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Shin stroked his chin, deep in thought. Hiruzen Sarutobi inviting Kirigakure to the Chūnin Exams… Honestly, Shin was surprised.
What's Hiruzen's motive? To assess Kirigakure's strength?
Shin didn't bother speculating further. He had decided to go too.
"I'll be going to Konoha this time as well," Shin announced.
His words stunned Hiashi Hyūga and Nawaki. Hiashi was pleasantly surprised, while Nawaki was simply shocked.
Hiashi was thrilled because Shin's presence guaranteed the safety of the Kirigakure ninja he sent.
Nawaki was just surprised Shin was going.
"Shin-sama, if you're going, can I come too? I don't know if I can…" Karin looked at Shin expectantly.
Shin nodded gently, then turned to Hiashi. "Give Karin and Hinata Kirigakure ninja status—Let them participate in the Chūnin Exams."
Hiashi hesitated, a worried look flashing across his eyes. He was concerned about his daughter, Hinata.
Participating in the Chūnin Exams wasn't without risk. If something happened, there would be no recourse.
Ultimately, Hiashi agreed. Since Shin suggested it, it probably meant things would be fine. Shin seemed fond of Hinata; he wouldn't let her come to harm. With Shin Uzumaki watching over her, Hiashi could rest assured.
"Father, I want to go too! Can I?" Hanabi couldn't help but ask Hiashi. Staying cooped up in the clan compound was boring. Hanabi had wanted to go out for a long time but never had the chance due to being constantly watched.
"No." Hiashi refused without hesitation.
"Don't cause trouble. Go train."
Hanabi's face fell. She grabbed Shin's clothes, tugging at them and looking up imploringly.
"Hiashi, just let Hanabi come with me." Shin crouched down, pinched Hanabi's cheek, and addressed Hiashi.
Hiashi pondered for a moment, then finally agreed. He couldn't really refuse Shin's request.
"Thank you, Shin-nii! You're the best!" Hanabi cheered, hugging Shin's neck and planting a kiss on his cheek.
"That little brat… so annoying." Karin watched Hanabi kiss Shin, feeling surprisingly jealous. She never thought she'd be envious of a little girl.
"She calls you 'Big Brother'?" Nawaki's face turned green. Remembering Hanabi calling him 'Uncle,' he suddenly felt tears welling up.
"What's wrong with you? Having an episode?" Shin looked at the suddenly tearful Nawaki, slightly speechless.
"Why does she call you 'Big Brother' but call me 'Uncle'?" Nawaki felt wronged.
It wasn't wrong for Hanabi to call him Uncle; he was that age—But Shin was the same age, yet he was called 'Big Brother.' Nawaki felt completely unbalanced.
"The problem… I'd say it's because you look too old," Shin said, looking Nawaki over and nodding to himself.
He did look rather weathered. Though only in his thirties, he looked like he was in his forties—Shin thought Hanabi not calling Nawaki 'Grandpa' was already generous.
"Why do you still look like you're twenty?" Nawaki asked Shin. Even though he usually didn't care about his appearance, he couldn't help feeling a bit frustrated now.
"Can't help it. People are different," Shin said with a shrug and a smile.
"When are we heading to Konoha?" Shin asked Hiashi.
"The Chūnin Exams aren't for another half month, so there's no rush."
"Oh, in that case, I'll head back first. Nawaki, want to come with me to see Tsunade?" Shin asked Nawaki before leaving.
Nawaki shook his head vigorously, like a rattling drum.
"Forget it. I'm kind of afraid to see my sister. Who knows if she'll chew me out or something. I'd rather not go."
"I want to go!" Hanabi jumped onto Shin, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Seeing his daughter's unruly behavior, Hiashi felt quite displeased. Has she completely forgotten the etiquette I taught her?
"Alright, I'll take you to the Land of Whirlpools for a visit."
Hiashi, who was about to reprimand Hanabi, held his tongue upon hearing Shin's words.
"Goodbye, Hiashi, Nawaki. I'm leaving."
"Big Brother, Shin Uzumaki took both your daughters." Hizashi Hyūga walked over just as Shin left with Hinata and Hanabi.
"Mm." Hiashi nodded, his face expressionless.
Seeing his brother's impassive look, Hizashi decided not to provoke him further. If he pushed, Hiashi might actually explode.
Hiashi felt helpless about both his daughters being "kidnapped" by Shin Uzumaki, but he couldn't say anything.
"I still have important matters to attend to. Oh, right, Nawaki, I can pay you the promised reward first," Hiashi said to Nawaki.
To secure Nawaki's help, Hiashi had paid a hefty sum—a full fifty million ryō. This was not a small amount. Even Nawaki was surprised by Hiashi's generosity.
Honestly, Hiashi's main goal was to leave a good impression on Nawaki, hoping to persuade him to stay in Kirigakure.
Although Nawaki was currently staying in Kirigakure within the Hyūga compound, he wasn't officially part of the village. Hiashi wanted to see if he could recruit Nawaki.
Nawaki didn't discern Hiashi's intentions but had his suspicions. However, he genuinely needed the money right now, so he accepted the payment. This amount was far more than he could have earned in a year doing missions on the black market.
Meanwhile, Shin had returned to the Land of Whirlpools.
"Wow! Is this where you guys live, Big Sister? It feels much nicer than home!" Hanabi looked around curiously, especially at the beautifully crafted house before her.
The house had been decorated by Kushina and the others, making it look very cozy. While perhaps not as luxurious as the Hyūga compound, it was far more exquisite in its details.
"Hanabi, be careful. Don't fall," Hinata reminded Hanabi.
"Big Sister, I'm not a child anymore!" Hanabi turned, looking exasperatedly at Hinata. Though young, she was already quite capable. Hanabi's talent for training was excellent.
Hinata shook her head slightly. No matter how old Hanabi grew, she would always be her little sister in Hinata's eyes. Naturally, Hinata felt the need to care for and remind her.
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