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The crisis had been averted by Sasame's efforts—though no one would ever know.
True heroes work in the shadows.
With Samuiyo's scheme exposed, Hinata's birthday banquet came to an abrupt end. Guests dispersed quickly—no one dared linger under such circumstances.
Only a thoroughly drunk Tsunade remained oblivious.
"More sake! Why's everyone leaving?"
"Shizune-nee, let's get sensei home."
Sasame sighed, supporting Tsunade on one side while Shizune took the other. Kabuto returned to the orphanage, leaving the trio to navigate the streets of Konoha with their inebriated master.
Back at home, Sasame deposited Tsunade onto her bed.
"Shizune-nee, help her change."
He'd have volunteered, but sparing Shizune's sanity seemed wiser.
Alone in his room, Sasame linked his vision with the slug he'd left behind—time to deliver Hinata's promised feast without getting caught.
The shared vision revealed darkness. The slug remained hidden in the closet where Hinata had stashed it.
Good girl—she kept my visit secret.
Peering through the closet slats, Sasame spotted Rikka Hyūga clutching her daughter, face etched with lingering terror.
"Just a bit later… and I might have lost you."
This reunion would take a while.
"Disconnecting, Sasame slipped out and headed straight for the nearest barbecue restaurant."
"Open up!"
"Who the hell—? We're closed!"
The owner yanked open the door, scowling—until Sasame raised a finger.
"100,000 ryo. Ten servings of barbecue."
The man's expression transformed instantly.
"Right this way, honored customer!"
Money talks.
"An hour later, Sasame exited with ten steaming bags of barbecue."
Back home, he summoned a second slug and reconnected with the first's vision.
Rikka had left—only a drowsy Hinata remained, stubbornly fighting sleep by her bedside.
She actually waited…
Reverse Summoning Jutsu!
In a puff of smoke, Sasame materialized in Hinata's room.
The exhausted girl teetered at the edge of consciousness, her head bobbing like a buoy in gentle waves.
"Sasame dangled a skewer of barbecue beneath her nose.
Rather than startling awake, sleeping Hinata licked her lips—the aroma so vivid it blurred dream and reality. A thin strand of drool escaped, glistening in the lamplight.
What kind of heavenly adorable creature is this?
'Hinata.'
After several calls, she stirred, blinking at the very real barbecue before her.
'Come eat.'
Sasame wiped her chin, triggering full Steam Princess mode—her face burned crimson at being caught drooling."
For a girl raised on etiquette, this was mortifying.
Sasame found it endlessly entertaining.
———
While Sasame played his feeding game, an urgent report roused Hiruzen from sleep.
"What?"
The Hokage bolted upright as the ANBU repeated:
"Hyūga Hiashi has detained Samuiyo and eleven Cloud-nin at your office."
Hiruzen's mind raced.
Has Hiashi lost his mind? Detaining envoys risks war!
Unless…
Minutes later, the Hokage faced the captured Cloud team.
After hearing Hiashi's account, Hiruzen's frown deepened.
Of all times for complications…
Yet when Samuiyo offered Cloud's surrender on negotiation terms, the old leader's eyes gleamed.
Terms we never thought they'd accept…
"Hiashi," Hiruzen soothed, "since Hinata's unharmed and Cloud concedes, let this end here."
Hiashi's gaze turned glacial.
So my daughter's safety is negotiable?
Disillusioned, the Hyūga leader left without another word.
Hiruzen sighed—sacrificing one clan's goodwill for village-wide gains was simply… politics.
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)