A few minutes later, Kurenai Yuhi emerged from the inn.
"The client's still shopping in Konoha. Tomorrow, eight a.m. sharp, meet at the village gate," Kurenai instructed. "After we disband, pack spare clothes, a tent, and bedding. Grab some Soldier Pills too. If you can't carry everything, buy a storage scroll. Your earnings from recent missions can cover it."
"Yes," Team 8 responded in unison.
"Eight a.m. tomorrow—don't be late," Kurenai repeated, then vanished with a Body Flicker.
Izayoi and Hinata parted ways with Shino.
"Izayoi-kun, you don't need a storage scroll. I'll bring one tomorrow," Hinata said softly.
Izayoi pinched her cheek, teasing, "As expected of a clan heiress—already planning to keep me?"
"K-keep you…?"
Hinata's face flushed, her voice quivering.
"Just kidding."
Izayoi patted her head, taking her hand with a smile. "No need for the scroll. I'll bring a backpack. If we camp, I'll take night watch to protect you."
Hinata's blush deepened. Glancing at their intertwined fingers, a happy smile curved her lips.
Her heart felt honey-sweet.
Though their relationship hadn't fully crossed that line, Izayoi and Hinata's interactions were already couple-like.
If not for fear that going public might reach her clan, stirring elders' objections, Hinata would've confessed long ago.
Once they both became Jonin—or elite Jonin, clan leader, or ace fighters—not even her father or elders could stop them.
That day wasn't far off.
Hinata tightened her grip on Izayoi's hand, vowing silently.
Izayoi, unaware of her thoughts, would've smiled warmly if he knew.
The transformed Hinata was already exceptional.
With goals, she'd shine even brighter.
With guidance, the Byakugan princess would dazzle.
…
The next day, 7:50 a.m.
Izayoi and Hinata, each with a backpack, arrived at the village gate.
Shino, also carrying just a backpack, was already waiting.
"Morning."
"Hey."
"Shino, no tent?"
"Got one—in my storage scroll. Need Soldier Pills, ask me."
"Thanks, but Hinata's got me covered."
"…"
As usual, Izayoi's greeting with Shino turned into awkward small talk.
This time, though, it wasn't 'cool' Shino killing the vibe—it was Izayoi.
Shino, unintentionally fed a mouthful of couple sweetness, stayed blank-faced but felt sour inside.
His nature kept him from snarking, so he clammed up.
Seeing Shino go silent, Izayoi pulled Hinata aside to whisper.
To avoid eavesdropping, he stuck to safe topics, no teasing.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Kurenai's voice soon drew their attention.
A caravan of over a dozen people rolled into view.
Leading it was Kurenai, beside a plainly dressed middle-aged man.
The man studied Team 8, his warm smile radiating joy through his eyes.
All three noticed his gaze lingered longest on Hinata.
Not for her standout figure—but her eyes.
Izayoi extended his senses, detecting no malice.
It wasn't about coveting Hinata's Byakugan—just relief at having one in the escort.
The Hyuga's Byakugan was the ninja world's top sensory eye.
Its 360-degree farsight and x-ray vision pierced low-level stealth.
Even Earth Release blending into the ground couldn't escape it.
With a Byakugan, the team could spot danger early and flee.
Hiring a Hyuga for a C-rank's budget was a steal.
No wonder the man was ecstatic.
Realizing this, Izayoi let it slide.
"Let me introduce our client. You can call him Mr. Nishimura," Kurenai said, presenting the man.
"Mr. Nishimura," Team 8 greeted politely.
"Nice to meet you. I'm counting on you," Nishimura replied, humbly lowering his stance.
Seeing the client's easygoing nature—unlike some oddball D-rank clients who took effort to please—Team 8 sighed in relief.
"Let's move out."
Kurenai and Nishimura handed pre-approved exit papers to the gate's Chunin guard. For the first time, Izayoi, Hinata, and Shino left the village they'd lived in for twelve years.
At first, Hinata and Shino were eager to see the outside world.
But after passing the first town, they were let down.
While the Fire Country had bustling spots like Tanzaku Quarter, most were plain towns and villages, no match for Konoha's military hub.
Nobles traveled by palanquin or carriage.
High-tech like trains was years away.
Less than a day in, Hinata and Shino lost interest, focusing on the mission.
Ninjas moved fast—full speed, three days from Konoha to Sunagakure.
A week could reach the ninja world's remotest corners.
But that was for ninjas.
With civilians, it depended on their pace.
The mining team—over a dozen people, two carriages, no cargo—moved faster than walking.
Even so, they stopped often, taking eight days to leave the Fire Country.
"Hinata, how's the area?"
As they crossed into a mountain path from a wooded trail, leaving Fire Country soil, Kurenai asked Hinata, whose Byakugan was active, temple veins bulging.
"Twenty kilometers around—no threats."
"Nani?!"
Hinata's safe report nearly floored Kurenai and Shino.
They were stunned by her range.
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