Secretly Hide It Away

Hyuga Clan Head's Mansion.

Hinata walked up to her father, bowed respectfully, and then knelt down on the tatami mat. Her small, fair feet were turned outwards, as smooth and lustrous as mutton fat jade.

She lowered her head, showing extraordinary awe towards the matriarch before her. She dared not look up to meet his gaze, nor speak loudly, and after a long silence, she spoke first.

"Father, is there something you need from me?"

Hyuga Hiashi knelt solemnly on the upper seat, dressed in dark blue clothing; his legs were thick from kneeling for long periods. Hinata, had rarely knelt since childhood, thus avoiding this adverse effect.

"The village will be holding High-level Meeting soon, and it's about Naruto Uzumaki." Hyuga Hiashi said expressionlessly, his Byakugan staring straight ahead.

I'd like to hear your opinion.

"I... I don't have any opinion," Hinata said hesitantly.

"Ninjas are not suitable for you."

"Getting too close to Naruto isn't a good thing; it's dangerous."

Faced with her father's disapproval, Hinata bit her lower lip, her heart already wavering.

She could vaguely guess the meaning behind her father's words, but her father was a silent and serious person, and he would never say anything he felt was unnecessary.

It seems like everything I do is wrong, and whatever I like needs to be corrected. Whether it's being a ninja or liking someone, it seems I've never satisfied my father.

(Silence--)

Hyuga Hiashi was not satisfied with his timid daughter. She lacked both talent and the courage required of a clan leader. The Hyuga Clan needed someone with courage to take on the great responsibility.

He prefers to train Hinata to Hanabi.

But now, Hyuga Hiashi sensed something was amiss. This time, he didn't receive his daughter's introverted and timid response, only endless silence.

"I'm sorry, Father. Please allow me to make this decision for once. I want to become a ninja according to my own will." Hinata spoke these rebellious words in the most timid tone.

"This is meaningless. You have no talent, and continuing down the path of a ninja will only make things more difficult." Hyuga Hiashi's face showed no emotion, but his tone left no room for argument.

Hinata pursed her lips, shook her head, and refused.

"Father, I don't want to give up."

Click, the lock on the door slowly turned.

A blonde girl, dressed in casual clothes, pushed open the door and entered. She skillfully changed her shoes in the entryway, the graceful curve of her calves on full display. With a jingle, she placed her keys on the shoe cabinet and walked barefoot into the living room.

"Honestly, how come she fell asleep on the sofa again?" Ino tied up her long blonde hair and complained as she walked, placing the food she was carrying on the table.

"What's with you, shoving the key into my hands without my consent?"

Naruto, still half-asleep, opened his eyes on the sofa, glanced at Ino's back with half-open eyes, and then fell asleep again. Ino walked to the sofa, stood with her hands on her hips, and could only sigh.

Afternoon.

The two sat at the dining table. Ino looked at Naruto, Naruto looked like he hadn't slept enough, and frowned as she asked.

"Um, you heard what I just said, right?"

"What are you saying?" Naruto focused on his meal, not even looking up. "Thank you for the hospitality, the food was delicious. Ino must have made it herself, I could tell."

"Don't say such perfunctory and disgusting things, damn it." Ino wanted nothing more than to smash a spoon into that bastard's forehead, her fists clenched tightly.

"I'm telling the truth, it's delicious!" Naruto said sincerely.

Having someone feed you is much better than cooking for yourself. Regardless of the taste, praise it first—rich girl, I'm starving!

"Tch." Ino crossed her arms and turned her head to the other side. "I didn't do it."

"Impossible." Naruto didn't even think about it. It didn't matter who made it; he just wanted to praise Ino. "Anyway, I like whatever you bring."

"You rascal," Ino, rubbing her forehead. "You really go to great lengths to freeload."

"I won't bring you any more in the future."

"Huh? Does that mean I can come to your house for a meal?"

"Go to hell!" Ino blushed and remembered the Maid Outfit. "It's all your fault. Now my father and mother laugh whenever they see me. I'm too ashamed to stay at home."

"You dare mention it again? I'll beat you up!"

"That incident was an accident. Didn't you say your parents weren't home?" Naruto retorted.

"Hmm," Ino said, having nothing more to say, she changed the subject. "What about the key?"

"Don't get me wrong, I just find your knocking on the door really scary." Naruto put down his chopsticks, stood up and said, "Please be sure to accept the key."

"Huh? Scary?" Ino's cheeks puffed out slightly. "While I can understand why you say that, given what happened, but..."

She feigned composure, but her speech noticeably quickened, her fingers unconsciously twirling the strands of golden hair on her shoulder.

"Well... it's easy for people to misunderstand, isn't it? Suddenly having a key to someone of the opposite sex's house or something, it would be very embarrassing if your parents found out about that."

"Huh?" Naruto looked puzzled. "Can't you just hide it secretly?"

"Ah??"

Ino swallowed hard, her heart pounding. Hiding it away secretly? Keeping it from everyone? That sounded so taboo!

Oh no, my brain is about to explode.

"Why are you blushing?" Naruto frowned slightly.

I don't think I said anything offensive. It was just about hiding a key. Is Ino really that honest?

"Who's blushing!" Ino stood up straight and walked quickly towards the bathroom. "I'm going to wash my hands."

Naruto shrugged, assuming Ino had agreed. It was just a Backup Key anyway, not a big deal, so he sat down and continued eating.

Ino slowly emerged from the bathroom, seemingly having washed her face. Her hair was slightly damp, but her expression had returned to normal.

"Have you made your decision?"

The wind from the balcony swept through the living room, lifting Ino's skirt as she stood with her hands on her hips.

"Hmph, since you're begging me, I'll reluctantly accept it."

"Thank you very much," Naruto replied cooperatively.

Afternoon.

After Ino rinsed her mouth in the bathroom, she waved to Naruto, who was slumped on the sofa.

"Let's go for a walk. I need to talk to you about something."

Naruto put down Make-Out Paradise, glanced at Ino with a somewhat confused look, and asked.

"Don't you need to report to the Hokage Building tonight?"

"After a busy period, Teacher Asuma granted us two days off." Ino let her long hair down, then skillfully tied it back up again. "We can't do missions Tenten."

"What is it?" Naruto reluctantly put down his book.

"It's related to you." Ino grabbed Naruto's wrist and pulled him up, dragging him all the way to the door. She turned around and said in a cute but fierce tone.

"I'm leaving. I finally found out about this from my father."