Kakashi gave a slap to the knocked-out Kō waking the latter up. Kō took a few moments to understand his current position, he is filled with rage. Kakashi held the Hyūga clan princess bodyguard's shoulders preventing him from standing up. Kō followed the hand to see the person holding him down and he is afraid to see that look on the most fearsome ninja of the young generation Hatake Kakashi.
"Good, it seems you are paying attention now. I can understand the reason for villagers' hate toward Naruto but you are a ninja you need to see everything, how low the Hyūga clan has fallen a jōnin trying to attack a kid who hadn't even enrolled in the academy" Kakashi said and took a pause. Kō wants to attack the white-haired jōnin but controlled himself quickly as he knows he can't win against him and if the issue is known to others, he along with the Hyūga clan loses its prestige.
Kakashi noticed the look on the Hyūga jōnin's face but acted as if he saw nothing and continued "I see the kid as my brother so you better keep in mind the consequences if you cross the line", he directed his killing intent and moved away.
"That guy should have tried to dissuade that girl to stay away from Naruto, even then coming to see him I have to say Naruto got himself a good friend and we have to say where it takes them later. Sensei it seems Naruto inherited your talent of making a clan princess fall for him" Kakashi thought and went inside the restaurant.
Naruto and Hinata are currently having ramen while Ayame is doing her best to help Hinata overcome her shyness. Soon Kakashi joined them and everyone enjoyed a pleasant time, later he had to convince Naruto to drop off Hinata while he followed him in the shadows, he thought internally "Sensei why couldn't he get your tact with girls".
...
A few days passed by and Neji got his branch clan seal the night before the Kumo arrive in the village which also coincided with Hinata's birthday.
In the Hokage office
Hizuren sent his friends Homura and Koharu to welcome the envoys and direct them to his office while Kakashi and his team is tasked to monitor those Kumo envoys from the shadows.
The Head ninja of Kumogakure took the lead the lead from the Kumo's side while he is accompanied by four other shinobi, the whole entourage is guided through the streets of Konoha with a grand welcome to the Hokage's office.
It was only by dusk that all the terms are agreed upon and it is formally signed. Hizuren sent a guide with them to show their residence for the day so that they can start their return journey the next day.
As the sun set and night slowly crept in the whole village is bathed in the light of the full moon while the lights welcoming the guests of the Hyūga clan overpowered the moon's light.
Slowly the guards of the Hyūga clan welcomed all the clan heads of Konoha along with many children the same age as their clan princess. Naruto also left his home for Hinata's birthday as it was already late because Ayame took the responsibility of getting him ready.
Naruto approached the gates of the Hyūga clan but was denied entry by the guards even when he presented them with his invitation. Seeing no other option he can move away with a deflated look but halfway he remembered his promise to Hinata that he will attend her birthday party. Naruto thought for a few moments and made a shadow clone sending the clone home, then he went to the wall near Hinata's house which he identified because of all the decorations and it being one of the tallest houses in the compound. Naruto waited silently in nearby trees and waited for everyone to sleep, even though he felt hungry he chose to hold on for the time being deciding to have instant ramen when he goes home.
...
Time flew by
Naruto watched as slowly the guests left and sometime later the doors of the Hyūga clan are closed, he made his way stealthily into the compound and he is alert to execute his trump card incase of any unforeseen circumstances.
Luckily for Naruto his encounter with villagers chasing him and his training helped him to move swiftly and stealthily. Naruto then arrived at the house and now he had to look for Hinata so he slowly made his way inside the house through an open window, he entered the room which looked like a meeting room so he looked around and found a room close by he slowly opened the door to see a person with long hair sleeping inside.
Naruto thought that might be Hinata's mother and he slowly went inside to see if Hinata is by her mother, but as he saw the face of the sleeping person he saw a stern-faced person and he had to clamp his mouth with both his hands to stop his surprise gasp. Naruto slowly left the room and made his way to another room luckily he found Hinata sleeping, so he went near her bed.
"Hinata...Hinata" he slowly called her while poking her shoulder. Hinata groggily woke up and Naruto acted quickly covering her mouth and preventing her from shouting. "Hinata it's me Naruto, I will release my hands but please don't shout" Naruto whispered.
Hinata is speaking incoherently as she is still reeling in from the shock and shyness because Naruto is in her room, by her side while she is in her bed, her father is also a few meters away from her room.
"Sorry, I wanted to come but the guys at the gate didn't allow me inside so I had to sneak in" Naruto said and wished "Happy Birthday Hinata".
"Thanks, Naruto but you could meet me the next time when we meet" Hinata managed to say stuttering.
Naruto gave a sheepish grin and said "I know but I promised you I will come and I won't go back on my word. That's my ninja way".
"Here is your birthday gift" Naruto gave a box not wrapped properly.
Hinata opened the gift box to see a white teddy bear the size of her pillow with dark blue eyes, seeing no reaction from Hinata Naruto said "Sorry I could only get this if you don't like this I can try and get you the one you like".
Hinata noticing the crestfallen look on Naruto's face hugged him and said "I love it" without a hitch but the two people turned red because of this.
Naruto not knowing what to do as Hinata turns beet red and passed out so he is trying to wake her up, but he stopped as he noticed a long shadow cast by the moonlight. Hinata who just woke up froze seeing the shadow.
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{ I've reached half a million views on this novel, from being happy reaching 100 views to here it's been a very good learning process. Thanks for the support and grateful}