After spending a full day in the Chaos Temple, Romon and Hinata Hyuga returned to the Hyuga clan's patriarch's room.
Compared to before, both of their chakra reserves had grown significantly.
For example, Hinata's chakra had increased from the level of an average Genin to that of a Chūnin.
Romon, on the other hand perhaps due to his resemblance to his original Earth self, or maybe because he held the largest core fragment of the soul had absorbed power at an even faster rate than Hinata, the princess of the Hyuga clan.
Now, his chakra levels had reached that of a standard Jōnin. Roughly speaking, he now possessed a full 'Kakashi' level of chakra.
In addition, both Romon and Hinata's dōjutsu abilities had improved. Their Byakugan eyesight had become sharper, capable of perceiving far greater distances.
They had also deepened their mastery over water-nature chakra transformation, greatly enhancing the power of any water-based jutsu they cast.
"That was definitely a meaningful journey," Romon said, raising his palm. Instantly, a blue Rasengan formed and began spinning rapidly in his hand.
With a thought, he infused it with water-nature chakra.
In that moment, the Rasengan transformed. Its color deepened, its size grew, and its spinning vortex now resembled roaring ocean waves, complete with the crashing sound of water.
Hinata watched the transformation and remarked, "This is a Water-Style Rasengan something that never appeared in the Naruto anime. What's more impressive is the high purity of the water-nature chakra you infused. It elevated this Rasengan from an A-rank to an S-rank jutsu."
Romon nodded slightly, still focused on the swirling orb in his hand. "Indeed. I can feel it. If I were to release this, it could create a whirlpool river and pull enemies into it grinding them to pieces."
Hinata immediately stopped him. "Don't you dare. If you actually throw that thing, you'll destroy the Hyuga residence. Then we'll both be homeless and worse, we'd be marked as rogue ninja by Konoha and end up on the wanted list!"
"Relax. I'm not that reckless."
As his words fell, Romon gradually compressed the Rasengan in his palm and then crushed it with his fingers.
Hinata nodded in approval, then said, "We've been in the Chaos Temple all day and haven't had a proper meal. We've only been surviving on Hyuga clan pills I brought along, soldier pills, and some sweet mini cakes from Furina."
"I'm starving now."
Romon chuckled, remembering their time in the temple sharing secret medicine and Furina's cakes. The memory of Furina's puffed cheeks and heartbroken expression when they took her snacks was still vivid. It had been an amusing sight.
With a soft smile, Romon gently took Hinata's hand. "Let's go. I'm ready to live off the Hyuga princess's generosity."
"Eat as much as you want... But before we do that, make sure to deactivate your Byakugan. Otherwise, I'll have a hard time explaining how you have it," she replied with a smile.
Romon nodded and returned his eyes to their normal state.
Hinata stood up, pushed open the door, and called out to a guard:
"I'm hungry. Hyuga Tō, bring us food. And not just for me prepare a full serving for Romon too. Actually, give him fifty percent more than mine."
"..."
There was no response.
Hinata frowned in confusion, then quickly realized the problem:
She and Romon had been gone for a whole day inside the Chaos Temple.
Hyuga Tō, a branch family guard, had probably noticed something was wrong, taken the risk of entering the clan head's quarters, and discovered they had vanished.
Realizing this, Hinata immediately activated her Byakugan. Using its 360-degree perception, she quickly found that the clan's ninja were using Body Flicker techniques to search the area, likely fearing she had been kidnapped.
Hinata said, "Let's go."
"Where to?" Romon asked.
"To find my father. He thinks I've been kidnapped and is scouring the area with the others.
"We need to let him know we're safe and haven't been abducted."
"Alright."
Romon nodded.
Hand in hand, the two left the patriarch's room and headed toward the location with the highest concentration of Hyuga chakra.
It wasn't long before a Hyuga branch family ninja, who had been searching the compound, spotted them:
"Lady Hinata?
And… is that the guy suspected of kidnapping her?"
He needed to report this to Clan Head Hiashi immediately.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
"Body Flicker Technique!"
The branch ninja left a clone to monitor them and used Body Flicker to swiftly report to the clan head.
Within seconds, Hinata's field of vision filled with the chakra signature of a powerful presence approaching at high speed.
Moments later, the figure appeared before her.
"Hinata! You're safe!" Hiashi exclaimed.
Hinata smiled. "I'm fine, Father. There's no need to continue the search I wasn't kidnapped or missing.
"I simply took Romon with me to fulfill a personal mission. As I mentioned before, it's a secret I can't disclose yet."
Hiashi's expression darkened. "I'm sorry, Hinata, but I can't accept that. The clan spent immense effort searching for you.
"Even worse, rumors are spreading in the village people are saying that the Hyuga heiress eloped with someone!
"And the Elders are furious. They've already investigated Romon and believe he's an ordinary person with no chakra talent.
"They think being with someone like him would dilute the Hyuga bloodline.
"So you must report exactly where you went, and Romon... must be dealt with. At the very least, he must be expelled from the clan."
Hinata looked directly at Hiashi with her Byakugan active and said, "Father, that's not just the Elders' opinion, is it? It's what you believe too."
"..."
Hiashi remained silent.
That silence spoke volumes.