Scarf

THE NEXT MORNING:

The dawn broke, revealing a village blanketed in a pristine layer of snow, a silent testament to a night of heavy snowfall. However, that didn't cease the activities from within the village, as the people emerged from their homes dedicated to performing their daily mandatory duties.

Within the Hokage's office, a scarlet-haired figure engaged in a serious discussion with the venerable Hiruzen, the Third Hokage.

"She'll be here by nighttime Lord Third," the scarlet-haired man voiced. He was none other than Hayato.

"Very well," Hiruzen replied, glancing over the documents before him, and further inquiring, "So you're certain about not creating a fake identity for her?"

Hayato nodded in certainty before explaining, "Yes. The dispute inside the clan at the time was big, and she was treated like an outsider. Not even her parents bat an eye at her."

Pondering over Hayato's explanation, Hiruzen mused with a finger beneath his chin, staring at the documents with a thoughtful gaze.

Finally, he concluded, "That is true. She wasn't exactly a prodigy of the Uchiha, and was pretty much neglected. Her identity has always been kept under wraps, and because of the negligence, not even the Uchiha know what she's capable of."

Hayato continued; "Indeed. The only big name here is Namikaze, especially because of nii-san. The Namikaze was widespread, so taking that name could certainly incite harm, from people who harbored hostility toward not only my brother, but myself as of recent years."

Hiruzen nodded in agreement. That's the very reason Naruto was given the name Uzumaki than Namikaze. 

Hayato continued, "I want to believe I'm doing the best for Naruto. I want to keep him safe from any possible danger, even if I must change my identity. As confident as I am in protecting him, I must take precautions. He's been orphaned all these years after all; I'm here to raise him, and nurture him as though he were my son. I don't want him to face additional trouble." 

Hiruzen, after a thoughtful pause, affirmed, "Very well. Then everything is set, though Hayato..."

"Yeah?" 

"There will come a time when you'll reveal your identity... And for that, you must always anticipate the worst," Hiruzen voiced.

Hayato nodded, "Yeah, I'll be ready. I'm sure that time will come, but for now, let's just rest assured."

"Very well," Hiruzen admitted.

A palpable silence prevailed, and finally, Hiruzen slid the documents inside a portable folder.

Turning his eyes back on Hayato, Hiruzen reinitiated; "I've been meaning to ask, but you both aren't married right?"

Arching a brow, Hayato responded, "Not yet. Haven't I already -"

"Yes, you've mentioned the urgency of creating a fake marriage certificate. But… You've avoided telling me the reason behind it," Hiruzen interjected.

"It's related to what I told you the day before yesterday, where there was an incident at Kusagakure. It'll be easier to explain when she comes back... Along with another surprise," Hayato elaborated, hinting at "suspense."

"Surprise you say?" Hiruzen replied, his brows knit together.

"Yeah. One of the reasons behind my Uzumaki facade is to adopt Naruto, but there was another significant reason behind it..." Hayato paused, observing Hiruzen's reaction; "Curious?" He teased.

"Very much. You're only leaving me confused here," Hiruzen responded, to which Hayato slightly chuckled.

"You'll know by today. Well, I will meet with Naruto tomorrow," Hayato stated.

"I see, very well then," Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction. 

The entire process went smoothly. 

Arising from his spot, Hayato bid farewell to Hiruzen before vanishing from his spot.

...

Hayato vanished, returning to his vantage point atop the Hokage balcony. There, he contemplated the village's panorama, deciding to explore its intricacies.

"I guess I'll explore the village," Hayato muttered before disappearing from his perch, leaving a palpable sense of anticipation lingering in the brisk morning air.

***

In another corner of Konoha, a snow-filled forest stood adjacent to the Academy, shrouded in mist. The Academy building loomed in the background.

"Huff... huff... huff..."

The serenity of the setting was disturbed by a youth's laborious breaths as he lay on the snow, his arms and legs extended outwardly, and also nursing a swollen cheek. Each of his breaths exuded mist.

Suddenly, his squinted eyes expanded, revealing a brimming sapphire. As though regaining vitality, he immediately jolted upright and roared "GET BACK HERE YA JERKS. THIS TIME I'LL DO A SUPER-DUPER JUTSU, AND..."

His roaring ceased as he noticed the culprits responsible for his pitiful state had already vacated, leaving him, and another girl around his age. 

The male bore three distinctive whisker marks on each cheek, complementing his blonde hair and intense blue eyes. His attire, an orange jacket with subtle white and grey accents, along with knee-length shorts, hinted at a fashion choice unyielding to the cold. This spirited youth was none other than Uzumaki Naruto.

The female, with short, navy blue hair and distinctive white eyes, marked by a revered Hyuga lineage, approached with a concerned expression. She crouched down to meet the boy's gaze.

"Ouch, ouch."

Naruto winced, caressing his swollen cheek in pain.

"Um, a-are you okay," the female youth spoke in a high-pitched, empathetic tone.

"Yeah, it's nothing. I'm used to it," Naruto replied, his tone carrying a tinge of annoyance.

"Y-Your scarf... Those boys..." The female paused, observing the tattered, red scarf in her hands, guilt creeping in, and then redirecting her gaze back at Naruto, who flailed his hand, signaling for her to not press the matter further. 

"Don't worry about it," Naruto reassured, before groggily propping himself up and departing the scene. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the snowy silence with each step sinking slightly into the deep snow.

The female watched his departing back, her lips parted, and quivering as though reluctant to speak. Bottling up her courage, she called out, "U-Uhm." 

The sudden call prompted Naruto to halt, who turned back with a puzzled expression. 

Bowing her head in reverence, the female youth expressed her gratitude; "Thank you very much." 

Naruto returned a grin, and resumed running; "Sure. See ya," he intoned, his figure disappearing into the thick billowy snow.

The girl stood in a daze as she stared at the running youth, soon disappearing into the distance, engulfed by the mist. A slight smile graced her countenance, and she kept the tattered scarf in her embrace, truly thankful for this youth's bravery.

She remembered that the youth had introduced himself in front of the bullies, claiming to become the future Hokage. His vivid proclamation echoed in her mind...

-----

"THE NAME'S NARUTO! I'M GONNA BE THE FUTURE HOKAGE, YA KNOW!"

-----

Unbeknownst to Naruto running through the snow, he had left a lasting impression on the girl. 

She clutched the scarf, promising silently to return the favour to the courageous boy who aspired to become the future Hokage.

"Naruto," she whispered into the winter air, a small smile on her face.