Chapter 16 – Quiet Days Before the Storm
Team 7 finally returned to Konoha after completing the Land of Waves mission. Life slowly settled back into a steady routine filled with missions, training, and occasional rest days. Compared to the dangers they had just faced, the peaceful days in the village felt almost relaxing.
Naruto spent most of his free time training and researching new techniques. Through the telepathy seal he occasionally spoke with Hinata and Ino even when they were far away. It allowed them to exchange ideas and discuss training methods without needing to meet in person.
The three of them often brainstormed new ninjutsu together. Whenever Hinata or Ino struggled with something, Naruto helped them refine their chakra control or adjust their techniques. Their teamwork slowly pushed all three of them forward.
Naruto also frequently visited the hospital with Sakura. While Sakura focused on studying medical texts, Naruto quietly read through other books related to anatomy and chakra systems. Even though his Six Eyes helped him learn techniques quickly, he still wanted deeper theoretical knowledge.
At the hospital, Naruto spent most of his time studying alongside Hinata. Hinata had also begun learning medical ninjutsu, and the two of them often read side by side while discussing complicated topics.
Sometimes Sakura joined them when she found something difficult to understand. The three of them would quietly discuss the material and help each other piece together the more complicated concepts. These small study sessions slowly strengthened their teamwork.
Yet Sakura occasionally felt something strange during those moments.
Whenever she saw Hinata sitting close to Naruto while holding his hand as they read medical texts together, Sakura couldn't help feeling slightly left out. She never said anything about it, but the feeling remained in the back of her mind.
Sometimes Ino would also arrive at the hospital carrying books about the human brain and nervous system. She had become deeply interested in studying the mind to improve her clan techniques.
Unlike Hinata, Ino was much bolder with her actions.
She would casually sit beside Naruto and sometimes even lay her head on his lap while reading. Naruto rarely reacted much to it, simply continuing to read his book while occasionally explaining something.
At times Hinata would shyly join them as well, sitting close to Naruto while quietly studying. The strange yet comfortable atmosphere between the four of them slowly became normal.
Sakura watched these moments quietly.
Her feelings were complicated.
She had liked Sasuke since childhood, admiring his talent and cool personality. Yet recently she had begun developing a small crush on Naruto as well.
Naruto had changed so much.
He had become confident, reliable, and incredibly strong.
Sakura still didn't know what to do with those conflicting emotions.
Time passed quietly in this routine of training, studying, and missions.
Soon, news began spreading across the village.
The Chunin Exams were only a few weeks away.