Kaito Akaden (Kaito)

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Kaito Chapter 19 Meeting Hotaru Hyuga

In the midst of a winter's day, the Hidden Leaf Village lay under a pristine blanket of snow, its streets glistening with a quiet serenity. The village had been steadily convalescing under the wise leadership of Minato, who assumed the role of Hokage immediately following the conclusion of the Third Shinobi War.

Amidst this tranquil backdrop, a distinctive pair emerged. Mother and son, both adorned with fiery red hair, made their way toward one of Konoha's parks. The young protagonist, Kaito Uzumaki, a mere four years of age, found himself in a small struggle, his diminutive form being pulled towards the playground with determined insistence by none other than his mother, Kushina.

Resisting the inevitable, Kaito attempted to voice his protest, adamant that his time would be better spent honing his skills through rigorous training rather than indulging in child's play. "Kaa-chan, I don't want to go to the playground. I could use this time to train, you know," he implored, his youthful determination shining through.

Upon hearing Kaito's earnest plea, Kushina gently bonked his head, a playful reprimand for his stubbornness. She reminded him that he had been diligently training every single day. "You've been putting in a lot of effort, sweetheart," she acknowledged.

However, she went on to explain her perspective, believing that a boy his age should also take time to make friends and enjoy some play. "Remember, Kaito, it's important to strike a balance. Making friends and having fun is just as vital as training, you know," she counseled, her voice filled with a mother's warmth and concern.

In response to his mother's advice on socializing, Kaito quickly countered, asserting that he already had friends. "I've got a friend, you know, Kaa-chan. Itachi is my friend," he declared with youthful conviction.

Kushina regarded Kaito with a deadpan expression, her gaze steady and unwavering. With a knowing smile, she gently pointed out, "See, that proves my point, sweetheart. You only have one friend, you know." Her words were delivered with a mix of motherly concern and a touch of playful teasing, emphasizing the importance of broadening his social circle.

After a few more minutes of walking, they finally arrived at the playground nestled within the heart of the Hidden Leaf village. Despite setting foot in the inviting play area, Kaito's determination remained unyielding. He continued to engage in a spirited debate with his mother, determined to make his case.

In a gentle, affectionate tone, Kushina implored Kaito to go and join the other children his age in play. However, when he caught a glimpse of his mother's suddenly stern expression, Kaito's resolve wavered, and he quickly acquiesced.

With a resigned air, Kaito stepped into the playground, surveying the area with a sigh. He walked around, glancing at the various groups of children engaged in their games, a hint of uncertainty in his demeanor.

As Kaito meandered through the playground, he eventually distanced himself from the bustling play area and found solace in the secluded garden. The allure of a particularly inviting tree's shade beckoned him, prompting him to settle in for some rest.

Just as he was about to drift into slumber, a voice unexpectedly emanated from the bushes behind him, jolting him back to alertness.

As Kaito cautiously approached the bushes, his heart sank at the sight that met his eyes. A girl, approximately his age of four, was the target of relentless bullying from three older children, a year or two ahead of him in age. They had her cornered near a tree, their taunts and jeers casting a dark shadow over the serene playground.

Drawing closer to the scene, Kaito took a careful look at the girl. Her midnight blue hair cascaded gracefully to her shoulders, and her eyes, eerily white and pupil-less, bore the unmistakable mark of the Byakugan. The resemblance to Hinata was uncanny, and it struck Kaito profoundly.

Confusion washed over Kaito as he grappled with the inexplicable presence of a girl who so closely resembled Hinata. His thoughts raced, pondering how this could be possible. "She shouldn't be born yet... She wasn't supposed to be born for another year or so," he mused to himself, a mix of astonishment and disbelief coloring his inner dialogue.

Meanwhile, the bullies escalated their torment, hurling hurtful slurs like " white-eyed freak" and pushing the girl forcefully into the tree. The derogatory words stung, carrying a weight that Kaito could feel in his chest.

Unable to bear the cruelty any longer, Kaito steeled himself and stepped forward, determined to intervene. As he approached, he noticed the girl's head bowed, her slight trembles betraying the distress she was enduring. He could only surmise that she must be on the verge of tears. His resolve solidified. He had to help.

Kaito emerged from his hiding spot, his voice carrying a surprising level of determination for a four-year-old. "Hey!" he called out to the bullies, his intention clear. "Why don't you leave her alone?" he demanded.

In his own mind, Kaito believed he sounded quite menacing, but the reality was, his small stature and young age added an unintentional touch of silliness to his bravado.

The bullies, their attention now diverted to Kaito, sneered in response. "What's it to you? Get lost," they spat out, their hostility palpable.

As the girl heard Kaito's defense, her head snapped up, revealing a fiery determination in her eyes. "Stay out of this! I don't need your help. I can take care of them myself!" she declared, her voice resolute with a hint of frustration. Her gaze remained fixed on the bullies, her anger palpable.

Observing her steely resolve, one of the bullies, undeterred, suggested, "Let's teach her a lesson, guys."

In a surprising turn of events, when one of the bullies approached her with intentions to harm, the girl swiftly sprang into action. With surprising agility and strength, she expertly defended herself, leaving the bullies stunned and reeling from the unexpected retaliation. It was a display of courage and skill that spoke volumes about her capabilities.

As the swift and decisive battle unfolded before him, Kaito stood in awe, his astonishment apparent. He couldn't help but recall that the real Hinata possessed a quiet and reserved nature, a far cry from the fierce determination he was witnessing now. He pondered who this girl was and why she bore such a striking resemblance to Hinata.

The confrontation was over in the blink of an eye. The girl's movements were a display of mastery, executing precise and lightning-fast strikes that incapacitated the bullies with seamless efficiency. It was evident to Kaito that she was well-versed in the Hyuga clan's signature taijutsu technique, the Gentle Fist.

With the last of the bullies subdued, the girl turned to leave, her presence marked by an air of self-assuredness and quiet strength. Kaito watched her go, his curiosity piqued, and his mind abuzz with questions about this enigmatic girl who shared such a strong resemblance to someone he knew.

Kaito stepped forward. "Hey," he began, introducing himself with. "I am Kaito Uzumaki. What's your name?" he inquired.

She regarded him for a brief moment, her gaze steady and composed. "I am Hotaru Hyuga, the heiress of the Hyuga clan," she stated, her words carrying a weight of significance. With that, she turned and walked away, leaving.

Dumbfounded, Kaito stood in the aftermath of the encounter, his mind racing with confusion. He knew, from the original story, that Hinata was designated as the Hyuga heiress, with Hanabi being named the successor after Hinata's loss in their battle when she was ten.

Returning to the tree he had initially sought for some respite, Kaito furrowed his brows in deep thought. He sifted through his memories, trying to recall any mention of a Hotaru Hyuga. The name didn't ring any bells. Puzzled, he mused to himself, 'Had she perhaps passed away before the canon events began?' The mystery surrounding Hotaru only deepened the enigma that had unfolded before him.

Lost in his thoughts, Kaito failed to notice the gradual descent of the sun, casting long shadows across the playground as night began to creep in.

As the darkness settled, Kaito's confusion still lingered. He decided it was time to return to his mother, who might be growing worried about his extended absence. He turned back towards the direction of the playground, to reunite with his mother. "Let's head back home, Kaa-chan," he suggested.

On their way back, Kushina noticed her son's preoccupied demeanor and inquired, "So, have you made any friends today, Kaito?"

Still lost in his own thoughts, Kaito inadvertently revealed, "Hmm, I met Hotaru Hyuga."

Upon hearing the girl's name, Kushina couldn't help but tease Kaito relentlessly for the rest of the day and even throughout the entire week. The mention of Hotaru Hyuga seemed to have sparked her curiosity and playful banter.