After a warm breakfast, we went to a nearby pet store to carefully select a soft and comfortable dog house for Big Yellow.
Only then did Naruto hold Xinwo and Big Yellow in their arms, and returned to Naruto's home, chatting and laughing.
After setting up the kennel next to the sofa in the living room, Big Yellow immediately jumped in excitedly, walked around in it a few times, and then lay down comfortably. He was obviously very satisfied with this new kennel.
After watching the little guy settle down, Naruto, Ino, Hinata and Hanabi were ready to leave for Training Ground.
However, just a few steps out of the courtyard door of Naruto's house, a clear and slightly urgent female voice came from the side and back:
"Please wait a moment, Miss Hanabi, and Miss Hinata!"
Everyone looked around and saw a young woman walking quickly.
She has a delicate appearance, wearing Hyuga Clan traditional simple clothes, but she is covered with an apron with delicate white lace that is not in harmony with the style of the ethnic costume. She wears Konoha Forehead Protector on her forehead, with a trace of unnoticeable nervousness in her expression.
Hyuga Natsu
"Xia Older Sister?"
Hanabi recognized the person at a glance. It was Hyuga Branch Family, the maid who was responsible for taking care of her daily life, Hyuga Natsu.
Hinata also greeted softly, "Xia Older Sister."
Hyuga Natsu came forward and bowed slightly to the two Miss Main Family respectfully.
Then his eyes quickly glanced at Naruto and Ino next to him. There was a complicated hesitation in his eyes, but in the end he lowered his voice and said to Hinata and Hanabi: "You two ladies, Elder... want to see you right away."
"Elder?"
Ino frowned, keenly aware that something was wrong with the atmosphere.
The response of Naruto is more direct and rapid.
The moment he heard the word "Elder", he almost reflexively took a step forward and protected Hinata and Hanabi behind him.
His brows were furrowed tightly, and his blue eyes revealed a sharp light, looking directly at Hyuga Natsu:
"Elder? Which Elder?"
There was a rare coldness and vigilance in his voice.
Not long ago, Hiashi made it clear that in addition to his mission, he wanted to take this opportunity to lure the snake out of the village. He also asked Naruto to help take care of Hinata and Hanabi in his absence, especially to guard against the evil intentions of some "old people" in the clan.
Now, not long after Hiashi left, these Elder are going to summon Hinata and Hanabi privately?
Anyone who has taken a history class at Blue Star can guess that these guys are going to do something big.
They definitely want to control Hinata and Hanabi, use them as bargaining chips, threaten Hyuga Hiashi who is about to return from the mission, force him to give in, and even seize more power from the Main Family!
Thinking of this possibility, Naruto's heart tightened, and his posture protecting Hinata and Hanabi became even firmer.
Big Yellow on the shoulder seemed to feel the tense mood of its owner. It raised its head and let out a low whine in its throat. It looked at Hyuga Natsu warily.
Ino also immediately stood beside Naruto, and quietly touched Ninja Tool Pouch.
Although she didn't fully understand Hyuga Clan's inner story, Naruto's reaction, coupled with Hyuga Natsu's nervous look, were enough to let her understand that things were by no means simple.
Hyuga Natsu was frightened by Naruto's sharp eyes and the suddenly tense atmosphere. He subconsciously took half a step back, and a trace of panic flashed across his face.
She bit her lip, and her voice was even lower, almost inaudible. "Yes... it's several Main Family Elder headed by First Elder... They are all waiting in the clan now."
"If they like to wait, let them wait slowly. Uncle Hiashi will be back in two or three days. If there is anything, let them tell Uncle Hiashi."
Naruto refused to give in.
"But..."
Hyuga Natsu has no choice. She is controlled by Caged Bird Seal and cannot refuse the orders of several Elder.
Seeing Hyuga Natsu's embarrassment, Naruto also guessed that the other party was also involuntarily.
Naruto had never seen each other before. Her mother passed away after Hanabi was born. She was the one Hiashi found to take care of Hanabi.
Those Elder may have used Caged Bird Seal to threaten her while Hiashi was away, forcing her to come over.
"Let's do this, just say that I don't let them go back, and if they can, let them go to Lord Third to complain."
Hearing this, Hyuga Natsu breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as there is an explanation, it will be fine.
"Yes, I will go back and report to you Elder."
Watching Hyuga Natsu's figure disappear at the end of the street, Naruto flashed a sharp look.
That sentence came to his mind very clearly at this moment:
"I am not strong yet, but when I am strong, things will change."
Isn't he "strong" enough? In the eyes of those old and complacent guys, maybe he is still just an Genin with some potential, a Jinchūriki whose ears need to be controlled, a chess piece that can be fiddled with at will on top of Chessboard.
But they seem to have forgotten that chess players are never ranked according to their seniority.
Again, how can it be easier to get into Chang'an?
A Flames that had been silent for a long time but never extinguished quietly ignited in the depths of his blue eyes.
His constant low profile, hiding part of his strength, and following a conventional growth path may be seen by some as a sign of "not being strong".
But now, someone is trying to reach out to the people he promised to protect, trying to oppress the people he cares about with corrupt rules.
It seems it's time.
It's time to give Konoha, who seems calm but is actually undercurrent, a little "shock" belonging to Naruto Uzumaki.
Just think of it as the 'test' before Chunin Ninja Exams.
Hyuga Clan Those old guys can't even be counted as "May 3".
It just so happens that you can test your own Ice Release level.
He restrained his outward aggression, turned around, and looked at Hinata who looked worried, Ino who looked unhappy, and Hanabi who, despite being young, had an equally tight face.
Naruto stretched out his hand, his warm and generous palm gently fell on the top of Hanabi's soft hair, and rubbed it.
His voice was not high, but it carried a strange power, as firm and reliable as a rock:
"Don't be afraid, I'm here."
He looked at Hanabi, then at Hinata and Ino.
"Their hands can't reach out yet."
This sentence is unremarkable, even a bit "arrogant".
The current Naruto and Konoha do not have a prominent reputation at the public level, and most of his true strength has been deliberately hidden.
In the eyes of those high-ranking big shots, he may still be a rough jade that needs to be polished.
However, when he said the three words "I'm here", Hanabi's eyes immediately ignited with a light of trust and he nodded vigorously; Hinata's pale cheeks regained some color, as if he had found his backbone; even Ino, who had always been independent, relaxed his tight shoulders unconsciously, and there was even a hint of a "this is how it should be" smile at the corner of his mouth.
They believe Naruto.
There is no reason, but I believe it very firmly.