After spending a day full of childlike fun with Hanabi, Toru Kujyo and Hinata bid farewell to Hyuga Hiashi, citing their "first long-term mission as Chunin," and set off for the Land of Waves.
This time, without the urgency of a mission or the scrutiny of others, their journey became relaxed and leisurely. Hinata seemed to have broken free of invisible shackles, radiating a brightness he had never seen before. She was no longer the little girl who followed behind him, too nervous to speak clearly.
"Toru Kujyo, go stand under that tree!"
"Good, put your hand on your sword hilt. Yes, now make your gaze a little colder!"
"Wow! You look so handsome in this one!"
Hinata held an "Image Recorder" that Toru Kujyo had modified using sealing jutsu and crystal, excitedly directing him into all sorts of poses along the way. From a aloof swordsman leaning against an ancient tree and gazing into the distance, to a mysterious ninja resting beside a waterfall with his eyes closed, to the boy next door sampling dango in town... she captured every side of Toru Kujyo with that marvelous device.
Toru Kujyo was happy to oblige, enjoying every moment Hinata took the initiative to draw closer to him. Watching her cheer whenever she took a "photograph" she liked, he found her radiant smile more captivating than any scenery along the way.
Their journey lasted over a week. At night, they no longer took separate rooms. At first, Hinata would blush scarlet when they booked only one room, shyly hugging her bedding as she slept at the other end.
But later, the chill of the mountain nights became the perfect excuse. When Toru Kujyo "inadvertently" reached out in the middle of the night and drew her slightly trembling, petite body into his