Naruto Birdcage

It was raining again, and the cold wind kept blowing into the room.

Makoto moved the table to the door, sitting inside while watching the rain sweep in from outside.

Each time a drop of rain swept in, he used his finger to release a small burst of chakra to deflect it.

But the rain was heavy, with tiny, fine droplets, most of the rain still falling on the table and hitting him.

Makoto paid no attention, focusing entirely on his task, adjusting the amount of chakra he released over and over again.

The sensation of controlling chakra was quite unique, like using his arm and fingers.

He could clearly feel its flow within his body and direct it to any part of his body, releasing it from anywhere, though some areas weren't as familiar as his hands.

Only when his chakra was nearly exhausted did he stop.

He moved the table back, wiped it down with a cloth, closed the door, and took a shower.

Chakra recovery was very slow, or at least that was how it seemed to Makoto.

Chakra was a mixture of mental and physical energy, and when it was exhausted, physical stamina would also greatly decrease.

To increase chakra reserves, one could only practice diligently day after day.

Training and practicing chakra control were much more interesting than the monotonous physical training, almost like playing a farming simulation game.

Every day, he could feel progress and his control over chakra deepening.

Perhaps because Makoto was just starting to grasp the basics, there was still plenty of room for improvement.

While Makoto was lying on the sofa, reading a book and listening to the rain after taking a shower, Iroha suddenly appeared at his door, drenched in rain.

He said he wanted to invite Natsu out for a meal alone, but she had rejected him and asked Makoto for advice.

Makoto didn't want to deal with kids and their romantic problems and immediately replied that he had never even held a girl's hand, so he couldn't help.

He wondered what this kid would think if he knew that Ayari had once tried to set him up with Natsu.

Iroha didn't seem too disappointed.

Instead, he poured out his troubles to Makoto, saying that Natsu's attitude toward him was very ambiguous.

He believed Natsu liked him but had been unable to find an opportunity to take things further.

He thought perhaps his approach was wrong, which was why Natsu kept being so distant.

He wasn't sure how to express his feelings in a way that Natsu would accept.

Makoto found it amusing—this kid was far too confident in himself.

He told Iroha, "If she's not taking the initiative, it means she doesn't feel the same way."

Iroha didn't quite understand and looked at Makoto with a puzzled expression.

"Are you saying I should just directly confess?"

Makoto: "..."

Iroha began muttering to himself.

"You're right. No amount of subtle hints can be as straightforward as confessing directly.

Natsu's a girl, so even if she knows how I feel, she might be too shy to respond."

Makoto: "..."

Iroha suddenly brightened up. "Makoto, you're so smart!"

Makoto could only reply, "You could give it a try."

Iroha seemed encouraged by this and immediately stood up with a slightly excited expression. "I get it! I'll go right now!"

Makoto couldn't help but interject, "Right now? It's raining."

The rain was quite heavy, and the ground was already covered in shallow puddles.

"Confessing in the rain makes it even more romantic!"

Iroha's face was full of longing, as if he had already envisioned a sweet and happy future.

Makoto: "..."

Iroha then excitedly dashed out into the rain, leaving Makoto speechless as he watched his silhouette gradually blur in the downpour.

That kid didn't even bother to close the door.

Children tend to grow close quickly.

After their recent interactions, the two had become more familiar with each other than before.

Among their peers in the clan, Makoto was the only one home alone these days.

Iroha, unwilling to tarnish his "big brother" image by discussing such matters with Tokimasa and Tetsu, chose to confide in Makoto instead.

Later that evening, the rain still hadn't stopped when Iroha returned, looking utterly defeated.

Makoto took one look and knew what had happened.

Without bothering to ask, he simply said, "Don't get my floor all wet."

Iroha took off his shoes and slumped onto the sofa with a heavy sigh.

"Why… why…" he muttered bitterly, his voice full of resentment.

Makoto continued reading his book, not even glancing up.

"Makoto…" Iroha couldn't help but speak.

"Hmm."

"Why do you think Natsu wouldn't accept me?"

"How would I know?"

Iroha looked troubled.

When he confessed to Natsu in front of her house, standing in the pouring rain, she had simply replied calmly that she wasn't interested in dating for the time being.

Suddenly, something seemed to occur to him, and he muttered.

"Could it be because of Hakumen?"

Hyuga Hakumen?

Makoto recalled the name.

He was also someone their age from the clan but currently stationed on the frontlines.

Iroha clapped his hands as if having an epiphany.

"I get it now! Natsu must be worried that being with me would affect my relationship with Hakumen!"

Makoto: "…"

From the sound of it, this Hyuga Hakumen must also have feelings for Natsu.

Iroha immediately turned to Makoto and asked, "Makoto, what do you think?"

His eyes were full of hope, as if he was eager for Makoto's agreement.

Makoto: "I think… you've got a point."

Iroha was overjoyed. "Natsu really is so gentle and considerate!"

He then added, "When the war is over and Hakumen returns, I'll have a proper talk with Natsu. That guy Hakumen might have feelings for Natsu, but there's no way she'd like him."

Who knew where his confidence came from, but Iroha seemed very pleased with his own reasoning.

Looking at Makoto, who was still engrossed in his book, Iroha's eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Hey, Makoto, how about I introduce you to a few girls?"

"No thanks." Makoto declined flatly, thinking to himself, If you know any beautiful Onee-san, maybe then I'd be interested.

He had absolutely no interest in kids.

Iroha immediately assumed the air of a self-proclaimed expert.

"Girls are actually easy to understand.

As long as you're willing to put in some thought and time, you'll win them over eventually."

Makoto glanced at him sideways.

"And you've managed to win someone over?"

Iroha was momentarily at a loss for words, then quickly replied, "Natsu is different from other girls! Besides, we're not in a rush."

Makoto said, "Childhood sweethearts, huh."

Iroha nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly!"

Makoto sighed inwardly.

Girls mature faster than boys, especially someone like Natsu, who is both beautiful and adorable.

Even ten of Iroha wouldn't stand a chance against her.

After chatting aimlessly at Makoto's place for a while, Iroha noticed that Makoto showed no intention of offering him dinner.

Realizing this, he left.

Outside, the night was deep, and the heavy rain poured relentlessly, hammering against the glass and window frames.

After a whole day of reading, Makoto stretched, then looked out the window at the tree swaying violently in the storm.

The wind and rain lashed at it, making it seem as if it might snap or topple at any moment.

Orochimaru must have set out by now…

In this kind of weather, it would be the perfect time for a night raid.

In such circumstances, how far will Konoha be pushed?

End of chapter

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