Chapter 26 – This Might Be a Bit Too Much for Hinata to Handle

Shiyu raised an eyebrow slightly, but he didn't seem anxious.

After all, the three spectators allowed into the dreamscape each time only needed to be people close to Naruto.

If Sasuke couldn't come, then he'd just switch him out with someone else.

With that thought, Shiyu focused his mind and brought up the system panel, quickly scrolling through the list of names.

There weren't many who fit the criteria—after all, how many people truly shared a deep bond with Naruto?

His eyes flicked rapidly across the list, name after name flashing through his mind.

Teuchi, the ramen guy? No, not necessary.

The Third Hokage? Too early to let him know about this.

Shiyu gently rubbed his chin, then suddenly his gaze lit up, stopping on one particular name.

Perfect. Tonight's dream would suit this spectator very well.

—

—

In the dark and quiet auditorium, Sakura and Kakashi sat side by side, patiently waiting for the screen to light up.

Suddenly, from the corner of her eye, Sakura noticed movement in the seat next to her. The air shimmered like rippling water, and a blurry figure slowly began to take shape.

"Someone's here!" Sakura's heart leapt, and she blurted out, "Sasuke, why are you so—"

Kakashi turned toward the voice too, his tense expression softening just a little.

Looked like Sasuke had finally made it.

But before Sakura could finish her sentence, the gradually solidifying figure made her trail off in stunned silence.

It wasn't Sasuke standing before them—but a petite girl.

Her silky short hair framed her cheeks, and she wore a soft lavender pajama set, fuzzy and warm-looking.

The girl nervously wrung her hands, her delicate face filled with unease and panic—especially her pale white eyes, which were now timidly scanning the unfamiliar space around her.

"H-Hinata?" Sakura's eyes widened in shock, not quite able to process what she was seeing.

Kakashi was equally stunned. He clearly hadn't expected the new arrival to be her—the heiress of the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Hinata.

Hinata had also just noticed the two people beside her.

She'd woken in a panic, inexplicably finding herself transported from her bed to this strange and shadowy place.

But upon recognizing the faces of Kakashi and Sakura, the overwhelming tension in her chest finally began to ease.

She didn't know much about Kakashi personally, but she knew he was Naruto's team leader from observing Naruto from afar.

"Kakashi-sensei? Sakura?" Hinata blinked, calling their names softly, uncertain.

Seeing familiar faces brought her some much-needed comfort.

"Thank goodness… it really is you two…" Hinata let out a quiet breath of relief, cheeks flushing pink, her heart pounding like a drum inside her chest.

She turned her head slightly and finally noticed her surroundings—it looked like some kind of empty movie theater.

In the dim light, rows of plush red seats stretched out behind her, a giant black screen stood in front, and above them was a high ceiling with a barely visible projector window.

If not for the eerie atmosphere, this place could've passed for a perfectly ordinary cinema.

"Where… am I?" Hinata asked softly, her voice barely louder than a whisper. "A… movie theater?"

Faced with Hinata's anxious question, Sakura didn't quite know how to respond.

She exchanged a glance with Kakashi—both of them visibly uncomfortable.

How were they supposed to explain this?

At that moment, the enormous screen in front of them suddenly lit up!

The pitch-black display was pierced by light, as if the night sky had been split open by sunrise.

A clear image formed on the screen—and it was Naruto!

Hinata recognized the blond boy instantly, her mouth falling open as she cried out in surprise, "Ah! It's Naruto-kun!"

Her voice, clear and soft, echoed through the silent theater.

She was startled, confused, and her volume instinctively rose a notch.

"Why is Naruto-kun… on the screen? Wh-What is this?!"

[Ding! Emotional fluctuation detected from Hyuga Hinata! +200 points!]

Hearing Hinata call out Naruto's name, Sakura and Kakashi both snapped back to awareness.

They looked at each other, speechless.

Who would've guessed that instead of Sasuke… Hinata would be the one to show up?

A bead of cold sweat slid down Kakashi's temple.

Even though the girl standing before him was just a shy genin, she was still the heiress of the Hyuga clan—and he had no idea how to explain this bizarre situation to her.

Not to mention… he was starting to seriously worry about Sasuke.

Could that kid really be forcing himself to stay awake just to avoid entering the dream?

[Ding! Emotional fluctuation detected from Haruno Sakura! +300 points!]

[Ding! Emotional fluctuation detected from Hatake Kakashi! +200 points!]

Sakura bit her lip and decided to just keep it simple. "It's kind of complicated… but for now, just watch. Basically, we're watching Naruto's dream."

Hinata froze. "Naruto-kun's… dream?"

Kakashi nodded and explained, "More precisely, we're inside a special space where we can watch Naruto's dream play out. The Naruto you're seeing on screen is the version of him inside the dream."

At his words, Hinata's entire face turned beet red, the color shooting all the way to her ears.

She stared blankly at the giant screen showing Naruto's image and stammered, "N-Naruto-kun's dream…?"

Just the thought of being inside Naruto's dream, catching a glimpse of his innermost thoughts and fantasies—it made her heart race like a wild animal.

—If Naruto-kun finds out, will he hate me?!

The more she thought about it, the more flustered she became. Her hands clutched tightly at the hem of her pajamas, and her head sank so low it nearly touched her chest, cheeks redder than ever.

[Ding! Emotional fluctuation detected from Hyuga Hinata! +500 points!]

Noticing how panicked Hinata looked, Sakura quickly waved her hands to reassure her. "Strictly speaking, we're not inside Naruto's dream. We're just watching it like a movie, okay? You don't have to feel guilty."

"Watching… a dream?" Hinata echoed, still utterly confused.

This kind of weirdness was completely outside her understanding.

But since Kakashi-sensei and Sakura said so, she decided to hold back her questions and return her attention to the screen.

The image on the massive screen had stabilized.

It showed a warm, tidy bedroom.

Soft yellow sunlight streamed in through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room.

On the bed, a boy lay fast asleep.

His messy blond hair fanned out on the pillow, and his breathing was deep and steady.

It was Naruto, inside his dream.

"Mm…" Dream-Naruto stirred, mumbling faintly before slowly opening his eyes.

His sky-blue gaze shimmered under the morning light. After staring blankly at the ceiling for a moment, he suddenly bolted upright in bed.

"That's right! I have to finish the second stage of Rasengan training today!"

He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Remembering the goal he'd set the night before, his whole body filled with energy again.

He jumped out of bed, threw on his clothes, and bolted out of the room, thundering down the stairs.

The camera followed him all the way to the bright and spacious dining room.

A delicious breakfast was already set on the table, filling the air with mouthwatering aroma.

Kushina was sitting calmly at the table, sipping miso soup and waiting for her son to join her.

"Morning, Mom!" Naruto greeted cheerfully as he yanked out a chair and sat down.

But when he glanced around and didn't see his father, his brow furrowed. "Huh? Where's Dad? I don't see him."

Kushina looked up and smiled warmly. "Good morning, Naruto. Your father had to step out early today—something work-related."

"Oh… I see."

Naruto's expression faltered, the excitement on his face dimming just a little.

He poked at his fried egg, disappointment flickering in his eyes.

He'd planned to ask his dad for tips on the second stage of Rasengan training first thing this morning… but now Dad wasn't even home.

Guess he'd have to figure it out on his own.

Frustration clearly showed on his face, but soon he clenched his fists and silently pumped himself up.

So what if there's no one to teach me?

I'll figure it out on my own!

[Ding! Emotional fluctuation detected from Uzumaki Naruto! +200 points!]