Ch. 81Hinata's Mom Arrives?
Chapter Summary: “Hinata’s Mom Arrives?”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Uchiha Kurohane witnesses three delinquent boys bullying a young Hyuga girl who cannot activate her Byakugan. The scene strongly resembles the childhood bullying of Hinata shown in The Last: Naruto the Movie.
- Since Hinata has not yet been born, Kurohane speculates that the girl may be Hinata’s future mother.
- Before Kurohane can intervene, Nawaki appears and declares that bullying a girl is shameful.
- Nawaki introduces himself as Konoha’s future Hokage and “hero,” hoping that rescuing the girl will restore his reputation after his recent humiliation.
- The bullies mock Nawaki as a spoiled heir who benefits only from his grandfather Hashirama’s legacy. Their insults provoke him into boasting about his family and status.
- Nawaki attempts to intimidate them with Fire Release, but his serious chest wound reopens when he inhales. His coughing leaves him helpless.
- Taking advantage of his weakness, the three children attack and brutally beat him. Nawaki’s injury, exhaustion, lack of food, and severe pain prevent him from fighting back.
- The situation parallels Naruto’s childhood attempt to protect Hinata, though Nawaki’s defeat is especially humiliating because he is a twelve-year-old Genin beaten by much younger children.
- The Hyuga girl is stunned by Nawaki’s failure and does not know how to react.
- After the bullies leave Nawaki beaten and helpless, Kurohane finally uses the Yatagarasu Substitute Technique to appear behind them, preparing to intervene.
Character Developments
- Uchiha Kurohane: Shows sympathy toward the bullied girl and recognizes the similarities between the current incident and the future Naruto-Hinata scene. He also views Konoha’s moral education critically. Rather than immediately acting, he waits and observes before deciding to rescue the victims.
- Nawaki: Attempts to reinvent himself as a heroic protector and future Hokage. His confidence quickly turns into frustration and humiliation when his wound prevents him from using ninjutsu and the children overpower him. His obsession with proving himself and gaining recognition is emphasized.
- The Hyuga girl: Appears gentle, vulnerable, and emotionally affected by the bullying. Although she possesses the potential to become a great beauty, she is currently too shocked and inexperienced to respond when Nawaki is attacked.
- The delinquent boys: Display cruelty, insecurity, and resentment toward both the Hyuga clan and Nawaki’s privileged background. Their fear of Nawaki disappears as soon as they realize he is injured.
Significant Themes
- The cycle of bullying: The chapter mirrors the future bullying of Hinata, suggesting that Konoha’s social problems existed long before Naruto’s generation.
- Heroism versus self-aggrandizement: Nawaki wants to be heroic, but his motivation is largely personal glory and recognition rather than genuine selflessness.
- Inherited status and resentment: Nawaki relies heavily on Hashirama’s legacy, while the bullies resent him for receiving respect because of his family.
- Appearance versus reality: Nawaki presents himself as a powerful future Hokage, but his injuries and lack of preparation expose his vulnerability.
- Moral failure in Konoha: Kurohane criticizes the village’s empty ideals and inadequate moral education, which allow children to become violent bullies.
Character Interactions
- The bullies ridicule the Hyuga girl and insult the Hyuga clan.
- Nawaki confronts the bullies, boasting about his ancestry and future position.
- The children challenge Nawaki’s legitimacy, calling him a spoiled heir rather than a true hero.
- Nawaki tries to frighten them with ninjutsu but collapses from his injuries, allowing them to attack him.
- Kurohane observes the entire confrontation and ultimately positions himself behind the bullies, ready to protect Nawaki and the Hyuga girl.