Afterward, Haruki met Hyuga Hiashi's girlfriend, Hyuga Kasumi.
Previously, he had been worried that his actions might cause Hinata's disappearance due to the butterfly effect.
But seeing Hyuga Kasumi's familiar face, he was almost certain she was the unnamed mother of Hinata from the original story.
"Lord Haruki," Hyuga Hiashi greeted respectfully, accompanying his girlfriend.
Compared to some time ago, his face no longer showed deep bitterness and instead had a faint smile.
His eyes were full of hope for the future, making him seem positive and motivated.
This change came after the Caged Bird crisis.
Freed from this restriction, Hiashi not only reconciled with his brother Hizashi but also made many friends his age.
Now they all progress and compete together.
Previously, it was difficult for branch family members to become friends with the main family.
Their relationships were always somewhat distant.
In short, Hiashi was very grateful to Haruki.
Haruki could see his improved state and couldn't help but reflect on how one's environment affects them.
Similar to the top student dormitories often seen in his past life.
He joked, "Having a girlfriend makes a difference, huh."
Hiashi scratched his head.
To be honest, he often dreamed of Haruki saying "Kill him" while holding a kunai, waking up in a cold sweat.
But the Haruki in front of him was completely different.
Hyuga Kasumi shyly lowered her head, her face slightly red, like a shy apple.
She looked exactly like Hinata.
In his previous life, Haruki liked the shy and strong Hinata from the anime.
'Go straight ahead and keep your word because that is my ninja way.'
The ups and downs of life make it incredibly difficult to stay true to oneself.
"I assume Lord Hiashi has mentioned what this is about," Haruki said as he took out a cue card from his storage scroll and handed it to Kasumi.
"The work of a host isn't difficult. It's mainly about controlling the scene and announcing the programs. Your appearance and temperament are perfect; you just need to practice your tone."
Kasumi, born into a noble family, naturally had a graceful and elegant demeanor.
When it came to hosts, Haruki first thought of Dong Qing(Chinese television host).
"Listen to me read the opening speech and carefully consider the tone."
Haruki cleared his throat. In the stunned gazes of the two, a warm and elegant female voice emerged.
"Falsetto, achieved by altering the vocal cords with chakra," Haruki explained. He wasn't embarrassed at all.
"Kasumi, give it a try."
"Okay."
Kasumi took a deep breath to calm herself and imitated Haruki's tone.
At first, it went well, but she became nervous and her voice trembled in the second half.
"For a first attempt, this is excellent talent."
Noticing her anxiety, Haruki encouraged, "Keep that state and try again. Just pretend we don't exist."
He knew that scolding someone introverted or nervous would have the opposite effect.
Kasumi nodded heavily.
This time, the performance was nearly perfect.
Hiashi, standing by her side, also breathed a sigh of relief.
Though a small matter, they all tried their best to meet Haruki's expectations.
"There are seven programs in the evening, so you will need to deliver seven segments of the host's speech. The date is not yet set, so you can practice in the meantime. Once familiar, try reading it in front of a crowd."
Some people are very talkative but get extremely nervous on stage.
This is due to their natural temperament and requires practice to improve.
"Okay," Kasumi answered obediently.
"One more thing," Haruki added, remembering something. "The host will have special attire. I'll send someone over later to take your measurements to ensure a proper fit."
The traditional Hyuga clothing is thick and outdated, unsuitable for an evening event.
Haruki imagined the host's attire to be a cheongsam or evening gown.
Elegant and beautiful, with both sophistication and sex appeal.
The only question was whether Kasumi would accept it.
After leaving the Hyuga family estate, Haruki went to the Hokage building.
He initially planned to discuss the Tenseigan with Kazushi and persuade him to provide personnel for Orochimaru.
But since he was already there, he also mentioned the evening celebration not yet approved by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The transformation from a convention to an evening celebration was a spontaneous decision by Haruki.
He thought a convention might be too novel for Hiruzen Sarutobi to accept, but an evening celebration had precedents, like a festival.
Though the content differed greatly.
"Lord Haruki, please enter."
"Thank you."
After thanking the Anbu ninja, Haruki entered Sarutobi's office.
As usual, Hiruzen wore his Hokage robes and smoked his pipe, looking very serious and formal.
No one knew what he had been watching through his crystal ball moments earlier.
"Lord Hokage."
"Haruki, here for another photo shoot?" Sarutobi recalled the commotion caused by the previous issue of "Konoha Daily."
A simple photo had caused quite a stir.
In some ways, this audacious fellow had deceived him.
However... ahem, the photo had a certain charm, and the character illustrations in "Sword Art Online" were deeply to his liking.
"No, but it's somewhat related," Haruki said, his expression somewhat peculiar.
"What I want is to host a celebration to honor our victory over Sunagakure under your leadership."
Sarutobi instinctively exhaled a ring of smoke. "Isn't it too soon? We just won. We shouldn't waste money on this."
His words indicated a refusal.
"The New Konoha Bookstore will cover the celebration's expenses," Haruki smiled slightly. "I call it a sponsorship fee."
"A sponsorship fee?" Sarutobi inquired.
"Another form of advertising. A celebration will attract a large crowd, and the New Konoha Bookstore will cover the costs. In return, we will promote the bookstore at the event to increase its visibility." Haruki provided examples.
After listening, Sarutobi was surprised.
He had never heard of such a sponsorship fee, but upon reflection, it made sense.
The principle was the same.
But thinking of Haruki's recent activities, he advised, "These are ultimately minor matters. Haruki, you must prioritize medical ninjutsu."
"I will remember your teachings, Lord Hokage."
Haruki bowed slightly, his face turning serious.
"The New Konoha Bookstore has developed with everyone's support. I thought of holding this celebration to give back to those who appreciate us and to help everyone move past the war's shadow."
Sarutobi was deeply moved.
Such a deep love for the village rivaled his own!
"I misunderstood you. You may organize the celebration. If anyone opposes, report to me."
"Yes!"
With his goal achieved, Haruki and Sarutobi both smiled.
The atmosphere in the office was harmonious.
Anyone witnessing it would say the Hokage cared deeply for his subordinates.