Naruto : The ultimate Troublemaker

Years earlier, winter had enveloped Konoha, blanketing the village in a white shroud. The icy air nipped at the cheeks, and children, bundled up in their coats, played or gathered in small groups. Just a few streets away from the Hyūga estate, a scene unfolded that would mark the history of a young, gentle girl.

Hinata, barely six years old, stood in the middle of a small circle of children. Her face flushed, not just from the cold but also from embarrassment.

"Look at her eyes! She looks like a monster!" exclaimed a boy, laughing.

"Yeah, it's like she can see right through us! It's scary," added another.

Hinata, trembling, lowered her head, tears beginning to well up in the corners of her eyes. She clutched her small hands against her chest, too shy and frightened to respond.

About two hundred meters away, a figure observed the scene. Shikai, only slightly older than her, had a calculating gaze.

"Hm, interesting," he murmured.

The objective was to prevent, at all costs, the encounter between Naruto and Hinata at this stage of their lives. With the plans he had for Naruto, he couldn't afford any distractions from a romantic relationship, and Hinata, with her untapped potential, needed to focus on her own development and become a strong, independent woman, rather than settling for a domestic role. Hinata, just like Neji, had immense potential, but their respective personalities had hindered their full blossoming. Hinata, shy and reserved, and Neji, with his defeatist attitude, had failed to harness their true strength, ultimately leading to their untimely deaths.

Shikai started with Hinata, the youngest and most impressionable. The most effective method, he believed, was manipulation, and he would use all types: a broken heart, pushed to hatred, forbidden love, the death of a lover, betrayal, guilt... Everything. At that time, Shikai should have endured Orochimaru's painful experiments, but he was actually staging a scene, ready to do whatever it took to change the course of events and guide Hinata, just as he had done for Tsunade. All while preventing her from becoming a crazed yandere... At least, that's what he hoped.

He drew a kunai, threw it with surgical precision, and the blade sliced through the air, embedding itself in the ground right in front of the boy who had just insulted Hinata.

The sharp noise startled everyone. The children froze, their pale faces reflecting their fear.

"Do you think you're brave by attacking someone who can't defend themselves?" Shikai's calm but icy voice rang out, sounding like a subtle threat.

The children turned their heads and caught a glimpse of Shikai. His relaxed posture contrasted with the intensity of his gaze. He had appeared out of nowhere.

"P-Please go away, or... Uhm, we were just playing," stuttered one of them, their voice trembling.

Shikai gave them a cold smile and advanced slowly.

"Do so. But before you do, I suggest you run... now."

"Hey man, it's a ninja. I think we'd better leave."

"Yeah, you're right."

Frightened, the children took off, disappearing into the snowy street.

Hinata remained in place, immobile, her eyes wide open. It was the first time someone had intervened on her behalf. And it was not an ordinary intervention: this stranger had used a technique that even she, a powerful shinobi, did not understand, and he seemed slightly taller than her.

Shikai approached her, his expression softening slightly.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, gently patting her head.

Hinata blushed deeply and averted her eyes.

"M-Thank you..." she murmured in a small voice.

Shikai smirked, amused by her embarrassment.

"Why were you crying?" he asked softly.

Hinata stuttered, searching for words, but couldn't find an answer. Shikai, sensing her discomfort, continued.

"You know, I think your eyes are incredible," he said sincerely.

Hinata suddenly looked up, her cheeks even redder.

"R-Really?" she asked hesitantly.

Shikai nodded with a smile, though it was slightly forced. In reality, Shikai truly loved her eyes. He almost wanted to tear out the powerful dojutsu, but he restrained himself.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small moonstone. It glowed slightly, reflecting a bluish hue.

"You see this stone? It's beautiful, isn't it?" he asked, showing it to her.

"Yes," Hinata murmured.

"It reminds me of your eyes," he replied with a smile.

Hinata blinked in surprise, then timidly lowered her head.

"I've always kept it with me. It's imbued with my chakra, and every time I touch it, it reminds me to have courage and stay true to my ideals. But I think it suits you more than me."

He was lying! It was just an ordinary stone he had picked up on his way and polished along the way.

He offered the stone to Hinata, who hesitated as she looked at it.

"I... I can't accept it... it seems very important to you..." she stuttered.

"Don't argue," Shikai said, placing the stone in her hand. "If anyone harasses you again, just think of this stone. I'll be there."

Hinata gently clasped the stone in her hands and timidly raised her eyes to him.

"C-Can I know how to call you?" she asked politely, though she suspected he wasn't much older than her.

Shikai laughed lightly and straightened up.

"Just Shikai."

Before she could respond, a blinding flash forced her to close her eyes. When she opened them again, she found herself in front of Ichiraku Ramen, a small stone in her hand and a note accompanied by some coins.

She looked at the piece of paper, on which it was written:

"We can be sad, but having an empty stomach is worse."

Her stomach rumbled, and she smiled softly.

"Thank you for everything... Shikai-kun," she murmured before entering the ramen shop.