Chapter 152

"No, this is just wishful thinking on your part," Utatane Koharu said bluntly after hearing Jiraiya's suggestion.

"It can work," Sarutobi Hiruzen interrupted before she could continue.

"Hiruzen, why are you suddenly siding with Jiraiya's nonsense?" Koharu's tone was sharp, but a hint of blush passed across her aged face as she recalled their earlier humiliation in the Hokage's office.

"It's not reckless. If Jiraiya refuses the role, we cannot force him." Hiruzen's expression was one of resignation, his thoughts clearly preoccupied.

Jiraiya grinned and raised his thumb. "See, the old man gets it! Honestly, Tsunade is more qualified for this job than I am. She has the ability and temperament to handle the role, unlike me, who has no interest in power."

Hiruzen nodded, showing rare agreement. "So, when do you plan to leave?" he asked.

Jiraiya sighed, "Time waits for no one. I'll leave tomorrow morning."

Mitokado Homura, standing quietly in the corner, finally spoke up. "This may be our only choice, but we cannot let you leave unaccompanied. I will assign three ANBU to ensure you don't... wander off."

Jiraiya chuckled, seeing through Homura's intent. "Relax, old man. I'm not running away this time. But I want to bring someone along for the journey."

"Who?" Homura asked, narrowing his eyes.

"The Fourth Hokage's son, Uzumaki Naruto," Jiraiya replied firmly.

Hiruzen's expression softened as he nodded. "It's a good idea. Naruto will benefit from your guidance, and perhaps he can help convince Tsunade to return."

Jiraiya thought of Naruto's determination and the boy's uncanny resemblance to Nawaki, Tsunade's younger brother. If anyone can inspire her to return, it's him.

Of course, Jiraiya had no idea about the monumental surprise awaiting him when he found Tsunade already a wife and mother.

After successfully sowing chaos in the Hokage's office, Kirito didn't return to his hot spring hotel immediately. Instead, using his Observation Haki, he tracked the conversations in the Hokage Building while heading toward Konoha Hospital—specifically, Hinata's ward.

It was late at night. The moon hung high like a silver plate, surrounded by shimmering stars.

Inside the ward, Hinata—her Byakugan temporarily weakened from overuse during her fight with Neji—stood by the wall, her small hands trailing along as she moved cautiously toward a table. She wore a light pink hospital gown, and her bare feet made soft taps against the floor.

She reached the table and began feeling around for a cup of water.

"Are you thirsty?" Kirito, seated silently across the table, asked as he pushed the water pitcher and a cup closer to her. Without a word, he discreetly added powdered magic beans to the cup, their restorative properties activating instantly.

Hinata, unaware of his presence, cautiously poured herself a glass of water. Her bandaged eyes tilted slightly toward the sound, and she hesitantly asked, "Is someone there? Is it you, Kurenai-sensei?"

Kirito didn't respond immediately, opting instead to watch her delicate movements and the genuine innocence in her actions.

Hinata sighed softly, assuming her mind was playing tricks on her. She brought the cup to her lips and drank.

Warmth flooded her body almost instantly. Her chakra pathways aligned perfectly, and her vision returned with a sudden clarity. She blinked in surprise, her bandaged eyes now fully healed.

At that moment, Kurenai Yuhi walked into the room, visibly startled to see Kirito sitting there. Covering her mouth to stifle a gasp, she seemed torn between fear and worry.

"Don't be so tense, sensei. It's just me," Kirito greeted her with an easy smile.

Hearing his voice, Hinata froze. Slowly, she reached up and removed her bandages. When her now-clear vision confirmed the familiar figure sitting before her, her breath caught.

"K-Kirito? Is that really you?" Her voice trembled with emotion as tears welled in her pale lavender eyes.

Kurenai, still shaken, quickly stepped forward. "Hinata, don't be scared! Kirito isn't a bad person. Whatever you've heard—"

But before Kurenai could finish, Hinata walked past her, standing before Kirito. Her wide, tear-filled eyes searched his face.

"Big brother... is it really you? Am I dreaming?" Her voice cracked as she spoke, trembling with overwhelming emotion.

Before Kirito could respond, Hinata threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "You're alive... you're alive! I thought you were gone forever."

Even Kirito, with his calm demeanor, was caught off guard by the unexpected display of affection. He gently patted her head, his expression softening.

"Hinata, aren't you afraid of me? I'm an S-rank rogue ninja now," he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of self-mockery.

Hinata shook her head vigorously, her face buried in his chest. "No, I'm not afraid. I've always believed in you, big brother. You're not a bad person!"

Kirito chuckled, a self-deprecating smile forming on his lips. "A good person? If I'm a good person, then there are no bad people in this world."

From the side, Kurenai—still trying to process the scene—finally interjected. "Hinata! What are you doing? Why are you—"

Hearing her sensei's voice, Hinata seemed to realize what she had done. Pulling back slightly, she looked down at her hands, still clutching Kirito's robe. Her face flushed a deep crimson.

"Ah... I-I..." Hot steam practically rose from her head as she stumbled over her words.

Before anyone could react further, Hinata fainted, her delicate frame collapsing backward. Kirito caught her effortlessly, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"She's still the same shy little girl," he mused, carrying her to the bed and laying her down gently.

Kurenai watched, stunned by the tender interaction. Her gaze flickered between Hinata's sleeping form and Kirito's composed expression. For a moment, she couldn't help but feel conflicted.

"Kirito," she finally said, her tone soft but firm. "Whatever your reasons for being here, you've left an impression on her. I hope you don't hurt her."

(End of Chapter)

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