(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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"You go back first; I'll just report to Lord Third."
"After a couple of days of rest, we'll continue taking on missions."
Back in Konoha, Maruboshi Kosuke did not ask Colt to accompany him to the Hokage Building to hand in the mission report.
Anyway, the standard mission debriefs only needed to be registered.
Colt nodded when he heard this, "Then I will trouble you, Maruboshi-Senpai."
He did have the idea of going to see Hinata and Ino first.
As for the gifts for others, it's fine to distribute them when he gets the opportunity.
Seeing Colt's hurried footsteps, Maruboshi Kosuke smiled.
He liked this kid more and more.
Carrying his Wok, Maruboshi Kosuke made his way to the Hokage Building and met with the Third.
"You're back? How did it go?"
The Third didn't look up but continued processing the documents on his desk. After reading one, he stamped his seal and then moved to the next one.
The big Chunin Exam event was getting closer, and more matters were piling up.
So far, there have been many ninja villages preparing envoys to participate.
In addition, there will also be nobility and even prominent figures from many countries attending.
Konoha must do all the preparations and showcase its strength to the outside world.
This kept the 69-year-old Third Hokage very busy, even looking haggard lately.
On top of that, even his daily spying program had to be cut by two hours.
"Everything went smoothly; I finally understand why you favor Colt so much."
"In time, he will become the main pillar supporting Konoha."
The Third raised his head in surprise, he did not expect Kosuke Maruboshi to give such a lofty evaluation.
"Tell me in detail."
Maruboshi Kosuke recounted everything one by one, and the Third grinned as he listened.
What he was happy about was not just Colt's strength, but more so Colt's judgment and behavior.
Punishing the wicked with lethal force while showing mercy to the weak.
This was the true measure of a Kage's character.
"Then it will take another month for you to continue mentoring him. After he has accumulated enough experience, I will have him return to Team 7 to foster teamwork."
"No problem," Kosuke Maruboshi agreed without hesitation. He also wanted to see how far Colt could ultimately go.
On the other hand, Colt found Hinata very easily.
After all, Konoha's genins cycle through those D-rank mission locations repeatedly, and the areas were fixed zones.
Coupled with his familiarity with Hinata's chakra signature, he soon spotted Team 8 working by a river.
"Colt!"
When Hinata saw the person she liked, she immediately threw away the weeds in her hands and ran into Colt's embrace.
Though it's only been a few days since they last saw each other, but she had sorely missed him.
She had been a little distracted during missions these days.
Now that Colt was back, she was relieved.
Holding Hinata tightly, Colt also expressed his feelings through actions.
Unable to hold back, he kissed her.
!!
Hinata's eyes widened, her cheeks flushed crimson, and she fainted dead away.
This time Colt felt a bit dumbstruck.
As he got a bit emotional, he briefly forgot about Hinata's extremely shy personality.
Not knowing whether to laugh or cry, he carried the unconscious Hinata gently and said apologetically to Kurenai Yuhi, who was watching the spectacle with great interest:
"Kurenai-san, Hinata can't carry out the mission like this, so I'll take her away first."
"Shino, Kiba, I'll leave the rest to you two."
Kurenai said teasingly: "Then I'll leave Hinata to you, but you do know that some things are still a bit early for you kids, don't you?"
Colt: ...
'This Kurenai-sensei is quite the tease.'
"Don't worry, Hinata is too young, so I won't mess around. Besides, If I wanted that sort of thing then I should be pursuing a beautiful lady like Sensei."
He cheekily said and before Kurenai could react, Colt leaped onto the rooftops while carrying Hinata in his arms.
With a few hops, he disappeared from Kurenai's line of sight.
And Kurenai just stood there blankly.
'This cheeky brat, did he really flirt with me right now?'
Thinking of this, Kurenai took a swig from her canteen, and a blush appeared on her face.
It's all Kakashi's fault. He indulges in that Icha-Icha trash daily, and now he's corrupting the children too.
In her mind, Colt's handsome visage kept appearing for a bit.
...
Hinata's fainting spell didn't last long, it was just a temporary stress response from her body.
However, she was still a little shy when she woke up, and Colt's hand was also firmly grasping hers.
The intimate posture between the two was very close.
"C-Colt, can you let me go?"
"No," Colt refused flatly, "I'm here to help you adjust to our future life."
"Imagine that we have to live together for a lifetime. Being so shy isn't going to work from now on."
Hinata heard what Colt said about their shared life, her heart warmed, and she even forgot her usual shyness.
For the whole afternoon, the two of them treated Konoha as their personal lovers' lane, just like other young couples.
The two strolled along the bustling market street, looking for interesting shops and sights.
They also went to Ichiraku Ramen. Under the surprised eyes of Pops Teuchi, Hinata ate fifteen consecutive bowls.
Finally, they went to the Hokage Rock carvings, where Colt personally put on the bracelet he had bought for Hinata.
In the setting sun's glow, he kissed her again.
Only this time, Hinata didn't faint, but responded with wholehearted ardor.
...
As night fell, the world of the two lovers came to an end.
Hinata reluctantly held Colt's hand and walked towards the Hyuga Clan Compound.
Their relationship had increased so rapidly in just those few hours, now at the intimate boyfriend-girlfriend stage. After all, they had been together since young, and today was an outlet for them to express themselves.
It's just like that, not to mention how giddy and warm Hinata felt in her heart.
It's just that the Hyuga clan's strict rules mandate a curfew time for members to return home daily.
Hinata couldn't defy or change those traditions either.
At the last moment, Colt and Hinata arrived at the Hyuga Clan gates.
The figure of Hiashi Hyuga appeared there unexpectedly, and another little girl with white eyes was standing beside him.
It was her younger sister, Hyuga Hanabi.
This was the first time Colt had met Hanabi in person.
He found that the cuteness of the little sister was not at all inferior to Hinata at that age.
In fact, she seemed even a little livelier.
Hanabi's eyes widened, looking at her older sister and this handsome big brother holding hands intimately.
And Hiashi looked at them impassively.
Hinata was taken aback by her father's sudden appearance and subconsciously wanted to withdraw her hand from Colt's grip.
However, it was held firmly by Colt instead.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here."
These few simple words gave Hinata infinite courage.
Some confrontations had to happen sooner than later, and even her formidable father couldn't stop her determination to be with Colt.
The intimate actions of the young couple were all witnessed by Hiashi.
He finally spoke up.
"Kamiyo Colt, I think we should have a chat!"