The Byakugan Princess of Konoha

Hinata placed the plate of pork belly in front of Choji, her eyes crinkling as she smiled gently, "Choji! There's really no need for us to fight over the last piece of grilled meat... There's another plate here, let's eat slowly!"

"I'm determined to have the last piece. If you won't let me have it, I'll just keep ordering!"

Let's see who ends up bloated to death!

Hinata glanced at Choji. "Little fatty, you think I can't handle you?"

Choji: "..."

Shikamaru laughed so hard his stomach almost cramped up, and he gasped, "From childhood to adulthood, only Hinata has ever managed to subdue Choji when it comes to food."

Ino exclaimed, "Didn't you see that Choji has already acknowledged him as the boss?"

Kiba Inuzuka teased, "Choji, do you need our help?"

Choji knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face.

Dad! I've disgraced the Akimichi clan.

Naruto went over and pressed Choji's stomach. Choji gagged and almost vomited.

Naruto stared at Hinata's flat stomach as if it were a monster. What exactly was that stomach made of?

Is there an alternate dimension?

Hinata used tongs to pick up a piece of pork belly and placed it on the grill. Soon, the aroma of the grilled meat filled the air.

Choji smelled the grilled meat and had never felt so terrified before.

That smell... it was like poison gas.

Hinata picked up the scissors and cut the grilled meat in half, one half for herself and the other half for Choji.

"Here! Don't say that the boss doesn't take care of you. We'll split the meat in half, one half for you and one half for me. It'll be just right."

After saying that, Hinata dipped the meat in the barbecue sauce and began to eat it with relish.

In despair, Choji picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of grilled meat, and swallowed it as if it were poison.

Hinata remained calm, picked up the tongs, grabbed another piece of grilled meat, and started grilling it with a 'sizzle'.

"Choji!"

Hinata looked at Choji and earnestly admonished him, "Remember this from now on: your older brother will always be your older brother, that's his status."

Choji nodded with tears in his eyes: "I understand!"

"Do you know you were wrong?"

"understood!"

Whose was the last piece of roast meat?

"It's for you, boss!"

"Good~"

Chapter 80: A Feeling of Growing Up

A simple dinner brought the eleven cockroaches closer together.

The group of students, who had grown somewhat estranged due to being assigned to different classes after graduation, have become close again.

The group chatted noisily until after 9 p.m. before breaking up. The Jonin were also a little tipsy, and even Asuma, emboldened by the alcohol, kept moving closer to Kurenai.

At the entrance of the barbecue restaurant, Naruto ran excitedly toward Kakashi, shouting, "Haha! Kakashi-sensei, um... um, I have something to ask you."

Kakashi rolled his dead fish eyes and said weakly, "Stop talking. I already guessed what you wanted to say. I've already found someone to train with you."

Naruto protested, "Why? I want to train with you!"

Kakashi's tone became slightly serious: "I have some things to take care of right now, so I can't look after you."

Hinata looked over there. In the original story, Kakashi didn't help Naruto train during the Chunin Exams, which was probably the only black mark on Kakashi's record!

However, in the original story, Sasuke was already being targeted by Orochimaru at this time, and Kakashi could only stay by Sasuke's side to protect him.

If we bring Naruto along, he'll probably just be a burden.

"Kakashi-sensei, Naruto, I'm going home now, bye-bye!"

Kakashi waved with a smile and said, "Be careful on the road!"

"Neji-nii-san, let's go!"

After calling out to Neji, Hinata waved goodbye to her friends one by one.

After the noise, there is only solitude.

As Hinata walked home, she felt a little reluctant to leave behind the lively atmosphere she had just experienced.

However, as everyone grows up, each person will have their own life and their own responsibilities to bear.

Well... I guess we can just call this 'growing up'!

Hinata was experiencing this feeling for the second time, but she still felt a little uneasy.

It felt like I would have to face the whole world all by myself at any moment.

Turning around, the friends all went their separate ways, and some who were going the same way would walk home together.

Although the Chunin Exams gave everyone a glimpse into the cruelty of the ninja world, ultimately, they were all children who grew up in a peaceful era, and they had no idea about the hardships and trials of the outside world.

Everyone is being protected too well.

It wasn't until the third exam... after the third generation died in battle, that everyone learned about responsibility!

Neji glanced at Hinata and said calmly, "Lady Hinata, who used to only know how to fool around, is starting to become sentimental now."

Hinata sighed and said, "Neji-nii, don't you think it would be wonderful if people never grew up?"

Neji was somewhat puzzled: "What's so good about being a child?"

Hinata shook her head slightly. Children all look forward to growing up, but don't adults also envy children?

It's probably only someone like Hinata, who has been reborn, who can truly appreciate the joys of childhood!

But... I'm afraid this happiness won't last much longer.

Seemingly sensing Hinata's thoughts, Neji said firmly, "Lady Hinata, I will protect you with my life!"

Hinata smiled at Neji; it felt so good.

"I will protect you too, Neji-nii-san!"

Back home, Hinata took a shower and then went to her room.

Pushing open the door, Hanabi indeed slipped into Hinata's room again, lying sprawled on the bed fast asleep, with only a corner of the blanket covering her little belly, and her little feet occasionally twitching.

"what--"

Hinata stretched, quietly climbed into bed, snuggled under the covers, and fell into a deep sleep, hugging Hanabi.

Hanabi, still asleep, seemed to sense something, nuzzling Hinata with her big head before burying herself in Hinata's arms.

"elder sister……"

Even though your friends have all moved on with their own lives, your family will always be there for you.

Hinata felt very satisfied.

But how many people will be sleepless tonight?

Thinking of Naruto and Sasuke, perhaps they have been lonely for too long, which is why they care so much about their companions and crave recognition from others.

The sorrow of the Fourth Shinobi World War stemmed from the Uchiha clan, and the sorrow of the Uchiha clan stemmed from the emptiness in their hearts.

It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and the Mangekyou Sharingan undoubtedly proves this point.

Obito Uchiha witnessed Rin's death at Kakashi's hands, and wanting to escape reality, he awakened Kamui.

Uchiha Shisui wanted to change the clan's political plans, so he awakened Kotoamatsukami.

As for Itachi Uchiha, the Tsukuyomi that created the illusory world, and Amaterasu that burned everything, seem to prove that his heart was actually somewhat contradictory.

Sasuke's eye technique, on the other hand, proves that the moment he opened his eyes, all he felt was a desire for destruction.

Hinata doesn't not think about many things; rather, she chooses not to.

There have been too many tears in this world; all Hinata wants is genuine happiness and warmth.

……

Early in the morning, before Hinata was even fully awake, Hinata's mother, Hyuga Minako, slammed open Hinata's bedroom door.

After glancing around Hinata's room, Hyuga Minako woke Hinata and Hanabi up from the bed, saying with a look of disgust, "Hinata, look at your room, it's a complete mess. Don't you know how to tidy it up yourself?"

Hinata, still half-asleep, rubbed her eyes and said, "Mom! Have you ever seen a pig that cleans its own room? Isn't it always the zookeeper who does it?"

Hinata would rather admit she's a pig than clean her room.

Hinata Minako is a very responsible caretaker. She knows Hinata's personality, so she comes over every now and then to help Hinata tidy up.

"Get up, the sun's almost high in the sky. Your dad heard you advanced to the third round of the Chunin Exams and decided to train you himself."

Hinata sighed weakly, "I understand!"

Hanabi quickly got dressed and stood on the ground looking radiant.

Hinata lingered on the bed for a long time. My dear bed and blankets, in just one night, I will be leaving you again.

After getting dressed, Hinata kissed her bed goodbye: "See you tonight!"

After washing up and eating, Hinata went to the training room, where Hiashi Hyuga had been waiting for a while.

The elder and Hyuga Tokuma stood to one side.

Upon seeing Hinata, Hyuga Tokuma immediately boasted, "Lady Hinata, I have already reported your performance in the second exam and the preliminary rounds to Lord Hiashi. The third exam is in a month, so please do your best."

Hiashi Hyuga looked at Hinata and said calmly, "You performed very well in the exam. Although you were a bit silly, you showed no mercy to your enemies and forced that Sound Ninja to admit defeat. You truly are the pride of our Hyuga clan!"

The elder said with a look of satisfaction, "I originally thought Hinata's personality was a bit weak, but in the first round of the preliminaries against the Sand Ninja... Hinata, you performed very well!"

Hinata stood obediently without saying a word.