Naruto: Rebirth Of The Child Of Prophecy

The questions asked by the person you love most are always the hardest to answer. Naruto had braced himself for this moment, yet standing here now, confronted by Hinata's piercing gaze, he found himself utterly speechless. He had countless explanations for people like Jiraiya, Kakashi, Tsunade, or Yamato—logical, reasonable justifications. But for Hinata? For the girl who had given him her unwavering trust and love?

"Sorry," Naruto finally murmured after a few seconds of tense silence. "I didn't mean to lie to you."

Hinata took a deep breath, steeling herself as she raised her eyes to meet his. Her gaze fell on the black cloak adorned with red clouds that Naruto wore—a symbol that sent shockwaves through her heart. Staggering backward, she broke free from Naruto's hand, nearly falling in her haste to put space between them.

Naruto reached out instinctively, but Hinata held up a trembling hand to stop him. Tears streamed down her face as she choked out the words, "Naruto-kun... You... really betrayed Konoha? And you've joined Akatsuki?"

Naruto's hand shot to his forehead in frustration. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "I really need to change my clothes. The Ten Organization's reputation is already bad enough."

Taking a step forward, he softened his voice. "Hinata, do you remember the three promises I made to you that day? No matter what happens, you must believe me. I am still Uzumaki Naruto, the boy who dreams of becoming Hokage. That hasn't changed, and it never will."

Hinata's expression softened slightly, though doubt still clouded her tearful eyes. "Then why, Naruto-kun?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Why are you wearing Akatsuki's uniform?"

Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I didn't think about changing it at first. It's just what I had on hand. But now that you mention it, if you don't like it…" Without hesitation, Naruto unfastened the cloak and let it fall to the ground, revealing the simple clothing he wore underneath.

"Better?" he asked, flashing a small grin.

Hinata's lips quivered as she looked away. "Don't come any closer," she murmured, her voice trembling.

Naruto raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll stay over here." He took a step back and watched as she wiped her tears, her breathing uneven.

"Then," she said with a sniffle, her voice rising with frustration, "why didn't you come to Ichiraku Ramen that evening? Why did you lie to me?"

Naruto's grin faded, replaced by a somber expression. "I went to see you beforehand to warn you," he said quietly. "That day, I had to act. You know what happened after that—I couldn't stay in the village anymore."

Hinata's fists clenched at her sides. "Then why couldn't you tell me everything that day? Face-to-face?"

Naruto sighed, his voice tinged with guilt. "If I'd told you the whole truth, you would have tried to stop me. I couldn't let that happen."

Hinata turned her back to him, her shoulders trembling with anger. "And after that, why didn't you come back, even though I kept pouring chakra into this mark?" She raised her arm, where the faint glow of the Flying Thunder God mark shimmered softly. "Do you know how many times I tried to call you? Do you know how much I worried?"

Naruto closed his eyes, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's not that I didn't want to come back. I was afraid, Hinata. Afraid to see you. Afraid of what I'd see in your eyes. I didn't know how to face you."

Hinata tilted her head slightly, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. Under the soft moonlight, Naruto's face looked weary, his usual confidence replaced by a melancholy she had never seen before. His lone figure, illuminated by the stars, seemed so... lonely.

In that moment, Hinata could no longer hold back. With a sob, she rushed forward, throwing herself into his arms. "Naruto-kun," she cried, her voice muffled against his chest, "they all say you betrayed Konoha, but I don't believe it. I can't believe it. But... the facts, the things I've seen... please, tell me what happened! Why did you do this?"

Naruto's arms wrapped around her protectively, his cheek resting gently against her hair. "I'm sorry, Hinata," he said softly. "I have my reasons, and I hope you can understand. Please... just believe me, like you always have. Every word I told you back then is still true."

Hinata pulled back slightly, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. "Then take me with you," she pleaded. "Let me stay by your side. I'll face it all with you—I promise I won't be a burden."

Naruto cupped her cheek, his thumb gently brushing away her tears. "No, Hinata," he said firmly. "What I'm doing is too dangerous. I can't let you get caught up in it. Not now."

Hinata's eyes filled with worry. "The village has issued a wanted notice for you," she said softly.

Naruto nodded. "I know. That doesn't matter. What matters is you. Please, take care of yourself. And stop recklessly pouring chakra into the Flying Thunder God mark—you're putting yourself at risk!"

Hinata pouted, her voice filled with stubbornness. "Who told you to lie to me in the first place?"

Naruto let out a soft chuckle. "Alright, alright. You've got me there." He held her close once more, his tone gentle. "I'm going to be busy from now on. But remember this: everything I do is for the future of the ninja world."

Pulling back slightly, he added, "If you ever really need me, activate the Flying Thunder God mark again, and I'll come to you as soon as I can. If I don't appear right away, it's because something urgent is keeping me. Do you understand?"

Hinata nodded, her face buried in his chest. Deep down, she knew what Naruto was saying was true—that their time together would become more and more limited. But even so, she resolved to hold on to her faith in him, no matter what the future might bring.