Hinata's heart raced. Her hands shyly and nervously gripped the edges of her sleeves as all sorts of thoughts filled her mind. Being alone with Naruto... We haven't seen each other in over two years. This is the first time we've been alone together like this. What does Naruto really think of me? I must have changed a lot over these past two years, right?
Naruto activated Sage Mode and occasionally stole glances at Hinata, feeling conflicted.
In Awen's memories, Hinata was his destined partner, his future wife. She would even bear him a son and a daughter after they married. Naruto did not have much of a concept of family yet, nor did he understand what it meant.
"Um, Hinata... it seems like we haven't gone on many missions together," Naruto said after thinking for a moment, taking the initiative to speak first.
Hinata froze, then quickly nodded. "That's right, it does seem that way..."
"We searched for Bikochu, and there was that mission at Mount Shusaki in the Land of Filling. It was a shame about that summoning scroll. If we'd had more time, we could have signed a contract with it and gained another powerful summoned beast."
"Yeah, Naruto, you said the name Masashi Kishimoto on that scroll was strange too!" Hinata smiled warmly as she remembered what had happened then.
"Of course that name is strange!" Naruto bluntly quipped. Through Awen's memories, he naturally knew who that was.
"It's been two years, Hinata. You've grown your hair out, and you look more feminine now. You've also improved so much in strength. The first time I saw you, I almost didn't recognize you."
"Really?" Hinata asked, her face burning red.
Naruto rubbed the back of his head and smiled broadly. "Yeah, really. When I first saw you,