Sasuke ran away.
When it came to battle, he feared no one. Even when facing Naruto, he would draw his sword without hesitation. But when it came to something like the physical closeness of a man and woman—his first real experience of intimacy—Sasuke had panicked.
Karin had been far too direct. That kiss, her boldness, the way she threw him down onto the sofa—Sasuke's heart was still pounding from it.
The memory replayed vividly, and against his will, his cheeks flushed faintly. The warmth of Karin pressed against him, the sweetness of her lips, the rush of confusion—he shook his head violently, trying to clear it all away.
He wasn't ready for that. Not yet.
And so, rather than face those feelings, Sasuke rushed home, seeking solitude in silence.
Compared to Sasuke's awkwardness, Naruto was far more comfortable when it came to love.
At that very moment, he was lying on Hinata's bed, holding her close in his arms.
Hinata's slender fingers traced idle circles across Naruto's chest, her lips curved in a gentle smile.
"Naruto," she whispered, her cheeks slightly pink, "I find that your endurance has improved a lot compared to before."
Naruto smirked, the foxlike grin that always belonged to him. "Of course. After all, we've… fought several times now. I've gained experience, dattebayo. Naturally, I can handle things better than before."
Hinata's blush deepened, but she only nestled closer against him.
Then Naruto's expression grew more thoughtful. He brushed his fingers against her hair and asked, "By the way, Hinata—while I was gone, did you dream about Toneri again? Or did anyone come to disturb you here in the village?"
Hinata shook her head softly. "No. After you left, I haven't experienced anything like that again."
Naruto nodded, reassured. So Toneri must have realized I confronted him on the moon. He stopped sending those puppets to Konoha and instead waited for me directly up there.
Toneri Ōtsutsuki had believed he could defeat him. He hadn't expected to be beaten, forced into retreat, and left alive only because Naruto had chosen mercy.
Still, one matter weighed heavily on Naruto's mind. Toneri's damaged Tenseigan. If possible, he wanted to help fix Toneri's eyes. But stealing Hanabi's Byakugan to give them to Toneri—that was unthinkable. Hanabi's eyes were hers, and Naruto would never allow her to be harmed.
There has to be another way, he thought. Maybe I can find a way to cultivate Byakugan… maybe even transplant them someday. Hanabi's eyes were said to be purer than Hinata's. Perhaps because she's younger, untouched by the burdens of the world, her dojutsu retains its clarity.
His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar, cheerful voice outside the door.
"Hinata! Brother Naruto! Father asked you to come out for dinner!"
Hinata sat up quickly, startled. "Hanabi! O-okay, I understand!"
She hurried to gather her clothes, her face flushed. Naruto chuckled and began dressing as well.
When they stepped outside, Hanabi was waiting for them with a mischievous grin.
"Brother Naruto, Sister… you were fighting again, weren't you?"
Hinata's entire face went crimson. She reached forward and flicked her little sister's forehead with a gentle but embarrassed scolding. "Y-you… what nonsense are you saying? Children shouldn't say such things!"
Hanabi groaned dramatically, rubbing her forehead. "What do you mean I don't understand? I heard you shouting, Sister! Brother Naruto, were you bullying her?"
Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "No, no! I was just… um… discussing ninjutsu with your sister. Yeah, that's it! Ninjutsu training!"
Hanabi tilted her head, pretending to think it over. "Really? That's amazing. You two can even spar inside the room? I even heard Sister shouting 'Revolving Heaven!' And Brother Naruto, I swear I heard you using Multiple Shadow Clone. Incredible!"
Hinata's face was practically steaming. "T-that's enough! Father is waiting. Let's go eat!"
Quickly, she grabbed Hanabi's hand and marched her away before she could say anything more.
Naruto followed behind, chuckling awkwardly.
In the Hyūga clan's dining room, Hiashi and Hizashi were already seated.
Naruto greeted them respectfully, then took his place with Hinata and Hanabi. Though Hizashi was technically a soul brought back by the Impure World Reincarnation, he still sat at the table out of courtesy, keeping his family company even if he couldn't eat.
"Come, Naruto," Hiashi said warmly, personally serving him food.
Naruto blinked in surprise at the gesture. He was still getting used to being treated with such honor. After all, his status in Konoha was now second only to the Hokage himself. Hiashi, as stern as he once had been, seemed genuinely pleased with him as a prospective son-in-law.
"Thank you, Uncle," Naruto said gratefully.
"I want some too, Father!" Hanabi quickly lifted her bowl as if competing. Hiashi gave her an indulgent smile and filled it.
As the family began their meal, Hizashi looked at Naruto curiously. "Naruto, I heard that you and Sasuke went to the moon this time."
Naruto paused mid-bite, then nodded. "Yeah. It had to do with Hinata. There was an Ōtsutsuki living on the moon—Toneri. I went up there, fought him, and… settled things. He's an ally now, more or less."
Hizashi's eyes widened slightly. "So those old stories were true. I never thought people really lived on the moon. Incredible…"
Hiashi gave a slow nod as well. The Hyūga, known for their Byakugan, had always passed down ancient legends. Tales of the Sage of Six Paths. Of descendants who dwelled beyond the earth. Of a connection to the moon itself.
Many dismissed them as myths distorted by time. But now, hearing Naruto speak so plainly, it seemed the legends were real after all.
Naruto kept eating, while Hinata smiled softly and picked out some side dishes for him, placing them into his bowl.
Hiashi, watching this small act of tenderness, shifted the conversation.
"Naruto, while you were away, Fourth Hokage-sama and Lady Kushina came to speak with me. We discussed the possible wedding date for you and Hinata. Did you know?"
Naruto nearly dropped his chopsticks. "Eh? I… haven't been home since I got back, so I didn't know about that."
Hiashi nodded calmly. "Well, after you've spoken with them, let me know. I have no objections. As long as you and Hinata are happy, I will follow whatever date is agreed upon."
Naruto grinned widely. Honestly, he had no complaints. In my previous life, the Hyūga clan even covered the costs of the wedding. Marrying Hinata almost felt like winning the jackpot as a hero.
He nodded eagerly. "Of course, Uncle. No problem at all."
Hiashi chuckled softly, sipping from his cup. "Still, speak with Minato and Kushina first. I respect their opinion. There's no need to rush."
Naruto's grin softened into something gentler. My father-in-law really is kinder than people think.
The meal carried on warmly, laughter shared between bites of food.
Afterward, Naruto lingered a while longer with Hinata, reluctant to part. But eventually, he knew he had to head home. His parents were waiting—he hadn't even seen them since returning.
Just as he was about to leave, the door opened, and a familiar figure stepped inside.
"Oi, Naruto? You're back!"
Naruto turned, surprised. "Huh? Neji!"
The two clasped shoulders warmly. It had been several days since they'd last seen each other.
"What have you been up to?" Naruto asked with a grin. "I haven't seen you in seven or eight days!"
Neji crossed his arms, a faint smirk on his face. "I'm the Hyūga clan's training captain for the Allied Shinobi Forces. I've been working with Shisui and Itachi every day. What do you think I've been busy with?"
Naruto whistled in admiration. "Heh, that's impressive! A genius like you becoming captain—it fits perfectly."
Neji rolled his eyes at the compliment, though a small trace of pride lingered. Then he noticed Hinata standing shyly behind Naruto.
His smirk softened into something more serious. "So… when are you two getting married?"
Naruto looked at Hinata and smiled warmly. "Soon. Once I go home and make sure everything's settled."
Neji gave a small nod. "Time really flies. In the blink of an eye, Lady Hinata is about to get married."
Hinata puffed her cheeks, embarrassed. "Brother Neji, I told you—stop calling me Lady Hinata. Just call me Sister Hinata!"
Neji grinned faintly, the rare lighthearted smile of a man who had finally found peace.
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