You're My Special (SI-OC/Naruto) ENG

11: Opportunity

11: Opportunity

"So, you've been spying on me this whole time!?" At the almost shrill scream, Hinata shrank into herself, trying to make herself as small as possible, while her gaze dropped to the floor, tears threatening to fall from her eyes and shame beginning to consume her.

"That's incredible! I didn't even notice," though also a bit creepy... Naruko managed to keep that last part to herself as she noticed how the black-haired girl seemed almost on the verge of bursting into tears.

Such words made the Hyuga raise her head in surprise.

"You shouldn't be happy about that!" Sukuna sighed. "Though, to be fair, it's not entirely your fault—she's very good at hiding." He didn't say it as a hollow compliment to make Hinata feel better; the truth was, Naruko had quite good perception, something Sukuna had noticed from the first moment they met, and the fact that Hinata could bypass that was her own little achievement.

Not being reprimanded or scolded and instead receiving some praise, Hinata didn't know how to handle it properly. Of course, she felt happy, while at the same time somewhat guilty for going behind their backs.

"I-I'm sorry."

Huh? Hearing the girl's whisper, Naruko raised an eyebrow. Then she approached her and gave her a pat on the back with a smile, catching her off guard.

"Don't worry, maybe you've got something good in you after all," and that comment was like another critical hit that almost made her stumble.

"I told you to be nice," with a swift flick of his finger, Sukuna tapped Naruko on the forehead, making her wince. Then she noticed the devastated look on Hinata's face and quickly, though reluctantly, apologized.

"Sorry..."

"Anyway, getting back to the point, I had no intention of intervening in this espionage matter, but something has recently come up that will keep me a bit busy, and I thought I might as well have you two meet so you can train together."

'Something came up?' Naruko narrowed her eyes with clear curiosity, but Sukuna didn't explain further, and she knew he wouldn't tell her even if she begged him to, especially not with someone else around. So, she'd probably have to wait until they were alone again. With that in mind, she temporarily shifted her attention to Hinata.

'Train with this girl?' Feeling Naruko's sharp gaze, the Hyuga shuddered slightly.

"And well, what do you say? Surely you've learned some things from all this time watching us, so you know this will be very useful for you as well. I know Naruko can be a bit rough, but I know you'll learn a lot from each other if you give it a try."

"I-I..." Hinata bit her lip. He was right. Even if indirectly, she had learned many things by watching them train together. But... was that really enough? Did she even deserve more? Was she truly worthy of being a training partner for Naruko? The blonde girl was clearly stronger and more skilled. Could she really be of any use?

Seeing the doubt and indecision in her, Sukuna sighed and decided he needed to be more direct, or this would drag on all day.

"Hey, lift your head." The hard voice made the girl flinch, pulling her out of the spiral of depressing thoughts she had been sinking into, and without being able to help it, she obeyed, only to meet a pair of green eyes staring at her seriously.

"I've heard some of the things the Hyuga clan members say about you. Honestly, I don't care much, but... do you really want to remain so weak?" The blunt question made her eyes widen and her fists clench.

Without being able to stop it, memories and images from the past flooded her mind—every failed training, every disappointed look from her father, from the members of her clan...