Naruto and Hinata followed Hanabi and Mie all the way back, only leaving once the two girls had returned safely to the village.
When they reached Hokage Rock, Hinata suddenly burst into tears. Worried, Naruto asked, "What's wrong, Hinata? Don't scare me like this." He had no idea what was wrong and could only scratch his head anxiously.
"Naruto-kun, am I really that useless?" Hinata asked tearfully.
Naruto froze for a moment, then understood why she was upset. He smiled. "Heh, I thought it was something serious. You're such a silly girl. It's a good thing that Hanabi's been getting stronger without telling us. It means she has her own ideas and knows her own mind. There's nothing wrong with that. All we need to do is quietly support and protect her from behind."
Honestly, Naruto had never expected Hanabi to be so independent. He suddenly felt as though his own little sister had grown up, and he was genuinely happy for her.
Hearing his words, Hinata wiped the tears from her face. "I know that. Hanabi has always had her own ideas and known her own mind. I know she's always wanted to protect me. To become strong enough to do that, she trains so, so hard every day, completing every exercise Father gives her. She listens to me and thinks of me in everything she does. Honestly, compared to me, Hanabi is more like the older sister." As she spoke, Hinata started crying again, and Naruto hurried to comfort her.
Naruto understood how Hinata felt. Although he had no siblings, he still understood that bond, because while he and Sasuke weren't brothers, their relationship was no different from that of true brothers. Naruto would risk his life to protect Sasuke, and Sasuke would make an enemy of anyone