The streets of Konohagakure were lively.
Huahuo ran ahead excitedly while Chen Xing and the young Hinata walked behind her.
"It's rare for Sister to come out," Huahuo said happily. "We should go everywhere today!"
Normally, Hinata Hyuga left the Hyuga Clan compound with attendants and strict etiquette. She rarely had the chance to wander the village freely.
Today, with Chen Xing beside her, she looked far more relaxed.
Huahuo soon stopped at a stall selling Tanghulu.
"Ah! Sister, do you have money?" she asked.
Hinata checked her sleeves and shook her head shyly.
"I came out in a hurry… I forgot to bring any."
Chen Xing chuckled and handed coins to the vendor. He bought several candied fruit skewers and passed them to the two girls.
Huahuo accepted hers immediately.
"Thank you, Chen Xing!"
Hinata took hers with a faint blush.
"Thank you… Chen Xing-brother."
They continued walking through the village for a while. Huahuo bought small ornaments and snacks from different stalls. Soon Chen Xing was carrying several bags.
Finally, he sealed the items into a Storage Scroll.
After wandering for some time, Chen Xing led the sisters toward the training grounds outside the village.
---
The River Training
Near a forest stream, Kakashi Hatake leaned against a tree reading his book.
When he saw them approach, he raised a hand casually.
"You're back."
Chen Xing nodded and looked toward the river.
Two boys were standing on the flowing water, concentrating on their footing.
One of them suddenly slipped.
Splash!
Naruto Uzumaki fell straight into the stream.
Nearby, Sasuke Uchiha tried to maintain balance, but after a few steps he also slipped and fell.
Naruto burst out laughing from the water.
"You fell too!"
Sasuke climbed out with a dark expression.
"You fell first."
Chen Xing dispelled a nearby Shadow Clone Technique, receiving the training feedback. The two boys had only managed five or six steps across the flowing water.
Huahuo watched from the riverbank and frowned.
"They're so weak," she said bluntly. "I learned Water Surface Walking Technique a long time ago."
Hinata quickly stopped her.
"Huahuo, don't say that."
Unlike the Hyuga sisters, Naruto and Sasuke had grown up without proper guidance in chakra control. The Hyuga clan trained its children strictly from a young age.
Still, Huahuo's words reached the boys.
Sasuke's expression darkened, though he said nothing. Being mocked by a younger girl wounded his pride.
Naruto, however, immediately reacted.
"Hey! What did you just say?"
Hinata bowed apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Naruto. My sister didn't mean it."
Naruto scratched his head awkwardly.
"Ah… forget it."
But Huahuo had already walked up to him, hands on her hips.
"Blond falling-in-the-water chicken," she said smugly.
Chen Xing almost laughed.
Naruto's clothes were soaked, making the comparison embarrassingly accurate.
Naruto crossed his arms and looked down at her.
"Who are you calling that? You little short pumpkin!"
Chen Xing rubbed his forehead.
Naruto himself wasn't exactly tall.
Huahuo's face turned red with anger.
"You golden dumpling! I challenge you!"
She stepped forward, ready to fight, but Hinata quickly pulled her back.
"Huahuo!"
The girl struggled.
"Sister, let me go! I'll teach him a lesson!"
Hinata frowned.
"If you keep causing trouble, I won't bring you out next time."
Huahuo froze.
"…Fine."
She crossed her arms and glared at Naruto.
At that moment—
Splash!
Naruto slipped again and fell back into the river.
Huahuo burst out laughing.
"Haha! Another falling-in-the-water chicken!"
Naruto climbed back onto the bank, dripping wet, and ignored her.
Huahuo's eyes suddenly brightened with an idea.
She ran toward the stream again.
"Hey, blond kid!" she shouted.
Naruto looked over.
Huahuo pointed at the water beneath their feet.
"How about we compete?"