Chapter 45: Caring Big Sister
Hyuga Hinata froze slightly, then lowered her head as if seriously contemplating something.
Sunlight spilled onto her pale lavender hair, gilding it with a soft halo. Her pure white eyes reflected the cobblestone path beneath her feet.
Under Yamanaka Ino's and Haruno Sakura's surprised gazes, she stood there quietly, completely immersed in her own thoughts.
The question sounded simple, yet she couldn't answer immediately. From her earliest memories until now, her life had been filled with Father's arrangements.
As the Hyuga clan's eldest daughter, she needed to train, needed to grow stronger, needed to become a qualified heir. These were things she "must do," not things she "liked to do."
What did she actually like?
Ino liked fashion and art, enjoyed dressing herself up. When she spoke of these things, her eyes sparkled with genuine joy and pride.
Sakura liked reading, enjoyed history stories and ninjutsu theory. When she spoke of these things, her entire being radiated the passion and satisfaction of acquiring new knowledge.
What about her?
Hinata struggled to recall her daily routine. Waking early to practice taijutsu, learning Gentle Fist, receiving Father's instruction... these activities occupied nearly all her time. Even after obtaining that miraculous Life Simulator, her daily routine remained essentially unchanged.
Did she like these things?
She wasn't sure.
Did she hate these things?
She wasn't sure about that either.
Training was grueling, and Father's standards were high. She could never meet his expectations. Frustration and self-doubt constantly accompanied her.
But... she recalled those moments after training sessions. When she finally mastered a new technique after endless practice. When she felt herself improve even slightly compared to yesterday. When Father's rare praise descended... that sense of accomplishment and satisfaction felt equally real and joyful.
"Hinata?"
Ino's voice startled her from her thoughts.
Hinata lifted her head, meeting their concerned and curious gazes.
"What's wrong? What are you thinking about?"
She shook her head, indicating nothing was wrong. "I... probably like training."
"Training?" Ino tilted her head, somewhat puzzled. "You mean learning ninjutsu?"
"Yes," Hinata's voice remained gentle. "Though the training process is hard and I encounter many difficulties, when I work hard and feel even a little progress and feedback, I truly feel happy."
She lifted her face slightly, lips curving into a faint arc. "So... I probably do like training. I like that feeling of working hard and then reaping rewards."
Ino blinked, studying Hinata seriously as if seeing through something.
"Hinata, besides training, what else do you do?" she suddenly asked.
Hinata froze. "What?"
"I mean... do you go out with friends?" Ino elaborated. "Like shopping, eating, chatting, things like that."
"I spend most of my time training. I rarely go out to play. Occasionally... I take walks with Kiyonari." Her voice grew softer, fingers unconsciously twisting her hem.
The moment those words fell, Ino's expression immediately filled with sympathy.
She stepped forward and grabbed Hinata's hand. "This won't do at all!"
"Eh?" Hinata jumped at her sudden action.
"How can a girl's life be nothing but ninjutsu and training?" Ino declared righteously. "Only knowing training, training all day—how boring! Life has so many wonderful things besides training!"
She turned to her companion. "Right, Sakura?"
Sakura nodded emphatically. "Ino's right. Balance is very important. Even I get tired from constantly reading books I'm interested in."
"Exactly," Ino nodded vigorously, turning back to Hinata. "Hinata, how about we show you a really good time today?"
"Eh... like that?"
"Stop hesitating. You're just like Sakura." Ino pulled her hand forward. "Come on! I'll show you all the fun places in Konoha!"
Though Hinata was being dragged along, she didn't resist. She only glanced back at Kiyonari midway, her eyes carrying a trace of inquiry.
Kiyonari nodded, signaling her to go ahead with confidence.
He walked at the back, watching the three girls' retreating figures, inwardly marveling at Ino's perfect timing.
Though she appeared carefree, loved gossip, and had a forceful personality... she actually cared deeply about those around her, especially skilled at observing others' emotions.
She could instantly identify Sakura's insecurities and their cause, solving the problem with a red headband. She could instantly see that Hinata rarely relaxed, then immediately pull her along shopping.
Truly worthy of being the famous caring big sister from the original story. This thoughtfulness and enthusiasm left a deep impression.
Sometimes, girls' problems really did need other girls to solve them.
Up ahead, Ino enthusiastically introduced the shops lining both sides of the street to Hinata.
"This place sells dango—their three-color dango is super delicious! This one sells ninja tools with complete variety! And that clothing store over there has its main branch in the capital, always getting new stock..."
Hinata listened seriously, nodding from time to time. Sakura walked beside them, occasionally adding a comment or two.
"There's an accessories shop here—their hairpins are especially beautiful!" Ino pointed at an exquisitely decorated small shop on the right. "I bought a lovely hairpin there last time—it's gorgeous! Let's browse together. You'll definitely love it!"
Hinata looked where she pointed. Through the window, various elegant accessories were displayed. A white jade flower comb caught her eye.
"You all go look. I'll browse outside."
Kiyonari had no interest in accessory shops girls liked, politely declining to accompany them.
Standing at the entrance looking around, his gaze was suddenly drawn to a building.
It was a roughly two-story warehouse. The exterior walls were tightly covered with thick wooden boards and canvas, clearly undergoing major renovation.
Several workers bustled outside—some hauling materials, others mixing paint. From inside the canvas came constant hammering, sawing, and workers' conversation, all blending together.
Just as Kiyonari observed the building, a middle-aged man quickly emerged from within the barrier.
His build was somewhat sturdy, skin darkened by sun exposure, but his features were unmistakably from the Land of Fire.
When he saw Kiyonari, his eyes brightened sharply, his face immediately blooming with an excited smile.
"Benefactor, we meet again!"
His voice boomed as he enthusiastically hurried forward.
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