Y-Y-Yes….I do…why do you ask?"
"You have really made a great effort you know….you not only became a Chuunin but a great cook too! I am really sure that you would REALLY be a great wife to a great guys someday. TI feel that guy will be utterly happy to have someone like you as a wife!"
Hinata blushed bright red at the praise and she thought that she was going to faint as she looked at Naruto who was smiling warmly at her and she could tell that he meant those words….and the sight of Naruto in the firelight was very….hot….she finally got enough wits to realize that she should say something.
"T-T-T-Thank you Naruto-kun….I don't know what to s-s-say…."
"You're welcome Hinata-san…and Kurenai-sensei."
The red eyed Jonin then looked at Naruto as he smiled at her and she smiled back as well.
"Yes?'
"You're a great cook too….I think you'd make a great wife for the guy you'd marry too."
Kurenai looked at Naruto with some surprise….and if Naruto took a good look at Kurenai and ignored the firelight….he would have seen the deep red blush on her own face. And it was there for good reason…it was not often that Kurenai got a comment like that as she didn't have a significant other for a few years and didn't get much of a comment from anyone of her cooking skills. And she could tell that Naruto meant it.
"Thank you Naruto-kun….it's the first time another person complimented my cooking."
"Really?"
Both Naruto and Hinata were surprised….they both had thought that Kurenai already had a significant other already in her life, and Naruto was the most surprised….he had thought that with her looks, Kurenai would have no trouble getting the attention of a man….and before he could think it through, he asked the question.
"Why's that Kurenai-sensei….I think that you are a good looking woman and most men would like to be with you."
Kurenai giggled at that and smiled even more.
"Thank you Naruto-kun….I honestly didn't expect that, but you mean that and that's nice to say."
"No problem….we should get some rest….I'll stand guard for a bit and you both get some sleep….i think we're going to be here for a while."
"A-A-Are you sure about that Naruto-kun?"
"Don't worry, I'll be all right….I'll go to sleep once the time is right."
As the two women lay down to get some sleep….Naruto sat near the fire and looked at the sky to see the stars and the moon. He had a lot on his mind at the moment. Chief in his thoughts was naturally his team, he hoped Sakura was all right and was going her very best while training with Tsunade at the moment, he hoped Sai would finally learn how to act like a normal person for once and be all right, he hoped Kakashi-sensei was all right as well and recovering from the missions Tsunade was giving him at the moment, he hoped Tsunade was going all right with all the work she had been getting ever since she was the Hokage and that Shizune was there to help when she could, and he hoped Yamato-sensei was doing fine.
He then thought about how they were going to be while they were all on this island for the time being….he was indeed happy that Hinata and Kurenai were all right and were here with him. He hoped that there would be enough time for them to be rescued from the island….not that it was a bad thing….the island was certainly nice and it would certainly be a great place to take a vacation now and then. He then thought about Hinata and Kurenai as they were resting happily in the shelter that they had constructed in record time thanks to his Kage Bushin handling most of the slack. He then thought about how they had changed….Hinata and Kurenai had certainly….
(Whoa….I better not go there yet…)
(( "What's eating you kit?"))
(Nothing Kyuubi….just thinking…)
(( "Really? I think you're lying….you're thinking about the two ladies with you right?"))
(Hey! It's not like that you perverted fox!)
(( "Could have fooled me…listen kit, you are in a very lucky situation….you're all alone on an island with two attractive women….you have any idea how most guys your age would kill to be in your sandals at this very moment?"))
(Well I'm not like most guys Kit!)
(("Really? Does that mean you don't like girls?"))
(HEY! I didn't mean that! I respect and admire women like any normal guy….I'm just not the type to jump the bones here!)
(("Heheheh….but you think they are attractive?"))
(Of course I do you perverted fox! ANY guy could call Hinata-san and Kurenai-sensei attractive! They'd have to be blind and dumb not to say and think that!)
(( "Good….I was kind of worried there for a minute. Listen kit….I have to be honest with you for the time being….you're lucky this island was here….had we been in that storm any longer…we'd be food for the fishes and more down at the bottom of the sea and like I said….I'd rather not have you and me in the gullet of some fish or worse…."))
(I guess…)
(( "Hmmm…I guess I need to teach you how to survive in a place like this, I can't have you die yet."))
(Thanks….but how much do you know about survival?)
The Kyuubi grinned and replied.
(("You'll find out soon enough kit….all I can say is that I hope you're ready for a very interesting ride….now let's go our rounds and get some shut eye….it's going to be a while before we do get rescued and getting used to living out here is going to be the real hard part."))
The next day…
Naruto, Kurenai and Hinata looked about from their camp and examined their temporary home until rescue came for them. The trio had decided to make the most of their stay here on the island and had gone of routine salvage runs on the ships to see just what other materials and resources they could find that could very well help them in any fashion to live on this island until they were rescued by the others back in Konoha.
The Kyuubi kept it's word as it helped Naruto locate fresh food items and the demon fox taught Naruto quite a great deal about how to find the right kinds of things to help in a survival situation such as this one. One on such trip….it taught Naruto how to find a certain set of herbs that could release toxins that were harmful to fish and yet not be lethal to humans. This allowed Naruto to catch some hard to catch fish in some of the tidal pools that were on the beaches around the island. The Kyuubi then directed Naruto on how to find bird eggs in the nests near the beach and in the forests as well when they all went to gather food and herbs.
Naruto, Hinata, and Kurenai were impressed at the number of animals that called this place home….there were wild chickens, rabbits, some small deer herds, some families of wild pigs, plenty of birds, snakes and more….this allowed them to choose animals that they could be able to catch well, and the rivers had plenty of fresh and salt water fish for them to catch….the Kyuubi taught Naruto how to hunt for shell fish and crabs in the beaches as well as in the sea….
The three worked hard in trying to make life on the island livable for next few days….once they woke up in the morning, they would eat whatever food they had which was still fresh from last night and when those were used up….they would then go and hunt for other food items and they would then locate more herbs and vegetables….though Kurenai did warn them not to take too many vegetables as they didn't need that many. Apart from vegetables and herbs, there were wild fruits and nuts that they found as well.
Naruto was then taught by the Kyuubi how to make a raft out of several large plants and bamboo, and placed them together with a good amount of salvaged ropes, metal wire, nails, wood glue and vines….with the raft and the gear they salvaged….the three of them would take turns hunting for fish and more….along with salvaging anything they could from the wrecks that were not in reach….though they did this together and with great caution as well. They were able to salvage more parts though they then had to construct another raft to serve as the carrier for their salvage. The three were happy that one of the ships had some intact medical supplies that they could use for treating injuries and none of them had any high level medical jutsu at the moment….this made things easier for them…though Naruto knew that with the Kyuubi's help, he had a much higher chance of recovery than either Hinata or Kurenai. The medical supplies they found were not the only ones as well.
The other ship wrecks also had some still dry containers of clothing though most were already ruined by long exposure to the elements….some were in strong and study containers and those things helped them all immensely when they had to keep their own stock of clothes dry and safe….There were clothes for both men and women….including female undergarments and Naruto steered clear of those as he was not going to mess about with those things. Naruto was however relieved to find some undergarments for men and well….and those were the ones Hinata and Kurenai steered clear of as well so it was fairly even. Naruto and the others also found some old but serviceable oil lamps and some left over oil in containers….and these were needed when they needed light at night. The Kyuubi also told Naruto how to make oil from pig fat when they did catch some wild pigs for lunch or dinner….the oil was used for both cooking and making fuel for fires….and they used the fat to make lard for cooking….as well as the oils of some herbs for that purpose.
The Kyuubi also showed Naruto how to find other useable materials for survival….and that included finding wild honey…..Naruto knew that getting honey from bees was dangerous….and he sometimes wished had the same talent as Shino did when it came to bugs….but the Kyuubi fixed that by teaching him how to use smoke to stun and send the bees away to get the honey combs that had the honey inside of them….allowing Naruto to grab the honey and make a tasty treat as well. Apart from honey, fruits, and nuts….the Kyuubi directed Naruto on how to locate a certain plant that could be used as an all around good plant…aloe vera…
The Kyuubi explained that the plant's soothing liquid could be used to treat burns and sunburn most of all, and it could be used to disinfect cuts as it's antiseptic properties were very helpful as well. Apart from that plant….they Kyuubi guided Naruto to some large trees that were very useful, and that was spruce and he showed Naruto how to make tea out of the leaves….which was good for getting vitamins, minerals and sugars….Naruto was not a big fan of spruce tea as it was called but it was as good as orange juice….according to the Kyuubi itself….all the while….the Kyuubi did it's best to keep it's container alive and healthy as possible.
Apart from hunting and gathering their food, the three would also train with one another to keep busy….Naruto was the one who provided much of the training while Kurenai began to teach both Hinata and Naruto what she knew about Genjutsu, and while she knew that Naruto was not very proficient with Genjutsu as it was not his strong point at the moment, Naruto used his Kage Bushin in ways that were both creative, cunning, and interesting in the mind of the Jonin as the sparring sessions she had with him were showing that his training with his element with Kakashi and Yamato was proving to be bearing great fruit in his battles.
Hinata likewise was impressed by Naruto's growth as a ninja just as he was impressed by her own growth as a ninja. The Hyuuga heiress was willing to spar with Naruto and the two were able to learn much from one another in the many sparring sessions that they had while they were on the island at the time being, and the sparring helped show each other's talents in combat…Kurenai watched how Naruto and Hinata worked together and had to admit that both were proving to be very talented….quite a contrast to how they were all those years ago when they were still Academy students and how Naruto had inspired Hinata and made her stand up for herself.
After their training….Naruto would let the two women take a bath first in the river that was a good but reachable distance from their camp and near the tree line and as soon as they were done bathing….he would then take his turn in the river to wash away the grime, sweat, and dirt from their work on the island. The waters in the rivers were fed from a spring coming from the mountain there that provided cool and fresh water for them to both drink and bathe in….and since the water was constantly on the move….there was less danger of the water being stagnant. The Kyuubi reminded Naruto about the time he had drank the milk that was expired greatly and how much of a mess that made of his stomach.
Therefore they would take water and boil it and then let the water cool and drink it as well….At one point….Naruto climbed up the mountain with his Kage Bushin and had brought back some snow and ice…and that allowed them to cook the water through brought back to drink after boiling it….though that was only done once a week as neither Kurenai nor Hinata were interested in getting Naruto hurt in some fashion.
The days wore on until Naruto got himself in a rather….interesting incident…
"Damn….that is one slippery rabbit…."
Naruto said as he was chasing another rabbit that they were going to cook for lunch….Hinata and Kurenai had been rather busy at the moment in cleaning some of the pots, and pans that they used for cleaning….he was out looking for more food to add to their lunch for the day…..he had spotted a fresh and rather large rabbit and he thought this was going to be a quick hit…
However, the rabbit proved to be rather elusive at the moment….the rabbit had somehow evaded his kunai and he tried to catch the rabbit and here he was at the moment….trying to catch that one rabbit that got away from him at the moment. He was armed with his kunai and was wearing a light white shirt with no sleeves and some comfortable running pants and a fresh pair of sandals at the moment. As he hunted the rabbit…using the senses that were enhanced by the Kyuubi's chakra at the moment.
As he made his way through the forest….intent on catching his quarry, he was unaware of the fact that both Hinata and Kurenai had finished their chores for the day and had placed aside the items that they had been washing and then directed their attention to bathing….and since they knew that Naruto was away hunting….the two women stripped down to their birthday suits and then took their baths in the river and they enjoyed the feel of the cool waters and relaxed a bit. The two women then took out some of the soap that they salvaged days before in one of the ships….though the soap had no scent….it was all right for their needs at the moment.
The two women were so intent on their bath that they were not hearing the movements heading in their direction as the wily rabbit made it's way to the river….no doubt intent on losing it's pursuer….and Naruto was so intent on chasing said rabbit that he had no idea that he was heading right for Hinata and Kurenai…it was only when the rabbit disappeared that Naruto had enough of the proverbial cat and mouse game.
(I've got you now!)
Naruto leaped through the bushes and landed face first into the water as the rabbit had dashed to the other side…no doubt after being surprised to find Hinata and Kurenai there bathing….and thinking the strange furless creatures were also there it end it's short life…the rabbit moved like greased lightning and hoped away….Kurenai and Hinata were shocked and they were in ready stances to defend themselves…
It was then that Naruto popped out of the water and gave an angry oath….
"Damn that rabbit was fast! Where'd he go?!"
"N-N-N-Naruto-kun!1"
Naruto gulped at the very second he heard that voice….
(Oh no….please tell me I just imagined that!)
(( "No you didn't kit…."))
"Naruto-kun….what on earth are you doing here?!"
Naruto gulped even further as he realized that the other voice belonged to a certain someone…
(Oh no….That was….)
(( "Oh yes….it's her….and damn….."))
Naruto looked at and sure enough….he saw Kurenai and Hinata….
Naked…
Naruto only had a few seconds to feel his face heat with the blood flow to his face and to feel his hot blood going out his nose to know he was having a nose bleed and for damn good reason. And before things could get any further….Naruto did the same thing Hinata would normally do whenever she found herself facing him…
He fainted…
"NARUTO-KUN!"
After that incident….there was some tension for the next few days as Naruto did his best to apologize to both Hinata and Kurenai for seeing them buck naked. Hinata was understanding of the whole mess and so was Kurenai…but the Jonin gave Naruto a hard time in their sparring but not too much as she knew that he would never do what he did on purpose.
As the days passed….Naruto had finally relaxed a bit and so had Hinata and Kurenai….but there were already feelings growing between Naruto and the women….no doubt due to being able to see each other in ways that was not possible back in Konoha.
Hinata's feelings for Naruto had grown and in truth….she had spent a number of nights back in the Hyuuga estate dreaming not so simple dreams of Naruto and her being together…in fact….she had dreamed of them being together on an island like this one and she was able to finally tell him how much she loved him and how much of an inspiration he was to her….while it was true that she did tell him that long ago when they had met in the training field before his battle with her cousin Neji Hyuuga. The dreams she had were always resorting in her moaning out his name and feeling hot and sweaty….so much so that she had personally requested to have her room given extra sound protection so to make sure that no one heard her moaning Naruto's name in her dreams….she didn't want to know how her family would react to that….and she made sure to handle things herself when her bed-sheets were wet to avoid raising any suspicions.
But she couldn't blame herself for that….she was a young woman after all and when she saw how much Naruto had grown over the years when he did come back from the years he spent with Jiraiya and on that mission to Suna. The sight of a much more mature Naruto and better built as well was enough to make her dreams even more heated…and those dreams involved her doing things with Naruto she knew would never seem possible for her to do….given her inherently shy nature. And those dreams had gotten vivid ever since she had been on this island with Naruto and she had done all she could to suppress the urges those stirred in her….lest she woke up both Kurenai and Naruto in the middle of the night.
And Naruto had just seen her naked….if only for a brief moment before he blushed…and fainted after he had his own nosebleed seeing her and Kurenai utterly buck naked. She wondered what she should do now when she would face Naruto again….what happened that day had changed the way she looked at Naruto and not in a negative way….but in a very hot and serious way.
In Kurenai's case….that was the very first time she had ever been seen by a man naked…and that was something she was not entirely happy about….not that she didn't like the idea of being naked in front of a man….but in a way that was inappropriate….however, she knew Naruto would never mean to do that directly as despite his immature antics….he knew better than to court the wrath of a woman. But she didn't hide the fact that she had gotten a rather interesting thrill with the event.
She understood the fact that Naruto had fainted dead away at the sight of both her and Hinata naked….most young men would do that after all….but she found it very nice to see Naruto fall like that and to know that she could make a guy nose bleed and faint was something she could have not thought possible. The reason she never got to have a man in her life was the fact that she was treated like she was a goddess and was not to be approached….only Asuma was willing to be close to her….but they never got anything more serious than being good friends and colleagues in the field of being ninjas. It would be a lie if she had said that she did not have any fantasies of her own….her friend Anko would always try to force her to tell her fantasies but despite her friendship with the hyperactive Special Jonin….she was not keen on letting Anko find out about her own fantasies….for one thing….there was no telling what Anko would do with the information….and those thoughts were private…
However….her thoughts were going towards a certain blonde and blue eyed Genin who had whisker marks on his face. She tried to suppress the fantasies as they were not proper….not that Naruto was too young….he was already turning sixteen… a perfectly legitimate age for most ninja in Konoha….but the fact was that Hinata was attracted to him immensely and she was not going to do something that would break Hinata's heart as she had cared much for Hinata ever since she had been assigned as Hinata's Jonin sensei. However….there was no denying the fact that she did find him attractive….any young woman would consider Naruto attractive in some ways and she was not immune to his mature form now….and despite his antics….he was far more mature than he had been years before.
The one thing that worried her was the truth about Naruto's burden….she had known about the Kyuubi since she had been young, she had been a student there in the Academy when the village was attacked and she had been there when Naruto had been shown to the village to be the container for the Kyuubi….she had a healthy amount of fear of the demon's destructive powers having seen them first hand when the village had been hit hard…
But she had been shocked at how badly the village reacted and how saddened the Hokage was…and then the ban came to effect. She knew about the ban and the truth and she knew that someday….the truth would come out….but she worried about Hinata greatly, Naruto had been her greatest inspiration ever since she had become a Genin and the thought of Hinata's feelings being hurt by someone else telling a twisted version of past events was something she was not keen on having to happen…..thus….she decided to go ahead and tell her what she knew about Naruto.
She knew that what she would say to Hinata would have strong affects on the young Hyuuga heiress….and the fact that she was breaking the ban left behind by the former Hokage weighed on her mind as well. But it was better that this be done….if Hinata was told a lie about Naruto which had the truth to make it….then who knew how things would be between Hinata and Naruto.
All she had to do was find the right time and place to tell Hinata everything….and as the days passed….she was starting to doubt that she might get the chance….however….it was when she proposed Hinata and her take a an early bath as they had taken an early dinner that gave her the chance she had been hoping for….as Naruto decided to stay in the camp to eat his own diner as he had been rather hungry for the past hours after cleaning up another one of the traps they had used to catch their dinner recently….which was fresh water fish that was fired in oil, and seasoned with wild onions, carrots, and pepper, along with roasted rabbit meat.
In the river…
The two women were currently taking a cool soak as the sun began to head down to let night take over….this time the two women had lamps with them and their clothes to see them through this late night bathing session. The two women had eaten early and were now in the mood to relax after another hard day on the island….by Kurenai's estimation….it had been four weeks since they had been stranded on this island and the time they spent here was very long….
She knew that this was a good time as any for her to break the rule that Asuma's father had placed on the matter concerning Naruto's deepest secret….she knew that Sarutobi would not be happy with her action but she had prayed on this matter and thought it over for the past few days….it was better that Hinata be told the truth about Naruto….and Kurenai decided to tell her herself.
This was not to hurt Hinata or Naruto….she respected them both to do that…..she planed to tell Hinata because it was far better that she was told the whole truth about Naruto's burden than have some other person tell her the truth but with twists and hatred in it….she wanted Hinata to decide for herself what she would do when told the truth about her long time crush. As they sat down in the river….she relaxed herself and looked at the sky and tried to see how to approach this.
"Kurenai-sensei….are you all right?"
Kurenai looked at Hinata as the young woman looked at the Jonin with a worried expression.
"What do you mean Hinata?"
"I-I well noted you seem to have very deep thoughts about something….may I ask what they are?"
Kurenai smiled at how perceptive Hinata was and knew that the time had come….she only hoped that what she was about to do would not come back to haunt her.
"Hinata…I haver some important things to tell you….about Naruto."
"About Naruto-kun?"
"Hinata….I know this might sound odd and troubling….but what I will tell you is forbidden by Law, and telling you these things will be most likely result in me being exiled from Konoha…so you must promise me than you will not breathe a word of this to anyone if we make it back to the village."
"I don't understand…."
"Promise me Hinata…."
Hinata could see that Kurenai was serious about this and as much as it was still confusing for her why this was so important concerning Naruto….she agreed and as soon as Kurenai was assured that Hinata would keep her word….she spoke.
"Hinata….do you remember your lessons about the Kyuubi No Kitsune?"
Hinata nodded, like all Academy students….she had heard the rumors, legends, and stories concerning the nine tailed demon fox that had attacked Konoha many years ago….she had been a baby then and Hanabi was not born at that time. All she knew when she attended the Academy….was that many ninja gave their lives to stop the Kyuubi from destroying the village and the Yondaime had sacrificed himself to seal away the demon fox….but she had no idea what this was all about.
"I do….the Kyuubi was attacking Konoha years ago and the ninja of Konoha fought desperately but were badly outmatched by the demon fox….however, the late Yondaime Hokage stood forth and fought with the Kyuubi and sealed it away but he gave his own life in the process….Why does this have anything to do about Naruto-kun?"
Kurenai knew that the time had come for her to drop the bomb right on Hinata….this was in her mind the moment of truth on how much Hinata loved Naruto once Naruto's secret was let out.
"Hinata….the Kyuubi was sealed in the stomach of a young baby boy to prevent it from escaping and harming the village."
"A baby boy?!"Yes….and the reason why I asked you to never reveal others what I will tell you is this. Did you ever wonder why Naruto was always treated badly by the elder villagers all his life and why he has those marks on his face?"
Hinata was confused and she quickly got the idea and she gasped… as she began to understand the implications…
"Kurenai-sensei….you mean….that…."
Kurenai nodded seriously and replied.
"Yes Hinata….Naruto-kun was the child who had the Kyuubi sealed inside of his stomach years ago…."
Hinata looked at Kurenai who was very serious at the moment as the red eyed Jonin and the white eyed Hyuuga heiress sat in the river….finally Hinata spoke.
"Naruto-kun has….the Kyuubi inside of him?"
"Yes….he was the child who was used to contain the Kyuubi after the Yondaime fought with it….the Yondaime couldn't defeat the Kyuubi Hinata, the Kyuubi was too powerful for normal Shinobi….even the Yondaime to defeat directly….so he could only do what he felt was the only option."
"He sealed it in Naruto-kun….but why….why subject Naruto-kun through that?"
"I wish I knew Hinata….but it was not without reason….maybe the Yondaime believed that Naruto could use the power of the Kyuubi for a more heroic and noble purpose….I don't honestly know. But I did learn from Asuma-san from his father, that before he died….the Yondaime wanted Naruto to be seen as a hero….but the other villagers and ninja didn't listen….they wanted to kill him. So Sarutobi-sama forbade everyone to talk about the Kyuubi….even to their children….including you. But people still hated Naruto and that was why he was always the outcast."
"But Naruto-kun was just a baby! He's not a demon, no way is he in any way a demon Kurenai-sensei…he is who he is…and that is Naruto Uzumaki!"
Kurenai was surprised a bit by how vehemently Hinata still defended Naruto even after learning the truth. Hinata was very saddened by the news…it all made sense now…how he had been treated growing up and why he pulled pranks…and more. Hinata was feeling very sad for Naruto….more than she ever thought possible. She saw him not as the Kyuubi….but as a strong, talented, brave, kind, gentle, and trustworthy person…and most of all…
The man she had been in love with since the day she saw him back in the Academy.
She always had eyes only for Naruto….his confidence, bravery, passion, determination against all odds….these qualities made her see him as an inspiration and in turn… her longtime crush….she had no idea why others would look at Sasuke Uchiha with adoration at times….and she liked being close to him…even she was too shy and timid back then all those years ago. She had grown up…..and the feelings she had for Naruto had grown as well….they were deeper, stronger and more serious than ever before.
She then looked at Kurenai and was very sad looking but serious as well.
"Why are you telling me this Kurenai-sensei?"
"I wanted you to know the truth about him….why he was treated the way he was when you and him were younger. The reason is that I wanted to tell you myself and allow you know the whole truth…rather than let someone else tell you a different version….one that is tainted by hatred of the past."
"I see….but I don't care about the past….or the fact that Naruto-kun has the Kyuubi inside of him."
"Why Hinata?"Hinata looked at the water as the light played on it as she thought of her answer and after a few minutes she replied.
"The day I saw Naruto-kun…in the Academy when we were younger….I fell for him, he was so brave, confident, determined, and out spoken, and I was so taken by those things that I wanted to talk to him but I was so shy and I was afraid I would embarrass myself before him. I watched him and I saw him as a good looking young boy….and he would always stand up and work hard….no matter the odds…"
"I wanted to be as confident and brave as him and I wanted so much to be the one he likes….I don't hate Sakura-san for being the one Naruto-kun likes more than me. But I will always love him, I love Naruto-kun because he inspires me to be brave, he inspires me to be strong, that I am worth something in this world, he gave me the one thing that I lacked…confidence. The day he stood up for me and told me to stand up for myself and fight even if I knew I couldn't match Neji-kun….it was the most important thing that ever happened to me. I wanted so much to ask him if I had changed….but I lost consciousness…"
"And the day I met him in the training field and I then told him how much he changed me as a person, he told me that he had first thought of me as shy, dark, and timid….but he liked people like me….I felt so shocked and so happy. The missions I had with him were so precious to me….he was impressed with me in the Bikouchuu mission and thanked me….i felt like I was going to faint from blushing so hard….being close to him always made me feel this way. The day he congratulated me that I would make a great wife someday made me very happy and….when I defeated that ninja in the Land of Vegetables mission…he praised me because I beat him on my own. He holds me in greater regard now….that makes me feel very happy…"
Hinata then held the small stone Naruto gave her as a present days before and held it so tightly that that it hurt as she looked at her reflection and thought about how much of an impact Naruto had on her for a very long time and replied seriously to Kurenai.
"I will always love and respect Naruto-kun…I don't care if he is the container of the Kyuubi Kurenai-sensei….I love him with all that I am, and that will never change."
Kurenai remained silent and then after a few minutes….she smiled and hugged Hinata and spoke to her.
"I am happy you told me….I was worried that if I had not told you this….you would have been told by another with malicious intent Hinata-san…. and things would have ended differently."
"You….don't disapprove of me being in love with Naruto-kun?"
The red eyed Jonin shook her head and smiled as she spoke on her own take on Naruto.
"When I was young….I too knew about the Kyuubi….and like others I was frightened greatly by the destruction it caused when the village was attacked. And I was there when Naruto-kun was shown to be the container of the Kyuubi….I was there when many people wanted to hurt and do worse to Naruto and you were still a baby yourself Hinata-san."
"I saw the shock and dismay on the Hokage's face and it was there that he decreed that no one in the village mention the Kyuubi to anyone. I…admit that I was frightened by the prospect of Naruto growing up….but there were times that I saw him and he was always smiling and laughing….but as I became a Chuunin and before I became your sensei….I watched him have a very sad expression on his face at times and how utterly lonely he was…all because of something that he was not aware of."
"It was a good thing Iruka was always there to provide Naruto a chance at having a true friend…and despite the fact that Iruka-sensei's parents were slain by the Kyuubi itself…he never hated Naruto….do you know what was the reason Naruto was with you all during the Graduation from the Academy even though he failed the test nearly a day or so before?"
Hinata wondered about that and she was surprised that the reason was that Mizuki had tricked Naruto into stealing the Book of Seals and had planed to kill Naruto and take the credit….Iruka came in to catch Naruto as Mizuki framed him for stealing the Book. She was shocked at how Mizuki had revealed the truth of the Kyuubi to Naruto and how it was Iruka's words and near death sacrifice had prevented Naruto from being consumed by rage. It was there that Naruto had learned and used the Kage Bushin to defend Iruka….and that was how Naruto joined their ranks as a ninja.
"I had no idea…Naruto-kun was so strong there."
Kurenai nodded and continued with her explanations.
"When Naruto faced Kiba and Akamaru…I had my doubts that he could beat Kiba….but his determination, toughness, skill, cunning and unique way of fighting made me think otherwise. He had truly grown since the last time I had seen him, and when he stood up for you in the battle with Neji….I was even more impressed with him. The situation with Yakumo was also something that impressed me."
"And to tell you the truth Hinata-san….I would be lying to you if I said that I don't feel attracted to him."
"Kurenai-sensei? You like Naruto-kun?"
"In a way, yes….I would be a liar if I said I didn't find him cute when he was younger….though I kept it to myself for a long time…and now that he is older….I must admit that he has certainly grown up to be a very good looking young man….and I am attracted….despite the fact I am a few years older than him."
The two thought about what they learned about their respective experiences and views when it was related to Naruto at the moment and they recalled how Naruto had stumbled into their bathing time in the hot springs when he had gone after a fast rabbit for lunch a few days before….they recalled how Naruto had nose bled when he had seen them naked for a brief moment before he fell unconscious…in the VERY same way that Hinata herself would normally act in front of Naruto.
Kurenai knew that what she would ask her student next would utterly embarrass Hinata as she was still very shy when it concerned Naruto….but now that she had made her feelings about Naruto known and her stance to love him regardless of the truth presented to her, she knew that it was time for Hinata to put her foot on the door.
And as for her…..she was eager to see how Naruto would react to this situation. She had to admit that she was going to be pushing things a lot further than before but that was where the fun was…she was going to try something with Naruto….and Hinata that she had only seen in movies….It was unreal….but it could help in more ways than one.
Hinata could only blush bright red as Kurenai suggested a number of things to her.
Back in Konoha…
Tsunade was not in the best of moods….it had been several weeks now since Naruto, Kurenai, and Hinata had been found to be missing from the rescued crew of the ship they were on. The Hokage was having a hard time running the village at the moment and had hoped for any form of good news on the missing Konoha ninja.
She hoped Naruto was all right….she knew that while he had grown up somewhat and was far stronger than he had been when they first met….the young man was still something of a hothead as she recalled how determined he was to find Sasuke and Orochimaru….while those traits were admirable in other situations, they were down right difficult to deal with at times. When she was told that Naruto, Hinata, and Kurenai were lost at sea….she scrambled whatever available manpower they had to find any trace of them.