Chương 148: Ayame

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After stepping out of the room, Hinata Hyūga felt refreshed. It was as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, and for the first time in a long while, she felt truly free. It was liberating to let go of the things that had once held her back.

"Thank you so much, Takuya-sama. You've done me a great favor. Would you allow me to treat you to dinner?" Hinata asked, looking at Takuya Senju beside her. Her tone was much more confident than it had been before.

Takuya smiled. "No problem. But are you sure you've got enough ryo in your wallet?"

Hinata smiled, the hint of a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Don't worry, I'll have enough. And if I don't... I can always ask my father for more. If that doesn't work, I guess I could pledge myself to you," she said, her face turning even redder.

Takuya chuckled, a little surprised by her newfound boldness. Hinata, once so shy and reserved, was now more open and assertive. Of course, Takuya knew why. He had subtly influenced her with his Dōjutsu while they were in the room, shaping her thoughts. Otherwise, changing someone's personality so drastically wouldn't have been easy.

"Well then, let's eat!" Takuya said with a grin. "How about Ichiraku Ramen? It's big, cheap, and delicious."

Hinata nodded eagerly. "Sounds perfect."

As they walked to Ichiraku Ramen, Takuya chose not to use any concealment jutsu this time, letting the villagers see them. As they entered, all eyes were on them, but Hinata held her head high, unfazed by the attention—a stark contrast to the shy girl she used to be.

They both ordered their meals, and by the time they were done, they'd broken Ichiraku's record for the biggest eaters. As people stared in awe, Hinata couldn't help but feel happier than she had in a long time. Ayame, the ramen shop's cheerful waitress, exchanged a few words with Takuya before heading back to the kitchen. Takuya, noticing her interest, mused that winning Ayame over would be easy, should he choose to pursue her.

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At the Hyūga clan's dojo...

"Are you both ready?" Hiashi Hyūga asked, his tone serious as he stood in front of Hinata and Hanabi.

"Yes, Father," they both replied in unison.

"Begin!"

Immediately, both Hinata and Hanabi activated their Byakugan, the veins near their temples bulging as they prepared for battle. In an instant, they rushed at each other, their palms glowing with chakra. They exchanged more than a dozen Jūken strikes in mere moments.

"Gentle Fist: Twin Lion Fists!" Hinata shouted, chakra surging into her hands, forming two massive lion-shaped constructs.

Hanabi reacted quickly. "Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!"

But her counter was easily neutralized. As Hinata's Twin Lion Fists approached, Hanabi tried to retreat, but Hinata had anticipated this.

"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" Hinata called out, launching a fierce assault. Her palms struck Hanabi's tenketsu points with blinding speed.

Hanabi had no choice but to endure the attacks, knowing her older sister's gentle nature. She expected Hinata to stop at the last moment, giving her a chance to counter—just like in their previous sparring matches.

But this time, Hinata didn't stop.

"What?!" Hanabi gasped as pain shot through her body. Hinata's strikes were relentless, targeting her chakra points with precision. The final strike sent Hanabi sprawling backward, rolling across the dojo floor.

"Hanabi, are you alright?" Hiashi asked, concern in his voice.

"I'm fine, Father. Sister was controlled in her strikes," Hanabi replied, smiling through the discomfort. The pain was real, but it was bearable. Hinata had been measured in her power.

Hiashi sighed in relief, then turned to Hinata with an impressed look. "Hinata, you've won this match," he said, smiling with pride. This was the first time Hinata had decisively defeated her sister. In the past, she had always hesitated, allowing Hanabi to turn the tide of the battle.

"Father, I understand now. The weak version of me no longer exists," Hinata said confidently. From today onward, she wouldn't let herself be held back by unnecessary doubts or insecurities.

Hiashi's smile widened. "Good! This is the strength I wanted to see from you. You've grown strong, Hinata. I'm proud of you."

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Back at Ichiraku Ramen, Takuya was slurping down his bowl of ramen when Ayame approached.

"Hokage-sama, do you always eat this fast?" she asked with a teasing smile.

Takuya grinned. "Only when the food's as good as this."

Ayame beamed at the compliment. "I'm glad to hear that! Actually, we've been working on a new type of ramen. Would you like to give it a try?"

"A new flavor? Sure, I'm in," Takuya replied, intrigued.

Ayame hurried to the kitchen, leaving Takuya to his thoughts. He enjoyed his visits to Ichiraku, especially now that Ayame was growing more familiar with him. Her friendly nature made each visit more pleasant.

A few minutes later, Ayame returned with a steaming bowl of ramen. "Here you go, Hokage-sama! This is our newest creation. I hope you like it."

Takuya smiled as he picked up his chopsticks. "Did you make this yourself, Ayame?"

Ayame's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?"

"Whenever I come here, you usually call the chef to prepare the ramen. But this time, you stayed in the kitchen until it was ready. It wasn't hard to figure out," Takuya said with a chuckle.

Ayame blushed, clearly pleased with his observation. "Well, I hope it's to your liking."

Takuya dug in, slurping the ramen enthusiastically. In no time, he'd finished the entire bowl, leaving no broth behind.

"How was it?" Ayame asked, her face filled with anticipation.

"It was amazing. Even better than your father's ramen," Takuya said with a smile.

Ayame blushed even deeper. "Really?"

Takuya nodded. "Absolutely. Watching you make it makes the ramen taste even better."

Ayame's face turned crimson at his words. "H-Hokage-sama, I... I'm glad you liked it!" she stammered, flustered by the compliment.

"From now on, can you make my ramen personally, Ayame?" Takuya asked, his tone warm.

Ayame's heart raced at the request. "Of course, Hokage-sama! I'd be honored," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Great. I'll come by to propose to your father in a few days," Takuya said with a teasing grin.

Ayame's face turned bright red as she hurriedly excused herself, running out of the room in embarrassment. Takuya watched her go, chuckling to himself.

In a few days, Ayame would be his.

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