Chapter 183: Reassurance
Stepping out of the still busy and noisy Konoha Hospital, the air outside was still thick with the scent of smoke and dust, but it lacked the oppressive smell of disinfectant and the groans of pain.
Naruto did not immediately return to his residence or seek out a secluded spot suitable for researching the power of "Connection."
Instead, he turned his steps toward the area the Hyuga Clan was responsible for patrolling. Relying on his sensory abilities, he soon found Hinata at a relatively intact street corner, leading her clansmen in a meticulous search.
Hinata had her Byakugan active, her expression focused as she scanned the interior of a half-collapsed building ahead.
She looked somewhat tired, with fine beads of sweat on her forehead, but her mental state was okay. Her voice, though soft, was clear and organized as she directed her clansmen.
Seeing Naruto suddenly appear, she was momentarily stunned. Then, an imperceptible blush crept onto her face, and she hastily deactivated her Byakugan, standing up somewhat awkwardly.
"Na-Naruto-kun... Why are you here? Is... something the matter?"
Hinata asked softly, her eyes filled with concern.
"It's nothing, I just came to see how things are going on your end."
Naruto's gaze swept over her, confirming she wasn't injured and that her Chakra consumption was within reasonable limits. He nodded and helped her replenish her Chakra.
"Even with the Byakugan, you must be careful. The enemy is cunning."
"Mm!"
Hinata nodded vigorously, a flash of joy at being cared for and determination from being acknowledged flickering in her eyes.
Without further pleasantries, Naruto turned and left.
Confirming Hinata was safe put his mind at ease.
His next destination was the Hyuga Clan Compound.
After the previous fierce battle, the entrance to the Hyuga Clan Compound was guarded by clansmen; the atmosphere was solemn but not panicked.
After announcing his arrival, Naruto was led to a secluded courtyard in the inner residence.
This was where Hanabi Hyuga had been settled.
Extra security was posted around the courtyard; it was clear that Hiashi was extremely concerned about the safety of his younger daughter.
In the courtyard, a gentle and dignified Hyuga kunoichi—Natsu Hyuga—was sitting on the porch with her Byakugan active, constantly sensing the surroundings.
Seeing Naruto's arrival, Natsu Hyuga immediately deactivated her Byakugan and stood up respectfully, bowing slightly: "Naruto-sama."
Her attitude was even more respectful than before, clearly aware of Naruto's performance on the battlefield and the weight of his true identity.
"Is Hanabi inside?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, Young Miss Hanabi is resting in the room."
Natsu Hyuga stepped aside to clear the path.
"Shall I announce you?"
"No need."
Naruto waved his hand and walked straight into the room.
Natsu Hyuga bowed again understandingly and then silently withdrew from the courtyard, leaving the space to Naruto and Hanabi.
Naruto slid open the door to the washitsu.
The light inside was soft, and the decor was simple.
A small figure was sitting on a cushion by the window with her knees hugged to her chest, looking out at the busy figures in the clan compound. She seemed a bit sullen, her small mouth pouting slightly.
It was Hanabi Hyuga.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, Hanabi whipped her head around.
When she saw it was Naruto, her pure Byakugan eyes instantly lit up, and all the gloom and boredom on her face vanished.
"Big Brother Naruto!"
She cheered and, as if released by a spring, bounced off the cushion. She ran toward Naruto with her bare feet pitter-pattering on the floor.
As she reached him, she threw her arms wide without hesitation, like an agile and clingy little koala. With a "Heave-ho!", she jumped right up.
Naruto almost subconsciously bent down slightly and reached out to catch her.
The next second, Hanabi had her arms firmly locked around Naruto's neck, her whole body hanging off him.
She buried her small face in the crook of Naruto's shoulder, nuzzling him hard before looking up. With those sparkling big eyes, she scrutinized Naruto, her voice full of undisguised worry and urgency:
"Big Brother Naruto, are you hurt? The fighting outside was so intense, I could hear it all! But Big Sister Natsu wouldn't let me out. I was so worried about you and Big Sister, and Father and Brother Neji."
Her small hands nervously patted Naruto's back and arms.
Her Byakugan was also searching Naruto's body for any wounds.
Naruto reached out and gently patted Hanabi's back:
"I'm fine. Not a single scratch."
He paused and added, "Your sister, father, and Neji are all fine too; they're outside helping. Staying here obediently is the biggest help you can give them."
"Really?"
Hanabi was half-convinced. She looked closely at Naruto's face again, and after confirming his expression was normal with no signs of strain, she truly breathed a sigh of relief.
But she didn't loosen her grip on Naruto's neck; instead, she tightened it and muttered softly, "That's good... I was scared to death..."
She rested her head on Naruto's shoulder, seemingly finding the most secure harbor. The slight grievance and boredom from being kept at home just now vanished into thin air.
Naruto let her hold him, not rushing her.
This sudden war had also given this child quite a shock.
After soothing Hanabi, who was hanging on him like a little koala, and confirming her emotions had stabilized, Naruto gently put her back on the cushion. He gave her a few more instructions to "be good" and "not run around" before leaving the Hyuga Clan Compound under Hanabi's reluctant gaze.
The next and final destination he had come out to find was behind the Hokage Rock.
The terrain here was high, backed by the massive Hokage Rock statues. It was relatively hidden, offered a wide field of vision, and overlooked most of Hidden Leaf Village, making it a good temporary refuge and observation point.
As soon as Naruto rounded a protruding rock, he saw a scene that was somewhat surprising yet seemingly expected.
Uzumaki Kushina was sitting on a flat area.
Her face was overflowing with a pure, radiant maternal glow and affection.
Her left hand was gently encircling a somewhat reserved Koyuki Kazahana.
Kushina's right hand was holding Karin even more closely.
Karin seemed to have a natural affinity for Kushina. At this moment, she was completely relaxed, like a small beast seeking protection, snuggling in Kushina's arms. She was even softly and intermittently recounting some of her experiences, while Kushina would occasionally stroke her hair gently and offer soft words of comfort.
Two girls—one of noble birth who had endured many changes, and one lonely and with a drifting past—had both found some missing warmth and security in Kushina.
And Kushina, a mother who had longed for a family in life but tragically died young, also seemed to find great solace in this brief interaction, her face full of heartfelt pity and satisfaction.
Not far away, one of Naruto's Shadow Clones was standing there, looking a bit at a loss.
He was still holding Dahuang in his arms, his expression slightly stiff.
Seeing the original body finally appear, the Shadow Clone felt as if he had been granted a grand pardon and breathed a huge sigh of relief.
He quickly bent down, carefully placed the snoring Dahuang on the ground, then nodded to the original and formed a hand Seal.
"Release!"
With a soft "pop," the Shadow Clone vanished into white smoke, and his memories and experiences instantly returned to the original body.
"Woof Bark"
Gently placed on the ground, Dahuang opened its misty eyes in confusion. Its little nose twitched, and as if recognizing Naruto, it immediately let out a milky bark. It moved its four short legs and ran quickly to Naruto's feet, affectionately pawing at his pant leg, its tail wagging like a little windmill.
Naruto glanced down at the little thing at his feet, the corner of his mouth twitching almost imperceptibly.
He bent down, reached out, and grabbed Dahuang by the scruff of its neck, easily lifting the excited little puppy and letting it kick its little legs innocently in the air.
Then, carrying the dog, he walked over to the three women.
Kushina looked up at her son, the gentle smile on her face undiminished, but with a hint of inquiry in her eyes.
Koyuki Kazahana and Karin also looked at him; the former with noble reserve and curiosity, the latter with a bit of dependence and trepidation.
Naruto placed the still-flailing Dahuang beside Kushina, his gaze scanning the three of them as he spoke succinctly:
"The battle in Hidden Leaf Village has ended. The invaders have mostly been wiped out or captured."
He looked at Kushina, then at Koyuki and Karin:
"It's temporarily safe here, but it's still very chaotic below. Rest here for a while; don't go down as you please."
Finally, his gaze fell on Kushina, and he added a sentence in a calm but certain tone:
"Once I've cleaned up our home, I'll come to get you."
Upon hearing this, Kushina's eyes lit up slightly, as if she understood something. She nodded vigorously, her arms tightening around the two girls as she said softly, "Mm, we'll wait for you. Be careful, Naruto!"
Koyuki Kazahana also nodded slightly, indicating she understood.
Karin gave a soft, expectant "Mm."
With the instructions given, Naruto took Uzumaki Mito out of the sealing scroll and then turned to leave.
Tranquility returned to the back of the Hokage Rock, with only the soft sound of the breeze brushing against the rock walls, low-voiced conversations, and Dahuang's occasional whimpers.
Below, the reconstruction and cleanup of Hidden Leaf Village were underway in full swing.
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