Hinata's voice was very soft. By the time she finished speaking, half her face had already disappeared into her collar.
Naruto's gaze passed over the crowd and lingered on Hinata for a moment.
Then he looked over Ino, Chōji, Shikamaru, Kiba, and Shino one by one before nodding at everyone.
Together with Neji, Rock Lee, and Tenten, whom they had met outside, all of the Konoha 12 were now present.
"Yo, everyone's here!"
"Let's do our best in the Chunin Ninja Exams."
After saying that, Naruto looked back at Hinata and smiled softly. "Especially you, Hinata. Good luck!"
Hearing that, Hinata raised her head. The instant her pale eyes met Naruto's, her face turned red all the way to her ears.
Her lips moved slightly, and her two fingers instinctively touched as she replied in halting bursts:
"O-Okay, Naruto-kun."
"Y-You do your best too!"
Naruto smiled and nodded.
Hinata at this point in time was simply far too easily embarrassed whenever she saw him.
But then again, what boy would not like a girl who blushed to the tips of her ears every time she saw him, who needed to gather up all her courage just to speak to him?
It was the natural urge to protect her that arose when he saw a girl become completely flustered over a single word from him.
"Hey, Naruto! You're actually flirting with our teammate right in front of me!"
Kiba stepped forward and stood in front of Hinata. "Akamaru said he thinks you're deliberately trying to show off too."
"Right, Akamaru?"
"Woof?"
"Yes, Kiba."
Naruto looked at Kiba, who had been competing with him to become Hokage since they were little, and the corner of his mouth lifted. "Good luck in the Chunin Ninja Exams too. But I'll be the one who