Uzumaki Naruto sat quietly on a bench as he watched the engineers, artists, and ANBU guards begin their preparations. Tsunade's position had been officially and unanimously approved by the Daimyo and the Kōshaku of the Land of Fire's Hans. The civilian approval was little more than a rubber stamp for the rarely assembled Jonin Council's 'election'. Naruto smiled as he heard someone shout about 'proportion' in the distance. He was actually watching quite intently as he wanted to see the process that would go into having his face put on the Hokage Monument.

It was also a nice distraction from all the confusion Naruto was experiencing. The biggest change in the young man's life was the incredible outpouring of respect he had recently received from the citizens of Konoha. Naruto had finally stopped counting the number of strangers that had stopped him in the streets to congratulate him on beating Neji, convincing Tsunade to return, or helping 'defeat' Orochimaru and the traitor Kabuto. Naruto had always longed for the acknowledgment of the village, and now that he was receiving it; he honestly wasn't sure how he should react. So, he took some of Ero-sennin's advice. "You can get more of what you want with a kind word, a smile, and a powerful jutsu than you can with just a kind word and a smile."

'Well, the Rasengan definitely counts as a powerful jutsu!' Naruto thought with a sense of pride he had never truly experienced before.

Next, he hadn't expected the contents of the Daimyo and Kōshaku's 'recommendation' to include a 'request' for Naruto to be promoted. Evidently, one of the kage bunshin Naruto had created had saved the life of one of the Kōshakus' young sons. It was another wonderful feeling to be recognized outside the village. Naruto was still kind of shocked that Wave had named Tazuna's bridge after him. The past few weeks had been a blur and Naruto absentmindedly ran his hand along a pouch on his Chūnin vest.

Naruto was also confused about the direction of Team Seven. It was obvious there was a lot of tension that just wasn't there before Naruto and Sasuke had run into Itachi. Sasuke had really closed himself off after being released from the hospital. For a time, Naruto had considered going to Sasuke and offering to help with his quest for vengeance. The thought died as quickly as it had been born. There was no way Sasuke's ego would let him accept any help. Naruto had seen firsthand that Sasuke was considering him a true rival…and a threat. Once again, part of Naruto was thrilled to have his abilities acknowledged by Sasuke. Sasuke's acknowledgment of Naruto as a strong shinobi had been one of the blond-haired ninja's goals for as long as Naruto could remember. It was just a bummer that the rivalry had become so tense and angry. Naruto really wanted their rivalry to be like Kakashi-sensei's rivalry with Super Bushy Brows. The two Jonin competed in everything, but were clearly really close friends and trusted each other. Naruto would be content being the 'Might Guy with better fashion sense' of the pair. After all, Sasuke was infuriatingly hip, orange was superior to green, and both Naruto and Sasuke were really talented.

Finally, Naruto was very, very confused about girls. He still liked Sakura-chan a lot, but he wasn't sure if it was the same way as it had been. There was still that bit of a flutter in his belly whenever she smiled at him. Naruto, however, was beginning to accept that she would never really like him in the same way. That truth had finally been driven home when Sakura had thrown herself at Sasuke after Tsunade had brought him out of that coma. Sakura truly loved Sasuke. As Naruto's romantic interest in Sakura began to wane, another pair of girls had caught his attention. Naruto thought Gaara's sister was really pretty and a strong kunoichi, but that was the extent of Naruto's interest. The attention Naruto paid to Temari was likely the perverted ideals of Ero-sennin worming their way into Naruto. Hyūga Hinata had definitely caught Naruto's attention, though. Her determination in the fight against Neji had really caught Naruto's attention. Naruto really felt a connection with Hinata's desire to be acknowledged and to grow as a person and ninja. She had really saved him from his doubt before the fight against Neji.

"I wonder what Iruka-sensei will say?" Naruto thought out loud and decided to go check in with his favorite teacher. Iruka-sensei was also the most mature and, most importantly, the least perverted of his teachers.

Naruto made his way through the bustle of workers scurrying from one reconstruction project to another. The Academy was roughly in the same building as the Hokage Tower. The importance of the building meant that it was heavily guarded at all times. Naruto often bragged about his infiltration skills to Sasuke and Sakura regarding his 'recovery' of the Scroll of Seals, but sneaking into the Academy and Tower were no longer necessary. A guard stopped Naruto and asked for his ninja identification number. Naruto's prompt answer allayed the man's fears. Unfortunately, Naruto made it only three steps into the building when the guard called for him to stop.

"Uzumaki-san! I would like to personally thank you for all you have done for the village! We all owe you a great deal," the Chūnin said with a bow.

Naruto really did enjoy all the praise and positive attention. There was a part of him that really wanted to stay and hear all the great things this guy would say about Naruto's accomplishments. Unfortunately, the young Jinchūriki really wanted to get Iruka's help with his 'Sakura and Hinata' situation.

"Ah, thanks!" Naruto said with a smile and a sheepish hand to the back of his head. "I, uh, have some things to take care of."

"Of course, don't let me delay you," the Chūnin responded enthusiastically. Naruto waved to the man and found his way to the main Academy classroom. Iruka was finishing up a lesson on how to set up traps to slow down pursuing enemy shinobi. Naruto stood quietly in the back of the room as his favorite teacher asked if any of the students had questions. After waiting a moment, Naruto was confident that none of the students had questions and raised his hand for a question.

Iruka looked to his surrogate little brother with a smile. "What is it, Naruto?"

"Why didn't we learn practical stuff like this when I was here? If you had taught this stuff, I would have actually paid attention."

"There was…political…opposition to such a militant curriculum before the invasion," Iruka explained. "Are there any further questions?"

The students shook their heads and the second Iruka said 'dismissed' the children swarmed Naruto. He chuckled at the attention and made a kage bunshin. "This fellow can answer your questions! I need to talk to Iruka-sensei about important ninja stuff."

As the kage bunshin lead the gaggle of gakis outside, Naruto jogged up to Iruka. "Hey, Iruka-sensei."

"Hello, Naruto," Iruka returned the greeting. "What is this 'important ninja stuff' you need my help with?"

Naruto blushed a bit. "Well, it's about...girls." The last word was little more than a whisper. Iruka's gentle smile became a full-on amused smirk.

"Sakiko-sensei is going to take over the next lesson. We can talk in the teacher's lounge." Iruka motioned to the door.

"Sakiko-sensei? I don't know her," Naruto mentioned casually as he followed Iruka.

Iruka looked away. "She replaced Suzume-sensei…Suzume was killed protecting civilians from Oto shinobi."

"I-I'll pay my respects at the Memorial Stone later," Naruto promised solemnly. The two Chūnin entered the lounge. Naruto sat down across from Iruka and the pair sat quietly for a moment. It was a silent tribute to not only Suzume, but all their fallen comrades. "This will never get any easier, will it?"

"No, Naruto, it won't," Iruka answered. "That pain…that pain is actually good. If your heart aches for your fallen comrades, it means you are still a human being as well as a shinobi."

Naruto nodded and remained silent. "Thanks Iruka-sensei. Uh, can we talk about Hinata-chan and Sakura-chan now?"

Iruka chuckled. "Oh…this really is important ninja stuff…what advice do you need, Naruto?"

Naruto blushed. "Well, I…I don't know what to do. I still kinda like Sakura-chan, but I know I've got no chance. Then there's Hinata-chan…I mean…after the Chūnin Exams I've been thinking about her a bunch…"

"Go on," Iruka encouraged with an understanding smile. He braced himself for Naruto to ramble a bit. The young man may be a Chūnin now, but Naruto was still a teenage boy struggling with his feelings.

"There's a couple of things that stand out," Naruto admitted. "Hinata-chan was always the only girl who didn't treat me like I was polluting the air around Sasuke. Heh, she was the only girl who didn't chase Sasuke around, now that I think about it. She didn't chase Sasuke around, did she?"

Iruka fought off a chuckle. Naruto's expression was so earnest that there was no chance of the teacher's smile fading away. "Don't worry Naruto. Your memory isn't idealized. Hinata had no interest in Sasuke whatsoever." 'She had eyes for no one but you…'

"How was she not the number one kunoichi, then?" Naruto asked, bewildered. Hinata had been smart enough not to go googly-eyed at Sasuke. It baffled his mind that Hinata was not the number one kunoichi. "Heck, she's also awesome in taijutsu. Didn't you see her fight…I mean…"

The teacher held up a hand to slow Naruto down. "Hinata was very highly ranked. I can't go into details, but there are…reasons. But what did Hinata do at the Chūnin Exams to catch your attention?"

"Well…" Naruto started to explain and, to Iruka's enormous amusement, blushed. "We sat next to each other in the first test. She offered to let me copy her answers. I thought at first that it was a trap, but Hinata-chan was always way too nice to do something like that. She told me she didn't want me to disappear there. There haven't been many people…many people other than you…who have been willing to go out on a limb like that for me." Naruto continued his explanation of the first test. About halfway through his recounting of the Preliminary matches, he paused.

"After seeing what Neji did…I was so mad. I had to focus on Hinata so I wouldn't…you know."

Iruka did a double take. "You almost channeled it?"

Naruto looked down in shame. "I-I couldn't help it, Iruka-sensei…I've only been that mad once…when I thought Haku had killed Sasuke…"

"It's alright Naruto. So, what about Sakura?"

Naruto looked up at Iruka's face. The teacher was wearing an understanding and comforting smile. It chased away the shadows of Naruto's shame. "Well, I still like her. I mean, I'm ecstatic she's my friend and everything, but I know she loves Sasuke. We're teammates and I know she's got my back…but I also know that's all she has for me. I don't want to give up, but…yeah, I'm finally getting the point that there's nothing to give up on."

"It sounds like you're coming to a decision on your own," Iruka pointed out. Naruto nodded and started to speak, but Iruka cut him off with a smile. "I know how hard it is to let go of a first crush."

"You do?" Naruto asked. "How'd you do it?"

"Time, mostly. It wasn't easy, but I realized that it wouldn't have worked and moved on," Iruka explained. He didn't mention that his depression following the Kyūbi attack also led to the end of the crush. Iruka put on his best reassuring grin. "I also didn't have someone like Hinata to speed up the process."

Naruto nodded. "She's liked me for a long time, hasn't she?"

Iruka was on the verge of answering when a knock on the door interrupted the conversation. "Come on in," Iruka said politely.

The last person Naruto expected to enter the room had been Hyūga Neji. He still had the harsh look that defined Naruto's interactions with the prodigy. Naruto was pleased to see that he wasn't as overtly angry anymore. In fact, he looked really tired.

"I apologize for interrupting," Neji said formally.

"You look like you're on a mission," Naruto countered and waved off Neji's concerns with a wave of the hand. He wasn't expecting any trouble. Naruto did, after all, outrank Neji now.

'Kamis of the Earth and Sky, I love saying that!' Naruto thought with a huge grin.

"In a manner of speaking, I am, Uzumaki-san," Neji admitted. "Hiashi-sama asked for me to extend an invitation for you to meet with him at your earliest convenience."

Naruto looked over at Iruka and chuckled. "Heh, I was actually thinking about asking to meet with him anyway."

"Neji-san," Iruka spoke up. As soon as he got Neji's attention, he continued. "How did you find Naruto so quickly?"

"I am Hyūga," Neji said plainly, "and my Byakugan is one of the strongest in the clan."

Iruka had the good sense to look embarrassed. Naruto smiled at Iruka being caught off guard and turned towards Neji.

"I guess I should go see Hiashi-sama now," Naruto admitted.

Iruka shook his head in amusement. "Did you just use the correct honorific?"

Naruto stuck his tongue out at the closest thing he had to a brother…or a father. Neji bowed politely to Iruka and led Naruto out of the Academy. The two young men walked in strained silence for several minutes.

"Do you know why Hinata-chan's old man wanted to see me?" Naruto asked.

"I do not, Uzumaki-san." Neji kept walking, but his tone was oddly respectful.

"Oh, okay." Naruto fell silent. "Hey, Neji…I heard you fought some Kumo-nin during the invasion."

Neji paused. "You are well informed. I fought them to protect Hinata-sama. I…I was nearly defeated, but Hiashi-sama saved my life. Naruto…I don't think you realize just how much you have done for the Hyūga."

"I'm glad I could help," Naruto admitted. "If you need someone to help you train so you can whoop Kumo's ass next time you run into them, let me know."

"Thank you, Uzumaki-san," Neji replied formally. Naruto smiled and pretended he hadn't noticed Neji's emotional slip earlier. Neji guided Naruto into the Hyūga Compound.

Neji paused in front of the door to what was obviously a bedroom. "Hiashi-sama is inside. I must warn you, Naruto, that he is not well. The Kumo cowards used a poison…The Elders tried to keep Hiashi's condition a secret from the village. Their pride would not allow us to approach Tsunade-sama until it was too late. All Hokage-sama can do is ease his passing."

"I understand," Naruto said respectfully as Neji ushered him into the room. The room was well lit and the smell of freshly brewing tea added a pleasant feel to the environment. Naruto had been expecting a gloomy environment with Hiashi barely able to get out of bed. Instead, the man was sitting at a desk reading over a series of scrolls. Naruto took a quick peek at the desk and couldn't believe the quality. There was gold woven into the wood! Naruto wanted to figure out where Hiashi got that desk. The Hokage's desk was boring compared to Hiashi's desk!

"Ah, Uzumaki-san," Hiashi greeted Naruto. The voice betrayed Hiashi's true condition. The vitality the Hyūga Clan Head displayed was a front. Neji had been right; Hiashi was in rough shape. The young man felt a wave of awkwardness hang over the entire room. Naruto felt the urge to leave a kage bunshin to talk with Hiashi while he went to find Hinata.

'That might be rude, though,' Naruto thought. Naruto decided to simply bow a bit to Hiashi.

"I am grateful you have decided to meet with me so promptly," Hiashi continued after Naruto met his eyes.

"Neji mentioned that this was urgent," Naruto half told the truth. Neji hadn't mentioned urgency, but had mentioned Hiashi's condition.

"Yes, I am afraid all my tasks are urgent now." Hiashi looked away for a moment before turning his attention back to Naruto. "Before we begin, I would like to thank you on behalf of the entire Hyūga Clan. You have opened our 'All-Seeing Eyes', and we have begun to heal the rifts that were one of the gravest threats to the continuation of our clan."

Naruto rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I…I'm just glad I could help out."

"Unfortunately, that was only one of the calamities facing my clan," Hiashi began to explain. He paused as his breathing became labored. After a sip of tea, the Clan Head continued. "The Clan Elders are another problem. They do not approve of my daughters."

"They don't like Hinata-chan or her sister?" Naruto asked loudly. Hiashi interlocked his fingers as he pondered Naruto's reaction.

A ghost of a smile appeared on the dying man's lips. "Unfortunately not. They believe Hinata is far too gentle and would not 'keep the cadets in line'. Hanabi, my younger daughter by a year and a half, is a prodigy whom only Neji has surpassed. However, she is not…politically-minded, and has grown close to Hinata once again. The Elders are determined to gain complete control of the Clan."

"What would happen to Hinata-chan and Hanabi…once you're gone?" The jinchūriki knew instinctively that he wouldn't like Hiashi's answer. He watched the tightly controlled emotions dance across Hiashi's face and decided that he liked Hiashi.

The Hyūga Head didn't like his answer either.

"Hinata would likely be sealed and married to the nephew of Elder Yoshinori or the son of Elder Yūto. Hanabi would be declared 'Clan Head' until she was married to the man Hinata was not married to. After that, she would lose all authority in the Clan and be relegated to simply producing heirs for her husband." Naruto paled at Hiashi's explanation. Naruto promised to get rid of the Hyūga Seal when he became Hokage. The thought of Hinata being sealed was terrible. Naruto didn't know Hanabi, but her potential fate was just as cruel.

"Hiashi-sama," Naruto barely forced out the words as his mouth was unusually dry. "What can I do to help them?"

"It is a simple, yet difficult measure," Hiashi began. "I would ask that you marry Hinata."

Hiashi's words were a complete shock. Naruto hadn't been hit that hard by anything since the Forest of Death and the battles against Gaara and Kabuto. As Naruto considered Hiashi's words, time seemed to slow.

Eventually, Naruto regained his senses and fixed his gaze on Hiashi.

"I do not expect you to give an answer yet, Uzumaki-san. I am well aware of the weight of my request." The Hyūga Head leaned forward as he spoke.

Naruto nodded and watched as Hiashi took a sip of his tea. "I, uh, have a question."

"That is to be expected. I will answer any that you have," Hiashi assured Naruto.

"I guess this means you won't be mad if I ask Hinata-chan for a date?"

Hiashi did not smile or give off any outward emotional cues, but Naruto certainly felt the mood of the room change. "That is a very prudent course of action. As her father, I would ask that you inform me of your plans for the evening."

"I haven't thought that far ahead quite yet," Naruto admitted. "I, well, you're the Clan Head and Hinata-chan is really important. I figured it would be best to get your permission before I made dinner reservations. That'd be a bit embarrassing-ttebayo."

"You have surprised me yet again, Uzumaki Naruto." Hiashi nodded his head politely. That, Naruto thought, was a pretty impressive score for his chances with Hinata. "You chose the correct course of action in this regard."

"Awesome! I mean, I'll need to know how to interact with the Clans when I'm Hokage. I can't think of a better way to learn than interacting with Konoha's most famous and powerful clan." There was no shame in playing to Hiashi's ego, Naruto decided.

"Flattery and appealing to a Clan's pride are valuable tools, indeed," Hiashi responded with the faintest hint of mirth. "I wish to be informed of your plans for courting my daughter when they are finalized."

"Of course, Hiashi-sama," Naruto agreed. "I'll definitely keep you in the loop!"

"That is all I require," Hiashi confirmed. "I can tell you have additional questions."

'Wow, either I'm an open book or the Hyūga are just that good at reading people,' Naruto thought.

"Yeah, I've got a few," Naruto admitted. "If you don't mind answering."

Hiashi was impressed by how quickly Naruto was adapting to his 'battlefield'. The Hyūga Clan Head was seeing the potential in the boy. Konoha had nearly driven one of its greatest assets into darkness and madness. 'Maybe I can provide some comfort for this child as well as my own children…'

"Why didn't your clan let Baa-chan help you sooner?" Naruto asked.

"A combination of pride in our own abilities and Orochimaru's delaying tactics," Hiashi revealed. "My clan is rightfully proud of our abilities. I was incapacitated for some time following the poison and those in the Hyūga whose pride has become blinding hubris feared showing any weakness."

Naruto couldn't follow everything Hiashi had said, but he knew enough about context to get a basic idea. Hiashi had been out cold for a time and a group of Hyūga with big egos didn't want to admit there was a problem.

'Great…egos…' Naruto grumbled. "How did Orochimaru continue to mess things up?"

"The battle delayed your retrieval mission for some time while Jiraiya-sama, Shizune-san, and yourself recovered from your wounds," Hiashi answered Naruto's follow up question. He held up a hand to forestall Naruto's apology and doubt. "I, and the Hyūga Clan, hold no ill will for your battle. You triumphed against a Sannin and a traitor. The victory you helped achieve brought great honor to Konoha. Most importantly, you have given us a powerful and respected Hokage."

Naruto smiled a bit at the acknowledgement. "Thank you, Hiashi-sama."

"You are welcome, Uzumaki-san." Naruto smiled at the response. He had figured out that Hiashi placed a great deal of emphasis on clan prestige. It seemed like Hiashi was acknowledging the Uzumaki as worthy. That gave Naruto an idea!

"I've got two more questions, if you don't mind, Hiashi-sama," Naruto said as politely as he could manage.

"Ask," Hiashi responded.

"First…do you know anything about the Uzumaki? The only thing I really know is that the Shodai married an Uzumaki. There isn't much info on my family. I'd like to learn more-ttebayo."

"The Hyūga have records of our interaction with the Uzumaki Clan. We can provide these to you," Hiashi answered.

"Awesome!" Naruto shouted. "Thank you so much! I-I can't believe they are an actual clan! How-How long have the Uzumaki been around?"

"They are amongst the oldest of the shinobi clans. They are as ancient as the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyūga Clans." Hiashi watched as the young Chūnin's face lit up. The Hyūga Clan head realized he had given Naruto an anchor to a past he could be proud of.

"That is so cool," Naruto said with a trembling voice. "I-I've just got one more."

"You don't have to keep asking for permission," Hiashi chided.

"Oh, right," Naruto laughed. "Is Hinata-chan at home? I'd like to talk to her now."

"My daughter should be in the Head Family Dojo practicing the Hakkeshō Kaiten with her Grandfather," Hiashi confirmed. "Oh, and Uzumaki-san…I remind you to treat my Eldest Daughter with care and respect. It would be a shame if I were forced to introduce you to the Hakke Hyaku Nijūhachi Shō."

'One…one hundred and twenty-eight strikes?!' Naruto thought in a panic. Sixty-four had really really hurt! "Y-Yes sir! Thank you, sir!"

Hiashi watched Naruto bow and bolt from the office. He allowed himself a small smile and thought, 'That was more fun than I thought it would be.'

Hinata gasped as she attempted the 'Revolving Heaven' for the seventh time today. Her body, chakra pathways, and head all screamed in exhaustion. Though her body and mind protested, her spirit was ecstatic! Her Father, overly-critical Grandfather, and the rest of the Hyūga were acknowledging her! More importantly, she was changing herself! Hinata had never come as close to mastering her clan's Absolute Defense!

Her grandfather appraised her as if he was a circling eagle and Hinata was a helpless rabbit. That comparison would have been apt before the Chūnin Exams.

Before Naruto.

'I am no longer afraid!' Hinata declared and made, maintained, and demanded eye-contact with her Grandfather.

"You have made surprising progress," the Hyūga Elder said neutrally. "We will end the training for today."

"No, Grandfather," Hinata declared. "I will succeed on this next attempt!"

Her Grandfather narrowed his eyes in displeasure at Hinata's defiance and in a challenge of her newfound confidence. He relented and was no doubt expecting a similar failure as the previous attempts. Hinata closed her eyes, a calming exercise that was somewhat negated by her still-active Byakugan, and centered herself. She analyzed her previous attempts. As she looked at the mechanics of the Hakkeshō Kaiten, Hinata was struck by how much Juken resembled dance.

In that moment, she had an epiphany. She was not the lead in the dance. The Kaiten was in the lead. Any attempt to force the Kaiten to bend to her will was doomed. It was an instinctive defense. 'Pretend I am dancing,' Hinata thought. An image of Naruto being her dance partner raced to the fore without hesitation. Hinata's exhausted state mercifully hid her blush. 'One…two…three,' Hinata heard Naruto's voice guide her. She expelled the chakra from her tenketsu and followed along with an invisible tune.

She watched her Grandfather take a step back, colored both by shock and the sphere of chakra engulfing her figure, and look at Hinata in stunned silence.

"I-I told you, I would succeed," Hinata breathed out as she deactivated her Byakugan. She could barely stand, and had not been this exhausted since the Chūnin Exams. Hinata had never felt more powerful than she did at this moment. Every droplet of sweat and every labored breath was a monument to her triumph.

"We will resume tomorrow. I wish to see if you can replicate this…success," the Hyūga Elder scoffed and exited the Dojo.

Hinata stumbled towards one of the racks and grabbed a towel to dry off some of the sweat. She was really looking forward to a bath…

"Of course I've got permission to be here!" Naruto's voice echoed through the empty dojo. Hinata immediately tensed. Naruto…here…now?

"Hinata-sama," Hinata heard Natsu announce for the entrance. "You have a…suitor."

'Natsu-san said suitor…' Hinata thought at a million miles-per-hour. There was no doubt in Hinata's mind that Naruto was truly outside the Dojo. She heard his distinctive, and adorable, 'dattebayo' in the middle of his rather animated discussion with her grandfather. 'Naruto…suitor…'

"I even went and got Hiashi-sama's permission! Do you really think that if I was sneaking in, I'd be following Natsu here and talking this loud?"

"Very well, boy," the Elder growled. "I will confirm the validity of your claims."

Naruto grunted as he entered the dojo. "Jerk was trying to kill the mood…" Hinata's back locked into place as she saw the sheer happiness on Naruto's face when he saw her.

"Hiashi-sama instructed me to allow you both a measure of privacy. Is there anything you require before I leave?" Natsu asked.

"N-No thank you, Natsu-san," Hinata answered, but never turned her gaze from Naruto. The maid took her leave and Naruto and Hinata were alone. Alone…with permission.

Today was shaping up to be a great one for Hinata.

Naruto, for his part, was finally getting a closer look at Hinata. He had realized she was 'kinda cute' during the first part of the Chūnin Exams. Her gesture after his match with Kiba had caused Naruto to upgrade her to 'really cute' and her determination against Neji had seen his opinion go up to pretty. He also reminded himself that she had looked good in that blue blouse. So, Hinata had definitely landed herself deep in Naruto's 'pretty' category.

Well, that was before Naruto had noticed that his opinion wasn't the only positive development Hinata was receiving. 'She's...hot...I'd swear her body was as good as Ino's! What the heck is she doing wearing that jacket? Okay, declaring ramen the official food of Konoha can wait. My new first Hokage decree is banning baggy jackets!'

"H-Hello, Hinata-chan," Naruto said with uncharacteristic hesitation. "You, uh, look like you've had a good day training."

'Good start, Naruto,' the boy commended himself. 'Focus on the fact that you and Hinata want to get stronger and not the fact that…oh my god…that outfit is really proving Hinata's in great shape. Danger Naruto! You're sounding like Ero-sennin!'

"H-Hello, Naruto-kun," Hinata returned the greeting. "I had a wonderful day! I mastered the Eight Trigrams, Revolving Heaven today!"

'Good start, Hinata,' the girl commended herself. 'Focus on answering Naruto-kun's question and not the fact that Naruto's Chūnin uniform makes him look more amazing than usual!'

"That's awesome! You'll be even more of a kickass ninja now!" Naruto commended his friend. "Uh, would you like to tell me about it…on…a...um…date?"

'Naruto's been calling me Hinata-chan! He…he just asked me out on a date! A date! If I had more chakra I'd try to see if this was a genjutsu!'

Naruto watched the happy shock dance across Hinata's face. She could scarcely believe this was actually happening. Today had officially become one of the best days of her young life. She was trying desperately not to faint or cry tears of joy. Hinata had no idea how Naruto would react to that!

"N-Nothing would make me happier," Hinata answered from the bottom of her heart.

Naruto smiled in triumph and relief. "Thank you so much, Hinata-chan!"

The feeling Naruto was experiencing was the best since the night Iruka-sensei had declared Naruto his precious student. He had told Hinata that he liked people like her at the end of their conversation at the Training Grounds. Now, Naruto knew he could drop the people like and simply say that he liked her.

'If Hinata can make me feel like this every day…maybe Hiashi's idea about marrying Hinata will be mostly my idea…'

Author's Note: Here we go! Another one of my Plot Asylum Escapees! I wanted to get this released alongside Towards the Dawn on Hinata's birthday! That moment at the end was too good to pass up!

A few notes and reminders about this fic...

1. This is my first published harem fic! The harem is already set and is: Hinata (obviously), Hanabi (who I've aged up to only be a year and a half younger than Hinata), and an OC named Kareia (Gaiseric suggested the name).

2. Yes, this will have a Neji harem. I'm going to keep most of that secret for a while, but Tenten is the 'alpha' of the harem.

3. Again, the harems are set in stone and won't be expanded ESPECIALLY Naruto's. He's getting with Hyuga women and Hyuga women only!

Another note: The other Plot Asylum Escapees are coming along nicely. The next fic to be posted will be the first chapter of "Naruto the Fifth Hokage". I still don't have a title yet, but I will when I post it sometime within the next two days! "Naruto has a Twin Sister" and "Overlord NaruHina" will be posted sometime soon. Those are a bit further out from being ready to publish.

Please leave reviews! Nothing motivates me more than reviews!