Chpater 19: Hinata joins the training

"Then, let's go ask your father for permission," Naruto said, his voice filled with excitement. 

Hinata hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her pale lavender eyes. But as she looked at Naruto's unwavering confidence, she felt a sense of warmth and courage bloom inside her. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. "Okay." 

Hand in hand, they stepped into the Hyuga estate, their small fingers tightly intertwined. 

Inside, they encountered Hizashi Hyuga, Neji's father. His survival, a direct result of Naruto's actions, had changed everything—Neji no longer carried the weight of hatred and had grown close to Hinata instead. 

"Hizashi-Ojisan! How are you doing?" Naruto asked, his usual cheerful energy lighting up the room. 

Hizashi looked at him with mild surprise before offering a warm smile. "Naruto, it's good to see you. I'm doing well. And you?" 

Naruto grinned. "Look at me, Ojisan! Do I look anything but great?" His laughter was infectious, making even the reserved Hizashi chuckle. 

"Is Neji around?" Naruto asked, peering curiously past Hizashi. 

"He's training in the backyard," Hizashi replied. 

"Alright! But first, we need to see Hiashi-Ojisan. Do you know where he is?" 

"He should be in the main hall," Hizashi said, watching as Naruto and Hinata exchanged an eager glance. 

"Got it! Thanks, Hizashi-Ojisan!" Naruto beamed. 

With that, the two rushed forward, their hands still firmly clasped together. Hinata, who once hesitated to take a single step forward, was now running alongside Naruto, her heart lighter than ever.

As Naruto and Hinata rushed through the Hyuga compound, their small hands intertwined, the warmth between them was undeniable. Naruto, always so full of energy, led the way with his usual enthusiasm, while Hinata, though still timid, didn't resist. If anything, she held onto his hand even tighter.

Hizashi watched them go with a small smile, something that had become more common in recent years. Naruto had changed many things—things he never thought possible. He was supposed to be dead, another victim of the cursed seal, but because of Naruto, he was still here, watching his son grow up with a heart unburdened by hatred. Watching Neji and Hinata grow closer as a true family.

"Such a bright child," he murmured to himself before turning back to his tea.

Naruto, sensing her hesitation, gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry, Hinata. I'll handle it if he says no!" He flashed his trademark grin, radiating confidence.

Hinata nodded, finding comfort in his words. No matter what, Naruto always faced things head-on.

Reaching the hall, they saw Hiashi sitting in his usual composed manner, sipping tea. His presence was commanding, yet there was a softer side that only his family knew. He glanced up, raising an eyebrow at the sight of the two children standing hand in hand.

"Hinata. Naruto." His voice was calm but firm. "What brings you here?"

"Hinata and I decided to start training together from tomorrow. Tsunade and Jiraiya will be guiding us," Naruto said with his usual bright smile, but his eyes held something deeper—determination, maybe even something more. 

Hiashi listened carefully, his expression unreadable. He had long been aware of Hinata's struggles in training, how she often failed to meet his expectations. But things were different now—his wife was still alive, Hanabi had yet to be born, and Naruto's presence had already begun to shift the course of their future. 

He glanced at Hinata, who stood beside Naruto, her small hands clenched into fists, her face filled with quiet resolve. This was different. For the first time, she wasn't just trying to meet his expectations—she wanted this for herself. 

After a long pause, Hiashi nodded. "Okay," he said simply. 

Hinata's eyes widened, and Naruto grinned. The path ahead wouldn't be easy, but in that moment, a new chapter had begun.

"Then, from tomorrow, I'll come and pick you up," Naruto said, his voice filled with excitement. 

Hinata smiled softly, a newfound confidence shining in her eyes. "Okay, then I will be ready before you arrive, Naruto-kun." 

Hiashi watched the interaction between the two children, and for the first time in a long while, a rare, genuine smile appeared on his face. There was something different about Naruto—something that made even the impossible seem within reach. 

"Is there anything else, Naruto?" he asked, his tone unusually gentle. 

Naruto shook his head. "No, Ojisan," he said, before bowing slightly. "And... thank you for accepting our request."

Hiashi gave a small nod, watching the two children with an unreadable expression. Naruto's energy was contagious, and seeing Hinata so happy warmed something deep within him. 

"Go on, then," he said, his voice holding a rare gentleness. 

Naruto grinned widely and took Hinata's hand again before dashing towards the exit. "See you tomorrow, Hinata!" 

Hinata watched him go, her cheeks slightly pink. "See you tomorrow, Naruto-kun," she said softly. 

As the doors closed behind them, Hizashi, who had been silently observing, walked up to his brother. "You seem... pleased," he commented. 

Hiashi took a slow sip of his tea. "Hinata has always struggled with confidence. But with Naruto around, I see her taking small steps forward." 

Hizashi chuckled. "He has a way of changing people." 

Hiashi nodded. "Yes. And perhaps... he is the change we have long needed." 

Outside, Naruto stretched his arms towards the sky, excitement buzzing in his veins. "Tomorrow's going to be fun!" he declared to himself. 

For the first time in a long while, things felt... right.

With that, Hinata joined Naruto for training. 

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Naruto made his way home, his heart light with excitement for the days to come. 

"Mom, I'm back!" he called out, his voice echoing through the house. 

From the kitchen, Kushina's warm voice reached him. "Welcome home, Naruto!" 

But before he could take another step, a pair of strong yet gentle hands caught him from behind, locking him in place. 

A familiar voice, both teasing and ominous, whispered near his ear. "I told you... you would regret what you've done." 

It was Tsunade. Her hold was firm, but there was no malice—only playful vengeance. 

Naruto gulped, already knowing he was in for it. Yet, despite the impending 'punishment,' a smile crept onto his face. This warmth, this love, this family—this was everything he had ever wanted.