Chapter 18: Hiruzen, a incompetent leader

The night passed in silence, but for many, sleep didn't come easy. The weight of what had almost happened lingered in the air like an unspoken fear. 

Naruto, despite his usual carefree nature, lay awake for a long time, staring at the ceiling. The memory of Hinata trembling in his arms replayed in his mind. He clenched his tiny fists, determination settling deep within him. "I'll protect her," he thought before exhaustion finally pulled him into slumber. 

Meanwhile, Hinata nestled against her mother's warmth, seeking comfort after the nightmare she had endured. Her mother gently stroked her hair, whispering reassurances. "You're safe now, my little star," she murmured, holding her close. 

Morning arrived swiftly, and the Hyuga compound filled with an uneasy tension. The village elders, Hokage Hiruzen, Hiashi, and representatives from Kumo gathered for the crucial negotiations. The fate of peace—or the beginning of another conflict—hung in the balance. 

Outside, many shinobi and civilians alike waited with bated breath. Whispers filled the air as they speculated on what punishment would befall the Kumo nin. Would justice be served? Would Konoha show mercy? Or would war reignite? 

Naruto stood among them, his young heart beating with anticipation. He wasn't just waiting for a verdict—he was waiting to see if the world would truly protect those who couldn't protect themselves.

The verdict fell like a crushing weight upon the village. The gathered shinobi and civilians stood in stunned silence as Hiruzen announced his decision. The Kumo nin would be released—free to walk away despite their crime.

A tense stillness followed before whispers rippled through the crowd. Disbelief, disappointment, and quiet rage filled the eyes of those who had once held unwavering respect for their Hokage. Yet, no one raised their voice. They swallowed their frustration, knowing that to challenge the decision now would be futile.

The Uchiha, watching from the shadows, exchanged knowing glances. This was the outcome they had anticipated. To them, it was further proof of the village's failing leadership—proof that the elders and the Hokage would always choose peace over justice, no matter the cost.

Naruto clenched his tiny fists, his red hair swaying slightly in the wind. He had expected this, yet witnessing it firsthand left a bitter taste in his mouth. Was this the will of fire? To let those who harmed the innocent walk free just to avoid war? His young heart burned with unspoken anger, but more than that—with resolve.

Naruto clenched his tiny fists as he watched the Kumo nin walk free, their smug expressions barely concealed. His heart pounded with frustration. Even though he had expected this, seeing it happen right in front of him made his blood boil. 

Kushina placed a firm hand on his shoulder, grounding him. She, too, was seething, but her years as a shinobi had taught her when to hold back. "This isn't over, Naruto," she whispered. "We remember, and one day, the tides will change." 

The Uchiha clan, watching from the sidelines, exchanged knowing glances. They had long seen the cracks in Hiruzen's leadership, and this only confirmed their suspicions. The village elders, who had always opposed them, remained eerily quiet, their eyes avoiding the Uchiha's piercing gazes. 

Hiashi Hyuga stood still, his face unreadable, but his clenched jaw betrayed his true feelings. He had just witnessed his daughter nearly being taken from him, and yet, his hands were tied. His loyalty to Konoha kept him from speaking out—but deep inside, something shifted. 

Naruto looked at Hinata, who stood beside her mother, gripping her sleeve. She didn't fully understand the political weight of what had just happened, but she knew one thing—those men had tried to take her, and now they were walking free. 

He met her gaze and gave a small, reassuring nod. "One day," he thought. "I'll be strong enough to protect the people I care about—no matter what."

Kushina looked down at her son, surprised by the seriousness in his voice. His small hands were clenched into fists, his red hair glowing under the morning light. There was no childish playfulness in his eyes—only determination.

"Mom, I think Jiji made the wrong decision," Naruto said, his voice unwavering. "He should leave from being Hokage. Either you or Tsunade should be." He turned to face her fully, his gaze filled with conviction.

Kushina knelt, placing her hands gently on Naruto's shoulders, her violet eyes searching his face. There was no childish stubbornness in his expression—only conviction. A conviction that, despite his small frame, carried the weight of someone who understood the pain of injustice. 

She let out a soft sigh, brushing a stray strand of red hair from his face. "Naruto, being Hokage isn't just about being strong. It's about carrying the burdens of the village, even when the choices aren't fair." 

"But, Mom," Naruto frowned, gripping his fists. "What about Hinata? What about everyone who feels powerless? If being Hokage means letting bad people go, then what's the point?" His voice wavered, frustration clear in his eyes. "I don't want a Hokage who gives up!" 

Kushina's heart clenched. He was too young to carry such thoughts, too young to understand the depth of politics and war. But his words, his emotions—they were raw, real, and filled with the kind of strength that couldn't be taught. 

She smiled softly, placing a warm hand on his cheek. "Then, Naruto, if you want to change things… you have to become stronger. Not just in power, but in heart. And when that time comes, if you still believe in me or Tsunade, then maybe—just maybe—we'll stand by your side." 

Naruto's eyes lit up with determination. "I will, Mom. One day, I'll be strong enough to make sure people like Jiji don't get to make weak decisions. I'll make you Hokage. Believe it!" 

Kushina laughed, ruffling his hair. "You are your father's son…" But deep inside, she knew—this was the first spark of something greater. Something that would shape the future.

Back to the present.

From that day on, Hinata and Naruto had become inseparable, always finding comfort in each other's presence.

"Hinata, how is your training going?" Naruto asked, his voice filled with curiosity and concern.

Hinata didn't respond immediately, but her expression darkened, her shoulders slightly trembling.

Naruto's eyes softened. "I see… your father is being strict again, isn't he? You feel like you can't keep up?"

Hinata lowered her gaze and gave a small, hesitant nod.

Naruto smiled gently, stepping closer. "Then, come train with me," he said, his voice warm and encouraging. "Tsunade and Jiraiya train me whenever they're free. If you train with me, you'll get stronger too. Strong enough that no one will ever look down on you again."

Hinata's eyes widened slightly as she looked up at Naruto. His voice was warm, filled with genuine concern, yet there was a confidence in his words that made her heart feel lighter.

She hesitated, gripping the hem of her sleeves. "But… Father says I am weak," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Naruto's expression softened, but there was a flicker of something fierce behind his eyes. He stepped closer and gently poked her forehead. "That's because he doesn't see what I see."

Hinata blinked up at him.

"You're not weak, Hinata," he said firmly. "You just need someone who believes in you, and I do. So, come train with me. Tsunade and Jiraiya are amazing—if I can get stronger, you can too!"

Hinata's lips parted slightly, her lavender eyes shining with something she hadn't felt in a long time—hope.

"You… really think I can be strong?" she asked, almost afraid of the answer.

Naruto grinned, stepping back and holding out his hand. "I don't think, I know. So, what do you say? Want to train together?"

For a moment, Hinata simply stared at him, the warmth in his words wrapping around her heart like a gentle embrace. Then, slowly, she reached out and placed her hand in his.

"Yes," she whispered, a small but determined smile forming on her lips.