章 3: Losing Myself in Hinata-chan's Voice
"I see," Iruka said after a moment's hesitation, then asked as gently as possible, "But I'd like to hear more about why you gave up on your dream?"
"No reason, really. It's just not my dream anymore, ya know?" Naruto shrugged, his trademark grin in place. "Iruka-sensei, you said Hokage is the strongest in the village, right?"
"Yes, I did say that," Iruka nodded, a hint of concern in his eyes.
"Well, the villagers are right, I'm just a loser. I can't become Hokage, can I?" Naruto asked, his voice uncharacteristically subdued.
"You can't say that. As long as you're willing to work hard, Naruto, you can achieve anything." Iruka was at a loss for words. He probably knew about Naruto's situation but couldn't speak freely due to the Third Hokage's gag order.
Naruto tilted his head and looked at Iruka with a confused expression, his blue eyes wide and questioning.
"Iruka-sensei, I don't want to be Hokage anymore. I want to change to a dream that's not so far out of reach, believe it!"
"What dream?" A bead of cold sweat broke out on Iruka's forehead. Even he didn't know why he was getting so worked up over a child's words.
"Probably just find a nice wife and get married like a normal adult," Naruto said, scratching his head, a faint blush coloring his whiskered cheeks.
Iruka was both surprised and a little frightened. For Naruto, ordinary dreams are even further out of reach. The bustling streets of Konoha, filled with families and couples, flashed through Iruka's mind, a stark contrast to Naruto's lonely existence.
It was impossible for Naruto to get married and have children in a normal way.
These words were stuck in Iruka's throat. Thinking of those cold looks and rejection directed at the orphan, Iruka felt a pang in his heart.
Regardless of everything, Naruto had the Nine-Tails sealed inside his body, protecting the people in the village. But while Naruto made this sacrifice and became a Jinchuriki forever, he had to suffer the villagers' scorn.
Iruka's parents had both died in the Nine-Tails' attack, but he couldn't bring himself to hate the fatherless boy in front of him.
It wasn't Naruto who was wrong; it was the Nine-Tails.
Naruto had been made into the Nine-Tails' container at birth and had lived to this day being hated and despised by others.
Suddenly, Iruka realized that Naruto might have grown up and understood the disgust and hatred in the villagers' eyes. When this idea formed in his mind, Iruka suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
Once the seeds of hatred are planted in a Jinchuriki's heart, the consequences could be disastrous!
Iruka's eyes flashed, and when he looked again, Naruto still had that bright smile on his face, as if his earlier words were just a passing cloud.
"Naruto, your dream..."
"What's wrong with it? It's great, isn't it, Iruka-sensei!" Naruto's smile was still bright. "Iruka-sensei, you're so old and don't have a girlfriend. You must have a lot of savings, right? Maybe you can treat me to ramen, dattebayo!"
"Hey!" Iruka's heart nearly exploded when he heard this. He clenched his fists and shouted, "Naruto!"
"Help!" Naruto fled in response, his laughter echoing in the air.
While the two were horsing around, Hinata beside them was blushing so much that she looked like she might faint from embarrassment. Her little hands were clasped together, and she was mumbling something inaudible, her lavender eyes fixed on Naruto.
"Alright, let's stop here," Iruka said with a straight face, trying to regain his composure. "Be sure to remember to go to school tomorrow! Naruto!"
"Yes, Iruka-sensei," Naruto lowered his head, looking properly chastised, though a mischievous glint remained in his eyes.
Inadvertently, both of their eyes moved to Hinata, who was bowing her head and saying nothing. Hinata groaned, and her face quickly turned red again.
"Naruto, you can go home by yourself. I'll take Hinata home first. Will you be okay alone?" Iruka said, holding his forehead.
Just as Naruto was about to respond, the familiar panel popped up again without any warning. Naruto's eyes widened slightly as he read the options:
[Option 1: Pursue Sakura. Reward: S-rank jutsu.]
[Option 2: Pursue Hinata and avoid ten years of detours. Reward: Nine-Tails' recognition (you can use Nine-Tails Chakra at will)]
[Note: Option 1 will give you mastery of a random S-rank Jutsu (there is a chance of obtaining the rare Wood Style Jutsu), option 2 is a progress reward, following the strategy will unlock rewards simultaneously.]
Naruto's mind raced. This was basically a no-brainer. The power of the Nine-Tails was not comparable to that of an S-rank jutsu. Plus, the idea of having the Nine-Tails' cooperation instead of constant conflict was incredibly appealing.
Furthermore, even if there were no reward, if he had to choose between Sakura and Hinata as his target, Naruto would choose Hinata without hesitation. If for no other reason, he had to ensure his future children would eat well, right? Bigger is better!
With a mental grin, Naruto made his choice. Choose the second one!
[Task successfully started. Please complete it first.]
"Iruka-sensei!" Naruto suddenly interrupted, his voice filled with determination. "Let me take Hinata home!"
"Ah!" Hinata blushed to her ears when she heard this and couldn't help but turn around, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Huh?" Iruka looked at Naruto with some confusion, his eyebrows raised.
"I know where Hinata's home is, and I've walked her there before," Naruto explained with a smile, scratching the back of his head. "Iruka-sensei, it would be too troublesome if you went the wrong way, wouldn't it?"
"Well..." Iruka hesitated, but when he thought of the cold Hyuga clan, he agreed. "Alright, Naruto. You have to protect Hinata and fulfill your duty as a man!" Iruka said with a smile.
"Yes! I'll protect Hinata well, believe it!" Naruto responded with a bright smile, pumping his fist in the air.
After Iruka left, Naruto patted Hinata on the shoulder. She was startled, tears welling up in her eyes.
"It's okay, I'll take you home, Hinata," Naruto smiled gently, his voice becoming much softer. He could feel the Nine-Tails' chakra stirring within him, a warm, powerful sensation that seemed to respond to his emotions.
"Thank you, Naruto-kun," Hinata's voice was barely above a whisper, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her jacket.
"Then give me your hand."
"Hinata-chan."
"W-Why?" Hinata was startled, her face red, and she was stammering.
"It's dangerous for a girl to walk alone at night, isn't it? Wouldn't it be safer if friends hold hands?" Naruto said, his voice filled with innocent logic.
"That's true, but... Naruto-kun's hand..." Hinata hesitated, her heart racing at the thought.
"What's wrong? Does it bother you? I'm sorry." Naruto's face fell slightly, worried he'd upset her.
"No! It doesn't!" Hinata shook her head vigorously and carefully offered her hand, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure Naruto could hear it.
As soon as she felt the warmth from Naruto's palm, Hinata felt like a warm current was flowing through her heart, and her uneasiness instantly calmed. Naruto, too, felt a surge of the Nine-Tails' chakra, more controlled and less volatile than ever before.
Naruto-kun didn't lie to me, so I feel more at ease, Hinata thought.
But this is considered holding hands, right?
What are you thinking about? Naruto-kun probably didn't think about that at all.
Looking at Naruto, who was half a body ahead of her, Hinata suddenly felt flustered. Naruto-kun is really a very gentle person at heart.
Naruto, who was walking in front holding Hinata's hand, was completely unaware of Hinata's thoughts. He felt the Nine-Tails' chakra overflowing from his body, constantly circulating through his chakra network, and he couldn't help but feel elated. The chakra felt different now - less angry, more cooperative. It was as if the Nine-Tails was responding to his actions.
Sure enough, it worked, Naruto thought, a grin spreading across his face.
The streets of Konoha were quiet in the evening, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating their path. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze and the distant sounds of the village settling down for the night created a peaceful atmosphere.
Naruto walked Hinata to the gate of the Hyuga residence and stopped. Unless necessary, the Hyuga clan did not welcome outsiders, let alone him. The imposing gates loomed before them, a stark reminder of the divide between their worlds.
"Thank you for walking me home, Naruto-kun." Hinata bowed to Naruto, her ears red, her slender neck flushed.
"It's my pleasure. Thank you, Hinata, for coming to find me." Naruto waved to Hinata, his smile bright in the dim light. "Have a good night's sleep, Hinata-chan!" After saying that, Naruto turned around and ran away, heading towards the darkness in the distance, his black short-sleeved shirt blending into the night.
Hinata lost herself in the sound of "Hinata-chan" and whispered while holding the wooden door, her heart full of warmth and a newfound hope.
"See you tomorrow, Naruto-kun."
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