Hanabi Gets Duped, Part Two

Elsewhere.

Hinata had a wonderful lunch at Naruto's house, then happily left with two boxes of food.

One box contained braised pork belly, and the other held grilled chicken wings. Both were delicious dishes that whetted her appetite.

Carrying the treats home, Hinata happened to see her father and younger sister chatting beside the dining table.

"Hinata, you're finally back. Did you bring the braised pork belly?" Hyuga Hiashi hurriedly asked.

"I did. Naruto heard that you liked braised pork belly, so he had me bring back extra. He also gave me a box of grilled chicken wings. They're especially delicious."

As Hinata spoke, she placed the two boxes on the table and opened them. In an instant, the fragrant aroma filled the entire room and drew Hanabi's attention.

"Smells great. I'll have a taste first."

Hyuga Hiashi had long been hungry. He immediately picked up a grilled chicken wing and took a bite. Once he started, he could not stop.

Nearby.

Hanabi, who was already full, watched this unfold and could not help feeling as though she had been duped. Since she rarely ate meat, though, she asked skeptically, "Is it really that good?"

"You'll know once you try it," Hinata said with a smile.

"Then I'll try some."

Hanabi did not think much of it. She slowly picked up a piece of braised pork belly and put it into her small mouth.

But the moment she tasted it, her eyes lit up. She exclaimed in surprise, "It's really delicious! Such a special flavor. I've never tasted anything like this before."

Hanabi quickly finished the braised pork belly, then looked at the grilled chicken wings with deep anticipation. She picked one up for a taste, and the crisp, fragrant, tender chicken wing instantly conquered her.

"It's really so good! Sister, you said Naruto gave you all this. Did he make it himself?" Hanabi asked curiously.

"Of course. He's very good at cooking. Besides these, he can make many other delicious things too," Hinata explained with a smile.

"I didn't expect Naruto to be so impressive. I definitely have to meet him when I get the chance. Mm, I need to hurry and eat."

Seeing her father stuffing himself, having already eaten a great deal in such a short time, Hanabi worried that none would be left for her and hurriedly joined in.

Unfortunately, she had eaten too much earlier. After eating for only a little while, she could not eat another bite. Depressed, Hanabi could only glare at her father.

"Father, why did you encourage me to eat so much earlier? Were you afraid I'd eat all this food?"

"I was only worried that you wouldn't be full. If you want to eat this food now, then eat. I won't stop you," Hyuga Hiashi said, resuming his meal.

"I..."

Hanabi was utterly depressed. She was already stuffed, so how could she possibly eat any more? She could only look away from the food and turn to Hinata instead.

"Sister, tell me about Naruto. Why is his cooking so good?"

"I'll tell you later. I have something to discuss with Father."

Hinata suddenly remembered the task Naruto had entrusted to her. She looked at Hyuga Hiashi. "Father, Naruto wants you to help him get some equipment for weighted training."

"Weighted training equipment? That's easy. I'll make the arrangements later," Hyuga Hiashi nodded without hesitation.

"Oh, and find some Earth Release Ninjutsu Scrolls that can increase gravity," Hinata added.

"Earth Release Ninjutsu Scrolls? That will be somewhat difficult."

Hyuga Hiashi hesitated. Ninjutsu was not easy to obtain, and Earth Release belonged to the Land of Earth, making it even harder.

"Just do your best, Father. Naruto is my best friend, and there's delicious food too," Hinata said, helping plead his case.

"This..."

Hyuga Hiashi thought of the information he had investigated today, of the change in Konoha's higher-ups' attitude toward Naruto mentioned in those reports, and of the food before him. After two seconds of silence, he said, "Fine. I'll do my best."

"Good luck."

Having received her father's promise, Hinata finally felt relieved. This was the first time Naruto had asked her for help. No matter what, she had to help him; otherwise, she would feel far too sorry for everything Naruto had done for her.

In a good mood, Hinata pulled the stuffed Hanabi into the living room, where the two huddled together and whispered about Naruto.

Elsewhere.

Naruto's house.

Several Shadow Clones bustled around the room. Some drew, some carved, while others studied various crafts and knowledge.

Naruto himself sat cross-legged, examining his Data Panel.

He had not come into contact with many people today, only a few, but they were all important figures. As a result, he had gained over a hundred Experience Points.

That was enough to exchange for ten drops of Saiyan Blood. He now had ninety drops of Saiyan Blood, only ten drops away from one hundred.

At that moment, Naruto was filled with anticipation. He had always had a feeling that once his Saiyan Blood reached one hundred drops, he would gain something unknown.

Taking a deep breath, Naruto spent all his Experience Points and began exchanging them for Saiyan Blood.

[Ding! Exchange successful. Obtained 10 drops of Saiyan Blood.]

A warm current flowed through his body. At that moment, all his blood boiled, cheered, leaped with joy, and welcomed new life.

It was as though he had undergone a transformation. A large portion of his hair turned black, the contours of his face became more defined, and his muscles grew stronger and more powerful, brimming with explosive force.

Feeling the explosive power hidden within him, Naruto spread his hands in astonishment. "Such powerful strength. This is practically a leap in power."

Naruto murmured to himself. His strength had already been formidable, but after this transformation, it had increased several times over.

Naturally, his perception had also improved significantly. Its original range suddenly expanded severalfold.

He still needed to test exactly how far his perception now extended, but he knew it was definitely incredibly useful.

[Ding! Saiyan Blood has condensed into a bloodline. Current Saiyan Bloodline: one-tenth.]

[Ding! Advanced from Pseudo-Saiyan to Hybrid Saiyan.]

Naruto: Hybrid Saiyan

Bloodline: one-tenth

Abilities: Enhanced Clone Technique, Multi-Shadow Clone Technique, Three-Body Technique, Kunai Throwing Proficiency, Chakra Control Proficiency...

Experience Points: 9

...

"One-tenth Saiyan Bloodline? Half-Saiyan?" Naruto murmured, thinking of Pan from the Dragon Ball anime.

That girl was also a Hybrid Saiyan. Her bloodline concentration was not particularly high, perhaps around one-quarter, yet she possessed extraordinary talent and considerable combat power.

Naruto clearly knew that Saiyans differed from one another, and their bloodlines also came in different grades.

When Goku transformed into a Great Ape as a child, he lost his mind, but Vegeta could retain his intelligence in Great Ape form. If Goku had not luckily arrived on Earth, he would never have achieved what he had today.

Thus, different bloodlines brought different boosts.

Naruto had always felt that his Saiyan Blood was somewhat different, especially the ever-increasing perception it gave him. It was even more convenient than the Mind's Eye of the Kagura.

He vaguely felt that his one-tenth Saiyan Bloodline might bring him enormous gains.

"Let's try it."

Naruto closed his eyes, preparing to give it a try, but the instant he closed them, he abruptly opened them again. His eyes were filled with delight.