"Something like that." Iruka hesitated for a moment, then softened his voice and asked, "But more than that, sensei wants to know—why give up on your dream?"
"There's no why. That kind of thing was never my dream." Naruto shrugged. "Iruka-sensei, didn't you say the Hokage is the strongest in the village?"
"Yes, I did say that." Iruka nodded.
"They were right. I'm just dead last—there's no way someone like me could ever become Hokage, right?" Naruto shot back.
"That's not how you should see it. As long as you're willing to work hard—" Iruka found himself stuck. He knew Naruto's situation, but under the Third's order, he couldn't explain it.
Naruto tilted his head, eyes filled with puzzlement.
"Iruka-sensei, I don't want to be Hokage anymore. I want a dream that isn't so far out of reach."
"And what dream would that be?" Iruka felt sweat bead on his forehead. He didn't even know why he was being dragged around by the words of a child.
"Maybe… to find a kind, gentle wife, get married, and live like an ordinary adult." Naruto scratched his head as he spoke.
Iruka was both surprised and shaken. For Naruto, such a simple dream was actually even more out of reach.For Naruto could never have an ordinary marriage, an ordinary family.
Those words stuck in Iruka's throat. Just thinking about all those cold stares, the rejection, the isolation aimed at a lonely orphan—it left his heart aching.
No matter what, Naruto carried the burden of the Nine-Tails sealed within him. It was that seal that had protected the people of the village. But his contribution meant nothing—Naruto was nothing but a jinchūriki, treated with suspicion and scorn.
Iruka's own parents had died in the Nine-Tails' attack, but when he looked at this parentless boy before him, he found himself unable to feel hatred.The fault wasn't his—it was the Nine-Tails.
Naruto was just a vessel, born into rejection, forced to live under its weight.
And suddenly, Iruka realized: maybe Naruto had already grown up enough to understand the loathing in the villagers' eyes. The thought chilled him to the core.
If hatred ever took root in a jinchūriki's heart, the consequences would be unimaginable.
But when Iruka blinked, Naruto was still smiling that same bright smile.
"Naruto, this dream of yours…"
"What's wrong? Pretty great, right, Iruka-sensei?" Naruto grinned even wider. "Iruka-sensei, you're already this old and still don't have a girlfriend. You must have lots of savings, huh?"
"Wha—!" Iruka nearly exploded on the spot, fists clenching. "Naruto!"
"Help! He's gonna kill me!" Naruto yelped and bolted.
While the two of them bickered and played, Hinata on the side had already turned beet red, looking like she was about to faint from embarrassment. Her hands twisted nervously, lips whispering something no one could hear.
…
"That's enough, Naruto." Iruka finally stopped their game, scolding with a stern face. "Tomorrow you're coming to school. No excuses!"
"Yes, Iruka-sensei." Naruto lowered his head, looking properly chastised.
At that moment, both of their gazes shifted to Hinata, who stood quietly with her head lowered.
Hinata gave a little squeak, her face instantly flushing even deeper.
"Naruto, you should head home on your own. I'll walk Hinata back. You'll be fine by yourself, won't you?" Iruka rubbed his forehead.
Naruto was just about to agree when suddenly, the system panel popped up again.
[Option 1: Pursue Sakura. Reward: S-Rank Jutsu.][Option 2: Pursue Hinata, cutting ten years off your detours. Reward: Recognition of the Nine-Tails (free use of its chakra).][Note: Option 1 grants immediate mastery of a random S-Rank jutsu (with a small chance of gaining the rare Wood Release). Option 2 is a progress-based reward, distributed in sync with pursuit progress.]
Did he even need to think about this? The Nine-Tails' power wasn't something a single S-Rank jutsu could compare to.
Besides—reward or no reward—if it came down to choosing between Sakura and Hinata, Naruto wouldn't hesitate. He'd choose Hinata.If nothing else… in the future, the kids should at least have something soft to eat, right? Big is justice!
Second option, of course!
[Mission activated. Please prioritize completion.]
"Iruka-sensei!" Naruto suddenly spoke up. "Why don't I walk Hinata home instead?"
"Ah!" Hinata's whole face went crimson, her ears turning scarlet. She immediately turned away.
"Hmm?" Iruka looked at Naruto in confusion.
"I know where Hinata's house is. I've walked her home before." Naruto smiled. "If you go out of your way, it'll be too much trouble, right?"
"Well…" Iruka hesitated, but thinking of the cold Hyūga clan, he finally agreed.
"All right. Naruto, protect Hinata well, and act like a true man!" Iruka said with a smile.
"Mm! I'll make sure to protect Hinata!" Naruto answered with a radiant grin.
After Iruka left, Naruto patted Hinata's shoulder. She startled, eyes welling with tears.
"It's okay. I'll walk you home." Naruto's voice softened, his smile gentle.
"Th-thank you, Na—Naruto-kun!" Hinata whispered, barely audible.
"Then, give me your hand. Hinata-chan."
"W-why?" Hinata gasped, stammering, her cheeks aflame.
"It's dangerous for a girl to walk at night. If friends hold hands, it feels safer, doesn't it?"
"Th-that may be true, but… your hand, Naruto-kun…" Hinata wavered.
"What's wrong? Is it uncomfortable? Sorry."
"No! Not at all!" Hinata shook her head furiously, like a rattling drum, and nervously offered her hand. Her heart thumped wildly.
When warmth spread from his palm into hers, a gentle current flowed into her heart, calming her anxieties in an instant.
Naruto-kun… didn't lie. I really do feel safer.
But… does this count as holding hands already? What am I thinking?! Naruto-kun doesn't mean it that way at all!
Staring at Naruto's back as he walked half a step ahead, Hinata's heart trembled. Deep down, he was truly a kind person.
Naruto, oblivious to her thoughts, focused on the Nine-Tails' chakra flowing through his body. Its power circulated smoothly through his meridians, filling him with joy.
It worked.
When they reached the gates of the Hyūga compound, Naruto stopped. There was no need to go further—the Hyūga didn't welcome outsiders, especially him.
"Thank you for walking me back, Naruto-kun." Hinata bowed, her slender neck flushing pink.
"I should be the one thanking you. After all, you went looking for me." Naruto waved. "Sleep well tonight, Hinata-chan!"
With that, he turned and sprinted into the opposite darkness.
Hinata leaned against the wooden gate, whispering softly, her heart lost in every "Hinata-chan."
"See you tomorrow, Naruto-kun."