(Akari's POV)
February 14th.
The day had finally arrived. It was almost poetic in a way—Valentine's Day and snow, a pair as unexpected as it was serendipitous. The world seemed softer, quieter, under the veil of falling snow, as if the universe itself was holding its breath for what was about to unfold. Today, Naruto and Hinata would meet. And with that, it was time to set my plan into motion.
I began walking to the meeting point, each step deliberate and steady, the crunch of snow beneath my sandals marking the rhythm of my resolve. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. The sound was almost hypnotic, like a metronome guiding me forward.
The air was crisp, sharp enough to sting the tips of my fingers and nose, but I didn't mind. The cold had a way of grounding me, sharpening my focus. Around me, the village bustled with quiet life. Children threw snowballs at each other, their laughter ringing like bells in the distance. Shopkeepers swept the accumulating snow from their stalls, muttering under their breaths about the weather. Couples strolled hand in hand, their faces flushed with the chill—and perhaps something more.
But to me, it all blurred into a muted tapestry of motion and sound. None of it mattered. My attention was solely on the task at hand.
I glanced at the sky for a moment, the flakes descending in a lazy, unhurried dance. How fitting, I thought. Snow has a way of erasing things—footprints, mistakes, doubts. Emphasised by the white colouration of the flakes.
White was the colour of Purity and Innocence, yet it was also the colour of cold and sterile, it was bland, and isolative. The loneliness of the colour can seem unbearable at times.
Just like the White Room.
Shaking my head off of those thoughts and the hurt in my chest that came as I thought about that place. As I had finally arrived.
Before me stood a weathered stone lantern, its peaked roof coated in a pristine layer of snow, the edges softly curved under its weight. The soft glow of moonlight reflected off the surface, giving the structure an almost ethereal aura amidst the darkened landscape. It stood like a silent sentinel, unmoving and timeless, watching over a world that seemed caught between breaths.
Around it, the trees rose like black silhouettes, their branches dusted with snow, bending ever so slightly under its gentle weight. The darkness between the trunks created a stark contrast, as if the shadows were trying to encroach upon the fragile purity of the scene. The faint sound of the snowflakes landing—almost imperceptible—filled the air with a hush that made even my own breathing seem intrusive.
I hid behind one of the trees on the large pathway.
Thing is, Naruto and Hinata's first meeting wasn't the encounter with bullies, it was right here. I just wanted that spot to be known as I knew that tomorrow I had to stop it. Yes, this snow would last until tomorrow, of that I was certain.
Alright, time to play the waiting game.
I stayed in the same spot for a few hours, with nothing but my thoughts to keep me company.
The snow, so pristine and flawless, could metaphor for duality—beauty and peril, purity and cold indifference. How strange, the way two opposing truths could coexist in harmony, just like the light and shadow within every person. The world, was full of opposites, yet those opposites were not always at odds. They complemented each other, like light and dark. Without one, the other would lose its meaning.
It reminded me of a line from Carl Jung: "One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." Perhaps that's what this moment was about—acknowledging both the light and the shadows within myself, within others, within the world.
The snow itself was soft and gentle, it cloaked the world in purity, yet it was cold and indifferent, erasing everything beneath its touch. A symbol of beauty and isolation, of beginning and ending.
I thought about the shadow, the concept that had been drilled into me during my training. It wasn't just the absence of light; it was a reflection of it. One could not exist without the other. "Every man carries a shadow," Jung had also said, "and the less it is embodied in the individual's conscious life, the blacker and denser it is."
What did that mean for someone like me? For somebody who so intricately accepts herself as defective? A horrible human being?
For someone like Naruto it was his loneliness, his hunger for recognition. Hinata's was her self-doubt, the weight of her own insecurities as heiress of a Clan.
But to me, what did that mean?
I did not require recognition, I had no insecurities. Hell, there was nothing that I was hiding from myself. I didn't truly have a "shadow", didn't I?
No, that was wrong. I did have one. It was rather easy to understand as well.
To feel was to falter. To hesitate was to fail in the White Room. And so, I had learned to silence my emotions, locking them away in a corner of myself where they couldn't interfere.
But that didn't mean they were gone. Shadows don't disappear; they simply linger where the light cannot reach.
Carl Jung's words came to mind again: "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate." My shadow—the part of me I'd buried to endure the White Room—was still there, waiting. Every now and then, it stirred, reaching out from the edges of my consciousness. A memory, a sensation, a fleeting ache in my chest—it all whispered of feelings I was desperately trying to reclaim.
Loneliness. Fear. Anger. Even longing. All of it was suppressed.
They were ghosts of a life I hadn't allowed myself to live, fragments of a self I didn't recognize. And yet, I couldn't deny their presence. They shaped me as much as my discipline, my logic, my resolve. "What you resist, persists," this one was from Nietzsche.
I had resisted this side of me for far too long and now it was catching up to me.
Funny thing is, this isn't the first time I had these thoughts, back in that Glade, I also had them, but here, it was more prominent.
Heh, hard to think all of this revolved one innocent girl who I was training.
I closed my eyes, letting the cold bite into my skin as my thoughts drifted to the teachings of Taoism, the yin and yang. "When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad," Lao Tzu had written in the Tao Te Ching. Opposites defined each other. Without darkness, how would we recognize the light? Without pain, how would we cherish joy?
The snow continued to fall, muffling the sounds of the world around me. I thought of how the flurry could symbolize life itself: transient, fleeting, yet infinite in its repetition. Each flake unique, yet part of the same whole. A duality in its own way.
I had heard the sounds of running through the crunching snow and a girl crying somewhat. Looking at the spot, I had noticed Hinata, right as she fell with a "ah" escaping her lips as it happened. And then her cries could be fully heard for a second but a voice, one all too familiar sounded out...
"What are you doing, dattebayo?" The signature verbal tick of Naruto proved that it was indeed him, his blue eyes warmly looking upon the girl, and a kind, disarming smile on his face, "If you keep crying like that, how am I going to find out?" Hinata glanced up at the strange blonde who just approached her, now standing directly in front of the girl.
It was strangely heart-warming to see this scene too bad, I would be interrupting it. I stepped forwards, "Yeah, what the blonde said. How are either of us meant to help you if you keep crying like that?" I stepped closer, "How about showing us where your home is?"
At that, Hinata refused to speak, shaking her head, so Naruto with his ever so kind heart took the girls hands, without skipping a beat pulling her closer and into a walk, the boy looked over at me and said, "Come on, let's go find her house, dual eyes."
At the nickname, I let out a chuckle, "It's Akari Inori, blondie but yes, let's go find the poor girls home."
And with that, I began walking with them.
"Names since you know mine?" I asked walking alongside them.
"Naruto Uzumaki, ttebayo!" The blonde exclaimed cheerfully with that smile on his face.
Naruto's enthusiasm was contagious, even if it bordered on reckless. Hinata's sniffles had quieted somewhat, and her featureless white eyes flitted nervously between him and me. She clutched the at her kimono like it was her shield against the world, but Naruto's boundless energy seemed to chip away at her hesitation.
"H-Hinata Hyuga," She finally voiced out with a shy tone.
"Hinata and Naruto then, okay." I smiled a bit.
"So, Akari-chan, what's with the eyes?" Naruto asked casually, his head tilting to the side as he glanced at me. His curiosity was written all over his face, but there was no malice in it—just the unfiltered honesty of a kid who wanted to know more.
I blinked at the question, caught off guard for a moment. After all, he could've question Hinata's. Oh well. "They are unique," I said, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "It's called Heterochromia. They work fine though."
"Unique's cool!" he said with a grin, as if that was the most obvious thing in the world. "You look like some kind of secret Shinobi!"
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Aren't all Shinobi supposed to be secret, Naruto?"
He laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Guess you're right, dattebayo!"
As we walked, I fell a step behind, letting the two of them take the lead. Naruto's chatter filled the air, his words tumbling out in an unbroken stream as he pointed out random things: the icicles hanging from rooftops, the kids building snowmen, the way Hinata's scarf matched her eyes.
Hinata, for her part, seemed torn between wanting to disappear and wanting to soak up every word he said. She clutched her kimono tighter, her cheeks flushed—not just from the cold, but from her new found affection for Naruto.
Adorable. I should make sure these 2 get together in this timeline. Perhaps I'll do so even sooner than the last timeline.
[Quest Generated: Operation NaruHina.
Objective: Ensure Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga develop a closer bond, leading to a romantic relationship earlier than in the original timeline.
Requirements:
1: Develop Hinata's confidence enough so she can talk to Naruto without stuttering.
2: Make Naruto not dense to Hinata's feelings.
3: Change Naruto's view of Sakura early on so that he may move on to develop a crush on someone else.
4: Get them to confess.
Rewards:
5000 RYO
Hakke Jūroku Shō Scroll (Eight Trigrams Sixteen Palms)
Rasengan Jutsu Scroll
5000 EXP for every year skipped]
Hey, look even the system wants me to get them together earlier on.
Finally, after a few wrong turns and some enthusiastic guesses from Naruto, the Hyūga Compound came into view. The gates loomed ahead, ornate and imposing, the stark white of the snow making their intricate carvings stand out even more.
"Well, this is it," I said, stepping forward to stand beside the two.
Hinata froze in place, her hands clutching her scarf so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her gaze dropped to the ground, and her breathing quickened.
Naruto, oblivious as ever, gave the compound an impressed once-over. "Whoa, this place is huge! You live here, Hinata-chan?"
She nodded faintly, but her feet remained rooted to the spot. I could see the storm of emotions swirling in her eyes—fear, embarrassment, uncertainty.
Right she ran away from home because of the weight of expectations. With a sigh, I stepped up to her, placing my hand on her shoulder, "You know Hinata, I'm an Orphan, so why do you cry when you live in such a place? It might be cruel, there, but at least at home your surrounded by those related to you by blood. So Hinata, tell me, why do you cry?"
I held my hand up to Naruto silently telling him to shut up as I worked my manipulative magic. Not that he knew the manipulation part, of course.
Hinata's trembling intensified as I placed my hand on her shoulder, my words hanging in the cold air like frost. She glanced up at me, her pale eyes shimmering with unshed tears. For a moment, she seemed on the verge of speaking, her lips parting slightly. But then, her gaze dropped again, and she shook her head slowly.
"I… I just…" Her voice was barely a whisper, fragile as the snowflakes falling around us. "I don't… belong…"
Naruto blinked in confusion, his usual cheerful demeanour faltering for a moment. "Don't belong? What are you talking about, Hinata-chan? This is your home, isn't it?"
Hinata didn't respond, her grip on her scarf tightening even further. Her whole body seemed to shrink under the weight of her emotions, as if she wished she could disappear into the snow.
I sighed, crouching down slightly to meet her at eye level. "Hinata," I said softly, my tone laced with just enough sternness to cut through her spiral of self-doubt. "Listen to me. Everyone feels out of place sometimes, even in their own home. But running away won't change anything. You're stronger than this."
She looked at me, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. I could see the battle raging within her—the desire to believe my words clashing with the years of self-doubt and fear ingrained in her by her family's expectations. Her wide eyes filled with a spark of determination as my words sunk in fully. Good. That's exactly what I needed from her. Emotions were tools, and I'd honed mine to serve my purpose. Her fragile hope would give me leverage. I didn't feel the warmth I pretended to exude—it was nothing but a carefully constructed mask.
"You think you don't belong?" I continued, my voice steady. "Then prove to yourself that you do. Show them that you're not weak, that you're more than what they think you are. You have to fight for your place in this world, Hinata. No one else can do it for you."
Naruto, standing to the side, clenched his fists and nodded vigorously. "Yeah, what she said! You've got this, Hinata-chan! Believe it, dattebayo!"
Hinata's gaze flickered between the two of us, her breathing gradually slowing as she absorbed our words. Her hands loosened their grip on her scarf, and a faint spark of determination appeared in her eyes.
Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the moment. From the shadows of the compound gates, a figure emerged—a tall man with the unmistakable presence of a Hyūga. His white eyes locked onto Hinata immediately, a mixture of relief and sternness on his face.
"Hinata-sama," he said, his tone formal but not unkind. "We've been looking for you. Your absence has caused quite a stir."
Hinata flinched at his words, the spark of determination in her eyes dimming slightly. But before she could retreat into herself again, I stepped forward, placing myself between her and the Hyūga.
"She's here now," I said firmly, meeting his gaze unflinching, I was probably stronger than he was at this point. "And she's safe. No need to make her feel worse about it." My words came out firm and protective, but inside, I felt nothing. No anger, nor was it righteousness—just the cold calculation of someone playing their part, pulling the strings of those around them.
The man raised an eyebrow, clearly unaccustomed to being spoken to in such a manner from a child. But he said nothing, merely giving a curt nod before turning his attention back to Hinata.
"Come, Hinata-sama," he said, his voice softening slightly. "Your father wishes to speak with you."
Hinata hesitated, glancing back at me and Naruto. Her eyes were filled with a silent plea, as if she didn't want to leave the fragile sense of comfort she'd found with us.
I gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Go on, Hinata. You'll be fine. Remember what we said."
"You've got this, Hinata-chan! And hey, if you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find us!" Naruto, ever the optimist exclaimed.
Hinata's lips curved into the faintest of smiles, and she nodded. "T-Thank you," she whispered before turning to follow the Hyūga back into the compound.
As the gates closed behind her, Naruto let out a sigh, his breath forming a cloud in the frosty air. "Man, that family sure seems strict. Poor Hinata-chan…"
I nodded, my thoughts already racing ahead. There was so much to do, so many steps to take if I was going to fulfil the new quest the system had thrown at me. The first seeds had been planted for them, and for me, my plans have only began.
"Well," I said, turning to Naruto with a smirk. "Looks like you've got yourself a friend, blondie."
Naruto grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Heh, yeah! She seems nice. A bit shy, though. Think she'll be okay?"
Naruto's unyielding optimism made it so easy to steer him. A word here, a nudge there, and he was already playing his role perfectly. He didn't need to know that my kind smile and reassuring tone were nothing more than mere theatrics.
"She will be," I said reassuringly, "Eventually."
And with that, we turned and began walking back into the village, the snow crunching beneath our feet once more. Above us, the snowflakes continued their lazy descent, each one a fleeting moment of beauty in an ever-changing world.
I parted with Naruto since I had some important business to do. I felt that Shiina might appreciate a Valentine's gift, as friends. There was absolutely nothing else this was, it was just me buying some chocolate for the only person I cared; my only true friend.
I sighed, looking at the bustling market, despite the snow and the time. Various vendors wrapped in furry coats calling out their wares. The smell of roasted chestnuts and sweet bean paste lingered in the frosty air, mingling with the faint tang of freshly fallen snow. I scanned the stalls, searching for something that felt… right. Not too flashy, not too plain. Something that would suit Shiina.
My gaze landed on a small stall tucked between two larger ones. The vendor, an elderly woman with kind eyes and a woolen shawl, was arranging a display of chocolates shaped like kunai. Each one was wrapped in simple, elegant paper, tied off with a red string.
Funny thing was, it was perfect for us. I mean she did truly start becoming closer to me thanks to our training, it almost seemed too perfect.
I approached the stall, the woman greeting me with a warm smile. "Looking for a Valentine's gift, young one?"
I nodded, picking up one of the chocolates. Its craftsmanship was meticulous, each kunai-shaped piece almost too pretty to eat. "How much for this?"
"2 Ryo," she said, her voice soft. "For someone special?"
I paused, glancing down at the chocolate in my hand. A singular thought began circling through my mind, a thought I didn't quite understand. Shiina wasn't just someone to me. It sounded true, almost glaringly so, yet it felt unfinished, like a sentence without a proper conclusion. She was my friend—my best friend, the only person I could trust. But there was something else—something more, though I couldn't quite name it.
My heart betrayed me, quickening slightly as her image flashed in my mind: the way her golden hair flowed in the wind, her carefree, lively laughter, the way her emerald orbs softened when she looked at me. The memory warmed me but left an unfamiliar ache behind.
I shook my head sharply, forcing the thought away. It was unproductive to dwell on such things, especially when I didn't even understand why they lingered so persistently. With purposeful strides, I approached the elderly vendor, holding out the chocolate with a deliberate motion.
"Yeah," I said, slipping the coins into her hand. "Someone special."
The vendor's face softened, and I could see her eyes glint with knowing amusement. She smiled, the kind of smile that only years of experience with human nature could forge.
"How lovely, that expression on your face," she remarked, her voice gentle but tinged with mischief.
I blinked at her, confused by her words. "What expression?"
She chuckled softly, patting my hand as if I were much younger than I already was. "Young love is truly beautiful," she said, her tone playful yet sincere.
My chest tightened at her words, and I felt a rush of heat rise to my cheeks. Love? That couldn't be right. Shiina was just a friend–my best friend. That was all there was, right? I straightened, regaining control of my tone and speaking with the neutral tone that had always been present in my voice.
"Shiina's just a friend," I said firmly, "A best friend."
The vendor's laugh was light, yet it carried a weight of understanding that unnerved me. She didn't press further, simply handing me the chocolate with a faint smile that felt almost conspiratorial. "Sometimes, my dear, we don't recognize our feelings for what they are until much later. Hold onto that warmth—it's rare, and it's precious."
Her words lingered as I turned and walked away, clutching the chocolate tightly in my hand. My mind churned with questions I didn't want to answer. Why had my heart skipped at her mention of love? Why did the thought of Shiina make my chest feel both heavy and light at the same time?
I glanced up at the snow falling softly around me, the flakes catching in my hair and melting on my cheeks. My steps faltered for a moment, my grip on the chocolate loosening slightly.
She's just my friend.
But as the thought echoed in my mind, it felt less convincing.
"What is happening to me?" I asked nobody, it was just me mumbling beneath my breath to myself as I thought about it.
Sighing, I stepped into the Orphanages garden, walking towards the spot. A small clearing with a bench beneath a sprawling tree. Even in winter, the space had a quiet charm, the snow blanketing the ground in an untouched layer of white.
Shiina was already there, her small frame bundled in a thick coat, a scarf nearly swallowing her face. She was poking at the snow with a stick, drawing little patterns with a look of intense concentration.
"Shiina," I called out, and her head snapped up.
"Akari!" She grinned, her cheeks flushed from the cold as she ran toward me. "You're late!"
"I was busy," I said, pulling the chocolate from my pocket. I handed it to her, the red string glinting faintly in the dim light. "Here. For you."
Her eyes widened as she took the package, her gloved fingers carefully untying the string. When she saw the kunai-shaped chocolates, her face lit up.
"This is so cool!" she exclaimed, holding one up to the light. "Thank you, Akari!"
Her joy was infectious, and I felt a rare warmth bloom in my chest. "You're welcome. I figured you'd like them."
Shiina plopped down on the bench, patting the spot beside her. "Sit with me!"
I obliged, brushing off a bit of snow before taking a seat. She broke off a piece of the chocolate and held it out to me. "Here. You should have some too."
"It's yours. You don't have to—"
"Don't be dumb," she interrupted, pushing the piece closer to my mouth. "You got it for me, so I get to share it with you. Besides, I didn't get you anything, it's the least I can do."
I couldn't help but smile at her admitting that. It wasn't that she could get me anything to begin with. Taking the piece, I let the sweetness melt on my tongue. "Not bad," I said, and she giggled.
For a while, we just sat there, sharing the chocolates and watching the snow fall. The silence between us wasn't uncomfortable. It was... tranquil. Still, I gazed at her and her smile, my heart racing with that same feeling from earlier.
Why did I care so much about her smile, her laughter, the way her emerald eyes seemed to glow? My heart raced, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through me, but I couldn't piece together why. Why was I feeling this way?
I couldn't figure it out. Yet right now, I didn't mind it.
As the snow continued to fall around us, I felt something shift inside me—a faint glimmer of warmth against the cold. Shiina didn't just matter to me because she was useful, or because the system acknowledged her as a companion. She mattered because, in her own way, she was my one tie to my shadow, to my emotions. To the pieces of me that I had lost. She was a bright glowing star painting upon this blank canvas I had.
And I would protect that star–my star–with everything I had.
"Shiina," My tone was soft as I spoke, "you are truly exceptional."
Shiina stuttered out her response as I saw her face go red, "E-eh, w-where on earth did that come from?"
"Who knows?" I noncommittally replied.
As Shiina stuttered and fumbled with her words, I couldn't help but chuckle softly. It was rare to see her flustered like this. She had always been the lively, carefree one between us—never the one caught off guard. Yet here she was, her cheeks flushed a deep red, her eyes darting away as if she couldn't meet my gaze.
"Shiina," I said, my voice softer now, almost a whisper against the quiet backdrop of falling snow. "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know that you're important to me."
Her head snapped up at my words, her emerald eyes wide and searching. For a moment, it felt like time slowed, the world narrowing to just the two of us on that snow-covered bench. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, she simply nodded, her fingers clutching the red string from the chocolate box as if it were a lifeline.
The silence stretched between us, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was... warm. Comforting. Like a quiet understanding had settled between us, even if neither of us could put it into words. I leaned back on the bench, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.
Shiina broke the silence first, her voice barely above a whisper. "You know, Akari… you're important to me too. More than anyone else."
[The Star has reached ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆]
I understood that my Social Link had grown stronger without having to even read the box that appeared in front of me; her words had affected me, my heart beat having sped up significantly, like a pounding drum against my chest, or in my sternum. Oh yeah, fun fact the heart is located in the middle of your chest.
The emotions I was feeling were positive. Satisfaction, happiness, joy, and comfort; all interwoven inside me into something deep inside—a spark of warmth that I did not understand. An attachment that was slowly growing stronger with ease passing moment.
This was... different, it all was. What was this emotion?
Before I could respond—as I had been stuck in my thoughts—she reached out and grabbed my hand, her gloved fingers curling around mine. "Let's always stay like this, okay? No matter what happens."
hesitated for a moment, then gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Yeah," I said quietly. "Always."
For the rest of the evening, we stayed there, sharing warmth and quiet laughter as the snow continued to fall around us. The world felt smaller, simpler. I allowed myself to enjoy it. To enjoy her company without the need for thoughts that delved into emotions I had yet to understand.
Time would pass and the day changed to February 15th, this time, I exited the Orphanage earlier than earlier. I had mere hours before I could involve myself in this situation.
Walking through the snow my mind twisted with memories of that old lady and Shiina. What on earth did that old lady mean? Love? How could I love someone? I understood what the word meant; "love" was simple to understand, yet I did not understand it. The emotion escaped me, or did it?
But then, wouldn't that mean I was lesbian? I mean, I never uncovered my sexuality back in that life, I had too little emotions to even begin that process.
Sighing to myself in exasperation I stepped near the swing, hearing the voice of the other blonde I knew, but this one with aqua blue eyes.
"Hey, leave Hinata Chan alone!" He boomed out.
Oh, I was a bit late.
I appeared in front of Naruto in a burst of speed. I was fast enough to cover the distance in merely 0.5 seconds. And did so if only to stop the beating Naruto was about to receive.
"Naruto, if you didn't shout like that I wouldn't have known something was happening. Now then," I lied naturally, looking at the crying Hinata, I turned to the bullies, "you all should apologise before this get's ugly."
The moment my words hit the air, the bullies froze. Their smug grins faltered as they turned their attention to me. My posture was calm, composed, but the weight of my presence was enough to send shivers down their spines.
One of the bullies, a stocky boy with a buzz cut, took a hesitant step forward. "Why should we apologize? This isn't your business!" His voice wavered ever so slightly, betraying the false confidence he tried to project.
Naruto, still brimming with righteous indignation, was about to retort, but I held up a hand to stop him. "It became my business the moment you decided to pick on my friend," I said, my voice as even as a sharpened blade. "Now, you have two choices: apologize and walk away, or… we settle this another way."
The leader of the group, a lanky boy with messy black hair, sneered. "Oh yeah? And what are you gonna do about it? You're just a—"
I didn't let him finish. With a single, fluid motion, I was in front of him, close enough that he could feel the chill of the air between us. His breath hitched as my eyes locked onto his, cold and unyielding. "Try me," I said, my tone low and dangerous.
The other two bullies exchanged nervous glances, clearly unsure of what to do. The lanky boy took a step back, his bravado crumbling under the weight of my gaze. "W-we're not scared of you!" he stammered, though his trembling hands said otherwise.
I sighed, "Fine." With that, my fist collided with his solar plexus, I held back slightly but the force of the impact sent him flying backwards. With that I had made my message clear, by knocking out one of them in one hit. His back hit the tree probably broken. "Pathetic. You bullies aren't strong by yourselves, so you pick on others you know to be weaker than you."
The other 2 backed away in fear as my eyes locked onto them as if to say. "Who's next?"
Naruto and Hinata stood frozen, wide-eyed as the two remaining bullies cowered under my gaze. The stocky one, who had spoken earlier, stepped back, his bravado entirely replaced by terror. His lips quivered as he muttered, "W-we're sorry! We didn't mean it! Please don't hurt us!"
I stepped forward slowly, my boots crunching against the snow, and tilted my head slightly. My voice was calm but sharp enough to cut through the tension. "Apologies are only words. Actions prove whether you mean them. You hurt someone who never did anything to you. If you truly regret it, you'll do better."
The boys nodded frantically, their fear palpable. The stocky one stammered out, "W-we'll never do it again, I swear!"
I glanced at Hinata, who was still clutching her scarf tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. "What do you think, Hinata? Do you believe them?"
She hesitated, her soft voice barely above a whisper. "I… I don't want anyone to get hurt anymore."
Her words were gentle, yet they carried a weight that silenced everyone. I turned back to the bullies and jerked my head toward the unconscious lanky boy slumped against the tree. "Take him and leave. Don't let me see you pulling this nonsense again."
They didn't need to be told twice. Scrambling to their feet, they grabbed their friend and ran as fast as they could, disappearing into the snowy streets.
Naruto broke the silence, his voice tinged with both awe and uncertainty. "Akari… that was amazing! But maybe… maybe you didn't have to hit him that hard?"
I turned to him, my expression neutral. "He'll be fine. I held back."
Naruto blinked, then scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "If that's holding back, remind me never to make you mad…"
I ignored his comment, instead crouching down to Hinata's level. "Are you okay?" I asked gently, my voice losing its falsified edge.
She sniffled, her cheeks still damp, but she managed a small nod. "Y-yes. Thank you, Akari-san. And you too, Naruto-kun." Her gaze flickered to Naruto, her cheeks turning a shade pinker.
Naruto grinned, his hands on his hips. "Of course! Nobody messes with my friends and gets away with it!"
I stood, brushing the snow off my coat. "Yeah, nobody harms those I care about and get away with it. Defusing the situation peacefully would have been optimal, of course but fighting back is the best option to putting bullies in their place. It should not be the preferred method, but Shinobi are taught to fight. In fact, it is necessary for Shinobi to fight. I plan to join the Shinobi Academy next year actually."
Naruto's eyes lit up at my mention of joining the Shinobi Academy, his trademark grin stretching wide across his face. "Really? You're gonna join the Academy too? That's awesome! We can train together and be the best ninja ever, dattebayo!"
His enthusiasm was almost contagious, but I simply gave him a small nod, my gaze steady. "It's the logical step. Becoming a shinobi is the best way to protect those who matter and to grow stronger." I lied, to him about my reasoning. But he and Hinata didn't pick up on it.
Hinata, still clutching her scarf, looked up at me with wide, hopeful eyes. "Y-you'll be amazing, Akari-san… I'm sure of it."
"Thanks, Hinata. But you don't need to be so timid. You have more strength than you realize."
Hinata's cheeks flushed an even deeper red, and she fidgeted with her scarf. "I-I'll try…"
Naruto, ever the energetic one, jumped in front of us with a dramatic pose. "And I'll be the Hokage! You guys will see—I'll be the strongest Shinobi in all of Konoha! Then nobody will ever pick on me again!"
"Ambitious. But to achieve that, you'll need to train hard and stay focused. Being Hokage isn't just about strength—it's about leadership and responsibility. You have to be smart, wise, and powerful." I state, my tone one of neutrality.
Naruto's grin faltered for a moment as he processed my words, but then he nodded firmly. "I can do that! I'll prove it to everyone!"
Despite his brashness, there was an endearing quality to Naruto's determination, something that got me to smile a bit, "Want me to train you both?"
I didn't have to use any of my back up plans as per normal.
As Naruto processed my offer to train him, his face lit up like a lantern. "Train us? Really? You mean it, Akari-chan?" he asked, practically bouncing on his toes.
Hinata's eyes widened as she looked between us, her expression a mixture of surprise and nervous excitement. "Y-you'd train us, Akari-san?"
I nodded, my expression neutral but my tone carrying a hint of encouragement. "Yes. But if I train you, there are conditions. You both have to take it seriously. No slacking, no complaining. And you have to trust me."
Naruto pumped his fist into the air, his grin stretching ear to ear. "Deal! I'll do whatever it takes to get stronger, dattebayo!"
Hinata hesitated, her fingers fiddling with her scarf. "I… I don't know if I can—"
"You can," I interrupted gently, my gaze meeting hers. "The only thing that can hold you back is not trying at all. Then again, you either do or do not do it, there is no such thing as trying."
Her cheeks flushed, and she gave a small, hesitant nod. "O-okay… I'll try."
Naruto clapped her on the back—perhaps a bit too enthusiastically—making her stumble slightly. "That's the spirit, Hinata! We'll all get stronger together!"
"Good. Then meet me here tomorrow morning at sunrise. We'll start with the basics and work our way up." I gave a confidant smirk.
"Sunrise?" Naruto groaned, scratching the back of his head. "That's so early…"
"Discipline starts with waking up early," I said firmly. "If you want to be Hokage, you can't sleep in."
He sighed dramatically but nodded. "Fine, fine. Sunrise it is."
Hinata gave me a small smile, her hands clasped in front of her. "Thank you, Akari-san. For everything."
"You don't have to thank me Hinata." I say, calmly, "That said, I do need to know your clans training schedules and stuff." That statement was as necessary as my next statement "And there's another thing, you 2 aren't the only one's I'm training. I'm training a girl from my Orphanage who happens to be my best friend, by the name of Shiina."
Naruto tilted his head, curiosity evident in his wide-eyed gaze. "Wait, you're training someone else too? And she's already stronger than most Academy students?"
I nodded. "Yes. Shiina has been training with me for a while now. You can say she's my best friend at this point. She's focused, strong and incredibly skilled thanks to her dedication to training alongside this she's kind, she's quiet, but she isn't reserved. She's not like me in that regard."
Naruto scratched his head, looking both impressed and a little overwhelmed. "Wow, she sounds amazing! I can't wait to meet her! I bet she'll be a great teammate, dattebayo!"
Hinata, meanwhile, seemed even more nervous at the prospect of another person joining their training group. She clutched her scarf tightly and murmured, "I-I hope I won't slow everyone down…"
I placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "Hinata, remember what I said—you're stronger than you think. Training isn't a competition. It's about growth. Each of us has something to work on, and that's okay."
She looked up at me, her lavender eyes shimmering with determination, though a hint of doubt lingered. "O-okay. I'll do my best."
Naruto, as energetic as ever, threw his arms around both of us in a spontaneous group hug. "This is gonna be so awesome! The three of us—and Shiina too—are gonna be the best ninja team ever!"
I gently pried myself free from Naruto's exuberant grip, smoothing out my coat. "One step at a time, Naruto. Tomorrow, we begin. And remember—bring your focus, your energy, and your resolve. No excuses."
He gave me a thumbs-up, his grin as bright as the morning sun. "Got it! See you tomorrow, Akari-chan!"
I nodded, parting ways, I couldn't help but smile at the simplicity of interwoven web I've created. Let's start by breaking down my plan.
Right now, I should not know when Naruto's birthday is, or even that he's treated badly by the Village, therefore, I must establish a bond. Using Hinata as a way to get close to him was the initial step, the second was establishing that trust. I provided him with what he always wanted, what he craved. A friend. This bond also leads to one of his other desire's being fulfilled, his goal of becoming Hokage wasn't promised as the end goal of my training, but in his mind, I had given him the keys to achieving his goals.
And Hinata, well she was a rather simple case. I needed her to get Naruto into my grasp. Thus offering her the same training was perfect. The show of strength from earlier showed her how capable I was and got her to admire me. And then offering that training and accounting for her schedule, alongside adding Shiina. It will get her to see that she can be worth something, whilst still being the anchor that kept Naruto in the palm of my hands. Though my plans have shifted since I got that Quest yesterday.
In a sense, Naruto will have a very close knitted relationship with Hinata. Operation NaruHina will be a success, it won't even take a long time for it to establish itself under my training. Hinata already likes Naruto now, though I might have taken that away a bit, there was no need for Hinata to shift gears and like me instead of Naruto. Why? Because Hinata is straight, she's not Bi in any context, outside Fanfiction, but that's not realistic now is it?
And now, come's Shiina's role. She's a goal post for Naruto and Hinata, friendly competition for them both.
Though my heart ached at the thought of involving Shiina in such plans, it was a requirement.
Winning was everything in this world. And as long as I won in the end, what I did, did not matter.