At the same time, in the Uchiha district.
Just like the Hyūga, the Uchiha had decorated their homes in preparation for the New Year.
At Uchiha Fugaku's house,
following her mother's instructions, Itachi made his way to his sister's room to wake her up.
"Chakra natures... Fire, Earth, Water, Wind, Lightning, Yin, Yang..."
As he approached, he heard indistinct murmurs coming from the room.
With light steps, he pushed the door open and saw his little sister still asleep.
Sako's peaceful face was adorable.
Even in her sleep, she was reciting ninja knowledge.
Itachi couldn't help but smile.
If she works this hard, she'll surely achieve her dream someday.
"Sako, Sako..."
At her brother's gentle call, Sako slowly woke up.
Dazed, her mind was still filled with the knowledge that had filled her dreams.
"Big bro..." she looked up at him.
"Wake up, Sako. We can't miss the New Year."
Itachi watched her, waiting patiently for her to fully wake up.
"Oh."
Sako rubbed her eyes and opened her mouth as if to say something, but held back.
That's strange... she thought.
Lately, I've been dreaming every night about all sorts of knowledge.
Things she had never learned or studied would surface in her dreams.
"Is something wrong, Sako?" Itachi asked, noticing her unease.
"No, nothing."
She got up quickly, feeling lighter than ever.
Strength, speed... unexplained knowledge.
She was changing, evolving at an inconceivable pace.
At first, she had been thrilled, thinking it was the result of her training.
But slowly, she realized it wasn't that simple.
Not wanting to worry her family, she remained silent, telling herself she'd visit the hospital after the holidays.
"Big bro, let's go to the living room."
She forced a smile, trying to seem natural.
Itachi watched her back in silence.
This change in Sako started about a month ago...
Right after she met Uzumaki Naruto...
He no longer doubted the connection.
He had already tried to find Naruto, but the boy was always absent.
"We'll have to wait until after the celebrations..."
he muttered, a shadow in his heart.
Shisui's words about Naruto came back to him.
The relationship between Sako and Naruto might not be so simple...
And then...
Normally, I should be glad my little sister made a friend.
So why this quiet irritation...?
It was more than time to pay a visit to Uzumaki Naruto.
---
Back at the Hyūga residence.
"So... will you forgive me now...?"
A cold wind seemed to blow through the room.
Hyūga Aoba looked away, her hands trembling slightly where they rested.
She felt her cheeks burning.
Shame. And... shyness.
Never in her life had she experienced anything like this.
Raised in the rigid Hyūga traditions, shaped by conservative values,
such behavior was downright scandalous!
A crushing sense of guilt overwhelmed her, blood rushing to her head.
It was as if a long-locked barrier had suddenly broken open.
The thought was liberating, yet terrifying—making her tremble all over.
"Forgive you? I never said that..."
Naruto's icy voice immediately extinguished her inner fire.
Blood freezing in her veins, Hyūga Aoba turned her head, incredulous, meeting his gaze.
Her expression of disgust turned to shock.
"You...!"
She had no time to say more.
Whoosh!
The sliding door shut abruptly, plunging the room into darkness.
Then, a sharp pain shot through her legs.
Thud!
She collapsed to her knees, forced into a kneeling position.
Before she could react, Naruto, now at her level, reached out...
and grabbed her violently—
"KYAAAA—!!!"
Hyūga Aoba's scream of pain echoed in the darkened room...
---
In the main family's room.
"Hinata, Hinata..."
Hyūga Uzuki, the mother, gently called her daughter.
"Mommy~..."
Hinata opened her eyes, finding her mother already dressed in her New Year's outfit.
For the New Year, every clan member had bought or had new clothes made.
Hinata and her mother were no exception.
Looking at her elegant and kind mother, Hinata blushed slightly, her heart filled with admiration.
If I could become as beautiful as her one day...
Her thoughts quickly wandered.
All the way to imagining her wedding with Naruto.
Thankfully, her young age kept her from picking names for their future children.
Hyūga Uzuki, observing her daughter's dreamy expression, immediately understood what she was thinking.
With gentleness, she helped her out of bed.
"Hinata, it's time to put on your new dress to welcome the New Year..."
Once dressed, she would look even more adorable.
Encouraged by the thought, Hinata hurried to get ready...
hoping to look beautiful for Naruto.
New dress, hairstyle, a pale flower in her hair...
"Hinata, look at yourself in the mirror."
Her mother spun her around.
Seeing her reflection, Hinata's eyes welled up with emotion.
Naruto-kun will surely find me cute...
"Thank you, Mommy..."
Hyūga Uzuki gently stroked her head.
"Let's go to the living room, Hinata..."