-Chapter 1-
(Hinata, Age 4)
The Hyuga compound was silent. Too silent. The usual bustle of servants, the constant hum of his clan going about their business—it was all absent today. Hinata felt isolated, standing in the vast courtyard with no one around. He clutched the hem of his shirt, the fabric wrinkling in his small hands. The weight of loneliness felt like a heavy blanket, suffocating him.
His thoughts drifted to the whispers he had overheard from the older members of his clan, the ones who said he was weak. They talked about his uncle, about how his death was because of him. The guilt weighed heavily on his small shoulders.
But then came the cruel words of the village children.
"You're weak, Hyuga!" one boy shouted, shoving Hinata to the ground. The other kids circled him like vultures, their mocking laughter ringing in his ears.
"Not even the great Hyuga clan can make you strong!" another sneered, kicking dirt at him.
Hinata didn't fight back. He never did. His body shook, not with anger, but with fear. His eyes stung with tears, but he didn't want to cry. He was supposed to be strong, wasn't he? Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he could never find the strength to stand up for himself.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the taunts.
"Hey! Leave him alone!"
Hinata blinked through his tears, looking up. A girl, no older than him, with bright spiky blond hair and fiery blue eyes stood between him and the bullies. Her small frame seemed so much larger, her presence commanding as if she had the power of a giant.
The children backed away slightly, recognition flashing in their eyes.
"It's Narumi…" one of them whispered, almost fearfully. "The demon…"
Hinata didn't know what they meant by that, but the moment they said it, the bullies scattered, not daring to challenge her.
The girl turned to Hinata, her expression softening. "Are you okay?"
Hinata stared at her, wide-eyed. Who was this girl? She didn't seem scared, not even a little. Instead, she smiled at him—a warm, kind smile that made the coldness inside him melt just a little.
"D-Don't listen to them," she said, kneeling beside him. "People like that… they don't matter. You've got something special, you know?"
Hinata blinked, confused. "S-Special?"
"Yeah," she said with a grin, pointing at his face. "You've got pretty eyes."
Pretty eyes? No one had ever said anything like that to him. His heart fluttered, a strange warmth filling him. He didn't know how to respond, so he just nodded, trying not to blush.
"See ya around!" The girl jumped up and dashed off, leaving Hinata sitting there, speechless.
As he watched her disappear, he realized he never asked her name. But he wouldn't forget her—the strange girl who saved him from his bullies and called his eyes pretty.
(Hinata,Age 5)
Hinata stood outside the large building that housed the academy, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt out of place, his small body trembling slightly with the weight of expectations, not just from his clan but from the world around him. His feet were rooted to the ground as if the very earth was pulling him back, telling him not to take that first step inside.
It had been a long time since he had seen her. The girl who had saved him from those bullies a year ago. Even now, Hinata still remembered her bright eyes, her loud voice telling him to ignore the taunts and jeers, and the way she had declared with absolute certainty that he had "pretty eyes." She had been strong and fearless, everything he wasn't. He clung to that memory like a lifeline, hoping that maybe, just maybe, he would see her again.
As Hinata finally stepped into the academy, he felt overwhelmed. The walls felt too big, the voices too loud. Everywhere he looked, there were children talking, laughing, and running. It was all so different from the quiet, orderly world of the Hyuga estate. No servants here. No cold corridors lined with family portraits. Just noise, chaos, and uncertainty.
Hinata lowered his head, trying to disappear into the background. He was used to being invisible, after all. It was safer that way. If no one saw him, no one could hurt him. He quietly made his way to the back of the classroom and sat down, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt as he glanced around nervously. The other children were introducing themselves, one by one, standing proudly in front of the class to declare their names and dreams.
Hinata felt his stomach churn as his turn grew closer. He wasn't like these children, who seemed so confident and sure of themselves. He wasn't even sure what he would say. His father had told him once that his destiny was already decided—to lead the Hyuga clan. But was that really his dream? Did he even have a dream?
Before he could lose himself in his thoughts, a familiar voice snapped him back to the present.
"I'm Narumi Uzumaki!" the girl declared loudly as she stood in front of the class. Hinata's eyes widened. It's her, he realized, his heart skipping a beat. She had the same fiery confidence he remembered, the same bright energy that seemed to fill the room. She hadn't changed at all in the year since he last saw her.
"And I'm going to be the first female Hokage! Believe it!" Narumi continued, her voice echoing through the classroom.
The room fell silent for a moment, and then a ripple of laughter spread through the students. Some of the children snickered, others openly mocked her. "A Hokage? You? Yeah, right," one boy mocked.
Hinata could feel the humiliation in the air, but Narumi stood tall, her smile unwavering. She didn't flinch or back down, even as the laughter grew louder. She met every insults with defiance, her chin held high as if daring anyone to challenge her resolve.
Hinata couldn't believe it. How could she stay so confident, so sure of herself, in the face of such ridicule? He felt admiration stir inside him, something he hadn't felt before. Narumi's dream seemed impossible, yet she believed in it with all her heart. And for the first time, Hinata found himself interested in someone. He found himself wanting to be like her, even just a little.
As the introductions continued, Hinata felt a lump form in his throat. He wasn't like Narumi. He wasn't strong or brave. When it was finally his turn, his voice barely rose above a whisper. "M-my name is H-Hinata Hyuga…" he stammered, his face flushed with embarrassment. He didn't dare share his dream, if he even had one. He could feel the weight of the room's attention shift away from him, as if he didn't matter at all.
But as he sat down, he caught a glimpse of Narumi, who was sitting a few rows ahead of him. She was still smiling, her eyes sparkling with determination, as if the laughter and mockery hadn't touched her at all. Hinata wondered if she even remembered him, if she knew that he had been watching her this whole time, silently admiring her from afar.
The other children may not have believed in Narumi's dream, but Hinata did. Even if he couldn't find his own strength, he believed in hers.
(Hinata, Age 6)
Hinata stood outside the academy's gates, his small hands clenching and unclenching nervously. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of wet grass and the distant hum of bustling streets. He had arrived early again, as he often did, preferring the quiet before the flood of students arrived. It was his way of preparing for the day ahead, a brief moment of peace before the chaos of lessons and interactions began.
But today, he couldn't find peace. His thoughts were swirling, more unsettled than usual.
It had been a year since Hinata had started at the academy, and in that time, he had watched Narumi Uzumaki with growing fascination—and confusion. She was loud, brash, and always at the center of attention, whether she meant to be or not. Most of the other students teased her relentlessly, calling her "demon" behind her back or mocking her as the "deadlast." They thought her dream of becoming Hokage was a joke, something so absurd it wasn't worth considering.
Yet, despite it all, Narumi never wavered. She still smiled, still laughed loudly, and still spoke with the same fierce determination. She didn't let their words break her. Hinata admired that strength in her. He envied it. But now, for the first time in his young life, he was beginning to feel something new—something unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
It was anger.
Hinata had always been the quiet type, the one who avoided conflict at all costs. He couldn't remember a time when he had ever truly felt anger, at least not like this. But lately, every time he saw the other students taunt Narumi, something inside him stirred. It was a small flame at first, flickering in the pit of his stomach, but it grew stronger with each passing day. He didn't know if it was anger at them for being so cruel to her—or anger at himself for being too weak to do anything about it.
Today, that flame burned brighter than ever.
Hinata stood frozen, watching from a distance as Narumi sprinted down the dirt path leading to the academy, her usual bright smile plastered on her face. But something was wrong. She was being chased—again. This time, it was by a group of Sasuke Uchiha's fangirls, their shrill voices rising in a cacophony of insults and taunts.
"You think you're so special, don't you, demon girl?" one of the girls sneered, her voice dripping with malice.
Narumi laughed awkwardly, her voice strained as she tried to escape their relentless pursuit. "Come on, I don't have time for this!" she called out, glancing over her shoulder, her grin faltering for just a moment.
Hinata's heart clenched. How could they not see her for who she really was? Couldn't they see the strength in her, the kindness she carried despite everything she'd been through? His fists balled tightly at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. He wanted to step in, to stop them, but his feet felt like they were glued to the ground. His voice caught in his throat, refusing to break free.
Just as Narumi rounded a corner in her desperate attempt to escape, she collided with Hinata. They both tumbled to the ground in a heap, a soft gasp escaping from Hinata's lips as the air was knocked from his lungs. Narumi scrambled to her feet, her wide blue eyes darting to Hinata's face, and in that instant, recognition flashed across her features.
"You… you're the kid with the pretty eyes!" she exclaimed, her voice full of surprise as she helped him up. She didn't seem to realize that they were classmates.
Hinata's face burned, his pale cheeks turning a deep shade of red. She remembered him. Of all the things she could have said, of all the memories she could have brought up, she remembered *that*. "Uh, th-thank you," he stammered, barely able to form words in the face of her bright, unflinching presence.
"I'm Narumi!" she said cheerfully, grinning despite the situation. "What's your name?"
"H-Hinata," he managed to reply, his voice barely audible. His mind raced as he struggled to comprehend that *Narumi Uzumaki, the loud, confident girl who had been on his mind for so long, was standing in front of him, talking to him, smiling at him.
But before the moment could settle, the fangirls' shrill voices cut through the air again. "There she is!" one of them screeched, pointing at Narumi with a look of pure hatred.
Narumi groaned, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, I gotta go! Sorry, Hinata!" she called over her shoulder, already preparing to bolt.
Before she could run, however, Sasuke Uchiha himself appeared, his stoic face betraying nothing. His dark eyes landed on Narumi, and he spoke in a low, disinterested voice. "Narumi, my mother says you're invited over for dinner tonight."
Hinata's stomach twisted painfully as he watched Narumi blink in surprise, her usual grin spreading across her face. "Oh, sweet! Tell Mikoto-obaachan I'll be there!" she chirped, completely forgetting about her pursuers for the moment.
The fangirls fell silent, their expressions turning sour with envy and frustration. They had no choice but to back off, their jealousy palpable as they watched Narumi walk away with Sasuke. The Uchiha heir, ever aloof, barely spared Narumi a glance as they walked side by side, but Hinata couldn't miss the way she fell into step with him so naturally, as if they had always been close.
Hinata watched them go, his heart heavy with emotions he couldn't quite name. Anger, jealousy, and something else—something deeper. He hated the way Sasuke treated Narumi, how he ignored her cries for help earlier, only to casually invite her to dinner as if nothing had happened. And yet, Narumi still smiled, still laughed, still followed him like a friend.
Hinata wanted to be close to her, too. He wanted to be the one she smiled at, the one she turned to. But as he stood there, silent and motionless, he knew he didn't have the courage. Not yet.
The flame inside him flickered again, and Hinata wondered how long he could keep ignoring it.
(Hinata, Age 7)
The world had changed. Hinata felt it in the very air around the village—the way people spoke in hushed tones, the way they averted their eyes when passing one another in the streets. The once-vibrant atmosphere of the village seemed to have dulled, shadows creeping into every corner. And at the center of it all was the Uchiha Massacre, the tragedy that had left Sasuke Uchiha as the sole survivor of his once-proud clan.
Hinata, like everyone else, had heard the news. It was impossible not to. Rumors swirled through the academy like wildfire, each one more sensational than the last. Some said Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke's older brother, had been driven mad by power. Others whispered about secret motives, betrayals, or curses. But the one rumor that seemed to grow louder with each passing day was the one that made Hinata's chest tighten with dread.
The rumor that blamed Narumi.
"It's her fault, you know," one of the children had sneered during lunch break, casting a sideways glance at Narumi as she sat alone, staring quietly at her food. "She's a demon, right? The Uchiha were probably cursed just by being around her."
Hinata had clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he listened, anger boiling beneath the surface. How could they say such things? Narumi had been close to the Uchiha family—really close. She would visit them often, spending time with Mikoto, Sasuke's mother, and Itachi. Everyone knew how much she looked up to Itachi, treating him like an older brother. To suggest that she had anything to do with the massacre was beyond cruel—it was heartless.
Still, Narumi held her head high. She smiled, even when the whispers grew louder. She laughed, even when the insults became too sharp to ignore. But Hinata could see through the cracks in her façade. He noticed the way her shoulders slumped when she thought no one was looking, the way her eyes clouded with sadness when she passed the empty Uchiha compound on her way to the academy.
Narumi was hurting. But she refused to show it.
Hinata sat quietly in the back of the classroom, watching as Narumi approached Sasuke for what felt like the hundredth time that week. She wore her usual bright grin, her eyes hopeful as she stepped toward him.
"Sasuke!" she called out, her voice cheerful but tinged with something more—something desperate. "Wanna hang out after class? I could use a sparring partner!"
Sasuke didn't even look at her. He sat rigidly in his seat, staring straight ahead, his face a mask of cold indifference. His once bright eyes had grown dull, haunted by the tragedy he had endured. Narumi's smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered, trying again.
"Come on, Sasuke! You've gotta be bored sitting around all the time, right?" she said, her voice faltering slightly. "I might not be the strongest, but I can still give you a run for your money!"
Still, no response. Sasuke remained silent, his gaze never shifting. Narumi's grin finally faded, and for the first time, Hinata saw her take a step back, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
"Alright... maybe next time, then," she mumbled quietly, turning away.
As Narumi walked back to her seat, Hinata caught the look in her eyes. It was fleeting, but it was there—the sadness that she worked so hard to hide. Even though she laughed and joked like nothing was wrong, even though she pulled pranks around the village to keep her spirits high, Narumi was hurting. She missed the Uchiha family, just like Sasuke did. But unlike Sasuke, she wasn't allowed to mourn openly. No one would let her grieve. Instead, they blamed her.
"She's bad luck," one of the girls whispered behind her hand, her eyes narrowing as she watched Narumi return to her seat. "Ever since that demon came to the village, things have only gotten worse."
"I heard Itachi was influenced by her," another girl chimed in, her voice low and conspiratorial. "That's why he did it. She probably cursed him."
Hinata wanted to scream. He wanted to stand up and shout at them, tell them they were wrong. But the words stuck in his throat, and all he could do was sit in silence, his heart aching as he watched Narumi endure the cruel whispers alone.
The rumors only grew worse over the following weeks. More and more students began to avoid Narumi, treating her like a plague. Even the teachers, though they didn't say anything outright, seemed to distance themselves from her. It was as if she were truly becoming the demon they accused her of being.
Hinata watched from the sidelines, his chest tightening with every passing day. He didn't know what to do. He wanted to approach Narumi, to tell her that she wasn't alone, but his own fears held him back. What if she didn't want his help? What if she thought he was weak, like everyone else did? What if… what if she didn't even remember him?
Yet, despite everything, Narumi continued to approach Sasuke, even though it was clear he wasn't interested in anyone anymore. Hinata could see it—the walls Sasuke had built around himself, cutting off everyone, even Narumi. Sasuke's fangirls, already jealous of Narumi's closeness to him, became even more hostile.
"Why does she get to be near him?" one of them hissed one afternoon, glaring at Narumi with disdain. "She's nothing but a demon. She shouldn't even be here."
They would hurl insults at her, some girls even attempting to trip her in the hallways, but Narumi just brushed it off with a laugh. She always managed to escape their cruelty with a grin, pulling pranks around the academy and the village to keep her spirits high. But Hinata knew the truth. He could see through the mask she wore.
Narumi was hurting, and no one seemed to care.
One afternoon, Hinata was walking alone after school when he spotted Narumi up ahead, sitting on a bench near the academy. She was staring up at the sky, her usual bright smile absent from her face. For the first time, she looked... tired. Vulnerable. Like the weight of everything was finally catching up to her.
Hinata's feet moved before he could stop them, carrying him closer to her. His heart pounded in his chest as he approached, unsure of what to say. But as he got closer, Narumi suddenly looked up, her blue eyes meeting his.
"Oh, hey, Hinata," she said, her voice unusually quiet.
Hinata froze, his mind racing. He hadn't expected her to notice him, let alone acknowledge him. His mouth went dry as he struggled to find words, but nothing came.
Narumi tilted her head, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You okay?" she asked, her tone light but her eyes still shadowed with sadness.
Hinata swallowed hard, nodding slowly. "Y-yeah… I'm okay," he stammered, feeling the familiar warmth rise to his cheeks. He hesitated, his heart racing as he fought the urge to say what he had been holding back for so long.
"Narumi…" he began, his voice barely a whisper. "I… I don't think… you're bad luck."
Narumi blinked, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. For a moment, she just stared at him, as if trying to process his words. Then, slowly, her smile returned—this time, softer and more genuine.
"Thanks, Hinata," she said quietly, her voice carrying a warmth that made his chest tighten. "That… that means a lot."
Hinata felt a flutter in his heart, a small spark of something he couldn't quite name. He wasn't sure if it was admiration, or maybe even affection, but whatever it was, it gave him the courage to stand there, even if only for a little while longer.
In that moment, he wished more than anything that he could be the one to make her smile like that every day. But for now, standing beside her, even in silence, was enough.
(Hinata, Age 12)
Five years had passed since the Uchiha massacre, and the village had begun to move on. But for those who lived through it, the shadows of that dark time still lingered. Sasuke, once a promising and bright child, had retreated further into himself, becoming cold and distant. And Narumi, despite her usual bright smile, was still haunted by the tragedy, though she never let it show.
Hinata Hyuga, meanwhile, found himself caught in a different kind of turmoil. At twelve years old, he was beginning to feel the full weight of his family's expectations. As the heir to the Hyuga clan, he was supposed to be strong, confident, and capable. But Hinata had always struggled with confidence. His gentle nature was often mistaken for weakness, and his father, Hiashi, never hesitated to remind him of his shortcomings.
Hanabi, his younger sister, was different. She was strong, decisive, and already proving to be a prodigy within the clan. The pressure on Hinata grew with each passing day. He could feel the whispers of the elders, their disappointment in him palpable. He knew that if he didn't improve soon, he would be stripped of his status as heir and replaced by Hanabi.
Despite the growing pressure, there was one thing that brought Hinata comfort: his friendship with Narumi. They weren't best friends, not like Kiba and Akamaru or Shikamaru and Choji, but they were friends. Narumi was always surrounded by a small group, including Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, Shino, and of course, Hinata. It wasn't the closeness he longed for, but Hinata treasured that friendship deeply. Just being able to stand near Narumi, to hear her laugh, was enough for him.
But it was also terrifying.
Hinata's crush on Narumi had become an open secret among their group. Kiba and Shikamaru would tease him relentlessly about it, while Choji would just chuckle, always kind enough not to join in the teasing. Even Shino, with his quiet and reserved nature, had noticed the way Hinata's eyes would follow Narumi, though he never said anything about it.
Narumi, thankfully, seemed oblivious. Or maybe she just didn't care. She treated Hinata with the same warmth she did all her friends, never showing any sign that she knew about his feelings. And in a way, that made it easier for Hinata. It meant he didn't have to confront the possibility of rejection.
Narumi, however, had her own struggles. Despite her cheerful demeanor, she was still the dead-last in the academy. Her grades were low, and while she had a lot of heart and determination, it wasn't enough to keep up with her classmates academically. But what really stood out to everyone, including Hinata, was her persistence. No matter how many times she was mocked, insulted, or called a demon, Narumi never wavered.
Sasuke, the academy's top student, was the polar opposite of Narumi. While she was loud, clumsy, and often failing at her ninja techniques, Sasuke was quiet, skilled, and admired by nearly everyone. And yet, despite their differences, Narumi continued to approach him. She would often call out to him, inviting him to train or hang out, but Sasuke would either ignore her or give her a cold response. Even so, Narumi never let their bond fade away. She refused to let it be broken, despite the growing distance between them.
Hinata couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy every time he saw Narumi try to connect with Sasuke. It wasn't just that Sasuke ignored her—it was that Sasuke could ignore her. He had the luxury of pushing her away because he wasn't afraid of losing her. Hinata, on the other hand, was terrified. He could never imagine having the courage to approach Narumi the way she approached Sasuke.
And then there were the girls. The academy's fangirls were relentless in their hatred of Narumi. Despite being an orphan, despite being called a demon, Narumi was undeniably beautiful. Even with her signature orange jacket and messy blond hair, there was something about her that drew attention. At twelve years old, she had begun to grow into her features, her face softening with age and her body showing the early signs of budding curves. It was no secret that many of the boys in the academy found her attractive, which only fueled the jealousy of Sasuke's fangirls.
They hated that someone like Narumi—someone they saw as beneath them—could be both beautiful and close to Sasuke. They didn't understand why Sasuke tolerated her presence, and they certainly didn't understand why she continued to approach him despite his coldness. Their insults toward her became more vicious, calling her not just a demon but a nuisance, an eyesore.
Through it all, Narumi never faltered.
Hinata admired her more than anyone. She never gave in to the bullying, never let it crush her spirit. She would laugh off their insults, confidently declaring that she would one day become Hokage, the greatest leader the village had ever seen. And while the others laughed at her dream, Hinata believed her. He believed in her strength, her determination. He believed in Narumi when no one else did.
Then came the academy graduation exams.
It was supposed to be a day of celebration—a day when they would all prove themselves worthy of becoming ninja. Hinata had been nervous, of course, but he had passed the exams without much difficulty. Everyone had passed.
Except Narumi.
When Iruka-sensei announced that Narumi had failed, the classroom fell silent. Hinata's heart sank as he saw the way Narumi's face fell. For a brief moment, she looked lost, like a child who had just had their dreams ripped away. But in true Narumi fashion, she quickly masked her sadness with a grin, pretending it didn't bother her. She laughed it off, even as some of their classmates began to mock her for failing.
"She's not even good enough to be a ninja," one of the girls sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "No wonder she's the dead-last."
But Narumi didn't cry. Not once. Even as Hinata watched her walk away from the academy that day, he could see the sadness in her eyes, but there were no tears. She was too strong for that. Still, Hinata couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at him. He had always admired Narumi's resilience, but this time, he wondered if the failure had hurt her more than she was willing to admit.
That afternoon, Hinata lingered near the academy playground, hoping to catch a glimpse of Narumi. He didn't know what he would say if he saw her, but he wanted to be there for her, even if just from a distance. It was then that he saw Mizuki, one of their teachers, approaching Narumi under a large tree by the playground. Hinata watched as they spoke, though he couldn't hear what was being said.
Before he could move closer, a Hyuga servant appeared, calling out to him. "Young master Hinata, it's time to go home. Your father has summoned you."
Hinata hesitated, glancing back toward Narumi and Mizuki, but he knew better than to disobey his father's orders. With a heavy heart, he turned and followed the servant back to the Hyuga compound, his mind still on Narumi.
The next day, when Hinata arrived at the academy, he was surprised to see Narumi standing in the classroom, a bright smile on her face and a Konoha forehead protector tied proudly around her head. She had passed. Somehow, despite failing the exam the previous day, Narumi had become a ninja.
Their classmates immediately began to murmur, some accusing her of cheating or stealing the forehead protector. "She probably stole it," one boy muttered. "There's no way she actually passed."
But Narumi didn't care. She stood tall, her smile as radiant as ever. "I passed fair and square!" she declared, her voice full of confidence. "I'm a ninja now, just like the rest of you!"
Hinata couldn't help but smile to himself, relieved to see Narumi's confidence return. He had no idea how she had managed to pass, but he was just glad that she had. He knew Mizuki had approached her the day before, and he could only assume that their conversation had something to do with her success. Whatever had happened, Hinata was happy for her.
Then came the announcement of the teams.
The students gathered in the classroom, buzzing with excitement as Iruka-sensei began reading off the names of the new ninja teams. Hinata waited with bated breath, hoping—praying—that he would be on the same team as Narumi.
"Team 7," Iruka-sensei called out. "Narumi Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno."
Hinata's heart sank. Narumi wouldn't be on his team. His chest tightened with disappointment as he glanced toward Sasuke, who sat stoically in his seat, showing no reaction to the announcement. Sasuke would get to be with Narumi, to spend time with her, while Hinata would be on a different team.
Hinata didn't say anything. He couldn't. But the jealousy simmered quietly in his heart, a painful reminder that, no matter how much he admired her from afar, Narumi would always be just out of his reach.
(Hinata, Age 13)
It had been nearly a year since the academy graduation, and a lot had changed in that short amount of time. Hinata Hyuga, now a genin in Team 8 under Kurenai-sensei, was training harder than ever, determined to improve himself. But despite his own progress, Hinata's mind was never far from Narumi Uzumaki. They weren't on the same team, but that didn't stop him from hearing about her accomplishments.
Word had spread quickly through the village: Narumi and her team—Team 7—had completed an A-rank mission. An *A-rank mission.* Most genin didn't see such missions until they were much older, or until they had proven themselves in lower-ranked missions. But Narumi, Sasuke, and Sakura had managed to survive an incredibly dangerous mission, and they had come back to the village as heroes.
Hinata felt a mixture of emotions when he heard the news. He was proud of Narumi—proud that she was living up to her own expectations, proving everyone wrong. But he was also worried. A-rank missions were dangerous, and the thought of Narumi being in such peril made his heart race with anxiety.
As if the A-rank mission wasn't enough, Hinata soon learned that Narumi and her team had been approved to participate in the Chunin Exams, the same exam that Team 8 would be taking. Hinata couldn't wait to see her again. It had been a while since they last saw each other, and he wondered how she had changed since then.
When the day of the Chunin Exams arrived, Hinata found himself scanning the crowds of genin gathered for the first stage of the exam. His heart pounded in his chest as he searched for Narumi. And then, suddenly, he saw her.
Narumi had always been beautiful in Hinata's eyes, but now... now she was even more stunning. Her blond hair was slightly longer, her eyes as bright and lively as ever. But what truly struck Hinata was how much more confident she seemed. There was a maturity about her, a strength that radiated from her even as she stood chatting with her teammates. Hinata stood frozen, feeling his face heat up. He hadn't seen Narumi in months, and now here she was, more captivating than ever.
As if on cue, Kiba, his teammate, noticed Narumi as well. With a wide grin, Kiba nudged Hinata. "Hey, check her out! Narumi's looking pretty good, huh?" Kiba's voice was teasing, but there was a hint of admiration in it as well.
Before Hinata could respond, Kiba was already striding over to Narumi, grinning confidently. "Watch this," he said with a wink at Hinata before making his approach.
Narumi was chatting with Sakura, laughing about something Sasuke had said, when Kiba slid into the conversation like he owned the place. "Hey, Narumi!" he called, his voice a little too enthusiastic."You're looking stronger than before. I've noticed you really stepping it up lately."
Narumi blinked at him, tilting her head in confusion. "Oh, thanks, Kiba! I heard you did great in your last mission too. You and Akamaru must've crushed it out there!"
"Yeah, you could say that…" Kiba waved a hand, his grin widening. "But forget about that. You and me, we're kinda like the top dogs of our teams, huh?" He gave her a playful nudge, trying to sound smooth. "Maybe after this exam, we should, I don't know, hang out or something. You know, just the two of us."
Narumi's eyes brightened. "Oh, you mean like training? That sounds awesome! I've been working on some new moves that I think you and Akamaru would love to spar against. What do you say?"
Kiba froze for a moment, his confident smirk faltering. "Uh, no, I mean like... not training. You know, something more... uh... personal?"
Narumi furrowed her brows, clearly trying to process what Kiba was getting at. "Oh! You mean like a strategy meeting? Sure! We can discuss tactics, maybe work on some combo attacks. I've been thinking about how to blend our jutsu—your Beast Mimicry and my shadow clones could be really cool together!"
Kiba's grin was fading fast. He scratched the back of his head, looking a bit flustered. "Uh, no, not exactly what I had in mind. I was thinking something more... fun. You know, like... just you and me, no training or missions."
Narumi blinked again, then gave a sudden gasp of realization. "Oh! You want to go on a mission together? Just the two of us? That's so nice, Kiba! But wouldn't it be kind of unfair to Hinata and Shino? We should definitely keep the whole team together!"
Kiba's face reddened as he struggled to keep his cool, glancing back at Hinata, who was watching with an amused smile. "Narumi, I'm trying to say—" He was cut off when Akamaru suddenly barked and jumped up, licking Narumi's face excitedly.
Narumi laughed, petting Akamaru as if the whole conversation had been about him all along. "Aww, Akamaru! You're so sweet! Of course I'll hang out with you anytime."
Kiba's shoulders slumped in defeat as Narumi giggled, still petting his dog. "Yeah... sure, Akamaru's got better game than me anyway."
Hinata, who had been watching the whole thing, couldn't hold back his quiet chuckle. Kiba shot him a glare but then just sighed, shaking his head.
"Well, at least she likes someone in this conversation," Kiba muttered under his breath.
Hinata finally spoke up, trying and failing to hide the amusement in his voice. "Better luck next time, Kiba."
Kiba just groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Yeah, yeah. Next time."
As they continued through the first stage of the Chunin Exams, Hinata's attention never strayed far from Narumi. He noticed the way she interacted with her team, particularly Sasuke. Over the past year, it seemed that Narumi and Sasuke's bond had only grown closer. Sasuke, who had always been cold and distant, now gave Narumi looks that were softer, more caring. Hinata had seen it more than once, the way Sasuke would glance at her out of the corner of his eye, as if checking to make sure she was okay.
It hurt to see it. Hinata's heart clenched every time he saw those glances, and he found himself wishing, even if just for a moment, that he could be the one standing beside Narumi, receiving those looks. But instead, he was left watching from a distance, quietly admiring her as she thrived.
When the preliminary rounds of the Chunin Exams began, Narumi was matched against Kiba. Hinata's heart leapt into his throat at the announcement. Kiba, who was strong and brash, against Narumi, the girl who was often underestimated. He didn't want to see either of them hurt, but his loyalties were clear: he silently rooted for Narumi.
The battle was fierce. Kiba and Akamaru worked together with incredible synergy, using their combined attacks to overwhelm Narumi. But Narumi, in true fashion, surprised everyone. She used her shadow clones to outthink Kiba, creating confusion and forcing him to make mistakes. In the end, Narumi won, standing victorious over both Kiba and Akamaru.
Hinata felt a surge of pride and relief wash over him. Narumi had done it—she had proven, once again, that she was more than just the dead-last. She was strong, resourceful, and clever.
But Hinata's own battle was next.
He stood across from Neji, his cousin and the Hyuga clan's prodigy. Hinata knew this fight was going to be different. Neji had always resented him—resented him for being born into the main branch of the Hyuga clan, for being named the heir when Neji was the stronger, more skilled fighter. But more than that, Neji was angry. Angry that Hinata's weakness had indirectly led to the death of Neji's father.
Hinata stepped into the arena with a heavy heart, knowing that this wasn't just a battle—it was a reckoning. Neji's attacks were ruthless, and despite Hinata's efforts, he was no match for his cousin's overwhelming skill. Neji tore through him, striking at his chakra points with precision and cruelty. Hinata could feel himself weakening with every blow, but he refused to give up. He fought with everything he had, but it wasn't enough.
In the end, Neji defeated him, leaving Hinata collapsed on the ground, his vision blurring as he slipped into unconsciousness.
The next time he woke, he was in the hospital. But even in his weakened state, he heard about what had happened after his defeat. Narumi, furious at Neji for his harsh treatment of Hinata, had stepped in. She had challenged Neji, determined to avenge Hinata and prove her own strength. And she had won. Narumi Uzumaki, the dead-last of the academy, had defeated Neji Hyuga, the clan's prodigy, in the final round of the Chunin Exams.
Hinata could hardly believe it. He had always admired Narumi, but now, that admiration had grown into something more. She wasn't just the girl he had a crush on—she was a force of nature, a shining example of perseverance and strength. She had stood up for him, defended him when he couldn't defend himself, and in doing so, had helped mend the broken relationship between him and Neji. For the first time in years, Hinata felt a flicker of hope that he and Neji might one day be able to truly reconcile.
But not everything was good news. In the aftermath of the Chunin Exams, tragedy struck once again. Sasuke Uchiha, the boy Narumi had cared for, had betrayed Konoha. He had left the village, seeking power from Orochimaru, the man responsible for the death of the Third Hokage. The news sent shockwaves through the village, and Hinata could hardly believe it when he heard.
Hinata hesitated outside the hospital room. He could hear Narumi's voice through the door—quiet but filled with a frustration that twisted his heart. She had tried to bring Sasuke back, had fought with everything she had, but she had failed. Sasuke had still left. Hinata swallowed hard, then gently knocked before stepping inside.
Narumi was sitting on the bed, staring out the window, her bright blue eyes dull with disappointment. Bandages covered her arms and her cheek bore a fading bruise. When she turned to look at him, there was no trace of her usual fiery spirit.
"Hinata," she greeted, her voice subdued. "What are you doing here?"
"I… I came to see how you're doing," Hinata said softly, moving closer. His chest tightened at the sight of her injuries, but it was the look in her eyes that hurt the most. The frustration, the pain, the helplessness—it was all there, just barely hidden behind her composed expression.
"I failed," Narumi whispered, her hands clenching the sheets. "I promised Sakura I'd bring Sasuke back… but I couldn't. I wasn't strong enough. I wasn't fast enough. I…" Her voice faltered, and she looked down, biting her lip as if to keep herself from showing any more weakness. "How could I let him slip away like that?"
Hinata's heart ached for her. He had seen her try so hard, fight so fiercely for the bond she shared with Sasuke. But now, it was as if that bond had been shattered. And Narumi… she was left picking up the pieces, trying to understand why it had broken.
"It's not your fault," Hinata said, his voice soft but firm. "You did everything you could."
"I didn't," Narumi muttered, shaking her head. "I wasn't strong enough. If I had been… if I could've just stopped him for a moment longer, maybe I could've convinced him." Her fists tightened, and she let out a bitter laugh. "He didn't even hesitate, Hinata. He just… left. Just like that. Like none of it mattered."
Hinata stepped closer, his chest tightening with both sympathy and frustration. How could Sasuke do that? How could he hurt Narumi this way, after everything they had been through together? His hand hovered above hers, unsure of what to do, unsure if she would even want his comfort. "You're not weak, Narumi. You're one of the strongest people I know."
Narumi turned to him, her eyes searching his face, but she didn't say anything. Hinata took a deep breath, gathering the courage to continue.
"You just need to keep getting stronger. This isn't the end… you'll get stronger, and next time, things will be different," Hinata said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "You've always found a way to rise above everything. You'll find a way again."
For the first time since he entered the room, Hinata saw a spark of life return to Narumi's eyes. She blinked at him, and something in her expression softened. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make Hinata's heart race. Maybe she was starting to see him—not as the shy boy in the background, but as someone who truly believed in her.
"Thanks, Hinata," Narumi said, her voice quiet but sincere. "You've… always believed in me, huh?"
Hinata blushed, his throat tightening as he nodded. "I'll always believe in you, Narumi."
As Hinata left the hospital, his heart felt heavy. He hated seeing Narumi like that—hurting because of Sasuke, because of a bond that had been broken. Sasuke had betrayed her, betrayed the village, and yet he still had a place in Narumi's heart. Hinata clenched his fists, anger bubbling up inside him.
How could Sasuke throw everything away so easily? How could he betray the people who cared about him, who had fought beside him? And worst of all, how could he hurt Narumi—the person who had tried so hard to save him, who had believed in him even when no one else did?
Hinata's chest tightened with frustration, but beneath that anger, there was something else. Something darker. A small, shameful part of him was happy. Happy that Sasuke was gone, because now, maybe—just maybe—Hinata wouldn't have to compete with him for Narumi's attention anymore. He hated himself for thinking it, but he couldn't help it. Deep down, he was glad that Sasuke was no longer in Narumi's life.
And yet, even with Sasuke gone, Hinata still felt like he was standing in the shadows—watching, waiting, hoping that one day Narumi would see him the way she saw Sasuke.
The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the training grounds. Hinata sat with his friends, the usual banter between Kiba and Shikamaru filling the air, but today, the atmosphere felt heavier than usual.
Sakura had joined them, her face pale and her eyes downcast. She hadn't said much, just sat quietly beside Ino. The rest of the group had noticed her unease, the way she seemed distant, but none of them pushed her to talk—until now.
Shikamaru was the first to break the silence. "So... what's on your mind, Sakura?" His voice was calm, but there was a sharpness to it, like he already knew something was wrong.
Sakura sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping. "Narumi… she's leaving." Her voice cracked slightly, and the words seemed to hang in the air.
The group fell silent. Hinata's heart skipped a beat.
"Leaving? What do you mean, leaving?" Kiba frowned, looking between Sakura and the others. Akamaru, sensing the tension, whined softly at his side.
"She's going on a training trip with Jiraiya-sama," Sakura continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Three years... she'll be gone for three years."
Hinata's chest tightened painfully. Three years? His mind reeled at the thought of not seeing Narumi for so long. The weight of the words crashed down on him like a tidal wave.
"Three years?" Kiba repeated, his voice rising in disbelief. "Are you serious? That's forever!" He shot a glance at Hinata, his eyes wide with shock, but Hinata could only stare at the ground, trying to process what he had just heard.
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, leaning back and staring up at the sky. "Team 7's falling apart, huh?" He scratched the back of his head, his usual lazy demeanor hiding the concern in his eyes.
Sakura nodded slowly. "Yeah… first Sasuke, now Narumi. Team 7 is gone." Her voice trembled as she spoke, and she looked away, her fingers twisting the hem of her sleeve. "She promised me… she promised to bring Sasuke back. And now she's leaving too…"
Ino placed a gentle hand on Sakura's shoulder. "Sakura, you're not alone. We're all still here. You still have us," Ino said softly, her eyes filled with sympathy.
Shikamaru sighed again. "Well, I guess that's what it means to be a shinobi. People leave, things change. It's part of life, but it doesn't make it any easier."
Choji, who had been quietly munching on a bag of chips, finally spoke up. "It's gonna be different without Narumi around. I mean, she's the one who always keeps things lively."
"Yeah," Kiba added, his voice subdued, which was rare for him. "It won't be the same without her. She's the loudest person in the village!"
Everyone nodded in agreement, even Shino, who usually stayed silent in group conversations. "Her presence will be missed," Shino said quietly, pushing his sunglasses up the bridge of his nose.
Hinata remained silent, his chest tightening with each word. He felt like he was suffocating under the weight of it all. Narumi was leaving, and for three long years. He could feel the panic rising in his throat, but he didn't want to show it—not here, not in front of everyone. He clenched his fists, trying to steady himself.
"Three years is a long time," Choji mumbled between bites. "But when she comes back, she'll be even stronger than she is now."
"Yeah," Kiba muttered. "But what about us? She's out there training with one of the Sannin, and we're stuck here. How are we supposed to keep up?"
Shikamaru shrugged. "We'll keep doing what we're doing. Train. Grow stronger. What else can we do?"
Hinata swallowed hard, finally finding his voice. "We... we have to train harder too. We can't fall behind." His voice was quiet, but there was a determination in his tone that surprised even him.
Kiba grinned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You're right, Hinata. We'll get stronger too. We have to, for Narumi's sake."
Sakura, who had been silent, nodded weakly. "I just… I don't want to be left behind. Not again. First Sasuke, now Narumi… and I'm just… here."
"You're not just here, Sakura," Ino said firmly. "You're one of the strongest kunoichi in the village. You'll keep getting stronger too."
Sakura tried to smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I know… but it's hard. Team 7 was everything to me, and now… it's all gone."
Hinata felt the sting of her words, but deep down, he understood her pain. It was the same pain he felt—watching the people he cared about slip away, feeling powerless to stop it. But at the same time, he felt something else—something that pushed him to keep going.
Narumi wouldn't be gone forever. And when she came back, he would be ready. He would train, he would grow stronger, and he would become someone worthy of standing beside her. He clenched his fists tighter, his resolve hardening.
Shikamaru glanced at Hinata, his eyes sharp despite his usual laziness. "Guess that means we've got a lot of work ahead of us, huh?"
Hinata nodded, his heart pounding with determination. "Yeah. We do."
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the group sat in silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts. They would miss Narumi, that much was clear. But they all knew what they had to do. They would train, they would grow, and when Narumi returned, they would be ready.
And Hinata... he would make sure he was ready too.
As Hinata watched the sun set over the village, he made a silent vow. Narumi was going to spend the next three years training, becoming stronger. And if she was going to grow stronger, then he would do the same. He would train harder than ever, push himself beyond his limits, so that when Narumi returned, he would be worthy of her.
He would become someone who could stand by her side—not just as a friend, but as an equal, as someone she could rely on. He clenched his fists, determination burning in his chest. No matter how long it took, he would grow stronger. He would be ready when she returned.
-end-
Note: This is the first chapter of this three-part story. After completing my first two stories, I felt a desire to explore it a bit more, so I created this one. I had written The Weight of Regret from Sasuke's POV, so I'll do this story from Hinata's POV instead.
