Around Toru Kujyo, Hinata always seemed to show unusual courage and vitality. Now that he had taken Hanabi out of the village, this was more than childish fun. It felt like a test of the Hyuga Clan's longstanding constraints, perhaps even a silent challenge to Hiashi's authority as clan head.
But Hiashi felt no anger, only a subtle sense of anticipation. He trusted Toru Kujyo's judgment and vaguely sensed that this journey might mark a new beginning for Hanabi, and even for the Hyuga Clan.
Meanwhile, Toru Kujyo raced through the night with Hanabi on his back. His decision to leave Konoha now was no whim. His strength had steadily grown, and he no longer needed to keep such a deliberately low profile.
The village's main target at present was Orochimaru. All its attention was focused on the upcoming finals and the potential crisis, so for now, it would not overreact to a "minor matter" like him taking a child out of the village. Besides, he had another, deeper purpose that could only be fulfilled outside Konoha.
The wind howled past her ears as Hanabi clung tightly to Toru Kujyo's neck, her little face pressed against his back, feeling his powerful heartbeat and the rhythmic movement of his muscles. She had never experienced such incredible speed. The trees and scenery blurred into streaks of light around her, leaving her thrilled and exhilarated.
"Big Brother Kujyo, where are we going?" Hanabi's voice trembled slightly with sheer excitement.
"Out of Konoha, somewhere farther away." Toru Kujyo's voice sounded a little low in the wind, yet carried a reassuring strength.
Only once Konoha's lights had vanished completely from view did Toru Kujyo set Hanabi down. Her feet touched the ground, but she was still a little unsteady, her face flushed red and her