Orange, Spirals and Everything Nice

Forty: This Present

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters or the setting of the story. They all exclusively belong to Mr. Masashi Kishimoto in all its rights.

"Naruto." Kurama called the hero from Hinata's memory bubble because the fox was worried that the knucklehead might be swallowed by negative emotions while worrying for his girlfriend. But to the beast's surprise, Naruto shot up his head to face him with his goofy grin pasted on his whiskered cheeks. 

"Neh, Kurama," Naruto beamed, "Is there a way to give this orb back to Hinata?" he asked.

The beast smiled in relief. At least the blonde didn't lose himself because of the Hyuuga's sacrifice again. This isn't like that battle with Pain, when Kurama wasn't friends with Naruto.

Oh, how successful he might have been in devouring Naruto's fury because of the same girl's sacrifice if it wasn't for Minato's interference. But right now, Kurama was glad that he never won against Naruto when he was still considered a demon fox---- a tool of hatred and destruction. 

The brat had healed him and cooled all his anguish into what humans call as "love" and "friendship." Something that Naruto had always wanted his whole life. And now, that same 'love' and 'friendship' have been the reasons why they won the war, succeeded with the moon mission, and the battle against the Ikizokus. 

Humans call them strength, which the fox now understood. Just like the 'bonds' that the Hyuuga girl had pointed out to Naruto during the war. 

The bonds which can never be broken, even in death. 

The bonds which exists within oneself, buried deep in his or her soul. 

That bond which keeps someone from ever giving up. 

And Naruto taught the great Kurama all of that. 

"Of course." Kurama grinned after a long pause. The fox knew how much the Hyuuga girl means to his vessel and he's more than willing to help him in any way he can. "Go back to your consciousness and infuse my chakra into the orb so you can pull it out of your body. Then give it back to the Hyuuga girl." he instructed.

Naruto cocked his head to the side and frowned at the beast. "Are you sure this is gonna work?"

Kurama chuckled.  "There is a certain way to make it work." he teased. "Why don't you give it back to her the same way she gave it to you, idiot?"

The blonde instantly flushed at the suggestion and whined, yelling the fox's name before leaving. Kurama only chuckled before he returned to his slumber, saying a final 'good luck' to the foolish brat.

________________________________

Naruto shifted when he returned beside Hinata who was still thankfully beside him on that patch of grass as they leaned on a tree. The hero had been flustered by Kurama's suggestion as he glanced at the breathtaking woman beside him. Instantly making his poor heart race in the process. 

"Damn! The things you do to me, Hyuuga Hinata!"

Hinata suddenly glanced up to him with a curious look on her pretty face. She was equally covered in dust and scratches and a few small bruises from the recent battle, but none of those ever managed to make her less captivating.