Hero's Heart

Chapter 11

Man of the World

Note: I know it may seem abrupt, but this is the final chapter of the story. I hope you've all been enjoying it. Be sure to stick around till the end of the story just in case you haven't already figured out what happens next.

Lord Hiashi walked off in silence while the rest of his Hyuga followed behind him. Meanwhile, everyone was speechless. They couldn't believe those last words he spoke. Hinata and Hanabi were the only Hyuga who stayed with Naruto. Of course, he was all banged up so all of the medical ninjas tried to help him out, but he insisted that he was fine. He slowly got back on his feet and took a deep breath.

"Haha, that didn't really go as expected," she said as he scratched the back of his head.

"Naruto-kun, are you okay?" Hinata came up next to him with much concern on her face.

"Don't worry Hinata. I'm fine. I did what I originally planned, didn't I? All we can do now is wait to see what happens."

"You're right." Hinata kissed him on the cheek and hoisted one of his arms over her shoulders. Some of the others there helped him returned him to his feet and guided him back to the village.

On the way there, they had to pass by the Hyuga temple where something strange had happened. The walls that surrounded the temple were gone. It was obvious that this was a recent event since there were still pieces falling and crumbling. Everyone in the group couldn't believe what they were witnessing. They couldn't believe that Naruto's were so effective.

"Hey, there's some kind of note here." Kiba went to the destroyed wall and picked up a piece of paper. "It's for you, Naruto." He handed to him, but Hinata was the one to grab it out of the air.

"To Uzumaki Naruto, you were right all of this time. I was just afraid to admit it. I truly believed that there was some kind of threat in the world when there wasn't. You managed to change this world completely, but I was just too blind to realize it. In the past, I prided myself in making sure the Hyuga were invincible when it comes to visible prowess, but even my eyes couldn't see reality happening around me. I hope you can forgive me for what I've done so I've decided to go away for some time. All I ask of you now is that you…" Hinata suddenly stopped mid-sentence and covered her mouth.

"What's wrong, Hinata?"

"All I ask of you now is that you love Hinata and give her everything you can. I mistreated her in the past, but now, she can have a future where someone loves her for who she is. I know now that that person is you. Goodbye… Hokage-sama." At that moment, Hinata lost strength in her legs. She collapsed to the ground, bringing Naruto with her.

"Hinata, are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Tears were starting to run down her face. Even though this note was for Naruto, it touched Hinata more in ways that no one could understand. "Naruto-kun, I'm so sorry."

"Why are you sorry?"

"I made you go through all of this. I feel terrible."

"You don't need to feel that way. I'm here for you now so I'll be the one to bear your pain. It's what I've been doing all of my life." He smiled at her, but his smile only made her cry even more. Hinata dropped the piece of paper and wrapped her other arm around him to give him a hug.

"Let's hear it for Naruto and Hinata."

"Woo!"

…

After some time, the group finally split up once Naruto was feeling better. That's when it was just him and Hinata. She walked him back to his room just to be sure that he was alright. When they got back, Naruto slowly walked into his room.

"Naruto-kun, I think I'm going to leave."

"Wait!" His voice broke out from his room. "Ah, where are you?"

From where she was, it sounded as if Naruto was looking for something, but she wasn't exactly sure what he was doing. The other thing that seemed strange was that Naruto was acting as if he wasn't just nearly beaten to death. Hinata continued to stand there for some time until Naruto came out with his head drooped over towards the ground. When he got near Hinata, he put his hand on her shoulder and the two of them vanished. When they reappeared, Hinata saw that they were on top of Mt. Hokage.

"Naruto-kun, what's going on? Are you okay? Why did you bring me here? You need your rest…" At that moment, Hinata was forced to stop mid-sentence as Naruto pulled out a small box and got down on his knee.

"I know this may not seem like the most romantic place or time to do this, but I had to do this. I kept holding it off because I knew it wouldn't be right, but after what happened today, I know now that it's alright. Hyuga Hinata, will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me."

Hinata was complete in shock. She didn't see this coming even with her Byakugan. This random turn of events threw her off of her feet which made it almost impossible to answer him.

"N-Naruto-kun, I… I d-don't know what to say."

"I know. I'm doing this immediately after this whole conflict got resolved, but I thought about doing it before, but I would just have a guilty conscience. There was no way I would take away without the approval of the Hyuga. So now that things have settled over, I…"

"Yes."

A few seconds went by of complete silence.

"Eh?"

"I said yes." Hinata was starting to blush at Naruto's clueless reaction. "I will marry you."

Although Naruto couldn't believe she said yes, he returned to his feet and pulled out the ring to put on her finger. Again, there were a few seconds of silence as Naruto and Hinata looked at the beautiful ring on her finger.

"Naruto-kun, this is so beautiful. How did you get it?"

"It's part of the Hokage thing. We get a small fund that can be used for anything. I decided to use it for you. After all, you're worth it." He peered his eyes up and looked her in the eyes. "I love you Hinata."

"I love you too."

Naruto slowly put his hands on her cheeks and pulled her in for a kiss. Right as their lips touched, a rush of warmth ran through both of their bodies. All of this time, they didn't really know the feeling of love until now, and the only thing they could say about it was that it felt incredible.

…

A year went by and their wedding was finally upon them. Naruto was waiting at the altar and when he saw Hinata walking towards him, he started to get all sweaty and nervous. Lord Hiashi was walking her down the aisle so when they arrived at the altar, Hiashi gave Naruto a hand shake and a pat on his shoulder. For Naruto, that was their first good encounter and it was as good as he hoped for.

"Welcome dearly beloved, we are here to bind the fates of Hyuga Hinata and Uzumaki Naruto. Love is a peculiarly thing. Sometimes, it goes perfectly and sometimes, the most unexpected things bring fates together. That is what he have here today. Two completely different people coming to together to create a future worth living for. Do you both have your wedding vows?" They both nodded. "Well, then we shall start with our beautiful bride."

"Naruto-kun, I always remember that day where you stood up to those bullies. You were clearly outmatched and yet, you stood your ground and declared that you were better than them. All throughout my life, no one has ever stuck up for me like the way you did. Whenever I was in trouble or in pain, you were there to be by my side. I wouldn't be here if you weren't around. That's when I knew that it was more than that. I knew that I loved you. Unfortunately, I was never brave enough to tell you. You kept moving forward while I followed you constantly. Then you saved us from the Infinite Tsukuyomi and that's when I knew that we could never be a thing. Yet, you came out of nowhere and told me you loved me. It's such a weird story, but it means the world to me that you love me now. Thank you."

"Beautiful. Now for our groom."

"I'm still not good with words, but I did manage to prepare something that I think is pretty good." The crowd chuckled to his comment. "My life was filled with hate and pain. I thought that that was all there was to live for. When I found out about love from my mom, everything changed. I saw people differently and that eventually guided me to you. The bad thing was that I found out that you have loved me for so long and I was never there to return your feelings. All I can say now is thank you. I thank you for being so patient with me. I thank you for still loving a guy like me who is a complete airhead."

"You're a sweet airhead though." Hinata's comment caused the crowd to laugh again.

"Haha, yeah, I guess I am. I love you, Hinata."

"Aawww."

"Hinata, please repeat after me."

"I, Hyuga Hinata, promise to love you with all of my heart. I will be by your side through everything we experience. Through sickness and in health, till death do us part."

"Naruto, can you manage that?"

"Of course I can. I, Uzumaki Naruto, promise to love you with all of my heart. I will be the one to burden your pain and suffering. Let me be the one to make you happy. No matter what happens to me, I will love you always."

"Um, that wasn't exactly the correct wording, but who cares. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

At that moment, Naruto put his hands on Hinata's waist and dipped for a kiss.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Uzumaki."

"Woo!" The crowd went nuts. Most of the ones there were Naruto's and Hinata's friends so they were grateful that they were finally together. The long anticipated love story had finally reached its conclusion.

…

Years passed and the two of them gave birth to a son named Boruto and a daughter named Himawari. As times change, so do its people. How will this new generation change the world of the shinobi?

The End

Ending Note: I decided to make a continuation of this story called The Next Generation. This one covers the Boruto universe so if you're interested, the first chapter is already up. However, I want to thank you all who took the time to read this story. It means a lot to see how many of you and enjoying this story. Thank you so much for the support and continue to be incredible people.