章 138: Chapter 138: Hinata Faints Again

The sun in July rose early, and by the time Shinho opened his eyes, the room was already filled with light.

He stared at the familiar ceiling for a moment, letting his mind catch up, before getting out of bed and getting dressed.

As he opened the door, he saw Tsunade sitting on the sofa.

She was wearing her usual sleeveless top.

"Good morning, Sensei," Shinho greeted her casually. "Why aren't you wearing the qipao?"

"Wearing a qipao to work? Are you kidding?" Tsunade replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "It's too impractical, especially if I need to fight at a moment's notice."

Shinho took a deep breath, his mind wandering for a second as he imagined Tsunade in battle, the qipao tearing in the heat of combat, revealing glimpses of her pale skin—a sight too tempting to ignore.

Quickly shaking the thought from his head, Shinho made his way to the bathroom to wash up.

In the kitchen, Shizune was already busy preparing breakfast. On days when Shizune was around, Tsunade tended to wake up earlier than usual.

Breakfast was simple—just bread and milk.

After finishing, Tsunade and Shizune left for the Hokage's office.

Shinho had the day off and didn't need to meet up with Team 7.

After thinking for a bit, he decided to put on his shoes and head out. He had copied down quite a few sealing techniques yesterday, and it was time to hand them over to Chisori and Karin.

Before long, he arrived at their residence—not the treehouse, but the place Neji had arranged for them earlier.

Shinho raised his hand and knocked on the door.

Soon, Chisori, dressed in a traditional kimono, opened it.

"Where's Karin?" Shinho asked curiously.

If it were a normal day, Karin would have already rushed to greet him.

"She's still sleeping," Chisori answered softly. "She stayed up late practicing the sealing techniques and couldn't get up this morning."

"She's really putting in the effort," Shinho remarked, pulling out a scroll. "This has some of the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques."

He didn't give them everything—just a portion. Part of it was to avoid any issues from them practicing too much too soon, and part of it was to prevent any leaks.

Once they had mastered this part, he would give them the rest. Based on his estimate, it would take them until the events of Shippuden—about three to four years.

That timing was perfect since there wouldn't be many major events until the Chūnin Exams and Orochimaru's invasion of Konoha.

"Thank you!" Chisori said, slightly taken aback but grateful. "We don't know how to repay you for this."

"I've said it before—once you've mastered these sealing techniques, you'll be able to help me," Shinho replied, waving it off casually.

Chisori stared at him with her crimson eyes, momentarily lost in thought.

It was supposed to be a transaction, but in reality, they were getting more than they had ever imagined. The sealing techniques they were learning would stay with them forever, significantly boosting their abilities.

It was a world of difference from the lives they had once lived—being used merely as sources of healing.

"Could you wake Karin for me?" Chisori smiled, handing him a key.

"…?" Shinho was briefly stunned.

There's definitely something going on here!

But before he could question her, Chisori had already walked off to prepare breakfast.

With a sigh, Shinho went to Karin's room.

He turned the handle, surprised to find the door unlocked.

"Why give me the key if it wasn't locked?" Shinho muttered as he entered, his gaze shifting to Karin.

She was sound asleep, her entire body nestled under the blanket, with only her head exposed.

Relieved, Shinho realized that Chisori's cryptic behavior had made him unnecessarily cautious. Everything seemed normal.

Approaching the bed, he could see Karin's peaceful breathing, her red hair a bit messy from sleep. Most of it was tucked behind her head, though some strands lay across her forehead and lips.

"Karin," Shinho called softly, reaching out to pinch her cheek.

When that didn't work, he pinched her nose.

A few seconds later, Karin's eyes shot open.

"Shinho…? Am I dreaming?" she asked groggily.

"What about now?" Shinho pinched her cheek again.

Her skin was so soft that it almost felt like water.

"Ow, that hurts a little," Karin muttered as she finally woke up fully. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Shinho's neck.

Watching her still-half-asleep reaction, Shinho couldn't help but smile.

She really was adorable.

"Alright, get dressed," Shinho patted her head.

Once Karin let go, Shinho turned to leave the room.

"I'm ready!" Karin called out a few minutes later.

"Then come have breakfast," Shinho replied, noticing that she had already changed into her usual outfit.

"Wait, I'm not finished yet!" Karin exclaimed, sitting on the bed as she pulled out a pair of black thigh-high stockings.

Lifting one leg, she carefully slid the stocking over her toes, pulling it up her leg. The black fabric hugged her skin as it climbed to her thigh, where it gently indented the soft flesh.

She repeated the process with the other leg, then stood up and adjusted the stockings to smooth out the wrinkles.

"How do I look?" Karin spun around to show him.

"Looks great," Shinho complimented with a smile.

Karin quickly ran over and grabbed his arm, clinging to it as they walked out of the room.

Her steps made soft, muffled sounds on the floor as she moved in her thigh-highs.

"Karin, go wash up before breakfast," Chisori said gently, watching the two of them.

"Okay!" Karin reluctantly let go of Shinho's arm and headed to the bathroom.

"Karin is a bit mischievous, so I hope you'll be patient with her," Chisori said apologetically.

"…?" Shinho raised an eyebrow.

That sounded almost like she was entrusting her daughter to him.

After all, after visiting them almost everyday for so long, he was more than familiar with Karin's personality.

Chisori, realizing that her subtle hint had been noticed, lowered her gaze, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "Shinho, have you had breakfast yet?"

"I already ate," Shinho replied. "You don't need to prepare anything for me."

"Alright," Chisori answered softly as she hurried back to the kitchen.

Shinho noticed that she was wearing white socks that matched her traditional kimono, giving off a very classic and refined look—just like the ideal image of a Yamato Nadeshiko.

"Shinho!" Karin reappeared soon after, running up to him.

Without hesitation, she plopped down on the sofa. A faint fragrance filled the air as she slid close to him.

Shinho glanced over at her and asked, "Are you wearing perfume?"

"I'm not," Karin responded, sniffing the air around her. "Do I smell nice?"

"A little," Shinho said absentmindedly.

"Then… you can smell me up close," Karin suddenly leaned in, offering her neck for him to sniff.

Looking at her exposed, pale skin, Shinho couldn't help but feel like some sort of vampire.

The scent indeed came from her.

Was it a natural body fragrance?

Shinho pondered this, then reached out and flicked her forehead gently. "Girls shouldn't be so casual infront of others."

"Ow, I'm not like that!" Karin replied, pouting slightly. "But you can be casual with me."

"Go eat your breakfast," Shinho changed the topic abruptly.

"Fine," Karin reluctantly gave up when she realized she wouldn't get her way.

After breakfast, Shinho spent about an hour teaching Karin and her mother before heading back home.

As he approached the Senju residence, he spotted a familiar but unexpected figure: Shino, who had been gone for a week.

"When did you return?" Shinho asked after giving him a quick glance.

"Just recently," Shino replied, hesitating for a few seconds before adding, "Brother, if you have time, you should check on Hinata."

"What do you mean?" Shinho's expression shifted, concern flashing across his face. "Is she hurt?"

"No," Shino quickly reassured him and proceeded to explain what had happened.

"I see," Shinho sighed with relief.

So, it was because of the emotional toll of killing someone for the first time? That made sense, given Hinata's gentle nature.

"Alright," Shinho nodded. "I'll go check on her now."

After parting with Shino, Shinho made his way toward the Hyuga clan's compound. On his way, he bought a box of takoyaki from a street vendor.

When he arrived at the Hyuga estate, as usual, the guards didn't stop him.

The courtyard was quiet—it was Thursday. On the weekends, he'd usually find his little sister-in-law, Hanabi, practicing her martial arts here. But as a second-year student at the Ninja Academy, she was likely in class.

Shinho reached Hinata's room and knocked on the door.

After a few seconds, the door opened, revealing Hinata.

"Shinho-kun?" Hinata was taken aback for a moment before a surprised expression appeared on her face.

Shinho looked her over. Her long black hair cascaded gently over her shoulders, her traditional princess-cut hairstyle adding to her soft, elegant appearance. But he noticed the slight weariness on her usually vibrant face.

As his gaze lingered on her, Hinata shyly lowered her head.

"How was your mission?" Shinho asked as he gently lifted her chin with his hand.

"M-Mission…?" Hinata stammered, feeling the warmth of his hand against her skin. Her face turned pink as the words caught in her throat.

Shinho smiled slightly. She was so easy to fluster. Or rather, so easy to handle.

"We… completed it!" Hinata managed to say after a struggle.

Shinho's fingers moved to lightly pinch her soft, rosy cheeks.

"Heeik"

With a soft whimper, Hinata's eyes rolled back, and she fainted, collapsing into Shinho's arms.

"Huh?"

Thankfully, Shinho was quick enough to put down the takoyaki box and catch her, preventing her from falling to the ground.

He gently placed her on the nearby sofa, then picked up the takoyaki, relieved that the plastic container had kept them clean.

Sitting nearby, Shinho patiently waited for Hinata to wake up.

After a few minutes, Hinata's eyes fluttered open, and she saw Shinho sitting close by. Her mind quickly replayed what had just happened, and her face flushed bright red.

"I bought some takoyaki," Shinho said, his gaze softening as he admired her cute and innocent reaction.

There's a phenomenon called "cute aggression"—the desire to squeeze or pinch something cute.

Whether it's a kitten, a puppy, or even a baby, the overwhelming cuteness sometimes makes people want to pinch or squeeze it. That's exactly how he felt looking at Hinata.

"Mmh," Hinata murmured softly as she got out of bed and sat at the table.

Shinho used a wooden skewer to pick up a takoyaki ball and held it out for her.

Hinata glanced at him, quickly averting her eyes as she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Then, she shyly leaned forward and took a small bite of the takoyaki.

Despite her large appetite, Hinata always ate with grace—never rushing, never too greedy.

"Shinho-kun, don't you want some?" she asked after swallowing, her gaze lingering on the next piece of takoyaki.

"I'm not hungry," Shinho shook his head with a smile. "Besides, I bought this for you."

"I-I can feed myself," Hinata stammered, reaching for the wooden skewer.

"Relax, I'll feed you," Shinho insisted, gently grabbing her wrist before quickly letting go. He thought better of it, worrying she might faint again.

That would be troublesome. If she fainted at every small touch, how would they ever progress to something more intimate? It was a problem that required some "conditioning."

"…Okay," Hinata bit her lip, conceding and opening her mouth to take the next piece of takoyaki.

In no time, the entire box of takoyaki was finished.

Shinho handed her a napkin, which she used to wipe her mouth, thanking him softly as she tossed it into the trash.

"Shinho-kun," Hinata hesitated for a moment, then asked, "How did you know I was home?"

"I saw Shino," Shinho replied casually. "That's how I figured you'd be here."

Hinata blinked in surprise, then quickly realized what had happened.

It must have been Shino who told him about the mission. That explained why Shinho was acting differently today—he must have already known about the events during their mission.

"I…" Hinata began but hesitated.

"Go on," Shinho urged, gently ruffling her hair.

"I… I killed someone," Hinata finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You killed a bandit," Shinho replied softly. "Someone who had done terrible things to many innocents and deserved to die."

"But…" Hinata's hands tightened into fists as she squirmed uncomfortably. "It felt wrong. I couldn't help but feel uneasy."

"That's a natural reaction," Shinho said, his tone calm. "Your conscience is what makes you human. But remember this: 'My actions are as clear as a bright mirror; everything I do is righteous.'"

Hinata stared at him, her wide eyes filled with awe.

Act in the name of justice?

After a brief pause, she nodded firmly. "I understand."

[Achievement Unlocked: 'Hinata, Ally of Justice' – Reward: Self-Reliance Gu]

[Self-Reliance Gu: Rank 3, Healing Type. Its effectiveness increases with the user's physical strength.]

Shinho blinked in surprise.

An achievement? She really understood the lesson.

Although Shinho had learned medical ninjutsu, it required hand signs and time—something not always available in the heat of battle. But with the Self-Reliance Gu, he could heal while fighting, making it a valuable asset.

Its power was tied to the user's physical strength, and Shinho, possessing all those strength type gu's, could handle most moderate injuries with ease.

The more strength-related Gu he acquired, the better his future would look.

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