Naruto learned that Hinata had been unhappy because of him.
He suddenly felt a little guilty.
After all, he hadn't explained anything before leaving.
He didn't tell Hinata any of the important things.
Hinata had been worried for so long, while Karin even used the Transformation Technique to imitate Hinata…
And he had been happily playing around with Karin.
Meanwhile, the innocent Hinata was feeling sad because of his actions.
This made a surge of guilt rush straight to Naruto's head.
He sincerely said to Hinata, "Hinata, it's my fault…"
"Naruto-kun~" Hinata narrowed her eyes and smiled softly. "No one is perfect, and Naruto-kun is no exception. But it's because we can accept each other's imperfections that our relationship becomes stronger and more sincere."
This only made Naruto feel even more guilty.
He felt he wouldn't be able to sleep for at least three days and nights.
Looking at the considerate and beautiful girl in front of him, his heartbeat suddenly sped up.
Was this what true love felt like?
After regaining his memories, Naruto's life had changed a lot.
He had the system, strength, and even silver.
He had better looks now too.
Because of this, some girls were starting to like him.
For example, Haruno Sakura and Ino—two heavy hitters.
These two chased after Naruto openly and enthusiastically.
To the point of being borderline perverted.
But Naruto had never felt this kind of heart-pounding feeling from them.
Naruto took Hinata's soft little hand. A shy blush quickly spread across her cheeks. He smiled and said, "Hinata, let's go out and play."
"No… maybe calling it a date would be more accurate."
…
Hokage's office.
"Hokage-sama, Uzumaki Naruto has returned to the village."
Sarutobi Hiruzen puffed on his pipe, listening to Anbu's report, a hint of seriousness in his old expression.
Sarutobi asked, "What is he doing now?"
Anbu replied honestly, "He… is currently on a date with the Hyuga clan's eldest daughter."
"Really?" Sarutobi's thoughts began to turn.
Naruto would never abandon Hinata and the few friends he had in Konoha.
As long as his attitude softened even a little, maybe Naruto would return to the village.
Thinking of this, Sarutobi said, "Don't disturb them. Wait until their date is over, then bring Naruto to me."
Anbu responded helplessly, "Yes…"
For some reason, Anbu's feelings were complicated.
On one hand, Sarutobi Hiruzen was the Third Hokage of Konoha.
In his younger years, the Third Hokage never acted so cautiously.
But now, he was trying to guess the thoughts of a single child and treat him carefully.
It gave Anbu an indescribable feeling.
On the other hand, Naruto's identity was extremely special.
He was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and the son of the Fourth Hokage.
If Naruto wasn't Minato's son, Anbu felt he could have turned against him.
After all, as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Naruto didn't care about the village and messed around all day.
But because of Naruto's background and experiences, Anbu didn't know how to face him.
Teach him a lesson?
Don't joke. At this point, unless the Fourth Hokage or Kushina came back to life, no one had the qualifications to teach Naruto anything.
…
Naruto had already sensed the Anbu.
But he didn't care.
He didn't want such a trivial matter to disturb his time with Hinata.
The two wandered around Konoha, chatting, trying snacks, and making promises to each other.
"Hinata, no matter what I do next—even if I completely sever ties with Konoha…"
Naruto promised seriously, "Even then, I will never abandon you."
Hinata hummed softly, feeling sweetness spread through her heart, her shyness clearly visible.
But at this crucial moment, an unpleasant voice sounded from afar.
"Naruto?!"
Naruto's eyelid twitched. He looked over instinctively.
Sure enough, a flash of pink caught his eye.
Haruno Sakura stood across the street, accompanied by Ino—now also Tsunade's disciple.
Then…
Sakura all but howled as she rushed at Naruto, like a starving dog seeing a meat bun.
Naruto's face twitched as he quickly shielded Hinata behind him.
See?
This was why Naruto could never feel love from Sakura.
Boom—
Sakura jumped directly onto Naruto and hugged him tightly.
To Naruto's shock, he didn't feel anything soft at all.
Hinata stood behind Naruto, feeling a little sour seeing Sakura cling to him like that.
But she was more confused.
How could Sakura be so… enthusiastic?
Ino followed next.
Compared to Sakura, Ino was like a "Sakura with extra brain cells."
Naruto pried Sakura off him and complained, "Sakura-chan, can't you be gentle and ladylike? Have you ever seen any other girl act like you?"
Sakura licked her lips and said carelessly, "It's fine. If you want gentle, you have Hinata. I have to give you a different experience, right?"
Naruto: "…"
Anyway, the date between Naruto and Hinata was interrupted.
The group ended up eating together, and by the time they finished, it was already late.
Naruto said goodbye to the girls and planned to return to the Land of Snow.
Yes—time to head back to the Land of Snow.
Despite the distance, it wouldn't take him long.
By early tomorrow morning, Naruto would be back in Konoha again and could start thinking about the barrier technology.
Just as Naruto was about to leave, the Anbu who had been secretly following him appeared.
"Uzumaki Naruto, Hokage-sama is looking for you."
Naruto thought for a moment and decided to go.
…
Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said seriously, "Naruto, I'm sorry for what has happened recently."
"If you hate me… I'm getting old. I don't have many days left."
"I can promise you on behalf of Konoha that the village will definitely satisfy your demands in the future."
"So, Naruto… will you come back to the village?"
As someone known as "The Professor,"
Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke so cautiously.
But Naruto wasn't moved. He said, "I know what you want to say, but I've made up my mind, so don't waste your breath."
"Of course, if you want to label me a traitor, that would be even better…"
That would make it easier for Naruto to take the barrier technology by force.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was silent for a moment before asking, "Naruto, last time little Kushina appeared… didn't you say you were living well now?"
"Ah?" Naruto's mouth twitched. "You really believed that?"
"Lord Third Hokage, you've been a politician for so many years. You can't possibly have failed to see through my intentions."
It was just to let Kushina's spirit rest peacefully.
Could Sarutobi really not tell when Naruto was lying?
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