She had discovered a new, ingenious use for the home-space: the time differential. One hour outside equaled ten hours inside. Though a person's physical body could not enter, consciousness could — and knowledge could be practiced. That meant she could memorize, study, and train skills inside the home-space at a rate far beyond normal. For sealing techniques, which required long, meticulous study, the ten-to-one ratio was priceless.
Outwardly, Hinata still appeared sleepy to others. She could nod off leaning against a stall while shopping or fall asleep the instant a conversation lulled. The family teased her with new nicknames — after "Big Barrel Hinata" and "Relentless Hinata," her parents and sister began calling her "Little Pig Hinata," because she ate and slept like one. She took the teasing in good humor.
Her daily life settled into a steady pattern: eat, train, sleep. Occasionally she added a side project — studying a seal, testing a line of script, or experimenting with a new stance. It was methodical, industrious, and unflashy.
Naruto had left the village with Jiraiya, supposedly to find somebody worthy to be the next Hokage. Sasuke had been hospitalized for reasons Kurenai skirted when Hinata asked. Kurenai smiled and changed the subject, leaving Hinata curious but without a direct answer. Kurenai did, however, mention that Hinata had a high chance of promotion in this Chunin Exam — a quiet affirmation of the progress everyone had seen.
Hinata's strength was only one measure of her worth. Her contribution during the exams went beyond fighting: she had defused a potential brawl before the written test, concealed a clever bit of cheating in the exam room to help a teammate, and risked herself in the Forest of Death to rescue fellow Konoha shinobi while keeping the mission's priority. Each genin had an observer taking notes; the reports on Hinata were unanimous. She had prioritized the mission without abandoning her comrades — the ideal balance.
"Those who break the rules are trash," Kurenai told her once, tapping Hinata's head with a fond smile, "but those who don't value their comrades are worse. You did well, Hinata."
Hinata had been qualified for promotion the moment she handed the Heavenly Scroll to Shino and stayed behind to cover the retreat. The decision was kept quiet until the new Hokage assumed office.
… [8]
"Hinata Hyuga, Shikamaru Nara — in light of your performance in the Chunin Exams, and with the Daimyō's approval, you are promoted to Chunin." Tsunade's announcement in the Hokage's office was brief and formal.
When Hinata and Shikamaru stepped out of the building, they were immediately surrounded by their peers. Graduates from the same year clustered around: where Shikamaru went, so did Choji and Ino; where Ino went, so did Sakura; Naruto and Sasuke hovered nearby. On Hinata's side stood Kiba and Shino; Neji's presence meant Tenten and Rock Lee were close by.
When the grudges between Neji and the main family were put to rest after the exams, Hinata felt a lightness she hadn't had in a long time. Seeing Neji resolve his inner conflict quietly pleased her.
The celebration that night became a reunion. Twelve of them gathered at a barbecue restaurant: genin and the Jonin who led their teams sat at a separate table. Hinata, shy as ever, kept quiet while others talked. Neji, seated beside her, helped pass plates and pick skewers for her. He was attentive in a way that made her curious about what had changed him.
She moderated her portions — still less than Choji's but more than others expected. The group teased her as a "big eater," and the nickname stuck in affectionate laughter. When the banquet wound down, Hinata lingered, asking to take several more platters home. She wanted her family to enjoy the feast.
"Kurenai-sensei, more?" Hinata asked, blushing as Kurenai, pleasantly drunk, offered more food.
"Of course — take it all," Kurenai slurred happily, waving a hand. "If you don't have enough, I'll buy more!"
Hinata accepted the generosity, piling pork, beef, lamb, and vegetables into packages until the restaurant was nearly emptied and bowed politely as they left. The bill made the server stare blankly at the long string of zeroes. Kurenai, overcome by the night, promptly passed out. Kakashi, feeling the awkwardness, muttered an excuse about airing clothes and slipped away. Asuma tried to cover the tab, and Guy—after a moment's protest about funds—somersaulted out the window in his usual dramatic exit. The remaining Jonin sorted the payment as best they could, and the group departed amid laughter and lingering merriment.
…
When Hinata returned home, ready to enjoy a hearty meal, she was surprised to find that her father had arranged a celebration in her honor.
Smiling faintly, she decided to save the barbecue she'd brought home for a midnight snack and focus on the meal her family had prepared.
"Now that you've become a Chunin," Hiashi began, trying not to look directly at his daughter's puffed cheeks as she devoured food from her wooden tub, "you're qualified to undertake B-rank and C-rank missions. What are your plans?"
Hinata looked up with her usual gentle smile, her voice sweet but firm.
"Plans? I like staying at home."
Hiashi frowned.
"That won't do! The clan can't sustain this forever. Being a Chunin isn't the same as being a Genin! Genin handle D-rank missions and stay in the village, but Chunins often travel outside for B- and C-rank missions!"
He nearly slipped and said more than he intended.
Hinata shook her head.
"I still want to stay home."
Hiashi sighed heavily.
"There's nothing I can do about that. Rules are rules — Chunins must leave the village on missions. You're the one who worked hard to earn that title."
"Then… can I be demoted back to Genin?" Hinata asked, tilting her head slightly. "I liked being a Genin."
Hiashi's expression froze. The only sound that escaped him was a long, helpless sigh.
…
Leaving the village for missions was inevitable. Hinata knew that. But if she couldn't change what she had to do, she could at least delay when she did it.
A little delay wasn't breaking the rules, was it? And as for how long that "little while" would be… she would simply do her best to stretch it.
If Hiashi could have read her thoughts, he would have slammed the table in frustration.
…
That evening, Hinata sat on the balcony, digesting her meal and reflecting on what becoming a Chunin really meant.
She couldn't stay in the village forever. Chunin responsibilities weren't about privilege; they were duty — a burden that came with the position. And though the Hyuga were a great and noble clan, even their resources couldn't withstand the daily toll of supporting her training indefinitely.
She would have to venture beyond home. For the sake of her growth — and the family's stability — she had to move forward.
Hinata quietly resolved what she needed to do.