3 Chapter Three: "The Rabbit and The Fox"

(A Year Later)

Ever since the Academy Field Day, some at the academy looked at Naruto (age 10) differently, while others looked at him suspiciously. He was still the same class clown with the lowest grades and worst student with problems performing the simplest Bushin No Jutsu and Kawarimi. Iruka sighed at how Naruto performing in class while thinking about what Hiruzen discussed with him some time ago…

(Flashback: A Year Ago)

Iruka was on his way to the Hokage Tower after being summoned to report to the Hokage after his day at the ninja academy was over. He could only wonder what the Hokage wanted to talk with him about as he entered the building and made his way up the stairs to the floor of the Hokage's office. Upon arriving, he knocked on the door and waited from a reply.

"Yes," Hiruzen said from the other side of the door.

"It's me Iruka," Iruka said, "You summoned me to report to you after my day teaching the class was over."

"That I did," Hiruzen confirmed, "Please come in."

Iruka opened the door and stepped into the office, closing the door behind him after entering. The Hokage placed some tobacco into his pipe and lit it before taking a puff out of it and exhaling the smoke from his mouth.

"Iruka," Hiruzen said, "Do you know why I summoned you today?"

"Not entirely sir," Iruka said, "But I'm sure that it would be a matter of importance."

"The Academy hosted the Field Day event as a means to gauge and critique the level and caliber of all of the future Genins of your class. After everything we saw, tell me please what you think of your students' progress."

"From what they demonstrated they collectively show tremendous promises," Iruka replied, "Some more than others."

"With regards to the latter part of your statement," Hiruzen asked, "Who do you believe shows the most promise in your class?"

Iruka thought about what Hiruzen was asking.

"From Uchiha Sasuke's performance and grades," Iruka said, "He's well on his way on becoming Rookie of the Year by the time he graduates and becomes a Genin. Many consider him a genius like Hyuuga Neji who's also well on his way on becoming Rookie of the Year of his class before Sasuke."

"I understand where you're coming from…," Hiruzen replied before calmly taking a puff from his pipe and exhaling, "…But you didn't answer my question. So I'll ask you once again, who do you believe shows the most promise in your class?"

The Hokage's reply caught Iruka off guard.

"I thought I answered your question sir," Iruka said.

"All you gave me was an assessment of Sasuke's academic skills," Hiruzen stated, "Not the answer to my question."

"But sir," Iruka said, "With regards to every subject I cover and teach, Sasuke proves to be the top student of his class and shows more seriousness in his training, studying and practice. Not that I'm undermining the progress of my other students, but Sasuke stands out above this fellow classmates even without having an activated Sharingan."

"…What's your assessment of Naruto's progress and overall performance," Hiruzen asked.

"…He's my worst student I'm sorry to say," Iruka replied with a sigh, "His grades are the poorest and he still has difficulty perform even the simplest Henge No Jutsu and Bushin No Jutsu properly. He spends much of his time pulling pranks, running and escaping from ninjas he victimize with his pranks, sleeping in my class and he barely does his homework correctly. In terms of the ideal student, Naruto and Sasuke are polar opposites."

"And what was your impression of Naruto in his performance during the Academy Field Day two weeks ago," Hiruzen asked.

"His winning the first match against Sasuke caught me, as well as everyone else off guard," Iruka admitted, "Some wanted to believe that it was an absolute fluke but your detailed explanation silenced whatever argument some wanted to make against Naruto's performance."

"And that Oiroke No Jutsu he used against us," Hiruzen asked. Iruka blushed and lowered his head in shame.

"My most shameful moment," Iruka replied, "Some of the kunoichis won't let me and others hear the end of it. To be honest I'd have thought that they of all the ninjas would have been the angriest at Naruto for that stunt he pull on us. Instead the complete opposite happened and they spoke of him in admiration; even now they do."

"Because he did something that others including Sasuke would have failed to do at his age," Hiruzen stated, "And he openly admitted that things would have been different if he were serious."

Iruka thought about it and that was when he realized where Hiruzen was going.

"He "killed" us," Iruka acknowledged, "All of us, including you."

"Effortlessly," Hiruzen emphasized, "That's the point I'm making Iruka. Many believe Sasuke to be the most promising student of your class. But the Academy Field Day clearly showed otherwise. Naruto had it within his power to put all of us to death that day because he was clever enough to deceive us into dropping our guards without alerting us to what his motives were. It's embarrassing for me to even own up to the fact that I was taken out by a hentai jutsu in front of everyone before being "killed" by the user.

"Sasuke is said to have the highest grades in your class yet he too was taken out and "killed" by your proclaimed worst student like all the others. The point I'm making to you Iruka is that Academy grades do not measure a ninja's potential."

Iruka saw where the Hokage was coming.

"From all this Iruka," Hiruzen stated, "I believe you ought to reassess how you're evaluating your students' abilities. Naruto may not have books smarts like Sakura or the highest grades like Sasuke but from what I was told by the other kuniochis who were there during the Academy Field Day, they find that Naruto understand some of the more deeper principles of the way of the ninja with regards to cunning, deception and using sexual incentives against the enemy."

Iruka didn't say a word as he thought about what Hiruzen was saying.

"That is all Iruka…," Hiruzen said taking a poof of his pipe, "You're dismissed."

(End Flashback: Present Day)

"Hey," Naruto shouted, "Iruka-sensei!"

Iruka snapped out of his trance and returned back to reality.

"Oh, uh," Iruka apologized, "Sorry."

"And you yell at me for spacing out in class," Naruto mocked, "Practice what you preach Iruka-sensei!"

Some in the class snickered at Naruto's remark to the now embarrassed Iruka. Though annoyed, Iruka said nothing to that remark.

"Whatever," Iruka said, "Just go back to your seat."

Naruto grinned and walked back up the stairs to his desk. As he was sitting down, Hinata was gazing over at him. Before she turned her attention back to the front of the class, she thought back to an incident that happened three months ago…

(Three Months Ago)

Hinata was leaving the Academy and making her way home. Passing by some trees, she came to a halt when some older boys approached and blocked her path.

"Hey guys look," the lead bully said, "It's the Hyuuga heiress."

"I bet she thinks she's better and above all of us," the second older boy said.

"That's…not true…," Hinata stuttered, "I don't-"

"Liar!," the third boy shouted as he stepped over to her, "You think that just because you belong to the Hyuuga clan that you should be treated like royalty while looking down on us like peasants."

"Well," the lead bully said, "I think we ought to teach this Hyuuga some manners and respect. Get on your hands and knees and apologizes for your arrogance!"

"But I…," Hinata stuttered in her defense.

"I said get on your hands and knees!," the lead bullied yelled hotly. Frightened by the older boy's rage, Hinata did as she was told.

"Now apologize!," the fourth bullied ordered.

"I'm…I…I'm sor-sorry," Hinata managed. The lead bully went and pulled Hinata's head back by her hair.

"WE CAN'T HEAR YOU!," the lead bully yelled, "APOLOGIZE PROPERLY!"

"I'm sorry!," Hinata cried with tears building up and falling from her eyes down her face. The lead bully didn't know what hit him when a fist came and punch hard in the back on his head, forcing him to lose consciousness momentarily before letting going of Hinata's hair as he fell straight to the floor on his face.

"What!," the third bullied exclaimed back they turned to see their attacker.

"Look what we have here," the second bully remarked, "It's the failure and weakling Uzumaki Naruto."

"A failure and weakling," Naruto asked before pointing to the knocked out leader, "Was I the one who got his fat ass knocked out?"

"Shut up!," the fourth bully shouted, "You did that because you know in a straight fight you'd lose against him and us!"

"And you guys who proclaim yourselves as future ninjas of Konoha show your strength by bullying younger girls," Naruto mocked with contempt, "You guys are disgusting trash! In fact, none of you are even worth the toilet paper I wipe my ass with!"

The boys as that point were seething bloodlust toward Naruto.

"…Na-Naruto-kun," Hinata muttered weakly with worry for his safety.

The bullies' leader was now getting back up. As he did so, he was rubbed his now sore and throbbing bruise on the back on his head.

"Kid," the leader growled menacingly, "You're gonna regret that!"

"Make me!," Naruto laughed, "But you guys will have to catch me first! After all, I'm as sly as a fox!"

Naruto then turned and started running into the woods with the bullies chasing after him while forgetting about Hinata completely. Concerned for his safety, Hinata chased after them while trying to keep up with them. Before long she saw that the bullies lost sight of Naruto.

"Where did that little shit stain go," the leader said while he and his gang were scanning the area. Hinata looked around in search of Naruto while keeping out of sight so not to draw attention to herself. Just as she was about to activate her Byakugan, she caught sight of a large oval object of some sort coming across the heights of the trees and into the location of the four bullies. One of the bullies looked up in time to see something falling and coming at them.

"What The Hell," the second bully remarked. But the bullies reacted too late when the object crashed down and burst in the center of them, revealing to be a beehive. The enraged bees shot forth and swarmed around the four bullies by the many hundreds unleashing painful strings after stings upon the bullies. The boys screamed from the excruciating pain as they tried to swat and beat the bees away but that only served to anger the bees further as they continued to assault the bullies with their sharp stingers. They four boys soon ran as fast as they could back to Konoha with the bees continuously attacking them fiercely.

Hinata watched the scene unfold until the screaming boys were out of sight and hearing range.

"That ought to teach those vermin disgrace to all ninjas a lesson," a voice said. Hinata looked up to see Naruto standing on one of the high tree branches.

How did he get up there, Hinata wondered before she saw him jump to a lower branch on another tree and then another. A moment later he jumped down to the ground and walked over to Hinata.

"You OK," Naruto asked as he approached her. Hinata blushed redder as he decreased the gap between them and stood in front of her.

"Yes," Hinata said lowly.

"Hey," Naruto smiled, "You don't have to be afraid of me. I rescued you from those bullies, remember? They won't be bothering you anymore."

"Thank…you," Hiinata said meekly and appreciatively, "But…won't they be coming after you though?"

"They'll be too busy receiving medical attention after those bees are finished with them," Naruto grinned, "Right now they're the least of my worries."

Hinata let a few tears fall down her face.

"Why are you crying," Naruto asked.

"I'm sorry. I was…too weak," Hinata cried, "I-I couldn't hold my…ground against those bullies."

"You're not weak Hinata," Naruto assured, "You were simply outnumbered by those older boys. It wasn't your fault at all."

"It was my fault…," Hinata cried, "I-I'm…too weak and too much…of a coward to…st-stand up f-for myself. Even my father and sister, and everyone in…my family thinks I'm weak and useless."

"That isn't true," Naruto said with conviction as he braced and held Hinata by her shoulders, "And don't ever believe that you are!"

A surprised Hinata looked at Naruto with teary eyes.

"Despite what happened today," Naruto continued, "You came all the way out here following after those bullies who were chasing after me! You showed more concern for my well-being than your own! That's not something a weakling or a coward would do! You do have true courage deep within yourself Hinata and it's just dying to come out! I know it!"

Hinata couldn't believe what she was hearing, and from the very person she always admired and secretly watched in the shadows.

"Do you really believe that," Hinata asked with uncertainty.

"Of course I do," Naruto smiled as he released his hold on her shoulders, "I have no reason to lie to a girl as pretty as you."

Hinata's heart started racing and beating hard as she felt excitement filling her soul.

He said I'm pretty, Hinata screamed happily in her mind, Naruto-kun thinks I'm pretty!

"You think…I'm pre-pretty," Hinata asked while desperately hoping she wasn't dreaming.

"I do," Naruto said, "You're a pretty maiden with beautiful hair as serene and lavender as midnight with lovely eyes as full and illustrious as the brightest of moons. You're like a gentle spring rabbit that moves ever so gracefully and elegantly through the meadows."

He's singing poetry to me about me, Hinata thought dreamily. Naruto reached into his pocket and pulled out a clean cloth and used it to wipe the tears away from Hinata's face.

"Maidens like you shouldn't have reasons to cry," Naruto said, "And if someone gives you one, I'll help you leave them out to dry. Dattebayo!"

Hinata's reasons for her sadness and depression were gone and were replaced with happiness and optimism.

"Thank you for your kindness Naruto-kun," Hinata said.

"No Hinata," Naruto replied, "I should be thanking you Hinata."

Now she had a confused look on her face.

"Thanking me for what," Hinata asked.

"For not revealing my true skills to the others and keeping what you know about me to yourself," Naruto said, "I will admit that you have what it takes to be a true spy mistress. I couldn't believe that only recently I found out that you've been watching me all this time."

"Wha-What are you…t-talking a-about,"Hinata asked nervously. Smiling at Hinata's behavior, Naruto continued as he stepped closer to Hinata, "When I said that your hair is like midnight and your eyes are like the brightest of moons, I was referring to your habit of always watching me in the shadows; hiding behind trees, a building or something to keep you hidden from my sight just so you can watch me."

Hinata found herself captivated and charmed by his words.

"You're not angry at me for…spying on you," Hinata asked meekly and shyly.

"Why would I be angry," Naruto asked, "I was alone in the dark while your moonlight eyes watched over and acknowledged me. Your acknowledgment of me encouraged me to keep going in spite of what everyone says of me and for that, I thank you."

Naruto took Hinata by the hand and asked, "Hinata, I don't want you hiding from me anymore. Would you like to become my friend?"

Hinata heart again was racing and beating hard while seeing that Naruto was holding her by the hand. Looking into Naruto's eyes, she saw the sincerity in his question.

"It would mean so much having you as my friend Hinata," Naruto said honestly, "I have very few people I can call friends and I would love very much so to call you my friend. So how about it, would you want to become my friend?"

Fighting back hard the urge to faint, with a blissful smile and blush on her face Hinata answered, "I'd love to become your friend."

Naruto walked with her from the forest hand in hand back to the school where Hyuuga Kō was waiting and looking around for her. When Kō caught sight of them walking and talking together happily, he went over wanting to know where they went. Hinata explained that she went for a small walk with her new friend so that she could talk about things. The Hyuuga heiress saw the look of somewhat disapproval on Kō's face in her choice in choosing Naruto of all people as a choice of association.

"Hinata-sama," Kō said, "This…boy isn't looked on fondly by the villagers and knowing your father, he more than likely won't approve of your association with this boy."

"He's my friend," Hinata defended, "My first friend in fact, and I won't let anyone take that away from me!"

Hinata held Naruto's hand tighter and Naruto held her hand just as tight to give her moral support. Kō saw the look in Hinata's eyes and found a strength in them he hadn't seen before.

"If that's how you feel Hinata-sama," Kō said, "Then I'll respect your decision and not interfere."

"Thank you," Hinata said never releasing her hold on Naruto's hand.

"By the way Hinta-sama," Kō asked, "On my way here, I heard that four boys were admitted into the hospital for intensive care after being viciously attacked by swarms of bees. From what I heard, they said Naruto was responsible for throwing a beehive at them."

"Do you honestly think that Naruto-kun could carry and use a beehive as a weapon without being brutally attacked by the bees themselves," Hinata asked. When Kō thought about, he found what Hinata said logical.

"I see your point," Kō admitted, "Though some are willing to believe what the boys were saying-"

"Those boys are bullies," Hinata interjected, "And they were bullying me earlier today. Naruto-kun defended me and got those bullies away from me. How they later got ambushed by bees, I guess they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Naruto-kun wasn't near them when they got attacked. He was with me when the attack took place."

Kō nodded in acknowledgment of Hinata's words.

"All right then," Kō said, "I believe you Hinata-sama. But we best be on our way home now."

"Can Naruto-kun…walk with us," Hinata asked.

"He's your friend Hinata-sama," Kō said, "It's not a problem."

Kō walked from behind as he watched Hinata walked hand in hand with Naruto. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen Hinata genuinely happy, smiling and giggling. When he turned to look at Naruto, he found that the boy was just as happy, no sense of malice and danger as many claimed him to be. Though a prankster but not a threat.

While walking together, Hinata saw how some parents were looking at both her and Naruto. Some were whispering while others sneered at them with disapproval. She looked and saw how Naruto was looking at everyone looking down at him. She held his hand tighter to reassure him.

"It's OK Naruto-kun," Hinata said, "Don't pay them any mind. I'm your friend, remember?"

Smiling brightly, Naruto said, "Yeah! I didn't forget!"

The onlookers knew better than to try anything unless they wanted to feel the wrath of an angry Hyuuga clan leader, Hinata's father. And seeing that the older Hyuuga was allowing Hinata to walk with Naruto in the manner she was doing so gave the impression that Hiashi had no ill will toward Hinata and Naruto being together as friends. Some started wondering if this was so among all the other members of the Hyuuga clan.

Kō saw the looks on the villagers' faces and the whispering that was going on. He then saw one of the villagers approached him.

"How could you allow the child to walk hand in hand with that…scorn to our society," a mother of two asked. Kō replied, "Who Hinata-sama chooses as her associate and friend is her choice. It's not my place to decide for her with whom she can and cannot be friends with."

"Certainly her father doesn't approve of this," the mother retorted. Kō replied, "Whether or not he does is none of your or anyone else's concern. Please decease from causing any more trouble for me in escorting Hinata-sama home. Her father is there waiting for our arrival."

With that said, Kō went on his way with the two youths. The mother with a couple of onlookers, were gaping at what she was told. They thought that Kō had a lot of nerve defending Naruto like that.

"Thank you," Hinata said. Kō smiled and nodded.

(End Flashback: Present Time)

Hiashi at first was somewhat reluctant about allowing Hinata to associate with Naruto, but not because he was a Jinchuuriki, but because of Naruto's reputation of being a troublemaker and prankster. Kō vouched for Naruto and helped to persuade Hiashi in giving a chance Naruto in being Hinata's friend. Hiashi allowed it on the condition that Naruto doesn't do anything that would pose a threat to Hinata's safety or do anything that would involve trouble for his daughter and mar the Hyuuga name.

Hinata, even much to her father's surprise, hugged her father in allowing her to be friends with Naruto. Since then, Hinata and Naruto were practically inseparable and Hinata was never ashamed of being seen with the village pariah.

"Hinata," Iruka called out, "Hinata!"

Hinata snapped back to reality and turned to face the front of the class.

"Please refrain from daydreaming and pay attention to what I teaching," Iruka said. Embarrassed, Hinata meekly apologized, "Sorry Iruka-sensei."

Having gotten that out of the way, Iruka turned back to the chalkboard and resumed writing on it. Despite what she was told, Hinata managed to steal one last glance at Naruto who looked to be writing something down on paper. Whatever it was that Naruto was writing, Hinata figured, had Naruto keenly focused on getting the details on point; more so than the lesson Iruka was going over.

(During Their Lunch Break)

Everyone was outside enjoying their food and conversing with their friends. As usual Sasuke ate by himself while some the girls sought to get his attention.

"I don't know what they see in him," Naruto said out loud while momentarily looking up from the book he was reading. Closing his book, he put it away and went over to Sasuke. Hinata followed from a short distance, not wanting to miss the chance to eat beside him. She was angry with herself for being late in arriving to eat with Naruto as she desired to.

"Yo Sasuke," Naruto called out grabbing the Uchiha's attention, along with the girls around him.

"What do you want Naruto," Ino asked.

"To ask Sasuke a question"," Naruto replied, "I wasn't aware that he couldn't speak for himself."

Annoyed at Naruto's implication, Sasuke said, "What do you want dobe? And it better be fast."

"Just something I wanted to know," Naruto said, "What's it like having all of these girls from our class always around you constantly wanting your time and attention?"

Needlessly to say, the question caught Sasuke off guard.

"What does that matter to you," Sasuke asked.

"Curiosity," Naruto replied, "I mean, what boy in our class wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now and yet here it is that you're not flaunting it in all of the boys' faces that you're the attraction of all of these girls and they're not. Many boys our age and perhaps older would be jealous."

"Like you," Sakura started, "They don't have what Sasuke have. He's smart, handsome, cool and can do feats that you guys can't do. He has a promising future as one of Konoha's greatest ninjas."

"And why do you girls fail to gain any acknowledgment from your so-called Prince," Naruto asked, "I mean, even I see that he has no interest in any of you."

"Shut up," one of the girls retorted, "You're just a stupid kid who wished he was on Sasuke's level!"

"Nah," Naruto said, "Sasuke can have that all by himself. My question is what kind of girl does your Sasuke really want and why he doesn't give you girls such a look."

"My preference in none of your business dobe," Sasuke replied, "I have no need to share anything about myself with you."

"Be that as it may Sasuke," Naruto said, "But I'm just tired of seeing these girls waste their time trying to gain your attention while not knowing what you seek in a female."

"So why don't you enlighten them Naruto," Sasuke replied, "You seem to know more about me than they do from what I'm hearing."

"That's just sad," Naruto mocked, "The Almighty Sasuke can't speak for himself and needs me to speak for him about what kind of girls would interest him. Sorry girls, but if Sasuke isn't willing to speak for himself about his feminine preference, then it simply means that none of you are worth his time."

The girls weren't happy about what Naruto was saying but they couldn't help but see the truth in his words.

"Naruto-kun," Hinata said gaining Naruto's attention, "Please…don't start…trouble for…yourself. Besides, our lunch period is almost over. I'd like to eat with you…if you'd let me."

"Sure," Naruto said, "I think that would be great. Well girls, I gotta go. You can have Sasuke if you still think he's worth your time and effort."

Hinata let out sigh of relief when Naruto agreed to eat with her. As they walked off, Sasuke thought about what Naruto said and asked in terms of what kind of girl would interest him. When he thought about it, he saw that Naruto was right in that the girls in their class always sought his time and attention. But when he thought more about it, she realized that one girl in their entire class never gave him so much as a look but only sought to be with Naruto instead.

That girl, Sasuke contemplated, Hyuuga Hinata…Unlike these annoying girls, she doesn't try to be around me in want of being with me. She's the heiress of the Hyuuga clan and yet she seeks to be with the dobe instead of me. Interesting…What's so good about Naruto that would draw Hinata to him? What makes him so special to her?

"Sasuke-kun," Sakura asked, "Are you OK? You spaced out there for a minute."

"It's nothing for you to worry about," Sasuke replied, "Just thinking about what Naruto said a moment ago. It got me thinking."

Before any of the other girls could ask him anything further, Sasuke got up and walked off from the girls. He was walking off, he turned to looked at both Naruto and Hinata.

What could she possibly see in that dobe, Sasuke wondered. Before his thought on the subject could go any further, Itachi's departs words to him during the night of the Uchiha Massacre came back to mind. Remembering Itachi's words on hate and having the power of the Mangekyou Sharingan, Sasuke resolved himself to continue in his training to become stronger to defeat Itachi; yet deep behind that resolve was the interest that Hinata wasn't pursuing him like the other girls.

(Later That Day)

The day at the Academy was over and all of the students were making their way home for were being picked up by someone. As often, Naruto was heading home by himself, thought by this time he was used to living and being alone. As Naruto was seemingly making his way home, Hinata looked and saw that the blonde pariah took out the same piece of paper from his pocket and began reviewing the contents he wrote into it. She wondered what it was that he wrote that in that paper that evidently was worth more of his time and listening to what Iruka was going over in class earlier today.

As she was about to head over and approach Naruto…

"Hinata," a voice called out to her. Hinata turned and was surprised to see Sasuke of all people approaching her.

"Yes," Hinata asked respectfully.

"I have a question I would like to ask you," Sasuke said, "What's so special about Naruto that makes him worth your time and attention?"

"What do you mean," Hinata asked meekly.

"You clearly like to be around him," Sasuke said, "Why do you wish to focus your time on the class clown who constantly gets himself into trouble with everyone?"

Hinata found that situation rather ironic considering what happening their their lunch break.

"Naruto-kun isn't a bad person Sasuke," Hinata defended, "It's just his nature to give people something to laugh at."

"Even if it's at his own expense in terms of his reputation," Sasuke asked skeptically, "He has the lowest grades in class and he hardly pays attention in class. Wouldn't you want to be with someone of a more reputable standing with his peers and grown-ups?"

It was no secret to Hinata that many in Konoha didn't like Naruto for reason she couldn't understand. When she had asked the grown-ups why, the reasons she got from them did everything but give her a legitimate explanation. It was among the reasons why she would choose to ignore those who would tell her to stay away from Naruto like how many of the peers of her age group would.

"Naruto-kun has potential for great things," Hinata said, "He just needs…a chance and for people to believe in him. And Naruto-kun believes in me too. He thinks I'm strong a-and have potential de-despite my weaknesses. And those are the things tha… that keep me going and trying my best to always improve. I'm sure if I believe in his words, I'll see improvements in myself for sure."

"But it's rather hypocritical of the dobe to say all those things to you and yet he made little improvements in himself and his abilities," Sasuke replied.

"Naruto-kun isn't hypocritical," Hinata defended, "The fact that he…keeps trying despite his difficulties makes me believe in…the things he tells me. No one else shows confidence in me, not even members of my…own fa-family. But…Naruto-kun said it himself that…I'm strong and that I'm-"

Hinata blushed as remembering Naruto's words about her:

"You're a pretty girl with beautiful hair as serene and lavender as midnight with lovely eyes as full and illustrious as the brightest of moons."

Sasuke's head tilted as he looked at Hinata questionably when her face turned hot red after she stopped talking for a moment.

What is she thinking about, Sasuke wondered, "Hey Hinata!"

Hinata snapped out of it with the blush slowly dying down off her face.

"Your face turned all red for a moment," Sasuke said, "What were you thinking about?"

"Oh-uh," Hinata stuttered, "Nothing. Anyway, at heart, Naruto-kun is a good person and I know he'll surpass everyone who thinks little of him. That's all I have to say for you to know."

Sasuke's skeptic-looking face changed when he shot a grin at Hinata, but that grin wasn't one of cockiness but rather one of admiration.

"You're different from the other girls in class Hinata," Sasuke complimented.

"How so," Hinata said, "I'm sure there isn't much of a difference."

"There is," Sasuke interjected, "And all the things you said just now proved that. You're not shallow and petty like the rest of those girls. They disgust me. But you're the kind of girl I respect and admire. You stand out from the rest of them."

"Um…Thank you I guess," Hinata replied as she tapped her two fingers together over and over again. Sasuke moved a little closer to Hinata.

"Tomorrow," Sasuke said, "How about you-"

"Hinata!"

Sasuke and Hinata turned to see Naruto making his over to them.

"Naruto-kun," Hinata smiled and greeted.

"Hinata," Naruto said with a toothy smiled, "I just remembered that I have a "buy one get another large bowl of beef ramen free" coupon from Ichiraku and I wanted to know if you'll join me."

Hinata's face turned just as red as before.

It's almost like he's asking me out on a date, Hinata thought to herself excitedly.

"How about it Hinata," Naruto said, "Will you join me?"

Fighting the feeling to faint, Hinata mustered up her courage and replied, "Ye-Ye-Yes!"

"Sweet," Naruto said as she took the blushing Hinata by the hand and led her away, "Then let's go!"

Sasuke watched as Naruto led Hinata away from him as they started on their way to Ichiraku.

She's truly different from Sakura and the other girls, Sasuke thought, Whatever weakness she says she has I doubt the dobe can offer her any real help other than offering her smooth and soothing words of comfort. What she needs is a strong and confident male figure beside her.

Sasuke turned and walked off in the opposite direction. As he did so, Naruto turned to see Sasuke leaving and walking away from them. Almost as if it was sensed, Sasuke turned back to look straight at Naruto face to face. The Uchiha shot Naruto a smirk before Naruto returned it with a small sneer, as though he was reading Sasuke's thoughts and intentions.

"Is everything O-OK Naruto-kun," Hinata asked with concern seeing the looking on Naruto's face. Turning away from Sasuke, turned back to Hinata.

"I'm OK," Naruto assured, "Just making sure that Sasuke-teme isn't causing us trouble."

"You don't have to worry about him," Hinata now assured, "He was just asking me a few questions about you, that's all."

"As if he doesn't know enough about me," Naruto remarked.

"He doesn't kn-know you…at all," Hinata replied, "Ironically he came asking me the same questions you asked him and the girls around him earlier during lunch period. After hearing me out, he said that I'm different from the other girls in class and that he respects me for that."

"Really now," Naruto remarked skeptically, "The haughty Sasuke who thinks everyone else is beneath him says he respects you? That's surprising considering his selfish undisciplined arrogance."

During their walk, Hinata noticed that Naruto never released his hold on her hand. It almost felt as though she were on a date with him considering that he as treating her out to eat, even if it was ramen at his favorite ramen stand. As she was walking with Naruto, something came to mind.

"Naruto-kun," Hinata asked, "What was in that paper you were writing in while we were in class? You really seemed to be really into whatever it was you were writing down into that paper. Even after class you looked like you were still working on what you were putting down on that piece of paper. Was it something of importance?"

"Oh…that," Naruto said as he released Hinata's hand and reached into his pocket to retrieve the folded paper. He opened the paper and showed it to Hinata. Her eyes widened upon seeing what it was that Naruto was putting onto that paper.

"Do you like the picture I drew," Naruto asked with a large toothy smile.

The colored drawing Hinata was looking at was a picture of her as a meadows spring rabbit peacefully grazing on berries on a clear beautiful sunny day with Naruto as a sly and playful fox leaping from the bushes about to pounce on her from behind.

"I think it best describes us," Naruto remarked.

"I have to agree," Hinata giggled, "Can I have this picture?"

"It was meant to be a present for you in the first place Hinata," Naruto said.

"Thank you," Hinata said as she folded the paper back and placed it into her pocket. It would be among the special items from Naruto that she would always treasure.

"I'm happy you like it," Naruto said, "I got more out of it than Iruka-sensei's ever so boring lectures and history lessons."

Naruto went and took Hinata's hand again as they continued on their way to Ichiraku. She smiled feeling Naruto's hand in hers again.

"You're different from the other girls in class Hinata…"

Sasuke's words came back to her mind all of the sudden.

"You're the kind of girl I respect. You stand out from the rest of them…Tomorrow, how about you-"

Sasuke was obviously going to ask her something, but whatever it was Naruto intervened and got her away from the Uchiha. She sensed that Naruto didn't like the attention Sasuke was giving her. But Hinata was sure that Sasuke didn't have such intentions in mind…at least that was what she wanted to believe…

Hinata and Naruto's friendship blossoms despite the troubles they face. Sasuke was going to ask Hinata something, but what were his motives behind whatever it was he was going to ask her? And was Naruto's disapproval of Sasuke's innocent-looking talk with Hinata justified? Find out next time.