Chapter 164: The Journey Begins

Chapter 164: The Journey Begins

Disclaimer:

Naruto and all its characters belong to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I create.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author Notes-

Chapter 164: The Journey Begins

The next month passed by quickly.

Naruto spent most of his time training, either alone or with Hinata, who wanted to make the most of their time together before his next, much longer trip.

Occasionally, they were joined by Neji, Rock Lee, or Tenten.

Team Ten also called on Naruto a few times to join their training sessions. This gave him the chance to spar with Asuma and pick up some insights into refining his wind-style jutsu.

He found himself talking to Ino often as well. They had grown closer after her unusual experience inside his mind, but neither of them brought up the topic of their relationship, leaving things in a comfortable yet undefined state.

Then, Jiraiya returned to the village. And not long after, it was time for them to leave again.

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After packing his belongings into storage scrolls, Naruto made his way to the Hokage's office.

The meeting, of course, began with Jiraiya being scolded.

"I shouldn't have to remind you to send regular reports!" Tsunade snapped. "No more waiting four or five months to dump everything on my desk at once."

Jiraiya gave a sheepish grin but didn't respond.

Tsunade turned her attention to Naruto. "Be careful, Naruto. That organization will be watching you."

"I know. I'm ready for it," Naruto replied confidently, though in his mind he added, 'Or at least, I will be soon enough.'

"And don't let this perverted old man blow the budget on... extracurricular activities." Tsunade's glare was sharp.

Jiraiya waved a hand, producing his latest book. "I'll have you know my recent sales are doing great. I don't need the budget for—"

"Get that filthy book out of my face!" Tsunade barked. "Don't think I don't know what's in it."

"My books are about love and passion!" Jiraiya retorted. "What's so wrong with that?"

Tsunade sighed heavily, sitting back in her chair. "Just... be careful. And if things get dangerous, don't hesitate to request reinforcements."

"We'll manage," Jiraiya assured her.

Shizune stepped forward, smiling warmly at Naruto. "Take care of yourself, Naruto. Come back safe."

"Thanks, Shizune. I will," Naruto said.

"Oh, by the way," Shizune added, "Ino asked me to teach her some healing jutsu."

Naruto blinked. "Ino? She never mentioned wanting to learn that."

Naruto scratched his head. "Uh... I think I left it at home. I don't really need it, right?"

Ino sighed. "You're hopeless. That's the symbol of our village!"

"It's okay," Hinata said softly, untying her own from around her neck. "You can take mine."

"Thanks, Hinata." Naruto tied it around his neck, mirroring how Hinata wore it.

"And you can take this too." Before he could react, Hinata leaned forward and kissed him deeply.

"Whoa! What the—?!" Kiba exclaimed.

"How troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, glancing at Ino.

"Wait..."Kiba was looking around but no one seemed surprised by the sudden kiss. " Was I the only one who didn't know this was happening?!"

"Maybe," Shino said.

"Seems like it," Chouji said, munching on a chip with a nonchalant attitude.

"Your deduction skills need work, Kiba," Neji added. "It has been obvious for a while that Lady Hinata's relationship with Master Naruto had reached another level."

Shino nodded.

After breaking the kiss, Hinata was smiling proudly from getting a reaction out of Naruto.

"Don't forget about me." She said softly before taking a step back, allowing Ino to have a moment.

" Well, I'm not doing that." Ino huffed.

" You don't have to," Naruto answered. It wasn't like he had been expecting Hinata to do that either. The shy girl was truly no more...

Ino frowned but stepped forward to get closer. "You don't have to show off," she said before leaning close to Naruto and whispering something in his ear.

Naruto blinked. "Really? You want to do that?"

Ino nodded with a serious expression.

He glanced at Hinata, who smiled encouragingly. "If that's what you want, it's your decision."

Ino gave a quick nod before leaning up and kissing Naruto on the cheek. "Don't forget about me either."

"I won't," Naruto promised. "It'll be two years at most," he added, glancing around the group. "It'll go by fast."

"By the time you're back, I'll be an amazing kunoichi!" Ino declared.

"I won't disappoint you either," Hinata added.

"I know you won't," Naruto said with a smile. "And who knows? Maybe by then, even Kiba will be a Chūnin."

"Hey!" Kiba barked, making everyone laugh.

With that, Naruto waved goodbye to his friends and set off toward the gates, ready for the next chapter of his journey.

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