I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

After returning from washing up, Naruto sat back at his desk and noticed Sasuke's gaze had changed. If Sasuke's earlier approach was curiosity, then Naruto's deliberate provocation and easy defeat of him had cemented himself as a figure of intrigue. This wasn't random; Naruto had carefully orchestrated the encounter to gauge Sasuke's potential as a window into the internal workings of the Uchiha clan.

Unlike the Hyuga Clan, bound by their "Caged Bird" seal to enforce hierarchy, the Uchiha clan's strained relationship with Konoha's leadership had long teetered on open conflict. Naruto understood that Sasuke's pride in his lineage would make him react predictably to taunts, making him an ideal target to probe for insights. The rivalry would also serve to draw attention away from Naruto's more subtle investigations into village politics.

Naruto feigned disinterest, responding to Sasuke's glare with a faint smirk before picking up his textbook. Though the material was basic for him, he made a mental note to bring more challenging reading next time. Cultural lessons at the academy were child's play compared to what his shadow clones allowed him to achieve in training—an advantage he exploited fully.

Meanwhile, across the desk, Sakura Haruno seemed genuinely immersed in her studies, though her glances at Sasuke betrayed her distraction. Naruto chuckled inwardly; Sasuke's stoic demeanor seemed to captivate many of their female classmates. While he and Sasuke shared a desk, the Uchiha's natural charisma had made him more popular than Naruto could ever be.

---

The first day at the academy ended early, dismissing students at three in the afternoon. Naruto, used to the grueling schedules imposed on him during his years of self-taught training, found the concept almost laughable. He preferred to head home early and train, but as he approached the gate, he was stopped by a familiar figure—Hinata Hyuga.

"Naruto-kun," she said softly, her fingers nervously fidgeting. "We're classmates again! And… you're still wearing the gloves I gave you."

Naruto glanced at the gloves, a rare gift from her that had proved surprisingly durable. "Hinata, did you need something? Were you bullied again? Or did you bring me another present?" he asked with a teasing smile.

Hinata flushed but shook her head. "I didn't bring anything today… but if Naruto-kun wants something, I can—"

Naruto cut her off with a laugh. "Relax, I don't need anything. But since we're neighbors now, how about we walk back together?"

Hinata nodded, and the two started down the road. It didn't take long for Naruto to notice the hostile glances from villagers as they passed. Their judgment weighed heavily on Hinata, who asked, "Why do they look at us like that? Did we… do something wrong?"

Naruto's tone was casual, though his words carried weight. "Maybe it's because I'm a demon fox."

Hinata frowned, her voice trembling. "But… Naruto-kun has never done anything wrong. You only stood up to their malice."

"Malice doesn't need a reason," Naruto said, smiling wryly. "Sometimes, people just need something to hate."

Hinata's expression darkened, but she pressed on. "But isn't the village's teaching about helping and understanding each other? Why would they—"

"Empty slogans," Naruto interrupted. "Most people don't practice what they preach. The same applies to your clan's 'Caged Bird' system."

Hinata looked startled. "The… the Caged Bird?"

Naruto nodded. "It was meant to protect the Byakugan from being stolen, but now it's just a tool for the main family to control the branch family. Even your uncle Hiashi allowed Hizashi to die in his place. Why?"

Hinata fell silent, her mind spinning. She remembered how Neji resented her and the unfairness in her clan. She couldn't deny the truth in Naruto's words, but it left her feeling helpless.

Sensing her turmoil, Naruto gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. "Don't overthink it, Hinata. Just focus on being yourself. If you want to change the world, you'll need to become stronger first."

By the time they reached the Hyuga estate, Hinata still looked preoccupied. After they parted ways, Naruto sighed. "I guess I went too far… she's about to cry, and I'm terrible at comforting people."

A voice echoed in his mind—the Nine-Tails. "You're not just bad; you're awful. Treating a girl who likes you this way? If I were in your place, I'd be much more of a gentleman."

Naruto scoffed. "What do you know, furball? Hinata's too timid to be a ninja, let alone the Hyuga heir. She needs to toughen up."

The Nine-Tails growled. "Sometimes I wonder if you're a reincarnated geezer. You act like a cranky old man."

Naruto smirked. "Maybe I am. Got any tales about reincarnation, big fox?"

"I'm not omniscient!" the Nine-Tails snapped, annoyed.

---

Inside the Hyuga compound, Hinata changed into her training gear and sought out her father, Hiashi Hyuga.

"I want to increase my training," she said, her voice firm.

Hiashi raised an eyebrow. "Your regimen is already rigorous. Why do you want more?"

"I want to become stronger… to surpass Neji," Hinata declared. But deep down, she also wanted to change the injustices she hated, starting with her clan.