Konoha Village.
After Shinju returned to greet everyone, his clone went back to the Hokage office to handle affairs.
In just half a day, several more stacks of documents had accumulated.
In the office, Tsunade knocked and walked in, a look of admiration on her face as she spoke to Shinju's clone: "You're pretty efficient, huh."
The clone, sharing the same mind as the original, smiled and nodded:
"Should be. After all, I'm the Hokage now! ε-(´∀｀; )"
After speaking, Shinju's smile deepened slightly: "On this mission, Naruto and I worked together. I really got to see how much he's grown."
"Tsunade-sensei, I've been Hokage for half a year now, and Naruto has been trained up. Isn't it about time to pass the mantle to him? (ﾉ∇︎〃 )"
Tsunade shook her head: "No, Naruto isn't eighteen yet. Too young."
Shinju was speechless: "I was still under seventeen when I became Hokage. Gaara from the neighboring Sand Village was just fifteen when he became Kazekage…"
Tsunade: "Anyway, it's still too early for Naruto to be Hokage. You're not ancient yet; wait another two years…"
Shinju, however, was firm this time: "No, I built Konoha's defense systems during my term, dealt with the moon crisis… I've done my part. I still have a lot to do…"
Seeing Shinju's determination, Tsunade pursed her lips and relented:
"Fine, I'll discuss it with a few of the village elders."
"Oh, and you're seventeen now. Maybe it's about time to find a girlfriend."
Shinju: "…"
Do these old people always find ways to embarrass me…
Girlfriend?
I'm only seventeen and a half. Back in my old world, this is the time to focus on studies. How can I think about romance now…
Shinju: "Alright, alright, I get it, sensei. Please leave… (｡í _ ì｡)"
Tsunade, having gone through village documents, knew Shinju was busy and left, though she couldn't resist adding:
"Find someone gentle, don't just look at appearances… Beautiful women are dangerous…"
...
Shinju and Naruto's home.
After returning home, Shinju and Naruto hastily prepared a meal.
During dinner, Shinju looked at Naruto teasingly:
"The moon problem is solved. Now it's time for you to fulfill your promise. (σ≧︎▽︎≦︎)σ"
Naruto scratched his head: "What promise?"
Shinju was exasperated: "Don't play dumb. Doing what you say is your ninja way, isn't it? Ծ‸ Ծ "
Naruto's resolve weakened instantly: "I get that, but the Hyuga family just went through a major crisis. Is it really the right time for a confession…"
"You're overthinking it. Just say it naturally. Later, when we deliver the eyes to Hanabi, you sweeten your words, and it's done! (o´Д`o)ノ" Shinju said firmly.
Over the past six months, he'd been stressed over Naruto and Sasuke's relationship.
Neither of them made it easy!
Finally, it's time to act, and I must fan the flames!
Naruto: "I'm bad with words. I won't know what to say during a confession…"
Shinju: "You're not bad with words when training opponents. You've mastered mouth jutsu… 눈_눈"
Though he said this, Shinju worried Naruto might falter, so he drafted a speech for him.
"Just say: Only because you're too beautiful…"
"Wait, 'only because you're too beautiful'? Σ(っ °Д °;)っ"
Seeing Shinju's suddenly odd expression, Naruto asked: "What's wrong with that line? Is there some hidden meaning?"
Shinju waved it off: "Nothing, it just reminded me of an old friend."
Later, Shinju fully used his essay-writing skills to craft a confession script for Naruto. But after finishing, he felt it lacked sincerity, so he also bought some flowers:
"The key is to show your heart. Say what you truly want to tell Hinata…"
Naruto nodded: "Got it! ୧⍢⃝୨"
...
Konoha Village Ninja Hospital.
Hyuga Hanabi's ward.
Shinju and Naruto returned Hanabi's eyes.
Hinata bowed repeatedly: "Thank you so much! If it weren't for you, Hanabi would have been in danger…"
Shinju waved: "No problem. I'll put the eyes back in for Hanabi. You two step out for now."
After saying this, Shinju ushered Naruto and Hinata out to give them some privacy.
He then began treating Hanabi's eyes…
Ten minutes later, Shinju opened the ward door to see a slightly embarrassed Naruto and Hinata.
Seeing their expressions, his heart skipped a beat.
Could it be… the confession failed?
It shouldn't be. Hinata's liked Naruto for years!
Did Naruto falter midway?
Just as Shinju was puzzled, Hinata approached: "My sister's eyes…"
"No problem. She'll wake up soon." Shinju cheerfully led Hinata inside and rushed to Naruto: "What happened? It didn't work?"
Naruto: "We were outside together. She was worried about Hanabi, so I couldn't bring myself to say anything."
Shinju: "You two didn't say a word?"
Naruto thought for a moment: "She suggested we walk in the park later, but I felt tired and refused… ⊙_⊙"
Shinju: "Are you allergic to romance? (▼ヘ▼#)"
"Hanabi is healed now. Go with her to the park. Agree to whatever she says! Then find a chance to confess. I'll back you up!"
Naruto clenched his fist, eyes firm again: "Don't worry! ୧⍢⃝୨"
...
In the park.
Naruto looked at Hinata not far away, stammering: "Hinata… actually…"
Before Naruto could finish, Hinata spoke first: "Naruto, I like you…(´つヮ⊂︎)"
"From a very young age, I watched you, saw you fall and rise, watched you warm everyone around you like the sun, saw you boldly proclaim your ninja way…"
"I'm really happy to be sitting with you now. It feels like spring wind over a lake, willows swaying, blue sky and clouds above, water sparkling… beautiful and natural… right? ≧∇≦"
As she spoke, Hinata's face turned red.
"So… Naruto, what's your answer?"
Naruto was stunned by her words.
I didn't even attack, and Hinata just dropped a big move on me…
This feeling… is kind of blissful!
"I like you too!"
As the words fell, vines shot up in the park: "swish swish swish!"
Then, flowers bloomed across the vines!!
...
Hospital ward.
Shinju, who had just remotely released Wood Release, stomped in excitement.
This is amazing!!
Finally done! A miraculous bloom!
At that moment, Hanabi stirred on the bed. Shinju rushed forward…
Hanabi opened her eyes, and before her was the face of a handsome man…
o(////▽////)q