Chapter 399

"Hinata-san, this is your payment and bonus for the latest shoot. Please keep it safe."

Director Wada placed a check on the table and pushed it toward her, smiling as he continued, "It was another perfect shoot! The success this time is even greater than the first. TV stations and reporters have been blowing up my phone, all eager to interview you, Hinata-san."

"Huh? Is Hinata really that popular now?"

Naruto, who was resting at home today, looked surprised upon hearing this. Since Director Wada had come over, he had decided to join in welcoming the guest.

"Of course! In fact, the fan mail addressed to Hinata-san has become quite a problem for us. There are just too many letters! We've already filled four large crates, and I didn't even bring them all today."

Director Wada chuckled, but before he could continue, Boruto suddenly leaned over to Hinata, curiously stretching his neck to see. "Mom, how much is your payment this time… Fifty million ryo!?"

"What? Boruto, what did you just say? Fifty million ryo!?"

Naruto, hearing his son's words, quickly moved in to check. He stared at the check in Hinata's hands, counted the zeros twice, and confirmed the staggering amount. He couldn't believe it.

"Director Wada, why is it so much?"

"Twenty-seven million ryo is for the acting fee, and the remaining twenty-three million is a bonus. The reason it's so high is simple—the show made a fortune! The investors rewarded the entire crew with extra pay."

Director Wada couldn't hide his joy as he laughed. "Even I got a… well, let's just say it wouldn't be appropriate to disclose further. But I can tell you this, Lord Hokage—Hinata-san isn't even the highest-paid!"

Boruto's eyes lit up with ryo signs, his thoughts instantly filled with ninja card games. He immediately clung to Hinata's arm and pleaded, "Mom, give me some pocket money! I've been improving my grades lately!"

Naruto, now irritated, snapped, "Oi, Boruto! Didn't I just give you pocket money a few days ago? Why are you asking for more?"

"You two, quiet down."

Hinata's calm yet firm voice sent a shiver down both father and son's spines. Once they settled down, she turned to Director Wada and, with an apologetic smile, said, "Sorry for the commotion, Director Wada."

"It's nothing," Wada replied. "Besides delivering this good news, I'm also here for another matter—the production of the sequel. Since we know how exhausting this has been for you, Hinata-san, filming won't start until next year."

"A sequel…? Sorry, Director Wada, but… I don't think I want to continue filming."

Hinata hesitated for a moment before finally voicing her refusal.

It wasn't exhaustion she feared—it was herself. She feared that if she continued, she would eventually betray her family.

"W-What!? Why?"

Director Wada looked utterly shocked. "Hinata-san, our show is now the number one hit in the entire ninja world! No, even beyond that—it wouldn't be the same without you! If you suddenly quit, we'd lose half our audience!"

"But…"

"Not to mention, Hinata-san, your fanbase has grown tremendously. Even here in Konoha, you must have noticed. If you suddenly stop acting, some fans might assume that the production team forced you out. If even a few of them become extreme about it, the backlash could fall on us!"

Director Wada gulped nervously, putting on a fearful expression.

"Then… should I make a public announcement to explain?"

Hinata could understand his concern. She had already experienced the troubles of being a celebrity in Konoha. Whenever she went out to crowded places, she had to use the Transformation Jutsu; otherwise, she'd be swarmed by fans asking for autographs and photos.

Even Hanabi, who resembled her somewhat, had been mistaken for her and frequently asked for signatures in the village.

"The best way would be to address your fans on live television. But even then, some might still come looking for you… The most important thing is that this is a trilogy—only one movie remains. If you suddenly quit now, I have no idea who could replace you on such short notice."

Saying this, Director Wada suddenly dropped into a full dogeza, bowing his head to the floor as he pleaded, "Please, Hinata-san! This is the final film. If you truly wish to retire, at least finish the last installment! Even ninja missions require completion, don't they?"

Hinata's face showed hesitation. "But…"

Naruto stepped in, "Director Wada, let Hinata think about it. Don't pressure her."

"Alright… but I truly hope Hinata-san will reconsider. This is the last one, after all."

With a heavy sigh, Director Wada reluctantly accepted Naruto's words. After one final plea to Hinata, he stood up and bid his farewell.

Once he was gone, Naruto turned to Hinata. "Hinata, it's your decision. Even if you don't act anymore, it's fine. If you're tired, just take a break."

"But, Mom, filming isn't until next year! That's a long way off. If you're just tired, you'll have plenty of time to rest, right?"

Boruto didn't want Hinata to quit—not just because he liked having a celebrity mother, but because when she was busy filming, he had a lot more freedom with no one keeping an eye on him.

"Oi, Boruto…"

"I… I'll think about it a bit more."

Hinata interrupted before father and son could start arguing. She stood up, her expression slightly unsettled, and walked toward their room.

She was deeply conflicted. She feared the consequences of quitting, but she also dreaded what might happen if she continued.

Every time she saw Yoichi, her body would react—an unexplainable heat rising within her, making her feel like she was no longer herself.

If she kept going… she feared she might lose control again. If she ever lost herself completely, things would be disastrous!

(End of Chapter)

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