Beneath dull blonde hair, a fiercely determined face bore three whisker-like marks on each cheek, twitching amusingly as the small girl spoke.
Compared to her lifeless demeanor moments ago, Hinata felt genuine joy seeing her newfound vitality. But…
"Hey, don't get your hopes up. I'll be the Hokage," Hinata said. "If I'm short on help, maybe I'll let you be my secretary."
Stepping back, Hinata studied the girl she'd saved. Her chest-length hair, though dusty, wasn't greasy—likely washed often despite the dirt kicked up by the bullies Takao was now scolding.
"Hmph, I said I'm gonna be Hokage!" the girl shot back. "It's my ninja way to keep my word. You'll be the secretary!"
A malnourished orphan and a "useless" clan heiress—their circumstances differed, but their shared scorn was strikingly similar. Each other's bold declarations warmed their hearts. A "failure" and an "ill omen" swearing to become Hokage seemed laughable to others, but Hinata, changed since her coma, refused to yield, and this girl, who hadn't even refined chakra, had just forged her ninja way.
They exchanged smiles. Though unspoken, Hinata saw the blonde girl as someone she could connect with. The girl, Naruna Uzumaki, long burdened by insecurity, was grateful for Hinata's kindness but feared dragging her into her own cursed reputation. Shunned by all, Naruna didn't want the first person to care for her to face the same scorn.
"See you, big sister," Naruna said, her smile fading. "Can I know your name?"
Realizing she was returning to her lonely world, Naruna chose to part ways, retreating to her solitary corner until she could become Hokage.
"I'm Hinata Hyuga," Hinata replied. "I'm four, born December 27, Year 48."
Seeing Naruna's dimming eyes, Hinata couldn't let her go. She shared her name and birthday, wanting to clarify who was older. If Naruna saw her as "big sister," Hinata wanted to be her friend, not take advantage of the title.
"I'm Naruna, Naruna Uzumaki," the girl said, frowning. "My birthday… uh…"
She struggled, never having celebrated it, her memory hazy.
"October 10, Year 48," Takao interjected, having sent the bullies away. "The day of the Nine-Tails chaos."
As a Hyuga jounin, Takao knew of Naruna's situation and the true reason for her ostracism. Villagers, ignorant of the truth but scarred by the Nine-Tails' destruction, blindly blamed Naruna, an orphan from that day, as the demon fox's incarnation. The Third Hokage, for unknown reasons, allowed these rumors, neglecting to quell them.
Was the Third protecting Naruna's identity as the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki? Even so, letting a hero's daughter suffer such treatment was unjust.
Takao couldn't change Naruna's fate or speak ill of her to Hinata, but to protect his charge from dangerous entanglements, he moved to lead her away.
Hinata, however, had other plans.
"What? You're lighter than me but older?" Hinata teased, dodging Takao's attempt to pull her away. Stepping beside Naruna, she grabbed her hand. "Call me Hinata, okay? Hungry? I'll treat you to food."
Seeing Takao's intent to protest, she added, "Takao-nii, are you on the side of those bullies?"
Takao froze. Persisting would make Hinata resent him. Torn between her safety and her feelings, he relented, signaling hidden allies to report to Hiashi. If trouble comes, the Hyuga will protect her, he thought, stepping aside.
His retreat earned a nod from Hinata. Holding Naruna's hand, she asked, "What do you like to eat? I'll treat you—let's celebrate meeting each other."
Nothing too expensive or bad-tasting, Naruna thought, nervous. Instant noodles? But would someone with a guard eat that? This was her first time being offered a meal, and with no promise of meeting again, she wanted a happy memory for both.
"Ramen, Ichiraku Ramen," Naruna said. "A long time ago, the ramen uncle treated me to a bowl. It's the best thing I've ever eaten. H-Hinata, let's go to Ichiraku! Next time… when I get my relief money and hide it well, I'll treat you to whatever you want."
Hinata's heart ached. Naruna's best meal was a single bowl of ramen, her relief money often stolen, her life marred by ignorant hatred. Compared to that, being called "useless" behind her back felt like paradise. Tightening her grip on Naruna's hand, Hinata hid her pity behind a smile. For a joyful friend, she'd return joy.
"Okay, Ichiraku Ramen it is," Hinata said. "I'll hold you to that treat next time."
Hinata could afford to dismiss Naruna's offer, but she understood refusing would hurt her pride. When it's her turn, I'll eat what she loves, she decided.
She squeezed Naruna's hand, urging her to lead the way. "Naruna, I'll come find you again. Next time, I'll bring new clothes as a gift. You're a girl—you should look clean, if not fancy."
"I… I'll get you a gift too, Hinata," Naruna replied.
"Deal!" Hinata nodded, beaming.
Their shared smile warmed the moment. Stepping out of her clan's "birdcage" of malice, Hinata had found a friend. It felt wonderful.