Chapter 49: Izayoi's Birthday

Chapter 49: Izayoi's Birthday

"The man who invaded your village is dead", Izayoi said, tossing a sack of minerals onto the table. "These are my spoils of war. No objections, I assume?"

"N-no, of course not!" the trembling villager stammered. "Take whatever you like, Lord Izayoi! Would you like assistance with—"

"Keep your distance", Izayoi interrupted, sealing the blacksmith’s corpse and ore into two oversized storage scrolls. With a flicker of chakra, he vanished, alternating between flight and body flicker to escape River Country at blurring speeds.

By dawn the next day, he returned to Fire Country. Without pause, he created a shadow clone with a hefty chakra reserve to handle the scrolls, then rushed to a tailor’s shop. After purchasing a small parcel, he sped toward Konoha, gifts for Hinata and Hanabi tucked under his arm.

He slipped into Konoha just before six p.m., bypassing the main gates to avoid scrutiny. Through back alleys and rooftops, he reached home unnoticed.

"I'm back!" he called, kicking off his sandals at the entryway.

A curtain now hung at the foot of the stairs—new since yesterday. He pushed through, stepping into a dimly lit living room. Twelve candles flickered atop a five-tiered cake on the table, each layer adorned with chibi-style snowmen modeled after himself and the Hyuga sisters.

"Happy birthday, Onii-sama!" Hanabi chirped.

"Happy birthday, Izayoi-kun", Hinata echoed softly.

Izayoi blinked. His shadow clone had been dispelled already? He should’ve known better than to leave those two alone with it.

"Make a wish, Onii-sama!" Hanabi urged, kneeling beside the coffee table.

Izayoi clasped his hands, eyes closed. "My wish is simple—may Hanabi grow up healthy and strong, as vibrant as a rainbow and as bright as the stars, just like her sister."

He blew out the candles, then added silently: And may we all escape the limits of mortality.

"Love you too, Mu~~a!" Hanabi lunged, planting a loud kiss on his cheek.

Izayoi chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Gifts now?"

Hanabi bounded upstairs, returning with three elegantly wrapped boxes. Hinata switched on the lights as Izayoi untied the smallest one.

"A scarf?" He held up the crimson fabric. "You two knitted this?"

"Caught us red-handed!" Hanabi grinned. "Guess who did it?"

"Both of you", he said, flicking her forehead. "Hinata’s too meticulous to leave such uneven stitches."

"Meanie!" Hanabi pouted.

Izayoi smirked, wrapping the scarf around his neck. "Perfect for winter. Now, these?" He tore open the larger boxes. Inside: a heavy-duty training suit and a white robe embroidered with flame patterns.

"Which one’s from whom?" Hanabi asked.

Izayoi lifted the training suit, sharing a knowing glance with Hinata. "This one’s from Hinata."

Hanabi snatched the robe. "And this?"

"Also both of you", he said, tapping her forehead again. "You’re wearing the same flame motif on your kimono. And since Hinata’s gift is obvious..."

"Ugh, you’re impossible!" Hanabi flopped onto the couch. "I wanted to trick you at least once this year!"

"Save it", Hinata laughed. "You’re no match for Izayoi-kun."

Izayoi retrieved two gift boxes from his coat. "Gifts for you too."

Hanabi perked up. "Where’ve you been, Onii-sama? My shadow clone said you were doing something huge!"

"Later", he whispered, dodging the question. "You’ll know when the time comes."

She huffed but tore into her gift. "Flat rectangular box—clothes again?"

"Correct!" Izayoi beamed. "You’re a genius, Hanabi."

"Yay!" She squealed, hugging the box.

Once Hanabi calmed down, Izayoi pulled Hinata close. "I’ve got something special for you too. Let’s revisit our childhood this winter."

Hinata blushed, tearing open the wrapping. Both sisters gasped when they saw the sailor uniforms inside.

"What’s this?" Hanabi asked.

"A sailor uniform", Izayoi said, grinning. "I designed it myself. Try it on!"

The sisters exchanged glances before dashing to the bedroom.

Izayoi activated his Rinnegan, scanning Konoha. Hiruzen was home, dining with Konohamaru. No need to worry about the Third Hokage’s crystal vision tonight.

Before deactivating his dojutsu, he glanced toward the window. A flicker of movement outside caught his eye—

"Perfect fit!" Hanabi’s voice rang out. "Onii-sama, how did you know Hinata’s measurements?!"

Izayoi stiffened, a bead of sweat trailing down his temple.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end