Happiness

After dinner, instead of his usual training, Yato jumped onto the roof to bask in the moonlight and enjoy a moment of peace.

Occasionally, he glanced down at the hall, where three shadow clones identical to him sat cross-legged, refining chakra.

Chakra and Ninjutsu were truly fascinating. Everything experienced by the shadow clones is fed back to the main body through the chakra when the technique is released.

This means that the shadow clone technique is not only useful for gathering intelligence but also for combat.

For training, this B-level ninjutsu can be considered a cheat weapon.

When the shadow clone technique is released, the memories and experiences of the clones are fed back to the main body.

Of course, despite its power, this training method has significant side effects.

The more shadow clones the caster creates, the greater the backlash the caster will suffer, both physically and mentally. If one's will is not strong enough, they might lose consciousness or even go insane.

Yato's body is very strong, capable of easily smashing trees and stones, and his willpower is equally formidable. Having lived two lives, his mental strength is unmatched by ordinary people.

But even he cannot endure the ninjutsu involving multiple shadow clones.

"How did Uzumaki Naruto become so strong that he could ignore these side effects? Is it because of the special physique of the Uzumaki clan or because he is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?"

Yato couldn't figure out how Naruto could remain calm and energetic after enduring the backlash from hundreds of shadow clones.

It goes against common sense and even makes him envious.

"Oh well. Even if I can't split into hundreds of shadow clones for training, having ten or fewer is enough for me. I'm not like him. I don't need to rely on shadow clones to fight."

Thinking of this, Yato released the Jutsu, causing the shadow clones to disappear into thin air with puffs of smoke.

He gritted his teeth and endured the pain as their feedback and backlash hit him.

"Even just three shadow clones are such a burden. No wonder the technique of multiple shadow clones is classified as a forbidden technique. The side effects are indeed troublesome." Covering his head, Yato smiled. "But it is very effective and can save me a lot of time in training."

Feeling the sudden increase in training memories and experience in his mind, he couldn't help but repeatedly clench and unclench his fists.

He believed that, as long as he continued to persevere, he would become an extremely powerful ninja in a few years.

By then, he would not only be able to dominate the ninja world but might even go beyond this planet.

"I can't neglect the training of my body and chakra. I can still become stronger."

Thinking this, Yato jumped off the roof and walked into the wooden house, intending to get enough rest to prepare for the next day's training.

---

The next day, in the main house of the Hyuga clan, Hanabi woke up early, changed clothes, washed up, and had breakfast under the attentive service of the servants.

Due to her exceptional talent, she had been designated as the future heir of the main house by her father, despite being the second daughter. The Hyuga clan placed great importance on her training, and although not as intense as Yato's, her training tasks were still quite demanding.

This was evident from the fact that she rarely had the chance to leave the Hyuga clan's compound as a child.

However, as she grew older and entered the ninja academy, her father, Hyuga Hiashi, relaxed his strictness a little.

Perhaps he hoped she could make more friends. After all, there were many other future heirs of Konoha's clans at the academy...

But compared to classmates like Shikamaru, Inuzuka Kiba, Haruno Sakura, Yamanaka Ino, and others, she found herself particularly interested in Yato.

Reflecting on her past week at the Ninja Academy, she couldn't help but feel disheartened.

For an entire week, no matter what she did or said, Yato remained as unyielding as a stone, not uttering a single word to her.

Sometimes, even her sister and friends thought she was acting foolishly.

She felt so naive and foolish!

But what unsettled her the most was that the more distant he seemed, the more she cared and worried about him.

"How did Might Guy do it?!"

Recalling the time she brought him food recently, her melancholy mood suddenly lifted, and she burst into laughter.

She remembered Yato had just finished a set of push-ups and stood up when Might Guy suddenly laughed, raising his hand, and playfully slapped him on the head, causing Yato to stagger.

Then he said strange things like, "You truly live up to being my disciple; your youth really moves me."

She still remembered Yato's expression, as if he wanted to hit someone, while Might Guy kept patting him on the back until Yato's mouth twitched uncontrollably!

"That must be what Sakura and the others call innocence. Might Guy is really amusing, even if he does look a bit odd!"

Amused by the memory, Hanabi smiled.

Looking up at the sky, she suddenly wanted to see Yato and how he was spending his weekend.

"I won't go shopping with my sister this afternoon. Let's go to the back mountain!"

After finishing her training and changing her clothes, Hanabi sneaked out of the Hyuga family's compound.

The Hyuga ninjas responsible for her protection were at a loss—they hadn't even had a chance to eat yet, but they followed to prevent any mischief from the Uchiha clan.

As one of the three major eye techniques in the ninja world, competition between the Hyuga and Uchiha clans was inevitable—everyone wanted to be the best, causing friction between the two clans.

This was a matter of principle and couldn't be resolved!

Not long after, Hanabi carefully made her way through the Uchiha clan's territory and headed straight into the forest.

As usual, Yato was training with his usual indifferent expression, not acknowledging her presence.

Hanabi didn't mind, as she was accustomed to it.

Opening the lunchbox containing rice balls, she walked over to the stone where the lunch was usually placed, ready to exchange it.

As usual, the lunchbox was intact, but unlike before, the food inside was missing.

"..."

Hanabi's eyes shot wide open, her mouth slightly agape as she stared at the empty lunchbox.

She stiffly turned her head like a robot and looked in Yato's direction, wearing a dazed expression.

"...You...ate it!?"

Hanabi looked at Yato in disbelief. Her grievances melted away, replaced with sudden joy.

It was a strange feeling, a mix of hardship and sweetness, making her breath heavier.

Her snow-like eyes remained fixed on Yato, waiting for his nod and a definitive answer.

Yato ceased striking the wooden stake, turned, and gazed calmly at her.

"This isn't a place for you."

"Did you eat?"

Yato frowned and said, "Your presence will only disrupt my training. Don't come back!"

"Did you eat it?"

Hanabi persisted, her eyes fearless and unwavering.

She needed to know now. It was more important than anything else.

Yato fell silent, hesitatingly looking at her, but finally nodded in acknowledgment!

Instantly, the surroundings transformed. The world turned white, leaving only the white-eyed princess with a smile and her long hair billowing in the wind.

"Go home; this isn't your place."

Yato turned abruptly, resuming his assault on the wooden stake, a clear gesture for her to leave.

"Was it delicious?"

Hanabi seemed not to hear, disregarding Yato's insistence.

Yato didn't even turn; his tone was cold. "You understand the tension between the Hyuga and Uchiha clans."

Hanabi ignored him. "Was it delicious?"

"Your actions might provoke the Uchiha. And they will retaliate."

"Was it delicious?"

"Can't you understand...?"

Yato's voice grew colder. He was frustrated by her obstinacy and unable to communicate.

He was trying to prevent incidents, but the ungrateful brat was too stubborn to listen.

Brow furrowed, he spun around, ready to chase her away. But when he turned, he suddenly found Hanabi's face alarmingly close.

Whoosh!

For no reason, Yato was startled and retreated over ten meters, his face contorted with anger.

"What do you think you're doing?!"

He wanted to tear open the sealed scroll containing countless shuriken, kunai, ninja swords, and other tools to kill the girl before him.

Yato's face looked twisted as he glared at her, but Hanabi didn't show any signs of fear and instead pictured her sister trembling at the sight.

Yato's current face overlapped with her sister's, which she found kind of cute.

He looked like a wild cat that got its tail stepped on, which made her laugh.

***

After a few hours, the sun was setting.

Hanabi felt the day had flown by faster than usual.

She glanced around reluctantly, turned to the lunchbox, and bade Yato farewell.

"I'm leaving. Remember to eat the rice balls!"

The Hyuga clan was one of Konoha's largest families, but its size meant it had many rules for better management.

As the future heir to the main Hyuga family, Hanabi had been given many rules by her father, including a curfew. She had to return home by a certain time.

"I'm leaving, Yato. See you at school tomorrow!"

Hanabi moved away while looking back a few times before leaving with a smile on her face.

Yato remained silent as he gazed at the sky. Not in the mood to continue, he ended his training and walked towards his house.

"Hey, Yato, don't you want to eat those rice balls?"

Riku looked at him with a smile. Yato never allowed him to eat Hanabi's food before, but this might be his chance.

"If you don't want them, I will!"

Yato paused, then continued walking. "Do as you wish."

Riku pursed his lips, thinking disdainfully, "You brat. Can't you be more honest? You clearly didn't let me eat before!"

---

On the other side, returning home, Hanabi faced her father's inquiry. She brushed it off, bathed, and joined the hall for dinner.

The Hyuga family had strict rules: no talking at meals or bedtime. Usually, the hall was silent except for a few exchanges between father and daughter.

But not tonight. From time to time, the hall echoed with Hanabi's suppressed laughter. Hiashi's brows twitched; he couldn't reprimand his beloved daughter.

Despite her father's complaints, Hanabi still laughed.

That night, Hanabi lay on her stomach, covered her head with the pillow, kicked the quilt, and giggled from time to time.

Her sister, Hinata, was irritated. It wasn't even late, yet her sister's antics kept her from sleeping.

"Hey, what's so funny?"

"I remembered something amusing!"

"...What's amusing?"

"It's just something funny!"

Hinata was even more annoyed. She'd have to learn about it the next day.

___________

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