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Chapter 164: Shion and Hinata's First Meeting
"The village... Comrades..." Hinata froze, whispering softly.
Naturally, she didn't want the village or her comrades to be hurt. But the meaning and intonation of these words sounded so strange, as if something bad was about to happen to her.
She had once secretly read some small manga with Ino, Sakura, and Tenten. In them, there were very bad people who said similar things to the heroine, and then...
Thinking of this, Hinata's heart skipped a beat, feeling very ominous.
Could the White Tiger be...
Yamete...
Her face turned red visibly, steam rising from her head. It was unclear if it was anger or shame—perhaps both. She thought she was captured for interrogation to harm the village. But unexpectedly, the other party's purpose was so singular—it was for her...
She didn't know whether to sigh in relief or be nervous...
Hinata crossed her arms over her chest, causing a turbulent wave, and looked at Konan warily. "You... Don't think about doing bad things to me! I won't submit to you!"
As a ninja, she knew how miserable the fate of falling into enemy hands could be and had long been prepared.
Hehehe...
Watching Hinata's shy yet secretly angry appearance, Alex was instantly reminded of the doujinshi landmines he had stepped on before crossing over.
Konan walked forward step by step.
"You... What are you doing..." Hinata hugged her chest tightly, her assets squeezing out from her arms. Her heart rose to her throat. "You... Don't come over, don't come over..."
She wanted to retreat, but her legs were restricted by the shadow and couldn't move at all.
Seeing Konan arrive right in front of her, the corners of her mouth carrying a mysterious smile, Hinata subconsciously shouted, "Yamete—!"
She even closed her eyes, daring not to look at the unspeakable things that would happen next.
Her heart wailed: Naruto-kun... Sob, I'm sorry, I can't chase your back anymore. I might not be able to return... Hanabi... Father, I—
Hmm???
Hearing footsteps pass by, Hinata peeked through a slit in her eyes. It was empty in front of her. The White Tiger hadn't stopped in front of her but had walked straight past.
Did I misunderstand??
"Eh, eh, eh..."
Hinata suddenly cried out in surprise, finding her legs moving uncontrollably. Alex used the Shadow Imitation Technique to control her body, following behind Konan.
It was almost noon. Konan hadn't eaten breakfast and had fought in Konoha, so she was indeed a bit hungry. She wouldn't do anything to Hinata right now. Even if there was 'guidance', it had to wait until night. Only then would it fit the mood of late-night guidance.
"Where... Where are you taking me?" Hinata was still full of wariness. Her long legs stepping automatically made her feel very uneasy about the loss of control.
"To eat," Alex replied. "Heaven and earth are big, but eating is the biggest."
"You probably haven't eaten your fill in Konoha, have you? You're clearly a big eater, but you always pretend to have a normal appetite when eating with friends or family."
"Hmm????" Hinata jerked her head up, looking at Konan's back.
The voice in her head shocked her greatly. The fact that she was a big eater was unknown even to her family and close friends. Where did this person get the information? Had the other party been watching, or even monitoring her all along?
Thinking of this, Hinata's eyes became complicated. There was indignation, shyness, and awkwardness... If the other party had truly been watching, then the things she often did in secret were all seen...
Ah, that's too shameful...
Alex looked at Hinata strangely. Why did she suddenly lower her head so much, wishing she could shrink into her chest?
"Lady Konan," Kameda greeted them as soon as the door opened, bowing respectfully. "Lunch is ready. It mainly features top-grade BBQ from the Fire Country, so please proceed to the deck pavilion for dining."
Konan hummed a response and walked ahead. Kameda remained bowed, not looking at or asking about Hinata, who seemed to have popped out of nowhere. He followed silently at the rear.
The group arrived on the deck. The sun was shining, a gentle breeze blew, and the scent of grass and trees filled the air. Under the careful maintenance of Kameda and his team over these days, the Hanging Gardens were becoming more worthy of the name. Just one look was refreshing.
"Lady Konan."
In the pavilion, Honoka, Samui, Shion, and Ryuzetsu stood up quickly to greet her. A grill was already set on the table, along with various exquisite ingredients.
"Sit, everyone," Konan sat in the main seat.
Alex landed in front of her, sprawling out lazily on her assets. The girls had seen the uniqueness of this paper before, so they weren't too surprised. However, when they saw Hinata still standing, they gasped in surprise.
"Hyuga clan?"
"Wow, Shion, she looks just like you."
"That's right. Except for hair color and pupils, they look like they were carved from the same mold."
Shion was also startled by Hinata's face; it was like seeing another version of herself.
Hinata stared at her, stunned for a moment, then said, "Hello, I am Hinata. You must be Shion... I heard Naruto mention you, saying we look very alike."
Half a year ago, when Naruto returned from the mission in the Demon Country, he had excitedly told her about Shion. At that time, she couldn't understand how there could be a stranger in the world who looked so much like her. But seeing it with her own eyes now, the other party really was ninety percent similar. If she switched to Byakugan and dyed her hair blue-black, she would practically be her.
"Naruto..." Shion repeated subconsciously, her face unchanging. Suddenly, she realized that hearing this familiar name again stirred no ripples in her heart. It was as if he were a stranger... totally indifferent, uncaring.
Clearly, in the Demon Country palace not long ago, she had missed him for half a year. That blonde figure appeared in her mind almost every night. But since coming here, she hadn't thought of him once.
Naruto... is insignificant now. To her, that name and person had no meaning.
Shion sneakily glanced at the seated Konan, her gaze focusing on the white paper lying leisurely there. It was very special and always liked to tease her. Thinking of those blushing scenes, her cheeks felt hot. Even now, she couldn't distinguish if that paper was Lady Konan's avatar or someone else...
But as Samui said, who cared what it was? They were all satisfied with the 'Private Customization' service. They just had to enjoy it.
Shion took a light breath, steadied herself, and looked at Hinata. "Hello, I am Shion."
"Welcome. I believe you will like it here."
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