Chapter 40 : Sunagakure Conspiracy
"Um... Kurenai-sensei... I... I'd like to request leave today," Hinata said softly, her eyes lowered.
Kurenai tilted her head, concerned. "Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Before Hinata could stammer out a response, Kiba laughed and answered for her. "Come on, Sensei. Don't you get it? Haruto's back!"
Kurenai blinked, then smiled knowingly. "Ah, I see... Our little Hinata is off to meet her beloved, huh?"
Hinata's face turned bright red. She let out a squeak and bolted down the road in embarrassment.
As they watched her flee, a brief flicker of sadness crossed Kiba's face. Shino, silent as always, stared at him with unreadable eyes.
Kiba grinned and clapped his hands. "Alright, time to get back to the mission. Haruto keeps getting stronger—we can't fall behind!"
Elsewhere, Haruto and Hinata strolled hand in hand through the bustling streets of Konoha. Hinata still blushed now and then, but she no longer trembled or fainted in his presence. The quiet bond between them had grown stronger, steadier.
"Listen to this, Hinata," Haruto began, clearly excited. "Our last mission? We ran into that guy—you know, the Demon of the Mist. A ruthless Jonin. Everyone was panicking... and I beat him."
Though Haruto was usually calm and composed, like most guys, he couldn't resist showing off a little in front of the girl he liked. Hinata listened intently, her emotions written plainly across her face—worry at the danger, awe at his strength, admiration shining in her gentle eyes.
Every reaction made Haruto's heart flutter.