Coming
Home
By Chibified Kitsunes
Chapter Two
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Ever since the incident with Tenten that morning, Naruto and the others never let Neji live it down. Constantly teasing him until suddenly, in a puff of smoke, somebody teleported into the room next to Naruto’s bed.
“ARRgh!! Monster clown!!” Naruto screamed as he dove under his blanket.
Neji, Kiba, Lee and Shikamaru all sweatdropped as they watched the Hokage pull the blanket off Naruto. Although they couldn’t see her face, they could see the veins popping up in the back of her head, telling them she was very ticked off.
“Argh! How dare you!!! First you call me an old woman, now you call me a monster clown. Why can’t you just call me Tsunade-sama or Hokage-sama like everybody else?!” Tsunade screamed.
“Hmph, because you are a Baa-cha… Hahahahaha!!! OH MY GOD!!! HAHAHAHA!!!” Naruto burst out laughing clutching his stomach, pointing at Tsunade. “Look at your… hahaha… face… hahaha…”
Tsunade raised a hand to her face and turned around to face the boys asking confused and almost innocently, “Is there something on my face?”
Lee’s huge eyes got even huger (A/N: I don’t even know if that word exists, but it sounds right. Hehehe) his mouth hanging open, Neji’s tried his best to not laugh but managed a tiny grin instead, Kiba rolled around in his bed laughing, Akamaru clutched to his chest. And Shikamaru’s gaze shifted from the clouds to the Hokage before doing a double take and burying his face in his pillow laughing.
Tsunade was really pissed off now. On the way to the hospital villagers and ninjas alike had been laughing, giggling and pointing behind her back and she had no idea why. Muttering under her breath about how disrespectful some people were, she picked up a metal tray lying on one of the tables.
“OH MY GOOOOOOOD!!” She screamed as she looked at her reflection. Now I know why Naruto said monster clown. Her face was disfigured, covered in black ink. I look hideous. A thick pair of lips had been drawn over her own with a neat curly moustache above it. A turtle had been drawn around her left eye and thick long eyelashes that could rival Lee’s outlined her right. On her forehead, the word “Baka” had been written in bold and a frog on her left cheek finished the ensemble. (imagine the matchmaker from ‘Mulan’ just funnier)
“ARRRRRRRRRGHHHH!!!!!”
Shizune burst into the hospital room only to burst out in uncontrollable laughter. Her mentor and friend was standing in the middle of the room with the most ridiculous face, ranting about how she was going to kill the culprit who disfigured her.
“Hahaha, Baa-chan, I’m sure you look better …hahaha… like that than your… haha…real face.” Naruto forced out in between giggles.
*Whack*
“Itai…” Naruto whimpered, clutching the bump on his head. “Oi! Is this the way to treat a patient? Or the future Hokage?” He cried, shaking a fist at her.
“Is this the way to call the present Hokage?!” Tsunade retorted whilst wiping her face in a wet towel she had found.
“Tsunade-sama.” Shizune interrupted.
Tsunade turned around to face a solemn faced Shizune before nodding and replying in a stern voice, “I understand, I will be there as soon as possible.”
“Hai Tsunade-sama.” Shizune bowed before leaving the ward.
“Ok, I just popped by to see how you are all doing and talk. But it seems that I am needed elsewhere so I’ll get this done quickly.” The boys nodded but only Naruto frowned.
“Baa-chan, it’s about Sasuke isn’t it.”
Tsunade turned back to Naruto. Looking into his bright blue eyes, she knew there was no fooling him. She nodded reluctantly.
“Hokage-sama, where is he now?” Lee asked.
Walking towards Neji, she checked his wounds before sighing. “After you brought him back, we took him into custody placing him under hospital arrest. You did a lot of damage to him Naruto. Yes I know you lost a bit of control there, but it’s ok. It was not your fault, the seal is still intact so don’t worry.” Tsunade raised a hand, noticing Naruto had opened his mouth about to speak. “I think it is best you tell your friends the truth, since Shikamaru was there as well. Regarding Sasuke, we are all trying our best to contain the curse seal, but in the meantime, his status as criminal is still under discussion.”
After re-wrapping the bandages over Neji’s wounds, she went over to Shikamaru, checking his ribs. “You are not allowed to disclose any information regarding Sasuke, whoever it is that asks you, you do not know anything. Have I made myself clear?” Seeing them nod, she continued “Just to be safe, I’m making this an ‘S’ class mission. You are not to fail this. Understood?”
“Hai, Hokage-sama.” Replied the teens, except for Naruto who answered with a “Hai, Baa-chan.”
Tsunade turn towards him with an evil glint in her eye, Naruto’s eyes widened and opened his mouth, the words “Hai, Baa-chan sama” rushing out.
Tsunade sighed and chuckled. “I guess that’s the best I’m ever going to get out of you then.”
“Naruto and Shikamaru are free to go. Your wounds have healed so you can leave anytime today. Lee and Kiba will be able to leave sometime this week but Neji.” Tsunade turned to address the Hyuuga. “You still have to stay here for at most another week or two. In the meantime, try not to move around too much, it may aggravate you injuries.” Tsunade turned her attention back to Lee and Kiba. “Lee, you should get some rest and don’t walk around too much, since you still haven’t exactly recovered from your previous injuries. There is only so much even I can do. Kiba you should be alright, just take care of yourself and make sure the nurses don’t see your dog. It may be a ninja tool, but it is still an animal. You should know the rules of animals not being allowed in a hospital. And Naruto? Find that pervert Jiraiya and meet me in my office tomorrow alright? I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
“Hai. Arigatou Hokage-sama” and “Bye Baa-chaaan!!” rang out as she exited the door, walking down the hallway to the elevator. As soon as she stepped in, her shoulders slumped as the whole village’s problems came crashing down on her. Sighing, she pressed ‘B’ and leaned back on the wall watching the numbers above the door light up at the respective floor. Finally she reached the basement and stepped out the door, wincing at the echoes of cries of pain. She walked down the dark hallway approaching a metal door guarded by two ANBU. Nodding towards them, acknowledging their “Hokage-sama”, she opened the door.
= = = =
“Naruto, what’s this truth Hokage-sama was talking about?” Kiba turned to face Naruto, confused.
Suddenly Naruto found his hands veeery interesting. If I tell them about Kyuubi, I may lose their respect and friendship forever, just when they’ve just started to acknowledge me…Now this…
The others watched as Naruto played with his fingers, his eyes downcast, unable to read anything. Even without his Byakugan, Neji could tell Naruto was nervous and not keen on talking. “Naruto, if you don’t feel like talking about it yet, we’re not going to force you.”
Naruto’s head shot up, his eyes surprised and grateful. “Alright, I’ll tell you. I do owe you all the truth. But not now, I want everyone to know. That includes your girlfriends.” His foxy grin surfacing as he emphasized the word girlfriends. The respective boys blushed. Naruto continued as he picked up his new plushie, “Since Shikamaru and I are free to go, we’ll look for them and we’ll come back here again later ok?” The hospitalized boys nodded.
“Mou, how troublesome.” Shikamaru groaned running his fingers through his hair before being dragged out of the room by Naruto, Kyuubi in hand.
= = = =
“Hinata, sit still or I’ll cut too much hair off!” Hinata squirmed against the bonds that tied her to the chair. The moment she had stepped into the room, Ino suddenly pounce on her, rope in hand. (A/N: Let’s just say Ino keeps lots of random stuff all over her room) Too surprised to react, she had found herself tied tightly to a chair. “Hinata, stop squirming around or I’ll cut your ear!” Ino screamed in exasperation.
At that, Hinata froze eyes wide with terror. If her skin could get any paler it would have. As Hinata had sat tied to the chair, Ino had rifled through her stacks of hair magazines looking for a suitable hairstyle for Hinata. Finally she settled for one and walked over to Hinata. Evil grin on the face, comb and scissors in hand. Hinata had wanted to see what hairstyle Ino had picked out for her but she had slammed the magazine shut. Byakugan was out of the option since her hands were tied to her sides and besides, she had no idea which hairstyle Ino had settled on.
“There! All done!” Now to select your outfit and apply some makeup!” Ino exclaimed, folding her arms in front of her chest. Now is not the time to admire my handy work, I still have to find something for her to wear! She thought
Hinata had since resigned herself to her fate and sat in the chair quietly thinking. There’s no going back now! This is my first step to changing my destiny! Naruto-kun, will you notice me now?
“Argghh!!! Where are those things?” Hinata looked up just in time to move her head to dodge an incoming pair of pants. Ino was tearing her entire wardrobe up screaming out her frustration.
“Ano… Ino-san, what are you looking for?” Hinata whispered, this time dodging a skirt. Ino didn’t seem to hear, seeing that Hinata was gradually disappearing behind a pile of clothes that had already been piling around her, add the fact that she was whispering.
“Aha! Found it!” Ino cried out, as she pulled out a pair of very short tights and sat up.
Ino heard a small shriek and turned just in time to see the last item she had thrown cause the mountain of clothes to sway from side to side before caving in.
“Aiiieeee!!!” *Bang* *Smash* *thud*
“Ino… is everything ok?” Ino’s mother called up, eyebrows furrowed with worry as she heard the commotion.
“Hai, kaa-san. Everything’s fine.” A voice called down the stairs
Ino was definitely not fine. Not only did she break her bed side lamp, she now had a nasty bump on her head. Not like Hinata was faring well either. She was now buried under a pile of clothes, her head being the only part of her body visible.
“Ah! Gomen Hinata… But at least I found what I was looking for.” Ino raised the offending garment that had caused the whole problem up in front of Hinata’s face, well above really. Hinata was still buried under the pile with only her head showing.
“Don’t worry Ino-san. Help me out of here please, and untie me already. I won’t run away. Promise.” Hinata whispered smiling, having already forgiven the blond girl.
The moment she was free from her bonds, Hinata massaged her arms, trying to get the blood to circulate back into them. “Ano… Ino-san, what have you picked out for me?” Hinata whispered as she watched Ino walk into the bathroom, scissors, piece of cardboard and tape in hand. Moments later, strange snipping sounds could be heard through the door. Hinata considered using her Byakugan to see what Ino was doing in the toilet that was making that noise. But before she could form the appropriate seals, Ino poked her head out the door.
“Hehehehe.” Ino laughed, more like cackled to the terrified girl as she saw the devious look on her face. She stepped out and began gathering up the mess in her room. Hinata bent down and started helping too. Moments later, when Ino pushed Hinata into the bathroom.
“Hinata, here are the clothes I’ve picked for you. I’m going to turn my radio on full blast after that. So that means, in order for me to hear you, you have to shout. Because I’m not going to let you out until I can hear you over the music. Got me?” Ino smiled to herself, knowing the results of this makeover would shock everybody. Hinata-chan. I’m gonna make sure you knock the socks off your Naruto-kun.
Hinata was shocked to say the least when she heard what Ino had just said. She stumbled into the bathroom and turned around only to have the clothes flung in her face. The door slammed shut and minutes later, she heard music blaring through the door.
“I guess this is it Hinata. Your next step towards change.” Hinata’s mouth fell open. “ I… I can’t wear this… Father will kill me…” she whispered holding the garment in her hands. “But I want him to notice me… and Ino-san has already done so much for me…”
Making her mind up, she pushed all doubt out of her mind and undressed.
Outside, Ino was shoving a chair under the door handle, effectively trapping Hinata inside. Ino was not going to let Hinata out until she heard her voice over the music. Knowing this was going to take a while, she took out her latest magazine and turned to the fashion page.
Inside, Hinata had finished pulling on the dress. As she smoothed the dress down, she was shocked to find that it only ended at her mid thigh. Feeling self conscious, she tried tugging it down but it wouldn’t move. The dress itself was very tight clinging to her figure. Hinata turned to face the mirror to see her new haircut. Nani? Her mouth dropped. Ino had used the cardboard and covered it, making sure Hinata could not get a glimpse of herself yet. Ingenious. She thought. Even with the Byakugan, I would only see right through the mirror. She turned back to the remaining garments and slipped them on.
Sighing as the last garment snapped against her skin, she pushed on the handle to let herself out. It didn’t budge. “Oh no!!” Hinata cried out as she remembered what Ino had said.
I’m going to turn my radio on full blast after that. So that means, in order for me to hear you, you have to shout. Because I’m not going to let you out until I can hear you over the music. Got me?
Hinata swore under her breath and pounded on the door.
“I’m not letting you out till I hear you shout!” a voice came over the blaring music. (A/N: *sweatdrop* really had no intention about making it rhyme. First thing that came to mind. Shit now I’m rhyming again!!)
Ino was taking note of the latest fashion and making mental notes on how she could apply them to the old clothes she was about to give to Hinata. Standing up to stretch, she noticed her phone was ringing. If it had not been for the flashing light indicating an incoming call, she would have never heard it over the music. Picking the receiver up as she turned the music down, she gushed into the phone knowing full well who it was.
“Hey Shika-kun…”
*sweatdrop* “Uh hi Ino. Naruto has something important to tell us, can you come down to the hospital again. Say around 4.30pm?”
Checking her clock, which read 2pm, she replied sweetly, “Ok Shika-kun…”
*sweatdrop grows bigger* “Uh is everything ok over there?” Shikamaru asked worriedly. Ino never calls me that unless she wants something or she’s planning something. Shikamaru felt rather than thought it was the latter. Little did he know how right he was.
“Don’t worry, I’m just planning something nice, And I’m in a very happy mood. That’s why. Ok see you later. Bye!”
= = = =
Before Shikamaru could answer, Ino had hung up on him. Planning something nice… for whom?
“Oi Naruto, we’ve got two and a half hours to kill, what do you want to do?”
“RAMEN!!! Raaaaamen…..” Shikamaru looked disgusted as Naruto drooled, just thinking about his beloved ramen. “But we still have to go look for Sakura and Tenten. Naruto?”
Naruto had disappeared, leaving a cloud of dust trailing behind him and the echo of “Raaaaaaaaammmmmmeeeeeeeennnnnn……”
*huge sweatdrop* “Mou. How troublesome” complained Shikamaru, as he headed up to his room to change out of the hospital gown. Naruto had dragged him out of there, before he could even get his clothes back. He took his time before setting off to the Ichiraku, knowing full well that by the time he got there, Naruto would have already polished off at least five bowls.
= = = =
*Click*
Ino flopped back down on her bed, turning up the volume. “HINATA!! WE HAVE TO MEET NARUTO AND THE OTHERS BACK AT THE HOSPITAL LATER. HE HAS SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO TELL US!! YOU’D BETTER HURRY UP OR ELSE YOU WON’T GET TO SEE HIM!!!” Ino screamed at the top of her voice.
Well, we still have two and a half hours to go, I guess I’d better put these flowers in the fridge, just in case. Ino thought. I wonder what could be so important… Ino thought.
= = = =
In the toilet, Hinata had heard the volume turn up and moments later heard Ino’s shout. She twiddled her thumbs. “If I don’t shout soon, I won’t be able to see Naruto, and I can’t tell him.” She whispered, eyebrows furrowing. “I have to try. For Naruto-kun.”
“Ino-san…” Hinata raised her voice but it was not loud enough. “Ino-san…” She tried again, but her voice still did not carry over the music or through the door.
Squeezing her eyes tightly, she pictured Naruto’s face. Gaining a little bit of confidence, she opened her mouth and tried. “INO-SAN!”
Shocked, Hinata’s eyes burst open as she brought her hand up to her throat. She had actually raised her voice. Though it was still not loud enough, it was much louder than her previous attempts. It was not at a whisper but at a normal speaking volume.
She shut her eyes again and this time pictured herself standing against a wall in a crowded and noisy room. Next she pictured Naruto standing on the opposite side talking to somebody. Naruto-kun… Hinata took a deep breath as she mentally prepared herself to call out to him.
Breathe in, breathe out.
Breathe in, breathe out.
Breathe in… “NARUTO-KUUUUN!!!!!”
Hinata jumped as the door slammed open to reveal Ino standing at the door clapping. “Congratulations Hinata-chan, you did it, you managed to shout out, although it was not the right name.” Ino winked and stepped forward to hug the blushing. “I’m proud of you.”
“Ino-san…” Hinata whispered, blushing. Ever since she had lost to her sister in the fight to decide who would be heir, she had never received praise from anyone except for her teammates or sensei.
“Oh no… please don’t start your whispering again. You have to learn to be more outgoing. Here let me help you.” Ino said as she released the blushing girl from her hug. “Straighten your back, don’t hunch. Chest out, shoulders back, stomach in. There you go, don’t you feel more confident now?” Ino encouraged as she walked the girl over to a full length mirror in the corner of the room.
“Gasp!! Ino-san…” Hinata cried out as she saw her reflection.
“Nonono…” Ino wagged a finger in front of the shocked girl’s nose, “don’t whisper! Or I’ll embarrass you in front of your Naruto-kun later! And don’t thank me, just trying to play my part as the matchmaker.” She finished, winking.
Hinata could not believe her eyes. She could not believe the girl in the mirror was her. Raising her left hand, she watched as the pretty girl in the mirror did the same. Hinata touched her hair, the reflection did the same.
Hinata’s hair had been layered to look somewhat like Sakura’s, only much shorter. At least an inch below her ears. Her fringe had been layered as well, no longer the straight cut, boring style. Her hair now framed her delicate face in soft, glossy strands. Ino had used some eyeliner to outline her milky white eyes and added a touch of dark purple eye shadow, further defining her eyes. Her lips had a tinge of sparkly lip gloss. Hinata licked her lips. Hmm… Strawberry. She thought.
Hinata’s gaze traveled downward. The light purple sleeveless dress went well with the eyeshadow. It was fairly short, reaching mid thighs and a slit ran up each side. I’m wearing tights underneath, so I guess its ok. She surmised as she checked herself out in the mirror. The dress clung to her body, defining curves even she never noticed. On contraire to the dress, the collar was high and fairly loose, much like Sasuke’s shirt, with a zipper running straight down the middle.
She was wearing dark purple gloves that started at her knuckle and reached right up to her arms. Maybe I could sew some weights into the gloves so I could strengthen my arms and increase my speed. She thought, flexing her arm. The gloves were fairly tight, but they would not cut off her circulation and she was able to move her arms around easily.
Hinata swirled around, and threw herself into a surprised Ino’s arms. “Ino-san, hontouni arigatou!!” She cried out.
Ino pried herself free of the ecstatic girl. “That’s ok Hinata. So I take it that you like your new look?” She asked, an eyebrow raised, hand on her hip.
“HAI!” Ino smiled at the loud reply. Hinata was slowly gaining confidence bit by bit.
“Hinata, do you know why I locked you in the bathroom until you shouted?” Ino continued when she saw the girl shake her head. “That’s because, I wanted you to learn how to raise your voice. And seeing, or really hearing how you did and are still doing, you did a great job. How did you manage to shout out?”
“Well…” Hinata whispered, twiddling her thumbs. Catching the glare Ino shot her, she straightened her back and spoke up, “I… I imagined I was in a crowded room trying to call N…Naruto-kun who was on the other side…”
Ino frowned. Well, she’s overcoming her whispering, but she still has to do something about that nervousness she has. “That was a good idea. You prepared mentally prepared yourself first, before being able to shout. From now on, try using the same idea to talk to a person at a conversational level ok?”
Hinata closed her eyes and nodded before opening them again. Looking into Ino’s eyes, she said, “Arigatou Ino-san, I will try and remember that.”
Ino’s eyes widened. Hinata had just said a whole sentence without stammering, blushing or whispering. “Ahhh!!! Hinata-chan!! I’m so proud of you!!!” She squealed as she jumped onto the frightened girl, hugging her to death.
“Ok, so we’ll be meeting Naruto at the hospital again at 4.30 later. We still have lots of time, so what say we work on your thumb thingy. That’s what you do when you’re nervous right?” Ino grinned madly, watching as the girl clutched her hands together tightly.
We have a lot of work to do…
= = = =
Meanwhile, Shikamaru had taken his time to stroll over to the Ichiraku. Needless to say, he was shocked to see fifteen bowls, stacked neatly on the counter. I only took ten minutes, how could he have eaten so much in such a short time? He wondered in awe. Stepping up onto a seat, Naruto turned and with his mouth full asked, “Whaff schook you sho rong Shikamafuu?”
Shikamaru’s awestruck look turned into one of disgust as he dodged the ramen flying out of Naruto’s mouth. “Urgh! Naruto! Don’t talk with your mouth full, it’s disgusting!” Shikamaru groaned as he shoved his hand through his hair.
“Showwy, gulp. I can’t help it. I’m hungry!” Naruto said, swallowing his food. “Seconds please.” He said, pushing his empty bowl aside.
The old man placed another bowl of miso ramen on the counter. “Naruto, that’s a lot of ramen you’re eating. Are you sure you can pay for all this? And what have they been feeding you at the hospital?”
“Ehhh?” Naruto asked looking at the man through slitted eyes. “How did you know ojisan?”
“Well, you are wearing the hospital gown. Did you sneak out of there just to eat my ramen? Hahaha…” he jovially replied.
“Oh… I guess I forgot to change out of this when baa-chan said I could go.” Naruto frowned as he brought his hand up to touch light blue material. “Plus I just woke up and having gone without food for three days, I was starving. You know how much I love your ramen ojisan!”
The old man smiled at his favorite customers praise. “I’m glad you like it Naruto. Well, since you’ve been so hungry, how about another bowl? On me, what do you say.”
“You know I would never pass of a free bowl of ramen old man, but I’ll pass for today. I have to look for my teammates now and besides I’ve already eaten thirty bowls!” Naruto grinned.
Th… thirty bowls? Oh my god, how much can this guy eat? He’s even worse than Chouji. At the mention of Chouji, Shikamaru’s face darkened as he looked down. His best friend was still lying in the hospital and no one knew when he would wake up.
Hearing the jingling of coins, Shikamaru looked up only to see Naruto taking out a bloated frog. “Na…Naruto? What’s that?” He asked pointing at the green object.
“Why, it’s Froggy of course! He’s my coin pouch!” crooned Naruto as he brought Froggy close to his face and cuddled it.
“Why does it look like that?” Shikamaru screamed, pointing a shaking finger at the pouch. “How much money have you got in there?!!” Shikamaru was shocked to say the least. Where did he get so much money from?
“Because it’s full of coins.”
Shikamaru groaned at the answer as smacked his forehead muttering under his breath. “God, how dense can this baka be… Forget it, I don’t want to know.”
“Oi Shikamaru, you go look for Tenten and Hinata while I’ll go look for Sakura, after I go home and change that is.” Naruto said as he paid the happy owner. “I’ll meet you back at the hospital again ok?”
“Mou… how troublesome.” Shika groaned in response as he turned and headed for the training grounds.
Naruto grabbed Kyuubi off the chair and headed straight for his house. “Time to see your new home Kyuubi-chan!!”
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