Chapter 28 :- Hyuga clan

Chapter 28 :- Hyuga clan

Naruto's body rested, but his mind was active as he entered his mindscape. He found Kurama lounging on a plush, oversized couch, engrossed in a book on electronics. The sight of the mighty Nine-Tails fox, adorned with oversized reading glasses perched on his snout and a pipe clutched in one paw, was an amusing one.

Kurama glanced up from his book as Naruto approached, his deep voice rumbling through the mindscape. "I thought you were learning to become a doctor and died young in your previous life," he said. "So why do you have books on machines and all this non-medical stuff?"

Naruto sat down across from him, crossing his legs. "Well, I was an orphan with poor health, which made me want to become a doctor. Older kids bullied me, so I spent most of my time in the library to avoid them. I only came out to eat and do chores at the orphanage. When I started school, I spent all my free time in the school's library. I graduated early and went to college at age nine, learning everything I could. I won many prizes and scholarships. After that, I went to medical college and learned everything about human anatomy, different ailments, and their treatments. All you see is the knowledge I gathered from age three to twelve."

Kurama hummed thoughtfully, then teased, "So, you were a bookworm and a nerd, huh?"

Naruto smirked. "Yeah, something like that. I guess you could say I lived in the library. It was my sanctuary from all the chaos."

Kurama put down his book and stretched, his massive tails flicking lazily. "Why are you here now, though?"

"Hinata's birthday is this week," Naruto said.

Kurama's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Oh? Planning a romantic gesture for the Hyuga heiress?"

Naruto sighed. "I'm not romantically interested in a child. What I'm worried about is the Kumo incident and the death of Hizashi Hyuga. Is it going to happen on this birthday or in the future? If it's this birthday, what can I do to prevent it?"

Kurama raised an eyebrow. "Why do you want to prevent it? Why take a risk at this stage?"

"Neji is one of the most interesting characters from this story. If I can protect him from going into darkness, then it's worth it."

Kurama snorted. "Cut the crap. Tell me the real reason."

"Okay, okay. Hinata has the purest form of Byakugan, but only after Neji. A clan that enslaves its own people will never admit that a 'slave' has the purest Byakugan. Think about it, his talents must be so high they have to acknowledge them in front of the village. Plus, you shouldn't say bad things about him. He's a branch Hyuga forced to stay in line because of a seal."

Kurama contemplated his words. "You're going to free me, right?"

"As soon as I establish the fact that I will survive after the extraction, I will free you."

Kurama nodded. "Okay, but kid, you can't do anything in the Hyuga matter. You need to be at least Jonin level to counter the Kumo envoys."

Naruto's expression hardened. "Kumo's actions are despicable. Kidnapping little girls is not just politically wrong, it's morally repugnant. How many more children have they kidnapped? How many more will they take in the future if we don't stop them? This has to end, if not now, then definitely in the future. They can't be allowed to continue this cycle of terror."

Kurama's eyes narrowed, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "I get it, Naruto. Their actions are beyond reprehensible. But taking them on is a massive risk."

"Or maybe I need the help of someone who is at least at a Kage-level existence," Naruto said, his gaze shifting to a red door in the mindscape.

Kurama followed his gaze and his expression softened. "That door... Naruto, are you ready for that?"

Naruto sighed deeply. "I don't know. It's not dangerous, but opening it means facing her... facing my mother."

Kurama's eyes were filled with understanding. "You've been avoiding it because of guilt, haven't you?"

Naruto nodded slowly. "Yeah. It's been hard. Knowing she's there and not being able to face her... It's just something I haven't been ready for."

Kurama's voice was gentle. "You don't have to rush it. When you're ready, you'll open that door. And she'll be there for you."

Naruto took a deep breath, then refocused on the task at hand. "Right now, we need to deal with the Hyuga matter. We'll have to be prepared for anything."

Kurama nodded. "The Hyuga are a proud clan, and the Kumo envoys won't back down without a fight if they do show up."

Naruto nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I know. But we have to try. Neji's fate and the future of the village depend on it."

Kurama sighed, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Alright, Naruto. Let's do this. We'll need a solid plan and some powerful allies."

Naruto grinned. "When have I ever backed down from a challenge?"

Kurama laughed, the sound echoing through the mindscape. "True. You've always been stubborn. Just make sure that stubbornness doesn't get us both killed."

Naruto's grin widened. "Don't worry, Kurama. I've got this."

With that, the two of them began to formulate their plan, their minds working in sync. Naruto knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but with Kurama by his side and the determination burning within him, he was ready to face any challenge.

The red door in the mindscape stood as a reminder of a personal challenge yet to be faced, but also as a symbol of hope and the possibility of reconciliation. Naruto took a deep breath, steeling himself for the battles to come. He would act on what he felt was the right thing to do, not out of personal attachment, but because it was the right course of action. He had no friends yet, but he was determined to forge a path where justice and fairness prevailed, no matter what it took.