The room fell silent for a few seconds.
Right, Hinata had the Byakugan. Finding him would be easy for her.
Feng An scratched his head awkwardly.
At that moment, Hinata beside him took a big gulp of milk, as though drawing strength from it.
After gathering her courage, she abruptly turned her large eyes toward Feng An.
Yet after meeting his gaze for only a moment, she deflated like a punctured balloon and hurriedly lowered her eyes.
Blushing, she said softly,
"I heard you damaged Hokage Rock. I-I borrowed some of my allowance from my father. I don't know if it can help you at all..."
She then fumbled around on herself, pulled out a bulging little cloth pouch, and stuffed it into Feng An's hand.
Feng An held the gray cloth pouch in his hand. It felt heavy.
Not just in his hand—his heart felt even heavier.
He took Hinata's little hand, opened her palm, and placed the pouch back in it.
He said gently, "Lord Hokage didn't make me pay compensation. He forgave me."
"Ah? Really?"
Hinata asked, blinking her beautiful eyes.
Feng An smiled. "Would I lie to you?"
Hinata looked at his flawless face and grew a little shy.
"Then... I don't have anything else to do... I'll go back first..."
"Wait a second."
Feng An suddenly thought of something.
After rummaging around for a while, he took out a scroll and handed it to Hinata.
"Ah," Hinata said shyly, "this is that... right?"
Feng An said awkwardly, "Yeah. Things happened so suddenly before. Now I'm returning it to its rightful owner. It's no use keeping it with me..."
Hinata nodded stiffly and silently put the scroll away in her pouch.
"Then I'll head back..."
Hinata rose from the bed, her delicate feet lightly touching the