later, but for now that man dies for hitting our man. Hinata attack' Tani yelled from inside of Hinata producing a boa staff from seemingly nowhere.

 

`For once we agree' Hinata said jumping into the fray. Landing softly behind Mizuki she looked to the boys and with a sigh said “never send a man to do a woman's job”.

 

Naruto was about to make a comment until he seen Hinata's grin. “Oh come on Hinata, we were just playing with him. We didn't want to take all the fun. We knew you would be here eventually.” Naruto said with a smile putting his head behind his head.

 

“How's Iruka?” Sasuke asked cracking his knuckles while looking at Mizuki.

 

“He will live. He is being taken to the hospital as we speak.” Hinata looked at the boys and noticed their clothes didn't have any dirt on them. What was visual didn't appear to have any bruising or swelling indicating an injury. In fact the only one looking torn up and beaten was Mizuki who appeared to be barely on his feet. “So Naruto” Hinata asked “learn anything cool from the scroll that you can show us?”

 

“You bet” Naruto said putting his hands into the ram seam before saying “Kage Bushin no jutsu.” The areas surrounding them were filled with Naruto's. “Let's see what these bad boys can do. Mizuki prepare for pain” Naruto said as he jumped in to fight Mizuki with his clones following suite.

 

“AHHHH” Mizuki screamed as Naruto and his clones beat him up, enough to hurt but not enough to kill him. With Mizuki properly beaten, Naruto dispelled his clones and grabbed his head in pain.

 

“Are you alright Naruto?” Sasuke asked wondering what was wrong with the Dobe.

 

“Yeah information over load” Naruto said. “I will be alright. Let's grab Mizuki and head back to see the old man. I want this night behind us.”

 

Tying Mizuki up the trio headed back towards Hokage tower dragging Mizuki behind them. They walked in silence unsure of what to say at Mizuki's confession about Naruto. Naruto wanted to forget about it. Hinata and Sasuke, taking his cues, decided to wait until Naruto spoke first before bringing up the conversation. It was his story to tell not theirs.

 

“So I see you brought the traitor” Sarutobi said looking at Mizuki's sad condition, then at the neat appearance of the trio. Only dirt to be found was on Hinata's knees and the only blood was on Hinata's former white shirt. “Hinata do you need medical attention?”

 

“No this blood if Iruka-sensei's. I had to patch him up before I had Kakashi bring him to the hospital.” Hinata answered grabbing her other arm, not wanting to reveal too much about her healing abilities.

 

“You did a wonderful job. In fact the medic's here want to know who did it. They don't believe it was done in action because the stitching is so precise and he is mostly healed.” Sarutobi said smoking his pipe, looking over at the three new ninjas. “What shall we do about it?”

 

“I would prefer they didn't know who did it. It would bring questions eventually that I can't answer without revealing too much.” Hinata answered solemnly.

 

“That is fine with me” Sarutobi said. “All of you had done well and kept cool, level heads when faced with your battle. Nothing less I expected from Itachi's students. In fact Naruto come here' Sarutobi said as Naruto walked in front of the desk and stood straight up as if preparing for a reprimand. “This is for you” he said holding out two hitae-ate's. One was brand new and the other had a small blood stain on it. “Iruka wanted to give you his for saving his life, but if your want a new one that is fine also” Sarutobi said.

 

Naruto reached his hand out slowly, almost hesitantly about which one to take. Thinking about it for a second he grabbed Iruka's old one and gripped it in his hand. “He was the only teacher there who really believed in me. For that I shall be proud to wear his hitae-ate.” Naruto said before tying in over his forehead.

 

“I am now obligated to tell Iruka the truth about you three now.” Sarutobi said but put his hand up to stop the protests. “Don't worry Iruka is one of the few people I can honestly say that I trust. Now go home and go to bed you three. Tomorrow starts your careers as ninjas of Konoha. I expect many great things from you three.”

 

With that the three headed home in silence. Each lost into their own thought. One scared about what the others would think now that they know. The others for showing who they really are for the first time since Itachi had left years ago. Each with a bond that held them together that hopefully will not be broken tomorrow when squads were formed. For the first time in a long time they faced uncertainty.