"Yeah!"
The group then walked toward Ichiraku Ramen, a strange but cheerful mix of newfound camaraderie. On the way, Naruto, ever direct, couldn't help but ask curiously, "Hinata, what on earth were those things you and that arrogant Hyuga Neji were talking about—the main family and the branch family?"
Instantly, everyone's eyes fell on Hinata. She clutched the corner of her clothes tightly, her bright expression from moments before fading into one of dejection and gloom.
### Chapter 73: Hinata Is My Best Friend! Sasuke's Transformation!
At Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto treated everyone. Hinata, Ino, and Rock Lee all ordered the ramen they wanted most. While filling her stomach, Hinata also answered Naruto's questions. The Hyuga clan's system of a main and branch family was no secret, but as children, they couldn't fully comprehend its true meaning.
Hinata lowered her head and said, "Neji has always hated the main family because of my uncle Hizashi's death. I don't really know the full truth behind that matter. No matter what, the Hyuga clan's system of main and branch families is indeed…" She didn't finish her sentence, but everyone in the group understood what she meant.
Ino's face also turned grim. "That's too much! Even if it's to protect their bloodline limit, they shouldn't go to such an extent, right? They are clearly members of the same clan, even biological brothers and sisters, yet they are reduced to a relationship of servitude. The fate of one side is completely controlled, with no escape until death. Looking at it that way, I can kind of understand Hyuga Neji."
Rock Lee was so stunned that he forgot about the ramen on his chopsticks. "So Neji has been carrying this pain all this time? No wonder he has become the kind of person he is now."
Although Naruto still disliked Neji, he did understand his pain. He had lost his family at a young age and had even been forced to witness his father's death, orchestrated by his own clan. This was indeed an unbearable experience.
Hinata nodded. "So, I also know how much pain Neji is feeling, but I'm not trying to excuse my father. There's more to this than meets the eye. In the final analysis, my father is just an executor of this system. Sometimes, he has no choice."
*Bang—*
Naruto slammed the table and stood up! "Then abolish that rotten system!"
"Naruto-kun…"
Naruto shouted, "Why keep it around when it's so harmful to everyone?!"
Ino frowned and said, "Naruto, calm down. After all, that is the Hyuga clan's business. Not to mention you, even the Hokage wouldn't be able to interfere."
Naruto snorted. "Then I'll just wait until I become Hokage, and then I'll change all of this myself!"
Hinata couldn't help but be stunned, then she showed a sweet, hopeful smile. "Naruto-kun… I believe you can do it. And… and I will also work hard to change all this."
Naruto said, "Of course we have to change it! Otherwise, Hinata, won't you also become a member of the branch family?! I will never allow that to happen!"
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes.
Ino burst out laughing. "Naruto, you really know how to act cool. However, it seems that Hinata holds a very important position in your heart!" Of course, she said this on purpose to help Hinata test Naruto's feelings.
Hinata blushed immediately and lowered her head, not daring to look at Naruto again.
Naruto, however, was very open and not at all shy. "Of course! Hinata is my best friend!"
"Ah?" Ino couldn't help but be stunned.
Hinata did not feel disappointed but instead felt very happy. "Really? Really, Naruto-kun?"
"For real!"
Rock Lee asked, "What about me, Naruto?"
"Of course we're good friends too!"
Ino looked at Naruto's straightforward behavior and could only shake her head and sigh helplessly. "As expected of you, Naruto." She looked at Hinata. "So, what are you going to do about Neji?"
Hinata shook her head. "I… I don't have any good ideas. Although I really hope to resolve the past grudges with Neji and work together to change the fate of the Hyuga clan, he…"
Naruto, however, patted his chest with confidence. "Don't worry, Hinata! Guys like Hyuga Neji are tough; you have to be firm, not soft! You're talking to him with such good intentions, but he won't listen. Just wait until I give him a good beating!"
Ino felt that this seemed to make some sense. "Hyuga Neji… with his personality, he might actually be like that. But can you beat him?"
Naruto said confidently, "Of course!"
Rock Lee shook his head. "Naruto, don't underestimate Neji. His strength is not comparable to Uchiha Sasuke's, at least not right now. He is a complete standout in our class. Let alone defeating him, there's no one even qualified to fight him. Some even say that he now has strength surpassing that of a chunin!"
Naruto didn't care. "So what? It's not like I haven't fought against a chunin before!"
Rock Lee also ignited with the desire to fight. "That's right! Even if we're no match for him right now, we can always surpass him if we work hard!"
"That's right! Uncle Teuchi, another bowl, please!"
"You got it!"
…
While Naruto and his friends were enjoying their noodles, Sasuke was alone, quietly facing the flowing river. The anger had been vented. The reluctance was suppressed. All that was left was a deep, crushing loneliness. In fact, was losing to Naruto really that important? Perhaps Sasuke himself knew that it wasn't. The person he truly wanted to kill was his brother, Uchiha Itachi. It had nothing to do with Naruto. He had been trying his best to become stronger, and Naruto becoming stronger was entirely Naruto's own business. The one Sasuke truly loathed was himself. *'Why am I so weak? Why am I still not strong enough!'* When would he finally see a hope of revenge? Could he ever see a ray of light in this endless darkness?
He had been struggling in the abyss for far too long, but it still felt like he was just falling deeper. There was no sign of escape. He couldn't tell anyone this kind of pain and depression, and no one could ever understand it. Sometimes, he even wanted to give up on everything and just end all the pain. *'If I jump into the river, will that put an end to it all?'*
However, he wasn't even qualified to die. The hatred for what was done to his parents and his clan was irreconcilable. After committing his crimes, Itachi had said to him, *'Do you want to kill me to avenge your parents and clan? Then live your ugly life! Survive with all your might, without dignity, and with every fiber of your being.'*
Living was worse than death. But he couldn't die. This was Sasuke's greatest sorrow.
Just then, a familiar voice sounded from behind him. "I guessed you'd be here."
Sasuke knew that it was the voice of Iruka-sensei. But he didn't look back, nor did he give any answer. Iruka-sensei walked up behind Sasuke along the wooden plank bridge that extended out over the river.
"So, are you very unwilling to accept it, Sasuke?"
Sasuke remained silent. Iruka-sensei sighed as he looked at the aloof and arrogant young man.
__________________________
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