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Chapter 99: Overlapping Timelines
On the eve of leaving the village, the air was filled with a prelude to a storm.
Although this time the alliance is only known to people of a certain status in the village, many ninjas noticed something unusual from some subtle clues.
There were even many who mistakenly believed that a war was about to break out.
Although it is true that if something goes wrong with the alliance plan, it could directly lead to the outbreak of war.
Compared to other people's worries, Ryosuke was unbothered, because he prepared everything that needs to be addressed and is just waiting to leave the village and go to the Land of Waves, ready to act accordingly.
With his free time, Ryosuke took Hinata and Hanabi to stroll around the village and give himself a day off.
"Since you're out here to play, don't stress yourself. Relax your tense nerves appropriately. Maybe you will think of a solution to your troubles while you are relaxing."
Ryosuke looked helplessly at Hinata who was holding his hand with one hand and Hanabi with the other.
But unfortunately, Hinata is facing a lot of pressure now. The matter of Hanabi was like a huge rock pressing on her heart, making it impossible for her to relax.
There was no other way, Ryosuke could only find something she usually liked. For example... eating.
It seemed that Hanabi had noticed that her sister was in a bad mood recently, and she followed her sister obediently, not throwing tantrums like usual.
However, although they knew that Hinata liked to eat, what to eat was a century-old problem. Wandering around the village, Ryosuke looked for a gourmet restaurant that usually satisfied Hinata. But seeing that she didn't seem interested, he had to change to another store.
Finally, they stopped at a deep-fry shop. Hinata stared blankly at the name of the fried food shop and the people coming and going.
"Can we have dinner at this restaurant?" She couldn't help but ask in a soft voice.
"Sure, sure. I like this."
Finally hearing her sister speak, Hanabi replied happily without any hesitation. But... this time they went out without any guards. The money, naturally, goes to Ryosuke. Whether or not they can dine in this restaurant is also up to him to decide.
Noticing Hinata's expression just now, Ryosuke nodded, "Of course, if you want."
Although he didn't know what changes had taken place in Hinata's heart, the expression on Hinata's face seemed to be that of nostalgia. The last time they came to this store seemed to be when they were four years old, which was shortly after he and Hinata started training.
His steps were somewhat impatient, but his expression remained expressionless. Hinata took the lead and walked into the fried food shop. The atmosphere became as quiet as it was four years ago. No one spoke loudly, but everyone was paying attention to the three children.
What was more surprising was that the kid who had bullied Hinata was also enjoying lunch with his father in this restaurant. But this time, he was not as arrogant as before. Instead, when Hinata's cold gaze swept over him, he lowered his head in panic and dared not look directly at her. It seemed like... he already knew what Hinata meant to this village and understood the difference in power and status.
"What would you like to eat?"
The boss was still the one they knew ,with his daughter helping out in the store. But this time, there was no Hyuga Souji and the others to help order the food, so Ryosuke had to go forward himself.
"Serve one of everything on this menu."
He pointed to the menu next to him and took out a small bag of silver and placed it on the counter. Unlike regular customers like Souji and Hoshicai, Ryosuke had only been here once and had no idea what was worth ordering in this store. So, he ordered one of each.
They were not worried about wasting the food because Ryosuke and Hinata have big appetites.
"okay, it will be served soon."
At first, the boss was a little confused and didn't understand what he meant. Then he nodded quickly, without any suggestion or dissuasion.
"Gardenia, quickly lead our three customers to the innermost private room."
As expected, the girl who led the way was still the same girl. Hinata was waiting beside them holding Hanabi's hand. Just like last time, she didn't say a word the whole time, but her expression was no longer as weak as before with her head down. Instead, she looked straight ahead, appearing noble.
Silently following the boss's daughter who was leading the way, Ryosuke and the others once again arrived at the aisle. And time and events overlapped again, and when they entered the corridor, the diners in the hall made noises again.
"That's the eldest daughter of the Hyuga family, huh? She looks just like the rumors said, and she's not someone you'd want to mess with."
"The glance she gave me just now gave me goosebumps."
"That's true, she's the eldest daughter of the largest clan in the village."
The discussions about their identities once again reached Ryosuke's ears. But this time, Hinata was different from before. She had learned sensory ninjutsu and opened her Byakugan, so it was not difficult for her to notice these discussions.
Although these words were not compliments, they inexplicably brought a lot of comfort to her heart. She had definitely changed.
"So Ryosuke had already started protecting me at that time?"
Halfway through their meal, Ryosuke suddenly heard Hinata, who was sitting next to Hanabi on the other side of the table, speak. As she spoke, she kept her eyes on Ryosuke.
"At that time... you asked Souji and Hoshicai to help me pass the message because... they said some bad things, right? They said that I... had a cowardly character and was not suitable to be a ninja or something like that."
Hinata's tone was certain. She has been listening to words like these since she was a child, intentionally or unintentionally. Whether it was people in the clan or outsiders, there will occasionally be discussions. Although she would stop talking every time she walked past, she had already heard it all and remembered it in her mind.
But at some point, such voices seemed to gradually become less and less, and they... began to recognize her abilities and began to feel that she was qualified to be the Family Head.
"You have a good memory."
When Ryosuke heard her question, he didn't remember anything at first, after all, there were too many things in his mind. But he soon realized what she was talking about.
After hesitating for a moment, although Hinata was very touched in her heart, she just pursed her lips which were covered with oil and water, and said, "Thank you."
She felt a little embarrassed, as if she had received a lot of favors inadvertently.
"What are you thanking me for? You are my futurewife." Ryosuke said in a gentle voice, "The seat next to me has always been reserved for you. You said you would stand by my side and face the future with me."
(End of this chapter)