AI Model: gemini-3.1-flash-liteChapter 15: Hyuga ClanNaruto had originally intended to force Torune Aburame to reveal himself, but considering the opponent's formidable strength, he knew he was no match for him yet.Although he had the bell given to him by Kakashiin his pocket, which he could use to summon him to ensure his safety and confirm the other party's identity, doing so didn't hold much significance.Even if he knew it was Danzo sending people to monitor him, there was nothing he could do about it. On the contrary, it would only expose him to the eyes of others, making it difficult to implement his subsequent plans, which would be counterproductive.After emerging, Naruto exited his combat state. He ignored the three people he had knocked down and walked straight to where Hinata was standing in the distance.Hinata still looked very frightened. Naruto walked over, gently patted her shoulder, and asked, "Don't be afraid, it's alright now. Girls should avoid coming to places with so few people in the future! Let me walk you home, okay?"Upon hearing this, Hinata's cheeks turned red again. This time she didn't say anything, just nodded slightly.Seeing this, Naruto didn't say anything either; he just smiled slightly, then took her small hand and walked out of the woods.Her hand was being held by the person in front of her again, but Hinata felt not a shred of resentment in her heart. Instead, her heartbeat began to accelerate, and her whole body felt a bit weak.When passing by the three of them, Naruto noticed a small box lying on the ground nearby, covered in talismans with waves of Chakra emanating from it. Presumably, this was the source of their ability to release those two high-level Ninjutsu.However, Naruto did not stop his steps; instead, he walked straight past as if he hadn't noticed it.After their figures had receded into the distance, Torune Aburame finally revealed himself. The ruffian-looking youth who had not yet lost consciousness saw him and attempted to stand up, but due to his severe injuries, he was unable to do so.He could only say, "My lord, I am sorry. I have disappointed you."Torune Aburame was entirely concealed within a black robe, making it impossible to see his expression at this moment. He only heard him say, "It's fine. His strength was somewhat beyond my expectations. Take this, then go back and continue to carry out our plan as intended."As he spoke, Torune Aburame tossed a small bottle forward. After the ruffian-looking boy caught it, he thanked him repeatedly, then quickly opened it, poured out a red pill, and consumed it.The medicine was truly miraculous. Within less than 10 seconds of taking it, his originally pale complexion began to show a hint of rosiness, and his injuries improved significantly. He was now able to stand up.After standing up, he expressed his gratitude again. Torune Aburame waved his hand and said, "Leave quickly!"Just as the man was about to leave, he stopped, looked down at his two underlings who were still unconscious, and seemed to want to say something to Torune Aburame.But in the end, realizing that the other party was already somewhat impatient, he gritted his teeth and left without looking back.After he left, Torune Aburame glanced at the two people lying on the ground with extreme disdain, as if looking at trash, and then vanished from the scene in a flash.Naruto brought Hinata into the Village. When passersby saw him, they still cast hateful gazes at him, but upon discovering Hinata following behind him, they all began to gossip."Isn't that the eldest young lady of the Hyuga Clan? How did she end up with this kid?""Exactly, exactly. Could it be that this demon fox has taken her hostage?""Look, they are even holding hands. Are the people of the Hyuga Clan so careless about their reputation?"...Listening to the surrounding gossip, Naruto acted as if he hadn't heard anything and continued walking while holding Hinata's hand, lost in his own world.After a while, he turned his head and said to Hinata, "Oh? Are you a member of the Hyuga Clan?"Hinata still didn't speak, just nodded.Naruto didn't let go of her hand, but said, "Why do you dislike talking so much! You, are you like them, do you also hate me?"Upon hearing this, Hinata hurriedly said, "No, that's not it. I don't. I just..."But before she could finish her sentence, a very overbearing aura suddenly appeared. Immediately after, a figure arrived between the two of them, slapped Naruto's hand away, and pulled Hinatabehind them.Naruto rubbed his hand, which had been struck red, and stared intently at the newcomer. Unexpectedly, the person ignored Naruto entirely and instead crouched down, saying to Hinata, "My apologies, Eldest Young Lady. I am late. Are you hurt?"Seeing Hinata shake her head, the man stood up, turned to Naruto, and said, "Did you bully our Eldest Young Lady? Although we, the Hyuga Clan, do not want to have any dealings with you, please remember that it is only because we do not want to invite trouble. Please stay away from our Eldest Young Lady. This time will just count as a small lesson for you; next time, it won't be so simple."Seeing this, Hinata was very anxious and just wanted to explain, but Naruto interrupted her, saying, "So it really is the Hyuga Clan? Heh, since someone has come to pick you up, I'll take my leave."After saying this, he turned around and left directly.Watching his retreating back, Hinata felt some regret for being so weak. Every time it came to a critical moment, she couldn't speak up. If she had been able to explain clearly sooner, it wouldn't have caused so many misunderstandings.Unexpectedly, Naruto, who hadn't walked far, stopped again. He turned his head and glared viciously at the man, saying, "Very well. I've remembered this strike of yours today. Be careful; I will return it to you in full."The man heard Naruto daring to threaten him, and his gaze made him very uncomfortable, so he immediately wanted to step forward to teach him a lesson. But this time, Hinata grabbed his sleeve and shouted angrily, "Enough! Someone bullied me earlier, and it was he who saved me."Upon hearing this, the man not only felt no guilt, but instead began to persuade Hinata: "Eldest Young Lady, your status is noble; you must absolutely not have any dealings with such a person. Otherwise, if the Master finds out, he will be angry."Hearing this, Hinata sighed and said gloomily, "Alright, I know. Let's go back first!"At this moment, Naruto's left hand, which had just been struck, was already swollen high. While rubbing it, he tried to circulate his Chakra to promote blood circulation.Normally, he wouldn't be angry, but this time, the other party's strike was truly too heavy. Even though he was already in a rubber body at this moment, he was still injured quite badly.If that kind of force had hit an ordinary person, it would at least have caused a fracture.
