Chapter 203: Hinata’s Generosity

As Shinho stepped out of the tent, he unexpectedly ran into Hinata Hyuga.

Both were momentarily surprised.

Why is Shinho-kun visiting Lady Tsunade so early? Hinata wondered briefly before dismissing the thought.

She approached him hesitantly, explaining in a soft voice, "I… I was planning to practice."

"Practice?" Shinho asked thoughtfully. "Where to?"

"The river," Hinata said, pointing in its direction.

"I'll go with you," Shinho offered with a smile.

"Eh?" Hinata stammered, waving her hands nervously. "There's n-no need, Shinho-kun. You should rest."

"Come on," Shinho said, gently taking her hand.

Hinata calmed down immediately, her face turning bright red as she followed him without resistance.

…

At the river;

Shinho still hadn't let go of her hand, instead giving it a playful squeeze.

"What are you training?" he asked.

"The Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms," Hinata replied, feeling his small gestures and unconsciously tensing.

Shinho nodded approvingly. Despite possessing the Snow Fairy Gu, Hinata was still the Hyuga clan's eldest daughter and couldn't neglect her Gentle Fist techniques.

"Hinata, you're really diligent," Shinho said warmly, lifting her hand. A glimmer of primaeval energy flashed as the Bluebird Ice Coffin Gu appeared in his palm. "This is for you."

"Shinho-kun, I…" Hinata began, instinctively wanting to refuse.

She had already accepted four Gu worms from him, leaving her feeling deeply indebted. Taking another would weigh on her conscience.

"Shh."

Shinho placed a finger lightly against her soft lips, silencing her.

Hinata's lips instinctively pressed together, brushing against his fingertip like a fleeting kiss.

Her face instantly turned crimson, the blush spreading to her neck.

"You don't need to say anything. Just take it," Shinho said, pulling back his hand and raising an eyebrow. He didn't want to risk her fainting from embarrassment.

Hinata lowered her head, clasping her hands together as if trying to contain the overwhelming heat in her cheeks.

"Go ahead and train," Shinho said, ruffling her hair gently.

After a moment of hesitation, Hinata nodded softly.

"I'll be your sparring partner," Shinho offered, stepping back to create some distance.

Hinata nodded again, but soon froze, looking awkwardly unsure.

"What's wrong, Hinata?" Shinho asked, puzzled.

"I… It's nothing," Hinata stammered, biting her lip. Slowly, she extended her hands and removed her jacket.

Underneath, she wore a tight-fitting outfit that, while modest, clung to her body and highlighted her figure.

"Sh-Shinho-kun…" Hinata murmured, crossing her arms over her chest bashfully.

Shinho was momentarily stunned.

Though he'd grown accustomed to Tsunade's striking presence, Hinata offered a different kind of impact.

She had a purity and shyness that contrasted starkly with her unexpectedly voluptuous figure. 

Coupled with the expression she threw his way, Shinho couldn't help but lament inwardly;

Why did I agree to be her sparring partner? This is just self-torture.

Hinata felt his gaze, her heart fluttering with embarrassment and joy.

She had always been self-conscious about her mature figure, which far exceeded her peers.

But seeing Shinho's reaction made her feel… validated.

"Let's begin," Shinho said, clearing his throat and regaining his composure.

Hinata took a deep breath, lowered her arms, and assumed her fighting stance.

In the next moment, she charged forward, her palms striking out.

As she moved, her outfit shifted, emphasizing her every motion.

Shinho's eyelid twitched. For the first time, he truly appreciated just how… generous Hinata was.

For the next hour, they sparred.

Although it was called sparring, Shinho mostly played the role of a human target, allowing Hinata to practice her techniques.

…

"That's enough for now," Shinho said eventually, stepping back. "It's getting late, and the others are probably awake by now."

"Okay," Hinata replied, exhaling deeply.

Her breath turned to a faint mist in the cool morning air. She quickly donned her jacket, concealing her figure once more.

"I'll head back to my tent," she said quietly before turning away.

Shinho couldn't help but smile as he watched her go.

…

Back at Camp;

Shinho's smile quickly faded when he returned to find Tsunade standing by the remains of the last night's fire.

Her expression was unreadable, but the tension in the air was palpable.

"I see you've been busy, Hokage-sama," Tsunade said with a cold smile. "Helping Hinata train so early in the morning?"

"Teacher…" Shinho began, stepping closer with a sheepish grin. "Are you upset?"

"No," Tsunade said flatly. After a pause, she crossed her arms and added, "I'm hungry. Go make breakfast."

She was thinking about the last night and was worried he might resume his antics there. They were inside the tent last night and didn't have to worry about other people seeing them, but now, someone from team 8 might see them.

Her relationship with Shinho wasn't something that could be shown to outsiders.

After all, if a scandal were to be spread, it could affect Shinho's standing as the Hokage, especially at the moment when he was still in the process of stabilizing his position.

'...'

Tsunade's mind froze as she went through these thoughts.

How could she be so accepting of Shinho's actions without even knowing it?

Shinho studied her for a moment, then relented. "Alright, as you wish."

Tsunade shot him a quick glare. Why is he so obedient now, when he's usually so infuriating?

Before she could say more, Kiba and Shino emerged from their tents.

"Pack up the tents," Shinho instructed. "I'll prepare breakfast."

He gestured toward the clearing, where his Parasitic Insects had already brought back a bundle of firewood.

His bugs were already conducting reconnaissance around the area. 

"How about ramen this morning?" Shinho asked, setting up a small stool by the fire.

"Works for me," Tsunade replied absently, taking a seat nearby.

As Shinho boiled water, his gaze drifted toward her.

Tsunade wore her usual tea-green jacket, sleeveless top, and deep-blue pants, which left her slender ankles and pale feet exposed. Her high-heeled sandals revealed her perfectly pedicured, red-painted toenails.

"Are you a pervert," Tsunade asked, catching his stare. Her tone and look were laced with disdain.

"I'm not," Shinho replied earnestly. "It's just that you're too captivating, teacher."

"Still a smooth-talking pervert," Tsunade huffed, though her expression softened despite herself.

She had become increasingly aware of her subconscious comparisons to the younger kunoichi around them, and Shinho's compliments always seemed to hit the mark.

Hinata approached the fire just then, and Tsunade fell silent.

"Shino!" Shinho called, deftly changing the subject. "How far are we from our destination?"

"About two hours," Shino replied after adjusting his glasses. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off but chose not to pry.

"Hinata," Shinho said, turning to her. "Can you grab the bowls?"

"Of course!" Hinata beamed, happy to help. She had been about to ask what she could do, so the request saved her the trouble.

Tsunade watched silently, neither approving nor disapproving.

After breakfast, the group set out again.

The journey was uneventful, and two hours later, they reached the valley where the Bikochu Beetles were said to reside.

Though called a valley, it resembled a dense forest, its thick foliage rivalling the Forest of Death.

Fortunately, all but Tsunade were adept sensory ninja.

Shino immediately released his Parasitic Insects, dispersing them into the surrounding area to begin the search.

Hinata activated her Byakugan, veins surfacing around her eyes as her field of vision expanded.

Kiba and Akamaru sniffed around, their noses working overtime to pick up any unusual scents.

Shinho's thoughts wandered to the Kamizuru Clan, the once-prominent bee-controlling family from the Iwagakure.

From the series, he remembered their distinctive use of some bee-related techniques.

It was highly likely the Kamizuru were hiding in the forest somewhere.

The clan was from Iwagakure, if nothing else, they could use Earth escape to merge with rocks, making them difficult to detect through ordinary sensory methods.

Without Karin or Chisori present to help with detection, Shinho had to take matters into his own hands.

"Fog Sparrow Gu!"

Raising his hand, a thin layer of fog rose into the air, coalescing into the shape of a sparrow before swiftly disappearing into the distance.

Tsunade observed the technique with curiosity.

How many strange bugs does this brat have?

"There are three people following us," Shinho announced.

"Where?" Tsunade's eyes gleamed.

Tracking the Bikochu Beetle wasn't her area of expertise. 

This was a welcome distraction, especially given her less-than-ideal mood.

"You all keep searching for the Bikochu," Shinho instructed, pointing toward a rock wall on their left. "My teacher and I will deal with them."

"Understood!" Team 8 responded in unison.

Tsunade gave a slight nod and they vanished in a burst of speed.

…

At their hiding spot, the Kamizuru trio crouched nervously near the rock wall.

"What's happening?" Kurobachi asked in a panic. "Have we been discovered?"

"That's Lady Tsunade of the Sannin!" Jibachi said, his voice trembling. "We should leave while we can!"

They had heard Shinho's name before but hadn't seen him in action. Still, the presence of Tsunade alone was intimidating enough.

"No!" Suzumebachi, their leader, clenched her teeth. "The Bikochu Beetle is our clan's last hope. Only it can lead us to our grandfather's lost secret technique!"

"But it's too dangerous!" Jibachi argued, worried.

"We'll wait until they separate," Suzumebachi decided, her mind racing as she thought of a strategy.

Before they could act, the sound of footsteps drew closer.

The three stiffened, holding their breath.

"So, it's the Kamizuru Clan," Tsunade said, her voice calm but laced with menace.

She clenched her fist and swung it at the rock wall before her.

Boom!

The wall shattered into rubble, and the three Kamizuru members scrambled out, coughing and covered in dust.

"Bee Bomb Technique!"

Suzumebachi steadied herself and waved her arms, sending a swarm of bees hurtling toward Tsunade.

The attack never reached its target.

Before the bees could get close, they were surrounded and consumed by a dark wave of Parasitic Insects.

"The Aburame Clan!" Suzumebachi's eyes burned with hatred. "You all deserve to die!"

She bit her thumb and slammed her hand onto the ground.

"Summoning Technique!"

A plume of smoke erupted, revealing a massive Queen Bee that loomed over the battlefield.

Tsunade moved in a blur.

Before the Queen Bee could react, her fist connected with its thorax.

A shrill cry echoed as the giant bee was sent flying, its fate unknown.

Suzumebachi's face turned pale as the reality of Tsunade's strength sank in.

"Bee Honey Technique!" she shouted in desperation, releasing a swarm of bees carrying sticky honey that could immobilize targets.

Tsunade didn't know the specifics of the technique, but she wasn't about to let herself be hit.

With a sudden burst of speed, she disappeared from view. The bees lost their target and began to scatter in confusion.

Suzumebachi frantically scanned her surroundings, her nerves on edge.

In the next instant, Tsunade's fist drove into her abdomen.

Suzumebachi doubled over, her body convulsing in pain.

Tsunade turned her attention to the remaining two.

With swift, precise strikes, both Kurobachi and Jibachi collapsed, groaning in agony.

Dusting off her hands, Tsunade stretched her arms, a faint smile forming on her lips. Her mood had noticeably improved.

"You're amazing, teacher," Shinho said with a grin, applauding her.

"They're just mid-level chūnin," Tsunade replied nonchalantly. "What do you plan to do with them?"

"They mentioned that the Bikochu could lead them to their clan's secret technique," Shinho said thoughtfully. "The Kamizuru Clan was once on par with the Aburame. Their techniques might be worth something."

"You really don't waste opportunities," Tsunade said with a slight nod.

To her, Shinho's practicality was perfectly reasonable. They were victors, and the Kamizuru were enemies from Iwagakure.

"Take them away," Shinho ordered.

A team of ANBU, led by Yūgao Uzuki, appeared seemingly out of nowhere and swiftly restrained the defeated trio.

"Teacher," Shinho asked as he stepped closer, his tone light. "Can I come to your tent tonight–"

"No!" Tsunade snapped, cutting him off before he could finish.

"You've misunderstood," Shinho said, clearing his throat. "I just wanted to invite you for a late-night snack."

"Do I look like an idiot to you?" Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.

"It's true," Shinho insisted earnestly. "I've got several bottles of honey wine prepared for you."

While he was tempted to push his luck further, he knew better than to rush things. Slowly breaking her boundaries was the way to go.

Tsunade scrutinized him, sceptical.

"I also prepared a gift for you," Shinho added.

He was referring to the wood-type Gu worms he planned to give her. They were of little use to him now but could complement her skillset perfectly.

Tsunade turned and walked toward the rest of the group, leaving Shinho behind.

Just as Shinho began to think his invitation had failed, she called out over her shoulder, "Midnight."

"I'll be there!" Shinho replied eagerly.

"Keep your voice down!" Tsunade hissed, shooting him a sharp glare.

Shinho nodded with a grin.

Tsunade's emotions were a mix of exasperation and something else she couldn't quite place.

Her heart raced as she walked away, questioning her own decision.

…

The group regrouped at the mouth of the valley.

"The situation's been handled," Shinho announced. "Did you find the Bikochu?"

Shino held out his hand, revealing a black beetle that resembled a stag beetle.

"This is the Bikochu."

"Good. With that, this mission is complete," Shinho said with satisfaction. "Now, onto the next task—dealing with Karatachi Raiga, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Stay sharp, everyone."

Shino Aburame was looking forward to the challenge, while Kiba shivered nervously.

Something's definitely wrong here, Kiba thought. A chūnin like me is going against one of the seven ninja swordsmen?

"Don't worry," Shinho said, patting Kiba on the shoulder. "You'll handle his underlings in the Kurosuki family."

"Now that I can do!" Kiba replied, feeling a surge of relief.

"Let's move out," Shinho said, his gaze briefly meeting Tsunade's.

She avoided his eyes, pretending not to notice.