stonecrandall Chapter 332: Something That Must Be Faced Sooner or Later
Chapter 332: Something That Must Be Faced Sooner or Later
Chapter 332: Something That Must Be Faced Sooner or Later
Meeting Naruto’s puzzled gaze, Hikari naturally took his hand.
"Could it be... that you would just stand by and watch Ino, Hinata... or Karin and the others marry someone else?"
"To let those girls, whose hearts are full of you and whose eyes see only you, put on wedding dresses and walk toward other men?"
"...Huh?"
Naruto was stunned once again by this sudden question.
Was he under a genjutsu?
Nine-Tailed: No. If I say you’re not under a genjutsu, then you’re not. Are you looking down on me again?!
He wasn’t under a genjutsu?
Then what was going on with Uchiha Hikari today?
Had someone else used the Transformation Jutsu?
Seeing the constant shock and disbelief on Naruto’s face, Hikari seemed to realize that her words today were indeed a bit out of character.
She pursed her lips slightly, but her gaze remained firm, showing no intention of backing down or changing the subject.
"This is something that must be faced sooner or later."
She explained.
"Instead of being indecisive and creating misunderstandings, it’s better to just lay everything out in the open."
She had indeed once thought about Naruto only marrying her, and she had instinctively resisted and avoided this topic, unwilling to think about the complex situation that might arise in the future.
However, after learning that Karin had already started "planning for a rainy day" and even sought outside help to "deal with" her, Hikari understood that avoidance wouldn’t solve the problem.
This matter would be brought up sooner or later.
And she, Uchiha Hikari, was never one for procrastination or self-deception.
To be decisive and face problems head-on was her character.
Rather than waiting until the situation became unmanageable or being forced to accept it passively, it was better to clarify things now.
At least...
She had to confirm Naruto’s attitude and state her own position.
At this thought, Hikari’s gaze became sharper, and her grip on Naruto’s hand tightened slightly.
"And another thing..."
She paused, as if brewing something, then she tilted her face up slightly, leaned in closer, looked straight into Naruto’s eyes, and said in an extremely serious, yet somewhat awkwardly fierce tone:
"If you’re only willing to have one person... and you don’t choose me..."
She paused intentionally, trying to create a sense of threat,
"I’ll kill you!"
After saying this, she even tried to make an expression she thought was fierce enough.
However, in Naruto’s eyes, this "fierce look" had no deterrent effect at all. Instead, because of the contrast with her usual cold image and the way she tried to keep a straight face while unable to hide the hint of nervousness and uncertainty in her eyes, it seemed cute.
Naruto reached out with both hands to cup Hikari’s cheeks, gazing at her tenderly.
"Ah..."
The corners of Naruto’s mouth curved slightly into a faint, knowing arc, the tenderness in his eyes seemingly overflowing,
"It seems... you’ve really fallen in love with me."
It wasn’t a question, but a statement.
With a faint sigh, and more so, a complex emotion of finally confirming something, mixed with relief and a certain heavy responsibility.
Hikari’s heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks began to heat up uncontrollably; she could even feel the temperature from Naruto’s palms rising.
She opened her mouth, wanting to retort, to deny, to say things like "Who’s in love with you?" or "Don’t flatter yourself," which would fit her usual style.
But she held back.
She knew she would definitely regret saying those words.
There is only a thin line between a Tsundere and a Losing heroine; being all ’tsun’ and no ’dere’ is a guaranteed loss.
Naruto brought her light and all the warmth she had known since her parents passed away.
He liberated her from the Seal, and although Hikari also guessed that his initial goal was likely her eyes, so what?
For Hikari, this dark and cold world only gained color because of Naruto.
She was willing to, and enjoyed, the time she spent by Naruto’s side now.
Like a moth in the dark, even if it were to be burned to death by the flame, it would still rush toward the light and warmth.
Naruto didn’t mind her silence and embarrassment. He continued to look at her, his gaze honest and firm, as if making a solemn declaration:
"I have actually been working toward this for a long time."
"I want to give my family a world that is truly peaceful, stable, and no longer plagued by war and chaos."
His voice was steady, yet it contained an unquestionable determination.
"I want to ensure my children will never experience the pain I went through."
When he mentioned the word "children," his gaze deepened, as if he were already seeing a scene in the far-off future.
"I want to be able to treat you all with my whole heart after marriage, without any worries, protecting you and giving you stability and happiness."
"So..."
Naruto’s voice became clearer and more powerful, with a resolute determination,
"That is why I launched this War of Unification."
"I want to leave nothing but peace in the entire Ninja World before I reach adulthood!
Let the world begin to flourish, and let everyone live and work in peace and contentment under this new order!"
"Only then can I... feel at ease starting a family and fulfilling those promises for the future."
In his words, there were no flowery phrases or empty slogans.
To protect the peace and happiness of those he loved in the future, he had to first create a world where such peace and happiness could exist.
Hikari’s lips moved slightly as she looked into Naruto’s eyes, which seemed incredibly focused and deep under the dim light, listening to this heartfelt confession that intertwined ambition and tenderness.
The unease, grievance, and even the sharp sense of confrontation she originally felt due to Karin’s "little moves" and the uncertainty of the future seemed to be enveloped and melted by a grander and warmer emotion at this moment.
She had many things she wanted to say.
She wanted to say "You’re too self-righteous," "Who would wait for you that long," or "Who can say for sure about the future," but in the end, none of those words came out.
Victory is almost at hand, shut your damn mouth!
Endure...
Calm down, persistence is victory!
Endure... keep enduring... but even though I’ve shut my mouth, why can’t I stop the corners of my lips from wanting to curl up?
This guy Naruto... is really detestable!
Hikari thought indignantly.
Those eyes of his would look affectionate and tender even when looking at Dahuang!
She even wondered if this was some kind of innate charm ability, or some visual deception effect brought by those eyes of his.
They always held a focused and soft glow, as if they could pull someone in, making them involuntarily believe in him, depend on him, and drown in them.
Hikari finally couldn’t take it anymore; she placed both hands on Naruto’s face and rubbed it vigorously.
"You guy, give me a straight answer and stop looking at me with those eyes."
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
The clouds dispersed, and the moon shone brightly.
Naruto, Karin, and Hikari sat on the rooftop where a table and some dishes had been set out.
Naruto lifted the warm teapot and filled three empty cups with fragrant tea.
The amber tea rippled with a warm luster under the moonlight.
He picked up his own cup, took a small sip, then looked up at the bright moon that seemed within reach, a relaxed and satisfied expression on his face as he sighed from the heart:
"The moon is truly beautiful tonight."
(Tsuki ga kirei desu ne)
His voice carried a sense of joy after having set down all his burdens.
However, hearing these words, combined with the subtle atmosphere during dinner earlier and the romantic scene of the moonlight, the rooftop, the snacks, and the three of them sitting together, Karin instantly became alert, and alarm bells rang in her head!
Wait!
This atmosphere... this scene... these words...!
Why does it feel like... Karin’s gaze quickly darted between Naruto’s profile, which wore a gentle smile, and Hikari’s face, which looked exceptionally calm and beautiful under the moonlight, as an ominous premonition surged in her heart.
Why does it feel... a bit like... the atmosphere of a sudden confession?!
"Yes, the wind is very gentle too."
Hikari responded with a smile.
Karin’s eyes widened.
Masaka!
This is simply a total defeat!
What on earth did I miss?!
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