Hinata's Confession

It was already noon by the time they returned to Konoha.

Uzuki Yugao needed to report on the mission status.

Su Yu, however, made his way to the Hyuga Clan. Upon reaching the clan's compound, he stopped and looked at the Chunin guarding the gate.

"Excuse me, is Lady Hinata at home?"

"The young lady just returned," the gate guard replied.

Su Yu offered a word of thanks and walked into the Hyuga courtyard.

In the courtyard.

Hinata Hyuga was practicing her taijutsu.

Seeing Su Yu, a look of joy appeared on her face.

Su Yu approached her and looked her over.

"Su... Su Yu-kun."

Being watched by Su Yu, Hinata Hyuga felt a bit shy.

"Come on, let me see if your taijutsu has actually improved," Su Yu said.

"Yes!" Hinata Hyuga replied quickly, activating her Byakugan.

Su Yu put some distance between them.

Seeing that Su Yu would not take the initiative to attack, Hinata Hyuga hesitated for a moment before choosing to strike first.

Compared to a few days ago.

Her taijutsu had indeed improved.

Unfortunately, Su Yu had improved even faster.

Hinata Hyuga's Gentle Fist was fast, but Su Yu's dodging speed was faster.

Seeing that she had no way to land a hit on Su Yu, a look of anxiety appeared on Hinata Hyuga's face.

Seeing this, Su Yu switched from defense to offense.

He sidestepped her Gentle Fist and struck her abdomen with a palm.

Instantly, Hinata Hyuga clutched her stomach in pain, losing the ability to continue the fight.

"You have improved, but it is still not enough," Su Yu evaluated.

"I... I will work harder..." Hinata Hyuga's voice sounded a bit dejected.

"Creating a new taijutsu technique isn't something that can be done in a day or two. If you take a proper break and go for a walk, you might just find some inspiration," Su Yu said softly.

"Re... really?" Hinata Hyuga looked up at Su Yu.

"Of course it's true. Go change your clothes; I'll wait for you here," Su Yu nodded.

"Yes." Hinata Hyuga ran toward her room.

Su Yu watched the closed door, waiting quietly for Hinata Hyuga.

Before long.

Hinata Hyuga walked out of her room.

Su Yu began walking toward the outside.

Hinata Hyuga followed behind him.

In front of a barbecue restaurant.

"It's just about lunchtime, shall we eat here?" Su Yu looked at Hinata Hyuga beside him.

"Mm." Hinata Hyuga nodded.

The two entered the shop, found a seat by the window, and sat down.

Su Yu ordered the necessary ingredients and looked at Hinata Hyuga across from him.

"I forgot to mention earlier, I haven't seen you in a few days, and you seem to have become even prettier."

"Eh?" Hinata Hyuga's face flushed red.

"You would definitely look beautiful with long hair," Su Yu said, taking hold of Hinata Hyuga's small hand.

Hinata Hyuga shyly lowered her head.

"If I can become a Kage-level powerhouse, I will definitely take you away from the Hyuga Clan," Su Yu whispered.

Hinata Hyuga's face turned even redder.

"Are you willing to be taken away by me?" Su Yu leaned in close to Hinata Hyuga.

"I... I..."

Hinata Hyuga did not know how to answer.

"Whether you are willing or not, I will snatch you away from the Hyuga Clan," Su Yu said in a low voice.

Hinata Hyuga lowered her head even further upon hearing this.

Once the ingredients were served.

Su Yu finally let go of Hinata Hyuga's small hand and began grilling the meat for the two of them.

There was no need to mention Hinata Hyuga's appetite.

Su Yu possessed the bloodline of the Uzumaki Clan, and he was also a hidden big eater.

The two of them ate for about two hours, polishing off a large amount of grilled meat.

When it came time to pay the bill.

Su Yu's eyes twitched as he settled the tab.

As he walked out the door, he let out a sigh.

Hinata Hyuga looked at Su Yu in confusion.

"It seems that if I want to support you, I'll have to work even harder to earn money," Su Yu lamented.

Hinata Hyuga froze for a few seconds before she realized what he meant, turning her head away with a blushing face.

Just at that moment.

A voice rang out.

"Su Yu-kun, long time no see."

Hearing this voice, Hinata Hyuga turned her head to see Naruto Uzumaki and Haruno Sakura walking toward them.

"It's only been a few days. Are you two on a date, or are you heading out on a mission?" Su Yu scrutinized Naruto Uzumaki and Haruno Sakura.

"Su Yu-kun, we're on our way to complete a commission; it's definitely not a date!" Haruno Sakura retorted seriously.

"I wish I could go on a date with Sakura-chan," Naruto Uzumaki muttered under his breath.

"What did you say?" Haruno Sakura looked toward him.

"N-nothing, Sakura-chan," Naruto Uzumaki said with a sheepish laugh.

Haruno Sakura snorted coldly.

Afterward, she looked at Su Yu and Hinata Hyuga.

"Su Yu-kun, are you and Hinata on the same team?"

"Hinata is in the Reconnaissance Squad; I don't have the skills for that," Su Yu shook his head.

"So, does that mean you two are on a date?" Haruno Sakura's eyes lit up, as if she were eager to hear a love story.

Upon hearing this, Hinata Hyuga lowered her head in embarrassment.

At this moment, her feelings were quite complicated.

She both hoped Su Yu wouldn't admit it, yet also secretly wished he would.

"This..."

"Su Yu-kun, I didn't expect you to find a girlfriend so quickly. Congratulations," Naruto Uzumaki said, cutting Su Yu off before he could finish his sentence.

"..." Su Yu.

Hinata Hyuga glanced at Naruto Uzumaki, then at Haruno Sakura.

She hesitated for a moment before grabbing Su Yu's hand.

"S-Su Yu-kun, I want to go to your place..."

As soon as these words were spoken, all three of them were stunned.

Haruno Sakura was the first to react, her face flushed as she tugged on Naruto Uzumaki's clothes.

"We won't disturb you then. Su Yu-kun, Hinata, let's talk next time."

With that, she dragged Naruto Uzumaki away.

Su Yu watched Haruno Sakura and Naruto Uzumaki leave before turning his gaze to Hinata Hyuga.

"Do you want to chase after them and explain?"

"N-no need. Naruto-kun likes Sakura-chan, so I should just give up," Hinata Hyuga said in a very small voice.

"Do you like me?" Su Yu looked down at Hinata Hyuga's small hand.

"I... I..."

"Let's go. I'll take you to see my place," Su Yu released Hinata Hyuga's small hand and began to walk forward.

Watching Su Yu walk away, Hinata Hyuga hurried to catch up.

The two walked along the street, one behind the other.

Su Yu did not speak, nor did he reach out to hold Hinata Hyuga's small hand.

He was destined to defect from Konoha and would likely become an enemy of the village, so...

What he had told Hinata Hyuga—that if he could become a Kage-level powerhouse, he would definitely take her with him—was not a lie, but his true intention.

It was a pity that he couldn't tell Hinata Hyuga right now.

He would have to wait until the official matches of the Chunin Exams.

The opportunity would arrive then.

By that time, Hinata Hyuga would surely be very surprised.

"I'm sorry." Hinata Hyuga's voice rang out.

Su Yu snapped back to reality and glanced at her.

"There's no need to apologize. It's perfectly normal for you not to like me. You are the young lady of the Hyuga Clan, and I am not worthy of..."

"I like you." Hinata Hyuga interrupted Su Yu, stepping forward to take his large hand in hers.

Su Yu was stunned.

"I... I have actually been thinking about you these past few days. The way you've helped me, the care and guidance you've shown me..."

As Hinata Hyuga continued, her voice grew quieter and quieter.