[Check Out My P4treon For +50 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/roooaaa]
===
Samuiyo and his group, aware of their unwelcome status, settled at an isolated table.
The surrounding ninjas gave them a few wary glances before losing interest.
This is Konoha, not Kumogakure.
What could a handful of Cloud-nin possibly dare to do here?
Even if they tried, the sea of elite shinobi present would sever their limbs before they could blink.
Half an hour later, with all guests assembled, the banquet commenced.
Hiashi delivered the obligatory speech—"Thank you for coming, eat and drink merrily"—before introducing the star of the evening.
Hyūga Hinata.
Clad in a delicate kimono, her timid demeanor amplified her cuteness.
Yet Hiashi's brow furrowed.
This meekness infuriated him.
Compared to Neji's poised brilliance at three years old—a talent so fierce even Hiashi envied his brother Hizashi—Hinata's fragility was unbearable.
If only he'd been born the main heir...
A thought struck Hiashi:
Maybe we should try for another child.
Traditionally, the Hyūga main family permitted only one heir per generation.
He and Hizashi were blood brothers, yet the latter bore the Caged Bird Seal, his fate shackled to the branch house.
Abandoning Hinata would condemn her to the same fate—a prospect Hiashi loathed but couldn't defy.
The system was cruel, yet he benefited from it.
After Hinata stammered through two sentences, Hiashi swiftly reclaimed the spotlight and declared the feast open.
Tsunade immediately seized a sake flask, took a sip, and lit up.
Exquisite.
Years of debt had confined her to cheap brews.
Though Sasame's wealth later upgraded her options, the Hyūga's aged reserves were in another league entirely—mellow, layered, perfect.
Sasame, meanwhile, sampled the dishes.
Impeccable, as expected of Konoha's most aristocratic clan.
Every detail, down to the cuisine, adhered to noble refinement.
Noticing Tsunade's rapid consumption, he nudged her. "Don't just drink—eat something."
The last thing they needed was a drunken rampage.
Tsunade shot him a look but obediently picked up her chopsticks.
Yet the sake's allure proved irresistible, and her cheeks soon flushed crimson.
Midway through the evening, Hinata retired with her mother, leaving the guests to their revelry.
Then Sasame's eyes narrowed.
Samuiyo was missing.
"Shizune, watch sensei. I'm hitting the restroom."
He stood—then paused to grab a plate of roast chicken.
"...?"
Shizune and Kabuto exchanged baffled glances.
Since when did bathrooms require snacks?
Outside, Sasame formed hand seals, transforming into a Hyūga clansman.
Stealthily, he infiltrated the inner compound.
As predicted, the banquet's chaos had laxed security—most guards were busy feasting.
Samuiyo was nowhere in sight, likely employing high-grade infiltration techniques.
Time to find Hinata first.
Pre-mission intel had outlined the compound's layout.
Yet upon reaching the residential wing, he groaned.
Rows of identical buildings.
"Rich people and their absurd estates..."
Muttering, he approached the third room's window—and struck gold.
There sat Hinata, alone.
After a brief hesitation, he slipped inside.
This was a rescue, not a crime.
By legal scholar Zhang San's doctrine: "Necessity knows no law."
To preempt screams, he flash-stepped forward, covering her mouth. "Don't panic. It's me."
Hinata's tense shoulders relaxed, her eyes widening in recognition.
Too shy to scan the banquet earlier, she hadn't noticed his attendance.
Sasame withdrew, then produced a drumstick with a grin. "Miss, would you like some chicken?"
Hinata's gaze locked onto the glistening meat.
She'd never eaten her fill.
Hyūga etiquette demanded restraint even at meals.
Amused, Sasame waved the drumstick—her head bobbed in sync.
Adorable.
Like teasing a puppy in his past life.
Metaphorically speaking, of course.
"Want it?"
Hinata nodded instinctively, then shook her head violently.
Decorum warred with hunger—until Sasame overruled it.
"'No' means 'yes' where I'm from."
He pressed the drumstick into her hands. "Eat."
A tiny bite. Then another.
Despite her ravenous urge, she chewed with painstaking grace, cheeks burning under his gaze.
Soon, only bones remained.
"Th...thank you."
Sasame smiled. "Full yet?"
Hinata shook her head—then frantically nodded.
This was her first-ever act of rebellion, thrilling yet terrifying.
More would shatter every rule beaten into her.
Then Sasame unveiled the entire roast chicken.
Hinata's hands flew to her mouth. "I-I r-really c-can't—"
"Shh."
His finger touched her lips. "Good girls don't lie. Are you a good girl?"
"I...I..."
Steam practically whistled from her crimson face.
Sasame chuckled, ruffling her hair. "With me, forget the rules. Just be free."
For the first time in her life, Hinata ate with her hands.
And it felt wonderful.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 105 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 85 power stones I will publish the next chapter.
(Give me all your power stones)