Yamanaka Kazuma suddenly called out Shindai's name, leaving Shindai completely stunned.
Shindai asked in disbelief, "How do you know it's me?"
Yamanaka Kazuma smiled and said, "I was only suspicious before, but now I'm certain. Because Pakura told me those Mech-Ninjas were created by you. Only you could understand them so thoroughly."
Shindai canceled his Transformation Jutsu, pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lit one up, and said in a cocky tone, "Since you've figured out my identity, let me warn you—stay away from Pakura, you jerk! My big brother is Asuma, the leader of Konoha's underworld. I just need to tell him, and he'll make sure you have no way out!"
Yamanaka Kazuma helplessly replied, "You can't label me a jerk just because I want to pursue Pakura, right? There are plenty of guys who like this amazing girl. You can't possibly consider all of us jerks."
Shindai stubbornly argued, "That's just how I am! What are you gonna do about it?"
Looking at Shindai with complex eyes, Yamanaka Kazuma said, "Pakura's description of you was spot-on indeed—you've really got a short fuse! Well then, I give up."
Shindai hesitated for a moment and muttered, "Huh? So you really are trash! You gave up too easily. Seems like I didn't misjudge you after all!"
Yamanaka Kazuma smiled bitterly, "I already told you I'm not trash—I just see things clearly now. I knew I had no chance. Every time I talked with Pakura, within three sentences she'd mention you again. I used to still have hope, but now... Since you're here today, I know there's no chance left for me.
Chasing something hopeless is pointless. Sigh, what a shame... to like someone this much..."
Yamanaka Kazuma shook his head and turned to leave.
Scratching his head, Shindai muttered, "What nonsense was he babbling about just now?"
"Shindai!"
Pakura's voice suddenly came from behind Shindai, making him jump in shock.
With a stiff neck, Shindai slowly turned around, revealing an awkward smile on his face as he tried to brush it off, "Whoa, what a surprise running into you here, Pakura! Weren't you supposed to be at work today?"
Pakura rolled her eyes and snapped, "Coincidence? What were you doing using Transformation Jutsu in the shop?"
Dazed, Shindai stammered, "Huh? You knew too?"
Amused, Pakura said, "Has anyone ever told you how bad you are at disguising yourself? That annoying tone of yours, plus all those little habits you always have—I couldn't recognize you? Really?"
Shindai stubbornly insisted, "I was just worried about you! Obito and others said some guy has been harassing you. As your guardian, I have the responsibility to protect you. Not that I'm blaming you, but come on—you're grown now. Don't trust people so easily. What if someone wants to use you? You might even end up counting the money for the person who sold you out!"
After hearing Shindai's scolding, a vein on Pakura's temple throbbed with irritation, but suddenly her expression softened as she burst into laughter.
"What's so funny?!" Shindai snapped.
Pakura explained to Shindai, "He's a customer in the shop. As the shop manager, I can't just make him leave, can I? There are still two hours before closing time. Since you're free, you might as well lend a hand until closing, and then we can pick up Hikaku together afterward."
"What? No way! I don't want to help at all!"
Despite saying that, Shindai ended up following Pakura anyway.
Still, inside, Shindai felt uneasy because he felt like he had forgotten something important.
...
"Huff, that was such a satisfying meal!"
At Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto had eaten an entire bowl of ramen by himself—including finishing every last drop of the broth.
Rin Nohara said to Naruto, "Naruto, let me take you home?"
Naruto refused, "Sister Rin, I want to find Shindai-niisan. I'll go home with him."
"Well okay then. Shindai is at Sister Pakura's place. You know where that is, right?"
"Yeah, I know! Goodbye, Sister Rin, Brother Obito, Brother Kakashi."
Jumping off his chair, Naruto left alone.
Meanwhile, back at the handicraft shop, Shindai suddenly stood up, "Oh no! I completely forgot about Naruto! He should've gone with Obito and the others, right? Or maybe not. I should check. Pakura, you go ahead and pick up Hikaku first on your way home!"
Shindai rushed out of the handicraft shop in search of Naruto.
As Naruto walked, he didn't head toward the shop because the snow-covered Konoha looked so beautiful, so he decided to have a little fun before heading home.
Naruto entered a grove of trees and immediately noticed a swing, which caught his attention.
"This looks fun~"
Naruto sat on the swing, swinging by himself.
"Later I'll find Shindai-niisan. He can push me on the swing. I can't swing very high by myself. I wanna fly to the sky!"
While swinging back and forth, Naruto suddenly heard voices from nearby.
"If you're really a Hyuga girl, then use your [Byakugan] already!"
"If you won't do it, stop glaring at us like that!"
"Freaky white eyeballs!"
"You're probably some kind of creepy monster! A white-eyed freak!"
Three bratty kids were surrounding a little girl about Naruto's age, mocking her.
That little girl was Hinata Hyuga.
Being teased by those kids, Hinata squatted on the ground crying pitifully.
Naruto, full of a sense of justice, immediately jumped off the swing and ran over.
"Hey! Stop that!"
One of the kids frowned at Naruto and asked, "Who are you?"
Proudly, Naruto replied, "Excellent question!"
"I am the future hero of Konoha, the seventh Hokage, and the strongest in the ninja world! Naruto Uzumaki!"
"The future hero? Hokage? Strongest?"
"Are you an idiot?"
"He's totally an idiot!"
Three brats laughed mockingly at Naruto.
Naruto squatted on the ground and formed a seal.
"Get ready! Ninjutsu: Snowstorm Jutsu!"
He grabbed a handful of snow and hurled it at the three kids.
The snow hit their eyes, forcing all three to shut them tightly.
[Rasengan!]
Naruto picked up a stone and smashed it into one brat's face.
[Taijutsu Ultimate Art: Hellish Crotch Strike!]
Lifting his leg high, Naruto delivered a powerful kick straight to the second brat's groin.
"Oh~"
The boy dropped to his knees, clutching his injured area.
Quickly maneuvering behind the third brat, Naruto called out,
[Taijutsu Ultimate Art: One Thousand Years of Death!]
Forming a Tora seal with both hands, he launched a sudden jab.
"Ahhh!"
A sharp scream rang out as the third kid fell flat onto the ground, writhing while covering his butt.
Hinata gawked in shock as Naruto effortlessly defeated the three bullies.
"That's amazing~"
Naruto himself was also impressed with his own strength.
"The moves niisan Shindai taught me are awesome!"
Regaining his senses, Naruto grabbed Hinata's hand and ran.
"Quick, let's get out of here! If they recover, we're done for."
Naruto knew very well that he had taken advantage of the surprise attack. Once they came back to their senses, being outnumbered three to one would put him at a disadvantage. Anyone who sticks around would be out of their mind.
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