I want to protect you too

Once Minato and Kushina left, Naruto needed a moment to calm his feelings. Once he felt ready, he headed back to the restrained Nine-Tails, who was still struggling against the chains.

"So, does this mean I won?" Naruto asked, a confident grin spreading across his face.

The Nine-Tails ceased its struggle and went quiet.

"I'll take that as a yes. From now on, as per our agreement, you have to listen to what I say and not cause any trouble. Do you agree?" Naruto inquired.

The Nine-Tails was taken aback. He had always known Naruto was strong since he had been inside him all Naruto's life, but he never realized Naruto had become powerful enough to capture him so effortlessly.

"If you're already this strong, why do you even need my power? You can handle anyone on your own," the Nine-Tails asked, genuinely curious. Though his pride was wounded by how easily Naruto had defeated him, he wondered why Naruto wanted him as an ally.

"Honestly, at first, I came to fight you just to see how much I've grown in my training," Naruto admitted. "Getting you to listen to me and promising your freedom was just a way to make sure you'd fight me with everything you've got. I'm not sure if you gave it your all, since I don't really know the full extent of your power. But either way, I beat you."

"So, As promised... From now on, you will obey my orders, and be cooperative , understand!?"

"I underestimated you brat, but as it was said , I will have to do so as you say...for now. But don't even dare to get too much cocky, because, it doesn't end here"

"yeah, Yeah, whatever. Do whatever you want, just don't disturb me or get in my way , that's it. I don't need your power, at least for now. And when time comes I will Free you anyway." Naruto said

Naruto opened his eyes as he was still sitting at the same exact place near the waterfall,in the training ground.

It was already evening time and he was feeling kind of hungry, so he decided to visit the Ramen shop before returning back to his apartment and call the day off.

As he was about to enter the Ramen shop, suddenly he heard a familiar girly voice, as he looked back, "Hi, Naruto!"

It was Hinata who was standing in front of him, as she seem to be returning from training

As the war was coming , every team was given instructions to prepare for the upcoming wars.

And it was same for Naruto, and he just ignored it , because he had his own preparations to do.

Naruto gave her a gentle smile, before waving at her, "Hi! What are you doing here, so late" Naruto asked.

"Oh, I was returning from training!" She replied, looking a bit caught off guard by the question

In reality, she returned from training way earlier, but she was just waiting for Naruto here as she knew Naruto world eventually come to the Ramen shop, no matter what.

And turned out that way as well.

Even Naruto himself understood it, but didn't bother to bring it up and embarrasse her, so he just simply putting it aside, "Do you want to have some Ramen!? It's my treat." Naruto asked

After sometimes, Inside the Ramen Shop...

Naruto and Hinata waited for their order to arrive.

"So , how is your preparation going !?" Hinata asked to Naruto.

"Hmm, Good I guess. Anyways, what about you!?" Naruto asked

"It is great. But, do you think it will be enough for what's coming. I mean, I am too weak ain't I !? Specially In comparison to you" Hinata said, as she sounded sad

"Hey, Don't say like that, ya'know. You are strong yourself. I am very sure you will be able to do great. And also i am always there for you, no matter what. I will protect you" Naruto said

"But, I want to protect you too. I want to help you too. I don't want to be a burden for you or anyone" Hinata said