Chapter 35: The Startled Kurenai Yuhi and Aburame Shino

Chapter 35: The Startled Kurenai Yuhi and Aburame Shino

Several minutes later, Kurenai Yuhi finally emerged from the inn.

"The client still needs to purchase supplies in Konoha", she instructed. "Be at the village gates tomorrow morning at eight o’clock. After we disband today, go prepare spare clothes, a camping tent, blankets, and bring some soldier pills. If you can’t carry everything, buy a storage scroll. Your recent mission pay should cover it."

"Yes, sensei", the team replied in unison.

Kurenai Yuhi nodded and vanished with a shunshin.

Izayoi and Hyūga Hinata parted ways with Aburame Shino.

"Izayoi-kun, you don’t need to buy a storage scroll. I’ll bring one tomorrow", Hinata said softly.

Izayoi gently pinched her cheek, teasing, "Not even a month into dating, and the noble lady’s already spoiling me?"

"S-spoiling?!" Hinata stammered, her face flushing crimson.

"Just kidding", Izayoi chuckled, ruffling her hair as he took her hand. "But you really don’t need to bring one. A backpack’s fine for me. If we camp, I’ll keep watch to protect you."

Hinata’s cheeks deepened to a rose hue. She shyly gazed at their intertwined fingers, her lips curving into a sweet, secret smile. Her heart felt like it had just sipped honey.

Though their relationship hadn’t officially been declared, their interactions already mirrored a couple’s. The only hesitation was the Hyūga clan’s elders—they might oppose their bond if word reached them. But once Hinata and Izayoi advanced to jonin, or even elite jonin status, they’d be unstoppable. Not even her father or the elders could stand in their way.

Hyūga Hinata suddenly tightened her grip on Izayoi’s hand, resolute. That day won’t be far off, she vowed silently.

Izayoi, unaware of her thoughts, would’ve smiled proudly had he known. The transformed Hinata was already extraordinary. With purpose, the Byakugan Princess would soon shine like a star.

---

The next morning, 7:50 a.m.

Izayoi and Hinata arrived at the village gates, each carrying a backpack. Aburame Shino stood waiting, his own pack slung over his shoulder.

"Morning", Shino greeted.

"Early as always", Izayoi said. "No tent?"

"Storage scroll. Need soldier pills?"

"Thanks, but Hinata’s got me covered."

Shino nodded, though his stoic demeanor barely concealed his discomfort at the couple’s obvious affection. Unable to muster small talk, he retreated into silence as Izayoi steered Hinata aside for a whispered conversation.

---

"You’re early", Kurenai’s voice called out moments later.

The trio turned to see her approaching with a caravan of a dozen wagons. By her side walked a middle-aged man in civilian clothes, his warm smile lingering just a beat too long on Hinata’s Byakugan eyes.

"Meet our client, Mr. Nishimura", Kurenai introduced.

The team bowed politely. "Mr. Nishimura."

"Pleasure to work with you", he replied with a humble bow.

With travel permits handed to the chūnin guards, the team crossed Konoha’s gates for the first time in their twelve years of life.

Though initially curious about the outside world, Hinata and Shino’s excitement dimmed after passing through a mundane town. Fire Country’s rural settlements paled in comparison to military hubs like Konoha, and the era’s transport—palanquins and horse-drawn carts—left much to be desired.

By the time they reached Fire’s border, even Hinata had settled into mission focus.

"Hyūga Hinata, status?" Kurenai asked as they entered mountainous terrain.

"Clear within twenty kilometers", Hinata confirmed, her Byakugan veins bulging.

"Twenty kilometers?!" Kurenai and Shino nearly choked. The sheer range of her vision left them stunned.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end