Naruto: Really? Well, he told me he didn't think I'd have any problems at all... like I'm some monster that would probably enjoy killing.
Short version
Naruto struggles to come to terms with his first kills, until Hinata realises that the Academy psychologist sabotaged his preparation. Kurenai is furious at the further evidence of how Naruto has been mistreated, but is able to help him work through the situation properly. He also reveals the presence of the Kyuubi to Hinata, and discovers that Shino had already deduced it.
Longer version
Naruto is unable to sleep. He is distraught from his earlier killing of Kouro, and recalls being told by a therapist that he would have no qualms about his first kill. Naruto realizes the therapist was referring to the Nine-Tails, and he fears being corrupted. He fleetingly considers ending his life, but remembers that he is needed for the mission. He arises early to gather firewood and meets Kurenai, but doesn't tell her his fears.
Hinata gets up and starts preparing breakfast. Kurenai reveals to her and Shino that Naruto stirred in the night, and that he made his first kills yesterday. She advises them to let him work through it. Naruto acts uncharacteristcally despondent during the patrol. For dinner, Naruto hunts and kills a deer with unusual brutality. As Kurenai and Shino start preparing it, the latter tacitly cues Hinata to talk with Naruto.
Hinata follows Naruto to a stream. When she sees how bitter he is, she tells him that the academy doctor advised her that a shinobi's first kills are the toughest. Naruto reveals that the doctor told him the opposite: that he wouldn't have any issue at all, like a heartless monster. Hinata angrily (and obscenely) denies this, causing Naruto to face fault into the stream and start laughing.
Hinata recalls Naruto's red chakra from the water-walking, as well as the complex patterns on his stomach during his first chakra pulse. Naruto confirms the truth of the Nine-Tails to her. He then suggests that he'll leave the team due to the demon fox, out of fear for his teammates. Hinata points out that the fox-empowered Naruto deliberately acted to protect her, and that violent feelings are normal in such a scenario. She asks him to stay, and Naruto is warmly grateful.
The two return to camp. When Hinata tries to tell Kurenai of the malicious counselor, Shino instantly guesses the truth of the Nine-Tails, having deduced it from his observations. Shino also says the reactions of Naruto's ostracizers are unwarranted, and that Naruto has proven to be a benevolent individual regardless.
Hinata prepares dinner and Kurenai speaks with Naruto alone. Kurenai, upon hearing how the doctor lied to Naruto, tells him the important nature and details of killing for a shinobi. Naruto is fearful of how he enjoyed killing Kouro, but Kurenai emphasizes how Kouro angered Naruto by threatening his friends. To Naruto's surprise, she praises his performance in the clash.
Shino considers Hinata's family situation and her crush on Naruto, realizing that she knows him very well. He admits to Hinata that his initial perception of Naruto was biased by his harsh circumstances and environment, and that Naruto may indeed become Hokage someday.
The team has Hinata's cooked skewers for dinner. The next day, they have a brief standoff with a trio of ANBU, who turn out to be their relief. As Team 8 departs for home, Naruto notices Hinata's reluctance to return.
Tropes:
- Face Fault: Naruto's reaction to Hinata's Precision F-Strike.
- I Am a Monster: After his brutal killing of Kouro, Naruto wonders if he is the monster the villagers fear him to be.
- It Gets Easier: It is mentioned that shinobi have the hardest time killing at first, but are able to recover quicker over time. However, Naruto was maliciously told by his doctor that he wouldn't have any problems at all.
- Loving a Shadow:
- Shino notes that Sasuke's fangirls pursue an idealized image of him.
- In a Downplayed example, Hinata realizes that much of Naruto's brash confidence is a brave face he puts on to mask his insecurities. Of course, in defiance of this trope, she chooses to stick with him anyway. Shino even notes that in contrast to Sasuke's fangirls, Hinata knows Naruto more intimately than anyone.
- O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Naruto is far more bitter and taciturn than usual in this chapter, due to him killing for the first time with the Nine-Tails' power. Likewise, when Hinata learns that this is in part due to awful advice from the academy doctor, she angrily and loudly swears.
- Precision F-Strike: Hinata, when she learns that the academy doctor said Naruto wouldn't have an issue with killing, like a monster.
- You Are Better Than You Think You Are: Both Hinata and Kurenai tell Naruto that he isn't the monster he fears, but a good, decent person who did what he had to in order to protect his friends and Konoha.
