Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

Ten ghostly silhouettes flickered in the darkness. It was the Akatsuki's Illusionary Projection Technique—used by the leader to hold remote meetings when members were spread out.

As the holograms stabilized, Pein, with his unmistakable Rinnegan eyes, looked directly at Itachi and Kisame.

"How's the mission to capture the Nine-Tails progressing?"

"Not complete yet," Uchiha Itachi replied in a calm, even tone.

"Did you encounter any unusual complications?"

Pein's gaze stayed locked on Itachi. Though Itachi had been with Akatsuki for years, Pein remained cautious of him.

In truth, apart from Konan, Pein didn't truly trust anyone else in the group.

Itachi remained silent.

Instead, Kisame let out an irritated grunt. "I acted too impulsively and attacked before Itachi could join me. If he hadn't shown up in time, I might not be standing here."

That drew a few sarcastic chuckles. One of the virtual figures across from Kisame laughed openly.

"Sounds like you're just weak. How about I handle capturing the Nine-Tails next time, hmm?"

"Shut your mouth, Deidara!" Kisame snapped. "Say one more word and I'll kill you."

"The shark-face who nearly got himself killed is threatening me? Please. Like I'd ever lose to you, hmm!"

Deidara's arrogant tone didn't waver for a second. He clearly didn't fear Kisame at all.

Every Akatsuki member was powerful—and with power came pride. Internal squabbles were common, and betrayals weren't exactly unheard of. Everyone was used to it by now.

"Enough," Pein cut through the bickering. "The reason I called this meeting is to introduce our two new members."

As he finished speaking, two new projections materialized—one tall and one much smaller. The tall one had a massive sword on his back and looked strikingly familiar.

Kisame's eyes narrowed. "Zabuza? Is that you?"

"Long time no see, Kisame," replied Momochi Zabuza.

As two rogue ninjas from the Hidden Mist Village, they knew each other well, and each was familiar with the other's reputation. But neither expected a reunion like this.

"The kid next to you—is he the one you took in back then?" Kisame asked.

"You'd better watch your tone, Kisame," Zabuza replied calmly. "I follow Haku's lead now. Be disrespectful again, and I'll kill you."

"Hah! You kill me? That'll be the day." Kisame chuckled darkly.

"Quiet."

Pein's voice sliced through the tension again.

"They are Zabuza Momochi and Haku, defectors from the Hidden Mist. From now on, they will take over the mission to capture the Nine-Tails."

Elsewhere…

Naruto sat at a table with Ino and the Hyuga sisters, Hinata and Hanabi. For some reason, the atmosphere felt... awkwardly quiet.

Ino glared sideways at Hinata, clearly annoyed. She had been looking forward to a private meal with Naruto, and now—thanks to these two—her date was ruined.

With familiar faces around, it didn't feel romantic at all.

Especially since Hinata kept stealing glances at Naruto. Ino wanted to snap and ask if she needed glasses.

Hanabi, Hinata's younger sister, sat beside them watching the awkward dynamic with interest. Her skin tone was a little darker than Hinata's, and her small legs swung back and forth from her seat.

"Are you two siblings?" Hanabi asked suddenly.

The table fell silent. The question caught them all off guard.

Hinata realized she hadn't introduced anyone yet.

"This is my younger sister, Hanabi," Hinata said, turning to Naruto and Ino.

Naruto nodded politely. He remembered Hanabi well—especially from what she would become years down the line.

Ino had also heard the name. Hanabi's reputation as a prodigy of the Hyuga clan had spread far. She was said to have even surpassed her older sister in combat skills—at a much younger age.

"Hanabi, this is Naruto-kun and Ino-chan. They're my classmates, not family."

"Oh, I see. So you're not related. Hello!"

Unlike her shy sister, Hanabi was open and cheerful. She waved enthusiastically at both of them.

Ino leaned forward, curious. "Hanabi, why did you think Naruto and I were siblings?"

"Because you look alike."

"???"

Naruto and Ino exchanged glances.

You know what? Hanabi wasn't wrong. They did look a little similar. Both had fair skin, and Naruto's hair—uncut for a while—was longer and straighter than usual. Sitting side-by-side, they really could pass for brother and sister.

Ino wasn't pleased. She corrected her with a smirk. "Really? My eyes are emerald green, and his are ocean blue. Plus, our hair's different—his is a lighter blond."

"You notice a lot of details, Ino-neechan," Hanabi said sweetly.

That completely derailed Ino's confident train of thought.

She turned to find Naruto smiling at her.

Ugh. So embarrassing.

Why did I just analyze a boy's features like that? I'm the girl here!

"Thanks for the observation, Ino-chan," Naruto said with a teasing tone.

Ino looked flustered, glancing around nervously. "Don't flatter yourself. I look at everyone carefully. It's just a habit."

"Oh? I see…" Naruto sighed dramatically. "Here I thought you were the one who cared about me most. Guess I overestimated myself."

He called her "Ino-chan" again. That sent a subtle thrill through her—but she clenched her jaw in frustration.

You idiot, Naruto! Can't you tell I'm embarrassed here?!

Meanwhile, Hinata watched the exchange silently, a soft pang in her chest.

When did Naruto-kun and Ino-chan get so close?

Hanabi narrowed her eyes. Something didn't sit right with her.

This Naruto guy… what does my sister see in him anyway? Besides being kind of cute?

She made up her mind to test him.

A moment later, steaming hot bowls of ramen arrived.

"I'm going to start now," Naruto said cheerfully.

Like many noble clans, the Hyuga girls followed strict table manners—no talking while eating. As a result, Ino stayed quiet, too, and Naruto found himself eating in silence.

After a few bites, he reached for the spoon to sip some soup… only to notice Hinata's bowl was already empty—including the broth.

"Hinata? Where'd it all go?"

"I… I finished," she said, cheeks tinged with pink. She felt a little self-conscious about eating so quickly.

"You're already done?"

Just as she tried to make an excuse, Hanabi chimed in loudly: "My sister can eat ten bowls of these noodles, easy."

"No way!" Ino said, wide-eyed. "That's almost like Choji's level!"

Hinata's face turned bright red, and her eyes shimmered slightly with embarrassment.

"That's amazing, Hinata!" Naruto clapped with admiration. "Girls who can eat well usually have strong chakra. They're beautiful too!"

"Really?" Hinata looked up, her voice almost a whisper.

"Absolutely! Take Lady Tsunade, for example—one of the Legendary Sannin. She's like that. I really admire her."

Hinata: "(////)"

Hanabi: "(.)"

Ino: "w(Д)w"

Ino looked like she was ready to flip the entire table.

Did he just say he LIKES Tsunade? In front of me?! Ughhh, Naruto, you absolute moron!

That's when Hanabi asked the question on everyone's mind:

"So Naruto-nii, you like my sister, right? Not Ino-nee with the small appetite?"

!?

Naruto blinked. This brat… is she trying to mess with me?

Suddenly, a system-like voice echoed in his mind.

[Passive Selection Triggered!]

Hanabi has asked a direct question. Time to define your relationship. Choose wisely:

Like Yamanaka Ino – Reward: Mental Power x2

Like Hyuga Hinata – Reward: Chakra x2

Like Hanabi Hyuga – Reward: Taijutsu Skills x2

Like Tsunade Senju – Reward: Physical Strength x2

Ugh… this again? No matter what I choose, someone's feelings get hurt.

As the three girls stared expectantly, Naruto stood up solemnly and declared, "I like Ino."

Joy bloomed in Ino's chest.

Hinata's heart cracked a little.

Hanabi scowled. Seriously?

But then Naruto added, "I like Hinata, too."

"…???"

The three girls all stared in confusion.

Naruto wasn't done.

"And little Hanabi is adorable. And of course, Lady Tsunade—I admire her a lot."

He folded his arms and concluded, "To put it simply—I like all pretty girls."

Naruto hated making choices. In his eyes, only kids were forced to choose. Grown men? They wanted everything.

Besides, he wasn't one to lie about his feelings. Just like with Sakura before—he said what was in his heart.

Too bad there were only four options. If Kurenai or Yūgao had been included, that would've meant two more rewards.

The table fell dead silent.

Ino: "Scumbag!"

Hanabi: "Pervert!"

Hinata: "Naruto-kun, I'm sorry… Hanabi and I need to leave now."