Chapter 80: A Feeling of Growing Up - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

**Chapter 80: A Feeling of Growing Up** A simple get-together brought the eleven close friends closer once again. Over time, after graduating and being split into different classes, their relationships had become somewhat distant, but they were now getting reacquainted. The noisy group didn't part ways until past nine in the evening. Even the jounin were a little tipsy from the drinks. Asuma, emboldened by the alcohol, kept sidling up to Kurenai. Naruto ran over to Kakashi with eager steps, shouting, "Haha! Kakashi-sensei, there's... there's something I want to ask you." Kakashi, with his trademark dead-fish-eyes expression, said weakly, "Don't bother, I already guessed what you want to ask. I've picked someone to train with you." Naruto protested, "Why? I want to train with you!" Kakashi's tone became slightly more serious. "I have some matters to attend to and can't focus on you right now." Hinata observed from nearby, thinking how in the original series Kakashi didn't train Naruto during the Chunin Exams, which could be considered his only flaw. In the original at this point, Sasuke was already being targeted by Orochimaru, so Kakashi could only stay close to Sasuke to protect him. Bringing Naruto along might just be a burden. "Kakashi-sensei, Naruto, I'm heading home. Bye!" Kakashi waved with a smile, "Be careful on your way home!" "Neji, let's go!" Hinata called out to Neji, waving goodbye to her friends one by one. After the noise, there came the silence of being alone. On the way home, Hinata felt a bit reluctant to leave the lively atmosphere just now. As everyone gradually grows up, each person will have a life solely their own, and responsibilities they need to carry on their shoulders. Perhaps this... is what it means to 'grow up!' This was Hinata's second time experiencing this feeling, but there was still a sense of melancholy in her heart. It seemed as though at any moment, she would have to face the entire world by herself. Looking back, her friends were also dispersing in different directions, some walking home together if their paths aligned. Though the Chunin Exams had taught them a thing or two about the harsh reality of the ninja world, ultimately, they were children raised in a time of peace, clueless about the outside strife. They had been protected too well. It wouldn't be until the third exam, after the death of the Third Hokage, that they might begin to understand the weight of responsibility. Neji glanced at Hinata and said casually, "Hinata-sama, you used to be so carefree, but now you seem quite pensive." Hinata sighed softly and said, "Neji, wouldn't it be wonderful if people never grew up?" Neji was puzzled, "What's so great about being a child?" Hinata shook her head slightly. Children always yearn to grow up, yet adults often envy the innocence of childhood. Perhaps only someone like Hinata, having lived two lifetimes, could truly settle down to enjoy the joys of childhood! Yet... those joys might not last many more years. Sensing Hinata's thoughts, Neji said in a firm tone, "Hinata-sama, I will protect you with my life!" Hinata smiled back at Neji, feeling grateful for that sentiment. "I'll protect you too, Neji!" When she got home, Hinata showered and returned to her room. As she opened the door, she found Hanabi had sneaked into her room again, sprawled out on her bed fast asleep. The blanket only partially covered her belly, and her little feet occasionally twitched. "Aah." Hinata stretched and quietly climbed onto the bed, snuggling under the covers beside Hanabi, holding her close as she drifted off to sleep. In her sleep, Hanabi seemed to sense something, nuzzling against Hinata and burying her head in Hinata's embrace. "Sister..." Even if friends have their own lives, family will always be there. Hinata felt content. But how many, on this night, would find themselves sleepless and alone? She thought of Naruto and Sasuke. Perhaps they had been solitary for so long that they treasured their bonds with others and yearned for recognition. The sorrow of the Shinobi World War originated from the Uchiha, and the Uchiha's sorrow stemmed from a void in their hearts. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and the Mangekyo Sharingan undeniably proves this. Obito wanted to escape reality after witnessing Rin's death at Kakashi's hand, thus awakening Kamui. Shisui desired to influence the Uchiha coup, so he awakened Kotoamatsukami. As for Itachi, the Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu he awakened hinted at his inner conflict. And Sasuke's ocular powers revealed that at the moment of awakening, his heart harbored a singular desire for destruction. Many things were not for Hinata to not think about, but rather topics she was unwilling to dwell on. This world had shed enough tears; what Hinata sought was genuine happiness and warmth. ... Early in the morning, while Hinata was still snoozing, her mother, Minako, abruptly swung open her door with a loud "bang." Surveying the room, Minako woke up both Hinata and Hanabi with a look of disdain, "Hinata, look at your room, it's a mess. Can't you tidy it up once in a while?" Hinata, still groggy, rubbed her eyes and replied, "Mom! Have you ever seen a pig clean its own sty? That's the keeper's job!" Hinata might prefer admitting she's a pig rather than cleaning up her room. Minako was indeed a dutiful keeper; knowing Hinata's penchant for laziness, she would come to clean up regularly. "Get up already, the sun's shining bright. Your father heard you've advanced to the third round of the Chunin Exams and decided to train you personally." Hinata sighed wearily, "I know!" Hanabi, already dressed and enthusiastic, stood next to her, full of energy. Hinata dawdled in bed for a while, dear bed and blanket, only one night's parting and I must leave you again. Dressing quickly, Hinata bid a fleeting farewell to her bed, "See you tonight!" After washing up and eating, Hinata headed to the training hall, where Hiashi was already waiting. Elder Tokuma stood quietly beside him. Upon seeing Hinata, Tokuma immediately boasted, "Hinata-sama, I've reported your exemplary performance in the second exam and pre-lims to Lord Hiashi. With only a month until the third exam, we urge you to give it your all." Hiashi looked at Hinata approvingly and said, "Your performance in the exams was commendable. Despite your playful nature, you showed no mercy to your opponent and forced that Sound ninja to surrender. Truly the pride of the Hyuga clan." The Elder also expressed his satisfaction with a smile, "I had initially thought your character might be too gentle, but during your first battle against the Sand ninja in the preliminaries... Hinata, you made us proud!" Standing obediently, Hinata kept silent. Hiashi continued, "However, I heard you fled from an enemy during the second exam?" Hinata shot a glance at Tokuma, sarcastically thinking, nice going! Your name should really be reversed!