I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

After returning home, Naruto eagerly opened the gift Hinata had given him. Inside, he found a pair of soft, hand-knitted gloves, lined with intricate patterns of the Hyuga clan's traditional designs. Alongside the gloves was a neatly folded note, adorned with delicate handwriting that conveyed heartfelt wishes for his success and well-being.

Though spring had already arrived and the gloves weren't immediately practical, Naruto couldn't help but treasure them. This was the first time a peer had given him a gift, and the thoughtfulness behind it made the gesture unforgettable.

Before he could relish the moment further, the familiar gruff voice of the Nine-Tails rumbled in his mind. "What's with that goofy grin, brat? Don't tell me you've fallen for that little Hyuga girl."

Naruto smirked, carefully tucking the gloves into his pocket. "And what about you, big fox? Ever been in love? Has anyone ever given you a gift? Or are you just bitter because you've been stuck here all this time?"

Kyuubi snorted indignantly. "I'm a tailed beast, you fool. I don't bother with trivial things like love. But don't underestimate me—I've been around for centuries. I've seen more love stories than you can imagine, and I've got more experience than you'll ever have."

Naruto rolled his eyes at the fox's boastful tone. "Oh, really? Let me guess—you're going to teach me how to serenade someone under the moonlight or something equally ridiculous?"

"Mock me all you want, kid," Kyuubi snapped. "But I've got knowledge far beyond your years. Just say the word, and I'll guide you."

Naruto listened to the Nine-Tails' over-the-top advice, ranging from grand romantic gestures to absurd tactics, such as "winning someone's heart with sheer dominance." Unable to suppress his laughter, Naruto shook his head. "You're really something, big fox. I should've known you'd be more of a clown than a love guru."

Kyuubi grumbled at Naruto's mockery, sensing the boy's thinly veiled amusement. Still, it wasn't in the fox's nature to back down, so it continued its rambling lecture on love for another half hour, much to Naruto's exasperation. Finally, Kyuubi fell silent, retreating back into its sealed space to sulk.

Later that evening, Naruto stood by his window, gazing at the village bathed in moonlight. His eyes drifted toward the Hyuga compound, a faint smile playing on his lips. However, his mood quickly turned serious. He muttered to himself, "Something feels off tonight. The village seems too quiet."

Kyuubi's voice resurfaced, now cautious. "You think something's going to happen?"

Naruto nodded. "The Yunyin delegation is here. I don't trust them. They're not just here for peace talks—there's something else going on."

The fox scoffed. "Yun Ninja? Hah! They're as arrogant as ever. There were two from that village, Ginkaku and Kinkaku, who tried to capture me once. Idiots thought they could control me."

Naruto smirked at the mention of the legendary Gold and Silver Brothers. "You're so strong, huh? And yet here you are, sealed inside me."

Kyuubi growled but was interrupted when Naruto's sharp eyes caught movement near the village wall. Several shadowy figures leaped from rooftop to rooftop, heading toward the Hyuga compound. "Looks like the show is about to begin," Naruto whispered.

The fox extended its senses, confirming Naruto's suspicion. "You were right. They're on the move. But why didn't you warn the Hokage if you knew this would happen?"

Naruto shrugged, grabbing a bag of chips. "No one would believe me anyway. Better to stay out of it and enjoy the view from here."

Despite his words, Naruto had already taken precautions earlier that day. He had discreetly warned Hinata to stay safe and stick close to her family. Kyuubi noticed this contradiction in Naruto's behavior and chuckled. "For someone who talks tough, you sure have a soft spot for certain people."

Naruto ignored the remark and focused on the unfolding events. Meanwhile, in the shadows, Anbu operatives Moonlight Hayate and Uzuki Yugao watched the Yunyin shinobi with growing unease. Hayate, pale and coughing, whispered to his partner, "Yugao, stay alert. If they make any sudden moves, we'll need to intervene."

Yugao glanced at her ailing comrade with concern. "Hayate, your health is getting worse. Maybe it's time to leave Anbu."

Hayate shook his head, determination glinting in his eyes. "Not yet. Once I make Jōnin, the Moonlight clan will gain more recognition. We can't afford to lose momentum now."

The two continued to observe as the Yunyin delegation made their way toward the Hyuga compound. Among the delegation, a young shinobi questioned their mission. "Captain, are we really here just to create a distraction? Jinchuriki or not, isn't it risky to be this close to the Nine-Tails' host?"

The Yunyin captain, a seasoned veteran, sighed. "Our orders are clear. The main goal is to secure the Byakugan. Leave the Jinchuriki alone. Konoha won't take an attack on their Jinchuriki lightly."

As the Yunyin shinobi moved into position, Naruto and Kyuubi continued to watch from afar. The fox chuckled darkly. "This could get messy. Hope you're ready, kid."

Naruto smirked, popping another chip into his mouth. "Let's see how it plays out. After all, it's not every day you get front-row seats to history."