Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Demon's of Konoha ❯ Challange and the kiss ( Chapter 25 )

Sitting in Ichiraku's staring into his bowl of ramen that he had received over twenty minutes ago Naruto just sighed not really seeing the bowl in front of him just being caught up in his thoughts. It had been exactly one month since Hinata's change to another team and already the beginning of December. The week before Christmas there was to be a festival in all of Konoha and a few days after was Hinata's seventeenth birthday.

 

Too many changes were happening to him and he wasn't sure he wanted any more. Some good things has happened like when he went to yell at the Hokage about switching teams he met Konohamaru and sometimes played ninja with him. Naruto had to admit that he liked the boy and his friends that sometimes they were the fresh air that he needed in his life. Sometimes acting like a kid was great at helping him forget his worries. Other times it made him regret how much time he actually was a child. Konohamaru was attending Leaf High in the fall to become a ninja at the age of twelve. At that same age Naruto already knew fifty different ways to kill a man with just his pinky finger.

 

Training was another thing that had changed most mornings anymore Hinata wasn't there to practice with Itachi anymore. Naruto wasn't sure if it was from missions or what but at practice time Hinata and Haku were both gone and the weirdest thing was that Itachi didn't mind. The only time he seen them anymore was when they came home from missions and occasionally around the village. When they did manage to meet up it was usually in the midst of most of her fan boys. Once they figured out Naruto wasn't around to scare them away it seemed that the numbers had multiplied by three. Kiba had just noticed her again and began to ask Naruto about her.

 

Naruto never noticed the seat being taken next to him as he was caught up in his thoughts. “So does the ramen here hold the meaning of life in them?” A friendly voice said from next to him alerting Naruto that he wasn't alone. Naruto looked up in surprise and seen Iruka sitting next to him with a small smile on his face. “Beef ramen please” Iruka said to Ayame who came out from the back to take his order.

 

“Sometimes it would be great if it did.” Naruto said with a smile back to her former teacher. “What brings you here Iruka-sensei? Don't tell me that the thought of teaching Konohamaru is scaring you already?”

 

“He's not attending until next year and school is on out until January 3rd for Christmas break and New Years. Besides after you Konohamaru should be a breeze. I was passing by and you seemed to be in a funk, Naruto so I thought I would see if there was anything I could do to help.” Iruka said nodding his thanks to Ayame as she placed his ramen in front of him.

 

“I'm fine sensei, what could ever be wrong with me?” Naruto said with his hand behind his head and a dopy smile on his face. Iruka just sighed wondering if Naruto did it as a defense mechanism or was it just an elaborate act that he has down pack.

 

“Naruto drop the act I do know you better than that you know.” Iruka said as he began to eat his noodles slowly savoring the taste as it hit his taste buds. `Salty yet filling very tasty, I can see why he eats this stuff' Iruka though as he finished what was in his mouth before he looked at the disbelief on Naruto's face. “Did you know when you first started Leaf High I thought you were annoying, but after a year I realized you were a lot like me at that age. We were both alone due to situations neither of us had control over. That same year I had applied to the counsel wanting to adopt you but was turned down before the day was even out.”

 

“The night of Mizuki's betrayal I had found out the truth and that you weren't alone like I though. In fact you had great friends and even a sensei training you to be a shinobi. All that I had thought about you was a sham so I wanted to learn more. Come to find out nothing was a sham. You are just a lot smarter and stronger than you let show but your still a confused teen just like everyone else. I know it's not much but even though I didn't get to adopt you I am glad that I got to know you and I consider you family. If you ever need to talk Naruto I will be there when you need it. No matter what it is about” Iruka said placing a few coins down on the table to pay his bill and with a wave left the stand.

 

“He seemed very sincere in his words and that's not something that can be done unless the owner actually believes that it is true.” Ayame said picking up the money from the counter and placing it in the register. “Naruto what's going on sweetie, come on you can tell your nee-chan.” Ayame asked as she placed the empty bowl on a wash bin before moving around the counter and sitting next to him in the stool Iruka had vacated. “Does this have anything to do with Hinata?” Ayame asked throwing the question out on the floor as she watched the depressed teen.

 

“How did you know?” Naruto asked resting his head on his arm looking at one of the girl he's considered a sister. Ayame and Kanaka Ichiraku were another group of people that Naruto considered precious to him, and the thought that Iruka wanted to adopt him even with the demon fox in him made him want to smile. Even though two of those three are civilians they were always there for him when they needed it. His precious person's list keeps getting bigger.

 

“Because the only time you don't eat ramen is when something has to do with Hinata. So what's the matter honey? Did you break up or something?” Ayame asked watching Naruto jerk his head up and glare at her. “I know you're just friends but still what's wrong?”

 

“She mentioned this morning that she was moving out later this weekend. She was getting a place with Haku and they were moving in with each other.” Naruto said with a groan moving his head back to rest on his arm again. His previous happy state at Iruka's acceptance was leaving him as he disclosed his troubles.

 

“What is the problem with that? It is perfectly natural for girls to want a place of their own. I am just surprised that it hasn't happened sooner.” Ayame said playing with Naruto's hair in a soothing fashion. “You guys are on different teams now, I am sure there are some things you are not allowed to share. Maybe it's just easier to separate from the temptation than be next to it all the time.” Ayame said smiling softly at what she hoped was good advice.

 

“But that means I won't ever see her anymore. I rarely see her now and even then its using in passing or in the village. I can't even protect her anymore and her fan boys have at least tripled in size, plus to top it off Kiba Inuzuka from school has a crush on her. How did he even meet her I don't know but every time I see him he always asks me questions about Hinata that are none of his business. With Gaara gone it's up to me to protect her as her oldest friend” Naruto passionately voiced glaring at the thought of Kiba liking Hinata. “Kiba isn't the person for her. He doesn't even know the real her at all just the persona she shows to everyone.”

 

“Kiba, Kiba, Kiba” Ayame repeated with her finger under her lip as she ran the name through her head. “Isn't Kiba the guy with the red triangles under his cheeks that always has a dog with him? Usually found wearing black leather jacket and is on the team with two insect users or something like that.”

 

“That's the guy. So I take it you met him.” Naruto muttered under his breathe. “He's interested in Hinata. How do you know Kiba anyways?” He lifted his head up and looked at Ayame suspiciously. It wasn't unusual that Ayame knew people she was a college student and also worked in a popular ramen restaurant.

 

“He came in last week while Haku, Hinata and Kusanagi were here after their last mission. He was walking by at first when he caught sight of Haku and Hinata and came in and introduced himself clearly thinking they were civilians. He knew Kusanagi from when they were on the same team before, but I don't think he connected that they were together. I have to say though it was kind of weird yet funny in a way. Usually when guys come to hit on the girls they act like they are both on a date with Kusanagi or else mention they have boyfriends or something to get them to back off. This time though Haku told him she was seeing someone and Hinata didn't say anything allowing him to flirt with her. The funny thing was she was stuttering so bad at each word that I was surprised Hinata didn't scare him off from that. Not long after that he left though but occasionally you can see him coming by looking for Hinata.” Ayame said resting her head on her hands watching Naruto's face in interest. “I've even met her sensei before. Now she is a feminist after my own heart. Have you met Anko yet?”

 

“She just let him flirt with her? Why? She would have said something if she was interested in him, I am sure of it.” Naruto said as he looked into his ramen bowl again as if answers did in fact reside in there. Things just didn't make sense anymore and Naruto secretly wished for a time that things were simple again.

 

“Naruto Hinata is a girl and girls occasionally like compliments and for guys to flirt with them. It doesn't mean they want to date them or anything but while Hinata is a kick ass shinobi she is just like every other girl. She likes knowing that she is still feminine enough to catch a guy's attention. You may not have noticed but she's a really pretty girl that any guy would love to date her. I know you have noticed her fan club has grown. You just have to get used to the idea that one day Hinata will grow up and get married. It's the way of life Naruto.” Ayame said walking over to Naruto and kissing him on the top of the head. “Naruto as you older sister I am telling you. Everything will be fine. If you have problems talk them over with Hinata but just remember she's going to be dating eventually and asking her not to is like asking you to not want to date a girl. That doesn't mean you can't still be friends anymore; it just means you are growing up.” Ayame said with a sad smile.

 

“Thanks Ayame nee-chan” Naruto said with a sad smile. “It's just weird seeing guys take an interest in a girl I grew up with. I mean she is just like a little sister and I know she will be dating eventually. When she does I just hope it's with a great guy and not just someone who wants to get into her pants you know.”

 

Ayame gave a small laugh before saying “Naruto any guy that tries to get into Hinata's pants that she doesn't want there will either end up as a pin cushion or dead. She is not someone you could just randomly force into anything she doesn't want to. She is way to strong for that. Want me to make you some fresh ramen?”

 

“No I think I am done thanks Ayame” Naruto said with a small smile. Grabbing his wallet Naruto smiled when Ayame waved away his money saying she was doing her sisterly duty. “I will see you later” Naruto said with a small wave as he left the ramen stand. Leaving the booth to get some training done Naruto went to find an empty field to train in as he thought about all that was said today.

 

-O)O)O)O)O)O)O)O-

 

“Hinata I have an idea” Sasuke Uchiha said through his dark blue scarf as he walked with Haku and Hinata looking at apartments his breathe barely showing in the cold. After several hours of being outside Sasuke was getting irritated and was starting to get annoyed at the stupid people he had met and the stupid wool jacket he was wearing. It wasn't that the jacket was icky in fact the dark wool looked very nice on him making him appear even more handsome, it was just he didn't want to wear it. “Why don't you just move into the Uchiha compound? Haku and you can just move into my old house and live there. That is a place that is guaranteed privacy as most consider it haunted and its private land that no one will trespass on. Not to mention the neighborhood is safe since no one is there anymore and you don't have to worry about pervy landlords like the last guy we met.”

 

“Sasuke I didn't think you wanted people to stay at the compound that was what you told the developer who wanted to tear it down to build more condos.” Hinata said with a small smile on her face. Her short blue and red hair was only reaching her chin in length. She kept if out of her hair by the dark purple wool hat she wore on her head to keep her ears warm. Her matching scarf was wrapped around her neck securely before tucking into her plush winter jacket. Her mitten covered hands were safely in her pockets.

 

“That developer guy was trying to make my ancestral home into a condominium. He will not disrespect my slaughtered clan like that. Then did you see the offer he gave, I have more than that as an inheritance. His little pocket change will not change my mind, no amount of money will. I don't know if he thought that since I was an orphan I would jump at the chance to have money. Stupid man for underestimating the Uchiha's, we will never sell. That property has been in the family since the building of Konoha, like I am giving that up. That doesn't include that Itachi would kill me for getting rid of the place.” Sasuke replied sinking lower into his scarf, wondering again why he was going apartment shopping with the girls.

 

“Besides after what you told me about Haruka, you will need a place enclosed in privacy. The compound has all those seals built into the walls making it impossible for the Byakugan to see into. No matter how much they look it will always appear empty. Plus the entrance has a neat security system that you could always activate in a moments notice. On a side note you can practice with Tani in the mornings without fear of people spying on you. It's the perfect solution.”

 

“Sasuke I think you might actually be worried about us” Haku said with a big smile on her face showing off her dimples. Her dark hair was flowing down her back being pulled back by her light green earmuffs that were shaped like little rabbits. On her neck was a matching scarf that was tucked nicely into her winter jacket. Her joking brought a soft blush to Sasuke's face that he secretly hoped would pull off as being cold. “Besides what would Itachi say about us staying in your old house?”

 

“He would be alright with it under a couple of conditions. First off, would be that his room and one of the spare rooms was to be made up incase he and Kisame came to visit so no girly colors as he said. He would prefer his room to be somewhat the same yet somewhat older if you decided to change it.

 

Second of all he said no strange guys at the house. You can use the rest of the compound for what you will but he doesn't want a bunch of people knowing you are living there. Basically only Anko, Kakashi, Kusanagi, Zabuza, Naruto, Sarutobi and I are allowed to know. Haruka already meets you at the jail there but he doesn't know you live there so you are safe in that regard. Mostly this was because if Itachi and Kisame stop to visit or need a place to stay than they don't have to worry about others knowing their identity. This also means that eventually Anko will meet Itachi and Kisame and that will be better in the compound away from prying eyes.”

 

“You've been talking to Itachi about this haven't you Sasuke?” Haku said smiling at Sasuke again as they walked though the snow. “That's alright an all but how do you feel about all this. I mean it is you home also that we will be invading. Are you alright with this idea?”

 

“It was my idea in the first place I just brought it up to Itachi last week and wanted to know what he thought. He actually thought it was a good idea and also said they will be back in time to visit for your birthday Hinata.” Sasuke said really wanting to take off his jacket.

 

“This is hard for you isn't it Sasuke” Hinata said from the other side of Haku. “The fact that we can run around in the snow and not get cold or frost bitten because we can control our body temperatures and yet we can't show how advanced us are in our training. You have been fidgeting all afternoon in your jacket, looking at it as if it was an annoyance.”

 

“True but you got to admit sometimes trying to appear so normal is a pain in the ass. Sometimes you just want to drop the charade. I would love to laugh at some of the stupid things Naruto does on purpose or even smile more but I can't. If I wasn't so trained at keeping a cold mask on from childhood I would have to look into Botox to keep my face from showing any type of expression. At least you have an easy one Hinata. You just have to act embarrassed, shy, and timid and stutter all the time around Naruto while blushing anytime he looks at you.” Sasuke smiled knowing he was in the comfort of friends. “I think it would be a lot harder if you weren't in love with him to begin with.”

 

“Hey I may be in love with him but that doesn't mean that I like to stutter and act shy or even timid. Some of the comments I hear so people could see me blush are not pretty. Most of the time I want to beat the crap out of them for talking like that in front of people. Stuttering every word is also a pain in the ass, I keep hoping for a miracle cure that some one would invent so I never have to do it again. Then there is the huge jacket I have to wear in all weather. I sweat more than Chouji running a mile wearing that thing. Thankfully I only need to wear it around the village and not on missions or else I would scream.” Hinata said groaning through her teeth at the things she has had to endure when finding a prospective place to live. “Then it doesn't help that Naruto keeps taking my interest in him completely as an act instead of the truth that it actually is. I swear sometimes I wonder if he's just playing dense instead of wanting to let me know his feelings.”

 

“Sasuke how many bedrooms does your house have” Haku asked changing the subject on who has a harder time playing their parts. She was lucky that she didn't have to worry about it; she got to be who she was. On the other hand watching them fight like this occasionally was nice and definitely made Haku feel among friends.

 

“Six in total” Sasuke said as they began to walk towards the compound. “Only three were ever used though and that was my parents, mine and Itachi's. Most guests stayed in the guest house next door instead of with us. For some reason or another though my parents couldn't have any more children which left us with a lot of empty room in our house. Why don't we go check it out?” Sasuke asked grabbing Hinata by the arm and Haku by the hand as they walked to the compound.

 

“I will be right there” Hinata said with a smile. “I want to check to see if Haruka had left a note about me unsealing any more Hyuuga's today.” Walking off to the tree where Haruka left his notes Hinata was smiling at the thought of her two friends slowly getting together as she watched them walking away. Sasuke was still holding Haku's hand as they headed towards the compound and Hinata couldn't be happier. `Now if only Naruto would get a clue' Hinata thought before she disappeared from sight. `The urges are already getting stronger and I am not even seventeen yet.'

 

-0o0o0o0o0o0o-

 

Naruto stopped himself from throwing the kunai into the target as he began to sneeze repeatedly. `Someone's talking about you kit. What did you do this time?' Kyuubi asked into Naruto's mind.

 

`Hey Kyuubi welcome back to the land of the living, so what happened that made you hibernate?' Naruto asked his mentor as he gathered all of the kunai that he had thrown so far making sure to find all of them.

 

`Let's talk about it over dinner. I am having a hankering for some dango. What do you say?' Kyuubi asked as he stretched out in his cage making joints crack as he moved. “That way we can eat and talk about what's going on.”

 

`Sounds good to me Kyuubi, I really didn't even eat lunch there is so much stuff going on.' Naruto said as he made his way into town with is hands in his pockets. He didn't even bother with a hat or scarf being plenty warm enough in his orange jumpsuit. There was some perks having a Demon Lord trapped in his belly, he was guaranteed to never get cold as the fox generated enough heat to be a living furnace.

 

Entering the tea house Naruto quickly took a seat in the back away from anyone who would spot him. The last bench was taken so Naruto was forced to take the next one but was still thankful he was in the shadows. The people at the tea house catered to all ninja so they served Naruto although grudged. It was a lot easier getting service when he had Sasuke or one of the girls with him. The waitress always seems a lot more easer to serve to him than instead of making a huge fuss.

 

Naruto quickly informed Kyuubi what was going on about Hinata leaving and moving. To Iruka's confession about training and just over all life in general that Kyuubi missed out on. When the dango was served along with the tea Naruto paid in advance and ate it slowly allowing Kyuubi to savor the taste. Kyuubi in return told Naruto about feeling Tani's presence in Konoha and that's where he was headed when the problems occurred. Neither of them realized that with Kyuubi taking control it meant no communication while he was out. That also meant no training, or anything. A couple of hours had passed between the conversations when Naruto heard something of interest from the booth behind him.

 

“My kunoichi's can kick all your teams asses so back off.” A female voice yelled at another in the booth.

 

“That's because Anko, you have one of my kunoichi's and I want her back.” Kakashi replied back to who Naruto figured out was Anko.

 

“Kakashi it's been a month get over it. I am keeping Haku AND Hinata. My team has the highest successful mission ratings out of all of us here. Why would I want to ruin a good thing?” Anko said with pride in her voice. “They work hard and get great results. I doubt any of you can say the same about your teams except for team 8, right Kurenai?”

 

“Alright fine I'm in as Ino would have a fit if I didn't defend her and she found out. You know there is more to being a girl than just being a kunoichi as they are also women. I am sure giving the situation as they are great warriors that they wouldn't know what to do if a guy came on to them. To a girl popularity is also important along with her looks. So how about a little challenge, so you say.” Another male voice called from the other table making Naruto wonder what he missed in the conversation before.

 

“What's the challenge Asuma? I want to know what you think Ino Yamanaka can do that my girls can't.” Anko asked her voice full of confidence. She doubted there was anything Ino could do her girls couldn't outside of her families jutsu's.

 

“A competition as it was that we will extend to the village during the festival. The villagers will vote who the favorite kunoichi is based off of looks. We all know that a kunoichi can be put in some serious situations depending on how she looks and what requirements are needed. You should know Anko how many undercover operations did you have to go through that required you to be a pretty face and deadly.” Asuma replied lighting up another cigarette. He was the monkey in the middle with Gai against the wall where they hoped his enthusiasm wouldn't get out of control and Kakashi was on the outside. Across from them were Anko and Kurenai.

 

“How would we keep track of something like that?” Kurenai asked putting in her input. “No matter what we could all stuff the ballets or something. How will we make it fair for all parties?”

 

“A KISSING BOOTH” Gai said in his enthusiasm. “They had those when I was younger. The girls will each get an hour in the booth and the villagers will be able to buy tickets. When they go to kiss the girl the tickets are handed to a third party to check for tampering and jutsu's before being put into a jutsu safe box. The girl with the most tickets wins.” Gai said as everyone nodded in agreement. “My Tenten is in the Springtime of Youth so she will win.”

 

“Gai, you just realized that if some of the girls haven't been kissed you just sold their first kiss right.” Kurenai said “my only problem is I believe Shino and Anya are involved so I don't know what will happen. So all I have to say is Anko your girls better kick their butts. Let's go get this finalized and told the teams they might take a while getting used to this.”

 

“Asuma you do realize that Anko has two girls on her team instead of just one like the rest of us right. She has a higher chance of beating us.” Kakashi said as Anko and Kurenai said there goodbyes and left. “Now how the hell do you know about how hard it is to be a woman and kunoichi anyways? Got a sex-change we didn't know about?”

 

“Ha ha, Kakashi I just have to hear the speech from Ino every time I try to get them to train harder, as I am sure you get from Sakura. If they can't win in a fight hopefully they can win by looks. Besides Kakashi, have you even seen the girls she has on her team? I mean that Hinata chick was on your team for a while and she always looked homely in that huge jacket so she shouldn't be competition. The only one we have to worry about is that Haku-girl which with as good as her skill level is she can't be very pretty. I mean Ino looks great all the time and she sucks as a kunoichi although she is getting better. So the exact opposite must be true right.” Asuma reasoned before standing up and exiting the booth after Kakashi stood up.

 

Kakashi opened a pocket on his vest and retrieved a picture from within. “This is Anko's team” Kakashi said showing his the picture of the girls with huge smiles on their face complete with dimples showing standing next to grinning Kusanagi and a smiling Anko. The smile on Anko's face was one many hasn't seen as she looked happy and at peace, something one never sees with Anko. It was carefree, something no one has seen before Orochimaru was declared a traitor.

 

Asuma took the picture and dropped the cigarette he had in his mouth onto the floor as looked at the picture. They were a lot better looking than he expected. “They look this good and still have the highest success rate. How did she luck out with such a good team?” Asuma asked starting to feel worried for the first time since making the challenge.

 

“Her luck must have finally gotten better.” Gai answered making him appear normal for a brief time before he smiled making his teeth ping. “Kakashi I challenge you as a side bet that my Tenten will beat your Sakura in this competition. If I fail I shall walk around Konoha on my hands backwards fifty times.”

 

“I'm sorry Gai you say something” Kakashi asked in a cool voice he used when he was ignoring Gai. `Gai's a nice guy but weird. He would never take my rivals place.' Kakashi thought wondering what the Uchiha's would do when they realized the predicament one of his colleges got Haku and Hinata in. `They are almost like family so this might work in my favor. Sasuke wouldn't let anyone mess with his family so I might have a shot. Plus Naruto has that crush on Sakura so I might just get lucky.' Kakashi thought as he left the restaurant deep in his thoughts.

 

`So kit what are you going to do now?” Kyuubi asked as he was writing notes on a scroll for a future date.

 

`I don't know but this is my chance to kiss Sakura and see if we are compatible. Who knows maybe we will have a physical attraction based completely on lust.' Naruto replied heading home.

 

“Make sure I am in hibernation mode when you do this will you. I don't want to be awake to witness this.” Kyuubi answered `I shall be ready for my fifteen minutes next week. I need to send a message to Demon Realm.”

 

“Twenty minutes. This time you get twenty minutes since you didn't break my trust.' Naruto replied back as he caught the smile that appeared on Kyuubi's face.

 

`Twenty minutes it is than.' Kyuubi answered as he began working on the scroll some more.

 

_0o0o0o0o0o0-

 

“Anko-sensei you are telling us you issued a challenge to the other Genin teams that your kunoichi are better than the others, but why did you have to do it as a kissing contest.” Hinata asked looking into the tea cup in her hands as if warming them from the chill. “I can understand a competition of skills or possibly even a cooking contest but a popularity contest complete with kissing. I don't like it. I don't want to give away my first kiss like that do you Haku?”

 

Haku was sitting in the booth next to Hinata eating her dango not looking the least upset about the discussion taking place. “I've technically had my first kiss, so it's really not a problem. Besides you always kiss Naruto on the cheek or head so what's the difference?” Haku answered earnestly “I had to kiss a guy once to distract him so dad could get away. It worked since he didn't know we were together. It saved my fathers life so it wasn't necessarily a big deal. I figure we are shinobi so giving everything I am to a mission is what I do. I am a shinobi of the Leaf first and a woman second.”

 

“That's kind of cruel don't you think?” Kusanagi asked with a dango stick hanging out of his mouth. He was sitting in the corner of the booth with his arms spread out, the left on the window sill and the right across the back of the booth. His red trench coat was open showing his white shirt off underneath. His hands in fingerless gloves with the Konoha Leaf symbol on them.

 

“It may be cruel but true” Hinata said with a big sigh and began to look outside. “I had forgotten I was a shinobi first for a second there. Good thing Tani is asleep or she would be yelling at me for forgetting. “I would even hazard a guess that that was how Anko-sensei lost hers.” Hinata threw out the statement looking at her sensei to confirm or even deny the question.

 

“I lost more that my first kiss on a mission before. It was also how I had lost my virginity unfortunately.” Anko said brief flash of sadness in her eyes. “The mission was a success though so it wasn't completely worthless. Besides as kunoichi, at least ones that train hard, it's not like they have a hymen anyways.” Anko replied drinking some more of her tea with a big sigh.

 

“If a woman doesn't have a hymen doesn't that mean she's not a virgin?” Kusanagi asked slightly changing the subject.

 

“Yes and no” Hinata answered before explaining. “If a woman works out a lot or trains a lot she uses muscles most people don't. Those muscles in the groin area get used and torn just like ever other muscle. Eventually that wears the hymen down to nothing even though she's never had sex before. A hymen is just a thin layer of skin in your body easily torn. Now answer me this” Hinata asked “if a woman does everything with a man except vaginal sex is she stills a virgin because she has a hymen?”

 

“I think I get what you are saying. You can be a virgin without a hymen and a slut with one” Kusanagi answered. “So Anko-sensei I won't have to be in a kissing booth will I?”

 

“No it's just for the girls” Anko replied “but your job is equally important. You're job is to make sure no one tries any funny stuff while the girls are up there.”

 

“Protect the girls from perverts. Got it sensei. Hey waiter more dango's please” Kusanagi called to the waiter.

 

“Are you girls going to do it?” Anko asked to her two kunoichi “you can always refuse you know.”

 

“I'm in” Haku chirped up. “Since I am single I might as well. Who knows I might even get a boyfriend from this.”

 

“Me too” Hinata replied agreeing with Haku. “I got a time limit so hopefully I can find someone I am at least compatible with. Besides if Naruto doesn't want me someone out there must.”

 

“Great I will tell the others you're in. Remember we have a session on interrogation with Ibiki tomorrow at six am so come prepared to interrogate” Anko said standing up and stretching out her back. Pulling her skirt back down Anko grabbed three of the dango sticks the waiter was stopping to drop off. “I will be at the compound at four for training.”

 

The waiter looked at Anko than back to the tray noticing that she had left only three sticks on dango on the tray for the table. Quickly calculating how many she ate the waiter was about to chase after her about her bill when he heard some someone addressing him.

 

“Here” Kusanagi said as he gave the waiter a stack of money and grabbed one of the remaining dango sticks off the tray. “That should be enough to cover all of us plus a decent tip. See you girls tomorrow” Kusanagi said over his shoulder to the girls as he made his way outside.

 

“I should go also” Haku mentioned to her best friend. “I promised dad I would visit today so I will see you at home Hinata.” Grabbing a stick off the tray Haku was heading towards the door. `But first I should have a little stop at Ichiraku's and tell Ayame the news.'

 

-0o0o0o0-

 

A week before the festival and Naruto was headed back to Ichiraku's after finding out that Ayame had a message for him. Walking into the booth Naruto noticed that the seats were empty in his favorite restaurant. Seating on his normal seat Naruto yelled into the back room. “Hey nee-chan what did you want to see me for?”

 

Ayame walked out of the back room with her brown hair pulled into a pony-tail allowing her hair to cascade down her back. “Hey Naruto I just received something for you” Ayame mentioned as she reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a formal gold envelope. Handing it over to the blonde Ayame leaned on the counter waiting for news as to what it was.

 

Sliding his finger under the seal Naruto quickly broke it and pulled out an expensive looking piece of paper. Unfolding it Naruto read:

 

Naruto Uzumaki,

 

I, Chouji Akimichi, here by formally challenge you to the ramen eating contest to be held in the festival on December 23rd of the 56th year of our Hokage Sarutobi. Failure to meet this challenge will result in the loss of Ramen King Title. I look forward to seeing you there.

 

Chouji Akimichi

Heir to the Akimichi Clan

 

“Wow” Ayame spoke softly under her breathe. “I haven't seen one of these before only heard about them. Hey Dad come see what Naruto got” Ayame called into the back room where her father was cutting vegetables.

 

“Hey Naruto” Kanaka greeted his favorite customer as he wiped his hands on his apron to dry them. “What did you get that's got Ayame all hyped up?” Naruto handed the challenge letter over to his sometimes employer and friend. “Wow I haven't seen one of these in years. You got a formal challenge letter in the ramen eating contest. Naruto can I frame this please?” Kanaka asked “only after you win though.”

 

“Why would you send a challenge letter over an eating contest?” Naruto wondered out loud. Normally he would ask Kyuubi about these types of things but he was in hibernation mode after sending messages to Demon Realm for his twenty minutes of free time. “I can understand a fight but an eating contest? That's news to me.”

 

“Naruto I know you know this why do you think that Chouji and his family are a little robust? They eat a lot to use the calories as energy. The more they eat the better they are in their techniques, so to an Akimichi food is important. The fact that you have beat Chouji for the past couple of years could say to people that the Akimichi heir isn't living up to the family standards.” Ayame answered as her father began looking for a frame to fit the letter in. “Chouji has a cousin named Mayo Akimichi that goes to school with me. He's a nice guy and everything but doesn't have the ability to form chakra so he's going to the college for a major in business. He's explained clan politics to me a few times.”

 

“But that's stupid” Naruto answered. “I mean if it was anything besides ramen, Chouji would totally kick my butt. It's only because it's ramen that I've been able to win. That and as a winner I don't have to pay for my meals at all.”

 

“We know that Naruto, but to him it's an honor thing” Kanaka said framing the challenge letter in a nice gold frame where it was sure to draw attention. “Now you just have to beat him and I can frame this. So Naruto what are you going to do about the kissing booth I heard about.”

 

“I've heard about it, I mean Sakura has been ranting about it all morning since Kakashi-sensei told her. I think it's great because then I can kiss her and find out if we have any chemistry or if it's just a lost cause completely.” Naruto answered. “I still have to wonder though how Kakashi managed to get her up there though not that I'm complaining.”

 

“That's good; the only one I am worried about is Hinata. I mean from what I know she hasn't had her first kiss yet, and from what I can see Kiba is looking to take it. He's been bragging about how much he was saving to buy tickets with so he can kiss on her. Haku isn't worried about it since her dad found out about the contest, but Hinata only has you and Sasuke since Gaara's gone.” Ayame mentioned as if she was talking about the weather. “Hopefully she isn't over whelmed when she gets back from her mission later, especially since her fan boys have found out about her being in the challenge.”

 

“I got to go” Naruto said standing up and leaving the stand walking out into the street.

 

“Do you think you were to rough on him, Ayame?” Kanaka asked before walking into the back to cut more vegetables.

 

“Not at all Dad, we both know he's crazy about Hinata. If only he just wasn't so stubborn about it.” Ayame replied following her father into the back.

 

-0o0o0o0o0-

 

They day of the infamous kissing booth had finally arrived and Naruto was at a loss. Yesterday when Hinata got back from her mission he tried to talk her out of her participation but failed. Today Naruto was standing in line with a ticket in hand hoping to kiss Sakura. Sakura didn't tell him what time she was in the booth but from what he understood none of the kunoichi knew when they were in the booth. That was to be announced at the time of the competition. Walking towards the booth Naruto noticed that a girl with her hair pulled up into two buns on either side of her head was in the booth. She was causing a commotion though because anyone that came close to kissing her she brandished a kunai and began to wave it at them. `Glad I'm not kissing her' Naruto thought as he began to walk around the festival.

 

Couples were everywhere as Naruto jumped into a tree watching the people pass under him, secure in the knowledge he was relatively out of sight. Girls were passing by in kimono's some wearing a shawl while others weren't. The weather in Fire Country had warmed up again melting all the snow. What little snow Konoha had usually melted with in a few days. The longest amount of time was a week that Naruto could remember in his existence. Konoha's winter season could almost be described as a rainy season as you had more rain than anything during that time, which was why when they got snow they got a lot. Naruto wasn't sure why but it always snowed on Christmas and Hinata's birthday.

 

“Hey Dobe” Sasuke called out as he jumped up on the branch Naruto was located on. “What are you doing up here?” Sitting down on the same bench with the blonde Sasuke took a deep breath of the clean air. “I love this weather, no snow but not cold enough that you have to wear a jacket unless you want questions. One day I would love to be able to show people we aren't who they think we are. I would love for people to know that Itachi isn't a mass murderer. So we are planning a surprise birthday party for Hinata on her birthday and we need you to keep her occupied for the day. Think you can do it?”

 

“I have no idea what to get her anyways” Naruto commented leaning back on the trunk of the tree. “You are right though, it seems to be getting harder and harder to play out this act. How long does he want us to keep it up so you know?”

 

“I believe until after the Chounin Exams next year. By them we can specialize in different areas so the act won't be necessary. It would have been a lot easier if Hinata was on our team instead” Sasuke pointed out to Naruto. “So you never did say what Kyuubi did for his twenty minutes of free time anyways.”

 

“Basically he sent a summons to Demon Realm sending in paperwork that needed to be done. When I talked to him before I let him take over he was complaining about doing the work even though he's sealed in a human. That and he wanted to attempt to get a message to Tani and ask her about her coming to Konoha. Are you sure you don't know anything about that?” Naruto asked his best friend.

 

“Nothing, I just felt a chakra surge and went running to find out the source. That's when I found you on the ground and the rest you know.” Sasuke answered the questions omitting the extra details that he knew. He wasn't going to be the one to tell him that Tani was sealed in Hinata. That was Hinata's responsibility and Hinata's alone.

 

“I don't know there is still something fishy about it. I asked Kakashi-sensei and even Iruka-sensei about it but nether knew nothing. Iruka-sensei though is only a Chounin so I doubt he knows anyways. Kakashi-sensei if he knew he might not be able to release any information.” Naruto summarized.

 

“So has your relationship with Iruka-sensei changed any now that you know he wanted to adopt you?” Sasuke wondered. “I mean not to be mean Dobe, but I think in a way you should have been. Out of all of us you are the only one who doesn't know the feeling of love from a parent. Gaara and Hinata had Hiashi and Yuki Hyuuga while it lasted. Yuki made sure that Gaara felt like family before she died and he always had Hinata. Itachi and I had our parents until they were murdered. Basically what I am saying is that you have never had that and now you have the chance to. I am surprised you didn't jump over the offer to get closer to have more of a semblance of family.”

 

“I have thought about it. While what you are saying is true I'm just not sure about it, you know. I've got you guys and even Ayame and old man Ichiraku. Then there's Sarutobi, Haku and Zabuza so my list is growing but yeah a father figure would be nice instead of just Kyuubi. He's got some of his own issues he has to deal with and not just mine, so I am thinking of giving Iruka-sensei a chance to be family. Besides he knew from Mizuki's betrayal that everything wasn't as it seemed and he still wanted to get closer and that means a lot to me.” Naruto got a smile of his face as he confided into his best friend. “I wonder where Sakura is any ways. Do you know what time she is in the booth for?”

 

“That's why I was coming to find you. She's in the booth right now if you want to get your kiss. I still don't see what's so fascinating with kissing her though. She's not even that pretty.” Sasuke said standing up on the branch shaking off the bark that stuck to his pants. “Here these are for you” Sasuke said pulling out a stack of tickets tied neatly up in a rubber band. There is enough there for four hours in the kissing booth. Use them wisely.” What Sasuke neglected to tell Naruto was that Sakura and Ino had each given him a smaller stack in hopes that he would use them to kiss one of the girls. This was the combined effort of both of the girls and Sasuke felt dirty for just touching them.

 

“You're just saying that because you have a thing for Haku-nee-chan. I see how much to try to practice with each other when we don't have missions.” Naruto laughed softly at watching Sasuke's cheeks form a small blush on them. Grabbing the tickets Naruto shoved them into his pocket. “You are right though I need to find out if it's possible between the two of us. Catch you later Sasuke” Naruto said as he jumped off the branch, making his way through the crowd to the booth.

 

Naruto got in line and noticed it was relatively short. Looking around to the front Naruto figured that he had six people in front of him and each person was allowed a minute to kiss. The time limit was to ensure that you had enough time to kiss providing you were shy, and not to long that things would get out of hand. Opening up his wallet and grabbing his ticket, not wanting to break the bundle in his pocket, Naruto looked to the front again and seen that he only had two more people in front of him. The first person was standing next to an orange haired guy dressed in a red vest and black pants. Judging by his attire Naruto guessed he was the attendant in charge of the booth. The guy in front of him was wearing a green jumpsuit with orange legwarmers. From behind his hair looked like it was in a bowl cut.

 

Finally Naruto was next as he bounced foot to foot in anticipation. This was it his first time actually kissing someone in a non-familiar manner. He didn't count Hinata because she was like his little sister and Sasuke definitely didn't count. Giving his ticket to the attendant Naruto jumped up on the booth and seen Sakura sitting there. She was wearing a red kimono with pink petal flowing gently on it. Her hair was done up in a French twist with a few ringlets hanging down. Her lips looks bruised from being kissed so much and her eye lids looked heavy, almost like giving her a look of seduction. Taking a deep breath Naruto began to walk towards her when an arm shot out in front of him.

 

“Just a minute sir, we have to switch girls. Ms. Haruno's time is up in the booth so you get to kiss the next contestant.” The orange haired attendant said as he whispered to Sakura her time was over. Opening the booths door Sakura stepped out only for a vision in blue to come back in. Her kimono was a dark rich blue that almost looked matched the color Sasuke wore. Her obi was light purple and red stripped adding contrast to her outfit. Her curves were perfectly shown, yet completely decent. Her dark blue hair was pulled up into an elaborate bun with two chopsticks holding it in place. Her face was a light pink from the blush on her face and her eyes were shining a pale lavender color. A Hyuuga woman was who Naruto guessed she was.

 

Walking to the seat the attendant announced who was in the booth next as shouts were being heard as people were fighting for a place in line, but Naruto never noticed. All he had seen in front of him was a woman and a very desirable woman at that. Hinata softly called out his name but still Naruto heard none of it, not completely recognizing her. Walking closer Naruto put his hands on his friends face watching her cheeks blush an even darker red. With a soft chuckle Naruto leaned forward and slowly pressed his lips to hers. The softness of her lips felt like rose petals. She smelt of oceans and water and Naruto loved it. It stirred something deep in him, the scent was familiar.

 

So lost in the feel Naruto never noticed the flash of a camera going off. Pulling apart slowly Naruto watched the way her chest rose and fell as she attempted to catch her breath. Looking up at her soft pink lips Naruto had the urge to kiss them again as he slowly did feeling a butterfly feeling deep in his stomach. Separating enough to look into the woman's eyes Naruto noticed another thing he missed before. Her eyes weren't just a pale lavender it also had light blue irises and her hair had deep red streaks in it that threatened to come out of her bun. Naruto had just realized he had kissed his best friend.

 

“H-Hinata, I-I didn't realize it was you.” Naruto stammered dropping his hands down to his sides. Feeling Hinata's soft hands cupping his face Naruto closed his eyes for the beating he thought was to come. Instead he felt himself being pulled down softly as he breathed through his mouth. He didn't trust himself to breath in her intoxicating scent through his nose. If he did he was sure to kiss her again.

 

“You talk to much Naruto-kun” Hinata said as she pressed her slightly open mouth to his. Keeping her eyes closed in fear of rejection Hinata missed his eyes widening in shock before slowly closing them. Moving one of her hands away from his face and to his neck Hinata hesitantly brought her tongue out to touch his lower lip in case she was going too far. Instead of his breaking the kiss Naruto brought his out to play as they slowly touched one another getting used to the feeling. His hands that were clasped at his side found their way around Hinata's waist as he pulled her closer. Feeling his body completely against hers Hinata moaned. Taking this as an opening Naruto brought his tongue into her mouth to get a taste to find she tasted just like she smelled. Unable to help it Naruto moaned at the refreshing taste that was Hinata. Kissing her was like a nice cold drink on a hot day, it was something Naruto knew he would never forget.

 

“Umm, Sir your time is up now. We have a lot of people waiting for their turn.” The attendant said as he tapped Naruto on the shoulder to get his attention. Watching as they slowly pulled away he continued “sir if you want to kiss her again I suggest you buy another ticket, as you can see we have over two hundred people at this time waiting for a turn.” Reaching into his pocket Naruto pulled out the stack of tickets and handed them to the attendant. Without another word Naruto leaned down and met Hinata's lips in another sweet kiss.