As they walked, Hinata glanced at Kushina, who was walking beside her, thinking to herself:
'She's so beautiful… and kind too… Even Sakura's love in Naruto-kun's heart couldn't withstand her…
It really seems like my chances are fading day by day… If only I could make him love me the way I love him… How much I wish I were in her place… He treats her like a princess…
Does he really love her that much? Could it be that his great love for Sakura, the one that once blinded him from seeing me, has disappeared so easily?
Maybe he's given up, knowing that there would never be room in her heart for anyone but Sasuke… But I know him—he never gives up, no matter what… That's something he taught me, too…'
'Naruto-kun, you're such a mystery… But I won't lose hope… I'll keep trying and trying until I earn your recognition… No matter what, I'll carve out a place for myself in your heart.'
Meanwhile, Naruto walked ahead of the two girls, carrying Sakura on his back. She was so exhausted that she eventually gave in to sleep, resting her head on his shoulder.
Suddenly, Sakura's hand moved as she tightened her arms around Naruto's neck, and her voice was heard softly saying, "I love you."
His eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly looked at her… but he smiled when he saw her asleep, a gentle smile still on her lips. He chuckled to himself, thinking, It seems like Sasuke never leaves your dreams…
He gazed at her for a moment before continuing his thoughts, You look so peaceful when you sleep… It's rare for me to see this side of you.
His thoughts were interrupted by Kushina's voice as she walked beside him.
"Naruto…"
He turned to her and asked, "What is it?"
Kushina: "Don't you want to rest for a bit? You've been carrying her for almost two hours now…"
Naruto: "No… You know I don't get tired from things like this." He then looked ahead again.
Kushina: "But you do look exhausted, dear. Besides, the road is long and—"
Naruto smiled as she spoke, then interrupted her, saying, "Alright, Kushina… We'll take a short break, just for you."
She turned her face away nervously and muttered, "For me?!"
Naruto: "It looks like your feet can't take much more."
She looked at him shyly and said, "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to trouble you."
He shook his head. "It doesn't bother me at all… Besides, it seems like everyone is tired. Even though we only have an hour left until we reach the village."
She smiled happily. "Thank you, dear."
Naruto smiled at her before turning his gaze to Hinata. "Hinata…"
She snapped out of her thoughts and looked at him quickly.
Naruto: "We're going to stop for a bit and rest."
Hinata: "Okay." She nodded quietly.
Naruto gently placed Sakura against a tree and then sat down by another tree nearby, facing her. Hinata chose a tree opposite Naruto to sit against, while Kushina sat next to Sakura, checking on her injured leg from the battle.
As Kushina stood up, Sakura stirred slightly, her gaze following Kushina as she walked toward Naruto.
Kushina stopped in front of Naruto and teasingly said, "And he says he doesn't get tired of such things… I leave him alone for just a minute, and I find him fast asleep."
Then she looked at him tenderly and thought to herself, But you really do get tired, Naruto… You carry so much on your shoulders… Her face darkened with sadness. And now I've come along to add to your burdens… Yet, you treat me with such kindness and warmth…
'I heard so much about you before I met you… but I never believed such a man could really exist. But after knowing you, you changed my life. You saved me from a lonely and miserable existence…
My dream was always to be acknowledged by everyone… but now, it's enough just to be by your side.'
She sat beside him, leaned her head against his chest, and wrapped her arms around him, closing her eyes to sleep.
Suddenly, she felt Naruto's hand on her, and she looked up to find him gazing at her.
Kushina: "Sorry… I didn't mean to wake you."
Naruto: "You didn't wake me, my princess… How could I sleep when you're not by my side?"
Her heart pounded with happiness as she stared into his eyes. He closed them and pulled her closer, and she, too, closed her eyes, feeling at peace in his embrace, a soft smile on her lips.
Hinata watched this scene unfold, feeling as if a dagger had pierced her heart. She could no longer bear the pain of her wounds, and tears streamed down her cheeks.
She pulled her knees to her chest, buried her face between them, and wept silently under the cover of her arms.
Sakura, on the other hand, watched them sharply, thinking to herself, 'I don't know why… but I feel so angry when I see him treating her with such kindness…
Maybe because I was used to being the one he treated that way, and now he acts as if I'm just another girl from the village… Or maybe because… I lost him…'
Or maybe… I thought he loved me… But I was wrong. If he really loved me, he wouldn't have replaced me with someone else…
What… what am I saying, Sakura?! Have I gone crazy?! Even if he replaced me with another girl… why does it make me so angry? It's not like I ever returned his feelings… It's natural for him to look for someone else who loves him…
But… is it normal for him to be this obsessed with her? With her, he seems like his old self… He hasn't changed at all. But with me… he treats me so coldly… It's like ice replaces his blood when he talks to me. Yet, when he comes close, I feel an unbearable heat…
Is he… getting back at me? Because I never cared about his feelings in the past?
Why am I even surprised?! I didn't understand him before… and I still don't understand him now…
I just wish… he would treat me the way he used to… It's really hard to get used to this new way he looks at me…
She slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep.