On his end, Danzō had already integrated Itachi into the ANBU.
By disrupting his plans, the Uchiha would only exacerbate Danzō's extremism, pushing him toward even darker maneuvers.
In other words, the Uchiha were still heading straight for their demise.
"Let's wait and see how events unfold."
Naruto smiled inwardly.
But... since the story was starting to diverge from the original, he also needed informants.
And when it came to observation, no clan surpassed the Hyūga.
A new use for Hyūga Aoba had just been found...
Naruto fixed his gaze on the Priestess's back, imprinting her noble silhouette in his memory, before walking away.
Konoha Hospital
In the daylight, Gekkō Hayate adjusted his attire and left his room.
Today marked his discharge from the hospital.
After more than a week of convalescence, his body was starting to feel numb.
On this sunny morning, breathing in the fresh air, he couldn't help but sigh.
Not only for the beauty of the outside world, but also because he thought Yūgao wouldn't come to greet him.
After all, her mission was to protect Naruto.
Yet, upon arriving at the hospital entrance, he was surprised to find his beloved.
Dressed in a white gown, her purple hair fluttering in the wind...
Her beauty rooted him to the spot.
Breathless, he only regained his senses when she was in front of him.
"Yūgao..."
"Hayate, congratulations on your discharge."
Yūgao displayed a gentle smile, almost unearthly in its grace.
Then, under the effect of a strange stupor, Hayate found himself walking beside her.
"Say, Yūgao..."
"Hmm?"
As she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, Hayate noticed…
"You're even more beautiful than before."
What he had wanted to ask was: "Shouldn't you be protecting Naruto?"
But the words that came out were different.
Because he was sincere: Yūgao had truly become more beautiful.
"Perhaps it's because I've been drinking a lot of milk lately..."
Yūgao laughed, then linked her arm through his.
Hayate felt his heart race, his mouth dry.
The faint scent of her shampoo enveloped him, making him dizzy.
As for why she wasn't protecting Naruto…
"I'm allowed days off too, you know."
Yūgao gave a mischievous wink.
After all, it was just a suggestion from Naruto.
Unknowingly manipulated, Yūgao only remembered Naruto's "kindness."
This morning, he had advised her to go greet Hayate.
She had happily accepted.
Without realizing the inconsistency with her mission.
Naruto had suggested, she had obeyed.
Because his ideas seemed right to her.
"Hayate, let's go for a walk... It's been so long since you've accompanied me..."
Yūgao insisted on enjoying the day.
Once she'd had her fill of distractions, she could return to protect Naruto in the evening.
And then, whether it was drinking her milk or training in water style under his guidance, she would be much more effective…
As they walked away, they didn't notice Hyūga Hiashi, in a hurry, entering the hospital.
For some time, his wife had been hospitalized there, on the verge of giving birth.
Today, the doctors had warned him: the time had come.
The contrast between an anxious Hiashi and a carefree Hayate was striking…
Hyūga Compound
Hinata gazed into the courtyard, lost in thought.
The image of that young Uchiha wouldn't leave her mind.
Several times, she had seen her at Naruto's house.
With a heavy heart, she began to imagine the worst.
"Who is that girl?"
"How long has she known Naruto?"
"What are they to each other?"
"Lady Hinata..."
Hyūga Aoba entered, worried to see her so melancholy.
"Don't worry, Lady Fuyuki will be fine."
"Huh? Oh... right."
Hinata suddenly remembered that her mother was giving birth today.
"A little sister is going to be born..."
But that Uchiha, what was her name again?
Hinata's "filial love" escaped Aoba.
But the sudden noise coming from the outer wall chilled her.
"Yo, Hinata."
Naruto, standing on the Hyūga compound wall, peered inside.
"Are you there?"
Such a reckless act... and yet, no one stopped him.
Hiashi and the others were at the hospital.
And Aoba... didn't dare move.
The shadow of the past overwhelmed her, leaving her pale.
"Naruto-kun!"
Hinata's face lit up.
She rushed outside.
"I came to see you."
Naruto smiled warmly.
Then Aoba felt a presence behind her.
A gaze she knew too well.
"Aoba is here too..."
Naruto's voice made her tremble. She turned to him, bowing slightly.
"Lord Naruto... You're here..."