What is the most obvious difference between a great nation and a small one?
Some might say military strength.
Others might say public security, prosperity, or international influence.
But at this moment, Kyusei finally understood the real difference in this bizarre world where the tech tree had clearly gone off the rails.
It was—
The smiles of the people.
Standing in Konoha's night market for the first time, Kyusei watched the crowds flowing past him. Not a trace of anxiety could be seen on their faces. Everyone wore expressions of ease and familiarity, chatting happily with people they knew—or didn't—completely at peace.
Well… except for the chubby kid over there who'd poured cooking oil straight into a barbecue brazier and nearly caused a fire, only to be beaten half to death by his parents while wailing like the end of the world had come.
The air was thick with the smoky aroma of street food.
This was the smell of everyday life.
Everyone was enjoying the comfort that Konoha provided.
Kyusei walked through the narrow, crowded street, holding Kaoru's hand as they passed one food stall after another.
He didn't seem to know the meaning of fatigue—just kept walking, walking, and walking, gently pulling the small hand in his grasp forward.
Kaoru's face was flushed red. She said nothing, only followed him quietly, letting him lead her onward… onward… onward.
The people passing by never entered her field of vision.
In her eyes, there was only the boy walking ahead of her.
"Honestly, I know it's his first time at a night market," Kushina muttered weakly from behind them, "but isn't this a little too energetic?"
Minato and Kushina followed behind the two children. Watching Kyusei drag Kaoru around the market in endless circles, Kushina couldn't help but complain.
"Considering he was just released from the sealing barrier," Minato replied gently, "it's understandable."
"And don't you think," he continued with a smile, "that watching them is a bit like seeing us back then?"
Kushina froze for a moment. A faint blush crept up her cheeks as she turned her head away.
"You're already a grown man—why are you still like this?"
You always know how to get to me, you bastard…
I'm completely wrapped around your finger…
"Because you've never changed either," Minato said softly.
Seeing her husband hold her hand, seeing this mother of children suddenly turn shy like a teenage girl again—Minato's smile only deepened.
From a distance, passersby glanced at the four of them, assuming they were just a family out for an evening stroll.
Eventually, the group stopped in front of a restaurant with a rather bold name: 'So Delicious You'll Die' Grilled Fish.
"Enough wandering," Kushina said, exasperated, ruffling Kyusei's hair hard.
"You've dragged us around for ages. This place is fine."
"Hehe, then here it is."
Kyusei paid no mind to her complaints and tugged Kaoru inside. Minato and Kushina followed close behind.
Under the waiter's guidance, the four of them soon took their seats.
Kyusei looked at Kushina and Kaoru sitting across from him, then glanced at Minato beside him.
Fate really was a strange thing.
People who should never have met were now sitting at the same table, sharing a meal in easy harmony.
Then again, after waking up in this world out of nowhere, Kyusei figured nothing could really surprise him anymore.
As dishes were brought out one after another, the table quickly descended into enthusiastic eating.
—
At the neighboring table, Hyūga Naoriri rested her chin in her hand, looking unhappily at the man sitting across from her.
"Seriously," she said flatly, "how did you even find me here?"
"Ah—well, you see—pure coincidence," Hyūga Hiashi replied with an awkward smile, doing his best to sound casual.
Ever since learning that Hyūga Hinata was the child born of him and the woman before him, Hiashi had been riding a constant high.
Today, after finally tracking down Naori's whereabouts, he'd rushed over and staged what he believed to be a flawless 'chance encounter'.
"Sure, sure. Coincidence," Naori replied dryly.
Did he really think she was stupid?
This guy had been trailing her for ages.
"So, Naori," Hiashi said eagerly, "what would you like to eat? My treat."
Naori flipped through the menu casually. Her eyes paused on a dish named 'Explosively Spicy Fish Hotpot'.
She knew this very well.
This guy couldn't handle spicy food.
Let's see if that scares him off.
"Here. This one. Order it."
Hiashi hesitated, looking at the dish.
"Naori, maybe we could—"
"But I want to eat it," she said, tilting her head innocently and blinking at him.
His heart skipped a beat.
"O-Okay! Then let's have this!"
Summoning his resolve, Hiashi called the waiter.
When the dish arrived, he stared at the sea of fiery red before him, gritted his teeth, picked up a piece of fish, and stuffed it into his mouth.
Instantly—
Spicy.
Numbing.
Scalding.
Watching his face turn beet-red, Naori slid the teapot across the table.
"If you can't handle it, don't force yourself," she said calmly.
She wasn't trying to humiliate him—after all, he was the Great Elder's son. This was her gentlest way of making him give up.
But to Hiashi, that gesture meant something entirely different.
She noticed I'm suffering.
She gave me water.
Naori cares about me after all!
Seeing the excitement light up his face, Naori—sharp as ever—instantly understood what he was thinking.
…What an idiot.
Whatever. Let him believe what he wants.
She ate absentmindedly, her attention drifting toward the table beside them.
With Minato and Kushina around, Aolan had finally been granted a rare break by Sarutobi. Tonight, she alone was watching over Kyusei.
When she saw Kyusei and the others preparing to leave, Naori hurriedly finished a few bites, tossed out a quick "I've got something to do," and vanished past Hiashi in a blur.
Catching a lingering trace of her scent, Hiashi finally gave up and chugged tea straight from the pot.
Watching her leave the restaurant, a troubled expression appeared on his face.
Naori… Naori…
When will you finally understand my feelings?
He was one of the clan's most outstanding shinobi, a high-status member of the main house.
In his eyes, only someone as noble as Hyūga Naoriri was worthy of being his partner.
She was beautiful.
Powerful.
Intelligent.
She fit his ideals perfectly.
Yet she never seemed particularly fond of him…
Still, that was a minor issue.
Hinata's appearance proved it—
One day, Naori would become his wife.
It was only a matter of time.
To Read advanced Chapters, head over to P@treon
patreon.com/DarkVerse146