Hinata's Determination
After returning from the water, Naruto went back to his seat and noticed that Sasuke was looking at him differently.
If Sasuke approaching him earlier had been accidental, then provoking him into a challenge and defeating him effortlessly had been entirely intentional on Naruto's part. He needed Sasuke to gauge the internal state of the Uchiha clan.
Unlike Hinata, whose Hyuga clan enforced the oppressive Caged Bird Seal on its branch members, the Uchiha clan's relationship with Konoha's leadership had already deteriorated to open hostility. Given the chance, both sides would not hesitate to strike at each other's power.
Getting Sasuke's attention was easy—insulting the Uchiha name and bruising his pride was enough.
In a way, becoming Sasuke's rival was as effortless as challenging Might Guy.
With an unimpressed expression, Naruto picked up his textbook and resumed reading. He had nothing better to do. In the future, he decided he would bring more advanced books to the Academy to pass the time.
The first-year academic curriculum at the Academy was far too basic for him and required little effort.
Naruto's other deskmate, Sakura, was also a dedicated student, though her focus often wavered as she stole glances toward Sasuke.
Sasuke, after all, was more popular with the girls than Naruto.
---
Since it was the first day of school, the Academy let students out early at three in the afternoon.
Naruto, who had been independently educating himself since he was five, found the schedule rather lax. However, with the aid of Shadow Clones, he could train effectively around the clock, making up for lost time.
After class, some students went home immediately, while others stayed behind for extra training.
Naruto intended to leave right away, but his path was blocked—by none other than Hinata Hyuga.
Hinata spoke hesitantly, "Naruto-kun, we really are destined to be classmates again. You're still wearing the gloves I gave you before."
Naruto, remembering how Hinata had always treated him with kindness, smiled. "What's up, Hinata? Are you being bullied again, or are you here to give me another gift?"
Hinata shook her head. "I didn't bring anything this time… But I can go back and prepare something. What does Naruto-kun want? I'll do my best to get it."
Naruto chuckled. "I don't make a habit of asking for gifts from just anyone."
After a brief pause, he added, "But my new home is near the Hyuga compound. Let's walk back together. We can chat on the way."
Hinata nodded and followed him without protest.
---
As the two walked through the village streets, their presence did not go unnoticed. The villagers cast wary, even hostile glances at Naruto.
Hinata felt the tension and asked, "Why are they looking at us like that? Did we… do something wrong?"
"Maybe it's because I'm a demon fox," Naruto said with a smile, though his voice lacked warmth.
Hinata's expression darkened. "But… Naruto-kun, you've never done anything wrong to them. You've only ever defended yourself against their hatred."
"Malice doesn't need a reason," Naruto replied, his tone light, as if discussing the weather. "They're just looking for an outlet."
Hinata frowned. "But… that's not right. Doesn't the village teach us to help one another?"
"In that case, why do those kids bully you?" Naruto asked bluntly.
Hinata lowered her gaze and spoke softly, uncertainly. "Maybe… maybe they just don't understand yet. Maybe when they grow up, they'll realize…" She trailed off, glancing at the villagers.
Naruto sighed. "People say a lot of nice things, but few actually live by them. Like your clan's Caged Bird Seal."
Hinata looked up at him, confused.
Naruto continued, "The Caged Bird Seal was originally meant to protect the Byakugan from being stolen by outsiders. But now, it's just a tool for the main branch to control the branch family."
As he spoke, Naruto met Hinata's eyes. "I remember you once told me that Hiashi Hyuga—your father—killed the Kumo ninja who tried to kidnap you. But in the end, why was it your uncle Hizashi who was sacrificed instead?"
Hinata fell silent. As the heir of the main family, she had always treated the branch members with kindness.
But that was just her.
The rest of the clan—both main and branch—could feel the division in status. At its worst, the main house held absolute power over the fate of the branch members.
That was why Uncle Hizashi had died. That was why Neji resented her so deeply.
The village constantly preached unity, yet it allowed the Caged Bird Seal to exist—something that clearly went against the Will of Fire.
Hinata found herself overwhelmed by these thoughts. Unable to find an answer, she remained still, lost in uncertainty.
Noticing her troubled expression, Naruto patted her shoulder and smiled. "Don't overthink it. Just be yourself. Become stronger first—only then can you change the things you hate."
Before they knew it, they had arrived near the Hyuga compound, and it was time to part ways.
Despite Naruto's words, Hinata's heart still felt heavy. Her normally gentle eyes were clouded with doubt.
---
After they separated, Naruto leaned back with his hands behind his head, exhaling softly.
"As expected… I still can't explain the world's harsh truths to a kid. She looked like she was about to cry, and I'm terrible at comforting people."
From within his mind, a familiar voice scoffed.
"You're not much of a brat yourself," the Kyuubi remarked. "But is this really how you treat a girl who clearly likes you? If it were me, I'd be more of a gentleman—I wouldn't make a girl sad so easily."
Naruto snorted. "What do you know? Hinata's soft-hearted nature isn't suited for a ninja. She's not even fit to be the Hyuga heir, let alone survive in this world."
The Kyuubi sighed. "Naruto, sometimes I wonder… Are you really a brat? Or are you the reincarnation of some old war-hardened monster?"
Naruto smirked. "I've thought the same thing. Say, Big Fox, you've lived for a long time. Ever seen someone reincarnated?"
The Kyuubi growled in annoyance. "No, no! I'm not omnipotent!"
---
Inside the Hyuga Compound
Hinata changed into her training clothes and sought out her father, Hiashi Hyuga. She made a firm request:
"I want to increase my training."
Hiashi regarded her with mild surprise. "Your current regimen is already quite demanding. Why do you wish to push yourself further?"
Hinata took a deep breath and answered, "Because I want to become stronger. I want to surpass Neji."
And in her heart, she added:
Only then can I change the things I hate.
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters