"Hey, what's that?"
Early the next morning, Mami Mizuta followed the female ninja from yesterday. Seeing how lively Hokage Rock was, she noticed several people carving something into it.
"That's Hokage Rock. From left to right are the First Hokage-sama through the Third Hokage-sama. They're currently carving the Fifth Hokage-sama, who took office not long ago!"
As the female ninja spoke, her eyes were filled with admiration.
Hinata had now become something of an idol to many female ninja.
"All right, let's go. Hokage-sama is still waiting."
The female ninja interrupted Mami Mizuta, who was still staring at the carved statues on Hokage Rock.
"Oh, coming."
Knock, knock.
"Excuse us."
The door to the Hokage's office was knocked on, and the female ninja led Mami Mizuta inside.
"Hokage-sama, I've brought her."
"Mm, thanks for the effort."
After the female ninja left, Hinata rested her chin on her hands and stared at Mami Mizuta.
Hmm, she definitely hadn't slept well last night. There were faint dark circles beneath her eyes.
"..."
Mami Mizuta swallowed, feeling her throat go dry as her heart raced.
Being stared at by Hinata like this put her under tremendous pressure.
"Mami Mizuta."
"Yes!"
Hearing Hinata call her name, Mami Mizuta immediately straightened up.
Hinata smiled faintly at the sight. "Don't be so nervous. I called you here because I wanted to talk about your future."
"My future?"
"That's right." Hinata nodded. "Your circumstances are more unusual than you think, so I'll be direct. If you want to leave the Hidden Leaf Village, I'm afraid that won't be possible."
"I want to stay!"
"...Oh? May I hear your reason?"
Mami Mizuta looked somewhat awkward. "Um... well, the Hidden Leaf Village is nice. It's much better than the place I used to be."
Seeing this, Hinata understood. She