After I got my hand bandaged up, I left the Hyuga compound. I did it without anyone noticing so I wouldn't have to explain.
I wouldn't have the time to walk around the village like this again. History repeats itself; once again for the happiness of my sibling, I'd sacrifice mine without hesitation.
As long as I can see them happy, then I can deal with it.
I was snapped out of my thoughts by angry screams. I started running, climbing onto the buildings to get a better view.
My gaze landed on a mob chasing after a kid. I followed them on the roofs out of curiosity. There was a mob coming from each direction. He turned a corner and ended up at a dead end.
He ruffled his hair thinking of a plan, as they only got closer. If he ran out now, he'd definitely be caught.
Before I could even think it through, I dropped from the roof, grabbing his hand.
"Who are you?!" he exclaimed, pulling away.
I took a step back; I acted too quickly! The voices were getting closer.
"I can help you escape," I said.
He hesitated, unsure, but the cries of the angry mob convinced him as he took my hand.
I picked the kid up, climbing back onto the roof.
"Who in the world are—" Before he could finish, I slapped my hand onto his mouth, keeping him quiet as the mob arrived at the alley he had entered.
"I know I saw him come through here!" one of them exclaimed; they nodded, agreeing with the person.
I pulled the boy back as they glanced up at the roofs, before leaving mumbling to themselves about how they'd catch him next time.
I released him, letting out a scream as he suddenly bit my hand.
He grinned like he had just won first place. "Now tell me who you are and why you helped me!" his blue eyes glinting with pride.
I glanced at my hand before speaking, "Hinoka Hyuga. And I helped you because you needed help."
I drowned out his voice as realization slowly hit me: those whiskers, that blonde hair, those blue eyes.
"Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto stared at me confused. "How do you know my name?" he asked warily.
"Did I say that out loud?!" I asked, my face turning slightly red with embarassment.
Naruto burst out laughing, and I couldn't help joining. He soon forgot all his questions and let his guard down.
"I'll let you be my sidekick, Hinoka. It's obvious you look up to me," he said with a grin.
But I could tell what he really meant, "How about friends? Partners?" I asked.
He looked at me surprised. "Sure, since you're begging," he replied, trying to hide the large smile on his face.
I smiled at his reaction.
Naruto would be the second friend I had made since I was reincarnated. No, in my entire life.
An actual friend? That was something I could only dream of in my past life, and now I had two!
"If you don't mind me asking, why were they chasing after you?" I asked as we sat on the roof, our feet dangling over the edge.
"Because I played a prank on them."
"A prank caused that reaction?"
"Yep!" He turned to me with a smile that sent a chill down my spine. "Want to pull another one?"
If I got caught, what would Father say? I could end up bringing disgrace to the Hyuga clan.
"I don't know if–"
"Come on, Hinoka! Don't tell me you're scared!"
I hesitated; I had never pulled a prank before, and he made it sound so fun.
'Live it to the fullest,' those words resonated in my head.
"O-okay," I said hesitantly, agreeing.
Naruto's smile only grew larger as he began to plan the prank. I insisted we wear masks just in case we were caught. I still didn't want to risk offending Father in any way, especially after I had promised to be perfect.
We put the plan into action. Barely escaping without anyone seeing us.
We watched their reactions and laughed our butts off. It was even more fun than I had expected. I couldn't stop smiling as we hung out the whole day; with him, I could be silly, like I had been with my brother.
It felt weird, and all the things we did felt immature, but I had never had this much fun.
Our stomachs growled at the exact same time, and while I was embarrassed, Naruto simply laughed before saying he had the perfect place we could get food at.
"This is amazing!" I exclaimed stars in my eyes.
He nodded excitedly, "Ichiraku has the best ramen!" Naruto exclaimed back.
We chatted some more, but eventually, I had to return home.
"I have the perfect prank to pull tomorrow!"
"Sorry, I can't tomorrow."
His face dropped, his smile vanishing for the first time since we had climbed the roof.
"Ok, I was busy anyways, believe it!" he screamed tears in his eyes.
"I have to do somehting tomorrow and I'll be busy a lot. But I had a lot of fun today. I won't always be free, but when I am, I'd love to talk, play pranks and eat ramen with you."
"Sure!"
His smile returned larger than ever.
"Hinoka, it's time for your training," a familiar stern voice said.
I had finished getting ready as I stepped out, "Yes father. And… Hinata?"
"You and Hinata will be joining the academy soon."
"I understand, thank you," I said walking off.