After a full day of intense training, Kirito prepared to visit the Hyuga estate that evening. After all, as the designated protector, his mission was to ensure the safety of Asuna, who was currently staying there.
With the A-rank mission's progress still lingering at only 40%, it was clear that the danger hadn't yet passed. If he couldn't even see the person he was supposed to protect, what kind of guard would he be?
Truth be told, ever since the assassination attempt on the princess several days ago, the incident had been placed under high-level confidentiality by Konoha's leadership.
Yet despite the official gag order, the tension among the village's upper ranks was palpable. It was only natural, if the princess of the Land of Fire met with an accident in Konoha, the consequences from the Daimyō's court would be severe.
Think about it, if Konoha couldn't even protect a national princess within its own borders, how could the Daimyō continue to trust it as a military force? Its reputation as a reliable shinobi village would be left in tatters.
In the aftermath of the attack, Asuna was placed under strict protection within the Hyuga compound. While not exactly confined, her every movement was closely watched by Hyuga retainers.
This frustrated her deeply. Back at the Daimyō's court, she had always been under constant surveillance, she hadn't expected that even after traveling thousands of miles to Konoha, she'd still be treated the same.
However, with Hinata injured after losing in the third round of the preliminaries, Asuna hadn't had the time to complain. Instead, she spent most of her days at Hinata's bedside, keeping her company.
Aside from his mission duties, Kirito had another reason to visit the Hyuga estate, to check in on Hinata.
On his way there, he happened to run into a familiar face.
"Kirito!"
"Ayako. Long time no see."
Kirito greeted the girl in the maid uniform with a gentle smile. Her name was Hyuga Ayako. Like Kirito, she came from one of the side branches of the Hyuga clan tasked with protecting the main family. While Kirito's lineage served Lady Hinata, Ayako's family had long been loyal to Lady Hanabi.
But such formal ties didn't matter much to Kirito. He'd always been indifferent toward surface-level etiquette. Back when he still lived at the Hyuga estate, he'd call Hinata "Lady Hinata" when others were around, but in private? He dropped all the honorifics.
It wasn't a matter of tact or manipulation, it was simply the easiest path. Kirito had no interest in unnecessary formalities. If it was easier to drop them, then he would. Simple as that. Just like now, the reason he spoke to Ayako with such familiarity had nothing to do with politics, just personal friendship.
"You've changed a lot, Kirito… It's only been half a year, and you've already grown so much."
Ayako looked him up and down. Just six months ago, Kirito had still been slightly shorter than her. Now they stood eye to eye. Then again, at thirteen or fourteen, growth spurts were expected.
"And you, Ayako, haven't changed one bit."
Kirito replied with a small grin.
"Hmph!"
Ayako puffed up her cheeks in mild annoyance. For a girl around seventeen or eighteen, being told she hadn't changed at all wasn't exactly a compliment.
Noticing her reaction, Kirito gave a wry chuckle and waved his hand.
"Just kidding. You've gotten more elegant and beautiful, no doubt about it."
"R-Really? Hmph… well…"
Though she pouted outwardly, a sweet warmth bloomed in Ayako's chest. Kirito's compliments, offhand as they were, still made her heart flutter.
And so, the two strolled and chatted for quite some time. Ayako rarely had the chance to walk around the village by herself. As Hanabi's personal maid, she was usually only allowed out when accompanying her young lady. But today was an exception, Hanabi had begun training in taijutsu, and Ayako had been sent to procure new bandages and training gear.
As they walked together, they talked freely and easily, something that both of them found rare. For Ayako in particular, this short walk with Kirito was more conversation than she usually had in a week at the estate.
"So you're heading to the Hyuga estate now?"
"Technically, I'm not 'heading back', just 'heading to' it."
Kirito corrected her with a smile.
"Ah… I see."
Ayako nodded thoughtfully, then tilted her head slightly and asked quietly,
"Did you get permission from the elders to come back to the estate?"
"Nope."
Kirito replied bluntly.
"Huh?!"
Ayako was stunned.
"You mean you're going without the elders' permission? Isn't that going to, "
"Why would I need their permission just to visit?"
Kirito replied casually.
"Anyway, if anyone gets nosy, I'll just say I'm there to see Asuna."
"Asuna?"
Ayako blinked in confusion.
"The princess currently staying at the Hyuga estate. You know, the one from the Land of Fire."
"W-Wait! Asuna is the princess's name?! And how can you just… call her by name like that?"
"She told me to," Kirito waved dismissively.
"Besides, it's not something worth fussing over."
"Not worth… fussing over?"
Ayako clearly didn't get it. The idea of calling the royal princess by name was just, unthinkable to her.
Still, she quickly returned to her original concern.
"Even so… the elders have made it clear that no one from the younger generation is allowed to approach the princess without cause. You'll definitely be stopped, maybe even kicked out!"
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200 P.S = 1 Extra Chapters
• TL/N •
Hello guys Fanfic recommendation!
Check out my other work:
> Naruto: Mind Control
If you like smart and strong MC, this fanfic is for you.
It's Peak.
Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed