Chapter 16: Kumo's Scheme

Then, the party continued as everyone present took turns wishing Hinata and presenting their gifts. Smiles and laughter filled the air as she accepted each one with a shy bow of gratitude. 

Finally, it was Naruto's turn. 

Stepping forward with his usual bright grin, he held out a carefully wrapped gift. His excitement was barely contained as he said, "Hinata, Happy Birthday!" 

Hinata hesitated for a moment before gently taking the gift from his hands. "Thank you," she said softly, her fingers lightly tracing the edges of the wrapping paper. 

"Open it!" Naruto nudged, eyes gleaming with anticipation. 

With delicate hands, she slowly peeled back the wrapping, careful not to tear it too much. The moment felt almost sacred—like unfolding a cherished memory. Her breath hitched slightly as the paper gave way to reveal what was inside.

As Hinata carefully unwrapped the gift, her small fingers trembling slightly, the soft rustling of paper filled the air. The crowd around them continued mingling, but a few nearby turned their attention to the moment, sensing something special. 

Inside the package was a delicate hairpin, crafted in the shape of a small lavender flower, matching the color of her dress. Tiny silver accents shimmered in the lantern light, making it look as if the petals were kissed by moonlight. 

Hinata's eyes widened as she gently picked it up. 

"It's… beautiful," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. 

Naruto grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Mom helped me pick it out, but I chose the color! I thought it would suit you." 

Kushina chuckled. "Hah, don't let him fool you, Hinata. He was picky—wanted something 'perfect.'" 

Hinata clutched the hairpin close to her chest, her face turning an even deeper shade of pink. No one had ever given her something so thoughtful before. 

"Can I… put it on?" she asked softly. 

Naruto blinked, then broke into a wide grin. "Of course! Here, I'll help!" 

Before she could protest, Naruto took the hairpin from her hands and gently tucked it into her dark hair. His fingers lightly brushed against her temple, making her heart race. 

When he pulled back, he beamed. "See? Looks even better on you!" 

Hinata couldn't speak. She just nodded, her heart filled with warmth. 

Lady Hyuga smiled at the scene, while Hiashi, standing with his arms crossed, observed quietly. His usual stern expression softened just a little as he watched his daughter genuinely smile—a rare sight. 

Tsunade and Shizune exchanged knowing looks, while Jiraiya whispered, "Kid's got a way with the ladies already." 

The party continued, but for Hinata, that moment stayed with her. It wasn't just a gift—it was a memory, a kindness she would never forget.

Then, a group of people entered the hall, their presence shifting the atmosphere. The air grew tense, yet no one dared to question their arrival—not when Hiruzen, the Hokage himself, stood before them. 

Hiruzen cleared his throat, his voice carrying both authority and warmth. "These are Kumo's envoys. They have come to discuss a truce between Konoha and Kumo, as the war at our borders continues to take its toll. I invited them here so they could share in this moment of celebration, a reminder that peace is still within our grasp." 

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. Some guests exchanged uncertain glances, while others simply nodded, trusting their Hokage's judgment. 

Though tension still lingered, no one spoke against it. If their leader had chosen to extend a hand, then—for now—so would they. The celebration carried on, though the presence of Kumo's representatives cast a quiet shadow over the evening's joy.

But, soon tension was relieved as all started the enjoy the moment, Naruto was mostly talking with Hinata. Hinata also started to enjoy the occasion, even forgetting her shy personality due to Naruto's character and the people around him.

"Hinata, I'll be right back," Naruto said, giving her a reassuring smile before dashing off. He held back his urgency, not wanting to cause a scene. But as he navigated the large Hyuga compound, he quickly realized—he was lost.

Frustration bubbled within him, but before he could retrace his steps, hushed voices from a nearby hallway caught his attention. He stilled, instincts kicking in. Something about their tone felt... off.

"Aurora, conceal my presence," he commanded in his mind.

Naruto's breath hitched as he pressed himself against the wall, listening intently. His small hands clenched into fists, but he remained still, his heartbeat pounding in his ears. 

Aurora's voice echoed in his mind, calm yet firm. 

[Concealment activated. They won't notice you.] 

The voices of the Kumo shinobi were hushed, but Naruto caught every word. 

"Brother, are you saying we capture the Hyuga Princess and flee to Kumo?" 

"Yes. The Hyuga's Byakugan is a treasure—if we bring it back, our village will have an upper hand in future battles. This peace talk is just a distraction. Tonight, we strike." 

Naruto's fingers dug into the wooden frame beside him. His eyes widened, rage simmering beneath them. 

"They're planning to kidnap Hinata…" he whispered to himself, his body trembling. 

Aurora spoke again, a rare urgency in her tone. 

[You need to warn someone. Now. ] 

But Naruto shook his head, his young but sharp mind already forming a plan. He couldn't just run back and tell the adults—they might hesitate, bound by politics. If he wanted to protect Hinata, he had to act. 

His eyes darkened with determination. 

"I won't let them lay a single finger on her."

Naruto had completely forgotten about his original reason for leaving. His heart pounded as he rushed back to the hall, weaving through the guests until he reached his mother. Without hesitation, he tugged at her sleeve, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Mom, I need to tell you something," he said, urgency laced in his tone.

Kushina turned to him, sensing the seriousness in his eyes. She softened, placing a reassuring hand on his head. "You can tell me anything, Naruto."

"Not here," he insisted, his gaze darting around the crowded hall. His usual mischievous spark was gone, replaced with something rare—fear.

Kushina's expression hardened. She knew her son. He wouldn't act this way unless it was something important.

"Okay," she nodded.

She gently took his hand and led him away from the celebration, through the Hyuga compound, until they found a quiet corner where no one could overhear them. The laughter and music from the party felt like a distant world.

Naruto took a deep breath, gripping his tiny fists. "Mom… when I went to find the restroom, I got lost. But then…" He swallowed hard. "I overheard something. The Kumo people—they're planning to kidnap Hinata tonight."

Kushina's expression darkened instantly. The warmth she always carried for her son vanished, replaced by the fierce intensity of a kunoichi who had seen war, who knew treachery. 

"Are you sure about this, Naruto?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with urgency. 

Naruto clenched his fists. "Mom, I wouldn't lie about something like this. They said it clearly—they're planning to take Hinata tonight." His red eyes burned with determination. 

Kushina took a deep breath, her mind racing. If what Naruto said was true, then Hinata was in grave danger. The Hyuga Clan would never forgive such an act. And worse, if Kumo succeeded, it could spark another war. 

She knelt, placing her hands on Naruto's shoulders, locking eyes with him. "Listen to me carefully, Naruto. We can't act recklessly. We need proof. If we accuse them without evidence, it could ruin the peace talks." 

Naruto gritted his teeth. "But, Mom! If we wait too long, they'll take her!" 

Kushina's grip on his shoulders tightened, grounding him. "And that's why we're going to stop them—without giving them an excuse to start another war. Do you trust me?" 

Naruto looked into his mother's fierce, unwavering gaze. He took a deep breath and nodded. 

"Good," she said. "Now, here's what we're going to do…"