Chapter 41: Kakashi Absolutely Must Pay Up - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

### Chapter 41: Kakashi Absolutely Must Pay Up Sasuke wanted to ask for training advice, but he just couldn't bring himself to find the words to ask Hinata. It wasn't just about pride. During Sasuke and Hinata's time, the Uchiha and Hyuga clans were rivals. Before the Uchiha massacre, Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga often reminded Sasuke and Hinata, emphatically, that they had to surpass each other at the ninja academy. Hinata noticed the hesitation on Sasuke's face but chose to ignore it. After all, Naruto and Sasuke were destined to become gods; what did it matter if they were a bit weaker now? So, what was our Miss Hinata up to? Hinata was grilling meat. In fact, she was already full, but she was preparing some grilled meat to take home for Hanabi and Neji, especially since Kakashi was treating them anyway! Kakashi had been single for nearly thirty years, becoming a jōnin at twelve and working in the Anbu for several years, with little reason to spend money otherwise. Over the years, who knows how much Kakashi had saved up. Hinata had calculated Kakashi's finances and deduced that his savings were enough to feed and satisfy himself for over a decade. Living under Kakashi's command, she wouldn't have to worry about food and drink in the future. After finishing the grilled meat, the trio parted ways, and Hinata took the meat home. Hanabi was already seven years old this year. She had made the same choice as Hinata and went to the ninja academy. But today, the academy was on break. Hinata brought the grilled meat to Hanabi, shared a warm moment with her, and then went to find Neji. Actually, Hinata wasn't sure if Neji was home. If not, she'd have to eat the grilled meat herself. 'Knock knock!' Just as she approached Neji's courtyard, Hinata heard the sound of someone hitting a wooden post. "Neji brother!" "Hinata-sama!" Neji stopped his training and walked over, as Hinata handed him the grilled meat with a sweet smile, saying, "I passed the Genin exam today. Our team leader treated us to grilled meat, and I brought some back for you!" Neji accepted the box with a smile. "Congratulations!" Hinata and Neji sat in the corridor, with Neji eating the grilled meat while Hinata casually talked about the survival exercise from earlier. Sensing the moment was right, Hinata suddenly said, "Neji brother, I have to tell you, Kakashi-sensei is really unreliable. He promised to treat us to grilled meat today, but then just ran off, and in the end, we had to leave on credit." Neji: "..." Why do I have a bad feeling about this? Hinata glanced at Neji and continued, "I heard that Might Guy-sensei is Kakashi-sensei's rival. Could you ask Guy-sensei to have a word with Kakashi about this?" As expected... The bad feeling came true! Neji knew Hinata well enough to understand that beneath her sweet, cute, and well-behaved exterior lay a rather devious mind. He couldn't help but feel sorry for Kakashi. Neji had no idea how much grilled meat Hinata had eaten, but since she packed some to take home, it was clear she intended for Kakashi to pay a hefty price to avoid misfortune! Neji hesitated and said, "You could just talk directly to Kakashi-sensei tomorrow yourself." Hinata gave Neji a look that seemed to say 'hopeless case,' and asked, "Has your Guy-sensei ever treated you to a meal?" Neji candidly replied, "Many times. Guy-sensei might be... quite single-minded, but he's a really good person!" Hinata sighed, "Why haven't I met such a good teacher? Ugh! What if Kakashi-sensei never pays up?" Turning her gaze to Neji, Hinata continued with a faint voice, "I heard that if many people persuade one person on a matter, the effect is usually quite good. Neji brother, could you have Guy-sensei spread the word among Konoha's jōnin to persuade Kakashi-sensei to pay up..." "If this happens, Kakashi-sensei will surely pay." Neji couldn't help but worry for Kakashi having subordinates like Hinata. His future days would likely be quite challenging. Hinata had a vindictive side. Of course, Neji would only keep this thought to himself, rather than risk Hinata's wrath by saying it out loud. He had once asked Hinata why she always fought Sasuke during the taijutsu sparring classes. Initially, Neji thought it was to assert the Hyuga name over the Uchiha. But Hinata had replied: "Neji brother, do you remember when we ran into the Uchiha brothers while shopping when I was five? Sasuke snorted at me." For that incident, Hinata had fought with Sasuke in the ninja academy for six years straight. So Neji couldn't begin to imagine how many meals Hinata would want from Kakashi to compensate for the emotional scarring of the "Kakashi-disappearing act." Not only did Hinata indulge herself with Kakashi's treat, but she also wanted the entire circle of Konoha's jōnin to know about his absence. Hinata patted Neji's shoulder with a smile and said, "Neji brother, I'm counting on you for this. Oh, and Choji, Shikamaru, and Kiba must have passed the Genin exam too. I should go check on them!" Indeed! Having just Might Guy know wasn't enough; she meant to broadcast it across all of Konoha's jōnin. How could Hinata possibly let Kakashi skip out on the bill? He had personally said today that he would treat them to grilled meat. If Kakashi truly refused to pay, Hinata would make him famous throughout the ninja world. From today onward, the Copy Ninja of Konoha, Kakashi, would be replaced by the "Skipping Bill Ninja" Kakashi. Hinata recalled her philosophy in the original series: "I always speak my mind; that's my ninja way." Though she had borrowed it from Naruto, it sometimes served her well. Speak your mind and deliver on your words! This was her ninja way for today! Hinata, adhering to her way, first went to Ino and Sakura, then visited Shikamaru, Choji, and Kiba. Throughout, she only asked one thing: "Has your teacher ever taken you out to eat?" Yes? I'm really envious of you! Let me tell you, Kakashi-sensei agreed to buy us dinner, then left halfway through. We barely managed to get out of the grill shop on credit. Back at home, Hinata thought of something else. Tomorrow, Team 7 would gather for a mission, and Kakashi was bound to be late. Hinata sighed, "So exhausting! I still have to cure Kakashi's 'condition'—need to think carefully about what kind of traps to set for him tomorrow." "Achoo!" Meanwhile, Kakashi, in the Hokage's office reporting to the Third Hokage, had no idea that if he didn't pay the bill at the grill shop on time, his reputation would change from the "Copy Ninja" to the infamous "Bill-Dodging Ninja." The Third Hokage rubbed his temples and said softly, "Kakashi, you're late." Kakashi would swear he hadn't done it on purpose this time. He had gone to the hospital! To check if any of his internal organs had issues. But, who knows if the Third would believe such an excuse. Hah! It's not an excuse; it's the truth. Kakashi retrieved a treatment slip from Konoha Hospital from his ninja pouch, placing it on the Hokage's desk, and weakly said, "Lord Third, this was a work injury; could it be reimbursed?" The Third Hokage: "..."