A/N

Hello, and welcome to Chapter Four! Not much to say this time, but I wanted to let you know that I'll be updating this story frequently while I'm feeling very motivated.

Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 4 – Happiness Never Lasts

It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling corridors of Kamii University. He had just finished his morning shift at the bookstore and was heading to his literature class, eager to dive into the world of words and stories that offered him a brief escape from his tumultuous life.

As he entered the classroom, he noticed a group of students gathered around a bulletin board, checking their assignments. Naruto approached, curious to see who he had been paired with for the upcoming project.

"Hey, Naruto!" a familiar voice called out. Naruto turned to see Ken Kaneki, one of his classmates and a fellow book lover. Ken's friendly smile was a welcome sight. "Looks like we've all been assigned partners for the literature project. Have you checked the list yet?"

Naruto shook his head. "Not yet. Who did you get?"

Kaneki glanced at the list again. "I've been paired with Hide. Should be fun. What about you?"

Naruto scanned the list, his finger tracing down the names until he found his own. "Naruto Uzumaki... Hinata Hyuga."

Kaneki's eyes lit up with recognition. " Hinata Hyuga? She's in our class too. Quiet girl, but nice. You two should get along well."

Naruto nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He hadn't interacted much with Hinata before, but he was looking forward to getting to know her.

As the students took their seats, the professor entered the room, calling for attention. "Alright, everyone, settle down. You've all seen your assigned partners for the project. Use this opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other. Now, let's get started on today's lesson."

Naruto found Hinata sitting near the back of the room, her attention focused on her notebook. Gathering his courage, he approached her with a friendly smile.

"Hi, Hinata," he greeted, feeling a bit awkward. "Looks like we're partners for the project."

Hinata looked up, her eyes widening slightly in surprise before a warm smile spread across her face. "Oh, hello, Naruto. Yes, I saw that. It's nice to meet you."

Naruto felt a sense of relief at her friendly response. "Nice to meet you too. Do you have any ideas for the project?"

Hinata tilted her head thoughtfully. "I was thinking we could do something about classic literature. Maybe explore the themes and how they relate to modern society?"

Naruto's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "That sounds great! I love classic literature. We could compare different works and see how their themes still resonate today."

Hinata nodded, her smile growing. "Perfect. Why don't we meet after class to discuss it more?"

After class, Naruto and Hinata found a quiet corner in the library. They spread out their books and notes, diving into a lively discussion about their project. Naruto was impressed by Hinata's insights and her passion for literature. She was thoughtful and articulate, and he found himself enjoying their conversation more than he had expected.

As they worked, Naruto noticed Kaneki and Hideyoshi, often called Hide, studying at a nearby table. Kaneki glanced over and gave Naruto an encouraging thumbs up, making him chuckle.

"Your friend Kaneki seems nice," Hinata commented, following Naruto's gaze.

"Yeah, he's a good guy," Naruto replied. "We both love books, so we get along well."

Hinata smiled. "It's good to have friends who share your interests. I'm glad we got paired up for this project, Naruto. I think we'll make a great team."

Naruto felt a warmth spread through him at her words. "Me too, Hinata. I'm looking forward to working with you."

Over the next few weeks, Naruto and Hinata spent a lot of time together, working on their project and getting to know each other. Their initial awkwardness gave way to a comfortable camaraderie, and Naruto found himself looking forward to their meetings. Hinata's presence was a bright spot in his life, a reminder that there was still goodness and light in the world.

As their project took shape, Naruto couldn't help but feel a growing connection to Hinata. She was kind, intelligent, and genuinely interested in his thoughts and ideas. For the first time in a long while, Naruto felt a sense of normalcy and happiness that he had thought was beyond his reach.

One afternoon, Naruto returned home with Hinata. She was outgoing, with a warm smile that seemed to brighten the room. Naruto introduced her to Rize with a hint of pride, clearly enjoying the semblance of normalcy he had managed to achieve.

"Rize, this is Hinata. We have a project to work on for class," Naruto explained, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Rize forced a smile, masking her irritation. "Nice to meet you, Hinata," she said, her voice sweet but with an undercurrent of something darker.

Hinata returned the smile, oblivious to the tension in the room. "It's nice to meet you too, Rize. Naruto talks about you all the time. He says you're a big reader."

Rize nodded, her smile tight. "Yes, I enjoy reading. Naruto brings me some great books."

As Naruto and Hinata settled at the small table in the living room, spreading out their project materials, Rize watched them from the corner of her eye. The ease with which Hinata interacted with Naruto, the genuine laughter they shared it all grated on her nerves. She felt like an outsider in her own home, a role she was not accustomed to.

Hours passed, and as the sun set, Hinata prepared to leave. "Thank you for having me over, Rize. It was great meeting you," she said with a warm smile.

Rize nodded, her smile strained. "You're welcome. Have a good evening."

After Hinata left, the apartment fell into an uneasy silence. Naruto sensed the tension and turned to Rize. "Rize, are you okay? You seemed a bit off tonight."

Rize's eyes flashed with irritation. "I'm fine, Naruto. I just... wasn't expecting company."

Naruto sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Rize. I should have asked you first. I just thought... maybe it would be nice to have some normal interaction."

Rize looked away, her voice cold. "Normal interaction? With humans? You know that's not possible for me."

Naruto stepped closer, his expression filled with concern. "I know it's hard, Rize. But I'm trying to make a life here, a real life. Can't you at least try to understand that?"

Rize's eyes softened for a moment, but the darkness quickly returned. "I do understand, Naruto. But this life you want... it's not for me. It's boring. It's suffocating."

Naruto felt a wave of sadness wash over him. He had hoped that this new life could bring them both some measure of peace, but it seemed that Rize's nature was an insurmountable barrier. "Rize, I care about you. I want us to be happy. But I can't keep living in fear. I need this."

Rize's eyes narrowed, a predatory glint appearing. "And what about me, Naruto? What do I need?"

Naruto's heart ached as he looked at her. "I don't know, Rize. I don't know if I can give you what you need."

The days that followed were tense. Naruto continued to see Hinata at school, their friendship growing. Hinata often visited their apartment to work on projects, and while Naruto enjoyed these moments of normalcy, Rize's resentment simmered beneath the surface.

One evening, after Hinata had left, Rize confronted Naruto. "Why do you keep bringing her here?"

Naruto looked at her, his expression pained. "Because she's my friend, Rize. I can't just shut people out of my life."

Rize's eyes were filled with anger and something else jealousy. "She's not like us, Naruto. She can't understand what we are."

Naruto took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I know, but that doesn't mean I have to be alone. I need connections, Rize. I need a life that feels real."

Rize's voice dropped to a whisper, filled with a cold determination. "Be careful, Naruto. Humans are fragile. They break easily."

Naruto felt a chill run down his spine. "Rize, don't threaten her. Hinata is my friend, and I won't let anything happen to her."

Rize's smile was unsettling, a mixture of sweetness and menace. "Of course, Naruto. I would never harm your precious friend."

But as Naruto turned away, a knot of fear tightened in his chest. He knew that Rize was unpredictable, her hunger and resentment a dangerous combination. The life he wanted seemed to slip further from his grasp with each passing day, and he could only hope that he could find a way to keep Rize's darkness at bay.

One afternoon after classes, he, Kaneki, Hide, and Hinata decided to walk home together. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the city, and the streets were bustling with the end of day rush.

As they strolled along, their conversation flowed easily, touching on various topics from their classes to their favourite books and hobbies. Naruto felt a warmth in his heart, a feeling of belonging that he had longed for.

"Hey, Naruto," Hide said, grinning. "Did you finish that book we talked about?"

Naruto smiled, nodding. "Yeah, it was great. I loved the way it explored the characters' struggles and triumphs; Sen Takatsuki is a great writer. "

Kaneki, joining the conversation. "Speaking of struggles, have you ever thought about how much hardship people go through in real life? I mean, not just in books, but in our world."

Hinata nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, especially with everything that's happening in our city. The constant fear and tension."

Naruto felt a pang of anxiety. This was the perfect opportunity to broach a topic that had been weighing heavily on his mind. He took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Speaking of fear and tension, what do you all think about ghouls? You know, with everything the CCG says and does."

The question hung in the air, and his friends exchanged glances. Kaneki was the first to speak, his voice hesitant. "Well, it's hard not to be scared of them. The CCG is always talking about how dangerous they are, and we've seen the damage they can do."

Hide nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I mean, they're like predators, right? They hunt humans and cause so much destruction. It's hard to see them as anything but a threat."

Hinata sighed, her expression conflicted. "I understand that not all ghouls might be evil, but it's hard to trust them when you hear so many horror stories. I guess fear makes it difficult to see the good in them."

Naruto's heart sank. He had hoped for a more open-minded response, but he couldn't blame his friends for their fear and prejudice. The CCG's propaganda was pervasive, painting ghouls as monsters without exception.

He forced a smile, trying to keep the conversation light. "Yeah, it's definitely a complicated situation. I guess it's hard to know what to believe."

Kaneki glanced at Naruto, his expression curious. "Why do you ask, Naruto? Do you have a different perspective on ghouls?"

Naruto hesitated, feeling the weight of his secret pressing down on him. "I just think that maybe not all ghouls are as bad as they're made out to be. Maybe some of them are just trying to survive, like anyone else."

Hide shrugged. "Maybe, but it's hard to tell. The CCG is pretty adamant about their mission, and they've been fighting ghouls for a long time."

Hinata nodded, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "I guess it's just hard to see past the fear."

Naruto felt a pang of sadness, realizing that revealing his true nature would be much more difficult than he had hoped. His friends' fear and prejudice were deeply ingrained, and he couldn't blame them for it. The world they lived in was harsh and unforgiving, and trust was a rare commodity.

As they continued their walk, Naruto found himself lost in thought. He wanted to believe that there was hope for understanding and acceptance, but the reality was far more complicated. His friends' reactions had made it clear that the road to acceptance would be long and arduous.

When they reached their destination, Kaneki turned to Naruto with a smile. "Thanks for walking with us, Naruto. It's always good to have these conversations, even if they're tough."

Naruto nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, it's important to talk about these things. Thanks for being honest."

As they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, Naruto felt a heavy weight on his shoulders. He had hoped for a glimpse of understanding, a sign that his friends might accept him for who he truly was. But their fear and prejudice were a stark reminder of the challenges he faced.

Back in his small apartment, Naruto sat at his desk, his thoughts swirling. He opened his notebook and began to write, pouring his emotions onto the page. Writing was his solace, a way to process the turmoil inside him.

Despite the difficulties, Naruto remained determined. He believed in the possibility of understanding and acceptance, even if it seemed distant. He would continue to be the best friend he could be, showing kindness and empathy in the hope that one day, his friends might see him for who he truly was—a person, not a monster.

The next couple of days at Kami University were a blend of hard work and camaraderie. He attended his classes diligently, diving deep into literature and other subjects. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and his professors often praised his dedication. But beyond academics, it was the friendships he forged that truly enriched his experience.

One afternoon, after a particularly engaging lecture on classical literature, Naruto, Hinata, Kaneki, and Hide gathered in the campus courtyard. They sat under a large oak tree, their textbooks and notebooks spread out before them.

"This discussion on Dostoevsky was really something," Kaneki said, adjusting his glasses. "His exploration of human nature is so profound."

Hinata nodded enthusiastically. "I agree. The way he delves into the complexities of morality and the human psyche is fascinating."

Naruto smiled, feeling at ease with his friends. "Dostoevsky's works are a reminder that people are not just black and white. There's a lot of grey area in between."

Hide leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It's like life, isn't it? We're all just trying to navigate that grey area."

As they continued their discussion, Naruto felt a deep sense of belonging. These moments of intellectual exchange and mutual respect were what he cherished most about his time at university.

The next day, Hinata invited Naruto to her family's home for dinner. It was a significant gesture, and Naruto felt both honored and nervous. He wanted to make a good impression and show Hinata's family that he was worthy of their trust and friendship.

Hinata's family lived in a quaint, cozy house in a quiet neighbourhood. As Naruto approached the front door, he took a deep breath and rang the bell. Hinata answered, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

"Naruto! I'm so glad you could make it. Come in," she said, stepping aside to let him in.

Naruto stepped inside, taking in the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The walls were adorned with family photos and artwork, and the scent of a home-cooked meal filled the air.

"Naruto, this is my mother and father," Hinata said, introducing him to her parents. "And this is my younger sister, Hanabi."

Her parents greeted Naruto with kind smiles. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Naruto," her mother said. "Hinata has told us a lot about you."

Naruto bowed slightly, feeling a mix of gratitude and nervousness. "Thank you for having me. It's an honor to be here."

Dinner was a pleasant affair. Hinata's family was warm and engaging, asking Naruto about his studies and interests. He shared stories of his time at the bookstore and his passion for literature, feeling more at ease as the evening went on.

As they enjoyed dessert, Hinata's father leaned back and looked at Naruto thoughtfully. "It's clear that you're a good friend to Hinata, Naruto. We're glad she has someone like you in her life."

Naruto felt a swell of emotion, grateful for the acceptance and kindness. "Thank you, sir. Hinata is a wonderful friend, and I'm lucky to know her."

After dinner, as Naruto was leaving, Hinata walked him to the door. "Thank you for coming, Naruto. It meant a lot to me."

Naruto smiled warmly. "Thank you for inviting me. Your family is wonderful."

When Naruto returned to his apartment, he found Rize waiting for him. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a tension in the air that he couldn't ignore.

"You're back," Rize said, her voice tight.

"Yeah, I had dinner at Hinata's place," Naruto replied, trying to keep his tone light.

Rize's eyes darkened, a flicker of something dangerous passing through them. "You spend a lot of time with her."

Naruto sighed, sensing the brewing storm. "Rize, she's my friend. We have a lot in common, and her family invited me over. It was just dinner."

Rize stepped closer, her gaze piercing. "Just dinner? You think I don't see what's happening? She's becoming more important to you than me."

Naruto felt a mix of frustration and sadness. "Rize, you're important to me too. But I need to have a life, to make friends. You can't expect me to isolate myself."

Rize's eyes flashed with anger. "You're mine, Naruto. Don't forget that."

Naruto took a step back, trying to calm the situation. "Rize, I'm not trying to replace you. I'm just trying to find a balance. Please understand."

Rize's expression softened slightly, but the darkness in her eyes remained. "Fine. But don't think for a second that I'll let her take you away from me."

Naruto nodded, feeling a knot of anxiety in his stomach. "I won't, Rize. Just... try to trust me, okay?"

Rize didn't respond, but the tension in the room was palpable. Naruto knew that finding a balance between his friendships and his relationship with Rize would be challenging. But he was determined to make it work, to find a way to bridge the gap between his human and ghoul worlds.

As he lay in bed that night, Naruto couldn't help but think about the complexities of his life. The acceptance he found with Hinata's family was a stark contrast to the jealousy and possessiveness he faced with Rize. But despite the challenges, he remained hopeful. He believed in the possibility of understanding and acceptance, even if it seemed distant.

The road ahead was uncertain, but Naruto was ready to face it with courage and resilience. With each step, he moved closer to the life he had always dreamed of, a life where he could be himself without fear. And with each word he wrote in his notebook, he built a bridge to a future filled with hope and possibility.

As the days passed at Kami University passed in a blur of lectures, study sessions, and time spent with friends. Among these friends, Hinata had become particularly important to Naruto. They shared a bond that went beyond their mutual love for literature. Their conversations were deep and meaningful, and Naruto found himself looking forward to every moment they spent together.

One crisp autumn afternoon, as the leaves turned golden and the air grew cooler, Naruto and Hinata decided to visit a nearby park. They walked side by side, their conversation flowing easily.

"Naruto, have you ever thought about the future?" Hinata asked, her voice soft.

Naruto smiled, looking at her. "All the time. I think about what I want to do, the kind of life I want to have. It's a bit scary, but also exciting."

Hinata nodded, her eyes thoughtful. "I feel the same way. There's so much uncertainty, but it's also a chance to create something beautiful."

As they continued their walk, a comfortable silence settled between them. They reached a quiet spot in the park, where they sat down on a bench, watching the world go by.

After a moment, Hinata turned to Naruto, her expression serious. "Naruto, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about."

Naruto's heart skipped a beat. "What is it, Hinata?"

Hinata took a deep breath, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I've been thinking a lot about us. About our friendship. And I realized that I have feelings for you. I really like you, Naruto. More than just as a friend."

Naruto felt a rush of emotions, happiness, confusion, and a twinge of fear. He had developed feelings for Hinata too, but the thought of revealing his true nature as a ghoul weighed heavily on his mind.

"Hinata," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "I like you too. A lot. But there's something you should know about me. Something important."

Hinata looked at him, her eyes filled with concern. "What is it, Naruto? You can tell me anything."

Naruto hesitated, the words caught in his throat. He wanted to tell her the truth, to be honest about who he was. But the fear of losing her, of seeing fear and disgust in her eyes, held him back.

Instead, he forced a smile. "It's just... I've had a complicated past. There's a lot you don't know about me. But I want to be with you, Hinata. I really do."

Hinata's expression softened, and she reached out to take his hand. "I understand, Naruto. We all have our secrets and our pasts. But I believe in you. And I want to be with you too."

Naruto squeezed her hand, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. He promised himself that he would tell her the truth when the time was right. For now, he wanted to cherish the happiness they had found together.

Their relationship blossomed in the weeks that followed. They spent more time together, exploring the city, studying, and sharing their dreams and fears. Hinata's presence brought a sense of normalcy and joy to Naruto's life, and he felt more at peace than he had in a long time.

One evening, as they sat in a cozy café, Hinata looked at Naruto with a mischievous smile. "So, are you going to tell me more about your mysterious past?"

Naruto chuckled, his heart aching with the secret he kept. "One day, Hinata. I promise. But for now, let's just enjoy this moment."

Hinata nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Fair enough. But you know, I'm here for you, no matter what."

Naruto's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered. "I know. And that means the world to me."

Later that night, as the moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the forest as Naruto, donning his Shino mask, moved silently through the underbrush. His ghoul eye had begun to show, a vivid reminder of the hunger gnawing at him from within. It had been days since he last fed, and the need for sustenance was becoming unbearable.

Naruto's mind was a whirl of thoughts and emotions as he navigated the forest. The life he had built, the friendships he cherished, and the future he dreamed of were all in jeopardy if he couldn't control his hunger. But he had found a way to survive without harming the innocent a secret spot where the desperate came to end their lives.

High in the forest was a place known only to a few a cliff that jutted out into the sky, where the hopeless and broken came to make their final leap. Naruto had stumbled upon this place during one of his midnight hunts, and it had since become a grim but necessary refuge.

As he approached the cliff, the sounds of the forest faded, replaced by the mournful whisper of the wind. The area was desolate, a stark reminder of the despair that drove people to this remote location. Naruto's heart ached for the souls who found themselves here, but his survival depended on their tragic decisions.

He reached the edge of the cliff and looked down at the jagged rocks below. It was a long way down, a fall that guaranteed the end. As he scanned the area, he spotted a body crumpled at the base of the cliff, the life already drained from it.

Naruto descended carefully, his ghoul eye glowing in the moonlight. When he reached the body, he removed his mask, allowing himself to fully embrace his ghoul nature. The sight of the lifeless form filled him with a mix of sorrow and relief. He hated that it had come to this, but he was grateful for the sustenance that would keep him from becoming the monster he feared.

He knelt beside the body, offering a silent prayer for the lost soul before giving in to his hunger. As he began to feed. The taste of flesh and blood was both a curse and a blessing, providing the nourishment he needed while reminding him of his ghoul nature.

As he fed, memories of his past flashed through his mind his time with Rize, their escape from the Sixth Ward, the missions with Aogiri Tree. The face of Hinata also appeared, her kind eyes and warm smile a stark contrast to the grim reality of his current situation. The burden of his secret weighed heavily on him, and he wondered how much longer he could keep it hidden.

When Naruto had finished, he stood up, wiping the blood from his lips. He replaced his mask, once again becoming The Shino, the feared ghoul. But beneath the mask, he was still Naruto, a young man struggling to find a balance between his dual nature.

He made his way back through the forest, the shadows of the trees stretching long and dark. The moonlight filtered through the branches, casting an otherworldly glow. As he walked, he couldn't shake the feeling of isolation, the sense that he was living on the edge of two worlds, never fully belonging to either.

By the time Naruto reached his apartment, the first light of dawn was beginning to creep over the horizon. He slipped inside quietly, hoping not to wake Rize. But she was already awake, sitting on the couch with a look of disapproval.

"You're late," she said, her voice cutting through the silence.

Naruto sighed, removing his mask and setting it aside. "I had to feed."

Rize's eyes narrowed, a flicker of understanding mixed with something darker. "You went to that cliff again, didn't you?"

Naruto nodded, too tired to argue. "It's better than killing someone. It's the only way I can survive without becoming a monster."

Rize's expression softened slightly, but the tension remained. "Just be careful, remember who you are Naruto."

Naruto nodded, grateful for her concern but also weary of the constant balancing act. "I know. I'll be fine."

As he made his way to his room, Naruto couldn't help but think about the future. The hunger, the secrecy, the fear it was all becoming too much. But he had to believe that there was a way out, a path that would lead to acceptance and understanding.

The next afternoon, as Hinata arrived at the apartment, Naruto greeted her at the door. This time, they were holding hands, their fingers intertwined. The sight was innocent yet profound, a clear sign of their blossoming relationship.

Rize stood in the doorway, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. Hinata greeted her warmly, oblivious to the storm brewing behind Rize's eyes.

"Hello, Rize," Hinata said, smiling. "Naruto and I were thinking of going to the park later. Would you like to join us?"

Rize forced a smile, her voice sweet but laced with bitterness. "No, thank you. You two enjoy yourselves."

As Naruto and Hinata settled down to work on another project, Rize retreated to her room, the door closing with a soft click. Inside, she paced, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. Naruto had chosen Hinata, a human, over her. Something inside Rize broke, and the darkness she had kept at bay surged forward, demanding to be unleashed.

A few days later that night, Naruto was fast asleep, his dreams filled with the hope and normalcy he had longed for. Rize, however, lay wide awake, her mind consumed by a single, dark thought. She slipped out of bed and dressed quietly, her movements smooth and silent. Tonight, she would hunt, and her target was Hinata.

As she stepped out into the night, Rize felt a twisted sense of purpose. She moved through the shadows, her senses sharp and predatory. She knew where Hinata lived; she had followed her once, driven by a need to understand the girl who had captured Naruto's heart.

Rize reached Hinata's house and waited, watching from the darkness. She knew Hinata would be returning home soon, and her patience was soon rewarded. Hinata appeared, walking with a light step, completely unaware of the danger lurking nearby.

As Hinata approached her apartment, Rize stepped out of the shadows, her eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger. "Hello, Hinata," she said, her voice soft and dangerous.

Hinata turned, surprise and confusion flashing across her face. "Rize? What are you doing here?"

Rize smiled, but it was a cold, menacing smile. "I needed to talk to you. About Naruto."

Hinata took a step back, sensing the danger. "What about him?"

Rize moved closer, her kagune unfurling with a deadly grace. "You see, Hinata, Naruto belongs to me. And I can't let anyone take him away."

Hinata's eyes widened with fear as she saw the transformation, realizing too late what Rize truly was. "Please, Rize, don't..."

But Rize's hunger and rage were too powerful to be stopped. In a swift, brutal motion, she struck, knocking Hinata down.

"W-why?" Hinata stammered, fear and confusion clouding her eyes, "Naruto would never want this. He's not like you. He's not a monster."

Rize's laughter was cold and hollow. "Oh, but he is, Hinata. He's exactly like me. A ghoul. A monster who eats humans."

Hinata's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "N-no… Naruto isn't a monster. He's kind, and he'll come… he'll save me."

Rize's smile twisted into something cruel and mocking. "Naruto won't be coming, Hinata. He belongs to me, and I won't let anyone take him away."

Hinata's tears flowed freely as she struggled against Rize's grip. "Naruto… he would never…"

But her words were cut short as Rize's kagune struck with deadly precision, silencing her pleas. Hinata's body went limp, the life draining from her eyes. Rize watched with a cold satisfaction, her hunger growing as she prepared to feast.

Rize knelt beside Hinata's lifeless body, her kagune retracting momentarily. She wiped the blood from her lips, savoring the taste. The act of consuming Hinata's flesh was both a declaration of her dominance and a twisted assertion of her control over Naruto.

"See, Hinata?" Rize whispered, her voice dripping with malice. "Naruto is mine. And now, you're just another meal."

As she devoured Hinata's body, Rize revelled in the gruesome satisfaction of her victory. The blood, the flesh, the sheer act of consumption it was all a part of her ghoul nature, a nature she embraced fully. The memory of Hinata's pleas and the hope in her eyes was a bitter reminder of the humanity Rize had long forsaken.

The sun had barely risen when the news broke. Naruto sat at his small kitchen table, the morning light casting a soft glow across the room. He was absentmindedly sipping his coffee when the headline on his tablet caught his eye: "Reported Ghoul Attack Last Night: Young Woman Found Dead in 20th Ward." His heart sank as he clicked on the article, dread pooling in his stomach.

The image accompanying the report was unmistakable it was Hinata. Half her body had been discovered in a remote area. Naruto's breath caught in his throat as he read the details, his mind struggling to process the reality of what had happened.

His phone buzzed incessantly, dragging him further into the nightmare. He picked it up to see multiple missed calls from Hinata's mother and a series of frantic texts from Kaneki.

"Naruto, I'm so sorry. I just found out about Hinata. This is horrible. Please, let me know if you need anything."

Naruto's hands trembled as he read the messages. His mind raced with questions, grief, and a growing sense of rage. He couldn't comprehend how someone so kind and full of life could be taken away so brutally.

"What could have happened to her?" he muttered to himself, his voice breaking. "Who could do this?"

The coffee mug in his hand shattered as his grip tightened unconsciously. His eyes burned with unshed tears, but it was the anger that consumed him. "A Ghoul," he growled, "they will pay. I'll make sure of it."

The intensity of his emotions was palpable, a storm of grief and fury that threatened to overwhelm him. He stood abruptly, knocking the chair over, and paced the room, unable to contain the rage that boiled within him.

Rize watched from the doorway, her expression unreadable. Seeing Naruto's raw anger stirred something deep inside her, a dark satisfaction mixed with a perverse fascination. The sight of his pain and determination only made her desire for him stronger.

"You look like you're ready to tear someone apart," she said, her voice laced with a twisted kind of admiration.

Naruto turned to her, his eyes blazing. "I will. Whoever did this will pay, Rize. I swear it."

Rize's lips curled into a smile. "Good. Use that anger, Naruto. Let it fuel you."

Naruto clenched his fists, struggling to rein in his emotions. "This wasn't just some random attack. It feels personal."

Rize stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. "Then you need to find out who did it. And when you do, make them suffer."

Naruto nodded, his resolve hardening. "I will. For Hinata."

Later that day, Naruto reached out to Kaneki, who suggested they meet at a new coffee place called Anteiku. Naruto agreed, hoping to find some solace and perhaps a lead on Hinata's killer.

As he entered Anteiku, Naruto was struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and the soft murmur of conversation created a peaceful ambiance. Kaneki waved him over from a corner table, a concerned look on his face.

"Naruto, over here," Kaneki called, his voice tinged with worry.

Naruto approached, trying to keep his emotions in check. "Thanks for meeting me, Kaneki."

Kaneki nodded, his eyes filled with sympathy. "I'm so sorry about Hinata. I can't believe this happened."

Naruto sat down, feeling a lump in his throat. "I don't know what to do, Kaneki. I need to find out who did this."

Before Kaneki could respond, a girl with blue hair approached their table to take their order. Naruto's senses immediately went on high alert. He could smell it she was a ghoul. He glanced around the café, his suspicion growing as he realized all the workers were ghouls.

"Can I get you anything?" the girl asked, her tone polite and professional.

Naruto forced a smile, hiding his unease. "Just a coffee, please."

As she walked away, Naruto's mind raced. Could the ghouls at Anteiku have had something to do with Hinata's death? The thought gnawed at him, and his anger began to bubble beneath the surface.

Kaneki noticed his tension. "Naruto, are you okay?"

Naruto nodded, barely containing his rage. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind."

Kaneki placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "We'll figure it out. Whatever you need, I'm here for you."

Naruto nodded, struggling to keep his emotions in check. "Thank you, Kaneki. I just... I need to do something."

They talked for a while longer, but Naruto's focus was split between the conversation and his growing suspicions. As they finished their coffee, Naruto made up his mind.

"Thanks for meeting me, Kaneki. I appreciate it," Naruto said, standing up.

Kaneki stood as well, concern etched on his face. "If you need anything, Naruto, just let me know. We're all here for you."

Naruto nodded, his mind already racing ahead. "I will. Thanks, Kaneki."

When Naruto returned home, he found Rize waiting for him, her expression expectant. "Did you find out anything?"

Naruto's eyes were hard as steel. "I think I have a lead. There's a café called Anteiku. It's run by ghouls. I think they might know something about Hinata's death."

Rize's smile was predatory. "So, what are you going to do?"

Naruto walked over to the corner of his room and picked up the Shino mask. He held it for a moment, the weight of it familiar and reassuring. "I'm done with hiding, Rize. If people want to mess with me, fine. I'll show them the Shino of the 6th Ward."

Rize's eyes gleamed with dark satisfaction. "That's the Naruto I know. Go show them who you really are."

Naruto donned the mask, feeling the transformation take hold. The fearsome persona of The Shino enveloped him, and with it, a cold, determined resolve. He was ready to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

As he stepped out into the night, the mask concealing his identity, Naruto felt a surge of power and purpose. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: he would find Hinata's killer and make them pay.

The dawn of The Shino had arrived, and with it, a reckoning for those who dared to stand in his way.

Chapter 4 – Happiness Never Lasts End

A/N

That's the end of this chapter. In the next one, we'll finally see Rize meet Kaneki, while Naruto causes chaos in the 20th Ward.

I wonder how he'll react once he learns it was Rize who killed poor Hinata...

Thanks for reading!