025 Intertwined Beliefs

"I'm sorry, Hinata..."

Naruto walked up to her, trying to act indifferent but his voice softened into one of apology and tenderness.

Everyone thought he was apologizing because Hinata once risked her life to protect him from Pain. Even Hinata believed that.

But Naruto's perspective was different.

In this life and beyond he had lived through reincarnation. 

To him, Hinata was already the woman who had stood beside him through everything. His wife. The mother of his children. So this apology, and the way he looked at her, carried a much deeper meaning.

But Hinata didn't know all that.

To her, she had simply stepped forward once, stood between him and death, and confessed her feelings. That was all.

She still didn't understand Naruto's feelings, nor the weight in his eyes. But even if she couldn't grasp the full meaning, she could feel the deep sadness behind them.

Hinata looked up, her voice gentle:

"Why are you apologizing? You've always followed your own ninja way, and I know you still are. You keep your word… and you move forward, bravely. That's the Naruto-kun I know."

So then, Hinata... why are you crying?

Naruto's heart clenched. His hand tightened at his side, wanting so badly to reach out and wipe her tears.

Yeah... why?

When she heard Naruto had defected, her heart had been crushed by a wave of pain.

But the trust and bond Hinata had built with Naruto since childhood made her believe deep down that he must have his reasons. She wanted so badly to find him and ask everything clearly.

And now, seeing him again, Hinata understood something.

Naruto-kun is trying to avoid us… He's shouldering something alone, so he's pushing everyone away!

That much was clear to her.

She could see it in every look, every subtle movement. She had watched him for too long not to notice.

It must be painful for him…

Yes, Hinata wasn't crying out of her own sadness. She was crying because she could feel Naruto's pain.

"Hu… hu…" Suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit her, and everything went blurry—she was out of breath and lost her balance.

"Hinata!!!" Everyone shouted in alarm.

But Naruto had already caught her, his strong hands steadying her shoulders. "It's okay… just breathe slowly"

Through her hazy vision, she saw his face so familiar, yet changed.

Though still young, there was a quiet weight in his eyes… the look of someone who had lived through too much.

She reached up, touched his cheek softly, her tears falling again.

"Naruto-kun… I know you must have your reasons. You don't have to tell us now. But… I have one request…"

"Please, let me stay by your side."

"Wha—!" Inuzuka Kiba looked stunned, but Shikamaru stopped him with a glance.

Naruto stood still, listening to Hinata's trembling voice.

"I know I'm not strong… but I promise, I'll behave. I won't get in your way, Naruto-kun."

"So… don't go through this alone anymore. Okay?"

Hinata didn't know what Naruto was going through, but she still tried to understand him.

Naruto's voice was low and conflicted. "It's too dangerous."

Hinata answered firmly, "I'm not afraid."

"I understand how you feel," Naruto said softly.

"That's exactly why… I can't let you come with me."

"Stay in Konoha… and wait for me to come home."

Those words were not just a decision, they were Naruto's way of holding himself accountable.

But Hinata's eyes, full of silent pleading, still lingered in his mind.

Naruto was afraid that if he looked into her eyes any longer, his resolve would break.

He gently supported Hinata's neck with one hand and slowly waved the other in front of her eyes.

It was a technique he used to help his daughter, Himawari, fall asleep—a small gesture filled with warmth and love.

"…Naruto-kun…" 

Hinata whispered softly, her eyelids heavy. She called his name one last time before slipping into sleep, reluctant but peaceful.

"…Hah…" Naruto let out a deep breath. This was the most shaken he had felt since returning.

He closed his eyes, trying to steady himself, then opened them and turned to look at Neji.

To Naruto, Neji was also a very important friend.

He was a gifted shinobi who died too young, never escaping the curse of the Caged Bird. His sacrifice had played a crucial role in Naruto's growth.

Neji... I won't let your tragedy happen again. I swear...

Naruto made this silent promise in his heart.

He said seriously, "Neji, please take good care of Hinata. Don't let her leave the village without thinking. It's too dangerous."

"I will," Neji replied, supporting Hinata gently. Deep down, he had already found the answer he needed.

Aburame Shino stepped forward and asked, "Naruto, I just want to know one thing—did you kill Muta?"

Aburame Muta and Hyuga Tokuma, both from Anko's team, had died in the forest. Their bodies were brought back by Root agents, and the blame was pinned on Naruto.

Naruto was surprised. "They're... dead?"

Shino's face was unreadable behind his dark glasses. "Yes. Anko left behind an intel scroll. According to it, you fought their team in the woods outside the village. That makes you the prime suspect."

Naruto replied, "I did fight them... but I didn't kill them."

Shino was silent for a moment, then said, "That kind of answer won't convince many people. Even if we believe you, the village won't."

Naruto understood instantly. So Root got there before we did...

Just then, Shikamaru spoke. "Where's Anko? Is she still alive?"

Naruto glanced briefly at Sai. Although Sai had left Root after Danzo's death, he was still seen as one of them.

Naruto chose not to answer directly. "Who knows..."

Shikamaru thought for a moment, then handed Naruto a scroll he had prepared ahead of time. On it, something was written:

'Danzo has already smeared your name, and the village's atmosphere is now heavily against you. Anko is the only one who knows the truth about the battle and can prove your innocence. If she's in your hands, don't let her go, Danzo will definitely kill her. Also, if you plan to return to Konoha, make sure to protect her.'

Naruto's eyes narrowed. He picked up the pen and wrote on the scroll:

'With Danzo in charge, Konoha will face a dark time. You and your father must stay safe. If I'm right, Sasuke will gain stronger power and will want to kill Danzo on his own. His hatred needs an outlet, and I won't stand in his way this time. But if Sasuke tries to destroy Konoha after Danzo is gone, I will stop him.'

Bang!

Shikamaru took the scroll back, read it, then looked at Naruto, his eyes serious. "So, are you an ally or an enemy now?"

Naruto adjusted his forehead protector, then raised his robe. "If we meet on the battlefield, don't hold back."

Swish! 

Naruto vanished in an instant using Flying Thunder God.

Shikamaru let out a sigh, muttering, "'We'? This is really troublesome..." 

Swish!

Outside the Iron Country, a mountain stream.

Naruto appeared in front of Konan and Orochimaru.

"It's been a while..."

Konan nodded. "Ah, seeing old companions... It's been a long time since we've talked."

She asked, "Do you want to go back to Amegakure?"

Naruto looked around at the barren desert. "I can't sense the Flying Thunder God signal for Amegakure yet, so it'll take us a bit longer to get there."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the bottle containing Shisui's right eye. "Let's find a place to replace this right eye, just to be safe..."

.

.

TO BE CONTINUED

_________________

Noted : if you guys want read advance chapter, you can check at my P@treon : patreon.com/MoonEater18