Choji, I'll Dine Out on This Secret for the Rest of My Life

Nikko pierced through the lush branches of the Great Green Tree, falling into the Hyuga Clan's courtyard.

Hinata sat there, her brows relaxed, calmly watching her younger sister Hanabi. Long black hair cascaded down her chest, her skin was fair, and she had a small, delicate nose.

Her eyes were beautiful, like transparent white glass.

"What are you thinking about, sister?" Hanabi tilted her head and asked again, looking at Hinata with a smile.

When Hanabi asked, Hinata slowly shook her head. She wouldn't let anyone know her secrets, because it was pointless, utterly meaningless.

The girl's eyes were clear, and half of the courtyard was reflected in the depths of her pale white pupils.

"No."

"Waiting for someone?" Hanabi thought for a moment and then asked.

The image of a blond-haired man instantly flashed into her mind; his eyelids were always drooping. When he looked at people, he would only glance lazily, as if he had never woken up.

She was wearing a loose white short-sleeved shirt and shorts, and slippers. Her striking blonde hair stood out in the crowd, and her thin face wasn't particularly delicate.

His eyebrows and eyes are pleasing to the eye, but he definitely doesn't qualify as a handsome man.

I've run into it a few times; the blond guy always stares at the top of my head, as if he wants to reach out and pet it. Actually, Hanabi isn't that resistant to having her head rubbed; she often does the same to the stray cats in the neighborhood.

Her father didn't like cats, so she could only occasionally find stray kittens in the tribal area to pet them. She really enjoyed petting cats, so she could understand the urge to rub something cute.

"Is that Naruto- nii-san?" She tilted her head to look at her older sister.

When she asked that question, Hanabi Hyuga stared intently at her older sister. From a young age, in her mind, Hinata was the gentlest and most perfect person.

Aside from not being able to inherit the burden of the Hyuga Clan, everything was perfect.

Later events proved that the burden of the Hyuga Clan didn't necessarily fall on the shoulders of the Main Family's daughters. Now, it's even more straightforward: the Caged Bird has been abolished, and there are no longer any Main Family or Branch Families.

Hanabi, however, didn't seem to realize the importance of the Main Family Branch Family. Now that her cousin Neji Hyuga had become the head of the Hyuga Clan, she was actually relieved.

Not every Main Family likes to hold onto power, and she doesn't think she has the talent for it. Even if she became the head of the Hyuga Clan, she would definitely have a lot of headaches.

"Don't make wild guesses," Hinata glanced at her. "You've been asking questions nonstop since earlier. Why do you want to know everything?"

"Then tell me first, are you waiting for someone?"

"Yes." Hinata nodded.

Hanabi was somewhat surprised by her sister's frankness; normally, she certainly wouldn't have admitted it so readily. For some reason, seeing Hinata like this, she felt a little worried.

In the sweltering Natsuhi heat, I knead all my burning thoughts into the Aoba leaves.

"Sister, has that person really come back?" Hanabi asked tentatively. "He seems to be away from the village often, and I haven't seen Naruto in a long time."

"Yes, he just got back not long ago."

"Then why didn't you come to find your sister right away? Could it be..." Hanabi frowned, seemingly somewhat dissatisfied.

"He's so busy, of course he has something to do." Hinata smiled and defended him. "He contacted me. Choji needs to talk to him. He'll come over when he's done."

"That fat older brother from the Akimichi Clan?" Hanabi suddenly changed her mind halfway through her sentence, suddenly remembering that Choji hated it when people called him fat.

She wouldn't do that even in front of her sister.

"Um."

"Jingle."

Is anyone there?

A wind chime hangs on the door, the kind that rings incessantly as soon as a customer pushes the door open. As customers enter the shop, the heat from outside is also drawn in.

At midday, flower shops usually don't get many customers. But that's not always the case. The person who came was a young man who scratched his head as he looked at the empty flower shop.

Under the counter not far from that person, Ino and Naruto locked eyes, their bodies almost touching. Ino blinked, indicating that she was about to get up.

Naruto completely ignored them, the two of them almost sinking into the ground. He smiled and, to Ino's astonishment, kissed her directly.

A clattering sound drew the attention of a customer standing in the store. He glanced at the counter, which was neatly placed in the corner, and then trotted over to it.

Ino, who was being forced to kiss under the counter, was almost going crazy. Hearing the customer's footsteps approaching, she instinctively tried to struggle, her heart pounding in her chest.

Are you crazy? There are people outside!

Naruto completely ignored Ino's frantic threatening gaze, continuing to kiss her gently. He gave her a chance to breathe, and seeing her afraid to make a sound, and her flushed face, he couldn't help but laugh wickedly.

The heat from the breath on her face made Ino blush even more. Her heart pounded; this mix of nervousness and fear, along with the ambiguity, seemed to create a strange chemical reaction.

Despite the enormous risk involved, there was a thrill to it. It was like a lingering tingling sensation, making her want to stop yet also reluctant to stop.

The customer didn't notice the two kissing under the counter; he simply placed the money in his hand on the high counter and then took a bouquet of flowers.

Jingle.

The guests' footsteps faded into the distance, and it wasn't until the door closed that a while passed before Ino forcefully pushed Naruto away, giving him a reproachful look, and said angrily.

"It's all your fault! What if we get caught?"

"No way." Naruto casually sat back down in his seat; it was just an accident.

It was also his bad timing that the man arrived. He and Ino were chatting when they exchanged a glance, and he felt a sudden tingling sensation in his heart. Just as they were about to kiss, the man suddenly appeared.

He naturally wouldn't let this golden opportunity slip away, so he pulled Ino aside and hid under the counter. They kissed recklessly, ignoring even the approaching customers.

"How did you know! What if!" Ino touched her burning face, hands on her hips, and said with displeasure, "If word gets out, I..."

Upon hearing this, Naruto, simply smiling at her.

"Laugh! Still laughing!" Ino lunged at him and they started fighting.

Time climbed onto the counter, then quietly flowed onto the floor, finally slipping slowly through the crack in the door. Another ding-a-ling sounded, but this time it was the sound of someone leaving.

Ino stared blankly at the empty seat. Naruto had already left, leaving behind a half-finished cup of tea. Normally, he would have drunk it all.

The two were chatting happily, but somehow, she uncontrollably brought up Hinata. It was as if some mysterious law was at play, making it impossible to avoid Hinata.

Actually, the relationship between the two women had been repaired after Shikamaru's wedding. Ino couldn't bring herself to hate Hinata at all; she knew very well who deserved to die.

She didn't want to talk about things that weren't clear at the moment, since she herself didn't have an answer and didn't know what to do.

The relationship between the three is complex and cannot be explained in a few words. Whatever decision is made, it will harm all three.

Ino doesn't want to hurt anyone, Hinata is also a soft-hearted person. Only that person is a jerk, but his situation was...

It's unclear who fell silent first, but Ino was actually quite angry. Naruto, on the other hand, looked at her expressionlessly and pinched her cheek.

Looking into those dark blue eyes, he stared intently at her, as if trying to sink into them.

"Can we talk about those things later? Give me some time, and I'll definitely find a way that's good for everyone. I don't want anyone to get hurt."

"Hmm." Ino responded and then fell silent.

I wouldn't say I was angry, I just didn't want that bastard to get away with it so easily. Wanting what's in your bowl and what's in the pot—there's no such thing as a free lunch!

Naruto eventually left. Looking at the cup of tea, she suddenly sighed. She thought to herself, "I should have known I'd just be intimate and then sulk. Now I'm stuck in this limbo."

She had waited a long time, and it was only when they both had time that they had to meet and then had an unpleasant argument. She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

The girl tilted her head back, eyes closed, her plain face exceptionally clean. The next second, she opened her eyes, her doe-like eyes staring blankly at the ceiling, inexplicably alluring.

Six years ago, Hinata told her she envied Ino for being liked. Ino said a lot back then, but she was happy inside.

She knew what Hinata meant by being liked. At that time, she clearly held the most important place in someone's heart, and no one else could replace her.

Although this thought was somewhat cunning, she was indeed happy at the time.

Now she's unsure how much she means to that person. She never used to think about such things, but now, whenever she has free time, she can't help but overthink.

"Jingle!"

"Ino, you look beautiful even when you're angry." A voice suddenly came from the doorway.

"Ah!" Ino suddenly looked up and saw that the person was leaning against the door, smiling at him. He knew that the person had seen him looking dazed.

Feeling a little embarrassed and annoyed, she bit her lip and turned away.

"Why did you come back?"

"I forgot something, can I come back to get it?" He smiled, without a hint of embarrassment. "Were you angry just now?"

"Mind your own business!" Ino ignored him and turned away angrily.

Even though they're adults, they still act childish when they're together, getting angry over small things. But their anger is only temporary, coming and going quickly.

"If you're not angry, give me a kiss." He leaned in lazily and nestled close to her.

"Huh?" Ino glared at him, thinking to herself, "How could someone be like this? I won't kiss you!"

"So you're angry?"

"No!" Ino crossed her arms. "Where did you get the idea that I'm angry? I won't be angry because of you!"

"Didn't we just have a fight?" he asked.

"What kind of argument is that! You're so childish!" Ino snorted, thinking to herself, what's the big deal? A kiss and it's over? What kind of perfunctory apology is that? Who would take it seriously!

Although she thought that way, she still reluctantly kissed him. Naruto stared at her and smiled, making her face flush and lower her head.

The Hyuga compound generally does not receive outsiders, but this is an exception if the clan leader invites a guest.

Hanabi was stunned for a while when she heard the news, not expecting Naruto to appear in this way. But then she thought about it and it made sense, since Neji was the current clan leader.

After leaving the Yamanaka Flower Shop, Naruto first called Choji using his communicator. After confirming that Choji was home, he reminded him not to let anything slip.

Just to be on the safe side, they also had Choji call Choji, pretending that Choji Ino. At first Choji was hesitant and unwilling to do anything wrong.

But when Naruto threatened him by pointing out his weakness, Choji immediately raised his hands in surrender.

"You deserve to die! Naruto! You keep bringing that up! It's too much!"

"What? It's windy, I can't hear you! Choji, let's talk next time!" Naruto said shamelessly, then casually hung up the communicator.

After taking two steps, he suddenly stopped and grinned as he muttered to himself.

"I'll live off this secret of yours for the rest of my life."

Upon arriving at the Hyuga Clan, Naruto didn't rush to see Hinata. Instead, he first visited Neji, even if it was just to chat, it was a necessary procedure.

The purpose was to get Neji to take him to Hinata. After all, Neji was Hinata's cousin, so it was reasonable for him to meet with Hinata and have a chat.

This roundabout approach was simply to avoid causing trouble for Hinata.

The Hyuga Clan is a very traditional noble family. Forget about getting married because of pregnancy; even meeting openly before the father-in-law gives his approval is considered adultery.

It wasn't that Hyuga Hiashi didn't accept Naruto, but rather that he simply ignored the matter. He would only consider it if Naruto was truly determined to marry Hinata.

Although the three are unmarried, they are still young, and neither Hinata nor Ino has been pressured about marriage. After all, they are their precious daughters, and no father is in a hurry to marry them off.

This also gave a greedy blond-haired guy an opportunity, and the relationship between the three became somewhat peculiar. The veil between Naruto, Ino, and Hinata had been lifted, and their relationships became clear.

Neither Ino nor Hinata mentions the other, neither wanting to ask nor wanting to know. Hinata and Ino have a good relationship and enjoy each other's company, but they always tacitly avoid mentioning a certain person when they chat.

A triangle is the most stable shape, but emotionally, its safety is akin to walking a tightrope. Naruto also understands that a false relationship cannot last forever.

He simply hoped to resolve as many problems as possible before that day arrived. In this way, he could find a solution that satisfied both sides.

He couldn't possibly choose either Ino or Hinata; of course, he wanted them both.

As he walked through the courtyard, Neji was standing there waiting for him. Neji turned and led him into the house until they were both seated.

"Was the journey smooth?" Naruto asked.

Previously, Jiraiya, Neji, Rock Lee, and Naruto parted ways at the port of the Land of Fire. Neji and Rock Lee returned to the village together, while Jiraiya and Naruto went their separate ways.

"Yes, everything went smoothly." Neji put down his teacup, paused, and asked directly, "Are you here to see Hinata?"

When I was about to post it yesterday, I thought about it and deleted it. After clarifying the outline, I rewrote this chapter.

It wasn't intentional that I delayed; there should be two chapters tomorrow, and I'll post them earlier.