Chapter 47: Hinata's Meticulous Efforts - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

**Chapter 47: Hinata's Meticulous Efforts** Hiashi Hyuga nodded, not saying much further. Since Hinata had chosen this path herself, going on missions outside the village was inevitable. Besides, with Hinata's capabilities, Hiashi didn't need to worry excessively. Rumors reached Hiashi that on the day of the Genin assessment, Kakashi had made a trip to the Konoha Hospital, while Hinata returned spotless without a speck of dust on her. Did she really send Kakashi to the hospital? Hiashi gave a few remarks, while Hanabi looked at Hinata with reluctance in her eyes, asking, "Sister, how long will you be away on this mission outside the village?" Hinata lightly pinched Hanabi's cheek and, with a beaming smile, said, "I'll be back soon! And when I return, I'll bring you a gift, okay?" "Mhm!" Hanabi nodded enthusiastically. Although the main and branch family system of the Hyuga clan was harsh, Hanabi had come to terms with it. She always intended to protect her sister, and once Hinata assumed leadership of the main family, she would become part of the branch family to protect Hinata. Although bearing the "Caged Bird" Sealing Technique meant a lifetime without freedom, there were still decisions Hanabi could make on her own. After playing around with Hanabi for a while, Hinata returned to her room to pack for the trip. ... The next morning, the sky was high and clear, and the early sun warmly illuminated the earth. At Konoha's grand gates, towering over ten meters high, the wooden walls reaching up to tens of meters, anyone arriving here would feel a sense of insignificance. By the time Hinata arrived, Tazuna, Kakashi, and Sasuke were already there. Hinata carried a large backpack with a fishing rod slightly sticking out. The fishing rod, shyly hidden yet visible enough for others to identify it as one. With a hand to his forehead, Kakashi asked in a tone of mild exasperation, "Hinata, what all have you brought?" Hinata pondered seriously for a moment and replied, "I've brought ninja tools, changes of clothes, some spices, utensils, oh, and a fishing rod, along with some novels to kill time." "The Land of Waves is by the sea, isn't it? While Mr. Tazuna is fishing, I could fish alongside him!" Tazuna grumbled, "Hey, hey! I'm hiring you for protection, not for a vacation." Hinata reassured him with a bright smile, "Don't worry, Mr. Tazuna. C-rank missions don't involve ninja battles. If there are any, it falls under the B-rank mission category, which we're not qualified to handle. Others will come to protect you by then." Better to set the expectations now. Once the Demon Brothers appear, I'll immediately suggest abandoning the mission—only fools would risk their lives against Zabuza. Besides, the pay is meager! Wait! Abandon the mission? Have I been influenced by Naruto? I’ve already planned to abandon the mission, so why did I prepare so much? I should've come empty-handed. Alas, my intelligence... is it never returning? Hearing this, Tazuna's eyes dimmed slightly and he didn't argue any further. Kakashi glanced at Tazuna and sensed something was off. However... Kakashi glanced at Hinata again, questioning her sincerity in saying that. Before long, Naruto arrived, shouting loudly as soon as he reached the gates, "Let’s go!” The Land of Waves lies to the east of Konoha, across the sea, a small island nation. The strait between the Land of Waves and Konoha is only as wide as a large river at its narrowest, which is where Tazuna plans to build his bridge. Although Konoha is well-informed, small nations like the Land of Waves without ninja presence aren't significant enough to warrant attention from Konoha. This explains how Tazuna could hide the mission details without Konoha noticing. As for Gato? While Gato is a tycoon in the Land of Waves, in the Land of Fire, he wouldn't even make it onto the stage. Even if Zabuza was present in the Land of Waves, Konoha could easily dispatch a few teams of Anbu to handle it. Gato must've been ousted from other countries and resorted to ruling in the Land of Waves. In truth, Kakashi was aware of Gato in the Land of Waves, given its proximity to the Land of Fire, and naturally, Konoha had intelligence on the area. However, someone like Gato would only have a few samurai at most. Not only Kakashi or Hinata, but even Naruto and Sasuke could handle them easily. If only Gato was involved, the trip to the Land of Waves would indeed be a C-rank mission. But since Konoha's attention wasn't on the Land of Waves, they wouldn't be aware that Gato had hired a ninja of Zabuza's caliber. Konoha likely never imagined Gato would risk being killed by Zabuza, who might then take over his assets. Indeed, Zabuza had considered such thoughts but hadn't fully seized control of all Gato's ventures, delaying his actions. With a ninja's pacing, traveling from Konoha to the Land of Waves at full speed takes just two to three days, but Tazuna, being an ordinary person, extended the journey to over three weeks. Hinata was growing increasingly displeased with this assignment—not only was it time-consuming, but also poorly compensated and perilous. While Tazuna's actions were for his country and his deception understandable, they were nonetheless irresponsible regarding ninja lives. Hinata felt little fondness for him. But Hinata dared not show any of it. The future Seventh Hokage stood nearby, and this fool wouldn't consider all these aspects. He'd simply see Gato as despicable and Tazuna as pitiful, and for sure, help them. It's wonderful if the superior is an idiot, but if the teammate is too, it's exasperating. The group of five proceeded along the road on foot, traveling by day and camping at night, occasionally resting in towns along the way. Naruto and Sasuke initially found the journey novel; it was their first time being so far from Konoha. But within days, the endless trudging drained their enthusiasm. In contrast, Hinata was in great spirits, treating it like a vacation. With no elders from the Hyuga clan around, she was entirely off the leash—enjoying the scenery, eating, drinking, and completely unlike someone on a mission. Approaching Konoha's border, once over the sea, they would enter the territory of the Land of Waves, and yet the Demon Brothers hadn't shown up. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Just as Hinata mused about the Demon Brothers, they arrived. Noticing a conspicuous puddle, Hinata saw Kakashi glance at it when they passed by. Kakashi then fell to the back of the group. Hinata slowed her pace and followed alongside Kakashi. Kakashi was speechless for a moment. He glanced sideways at Hinata, asking, "Why are you following me?" "Hmm? Hmm?" Hinata feigned ignorance with innocent confusion, "What do you mean by 'following you'? Aren't we following Mr. Tazuna to the Land of Waves?" Heh! Honestly, I'd be fine if the Demon Brothers took me out. But let's agree, it’s not out of laziness. It’s for training Naruto and Sasuke—it’s for their own good!