Neji Hyuga returned to the Hyuga Clan grounds after visiting Chinya's home for seven days.
Neji needed to observe which clan members could potentially change, then slowly approach them and begin influencing them gradually.
This was definitely not something that could be accomplished overnight—it required long-term effort and patience.
After all, what Neji was trying to do was considered an unforgivable crime by the Hyuga Clan, so he had to be extremely careful and cautious.
Currently, during the day Neji trained with Chinya, and at night he observed his clansmen, searching for suitable candidates to make contact with.
...
Before they knew it, time had passed and winter arrived.
Chinya came alone outside Konoha Village when a ninja eagle flew overhead, dropping down a small package.
The parcel had been sent by Uzumaki Miyuki.
Inside was a red scarf she had personally knitted, meant as a gift for Naruto Uzumaki, delivered through Chinya.
Chinya returned to Konoha, bought plenty of food and daily necessities in the market, then made his way to Naruto Uzumaki's home.
At that moment, Naruto was lying on his windowsill, listlessly watching the snowy scenery outside.
"Naruto."
Seeing Chinya standing by the window, Naruto was very surprised and excited. "Uncle Chinya, you came to visit me!"
Chinya smiled and nodded. "Yes. I figured your food should've run out by now. I bought a lot of stuff for you—open up quickly."
Naruto happily opened the door for Chinya.
As soon as Chinya walked into the room, he skillfully opened the refrigerator, tossed out expired items, and neatly arranged the new groceries inside.
He reminded Naruto, "Don't just eat your favorites, and clear out the expired food sooner. If food spoils in the fridge, it'll fill the whole fridge with a bad smell."
Naruto's face lit up with a bright smile. "Okay, I know, Uncle Chinya."
Chinya said helplessly, "Don't just say it without following through—I've told you this many times already."
Then, Chinya carefully wrapped the hand-knitted scarf from Uzumaki Miyuki around Naruto's neck. "This scarf is a treasure. You must protect it well, Naruto."
Naruto nuzzled the scarf and said happily, "It's so warm! I'll definitely take good care of it!"
Chinya asked, "So Naruto, would you like to eat something I cook, or go out to eat?"
Naruto grinned enthusiastically. "Uncle Chinya, I want your tonkatsu rice!"
"Alright, I'll prepare it for you. Just wait a moment."
Recently, Naruto hadn't gone outside much because the discriminatory stares bothered him greatly.
Ichiraku Ramen used to be Naruto's favorite place, but after Chinya took him there once, he didn't enjoy it as much anymore.
Now, Naruto preferred the meals Chinya cooked himself, or those prepared by Kushina Uzumaki that Chinya sometimes brought along.
That's why seeing Chinya became the highlight of Naruto's day.
Meanwhile, ever since the last time Hiruzen Sarutobi had turned Naruto Uzumaki away using the Will of Fire, Naruto had grown strongly resistant toward Hiruzen visiting him.
Because each time Hiruzen came to see him, he would endlessly repeat the same lesson about the Will of Fire.
Right now, Naruto truly hated the Will of Fire.
After watching Naruto finish his pork chop rice bowl and wash the dishes before placing them in the cupboard, Chinya bid farewell: "Well then, Naruto, I'll visit you again next time."
Naruto waved half-heartedly: "Bye, Uncle Chinya. Come back soon, okay?"
"I will. Farewell."
Chinya left Naruto Uzumaki's house and returned home.
When Kushina Uzumaki saw Chinya return, she asked: "Chinya, did you give Miyuki's scarf to Naruto already?"
Chinya replied: "I gave it to him already. Naruto really liked that scarf."
Uzumaki Sōnagi, who was eating dinner, asked puzzledly: "Dad, Mom, if you both care so much about Naruto, why don't you just invite him over for dinner with us?"
Kushina didn't explain to Sōnagi: "You wouldn't understand. Just eat your meal properly!"
Sōnagi mumbled under his breath, "You always say I don't get it... But how am I supposed to if no one tells me?"
Kushina shot Sōnagi a sharp look: "Sōnagi, did you just mutter something?"
"N-no, I didn't say anything!"
Sōnagi shivered slightly and immediately shoveled more rice into his mouth.
Chinya raised his eyebrows. It seemed Sōnagi wouldn't have a rebellious phase after all.
...
The next day.
The snow stopped falling in Konoha Village, covering the entire village in white.
Wearing the new clothes Chinya bought for him and the scarf around his neck, Naruto Uzumaki planned to go play outside in the snow.
He walked directly toward the Forestland at the edge of Konoha, where there was a swing and fewer people around.
Just as Naruto sat on the swing, he noticed three boys blocking a girl nearby.
"Since you're from the Hyuga Clan, show us that Byakugan of yours!"
"Are you some kind of monster? You white-eyed freak!"
"Hahaha..."
The boys were mocking none other than Hinata Hyuga, daughter of Hiashi Hyuga.
Being bullied, Hinata covered her face and crouched on the ground, sobbing.
Naruto Uzumaki rushed over: "Hey! Stop that!"
The three boys looked annoyed as they turned to the running Naruto: "What do you think you're doing, brat?"
With full momentum, Naruto shouted: "I'm Naruto Uzumaki! Nobody bullies the weak while I'm around!"
"You're the idiot here?"
Naruto formed hand seals, shouting defiantly: "No, you guys are the idiots! I'll beat you up! [Shadow Clone Jutsu!]"
Puff puff.
Smoke appeared in front of Naruto, revealing two extremely tiny Narutos once the smoke cleared.
Actually, Naruto had performed the hand seal for the standard Clone Jutsu.
He'd secretly learned this from observing Chinya teach Uzumaki Sōnagi.
But obviously, Naruto hadn't mastered even the basic Clone Jutsu yet.
The three boys burst into laughter at Naruto.
Then, Naruto ended up getting beaten up by those three boys.
Naruto Uzumaki was pinned to the ground and beaten.
Naruto took the beating in silence, swallowing his rage and sorrow.
If...if Hiruzen Sarutobi had allowed him to train, it wouldn't be him lying here getting pounded—it would definitely be those three!
Why? Why won't he let me train? Does everyone who wants to train have to accept his Will of Fire first before they're allowed to practice?
"That guy said he'd beat us up badly!"
"He's so weak—why'd he even try to step up?"
"This guy's super weak!"
The three boys roughly yanked and stomped on Naruto Uzumaki's scarf.
When the three boys finally got tired of picking on him, they sneered at Naruto one last time before walking off.
Hinata Hyuga picked up the scarf from the ground and walked over to Naruto, asking with guilt and concern, "Are you okay? Um...your scarf...I'm sorry."
Looking at the muddy, tattered scarf, Naruto felt a surge of helpless fury and grief.
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