Naruto's Scarf
After staying at Chi Yu's for seven days, Hyūga Neji returned to the Hyūga Clan Residence.
He had a mission of his own: to quietly observe which clan members might be receptive to change, and then slowly approach them, one by one.
This was not something that could be accomplished overnight. It required time, patience, and caution.
What Neji was attempting—challenging the fate imposed by the Hyūga clan system—was a grave taboo. If discovered, it would be seen as an unforgivable sin. That was why he needed to tread carefully.
Now, his days were split between training under Chi Yu and his nights spent quietly watching his clan members, searching for those who might be willing to stand with him.
---
Time passed, and winter arrived.
One morning, outside Konoha's walls, Chi Yu received a package delivered by a messenger hawk.
It was from Miyuki Uzumaki. Inside was a red scarf she had knitted by hand. Her request was simple: deliver it to Uzumaki Naruto.
Chi Yu returned to the village, stopped at the market to buy food and supplies, and then made his way to Naruto's small apartment.
Naruto was at home, leaning against the window frame, watching the snow fall outside with a lonely expression.
"Oi, Naruto."
Naruto turned quickly and lit up with joy. "Uncle Chi Yu! You came!"
Chi Yu smiled. "That's right. Judging by the dates, you've probably run out of food. Open the door—I brought you some things."
Naruto scrambled to open the door. Chi Yu came in, set down his bags, and immediately began sorting through the refrigerator, tossing spoiled items into the trash before neatly stacking in the fresh food.
"Listen, Naruto," Chi Yu said with a sigh, "you can't just eat what you like. And clean out bad food early—if it rots, the whole fridge stinks."
Naruto scratched his cheek, grinning sheepishly. "Okay, I understand, Uncle Chi Yu."
"You always say that, but it never changes," Chi Yu muttered, shaking his head.
From his bag, Chi Yu pulled out the scarf and gently wrapped it around Naruto's neck. "This scarf was hand-knitted. It's precious, so you'd better take care of it."
Naruto rubbed his cheek against the warm fabric. His eyes glowed. "It's so warm! I'll protect it, Uncle Chi Yu, I promise!"
Chi Yu chuckled. "Good. Now, what do you want to eat? I can cook, or we can go out."
Naruto's eyes widened. "Pork cutlet bowl! Please make it for me!"
"Alright, give me a moment."
Naruto hadn't been going out much lately. The stares, the whispered insults, and the rejection from the villagers still weighed heavily on him. Even Ichiraku Ramen, which he liked, wasn't the same anymore. Once, Chi Yu had taken him there, but Naruto had eaten without enthusiasm.
What Naruto truly looked forward to was Chi Yu's visits—the meals he cooked, and the occasional dishes from Kushina that Chi Yu brought.
As for Hiruzen Sarutobi, Naruto now refused his visits. The Hokage always repeated the same empty words about the "Will of Fire," but to Naruto, those words felt hollow. The Will of Fire was something he had come to dislike deeply.
After Naruto devoured his pork cutlet bowl, Chi Yu washed the dishes, packed up, and got ready to leave.
"Well, Naruto, I'll come see you again soon."
Naruto waved reluctantly. "Goodbye, Uncle Chi Yu! Don't forget!"
"I won't. Goodbye."
---
When Chi Yu returned home, Kushina asked, "Did you give Naruto the scarf Miyuki knitted?"
"Yes. He really likes it."
At the dinner table, Whirlpool Cangna tilted her head. "Dad, Mom—if you care so much about Naruto, why don't you just bring him here to eat with us?"
Kushina didn't explain. "You don't understand, Cangna. Eat your food."
Cangna muttered under her breath, "You always say I don't understand… but how can I if you never explain?"
Kushina's eyes narrowed. "What was that?"
"Nothing!" Cangna yelped, shoveling rice into her mouth.
Chi Yu raised an eyebrow and smirked faintly. At this rate, Cangna might never have a rebellious phase at all.
---
The next day, the snow had stopped, leaving Konoha blanketed in white.
Naruto put on the new clothes Chi Yu had bought him, wrapped the red scarf tightly, and decided to go out to play.
He headed for the old swing at the edge of the village, where there were fewer people.
But when he arrived, he saw three boys surrounding a girl with short dark hair.
"If you're from the Hyūga Clan, show us your Byakugan!"
"Monster eyes! You're a Byakugan freak!"
"Hahaha!"
The girl—Hyūga Hinata, Hiashi's daughter—covered her face and crouched on the ground, sobbing.
"Stop it!" Naruto shouted, rushing forward.
The three bullies turned. "Hah? Who are you?"
Naruto stood tall, fists clenched. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto! And I won't let you bully the weak!"
"Idiot."
Naruto quickly formed hand signs. "You're the idiots! Watch this—Shadow Clone Technique!"
Two puffs of smoke erupted. But instead of shadow clones, two shriveled, pale copies of Naruto appeared, collapsing instantly.
It was the regular Clone Technique. Naruto had been secretly trying to learn by watching Chi Yu teach Cangna, but he still hadn't mastered it.
The bullies burst into laughter. "Pathetic!"
They jumped him, knocking Naruto to the ground and beating him. He gritted his teeth, taking the blows without a word, but inside he was burning.
If only he had been allowed to train—if only Hiruzen hadn't refused him—then it wouldn't be him on the ground. Those three would have been the ones begging for mercy.
Why did he need to accept the Hokage's "Will of Fire" just to be allowed to grow stronger?
"This idiot said he'd beat us up!"
"So weak—why bother stepping in?"
"Useless!"
They stomped on the red scarf, tugging and yanking at it until it was torn and dirty.
Finally, losing interest, they left, still laughing.
Hinata timidly picked up the scarf and handed it to Naruto, her small hands trembling.
"Are… are you okay? I'm sorry… your scarf…"
Naruto looked at the ruined scarf in his hands. A surge of anger, sadness, and loneliness welled up inside him.
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