Chapter 13: Hinata Hyuga

As Naruto and Sasuke sat at the counter of Ichiraku Ramen, the rich aroma of broth and noodles filling the air, Teuchi placed two steaming bowls in front of them.

"Here you go," he said with his usual warm smile.

Naruto grinned, grabbing his chopsticks. "Sasuke, whoever finishes last has to pay!" he declared before immediately digging in.

Sasuke, caught off guard, blinked. "Hey, that's cheating!" he groaned, quickly trying to catch up.

But Naruto was already ahead, slurping down the last of his broth with a satisfied sigh. "Ahhh, that hit the spot," he said, rubbing his stomach.

Sasuke, frowning as he swallowed his last bite, reached for his wallet, reluctant but bound by the deal. Before he could hand over the money, Teuchi waved him off.

"No need, Sasuke. Bill's on the house. Take it as a gift from me," the old ramen chef said kindly.

Sasuke's eyes widened, and for a moment, his usual stoic mask cracked. His lips trembled slightly as he whispered, "Thank you, Oji-san."

Naruto, ever the troublemaker, leaned in and whispered, "Crybaby."

Sasuke shot him a glare but didn't say anything. The moment meant something to him. It wasn't about the free ramen—it was about being seen, about kindness without expectation.

Naruto grinned and gave Teuchi a thumbs-up. "You're a good person, Oji-san."

Teuchi just smiled, watching them as they left, two boys with the weight of their clans, their futures, and their destinies on their small shoulders.

As they walked down the streets, Naruto suddenly stretched his arms. "Sasuke, I'm gonna meet up with Hinata. You coming?"

Sasuke shuddered slightly. "No. I don't like going to the Hyuga compound. With their Byakugan, I feel like they can see through us."

Naruto smirked, an idea sparking in his mind. He leaned close and whispered, "Ah, Scaredy Cat."

As Naruto ran off laughing, Sasuke just shook his head, watching his friend disappear down the bustling streets of Konoha. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, letting out a small sigh before turning in the direction of the Uchiha compound.

Meanwhile, Naruto sprinted toward the Hyūga estate, weaving through the village with the same energy he always carried. The warm afternoon breeze brushed against his face as he slowed down near the entrance. The Hyūga compound was always so different from the rest of Konoha—quiet, disciplined, and filled with an air of nobility that made him feel like he had to be on his best behavior.

But then, he remembered Hinata.

The shy girl with the softest smile, who always turned bright red whenever he got too close. He grinned. She was fun to tease, but more than that, he just liked being around her.

A Hyūga guard eyed him as he approached. "State your business, Naruto." 

"I'm here to see Hinata!" he said with a big grin, hands on his hips. 

The guard looked at him for a moment, then sighed, stepping aside. "Fine. But behave yourself." 

Naruto grinned even wider. "I always do!" 

Inside, Hinata sat in the garden, her fingers gently grazing the petals of a blooming lavender flower. The moment she noticed Naruto, her face lit up in surprise, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks. 

"Naruto-kun… you came." 

"Of course I did!" he said, plopping down next to her. "Sasuke chickened out, though. He thinks your clan's Byakugan can see through everything!" 

Hinata giggled softly, covering her mouth. "It's… not like that." 

Naruto tilted his head, watching her. "You laugh more around me now, y'know." 

Hinata's blush deepened. "T-That's because… you make me happy." 

Naruto blinked, then grinned, scratching his nose awkwardly. "Well… I guess I'll just have to keep doing that then!" 

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting golden light across the courtyard, Naruto and Hinata sat together, talking about everything and nothing. And in that quiet, peaceful moment, Naruto realized something—some people truly cared for him, and no matter what, he would always protect them.

His relationship with her didn't come out of whim. He still remembers.

A year ago…

The streets of Konoha were bathed in the soft golden glow of the evening sun. Kushina walked beside Naruto, their hands occasionally brushing as they strolled back home after eating out. The air smelled of freshly baked bread and the faint scent of autumn leaves.

"Mom, why didn't Tsunade and Shizune come?" Naruto asked, tilting his head.

"They had some business to take care of, so they couldn't join us this time," Kushina said with a gentle smile.

Naruto nodded, accepting the answer, but his attention was quickly stolen by something—or rather, someone.

A small girl stood at the edge of the street, her little frame trembling ever so slightly. She clutched her hands together, her lavender eyes darting around as though searching for something—or someone.

She looked lost.

Naruto's heart softened instantly. She reminded him of a frightened little rabbit, unsure of which way to hop.

"So cute," he thought before immediately turning to his mother. "Mom, wait a minute!" he said before dashing toward the girl.

"Naruto…?" Kushina stopped in her tracks, her lips parting slightly when she realized where he was going.

Naruto slowed as he approached the girl. Even from behind, he recognized her. That dark blue hair, those delicate shoulders—it was Hinata.

He stepped closer, careful not to startle her. "Lost?" he asked, his voice warm and steady.

Hinata, already overwhelmed by the unfamiliar streets and her timid nature, shivered at the sound of a sudden voice. Her small hands clenched into fists, and for a moment, she looked like she might cry. But when she finally turned to see who had spoken…

A boy with red hair and a huge, bright smile stood before her.

For a second, everything around her faded—the fear, the confusion, the unfamiliarity. All that remained was him.

Hinata's pale lavender eyes widened slightly as she turned, her small hands gripping the hem of her jacket nervously. She was lost—again. The unfamiliar streets, the towering buildings, and the hurried strangers passing by all felt overwhelming.

But the boy in front of her… didn't feel overwhelming at all.

His bright red hair stood out like a flame in the evening light, and his grin was warm and full of life. Unlike the cold stares she often received, his eyes held no judgment—only curiosity.

"Lost?" he asked again, tilting his head.

Hinata opened her mouth, but no words came out. Instead, she shyly nodded, glancing down at her feet, her cheeks already turning pink.

Naruto chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll help you!" He took her small hand into his without hesitation. His grip was warm and steady, like a promise. "C'mon, let's find your home!"

Hinata's breath caught. She had never felt this kind of warmth before—so effortless, so natural. It was as if the sun had come down from the sky just to hold her hand.

Kushina, watching from a short distance, smiled softly. Naruto might have been mischievous, but he had a heart that knew no boundaries. He didn't care about clan status, power, or expectations. He simply cared.

"What's your name?" Naruto asked as they started walking.

"H-Hinata..." she whispered.

Naruto grinned even wider. "Hinata, huh? That's a nice name!"

Hinata felt her heart race. She wasn't used to compliments, wasn't used to attention that felt… kind.

As they walked, she stole a glance at him. The way he walked with such energy, the way his hand never let go of hers, the way he acted like they had been friends forever—

At that moment, for the first time in her life, Hinata felt safe.

And Naruto, though he didn't fully understand it yet, had unknowingly planted the seed of something special.