Hinata was the first to wake. She wore the loose pajamas Ayame had prepared for her, but their loose fit clearly had not accounted for her remarkable development.
The fabric stretched taut across her chest, outlining exaggerated curves that rose and fell precariously with every step she took downstairs.
Barefoot, she carefully descended the wooden stairs. As she reached the corner, she ran straight into Haku, who was carrying a tray of breakfast.
The tray in Haku's hands swayed, and the steaming bowl of miso soup looked about to spill over Hinata.
Without a change in expression, he shifted aside in an exceptionally coordinated motion, keeping the tray steady without spilling a single drop.
"Good morning. Please watch your step," Haku said softly, his eyes unruffled.
Still shaken, Hinata went pale and hurriedly bowed in apology.
Wanting to do something for her new home, she worked up her courage and ventured into the kitchen, where she found Ayame already busy.
Ayame's movements were neat and efficient. Her knife flew up and down, chopping the scallions finely and evenly, displaying more than a decade of practice.
Hinata picked up another kitchen knife, but her hand could not stop trembling.
The Hyuga Clan's eldest daughter had practiced the killing art of Gentle Fist since childhood. The kitchen was even more unfamiliar to her than the battlefield.
Noticing her embarrassment, Ayame gently approached and took the knife from her.
"There's no rush. I'll teach you slowly."
Ayame placed her hand over Hinata's, guiding her through how to hold the knife and apply force.
They stood close together. Hinata could smell the pleasant soapberry fragrance on Ayame and noticed a faint redness beneath her gentle eyes.
"Ayame, did you not sleep well last night?"
Ayame's chopping paused before becoming fluid again, her usual warm