Shinho inhaled gently, a youthful fragrance filling his senses.
Feeling the soft warmth beneath his fingertips, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. After all these years, Hinata had truly grown up.
He remembered their first meeting. Back then, she'd been just a shy, adorable little girl.
With these thoughts, Shinho reached out and gently stroked Hinata's head.
Not far away, the full-length mirror reflected her slender waist, curvy legs, and taut hips.
Paired with the black-and-white maid outfit she wore, Hinata had completely shed her dignified image as the Hyuga clan's eldest daughter, turning instead into an earnest and devoted maid.
In fact, she truly had given her best effort.
Shinho felt as though he'd fallen into a bottomless abyss.
He could see no end, and it was truly unfathomable.
"Mmh."
Hinata felt the temperature rising in her mouth.
She took a deep breath, her Tenseigan seeming even brighter.
"Hinata," Shinho paused for two seconds before continuing gently, "Do you like this maid dress?"
"I—I do..."
Hinata shyly licked her lips, her innocent face showing a faintly seductive charm.
"You're adorable."
Shinho sincerely complimented her from his heart.
Hinata instantly blushed crimson, lowering her head.
"I'll go get you a few more outfits."
Shinho gently patted her head as he spoke.
"Mm," Hinata whispered softly.
Just as Shinho was about to turn around and leave, he suddenly remembered something and paused.
Crouching down, he reached out and carefully buttoned up the top buttons of Hinata's maid outfit.
"Wait for me here," he whispered softly.
As his fingertips brushed over her warm, jade-like skin, he finally withdrew his hand.
Hinata pressed her lips together, watching his departing figure, her mind growing increasingly hazy.
A short while later, Shinho returned holding a pile of clothes.
"We don't need this many," Hinata, regaining some clarity, hurriedly shook her head.
"It's not that expensive anyway," Shinho replied casually as he set the clothes down. "Check if they're suitable. If they fit, we'll buy them all."
"..." Hinata opened her mouth, unsure how to refuse, and ultimately just nodded.
She activated her tenseigan and quickly scanned the clothes, only to discover, to her surprise, that every single one Shinho had selected perfectly matched her measurements.
She couldn't help widening her eyes, embarrassment flooding her heart even more.
"Aren't you going to try them on?" Shinho asked, amused.
"It's… it's too many. I'll skip it," Hinata mumbled shyly, her face deep red. "Besides, I have the tenseigan."
Truthfully, she didn't dare change clothes in front of Shinho.
Even though their relationship was intimate enough, they'd yet to cross that final line.
But the main reason was simply her shyness.
She was genuinely concerned that if Shinho watched her changing, she'd faint from embarrassment midway.
"We did waste quite a bit of time earlier," Shinho didn't press further. "You can try them on at home later."
Hinata's heart skipped a beat.
His gentle reminder stirred memories of their earlier moments, making her unable to contain her smile.
"Hinata, just pack these clothes away. I've already paid."
Shinho pointed to the pile of outfits.
"Ah? Alright." Hinata snapped out of her thoughts and quickly gathered the clothing.
"I'll walk you home."
Shinho extended his hand toward her.
"Mm!"
Hinata grasped his hand tightly.
Together, they walked out into the bustling street.
Ever since the reconstruction of the City of Fire, it had become the center of the ninja world, busy and lively from dawn till dusk.
"Want some takoyaki?"
Shinho caught a familiar scent and glanced at her.
"Mm," Hinata instantly felt her stomach rumble with hunger.
Aside from drinking some water earlier, she hadn't eaten anything all morning.
"Two servings of takoyaki, please," Shinho walked up to the stall owner. "To go."
Considering Hinata's appetite, this little snack was far from enough to satisfy her.
But since takoyaki alone wasn't suitable as a full lunch, they would just snack lightly and have a proper meal at home later.
"Here you go," Shinho handed a box of takoyaki to Hinata after paying.
Hinata took it eagerly, skewering a piece with the small wooden stick and popping it into her mouth.
"So tasty!" Hinata's eyes sparkled, her face glowing with joy.
By the time they arrived at the Hyuga compound, both boxes of takoyaki had been eaten clean.
"Shi… Shinho-kun," Hinata asked softly, reluctant to let go, "Are you leaving already?"
Although the morning had been long, she still felt time had flown by too quickly.
"What? Are you trying to get rid of me?" Shinho raised an eyebrow.
"No! That's not it!" Hinata was startled, hastily trying to clarify. "I… I meant…"
But she stuttered for a while, unable to finish.
"I'm just teasing. Come on, I'll borrow your kitchen."
Shinho chuckled at her flustered appearance.
"Eh?" Hinata momentarily froze before excitement lit up her face.
With a casual wave of his hand, Shinho dispelled the protective immortal essence barrier he'd placed outside.
"Lord Hokage!"
A Hyuga guard nearby quickly stepped forward, greeting respectfully, "Lady Hinata!"
Shinho nodded slightly in acknowledgment and pulled Hinata along into the courtyard.
He glanced around briefly but didn't spot either Hiashi or Hanabi.
"Where did they go?" Shinho asked casually, considering how much food he should prepare.
"My father is likely with the First Ninja Division's headquarters," Hinata thought for a moment, "Hanabi and the others went to the training ground. They'll probably be back soon."
"Take me to the kitchen."
Having gauged the situation, Shinho decided he'd prepare food for five people.
"This way," Hinata led him by the hand toward the kitchen.
"There are plenty of ingredients," Shinho said after checking the refrigerator. "We don't need to shop."
"Shinho-kun, would you like me to help?"
Hinata's voice brimmed with anticipation.
"How about we each cook two dishes?" Shinho offered, perfectly aligned with her desires.
"Yes!" Hinata eagerly nodded.
She'd been diligently practicing her cooking skills, though she'd rarely had chances to show them off to Shinho.
"But maybe you should freshen up first," Shinho gently reminded her.
"Eh?" Hinata's face instantly flushed bright red, and she quickly turned, running toward the bathroom.
While the two were busy preparing their meal, Hanabi, Fu, and Amaru had just finished their training session and returned to the Hyuga residence.
"Is my sister back yet?" Hanabi paused at the gate, asking curiously.
Earlier that morning, Hinata had informed them Shinho had some business with her, so she couldn't join their training today.
However, she hadn't elaborated, piquing Hanabi's curiosity.
"She's back," the guard paused briefly, "Lord Hokage is also here."
Hanabi immediately perked up, eagerly running into the courtyard.
Hanabi first checked the living room. Finding no one, she caught a delicious aroma drifting from the kitchen and quickly rushed over.
"Brother-in-law!" Hanabi called out breathlessly.
Shinho raised his eyes to look at her.
She wore a pristine white training outfit, tightly cinched at the waist, accentuating her slender frame and developing curves.
Sweat droplets glistened on her forehead, her fair skin slightly flushed from exertion.
Her bright, pale eyes sparkled with excitement as she stared directly at him.
Shinho suddenly realized his little sister-in-law was no longer the small girl she'd once been, having grown into a graceful young lady.
"Why are you running in such a hurry?" Hinata stepped forward, gently wiping the sweat from Hanabi's forehead with a towel.
"Sister..." Hanabi felt a bit guilty and responded obediently, "I just wanted to see you both sooner."
"It's not like we're going anywhere," Hinata smiled gently, patting Hanabi's head. "Could you set the table? Lunch will be ready soon."
"Okay!" Hanabi glanced at Shinho once more before heading to the cupboard.
Hinata watched thoughtfully.
She felt that Hanabi genuinely admired Shinho.
But since it wasn't unusual for a younger sister to be close to her brother-in-law, Hinata didn't dwell on it.
"Hinata," Shinho turned off the stove, "let's head out."
"Mm," Hinata nodded and carried out her dishes of ginger pork and tempura.
Shinho had prepared classic twice-cooked pork and stir-fried pork with peppers.
"I'll help!" Hanabi immediately took the plate of tempura from Hinata.
Seeing this, Fu and Amaru quickly approached Shinho, each taking a plate from him.
"Let's eat," Shinho said, picking up his chopsticks first.
Given his status, nobody would dare start eating until he did.
"Hinata made these two dishes," Shinho explained, placing a piece of ginger pork in Hinata's bowl.
"Thank you, Shinho-kun," Hinata smiled sweetly.
Hanabi watched enviously.
"For you too," Shinho chuckled lightly, also giving a piece to Hanabi. "Taste it."
Hanabi's lips curled upward. Taking a bite, she exclaimed, "It's delicious!"
Shinho nodded and, careful not to favor anyone, also placed pieces in Fu and Amaru's bowls.
"Brother-in-law," Hanabi asked hopefully, blinking, "will you train with us this afternoon?"
"Your sister and I have other things to do," Shinho shook his head. "You'll have to train on your own."
"What kind of things?" Hanabi asked curiously.
"A new department called Skynet was established recently," Shinho explained casually. "It's related to some trial running, you'll know more about it eventually."
"Oh," Hanabi sounded disappointed but didn't press further, knowing Shinho wouldn't be delayed from his duties.
Hmm?
Hinata lifted her head, surprised, looking toward Shinho.
Trials? Why hadn't he mentioned it before?
She thought the trial had ended this morning.
Though unexpected, she felt delighted at the thought of more time spent with Shinho.
"Eat your fill," Shinho said gently, smiling slightly.
The so-called trial was, naturally, just an excuse. Shinho felt it was finally time to proceed with Hinata's true final training.
Always stopping just short of the thing with Hinata had been becoming increasingly difficult, and with their wedding still four months away, he wasn't sure he could wait any longer.
But of course, he'd consult Hinata's feelings first.
The lunch came to an end.
Hinata hurriedly cleared the table, collecting dishes before Shinho had the chance, and carried them to the kitchen.
Hanabi, Fu, and Amaru said quick goodbyes before heading back out to continue their afternoon training.
Once everyone had left, Shinho entered the kitchen.
Hinata stood before the sink, wearing a white apron, adeptly washing dishes.
"Hinata," Shinho quietly approached, wrapping his arms gently around her waist.
"Shi—Shinho-kun..." Hinata trembled slightly, feeling the warmth against her back.
"How about some new training this afternoon?" Shinho whispered into her ear, his arms lightly pressed against her curvy hips.
His breath warmed her delicate skin, instantly turning her face a vibrant shade of red.
She nodded absentmindedly, before suddenly realizing what he'd said.
New training? What else could possibly be new?
The morning's session had already felt like her limit.
"Wha... what kind of training?" Hinata's face heated up further, nearly steaming at the possibilities crossing her mind.
After Shinho's gradual escalation of training difficulty, she was no longer as innocent as before, and there was only one step left unexplored. The thought alone was sufficient to make her dizzy.
"You've guessed, haven't you?" Shinho whispered a brief explanation near her ear before gently asking, "Are you willing?"
Hinata felt her legs weaken beneath her as she swayed backward, consciousness flickering between reality and dreams.
"Hinata?"
Shinho activated his immortal essence, sending a refreshing, cool current through her body.
Regaining clarity, Hinata lowered her head, whispering after a long pause, "I…I am--yes…L-Let's do it."
Shinho nearly missed her soft reply.
He smiled warmly, speaking tenderly, "Hinata, you're wonderful."
Hinata dared not look at him, silently resuming washing dishes, though her shaking hands revealed her emotional turmoil.
Without the earlier training, she surely would have fainted by now.
After finishing, Hinata sighed with relief.
But the next second, she felt herself lifted off the ground.
Dazed, Hinata realized only when Shinho gently set her down that they'd arrived in her bedroom.
Moments later, the ground was already littered with cloths of both men and women.
"Hinata," Shinho held her gently, his fingertips lightly brushing along her soft, supple thighs.
He had started slowly, gently, letting Hinata get used to it. Hinata was a ninj awho had awakened tenseiga, so she quickly adapted, becoming bolder, changing positions often.
Hinata now shifted nervously, sitting face-to-face on Shinho's lap but unable to meet his gaze.
"Sit closer," Shinho grabbed her derrire pulling her closer with a spread. "Hold me tight!"
Hinata shyly adjusted her position, now sitting fully on his lap, her body pressed closely against his chest, moving with a rhythm she had discovered suited her perfectly.
She bit her lip lightly, delicate skin tinted with a faint blush.
"Are you alright?" Shinho softly wiped a stray tear from the corner of her eye.
Hinata shakily nodded.
Shinho's heart raced, sensing Hinata's everything clearly. It was a thrill beyond words.
"Our wedding in December will be hosted by the Hyuga Clan," Shinho whispered gently, caressing her smooth back, his other hand sliding down, teasing. "We'll hold it here, in the Hyuga compound."
"Mm!" Hinata smiled joyfully through her tears.
"You're so cute and beautiful," Shinho really couldn't hold back his praise, no matter how many times he had praised her.
Hinata let out soft, muffled moans.