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Shin stayed in Konoha for two days before Kumogakure’s envoy delegation arrived.
The entire village greeted them with elaborate ceremony, a spectacle Shin found utterly nauseating.
“Treating enemies like honored guests? The Hokage himself coming out to welcome them? How pathetic.”
Shin shook his head, looking down on Hiruzen Sarutobi as he personally greeted the Kumo envoys on the street.
The Kumo delegation, initially cautious, immediately grew arrogant upon seeing Hiruzen’s deference and the importance Konoha placed on their visit.
The lead envoy adopted a haughty expression. Clearly, Konoha desired peace more than they did; Kumo held the upper hand. Any initial nervousness they felt about being in Konoha vanished, replaced by smug confidence.
“How boring.”
Shin turned to leave.
“Oof—!”
A small, childlike yelp reached Shin’s ears. He looked down to see a little girl with short, lavender hair sprawled on the ground, rubbing her head. She had bumped into Shin as he turned and fallen.
“Hinata Hyūga?” Shin asked, noticing the girl’s distinctive white eyes.
Hinata looked up, her misty eyes filled with confusion. ‘Does he know me?’
Shin hadn’t expected to run into Hinata here. He reached down and helped her up.
“Watch where you’re going next time. I almost thought you were trying to scam me.” Shin crouched down and gently patted Hinata’s head.
“I… I’m sorry.” Hinata looked up at Shin fearfully, tears welling in her eyes, threatening to spill over.
Shin sighed internally.
‘Do I really look that scary?’ He might not be universally beloved, but he didn’t think he was terrifying.
“Do I look frightening?” Shin couldn’t help but ask.
Hinata lowered her head timidly, her small hands fidgeting nervously. Tears streamed down her face.
Shin felt a headache coming on, especially as he noticed the strange looks from passersby. Now they probably thought he was some bully picking on a little girl.
He scooped Hinata up and vanished. Shin swore he’d never felt so awkward.
——
He reappeared with Hinata on the rooftop of a tall building. Setting her down, he watched her quiet sobs, feeling increasingly exasperated.
“Stop crying. I didn’t even bully you.”
Hinata immediately stopped crying, looking at Shin with wide, fearful eyes, glancing around nervously.
Shin knew Hinata was naturally timid, but this was beyond what he’d expected. She seemed deeply insecure and lacking in confidence.
It was partly her nature, but also likely due to Hiashi Hyūga’s harsh parenting. Hiashi was too strict. Though a clan heiress, Hinata clearly lacked self-assurance.
Shin sat down on the roof, saying nothing. Hinata stood there hesitantly, not daring to speak.
“Aren’t you going to ask who I am?” Shin finally asked, turning to look at her.
“I… I’m sorry.” Hinata bowed again, apologizing, which only frustrated Shin further.
“You don’t need to apologize. I wasn’t blaming you.” Seeing her fragile state, Shin couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.
“Come on, I’ll take you home.”
Shin took Hinata’s hand and leaped off the rooftop. Hinata, terrified, clung to him tightly, squeezing her eyes shut, certain she was about to die.
“It’s okay,” Shin patted her head gently, prompting her to open her eyes.
“Don’t be so timid. You can’t become a proper Shinobi like this,” Shin said. He knew she possessed inner strength, but her current demeanor wasn’t suited for the shinobi life.
“M-my father says the same thing.”
Hinata looked down. Her father often told her she wasn’t cut out to be a Shinobi.
“And do you believe that?” Shin asked, ruffling her hair. It felt surprisingly soft. Hinata seemed to relax under his touch, enjoying the gentle gesture.
She had never been treated so kindly.
Her father was always strict, reprimanding her for every mistake. He rarely showed affection—hiding his love behind a stern facade.
“I feel like I can’t do anything right. Father says I have no talent,” Hinata confessed, her voice filled with self-doubt.
“Nonsense. You’re only three years old; you haven’t even started training yet. How would he know?” Shin believed Hinata had potential.
Hinata early weakness stemmed from her lack of confidence, not a lack of talent. She was the “Byakugan Princess,” After all.
“Let’s go. I’ll take you home. And I need to talk to your father about something.”
“Big brother, do you know my father?” Hinata asked, looking up at him.
“Of course. We were classmates. We weren’t exactly close, but we weren’t enemies either.”
Hinata looked at Shin with surprise. He didn’t seem like he was the same age as her father.
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