Chapter 157: Girls Trouble
Disclaimer:
Naruto and all of its characters belong to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
I own nothing but the original characters I create.
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
-Author notes-
Chapter 157: Girls Trouble
Naruto looked around after leaving the Hokage's office. "Is anyone else hungry? I could go for some r—"
"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Kiba shouted in frustration. "I got a kunai in my butt and didn't even get promoted!"
"Kiba! Watch your language," Kurenai scolded him. "And it was actually a shuriken." And then corrected him.
"Why would you be promoted for that? It wasn't part of the exam," Ino chimed in, clearly amused.
"Yes, that happened much later," Hinata added.
"Are you saying you should be promoted for being incompetent?" Naruto asked with a smirk.
"I am hungry, by the way," Chōji said, completely ignoring the shift in the conversation.
"That's not what I m—ouch!" Kiba yelped in pain.
"I'll take you to the hospital," Kurenai said, stepping in. "Where did Lord Jiraiya go?" She looked around, realizing the Sannin had vanished.
"Probably went off for some 'research,'" Naruto said knowingly.
"What is he researching?" Ino asked curiously.
"Naked women, mostly," Naruto replied nonchalantly.
"What?!" Kurenai exclaimed, visibly shocked. She had noticed him sneaking off several times during their trip but hadn't thought to question it. "He's one of the Legendary Sannin!"
"So? Tsunade's addicted to gambling, and Orochimaru…well, he's just weird," Naruto said with a shrug.
"Naruto," Ino interrupted, pulling gently on his hand.
"Yes?" He glanced at her.
"I need a moment of your time. Alone," she said softly, almost whispering.
Without waiting for a response, she led him away from the group.
"Where are those two going?" Kiba asked, frowning.
"Don't worry about that. You're going to the hospital," Kurenai said firmly, dragging him away.
"I'm going to get something to eat," Chōji announced before stomping off.
"I have business with my family," Shino added as he turned to leave, no doubt heading to share the news of his promotion with his parents.
"Hinata, want to come with us? You can get a check-up too," Kurenai suggested.
"No…I also have something to do," Hinata replied, glancing in the direction Naruto and Ino had gone.
"All right then. Congratulations on your promotion, Hinata. I'm very proud of you, and I'm sure your father will be too."
"Thank you, Sensei." Hinata gave her a polite bow before turning to leave.
Once she was alone, she activated her Byakugan. Her current range extended over a mile, so there was no way she could miss them.
"Ino…what are you planning to do with my Naruto? I won't let you take him away," Hinata murmured to herself.
<><><><><><><><>
In an alley nearby
"Finally," Ino sighed, pulling Naruto into an empty alley. "I can't believe we didn't have a single moment alone during the entire trip."
Every time she'd tried to speak with him in private, something...or someone would always interrupt her. It had been beyond frustrating.
"Indeed. It's been an eventful trip, but I'm glad I don't have to go through that again," Naruto said.
"Yes, and I'm sure the ninjas from the Sand Village are glad too… But that's not important." She stepped closer to him. " When you left for your trip...well, I just want you to clarify something for me."
"Of course. What is it?"
"It's about the kiss and what you told me before leaving …that thing about being your Dao Companion. What did you exactly mean by that?"
"Oh…" Naruto blinked, realizing his mistake. Of course, they wouldn't understand that concept here.
'What's the closest equivalent for mortals?' he thought, searching for the right words.
"Let me see if I can explain. Dao Companions are like…a couple who vow to remain together for their entire journey in this mortal realm...and possibly beyond. It's a very serious commitment."
"Naruto…that sounds like marriage," Ino said, raising an eyebrow. "Did you learn that from a book or something?"
He hesitated, not wanting to lie but also not ready to reveal the full truth. "Something like that."
Ino made a complicated expression. "Naruto…I do like you. But I'm not sure if I'm ready for a commitment like that."
He wasn't surprised. In fact, he'd expected it. After all, they'd only known each other for a few months. "It's a very serious commitment. I understand that. You don't have to make a decision r—"
"Wait!" Hinata suddenly jumped into the alley.
"What the...Hinata?!" Ino exclaimed, shocked by her sudden appearance. She had made sure no one was around. Then she noticed Hinata's Byakugan. "You were spying on us?!"
"I'll do it! Choose me!" Hinata clutched Naruto's arm tightly. "I'll be with you forever!"
"Hold on a minute!" Ino tried to separate them. "I didn't say no!"
"But you did!" Hinata retorted. "You have to think about it. Well, I don't."
"Let go of his arm. He said he liked me." Ino said.
"He did not say that." Hinata rebuked.
Naruto laughed loudly, drawing the attention of both girls.
"I am very fortunate to have two beauties arguing over me, but there's no need for that," he said.
"We are not arguing!" Ino snapped.
"What do you mean?" Hinata asked, looking up at him.
"What I mean is…I've chosen both of you to be my companions," Naruto said confidently.
"Wait...what did you say?" Ino released her grasp on the other girl.
"B-Both of us? You want…both?" Hinata stammered, her eyes were wide open with astonishment.
"Is that true?. Are you being serious?" Ino frowned deeply.
"Of course. I want you both," Naruto would realize too late why that didn't work.
Slap!
"You double-dealing pig!" Ino yelled, storming off.
"Naruto…" Even Hinata's eyes were filled with disappointment.
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