Naruto: The new beginning

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When I returned to Konoha, I happened to see Gai-sensei doing handstands running around the village.

"What a coincidence, Kakashi." Gai paused mid-handstand, greeting Kakashi while upside down.

"I wouldn't call it a coincidence meeting you anywhere," Kakashi replied absentmindedly, recalling the thoughts he had when he set out.

Naruto squatted down, grinning at Gai. "Gai-sensei, Kakashi-sensei said he wants to challenge you to a one-handed rock climbing contest all day long."

"Nani?!" Gai's eyes widened in disbelief, causing him to lose balance and collapse from his handstand.

Jumping back up without even brushing off the dirt, Gai grabbed Kakashi by the shoulder and shook him excitedly. "Kakashi, is what Naruto said true?"

"Yeah." Kakashi half-heartedly pushed Gai away and nodded.

Tears welled up in Gai's eyes. "You're challenging me willingly, Kakashi? Has your youth finally ignited?"

"Don't make this sound weird, It's not because of something like that," Kakashi sighed. "Whatever. See you at the training grounds tomorrow morning."

Gai gave a thumbs-up. "No problem! My youth will never disappoint my eternal rival!"

"Sure, sure~" Kakashi responded, waving dismissively. "You can keep training, bye."

Gai's expression changed dramatically, and he clasped his head in frustration. "Oh no! I didn't complete the ten laps of handstand running! Now I have to do 2,000 one-handed push-ups! Euch!"

True to his word, Gai immediately dropped down and began doing one-handed push-ups without another word.

Naruto watched Gai, his posture reminding him of a certain hero from one of his favourite games.

Sakura and Sasuke, having seen Gai's eccentricities before, still looked slightly bewildered.

"Let's go. Don't worry about him." Kakashi beckoned, pulling out his book, intending to get through today's reading and catch up on tomorrow's.

After finishing the mission, Naruto returned home to let everyone know he was safe. As he did, he began pondering a math problem:

Kushina is home = Team 8 has no assignments = and Hinata is at home.

Naruto patted his money pouch suspiciously. "Big fox, did you steal my money?"

Kurama lay curled up in the corner of Naruto's mindscape, eyes closed, breathing evenly.

Naruto slapped one of Kurama's paws. "I know you're not asleep! Open your eyes, big fox! If you're capable of spending money, you're capable of opening your eyes!"

Kurama remained silent, and Naruto, frustrated, leapt up and grabbed one of the bijū's whiskers, hanging in the air while swinging back and forth. "When did you spend it, huh?!"

Kurama lazily opened one eye and growled, "You're irritating me, brat..."

Snap. The whisker broke off, and the entire world seemed to freeze.

Naruto, who had fallen to the ground, panicked but quickly got up, bowing a full ninety degrees. "I'm sorry!"

He carefully set the whisker down and took off running.

"Na! Ru! To!!"

This was the first time Kurama had ever roared Naruto's name like that. Naruto felt like this moment should be more touching, but all he could feel was terror.

With Kurama baring his teeth and tails lashing behind him, Naruto had no choice but to surrender, pleading, "Big fox, I was wrong!"

"Are you going to do it again?" Kurama growled menacingly.

"Listen to my explanation—!"

"Explanation is just an excuse!"

"I'm still a kid!"

"Does that mean I shouldn't punish you?"

...

Where did this fox learn all these useless retorts? Oh, wait. Probably from me... Oh no.

After somehow calming down the furious bijū, Naruto made his way to the Hyūga compound.

When he knocked on the door, a maid answered, bowing slightly upon seeing him. "Master Naruto."

"Hey... just call me Naruto." It had been a while since he was called "master." Back when he was younger, whenever people called him that, Minato and Kushina would kindly correct them with a smile. Some customs never change.

The maid, Hyūga Miyo, hesitated for a moment. "Then... Lord Naruto."

"..." Naruto sighed, deciding not to press the matter. "Is Hinata at home?"

"Yes, Miss Hinata is in the study. I'll take you to her." Miyo, knowing Naruto and Hinata's relationship, led him directly to the study.

"Thank you." Naruto had been to the Hyūga estate a few times before, but mostly to the training areas. He wasn't familiar with the study's location.

Miyo knocked gently on the door. "Miss, Lord Naruto is here to visit."

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata's soft voice came from inside, and a few seconds later, the door opened.

Hinata stood there in comfortable home clothes, looking every bit gentle and virtuous.

Miyo bowed slightly and left.

Hinata spoke softly. "When did you return Naruto-kun ?"

Naruto grinned. "I just got back. After letting everyone at home know I was safe, I came straight here. What were you working on?"

'He came straight to see me?' Hinata's heart fluttered with excitement. "I was making pressed flowers."

"Oh, can I see?" Naruto asked, curious.

"Of course. Please come in." Hinata stepped aside to let him enter.

Naruto removed his ninja sandals, genuine Konoha-issued sandals: lightweight, breathable, durable, and odour-resistant. A must-have for any shinobi on missions or at home.

The study was modest, with bookshelves on both sides, filled with scrolls and books. On a table near the shelves lay an unfinished flower press project, surrounded by various flower stems and leaves.

Naruto glanced at Hinata's work. "Is this from the lake we visited last time?"

Hinata nodded shyly. "Yes. The scenery there was beautiful, and I finally found some time to press the flowers."

Naruto smiled. "It looks great! This is the first time I've seen someone do this. Hinata, you should finish it I'd love to watch."

"Eh? But it will take a while... Are you sure it's okay?" Hinata glanced at him, uncertain.

"It's fine! I can watch you for as long as it takes." Naruto teased, his tone playful.

Hinata's face flushed. "W-Why would you say something like that all of a sudden?"

"Heh, let's get started." Naruto pulled a chair next to her and sat down, watching as she resumed her work.

With a sigh, Hinata focused on the project. Her hands moved skillfully, piecing together a delicate scene with careful precision.

Hinata, as a ninja, used her chakra to enhance her work, controlling the flowers with ease. Her dexterity made the process look effortless.

Naruto rested his chin on his hand, watching both the art and Hinata herself.

As Hinata tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, Naruto's heart began to race.

Mom, this girl is something...

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