Chapter 175: White Eyes and Red Hair

Hinata felt bewildered as she anxiously lowered her head.

Why was everyone staring at her?

Wasn't this a decision for Naruto and Neji to make?

Hizashi Hyūga stood in silence, more confused than anything. Why wasn't the main family expressing an opinion on this matter? Could it be that in the future, the main family produced an heir willing to change the situation of the branch family? But he quickly dismissed the thought.

No, this young girl from the main family didn't seem supportive. She was timid and reserved, unsure of her responsibility to voice her opinion.

How did she become the head of the main family? The main family couldn't be relied upon.

Hizashi turned to Minato Namikaze and pleaded, "Minato-sama, I implore you..."

Minato shook his head, "We are people of the past, unable to influence future events."

"Even if we intervene here, what will happen when they return to the future?"

He had no intention of getting involved in this matter. This was an internal issue of the Hyūga clan, and it would be strange for an outsider to interfere.

Moreover, this was something his son supported. The presence of the Nine-Tails, Karin, and the absence of any "Konoha" insignia made him realize certain things about the future. As a father, it seemed he hadn't fulfilled his duties very well.

And besides, he wasn't a father yet. So where did he get the right to use the "father" identity so grandly to meddle in his child's affairs?

Hizashi fell silent.

"How did you come back from the future?" Chōza Akimichi asked curiously, observing them. "And how do you plan to return?"

Naruto smiled and answered, "We used the power of the Dragon Vein. Two companions have yet to appear. We'll use the Dragon Vein's power to return once they do."

He had firmly memorized the sensation of "traversing space-time."

Hizashi's expression became slightly emotional. "Will you be staying here for a few days?"

Maybe this was the opportunity—to persuade this young man who might be his... "son."

Naruto just smiled without answering.

They continued talking. It was clear that apart from Minato Namikaze, everyone else was very curious about the future. Kakashi wanted to know what kind of person he'd become. The adults were more concerned about the future of their families. But they restrained themselves from asking.

As Minato had mentioned earlier, even if they learned these things, the memories would be sealed again. Rather than being haunted by what they learned, it was better not to know anything from the start.

As night fell, under the arrangement of the Queen of Rōran, they stayed in the castle.

Karin and Naruto each had their own room.

Karin lay on a lounge chair on the balcony, gazing up at the moon. The events of the day replayed countless times in her mind.

Now she was also considered Minato Namikaze's daughter.

But not the kind of "daughter" she wanted to be.

Just then, a knock sounded on the door.

She clasped her hands together, forming a seal, and a golden chain shot out to open the door.

"Sorry for disturbing you so late," a timid, shy voice said as Hinata Hyūga entered, following the chain into the room.

Karin turned to look at her, "Oh, it's you, the girl who confessed to Naruto. Is there something you need?"

Hinata walked towards the balcony but kept her head down, saying nothing.

"Are you here to ask about my relationship with Naruto?" Karin easily picked up on her thoughts from her exposed emotions.

Hinata nodded.

"Although I'd love to say something harsh," Karin said, kicking a footstool towards her to sit down, "there's no point in deceiving ourselves."

"Even though I have feelings for Naruto, just like you, I like him. But he doesn't seem to notice these feelings and only sees me as family."

This seemed like "good news," but it didn't change the expression on Hinata's face, as if she had grown accustomed to looking dejected.

Karin paused, meeting her eyes with a meaningful gaze, "Besides, Naruto carries a heavy burden. Though he hasn't said anything to me, it's not hard to see. I won't be selfish and trouble him with my feelings."

Hinata lowered her head even further. She didn't argue, simply accepting it.

Karin turned back to look at the moon.

Is this person my rival in love? How boring. There's no fun in competing against someone like this.

"Have my words troubled Naruto?" Hinata wasn't concerned about Karin's attitude towards her; she was more worried about how Naruto was doing.

"No," Karin said loudly. "If Naruto didn't have such a good memory, he probably would've almost forgotten you by now."

She tilted her head, "Do you still like Naruto?"

"Of course!" Hinata was uncharacteristically firm in her response, speaking louder than usual, "I-I still like Naruto-kun. I've thought about it for a long time. What I like isn't some fantasy. It's Naruto-kun."

Karin didn't respond, yawning.

"I-I came to ask how I can stay by Naruto's side, like you," Hinata lowered her head again, the courage that had briefly flared up quickly fading.

Karin sighed, "Because of the Uzumaki clan's bloodline."

Hinata's spirits sank as she clenched her fists.

So that's the reason?

She lifted her head slightly, looking at Karin with envy.

She had always been the one others envied for her lineage, but now, she couldn't help but wish she wasn't born into the Hyūga clan.

"That's not it." Noticing her emotions, Karin shook her head, immediately retracting her previous answer. "If it were just because of the same bloodline, Naruto would have placed me somewhere safe. I've worked hard to stay by Naruto's side. If you think it's just because of blood, that would trouble and anger me. It would make me feel like you're looking down on me."

Hinata quickly waved her hands, "No, I didn't mean that."

Karin stared off into the distance, lost in thought, "I don't know what kind of girl Naruto likes. Whether cute or pretty. Whether tall or short."

Karin's gaze shifted to a particular part of Hinata's body, her tone wistful, "Whether big or small."

Hinata looked down, unable to see her feet.

Big? If it's about that, then I'm at an advantage.

"But he definitely doesn't like people who could do something but don't," Karin added, unable to take her eyes off Hinata. "When did you start liking Naruto?"

"Since I was a child, a very young child," Hinata smiled sweetly, feeling it was the happiest thing in her life. "Before we even went to the ninja academy."

Karin was surprised, "That early?"

Hinata nodded, clenching her fists.

That was why she was sure her feelings for Naruto weren't just "admiration."

"But you should have heard what Naruto said when he left Konoha," Karin tilted her head, observing from another angle.

Hinata hesitated, "I..."

"You've liked him for so long, yet Naruto doesn't have much of an impression of you." Karin raised her hand high, "If you had been a light in his life, someone who could hold his hand in his once dark world, would it have come to this?"

Hinata buried her head even further.

"Naruto is currently forming an organization," Karin sighed. "Becoming a member of that organization might allow you to stay by his side."

Hinata suddenly looked up.

"But you're not qualified for that right now," Karin said bluntly, "You lack strength and mental toughness. Someone like you won't have a chance."

Hinata took a deep breath, "I will change."

"Change doesn't come just by saying a few words," Karin stretched lazily, "That Uchiha..."

"Sasuke-kun?" Hinata had a slightly better impression of him.

Karin nodded, "Yes, I think his name is Sasuke. His actions and mindset are what truly represent 'change.'"

Hinata murmured, "I understand. I'll do it."

Karin was noncommittal, but deep down, she doubted Hinata's chances.

Someone who's been weak for almost a lifetime—how could they suddenly become strong?

Hinata stood up and bowed to Karin, "Thank you very much, Karin. I-I know what I need to do next."

Karin's eyes widened.

No way...

She seemed okay while sitting, but from this angle, she looked so imposing?

Hinata was about to leave.

"Wait," Karin called out.

Hinata turned back, puzzled, "What is it?"

"What do you usually eat?" Karin asked with a serious expression, summoning a scroll and pen, ready to take notes. "Any dietary or lifestyle preferences?"

Hinata's face flushed slightly, "Why are you asking that?"

"It's important to me," Karin said seriously.

Hinata looked down shyly, "I-I like sweet foods like red bean paste and cinnamon rolls. I rarely eat shrimp, crab, or similar things."

Karin scribbled quickly, "How much do you eat every day?"

She also liked sweets and often ate high-carb foods.

But...

Their tastes and eating habits were similar, so why was there such a huge difference in their bodies?

"M-my appetite might be a bit large," Hinata admitted, more embarrassed. "I eat a lot."

She gestured, indicating a number.

Karin's eyes widened.

This... This isn't just normal eating; it's like a "competitive eater."

So, the reason I haven't grown to Hinata or Mei Terumi's size is that I haven't eaten enough?

But that would make it easy to gain weight.

Seeing Karin had no further questions, Hinata quietly excused herself.

She wasn't very confident, but she was determined to change this time.

~~~

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