Chapter 23: Training with Hinata

As the morning sun bathed the village in a warm glow, Naruto stretched his arms, letting out a yawn before getting ready for the day ahead. Today marked the start of something new—training with Hinata. 

"Mom, I'm off for training!" he called out, slipping on his sandals. 

"Take care, Naruto," Kushina's voice echoed from the kitchen, filled with warmth and care. 

With a bright grin, Naruto dashed out the door, his feet lightly tapping against the stone-paved streets as he sprinted toward the Hyuga residence. 

Even this early, the village was alive. Merchants were setting up their stalls, shinobi were heading off on missions, and civilians were beginning their daily routines. 

"Good morning, Naruto," an elder woman greeted him as he passed. 

Naruto slowed down, flashing his signature grin. "Good morning, Grandma! Take care of yourself, yeah? Don't push too hard—you've got plenty of years left!" he teased, his voice lighthearted. 

The elderly woman playfully raised her hand, as if to swat him. "You little rascal! Come here—" 

Naruto laughed, dodging just in time before waving as he ran ahead. The villagers around them chuckled at the exchange. 

Being the Hokage's son made him well-known, but it wasn't just his lineage—his genuine kindness, his ability to make everyone feel important, had earned him a place in their hearts. Everywhere he went, he was greeted with smiles, waves, and warm words. 

Soon, he arrived at the Hyuga compound. The guards at the entrance stood firm, but the moment they saw Naruto, they nodded respectfully and stepped aside. 

"Morning," Naruto said cheerfully. 

"Morning, Naruto-sama. Hiashi-sama has informed us—you may enter," one of the guards said, motioning for him to proceed. 

Naruto smirked. "No need for the 'sama'—just Naruto is fine!" he said before stepping inside. 

As he made his way through the grand estate, he felt a spark of excitement. This was just the beginning.

With that, he stepped inside, his presence bringing a subtle shift in the air. He greeted everyone he met along the way, his bright energy standing in contrast to the composed nature of the Hyuga clan. Though their responses were reserved, there was a hint of change—a future where warmth could replace formality. 

Moving steadily toward the main house, he noticed the guards giving him small nods of acknowledgment. It was a silent acceptance, a step forward. 

As he entered, his eyes landed on Hinata, standing ready. There was no hesitation in her stance, no doubt in her expression—only eagerness and quiet determination. 

"Morning, Hinata," Naruto greeted, his voice carrying its usual cheer. 

"Morning, Naruto-kun," she responded softly, but the excitement in her tone was unmistakable. 

"You're already ready? Then let's go." 

"Yes," she nodded, her resolve shining through. 

And just like that, side by side, they stepped forward—toward growth, toward strength, toward a future they would shape together.

As they left the Hyuga compound, the fresh morning air filled their lungs, carrying with it the quiet promise of new beginnings. Their footsteps were light but purposeful as they made their way to the training ground, a place that had become a familiar part of Naruto's daily life. 

Waiting for them were two figures—one a friend, the other a mentor. Sasuke and Itachi stood in the clearing, their presence steady, their gazes sharp. 

"Morning, Sasuke, Itachi!" Naruto called out, his voice full of energy. 

"Morning, Naruto," they both responded in unison, their expressions calm but welcoming. 

As their eyes shifted, they noticed a small figure standing slightly behind Naruto. Hinata, her posture hesitant, her hands clasped together peeked at them with wide, uncertain eyes. 

Naruto turned, his heart warming at the sight. There was something so undeniably adorable about how she hesitated. But he knew—she belonged here just as much as any of them. 

With a gentle nudge, he pushed her forward. "Hinata will be training with us from today on," he declared, his voice leaving no room for doubt. 

Itachi and Sasuke exchanged a glance before nodding. 

"Okay," they said, with no hesitation, no question—just simple acceptance. 

And in that moment, the four of them stood together, a team in the making, bound by something deeper than training alone—by friendship, by trust, and by the quiet understanding that together, they would grow.

The training began with physical conditioning, their bodies moving in rhythm with the crisp morning air. Laps around the training ground pushed their stamina, their endurance tested with each stride. 

Hinata, new to such rigorous training, struggled to keep up. Her breath came in short gasps, her steps growing heavy. But beside her, Naruto slowed his pace, running alongside her with an encouraging smile. 

"You don't have to push too hard, Hinata. Everyone starts somewhere," he reassured her. He adjusted her routine, making sure she didn't overstrain. After all, a beginner shouldn't be forced to face the final boss right away. 

After the exhausting run, they moved on to shuriken and kunai practice. The sharp clang of metal against the targets echoed through the field as each of them threw with precision and focus. Itachi, ever the prodigy, demonstrated the technique effortlessly, offering quiet guidance. Naruto and Sasuke improved steadily under his tutelage, their skills refining with every throw. Hinata, despite her hesitance, absorbed every lesson with determination in her lavender eyes. 

Then came the sparring matches, the real test of skill and adaptability. Blows were exchanged, strategies were formed and broken, and in the heart of it, they all grew stronger together. 

By the time training ended, the sun was high, its warmth washing over their sweat-covered bodies. Itachi and Sasuke bid their goodbyes, heading home for the day. But Naruto wasn't done yet. 

"Come on, Hinata," he said, offering his hand with a grin. "There's still more to learn." 

She blinked in surprise before placing her hand in his, a small but determined smile forming on her lips. 

Together, they made their way to Naruto's home, where Tsunade and Kushina waited—ready to pass down their knowledge of medical ninjutsu and ninjutsu. A new chapter of their training was just beginning.

As they reached home, Tsunade was already awake despite her usual laziness, stretching as she greeted them with her usual tough demeanor. 

"Are you ready, brats?" she asked, her sharp golden eyes scanning them with expectation. 

"Yes, Tsunade (Tsunade-sama)!" they both responded in unison—Naruto with his usual enthusiasm, and Hinata with a determined nod. 

Their training began with an unusual yet crucial task—reviving a lifeless fish, just as Sakura and Ino once had. Tsunade guided them with firm yet patient instruction, watching as they concentrated their chakra, their brows furrowed in focus. 

Meanwhile, Kushina took over, introducing them to the delicate and intricate art of fuinjutsu. "Calligraphy is the foundation of sealing techniques," she explained, placing brushes and scrolls before them. The strokes had to be precise, and steady—an extension of their discipline and control. 

The training continued, filled with effort and perseverance. And when it finally ended, breakfast was a well-earned reward. The meal was filled with warmth, laughter, and quiet moments of satisfaction. 

After finishing, Naruto walked Hinata home, ensuring she reached safely before heading back. 

Meanwhile, in the Hyuga main hall, Hiashi observed his daughter's return, his piercing gaze softening ever so slightly. 

"How was training, Hinata?" he asked, his voice composed yet curious. 

"It was good, Otōsan," she answered, her tone lighter than usual. 

Hiashi studied her for a moment before asking again, "Are you enjoying it?" 

A small, genuine smile graced her lips. "Yes." 

A pause. Then, a subtle nod from Hiashi. "I see. You may go." 

As she left, there was something new in her steps—something lighter, freer. And for the first time in a long while, Hiashi sat back, allowing a rare moment of quiet satisfaction to settle in his heart.