Chapter 473: Mutual Attraction
That day, as Hinata finished her Gentle Fist training and rested, she suddenly remembered the blonde-haired boy named Uzumaki Naruto, whom she had met in the rain.
"He said he would take me home... Although someone came to pick me up so it didn’t happen, shouldn’t I still go and thank him?"
Hinata looked up at the clear blue sky, thinking to herself.
Even if she didn’t count Naruto’s offer to take her home, during that heavy downpour, he brought her a moment of joy, lifting her from her sadness and self-blame. Not to mention his companion, that boy with black hair.
But after thinking for a while, Hinata gave up.
Because she didn’t know where Naruto lived. Without even knowing the location of his home, how could she find him?
Maybe for a ninja, Konoha wasn’t that big. But to a three-year-old like her, even the Hyūga clan’s compound was already huge, let alone the entire village.
However, remembering Naruto’s warm smile and energy, Hinata felt that giving up so easily was wrong.
She hadn’t even tried to find him yet. How could she give up like that?
If she was like this, could she really become the clan head her father expected?
In the end, Hinata decided to go out and try her luck, maybe she’d run into him.
This time, Hinata didn’t refuse to be accompanied by clan members. After the awkward incident of getting lost last time, she was too embarrassed to say no.
She looked left and right as she walked through the streets, secretly hoping to see that boy again.
But just because she wished for it didn’t mean it would happen. Even though she diligently scanned every face, she found nothing.
Disappointment welled up inside her, but she kept walking, kept looking.
The two Hyūga shinobi accompanying her noticed that their young lady didn’t seem to be out for a stroll, she was clearly searching for something... or someone.
They exchanged glances. The taller, slimmer one spoke,
"Miss Hinata, are you looking for something? You can tell us."
Hinata paused, unsure whether to tell them the truth.
If she did, would they report it to her father? Would her father misunderstand something?
Those were the worries tangled in her mind.
But in the end, her desire to see Naruto again overpowered her hesitation. She spoke softly,
"I want to find someone. He helped me when I got lost the other day. I wanted to thank him."
Since the two Hyūga shinobi were the same ones who had picked her up that day, they vaguely remembered that Hinata hadn’t been alone.
"Do you know where he lives, Miss?"
the tall shinobi asked. But as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized how dumb that sounded. If Hinata knew where he lived, why would she be aimlessly wandering the streets?
Sure enough, Hinata didn’t reply, just looked at him awkwardly.
His partner chuckled and said,
"Wasn’t that a dumb question?"
The tall one gave him a glare with his Byakugan, then asked Hinata again,
"Do you at least know his name?"
If she didn’t know that, there wasn’t much they could do. But if she did, there was hope, they could cross-reference names with clans or well-known individuals.
Hinata thought for a moment and said,
"His name is Uzumaki Naruto. He had a companion, an Uchiha."
"Uzumaki?"
The tall shinobi repeated the surname with surprise.
Hinata nodded firmly.
"Yes. Uzumaki Naruto."
She was sure she hadn’t gotten it wrong.
The two Hyūga ninja looked at each other, eyes filled with astonishment.
Uzumaki wasn’t a common surname in Konoha. In fact, the current Fourth Hokage was named Namikaze Minato, but everyone knew that his wife was Uzumaki Kushina.
Which meant the boy Hinata met was likely the son of the Fourth Hokage.
"The Fourth Hokage does have a son..."
"And I remember the Fourth had a good relationship with the Uchiha clan head..."
Their expressions turned serious.
That black-haired companion might also be someone special, perhaps even the Uchiha clan head’s son. In other words, both boys were of the same high status as Hinata.
They both gasped inwardly, what luck. A random encounter on a rainy day led to meeting not just one but two ninja heirs.
Could it be that shinobi second generations are attracted to each other like Stand Users?
Regardless, they now had a clue. Finding a commoner’s home might be hard, but the Hokage’s residence was well known.
"Miss Hinata," the tall ninja said,
"we believe this Uzumaki Naruto is likely the son of the Fourth Hokage. We should be able to find him at the Hokage’s house."
Hinata didn’t react much, just nodded.
She didn’t really understand what the term Hokage truly meant.
At only three years old, she had only been told a little about the Hyūga clan by her father.
So the tall ninja took the lead, guiding Hinata toward Minato’s home.
But before they reached it, they just so happened to run into Naruto on the way.
The two Hyūga shinobi, upon seeing the boy, tactfully stepped behind Hinata, so Naruto would see her first.
Hinata blushed, and for a moment didn’t know what to say.
Naruto, on the other hand, paused, then smiled brightly and waved.
"Hey, you’re Hinata, right? I didn’t get your name wrong?"
"Mhm."
Hinata responded with a voice as soft as a mosquito’s, her face completely red.
"Were you headed somewhere?"
Naruto asked curiously.
Hinata had finally gathered her courage. Blushing, she said,
"I... came to find you."
"Find me?"
Naruto scratched his head in confusion.
Why would she be looking for him?
"The other day... thank you."
Hinata blushed even more as she spoke, her voice shrinking with every word.
Fortunately, Naruto wasn’t an ordinary three-year-old, his hearing was excellent.
He more or less understood she was thanking him for keeping her company in the rain.
He smiled and waved his hand.
"You didn’t have to thank me. I didn’t do much, really."
Suddenly, Naruto seemed to remember something.
He smacked his left hand with his right fist.
"Oh no! I’m going to be late!"
Then, he looked at Hinata and thought for a moment, before inviting her,
"Hey, Hinata. I’m meeting up with some friends to play. Wanna come along?"
"Play... together?"
Hinata hesitated. For someone shy like her, this was a challenge.
"Yeah! They’re all around our age. That boy who was with me, Sasuke, he’ll be there too."
"They’re all good and fun people. And it’s not just boys, there are girls like you too."
"So, what do you think? Want to come?"
Naruto continued, still smiling.
Hinata saw that Naruto looked in a hurry but still had the patience to invite her. She was touched.
Blushing, she nodded.
"Then, Miss Hinata, you can go play. We’ll head back,"
the two Hyūga shinobi said after discussing.
If she was going to play with the Hokage’s son, there was no need for them to tag along.
Even the Hokage’s kid didn’t have escorts, why should the Hyūga?
Besides, all those kids might be second-gen elites. Who would dare harm them?
They also decided to report this to Hiashi Hyūga.
After all, for the Hyūga, this could be a good thing.
Unlike the Uchiha, the Hyūga had always been obedient and quiet in the village, an important pillar of Konoha.
Getting closer to the Hokage’s family? Definitely a win.
Once Hinata agreed, Naruto led her to their usual meeting spot, the park.
When they arrived, everyone was already there. Only Naruto had yet to show up.
"You’re late, idiot Naruto! What’d you do, oversleep again?"
Sasuke, Naruto’s lifelong frenemy, was first to speak up with a smirk.
But Naruto was already used to these kinds of jabs.
"Idiot"? Please, that was practically affectionate at this point.
Still, being used to it didn’t mean he wouldn’t strike back.
"Only idiots can’t learn Sun Breathing,"
Naruto retorted.
Sasuke, ...
"You say that every time!"
Sasuke was starting to crack.
"Uncle Nagasawa said,
’Whether old or new, the best ninjutsu is the one that works.’
So whoever can’t learn Sun Breathing is the real idiot."
Naruto said proudly.
But even while bantering with Sasuke, Naruto hadn’t forgotten Hinata.
He pulled her forward and introduced her,
"This is Hyūga Hinata, my new friend. She wants to play with us too."
Being stared at by so many unfamiliar kids, Hinata panicked.
But because Naruto was beside her, she didn’t want to embarrass herself. She mustered her courage, gave a soft "Mhm," and greeted,
"Hello..."
"Hi! I’m Yamanaka Ino."
Being another girl, Ino stepped in first with a friendly smile and waved.
"Hatake Yuriha..."
The girl beside Ino also introduced herself.
The mood lightened, and Shikamaru, Chōji, and Sasuke all introduced themselves in turn.
The seven kids sat beneath a big tree, chatting and relaxing.
"Your eyes are really unique, Hinata. All white, so rare!"
Ino said.
"Right? Hinata’s eyes are so pretty! I think her whole clan has those eyes. They’re so special."
Naruto chimed in before Hinata could respond.
Born in the Hyūga clan, where everyone shared the same eyes, Hinata had never been complimented on them before.
Her face instantly turned red.
"N-no... they’re pretty normal..."
she whispered so softly it was barely audible.
Naruto was used to it, but Ino was confused.
She felt like Hinata spoke, but didn’t hear what she said.
Hinata, still blushing, had to repeat herself louder so Ino could hear.
"Hinata, your voice is really quiet. You can speak up a bit, or we won’t hear you!"
Ino suggested.
"Yeah, I didn’t catch anything just now,"
Chōji added, munching on chips.
Shikamaru stayed silent, but he understood why.
Hinata’s constant blushing and soft voice clearly marked her as shy.
Not everyone was like Naruto, able to talk to strangers easily and make friends in minutes.
"Ino, stop wrapping your arm around my neck. You’re making me think you’re trying to strangle me."
Yuriha deadpanned, removing Ino’s arm.
"How could I do that? You’re my best friend!"
Ino protested.
It was clearly just a friendly gesture, but with Yuriha’s personality, the complaint made sense.
Ino reluctantly withdrew her arm.
Naruto and Sasuke kept bickering.
Chōji kept eating.
Shikamaru stared at the sky, lost in thought.
Hinata looked at them all and felt a quiet joy.
"So this is what normal kids do?"
She couldn’t help but feel a little envious.
Of course, Naruto, being the one who brought her, made sure to talk to her now and then, so she wouldn’t feel left out.
He also deliberately pulled her into the group conversations, helping her fit in.
"Hey, wanna hear more stories about Lord Hashirama and Madara?"
Naruto asked excitedly.
"Nope."
Chōji immediately declined.
"Why not?"
Naruto was shocked.
Who wouldn’t want to hear about Hashirama and Madara?
Their story was full of passion, drama, and the founding of Konoha, it was legendary!
"Because when you tell it, you get all worked up and wave your arms around. Plus, there’s no Akimichi clan in the story. Boring."
Chōji pouted.
Naruto was just a kid. His storytelling skills were lacking.
If he had Uncle Nagasawa’s talent, telling grand, captivating tales, maybe even without an Akimichi, Chōji would’ve been hooked.
"Naruto-kun... could you tell me?"
Hinata asked softly, face red.
Naruto’s eyes lit up instantly.
He felt like he had found a kindred spirit on his journey.
He pulled Hinata to the side and began enthusiastically retelling what he had heard from Nagasawa,
"Back during the Warring States Period, there were two ninja clans..."
Comments