After returning from the restroom, Naruto headed back to his seat—only to find Sasuke staring at him with a changed expression.
If Sasuke had approached him by chance, then provoking Sasuke into a duel and effortlessly defeating him had been entirely intentional.
Naruto needed to use Sasuke to better understand the inner workings of the Uchiha clan.
Unlike the Hyūga clan, which used the Caged Bird seal system, the relationship between the Uchiha and the Konoha leadership had already reached a point of open hostility. Neither side would hesitate to suppress the other when given the chance.
Getting Sasuke's attention had been simple: insult the Uchiha, then beat him down.
In a way, becoming Sasuke's rival was about as easy as becoming Might Guy's.
After giving Sasuke a disinterested glance, Naruto picked up his textbook and resumed flipping through it. There wasn't much else to do, and he figured he'd start bringing extra books to read during class at the academy.
The academic curriculum for first-years was far too basic for someone like him—it barely required any effort.
Coincidentally, his desk partner Sakura also loved reading. Unlike Naruto, however, she was genuinely reviewing their coursework, though her gaze kept drifting in Sasuke's direction.
When it came to looks, both were handsome boys, but Sasuke clearly had more admirers.
Because it was the first day of school, the Ninja Academy dismissed early—by 3 PM—without any real classes.
Naruto, having gone through a grueling "5 AM to 10 PM" training regimen in his past life, couldn't help but feel a bit envious. But now, he was even more driven. With the power of shadow clones, he could train 26 hours a day if he wanted to.
After school, some students went home immediately while others stayed to train.
Naruto would've preferred to head straight home—but someone stepped into his path.
It was none other than Hinata Hyūga.
Timidly, Hinata said, "Naruto-kun, we really do have a special connection… we ended up in the same class again. And you're still wearing the gloves I gave you."
Looking at the girl who had helped activate his system, Naruto smiled.
"What's up, Hinata? Did someone bully you again? Or did you come to give me another gift?"
"I didn't bring a gift today…" Hinata shook her head. "But I can go home and prepare something! What would you like? I'll do my best to get it for you."
"I'm not in the habit of asking people for presents."
He paused, then added:
"But I live near the Hyūga compound now. Let's walk home together and chat."
Hinata nodded without hesitation.
As they walked through the village streets, the pair drew the attention of passing villagers—many of whom shot them nasty, disdainful looks.
Even Hinata noticed the hostile gazes and asked, confused:
"Why are they looking at us like that? Did we do something wrong?"
"Probably because I'm the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki."
Naruto smiled lightly as he said this. But Hinata's heart ached even more.
"But… Naruto-kun, you've never done anything to hurt them. All you did was stand up against their hatred."
"Hatred doesn't need a reason. They're just venting their emotions."
Naruto kept his tone light, but Hinata frowned deeply.
"But… that's not right. Doesn't the village teach us to help and support each other?"
"Then why did those kids bully you?"
Her voice was quiet and uncertain:
"Maybe… maybe they weren't properly taught. Maybe they'll understand when they grow up. But the villagers…"
Seeing Hinata fall silent, Naruto reached out and gently patted her head.
"'Helping each other' is just a slogan. Lots of people say it, but very few actually do it."
"That includes the Caged Bird Seal your Hyūga clan uses."
Hinata looked up, puzzled.
Naruto continued:
"The seal was originally created to protect your Byakugan from being stolen. But now, it's become a tool for the main family to control the branch family."
Then he looked directly at her with a faint smile.
"Hinata, if I remember correctly, you once said it was Uncle Hiashi who killed the Cloud ninja that tried to kidnap you. So why was it your uncle, Hizashi, who ended up being handed over?"
Hinata fell into silence again.
As the main family's eldest daughter, she had always tried to treat every branch member equally.
But that was just her.
The inequality between the main and branch families was obvious to anyone. In extreme cases, the main family even had the power to decide the branch family's fate.
That was why Uncle Hizashi had died, and why Neji harbored such resentment toward her.
The village always preached the Will of Fire and unity… so why did it tolerate something as clearly unjust as the Caged Bird Seal?
Hinata's mind spun with questions, but she had no answers. All she could do was stand there helplessly.
Just then, Naruto patted her shoulder again.
"Don't overthink it. Just focus on being the best version of yourself. Only by becoming strong can you change the things you hate."
By now, they had arrived near the Hyūga compound—it was time to part ways.
Though Naruto had tried to comfort her, Hinata still looked deeply troubled, the light in her eyes noticeably dimmer.
After they separated, Naruto remained standing in place, scratching his head and sighing.
"I guess I shouldn't have hit her with that much harsh truth. She looked like she was about to cry. I'm really not good at comforting people…"
"You say that like you're not a kid yourself," the Nine-Tails grumbled. "Is that really how you treat a girl who likes you? If it were me, I'd be more gentlemanly—never make a girl cry like that."
Naruto snorted.
"What do you know? Hinata's too soft. That kind of personality doesn't suit a ninja, let alone someone meant to inherit the main family."
"Besides, we're not staying here forever."
The Nine-Tails sighed and stared at Naruto for a long time before saying:
"Sometimes I wonder if you're really just a kid. Maybe you're the reincarnation of some ancient monster."
Naruto gave the fox a look.
"Funny, I was wondering the same thing about myself. Big Fox, you've lived for ages—have you ever met someone who was reincarnated? Tell me about it."
The Nine-Tails suddenly looked annoyed.
"No, no. I'm not omniscient, you know."
Inside the Hyūga Main Residence
Hinata had changed into her training clothes and approached her father, Hiashi Hyūga, with a request to increase her training intensity.
Hiashi agreed but asked in confusion:
"Your current training load is already high. Why do you want to add more?"
Hinata answered softly:
"Father, I want to become stronger—strong enough to surpass Neji."
And in her heart, she added:
Only then… can I change everything I hate.
(End of Chapter)
If you'd like to read advance chapters support me at my patreon.com/YugiroTL