Chapter 017: Moments with Hinata

Naruto was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, then immediately focused his senses to examine the device closely. The problem inside was exactly as Hinata had described. Now that he had identified the issue, Naruto wasted no time in disassembling the projector. With careful hands, he adjusted the small component until it perfectly matched the design specifications.

When he started the launcher again, this time the jam behaved impeccably, landing precisely on the slice of bread.

“Wow, Hinata, you’re incredible!” Naruto’s mood soared. He didn’t know exactly how she had done it, but he was certain that without Hinata’s keen insight, he would have spent an inordinate amount of time trying to pinpoint the problem. The issue was so elusive, involving multiple aspects such as design, manufacturing, and materials. He had no idea how long it would have taken to eliminate all the variables and find the real cause.

“Naruto, aren’t you curious how I did it?” Hinata’s fingers fidgeted together, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

“Of course I’m curious!” Naruto grinned. “But if you want to tell me, I’d love to know. If you don’t, I won’t press you.”

In truth, Naruto suspected it was primarily due to Hinata’s inherited Byakugan. However, he was puzzled: when members of the Hyuga clan activated their Byakugan, the area around their eyes would usually bulge with veins. Hinata showed none of these signs—perhaps she was exceptionally gifted?

“Honestly, I don’t really know how I did it,” Hinata whispered. “It just felt instinctive, as if I could see the problem with my own eyes.”

Naruto nodded. He didn’t fully understand it, but he could guess. The girl before him might not have fully awakened her clan’s bloodline limit, but she was likely exceptionally talented—the power in her eyes was already manifesting in subtle ways. It reminded him of those in his previous life who were sensitive to spiritual machinery: even before formal training, they could sense the flow of spiritual energy. Because of this, Hinata could perceive many issues more easily than most.

“Thank you, Hinata.” Naruto smiled brightly. “I need to give you a gift!”

Without waiting for her to refuse, Naruto rummaged through the blue-painted table and produced a small, charming object.

It was a tiny metal figure, resembling a little foot soldier carrying an iron musket and wearing a conical hat. Yes, it was a little tin soldier—one of the most beloved toys among children in Naruto’s previous world. He had brought tin soldiers to this world partly to earn money, but also to introduce novelty to the children here.

This tiny soldier was crafted from copper and tin, its surface polished to a gentle sheen. Atop its head was a miniature gear, cleverly serving as the hat’s ornament. Along the edge of the gear, Naruto had inscribed intricate patterns with spiritual energy, each line a testament to his craftsmanship. The soldier’s limbs were made of slender copper gears and connecting rods, allowing each joint to move fluidly. It gripped a miniature musket—a tiny matchlock gun. The barrel was forged from high-strength steel, and a small ruby was inlaid in the stock, pulsing like a living heart. The soldier’s feet were fixed to a sturdy copper base.

On the base, Naruto had etched the Hyuga family crest and the symbol of the Leaf, along with a line of tiny script: “To Hinata, in gratitude for your discerning eyes.”

“Oh! This is adorable!” Hinata accepted the gift, turning it over in her hands with care. The little tin soldier was indeed charming; its design had been meticulously adapted by Naruto to suit the tastes of children in this world. Especially striking were its eyes—two small sapphires that sparkled with intelligence in the light. To Hinata, they resembled Naruto’s eyes, but also her own. She was particularly fond of those eyes.

Of course, this tin soldier was one of a kind.

“Hinata, try winding the key at its back twice, then set it on the table,” Naruto suggested with a smile.

Hinata did as he instructed. The little soldier lifted its feet from the base and, to Hinata’s stunned amazement, marched across the tabletop with its musket slung over its shoulder, just like a miniature warrior.

“Tin soldier, target the jam bread! Fire!” Naruto commanded.

The little soldier raised its musket and fired—not a projectile, but a pure beam of energy, slicing the bread neatly into two pieces.

“It’s not just a toy, but also a loyal companion! That’s its basic guardian function.”

Naruto spoke with a hint of pride. “I’ve also built in lighting, messaging, emotional interaction, and even a miniature healing device.” As he introduced each feature, the gears on the soldier whirled, the tiny steam engine hummed, and, driven by its mechanical programming, the tin soldier spun in circles, saluted, activated lights, and deployed various miniature mechanisms.

Hinata was completely taken aback. She had never imagined that such an adorable toy could possess so many features. Yet she realized that perhaps only Naruto could blend steam gears and intricate machinery so seamlessly. This was truly a one-of-a-kind tin soldier in the entire world.

At last, the little soldier returned to its base and came to a halt. Hinata picked it up gently, feeling the sincerity and weight of Naruto’s gift.

“Naruto, this is so precious. Thank you.” Her voice trembled with emotion.

“As long as you like it. I hope you’ll come by often.” Naruto invited Hinata to visit his workshop whenever she liked. He hoped she would become not just his assistant, but his apprentice as well.

Hinata was delighted. She didn’t know much about these things, but she loved being with Naruto and wished to help him in any way she could.

As dusk fell, Naruto escorted Hinata back to her family’s estate. Before leaving the workshop, Hinata glanced back at the unremarkable little house nestled in the woods and asked,

“Naruto, do you usually live here?”

She had noticed many signs of daily life inside.

“Not really. This is just my research place.” Naruto shook his head. “But sometimes I stay over. Anyway, if you ever want to find me, you can always come here. Unless I’m at school, I’m usually here.”

“You really are dedicated,” Hinata remarked, looking at the cluttered traces of work scattered throughout the lab.

“But I think the village is safer, isn’t it, Naruto?”

Naruto shrugged. “Maybe. But I still feel safest when I’m in my own workshop, surrounded by the things I’ve made.”