"Hi."
Shinho waved at her.
Hanabi snapped out of her thoughts and slowly walked over to him.
She glanced at Hinata, who was resting her head on Shinho's thigh, feeling a strange twinge of envy.
But realizing that her thoughts were out of line, she lowered her head, shedding her usual lively demeanor and becoming unusually obedient.
"What's with that expression?"
Shinho asked with a smile, "Didn't do well on your exam?"
"Not at all!"
Hanabi pouted, "I got first place!"
"Then why do you look so unhappy?"
Shinho reached out and pinched her cheek.
It felt warmer than usual, with a faint blush visible.
Although he knew the reason, he wanted to tease his little sister-in-law.
"I said it's nothing!"
Hanabi, of course, wouldn't admit it.
"Alright then."
Shinho chuckled, "If you say it's nothing, then it's nothing."
"…"
Hanabi bit her lip and changed the subject, asking, "Why did my sister faint?"
She had never seen Hinata faint from shyness before, so she genuinely didn't know the reason.
"Probably because she didn't eat enough."
Shinho made up an excuse casually.
"Didn't eat enough?"
Hanabi looked at him suspiciously.
"You don't trust the Hokage?"
Shinho flicked her forehead, "Seems like you're failing in understanding the Will of Fire."
"I didn't say I don't trust you."
Hanabi rubbed her forehead, grumbling, "My understanding of Will of Fire is perfect, thank you very much."
"Is that so?"
Shinho put on a stern face, "Once you become my student, I'll make sure to check that."
"Check all you want!"
Hanabi puffed out her chest.
"Where are Amaru and Fu?"
Shinho glanced at her kimono and asked.
"They're still in the classroom, waiting for their exams."
"But you said you got the first place? How did you know you got first place with others still waiting to take their exam?"
"Isn't that obvious, of course I'll get the first place?" Hanabi tilted her head, placing a finger on her chin.
Shinho was speechless, but he didn't argue.
"Have a seat."
Shinho handed her a lollipop, "Let's wait for them together."
"Mm."
Hanabi unwrapped the lollipop, licked it twice with her pink tongue, and then popped it into her mouth.
Shinho lowered his head, looking at the sleeping Hinata.
He reached out and touched her cheek, feeling the heat radiating from her skin.
Thinking about Hinata's shy kiss earlier, he couldn't help but smile.
Hanabi instinctively turned her head.
Seeing that overly handsome smile, she momentarily lost herself.
This scene made her feel even more like an outsider.
"When will Sis wake up?"
Hanabi hesitated for a few seconds before asking.
"She'll wake up soon."
Shinho replied based on past experience.
After all, Hinata wasn't just sleeping, she had fainted.
Hanabi opened her mouth, unsure of what to say, and focused on her lollipop, though her mind was clearly elsewhere.
A few minutes later, Hinata's eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.
She looked at Shinho, her confused gaze quickly clearing as she recalled what had happened earlier.
The lingering warmth from that touch made her face flush red again.
But she soon noticed Hanabi beside her.
She quickly sat up, instinctively taking a deep breath to dispel the images in her mind.
"Sis, are you okay?"
Hanabi looked at her.
"I'm fine."
Hinata shook her head and asked, "Did you pass the assessment?"
"Of course!"
Hanabi lifted her chin proudly, "First place!"
Shinho's lips twtiched ever so imperceptably, but he didn't say anything.
"You're much better than you sister."
Hinata smiled gently.
"You had Brother-in-law to compete against, otherwise you'd have been first."
Hanabi corrected her.
"The assessments should be over. Let's go."
Shinho rubbed their heads with each hand.
"Mm."
Hinata nodded obediently.
Hanabi glanced at them, suddenly wishing time could freeze at this moment.
"Hokage-sama!"
Iruka Umino had just come out of the classroom when he noticed Shinho.
Though he was now the principal, he still enjoyed teaching classes at times.
"Iruka-sensei."
Shinho casually handed him the scroll written by Shizune and said, "These are the Jonin instructors and teams for this year's graduates."
"Got it."
Iruka nodded, then said, "Hanabi, head back to the classroom now. We're about to assign teams."
He and Hanabi turned and walked back into the classroom.
Not long after, a group of Chunin and Jonin arrived.
They were the instructors for this year's graduates.
It's worth mentioning that not all the instructors were Jonin.
There weren't enough Jonin to go around.
Some excellent Chunin were also qualified to be team leaders.
"Hokage-sama!"
They all greeted him warmly.
Shinho nodded in response.
To be honest, he wasn't very familiar with these shinobi.
Because they hadn't appeared in the original story.
This year's batch of students was fairly average, so elite Jonin like Kakashi weren't assigned.
Moreover, the top three students, Hanabi, Fu, and Amaru, had already been taken under Shinho's wing.
Inside the classroom, Iruka unrolled the scroll.
He scanned it briefly, a hint of surprise crossing his face.
No wonder Shinho showed up today, it was to take on students himself.
"Now we'll begin team assignments."
Iruka patted the podium and announced, "When your name is called, please step forward."
Each team consisted of three members.
The number of shinobi outside the classroom gradually thinned as teams were assigned.
Before long, it was Shinho's turn.
"Team 7: Hanabi, Fu, and Amaru."
Iruka paused, then added, "Your team leader will be none other than the Hokage."
This specific assignment to Team 7 was clearly arranged by Shinho.
A wave of astonished murmurs swept through the room.
Countless envious gazes landed on the three of them.
Shinho was at the height of his power and fame. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that every student here was either his fanboy or fangirl.
Moreover, being a student of the Hokage signified a future filled with endless possibilities.
Powerful connections, abundant resources, and a high standing within Konoha's leadership.
"Let's go."
Hanabi tried to maintain her composure as she spoke.
In truth, she was brimming with excitement and pride.
Fu and Amaru, on the other hand, were visibly surprised.
Especially Amaru.
She wasn't a Jinchuriki, nor was she originally a Konoha shinobi.
By all logic, there was no way she should have become the Hokage's student.
"Brother-in-law!"
The moment Hanabi exited the classroom, she couldn't help but run up to Shinho.
"Sensei!"
Fu called out excitedly.
Though their relationship had shifted from friends to teacher-student, she didn't mind. Her carefree nature didn't dwell on such things.
"Sensei."
Amaru greeted him, her feelings more complex.
Her previous teacher had been Shinno.
Unfortunately, his intentions toward her had been far from pure.
But with her current teacher, there was no such worry.
After all, he was the Hokage.
"Do I need to start calling you Sensei too?"
Hanabi tilted her head slightly, curious after hearing her teammates.
"No need."
Shinho smiled, "Call me whatever you like."
"Then I'll stick with Brother-in-law."
Hanabi thought for a moment before deciding.
Brother-in-law felt more intimate.
"To celebrate the formation of Team 7, I'm treating you all to barbecue."
Shinho patted her head as he spoke.
As for introductions, they weren't necessary.
Shinho already knew all their backgrounds.
Amaru, Fu, and Hanabi were currently living with the Hyuga clan, so there wasn't much more to say.
…
At the Barbecue Restaurant;
The air was thick with the delicious aroma of grilled meat.
Shinho casually picked up a piece of roasted meat and placed it in front of Hinata.
"Thank you, Shinho-kun."
Hinata's lips curled into a soft smile.
"What about me?"
Hanabi watched them, suddenly extending her bowl.
"You too."
Shinho calmly placed a piece of beef in her bowl.
"Thanks, Brother-in-law!"
Hanabi beamed.
Fu, carefree as ever, didn't notice anything unusual.
But Amaru felt that something was off about Hanabi.
"Brother-in-law."
Hanabi bit into her beef, her lips glistening with oil.
"I'll give you more after you finish."
Shinho glanced at her as he spoke.
"That's not what I meant."
After chewing and swallowing, Hanabi asked, "When are we going out on missions?"
"Tomorrow."
Shinho thought for a moment before replying.
The matter with Hoshigakure needed to be resolved before the Konoha Summit.
Since that was the case, there was no need to delay.
"What kind of mission?"
Hanabi asked curiously.
"An S-rank mission."
Shinho said with a smile.
"S-rank?"
Hanabi exclaimed in shock.
Even Hinata was surprised.
An S-rank mission right after graduation?
Normally, one would start with simple D-rank missions.
But, well, the Hokage could do as he pleased.
"What's wrong? You have no confidence?"
Shinho pulled out a napkin and wiped the corner of her mouth.
Hanabi looked away.
She pressed her lips together and said, "Of course I'm confident."
"Then, lets meet up at 9 AM tomorrow."
Shinho reminded them, "Don't be late."
"Yes."
Amaru and Fu responded in unison.
Shinho turned to look at Hinata and found her fully engrossed in eating.
She no longer hid her appetite and was eating to her heart's content.
…
Half an Hour Later;
Amaru and Fu stared in shock at the mountain of empty plates piled in front of Hinata.
It was their first time witnessing this, which explained their stunned reactions.
After paying the bill, the five of them headed toward the Hyuga residence.
At the entrance, Amaru and Fu went their separate ways.
Shinho glanced at Hanabi.
She let out a soft hum and turned into the courtyard.
"Shinho-kun."
Hinata looked up at him and asked, "Is there something else?"
"You fainted earlier. Should we continue now?"
Shinho asked with a smile.
"Eh?"
Caught off guard, Hinata froze.
"If you don't want to, we can wait till next time."
Shinho patted her head gently.
"I…"
Hinata's face turned bright red.
"I'll teach you."
Shinho didn't hesitate any longer. He pulled her into his arms and lowered his head, pressing his lips against her flushed ones.
Hinata had no resistance. Her instincts took over, responding and intertwining with him.
Her mind went blank, and once again, she turned into a steamy mess, as if wisps of heat were rising from the top of her head.
Through her clothes, Shinho could feel the soft, uneven contours of her body.
He looked at her tender, flushed skin, and a sense of affection welled up in his heart.
Moments later, their lips parted.
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