"..."
Naruko blinked as she listened to their conversation.
As long as she didn't have to go to school, nothing else mattered.
"..."
Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses.
He took a deep breath and prepared to lead the way himself.
Hyuga Sho, however, walked toward the steps before he could.
"Just as expected of an adult..."
A trace of admiration flashed through Yakushi Kabuto's eyes.
Hyuga Sho would never use his subordinates as shields.
Four people and one snake.
They crossed the steps.
And headed upward.
Soon,
they arrived at the entrance.
Creak.
The gate at the entrance suddenly opened by itself, revealing the resplendent decorations inside.
Whether it was the scenery outside or the view within, everything seemed to carry a strong Chinese flavor.
This reminded Hyuga Sho of Tenten, the bun-haired girl.
Of course,
this Chinese flavor
wasn't truly Chinese.
It was the stereotypical kind of Chinese flavor.
The kind seen through foreign eyes.
For example, whenever people mentioned Chinese girls, they had to have buns in their hair.
But normal Chinese people simply didn't wear that hairstyle.
Thus, Hyuga Sho understood very clearly.
The elements inside still belonged to this world.
"Welcome... distant guests from afar..."
A young, beautiful, and graceful woman stood in the resplendent hall.
She looked to be in her twenties.
Her white robes brimmed with an otherworldly aura, while the white silk ribbons swirling behind her made her look like a fairy from ancient mythology.
But...
Beneath that ethereal appearance...
was a waist as slender as a water snake, filled with irresistible allure.
"..."
Hyuga Sho remained impassive.
He first surveyed the hall.
There was no need to repeat how lavishly this palace was decorated.
What mattered were the fragrant delicacies laid out on the long table in the center.
From stir-fries to