In the distance, two other people were also observing Aoba's situation.
It was Uchiha Itachi, along with Kakashi, who was guiding him through the workings of the Anbu.
Given Konoha's current situation, unless there were special arrangents made by Sarutobi Hiruzen, most of the Anbu's duties consisted of protecting Naruto in shifts and secretly monitoring certain unstable families within the village.
Of course, Kakashi couldn't take him to monitor those families—after all, the most unstable people in the village were the Uchiha themselves…
Kakashi watched the two people doing push-ups, lost in thought.
No one knew Might Guy better than he did.
They had grown up together as best friends and lifelong rivals. Though it was always Might Guy who actively sought him out for challenges, their relationship was already deeply rooted.
'Like that ti with the acorn…', Kakashi quickly shook his head, trying to get rid of those brain-polluting thoughts, then his expression turned sowhat odd.
Though he had been the one to recomnd Might Guy as Naruto's teacher to Sarutobi Hiruzen, the level of synergy between those two seed to exceed his expectations.
He was a bit worried. If this continued for too long, and Naruto turned into another Guy… even Minato and Kushina might not recognize him anymore.
Unlike Kakashi, Itachi watched the group by the river with a look of relief.
'Sasuke has made good friends…'
But more importantly, Sasuke had beco friends with the jinchūriki as well.
For as long as he could rember, the Uchiha clan had been forbidden from approaching the jinchūriki. After all, everyone had seen the Sharingan in the Nine-Tails' eyes that night.
No matter how much the Uchiha clan tried to explain, it was impossible to clear their na.
Now, seeing Sasuke and the jinchūriki as friends, and noticing that the higher-ups hadn't stopped it, could it be that the village was beginning to truly accept the Uchiha clan again?
'Perhaps… this is the hope of the Uchiha clan.'
"That Uchiha Sasuke, he's your younger brother, isn't he?", Kakashi suddenly spoke, catching Itachi off guard. After a brief pause, he nodded, "Yes."
"As I thought. He looks a lot like you, and he has great talent. He's a remarkable child."
Itachi was montarily stunned again, unsure of Kakashi's sudden comnt.
But he still responded politely.
"Thank you for your kind words, Kakashi-senpai."
Kakashi nodded, instinctively touching his covered eye before turning toward the forest.
"Let's go. I'll take you to the next location."
———
"Aoba-kun, see you later!"
As the evening fell, in front of the Hyuga clan's residence, its design simple and ancient, yet grand. Hinata repeatedly turned back, waving to Aoba as she bid farewell.
Her face was filled with reluctance, her eyes full of him.
She had spent a fulfilling and joyful day. Though there were tis when she thought how much better it would be without Tenten, Ino, and Sakura, overall, she was still very happy.
Aoba and the others also waved to Hinata, but before she could step inside the clan grounds, soone walked out.
A tall man with pure white eyes, staring straight ahead.
He wore a white inner robe with a deep green outer cloak.
In the middle of this harsh winter, wearing just two layers.
'Is he not afraid of the cold?'
The mont Hinata saw him, she imdiately bowed respectfully, "Father!"
That's right. This was none other than Hinata's father, Hyuga Hiashi.
Hiashi rely nodded at Hinata before turning his gaze toward Aoba.
Though there was a smile on his face, it gave off a sharp and oppressive feeling.
Aoba felt his palms getting sweaty.
'If you want to smile, just smile properly! Why activate your Byakugan?'
"Aoba, I sincerely appreciate the help you've given my daughter, Hinata, these past few days," Hiashi's tone was polite, but the pressure in his voice was imnse.
"Whether as the Hyuga clan or as her father, I will rember this favor. If you ever need help in the future, you may co to at any ti."
"I… uh…", Aoba was about to exchange so polite words, but before he could, Hiashi had already turned around, pulling the still-reluctant Hinata away.
Feeling sowhat awkward, Aoba glanced toward the Hyuga compound and noticed another person observing him from within.
This person also wore a white robe and had long black hair flowing over his shoulders, but his forehead was adorned with a band.
His gaze toward Aoba carried a hint of scrutiny, and just as Aoba looked back, the figure disappeared.
'Hyuga Neji?'
'The Hyuga clan really love white. They are like blocks of tofu.'
"Hehe, Aoba, were you scared just now?", Tenten suddenly leaned in beside his ear, her tone teasing.
Aoba rolled his eyes at her.
'Scared? Not at all.'
"That's right, I was scared. So after dropping off Sakura and Ino, I'm going straight ho. You can go back by yourself," With that, Aoba grabbed Ino and Sakura's hands and walked off.
"Eh? Aoba, why are your hands so sweaty?"
"It's just lted snow that got on them earlier."
"Really?"
———
Tenten stood there in a daze, watching Aoba holding hands with one girl on each side. It took her a long mont to react.
"Aoba, you bastard!"
She suddenly lunged at them, leaping onto Aoba's back, her hands rcilessly ssing up his poor hair.
"Tenten, get off !"
"Hmph, if you carry ho, I'll get off!"
Aoba had no choice. He held onto the two girls while sprinting, trying to make her give up.
But Tenten clung tightly to his head, wrapping her legs around his waist, refusing to let go.
"Then I'll just take you back to my house."
"Fine, I'll stay at your place then!"
""No way!"", This ti, Ino and Sakura spoke in unison, imdiately grabbing onto Tenten to pull her off, but they couldn't budge her, it was as if she were locked in place.
As the three of them began their playful struggle again, Aoba could only resign himself to his fate to prevent further damage to his hair.
And so, with a girl in each hand and another on his back, he walked down the road ho.
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