Demon fox, monster, kid without parents… whatever you want to call it — if we're talking about being shameful, Naruto, who pulled all kinds of pranks in Konohagakure, would've already been the most shameful one.
Even back then, when he didn't know who his parents were, he never blamed them. He just sometimes wondered why he didn't have any — just wondered, that's all.
If anything, when he finally met them, when he finally learned who they were, that's when he got really scared — scared that he'd embarrass them, scared they wouldn't like him because of it.
He wanted recognition. He wanted to change how everyone in the village saw him — to at least not be that kid who made his parents look bad.
Kushina looked at Naruto's serious face, and the corners of her mouth curved up on instinct.
She smiled and gently wrapped her arm around his. Naruto was already about the same height as her now, so it felt just right.
With one arm around Naruto's, she used the other to softly ruffle his hair, smiling as she said in a gentle voice, "I understand now. I won't say that again. So, Naruto, you're not allowed to say stuff like you'll make me and Minato ashamed. You're the thing we're most proud of in our whole lives."
"Yeah." Naruto nodded hard.
Under the light of the moon, the mother and son smiled the same smile.
Then Kushina suddenly changed the subject and started pulling Naruto forward again. "So I'm going to see Hinata. I *have* to see her today. If I don't, I'll die with regrets."
"The warm moment didn't last long. I'm used to it," Kurama sighed and shook his head.
Naruto: "..."
He couldn't resist. Sure, he was stronger than Kushina, but so what? Like he'd ever dare to fight back.
Of course not. She's his mom — it's that simple.
Even though Naruto looked like he didn't want to go, once they actually arrived at the Hyuga clan's compound, that feeling changed into excitement.
Come to think of it, it had been a long time since he last saw Hinata. The last time almost felt like another lifetime ago.
Kurama threw out a big question mark.
Right now, disaster relief tents and basic order in the village had already been restored. The major ninja clans were stationed on the outskirts of Konoha, while the regular villagers stayed in the central area. The old Hokage building had been turned into a temporary command center.
There was even an unnamed ninja helping Hashirama Senju build some basic shelters using Wood Style — Wood Style and more Wood Style — to house the elderly, the weak, the sick, and pregnant women.
The Hyuga clan was stationed directly in front of Konoha's main gate.
First, because they were the strongest clan in the village. Second, because their Byakugan made them perfect for surveillance.
When they got to the Hyuga compound, the guards were clearly younger members of the clan who didn't recognize Kushina. Naruto's relationship with Hinata hadn't been officially acknowledged by the Hyuga, so even though they knew Naruto, they still wouldn't let them in.
Kushina politely asked the guard to send a message inside and made sure to mention that she was the wife of the Fourth Hokage.
The guard looked confused. Seeing how confident Kushina was, he hesitated but eventually ran off to report it, still unsure whether to believe her or not. About a minute later, an older man with gray hair and a beard walked out from the compound.
It was clear from the way his expression changed that he recognized Kushina the moment he saw her — his face went pale with shock, and he quickly walked over and bowed deeply. "It's really you…"
"And you are…?" Kushina didn't seem to recognize him.
"I'm Hyuga Retsu (original character), second elder of the Hyuga clan," he replied with a smile. Then, with a touch of emotion, he said, "When we got word from the Anbu that the First, Second, and Third Hokage, plus Mito-sama and yourself had returned, I wasn't sure whether to believe it. But now I do."
"Ah… hahaha…" Kushina gave an awkward smile.
To be honest, she was never good at dealing with the Hyuga clan. The way they talked just didn't match her style. Compared to the Hyuga, she actually got along better with the Uchiha. Fugaku and Mikoto were her friends, and Mikoto was even her best friend. That says a lot.
Because of that, the Hyuga clan hadn't been very friendly to her and Minato back then either. They just kept up appearances because of their positions. Unlike the Uchiha, who were much more direct—if they didn't like you, they made it obvious and didn't even bother pretending.
The Hyuga's "smile on the face, curses in the heart" attitude really made Kushina uncomfortable. Even calling her "Lady Kushina" was probably just out of respect for Minato being the Hokage. If not, they probably wouldn't even acknowledge her.
Hyuga Retsu had probably dealt with Kushina before. When he saw the awkward smile on her face, he instantly got the message and said with a chuckle, "Lord Minato and you are no longer among us, so let's just treat all that as water under the bridge."
"I agree." Kushina let out a sigh of relief, and her smile finally looked more natural. "Actually, we came here today because of someone."
Hyuga Retsu nodded, signaling that he was listening.
"A girl named Hyuga Hina—"
"—ta," Kushina continued.
Hyuga Retsu nodded again, but this time a bit more stiffly. His smile froze slightly. "What business do you have with Lady Hinata?"
"Uh…" Kushina hesitated, then turned to Naruto.
Naruto, who hadn't said anything until now, scratched the back of his head and said shyly, "Um… I haven't seen her in a long time… and I… really miss her… so… um… since Mom mentioned it… so…"
His words were getting more and more mumbled by the end.
Hyuga Retsu's smile brightened. "So you're Lady Kushina's son? What a surprise."
There wasn't a hint of surprise in your voice…
Naruto really wanted to complain, but after glancing at the old man in front of him, he swallowed it back down.
"Lady Hinata is currently busy helping rebuild the Hyuga clan, so I'm afraid she can't receive guests right now," Retsu said with a warm smile. "How about you come back after Lord Hiashi returns?"
Could you maybe not clench your fist so hard while saying that…
Kurama, I'm sensing hostility… a lot of hostility.
Kurama chuckled. "Don't overreact. Pretty much every Hyuga who hears you talk is throwing hostility at you. See those Byakugan eyes? That's them silently judging you."
"Once you marry Hinata, you'll be getting those eyes for the rest of your life."
"I may not be that smart, but even I know the Byakugan is a Kekkei Genkai." Naruto finally couldn't hold back.
Luckily, only Kurama could hear that.
Kushina probably noticed the suppressed anger in Retsu's tone too. She pouted. "Maybe I should go ask Grandma Mito to come visit you instead."
Hyuga Retsu nearly choked on the spot.
What kind of move was that? Calling for the elder like a school kid getting their parents involved? Aren't they all grown-ups?
Sweat beaded on Retsu's forehead. He forced a smile. "No need for that. No need at all. We can't trouble Lady Mito. I'll go invite Lady Hinata out right away."
Bringing up Mito really wasn't necessary. No matter how good Retsu was at keeping a straight face, there was no way he could turn Mito away. After Senju Tobirama died, Mito had been the strongest support for the Hidden Leaf. Among the common people, her reputation might not match Tsunade's, but among the major clans? Mito was even more respected than Hashirama.
After all, everyone from the older generation in the village knew Hashirama was kind of a goofball. As for Senju Tobirama—well, he doesn't count. Figure out why yourself.
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