"Bang…"
Walking along the street, Akira Ren's handsome appearance drew almost a 98% head-turn rate.
Countless middle-aged women and young ladies were so distracted they nearly walked into walls.
Akira Ren didn't mind at all. After confirming that Ino hadn't left for the academy yet, he casually made his way toward her house.
"Ah… s-sorry!"
Suddenly, a small figure bumped into him.
Since he didn't sense any killing intent—and because his body could elementalize, making ordinary physical contact meaningless—Akira Ren didn't bother dodging.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry…"
A blue-haired girl lowered her head, blushing as she apologized repeatedly.
"You are… the girl from the Hyūga clan?"
Akira Ren looked at the shy Byakugan girl in surprise, recognizing her.
"Eh? I'm sor—"
Hinata instinctively apologized, but the moment she looked up—
She froze.
Her pale eyes widened as she stared at his incredibly handsome face.
It felt familiar… but she couldn't quite place it.
"You are…?"
"Can't recognize me?"
Akira Ren gently patted her head with a smile.
"You're still just as timid as before…"
"But your eyes are still as beautiful."
That warm, sun-like smile—
Awakened an old memory.
A snowy winter day.
Six-year-old Hinata had been bullied by a group of kids.
Too kind and timid to fight back, afraid of hurting them.
Then—
A boy passed by.
He chased the bullies away.
And with a warm smile, he patted her head.
"Don't listen to them. You have very beautiful eyes."
She had only managed to say thank you—
Before being taken away by her attendants.
She never even got his name.
"You're… that big brother!?"
Hinata's eyes widened in realization.
Her face flushed red with excitement and shyness.
"Akira Akira Ren,"
he introduced himself with a smile.
"You're the Hyūga clan's main family heiress, right?"
At the time, he had indeed crossed paths with her.
Though—
The Hyūga attendants had taken her away too quickly.
Later, he realized it wasn't "late arrival"—
They were intentionally testing her.
Unfortunately, she hadn't been able to stand up for herself.
So he never sought her out again.
Though he occasionally saw her at the academy.
"Akira… Akira Ren?"
Hinata's pupils shrank slightly.
She had heard that name many times—
At school and at home.
A genius senior.
Chosen by one of the legendary Sannin, Tsunade.
A prodigy everyone talked about.
"T-thank you…"
She lowered her head, shy and nervous.
Her face was as red as an apple.
Her fingers fidgeted as she spoke in a soft, trembling voice.
Most people wouldn't even understand what she meant.
"Hehe, don't worry about it,"
Akira Ren said gently.
"Anyone would help a cute girl like you."
"But being too shy isn't good—you should be more confident."
"Mm…"
Her voice was barely audible.
Her face was practically steaming.
Akira Ren couldn't help but feel a bit helpless.
Better not push her too much.
"Heading to the academy?" he asked.
"Mm…"
She nodded softly, still too shy to look at him.
"…I'm sorry, I'm going to be late…"
After a moment, she gathered courage, bowed quickly—
And ran off toward the academy.
Not daring to look back.
"Akira Ren… big brother… goodbye…"
Her tiny voice drifted back.
"See you,"
Akira Ren waved with a smile.
If not for his sharp hearing, he wouldn't have caught it.
"Eh? Akira Ren… big brother!?"
A surprised voice suddenly rang out.
Ino stood nearby, frozen in place.
Her eyes wide as she stared at him.
"…I'm not dreaming, am I?"
She rubbed her eyes, unable to believe it.
"Good morning,"
Akira Ren smiled.
"Long time no see, Ino."
Two years had passed.
She hadn't changed much—
Just grown taller.
"Bang!"
A small figure rushed forward—
And threw herself into his arms.
"It's really you!!"
Ino hugged him tightly, overjoyed.
"I missed you so much, Akira Ren big brother!"
Before he could respond—
She boldly kissed his face again and again.
"Muah! Muah!"
The crisp sounds echoed.
All around—
The women who had been admiring Akira Ren felt their hearts shatter.
"…Alright, that's enough,"
Akira Ren said, wiping his face.
He gently patted her head.
"If you don't go now, you'll be late."
She had grown—
Not just taller, but a bit softer too.
"Nope, I'm not going,"
Ino said confidently.
"At worst, Iruka-sensei scolds me."
"Shikamaru skips all the time anyway."
Unlike Hinata—
Ino didn't care much about rules.
Being with Akira Ren was far more important.
"Besides, I'm a girl," she added proudly.
"If he asks, I'll just say I wasn't feeling well!"
Clearly—
She had no intention of going to class today.
----------------◇ Bonus Chapter Reward◇-----------------------
Every 10 Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter
◇ Every 100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter
◇ You can read 60 chapters ahead on Patreon if you're interested:
patreon.com/Luna023
Your support helps the story grow and motivates faster updates.