"What was Kushina and Minato's child called?"
"Uzumaki Naruto."
Tsunade narrowed her amber eyes.
"Naruto? Isn't that the name of the protagonist in Jiraiya's novel?"
She scoffed.
"That idiot really named Minato's son after his own book character?"
She shot Hiruzen a sharp glance.
"I don't recall Grandfather Tobirama having such ridiculous habits. I wonder where that influence came from."
Hiruzen immediately broke into a cold sweat.
He cleared his throat and quickly changed the subject, explaining Naruto's current situation in the village—the rumors, the isolation, the recent conflicts with civilians.
"We cannot allow the Jinchūriki to harbor resentment toward the village," Hiruzen said gravely. "If hatred takes root, the consequences for Konoha will be severe."
Tsunade snorted.
"And whose fault is that? You let Danzō run around spreading fear for years."
Hiruzen sighed.
"Light and darkness coexist in every system. Danzō believes he acts for Konoha's sake."
"That doesn't make him right," Tsunade said flatly.
Hiruzen lowered his gaze.
"Minato and Kushina sacrificed themselves for the village."
"As Hokage, I was overwhelmed by affairs of state. I failed to give Naruto the care he deserved."
"That is my responsibility."
He looked at Tsunade sincerely.
"Now that you're back… treat him with genuine care."
"Let him feel that the village still connects to him."
Tsunade rolled her eyes.
"Old man, don't lecture me."
She waved her hand dismissively.
"Just arrange a time. I'll see the kid myself."
Evening – Streets of Konoha
The streets were dim and quiet beneath scattered streetlights.
Naruto walked casually with his hands behind his head.
Hinata followed a step behind, still technically leading him home.
Her loose training outfit covered her small frame conservatively, leaving only her smooth shoulder-length hair and soft face exposed.
Naruto glanced back at her.
The Hyūga truly favored modest attire.
Externally dignified.
Internally… something far more complicated once grown.
Hinata kept her head lowered, watching Naruto's confident stride.
When he declared in class that he would become Hokage—
Her heart had swelled with admiration.
If only she could be that brave.
Maybe Father wouldn't be so disappointed.
She clenched her fists slightly.
But I'm weak…
I could only ever follow behind him.
Suddenly Naruto spoke.
"Hinata-chan, as the Hyūga heiress… you can use the Byakugan, right?"
Hinata froze.
"H-Hinata-chan…?"
Her face turned crimson.
Was she really someone important enough for him to address her so gently?
"N-Naruto-kun…"
Her fingers nervously tapped together.
"I… I haven't awakened the Byakugan yet…"
Her voice trembled with shame.
"I'm sorry… I disappointed you…"
Naruto stepped closer, curious, trying to look into her pale eyes.
Hinata panicked instantly.
Steam might as well have risen from her head.
"N-Naruto-kun… d-don't look…"
She turned slightly away, unable to withstand his direct gaze.
In a soft voice, she explained that while most Hyūga awaken the Byakugan young, there are individual differences.
Naruto nodded thoughtfully.
Unlike the Uchiha's Sharingan, the Byakugan was nearly universal within the Hyūga bloodline.
Which was exactly why the main family branded the branch family with the Caged Bird Seal.
Control disguised as protection.
He would need to help Hinata build confidence slowly.
Otherwise she'd combust every time he got within a meter of her.
Just then—
A chubby figure ran toward them from the corner.
"Naruto! Iruka-sensei needs you! It's urgent!"
"Chōji?"
The boy rushed forward, breathing heavily.
Sweat dripped down his round face.
Naruto's eyes narrowed subtly.
Wasn't Chōji supposed to be at Yakiniku Q with Shikamaru?
And this wasn't the way toward the Hyūga compound.
Hinata, meanwhile, felt relieved at the interruption.
But worry crept in.
If she failed to bring Naruto home as instructed, Father might scold her again.
She hesitated only briefly before speaking softly.
"Naruto-kun… if Iruka-sensei needs you, we can visit my father another time."
At that moment—
Kurama's lazy voice echoed in Naruto's mind.
"Brat. That one has malice."
Naruto's smile didn't falter.
He looked at Chōji's seemingly harmless expression.
Then turned gently toward Hinata.
"Sorry, Hinata-chan."
"Head back first."
"I'll go with Chōji to see Iruka-sensei."
But his eyes—
Had already grown cold.