"Naruto… Naruto?"Sakura Haruno's voice cracked with rage. Her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles whitened. "You… you bastard! How dare you hit me! So hard! I will never forgive you!"Naruto froze, shocked. His eyes widened, panic washing over him. "S-Sakura-chan! I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to…"He stumbled backward, mind racing. "I didn't expect you to suddenly jump between Sasuke and me. I wasn't paying attention, and I couldn't stop my hand… but hitting you… the girl I… I've always cared about… that's a huge mistake!"His face turned red as he waved his hands desperately, trying to explain himself. "Sakura-chan, I… I didn't really mean it!"But Sakura's anger only intensified. Her nostrils flared, her eyes blazed with fury, and her lips twisted into a scowl of pure outrage. She advanced toward Naruto step by step, each movement radiating determination and wrath."Naruto, you bastard! I will kill you!"Naruto's panic surged. He tripped backward onto the grass, arms flailing, voice breaking. "No! Don't, Sakura-chan!"Sakura raised her leg, aiming a powerful kick directly at Naruto's stomach. The crowd gasped; it looked like there would be no way for Naruto to escape in time.But then… snap.A soft yet commanding voice cut through the tension. A small figure moved between Naruto and Sakura. With a gentle but firm motion, the figure blocked Sakura's kick and pushed her back with just a touch of strength.The crowd froze. Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief.It was Hinata Hyuga.The shy, reserved, timid girl who rarely spoke up had suddenly acted decisively. She had not only protected Naruto but had also stood up to the furious Sakura Haruno. Her small body trembled slightly, betraying her fear, but her eyes were steady."N-Hinata…?" Naruto whispered, stunned.Sakura's jaw dropped. "Hinata? What… what are you doing?!"Hinata's voice wavered, yet it carried a courage none had seen before. "Naruto… Naruto-kun… he didn't hit you on purpose. You jumped out, and he didn't have time to grab your hand. He's already apologized. You shouldn't be so aggressive toward him."The entire crowd, even the bystanders who usually disliked Naruto, fell silent. No one expected the shy Hinata to speak out with such resolve.Naruto's heart raced. He felt a mix of astonishment, gratitude, and admiration. The girl who had always been quiet, who had never dared to confront anyone, was now defending him with all her courage."Hina… Hinata… you…" Naruto stammered, unable to find words. Memories flashed through his mind:The times she had greeted him shyly.Her gentle tremors whenever their hands accidentally touched.Her offers to help him with his studies.The warmth of sharing ramen together.And now, she had taken a stand, braving the furious Sakura to protect him. Naruto, though still young and somewhat naive, finally understood Hinata's kindness and bravery.Sasuke watched coldly from the sidelines, his usual detachment intact. "Boring," he muttered, but his eyes betrayed his curiosity as he observed the unfolding scene.Sakura, meanwhile, could hardly comprehend Hinata's actions. Her anger did not subside; if anything, it intensified."Hinata! Move aside!" Sakura shouted. "Naruto, hit me if you dare! Isn't it natural that I retaliate?!"Hinata stood her ground, fists clenched. "No… it's not like that. If what Sakura said is true, then… you've stepped on Naruto-kun countless times before. Shouldn't he have a right to defend himself?"The words left Sakura speechless. Her face flushed crimson, and for the first time, she was rendered silent. The surrounding crowd, recalling Sakura's frequent bullying of Naruto, silently nodded in agreement with Hinata. Even those who had disliked Naruto had to acknowledge the truth in her words.Naruto's heart fluttered. "Hinata…" he whispered, overwhelmed by emotion.Sakura's shock turned to disbelief. For the first time, she realized that everyone—her peers, her friends, and even Naruto—could see her behavior for what it was. She felt isolated, cornered by the weight of her own actions.Turning to her closest friend, Ino Yamanaka, Sakura sought validation. "Ino… you think so too, right?"Ino hesitated, caught between loyalty and truth. "I… I don't know…" she admitted, frowning. "But what Hinata said is true. You often punch and kick Naruto without reason. His occasional unintentional strikes… aren't really a big deal."Sakura's face paled instantly. Tears welled in her eyes as she took two staggering steps back. "Even you… Ino… even you aren't on my side?"Ino met her gaze calmly. "Sakura, I'm just telling the truth…""Shut your mouth!" Sakura roared, frustration and shame mixing into an uncontrollable storm. Her heart burned with unspoken grievances. She turned on her heel and ran, pushing through the silent crowd that parted obediently."Sakura…" Ino called after her, hurrying to catch up. "Wait! Listen to me! Let me explain!"Meanwhile, Hinata watched quietly, breathing a sigh of relief. She had mustered all her courage to protect Naruto, using every ounce of her strength. The danger had passed, and Naruto was safe.She stepped back slightly, lowering her stance. Her small face turned a deep shade of crimson as she asked, softly, "Naruto-kun… are you okay?"Naruto's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He had been terrified about facing Sakura's wrath, yet he was deeply moved by Hinata's bravery. The sudden kindness from someone he had barely noticed in terms of courage overwhelmed him.Scratching his head nervously, he let out two awkward laughs. "No… I'm fine… hahaha…"Only then did Hinata relax, the tension in her shoulders easing. Her face, still flushed with shyness, reflected relief. She bowed her head slightly, a subtle, timid gesture of reassurance."Then… that's good…" she murmured, voice barely above a whisper.Naruto smiled, a mixture of relief, gratitude, and admiration warming his chest. For the first time, he fully realized Hinata's strength—not her physical strength, but her courage and her heart.The day continued with the lingering echoes of what had transpired. Naruto felt changed, subtly but profoundly. Hinata had stepped into the Shura Field—not only protecting him but also teaching him the true meaning of courage and selflessness.As for Hinata, she returned to her usual reserved stance, but the experience had awakened a new confidence within her. The shy, timid girl had proven to herself—and to everyone around her—that even the smallest, quietest heart could rise up in the face of adversity.And Naruto, ever energetic and boisterous, felt a renewed sense of determination. His path toward becoming Hokage, surpassing Sasuke, and growing stronger every day had gained yet another ally—one who would stand by him when the odds were toughest.In that moment, both realized something profound: courage and kindness were as powerful as any jutsu.---
patreon (Obito_uchiha)