Konoha: Gu master

Morning.

At the Uchiha Clan.

"Sasuke, is Mom's breakfast not tasty?" Mikoto Uchiha asked in puzzlement, taking a bite of a rice ball.

"No, that's not it," Sasuke Uchiha shook his head.

"Then why are you so downcast?" Mikoto inquired with concern. "Didn't catch any fish yesterday?"

"..." Hearing the word 'fish,' Sasuke immediately felt a surge of PTSD.

He had already sworn off fishing after yesterday.

If he fished again, he'd be a dog!

"When is Brother coming back?" Sasuke looked up and asked.

"You're already so grown up, why are you still clinging to your brother?" Mikoto chuckled.

"I'm not!" Sasuke instinctively denied.

"Really?" Mikoto elongated her tone, her smile growing wider.

"Geez!" Sasuke puffed out his cheeks.

Mikoto's eyes lit up.

As expected of my child.

So adorable!

"Your brother is on a mission; he'll probably be gone for a while," Mikoto said, poking his cheek with her finger.

Like a deflating balloon, Sasuke returned to his usual self.

He stared blankly at his rice ball.

With Father and Brother both away, whom could he turn to?

He suddenly brightened.

Why not find Shinho Aburame?

His brother had once said that battling was the quickest way to grow.

If he sparred with Shinho more, maybe he could defeat him.

"I'm full, Mom," Sasuke said, hopping off his chair and grabbing his backpack before running out.

"You're always in such a hurry," Mikoto called after him. "Slow down and be careful!"

...

At the Hyuga Clan.

Compared to Sasuke, Hinata Hyuga was like a princess—dressed neatly and ready to leave.

"Goodbye, Sister," Hanabi Hyuga released Hinata's hand. "Come back early to play with me."

"I will," Hinata said, patting her sister's head.

Just then, Hanabi's eyes lit up, and she suddenly dashed off.

"Hanabi?" Hinata was startled and was about to call out when she froze.

"Are you Shinho Aburame?" Hanabi blocked Shinho's path.

Having run over, she was panting, her face flushed.

"I am," Shinho replied, somewhat puzzled.

How did Hanabi know him?

He instinctively looked toward the doorway, where Hinata stood looking a bit dazed.

She hadn't expected Shinho to appear at their doorstep.

"Hello, Big Brother," Hanabi beamed brightly. "I'm Hanabi Hyuga."

'Big Brother'?

That title felt a bit subtle.

Shinho thought for a moment, pulled out a lollipop from a storage scroll, and handed it to her.

"Thank you, Big Brother!" Hanabi unwrapped the lollipop and popped it into her mouth, her little pink tongue licking away.

Adorable.

Shinho reached out and ruffled her hair.

Her hair was soft and silky to the touch.

As expected.

Compared to having his head patted, he preferred patting others.

Hanabi squinted her eyes, enjoying the moment.

"Shinho-kun," Hinata approached hesitantly to greet him.

"Sister," Hanabi glanced at her and said, "Why are you speaking so softly, you still want to... mmmph!"

"Don't say nonsense," Hinata quickly covered her sister's mouth.

This was all because she often talked to Hanabi about Shinho.

"Hanabi," Hinata pleaded gently, "Go back and study."

"Got it," Hanabi winked at Shinho. "Good luck, handsome Big Brother!"

Kids these days sure know a lot.

Shinho waved at her with a smile.

Hinata breathed a sigh of relief.

She remembered her sister being less troublesome.

"Let's go," Shinho turned and headed toward the school.

"Shinho-kun," Hinata quickened her steps to catch up and couldn't help but ask, "Why are you here?"

The Aburame and Hyuga clans weren't on the same route; the only explanation was that he came specifically to meet her.

Thinking of this, Hinata felt her heart race a bit.

"Someone's targeting me, Hinata," Shinho said gravely.

"Huh?" Hinata's eyes widened.

"Do you remember the three boys I helped you fend off before?" Shinho took out a note and handed it to her.

"Don't run after school tomorrow—we challenge you! The Cockroach Bully Trio has arrived!"

The message was straightforward. Hinata's heart trembled as memories of that day resurfaced.

She asked nervously, "W-What should we do?"

"The only solution is to defeat them again," Shinho said seriously.

Hinata felt slightly reassured.

Yes.

Last time, Shinho-kun had defeated them and saved her.

"They're not much of a threat," Shinho said with a worried expression. "I'm concerned they might bring reinforcements."

Hinata clutched the note, her heart tightening once more.

Uneasily, she asked, "Should we tell a teacher?"

"No need," Shinho placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hinata, you go take care of that reinforcement."

"Me?!" Hinata was stunned and quickly shook her head. "I... I can't."

"Hinata," Shinho said earnestly, "I believe in you."

It's not like she'd be fighting Sukuna—just some unknown side character.

Besides, he had already gauged her abilities last week.

At best, the opponent would be an average Genin.

Hinata stood frozen.

The word "believe" echoed in her mind.

No one had ever said that to her before.

They only ever said, "Hinata, you're the heiress of the main family; you must shoulder the Hyuga clan's responsibilities."

But her father's repeated disappointment and her cousin Neji's growing distance made it hard for her to breathe.

Shinho's appearance was like sunlight piercing through the darkness.

"Remember what I said—they're all just radishes," Shinho said, patting her head.

Hinata stared at him blankly, then, as if possessed, nodded.

Coming back to her senses, she clutched the hem of her clothes tightly.

She must be crazy!

But for some reason, amidst her anxiety, there was excitement.

She felt an unprecedented surge of courage.

Shinho smiled.

This girl was so easy to trick—or maybe he could even sell her off.

She'd probably thank him for it.

"Here," Shinho magically produced some sushi.

Hinata took a bite.

Her complicated emotions miraculously calmed down.