Chapter 27: Lee Recovers and Visiting Hinata
Before handing Lee the healing potion, Naruto's confidence didn't waver. After all, he had already received a significant reward once before—his chakra had increased tenfold. He trusted the sky's gifts completely, believing they would never deceive him.
The room fell silent as Lee and Shikamaru exchanged uncertain glances. Then, Lee broke the tension.
"Let me try it!" Lee said firmly, his eyes burning with determination.
He was ready to bet everything—his future, his dreams, and his belief that hard work could surpass natural talent.
Naruto and Shikamaru looked at him for a long moment, then Naruto nodded. Opening the vial, he carefully poured the green liquid into a cup.
A fresh, invigorating aroma filled the air as the potion shimmered with a vibrant energy that seemed to touch their very souls.
Lee, hesitant for only a moment, lifted the cup and drank it in one gulp.
Suddenly, his face flushed red. Before anyone could react, he stomped his foot hard on the ground.
BAM!
"I'm healed!!"
Naruto and Shikamaru stared in shock as Lee tested his legs, stretching and moving with perfect ease.
"No way..." Shikamaru murmured, eyes wide.
"It worked! That potion really worked!" Naruto cheered, clapping his hands together.
Lee looked down at his fully functioning legs, tears streaming down his face. "Naruto-kun... thank you!"
Before Naruto could react, Lee lunged forward, hugging him tightly as tears of joy flowed freely.
"Hey, hey! It's nothing, really!" Naruto tried to wriggle out of Lee's iron grip, but it was impossible.
Shikamaru, ever the cautious one, spoke up. "We should still have a doctor examine him. Just to be sure."
Lee and Naruto agreed, and they quickly found a professional to conduct a full check-up.
The doctor was astounded. "This is incredible. Injuries of this severity… healed completely? Unbelievable!"
With confirmation from the doctor, Lee was officially discharged from the hospital.
"Naruto, how many times can that potion be used?" Shikamaru asked.
"Twice more. Why?" Naruto replied.
Shikamaru's expression turned serious. "Listen carefully, Naruto. Don't let anyone else know you have this. If word gets out, it could cause you a lot of trouble. People might go to great lengths to get it."
Naruto blinked, scratching his head. "Really? That sounds annoying."
Shikamaru sighed. "Just be smart about it, okay?"
Naruto nodded but soon perked up. "Oh! There's somewhere else I need to go!"
The Hyuga estate was grand and imposing, its architecture radiating elegance and power.
"Hinata was injured too. Since this potion is so amazing, I'll use it to help her as well," Naruto said with a smile.
Shikamaru sighed, already regretting his earlier advice. "I just said to keep it quiet, Naruto..."
Led by a servant, Naruto, Shikamaru, and Lee entered the compound. Naruto couldn't help but gawk at the size of the estate.
Hyuga clan members training nearby turned their pale eyes toward the group, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
"Isn't that the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki?" one whispered.
"Why is he here?"
Their stares made Naruto uncomfortable, but he tried to ignore it.
The servant stopped at a quiet courtyard and gestured toward Hinata, who was sitting on a bench with a young girl by her side. The girl had the same pale eyes—a younger Hyuga, clearly curious about the visitors.
"Hinata-sama is here. Please excuse me," the servant said before leaving.
Naruto waved cheerfully. "Yo, Hinata!"
Hinata froze at the sound of his voice. She turned slowly, her eyes widening when she saw Naruto.
Her face turned bright red, and she froze in place, unsure if this was real or just her imagination.
"Hinata... your face is red. Are you still hurt?" Naruto asked as he approached, his tone filled with concern.
Hinata's blush deepened. Her mind raced, her heart pounding. "Naruto-kun... is here... at my house...!"
Steam practically rose from her head as she stammered, "Th-thank you for your concern, Naruto-kun."
Naruto tilted his head, puzzled. "You sure you're okay? Your face is super red..."
Shikamaru, standing behind Naruto, sighed and shook his head. "Unbelievable. Only Naruto..."
Meanwhile, Hinata felt a mix of joy and embarrassment. The boy she admired so deeply was finally noticing her.