Chapter 57: Hinata, Skillful at Human Relations - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

### Chapter 57: Hinata, Skillful at Human Relations Having a ninja from the Hyuga clan as a teammate is truly a blessing. The Byakugan allows you to detect enemies hidden in the shadows. Hinata scanned the area three times with her Byakugan, not because the enemies were well-hidden, but because… there were no enemies at all. What exactly gave Kado the courage to think that hiring a bunch of second-rate wandering samurai would be enough to handle ninjas? These wandering samurai were so underwhelming that Sasuke, three years hence, could take on a thousand of them without soiling his outfit. At this moment, both Hinata and Kakashi could easily achieve the same. Hinata, shrugging helplessly, gestured to Kakashi, indicating that the opponents consisted solely of the people right in front of them. Kakashi visibly relaxed, having feared they would at least have to face more than two Jonin this time. Ninjas are incredibly rare in this world. When the Five Ninja Villages unite, ensuring enough defensive force in their villages, even combined with the samurai of the Land of Iron, they only muster an army of eighty thousand. Compared to the vast population of ordinary people, the number of ninjas is like a drop in the ocean. Ninjas are certainly the mainstream of the world, but very few have witnessed the power of a Jonin. Just like when we first saw the Third Hokage and Orochimaru battle, it was easy to underestimate the strength of the First Hokage and Madara, thinking the most potent force in the ninja world was around that level. Kado, though employing Zabuza, had never witnessed Zabuza's true power. Hence, he naively assumed that having a sufficient number of people could defeat a powerful ninja. And so… he met his demise. With the enemies limited to the petty thugs in front, Hinata deactivated her Byakugan and turned to Kakashi, asking, "What do we do?" Scratching his head with some difficulty, Kakashi thought for a moment and then resignedly said, "Let's do it for this country, and for Konoha." Hinata nodded, understanding that Kakashi's words had essentially sealed Kado's fate. Ninjas have their own iron-clad rules. Take this mission in the Land of Waves, for example; Team 7's task was to protect Tazuna until the bridge was completed. If Kado were the only enemy, it would count as a C-rank mission. However, if Zabuza were included on the enemy side, the mission's rank would elevate to A or higher. But if the task were to assassinate Kado, even though he was just an ordinary man, the difficulty could rise to an A-rank, and many ninja villages would refuse such a task. For a ninja village, Kado might not be much, but in the realm of ordinary people, Kado was a renowned millionaire. If a figure like him was killed offhandedly, it would provoke dissatisfaction among other tycoons, officials, and daimyos. Even if Kado was a villain, unless he obstructed a ninja mission, he couldn't be killed lightly. However, since Kado freely chose to risk his life, his death was inconsequential. Team 7's task was to protect Tazuna, and anyone attempting to kill Tazuna, actively or otherwise, could be killed by Team 7. Kakashi was the one to take action, swiftly eliminating Kado. After driving away the samurai, Hinata casually picked up a samurai sword, gave it a toss, and concluded it was worthless. "Kakashi-sensei, since Kado is dead, can we claim his assets?" Hinata felt they had drawn a losing hand with this mission in the Land of Waves. Pulling out "Icha Icha Paradise" from his ninja pouch and continuing his reading, Kakashi nonchalantly replied, "Kado's assets will be dealt with by his own country; we can't interfere." Casting a sidelong glance at Kakashi with a sneer, Hinata retorted, "Only small fry follow these kinds of rules!" "Exactly!" Kakashi replied, flipping a page in his book. "So, don't get any ideas." Originally considering a struggle, driven by Hinata's financial woes, Hinata suddenly stopped short, recalling something critical. Kakashi's father, the White Fang of Konoha, had committed suicide under the weight of rumors after violating ninja rules. Though Obito's influence made Kakashi reevaluate the significance of teammates, ninja rules might eternally remain a thorn in his heart. Sighing with relief, Hinata declared, "Finally done with Kado; it seems this mission can end smoothly. Kakashi-sensei, should we celebrate with a meal back in Konoha?" "Sure thing!" Kakashi perked up, looking sidelong at Hinata with a merry grin. "Hinata, since you've made a small fortune this time, that Decapitating Carving Knife is all yours. After receiving the village's reward, you should treat your teammates and teacher to a grand feast." "No problem at all!" Hinata beamed with equal cheer. "Let's have the feast at Kakashi-sensei's home! Our Team 7 can cook ourselves; that would be even more meaningful. I'll cover all the grocery expenses." If Kakashi agreed to cook, Hinata wouldn't mind splurging this once. … After Kado's death, Team 7 remained in the Land of Waves for an additional three weeks, during which Tazuna finally completed the finishing touches on the bridge. The new bridge in the Land of Waves was named "The Bridge of Courage," symbolizing the courage of the people of the Land of Waves and representing the nation's rebirth. Of note, Sasuke finally realized during sparring with Naruto that he had unlocked his Sharingan much earlier. Wielding his newfound abilities, he gave Naruto a hearty beating. "Konoha! I’m back!" Standing in front of Konoha's grand gate, Hinata declared in a loud voice. This wasn't Hinata's first departure from Konoha, yet each prolonged absence invoked a sense of warmth upon her return. This place could count as Hinata's second home. While Kakashi went off alone with the Decapitating Carving Knife to report the mission, their previous plan for a group meal evaporated when Hinata suggested holding it at Kakashi's house. Kakashi never mentioned it again, and he had no intention of hosting. Although the Seventh Team's meal never happened, Hinata returned from the Land of Waves with plenty of seafood, thanks to her arrangements with the local fishermen. Hinata sealed the large, tasty-looking seafood in scrolls, bringing the whole bounty back to Konoha. Neji and Hanabi were still at home. "Bye, see you tomorrow!" Bidding farewell to Naruto and Sasuke, Hinata dashed back to the Hyuga household, delivering scrolls of seafood as gifts to each family, offering a taste to all. After all, these people would be Hinata's subordinates in the future. Little kindnesses now made them easier to manage later, didn't they? When it comes to pleasing others, I'm as capable as anyone. Upon finishing her rounds, Hinata still had some seafood left. Considering for a moment, she decided to gift some to the Akimichi, Nara, and Yamanaka clans, as well as the Inuzuka, Aburame, and Sakura’s families. After all, living in Konoha means frequent encounters, and small gestures now build goodwill. As for the Third Hokage of Konoha… that was unnecessary this time! Sometimes practicality takes precedence, especially with the Chunin Exams just around the corner.