Konoha: Start from untying the caged bird

Page 189

Hyuga Yuzuru smiled slightly: "Okay."

He stood up and patted Naruto on the shoulder.

Come to my office tomorrow and tell me your decision.

Naruto Uzumaki nodded and hummed in agreement.

When Hyuga Yuzuru disappeared from sight, Uzumaki Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't see the disappointment in Yuzuru's eyes, which was more important than anything else.

However, he really didn't know what kind of answer he should give now.

After his encounter with the illusionary world, he realized for the first time what the so-called Hokage truly meant.

It is a heavy responsibility that leaves one breathless.

Can I really do all of this well?

The events that occurred during the genjutsu left Naruto with very mixed feelings.

It turns out that even becoming Hokage doesn't guarantee that everyone will like me... nor does becoming Hokage mean I'll gain everyone's approval.

If I can't manage the village as well as Yuzuru Hanyu and make it a better place, people will hate me just the same way...

Sometimes it's not even because I did anything wrong, but simply because I did worse than Yuzuru...

Naruto Uzumaki sighed.

He wandered aimlessly through the streets with mixed feelings. The scene felt both familiar and strange to him. In the world of illusion, the surrounding buildings were far more modern than they were now, and there were no longer so many pedestrians on the streets. Instead, there were wider and longer roads leading in all directions, with all kinds of vehicles driving through them.

The once trendy clothes worn by pedestrians on the street now seem rather ordinary...

Was it something I imagined under a spell, or was it something Yuzuru-san created? If it's the latter... then Yuzuru-san is truly amazing. From the architecture and vehicles to the clothing, it's all as if he's actually seen the future...

Naruto Uzumaki could never have imagined that Yuzuru Hyuga had not only seen it before, but had also set up the world within the genjutsu to be even more cyberpunk, which naturally brought him unparalleled shock.

"Naruto-kun?"

The voice from behind made Naruto's steps stiffen instinctively, and he almost stammered, "Wife..."

"Huh?" Hinata Hyuga felt like she had heard something incredible, and subconsciously took a step back. She saw Naruto laughing awkwardly, scratching his head as he looked at her: "I mean, Hinata, what a coincidence."

Ugh... What was Yuzuru thinking? Why did he make me marry Hinata in the illusion world...?

Naruto Uzumaki felt that looking at the young Hinata in front of him, he could no longer be as indifferent as before. Although he seemed to have no specific memories of Hinata in the genjutsu world, Hinata's appearance after she grew up and the image of her gently cooking for him and comforting him at home were exceptionally clear.

Naruto Uzumaki awkwardly looked away, while Hinata lowered her head with a slightly flushed face. Ever since Yuzuru Hyuga said those things last time, she could no longer look at Naruto with the same calm and innocent demeanor as before.

"Yuzuru-sama told me before he left this morning that I should go out for walks more often... so I did."

Hinata Hyuga wondered incredulously if Yuzuru Hyuga had foreseen that she would meet Naruto that morning.

Hinata couldn't believe her eyes when she thought about the strange smile the other person had given her—wasn't that a bit too amazing?

Naruto Uzumaki, however, didn't think much of it. He scratched his head, and for some reason, blurted out, "Want to come along? I'm free anyway..."

"Huh?" Hinata's eyes widened slightly, but Naruto didn't think it was a big deal. In fact, to be honest, he really wanted to spend more time with Hinata and see...

How similar is she to her illusionary appearance?

Hinata's behavior in the genjutsu was exactly like his ideal wife, which made Naruto Uzumaki fantasize that if Hinata in real life could be just like the one in the genjutsu.

He couldn't help but blush a little. The original Naruto Uzumaki had no feelings for Hinata at all, but after experiencing that genjutsu, his opinion of Hinata changed somewhat.

Thinking about it carefully, Hinata seems better than the hot-tempered Sakura. Besides, Hinata never disliked herself, unlike Sakura, who used to call herself a loser in school, even though she stopped saying it later...

In particular, Sakura is in love with Sasuke, who is her comrade.

This is one of the main reasons why Naruto tells Hyuga Yuzuru that he doesn't like Sakura—even Naruto sometimes feels disheartened and uninterested when faced with the difficult question of whether the girl he likes likes his best friend.

In particular, Naruto Uzumaki, compared to the original story, is now much more mature after being educated by Yuzuru Hyuga. This has made him more mature and rational when it comes to feelings. Sometimes he can't help but wonder if he really likes Sakura. If so, what is it about her that he likes?

Although I can find many good qualities in Sakura, it doesn't seem like I liked her because of these qualities. Rather, it's more like I liked Sakura more at the time, and that's why I liked her good points.

After a long life of illusion magic, Naruto Uzumaki reflected on his current life experience as if it were yesterday, and gained new insights.

Looking back on why he fell in love with Sakura, Naruto has to admit that perhaps it was simply because Sakura stood out in the class at the time, being the most active girl—he always craved recognition from others, especially the recognition of those who were in the spotlight.

Sasuke too, Sakura too...

Naruto suddenly woke up and looked to his side. Hinata Hyuga was glancing at him every now and then. Their eyes met, and Naruto lowered his head involuntarily: "Naruto-kun?"

"Sorry, what did you just say?" Naruto Uzumaki chuckled sheepishly. "I was a little distracted."

It's all Yuzuru's fault. If it weren't for that illusion just now, I wouldn't be in this situation.

Hinata Hyuga whispered, "I meant... okay..."

Naruto Uzumaki grinned, revealing a bright, sunny smile: "Yeah!"

The two wandered around aimlessly, and for the first time, Naruto started asking Hinata about her daily life, such as what she usually liked to do, what she liked to eat, and what she did yesterday.

They were simply sharing their daily lives, but Naruto could sense that Hinata's attitude seemed a little strange.

Although he was usually a bit oblivious, he noticed Hinata's problem at this moment. She seemed unusually shy today. As soon as they made eye contact, her eyes would look away as if she were startled, and her cheeks would turn red as if steam were about to rise from them. Even if Naruto was slow to notice, he could tell that the reason for all of this seemed to be quite simple.

Could it be...?

She likes me!?

Naruto Uzumaki wasn't sure, but his heart was pounding a little faster. He thought with a touch of self-doubt: Is it really possible? Someone like me... could actually like me?

He remained silent, wandering aimlessly with Hinata from morning until afternoon, until Hinata's stomach growled loudly with hunger. Only then did he realize what a stupid thing he had done. Looking at Hinata, whose ears were bright red and who was pretending to be dead with her head down, Naruto scratched his head and suggested, "How about I treat you to a meal?"

Hinata let out a muffled "hmm," her white eyes glancing nervously at Naruto. Her hands clasped nervously in front of her, and her breathing became rapid.

'What should I do...'

'If, if Naruto-kun likes me...'

Should I accept his confession?

Or perhaps...?

"You like..."

"I...I agree!"

Naruto stared blankly at Hinata covering her face, but his words came belatedly.

"Want some ramen?"

"?"

Hinata stood there, rooted to the spot.

A few seconds later.

My brain was overloaded, it felt like steam was practically rising from my head, I was dizzy, and I crouched down on the ground, clutching my head.

Oh no...

Chapter 139 One-Tailed Shukaku

Inside the office, Hinata Kaoru looked at Hinata Yuzuru, who was all smiles, with a puzzled expression: "Yuzuru-sama...?"

Hinata Yuzuru put down the crystal ball in his hand and sighed leisurely, "Is this what youth is?"

Kaoru Hyuga secretly glanced at the crystal ball and saw Naruto and Hinata Hyuga sitting on a bench with flushed cheeks, whispering to each other. Combined with the smile on Yuzuru Hyuga's face, she could guess what was going on.

Hyuga Yuzuru put down the crystal ball. It's best to avoid doing things like this. He propped his cheek up with one hand and said, "It seems that Naruto and Hinata will soon be able to cheer up."

"Yuzuru-sama is so kind. He wants to take care of everyone around him..." Hinata Kaoru said. Hinata Yuzuru turned to look at her with a half-smile.

As expected, Hyuga Kaoru understood his smile and whispered, "That doesn't mean anything else."

Hyuga Yuzuru chuckled twice, lowered his hand, and sat up straight: "How's Gaara doing?"

"He was quite cooperative. Perhaps leaving Sunagakure and being thrown into Konoha by Rasa was a relief for him."

As Hyuga Kaoru spoke, Hyuga Yuzuru nodded slightly, but then Kaoru added worriedly, "Although he seems cooperative, judging from his personality, he'll probably become a problem sooner or later..."

“I understand.” Hyuga Yuzuru nodded and stood up, saying, “Perfect, I also need to learn some experience in dealing with Jinchuriki from him.”

Hyuga Yuzuru intends to have Naruto gradually master the power of the Nine-Tails, so naturally he needs to gain some experience in dealing with tailed beasts and see what methods are most effective against them.

While Hyuga Yuzuru might not be able to subdue the Nine-Tails like Hashirama Senju, he was confident he could kill it, but not as confident as Hashirama could subdue it completely. Hashirama Senju's Wood Release was truly about overwhelming force; even tailed beasts could only obediently listen to him.

"Here are the documents. I'll be back as soon as possible."

After Hyuga Yuzuru finished speaking, he disappeared, leaving Hyuga Kaoru staring blankly at the documents on the table for a moment before letting out a helpless sigh: "Yes, Lord Yuzuru."

Honestly, I also want to sit down and chat with Yuzuru-sama like Hinata and Naruto...

She sat at her desk, diligently processing the documents, while Hyuga Yuzuru used the Flying Thunder God Technique to travel directly to the building near the Konoha Research Department, where the Konoha Torture Department was located.

Due to the dangers of Jinchūriki, Gaara was practically imprisoned. The interrogation department was like a prison, keeping him under surveillance while professional ninjas would occasionally use Gaara to inquire about Sunagakure's information and intelligence.

When Hyuga Yuzuru arrived at the torture department, he was greeted by Ibiki Morino, the head of the Konoha Torture Department.

This veteran ninja with a scar on his face was very respectful to Hyuga Yuzuru. As a ninja belonging only to the Hokage's interrogation department, he was, in a sense, the same as the Anbu, belonging to the Hokage's direct forces, and the information obtained through interrogation was directly given to the Hokage.

"Lord Godaime."

Hyuga Yuzuru nodded slightly and went straight to the point: "Where's Gaara?"

“He’s still being held captive.” Ibiki Morino said, and Yuzuru Hyuga started walking. The interrogation ninja beside him led the way and explained Gaara’s recent situation to him.

Hyuga Yuzuru nodded from time to time, then suddenly asked, "If Gaara were to live a normal life in Konoha, do you think it would be feasible given his mental state?"

“This…” Morino Ibiki hesitated for a moment, then after careful consideration, suggested, “Given their current attitude, we can give it a try, but we must have experienced ANBU members to monitor the situation so that we can take control in time if anything unexpected happens.”

Hyuga Yuzuru nodded and said, "I promised the Fourth Kazekage to spare Gaara's life. Although the other party probably doesn't care whether Gaara lives or dies, I think that as an excellent Jinchūriki, there is no need to replace Gaara."

The other party's feelings towards Sunagakure are relatively weak, and now, because of Sunagakure's decision, their hatred for Sunagakure is probably even greater than that for Konoha.

If they could be completely assimilated and incorporated into Konoha...

“Understood, we will conduct a more comprehensive assessment as soon as possible,” Morino Ibiki said.

After passing through a dark corridor and going deep underground, in a relatively clean cell, Gaara sat silently on the bed in the corner of the room with his eyes closed. There was no fluctuation of chakra. He just leaned quietly against the wall next to the bed, huddled in the corner.

Hearing the noise, he opened his eyes and stared at the newcomer with a blank expression. Finally, his gaze settled on Hyuga Yuzuru.

Hyuga Yuzuru wasn't wearing a straw hat, but his black and red shrine robe, long white hair, and blue eyes were enough for Gaara to instantly recognize him.

"Long time no see, Gaara."

Hyuga Yuzuru spoke calmly, while Gaara simply looked at him with a cold expression: "Are you here to take away the One-Tailed Beast?"

In Gaara's eyes, he was a weapon of Sunagakure, and with the defeat in battle and capture by the enemy, the best outcome would be to have his tailed beast taken and die.

Hyuga Yuzuru shook his head: "If you are willing to stay in Konoha and not cause trouble, in fact, I have no intention of locking you up or taking away the tailed beast inside you."

Upon hearing this, Gaara's eyes flickered slightly, but then fell silent again. He sneered, a hint of crazed killing intent in his eyes: "Aren't you afraid I'll kill all of you Konoha bastards?"

"First, it's us, not you."

Hyuga Yuzuru extended his finger, and without the torture squad's intervention, he broke the seal on the cell door and opened it himself.

“You were abandoned by Sunagakure and Rasa, and handed over to Konoha. Now, you are a member of Konoha.”

Hyuga Yuzuru's words struck a nerve with Gaara. His face turned cold, and sand shimmered around him, but due to the seal placed on him by Konoha, the black stripes on his face flickered, and the surging, turbulent chakra was forcefully suppressed.

"Secondly, I don't think we need to become enemies."

His words made Ai Luo frown, looking at him with sharp eyes filled with hostility and disdain, but he did not refute him.

"Gaara, what is it that you need?"

Hyuga Yuzuru countered with a question, Gaara remained silent, but Hyuga Yuzuru stated directly: "I do not need a Jinchuriki as a weapon of Konoha, unless he considers himself a Konoha ninja, a part of Konoha, and spontaneously wants to fight for Konoha—otherwise, I do not need Tailed Beasts as Konoha's fighting force."

Especially since it was only one tail.

Hyuga Yuzuru's words made Gaara's eyes grow even deeper, but he had already arrived in front of Gaara.

Turning his head, Hyuga Yuzuru glanced at Morino Ibiki behind him and said, "I'll take him out for a walk. If anything happens, don't be too nervous."

Ibiki Morino understood the implication in his words and said with a hint of worry in his voice, "Please be sure to inform the ANBU ninjas."

Hyuga Yuzuru shook his head and laughed, "Even Rasa was able to suppress the One-Tailed Beast within the territory of Sunagakure."

The meaning behind his words was quite clear.

It's just a single tail, nothing to make a fuss about.

Seeing his firm attitude, Ibiki Morino could only nod and say, "I'll listen to you."