As he exhaled a puff of smoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered in silence.
"So you're saying this entire mission was essentially completed by Kaito alone, and the rest of you were just there for support?"
"It may sound harsh, but it's the truth, Lord Hokage," Kakashi said seriously.
"Are you certain that Zabuza Momochi, the rogue ninja from Kirigakure with the strength of an elite jonin, was taken down in just a few moves? And with red lightning?"
"Absolutely. When I realized it was Zabuza, I activated my Sharingan right away. I saw everything clearly. Honestly… I don't think I could even beat Kaito now," Kakashi admitted with a solemn expression.
"I see. I understand. Thank you for the report. Take a few days off. I'll also reclassify the mission as A-rank. Go and rest," Hiruzen waved his hand dismissively.
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kakashi responded and turned to leave.
Once Kakashi was gone, the office fell into silence.
Hiruzen sat alone, smoke curling from his pipe, his gaze thoughtful and intense.
After a long pause, he finally muttered, "Ayanami Kaito... not a bad kid."
———
At that moment, Kaito stood in front of his house, noticing the lights inside were already on.
He frowned slightly, and in an instant, electromagnetic waves spread out from his body, scanning the entire house.
Sensing two familiar electromagnetic signatures, he relaxed and smiled. "So it's them, huh?"
Then he slapped his forehead. He'd been away in the Land of Waves for so long, he was forgetting the obvious.
Would a burglar really be this obvious?
With a small chuckle, Kaito pushed open the door and walked in.
Inside, Ino was mopping the floor, while Hinata cooked in the kitchen. The atmosphere was warm and homely, the two girls perfectly in sync.
"Kaito! You're back!" Ino looked up happily when she saw him.
"Welcome back, Kaito!" Hinata stepped out of the kitchen, holding a new pair of shoes. "Here, put these on. Ino and I picked them together. I hope the size is right."
"If you two picked them, they're definitely the right size." Kaito took the shoes, smiling gently, not even bothering to try them on.
"How did you know I was back?" he asked, a little curious.
"I—I saw Sakura earlier, and she told me! So I called Ino and we decided to welcome you home," Hinata said softly, her apron still on.
"Well, since you're back, let's eat!" Hinata beamed as she brought out the food she'd prepared. Ino quickly went to help.
Kaito moved to join them, but both girls shooed him away, insisting he relax after just returning.
"With girls like this, what more could a man ask for?" Kaito murmured with a soft smile as he watched them bustling around.
The three of them ate together, chatting and laughing. Even Hinata, usually shy, was animated. The moment felt peaceful—like a real family.
Around nine o'clock, Kaito finally walked the girls out. Ino stayed behind, but he insisted on escorting Hinata personally. The Hyuga estate was far, and even though Hinata was now a capable chunin, he couldn't help but worry.
Under the crescent moonlight, the two of them walked quietly. Hinata seemed shy and silent, but Kaito was used to that.
"Hinata… let me carry you," Kaito said, pausing.
"O-okay," she nodded, blushing.
She'd always admired the way Kaito carried Ino so casually, even if she never showed it on her face. She'd been quietly envious.
Then, suddenly, something soft and warm pressed against her lips.
Hinata's eyes widened. Her face flushed deep red, steam practically coming from her head as her mind went blank.
Seeing her stunned expression, Kaito chuckled inwardly. So soft… not bad.
With Hinata now on his back, Kaito smiled at the warmth and light scent coming from her.
"I'll carry you today… Ino can have next time."
"Mm…" Hinata's voice was barely a whisper, her expression peaceful and content.
Neither of them spoke again on the walk. They simply enjoyed the quiet moment together.
What should've been a 10-minute walk turned into 30.
When they finally arrived, Kaito looked up at the massive Hyuga compound. As expected of Konoha's most prestigious clan, the territory was huge.
Two stoic Hyuga guards stood at the entrance, faint chakra pressure radiating from their bodies—both at least chunin level.
Seeing Kaito carrying Hinata, their eyes narrowed.
Kaito gently tucked a strand of hair behind Hinata's ear and smiled, "We're here. Go on in."
"Okay," she nodded softly and walked into the estate.
As soon as she disappeared from view, Kaito turned and walked off.
But as he entered a darker street, he suddenly stopped.
"Come out. You've been hiding long enough."
Tap. Tap.
Footsteps echoed behind him.
A man emerged—stern, composed, and clearly related to Hinata.
"You know who I am, don't you?"
"I do."
"What happened before… was my mistake. If there's something you want, just say it. If I have it, I'll give it to you."
"But there's one condition. I want you to leave Hinata."
His voice was firm and final—Hyuga Hiashi's authority unmistakable.
---
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