Unknown Location
In the depths of a secluded cave, eleven shadowy figures stood in a circle, their faces obscured by the darkness. Each wore a distinctive black cloak adorned with red clouds, marking them as members of the infamous organization, Akatsuki. The atmosphere was thick with tension and anticipation.
"Greetings, everyone. I'm glad you could all make it to this meeting," said a man standing at the center. His voice was calm, yet commanding. His eyes, marked by eerie concentric circles, surveyed the group with an air of authority.
"How long has it been since we last met?" asked a figure near the back, hunched over with a tail twitching behind him.
"Six years, to be exact," replied another, his left eye hidden beneath a curtain of long, dark hair. His remaining eye glinted with a mix of disdain and nostalgia. "Ever since that snake bastard Orochimaru deserted us."
"Six years, huh? So why are we being summoned now?" questioned a towering man, a massive, wrapped object slung over his shoulder.
"It must be something significant if we're all called together now," added a shorter man, his eyes glowing with the distinct red of the Sharingan.
"Indeed, it is crucial," the leader confirmed, his voice drawing everyone's attention. "The Kyuubi vessel, Uzumaki Naruto, has resurfaced and returned to Konoha. This marks the beginning of our plans."
At the mention of Naruto, Itachi's expression remained impassive, but inside, a storm raged. Naruto is alive?! Impossible! He clenched his fists under his cloak. I know Naruto. I saw his body. I felt his absence.
Itachi's mind was transported back to that fateful day. He remembered returning from a mission to the devastating news of Naruto's death. Naruto had been his and Yugao's charge, a responsibility they both took seriously and personally. They had watched over him, trained him, protected him. The bond they formed was more than just duty; it was familial.
He had rushed to the morgue, his heart heavy with dread. Naruto's body lay on the cold slab, looking so peaceful despite the condition of his corpse. The sight had shattered him.
I saw him, Itachi recalled, his Sharingan capturing every detail. His lifeless form, the stillness of his chakra. It was undeniable.
"There's more to it," the leader continued, his tone grave. "He is not alone. He is accompanied by the Nibi vessel, and the two are inseparable."
Itachi remembered the moment he asked the Hokage for a private moment with Naruto. The Hokage had granted his request, and Yugao Uzuki, who looked like she hadn't slept in days, had accompanied him. Together, they entered the morgue, leaving the others outside.
Once we were alone, the dam broke, Itachi thought, his chest tightening at the memory. He and Yugao had mourned together for hours, their grief a shared burden. They had wept for the loss of Naruto, the vibrant, determined boy who had touched so many lives.
"What should we do, leader-sama?" asked Zetsu, his voice a strange amalgamation of two distinct tones, reflecting his dual nature.
Before the leader could respond, the towering figure with the wrapped object interjected impatiently, "Let's just go and capture them already."
"I agree with Kisame. I hate waiting," said another shadow, his restlessness palpable.
"Me too! Let's get this show on the road!" shouted a figure wielding a large scythe, his excitement barely contained.
"So, who do you think should go?" Zetsu asked, his question hanging in the air as the group awaited the leader's decision.
The leader paused, his rippled eyes reflecting the weight of his thoughts. "We need a strategic approach. Hidan and Kakuzu, you will track their movements. Kisame and Itachi, you will provide backup. The rest of you remain on standby. We cannot afford any mistakes."
Itachi nodded, his exterior calm, but inside, turmoil reigned. If Naruto is truly alive, why did I see his body? Who is behind this deception? He felt a fierce resolve harden within him. If someone dares to impersonate Naruto, they will pay dearly with their life.
The figures began to disperse, each ready to play their part in the unfolding plan. As they moved out, Itachi lingered a moment longer, his gaze intense. Naruto, if you truly have returned, I will uncover the truth. And if this is a deception, those responsible will face my wrath.
(Konoha)
Kurenai strolled through Konoha's bustling main street, her eyes wandering over the colorful array of goods in the market district. Being a ninja, especially a Jounin, provided her with a comfortable income, allowing her to indulge in occasional luxuries. Today, she was window shopping, enjoying the simple pleasure of browsing without a specific purpose.
As she passed a clothing store, a display caught her eye: a set of six panties in different colors, each adorned with a cute fox on the front and the word "foxy" on the back. A blush crept up her cheeks as she smiled, her thoughts drifting to the memories of a certain blond ninja who had recently returned to the village. Initially, her feelings for Naruto were mere admiration for his courage, but over time, influenced by Hinata's tales, those feelings grew more complex. It wasn't love—not yet—but she sensed it could become that if they grew closer.
Kurenai decided to step inside the store, feeling a mix of amusement and embarrassment as she purchased the panties. She also picked up a foxy plush toy that she couldn't resist. It was adorable, yet there was a subtle allure to it. The plush reminded her so much of Naruto that she secretly named it after him, though she'd never admit it to anyone. If questioned, she'd lie, claiming it was a keepsake from her deceased mother.
As she walked back to her home, Kurenai allowed herself to reminisce about her first real encounter with Naruto—one that she initially experienced through the eyes of a young Hinata.
Flashback
Fourteen-year-old Kurenai had been tasked with training a shy, five-year-old Hinata, a responsibility initially shouldered by Hinata's stern father. Kurenai understood that while Hiashi cared for his daughter, his rigid adherence to the Hyuuga traditions often masked his affection. Hinata, craving her father's love and approval, found solace in observing a certain blonde boy from afar.
Kurenai had noticed Hinata's secret glances at Naruto, who at seven years old, sought recognition and acknowledgement from everyone around him. Kurenai, out of curiosity, decided to spy on Naruto herself to understand what drew Hinata to him. She quickly saw what Hinata saw: Naruto was hardworking, confident, and kind-hearted, despite the village's cold treatment of him.
One day, Kurenai watched in horror as Naruto collapsed from chakra depletion. She knew that running out of chakra completely was fatal for most people. Yet, Naruto lay there, still breathing. His resilience was astonishing. Hinata, seeing this, hurried to his side, lifting him in her small arms and carrying him to the hospital. Kurenai couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and worry as she shadowed them, ready to intervene if necessary.
Flashback Ends
Kurenai chuckled softly, remembering how flustered Hinata had been. The humor faded quickly, replaced by a somber reflection on how she and Naruto had grown acquainted, only for her to feel as though she had betrayed him later on.
Another Flashback
At fifteen, Kurenai often found herself contemplating life while perched on a tree branch overlooking a cliff. She hadn't yet found a man to call her own, and while it didn't depress her, she yearned for companionship, someone to share her life with.
She considered the men she knew: Kakashi, who, despite his aloof demeanor, seemed like he could be a good father; Asuma, whose warmth and humor made him a top candidate; and Gai, whose energetic nature was too much for her taste.
Lost in thought, Kurenai lost her balance and fell from the tree, only to land safely in the arms of a young, surprisingly strong Naruto.
"Kurenai-san? What are you doing here?" Naruto asked, recognizing her by her red eyes.
Kurenai looked at the boy who had grown so much. "Naruto? I didn't recognize you without your orange clothes. What brings you here?"
"This is my thinking spot," he said simply, setting her down gently.
"Same here," Kurenai replied, sitting down again.
Naruto joined her, and they sat in silence for a while before Kurenai spoke. "I came here to think about... men. I'm the only one my age without a boyfriend, and it's starting to bother me."
Naruto listened intently, his young face serious. "Love is powerful, Kurenai-san. I don't think I've ever felt it because of... what I am."
She finished his sentence for him, "Because you're the vessel for the Kyuubi."
Naruto nodded, expecting her to recoil, but she didn't. Instead, she felt a pang of sympathy.
"I wish you luck in finding someone special, Kurenai-san," Naruto said, standing up. "And I'm sorry if I startled you."
"Sorry for what?"
"I thought you were an angel that fell from the sky," he admitted shyly before walking away.
Kurenai blushed at his words, watching him leave.
Flashback Ends
Kurenai sighed, feeling a mix of sadness and longing. She had grown to admire Naruto deeply, though she knew she could never have him. He belonged to Hinata, and she respected that. But her admiration for him wouldn't wane; she hoped to get to know him better, if he ever forgave her.
As she turned the corner towards her home, she was met by Asuma, his usual confident swagger on display.
"Kurenai," Asuma greeted her with an overly polite tone, "fancy meeting you here. How about we grab some coffee? My treat."
Kurenai felt her mood darken. "No, Asuma. I'm not interested."
Asuma's expression shifted from polite to annoyed. "You always turn me down, Kurenai. What's the matter? Afraid of a little company?"
She stopped walking and faced him, her eyes cold. "I would never date a man like you, Asuma. Especially after what you did."
He sneered, "That brat deserved it."
Kurenai's anger flared, and she took a step closer to him. "Naruto is not a brat. He's more of a man than you'll ever be. Is this all because of your petty jealousy yo had over a seven-year-old in the past? You really need to grow up, Asuma."
Asuma was about to retort when Hinata, walking nearby with Naruto and Shino, noticed the tense interaction. She nudged Naruto, concern evident in her eyes. "Naruto-kun, look."
Naruto followed her gaze and saw Kurenai and Asuma. Without a word, he started towards them, with Hinata and Shino close behind.
"Kurenai-sensei, is everything alright?" Naruto's voice was calm, but his presence was commanding.
Kurenai turned to see the three approaching. Her expression softened slightly. "Yes, everything's fine now. Thank you, Naruto."
Asuma scoffed, looking at Naruto with disdain. "What do you want, boy?"
Naruto's eyes remained steady and unwavering. "Nothing that you have chimp. Just making sure Kurenai-sensei is okay. You got a problem with that?"
Asuma stepped closer, trying to intimidate Naruto. "Stay out of grown-up business, brat."
Naruto didn't flinch. "Funny, I didn't realize protecting people was just for grown-ups. You should be careful, Asuma. You might find that not everyone is as easily pushed around as you think."
Hinata, usually shy and reserved, stepped forward, her voice steady. "Asuma-sensei, please respect Kurenai-sensei's wishes."
Shino remained silent, his presence adding to the unspoken support for Kurenai and Naruto.
Asuma glanced around at the three young ninja, realizing he was outnumbered and that any further confrontation would not end well for him. With a final glare at Naruto, he turned and walked away.
As Asuma walked away, Kurenai felt a mix of relief and lingering frustration. She turned to Naruto, intending to thank him for intervening, but her words died in her throat when she realized he was already walking away, ignoring her completely. The hurt that flickered across her face went unnoticed by Naruto, whose attention was focused ahead.
Hinata noticed Kurenai's disappointment and quickly apologized on Naruto's behalf before hurrying after him, her concern evident in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Kurenai-sensei. Naruto-kun sometimes gets too focused on things. I'll talk to him."
Kurenai managed a weak smile, her heart heavy with disappointment. "It's alright, Hinata. Thank you."
Meanwhile, Shino approached Kurenai, his calm demeanor a comforting presence. "Are you okay, Kurenai-sensei?"
Kurenai nodded, trying to hide her disappointment behind a facade of composure. "Yes, Shino, I'll be fine. Thank you."
Shino offered to walk Kurenai home, but she declined with a shake of her head. "No, it's alright. I'll be fine on my own. Thank you, Shino."
Shino bid her goodbye with a nod of understanding before heading off to catch up with Naruto and Hinata, leaving Kurenai alone with her thoughts.
As she watched them leave, a wave of sadness washed over her. She couldn't shake the feeling that Naruto had only interacted with her because Hinata asked him to help, showing her the reality of her standing with Naruto. It was a painful reminder of the distance between them, leaving Kurenai feeling more isolated than ever.
Hinata caught up with Naruto, her expression a mix of concern and reproach. She gently placed a hand on his arm, her touch a silent plea for understanding. "Naruto-kun, that was rude. You should have at least acknowledged Kurenai-sensei."
Naruto hesitated, feeling a surge of defensiveness rise within him. "I know, Hinata, but you don't understand. There's bad history between me and Kurenai. I wouldn't have even bothered with breaking up that argument if you hadn't said anything."
Hinata's eyes widened in surprise, hurt flickering across her features. "Bad history? What happened, Naruto?"
Naruto's shoulders tensed, his gaze dropping momentarily before meeting Hinata's eyes. He could see the concern etched in her expression, and it tugged at something deep within him. "It's complicated, Hinata. You wouldn't understand."
Her hand tightened on his arm, a silent plea for him to open up. "Then help me understand, Naruto-kun. We're a team, remember?"
Naruto swallowed, the memory of his promise to Hinata echoing in his mind. He had said he would try when it came to Hinata, but now he found himself hesitating. With a sigh, he reached up to pull down his red cloak from around his neck, revealing a jagged scar that traveled from his jugular to behind his right ear. The scar bore witness to a past filled with pain and struggle, a testament to battles fought and wounds endured.
"It's in the past now," Naruto said quietly, his gaze distant as he traced the outline of the scar with his finger. "No need to worry about it."
Hinata's eyes softened with understanding, her hand moving from his arm to gently cup his cheek. "Naruto-kun, I had no idea. I'm sorry for pushing you."
Naruto shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's okay, Hinata. You didn't know."
Their moment was interrupted by Shino, who had caught up with them, his expression curious. "Is everything alright, Naruto, Hinata?"
Naruto glanced at Hinata, silently asking for her permission to share their conversation with Shino. She nodded, and Naruto took a deep breath, preparing to reveal his past to their teammate.
"There's some history between me and Kurenai," Naruto began, his voice steady. "It's not something I talk about often, but it's part of who I am."
"I see," Shino said, his voice calm and measured. "If you ever need to talk about it, I'm here."
Naruto nodded gratefully, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. With Hinata's support and Shino's understanding, he felt a newfound sense of strength and resolve.
As they continued on their way, Hinata gently reminded Naruto of his promise. "You once said you would try when it came to me, Naruto-kun. Please remember that."
Naruto's expression softened, a flicker of guilt crossing his features. "I remember, Hinata. I'll try."
They moved in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, until Naruto's cheerful voice broke through.
"Old Man! Give me five large bowls of beef ramen!" Naruto announced as he entered the familiar ramen stand that had been a second home to him in his younger days. Hinata and Shino followed behind, taking their seats at the counter.
"Who are you calling 'Old Man'?" Teuchi Ichiraku asked angrily before noticing something peculiar about his customer. Then he spotted the little fox squirming on the blond's shoulders. "Hey! No mangy animals allowed!"
The fox bristled at the 'mangy' comment but only opted for growling softly.
"Aaw! Come on, Old Man! It's my first time here in over a decade. Cut me some slack," Naruto chuckled, pulling his cloak down to reveal his face and giving Teuchi one of his patented fox-like grins.
"Naruto! Brat, is that really you? I didn't recognize you without your jumpsuit and goggles!" Teuchi exclaimed, astonished. "Man, you've grown and buffed up!"
Naruto laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, I had to do away with the orange. That kind of screams 'kill me' in the real world. And I gave the goggles away before I left."
Teuchi's expression turned sad, a shadow of regret crossing his face. The ramen maker still felt the sting of helplessness from years ago, unable to assist Naruto out of fear for his daughter's safety. He glanced at his former number one customer and noticed the red swirl on the back of his gloved hand.
"It's good to see you, Naruto," Teuchi said, his voice softening. "I've missed you around here."
Naruto's grin widened. "I've missed you too, Old Man. Nothing beats your ramen."
As the bowls of ramen were prepared, Naruto turned to his teammates. "Hinata, Shino, order whatever you want. My treat."
Hinata smiled shyly. "Thank you, Naruto-kun."
Shino gave a slight nod of appreciation. "Thank you, Naruto."
Teuchi quickly set five steaming bowls of beef ramen in front of Naruto, who immediately dug in with enthusiasm. "This is the best!" he exclaimed between mouthfuls.
As they ate, the mood lightened. Hinata and Shino shared a small smile at Naruto's delight, the tension from earlier forgotten for the moment. But as Naruto slurped his noodles, Hinata's earlier words echoed in his mind. He knew he had to address it.
"Hinata," Naruto said quietly, putting down his chopsticks. "I'm sorry for being rude to you earlier. I understand where you're coming from. I know you want me to have peace, and I appreciate that."
Hinata looked at him, her eyes filled with understanding and warmth. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. I just want you to be happy."
Naruto sighed, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "You don't know what Kurenai-sensei did to me. It's going to be a very long time before things are even remotely cool between us."
Hinata's expression softened further. "I didn't know, Naruto-kun. I'm sorry for pushing you. But you said you would try when it came to me."
Naruto shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's okay, Hinata. You didn't know. And you're right, I did say I'd try."
Their moment was interrupted by Shino, who had caught up with them, his expression curious. "Naruto where did the fox come from?" Shino's gaze shifting to the fox on Naruto's shoulders.
Naruto smirked, glancing at the fox. "Oh, him? He's my emotional support animal. Helps me stay grounded." He scratched the fox behind the ears, and it leaned into his touch, appearing content.
Hinata and Shino accepted this explanation, though they both found it a bit surprising. The fox was actually the Kyubi, but they didn't need to know that.
As they continued to enjoy their ramen, Naruto suddenly noticed something was amiss. "Hey, where's Ayame-neechan? I was hoping to see her too."
Teuchi responded with an odd tone, "She has the day off." He then began muttering under his breath, but Naruto caught it. "That damn brat. Trying to take my sweet little girl away from me. I'd like to castrate him with a wooden spoon."
Hinata and Shino exchanged nervous glances at the old ramen chef before shifting their attention to Naruto, who was chuckling slightly.
"His daughter is on a date," Naruto translated. "That's why he's acting this way. He's afraid he might lose his 'sweet little girl.' But I strongly doubt there will be a second date."
"You really think so?" Teuchi rejoined the conversation.
"As strong as her love was with Nii-san, I doubt one little date will change her feelings. Love is a powerful bond between two people that keeps them together, no matter what," Naruto explained.
"Seems like someone is in love as well," Teuchi teased.
"Well, I do have someone special in my life," Naruto admitted, scratching the back of his head. If he had glanced to his left, he would have noticed Hinata's face turning crimson.
"Oh, hoho, okay. So what makes you think you love her then? You're almost 18, and you have your whole life ahead of you. What makes it love to you?" Teuchi inquired seriously.
"Well," Naruto began, searching for the right words, "you of all people know about my past. I never really experienced any type of love, except for the friendship I received from Shino or you, Ayame-nee-chan, Yugao nee-chan, and Nii-san, who treated me like family. But there was this one girl I had a crush on before, back when I was in the Academy. Over time, I learned what love was, and I realized I was starting to fall for her. It was scary at first, and I almost made the most idiotic mistake by letting her go because I was afraid to tell her my secret and worried about her being shunned like me. But when I thought about it and thought about her, I knew for a fact that I loved her and never wanted to let her go," he finished. Almost immediately, he found himself engulfed in a tight hug from a sobbing Hinata, surprising both Shino and Teuchi.
"I-I'm sorry. Y-you suffered so much, and I could've helped you. B-but I didn't. I was too scared of w-what everyone else would think," Hinata sobbed lightly as her tears dampened his shirt. She continued to cry softly as Naruto gently stroked the back of her head, comforting her.
"Shhhh... It's okay, Hina," Naruto whispered soothingly into her ear. "Don't cry... Please, we're a 'team' remember , and that's all that matters." The two embraced each other, radiating a warmth, which touched the heart of the old chef, reminding him of his daughter and her old boyfriend before he went batshit and murdered his clan.
Shino watched with a small smile, feeling a twinge of envy. He hoped that one day he, too, could find someone who would love him for who he was. As Naruto and Hinata shared their tender moment, Shino's phone buzzed with a notification. Curious, he glanced at the screen and saw a text message from an unknown number.
The message simply read, "Thinking about you," with a picture attached.
For a moment, Shino was taken aback, not expecting such a message. As he looked at the picture, a warm feeling washed over him, and he realized that perhaps he was luckier than he had thought. While he may not have the same outwardly romantic relationship as Naruto and Hinata, he had someone who cared for him, someone who was thinking about him.
Feeling a sense of gratitude and contentment, Shino looked up from his phone and smiled softly, realizing that he, too, had something special in his life. With Naruto and Hinata by his side, and this mysterious sender thinking of him, he felt a newfound appreciation for the relationships he had.
"Here you go, my boy. Two extra regular size Miso Pork Ramen. On the house!"
"Really? Thanks, Old Man! You're the best!" Naruto smiled and grabbed a pair of chopsticks, while his companions did the same.
"Itadakimasu!"
Naruto and Teuchi had a lot of catching up to do. It had been years, and Naruto had a lot of adventures to share. The Ramen chef also liked to listen, like back when he was a little shrimp screaming about being Hokage. He found it hard to believe that the same orange-jumpsuited kid who always made him smile was sitting in front of him now, grown up and wearing dark blue with a dark red cloak around his neck, hiding the bottom half of his face. But when Naruto started to talk, Teuchi realized that this was Naruto Uzumaki, his number one customer and soon-to-be-Kage. He was certain about it. He was about to ask him something when he heard the back door open.
"I'm back!" Yelled a tired-sounding voice of a young woman. "Well, that was a waste of time. The guy was a total jerkwad."
"Ayame! Come here quick! You'll never guess who just came in?" Teuchi yelled to the back room, where you could hear someone changing clothes and muttering to herself.
"Who, some idiot like that... well hello! What can I do for you, sir?" a young woman with brown hair entered and started to correct herself. She looked quickly at her father with an angry glare that he had allowed her to make a complete idiot out of herself in front of this good-looking guy.
But Naruto only laughed. "Good to see you too. It's been a while, hasn't it, Ayame-nee-chan." He smiled slightly. "You have turned into a beautiful woman, though you always were one."
Ayame blushed suddenly and tried to collect her thoughts. But she couldn't find anything, so she turned to her father. "Do I know him?"
Teuchi started to laugh loudly, feeling like he was about to bust a gut. "Don't worry! It's hard to recognize this boy when he has dumped his old orange jumpsuit and grown a few inches."
"Is that... you... Naruto-kun? YOU'RE BACK!" screamed Ayame as she tackled the blond to the ground, surprising Naruto that she could move that fast since she wasn't a Shinobi.
After about another few minutes of talking, though Teuchi went back into the back, Naruto looked at Ayame with a sincere expression. "I want you to get the old and bring out your biggest ramen pot, okay?" he said with a small smile.
Ayame looked confused but nodded and walked back. After a few minutes, she came back hefting a pot that he could sit in and it would come up to his waist, with Teuchi trailing her. "Hey, old man. Got a quick sec?" Naruto asked.
"Sure, Gaki. So what's this you want to talk to me about?" The old man asked.
"Nothing. I just needed you to see this and to show you my thanks for what you and your daughter have done for me." he said, pulling out a scroll.
"Put the pot on the bar and close the store for the next few minutes," he asked.
Ayame looked at her father, who nodded and helped close down the shop. The two came back when the front doors were shut and locked. "Okay, so what's with the pot and closing down the store, Naruto?" asked Teuchi.
Naruto smiled at the older man. "For years, you two have done so much for me. You gave me free food and made sure I was not hurt in or around your stall. I know that a lot of people offered you money to turn me away, and when that did not work, they threatened, and even went so far as spreading lies about your food. You two are a part of my family, and in a family, you take care of one another. And since you two have taken care of me for so long, it is my turn." Naruto turned to the pot and held a scroll over it.
Naruto started to push chakra into it, and money began to pour out. Ayame and Teuchi just stood there, mouths on the floor as money filled the pot. When Naruto saw that the pot was full, he ceased the flow, and as a few more bills hit the top, they fell onto the ground.
"This money is for every time I could not pay, you lost a customer, a little extra, and for being the guardians I never had. This is the least I can do, but if there is anything else you want or need, please ask me. I will do everything in my power to help you," Naruto said.
Teuchi walked up to the pot and looked at the money, then to Naruto. "I cannot take this money."
"You are not taking it. I am giving it to you," he said with a smile.
"Naruto... this is too much. This must be all the money you..." he started to say.
"No, actually, with my new inheritance, it is, in fact, not even scratching the surface. I only gave you about a quarter of what is in that scroll... so about 50 million ryo," he smiled, seeing the looks on the two people's faces.
Teuchi looked at the young man before him. He had watched as he grew from a little boy to now a man. As he looked at him, he remembered how many times he had tried to adopt him. He had done everything short of murder to get the boy. He smiled at him and said, "Thank you."
Naruto smiled back at him. "You never have to say that, old man. You deserve this, and so does your daughter. You deserve to open a big restaurant or retire, and Ayame deserves to be able to go shopping and go crazy every once and a while. To one day not have to worry about paying for her wedding. You struggled just to see some orphan boy smile, and for that, I owe you my very life." Naruto said then to everyone's shock, he bowed.
Naruto walked over to the money, pulled out another scroll, dumped the money in the pot on it, and sealed it within. He then handed it to Teuchi. "Easier to carry the rest that is in it and also to make sure no one tries to steal it. I know you were my mom's teammate, so you can use chakra."
After a few more minutes of talking, Teuchi decided to close down the bar for the day and deposit the money and to take his daughter shopping.
As they left the ramen shop, Naruto glanced at Hinata and Shino, his mind filled with plans and possibilities. The cool evening air was refreshing, and Naruto felt it was the perfect moment to discuss something important with his friends.
"Hey, Hinata, Shino," Naruto began, his tone serious yet encouraging, "I've been thinking a lot about our training lately. You guys are already ahead of even some Jonin, but I think we can push it even further. What do you say we start a more intensive training regime?"
Hinata looked up at Naruto, her eyes wide with surprise. "Naruto-kun, do you really think we can improve that much more?"
Naruto nodded, his expression earnest. "Absolutely. I don't need the training as much now, but I believe you both have even more potential to unlock. Even though you can already defeat regular Jonin, it wouldn't hurt to push it higher."
Shino adjusted his sunglasses, his expression thoughtful. "Your instincts are rarely wrong, Naruto. But we've pushed ourselves to the brink to get where we are. Are you sure we can still become stronger?"
Naruto smiled confidently. "I'm positive. Hinata, your Byakugan is incredible, but I think we can enhance your Taijutsu even further with some techniques I've seen from the Cloud Village. And Shino, your insect-based attacks are already formidable, but I've got some ideas on how to make them even more versatile and deadly."
Naruto turned to Shino, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Shino, your skill with kunai is impressive, but I think we can take it up a notch. Imagine combining your weaponry skills with swordplay, mixed with your insect techniques. It could create a fighting style unique to you and potentially your clan."
Shino's curiosity was piqued. "Swordplay combined with my abilities... That does sound intriguing. I'd be willing to explore this idea."
Hinata blushed slightly but nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "I trust you, Naruto-kun. I'll do my best."
Naruto's smile widened. "Great! And Hinata, I know someone who can beat me skill for skill in Taijutsu. I can introduce you to her. She could teach you techniques that would enhance your abilities even further."
Hinata's eyes widened in surprise. "Really, Naruto-kun? Who is this person?"
Naruto grinned. "You'll see. Let's meet at Training Ground Seven tomorrow morning. We'll go over the new techniques and start incorporating them into our routines. I'm excited to see how much stronger we can become together."
As they continued walking, Shino suddenly remembered his recent sparring match with Naruto. Despite giving it his all, he hadn't managed to injure Naruto or even make him look tired. The memory struck him, highlighting just how vast the gap between their current abilities and their potential might still be.
Shino adjusted his collar, his tone reflecting his newfound realization. "I remember our last sparring match, Naruto. Despite giving it everything I had, you didn't even look tired. If you believe we can reach higher levels of strength, then I trust your judgment."
"Exactly, Shino. You both have so much untapped potential, and I want to help you unlock it. Together, we can achieve incredible things." Naruto's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he accidentally bumped into someone. "I'm sorry sir. I didn't look."
"YOSH! YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH ARE BURNING BRIGHTLY! IF I CANNOT MATCH YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH, I WILL HOP FIFTY LAPS AROUND KONOHA ON ONE HAND!" the person Naruto bumped into shouted.
"HAI SENSEI! AND IF WE CANNOT DO THAT, WE WILL SPREAD THE WISDOM OF YOUTHFULNESS WHILE WE ARE IN THE SPRINGTIME OF YOUTHFULNESS!" came an equally enthusiastic reply.
Naruto turned reluctantly, his guarded expression softening slightly as he took in the sight of three other Genin about their age, maybe a year younger. His eyes first gazed upon the only kunoichi of the group. She had a medium build, ideal for an athletic kunoichi, wearing a pink Chinese-style shirt with darker colored pants that adorned her lithe and taut frame. Her dark brown hair was tied up in two buns on top of her head.
'Hmph, she almost looks like a panda... A cute panda, but where have I seen her before?' Naruto thought, surprised at the unexpected thought. He shrugged slightly, not dwelling on it.
One of her teammates caught his eye next, and Naruto raised an eyebrow. The boy wore an atrocious full-body green spandex suit, which looked even worse than the orange jumpsuit Naruto used to wear. An elongated red headband served as a makeshift belt, and both of his hands were wrapped in plain white medical bandages up to the elbows. Orange leg warmers covered the bottom half of his legs.
But the most surprising feature was the Genin's eyebrows, which looked more like hairy caterpillars feasting on his forehead. His eyes, however, were round orbs overflowing with rock-hard determination and an unparalleled strength of will.
Not only was the spandex-clad boy there, but an older version of himself stood beside him, dressed similarly. The two were hugging each other tightly.
"OH LEE!"
"GAI-SENSEI!"
"LEE!"
"GAI-SENSEI!"
"LEE!"
"GAI-SENSEI!"
"LEE!"
'Why in the name of all that's holy would they allow that...THING to reproduce?' Naruto mentally screeched, staring at the two as a dramatic background with the sun setting and waves crashing appeared behind them.
Hinata stepped forward, bowing politely. "Guy-sensei, it's nice to see you again. This is my teammate, Shino Aburame."
Guy beamed at them. "Ah, Hinata! It's always a pleasure to see such youthful spirits."
He turned to Shino, addressing him directly. "Shino, it's an honor to meet you."
Suddenly, Hinata turned to Naruto and, with a soft smile, introduced him in a way that made Naruto's heart skip a beat. "And this is Naruto Uzumaki, my betrothed."
Naruto's eyes widened in shock, his cheeks flushing bright red as Kurama laughed uproariously inside his head, thoroughly enjoying the unexpected turn of events.
As Hinata's declaration hung in the air, everyone else stood in stunned silence, their eyes wide with surprise. But amidst the shocked silence, Shino did the unexpected. Instead of joining in the bewildered silence, he burst into laughter, his usually stoic demeanor melting away as he chuckled with abandon.
"Naruto, my friend, this is quite the unexpected turn of events," Shino remarked between laughs. "You owe me a million ryo!"
Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief before he shouted back, "That was a ten-year-old bet, Shino!"
But Shino quipped back, still chuckling, "We shook hands on it, Naruto. The bet is sacred!"
Hinata, confused by the exchange, looked between Naruto and Shino, prompting Naruto to explain with a sheepish grin, "Shino bet me a million ryo that you would stake your claim in less than a week."
With a mischievous glint in his eye, Naruto reached into his pocket and pulled out a roll of money, tossing it to Shino, who caught it effortlessly and pocketed it with a smirk.
Hinata admonished Shino gently, "Shino, that's not appropriate," though there was no real anger behind her words.
Shino chuckled, the tension broken, as he replied, "Apologies, Hinata. But a bet's a bet!"
The group shared a laugh, the unexpected turn of events adding a touch of lightheartedness to their day.
As Naruto and Shino shared a laugh over their old bet, the atmosphere lightened slightly, but everyone else besides Hinata still stood there, shocked and bewildered by her statement. Their expressions ranged from incredulous to confused, with a hint of disbelief lingering in the air.
However, amidst the bewildered stares, one person stood out. The last individual to join the group glared at Hinata with undisguised contempt, their eyes filled with hostility and disdain. Despite the tension in the air, Hinata remained calm, meeting the person's gaze with unwavering composure.
Naruto and Shino exchanged a knowing glance, understanding the unspoken tension in the group. But rather than dwelling on it, they shared another chuckle, finding solace in the bond of friendship amidst the awkwardness.
As the newcomer stood among them, his appearance starkly contrasted with the calm demeanor of the group. He wore a tan short-sleeved shirt with straps running down the middle, paired with black shorts that reached his knees. Notably, his brown hair flowed longer than typical for his gender, tied back in a tight ponytail with two straps framing his face. Bandages adorned his right arm, chest, and right leg, hinting at past injuries.
But what caught their attention most were his eyes—white with no pupils, a clear indication of his Hyuuga lineage. Despite any familial connection to Hinata, it was evident at first glance that they were nothing alike. While Hinata exuded a calming and gentle presence, this boy's demeanor radiated contained resentment and self-centered superiority.
The other Hyuga's eyes flicked over Hinata with thinly veiled disdain. "Hinata-sama," he said, his voice dripping with condescension, "I didn't expect to see you here, staking such bold claims. It's not like you to be so... assertive."
Hinata stood firm, her lavender eyes meeting his cold gaze. "Neji," she replied calmly surprising him as she dropped the Nii-San, "I have every right to make my own decisions. You don't have to understand them."
Neji's lips curled into a mocking smirk. "Decisions? Or are you just playing at being a leader because you think it will make you stronger? Pathetic."
Naruto, confused but feeling the rising tension, took a step forward, his intent clear. "Who is this guy, Hinata?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Hinata, feeling his hostility, gently placed a hand on Naruto's arm, stopping him. "It's okay, Naruto-kun. I can handle this," she said softly, yet with a firmness that surprised him.
Turning back to Neji, Hinata's voice grew stronger, more resolute. "I am not the weak person you think I am, Neji. I will not let your words define me or dictate my actions."
Neji's expression darkened, and he stepped forward, his posture aggressive. "You think a few words make you strong, Hinata? Let's see how far that bravado goes."
Before Neji could get any closer, Naruto swiftly moved between them, his eyes blazing with fury. "Back off," Naruto warned, his voice ice-cold. "I don't know who you are to her nor do I care, but don't think for a second I'll let you lay a hand on Hinata."
Neji's eyes narrowed, and he took a step up to Naruto, his presence looming and intimidating. Just as Neji opened his mouth to retort, a voice cut through the tension.
"Neji, that's enough," Guy called out, stepping forward with a commanding presence. "Stand down."
Neji hesitated, his eyes flicking to his sensei before he reluctantly stepped back. Guy's stern gaze held Neji in place, ensuring he wouldn't cause any more trouble.
"Apologies for the interruption," Guy said, addressing Naruto, Hinata, and Shino with a polite nod. "Neji, let's go."
Neji gave one last cold glance at Naruto before turning to follow Guy. "This isn't over," he muttered under his breath as he walked away, leaving the group in strained silence.
Guy turned to leave alone, explaining, "I need to report to the Hokage about our successful mission." He nodded at the group again before departing, leaving Neji with them.
Hinata let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, her hand still gently resting on Naruto's arm. "Thank you, Naruto-kun," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Naruto nodded, his eyes still fixed on Neji. "Anytime, Hinata. Anytime."
Neji, still bristling with anger, turned and walked away without another word. Neji walked away, but his female teammate, TenTen, remained rooted to the spot, staring at Naruto with wide eyes and a face as pale as a ghost. Her lips trembled as she tried to form words, her mind grappling with the impossible.
Noticing her distress, Neji paused and turned back, his eyes narrowing in concern. "TenTen, what's wrong?" he asked, but she seemed lost in her own world, her gaze never leaving Naruto.
"Naruto... Uzumaki..." TenTen finally managed to utter, her voice barely above a whisper but loud enough for everyone to hear. "You... you can't be... you're supposed to be dead."
Naruto, who had been quietly watching the exchange, now focused entirely on TenTen, his expression neutral but his eyes wary. "Yes, that's my name."
TenTen's breathing quickened, and she shook her head as if trying to wake from a nightmare. "No, no, no... it can't be you. Naruto Uzumaki died years ago. I remember... it was all over the village. You can't be him," she repeated, her voice growing more frantic.
Naruto remained calm, his tone gentle yet firm. "I understand why you might think that, but as you can see, I'm very much alive."
TenTen's eyes filled with tears as she kept shaking her head. "No, this can't be happening. Naruto Uzumaki died... he was killed. Everyone said so. You can't be him!" she cried, her voice breaking with the weight of her disbelief.
Hinata stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on TenTen's shoulder. "TenTen, I know this is hard to believe, but Naruto is indeed alive. Whatever you heard, it must have been a mistake."
As Hinata spoke TenTen's name, a tidal wave of memories crashed into Naruto's consciousness, dredging up fragments of the past. Suddenly, he remembered TenTen – the girl with the panda buns, his childhood companion.
With deliberate steps, Naruto approached TenTen, his eyes reflecting a storm of emotions. "Panda-Chan," he murmured, his voice heavy with emotion, "it's me... Naruto."
TenTen's breath hitched in her throat as she looked up at him, her eyes wide with disbelief and desperation. The nickname, "Panda-chan," echoed in her mind, stirring memories long buried beneath layers of grief and loss.
In that moment, time seemed to stand still as the weight of their shared history hung heavy in the air. The years of separation melted away as Naruto's presence enveloped her in a whirlwind of emotion.
"Naruto..." TenTen's voice trembled with a mixture of anguish and longing. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, her soul laid bare before him. "I thought you were... I thought..."
Naruto's arms encircled her, drawing her close as if to shield her from the pain of their past. His touch was a lifeline, grounding her in the reality of his existence amidst the chaos of her shattered beliefs.
"It's alright, Tenny..." Naruto murmured softly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He had no idea what to say, no script for this unexpected reunion. He had hoped for smiles and reminiscing, but the raw emotion in Tenten's reaction caught him off guard. Yet, he understood; after all, she had mourned his disappearance for over a decade. As she continued to sob against his chest, he gently rubbed her back, offering silent comfort.
Gradually, her tears began to subside, her sobs turning into quiet sniffles. Naruto glanced around, taking in the reactions of those around them: Lee looked shocked, Neji wore a disgruntled expression, Hinata was startled and slightly peeved, and Shino had discreetly moved away, giving them space.
"So, how have you been, Bun-chan?" Naruto asked gently, hoping to lighten the mood. But Tenten didn't respond, simply resting against his chest. He felt a small sense of relief just feeling her breathing, knowing she was there. Just as he was about to ask another question, Tenten stirred.
Suddenly, she pushed off him, her eyes filled with a mixture of tears, hurt, and betrayal. Naruto barely had time to register the look...
SLAP!
Her hand connected with his cheek, the sharp sound reverberating in the stunned silence. Naruto saw the pain and anger in her eyes, a deep wound reopened by his return.
"Goodbye, Naruto Uzumaki!" she cried, her voice breaking. Turning on her heels, she stormed off, leaving Naruto in complete bewilderment. He stared after her retreating form, his hand gingerly touching the stinging spot on his face.
'Well, can't say I'm surprised. Dammit, this day can't get any more messed up,' he thought bitterly.
"Fight me!" a familiar voice demanded, shattering the tension. Naruto turned to see Sasuke standing there, Sakura close behind him. The arrival of Team 7, along with members of Teams 9 and 8, turned the moment into a spectacle, further ruining the sentimentality of the reunion.
'I spoke too soon' "I don't want to do this with you Uchiha." Naruto replied uninterested, turning back to Hinata and Shino "Well set up time later Shino. Hinata let's go".
Don't turn your back to me!" Sasuke's voice crackled with irritation, echoing the frustration of being ignored, a feeling all too familiar to Itachi.
Naruto stopped mid-step. Hinata could tell he was getting annoyed. "Or...what?" Naruto said in a monotone lifting his head in a sideways glare. "Piss off..." he spat.
Sasuke glared at the blonde. How dare that commoner treat him like a weakling. He was an Uchiha!
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke fired a large fireball at Naruto. The blond pushed Hinata away before he burst into flames. Sasuke smirked as he could see Naruto's body in the flames. Sakura was a bit disturbed by Sasuke violence but shrugged off seeing Sasuke's smile.
"Sasuke-kun is so cool!" Sakura screamed before getting punched in the face by Hinata.
Sasuke's grin faltered as the expected screams never came. He squinted, scrutinizing Naruto more closely. All the Genin around them watched in shock, their mouths agape.
Naruto stood calmly, the flames seemingly absorbed into his skin without a trace. "Weak attacks won't work on me, Uchiha," he spat, concealing his relief at the efficacy of the fire-absorbing seals he had created.
Before anyone could react, Sasuke lunged at Naruto with a kunai. Naruto sidestepped effortlessly, catching Sasuke's wrist and twisting it painfully, positioning the kunai at Sasuke's throat with a swift motion.
Silence enveloped the clearing, every eye locked onto the tense scene. No one dared to move or even breathe.
"N-Naruto..." Shikamaru's voice broke the silence as he stepped forward, his eyes wide with concern. "Let him go. It's too troublesome to kill him."
Naruto's gaze was steely. "I've already shown this prick mercy and tried to help him change his ways, but he's nothing but a fiend for power. He'd chase any high for strength and may betray us later on. To prevent that, I should kill him now..."
The blade pressed harder against Sasuke's neck, causing everyone to gasp as a thin line of blood trickled from the cut. Sasuke's eyes widened with a mix of fear and anger.
"N-Naru-kun, let him go..." Hinata's voice was a soft plea, filled with desperation. "Please, don't do this. Think about the consequences. If you kill him, you'll face severe punishment. I don't want you to suffer because of him. Please..."
Naruto's resolve of killing Sasuke wavered as he met Hinata's pleading gaze, her concern for him evident in her eyes. He took a deep breath, the weight of Hinata's words sinking in. Finally, he released Sasuke, pushing him back roughly.
"Consider this your last warning, Uchiha," Naruto said, his voice cold and unyielding. "Next time, I won't be so merciful."
What the hell's the matter with you, huh?" Sakura and Ino shouted in unison. "You could have seriously hurt Sasuke-kun!"
Naruto shrugged off their reproach. "Like I give a damn about that piece of trash you're tending to. I've already offered him a chance to better himself, and he spits on it. So screw him," he finished, turning to walk away.
Sasuke, forgetting the events of moments ago, lashed out and threw a punch towards Naruto. With a swift step back, Naruto retaliated, his fist connecting with Sasuke's ribcage with a sickening crack. Sasuke was sent flying back, clutching his now broken ribs.
Sakura and Ino rushed to Sasuke's side, concern etched on their faces. "Sasuke-kun, are you okay?" Sakura glared at Naruto. "You monster! Why did you hurt him?"
Naruto met Sakura's glare head-on. "I don't like surprise attacks. If you get in my way, You'll die too," he stated coldly, relishing the fear in her eyes before walking away.
Sakura's thoughts swirled with confusion. 'What happened to my puppy?' she ignorantly wondered.
A heavy silence hung in the air, leaving everyone dumbfounded. "I still think Sasuke-kun is better..." Sakura giggled nervously. "And he's much better than Naruto-baka. Him grabbing Sasuke-kun's arm and hitting him was just a fluke."
"You're such an idiot, Haruno!" Hinata snapped, her frustration bubbling over as she threw her arms up in exasperation. 'If he wanted to, Naruto could burn this whole village down...' she thought grimly before storming off angrily.
"Where are you going?" Shikamaru asked, surprised by this new side of Hinata, as were the others.
"I'm going to talk to him before he blows something or someone up. I'll see you later, Shino-kun, Inuzuka-san, training ground 8 at nine tomorrow!" Hinata replied before marching off in the direction Naruto had gone, but everyone's attention was drawn by the sound of someone yelling in the distance.
Certainly! Here's the revised scene with Naruto telling Hinata that he'll see her at her house later that night:
"DIE, DEMON BRAT!" a random Chunin shouted, brandishing a kunai as he charged at Naruto.
Sighing, Naruto ran at him and delivered a crushing punch to his face, killing him instantly and sending him flying into a store window. The impact shattered the glass and scattered boxes everywhere, creating a chaotic mess. Without missing a beat, Naruto pulled back and uppercut another Chunin, sending him crashing into a light post where he hung limply. As the last Chunin tried to flee, Naruto activated the seal on the back of his left hand. A katana-sized sword materialized, and with precise aim, he threw it into the man's lower back, causing him to blackout from the pain but remain standing.
Naruto sighed heavily, his annoyance evident as he reached into his pants pocket to pull out a wad of cash. He tossed it to the angry shop owner. "Sorry for the mess," he muttered, irritation lacing his voice. Walking over to the paralyzed Chunin, he yanked out the sword, causing the body to collapse to the ground. He turned towards Hinata, his expression softening slightly.
"Hina-chan, I'll see you at your house later tonight," he said over his shoulder and continued walking down the street. But the commotion had drawn the attention of the villagers, who began to gather, their voices rising in anger.
A mob quickly formed around Naruto, the villagers shouting insults and threats, their hatred palpable. "Get out of our village, demon!" "You monster!"
Naruto's patience snapped. He flared his chakra, a powerful, palpable wave of energy radiating from him. The air around him crackled with intensity, and the ground seemed to tremble beneath his feet. But this time, he drew on the Kyuubi's chakra, the malevolent energy swirling around him, dark and terrifying.
"If anyone else wants to try that again, step up now," he challenged, his voice cold and deadly. "You took seven years of my life with your abuse. I will not stand for it any longer. If anyone dares to lay a hand on me, I will kill every last one of you."
The Kyuubi's chakra flared, a menacing red aura that sent waves of fear through the crowd. The villagers and shinobi alike froze, their faces pale with terror as the full realization of Naruto's power dawned on them. The sheer force of his rage and the Kyuubi's influence was enough to make even the bravest among them reconsider their actions.
Hinata watched in horror, worry etched on her face. Determined to reach Naruto before his anger led to more destruction, she pushed through the terrified crowd. "I'm going to talk to him before things get worse. I'll see you all later," she said, her voice resolute.
Shikamaru watched her go, surprised at her newfound determination. "Be careful," he muttered, though she was already out of earshot, following the path Naruto had taken.
The rest of the group remained silent, the weight of what had just transpired settling heavily over them. The memory of Naruto's power and the lingering threat in his challenge left a lasting impression on everyone present.
As Naruto walked away, the villagers and shinobi slowly began to disperse, their fear palpable. The realization of how dangerous Naruto truly was had sunk in, and no one dared to challenge him again.
Hinata hurried to catch up with Naruto. When she reached him, he turned slightly, his gaze softening once more. "I'll come to your house later tonight, Hina-chan," he said gently. "We can talk then."
Hinata nodded, her worry still present but mixed with relief. "I'll be waiting," she replied softly, watching as Naruto continued on his way, his powerful presence leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed the scene.
Hinata approached, trying to defuse the situation. "Neji-niisan, Tenten-san, please. This isn't the time for this argument."
Neji turned his sharp gaze to Hinata, his voice dripping with disdain. "Stay out of this, Hinata-sama. This doesn't concern you."
Hinata stood her ground, her voice unwavering. "It does concern me, Neji-niisan. Naruto has been through enough pain and suffering. I will not abandon him now." Hinata squared her shoulders, meeting Neji's disdainful gaze with determination. "I am serious, Neji-niisan. Naruto is my betrothed, and I will stand by him regardless of what you or anyone else may say."
Neji's expression hardened, his eyes flashing with anger. "You would tarnish the Hyūga clan's honor by associating with that... that outcast?"
Hinata remained resolute. "Naruto has suffered enough. He deserves our support, not our judgments."
Tenten, her voice accusatory, interjected, "Did you know that Naruto was alive all this time, Hinata?"
Hinata hesitated for a moment, sensing the jealousy behind Tenten's question, before replying calmly, "Yes, I did."
Tenten's eyes narrowed, hurt and frustration evident in her tone. "Then why didn't you tell me?"
Hinata's heart sank at the hurt in Tenten's voice. "I didn't know that you two knew each other," she replied softly, her own regret coloring her words.
Tenten's reaction to Hinata's revelation was a complex mix of emotions, carefully hidden beneath a facade of stoicism. As she turned away from Neji and Hinata, her expression remained unreadable, masking the storm of feelings swirling within her.
She clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms as she fought to maintain her composure. Deep down, Tenten couldn't deny the pang of hurt that Hinata's answer had stirred within her. It wasn't just about knowing Naruto was alive—it was the realization that he hadn't reached out to let her know himself.
Neji observed Tenten's reaction with a mixture of confusion, jealousy, and his own deeply ingrained superiority complex. His interactions with Naruto earlier that day had only reinforced his belief that Naruto was beneath him. Seeing Tenten so affected by Naruto's return ignited a sense of jealousy and inferiority within him. How could someone he deemed inferior evoke such strong emotions in those around him?
Hinata watched Tenten's departure with a heavy heart, the rift between them weighing heavily on her conscience. Tenten's behavior confirmed what she had suspected earlier—Tenten harbored feelings for Naruto, just as she did. This realization both surprised and saddened her, but it also stirred old insecurities within her. Was she not good enough for Naruto? Did Tenten's feelings mean she was competition?
As Tenten began to walk away, Neji moved to stop her. "Tenten, wait," he said, reaching out to grab her arm. "You can't just leave like this."
Tenten stopped but didn't turn around immediately. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, "I need to be alone, Neji. Too much has happened too fast. I need to process this."
Neji's grip on her arm tightened momentarily before he let go, frustration and jealousy clear in his eyes. "You're choosing to walk away because of him, aren't you? Because of Naruto."
Tenten turned to face him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's not about choosing him over anyone. It's about me needing time to understand everything that's happened. Please, Neji, let me go."
Neji's jaw clenched, a mix of superiority and inferiority battling within him. How could Naruto, someone he considered so far beneath him, have such an impact on those he cared about? Yet, here he was, feeling powerless and inferior in the face of Tenten's emotions. Reluctantly, he stepped back, allowing her to leave. He watched her retreating figure with simmering resentment.
As Tenten walked away, Neji's frustration boiled over, and he turned his hostility towards Hinata. "Hinata-sama, associating with Naruto is beneath you. He brings nothing but trouble and disgrace to our clan."
Hinata, who had remained calm and composed up until this point, felt her patience wearing thin. She squared her shoulders and met Neji's glare head-on. "Enough, Neji. Naruto is not beneath anyone. He has endured more than you can imagine, and he has shown more strength and character than most."
Neji's eyes narrowed, "You're deluding yourself, Hinata-sama. He will drag you down with him."
Hinata took a step closer, her voice firm and unwavering. "You don't know Naruto like I do. You don't understand the pain and suffering he has gone through, nor the strength it has taken for him to survive. He is not the problem here, Neji. Your arrogance and prejudice are."
Neji was taken aback by Hinata's sudden assertiveness. He opened his mouth to retort, but Hinata cut him off.
"Naruto is my friend, and I will stand by him, regardless of what you or anyone else thinks. Your hostility towards him is unfounded and unfair. If you continue to judge him without understanding, then it is you who is truly beneath him."
Neji's face reddened with a mixture of anger and embarrassment, but he found himself at a loss for words. With a final, resolute look, Hinata turned and walked away, leaving Neji to grapple with his emotions. As she made her way towards the direction of her home, her mind raced with thoughts of Naruto and Tenten and a troubling thought crept into her mind like a shadow in the twilight. She couldn't shake the feeling that Tenten, with her lingering emotions for Naruto, might emerge as a rival for his affection.
The thought sent a pang of insecurity through Hinata's heart. Tenten's presence, coupled with her own lingering doubts about whether Naruto would ever reciprocate her feelings, stirred a storm of conflicting emotions within her.
Yet, amidst her insecurities, Hinata found a glimmer of determination. She wouldn't let fear or uncertainty hold her back. Instead, she would face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and resolve, determined to prove her worth to Naruto and to herself.
As Neji continued on his path, his thoughts consumed by the unsettling changes he witnessed in Hinata, he suddenly stopped abruptly. A furrow formed on his brow as he voiced aloud, "Where did Lee go?" Realization dawned on him like a thunderbolt—Lee must have gone after Naruto.
Hinata also halted in her tracks, a worried expression crossing her face. She couldn't shake the sinking feeling in her chest as she silently hoped that Naruto wouldn't harm Lee in his current state of agitation.
Meanwhile, Naruto was walking toward home to get ready for his dinner with the Hyuugas, feeling his annoyance slowly ebbing away. He took deep breaths, trying to calm himself after the earlier confrontations.
"Hey, you... with the attitude."
Naruto's eye twitched again, irritation bubbling up. The last thing he needed was some idiot with an ego interrupting his evening. Slowly, he turned around to find the odd-looking genin from earlier standing in the distance.
"You have some nerve doing that to a fellow Konoha-nin," the genin continued.
Naruto shook his head in annoyance. "What do you want, bushy brows?"
With remarkable speed, Lee ran up to him, skidding to a stop a few feet away and landing in a Goken taijutsu stance. "I am Rock Lee! You are Naruto Uzumaki, am I correct?"
Naruto nodded, curious and slightly amused by the exuberant introduction. "Indeed I am. How do you know my name?"
Lee's face split into a massive smile as he struck a pose. "I remember you from the Academy days, and my teammate talked about you a lot when we were in the same class. Everyone else said you were a no-talent blond by the name of Naruto Uzumaki. But after seeing what you did to Neji, I don't believe them. I wish to test how strong you are."
Naruto quirked an eyebrow, his irritation subsiding a bit. "Forgive me for being rude, but I must decline our bout for another time. I have dinner plans and don't want to be late."
Lee's smile widened, if that was possible, and he nodded enthusiastically. "That is quite all right, Naruto-san. I understand the importance of keeping one's commitments. However, I must say, I admire your strength and determination. It's rare to see someone with such fire and drive. You remind me of Kakashi-sensei!"
Naruto's interest was piqued, and he gave Lee a slightly more engaged look. "Kakashi-sensei? The Copy Ninja?"
Lee's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Yes! Kakashi-sensei is known for his aloof attitude and immense strength. He has a unique way of carrying himself that I see in you, Naruto-san. It's truly inspiring!"
Naruto couldn't help but smile a bit at Lee's genuine enthusiasm. "Thanks, bushy brows. You know, you're not so bad yourself. Your dedication to taijutsu is impressive. Maybe one day we'll have that sparring match."
Lee's grin grew even wider, if that was possible. "I look forward to it, Naruto-san! Until then, I will continue to train and improve. We will have a legendary battle, one for the ages!"
Naruto chuckled, a genuine laugh bubbling up from his chest. Lee's earnestness and positive attitude were infectious. "You know, you're a pretty funny guy, Lee. I like your spirit."
Lee struck another "Nice Guy" pose, the sparkle in his teeth almost blinding. "Thank you, Naruto-san! I shall take that as a great compliment. Let us both strive to become stronger and prove ourselves!"
Naruto shook his head, still smiling, a rare and genuine expression on his face. "Yeah, let's do that. See you around, bushy brows."
As Naruto continued on his way, he felt lighter, the encounter with Lee lifting his spirits more than he expected. 'Note to self: Maybe don't change bushy brow's sense of fashion. It's kind of... endearing.'
(Same time/Hokage Tower)
Sarutobi slowly packed his pipe with tobacco, lighting it with a basic fire jutsu. Taking a long drag, he waited for the calming effects to take hold. He had recently received a message from one of the ANBU patrolling the village, just as he had instructed them. His former student, Jiraiya, had been seen flitting around in Konoha.
Exhaling a plume of gray smoke, Sarutobi tried to calm his frayed nerves as his student walked through the door of his office.
"Alright, here I am, old man. What do you want? I've still got a lot of research to do, and the women in Snow Country are waiting for me," Jiraiya said, a slightly perverted grin on his face.
Sarutobi looked at his student; the years had certainly been kind to him. The Toad Sannin was tall, easily taller than his withered form, with snow-white hair cascading down his back in an odd, spiky style. He still didn't wear a Konoha headband, opting instead for a strange, horned plate with the symbol for "Oil" on it. He dressed in kabuki-styled clothing, and his face bore two bright crimson streaks running down his cheeks to beneath his chin.
"SEAL!" Sarutobi yelled as familiar markings spread across the walls and floor.
"Jiraiya," the Sandaime began, and Jiraiya was startled to hear the seriousness in the old man's voice. Rarely before had he ever heard The Professor sound so grim. Now, as he took the time to get a good look at him, Sarutobi's entire stature seemed tense, as if he didn't want to talk about whatever had brought him here. "We need to talk."
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow at the comment. He had learned at least one thing from his many, many adulterous escapades. Nothing good ever followed that sentence, and he was about to find out just how right he was.
Jiraiya watched his sensei, a bead of nervous sweat glistening down his brow. For the past ten minutes, he had done nothing but sit in the plush and admittedly comfortable chair and watch as the Third regarded him with thoughtful eyes. A wide variety of emotions flashed through them at regular intervals—sadness, apprehension, and... fear? That was strange. Why would the God of Shinobi have anything to fear from him?
Whatever it was, he knew it was something he wasn't going to like. The Professor's eyes quickly flashed up to the wall on Jiraiya's left before coming back to rest on him. Following his line of sight, Jiraiya saw that he had looked at the portrait of Minato Namikaze from when he was inaugurated as the Fourth Hokage.
Jiraiya's quick mind and sharp intellect quickly began to create a feasible scenario as to what could be happening. 'Apparently, it has something to do with Minato, but why bring it up now of all times? I haven't been in the village for over seventeen years, so anything could have happened...' He finished forlornly, one of the few things he actually regretted in his life. But with what had happened on that fateful night all those years ago, he could never find the need to come back.
Meanwhile, the Sandaime was mulling over how to deliver the information before mentally sighing and deciding just to get it over with. The consequences would be dealt with later. "What I'm about to tell you, promise me you will not make any rash actions," he said, making Jiraiya focus his gaze on him again. The next four words would undoubtedly mean more to Jiraiya than him trying to explain it.
"Naruto Namikaze is alive."
The Hokage watched as Jiraiya's thoughtful expression changed into one of shock.
"W-What did you say...?" he stuttered out in a shaky voice. Memories of three dead bodies lying on barren and desolate ground rose to the forefront of his mind as his face slowly twisted into a rage-filled glare. But even as he watched Jiraiya begin to shake with fury, he could never have anticipated this reaction.
Killing intent exploded forth from Jiraiya, encompassing his frame. The smoke from Sarutobi's pipe froze in his lungs as pure terror gripped the very core of his soul. The air fled his lungs, the killing intent feeling like a solid blow against his withered frame. He absently noted that the two ANBU hidden in his office were frozen from the killing intent spilling out from the Sannin like a broken dam, futilely trying to break the paralysis and stop the enraged shinobi.
While ANBU members may not be able to overcome a Sannin's killing intent, Sarutobi wasn't a Hokage just for show. He quickly regained his composure and returned the killing intent with his own potent blast, canceling out Jiraiya's and freeing the ANBU from their paralysis. They leapt forward, intent on disabling the enraged Jiraiya, but a quick hand sign from the Hokage stopped them in their tracks.
Seconds passed before a quiet voice drifted through the air.
"You lied, to me of all people..." Jiraiya hissed, his voice full of palpable rage. "You said that he had died... Why didn't you tell me? I was supposed to take care of him, look after him after Minato and Kushina left, and you never told me! I would have taken him with me..." Jiraiya had stood up halfway through his tirade and was currently leaning over the ashamed Hokage.
"Wait, just let me expla—" The elder of the two quickly tried to explain, but was abruptly cut off as the Sannin interrupted.
"Where is he?" Jiraiya demanded angrily. Seeing the Hokage about to say something again, he quickly interrupted, "Damn it, Sarutobi, I WANT TO SEE MY FUCKING GRANDSON!"