Konoha: Start from untying the caged bird

Page 163

The two looked at each other and simultaneously thought of the same thing.

"I didn't step on your shadow." She rarely showed a lively smile like she did when she was a child.

Hyuga Yuzuru smiled gently, a hint of nostalgia in his voice, and chuckled softly, "I know."

Even though I can't remember the exact date, the girl who followed closely behind me, stepping on my shadow and playing around without any sense of propriety, now only exists in my past memories.

"I didn't expect you to remember." Quan's smile became somewhat complicated.

Hinata Yuzuru lowered his hat brim and nodded slightly to the villagers passing by before gently replying, "Only you would be so childish when you were little, even playing with shadows for a long time with great enthusiasm."

Actually, stepping on shadows is not fun at all.

Back then, I guess I just felt that anything was fun as long as I could be with you...

She lowered her eyes, and when she looked up again, there was only a mature, faint smile on her face: "I remember that Yuzuru-sama seemed to be enjoying it too."

Hinata Yuzuru's face was partially obscured by the white cloth beneath his straw hat. As the wind blew aside the white cloth beside the hat, Izumi saw his equally complex smile. Izumi felt somewhat unfamiliar with his faintly self-deprecating smile, which was merely a slight upturn of one corner of his mouth.

"Ah."

He didn't deny it. Instead, he raised his head and said meaningfully, "Because it seems that only when I'm with you... can I not think about anything and just be a child."

What does this mean?

Quan couldn't figure it out for a moment.

But then she remembered what Hinata Yuzuru had said to her before, and her heart suddenly tightened. When she came to her senses, she felt her pulse beating faster, something she hadn't done in a long time.

As Hinata Yuzuru walked with her, he said in a relaxed voice, "Back then, sometimes I had a headache and didn't know what to do with you, but sometimes, it was really fun."

Back then, she probably just played with her like a baby, sometimes feeling like she was her own daughter, and sometimes like she was her own sister. But now, when Hinata Yuzuru looks back, the aloof girl is completely different from the one in her past memories.

"Is that so..." she replied noncommittally.

But her steps were slightly lighter.

Even though life was tough, whenever she occasionally thought back to the fact that she might be the only friend that Hyuga Yuzuru had truly known since childhood, she would feel a sly, smug satisfaction.

The only reason I could be his friend is probably because I'm useless and not worth his scheming...

But that's how it turned out.

"We've arrived." He stopped in his tracks.

Izumi looked up, a hint of disappointment in her eyes, but also a touch of wistfulness, as she gazed at the sign above Ichiraku Ramen: "It's been a long time since I've been here. It's changed quite a bit..."

Today's Ichiraku Ramen is no longer the small shop it once was, with only a long bar table for seating and a kitchen in the back.

After Hyuga Yuzuru opened Konoha Bank from the Ministry of Finance and regulated the previously chaotic private lending industry, he quickly launched commercial and housing loans to help eligible villagers expand their businesses or meet their basic survival needs.

The owner of Ichiraku Ramen, Tada, also expanded the business after some hesitation because of his suggestion. Now, Ichiraku Ramen is a large shop with more than a dozen tables. Considering the turnover rate of ramen, you can imagine how popular it is during mealtimes.

Hinata Yuzuru knocked on the door before opening the sliding door and stepping inside.

"Excuse me, I also need... Lord Hokage!?"

The slightly hurried voice of a young girl could be heard from inside, but when she looked up from the semi-open kitchen and saw who it was, she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

As her voice faded, a series of footsteps echoed in the kitchen, and the middle-aged man and two short-haired boys emerged from the crowd.

"Good morning, Hokage-sama." Teji gave a slightly awkward but respectful smile. Hyuga Yuzuru didn't mind and just looked at him apologetically: "Can we eat noodles now? I know it's a bit early, but I can wait a while."

"I'm very sorry, it will probably take another ten minutes..." Shouda turned his head and glanced at the kitchen.

Fortunately, Ichiraku Ramen always prepares the soup base for the next day in advance when they close, so it's convenient to make it whenever you want.

"It's okay, just take your time. Anyway, no one will remember that I was late."

Hyuga Yuzuru sat in the corner with a smile, nodding to the two children who were looking at him with eyes practically sparkling with admiration: "What? Do you want me to sign your autographs? Come on, I don't have anything else to do right now."

This isn't the first time he's encountered someone wanting his autograph.

Strangely enough, despite the large number of people who treat him with great respect, there are still some girls who come up to him with a 'frightening' aura and ask for his autograph or a photo.

He usually doesn't refuse.

"Please!" Before the two boys, who looked a little timid, could speak, Changpu excitedly ran out of the kitchen behind the counter. Shouda didn't even have time to stop her and could only look at her anxiously, hoping that his daughter wouldn't cause a big scandal.

Ayame ran a few steps before realizing she hadn't taken anything. She turned back to get the pen from the bar, then ran up to Hyuga Yuzuru and said, "Hokage-sama! I love you the most!"

Quan crossed his arms in front of him, and gently lifted one leg, which was covered by tight black trousers, and placed it on the other leg. His two strong yet rounded legs were crossed, and this action of crossing his legs actually looked somewhat elegant.

She looked at Hinata Yuzuru with a smile in her eyes, the meaning of which was self-evident.

Hinata Yuzuru simply looked at Teji Ayame with a gentle smile and whispered, "Where do you want to sign in?"

"This! Here!" Without hesitation, Ayame turned around, revealing the back of her white chef's uniform: "Please make sure you write it in more detail!"

Hinata Yuzuru raised an eyebrow, put down his pen, and used his finger to sign his name on her clothes using a finger-carving seal. This sealing technique was of great significance to him; the writing would not disappear as long as no one broke the seal.

Ayame was still excited and wanted to say something, but Tetsuya rushed out and practically carried her away, smiling apologetically, "I'm sorry, Hokage-sama, she's a huge fan of yours..."

"I'm sorry! But, Hokage-sama! I..." The way Ayame was led away with her mouth covered made Hyuga Yuzuru shake his head with a smile—Ayame in the original work was not like this at all.

Izumi said softly, "Yuzuru-sama is really popular. When I went to get my hair cut, I heard that many girls secretly collect your photos."

"Really? I hope those photos make me look good." Hinata Yuzuru didn't care about any of that, laughing nonchalantly and teasing, "If you need one, I can give you an autographed one."

Is this the group photo version?

The two chatted and laughed as time slowly passed.

Since Hinata Yuzuru's confession to her last time, their relationship has gradually returned to what it was before. Even though their personalities have changed quite a bit, especially since Izumi has become much more aloof and composed, as they talk more and more, she occasionally shows Hinata Yuzuru her former lively and gentle side.

Hinata Yuzuru doesn't have many friends with whom he can relax and chat, and for her, he is the only one she can choose.

"After this Chunin Exams... I might make some adjustments to your job."

Hinata Yuzuru's sudden words surprised her. Izumi frowned slightly and pursed her lips: "Yes."

"Judging from the reports on Shisui's secret operations... I don't think it would be a good choice to have you continue to follow Shisui on missions."

Hinata Yuzuru's words only elicited a blank nod from her.

Izumi looked at him quietly: "I am willing to accept whatever fate Lord Yuzuru accepts."

"...How about becoming a team leader?"

Hinata Yuzuru's sudden suggestion caught her off guard. She seemed to have thought of something and hesitated, neither refusing nor agreeing, but expressing her attitude through silence.

"Although the form of the ninja squad will be changed later, there is no better way to completely replace it at present."

Especially in the shadows, where experience, knowledge, and ability are required.

Selecting new recruits is a challenge, and training them is equally difficult.

I plan to select outstanding graduates from the Ninja Academy within two to three years of graduation and train them in the Anbu. The first time, there may only be a few people, so the difficulty will be relatively low. I think you are fully capable of this task and can mold them into excellent ninjas.

After that... I'd like Shisui to find a new job, and perhaps you could take over his work.

As Hinata Yuzuru finished speaking, Tetsuya brought over a steaming bowl of noodles.

He smiled and nodded at Shou Da, who understood and said, "The rest are still cooking. Just eat it the way you always have."

"Thank you!"

Hinata Yuzuru honestly wrote that every time he came, Ichiraku Ramen would experience a 'peak period', and although they made money, it was really tiring.

Hand-typed simply smiled contentedly: "As long as the Hokage is happy with his meal!"

He went back to work, while Hinata Yuzuru picked up his chopsticks and began to eat noodles. Izumi did the same, nodding slightly before putting a noodle into her mouth: "Yes."

Seeing that she didn't refuse or say anything about her lack of ability, Hinata Yuzuru smiled with satisfaction.

The ramen is as delicious as ever, with a rich and flavorful broth and handmade noodles that are incredibly chewy. Every visit brings diners a wonderful experience.

After eating and drinking his fill, Hyuga Yuzuru took half an hour. Even though Izumi was a ninja with a similarly large appetite, he was still a small fry compared to him.

The two went to the Hokage Building together. Izumi went to the Anbu to report on the mission, while Hyuga Yuzuru returned to his office, where it was another tiring day.

He doesn't use the Flying Thunder God Technique to travel every day. Sometimes he chooses to walk, like today, so he can see the morning scenery of Konoha more clearly and feel like he's gradually getting into work mode.

Once inside the Hokage Building, he was no longer just Hyuga Yuzuru, but also the Fifth Hokage of Konoha.

The days passed at a leisurely pace, but the Chunin Exams seemed to begin in the blink of an eye.

On June 1st, the other ninja villages arrived at the agreed-upon date and entered the village one by one from the vicinity of Konoha, according to the time coordinated by Konoha and the other parties.

Because of the large number of people involved in this Chunin Exams, and the presence of several Kage, Hyuga Yuzuru took the utmost care in preparing for it. His hotel arrangements in Konoha and his 'sightseeing route' before the exams were all planned and guided by dedicated personnel. They were strictly prohibited from wandering around the village on their own, and Konoha's rules were explained clearly before they even entered the village.

No matter how arrogant and domineering you are in your own village, no matter how rampant you are in other parts of the ninja world, once you come to Konoha, you have to follow Konoha's rules.

Those who violate the rules will be warned and expelled from the village, and placed in a temporary hotel outside the village. Those who violate the rules will be disqualified from the Chunin Exams and sent out of the Land of Fire by the Anbu.

All the major ninja villages also attach great importance to this Chunin Exam.

Regardless of their thoughts and attitudes, the Chunin Exams are like the Olympics, an important venue for showcasing the style of ninjas from various villages. Every action of the ninjas is related to the image of their respective villages.

Even the Sand Village and the Mist Village did not break any rules when they arrived in Konoha.

Starting at nine o'clock in the morning, the first group of ninja from various villages who arrived in Konoha were guided into the village in an orderly manner.

Hyuga Yuzuru has no intention of handling any official business today. His only task during this period is to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Chunin Exams and to prevent any accidents from harming the village.

The crystal ball that Hyuga Yuzuru holds in his hands now is no longer the one that the Third Hokage cherished.

Thanks to the efforts of the research department and the barrier class, the new generation of 'monitoring equipment' has been gradually developed.

Now, sitting in his office, the 32-inch monitor on the wall has replaced the original crystal ball, becoming the new medium for his telescope technique.

By using his telescope technique and connecting with the barrier that covers the entire Leaf Village, he can display the image of the object he is observing on the screen.

The energy expenditure would be considerable for an ordinary person, but Hyuga Yuzuru could still handle it.

As the Hokage, even considering the proper way to treat guests, he couldn't possibly greet each of the ninja groups at the village entrance. It would be enough for everyone to meet in the reception room once they were all together.

The first group of ninjas to enter Konoha came from Iwagakure, one of the five great ninja villages.

The number of people in the Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village) formation was not large. Hyuga Yuzuru observed carefully and found that apart from the little old man, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, who was very familiar with the leader, only Kurotsuchi, who was wearing a special cheongsam with one arm exposed and two long legs following behind him, was also somewhat familiar.

As for the rest of the people, whether they were genin or their instructors, Hyuga Yuzuru had hardly seen any specific actions from them in the original work. It is conceivable that this time, Iwagakure was probably just there to make up the numbers.

The Chunin Exams were just an excuse. Onoki's personal involvement was likely solely out of curiosity about the current state of Konoha and about Hyuga Yuzuru—of course, it's possible he heard some rumors and wanted to come and see for himself.

The Hidden Stone Village kept a low profile. After entering Konoha, they followed the prescribed route and went straight to a special hotel near the Hokage Building. They didn't even stop to properly look at the architecture of Konoha along the way, appearing to be completely obedient to Konoha's arrangements.

The Hidden Cloud Village, which then entered Konoha, seemed completely less 'cooperative' than the Hidden Stone Village.

The Fourth Raikage, A, brought a force to Konoha that should not be underestimated.

First, Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, arrived, followed by the Raikage's secretary, Mabui, who was also with the Fourth Raikage.

Unsurprisingly, the blonde female ninja Samui, her brother Atsui, and Karui and Omoi from Samui's team also appeared. These three are undoubtedly the most promising young talents in Raigakure. Their selection as genin representatives for this Chunin Exam shows that they are highly regarded.

Perhaps, the Hidden Cloud Village would prefer to showcase its current strength during the Chunin Exams?

However, in any case, Killer Bee alone is enough to make Hyuga Yuzuru take it very seriously.

A perfect Jinchuriki is already a powerful weapon capable of easily destroying a village, and the power of the Eight-Tails is especially outstanding among the Tailed Beasts, second only to the Nine-Tails. Even the current Hyuga Yuzuru dares not see the opponent clearly.

After the Cloud Village troops entered Konoha, the group of ninjas seemed to be 'straightforward' and started shouting and yelling, wishing they could just have some fun in the village. The Anbu responsible for guiding them were tormented by one question after another. Fortunately, the Fourth Raikage, A, was there. He just glanced at them coldly, and the young ninjas suppressed their excitement.

Their constant shouting still drew curious glances from the villagers of Konoha, who couldn't help but stare at them. They weren't intimidated at all, sometimes pointing at the buildings in Konoha and saying something, and sometimes pointing at the villagers and discussing something.

Upon arriving at the special inn, the group of Cloud Villagers almost got into a fight with the Iwagakure villagers. Fortunately, both sides were placed at the farthest point of the inn, so it didn't matter how much trouble they caused once they were back in their rooms.

This special hotel was temporarily built by Hyuga Yuzuru specifically for the Chunin Exams. After the exams are over, it will be converted into another administrative building, so it won't be a waste.

After that, we arrived at Konoha, which was Sunagakure.

As expected, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, the One-Tailed Jinchuriki Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, and others were all present. In addition, there were some powerful ninjas who had been marked in the intelligence report.

The Sand Village Jonin who has mastered the Scorching Release, several powerful Jonin with renowned reputations in the ninja world, and some elite ninjas suspected of having served in the Sand Village Anbu, have now transformed into instructors, leading a group of relatively unknown Genin.

After Sunagakure, the people from Kirigakure arrived late.

First, there's Yagura Karatachi, the Fourth Mizukage and also the Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails; then there's Mei Terumi, and a whole host of Jonin and Genin. To be honest...

It's really weak.

Hyuga Yuzuru didn't know if Kirigakure had brought out all its elite forces, or if, like Iwagakure, these Jonin and Genin were just there to make up the numbers.

With this level of power, you dare to apply to me for the Chunin Exams?

Hinata Yuzuru raised an eyebrow, unsure of the other's meaning. He subconsciously used his Byakugan to pierce through the room, his gaze passing through numerous obstacles and looking straight towards the village entrance.

Finally, a faint Sharingan aura was seen in Yagura's eyes.