HINATA IS BROKEN

Where the leaves dance, so too does the fire. The fire's light will continue to illuminate the village, inspiring new leaves to sprout.

This philosophy embodies the Will of Fire, a core principle of Konoha Village. At the opening ceremony for new students at the Ninja Academy, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, delivered this speech with conviction:

"Young people are the hope of the future. The older generation should trust and protect them. Our sacrifices are not in vain but serve to inspire the youth to become the pillars of the next era."

The students, many with wide, curious eyes, listened intently, except for one. Uzumaki Naruto sat at his desk, visibly unimpressed.

"So, the old man is the Hokage? That guy who buys me fish and talks about the Will of Fire all the time?" Naruto thought, a flicker of irritation crossing his face.

The concept of the Will of Fire was foreign to him. How could he believe in something that contradicted his own lived experiences? The so-called unity and care it symbolized were entirely absent in how the villagers treated him.

---

A Clash of Worlds

Naruto's disdain didn't go unnoticed.

"Did you see Naruto's face just now? Disrespectful!"

"Yeah, how can he not be inspired by the Will of Fire speech?"

Meanwhile, the screen showcasing alternate-world events elicited mixed reactions.

Onoki chuckled, "The old monkey's philosophy doesn't seem to work on that Naruto."

Fourth Raikage added, "In fact, it's backfiring. The boy associates it with his own painful experiences."

Terumi Mei nodded thoughtfully. "It's no wonder. When Iruka or the Hokage speaks of unity and family, all Naruto likely recalls is isolation and scorn."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turned grim. Perhaps I've failed him more than I realized.

In contrast, the Uzumaki Naruto in the present timeline had a different demeanor. His classmates observed him carefully.

Haruno Sakura broke the silence. "Naruto, were you always this... uninterested?"

Naruto scratched his head, confused. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Sasuke smirked. "Typical. He probably slept through the whole thing. I bet he doesn't even know what the Will of Fire is."

Naruto growled, "Tch! Who cares about that! I'll still protect my friends, no matter what!"

Uzumaki Kushina, Naruto's mother, intervened. "Alright, enough bickering. Different circumstances lead to different perspectives."

---

Shuriken Practice

Iruka clapped his hands, bringing the students' focus back. "Alright, class. Today, we're reviewing shuriken-throwing techniques. Everyone, follow me to the playground!"

Naruto perked up. Finally, something exciting. He joined the crowd heading outside.

Iruka addressed the group. "We'll practice one by one. When I call your name, step forward and show us what you've got."

The first name on the list was Aburame Shino.

Shino adjusted his sunglasses and replied calmly, "Sensei, our clan relies on insects rather than tools like shuriken."

The class murmured in awe and unease.

"Bugs? That's creepy!"

"Shino's family must be really unique…"

Iruka, flustered, moved on. "Alright, next up: Inuzuka Kiba!"

Kiba stepped forward confidently with his dog, Akamaru, perched on his head. "We're a team, Sensei. Akamaru and I don't really need shuriken."

"Woof!" Akamaru barked in agreement.

Naruto tilted his head, intrigued. So, every clan has its own specialties? That's kinda cool.

The murmurs grew louder as the students discussed the quirks of the ninja clans. Naruto, who had no knowledge of his own family, felt a pang of longing. What kind of family did I come from?

---

Sasuke Takes the Stage

Suddenly, a sharp, arrogant voice interrupted. "Hmph, relying on gimmicks instead of skill? Ridiculous."

All eyes turned to Uchiha Sasuke, who stepped forward with a confident smirk.

"Watch and learn."

With a flick of his wrist, Sasuke threw three shuriken.

Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh!

The shuriken flew straight and true, hitting the bullseye with precision.

Thud-thud-thud!

The students erupted in cheers.

"Wow! Sasuke is amazing!"

"As expected of the Uchiha clan. They're geniuses!"

Naruto crossed his arms and scowled. "Tch. Show-off."

The girls in the class, however, were captivated.

"Sasuke-kun is so cool!"

"Did you see that? Bullseye!"

"Uchiha Sasuke, you're the best!"

Even Naruto couldn't deny Sasuke's skill. But instead of admiration, it fueled his determination. Someday, I'll outshine that smug jerk.

---

A Moment of Reflection

As the practice session continued, Naruto observed his classmates' unique abilities. From Shikamaru's strategic thinking to Hinata's gentle resolve, he realized everyone had something that made them special.

But what about me?

This thought lingered as the session came to an end. While the others celebrated their progress or Sasuke's show-stopping performance, Naruto stayed behind, throwing shuriken at the target in silence.

Iruka approached him. "Naruto, don't be so hard on yourself. Skill comes with practice."

Naruto turned to him, his usual cheeky grin masking his frustration. "Don't worry, Sensei. I'll keep practicing until I'm the best!"

Iruka smiled, patting him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit. Keep at it, Naruto."

---

The Will to Improve

As the day ended, Naruto walked home alone, deep in thought. Watching his classmates succeed had been both inspiring and painful.

I'll show them. I'll prove to everyone that I'm not just some nobody.

He clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes.

Back at the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Naruto from afar.

Perhaps he doesn't fully understand the Will of Fire yet, he thought. But in his own way, he's embodying it.

The old Hokage smiled. "You'll be fine, Naruto. You're stronger than you realize."

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