Chapter 414

"Hanabi, filming isn't as easy as you might think. It can be really exhausting. Maybe you should reconsider?"

After some thought, Hinata decided to advise her sister. Hanabi had no experience in this field, and if she went only to realize how demanding acting could be, she might not be able to handle it.

More importantly, Hinata didn't want Hanabi to know about the more intense scenes she had to film with other men. She had only mentioned kissing scenes, but if Hanabi found out that there were even more intimate ones, Hinata wouldn't be able to handle the embarrassment.

She didn't want anyone else to know, especially not Naruto.

"Nee-san, I've already made up my mind. I just want to experience what it's like to be in a drama. It's not like I'm quitting as a kunoichi to become a celebrity. After trying it out, I'll go back to being a ninja," Hanabi said, shaking her head.

Then, pressing her hands together in a pleading gesture, she begged, "Please, onee-san! If I go on my own, no one will take me seriously. I can only use your identity to get a taste of acting."

Hearing this, Hinata struggled internally. It was difficult for her to refuse anyone, and in the end, she had no choice but to agree reluctantly.

"Thank you, onee-san!"

Hanabi excitedly hugged Hinata, burying her face into her elder sister's ample chest, shaking her head playfully.

"Hanabi..."

Hinata blushed, trying to push her away, but Hanabi had locked her arms around her, leaving Hinata no choice but to sigh in resignation.

She needed to warn Hanabi properly.

Hinata then carefully explained the drama's script to her, though she concealed many details. She only mentioned potential kissing and hugging scenes, instructing Hanabi to come to her immediately if she found it unbearable.

Hanabi readily agreed, but in her heart, she thought, As if I don't know what acting in a drama entails. I already tried it last time.

With that, Hanabi happily returned home. Seeing her sister achieve such great success in this new field—even becoming the top actress in the ninja world—made Hanabi want to follow in her footsteps and make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.

She, Hyūga Hanabi, was no less capable than her sister!

It wasn't about competing with Hinata—Hanabi simply admired her sister so much that she wanted to walk the same path.

Upon arriving home, Hanabi informed her father, Hiashi, that she had already eaten before heading to her room. Locking the door, she pulled a book from under her bed—The Actor's Self-Training—and started reading intently.

After being rejected and replaced by Director Wada last time, Hanabi had felt frustrated. Since then, she had secretly studied acting techniques. This time, she was determined not to be kicked out by the director again.

Just wait, onee-san. I won't lose to you!

Lying under her covers, Hanabi clenched her tiny fists and made a silent vow.

After the Fourth Shinobi World War, the Five Great Nations had reached a consensus for peace. Wars were no longer a concern in the ninja world.

The current sources of unrest were only two: the Ōtsutsuki clan and Uchiha Yoichi.

However, Yoichi had only used his abilities once. After ten interdimensional beasts had appeared, his two clones had been focusing on dealing with Kara.

Now, the main threats to the ninja world were the Kara organization and the Ōtsutsuki clan. Once the Ōtsutsuki threat was eliminated, Uchiha Yoichi's significance in this timeline would largely diminish.

As long as Kara didn't cause any major trouble, the ninja world remained peaceful—especially for civilians who were completely unaware of Kara's existence. Life went on as usual for them.

With that in mind, the production team quickly organized the filming of the third installment of the hit drama series. It had already been delayed long enough.

Before heading to the set, Hinata couldn't help but remind Hanabi, "If you find it too difficult, make sure to come to me immediately."

"Don't worry, onee-san. I remember everything you said. Just wait here for my good news," Hanabi said confidently.

Bidding farewell to Hinata, Hanabi used the Transformation Jutsu to assume her sister's appearance and headed toward the filming set.

As she neared the set, Hanabi felt a bit nervous. However, the moment she arrived, the crew immediately made way for her, bowing respectfully.

"Hinata-san, you've arrived."

"Welcome, Hinata-san! We're counting on you for today's shoot!"

"Hinata-san, the director and everyone else are already here. We were just waiting for you!"

As she walked through the set, greetings poured in from all directions. Hanabi was secretly astonished. She hadn't expected her sister to command such respect here.

Even within the Hyūga clan, where she held a branch family's status, she had never been greeted with such reverence. Yet today, by wearing her sister's face, she was receiving endless bows and greetings from the crew.

She comforted herself, If onee-san can do it, I can too!

"Oh, Hinata-san, you're finally here."

Director Wada greeted her with a smile. "Hurry and get ready! Yoichi-san is already here, just waiting for you."

Hanabi recognized Director Wada, so she mimicked Hinata's mannerisms, slightly bowing as she replied, "Understood, director."

However, she suddenly realized she had no idea where the makeup room was.

Quickly and discreetly, she approached someone and asked for directions before heading there with a composed expression.

Once inside, she was promptly directed to change into costume and have her makeup done.

When she looked at herself in the mirror, seeing her sister's face reflected back, Hanabi had to admit—Hinata truly was beautiful.

Even though they looked alike, there was still a difference in their aura.

Before long, the shoot was ready to begin.

Uchiha Yoichi, upon seeing "Hinata" step out of the makeup room, immediately realized that this was not the real Hinata.

So she didn't dare come herself?

Uchiha Yoichi originally thought that Hinata didn't dare to act in the drama anymore, but also didn't want to refuse outright, so she had someone take her place. With that in mind, he expanded his mental perception to locate Hinata.

It didn't take long for him to find her. She hadn't gone far and was pacing back and forth anxiously in a nearby alleyway, murmuring to herself, "Hanabi should be starting by now," and similar phrases.

Hearing her murmurs, Yoichi immediately realized who this "Hinata" before him really was.

"This Hanabi... she's really messing up my plans."

A trace of irritation flickered in Yoichi's heart. It had been a long time since he had been intimate with Hinata, and today was supposed to be the day to remind her of his affectionate touch. Yet, everything was disrupted by Hanabi.

However, annoyance was one thing—Yoichi wasn't in a hurry to expose Hanabi. Instead, a thought quickly formed in his mind: "Since you're so willing to sacrifice yourself and take your sister's place, then you should commit to the role fully."

"Alright, first scene, get ready!" 

Director Wada's voice rang out loudly. The crew immediately got to work, and both Yoichi and "Hinata" entered the shooting state.

The drama had to proceed, after all. Even though this entire production was nothing more than Yoichi's personal game of hunting Hinata, he still planned to play the game properly.

Thus, the shooting continued scene by scene. Since this was Hanabi's first time acting, even though she had prepared extensively beforehand, she still required multiple retakes. However, she improved significantly as they went along.

Still, she was far from capturing Hinata's natural presence. This role was tailored specifically to Hinata's personality, meaning she could simply be herself without the need for any forced performance.

Time passed by, and they successfully completed several scenes. Just then, Director Wada suddenly called for a stop.

"Alright, that scene is done. Next, we'll be filming the final scene for today. Let's proceed as planned."

After he spoke, the crew began packing up their equipment and gradually left the set.

Director Wada then approached "Hinata" and said, "Hinata-san, you weren't quite in the right condition today, but fortunately, we managed to wrap things up smoothly. There's just one last scene left. Since there will be fewer people around, I hope you can complete it successfully."

"Ah—yes, I understand."

Although Hanabi didn't entirely grasp the meaning behind the director's words, her cheeks flushed slightly as she thought to herself that there was still a gap between her acting and her sister's. Even the director had noticed.

"I will do my best, Director."

"Alright then, I'll leave it to you and Yoichi-san."

With that, Director Wada turned around. After ensuring that the cameras and other equipment were set up, he led the remaining staff out of the building.

Soon, only Hanabi and Yoichi remained in the room.

Seeing this, Hanabi asked in confusion, "Yoichi-san, what's going on? Why did the director and everyone else leave?"

"They left to give us space to film, of course. Weren't you worried earlier about feeling embarrassed if others were around for an intimate scene, Hinata-san?" 

Yoichi feigned a puzzled expression and then continued, "Or have you adjusted now? Do you not mind having others present anymore? I could call them back if you'd like."

"There's no need. This is fine."

Hanabi quickly shook her head. She didn't really like being affectionate in front of outsiders—it was far too embarrassing. Even now, under the guise of playing her sister's role, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

Yoichi waved his hand and said, "Alright, let's get ready. It's already late, so let's try to get this done in one take. Hinata-san, are you ready?"

"Of course! I-I'm ready," Hinata took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She reassured herself inwardly—we've already done a kiss scene before, it's fine. Besides, this is the last one for today.

"Alright then. We start in ten seconds."

After speaking, Yoichi moved away from the camera and stood beside Hanabi. This scene was supposed to capture the passionate reunion between two lovers. As for how passionate it should be, the script had only given one vague instruction: the more intense, the better.

Hanabi had already read the script before coming, but she wasn't entirely sure what that line truly meant. Still, since they were about to start filming, she had no choice but to go along with it.

Once the countdown ended, Yoichi immediately reached out, wrapping his arm around Hanabi's waist. He looked at her with deep 'affection' and said, "My lady, we meet again. You must have missed me terribly."

"Ah… y-yes, I've missed you. I think about you every day."

"And I, too, have been driven mad by my longing for you."

After saying that, Yoichi leaned down and pressed his lips against hers...

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Outside the filming set, Hinata was still waiting for Hanabi. As more time passed without her arrival, she grew anxious. What's going on? Did something happen? Or… has the shoot already finished?

"No, I can't wait any longer. Byakugan!"

(End of Chapter)

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