Take The First Step Bravely!

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"Hokage-sama, please allow me to accompany you for dinner from now on," Hinata said, her voice filled with excitement. Eating with Lord Takuya made her feel at ease, no longer needing to worry about her food intake.

"Of course, Hinata," Takuya replied with a warm smile. "From now on, we'll have dinner together every evening."

Hinata nodded enthusiastically, "Um!"

"Let's call it a day. Tomorrow, come to the Hokage's office to discuss your renovation plan," Takuya said in a calm tone.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Hinata responded respectfully. "Please take your time on your way back."

"I'll leave the bill to you," Takuya added before turning to leave. A small favor like this wouldn't burden her, he thought. As a member of the Hyuga Clan, Hinata was never short on funds, and if she were, her father, Hiashi, would certainly assist her.

Just as Takuya was about to leave, Ayame, the waitress at Ichiraku Ramen, called out, "Wait a moment, Hokage-sama."

Takuya paused and turned to face her. "Is something the matter?"

Ayame smiled and handed him a coupon. "Thank you for your patronage today, Hokage-sama. This is a discount coupon for your next visit. Please accept it."

Takuya took the coupon with a nod, his smile warm but composed. "I'll definitely return. Thank you for your hospitality."

Ayame blushed slightly, watching him leave, her heart racing. She had always admired the Senju Clan, and meeting Takuya in person only strengthened her attraction.

Back in the kitchen, Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku, wiped sweat from his brow. "Ayame, who were those customers? They had an incredible appetite."

Ayame sighed. "I know, Father. Most people don't even finish five bowls, but those two ate eighty! It's unbelievable."

"Who were they?" Teuchi asked, still amazed.

"Hinata Hyuga and our Hokage-sama," Ayame answered with excitement.

"Hokage-sama?!" Teuchi exclaimed, surprised.

"Yes, and Father, he's even more handsome in person than on TV," Ayame added, her voice filled with admiration.

Teuchi suddenly felt uneasy. "Could it be... my daughter has a crush on the Hokage?"

Meanwhile, at the Hyuga compound, Hiashi Hyuga was receiving a report from a branch family ninja, his expression one of shock.

"So... Hokage-sama personally assisted Hinata? And they dined together?" Hiashi asked, incredulous.

"Yes, Lord Hiashi," the branch ninja confirmed solemnly. "They conversed for quite a while, though I wasn't able to overhear their exact words. I swear I'm telling the truth."

Hiashi's surprise turned to delight. He himself had found it difficult to establish a strong relationship with Takuya, but now Hinata had made an impression on him. This could be a tremendous opportunity for the Hyuga Clan.

"From now on, no one is to question Hinata's actions. Her decisions will take precedence over all other matters," Hiashi commanded, determined not to miss this chance for his clan's prosperity.

The next morning, Hinata arrived at the Hokage's office.

"Hokage-sama, I'm here," she announced upon entering, finding Takuya already seated behind his desk.

"Hinata, do you have any missions lined up?" Takuya asked, glancing up.

"No, Hokage-sama. I'm currently attending the joint training academy. As long as I complete my monthly tasks, my schedule is flexible," Hinata explained quietly.

"Good. Follow me," Takuya said as he stood, gesturing for her to follow.

Hinata felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement as they left the office. She wondered how Takuya intended to help her overcome her insecurities.

They soon arrived at a dim, damp underground cell beneath the Anbu headquarters. Several prisoners were bound to large crosses, chains securing their wrists and ankles. Their clothing was torn, and they were covered in dried blood. Hinata instinctively covered her mouth in shock.

"Here is the confession from last night's interrogation," an Anbu operative wearing a cat-faced mask said, handing Takuya a scroll. Takuya opened it, his expression hardening as he read.

"They tortured small animals, bullied their peers, stole money, and even forced a boy to swim until he drowned," Takuya summarized, his tone devoid of emotion. He passed the scroll to Hinata. "Take a look."

Hinata's grip on the scroll tightened as she scanned the list of atrocities. These criminals were worse than she had imagined. They hadn't just bullied her; they had committed terrible acts against innocent people.

As she processed the information, several Anbu operatives threw buckets of cold water over the prisoners, jolting them awake. The criminals shivered, fear evident on their faces. When they noticed Takuya and Hinata standing nearby, they immediately began to plead.

"Hokage-sama, please forgive us! We'll never do anything like this again!" one cried.

"We were young and made mistakes! Please, give us another chance!" another added.

"Lord Hokage, we're just kids. You can't treat us like this!" the last one begged.

Takuya's expression remained indifferent, his gaze cold and unforgiving.

Sensing they couldn't sway Takuya, the criminals turned to Hinata, knowing her reputation for kindness.

"Miss Hinata, please, spare us! We'll never hurt anyone again!" they pleaded.

"Please, Hinata-sama, have mercy!" another sobbed, putting on his most pitiful face.

Hinata hesitated. The criminals had committed terrible acts, but their desperate pleas tugged at her. For a brief moment, she questioned whether they deserved another chance. But as she glanced at Takuya, she saw his impassive expression. He wasn't offering her guidance this time—this was her decision.

No, she thought. Takuya had brought her here to help her overcome her weakness. These criminals were beyond redemption, having taken lives. She couldn't let them go.

With newfound resolve, Hinata spoke firmly, "Takuya-sama, execute them."

Takuya's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Well done, Hinata. If you had pleaded for their lives, I would have lost interest in helping you."

Hinata exhaled in relief. She had made the right choice. She wouldn't disappoint Takuya.

"You made the decision, Hinata. Now, carry it out," Takuya said calmly. He knew this was the first step toward transforming her gentle spirit into one of strength.

Hinata hesitated, kunai trembling in her hand. But she steeled herself. This was her trial. She couldn't back down now.

One by one, the criminals began to shout, their fear rising as they realized what was about to happen.

"Don't! Don't kill me! I was wrong!"

"Hinata, please, I'm begging you!"

With a swift movement, Hinata slashed her kunai across the throat of the first prisoner. His cries silenced as blood poured from the wound. One by one, she repeated the process until the room was quiet, save for the sound of dripping blood.

Takuya clapped his hands slowly. "Excellent, Hinata. You have potential."

Hinata, still shaken but resolved, nodded. "Thank you, Takuya-sama."

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