After finishing his business and returning, Naruto went back to his seat and noticed that Sasuke's gaze toward him had changed.
If Sasuke seeking him out earlier was an accident, then Naruto deliberately provoking him and easily beating him? That was pure strategy.
He needed Sasuke as a lens to understand the inner workings of the Uchiha clan. Unlike the Hyuga, with their "bird-in-a-cage" system, the Uchiha's relationship with Konoha's higher-ups was a deadly game of tit-for-tat. Grab an opportunity, and they wouldn't hesitate to strike back.
Getting Sasuke's attention was simple: belittle the Uchiha, give him a taste of defeat—and enjoy watching him stew. In some ways, being Sasuke's rival was almost as easy as teasing Choji.
Naruto frowned in mock disgust, picked up his textbook, and continued reading. Idle time? Perfect for ninja school extra-curricular reading. The first-grade cultural lessons were too basic to bother him.
Sitting nearby, his classmate Sakura quietly previewed her homework but occasionally peeked at Sasuke. Well, who could blame her? The boy was handsome, confident, and clearly more popular with girls than Naruto ever was.
Since it was the first day, the ninja school didn't have formal lessons, and school ended at three in the afternoon. Naruto felt a brief pang of envy—he had received far less "freedom" in his prior years—but his introverted side liked the setup. With the blessing of his shadow clones, he could technically practice 26 hours a day.
As students trickled out, Naruto prepared to leave when a timid voice stopped him.
"Naruto-kun… we're classmates again! And you're still wearing the gloves I gave you."
Hinata.
Naruto smiled. "Did Hinata ask for something? Were you bullied again, or trying to bribe me with more gifts?"
"I didn't bring a gift…" Hinata shook her head, blushing. "But I can go back and prepare one. What do you want? I'll try my best."
Naruto waved her off. "I don't ask people for random gifts. But my new home's near the Hyuga Clan. Let's walk back together and chat."
Hinata nodded, shy but pleased.
Walking through the streets, the duo immediately drew attention. Malicious eyes followed them. Even Hinata felt it.
"Why do they look at us like that?" she whispered. "Did we do something wrong?"
"Maybe… because I'm a demon fox," Naruto said casually, a small grin on his face.
Hinata frowned. "But Naruto-kun… you've never hurt anyone. You just resist their malice."
"Malice doesn't need a reason. They just vent."
Hinata's frown deepened. "But isn't that wrong? Doesn't the village teach people to help each other? Why do the children bully me, then?"
Naruto crouched slightly and patted her head. "Helping each other is mostly a slogan. Many shout it, few do it. Same goes for the 'caged birds' of your Hyuga clan."
Hinata tilted her head. "Caged birds?"
"The Hyuga's protection system. Originally to keep your Byakugan safe from outsiders, now it's a tool to control and divide the family," Naruto explained.
He paused, then added with a sly smile, "And I remember you said it was Uncle Hizashi who took down the cloud ninja of the Erai Clan, but in the end… why was it handed over to your side? What about his daily schedule?"
Hinata stayed silent. As the eldest of the main family, she treated branch families fairly—but the rest of the clan clearly felt the imbalance. That's why Uncle Hiashi died, and Neji had so much resentment.
"Don't overthink it," Naruto said, giving her shoulder a gentle pat. "Just be yourself first. Then get stronger. Only then can you change what you hate."
By the time they reached the Hyuga estate, it was time to part ways. Hinata still looked troubled, her usual sparkle dimmed.
Naruto sighed softly. "Guess I'm still no good at comforting people. She's about to cry… and I'm terrible at this."
Kyuubi, watching silently, grumbled: "Not like a little ghost… but seriously, treating girls who like you like this? If I were him, I'd be a gentleman and never make her sad."
Naruto snorted. "What do you know? Hinata's weak—maybe too weak to be a ninja, let alone a clan heir. Besides, we're going out into the world, aren't we?"
Kyuubi stared at him for a long moment. "Naruto… are you even a real kid? Or some old monster reincarnated?"
Naruto feigned curiosity. "I'm starting to wonder too, Big Fox. You've lived so long—seen a reincarnated person? Enlighten me."
Jiuwei huffed. "No. Old man here isn't omnipotent."
Inside the Hyuga mansion, Hinata changed into her training clothes and approached her father, Hiashi.
"I want more training," she said.
Hiashi raised an eyebrow. "Your current load is already high. Why increase it?"
"Father… I want to become stronger. I want to surpass Neji," Hinata said slowly, her thoughts adding silently: Only then can I change everything I hate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can visit my Patreon page:
Patreon.com/PhoeniXcel
I upload 2 chapters daily on Patreon!
There are 30+ advanced chapters available for you to read.
Your support would be greatly appreciated.