Meanwhile, in the Hyūga Territory.
Hinata tossed and turned in her bed, eyes wide open.
"Tomorrow is my birthday..."
The image of Naruto floated in the darkness.
Will he come?
In the hallway, the stern voice of Hinata no Aka echoed:
"Sleep, Hinata-sama."
She closed her eyes, a silent wish on her lips.
…
Dawn barely filtered through the curtains when Yūgao jolted awake.
Sitting up in bed, hands trembling, she stared at her slender fingers as if they had committed a crime.
Last night…
Her cheeks flamed. Shame washed over her.
She, an elite ANBU kunoichi, had... lost control in the bath.
A Raiton training session? A pathetic excuse.
She pulled back the curtains. Outside, Genma waved at her with a smile.
"Genma..."
She opened the window, but a dull ache bit at her jaws. Worse…
Splash.
Something warm trickled down her thigh.
Rain? No.
…Then what?
"What's happening to me...?" she murmured, petrified. But she didn't have time to dwell on it—she had an important mission today. She hurriedly got ready, ate breakfast, and rushed out.
An hour later, in front of the Hokage's building, a bustle filled the air.
Yūgao, assigned to discreet security at the village entrance, crossed paths with Shisui Uchiha in the hallway.
The emissary from Kumo would arrive soon.
Crowds were already gathering to welcome these former enemies, now bearers of a much-hoped-for peace.
On the way to the Uchiha district, Shisui sensed a chakra explosion.
In a clearing, a child—Naruto—was unleashing monstrous power.
Chakra claws. A demonic tail. Trees shattered like twigs.
"The Nine-Tails demon..."
Shisui, even with his Mangekyō Sharingan, stood stunned.
"I saw you."
Naruto's voice startled him.
"Sorry, I was just passing by and..."
Naruto held up a clumsy drawing: Sako Uchiha.
"You know her?"
Sako?!
Shisui dodged the question and vanished in a flash.
"'Shunshin no Shisui'... Impressive."
The Kyūbi growled: "You lured him here on purpose, didn't you?"
---
At the Uchiha household, Shisui found Itachi playing with Sako.
"Your little problem has a... demonic friend."
He recounted the encounter.
"Naruto… stronger than a chūnin?"
Itachi, the overprotective brother, clenched his fists.
"Is he getting close to Sako for a reason?"
Shisui shrugged. "Who knows? But be careful."
Sako, impatient, tugged at Itachi's sleeve:
"Big bro! Let's go see the Kumo ninjas!"
The delegation was on its way, and everything had to be perfect. The whole village buzzed with excitement.
Banners, laughter, food stalls…
But under the lanterns, three gazes met:
Naruto, with an enigmatic smile.
Itachi, eyes cold and alert.
Sako, unaware of the danger.
And in the shadows…
"Hey, Itachi."
A soft voice. Izumi Uchiha, their childhood friend, appeared with skewers.
"You look tense."
Itachi gave a faint smile. Too many pieces moving...
He had to act. He couldn't allow the situation to go unchecked. Suddenly, he heard his friend's voice.
"Lovely weather today, Aunt Mikoto..."
Shisui struck up a conversation with Itachi's mother, casting a discreet glance at his friend.
Itachi understood the signal.
"Sako, how are things with your... friend?"
"I told you, he's not a friend yet!"
Sako shook her head, but her unintentional smile betrayed her true feelings.
Dressed in a new outfit, she radiated youthful pride.
Itachi analyzed every micro-expression:
She really likes this 'Naruto'.
"His name is Uzumaki Naruto, isn't it?"
"Huh? Did I say his name?" Sako scratched her head, puzzled.
"I've heard he's... exceptionally strong."
"Impossible!"
Sako's eyes widened, then she reluctantly admitted:
"Well… maybe a bit more talented than the others, but he's mostly a big dummy!"
She's a bad liar.
Itachi exchanged a glance with Shisui.
If Shisui is right… Sako doesn't know the truth about Naruto.
"I should meet this boy myself."
For my sister's safety.
---
In front of the massive Gate of Encounters, the crowd swelled.
Uchiha police, led by Fugaku, kept order under the watchful eyes of the ANBU.
Itachi held Sako's hand tightly so she wouldn't get lost in the chaos.
On a nearby rooftop, Naruto watched everything.
Memorize every face… Just in case.
"A wise man does not stand under a crumbling wall."
Kyūbi growled: "What does that even mean?"
"You should read more."
Kyūbi: "..." (This kid and his incomprehensible proverbs.)