Chapter 51: I Might Have Lost Millions - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

Chapter 51: I Might Have Lost Millions After defeating Zabuza and Haku, the rest of the journey was smooth. Dazna's house was a seaside two-story wooden villa. Hinata toured around. Although the house was somewhat old, it exuded a homely warmth. Dazna, that swindler, dared to pretend to be poor. In Hinata's past life, such a seaside villa was exclusively for the very wealthy! Seeing Hinata still sulking, Kakashi walked over to her, speaking in a slightly exasperated tone, "Hinata, you're a ninja now. In future missions, you'll encounter all sorts of unexpected situations. Having this kind of attitude won't do." Hinata huffed, "I'm not scared; it's just that the pay is low." "This rich family's young lady can't be short on spending money, can she?" Kakashi sighed, placing a hand on his forehead. "And you've seen Dazna's family situation; there's really no more reward they can offer. Hinata, you’re already twelve; even Naruto has matured somewhat, you..." "What?" Hinata’s tone slightly lifted in surprise. "You said we should take the house? No way, if we took their house, where would Dazna’s family live?" Dazna, who was initially approaching to invite Kakashi and Hinata for dinner, stopped in his tracks. Then swiftly retreated, disappearing from sight. Better not to engage with this topic, just pretend I didn't hear it. Kakashi and Hinata exchanged looks. Kakashi bent down, placing both hands on Hinata’s shoulders seriously. "Whatever makes you happy!" Hinata whispered, "So, will you ask Dazna for the house?" Kakashi rolled his eyes. I thought you were just trying to tease me, but you're actually serious about asking for the house. Was I too naive? Or is this how the Hyuga family amassed their wealth? Dazna returned, clearing his throat, expressionless as he asked, "The meal is ready, both of you, let's eat together after a long day." Hinata looked at Kakashi with inquiry in her eyes, and Kakashi shook his head slightly. Alright! So you're not asking for the house? Well then, let's eat! I refuse to believe they can't afford to feed us. Building a bridge takes months, doesn't it? Three meals a day, plus a midnight snack. If I can't eat back the mission reward, I won't leave. This fight with a jonin was at least an A-rank mission. If I went to the bounty office, Zabuza's head would surely fetch a couple of million, right? Haku, being an Ice Release ninja, could maybe exchange for a jutsu or two with Orochimaru. On the way to Dazna's house, Hinata calculated multiple times; this mission truly was a loss. As a Konoha ninja, I can't go to the bounty office or deal with Orochimaru, and I have to hand over the Executioner's Blade, fighting tooth and nail for an A-rank mission, only to end up with a C-rank reward. At this rate, I might just defect. I'm serious o_o Seeing Hinata's dejected demeanor, genuinely hurt, Kakashi patted her shoulder, comforting, "The Executioner's Blade is your spoil. If handed over to the village, there should be a considerable bonus." Hinata exclaimed in delight, "Really?" Kakashi, you saved a soon-to-be defector, well done! "Of course!" Kakashi stroked his chin, teasing, "So, don't always look so down. Youngsters should be energetic. Every time I see you guys, I feel old." Hinata thought Kakashi had comforted her several times today, she shouldn't keep bullying him, so she tried to comfort Kakashi instead. "Kakashi-sensei, you're actually quite young! If you died now, everyone would say you died young." Kakashi's eyelid twitched. Really, thank you for that. At the dinner table, Hinata devoured bowl after bowl. For Naruto, it was the first time eating home-cooked meals, that warm feeling instantly touching a soft spot in his heart, his eating pace on par with Hinata’s. Sasuke pondered, "How do they eat so much? Could this be the secret to their strength?" So Sasuke began to eat voraciously too. Hinata silently applauded the duo. Well done! The Dazna family: "......" Actually, Naruto and Sasuke were already stronger than most of their peers, having completed tree climbing and water walking training within a month after graduation. Kakashi, aiming to balance the team's strength for higher-ranked missions, was fulfilling his role as a teacher, occasionally guiding the trio. But compared to Hinata's progress, Naruto and Sasuke lagged far behind. After all, Hinata had been using upgrades since she was young, while Naruto and Sasuke's upgrades had only just been delivered, not even activated yet. By the end of the meal, not a single leaf was left on the table. Dazna’s daughter got up to clear the dishes. Kakashi deliberated for a moment before speaking, "Our mission is to protect Mr. Dazna until the bridge is completed. Zabuza has failed, but Gato might have even stronger ninjas..." Naruto, excited, asked, "Kakashi-sensei, you mean..." Sasuke trembled with anticipation. Throughout the journey, all the glory went to Naruto and Hinata; one wasn’t revealing the Nine Tails, the other, dominating the scene, leaving Sasuke with no opportunity to show off. Sasuke is someone who enjoys showing off, going a day without it makes him uncomfortable. Kakashi continued, "You've grown a lot during this time. But if Gato sends more people, it'll surely be two or more jonin... so, keep training diligently." "Hmm..." "Since Hinata requires only routine training, the task of protecting Mr. Dazna will fall to her." Hinata assured with a pat on her chest, "No problem, leave it to me!" Kakashi was surprised, given Hinata's character, that she agreed so readily. But then he heard Hinata suddenly ask, "By the way, I heard Kakashi-sensei is quite the cook, is this true?" I knew it wouldn't be so simple. Kakashi chuckled awkwardly, "How could I know how to cook, really!" Hinata didn't believe him, "Liar! Kakashi-sensei has been single for over twenty years; how could you not know how to cook?" Those pesky kids, truly infuriating. Kakashi struggled, "I could order takeout!" Hinata gazed at Kakashi with admiration. "I heard someone say, Kakashi-sensei, if you weren't a ninja, you could be a renowned chef extraordinaire." Naruto was surprised, "Eh! Kakashi-sensei's cooking is that good?" Kakashi waved his hands modestly, "Not as exaggerated as that, just some simple home cooking." Hinata crossed her arms, smirking, "Thought so, you can cook!" Kakashi: "……"