Hiashi gave a slight bow.
"Naruto-kun, this way, please."
Fifteen minutes after the incident, Hiashi, accompanied by his daughter and surrounded by clan members, returned to the Hyūga residence.
Naruto followed them.
It was now 9:30 PM.
Curfew was in effect throughout Konoha. Apart from the Uchiha Police Department, nearly everyone was already asleep.
Among the crowd, Hyūga Natsu froze in place upon seeing the clan head personally guiding Naruto.
Hiashi's face was as stoic as ever, but his demeanor betrayed an unusual respect... for Naruto.
Why?!
A storm of questions raged in her mind.
Even with the Byakugan, the Hyūga couldn't spy freely.
Too many secrets meant a risk of extermination.
Most avoided using their dōjutsu without necessity.
As a result, like Natsu, many were unaware of the night's events.
Only a privileged few understood the scope of Naruto's feat.
The blood on his face had been wiped off.
Thanks to his chakra cloak, his clothes were nearly intact.
Under Natsu's stunned gaze, Naruto followed Hiashi into a reception hall.
"Natsu, you'll take care of Naruto-kun and Hinata. Fulfill all his needs. Do not neglect our guest."
— Yes!
With a firm tone, Hiashi left with the others, two guards remaining stationed nearby.
Natsu stayed bowed until they vanished around the corner.
"Naruto-kun… you must be hungry."
Hinata, cheeks flushed, smiled tenderly.
This night had turned her birthday into an unforgettable memory.
As they entered, she turned to Natsu.
"Please prepare him a… hearty meal."
Faced with the radiant young mistress and Naruto looking dazed, Natsu had no choice but to obey.
---
Left alone with Naruto, Hinata only had eyes for him.
He saved me…
All her worries about that Uchiha girl had vanished.
"It's nice here."
Naruto sprawled out lazily on the tatami, one elbow on the floor, head resting in his hand.
When Natsu returned with the dishes, the sight scandalized her.
Normally, I would've already yelled at this demon…
But she had to restrain herself.
As she set down the dishes, she clenched her fists upon seeing Naruto grabbing food with his fingers.
No chopsticks?!
Every bite was an insult to Hyūga traditions.
"Mmmh, so good."
He wiped his mouth with his forearm.
Hinata, meanwhile, smiled like a fool.
Love is blind… growled Kyūbi, lying in his cage, mirroring Naruto's posture.
The fox understood the move: humiliate Natsu by contrast.
This brat will destroy Konoha… maybe the whole world.
"It's late… aren't your parents worried?" Hinata asked, glancing at the time.
"I was born from a stone."
Hinata took a few seconds to grasp the meaning.
"Oh… Naruto-kun…"
Eyes brimming with tears, she suddenly saw him as pitiful.
Kyūbi chuckled.
She gets it?! The power of a crush…
"I'm going to wash up."
After scattering crumbs everywhere, Naruto demanded to be taken to the baths.
Natsu, trembling with anger, complied.
---
Meanwhile, the clan elders were holding a crucial meeting.
"We'll take responsibility," declared the elder.
"We'll say we were the ones who killed those Kumo ninja."
Hiashi objected.
"Why protect the jinchūriki?"
"Because he is the Fourth's son."
Silence fell.
Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash, was a hero.
His sacrifice and legacy had to be preserved.
Blaming Naruto would only give the higher-ups an excuse to punish them.
Hiashi lowered his head.
We have no choice…
The entire clan would have to bear this burden.
---
Shortly afterward…
"Here we are, Naruto-kun…"
Natsu's voice trembled slightly.
She was visibly struggling to contain her true feelings.
Fortunately for her, Naruto didn't seem intent on humiliating her… at least not tonight.
As if their past tensions had never existed, Naruto gazed at the lit-up baths with admiration.
"The rich really have it all… even private bathrooms."
He entered, examining every detail.
"I'll prepare the hot water… please wait."
Natsu quickly walked off, regaining a more neutral tone.
As long as Naruto didn't provoke her, she'd avoid conflict.
Her only wish: finish quickly and get away from him.
While she filled the bath…
Rustle…
The sound of clothes slipping to the floor came from behind her.
When she turned to ask if he had any particular requests…
She froze.
In the dim light, Naruto's shadow was cast on the wall.
But that wasn't all.
A monstrous figure, far more massive than anything she had ever known, loomed behind him.
A nightmare made flesh.
Ignoring her terror, Naruto walked past her with provocative nonchalance…
Before settling into the bath with a sigh of satisfaction.