Chapter 48: Trouble in the Small Axe - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

### Chapter 48: Trouble in the Small Axe A group of five moved away from the water's edge, only for two striking figures to emerge slowly from the remnants, their cold eyes exuding an almost imperceptible murderous intent. What's more, these two individuals were clinging tightly to each other. If Kakashi and Guy, Naruto and Sasuke, Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju all, for various reasons, failed to end up together, then the Demon Brothers could be said to have truly achieved a meaningful bond. Hinata had been pondering a question. Kakashi and Guy remained single for life; Naruto and Sasuke got married, yet Sasuke was reluctant to return to Konoha; Hashirama, though married, saw Madara Uchiha live a bachelor's life. Moreover, Madara not only stayed single but eventually left Konoha, culminating in a life-and-death battle with Hashirama. Could there be any untold secrets hiding within these stories? One brother of the Demon Brothers leapt into action, a chain linking both their arms as they swiftly ensnared Hinata and Kakashi, binding them tightly. The chain was lined with sharp blades. With a forceful pull, Kakashi and Hinata were instantly torn apart, blood and flesh scattering, limbs flying. The Demon Brothers were confident in their double kill! "Kakashi-sensei!" "Hinata—" Naruto, Sasuke, and Tazuna were dumbfounded by the sight, so shocked they forgot even to think. Silently, the Demon Brothers appeared behind Naruto, cruelly whispering, "Here's the third one!" Just as they were about to end Naruto, they didn't expect him, though too terrified to retaliate, to have his chakra surge violently. Before the brothers could strike, a red chakra, substance-like, emanated from Naruto. Hinata, hiding in the woods and initially observing with interest, hadn’t foreseen Naruto's sudden release of the Nine-Tails. Red chakra burst forth from Naruto like nine tails, sweeping over and knocking the Demon Brothers unconscious on the spot. "You killed Hinata—" To Naruto, Hinata was more than his... well, more than just anything; she was the first person to recognize him, the first to offer him warmth during his loneliest, darkest moments. Hence, Naruto always regarded Hinata as an immensely important person. Witnessing Hinata's brutal slaying stirred an uncontrollable killing intent within Naruto, granting the Nine-Tails a subtle chance, its chakra leaking out. "This isn't good!" Hinata felt a twinge of guilt, realizing perhaps her joke had gone too far. Normally, Hinata enjoyed teasing others, but her jokes were typically harmless, and she always knew not to overstep. In essence, Hinata was still a kind-hearted person. Hinata had only intended to slack off, pretending to be slain by the Demon Brothers, overlooking Naruto’s feelings. To witness the enemy brutally kill someone he deems most important, how could Naruto not lose control? It's been twelve years since Minato left the Eight Trigrams Seal, which had long since loosened. Hinata and Kakashi quickly revealed themselves, with Hinata looking at Naruto worriedly, "Are you alright, Naruto?" "Hinata?" Seeing Hinata alive, Naruto’s demeanor improved considerably, the violent aura retreating as the Nine-Tails' chakra withdrew back within him. Patting Naruto on the shoulder, Hinata expressed, "You really scared me earlier." Naruto scratched his head with a goofy grin, "I'm fine! Thanks, Hinata!" Hinata sighed inwardly: What a fool, blaming himself even when it’s my mistake. Reflecting on that, Hinata felt a touch of bittersweetness. To Naruto, even when gravely injured, a simple word of care made the pain cease to matter. Oh well, perhaps it’s best to tease him less in the future! Then again, there's still the unresolved grudge for teaching Konohamaru wrong. Hinata contemplated, stroking her chin: There’s indeed much to learn in all these matters! Hinata knew Naruto didn't crave pity, rather, he longed for recognition and encouragement. Punching his shoulder playfully, she smiled sweetly, "You were pretty awesome just now! Blew those two away in no time." "Hehe!" Naruto chuckled foolishly. Sasuke, however, found himself in turmoil—the strength of Hinata was beyond him, not to mention Naruto who, despite being considered the weakest link, surpassed him in strength. Sasuke’s hands clenched tight, struggling: All these years, what have I been doing? Why can’t I even match Naruto? Kakashi gravely addressed Tazuna, "Mr. Tazuna." "What is it?" "We need to talk." Casting a glance at the now-dead Demon Brothers, Kakashi noted, "They were Chunin from Kirigakure, known for their determination to fight to the death. That you'd be targeted by ninja is surprising, Mr. Tazuna. We signed up for a C-rank mission expecting bandits or stray samurai; this is more like a B-rank mission." "You might have your reasons, but this is troubling for us as well." Hearing this, Hinata quickly feigned weakness, pitifully saying, "It’s too early for us to handle such missions. Perhaps we should retreat—I almost got killed!" Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke: "..." Are you sure that’s not just laziness? Kakashi continued, "Indeed, this puts us in quite a bind." Regardless, Naruto had already unleashed the Nine-Tails' power, loosening the seal within him—prompting an urgent return to the village. Sasuke trembled, feeling overwhelmed: Hinata was strong, Naruto surpassed him; why? I should be getting stronger too! Even after rigorous, solitary training, why was I bested by them? After some time, Sasuke calmed, coldly addressing Kakashi, "Kakashi-sensei, let's proceed with the mission!" Unfortunately, Kakashi wouldn’t entertain Sasuke’s reasoning. Naruto glanced from Sasuke to Kakashi, earnestly beginning, "Kakashi-sensei..." Before Naruto could finish, Tazuna interjected, "Sensei, I’ve something to discuss about the mission..." Hinata observed Naruto and Sasuke's determination to continue—Sasuke driven by the need to prove himself, while Naruto seemed emboldened by newfound strength. Not even Naruto understood why he erupted with such power so effortlessly subduing two Kirigakure Chunin... Am I really this strong now? Hinata fretted, worriedly chiming in, "Kakashi-sensei, if they send a number of Jonin, we’d be entirely wiped out." Ignoring Hinata’s lament, Kakashi listened as Tazuna confessed, "It may indeed be too much for you, for there's a truly terrifying individual after my life."