New neighbors

"Thud!"

Another vicious blow woke Naruto with a cry of pain.

This time, however, Hinata knew what to do. Once Naruto woke up, she picked up the towel filled with ice she had already prepared beside her, pressed it against the swollen lump, and gently rubbed it.

"Thanks, Hinata."

As the stars slowly faded from his vision, Naruto sighed. "This is way harder than I imagined. It really isn't easy."

"Naruto-kun, can you move your legs this time?" Hinata asked sweetly, carefully rubbing the spot where she had left a lump.

"Hmm... looks like I still need to wait a bit."

"Oh."

They sat quietly together for a while. But unlike Hinata, whose mind was swirling with thoughts, Naruto seemed completely blank. He sat there with vacant eyes, like a stone statue.

"Sorry, Hinata, could you help me lie down for a bit? I think I've really gone numb from sitting this time!" Suddenly, a troubled look crossed Naruto's dazed face. "And my head's spinning. I feel sick."

"Ah, did I hit you too hard just now?" Hinata immediately grew anxious.

"No, I don't think it has anything to do with you. Something just seems off with my mental state..." Naruto visibly wilted, sitting there blankly as though he had lost his soul. Frightened, Hinata hurriedly moved him onto the bed and laid him down.

After lying on the bed for a moment, Naruto came back to his senses, then examined his body in puzzlement.

"Naruto-kun, lie down for a while. I'll get you a glass of water. If you still don't feel well, I'll go get a doctor right away," Hinata said softly, worry written across her face.

"Yeah, thanks, Hinata. But I'm fine. I just need a little rest." Naruto nodded gratefully, then closed his eyes and sank