Eight days had already passed since they embarked on the hunting mission within the singular dimension. During this period, the intimacy between Naruto and Hinata was deepening, increasing the level of comfort and complicity between them.
Over this interval, they also made several discoveries. The main one was that the Hinata of this universe was not very different from the Hinata in Naruto's world. Their childhood memories lined up perfectly, however, the course of their lives began to diverge after Jiraiya's death.
"It's lasting longer than usual," commented Naruto, referring to the time they were spending in the hunting dimension.
He conjectured that this increase in duration could be associated with his growing power, which consequently allowed him to stay for a longer time in this dimension.
Naruto couldn't rely completely on the information he had read in the original narrative about the pocket-hunting dimension, since the path he took was different. At this point, the use of chakra, and even the use of shadow clones, became significant advantages for him, in addition to other acquired abilities.
"You previously mentioned it would normally last a week," Hinata reflected. "However, taking into account the fact that you were able to bring me to this dimension, and the way you have evolved, perhaps these factors have influenced the extension of time you can spend here."
"Yes, it makes sense," Naruto agreed with her analysis.
Both continued their journey. The trail through the second map was quiet, posing no real danger to Naruto.
Hinata proved capable of dealing with most of the beasts they encountered. Only those from the upper floors proved beyond her combat capability.
"Eat another piece of the fruit. It will increment your strength a little more," suggested Naruto.
Hinata smiled, nodding positively this time. She took the piece of golden fruit from his hands and took a bite. In no time, the juice of the fruit spread through her body, providing a refreshing and at the same time invigorating sensation, reanimating every cell in her body, making her feel more energized than usual.
"It's always a surprise with every bite I take from this fruit..." Hinata exclaimed, amazed.
If possible, she would like her children to also have the opportunity to experience something like this, but it was virtually impossible.
As if reading her thoughts, Naruto spoke: "If you want, I can seal a fruit in your arm. When you return, just undo the seal and you can include small pieces in Boruto and Himawari's meals."
"That wouldn't be a bad idea...", Hinata's eyes lit up at the suggestion, but soon she questioned: "Are you sure? I know you mentioned that you have many of these fruits, but..."
"Don't worry, you've been of great help in the past few days. This is the least I can do. Although it may seem presumptuous for me to say this, I feel as if they too are part of my family."
"No, it's not presumptuous. I kind of feel the same way." Hinata laughed a little at Naruto's expression and placed her hand on his shoulder, leaning on him.
Over the past few days, she had gotten quite close to him. By knowing his past, she realized that he was not very different from the Naruto she knew. Despite some differences and him being younger than the Naruto she married and had children with, this current Naruto seemed in some ways more mature and responsible...
However, these thoughts were something she preferred not to verbalize. And, as soon as they surfaced, she dismissed them.
Two more days passed on that second floor. Naruto had sealed a golden fruit on Hinata's arm when suddenly his mind darkened and he opened his eyes.
'I've returned...' Naruto murmured in his mind, with a slight feeling of nostalgia.
Hinata woke up abruptly, surprised to see the seal on her arm.
'This is real...' For a moment, she imagined that the last nine days spent with the younger, red-haired version of Naruto were nothing but a dream, but apparently, it was not so.
It was unbelievable that all of this was real.
However, she decided not to break the seal on her arm.
Being very careful not to wake up Himawari, Hinata got out of bed.
When she reached the kitchen, she took a glass of water and sighed.
"Mom?"
Hearing the voice behind her, Hinata, now strengthened by the powers of the golden fruit, already knew who it was, even before her son said a word. With a gentle smile, she turned and said, "Boruto, why are you still awake?"
"Bathroom," Boruto simply responded.
"I see." Hinata put the glass on the table and approached Boruto. Stroking his head, she said, "Alright, but go back to bed soon."
"Mom! I'm not a child anymore!" Boruto retorted, pushing her hand away with an embarrassed gesture.
"Hehe, to me, you will always be my baby," Hinata retorted, unfazed, giving him a sly smile.
Boruto was speechless, he turned around and ran to the bedroom, exclaiming, "Whatever, but don't do that in front of my friends!"
"Hahaha," Hinata laughed cheerfully at his reaction. Soon, she headed to the bathroom. After turning on the light and seeing her reflection in the mirror, she was surprised, "Do I look younger? And... this skin, how can it be so soft?" She touched her face.
Remembering everything Naruto had told her, she realized that, as incredible as it seemed, he was right. The fruit was so rich in vitality that it was capable of rejuvenating someone. Moreover, she felt at least three times stronger and had the feeling that her chakra flow was much easier to control.
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