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"So, Naruto...Got any plans for the holidays?" "If they involve barbecue, can I come?" "Don't be an idiot, Choji." Shikamaru scolded. "This is the first Christmas Naruto's not gonna spend moping around his house. He probably has something special planned." "Does Hinata have anything in mind?" Lee asked. "Yeah, actually..." Naruto replied, running a hand through his hair. "We're going to have dinner with Hinata's family at the Hyuga mansion." "That sounds fun." "You kidding? I'd be way too nervous to even step foot in that mansion." Choji whined. "I mean, I get you're Konoha's hero & all, but it's still tough to impress the super-protective father of a hot teenage girl no matter how legendary you are!" "Could you try to sound like any more of a pig?" Shikamaru growled.

"Actually, for once Choji's right." Naruto muttered. "Hinata's dad and I have never met before, and the fact that we're going out is going to make the introduction even more awkward. I'm kinda nervous about this dinner." "What's there to be nervous about?" Lee inquired. "If Hinata likes you for who you are, so should he. Don't try to impress him by being someone you're not. Besides, as long as you're dating his daughter, he must respect you on some level." "I suppose so." A small grin teased Naruto's lips. "Thanks, Lee. That does make me feel better." "Atta boy! Say, you think you could ask Hinata to put in a good word for me with Sakura?" "LEE!" Choji & Naruto both laughed as Shikamaru's hand came down with tremendous force on the back of Lee's skull. "In any case, good luck, Naruto." "Yeah, just relax! You'll be fine!" "Thanks, guys." Naruto stole a glance at his watch & hopped to his feet. "I suppose I better get ready. See you guys later!"

"Meeting the parents for dinner, eh? Quite a big step in a relationship that began not too long ago." Kakashi chuckled. "And on Christmas, too...You've got your work cut out for you." Naruto groaned & buried his hands in his face. "You don't have to make me feel worse about it, Kakashi sensei." he muttered bitterly. "I don't know what I should do...Lee told me I should just be myself, but if I wasn't the village's hero everyone would hate me for who I am!" "Well, being yourself is a good start, but there are a few more things you need to do if you want to impress Lord Hiashi." Kakashi explained. "First...Always be polite. Saying please and thank you, using appropriate language, and excusing yourself every time a part of your body other than your mouth needs to make a sound will never hurt you."

"Second-be completely honest & truthful with Lord Hiashi & the rest of his family. Fathers loath the boyfriends of their daughters because they don't know their intentions, which worries them. If you are open & straightforward with your relationship, he'll definitely respect you." Naruto nodded. "What's the third thing?" "Ah yes...The third piece of the puzzle is a handshake. This will definitely be the most difficult obstacle you will encounter." Kakashi sighed & adjusted his vest slightly. "If, through some enormous stroke of luck, you manage to impress Lord Hiashi enough to convince him you're deserving of his daughter, he will reward you with a handshake. I feel obliged to warn you that you shouldn't expect this to happen tonight, but if you do everything I have told you, you should survive." Beneath Kakashi's mask, Naruto saw the contours of a smile form. "Good luck, Naruto. I want to hear all about it when you get back." "Thanks, Kakashi sensei. I will." Naruto's face lit up, then darkened with thought. "What is it?" "Kakashi sensei...Would it be too much to ask one more favor?" "Anything." "I need to borrow your tuxedo again."

"Can I help you?" Naruto gulped & slowly lifted his gaze to meet that of the tall, imposing man eyeing him with disdain. "Hiashi, this is Naruto Uzumaki. He's having dinner with us tonight, remember?" "Uzumaki? So you're the boy hero who's dating my daughter?" A cold sweat ran down the length of Naruto's back as Hiashi's intense gaze bore straight through his flesh & into his very being. "I must say, you're much less impressive in person." "Hiashi! Is that any way to talk to our guests?" Mrs. Hyuga scolded. "Especially one who's so important to Hinata!" Wheeling towards Naruto, the hateful expression was instantly replaced by a cheerful smile. "It's nice to see you again, Naruto. Come on inside." As Naruto moved to step inside, a strong hand clamped down on his shoulder, securing him in place. "I've heard a lot about you, Naruto..." Hiashi whispered furiously. "And I have to say, I don't like everything I hear. You'd better convince me of my mistake by the end of the night." Hiashi released his grip & stepped inside, followed moments later by a stunned Naruto.