Hello again! Kung-Fu Kid 91 here, ready with a new story to brighten your day. Since my last attempt at an action title failed miserably (see A New Tournament if you're interested), I decided to return to the romance vein and see if that is my true forte. This story is in no way related to my Independence Day one, sorry. Note that Naruto and all its characters are the sole property of Kishimoto-sensei and Diana Krall's lyrics belong to her. This is kind of a songfic, but not really. Please rate and review. Constructive Criticism is still accepted. Now, on with the Post-timeskip NaruHina fic...
Chapt. 1: Kiba's Plan.
It was a normal day in the Land of Fire. Spring had come, and the village of Konoha was enjoying the wonderful weather that had come with the season. Over at Ichiraku Ramen Bar, Kiba was hard at work devouring a bowl of pork ramen, while his dog Akamaru (who had grown a lot in two years) lay at his feet enjoying a special canine tailored meal himself. As Kiba was about to take another bite, he noticed Naruto come in and sit down next to him with a depressed look on his face as he ordered his usual dish.
"Hey Naruto, why the long face pal?" Kiba asked his friend.
"Oh nothin,'" was the only answer from the blonde ninja. 'What's with him?' thought Kiba. 'I usually can't get him to shut up about his stupid training and crap, so why has he turned into Shikamaru's clone all of a sudden?' "Come on, it's gotta be somethin'. You're usually so talkative and now this. Come on, you can tell me." After a long pause, Naruto finally spoke.
"Ok, so ya know how we all when on a mission awhile back?"
"Yeah, I remember," Kiba replied. "I'm still pulling ashes out of Akamaru's fur from where we got hit by Sasuke's fireballs, and Shino's beetles are still a bit water-logged from being half drowned by that dude with Zabuza's sword. But what's that got to do with you being so down in the dumps?" he asked as Naruto's order arrived and he started to eat.
"Well, ever since we got back, Hinata seems to be so busy. I hardly see her any more." At this, Kiba grinned a little. He had heard from Sakura and Sai that Naruto had been showing signs that he liked Hinata, and now he had actual proof of it. There was a certain way that Naruto said her name for one. Secondly, he could smell a distinct pheromone that dealt with emotions such as love emanating from Naruto's person; these were the same pheromone's Akamaru smelled of when he saw the neighbor's husky bathing last week.
So, now that he had solid proof, he needed to think of a way to clue Naruto in on Hinata's affections. After a few seconds of deep thinking, Kiba's brain was finally struck with inspiration. 'Oh, yeah! That's perfect!' He looked over at his depressed friend and smiled sincerely. "Ya know what Naruto? I think you should take a little time to chill out dude. Fortunately, I know just the place where you can do that."
"Yeah?" Naruto said hopefully. "Where's that? Don't tell me it's one of those stupid dog parks again. The last time I when there with you and the rest of Team 8, I got bit in the ass by one of Kakashi-sensei's tracker dogs."
"No, it's not another dog park baka," Kiba rebutted, feeling a bit annoyed. 'Here I am trying to help him fell better, and he sits there mocking one of my favorite hangouts. I mean, they sell high-quality dog food there.' "That new jazz club that just opened. Ya know, The Forest Breeze Club? Tonight's open mic night. Aside from the regular entertainment, there are portions in the show where people can get up and sing as well."
Naruto thought about it for a moment. 'Well, I could stand to unwind a bit. And Sakura has told me that Hinata tends to hang out there a lot. So, maybe if I go, I can get to see her and hangout for a while! Oh man, this is gonna be soooo great!' He turned to Kiba and smiled his big stupid smile. "Thanks Kiba, I will come tonight."
"Great! Now remember, they're pretty formal over there, so you'll want to wear your best duds. Oh, and pick up a bouquet of violets from Yamanaka Flowers too," Kiba added.
"Ok, but why?" Naruto asked his friend, still a little confused. "Just trust me on this," said Kiba, turning back to his bowl of ramen. "You're probably gonna want to have it handy, just in case."
"Ok, if you say so," the blonde responded as he finished his meal. "Well I'd better get back to training, see ya tonight Kiba!" As Naruto left the shop, Akamaru looked up at Kiba and smirked. 'Kiba, my good friend, what are you up to?' he asked in dog-speak. 'You know Hinata likes violets, and you know that's the club where Hinata goes to si-.'
"Yeah, but I figure it's high time that those two got together," Kiba replied in-between bites of ramen. "Plus, it'll make Hinata a lot happier, don't ya think?" Akamaru simply nodded and turned back to his dinner as well. 'Yeah, but I still say that it's way too much trouble though.'
"Say's the guy who was begging me up and down to hook him up with the neighbor's husky Saturday," Kiba rebutted teasingly. 'That was totally different!' Akamaru snapped. 'Sasha and I had chemistry, and you know it!' As Kiba laughed at his dog's hilarious comeback, Naruto was busy sifting through his closet trying to find his 'special' tuxedo that he'd found while training with Jiraiya. This was gonna be one hell of a night!
Hmmm, Now what could Kiba possibly be planning for his teammate and Naruto? I guess you'll have to keep reading to find out. Please remember to review so that I can improve my skills as a writer.