It was Naruto's first time treating Hinata, so he had expected her to show no signs of waking.
Naruto tucked Hinata's blanket back around her before strolling out of the ward.
"Um, Naruto, how are Hinata's injuries?"
Even Hyuga Hiashi sounded anxious as he questioned Naruto upon seeing him leave the ward.
"It's nothing too serious. Her heart was badly injured by the Gentle Fist, so it won't recover quickly. But I'll come by every day over the next few days to help her heal."
At this, Hyuga Hiashi looked at Naruto with warmth in his eyes. "Thank you so much, Naruto."
Naruto waved a hand and replied bluntly, "I'm doing this because of my friendship with Hinata, not because of the Hyuga Clan."
Those words left Hyuga Hiashi rooted to the spot, unsure how to respond.
"Oh, right." Naruto stopped. "If Hinata wakes up, prepare some Lotus Seed and Pig Heart Soup to nourish her heart and lungs. That will help her heart injury heal."
"Yes. Thank you, Naruto."
But after finishing his instructions, Naruto headed straight out of the critical care ward and soon left the Ninja Hospital.
Walking along Konoha's bustling streets, with whispers drifting into his ears, Naruto found himself at Juxia Tower before he knew it.
Seeing how well business was doing at Juxia Tower finally brought a faint smile to Naruto's lips.
Since Naruto had once worked there, and Juxia Tower offered generous wages and benefits, it had never laid anyone off. Business was so good that new young women kept joining the staff.
"Oh, Naruto! Here to see your master again?"
"Yeah." Naruto put on no airs with the familiar front-of-house worker.
Soon, guided by a waiter, Naruto found Ichiraku and Hongle in the storeroom.
Ichiraku and Hongle were delighted to see Naruto