Friends

The sudden appearance of these bizarre creatures caught Danzō completely off guard.

It was a devastating blow to Root, from which they still haven't recovered.

Although the Third Hokage's deliberate suppression played a part in this...

While Uchiha Fugaku worried about the future of the Uchiha Clan, Hinata was obediently eating at home.

Even though Hinata's physique didn't require her to eat, she had maintained the habit of three meals a day and had no intention of changing it.

Besides, delicious food was meant to be enjoyed.

Hinata didn't have many hobbies these days, but food was one of them.

Hinata didn't mention the duel today, and Hyuga Hiashi didn't ask.

Having some understanding of Hinata's strength, Hyuga Hiashi knew that no one in the Ninja Academy was her match anymore, not even the Uchiha, not even the older students.

"Sister, sister, did you win against that young Uchiha master at school again today?"

Hyuga Hiashi wasn't interested in children's fights, but Hyuga Hanabi was! She was interested!

"Yes, I won," Hinata replied calmly.

"Sister, I heard Neji-brother say that you blocked the young Uchiha master's two ninjutsu with your Rotation, is that true?"

Hyuga Hiashi's body tensed for a moment, but then he relaxed.

The ninjutsu used by children were only C-rank, and they couldn't even harm Hinata. As for Hinata being able to use Rotation, he had known that for a long time, or rather, he was the first person to know besides Hinata.

"Yes, it's true," Hinata's tone remained unchanged.

Hanabi cheered and looked at Hinata with adoring eyes. "Sister, you're amazing!"

Ever since she could remember, Hanabi knew her sister was amazing, as if nothing could stump her.

The difficult Gentle Fist techniques that usually confused her were understood after her sister explained them.

Even the adults in the clan couldn't defeat her sister, which made Hanabi admire Hinata even more.

Hanabi's admiring gaze made Hinata a little uncomfortable, but she didn't shy away.

"You can achieve this level in the future too."

"Hanabi will definitely become as strong as sister in the future!"

That would probably be very difficult...

"...As long as you work hard," Hinata didn't discourage Hanabi.

"Mhm, Hanabi will work hard!"

After finishing their meal, Hanabi eagerly pulled her sister to guide her in Hyuga Gentle Fist.

Hyuga Hiashi didn't stop them. If it were a year ago, he would have.

But now he had no standing to stop it, because Hyuga Hinata's mastery of Gentle Fist had already surpassed his...

Although it was guiding Hanabi in Gentle Fist, a three-year-old child couldn't train too intensely.

It was more like playing with Hanabi than teaching her Gentle Fist.

The next day, when Sasuke walked into the classroom with some fading bruises.

His eyes immediately went to Hinata, who was behind the chubby Choji...

Choji cooperatively leaned his body over the desk, revealing Hinata.

Sasuke looked at Hinata with unconcealed defiance, but he said nothing and walked to his seat.

In his opinion, anything he said now would just be the cries of a defeated dog.

He had already lost, so making threats was the behavior of a weakling!

He was not weak!

"Late! Late!"

Just then, accompanied by a voice, an orange figure arrived in the classroom.

No need to look, just hearing that energetic, spirited voice was enough to know it was Naruto.

Speaking of Naruto, he had been acting a bit too well-behaved in front of Hinata these past few years.

Initially, Naruto sat next to Hinata, his body straight all day, facing the blackboard without looking away. If Hinata didn't know Naruto's background, she would really think he was a diligent and studious student.

During class, he would secretly glance at Hinata, his face flushing red, as if he had something to say to her, but the words wouldn't come out.

This made Hinata wonder why he acted so much like Hinata's behavior towards Naruto in the original story.

It wasn't until two years ago that Hinata couldn't stand it anymore. After school, she directly confronted Naruto, telling him to say whatever he had to say.

Naruto stammered and couldn't get the words out.

Seeing this, Hinata sighed and didn't push him.

"Since that's the case, I won't force you. I'm sorry, I was too abrupt."

Perhaps due to his childhood experiences, Naruto felt a bit insecure. Since he didn't want to talk about it, Hinata didn't push him. Although she had already prepared herself to refuse...

But before she could take two steps, her hand was grabbed.

Hinata turned around. It was Naruto who had grabbed her hand.

Seeing Hinata turn around, Naruto hastily let go of her hand.

"Classmate Hyuga, I... I... I... I want... I want... want..."

"I want to ask you to be my friend!"

His initial voice was very quiet and hesitant. But then Naruto's sudden shout startled all the classmates who hadn't left the classroom.

Especially those who were curious about what Naruto wanted to say and had deliberately eavesdropped.

Hinata: "..."

Just friends?

Hinata was quite confident in her own appearance.

Even though she was still a child, she already possessed a beauty that could topple nations. Even the sun seemed reluctant to shine its harsh rays upon Hinata's skin.

In the entire Ninja Academy, there were countless students who were captivated by Hinata's cuteness and wanted to be her boyfriend.

But suddenly, some goofy kid tells you they want to be your friend!

And this goofy kid was serious, with no ulterior motives, their eyes incredibly clear, simply wanting to be friends with her.

This made Hinata wonder if her cuteness was ineffective against goofy kids?

Hinata extended her hand. "Hello, my name is Hyuga Hinata."

"I... I... I'm called, I'm called Uzumaki Naruto!"

Naruto trembled as he shook Hinata's outstretched hand.

"Alright then, Naruto, starting today, we are friends."

Naruto: "..."

Naruto stared blankly at Hinata, tears streaming from his eyes, unable to stop them.

"Waaaaah~"

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Classmate Hyuga."

Hinata took out a handkerchief and wiped Naruto's tears. Just as she finished wiping them, they started flowing again.

"Since we're friends, you should call me Hinata. Haven't I already called you Naruto?" Hinata continued to wipe his tears.

"Yes, Hinata, Classmate Hinata. You are my friend, and I will definitely protect you from now on."

You should protect yourself first.

"You should protect yourself first." Hinata said exactly what she was thinking.

Naruto: "..."

Naruto was taken aback, but his tears stopped.

"I will definitely protect you!" Naruto said with utmost seriousness after wiping his tears!

Even if it costs me my life, I will protect you.

Naruto made up his mind.