Naruto walked beside Shikamaru, Kiba and Sasuke, going who knows where. They hadn't really decided, just saying if they saw a spot they wanted to go then they'd go. They really didn't mind just walking and talking, though, so none of them were in a real hurry to go somewhere surrounded by people. Kiba, Shikamaru and Sasuke all knew Naruto didn't really like being around people anyway.
So, how's the dog I gave you? Did you name it?" Kiba asked randomly, putting an arm around Naruto's shoulder again.
"Yeah," Naruto said smiling. "Haru. Unfortunately, the Hyuga's have had to live with the puppy years too. He goes to the bathroom and gets into everyone's things. They don't really seem to mind though. They seem to love him just as much as I do."
"Haru, huh?" Kiba said thoughtfully. "Perfect. I guess I'm glad I gave him to you, because you can care for and treasure him more than I could."
"He spoils him rotten," Sasuke said with a snort. Naruto chuckled and nodded. He let the dog sleep with him on his bed, giving Haru a wide circle. At first, he'd been afraid he would squish the dog, but gluing himself to the wall had kept him both uncomfortable and awake. In the morning, Neji had woken to a tired and grumpy Naruto and a happy dog. Though the Hyuga kept telling him to kick the dog off or get him a bed, Naruto couldn't bring himself to. When he woke with the little dog right beside him, feeling the warmth, he felt happy. He didn't care about his lack of sleep anymore.
"So, what's your relationship with Hinata like, Naruto?" Kiba asked, looking bored. That is, until both Shikamaru and Naruto started choking on nothing. Shikamaru glanced at Naruto and smirked, then chuckled before growing silent. Sasuke smirked as well, patting Naruto on the back.
"Yeah, let's not talk about that," Naruto said with a cough, hoping his face wasn't red. Most guys didn't talk about things like that, and he sure didn't plan on being some of the few that did. Could you say awkward?
"We don't have to," Kiba said with a large smile. "But there is something there?" Naruto looked away from the three, rubbing the back of his head.
"I don't know." Sasuke and Shikamaru shook their heads in amusement while Kiba laughed, all three noticing the red seep into their friend's face.
"Naruto!" someone called, out of breath. Neji stopped behind the group, stopping to take in gulps of air, waiting for his heart to slow.
"Neji?" Naruto asked, brows raised. He was beginning to feel a little worried. The one reason Neji hadn't been with them was for one reason alone. He'd said he would be staying with Hinata. Neji only left her side when he was watching her if he had to, and his facial expression wasn't comforting. Without realizing, Naruto's hands clenched to fists, and the icy feeling of fear had taken control.
"You've got to come quick," Neji said, still panting. "It's Hinata." Naruto needed no further encouragement.
"Where?" he asked lowly. Naruto was mentally killing himself inside his head. He'd left her alone, even when he knew the danger. He'd gone far enough that he wouldn't notice that man. He'd left her unprotected.
"For now she's at the Hokage's office," Neji said quickly. Naruto was gone before any of them could blink, tearing off to Tsunade's. If Hinata died, Naruto swore he'd kill that man. He didn't care if he'd die doing it, but he certainly wouldn't let him live with it. And if Hinata lived, he'd still kill him.
"Where is she?" Naruto asked immediately upon reaching Tsunade's office. Jiraiya was sitting on her desk, the woman herself gone from her chair. No, she was on the ground, kneeling over a limp form, Sakura, Ino and Shizune close by. Naruto gasped when he saw the blood around, and the gashes on Hinata. Jiraiya came up by him, draping an arm over his shoulder and leading him to the desk, where he sat Naruto down on the chair. Kakashi, Iruka, and many other familiar people were in the room. Of course, none of them recognized Naruto, but he really didn't care at the moment. He was just full of thoughts of hatred towards that man.
"Naruto, you okay?" Kiba whispered beside him, startling the blond. He turned and for the first time, realized Neji, Sasuke, Shikamaru and Kiba had been right beside him the whole time.
"I will be if she's okay," Naruto said dully.
"She will be," Tenten assured from beside Jiraiya. Naruto looked at her, and then passed her to Shino, Lee and Sai. They all smiled encouragingly.
"I hope you're right," Naruto whispered.

Sorry for the later-and kinda lame-update. Wattpad hasn't been working well for me, so I couldn't get the update up sooner. I've been tired, so this part isn't that good-or is it? I don't know- so sorry bout that. I don't know if you all got smoke where you are, but we've got it bad here, so yeah, it's been affecting me. Sorry about any grammar or spelling issues...I try to catch those reading through it, but ya know, your mind just replaces some things for you so you don't notice. Moving on, a thought has been in my mind since the last time I updated: How old do you guys think I am?