Prey chapter 10

Chapter 10: Gossiping


Sakura was staring at Naruto, who was kissing Hinata. He even had pink in the face. ‘Since when…’ She looked at the others. Kiba’s mouth was open in disbelieve. Tsunade was about to fall of her chair and Kakashi was even looking stunned. More interested in this then his perverted orange book, he was holding open in his left hand.

Naruto suddenly got aware of the staring people and stopped the kiss. He looked to his right, seeing Kiba jaw dropping and not able to say a word. Sakura looked at him with a questioned look and Kakashi had a little pink in the face, as if he had just seen a real scene from his perverted book. Mitsuki, on the other hand, was looking away.

“Ahum.” Naruto quickly turned his head to Tsunade. She was trying to look serious, but couldn’t. Naruto looked at Hinata, she was looking back. They were still holding each other. They rapidly let go, staring at the ground, with red faces. Both feeling uncomfortable. Naruto heard the Kyubi laughing at him. “Naruto, I have some good news for you,” Tsunade said a bit snorting, by seeing the boys reaction. Naruto turned his head up slightly, thinking what the good news could be.

“To hell with the good news! He just kissed Hinata!” Kiba barked pointing at him. “You don’t have to tell us, we all saw that,” Mitsuki said dryly. “Well, I want to know since when!” Kiba demanded looking at Naruto. Naruto looked back. “If you insist to know, the day Hinata was kidnapped,” Naruto mumbled. “So that’s the reason why wanted to go on that mission. To save your girlfriend. You said you felt responsible for her being kidnapped!” “Shut up dogbreath! If you think that wasn’t true, than you’re making a big mistake!” Naruto shouted holding his fist in front of him.

“Guys, would you please stop,” Hinata asked. Naruto turned his head to her and then let his arm fall down. Looking away from Kiba. Kiba growled a bit, but stopped as well and left the office. Akamaru followed him. Naruto looked at Tsunade, who was looking at him with a questioned look. “What?” Naruto asked. “Was that the reason why you weren’t hungry that morning?” she asked. Naruto turned red again. “Sh-shut up about it and tell me what the good news is!” he yelled frustrated.

Hinata was watching him and couldn’t help laughing a bit.

“Alright I tell you. Mitsuki brought some information about the poison and its cure. I’ll be able to make a medicine to get rid of you fox ears and tail, but it will take a while.” Tsunade said.

Naruto stared at Tsunade. He was happy with the news, but was getting comfort with the ears and tail. Especially the fact that Hinata find them cute, made him like them. He turned his head to the girl, named Mitsuki; he didn’t know she was called that. Actually he didn’t a lot about her, except she is the owner of the wolf and she had saved his live. What was she actually doing in the hunters hide-out? “Thanks Mitsuki, I owe you one,” he smiled thankful. “No need to thank me, it is the least thing I could do after what my father all did to you and Hinata,” Mitsuki answered.

Mitsuki saw Naruto’s expression. First it was surprised then with sympathy. Was he trusting her? Even after knowing she was the daughter of the hunter that put him trough so many trouble? How come? Why did he, and Hinata too, trust her? Mitsuki looked away, to get rid of the question. It didn’t mind if they trust her, she still had something to do.

“My work here is done, come Rakuna,” she said. “Where are you going?” Hinata asked. Mitsuki turned her head a bit to the Hyuga girl. “I still have a job to finish,” she said and sounded serious, but the sentence was leaking hatred. She started walking again. “Where are you going after that?” Naruto asked. Mitsuki stopped walking and looked to the floor. “Nowhere, I don’t have a place to call home,” she said as if she didn’t care.

“Why don’t you stay here?” Hinata said. Mitsuki turned around, looking astound.  Naruto nodded agreeing.

‘Stay? Why… is she asking such a thing? I don’t understand. Why are they treating me so unlike other people, the people of my home town? Why are they so nice to me after all what happened?’

“We could help you,” Naruto said. “You would be a good kunoichi,” Sakura said smiling, “After seeing you fighting like that.” “I think you are even above Naruto’s level,” Kakashi said and put his book away, knowing reading was useless now. “Hey!” Naruto said a bit angry. “I… don’t know.” Mitsuki said slowly.

Rakuna looked at her master and friend. Then to the blond haired boy. Shards of memories were in her head. Spinning around. Rakuna tried to remember them, but they disappeared. “Why don’t we stay, Mitsuki,” Rakuna said looking to her master again. Mitsuki looked at her, unable to say a word. Finally she nodded.

Hinata smiled. Glad her new friend stayed here. “I can ask my father if you could stay at our place until you find on of your own,” she suggested. Mitsuki nodded.

Tsunade stood up and looked at Kakashi. “You agree with Sakura she could be a shinobi?” Kakashi nodded. “Well, just to make it fair. Mitsuki, students have to pass their exam with a bunshin. Could you make one?” “Sure, that’s not so difficult,” Mitsuki said and made one. Tsunade then nodded, “Hearing the story of your fight, I think you would be a good shinobi. From now on you are a kunoichi of Konoha at ge-nin level. Here is your and Rakuna’s hitai-ate.” Tsunade handed over the headbands over to Mitsuki. “You may all leave now.” They did as they were ordered.

Mitsuki walked outside, looking at the headbands in her hands. “Shall I show you where I live? Then I can ask my father if you can stay with us for a while?” Hinata suggested. Mitsuki looked at her new friend and then she saw the blond haired boy. “No, that can wait, I think I gonna walk around somewhat, to see things and… well, why don’t you two just… spent some time together. I’ll be fine.” She smiled to them and then looked at Rakuna. “Come, let’s see how things go here.”

Naruto watched the girl walking away with her wolf. Then he turned to Hinata. Not knowing what to say, he just stared at her. She noticed he was staring at her and blushed. Naruto smiled and grabbed Hinata’s hand. They started walking. Just walking. “Speaking of your father,” Naruto said after a while, “does he… know about us?” Hinata shook her head, just like he expected she would do. “I haven’t had time for telling him, besides… I think it’s better not to tell him. Not yet at least,” Hinata said, still with that blush on her face. But she looked a bit depressed. “I think he hates you because of… you know ‘it’. I think he knows about it.”

Naruto stopped walking, seeing Hinata sad face. “Hinata don’t be depressed over it. Every grownup knows about it.” “How come nobody ever talked about it then?” “Because of the law that forbid them to talk about it. Think, did your father ever tell you why he called me a monster?”

Hinata stared at Naruto. She thought about the times her father told her not to come near Naruto, because he was a monster. She never asked why he called that boy a monster, she never dared to do. ‘Poor Naruto,’ she thought, ‘He probably hadn’t known it himself why people called him a monster.’

Hinata shook her head. No her father had never explained it. “All the adults just called me a monster, but never say a word about why they thought I was a monster,” Naruto said. Then he kissed her on her cheek.

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Sakura stepped outside the Hokage building and sighed. “So you’re back already?” someone asked. Sakura turned her head and saw Ino. “O, hey Ino,” she said. “Did you kill that hunter?” “No, he escaped,” Sakura said and then looked in front of her. Down the street, Naruto was standing with Hinata. Talking about something, holding hands. “Look at that,” Sakura said to Ino, “You wouldn’t believe it if you don’t see it with your own eyes.” Ino turned her gaze down street. “It’s Naruto with Hinata, so what?” “Watch it closer.” “I don’t underst… wait are they holding hands?!”

Sakura saw the expression on Ino’s face, and smirked a ‘yes’. Then both girls saw Naruto kissing Hinata on her cheek. “He’s kissing her!” Ino said. Naruto and Hinata walked further. Ino turned her head to Sakura. “He kissed her on her cheek!”  “What he did in the office of Tsunade is far more shocking,” Sakura said. “What do you mean? What did he do?” Ino wanted to know. “He came inside and kissed her on the mouth, forgetting there were more people in the room,” Sakura smiled. Ino stared at her. “Gotta go, see you, Ino.” Sakura left.

Ino stared into nothing and then sprinted to the barbecue hut. As she had guessed her two teammates were sitting there. Shikamaru was leaning on his arm, while watching the meat. Choji put some roasted meat in his mouth and started chewing with a big smile. “Guys, you have to hear this,” Ino said and sat down beside Shikamaru. “What?”  Shikamaru said, not really interested. He picked up his glass and drank some of the water. “Naruto kissed Hinata,” Ino said right away. Shikamaru started coughing. When he had stopped he turned to her. “There’s no way Naruto would kiss Hinata.” “I saw it with my own eyes.” “Are you sure you didn’t imagine it,” Choji said and placed new meat on the grill. “Why would I imagine Naruto kissing someone?” Shikamaru stared at her and then took a peace of the meat from the grill and started eating it. “That’s true, but still… Naruto kissing a girl. No way.”

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“I’m sorry Naruto. I told my father I would be back soon,” Hinata said, looking up to him. “Don’t be. I don’t want your father turned against me. He already hit me on my head,” Naruto said with a smile. “He did? When?” “Not that long ago. Does it matter? I deserved it, I think.”

Hinata stared at him and it made Naruto feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Slowly he placed his hands on her hip and shoulder and pulled her closer. He was so glad she was back. Safe and unharmed. He felt Hinata’s head on his breast and she had placed her hand on his arm. ‘I never ever want to loose you again,’ he thought.

He wanted to hold her like that forever, but knew he had to let her go sooner or later. She had to go home, or she would have a fight with her father and that Naruto didn’t want to happen. So he let her go and looked at her with a warm smile. “Shall I bring you home?” he asked in a whisper. “Maybe it’s better if you don’t. Father might suspect something if you bring me home so often.” “True,” Naruto said a bit disappointed. He watched her going and then went his way to his own home.

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“You’re kidding, right?” Tenten asked, while Sakura looked at the deep wound in her arm. “No, not at all.” “Naruto and Hinata are going together? When did that happen?” Sakura started to bandage the wound. “Just before Hinata was kidnapped, that’s what Naruto said.” “Seriously?” Tenten asked stunned. “Yeah, they kissed in front of my eyes. And I wasn’t the only one who saw it. Kiba, Kakashi and Tsunade saw it as well.” “I never expected Naruto would really love Hinata back. I wonder what happened that he does.” “Who knows? Done,” Sakura said and let Tenten’s arm lose. “Thanks, Sakura.” “No need to. Don’t use your arm to much, or it will open again.” “Okay, bye.”

Tenten ran out the hospital, to the training ground where Lee and Neji were. They were sparing again. “Guys. Oi Guys!” Tenten shouted. Lee and Neji turned their head to her. “We’re in the middle of sparring, Tenten. Can’t it wait?” Lee said. “We have been sparring for hours, so we’re taking a break,” Neji said and walked over to Tenten. Lee sighed and did the same.

“You never guess what I just heard from Sakura.” “They are back? How is Hinata?” Neji asked, concerned about his cousin. “She fine, don’t worry about her,” Tenten grinned. “What did you hear?” Lee asked. “Sakura, Kiba, Kakashi and Tsunade saw Naruto kissing Hinata! On her mouth!” The two boys stared at her. Especially Neji. Abruptly he turned around and walked away. “Oi, Neji! Where are you going?” Lee asked, “What about our training.” Neji didn’t say a word.

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Hinata opened the door of her house and got inside. “I’m back!” she said. She found her father and her sister in the training room. He looked at her, while she approached him. “I am sorry that I’m later then I expected it would be.” Her father just nodded. “Can I ask you a favour, father?” “A favour? What kind of favour?” Hinata was happy he didn’t say no right away. “A new friend of mine, she doesn’t have a home anymore.” “A new friend?” her father interrupted. “Yes, she helped me escaping from the hunter. I told you about her. Anyway, could she stay here for the time being?”

Hinata tried not to avoid her fathers gaze or even blink her eyes. Then her father closed his eyes. “All right, she may stay here.” Hinata almost wanted to hug him, but stopped the urge to do so and smiled grateful. “Thank you father. I go tell her.” Hinata left in a hurry.

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Mitsuki walked through the forest of the village. “Konoha is big,” she said to Rakuna. “Indeed, it is. And it’s full of shinobi.” Mitsuki nodded. It was so different from her home town. Mitsuki looked around and saw someone familiar sitting in the grass, behind the bushes. She walked to him. “Are you really that depressed that Naruto and Hinata are going out?” she asked. “Humph, what do you know about it?” Kiba snarled. “Don’t deny it; the smell of anger is all over you.” Kiba turned around. “You are able to smell people’s emotions?” “Yes,” Mitsuki said and sat down beside Kiba. “What are you so angry about?” she asked him. Kiba turned his gaze to the ground. “That Hinata hadn’t told us about it.” “Is that all?” Mitsuki stared at him and Kiba started to feel uncomfortable.

“No,” he said trying to avert her gaze, “But does it matter to you?” “Not really.” It was quiet for a while. Akamaru and Rakuna were running after each other. “Okay, I admit, I like Hinata, but I knew she loves Naruto. She already loves him for years. So I decided that I only want her to be happy, even if it is with that dope Naruto. I thought I was over her, but I think I’m not,” Kiba admit and let himself fall back, “Happy now?” Mitsuki just watched him. He looked back at her with a bit angry face, but then a surprised one. “You have a leaf headband,” he stated and got up, pointing at her head.

“Yeah, Rakuna has one too.” Kiba looked at Rakuna and now noticed the headband around the wolf her neck. “Why?” he asked. “They convinced me that I should stay here. So the Hokage made me a ge-nin,” Mitsuki explained.

“Mitsuki-chan!” someone called. Kiba and Mitsuki turned their heads and it was Hinata that ran up to them. She stopped in front of them and took some time to get some breath before she started talking. “I asked my father and you can stay at our place.”

Kiba stared at his friend. Too surprised about what he just heard. ‘She asked her father a favour and he said yes?’

Mitsuki smiled thankfully. “I don’t know how to thank you, Hinata.” “No need to, you helped me escaping.” Then Hinata turned her head to her friend. “Kiba-kun,” she started worried, but didn’t know what to say further. Kiba stood up. “All that matters to me is that you are fine, Hinata, you know that. I just was very surprised the dope finally realized, that’s all,” Kiba said without looking at her, “Akamaru! We’re going home!” Akamaru barked and ran to Kiba. Together they left.

Hinata watched her friend going and wondered what was bothering him so much. He had known for years she loves Naruto. “Do you know what exactly is bothering him?” she asked Mitsuki. “Let’s say its boy stuff,” Mitsuki answered.

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Just when Naruto was almost home, he decided that he could use some food. ‘Ramen,’ he thought a started thinking which flavour he would choose this time. “Naruto!” Naruto stopped walking and turned around. “Iruka-sensei.” His old teacher walked to him. “Back from your mission already?” “Yep,” Naruto answered. “In the mood for some ramen, or… are you not hungry again?” “I was on my way to Ichiraku. Free ramen, yatta!” Naruto threw his arm in the air and started walking. Iruka walked along. Glad Naruto was his normal self again.

When they entered the ramen stand, Ayame had a suspicious look on her face. Her eyes were drifting from Naruto to Iruka. It made Naruto nervous. He ordered a beef ramen.  

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“O man, why did he left. Just when I was about to win,” Lee sighed. “Lee, shut up about it. You can train again tomorrow,” Tenten said annoyed. They passed the ramen stand and heard Naruto’s voice. He was talking about the mission he had.  Lee and Tenten couldn’t help themselves and entered Ichiraku.

“Ah, costumers,” the old man said and Naruto turned around. “Hey, Lee and Tenten,” he said but started to feel awkward when they were both gazing at him. He turned back to his ramen. “Why aren’t you with Hinata?” Tenten asked. Naruto almost choke in his ramen and got a slight blush on his face. “What?” Lee was now standing beside him, staring at him. Naruto tried to concentrate on his ramen, but was beginning to get difficult. “I was wondering that too,” Ayame said. “C-can’t you stop?” Naruto said blushing.

“Did I … miss something?” Iruka asked. “Bet you did,” Tenten answered, “Hinata is Naruto’s girlfriend.” Iruka stared at Naruto, who was starting to turn redder. “How do you know about it?” he asked. “It’s true?” Lee asked astounded, “O the youth of love isn’t it beautiful.” “Sakura told me.”

‘Damn it. Girls and gossiping. Aw man, who else knows about it.’

“Since when?” Iruka asked, but it was Tenten that answered. “Just before Hinata got kidnapped.” “How do you know that?!” Naruto wanted to know. “Sakura,” Tenten said. Naruto stared at her. “What else did she tell you?” “That you kissed Hinata in front of her, Kiba, Kakashi and Tsunade.” Naruto let his head fell down.

“Did you really have to tell all the details, Sakura?” Naruto mumbled. “I envy you, Naruto. I wish I had a girlfriend,” Lee said, “maybe I should train harder.” “It’s not that bad, it sounds really cute how worried you were about her,” Tenten said. Naruto drank the soup of his ramen and stood up. “Whatever you do, don’t tell Hiashi.” “Why?” Lee asked. “Just don’t.” He walked outside, while the others stared at him. Iruka looked at the five empty bowls of ramen and then to Naruto. “Oi, Naruto what about paying.” “It was your treat,” Naruto waved with one hand, without turning. “Naruto!”

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Mitsuki entered the house. She followed Hinata to the living room. A man was sitting on the floor with a cup of tea in his hands. He looked up when they entered “Father, this is Tsuwata Mitsuki and her ninja wolf Rakuna.” Mitsuki bowed. “I am very grateful for your hospitality, sir.” “I have to thank you for helping my daughter escape from the hunter.” Mitsuki got up, looking at him. “You will sleep in Hinata’s room for tonight. Tomorrow we will look for an empty room.” “Thank you.” The man turned his head to Hinata. “Neji is looking for you.”

Hinata looked at her father and then nodded. “I go look for him.” Hinata left the living room and Mitsuki followed her. They first went to Hinata’s room, where Mitsuki left her bag. Then they went outside, into the garden where Neji and Hanabi were training together. “Neji-nii-san, father told me you were looking for me.” The two stopped and sat down on the ground. Hinata sat down in front of them. Mitsuki did the same.

Neji and Hanabi stared at the girl and the wolf, which was lying on the veranda. “You must be Mitsuki,” Hanabi said, “The girl Hinata told about.” Mitsuki just nodded. “I am Hanabi, Hinata’s sister.” “I am Neji, Hinata’s cousin.” “Nice to meet you.” Neji nodded and turned to Hinata. His look made her nervous.

“I heard something from Tenten earlier this day. I want to know if it’s true.” “I-If what is true?” Hinata said. “Is it true that you are going out with Naruto?” he asked in a whisper. Hinata turned red, but nodded once. “What?” Hanabi yelled with a smile on her face. “Shh, father doesn’t have to know about it,” Hinata whispered, still blushing. “Why not?” Hanabi asked surprised, “Because they call him a monster? He saved your life twice, or more I don’t now.” “That’s exactly why. And I don’t want to face that yet.” “You sound like you know more about the reason why they call Naruto a monster,” Neji stated. Hinata watched her cousin, she the looked to the ground. “I do, but I am not gonna tell you. And don’t ask Naruto-kun either,” she sounded sad. Then Hinata looked up to her cousin and sister. “Would you please keep it a secret from father?” They both nodded.

Mitsuki watched Hinata. She looked relieved when Hanabi and Neji promised not to tell her father about her being Naruto’s girlfriend. ‘A monster?’ She repeated in her head. ‘I wonder why they think of him as a monster.’

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Naruto entered his home. It was dark outside. Actually he wanted to see Hinata, but it was better if he didn’t go to her this late. Then he would definitely get problems with Hiashi. Also he was tired. Naruto let himself fall on his bed. His face down on the blanket. Ino had come to him, together with Shikamaru and Choji. She asked if it was true he was going with Hinata. And when Naruto had said yes, Shikamaru had started to tell how troublesome women were and Ino was saying ‘I told’ over and over. Then he had walked into Kiba and Shino. Kiba was just telling Shino the latest news. Shino had stared at Naruto behind his glasses. Kiba had looked at him with a bit angry face and told him to take good care of Hinata or else. What he was gonna do with Naruto, he hadn’t said.

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Mitsuki was sitting on the veranda with Rakuna. Hinata was taking a bath, so she was alone. “Rakuna,” Mitsuki said, while she strokes the wolf, “Why do you think the villagers call Naruto a monster?” Rakuna looked her in the eyes and then turned her gaze at the moon. “I don’t really know, but…” “But, what?” Mitsuki had stopped stroking. “When I was under your fathers control I attacked Naruto. He jumped out of the window and I followed. I was standing right on top of him, about to kill him. He looked afraid. But he wasn’t afraid of me. He was looking at the villagers.” “The villagers? He was afraid of the villagers?” “Yes, I saw the hatred towards him reflected in their eyes.” “And after that he ran away. I wonder… what the reason was that he was afraid.”