Graduation Ceremony

After returning to Konoha, Zeyu did not head straight home. Instead, he went to the commercial district in the center of the village, stopped at a gift shop to buy a small box, a piece of red cord, and a few small amethyst beads. After paying, he placed them in a gift bag and stepped out of the shop.

This was a graduation gift for Hinata that Zeyu had been preparing for a long time. He had already readied the other beads for the bracelet; all that was left was to buy these purple crystals Hinata liked, string them together, and the task would be complete.

As he walked down the street, he passed a flower shop and saw Kakashi Hatake picking out flowers.

Kakashi caught a glimpse of Zeyu but didn't pay much mind to him.

Kakashi must be planning to visit the memorial stone. I might as well buy two bouquets myself, Zeyu thought as he walked into the shop.

"Yo, Kakashi-sensei," Zeyu said casually.

Kakashi, who was busy selecting flowers, was completely bewildered. Who is this? Do I know him? He frantically searched his mind for any information regarding the red-haired boy before him, but finding nothing, he could only respond vaguely.

"Oh, yo. Hello."

While Kakashi had been pondering, Zeyu had already started picking out flowers. By the time Kakashi replied, Zeyu was already preparing to pay.

Seeing Zeyu paying with his back turned, Kakashi felt a wave of awkwardness. He gave a dead-fish-eyed look before lowering his head to continue picking flowers.

The next day, the Ninja Academy was bustling with activity. The Third Hokage had arrived in person, speaking eloquently from a platform in the open square to congratulate the newly graduated ninjas.

"Look, it's that guy. He's the only one who didn't pass the exam."

"It's him, that demon fox brat."

Zeyu was nearly falling asleep listening to the Hokage's speech when he heard the two classmates' remarks, immediately realizing who they were talking about.

He looked toward the distance at the blond boy sitting on a swing and sighed softly.

"Sorry, Naruto, I can't help you with this."

"If I remember correctly, you're going to steal the scroll tonight, right?"

Just as he was thinking this, Hinata turned to him and asked, "Is something wrong, Zeyu-kun?"

"Ah, it's nothing. I just felt a bit lonely seeing Naruto sitting over there by himself." Although Zeyu said this, his inner thoughts were quite different.

Sorry, Naruto. Originally, Hinata should be feeling sad for you right now. Well, I'm feeling sad for you too. As he thought this, he reached out and took Hinata's hand.

Hehe, Hinata's hand is so cool and soft; it feels so comfortable. Zeyu was ecstatic inside, but on the surface, he remained calm and spoke earnestly to Hinata.

"Hinata, how about I go comfort Naruto in a bit?"

Hinata could no longer hear what Zeyu was saying; her entire focus was on her hand. Her face flushed bright red, and she stammered in response, "Ah, ah, yes, Zeyu-kun is right, but... there are so many people here, and my hand..."

"Ah, I'm sorry. I just relaxed too much when talking to you and held your hand without thinking. My apologies, Hinata." As he spoke, Zeyu let go, though he felt a secret thrill.

After her hand was released, Hinata calmed down significantly. If he had held it any longer, she might have fainted. Even though she was very close to Zeyu and they chatted often, she still couldn't help but feel shy whenever there was physical contact.

Sigh, it seems I need to initiate more physical contact to train her. Every time, I can only touch her for a little while. Zeyu felt it was a pity, but this feeling of wanting to touch her yet not being able to was also quite addictive.

However, while they were busy flirting, a man in a grey-white kimono with white eyes standing at the entrance was already wearing a face as dark as thunder.

Who is that red-haired brat? Whose kid is he? How dare he grab my daughter's hand?! Hiashi Hyuga thought, veins bulging on his forehead.

Today was the graduation ceremony, and Hiashi, as the head of the Hyuga clan, had squeezed time out of his busy schedule to attend his eldest daughter Hinata's graduation. Although her talent and ability were not as high as his younger daughter Hanabi's, it was still an important day, and he felt he had to show his face.

In truth, if not for the clan's branch and main house succession system, Hinata would never have been sent to the Ninja Academy. This was merely a stalling tactic to protect her from the Caged Bird seal.

Though he was usually strict with Hinata, he actually cared for her deeply and had been keeping a close eye on her situation.

Zeyu, still flirting with Hinata, suddenly felt a chill down his spine. His hair stood on end, and he had the distinct feeling of being watched.

"What's wrong, Zeyu-kun?" Hinata asked with concern, noticing Zeyu suddenly freeze.

"Hinata, I feel like I'm being watched," Zeyu said, swallowing hard.

"Ah, what should we do? Did you offend someone, Zeyu-kun?" A look of worry appeared on Hinata's face, and she leaned in closer to him.

Zeyu pondered her question, wondering if he had truly offended anyone. He rested his right hand on his head, frowning, and did not answer immediately.

Hinata, growing anxious, grabbed his right hand with both of hers and said earnestly, "Zeyu-kun, it's okay. You can tell me if you're in any trouble. I will face it with you."

Seeing this, Zeyu was moved. He had only mentioned a bad premonition, yet Hinata was willing to stand by his side regardless of the consequences.

Hinata is truly wonderful—and so sweet!

The gloom that had just formed in his heart was swept away, leaving him feeling incredibly refreshed.

"I'm fine, Hinata. Maybe I'm just a little tired."

"As long as you're okay. You must tell me if something happens, okay? I really want to be able to help you, Zeyu-kun." Hinata felt much more at ease after hearing his reply.

Yet, without realizing it, she continued to hold his hand.

Zeyu also noticed this and dared not move, fearing that any movement would cause Hinata to react and pull her hand away. Staying like this was just fine, just fine indeed.

However, at the doorway, the veins on Hiashi Hyuga's forehead were bulging even more.

Who on earth is this brat? Why is my daughter acting like this toward him? Hiashi felt more than just a little uncomfortable. His precious daughter had always been timid and reserved, rarely interacting with others; she usually only spent time with Hanabi and the family servant, Natsu Hyuga. How had she become so close with some wild boy at the academy?

Thinking of this, his anger flared even higher, and he could barely stop himself from activating his Byakugan.

At this moment, Zeyu also realized what was happening and thought to himself:

Oh crap, could that be Hinata's old man?

He didn't dare turn his head back, so he closed his eyes and used his Mind's Eye. He instantly locked onto a man wearing a greyish-white kimono among the parents waiting outside. It wasn't that his senses were particularly sharp, but rather that the man was simply too conspicuous; the man's chakra was already faintly radiating from his body, and the chakra around his eyes was on the verge of erupting.

If it wasn't him, then who could it be?

He then whispered to Hinata, who was standing right beside him:

"Hinata, is your father here today?"

Upon hearing this, Hinata was just about to answer when she noticed she was still holding Zeyu's hand. Her face flushed bright red, and she immediately let go.

"Um, Father should be coming. Why do you ask, Zeyu?" Hinata said, twisting the hem of her clothes.

"Well, I have a feeling that my father-in-law is staring at me."

Hinata's face turned even redder. She covered her face with her small hands, trying to cool it down.

"W-w-what father-in-law, Zeyu, you're so mean!" Despite her words, she couldn't help but peek at Zeyu through the gaps between her fingers.

At this point, Zeyu decided to just roll with it; since he'd already been spotted, there was no point in hiding.

He looked at the shy Hinata with a grin and asked her to extend her left hand.

Hinata was a bit flustered. She hadn't noticed her father watching earlier, but now that she knew, she didn't dare move. Her father was always very stern, and she was afraid of being scolded.

However, thinking that Zeyu might need help with something, she tremblingly reached out her left hand, saying:

"Zeyu, you mustn't do anything strange. Father will give you trouble, and I don't want that."

Hinata wasn't saying this without reason; Hiashi really might come after him.

But Zeyu didn't take it to heart. They were going to be family eventually, so he would have to face him sooner or later.

He pulled a small box from his pocket and handed it to Hinata.

Hinata looked at the box in her hand, puzzled, and looked up at Zeyu.

"This is a graduation gift for you, Hinata. I originally planned to give it to you somewhere private, but since your father will be picking you up soon, I have to give it to you now. Sorry about that." Hinata understood Zeyu's intentions and didn't blame him at all.

"Ah, thank you, Zeyu. You don't need to apologize. I'm very happy to receive a gift. I had prepared one too, but I didn't bring it because I thought Father would be coming today. I'll have to give it to you tomorrow."

"It's alright. Hinata, hurry and open it to see if you like it."

"Mm, okay." Saying this, Hinata slowly opened the box.

Inside lay a bracelet, strung together with beads of different colors: purple crystals, pale white jade, and light blue beads. They were arranged in a simple and elegant fashion, with a piece of red string peeking out at the end, adding a touch of vibrancy.

Seeing this, Hinata's eyes welled up. She slowly picked up the bracelet and held it in her palm.

"Thank you, Zeyu. I love this gift very much. I will treasure it for the rest of my life." As Hinata spoke, tears began to fall.

"Hey, Hinata, why are you crying? It's okay. Here, let me put it on for you. Don't cry, don't cry, I'm here." He took the bracelet and helped Hinata put it on.

Hinata looked at the bracelet on her left wrist, feeling very happy. She wiped away her tears and broke into a smile.

Seeing the adorable Hinata before him, Zeyu couldn't help himself and reached out to pat her head.

Hinata didn't resist, though she remained very shy. She lowered her head so Zeyu could pat her easily without having to reach too high, using the opportunity to hide her flushed face while her two small hands fidgeted against her chest.

However, at the doorway, a certain old man was already thinking about throwing hands, his fists clenching until they creaked.