Chapter 9

As Tenten mulled over the situation, the next words out of Tian Yu's mouth nearly made her stumble in shock.

Tian Yu casually pulled out a kunai and, with a gentle smile directed at Hinata, said:

"My family owns a weapon shop. As a token of gratitude, how about buying one of my special kunai?"

"It's very cheap—only one thousand taels~"

---

Tenten was utterly dumbfounded.

Inner thoughts:

Brother, I completely misjudged you!!

What happened to saving the damsel in distress? What happened to making a good impression?

You just saw this girl is from a well-off family and decided to overcharge her, didn't you?!

A thousand taels?! That's enough for a regular person to survive for a whole month!

She's just a five-year-old girl—how could she possibly afford that?!

Does he think she's a princess or something?!

But the next moment, Hinata's reaction left Tenten completely slack-jawed.

"Only, only one thousand taels?"

Little Hinata obediently reached into her pocket, pulled out ten crisp banknotes, and held them out to Tian Yu with both hands.

Although she didn't really understand the purpose of a kunai, a thousand taels wasn't much for her. If this could help Tian Yu, she was more than happy to buy it.

Her innocent face beamed as she softly said, "If Tian Yu-kun needs more… I-I still have…"

"No need."

Tian Yu nonchalantly took the money from Hinata and placed a special kunai in her hands.

"Here, this is my exclusive Clone Kunai."

"It may seem expensive, but it's worth every coin~~"

"As long as you channel chakra into it, you'll understand its secret. While it's not a mystical power, it's enough to help you avoid bullies like that brat from earlier."

A thousand taels was a hefty sum, but what Tian Yu had given her was actually a bargain.

If sold in the open market, even two thousand taels wouldn't be enough—people would fight to get their hands on it.

The only reason he hadn't actively completed his system's task before was that he didn't want to sell his creations to just anyone. But since he met Hinata today and she could afford it, he was willing to make an exception.

Afterward, Tian Yu and Tenten escorted Hinata back to the Hyuga clan's compound.

"Well, this is where we leave you."

Standing at the gates of the prestigious Hyuga residence, Tian Yu and Tenten waved goodbye.

Little Hinata bowed deeply and, with genuine sincerity, said, "Thank you, Tenten, and Tian Yu-kun."

Tenten grinned. "No need for thanks! We're friends, after all!"

"Goodbye, Hinata. Let's play together next time!"

Hinata blinked in surprise.

Friends?

For a moment, she whispered to herself, "A friend…?"

So this is what it felt like to have friends…

Maybe getting lost today wasn't such a bad thing after all.

Because today, she had gained two good friends—Tian Yu-kun and Tenten.

And that made her happy.

---

"Hinata!"

A sudden cold voice snapped through the air, freezing the smile on Hinata's face.

Her father, Hyuga Hiashi—the head of the Hyuga clan—approached with a stern expression.

"As the heir to the main family, why did you leave without permission?!"

"I…"

"How many have sacrificed themselves for you, for the main family?! You must be more mindful of your responsibilities, Hinata!"

"…I'm sorry…"

Hinata lowered her head, her eyes dimming.

"Hey, Uncle."

Tian Yu, who had not yet walked away, turned around.

His voice was calm but firm.

"That's not right for you to say."

"Who are you, brat? Do you think you have a say in the matters of the Hyuga clan?" Hiashi scoffed, dismissing Tian Yu outright.

"Father, these are my friends! They were the ones who brought me home!" Hinata quickly explained.

Hiashi exhaled sharply, his irritation momentarily restrained. "Since you escorted my daughter home, I will overlook your insolence."

But Tian Yu remained unfazed, standing tall even before an elite ninja like Hiashi.

"Patriarch Hyuga, I meant what I said."

Hiashi's sharp gaze locked onto him. "What did you say?!"

Tian Yu met his gaze, unwavering. "The Hyuga clan members sacrificed themselves to protect Hinata, not because of her mistakes, but because your clan wasn't strong enough."

"This isn't Hinata's fault."

!!

Hinata's eyes widened.

She stood frozen, her heart pounding wildly.

All her life, she had been taught to bear the weight of being the heir. To carry the sacrifices of her clan on her small shoulders.

But this was the first time someone had told her…

It wasn't her fault.

She wasn't sure if Tian Yu was right or wrong.

But in this moment, she felt seen. Understood. As if someone finally recognized the burden she had been silently carrying.

Thank you, Tian Yu-kun…

"Hmph, you're just a child—what could you possibly know?" Hiashi snapped.

Perhaps Tian Yu had struck a nerve, or perhaps Hiashi simply didn't want to argue with a six-year-old.

Without another word, he took Hinata's hand and turned away, heading into the compound without a backward glance.

---

As they left the Hyuga estate, neither Tian Yu nor Tenten dwelled on what had just happened.

As usual, they went to the training ground, continuing their physical training under Might Guy's supervision.

At that moment, a familiar notification rang in Tian Yu's system.

[Ding! Mission 'Sell a Special Kunai' has been completed!]

[System Reward: Primary Grass Pheasant Sword Blueprint has been distributed!]