Chapter 26: Chapter 26
At the end of June, not a single cloud could be seen in the clear blue sky. The midday sun scorched the earth, the river water steamed with heat, and even the air seemed to ripple with warmth.
In this sweltering weather, most people would rather stay indoors with the air conditioning on, enjoying popsicles. But Naruto Uzumaki was a ninja—and a Genin at that—so being sent out on missions by Konoha's taskmaster, Sarutobi Hiruzen, was just another day.
Today's mission involved helping villagers pull weeds and assisting workers in unloading heavy goods. The diligent Sakura and Sasuke split the work between them, while Naruto sneaked away into the shade of a large tree to nap.
Time passed unknowingly. The blazing sun had already shifted far toward the west.
"Naruto-kun~" came a soft, sweet voice whispering in his ear.
Naruto woke up groggily and found a familiar, adorable girl crouched beside him.
She had short black hair, a small straight nose, soft pink lips, and a chubby little face blushing like a freshly steamed bun—tempting to bite. But the strangest thing was her outfit. It was late June, almost July, yet she was still wearing a thick cotton jacket.
Naruto resisted the urge to ask if she was trying to overheat herself on purpose.
Noticing his gaze, the white-eyed girl who'd been sneaking a peek at his face suddenly blushed, toppled backward, and fell into the grass.
"Naruto-kun, you're awake!" she said in a flustered voice.
"Hinata," Naruto greeted softly.
Hinata stood up straight like a startled schoolgirl. "Y-Yes! I'm here!"
Naruto sat up and looked around. No one else was in sight. "Did you come here to see me?"
"Mm-hmm!" Hinata nodded, eyes downcast as she pretended to fiddle with her fingers. But her full attention was on Naruto through her peripheral vision.
"Sensei Kakashi asked me to tell you that your team and Team 10 are having a barbecue dinner tonight. Please be there on time," she said quietly. "Sakura and Sasuke have already been notified."
"Oh, so Kakashi's finally out of detention. Let's go then."
It had been a full week since Kakashi had returned to Konoha from the Land of Waves, after spending two days in a coma. Once he awoke, fearing further attacks by rogue ninja, he rushed back with his students to file his report.
The mission had been upgraded to A-rank and was deemed completed. However, Kakashi had taken his students into a high-risk situation without proper clearance, which nearly led to disaster. For that, the Third Hokage punished him with solitary confinement.
Naruto stood and stretched. "What time's the dinner?"
"Six o'clock."
"What time is it now?"
Hinata paused, her face stiffening. "It's... about six o'clock."
There was a moment of silence. Hinata's blush deepened, spreading to the back of her ears and neck.
She had actually found Naruto at five o'clock, but seeing him sleep so peacefully, she didn't have the heart to wake him. Unfortunately, she had misjudged the time.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" she panicked, bowing quickly.
"Don't apologize." Naruto waved it off with a smile. "Hinata is such a cute girl. I wouldn't blame her for something like that."
"A-ah... Naruto-kun..."
Hinata gasped. His words hit her like a bolt of lightning. Her face turned crimson, and she looked as if she might pass out. She couldn't even form a coherent sentence.
Seeing her overwhelmed, Naruto stopped teasing. He didn't want her to really faint.
"Come on, let's run there together," he said.
"Y-Yeah!" Hinata nodded quickly, eyes still flickering. "Thank you, Naruto-kun."
"Thank me? For what?" Naruto asked, confused.
"No, it's nothing," she stammered, shaking her head vigorously, fists clenched.
Naruto-kun... did you really just say I'm cute?
Her heart raced. She didn't dare ask aloud but tucked the compliment safely in her heart, treasuring it. It reminded her of the time Naruto said he'd marry her after they graduated. Even though she fainted then, she never forgot those words.
One day...
A cool breeze swept by, dispelling some of the heat. The earth seemed to exhale in relief. The trees swayed gently as if welcoming the evening.
Naruto, now jogging, felt refreshed and called out, "Hinata!"
"Huh?" she responded.
"Have you ever thought of wearing something lighter?"
"Change clothes?" she echoed, puzzled.
She had worn this style of clothing for as long as she could remember. Why was Naruto bringing it up now?
Could it be... Naruto-kun wants to see me in different clothes?
Girls' thoughts were always tangled, especially when feelings were involved. Hinata's face flushed again, and she couldn't respond.
Naruto, unaware of the storm he caused, just said kindly, "You're always in that thick jacket. It's probably super hot."
"Mm..." Hinata mumbled, lowering her head.
Naruto sighed. If she didn't feel hot, then fine. He just didn't want to see such a sweet girl melt into a puddle from the heat.
The dinner was held at "Yakiniku Q," a popular barbecue spot in central Konoha. From Genin to the Hokage himself, everyone came here. The place was always packed.
Sometimes, Naruto even wondered if it was secretly owned by the Third Hokage himself—how else could one shop attract this many ninja?
Naruto and Hinata arrived at private room 404. Everyone else was already there.
The three Jonin sat in a row. Kakashi, fresh out of confinement, looked bored and disheveled. Next to him sat the burly Asuma, and beside him was the elegant and striking Kurenai Yuhi.
The boys from Teams 8 and 10 stood on the left. Sasuke, proud and aloof as ever, sat alone on the far right, wanting nothing to do with them.
Sakura and Ino were seated on either side of the entrance, surprisingly not arguing for once.
"Hey, you're finally here," Shikamaru called out lazily. "I've been starving waiting for you."
"Barbecue! Barbecue!" Choji yelled excitedly.
Aburame Shino stood quietly, barely noticeable. Inuzuka Kiba had a cocky smirk and was staring at Naruto with a challenging look.
Ino, who sat closest to the door, turned around and gave Naruto a quick glance. Her expression held a hint of annoyance. After a soft "Hmph," she scooted over to make room for him.
Just as Naruto was about to sit down, Sakura stood up abruptly, grabbed his arm, and pulled him to sit beside her.
"Naruto, you slacker! You ditched me during today's mission again! Am I just a heartless mission bot to you?"
Girl, don't tell me—you actually guessed it right.
Naruto didn't respond, which Sakura took as confirmation. Hinata glanced over and sat beside Ino, clearly disappointed.
Ino, however, was furious.
"Sakura! I thought you liked Sasuke and couldn't stand Naruto! Go sit with Sasuke if you're so obsessed!"