The ramen was delicious, and the diners savored it with joy, but one observer felt a complex mix of emotions.
Upon learning a Hyuga was with Naruna, the Third Hokage immediately set aside his work, using his prized crystal ball to cast the Telescope Technique. He saw Kakashi's unease, Asuma's reluctance, and Naruna's radiant rebirth after believing she wasn't an "ill omen."
For the first time, Hiruzen Sarutobi questioned his treatment of Naruna. After the Fourth Hokage and his wife died protecting the village, Hiruzen feared the culprit behind the Nine-Tails' rampage might return, triggering another disaster. To protect Naruna and the village, he concealed her heritage and made her a visible "target."
Hiruzen believed that no one with sense would suspect the ostracized, neglected Naruna—scorned by villagers and ignored by the village's elite—as the new Nine-Tails jinchuriki or the Fourth's sole child.
Yes, Naruna's suffering was for her safety, but Hiruzen was too busy to realize she couldn't endure such humiliation with resilience or grow to love the village through it. He trusted she'd inherit Minato's strength, never doubting his approach. But now, through the Telescope Technique, he saw Naruna's tearful ramen meal and her first genuine smile.
Having survived countless wars and bloodied his hands, Hiruzen questioned if his "optimal" strategy was wrong. Yet, moments later, he dismissed clearing Naruna's name. The Nine-Tails' culprit remained hidden, and exposing Naruna's jinchuriki status was too risky. With a heavy heart, he let her endure the village's hatred.
What about Hinata Hyuga, standing by Naruna? Seeing Naruna's joy, Hiruzen couldn't order Hinata away. Two kids' friendship won't catch that mastermind's eye, right? he thought. He never suspected the four-year-old Hinata had ulterior motives.
"Hayabusa," he said, puffing his pipe, "ask the Hyuga clan leader about this girl. If possible, persuade him to allow her contact with Naruna. I neglected her—Naruna's not Minato. A four-year-old needs friends."
His words echoed in the silent Hokage office. A faint sound signaled an Anbu's departure to carry out his orders.
While Hiruzen finalized his decision, Takao grew anxious. The ramen was finished, and he'd paid for the girls' meal, expecting Hinata to part with Naruna. But now, watching Hinata in the village's undeveloped "greenbelt," teaching Naruna chakra refinement, he felt a headache brewing.
After outeating Naruna by one bowl, Hinata dragged her to a quiet spot for training, forcing Takao to follow.
"You're not as good as me, but I'll give you a chance, Naruna Uzumaki," Hinata said, sipping her last broth. "Since you're set on competing for Hokage, I'll help you. You've got no parents, no scrolls. You might not even get into the Ninja Academy—no background, no money, no family. Want to learn ninjutsu from me?"
"I don't know much, and I can't teach you Hyuga secrets," she added.
Naruna eagerly agreed, less for the lessons and more to spend time with the friend who pulled her from her "corner."
By a small stream, Naruna let Hinata poke and prod her, stifling giggles from the ticklish touches, standing as straight as she could. Nearby, Takao, having failed to dissuade Hinata, fished for their dinner, his back turned.
"Your body's weak, limbs frail—I bet a strong breeze could knock you over," Hinata said, assessing Naruna's physique. "You can't learn ninjutsu like this. But even as the Hyuga heiress, I can't bring a friend home for meals. I'm… not exactly welcome at home either."
Though she'd expected Naruna's malnourishment, her fragility was shocking. Hinata wanted to feed her better but knew the clan, deeming her "useless," wouldn't allow an outsider free meals.
"Forget that for now," Hinata said. "I'll teach you chakra refinement. If you can refine chakra in three months with that body, we'll keep going. If not, either you're a bigger failure than me, or you're not cut out to be a ninja."
"Yes, Teacher Hinata!" Naruna replied.
Hinata's words were harsh, holding Naruna to her own "worst" standard, but Naruna's enthusiasm didn't waver. She was determined to refine chakra, no matter what, to avoid disappointing her only friend. Three months felt too long—she silently vowed to do it in one, unaware of the average training time.
The "teacher" title came naturally; Naruna, though untaught, had heard it used for instructors. Hinata blushed at the respectful address, then earnestly explained chakra theory and basic refinement techniques.
The student was fearless in ignorance, the teacher barely half-trained, yet the "master-disciple" pair worked diligently—one teaching, one learning.
After the lesson, Hinata channeled her meager chakra into Naruna, letting her feel it briefly before urging her to try alone. A minute passed, then ten. As Hinata grew bored watching Naruna's expressions and turned to check Takao's fishing, Naruna's eyes snapped open, excitement radiating.
"Teacher Hinata, is this chakra?" she asked, grabbing Hinata's hand before she could react.
Hinata froze, stunned. Warm chakra flowed from Naruna's grip, coursing through her meridians. Shock turned to joy, a flicker of jealousy fading into pride for her friend. Naruna's chakra soon surpassed Hinata's own meager reserves.
Hinata recognized Naruna as a true rival for Hokage, a worthy foe. Yet, despite her own struggles with chakra, she believed she wouldn't lose. Mimicking her father's praise, she ruffled Naruna's hair, grinning.
"That's chakra! You're a genius, Naruna. No experience, yet you're sending chakra into someone else!"