How Kurama Leads Naruto Astray

"I like you, Hinata." Naruto didn't respond to Kurama's words and continued to speak firmly, "But not in that way. So... can you wait a little longer for me?" 

Kurama's raging chakra stopped. 

Hinata stood there in a daze, unable to believe what she had just heard, her face filled with confusion. 

Naruto grinned and gave a thumbs-up: 

"When I was confused, it was you who helped me find my way, so don't be confused. Like is like, and dislike is dislike. Although I really didn't want to admit it, it seems that my feelings for Sakura are really a bit different." 

"So, please wait." 

"I will catch up to you. I won't be confused, I won't look back. When I catch up and stand beside you, when I really understand my feelings, I will stand in front of you and tell you loud and clear: I like you." 

"So, please wait. Wait for the moment when I catch up to you and stand by your side with the same feelings." 

"Okay?" 

A bright light shone on them, like a holy and pure archway draped in white, and Naruto smiled, his face full of sincerity and determination. Everyone knew he wasn't joking. 

Hinata's face remained flushed, but now, the redness had a completely different meaning. She covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes, filled with surprise and emotion. 

Kurama withdrew his overflowing chakra, puffed his cheeks, and muttered, "Minato, your son's emotional intelligence is definitely higher than yours." 

On the roof, Kakashi smiled as he put away his *Icha Icha Paradise* and glanced at Naruto with satisfaction before disappearing. 

From the shadows of the house, nine pairs of eyes glimmered, watching the scene. Three of them were full of emotion, hugging themselves as if Naruto was confessing to them. 

"I can! I can!" Ino excitedly grabbed Chouji, who could only gasp in surprise, too scared to move. Shikamaru silently distanced himself from Ino, looking up at the sky with a defeated expression: "Women are really troublesome." 

Tenten, blushing, would occasionally glance at Neji, whose emotionless face hid a deep smile. He was also holding back Lee, who looked like he was ready to burst out with youthful energy. 

Kiba and Shino helped Neji hold down a small Lin, and Shino calmly pressed a cloth over Lee's mouth, leaving only his nostrils exposed. 

Sakura looked at Hinata's face, filled with envy—not because Naruto confessed to her, but because the person she liked was working hard to like her back. Even though the ending wasn't decided, the feelings at this moment were not fake. 

"I didn't expect Naruto to say something so romantic." Sakura chuckled softly. 

"I really underestimated him." Ino grabbed Neji's sleeve, pulling so hard it seemed like she was trying to rip it off. "Okay, I admit, he's a little handsome, but that won't change who I think is the most handsome." 

Ino didn't care about that. She was so excited she looked like she was about to jump out of her seat: "Hinata, say yes! Hurry and say yes! You can't? I'll do it! I can!" 

"Woof~" Akamaru lightly barked, wagging his tongue. Kiba nodded approvingly, "Akamaru is right. It's really enviable. Naruto, this kid... hmm, when we go back, I'm going to eat three bowls of rice!" 

"Woof!" Akamaru barked again, and Kiba nodded, "Of course, we'll eat together!"

Shino adjusted his glasses. "Naruto's future will be tough. If you ask why, it's because Hinata is the daughter of the Hyuga clan. Even if Hinata agrees, Naruto won't be able to satisfy the Hyuga clan without strong power. Eventually, Naruto and Hinata will have to part ways…" 

With a whoosh, all eight people turned their gaze to Shino. 

Never having felt so much attention, Shino froze, stumbling over his words. "Uh, I, I was just saying a possibility." 

"Take it back." Ino and Tenten squinted at Shino, their eyes filled with hostility. 

Shino: "..." 

"Sorry." The next moment, Shino bowed to apologize, standing up only after the two girls huffed and turned away. He wiped the cold sweat off his forehead and thought to himself, "Shikamaru was right, women really are troublesome." 

Meanwhile, Hinata lowered her hand from her mouth. The surprise faded from her face, leaving only shyness. 

She didn't dare look at Naruto, so she lowered her head and fiddled with her fingers. "Naruto-kun, I will… always wait for you." 

"I will catch up to you, definitely." Naruto clenched his fist firmly. 

"Mm~" Hinata nodded gently, her voice barely a whisper that even she couldn't hear. 

Under the pure white archway, the young couple made their promise, the light breeze pushing them forward. 

In the midst of their confusion, Naruto took a step forward and, guided by the gentle wind, reached out and pulled Hinata into an embrace. 

A second later, Naruto released her, smiling as he spoke: "I have to go now." 

A serious promise, unforgettable; a simple hug, brief but meaningful; an ordinary sentence, ringing in the ears. 

Hinata stared blankly at Naruto until the light breeze, carrying the soft fabric, brushed her face. She smiled brightly, more radiant than ever, filled with joy: "Be careful on your way." 

Kurama: "..." 

Alright, mission accomplished, I get it. 

I get it, but... my inner girl feels betrayed~ 

Kurama pressed his hand to his chest and punched the seal on the door in frustration. "Minato, look at you! Without the help of a Kumogakure ninja, you couldn't even get close to Kushina! And now look at your son! He's saying everything, but nothing at all! This move, playing hard to get—who can handle this?!" 

"Jerk! Playboy! Heartbreaker! Naruto! I've misjudged you!" 

Ah, though that's what he's saying, Naruto really is serious, everyone knows his personality. 

But still! 

Kurama pouted, unimpressed, with his two lemons never removing his mask. 

In the distance, Hinata's smile was incredibly bright, while Naruto, without another word, turned and walked out of Konohagakure. It felt as though everything had frozen at that moment, and the answer to the story hadn't yet arrived. 

Naruto didn't choose to refuse or accept. He chose to face Hinata's feelings and made the decision to understand them, to catch up and walk beside her, until he had feelings for her just like she did for him. At that point, he could choose to accept or reject, from the same position as Hinata. 

However, by then, there wouldn't really be a choice but to accept. After all, when Naruto finally catches up to Hinata, the way she feels about him will be exactly how he feels about her. Only then, will they be able to truly be together as equals. 

Not right now, where he might accept out of pity for Hinata, or reject her out of fear. 

Yes, the ending doesn't lie in this moment, and it's never up to just one person to decide. 

Hinata watched Naruto's back as a tear slowly fell from the corner of her eye. "Naruto-kun…" 

Stepping out of Konohagakure's gates, Naruto faced the sunlight and the breeze ahead, his smile shining brightly. "Hinata…" 

They had made their promise. 

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