Naruto's suspicions were spot on. Hayate Gekko was looking for Yugao, aiming to keep her away from Naruto.
Hayate had observed Naruto's interactions with Yugao during her recent visits, noticing the subtle touches and camaraderie that had developed. So, Hayate left a shadow clone behind to warn Naruto, while his real self went to talk to Yugao directly.
Hayate spoke with her, stressing that Naruto, as the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, was strictly off-limits for personal relationships due to Konoha's policies. His ties with anyone could lead to trouble, especially with how close they had become lately. But Yugao dismissed his concerns, confident that she had the Third Hokage's tacit approval to look after Naruto.
As she spent more time with Naruto, she found herself feeling a deep compassion for him, sensing an Asura-like aura that intensified her protective instincts. Her desire to be by Naruto's side stemmed purely from a warrior's wish to guard the weak, an instinct she could no longer ignore.
Rejecting Hayate's demand, she advised him to get to know Naruto better. Their discussion turned into a bitter argument, ending with Hayate storming off, too frustrated to remember his shadow clone.
Moments later, Yugao turned to check on Naruto, only to witness Hayate's clone striking Naruto with a devastating blow that sent him flying, blood splattering through the air. Her face turned pale with shock.
"Hayate Gekko!!"
With a fierce shout, Yugao rushed forward, launching a powerful kick at the clone.
Boom!
Caught off guard, the shadow clone burst into smoke as her kick connected. Meanwhile, the real Hayate, who had already walked some distance away, received the memory feedback from the clone.
"Damn it!" Hayate cursed under his breath, clenching his jaw. "Naruto's not just any kid—he's cunning. I can't let him pull Yugao in like this. If necessary, I'll use force to get her away from him."
But he hesitated, his expression darkening. "No, if I push too hard, Yugao might resent me forever. I can't afford that." Hayate thought carefully, weighing his options. Determined, he changed course toward the Hokage's office.
"I may not be able to intervene directly, but the Hokage surely can. I hope you'll understand someday, Yugao—I'm doing this for your own good."
He planned to report Yugao's secret interactions with Naruto to the Third Hokage, confident that Konoha's leader would step in. After all, Naruto was still just a student in the Academy; no one would believe him if he tried to speak out.
Back with Yugao, she stared at the remnants of the shadow clone, guessing what Hayate must have intended. If he had been there in person, she might have felt guilty, but seeing only the clone's remains, her anger only intensified. A rift now divided her from Hayate, one she feared might never heal.
But now wasn't the time for regrets. She quickly approached Naruto, kneeling beside him to examine his injuries.
"Naruto, are you alright?"
A deep gash stretched from his left shoulder down to his right side, bleeding heavily. If not for the Nine-Tails chakra healing him, he might have been at death's door. Even so, the wound was severe, his face pale and his breathing shallow.
"How could he...?"
Tears filled Yugao's eyes, a mixture of grief for Naruto and fury toward Hayate.
"Yugao…sis…" Naruto's voice was weak as he lay in her arms. "Am I… really that unlikable? Why… why does everyone look at me like I'm a monster? What did I do wrong?"
"It's not your fault!" Yugao hugged him tightly, swiftly carrying him toward the village center. "Don't talk like that. I'm taking you to the hospital right now. No matter what anyone else says, I'll always be by your side."
"Thank you, Yugao-sis… I really… like you…" Naruto managed a faint smile before he passed out.
Holding him close, Yugao felt a surge of regret. If only she hadn't walked away with Hayate, this never would've happened. She pieced together Naruto's words, realizing Hayate's clone must have confronted Naruto about being the Nine-Tails host, fueling his insecurity.
From this day forward, she vowed never to let anyone hurt him again. And as for Hayate, their relationship was now severed. If he dared to harm Naruto once more, she would not forgive him.
Inside the Sealed Space
"Tch, so you went to all this trouble just for an insignificant woman?" the Nine-Tails sneered at Naruto.
The wound, originally minor, had been exaggerated intentionally by Naruto, allowing the Nine-Tails chakra to worsen the injury. This deception was enough to goad Hayate's clone into a careless attack.
Naruto leaned against the Nine-Tails, chuckling. "You wouldn't get it. Love isn't about someone's role in a story."
The Nine-Tails snorted, disgusted. "Keep talking like that, and you'll get no help from me. I am the Nine-Tails, not some love-struck fox!"
Naruto only laughed, ignoring the fox's outburst as he planned his next move.