Acknowledgement

Hello everyone! I'm probably best known for writing Street Fighter stories, but I had to get away from that for a while.

I've always loved Naruto since I discovered it in Shonen Jump about a year ago. I've also loved the shy girl Hinata. Her intentions are so innocent and pure. And she is one of the few people that actually sees the good inside our favorite ramen eater!

It's also sad that Naruto/Hinata fanfiction is almost nonexistent. It seems like SasuNaru is the majority (although, I will never understand how Naruto and Sasuke could love one another...they hate each others guts!).

So being a Naruhina fan, I wanted to contribute. I also want to say thanks to everyone that has already opened the doors for Naruhina fanfiction. This goes out to the Naruhina fans...

*Quick little update here* One, I don't own Naruto. This creation belongs to the person known as Masashi Kishimoto, the person who is without a doubt, my favorite manga artist(beating out Akira Toriyama lol) but I do own this story). Second, this chapter has been edited some cause it was a rush job when I first posted it. For the most part, the things that will be changed slightly will be Hinata's conversation with Naruto so that she still seems a bit shy and so things don't happen too fast, and also a couple of things near the end, especially with the awards ceremony. And finally, at the end of every chapter, I’ll put in a couple of words from Naruto characters so that each chapter will be like the anime. Basically, they will do “next chapter” previews. Anyway, enjoy the show!

*****

Success…

Those were the words that spread throughout Konoha village as chunnin Nara Shikamaru, followed by his team of genin, returned to the village with an unconscious Uchiha Sasuke.

The mission had not been an easy one…Akimichi Chouji and Hyuga Neji nearly died for their efforts. They had nearly run out of ki. They would be out for a couple of days. Inuzuka Kiba wasn’t fairing off too well either. While he only needed a couple of bandages, his pal Akamaru was put into a coma. Shikamaru only had a broken finger, but it would soon heal over time. After his successful surgery at the hands of Tsunade-sama, Rock Lee located his comrades and assisted in the battle while Uzumaki Naruent ent after his rival Sasuke. The rematch between Naruto and Sasuke was even more deadly then the previous one as unlike the first bout, there was no Sakura or Kakashi to distract the 2. Even though Naruto knew that his main objective was to bring Sasuke back to the village, a part of him wanted to beat the living daylights out of Sasuke for thinking he was so superior to him. And Sasuke wanted to prove that he was ready to face his brother Itachi and kill him in order to avenge his family. And defeating his former comrade Naruto would be the proof that he needed.

In the end though, Naruto barely managed to knock Sasuke into unconsciousness before slumping his body over his back and finding the rest of his team so they could all go home.

Upon returning to the village, Shikamaru, accompanied by Naruto, made the report to Tsunade about all that had happened while everyone else was taken to the hospital for medical care. Tsunade then decided that everyone that partatedated in the mission would receive medals of honor in a ceremony that was to take place in a week’s time. As for Sasuke, Tsunade would work on removing the curse seal that Orochimaru had placed on him as well as get Sasuke some help to deal with the inner problems that haunted his heart and mind.

Chapter 1: “Foxes need Love too!”

*****
The night before the awards ceremony, we find Sasuke asleep inside the hospital. About 3 days earlier, Tsunade had successfully managed to remove the curse seal that Orochimaru had placed on Sasuke, but it had taken a toll on his body. Sasuke was going to have to rest for about a week before he could move again. Haruno Sakura had vowed that she would take care of Sasuke and never left his side except to use the bathroom and to get food.

We now find our hero Naruto making his way towards the Konoha hospital trying to make it before visiting hours were over for the day. Despite how they treated one another, deep down, Naruto really did care for his comrade Sasuke and hoped that he would get better.

After being told where Sasuke’s room was from the nurse, Naruto makes his way towards room 101 to check in on his teammate. Right as he is about to open the door however, Naruto hears voices on the other side.

“Sasuke-kun…if you can hear me…please wake up…”

“Sakura-chan?” thought Naruto as he opened the door slightly to get a peek at what was going on inside. Naruto’s ears had not deceived him after all. It really was Sakura inside Sasuke’s room.

“uhh…”

Sasuke’s eyelids blinked twice before slowly opening and being greeted to his pink haired and green-eyed teammate of team seven.

“Sasuke-kun…” Sakura spoke softly as her eyes started to get watery.

“Sakura…” Sasuke whispered back. It wasn’t a question, more like a statement. After all that had happened, Sasuke was surprised that anybody would be visiting him.

“Sasuke-kun…” Sakura said, as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I thought that I lost you forever…”

“Sakura…I’m sorry…”

Meanwhile, Naruto was still outside peeking into the room, not quite liking what he was seeing. Naruto also noticed that his stomach seemed to feel tighter as he watched the scene between his 2 teammates.

“Sasuke-kun…it’s going to be alright…I…I’m here for you…”

Sakura then wrapped her arms around Sasuke’s neck in an embrace.

This had not been the first time that Naruto witnessed something like this. When Tsunade had first entered the Konoha village as the fifth Hokage, Sakura had displayed this same affection towards Sasuke.

Naruto however, was not prepared for what Sakura would do next…

“Sasuke-kun…” Sakura said as she lifted her head from Sasuke’s neck and looked directly into his eyes. “I…I…I love you…”

“I know…”

Hearing this heartfelt confession come out of Sakura’s lips was almost enough to send Naruto’s emotions over the edge. She…she loved him? How could she? Sasuke treated her like trash! Naruto knew that Sakura liked Sasuke a lot, but loved him? Naruto still kept his emotions in check however until…

Sakura leaned her head in and pressed her lips against Sasuke’s.

Sasuke was caught back by Sakura’s actions, but didn’t hesitate, nor stop Sakura from what she was doing. He wrapped his right arm around Sakura’s back and pulled her body closer to his and increased the intensity of the kiss.

Naruto had seen enough. Seeing Sakura kiss their teammate…and his biggest rival was too much to bear, even for Naruto. Despite being the container of a demon fox that would kill without any qualms for nearly 14 years, Naruto was still only human…

And being human meant that not even Naruto, who holds the reputation as the loudest and most hyperactive ninja in Konoha village, was immune to emotions that human’s experienced daily. Emotions such as laughter, anger, or in this case, heartbreak…

Tears welled up in Naruto’s eyes as he left the hospital. Any final ambitions that he had of winning Sakura’s heart were shattered after he saw her kiss Sasuke.

Love…it was the one thing that Naruto craved more then anything. Even more then being Hokage, Naruto wanted somebody that actually cared for him. Not somebody that did it to be nice, but deep down, really felt concerned about him. The only person that even came close was Iruka, but Naruto wanted a deeper connection. Naruto wanted somebody that woke up and thought about his well being or smiled whenever he came near. Naruto wanted somebody that he could call his own…Instead, people always looked the other way when Naruto approached and expected him to fail in all of his endeavors.

“It isn’t fair…” Naruto thought as he walked through the village. “No matter how much I try, in Sakura’s eyes, I will always be dead last. I will always be a loser. I will never be good enough for her…because I’m not Sasuke. No matter how much I train or how much stronger I become, Sakura will never like me.”

Seeing Sakura kiss Sasuke was the equivalent of someone driving a kunai straight through Naruto’s heart. All of the battles that Naruto had been in…Zabuza, Haku, Kiba, Neji, Gaara, the list goes on… they all paled in comparison to the inner battle that Naruto was facing right now in his heart. There were only 3 people that truly understood Naruto’s pain, but one of them was dead (3rd Hokage), one was currently away on a mission (Iruka), and the other one knew about Naruto’s pain, but was too tied up being the new ruler of the village to talk to Naruto (Tsunade). So basically, Naruto was out of options when it came to someone to confide in. Kakashi was not even an option. Although Kakashi probably already knew about Naruto’s fees tos towards Sakura, Kakashi was not one that Naruto felt comfortable discussing his inner problems to. Kakashi’s idea of solving problems was pulling out his copy of Icha Icha Paradise. The hentai…

Naruto almost snickered at the idea of asking Kakashi for help. Even if Naruto had thought of asking Kakashi for help, it would still be impossible since Kakashi was currently away on an A ranked mission which meant that he wouldn’t be returning to the village for quite some time. So in the long run, Naruto was screwed.

Naruto had made his way to the ninja academy, even though that wasn’t his intention in the first place. Naruto had been walking just for the sake of it, and to get away from the hospital…and Sasuke…and Sakura…

"Damn you, Sasuke...why does everything always have to come so easily for you? Why do I always have to work twice as hard as you and still get half the respect? Why do all of the girls want to be with a jerk like you?

That recent memory still fresh in his head, Naruto saw the swing that at oat on when he had failed his ninja academy exam for the third time in a row. It was his swing, the swing that he sat on when he felt depressed. And right now, Naruto felt long overdue for a visit…

Naruto sat down in the swing as the last of his tears had dried up. Naruto had originally planned on going to the Ichiraku Ramen stand immediately after checking up on Sasuke, but the incident at the hospital had made him lose his appetite. Right now, Naruto could care less about anything. Nothing mattered. Not his training, the medal ceremony the following day, a nice bowl of miso ramen, or even his ultimate desire to become Hokage. Naruto didn’t care, cause one of the things that he had cared about the most, had just been taken away from him.

Ever since team seven was formed, Sakura would continue to pursue Sasuke’s affections, despite the fact that he treated her like garbage. In return, Sakura would constantly insult Naruto and treat him bad, even gh Ngh Naruto cared about Sakura like she was a goddess. Over time, Naruto had hoped that Sakura would come to her senses and realize that Sasuke could care less about her and look towards someone that did care, but Sakura never gave up. Even when other guys like “Fuzzy Eyebrows” Rock Lee would desire her, Sakura never gave up on her goal, which was to be with Sasuke. And in the end, it looked like Sakura had finally succeeded in winning his heart.

“There was never a chance for me…” said Naruto to himself as he gave his swing a test drive. “My fate was sealed when I became the container for Kyubi 14 years ago. Nobody dares get close to me because they are afraid…afraid of the demon inside of me. Everyone in this village hates me, and wishes that I didn’t exist. They try to ignore me, like I am only a figment of their imagination. Whenever I fight, people always expect me to fail. They always have low expectations of me, despite the fact that I beat strong opponents…despite the fact that I train twice as hard as everyone else…”

Naruto stopped swinging as his recently dried eyes became wet again.

“I might as well give up on things like love. I am only fooling myself if I think that someone will actually accept me for who I am, and not what I am. Just because I hold a demon fox inside of me…people think that I…*sob* am a monster…that I *choke* don’t have feelings hat hat I don’t…*sob*…matter…I never asked to be the container of Kyubi, so why do they… *sniff* …treat me like it was my choice? Why do they continue to hate me and…”

Naruto couldn’t hold back his tears anymore as he started to cry again. The only thing that Naruto had succeeded in is making himself feel even more miserable. So much for being strong…Naruto had said that he would never cry again…but all of that pent up emotion…it had finally reached it’s peak. And the only way out was through the eyes…

Unknown to Naruto however was a blue haired, white-eyed girl that had been watching Naruto behind a tree and listening to everything. Also unknown to Naruto was that this girl’s eyes were also in tears from what she had heard Naruto say. Naruto was her hero…the source of her strength…the joy of her life…Naruto was the person that she loved with all of her heart.

“Naruto-kun…” the girl whispered as tears streamed down her cheek. “You are loved…you always have been…and I think it’s time for me to show you that…”

The girl, known as Hyuga Hinata, came out from behind her tree and decided to bring forth her courage and give strength to the one that had always empowered her.

“Naruto-kun…” mumbled the girl as tears continued to run down her face.

“Huh?” Naruto looked up and saw Hinata standing in front of him.

“Hinata?” Naruto was surprised that Hinata was here. Naruto had thought he would be alone at the academy tonight.

“Hinata…you’re crying…”

Hinata immediately wrapped her arms around Naruto’s neck as she cried on his shoulder.

“Hinata is crying…but why?”

Naruto lifted Hinata’s head slightly so that they were looking at each other face to face. From this close distance, Hinata’s clear white eyes were like beautiful pearls that reflected everything. And Hinata’s blue hair almost seemed to glow from the moonlight that shone in. Hinata was beautiful…why hadn’t he noticed it before?

“Hinata? Why are you crying?”

“Naruto-kun…I…I heard everything…no one should have to deal with such pain…”

“Everything? Does that mean that she also heard me talk about Kyubi?”

“I…I feel your pain…I know how it feels to be alone. I may not have spent most of my life with a demon fox inside of me, but people still ignore me like I am a monster. Even my own family has little faith in me ever since my little sister Hanabi beat me in a fight. Sometimes my teammates Kiba and Shino doubt my abilities. But whenever I see you Naruto-kun, I don’t feel so alone anymore. I feel like…I can do anything. Whenever I see you, all of my pain goes away. I don’t like it when the people in this village are mean to you or talk badly about you, Naruto-kun...It..it isn’t right. You...you deserve to be loved, and you deserve to be acknowledged for more then just your strength. True power comes from the heart...”

“Hinata…why do you have such confidence in me? What do you see in me that others don’t? Why don’t you hate me like everyone else?”

This was it…now there was no turning back…in order to answer his question, Hinata realized that she would have to tell Naruto the part that she had been trying to leave out…The part about her being in love with him. Ever since the academy days, Hinata knew that there was something special about Naruto ever since she first laid eyes on him. It saddened her to think that nobody but herself took the time to find out aboim oim or get to know him for his achievements…instead of his failures…

Instead, everyone in the village was told to ignore Naruto like he was a disease…like he was an apple inside a bag of oranges…like he was the goose inside a group of ducks. And explanations were never made. Just like all of the other kids in the village, Hinata was just told by her parents to ignore Naruto and not to associate with him. This led Hinata into wondering why…

What had started out as curiosity, led to discovering that Naruto was not the evil beast that people often depicted him as. Naruto was only a boy that longed for affection, yet nobody would listen to his cries for help. Nobody would give him the attention that he so desperately needed.

Well all that was about to change…because of Naruto, Hinata had found the strength that she didn’t know she had to stand up to her cousin Neji during the chuunin exam. Even though she lost, Hinata still felt a lot more confident about herself. When everybody wanted to look the other way, there was Naruto, cheering her on. Even after she was defeated, that same boy even vowed to defeat Neji for her. Naruto cared…when nobody else would…

Ever since that day, Hinata had started to gain more confidence in herself and her abilities. No longer would she be the always shy Hyuga girl that people doubted. Slowly, Hinata was going to change and become stronger, not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.

And as a test to see how far she had developed, Hinata was going to tell Naruto how much he meant to her. A smile came across the face of the heir to the Hyuga clan as she prepared to take the first step of the rest of her life…

“Why do I have such confidence in you? Cause I know deep down inside my heart that you are destined to do many great things. And strength comes from support. You have a great dream, Naruto. I know it will come true one day. I believe in you because you try and never give up. And because you are one of the few people that believes in me.”

Naruto started to blush slightly from what Hinata said. “She…she believes in me?”

“What do I see in you? I see a great spirit and a great soul with a good heart that only wants to help people. I see somebody that works hard at everything they do and doesn’t take anything for granted. I see someone that desires love and attention. I see someone that has been robof aof a chance to have a family. I see somebody that is treated cruelly for all the wrong reasons...And I see somebody that always makes me smile every time I see him…”

“Hinata…” Naruto was really starting to blush now from Hinata’s comments. Nobody had ever said anything so honest and heartfelt towards him…not even Iruka. Naruto was starting to look at Hinata a little bit differently now.

Hinata knew that it was time to tell Naruto her true feelings. Everything else she had said had only hinted at her true message. Hinata suddenly felt slightly nervous now, cause this was going to be the boldest thing that she had ever done in her entire life. Standing up to her cousin Neji was easier to do then this.

“No…I can do this…I’ll be strong for you, Naruto-kun…”

“Why don’t I hate you like everyone else?” Hinata started to whisper as she placed both of her hands on Naruto’s cheeks. “First of all, I’m not like everyone else. Everyone else in the village is blind. They don’t see the true Naruto when they look at you. They only see the hatred that they were taught to hold against you. They don’t believe in amnesty, giving you a chance to grow and improve. It’s ironic how our village is known as one of the strongest villages if not the strongest because of our unity, but sometimes the people in the village forget that. They say one thing and then do the exact opposite. They are hypocrites...

"Hinata...you say yoard ard everything...that means that you now know my biggest secret...and the reason why everyone in this village hates me..."

"I don't care...you never had a say in the matter...what you did...I consider heroic...you continue to push on with Kyubi inside you...despite the fact that people hate you daily...the burden that you carry...is one that I wouldn't wish on anybody...that is true strength...even when you fall down...you get back up...that is what will one day make you Hokage..."


"Hinata...why is it that you seem to understand me better then anybody? Why is it that except Iruka, you are the only one that treats me with true kindness? Why do you cry for me? Why do you care so much?"

"I could never hate you, Naruto-kun...You are not like any of the other guys in this village. You are...special to me...and..."

Hinata found herself staring at the floor and playing with her fingers while blushing beet red. Hinata had lost the strength to tell Naruto her true feelings.

"Now I know why he thinks I'm such a weird girl...he's probably going to brush me off now...just like before the chunnin exams...because I'm too much of a coward to tell him how I feel..."

To Hinata's surprise, Naruto lifted her head up and held her hands in his.

"Hinata, whatever it is, tell me. I won't run away."

Hinata could feel herself blushing once again from Naruto's close contact with her.
>"O>"Ok...I'll do it for you..."

"Naruto-kun..." Hinata began. "I...I like you...I like you a lot...you are not like any of the other guys I know...I know a lot of people think that I like Kiba-kun but...he is just a friend...whenever I see you...I feel like the happiest person ever. You always make me smile...you always make me happy..."

Hinata's grip on Naruto's hands tightened while she continued to speak.

"I don't want to be your friend Naruto-kun...I...I want to be more then that...because I love you..."

“She…she loves me? Me? The person that everyone likes to hate? The person that everyone has no faith in?"

With those final words, Hinata leaned her head in and planted a quick kiss on Naruto’s lips. Naruto was still slightly dazed however...

“Naruto-kun…I’m…I’m so sorry…I shouldn’t have done that…it…it was wrong of me to do and…”

Hinata’s words were cut off when Naruto pulled Hinata close to him and returned her sweet kiss. Hinata’s arms went around Naruto’s neck while Naruto’s arms were around her waist.

"All of this time...when I was trying to make Sakura-chan like me, Hinata always did...I tried so hard to make Sakura-chan like me...that I didn't realize how much Hinata cared. I've been a baka for so long...while I kept thinking how much of an idiot Sasuke has been to Sakura by ignoring her...I'een een doing the same thing to Hinata...but that will change Hinata. I'm not going to ignore you anymore..."

Raw desire started to overcome Hinata now as out of instinct, her lips found their way towards Naruto’s neck. She kissed it a couple of times before slowly revealing her teeth and biting down.

“Hinata-chan…”

Naruto’s eyes closed as Hinata continued to press her teeth deep into his flesh. He had thought this was going to hurt…instead, it felt like one of the most wonderful things ever.

Hinata was now straddled in Naru lap lap as she continued to nibble at his neck. Hinata wasn’t even completely aware of her actions now. It seemed that she had a beast inside her body too…and this beast was called lust…

“Hiiinnnaaaatttaaaa-chhhaaaannnn…” moaned Naruto as his mouth was now making his way towards Hinata’s neck. Whether it was Kyubi’s doing or something else, Naruto was slowly mimicking Hinata’s actions like they were a mirror image.

What was going on between the 2 young shinobi’s was soing ing that not even genjutsu, Byakugan, or the Sharigan eyuld uld detect. This was true love in the making, and it was the most powerful thing around. Not even an elite Jounin like Kakashi or a sennin like Jiraiya could stand up to this powerful force of nature. And no amount of jutsu’s could prepare one for it.

Just then, Naruto’s mouth opened, and mimicking Hinata’s actions, he bit her neck.

The ins Nar Naruto did that; a pact was made…not with an animal or creature like Gamabunta, but with Hinata. They were now one, and nothing would ever change that.

It was about now, that Naruto felt his manhood awaken. His animalistic side wanted to plunge into Hinata’s deep center right there and then. It also wasn’t helping that Hinata was making it difficult for Naruto to maintain his control.

It seemed that the Hyuga girl had a wild side that awakened under center circumstances…similar to Kyubi inside Naruto’s body. Right now, Hinata’s hips were rubbing against Naruto’s lower area and sending a rush through his entire body.

“Hinata-chan…”

It seemed like Hinata was in a trance, for she couldn’t hear Naruto call her name. Hinata just continued to kiss and nibble at Naruto’s neck and rub her hips against his lower region.

“mmm…my Naruto-kun…”

“Hinata…that…that feels so good…”

Right now, Hinata couldn’t be stopped. For about 5 minutes, Hinata had been pleasuring Naruto and building up his drive. Naruto had been doing ok at first, but then Naruto realized that he was quickly being driven close to the edge.

“Hinata-chan…if you don’t stop…I’m gonna…”

But Naruto’s warning was too little, too late. All the pleasure that Hinata had built up in his body had finally reached its peak. And even though there was clothing protecting Naruto’s and Hinata’s most private areas, the rubbing that Hinata had been doing with her hips had still been enough to get Naruto to release inside his pants…

Which he did at that very moment. The front of Naruto’s pants looked slightly stained, and even Hinata’s pants were slightly affected.

“Na…Naruto-kun…I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to do that-“

“It’s ok.” Whispered Naruto as he placed a finger on Hinata’s lips. “I actually enjoyed that. But…what about your family? They won’t like seeing you with me…”

“I don’t care. I love you, Naruto-kun, and one day, I’ll make them understand that…even if I have to renounce my Hyuga heritage!”

“Hinata! You can’t do that! I’m not worth it! I mean-“

This time it was Hinata’s turn to hush Naruto with a finger to his lips.

“Yes it is. Nobody pays more attention to me then you, Naruto-kun. Nobody is more honest and more caring then you. My family…there is some love…but it is mostly like a unit love…not really genuine love like I have for you. I will become the heir to the Hyuga empire when I come of age…and there is nothing that my family can do to change that. They can’t decide who I fall in love with…”

The things that Hinata said had made Naruto want to cry again. Hinata was the first person that had shown so much concern for him. She loved him without fear…and without regret…

“I could stay out here with Hinata-chan all night…night? Wait a second! What time is it?”

Naruto looked at his watch and saw that it was a quarter to 10:00.

“Oh no! The awards ceremony! It’s supposed to take place tomorrow afternooinatinata! We have to get home!”

“But I’d rather stay with you Naruto-kun…”

Naruto was almost tempted to forget about the awards ceremony right there and then, but he also remembered that Hinata’s family would go crazy if they found out that Hinata had been out all night with the “forbidden” Uzumaki boy.

“I know Hinata-chan. I want to stay with you too…but your family might suspect something. Don’t worry, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Ok…goodnight, Naruto-kun.”

“Sweet dreams, Hinata-chan…”

They gave each other a warm hug before running off towards their perspective homes...

*****
”Welcome everyone!” Said Tsunade to the crowd that afternoon.

“About a week and a half ago, Orochimaru had tried to capture one of our ninjas! Unfortunately, due to all of our chunnin and jounin being absent on missions, I was left with no choice but to give the only chunnin left in the village, Nara Shikamaru, the task of assembling a team of himself, plus 4 other genin that he felt worthy, to go on a rescue mission for their comrade. Gentlemen, when I call out your name, step forward…”

“Akimichi Chouji.”

Chouji stepped forward looking good as new. Even after he had taken all those solder pills, he recovered nicely. Tsunade put the medal around his neck as the crowd applauded.

“Hyuga Neji.”

The crowd went wild when Neji stepped forward. He was a fan favorite. “Also…” Tsunade continued. You are going to start training to become an Anbu.”

“Ari…domo arigato gozaimasu Tsunade-sama…”

Neji was really at a lost for words. Being an Anbu was not something that came easily. Only the best of the best got to be Anbu.

“Next, Inuzuka Kiba.”

More clapping went off as Kiba stepped forward to receive his medal.

“Also Kiba, I have another surprise for you.”

“Really? What is it?"

Kiba's questions were answered as a doctor came onto the stage holding a dog. It immediaetly jumped out of the doctors arms and ran towards Kiba.

“Bark! Woof!”

“Akamaru! You’re ok!”

Akamaru jumped into Kiba’s arms as the young boy immediately went into tears.

“Thank you Tsunade-sama…”

“You’re quite welcome Kiba. Akamaru came out of his coma last night. He is fighting fit!”

The audience couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for Kiba. While Akamaru might have been just a ninja tool, to Kiba, Akamaru was his best friend.

“Nara Shikamaru.”

The crowd oncein win went wild when the young genius prodigy came forward. “Congratulations on your first successful A ranked mission. The third Hokage made no mistake when he made you a chunnin. I see great things for you.”

The audience kept yelling for Shikamaru to say a couple of words after his first successful mission he led.

"This is so troublesome...why do I have to do this anyway? *sigh* might as well get it over with...

Shikamaru grabbed the microphone from Tsunade.

“T you you for the medal. And thank you everybody for believing in me. I promise that I will continue to do my best to make this village proud and to show off the true strengh of the Leaf!"

Everyone clapped except for Yamanaka Ino, who was blushing. Ever since Shikamaru returned, Ino realized that she had feelings for him. She had never really wanted Sasuke. It was just to mess with her rival Sakura. Ino secretly loved Shikamaru, and told him…with a liplock upon his return…

“Rock Lee.”

The crowd went silent as Rock Lee stepped forward. “Not only did Rock Lee recover fully from his surgery, but he also went off in search of his comrades to assist in the mission. For that Rock Lee, you not only get the medal of bravery, but also the medal of courage and persistence.”

The crowd was now screaming at the top of their lungs while Lee’s teacher Gai was in tears.

“I’m proud of you Lee…*sniff*”

“And finally, Uzumaki Naruto.”

Immediately, the crowd went completely silent as Naruto stepped forward. Despite earning a bit of respect from the crowd, Naruto still knew that the people of the village didn’t really give a damn about him.

“Naruto…” Tsunade started in a serious tone. “You assisted in the mission to bring back your teammate…and you were the one that located him and brought him back home safely…I also understand that you met up with Orochimaru but managed to escape from his clutches without putting yourself into any real danger. For that, you get this medal…”

The crowd was still silent until Hinata started to clap. Eventually, the clapping got louder and then everyone was clapping.

“…As well as this...”

“A…a chunnin jacket?” Naruto asked as Tsunade put a green jacket on Naruto. “You’re…making me a chunnin?”

“This is a new level in between a genin and a chunnin. For anyone that doesn’t become a chunnin through the chunnin exam, they can slowly advance to chunnin by dospecspecial tasks such as completing missions. You possess the ability to become a chunnin, but still need a little bit more work. So consider yourself a semi-chunnin…”

The crowd now went wild as Naruto hugged Tsunade see seems that they had underestimated this boy.

"...Along with Kiba, Lee, and Chouji the 4 of you will start a new program that I am implementing.”

Tsunade's assistants brought out jackets for all of the remaining genin. Neji got a special Anbu jacket, while everyone else got jackets similar to the ones that Naruto had received.

“Yes! I can feel it! One day, I will become Hokage of this village! This is just the first step!”

Hatake Kakashi and Umino Iruka had also returned to the village after completing their missions. Kakashi was smiling while Iruka had tears gong down his face.

“Naruto…I always knew that there was something special about you…congratulations. You’ve earned it.”

As for Hinata, she was also in tears and blushing at the same time.

“Naruto-kun…now they are starting to see what I have always saw in you. I’m happy for you…”

The ceremony was over, and our heroes, as well as the rest of their teammates, minus Sakura and Sasuke, were all at the Ichiraku ramen stand to celebrate.

“Naruto.” Shikamaru asked while having one arm around Ino, his new girlfriend. “What happened to your neck?”

“hm?” Naruto felt around his neck and felt a slight bump. He then picked up a mirror and saw a red mark.

“How did that happen? I was with Hinata when…Hinata…that’s how it happened…”

“uh…” Naruto began as he started to blush. “It was some late night training…”

Had anybody been looking at Hinata, they would have noticed that her face was bright red and that there was also a mark on her neck from her adventures with Naruto last night.

Training indeed…

*****
Naruto: Yatta! Hinata-chan loves me! I’ve got a girlfriend now!

Hinata: Naruto-kun…

Naruto: Now that Hinata and I are an item, we have to keep our love secret from the entire village. And what’s this? Sasuke is healed and is back to being a ninja? I’m going to kill that bastard for making me risk my life for him…

Sasuke: Don’t get in my way, Naruto! I am an avenger! Nothing is more important to me then that!

Naruto: Just stay out of my way, Sasuke! I’m going to be Hokage one day!

Naruto: Next time, on Naruto: “Forbidden Love! The New A ranked mission!”

Hinata: Naruto-kun…will we be ok?

Naruto: Of course we will, Hinata! I’ll protect you! I don’t go back on my words. That’s my ninja way!