Chapter 15: Hinata's birthday

As they reached the Main Hyuga house, the air was tense. The grand courtyard, usually a place of serenity, was filled with quiet urgency as the guards announced their return. 

"Clan Head, Hinata-sama has been found!" one of them called out. 

Within seconds, two figures emerged inside the compound—Hiashi Hyuga and his wife. The relief in their eyes was unmistakable, their regal composure momentarily breaking as they hurried toward their daughter. 

Lady Hyuga immediately knelt in front of Hinata, gently cupping her daughter's face. "Hinata… are you alright?" Her voice was soft, filled with a mother's love and concern. 

Hinata only nodded slightly, still overwhelmed by everything that had happened. 

Hiashi, though less expressive, gave a slow nod of acknowledgment before turning his attention to their guests. "Kushina-sama," he said formally, "thank you for bringing my daughter home." 

Kushina waved a hand dismissively. "No need to thank me. I just did what anyone would do." She placed her hands on Naruto's shoulders and smiled. "If you want to thank someone, then thank my son. He's the one who found her." 

Lady Hyuga turned to Naruto, a kind expression on her face. "Thank you, Naruto." 

Naruto, standing proudly, crossed his arms. "Okay, okay. But next time, make sure you don't let Hinata get lost!" he scolded in a way that was both childish and surprisingly protective. 

Lady Hyuga smiled and nodded. "We will be more careful." 

Naruto then turned to Hinata, ruffling her hair gently. "Take care, Hinata! I'll be going now." 

Hinata's face immediately turned crimson, her heart thudding in her chest. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words refused to come out. 

Lady Hyuga, noticing her daughter's struggle, stepped in. "Naruto, we will be celebrating Hinata's birthday tomorrow. If you'd like, you are welcome to join us." 

Naruto's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "If Hinata doesn't mind, then I'll come," he said, turning to her. 

Hinata, still flustered, swallowed hard before managing a shy, almost whisper-like, "I don't mind…" 

Naruto grinned. "Then I'll see you on your birthday!" he said cheerfully before turning on his heel and walking away. 

Hinata watched as his figure grew smaller and smaller in the distance, her small hands gripping the hem of her dress tightly. 

"Naruto-kun…" she murmured under her breath, a tiny smile forming on her lips. 

That day, something changed in her heart.

Tsunade stretched her arms with a sigh as she settled into the couch, Shizune standing beside her, holding Tonton in her arms. They had just returned from their business outside the village, and fatigue was evident on their faces. 

Before they could fully relax, a bundle of energy came dashing towards them—Naruto. His red hair bounced as he excitedly approached, eyes bright with anticipation. 

"Tsunade! Shizune!" he called out, stopping right in front of them. 

Tsunade smirked, leaning forward. "What's got you so hyped up, brat? Missed me that much?" 

Naruto crossed his arms, pouting. "Tch. Don't flatter yourself." Then, with a big grin, he added, "Tomorrow is Hinata's birthday! You both should come." 

Shizune chuckled softly. "Hinata? That quiet Hyuga girl?" 

"Yeah!" Naruto nodded eagerly. "I even got her a present! Mom helped me pick it out." He turned slightly, glancing at Kushina, who was watching from the kitchen with a smile, proud of her son's excitement. 

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Hoh? So you're going all out for this girl, huh?" 

Naruto's face turned slightly pink, but he quickly masked it with an exaggerated shrug. "She's my friend! And it's her birthday! That's what friends do, right?" 

Tsunade chuckled, then ruffled his hair roughly. "You're growing up too fast, kid. Alright, we'll come." 

Shizune nodded in agreement, a warm smile on her face. "It'll be nice to see her happy." 

Naruto beamed, his excitement now impossible to contain. "Alright! It's settled then!" 

As he ran off, probably to make more plans for the party, Tsunade watched him with a fond expression. There was something about his boundless energy, his determination to bring happiness to those around him—it reminded her of the people she once cherished. 

Shizune noticed and spoke softly, "He's special, isn't he?" 

Tsunade took a deep breath, leaning back against the couch. "Yeah… he is."

The next day, evening at Hyuga Residence.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Hyuga compound shimmered with warm lantern lights, casting a soft glow over the gathering. The air was filled with a quiet elegance, a reflection of the noble clan that resided there. Flowers adorned the entrance, delicate silk drapes hung gracefully, and the scent of incense mixed with the evening breeze.

Respected figures from all over Konoha had gathered. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood with a kind smile, speaking with some of the elders. Tsunade and Shizune arrived alongside Jiraiya, who, despite his usual carefree nature, carried himself with surprising respect for the occasion. Kushina, with her fiery red hair, held Naruto's hand tightly as they stepped into the beautifully decorated courtyard.

As the time arrived, Hiashi Hyuga, standing tall with his usual stoic expression, raised a hand to quiet the murmurs of the guests. His voice rang out with authority.

"Thank you all for attending my daughter's birthday," he announced, his gaze sweeping over the gathered guests. Then, his tone softened, just slightly. "Hinata, come out."

A hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned toward the entrance of the inner residence.

Slowly, with small, hesitant steps, Hinata emerged. She walked carefully, her fingers nervously grasping the hem of her dress as though it could shield her from the overwhelming attention. The soft lavender fabric flowed like a gentle breeze around her small frame, making her look ethereal—like a delicate angel descending from the sky. Her pale lavender eyes, wide with nervousness, flickered between the faces of the guests before immediately lowering to the ground.

There was a moment of silence, a quiet awe settling over the gathering.

Then—

"Wow, Hinata! You look amazing!" 

She blinked, surprised, and finally looked up. 

There he was—Naruto—standing proudly in the crowd, grinning from ear to ear. His bright red hair shone under the lanterns, and his blue eyes sparkled with genuine admiration. He wasn't looking at her like the others did—there was no expectation, no pressure, just pure, unfiltered happiness. 

Hinata's face turned a deep shade of red, her breath catching in her throat. 

Tsunade, standing beside Kushina and Shizune, smirked. "That brat really has a way with words, huh?" 

Kushina giggled. "He sure does." 

Shizune placed a hand on her chest, smiling warmly. "Look at her… she was so nervous, but just a few words from him, and she looks like she's glowing." 

Indeed, Hinata was now standing taller, her nervousness fading little by little. She shyly glanced at Naruto and gave a small, grateful nod. 

Naruto, oblivious to the effect he had on her, simply grinned and shouted, "Come on, let's start the party already!" 

The tension melted away, and soon, laughter and chatter filled the air. 

Hinata, standing in the middle of it all, felt something warm in her chest—a feeling she didn't quite understand yet. But one thing she knew for sure… she was glad Naruto was here.