[Check Out My P4treon For +30 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/talkfictome]
===
Watching the reluctant Hinata, who was holding the hand of a sleepy Hanabi, walk through the gates of the Hyuga Compound, Naruto turned around only to bump into Ino. She was leaning against a street lamp, the orange glow casting sharp shadows across her face. Her expression, usually bright and infectious, was filled with a rare, simmering resentment.
"Ohhh—" She dragged out the word, walking closer until she was nearly in his space. "So, Naruto, are you using the Language of Flowers I taught you to comfort other girls?"
Before Naruto could speak, Ino grabbed his sleeve, her eyes pressing him for an answer. "Have you already fallen for Hinata's constant 'Naruto-kun's? Or do you simply prefer those gentle, soft girls?"
Seeing her pout, Naruto couldn't help but laugh. He gently held the hand she was using to grip his sleeve, his blue eyes softening. "That's right! I like gentle people."
He admitted it frankly, his voice carrying a serious weight. "Because all my knowledge about flowers was taught by Ino, I've kept it well in mind. That's why I unconsciously said those words just now. And speaking of gentleness..."
Naruto watched Ino's eyes widen as his tone dropped. "Although Ino sometimes shows a spirited side, you are actually a very gentle person, aren't you? Before graduation, didn't you always comfort Hinata and Sakura when they faced setbacks during training? I noticed that."
Ino paused, her grip on his sleeve involuntarily loosening. The night breeze swept past, carrying a faint fragrance. In this shortened distance, Naruto realized for the first time that the "maiden's scent" described in novels was real—an elegant mix of jasmine from the Yamanaka shop and a fresh, indescribable scent unique to her.
"Ahem! Ino, aren't you going home yet? It's late."
The voice, filled with undisguised displeasure, broke the moment. Ino jumped and immediately let go of Naruto. The person who arrived was Inoichi Yamanaka, accompanied by Nara Shikaku and Akimichi Choza. Shikaku and Choza were supporting a very unsteady Hiashi Hyuga, who was clearly a "one-cup" lightweight.
"Hello, Uncles," Naruto offered politely.
"Tch, what's so good about this late hour?" Inoichi frowned, pulling his daughter to his side and scrutinizing Naruto like a wild boar trying to steal his prized cabbage.
"Alright, Inoichi, don't scare the boy," Shikaku intervened with a weary smile. "Naruto, go home. The Hokage is waiting."
After the group saw Hiashi home, Shikaku pulled Inoichi aside. "The children are old enough for A-rank missions, Inoichi. Don't be too strict. In the Sengoku period, people married at this age."
"Hmph! If he only focused on Ino, I wouldn't say much," Inoichi crossed his arms. "But he's close to Hiashi's daughter, and then there's Sakura Haruno in his own team. I heard they have history from before the Academy!"
Shikaku patted his friend's shoulder. "That's exactly why you should support her. If you obstruct them, you'll become the biggest obstacle to her happiness. You have to believe in your daughter."
Naruto pushed open his front door. The living room smelled of charcoal, roasted venison, and premium sake. The Third Hokage sat on the sofa, his cheeks flushed with alcohol, eyes hazy but fixed on the door.
"Grandpa Third, you were looking for me?"
The Hokage nodded slowly, puffing his pipe. "Mhm. Where is the Sealing Technique scroll I gave you?"
Naruto walked into the bedroom and returned with the ancient, heavy scroll. The Third took it, his hands trembling slightly—half from age, half from the sake. "How much of it have you learned?"
"More than half!" Naruto scratched his cheek. "Recently, I've been practicing variations of the Four Symbols Seal, but the chakra conversion is still a bit unstable."
The Third Hokage was stunned. He had given Naruto the forbidden collection by mistake, a book full of S-rank complexity. To learn the Four Symbols Seal—the very seal used to lock the Nine-Tails—just by self-studying the scroll?
What truly amazing talent! Hiruzen thought, the alcohol-induced fog in his brain clearing for a brief, terrifying moment of realization. He truly is Minato's son.
===
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 90 on my patreon, go check it out
exclusive 18+ character images, and early chapters, please visit my Patreon. Thanks for your support!
p4treon.com/talkfictome
if you want more updates == supports with power stones
Every 20 Power Stones == Bonus Chapter
every three 5-star reviews == Bonus Chapter