Chapter 206

In the early days of Hinata's childhood, Naruto left a profound everlasting impact on her, although he himself remained oblivious to it.

The enigma surrounding the unfortunate boy piqued her curiosity, prompting her to question why so many harbored animosities toward him within the village.

Despite the village's disdain for Naruto, Hinata found herself inexplicably drawn to the unlucky boy.

This confusion deepened as her own family forbade her from engaging with Naruto, cautioning her against getting too close to what they viewed as a threat for their clan and village.

Hinata couldn't comprehend why her family discouraged her from interacting with him or getting too close, akin to treating him like a potential disaster.

It was reminiscent of a time when Naruto was just a child, viewed as a contagious plague by many.

Similar to a contagion that could unleash calamity at any moment, Naruto was shunned, and Hinata's perplexity only intensified.

This situation stirred helping instincts within her, a protective urge toward the outcast child who seemed to bear the weight of the village's disdain.

It made her more intrigued and interested towards Naruto.

As time passed, Hinata's younger sister, Hyuga Hanabi, entered the picture, her birth seemed to shift the dynamics within the family.

Despite initially being cherished and loved by all, Hinata's status took a plunge and faced a steep decline after losing a duel to Hanabi.

The family elders, attributing Hanabi's dominance to destiny.

They were convinced that Hanabi was destined to overshadow her older sister.

So, this led to increasing disappointment in Hinata, cementing her inferior position in the clan.

In the midst of these things, Hinata faced her own battles, as she was bullied by the students at the academy due to her introverted nature.

She endured these challenges, and though growing up in this hostile environment, she still managed to develop an introverted yet resilient personality,

She resisted being consumed by the negativity around her.

Considering her circumstances, this was already a commendable outcome.

The genesis of Hinata's feelings for Naruto lay in her childhood curiosity and an inexplicable lack of affection from anyone around her.

It paved the way for her deeper feelings towards Naruto.

Despite being overshadowed by her sister and enduring personal struggles.

Hinata had a long-standing crush on Naruto.

The subtle crush she had for him remained hidden, held captive by her shy demeanor, just because of that she could never confess her true feelings for him.

Now, in the present, the scene unfolded in the battlefield where Deva Path relentlessly shattered black rods of Chakra receivers, thrusting them into Naruto's body.

Each insertion brought searing pain to Naruto's shoulders, waist, and legs. Groans escaped him, a testament to the agony he endured.

Yet, in the face of this torment, Naruto's mind remained surprisingly composed.

Observing the situation, he pondered the motive behind Pain's attack not harming him much, questioning the intention behind Pain's shallow stabbing.

He noted the intentional avoidance of vital points and stabbings, designed to prevent him from relying solely on his own willpower to act.

The unfolding events hinted at a deeper, more complex motive behind Pain's actions.

Naruto contemplated, "This guy isn't trying to kill me. What is he attempting now?"

The pain was real, but Naruto's resilience shone through, as he sought to unravel the mysterious plans unfolding against him.

The Deva Path maintained a stoic expression, his gaze unyielding, still mentally suppressing Naruto by exerting huge pressure on him.

However, in this moment, Toad Sage Shima, amidst grieving the loss of her partner, abruptly lifted her head and directed a fervent shout towards Naruto,

"Cheer up, boy!"

"Disregard whatever that guy is saying," she continued, determination etched in her voice.

"You shouldn't let it affect you! You are the Son of Prophecy, the savior of this world!

Jiriya and Fukasaku staked their everything on the belief they had for you.

They went all-in because they believed in you.

You must never falter. If you crumble in a place like this, I won't forgive you!"

Toad Sage Shima's earlier proclamation about Naruto being the Son of Prophecy and the world's savior resonated within the air.

Contrary to the stoic face of Deva Path, Naruto wasn't indifferent.

He recognized the immense effort he'd invested to reach this point, enduring ridicule, bullying, and disdain from the villagers since childhood.

From childhood, he had weathered countless cold stares and silently bore the weighty burdens that adults couldn't grasp.

The instability in controlling Chakra, compounded by being the Jinchūriki for the Nine Tails, made him the subject of constant mockery from everyone around him.

The designations like Chosen One and Nine Tails Jinchūriki, a starting point others would deem worthy.

But they didn't fuel Naruto's journey, these were starting points he deemed unworthy.

Yet, what truly moved him was the unwavering trust that Jiraiya, Toad Sage Fukasaku and now Toad Sage Shima had in him.

Jiraiya, a seemingly inscrutable teacher who imparted invaluable lessons to him.

While Fukasaku, a warm-hearted elder, whose gaze held genuine care, gave him a sense of purpose.

The profound trust of these two individuals weighed heavily on Naruto's shoulders.

Their trust in him, Naruto, was something he felt he could scarcely live up to.

Now, witnessing the tragic death of both his mentors at the hands of the Deva Path, Naruto refused to succumb to conquest.

It intensified his resolve to even greater degree.

The fire within him, kindled by Toad Sage Shima's words, blazed with newfound intensity.

Naruto's willpower surged to its zenith, making it nearly impossible for the Deva Path to claim victory, either be it physically or mentally.

Upon hearing Toad Sage Shima's words, the Deva Path's face shifted abruptly, an icy demeanor settling upon his features.

His palm extended towards Toad Sage Shima, as he directly launched 'Almighty Push' at her, disdainfully remarking.

"What an annoying frog!"

Toad Sage Shima, powerless to resist, was sent hurtling through the air.

Witnessing this, Naruto seethed with anger, "You bastard..."

But before Naruto could finish his sentence, Deva Path turned, extending his palm towards him with a chilling declaration.

"It's almost time to take you away..."

Before the ominous pronouncement could fully register, the scene was interrupted by the sound of brisk footsteps.

A figure suddenly appeared seemingly out of thin air, descending from the sky, which caught everyone off guard.

This sudden, unexpected entrance forced the Deva Path to retreat.

As the figures in the field became clear, the ninjas from the Hyuga clan couldn't contain their surprise.

The collective gasp echoed, "Hinata-sama!"

No one anticipated that the usually reserved and introverted, known for her timidity, would rise to the occasion against an adversary as formidable as Pain, whom even the Hokage struggled to confront.

Yet, here was Hinata, devoid of her usual timidity.

The Hinata before them radiated an absence of cowardice.

Her eyes, fixed on Naruto on the ground, burned with anger. She vehemently exclaimed.

"Using an iron rod to restrain Naruto, it's too much... I won't let you attack Naruto again!"

While Carnes and Demiurge displayed limited reactions to this unexpected turn of events, the Konoha ninjas familiar with Hinata were left utterly astonished.

Hyūga Hinata, facing the formidable Deva Path, taking the initiative herself?

A notion that defied their understanding of the world. It seemed like a jest!

Was it a joke? Were they dreaming?

Amidst the overpowering presence of the mighty Deva Path, the fact that Hyūga Hinata had willingly stepped forward was perceived as nothing short of incredulous.

The air crackled with disbelief as the onlookers struggled to comprehend the unfolding spectacle.

Hinata's actions had the minds of these people turned upside down, leaving them bewildered by the unexpected turn of events.

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