Chapter 5: Chapter Five: "Mask"
(One Year And Four Months Later; At The Hyuuga Manor)
Hinata (age 12) was on her hands and knees with Hanabi (age 7) standing before her. Standing to the side by the wall were Hiashi and Kō. The Hyuuga clan leader shook his head with his eyes closed with feelings of disappointment at Hinata's repeated defeat and failure to topple Hanabi in a one-on-one spar, again.
"That's enough for the day," Hiashi said as he turned and left the dojo, leaving his two daughters and Kō behind. Hinata was looking down at the floor with Hanabi walking toward her. The younger of the two stopped and looked down at Hinata.
"Neesan," Hanabi said, "Your performance today was far less than what I expected out of our clan heiress. You were even slower and sluggish than before. It's shameful that even I could beat you in a match. Neji (age 13) would simply crush you."
Saying nothing further Hanabi left the dojo and followed after her father. Kō went over to console Hinata.
"Don't let what they said get to you Hinata-sama," Kō comforted, "I know you have potential to do better and improve."
"How can I," Hinata cried teary eyed, "I-I-I ju-just don't have…the ability to use our…clan's Jyuuken."
"No one in our clan learned the Jyuuken style overnight Hinata-sama," Kō said, "It'll just require more time and effort for you to adjust to our clan fighting style. I'm confident that you'll become better in time."
"Do you…," Hinata sniffled, "Really…believe that?"
"I do, Hinata-sama," Kō said. A knock came from the door.
"Hinata-chan," a voice called from behind the door, "Are you in there?"
"Naruto-kun (age 12)," Hinata said with her mood gradually changing from a sad one to a happier one. It always amazed Kō how Naruto's presence always brought a smile to Hinata's face regardless of whatever mood she was in.
"I was told by Hanabi that you were in the dojo," Naruto said, "Are you able to come and hangout with me today?"
"Hinata-sama will have to clean herself up first," Kō suggested, "You'll have to wait until then."
"Not a problem," Naruto said from outside, "I'll meet you in the front when you're done Hinata-chan."
Turning to the heiress, Kō said, "You could use a break Hinata-sama. Go and get yourself cleaned up. Your friend is waiting for you."
Smiling, Hinata got up and hurried out of the dojo to get herself cleaned and ready to go. Meanwhile, Naruto was waiting patiently for Hinata's arrival outside the house. After another fifteen minutes, Hinata appeared through the door.
"Hinata-chan," Naruto smiled brightly, "You made it. For a moment there I thought I'd have to come and retrieve you personally."
Hinata giggled, "Not that I'd mind you coming looking for me, but I don't think the others would approve of that."
"Like that would stop me," Naruto remarked.
"No," Hinata giggled, "Most likely not."
Taking hold of her hand, Naruto led Hinata away. Though Naruto held Hinata's hands many times before, it was amazing that she would blush every time his hand entwined with hers.
Once outside the Hyuuga manor and out of hearing and seeing range, Hinata relaxed more and dropped her mask.
(Meanwhile; At The Hyuuga Manor)
Hiashi was sitting in his private study sipping his cup of tea. He sighed to himself as he thought about how poorly Hinata did in her spar session with Hanabi.
I know Hinata can do better, Hiashi thought to himself, But so much of her mother's kind and gentle spirit lives within her. As much as I don't want to believe this; but some of that gentleness is proving to be a real hindrance to Hinata's development.
A knock soon came from the front of his private study.
"Yes," Hiashi asked.
"May I come in Hiashi-sama," Kō requested.
"You may," Hiashi granted. Kō entered Hiashi's study and slid the door close behind him.
"Is there something you need," Hiashi asked as he looked up at the Cadet Branch member. Kō went over to Hiashi and knelt down on mat in front of the Hiashi's table.
"If I may speak freely Hiashi-sama," Kō requested, "I wish to discuss Hinata-sama's progress in our clan's Jyuuken."
Hiashi sighed to himself as he set his cup of tea down of the polished wooden table.
"This isn't the first time you approached me about my elder daughter's failure to quickly learn our clan's prized jutsus," Hiashi pointed out, "And I'm very well aware of Hinata's current handicap."
"Her handicap," Kō repeated in a confused tone, "What handicap is this?"
"…," Hiashi paused for a minute and spoke again, "I hate to have to say this, I believe my daughter's handicap stems from her inheriting her mother's gentle characteristics. From what I've observed, her behavior is very much like my late wife's who herself didn't manifest much of the stern Hyuuga mannerism. Hinata's kind spirit is the factor that's keeping her back from giving her all in fear of hurting anyone."
"The elders may argue that such behavior is unfitting for any heiress," Kō replied, "There have been rumors that they may recommend that Hinata-sama be-"
"They will recommend nothing concerning any of my two daughters without my approval," Hiashi said with a hardened tone, "Hinata still has time to improve in spite of Hanabi's faster progression. I will say though that it's most disappointing for me to see that Hanabi who's five years her junior, is more adept to our clan's prized jutsus than my elder daughter.
"I may have to recommend requesting Yuhi Kurenai-san to be Hianta's trainer and eventual sensei. Hopefully, she might succeed at getting my daughter to improve in one way or another."
Kō sighed lowly to himself, being aware who Kurenai was. From what he heard of the genjutsu mistress, she was an ice queen recently promoted from Chuunin to Jounin who apparently developed a form of maternal spirit for Hinata after spending some time with young heiress. This maternal fondness developed sometime after Hinata's mother's untimely death due to sickness. (A/N: I don't know what really happened to Hiashi's wife. The manga never explained it, so I'm just making it up as I go)
Maybe this Kurenai will succeed where the rest of us have failed, Kō figured, "Excuse me Hiashi-sama. I will depart from you now."
Hiashi simply nodded as Kō turned and exited Hiashi's private study office. He walked and made his way to the main entrance of the Hyuuga manor when he caught sight of Sasuke approaching the manor. Sasuke stopped at the main entrance when he saw Kō making his way over to him.
"Sasuke-san," Kō greeted, "What brings you here?"
"I was in the neighborhood when I decided to see if Hinata was available to talk to," Sasuke replied.
"I'm sorry Sasuke-san," Kō apologized, "But Hinata-sama stepped out a while ago."
"I see," Sasuke said with disappointment in his tone, "Do you know where she went?"
"I'm afraid I do not," Kō replied, "I'm sorry I can't be of further help."
"Hn," Sasuke grunted before turning and walking off away from the main entrance. Kō knew that this wasn't Sasuke's first visit to the manor as he came by before. Though Hinata was willing to speak with him, she always gave excuses as to why she couldn't spend the day hanging out with him in the village, though she would so do in a heartbeat with Naruto. Kō saw that Hinata didn't have the same interest in Sasuke as she does for Naruto but it was clear that Sasuke had that particular interest in the Hyuuga heiress.
It was true that the Hyuuga held no ill will toward the last Uchiha. However as a whole, the Hyuuga and Uchiha clans were at one time known to be bitter rivals in terms of whose dōjutsu was stronger than the other. Though it had been said by some that in terms of true sight that the Byakugan surpassed the Sharingan. (A/N: It's beyond me why Kishimoto never elaborated on this statement in the manga)
In terms of Hinata's future love life, Kō had no say in the matter. However he doubted that Hiashi would approve of having Sasuke wedded to either of his daughters and blending their bloodline limit with a once rival clan.
(Elsewhere)
Hinata and Naruto were still walking hand in hand through the streets of Konoha. By this time, it was common knowledge how close the Hyuuga heiress and Naruto were. Most decided not to pay them any mind while a few still whispered whenever they passed by. As for Naruto and Hinata themselves, they didn't care either way.
"Hinata-chan," Naruto said, "I've been meaning to ask you how did your spar with Hanabi went."
Hinata sighed, "…It's difficult holding back in my sparring sessions against Hanabi when I've improved so much from how I used to be."
"Is it because you fear that you might seriously hurt her more than you want to," Naruto asked.
"That," Hinata admitted, "But while trying to follow your example, it's hard listening to my father's harsh words of disappointment while I "lose" to Hanabi. Along with that, my sister really believes that she's actually stronger, faster and more skilled in Jyuuken than I am. Neji is no help either as he looks for every opportunity to belittle or mock me with false comfort while making remarks about fate and predestination. Even the clan elders look at me as a failure as an heiress. I even heard a rumor that a few of them were saying how if this keeps up, I'll be forced to step down as clan heiress and be replaced with Hanabi.
"Holding up this misleading pretense as a failure is harder than I honest thought it was going to be."
Naruto understand where Hinata was coming from, especially since he was the very person who taught and explained to her the art of trickery.
"Welcome to the life of the ninja," Naruto remarked with no trace of sarcasm, "Like I told you before, deception is one of our main weapons and sometimes we can't even show our relatives what we're truly capable of. If they were to truly know everything about you, considering everything you told me about them, they would undoubtedly look for ways to keep you under their thumb.
"But hey, what do I know? I'm an orphan with no family or clan of my own to speak of, so-"
"You have me Naruto-kun," Hinata said, "And aren't I your best and closest friend?"
"You are," Naruto smiled, "And speaking of being my best friend, how about a friendly sparring session?"
"I'm up to it," Hinata accepted. With that, Naruto led her to one of the secluded training grounds away from civilian territory. Naruto was happy to see that no one else was there using the area and after a careful search, it was clear that they were truly alone and not being spied on.
"Well we're here Naruto-kun," Hinata said, "Are you still up to that sparring session you offered me earlier?"
"Ready and waiting," Naruto grinned as he took a few steps away from Hinata and got into a fighting position. Hinata assumed her Jyuuken stance, which looked more polished and professional than she let on when around others.
"Are you ready," Naruto challenged, "My Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit?"
Despite her blush from the nickname he'd occasionally call her by, Hinata replied, "More than ever."
Both opponents looked at each other with calculative eyes, as if they were waiting for the other to attack first. Acting fast, Hinata back flipped from an assault that came from behind at her feet from one of Naruto's kage bushins. She flipped away few times before she stood back up.
"That was a dirty trick," Hinata chided.
"Really," Naruto said, "And since when do our enemies fight fair?"
This time Hinata took the offense and went to Naruto. The kage bushin trying to intersect her, but she effective dispelled it with a quick Jyuuken strike. Reaching Naruto, Hinata engaged him in one on one combat. Unlike her spar session with Hanabi, Hinata made no attempt to hold back against Naruto, although her Inryoku Fūjin served to slow her down some. Regardless, she pushed forward in the effort to keep up with Naruto's speed.
Naruto saw that Hinata had indeed gotten much better in terms of her endurance and stamina. In the past, she couldn't even last a full seven minutes because of the strain that the Inryoku Fūjin placed on her body, mind and chakra coils. Now she was able to hold out longer than before and her Jyuuken improved even more so as a result. Backing away, Naruto formed a hand sign.
"Tajuu Kage Kage Bushin No Jutsu," Naruto said as she summoned twenty-five clones to his side and had them surround Hinata.
"25 to 1 Hinata-chan," Naruto grinned, "I got you surrounded."
Not allowing herself to be deterred by the overwhelming number, Hinata stood her ground.
"Quality not quantity," Hinata said, "That's what wins a fight. Isn't that what you taught me Naruto-kun?"
"Well then, let's see what you've learned," Naruto proposed before his clones rushed at Hinata. Bracing herself…
"Byakugan!," Hinata said as she activated her bloodline limit and engaged the clones one by one, a few times two at a time. A couple of strikes managed to land their way on her but she managed to hold her ground and fight back against them with more vigor and determination.
As the number of clones decreased, Hinata saw that their speed and strength increased each time, thus adding to the difficulty of winning the battle and wearing her down faster. But there was no sign of Naruto ever releasing his seals at all. Therefore Hinata didn't release hers either but rather endured the increasing difficulty and fought on.
By the time the clones were all gone, Hinata was sweating, breathing hard and her clothes were a bit rugged and dirty. She had a couple of bruises and sores but nothing serious.
"Very good," Naruto complimented, "You lasted longer and this time you managed to beat all 25 of my clones. You certainly improved from before my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit."
Hinata wiped away the dirt on her face and looked back at Naruto with a confident smile, "I didn't come all this way to stay stagnant in my advancements."
"I see," Naruto said before bursting into a cloud of smoke. When the smoke cleared, Hinata found that Naruto was no longer in sight. In fact, he was no longer anyway on the training ground.
"Where did he go," Hinata wondered as she went to look for him with her bloodline limit still activated. After a couple of minutes, she still couldn't determine where he went.
"Naruto-kun," Hinata asked while hoping to find him soon. Despite his strength, she still worried about his well-being and safety. A moment later, Hinata find a strong wind gust blow into her and knock her off her feet and on her rear end.
"Where did that wind come from," Hinata asked with a confused look while getting back up, "That wind force was just spontaneous."
"It's more like from whom it came from," Naruto said as he appeared in front of her from behind one of the trees.
"What do you mean," Hinata asked as she deactivated her bloodline limit. Naruto took out a small piece of paper and showed it to Hinata, "This special piece of paper is designed to help identify what our elemental affinities are."
"Elemental affinities," Hinata asked. Naruto continued, "All of us have an affinity of some sort, whether it's earth, fire, wind, water or lightning. If you take this piece of paper and focus chakra into it, it'll identify what your affinity is."
"What's yours," Hinata questioned.
"Wind," Naruto replied, "Which is a strong and rare attack element. Very few have this element. If the paper breaks down into dust, then you're an earth type. If it burns, then it's fire, if it tears in two, than it's wind. If it gets wet, then you're a water type. If it crumples, you're a lightning type. Now take this paper and focus your chakra into it to see what element you have."
After taking the paper from him, Hinata did as instructed into pouring some of her chakra into the small piece of paper. A moment later after she did, Hinata saw that the paper got wet and soaked.
"Looks like you're a water-type," Naruto acknowledged.
"…I was hoping that I was a wind type like you Naruto-kun," Hinata said with a hint of disappointment in her tone.
"Hey," Naruto said, "Water is still a powerful element. Besides having the capacity of dousing out fires and cooling down lava and molten steel, it can do all sorts of damages like tsunamis for example. Plus it's a most useful cleaning agent and life sustaining element. We'd die faster without water than anything else."
Hinata was thinking about what Naruto was telling her.
"I take it that your newfound understanding on elemental affinities was the result of your awakening knowledge in your mind," Hinata acknowledged. Naruto admitted, "It is; though that happened two weeks ago."
"Since then," Hinata asked, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"And ruin the surprise," Naruto replied, "Don't think so."
"I should have known you'd pull something like that on me," Hinata said, "But still, how far along with your understanding and training with your affinity are you?"
"I still have a long way to go," Naruto replied, "Even with kage bushins, mastering my affinity will require much time."
"…It'll take even longer for me since I can't make as many kage bushins as you," Hinata sighed. Naruto understood where Hinata was coming from. So far her limit in creating kage bushin were two before succumbing to near chakra exhaustion. Naruto warned her not to go pass two otherwise the kinjutsu would end up killing her. Because of that, Hinata made use of kage bushin a rarity, at least for now.
"It's true that you can't make as many kage bushins like I can," Naruto said, "But we still have a large body of water for you a get started on in practicing."
Naruto pointed to the lake that was just a minute walk away from them.
"Besides learning about elemental affinities," Naruto said, "I learned something else too."
Naruto led Hinata down to the lake and stopped in front of it. He took off his sandals and instructed Hinata to do so also.
"What are you planning to do," Hinata asked as she removed her sandals. Grinning, Naruto went over to the water and started walking on top of it. Hinata had an expression of surprise and disbelief.
"You're…You're actually walking on top of the water," Hinata said. By this time, Naruto had already learned and mastered tree walking and taught it to Hinata who also now mastered the ability to tree walking after a matter of days.
"Why don't you come join me," Naruto invited with his right hand extended out to her, "It's no different from tree walking except now you're doing it on water. Think of your chakra as a floatation device. Focus your chakra down to your feet and walk on top of the water."
Doing as instructed, Hinata focused her chakra down to her feet and attempted to walk on top of the cold lake water. She took a few steps into the lake with most of her feet on top of the water.
"Looking good Hinata-chan," Naruto encouraged. Hinata smiled at Naruto complimenting her and her concentrated more of her chakra to her feet until she was completely standing on top of the lake water.
"I'm actually doing it Naruto-kun," Hinata said excitedly.
"That's pretty good for a first timer," Naruto complimented, "I plunged completely into the water on my first seven attempts at the hot springs."
Hinata laughed and asked, "Why on earth would you attempt this jutsu at the hot springs?"
"As a means to get me to learn this jutsu faster so as to not get burned," Naruto remarked.
"That was rather extreme, don't you think," Hinata remarked.
"It got the job done though," Naruto replied back, "Besides, you have better chakra control than I do so water walking should come as second nature to you faster than it did me."
He gestured for her to come over to him. Complying, Hinata walked over to him. Reaching him, Naruto took her by the hand and led her to the middle of the lake.
"Alright my little Spring Rabbit," Naruto said, "We'll be starting your elemental training today, and what better place than in the middle of the lake?"
"Is that really such a good idea," Hinata asked worriedly, "I might fall into the lake from chakra exhaustion."
"We're not doing any strenuous elemental training Hinata-chan," Naruto said, "We're just staring with the elementary basics for now."
(In Another Part Of Konoha)
Kurenai was at the dango shop with her friend Mitarashi Anko the Special Jounin interrogation specialist. The two women were currently taking a break from work and conversing together at the shop.
"This year's Genin class graduated from the academy and yet you still chose not to become a Jounin-sensei," Kurenai remarked. Anko took another bite into her dango.
"…I don't…have time to deal…with a pack of misfit delinquents," Anko said between biting and chewing her dango before swallowing, "Besides none of them would survive the training and hell I'd put them through."
"How would you know," Kurenai asked, "You never took a team to see if they even possess any true potential."
"I don't have time to be anyone's sensei," Anko replied, "Besides my last sensei turned out to be nothing more than a psychopathic jutsu obsessed lunatic I wish I could kill right now."
"Such a vengeful spirit you have there Anko," a masculine voice said from behind Anko. The two woman turned to see Kakashi standing by them with his infamous orange book in hand with his face buried in it.
"Kakashi," Kurenai greeted, "You're back earlier than expected. How did your new Genin team make out with your bell test?"
"They're back in the Academy actually," Kakashi said without taking his face from out of the back. Kurenai and Anko weren't ignorant to Kakashi's reputation of having a long list of Genin graduates he failed for their failing his bell test. And again his new test missed the meaning behind his test.
"Looks like you won't have a team for another year," Kurenai said.
"I saved their lives to tell you the truth," Kakashi replied, "Their performance during the test was rather deplorable and they had now intentions of helping and working with each other as they were out for their own success. They weren't ready for the real life as ninjas."
"I'm sure next year's team will prove otherwise," Kurenai said.
"Knowing Kakashi," Anko remarked, "He'll fail them too, so don't hold your breath for even an instant."
"You're probably right Anko," Kakahsi replied before blushing and giggling perversely after reading an explicit scene from his Icha-Icha Paradise book. Kurenai frowned at Kakashi's behavior while Anko simply paid him no mind and continued eating and drinking her sake.
"My eternal rival!" yelled a flamboyant voice. Everyone knew that voice anywhere as they looked to see an all too familiar figure entering the establishment, Maito Gai.
"Gai," Kakashi asked, "What brings you here?"
"I'm here to share with you the youthful jubilation of my Genins' success in passing my test," Gai said excitedly, "Tenten, Lee and Neji did far better than I expected and didn't allow the difficulty of the test to dampen their flames!"
"So your team passed your test," Kakashi replied, "I suppose congratulations are in order."
"What about your team," Gai inquired.
"I failed them," Kakashi said, "They failed to see underneath the meaning of my bell test. They even failed the box lunch test I gave them as their second chance."
"Don't let not having a team soil your youthful fire," Gai encouraged, "I'm sure your next team will do much better and pass your test."
"Oh," Kakashi said mockingly from his book, "Did you say something Gai?"
"Argh!," Gai shouted, "Curse you and your hip attitude my eternal rival!"
"To think Gai and Kakashi have always been like this with each other while growing up," Kurenai remarked.
"There are some things and people who'll never change," Anko said.
"Speaking of change," Kurenai interjected, "I'm aiming to have Hinata as my future Genin pupil."
"You mean Neji's younger cousin," Gai acknowledged.
"That's right," Kurenai said sympathetically, "Her clan sees her as a burden for her inability to learn their clan fighting style. Regardless of their harsh view of the young girl, I know she has potential to rise above her difficulties and prove wrong all those who think little of her."
"You're already attached to the young girl I see," Kakashi remarked.
"So what's that to you," Kurenai asked.
"Just making a mental note of things," Kakashi replied with his head still buried in his book, "I heard from others that the Hyuuga heiress is a mostly shy and timid girl. But from what I've seen from time to time, I often question her shyness and timid nature."
"Why's that," Kurenai curiously, though she wondered where Kakashi was getting at.
"For instance," Kakashi explained, "She's particularly close and fond of the blond-haired blue-eyed Jinchuuriki. I'm sure by now that you're very well aware that she's been seen with Naruto almost everywhere he goes regardless of what most of the villagers say or how she's viewed by them for doing so over the years. In spite of her timid and shy nature, her courage to openly stand up against the villagers' senseless discrimination toward Naruto is most admirable, more so than the Genins I failed today and all the others I failed over the years.
"Yosh," Gai said happily, "Hinata-san's youthfulness is most radiant. I applaud her burning zeal in not to being influenced by the unyouthful spirit of those who scorn their hero."
"Like I said before," Kurenai remarked, "She has potential and I hope that I'm given the chance to bring them out."
"We'll see how things turn out next year then with the next Genin class," Kakashi stated.
(Back At The Training Ground)
Hinata and Naruto had placed their sandals back on their feet after coming out from the lake when their physical and elemental training concluded for the day.
"I'm exhausted," Hinata breathed.
"Likewise," Naruto said with a smile, "But you did pretty good today my little Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit."
Naruto moved and kissed Hinata softly on her left cheek. The gesture turned Hinata's shocked face bloody red. Naruto then realized what he did.
"Hinata-chan," Naruto panicked, "I-I-I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me! I-It just…I mean…"
Hinata touched the spot on her face where Naruto kissed. A moment later, Hinata giggled excitedly with her face still red.
He kissed me!, Hinata shouted in her minded happily, Naruto-kun actually kissed me for the very first time! That means there's a chance that in the future we'll become something more than friends!
Hinata turned to Naruto and assured, "I'm not angry at you for kissing my face Naruto-kun. To be honest, I really enjoyed it."
Naruto sighed in relief, wanting to know where the impulse to want to kiss her came from. Swallowing her own fear and nervousness, Hinata went over and kissed Naruto's right cheek in return. Now it was Naruto's turn to blush and touch the spot where Hinata kissed him, realizing that was the first time Hinata kissed him.
"Now I know what it feels like to be kissed," Naruto grinned, "It's a great feeling!"
Hinata giggled again before reaching and taking hold of Naruto hand.
"Let's go back and get something to eat," Hinata suggested.
"Great idea," Naruto agreed, "Let's get Sandaime-jiisan to treat us out to lunch!"
The pair left the training ground with their hand and fingers entwined together. It was a while before they reached the Hokage Tower but they got there nonetheless. Upon arriving, they stepped over to the secretary and told her that they were here to see the Hokage. The secretary called and informed Hiruzen of his visitors and he told her that they were allowed up into his office.
Happy that the Hokage had time for them, Hinata and Naruto hurried on their way to see Hiruzen. When the entered through the door of his office they found Hiruzen sitting at his desk going over some documents among the many other documents on his desk.
"Hey jiisan," Naruto greeted, "Are you busy? Hinata-chan and I were wondering if you'd treat us to ramen today?"
It's more like you were hoping he'd treat us Naruto-kun, Hinata thought to herself. Hiruzen looked at the two youths in front of him and chuckled, "Well I suppose no harm could come out of it. Besides I'm in need of a break anyway."
"Sweet!," Naruto said excitedly before Sandaime stood up from his chair and went over to Hinata and Naruto.
"Well now," Hiruzen said, "Let's be on our way then."
(Meanwhile)
Sasuke was still roaming about the streets of Konoha when…
"Sasuke-kun!"
Sasuke just kept walking not wanted to pay heed to the one calling to him.
"Sasuke-kun!"
The girl named Sakura finally caught up to Sasuke. The boy in turned had no choice but to confront her as he turned to face her.
"Yes Sakura," Sasuke replied, "What do you want?"
"Well Sasuke-kun," Sakura started, "I was hoping that-"
Sasuke's eyes caught sight of something that caught his attention, which cut Sakura off. Sakura turned around to see what it was and found that it was Sandaime walking together with Naruto and Hinata. All three of them were heading toward Sasuke and Sakura.
"It's Sandaime-sama," Sakura acknowledged, "And he's with Naruto and Hinata."
Sasuke said nothing in reply.
"Hello there you two," Hiruzen greeted with his grandfather-like smile, "Is everything all right with you two?"
"Fine," Sasuke replied plainly.
"Everything's great Sandaime-sama," Sakura said, "Where were you going?"
"I'm out on my well-deserved break for lunch," Sandaime said, "Naruto and Hinata are here to accompany me. Would you both like to join us too?"
"I'd love to," Sakura said excitedly. Seeing the chance to be near Hinata, Sasuke accepted, "I'll accept your invitation."
Sasuke moved to be next to Hinata. The Uchiha turned to look at Naruto who in turn resisted the urge to frown at him. Sakura hurried to stand next to Sasuke.
"Well let's be on our way then," Hiruzen suggested. The group then made their way over to Ichiraku. While on the way, Sasuke turned to Hinata and said, "I was hoping to run into you earlier. I stopped by but was told that you weren't home."
"No," Hinata said, "I left after my Jyuuken training was over."
"And how's that going," Sasuke asked. Hinata lowered her head, "Not so well. I'm still having trouble understanding my clan's style though I made a some progress."
"It's better than no progress," Sasuke replied, "What you obtained from it is an accomplishment by itself. Be proud of your current success, if that much Hinata."
"Th-Thank you," Hinata said, trying to act as meek and shy as possible. Sakura looked at Hinata with jealousy and resentment, even though Hinata did nothing significant to really gain Sasuke's attention, or so Sakura believed.
What could you possibly see in her Sasuke-kun, Sakura wondered with a frown. Naruto saw the look at Sakura's face but chose not to give any comment about it.
"Hey Jiisan," Naruto asked.
"Yes Naruto," Hiruzen replied.
"The author to that Icha-Icha Paradise book was one of your students right," Naruto asked, "The one called Jiraiya?"
"Yes," Hiruzen admitted, "He's also one of the three Sannins."
"Who are the other two," Naruto asked.
"I'd have thought by now that subject would have been covered in class by Iruka," Hiruzen remarked.
"It was," Sakura said before giving Naruto a dirty look, "Two days ago in fact. Naruto happened to have been cutting class that day. He was given detention yesterday after Iruka-sensei busted him trying to peep in the women's bathhouse that same afternoon he cut class! The pervert!"
Hinata recalled that day, acknowledging that she too was in the same bathhouse that day when the incident took place. She and the other girls were wondering why they heard Iruka smacking and yelling at someone over the fence.
…No way!, Hinata gasped and wondered with a hand hands over her mouth with a deep blush on her face, Was Naruto-kun trying to peep at me?
"Iruka-sensei was exaggerating," Naruto replied, "I was only trying to do more research in how to make my jutsu more effective. I just needed to study live young and mature beautiful specimens in order to do so. But I was careless and ended up getting caught by Iruka-sensei."
Hiruzen saw how Naruto was acting and even talking similar to Jiraiya. Sakura attempted to smack Naruto across his head. Naruto quickly ducked, which caused Sakura to end up missing his head in the process. That was when Hiruzen saw how Sakura was like a reflection of Tsunade in terms of her violent temper.
"You're such a freaking hentai!" Sakura barked before turning to Hinata, "I can't understand how you could stand being around him!"
"Naruto-kun isn't a bad person Sakura-san," Hinata defended, "True he has his faults but who doesn't?"
"I'm sure Sakura wouldn't have mind if it was Sasuke that was trying to peep at her," Naruto remarked. Sakura blinked for a moment and thought about what Naruto actually said. A moment later, a blush appeared on her face.
"Point proven," Naruto remarked with a victorious smile. Sasuke snarled at Naruto for using him to prove his point as perverted as it was.
"Sasuke-kun wouldn't do such a thing," Sakura defended, "He has more sense of class and dignity! Unlike you!"
"Whatever," Naruto shrugged.
"If I ever catch you trying to peep at me Naruto," Sakura warned, "I'll beat you to within an inch of your life."
Yep, Hiruzen thought, Very much like Tsunade.
"I told you," Naruto retorted, "I needed to study live young and mature beautiful specimens. That did not entail you being one of them! Plus, you're too masculine and flat-chested to give me any inspiration!"
"Why you!," Sakura yelled murderously as she chased after Naruto who in turn laughed and ran from her.
"Come back here Naruto!," Sakura screamed, "I'll make you pay for insulting my beauty!"
Hiruzen sighed to himself seeing how Naruto and Sakura acted too much like his past students. Even the way they interacted was similar.
At the very least, Sasuke smirked, The dobe did me a favor in getting Sakura to chase after him and leaving Hinata behind.
Turning to Hinata, Sasuke asked, "Are you really sure about what you said in not being bothered by what Naruto was caught doing two days ago?"
"He said that it was for his jutsu," Hinata replied, "If it meant strengthening it, then-"
"You mean his Oiroke No Jutsu," Sasuke interjected, "I'm sure he was using that as a cover to avoid getting in more trouble."
"B-But it…i-t…," Hinata stuttered.
"It what," Sasuke inquired.
"It…knocked you and Sandaime-sama unconscious…i-if I recalled correctly," Hinata meekly reminded, "Naruto's jutsu proved to be a most effective instrument, especially when he said that he could have killed you both and the other males if he were serious after knocking all of you out."
Both Hiruzen and Sasuke frowned and lowered their heads in being reminded of their most shameful moment.
…I'll never hear the end of this, Hiruzen mental sighed, Even after three years.
Naruto-baka, Sasuke thought, I recall him making me look like a fool in front of Hinata and everyone else twice that day! There must be a way to resist that jutsu!
As for Sandaime, he could only wonder what the unknown future had in store for him and the next Genin class that was to graduate next year.
Hiruzen is already thinking about the next Genin class set to graduate from the Academy next year. Hinata's mask as a failure has everyone convinced and more of Jiraiya's traits, knowledge and wisdom is manifesting through Naruto. Find out what happens next time.
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