Chapter 34: Naruto-kun, When Did You Get Here~?
Naruto grinned—he saw right through Kurama's inner turmoil.
"If you really want to run away while I'm out, go ahead."
"The world is so big—you should go see it for yourself."
"But if you get caught again by someone else, you'll have to obediently be their dog. Whatever they tell you to do, you'll do it. Completely restricted."
"Oh… right. There's also that masked guy with the Sharingan. Seems like he can control you whenever he wants."
Kurama was hit right in its sore spot.
Just like Naruto said.
It had thought about escaping before.
But once it left, it would definitely be recaptured.
Some ninjas might be weak,
but there were so many of them!
A human wave tactic might not kill it outright,
but it would still suffer badly.
If it ran into truly powerful ninjas,
a tailed beast like it could only give up.
Thinking like this—the outside world was nowhere safe.
Better to honestly stay with Naruto. Much more comfortable.
No need to be dragged out to fight every day like some brainless brute.
Relaxed and carefree.
As long as it didn't do anything too outrageous
and avoided being detected by Konoha's ANBU,
it—Kurama—could do whatever it wanted!
The most dangerous place… is the safest place.
Damn it!
I, Kurama, am not leaving!
"Master—as long as you don't abandon me, I swear to follow you to the death!"
Kurama's tone was sincere.
"Fine then—guard the house properly. I'm heading out."
Naruto waved casually
and left.
Leaving Kurama alone in the wind, completely disheveled.
What the hell!
Master—just take me out to have fun too!
Sigh…
Guess I'll honestly guard the house.
Today Hinata was wearing a white hoodie.
Her Konoha headband was worn around her neck
like a necklace.
After Yuhi Kurenai finished explaining things this morning,
she let them move freely for the rest of the day.
Whatever they wanted to do was fine.
Real training would start tomorrow.
Because Kurenai had some urgent matters to handle this afternoon.
When Hinata got home, the atmosphere felt stifling.
She didn't like staying there.
So she used the remaining time to go out and clear her mind.
"Mama, cotton candy is so yummy~"
A tender childish voice rang out.
It was a mother and daughter buying cotton candy.
The mother gently rubbed her little girl's head.
"If it's yummy, eat more~ If you listen to Mama obediently from now on, Mama promises you'll have yummy cotton candy every day."
"Yay~ Mama is the best!"
"It's getting late—time to go home."
"Mm…"
So warm.
Hinata's gaze lingered on the mother and daughter.
It was completely different from the family environment she grew up in.
From the moment she was born,
she had carried heavy pressure and responsibility on her shoulders!
As a girl, she had to shoulder the future prosperity and development of the Hyuga clan!
Family affection…
was very faint.
Hinata could see it. She could feel it.
Her father didn't like her weak personality very much.
Maybe because of her personality… or because she was a girl.
Probably both…
After all—if the future clan head of the Hyuga was a woman,
other capable clan members would inevitably feel some dissatisfaction.
But she was just herself…
Every day she lived for other people.
Not a single day was for herself.
This kind of life was so boring…
Like a puppet.
"I suddenly feel like eating cotton candy."
Hinata's eyes showed envy as she murmured to herself.
She envied that little girl for being born into an ordinary family.
Living happily and harmoniously with her parents.
No overly crushing burdens on her shoulders.
Carefree life.
Something so ordinary
had become an extravagant wish in Hinata's eyes.
At this moment, she wished so much that she hadn't been born into the Hyuga clan.
"If you want to eat it, just eat it."
A warm, gentle voice suddenly sounded beside her ear.
Hinata's delicate body trembled slightly.
Her pale white eyes followed the direction of the voice.
There stood a handsome blond boy.
Somehow already right next to her.
Hinata's pretty face gradually turned red. She looked away, voice soft and shy:
"…Naruto-kun… when did you get here~?"
"I was just wandering around outside. Didn't expect to run into you. Isn't this fate?"
Naruto smiled gently.
Thump thump thump—
The boy she secretly loved was smiling at her.
Hinata's heart raced wildly.
Like a little deer crashing around inside.
"Boss—two cotton candies please."
Naruto called out.
The stall owner glanced at Naruto—his pupils instantly widened in recognition.
"Oh… isn't this little brother Naruto? Two large cotton candies coming right up—wait just a moment, you two."
In the past, whenever Naruto passed by these street stalls,
he'd inevitably get dirty looks.
Sometimes even stones thrown at him to make him leave.
But now… everyone's attitude toward Naruto had undergone a complete reversal.
No one saw him as a monster anymore.
The Fourth Hokage couple had sacrificed themselves for the village.
Their orphan—the hero's son—
deserved to be treated like a hero!
Hinata looked slightly surprised.
In the past, whenever Naruto passed by these vendors,
he'd face disdain.
But now… it seemed everyone's attitude toward Naruto had changed dramatically…
--------------------------
Support us on patreon (+Gain access to 100 chapters in advance)
patreon.com/inkroxx