A Test

As we sat on the king size bed, embracing each other warmly. No words were said, as only silence, and our affection for each other filled the room

Her body leaned itself to me, gently letting herself feel so vulnerable for the first time since I left that day. My hands gently caressed her head, letting her be herself in front of me. Her mind raced with many thoughts, but one thing was for sure. She was now able to truly feel free and be herself with the man that she holds dearly the most

Hinata's hands rested on my chest, her body in a relaxed state. Taking in my warmth and comfort that my body seemed to radiate around her

But this got me wondering, what has she been doing for the past 3 years? I know that she's been training a lot, but I feel like there's more to it. I can feel the stress that has accumulated within her, and an abnormal amount of it to be exact

Did she have conflicts with her father? I doubt it, I can't assess her strength right now since I don't really have an accurate measurement on how strong she truly is as of now. But it is safe to assume that she is definitely the strongest among the others, aside from me, and maybe Sasuke

If Hiashi has a problem with her growth, then we WILL have a problem. But I doubt Hiashi would be mad at such a good thing, it would be too dumb of a reason to

So what could it be? External conflicts perhaps? But nothing noteworthy has surged in Konoha as far as I've been notified, so that's out of the question as well

Maybe internal conflicts in the village? The only thing I can think of is Danzo. And if I hear so much as a single Root once spyed on her, I swear to god himself that I will decimate their souls and send each and every one of them to hell. And Danzo, the next time I lay my eyes on you, it will be your death bed, regardless if you did something to her or not

Either way, I need some explanation of what's exactly happening that's making her so worked up

"Hey Princess"

I muttered gently

"I can feel that you've been quite stressed. I can sense it"

I said, my hands gently comforting her. Hinata's eyes fluttered open a bit at my statement. I noticed her reflexive action, as I asked in concern

"Hinata, what's wrong?"

Hinata then slowly looked up to me. Her eyes then saw my caring expression

"It's nothing, Naruto. You don't have to be worried, and while yes, I... Felt a bit stressed, but that was a long time ago now"

She said, but the way that she said those words made me very suspicious. I looked at her with a curious expression

"Hinata, tell me. I don't want you being stressed like this"

I asked again, looking at her straight in the eye. Wanting an answer

Hinata looked at me, and smiled. She couldn't hold it in anymore, as her eyes started to water a bit

"I'm... In the Anbu. I've been taking missions for a while now"

Hinata said as I was surprised

"What?!"

I said surprised

"Wait, is that what you meant by busy on your letter back then?"

I asked, and she nodded. I gently wiped her tears off, as my hands comforted her again

"Why? Did Tsunade put you up to it?! If so, then I really need to go speak to her"

"No, no, Naruto... I did it on my own volition"

Hinata said, gently clutching her arms around me in an embrace

"But, why?"

I asked, a bit confused. I didn't expect for her to join the Anbu of all places, it's not something I would expect for her to join in considering her nature and what not

"Well... Before you left 3 years ago, I promisd to myself that I would make myself useful... And, to make you proud of me... That's why I wanted to be stronger, so that you don't see me as a burden... *Sniff*"

She then started to tear up, her hands gripping me tighter. I looked at her, taking in her response. She was telling the truth

I gently stroked her hair, feeling the slight tremble in her body as she held onto me. Her words echoed in my mind. She had joined Anbu, pushing herself to the limits, all because of me?

"Hinata…"

I murmured softly

"You were never a burden to me. Never."

She buried her face in my chest, her fingers gripping my shirt as if afraid I'd disappear again

"But I felt like one, Naruto"

She admitted, her voice shaky

"Back then, I always watched you from the sidelines. I wanted to fight alongside you, to be someone you could count on. Not someone who just watched, waited, and have to rely on you all the time when danger is near. But, I wasn't strong enough. Not then"

I felt a pang in my chest. Hinata had always been strong in my eyes, stronger than most because she fought against expectations, against her own fears, and never gave up. But I also knew how much she struggled with self-worth

"I trained harder than ever"

She continued

"I pushed myself beyond my limits. I joined Anbu because I knew it was the best way to get stronger. Real experience, real danger. I wanted to prove to myself… to everyone… that I could do it. That I can make myself useful."

I closed my eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply. Anbu missions were brutal, often cruel. The things she must have seen, the things she must have done…

"Did it help?"

I finally asked

"Did it make you feel stronger?"

She hesitated

"Yes… and no. I am stronger, but I don't know if I truly changed the way I wanted to. Sometimes, I feel like I lost something along the way"

I pulled back slightly, tilting her chin up so she could see my eyes

"You don't have to lose yourself to prove anything, Hinata. Strength isn't just about how well you fight. You were already strong before you ever joined Anbu."

She looked at me with wide, teary eyes

"I just… I wanted you to be proud of me."

I smiled gently, pressing my forehead against hers

"I've always been proud of you."

Hinata let out a soft sob, finally allowing herself to release the emotions she had been holding in. And in that moment, I promised myself that I'd never let her carry that weight alone again

"Are you still assigned to the Anbu?"

I asked. She nodded, too busy seeking comfort on my body than to reply with words. Clinging herself tightly to me with no intent of letting a single finger go

"Let it be the last day. You don't need that kind of environment, it doesn't suit you at all... Promise me, you'll resign tomorrow, okay?"

I asked, my hands gently caressed her head. Making sure to not stress her out by this

Hinata understood. Now hearing my reassuring words just now, it was time for her to leave that part behind, and maybe continue to where she left off before. She has me by her side now, and nothing will be out of reach for her if she put her mind to it

"I promise"

She muttered gently

"I'm sorry if I suddenly put all on this to you, Naruto... It's your first day back and you have to handle me like this... "

She said in an embarrased tone

I smirked, tightening my arms around her waist as I leaned in close, my lips just barely brushing against her ear

"Hinata"

I murmured, my voice dripping with mischief

"If this is your way of making me work on my first day back, I gotta say… I don't mind one bit"

She tensed slightly, and I felt her breath hitch against my skin. My grin widened.

"In fact"

I continued, my voice beocming lower

"If this is what I get to 'handle' every day, maybe I should've come back sooner."

Hinata let out a soft squeak, trying to hide her face, but I wasn't letting her go that easy. I leaned back just enough to catch her flustered expression, my thumb tracing small circles on her hip.

"Come on, Princess"

I teased, my eyes locked onto hers

"What's wrong? You were all serious just a second ago. Don't tell me you're getting shy now"

Her fingers clutched at my shirt, her body pressing just a little closer as she mumbled

"Naruto…"

I grinned

"Yeah? Say my name a little sweeter, and I might just 'handle' you all night."

At that, she let out the cutest little whimper, and I knew right then, I was never letting her live this down

After a while, we stayed in each others arms for a bit. Relishing the moment, as our faces were both smiling, satisfied and content

"Oh yeah, I have to go visit Tsunade"

I said, now just remembering her words earlier. Hinata nodded, understanding that there was other business I have to attend to

"I'll take you home"

I said, as we stood up from the bed, leaving the manor together towards the Hyuga Clan's compound

As we arrived in front of the gate, fortunately, there weren't any guards that were present as of this moment. Hinata turned around to face me, her fingers fiddling shyly with a small smile

I smiled back, my hand gently patting her head

"You can visit me anytime you want okay? And besides... It's your house now too, if you know what I mean"

I teasingly said, as Hinata blushed a bit

"You sure do know how to make me flustered, Naruto"

She said, playfully pouncing at my shoulder one last time, before greeting me goodbye

"Goodbye, Naruto... I love you"

"I love you more"

With that, Hinata turned around, her tomato face very much noticeable as she went back home for the time being. Probably to sort out her resignation

I waited for her to disappear in my vision, turning around, and making my way towards the Hokage Mansion

And while leisurely taking my time, I brought my hands up, gently making a squeezing action

"It was so soft... I wonder how it feels when I get to squeeze it"

I said to myself with a tiny blush, recalling the way those majestic knockers rested itself on to my chest. It was a match made in heaven

===

Soon, I arrived at the Hokage office. Pushing the door open to reveal myself

"Yo"

I greeted with a smile. Noticing the bandaged Jiraiya on the side while Tsunade's irritated expression showed itself, I simply decided to not ask questions. Since it will just be more complicated. There was also Shizune who was beside Jiraiya assessing the damage dealt by Tsunade. It was obvious what happened

"Don't look at me like that you brat!"

Jiraiya yelled, as I ignored the pervy sage

"You sure took your time"

Tsunade said with a hint of anger

"Hey, take it easy. I didn't know you'd prepare a new place for me, let alone an entire manor that belonged to my parents"

I said, as Tsunade calmed down a bit. Sighing at herself. It hasn't even been a day yet since I'm back, and she's already getting headaches

"It's the least we could do for you"

Naruto nodded

"So, what did you call me here for exactly?"

I asked

"Well, there's been news of disappearances of people through various villages. There hasn't been a case here yet at Konoha, but I've heard that the other villages have experience this... "

Tsunade started off, her hands folding whilst she straightened herself. It seems this was serious business. I have an inkling on who was conducting these

"Akatsuki?"

Tsunade nodded

"Most likely. While we were safe from any situation involving stuff like that, I believe that soon we'll be the next target. I don't know exactly what the purpose of those Akatsuki have, but we must be ready"

Tsunade said seriously

"I understand, don't worry too much. I'm back now"

I said with a confident smile

"That's why I have to test you first, Naruto. While yes, Jiraiya's assessment is always accurate, I wanted to see it for myself to make sure you can handle the missions I'll be giving you"

Tsunade said, side-eyeing Jiraiya from the side, as she could make out a faint smirk on his face

"Really? Can I just, make a big ball Rasengan and be done with it?"

I asked. While yes, it may provide me insight with my strength as of now, I doubt that Tsunade will arrange something that will even make me show that strength. Unless of course she sets up an absurd plan to test me

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, clearly considering something. After a moment, she turned to me with a calculating look

"You know what, Naruto? Let's put your strength to the test right here in the village"

She said

"A formal evaluation. We'll see how you handle Konoha's finest"

I raised an eyebrow

"You're planning to let the entire village attack me?"

Jiraiya chuckled, still leaning against the wall with his hands folded on his chest

"Consider it as a welcome back gift from the village"

Tsunade smirked

"Training Ground Seven. Be there in an hour. We'll have Kakashi, Gai, Yamato, and a few Anbu squads waiting. Think of it as a little… reunion"

I grinned

"Alright. This should be fun"

===

Training Ground Seven

The sun hung high over Konoha, its golden rays casting long shadows across Training Ground Seven. A hush fell over the gathered crowd. Shinobi, villagers, and even a few of my old friends who had come to watch.

Across the field, Kakashi stood with his usual relaxed stance, his lone Sharingan eye watching me carefully. Beside him, Gai stretched his arms, a wild grin on his face, while Yamato stood calm but wary. Surrounding them, nearly two dozen ANBU operatives. Elite shinobi wearing animal masks, moved into position, forming a loose circle around me.

From the sidelines, Tsunade's voice rang clear.

"Naruto Uzumaki, you are to engage and subdue your opponents without excessive damage. This will serve as a test of your current strength. Begin!"

The second the words left her mouth, the first Anbu moved in a blur of motion as he flickered from view. The others followed instantly, their coordination near perfect

A normal shinobi would struggle to keep up

I wasn't a normal shinobi

The world slowed to a crawl. I could see them, every step, every twitch of muscle. Their blades gleamed in the sunlight as they closed in from all sides

I smiled

"Let's see if you guys can keep up"

Lightning crackled, Kakashi's signature Raikiri surged toward me from the right, the sharp chirping of a thousand birds filling the air

"Naruto, I won't hold back. I came on time today, so you know I'm on that type of timing"

At the same time, Gai rocketed forward, his fists igniting the air itself, his body already shifting into the Sixth Gate. Yamato's hands blurred through seals, Wood Style branches bursting from the ground, aiming to ensnare me

An excellent strategy

Too bad it wouldn't work

Fwoosh!

I moved, not with teleportation, not with substitution, just sheer overwhelming speed. One instant, I was in the center of their assault. The next, I was gone

BOOM!

The ANBU closest to me barely had time to react before I drove my knee into his gut. His breath left him in a wheeze before I gently flicked him backward, sending him tumbling across the field.

Kakashi's Raikiri pierced straight through my afterimage. His eye widened just as I appeared at his side.

"Still using the same old tricks, Kakashi-sensei?"

I teased before lightly tapping his shoulder with two fingers

A shockwave erupted, blasting him backward

During my journey, I've also mastered on how I could manipulate and use my chakra to Its full potential. Since it is an energy source, chakra itself can be used as a means of attack, and defend. Using it very precisely and materializing it with perfect control and stability

Gai's fist screamed through the air toward my chest. The sheer pressure of it was enough to shatter the ground beneath us

I raised a single hand and caught it

A loud BOOM rang out. The shockwave sent dust flying, the ground beneath us cracking like glass. But I stood firm, gripping Gai's fist with ease

His eyes widened

"Such raw power! Your youth burns even brighter than before, Naruto!"

I smirked

"And I'm just warming up"

Yamato's wood surged from the earth in thick, writhing tendrils, aiming to trap me. The Anbu took the opportunity to press their attack. Kunai flashing, jutsu forming, bodies flickering.

A wave of pure chakra burst outward from me. The tendrils of wood splintered, the approaching shinobi were hurled backward, crashing into trees and rolling across the ground.

Kakashi landed gracefully, panting slightly

"That raw chakra… It's monstrous"

Gai stood as well, grinning wildly

"Truly, you've become a legend before our very eyes!"

One of the Anbu groaned from the ground

"Tsunade-sama, is this guy even human anymore?"

I tilted my head, grinning

"Come on, don't give up yet!"

The Anbu regrouped, this time moving in a coordinated assault, forming a formation around me. One performed hand signs, Fire Style, another Lightning, another Wind

A powerful combination jutsu erupted. A blazing inferno laced with electricity, propelled forward by a hurricane-force wind. The air itself seemed to ignite as it roared toward me

The spectators gasped

I didn't move

I simply raised a hand and clenched my fingers

The very air pressure around me shifted. The colossal attack twisted violently, then vanished, snuffed out as if it had never existed

A heavy silence fell over the training ground

The Anbu hesitated

I exhaled

"Quite the powerful jutsu combination. But now, it's my turn"

I flicked my wrist, sending out a gentle ripple of chakra. The entire battlefield shuddered. Every shinobi in range, Kakashi, Gai, Yamato, the Anbu, felt their bodies lock up as an overwhelming pressure pinned them down

One by one, they collapsed to their knees

Tsunade's eyes widened

"Such control… he's toying with them"

Jiraiya, watching from the sidelines, chuckled

"That's my brat"

With a final pulse, I released them. The tension vanished, leaving everyone gasping for breath

Tsunade raised her hand

"Enough! The test is over!"

As I stepped back, Kakashi slowly stood, shaking his head

"Naruto… if this is what you're capable of now, I can only imagine what you'll become in the future"

Gai gave a thumbs-up, still grinning

"Your flames of youth burn brighter than even mine! I concede defeat!"

The Anbu, some still groaning on the ground, simply stared at me in disbelief

I turned to Tsunade, smirking

"So? Am I cleared for duty?"

She sighed but couldn't hide the small smile on her lips

"Cleared? You're beyond that. At this rate, I might as well retire"

Jiraiya clapped me on the shoulder

"Guess that means no more holding back, huh?"

I chuckled

"Depends if they're capable enough"

As the crowd murmured and dispersed, I noticed Hinata watching from a distance. Her pale eyes were wide, a soft pink dusting her cheeks. I gave her a small wave. It seems she's joined with Sakura, Ino, and the others. Their gazes and expressions was in total shock

She hesitated, then, with a shy smile, waved back

I turned away, my mind already shifting toward the real "Threats" ahead. The Akatsuki

'The Akatsuki... Perhaps that simping Uchiha isn't sitting around anymore. He's eager to finish collecting the Bijuu for the Ten-tails. I wonder if I could get my hands on it sooner or later... '

[Hope you enjoy! But I'm not sure if I could continue making chapters for a bit, gonna be busy.]