A few moments later...
Sako walked lightly through the streets of Konoha, the package clutched to her chest.
She had no idea that Itachi was following her from a distance, hidden in the shadows of the rooftops.
Why does this bother me so much?
he wondered, unable to understand his own irritation.
Am I... jealous?
The thought startled him.
Since when was he the type to envy the attention his sister gave to someone else?
Suddenly, Sako stopped in front of a large traditional house.
The Hyūga compound.
Itachi held his breath.
Is this where that Naruto lives?
Before he could analyze the situation further, the door opened.
A little girl with lavender hair and pure white eyes appeared.
Hinata.
"S-Sako-chan..."
"Hinata! Happy New Year~!"
Sako held out the package to her friend, who blushed furiously.
"F-For me?"
"Of course!"
Hidden, Itachi felt some of his tension ease.
So it wasn't for that Naruto after all...
But then...
"Thank you so much..." Hinata murmured, touched.
"You're welcome! Oh, by the way..." Sako lowered her voice.
"Is Naruto here? I've got something for him too."
Itachi nearly fell off the roof.
WHAT?!
Hinata timidly nodded.
"He's in the garden... I'll take you."
The two girls disappeared inside, leaving Itachi alone with his tumultuous thoughts.
My little sister... has a gift for that boy?!
A strange feeling twisted in his stomach.
Why does this get to me so much?
He silently leapt into the garden, determined to watch the encounter more closely...
---
In the Hyūga Garden...
Naruto was sitting under a tree, deep in conversation with Kurama in his mind.
Suddenly, he sensed a familiar presence.
"Sako?"
He turned to see the young Uchiha approaching, followed by Hinata.
Sako wore a sly smile, while Hinata looked both excited and nervous.
"Happy New Year, Naruto."
Sako pulled a small package from her pocket.
"Here. For you."
Naruto blinked, surprised.
"For me?"
He took the gift and carefully unwrapped it.
Inside was a metal canteen engraved with flame patterns.
"Since you're always training... I thought this might be useful."
Naruto felt a strange warmth rise to his cheeks.
"Thanks, Sako. It's... really cool."
Hinata, beside him, smiled gently.
"I-I also have something for you..."
She held out a small wooden box.
Inside were homemade rice cakes.
"Wow..." Naruto was genuinely touched.
"You two are the best."
Hidden in the shadows, Itachi watched the scene, his heart tight.
Why do I feel like this?
Seeing his little sister give a gift to a boy...
Watching that boy, Naruto, receive those gifts with gratitude...
Something inside him resisted violently.
I just... don't want to see her grow up so fast.
But another voice, darker, whispered:
Or maybe you don't want her getting close to anyone else...
Itachi shook his head, trying to banish those thoughts.
He needed to pull himself together.
That's when Naruto suddenly looked up, as if he had sensed his presence.
What?!
Their eyes met through the branches.
Caught off guard, Itachi didn't have time to react.
Naruto gave him a small nod, as if he had known all along.
He spotted me?!
Before Itachi could decide what to do next, Sako suddenly turned toward him.
"Big bro?!"
Damn.
Discovered, Itachi had no choice but to reveal himself.
"Itachi-nii?!" Hinata looked surprised.
Naruto, meanwhile, smiled calmly.
"Hey, big brother. Here to check if I'm good enough for your sister?"
Itachi felt his jaw clench.
This brat...
Sako, hands on her hips, looked at him reproachfully.
"You were spying on me?"
"I..." Itachi desperately searched for an excuse.
"I was worried about you. With the war and all..."
Naruto burst out laughing.
"Don't worry, I'll protect her too."
Itachi felt a muscle twitch in his cheek.
Exactly what I was afraid of...
Sako blushed slightly.
"I don't need protection!"
Hinata watched the scene, amused.
Itachi sighed.
My little sister... can't be this cute.
And yet, she was.
And that Naruto...
He was going to have to keep a close eye on him.
A very, very close eye.