Dinner

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"Hokage-sama, this is the place."

"Though it's a small shop, the ramen here is very delicious."

In front of Ichiraku Ramen, Hyūga Hinata gestured toward the sign as she recommended the place to Senju Takuya.

"Ah... I've heard of this shop before, but I've never visited."

"Let's go in and have a look."

Senju Takuya looked at the sign with a nostalgic expression. Ichiraku was one of the most famous ramen shops in Konoha, after all.

"Welcome! Who's there?"

As they stepped inside, a cheerful voice called out. A moment later, a young woman in an apron approached, smiling warmly. But when she saw Senju Takuya's face, her eyes widened in shock. She quickly covered her mouth with her hands.

"H-Hokage-sama?!"

The girl—Ayame, the daughter of the ramen shop's owner—couldn't believe her eyes.

"Hello," Senju Takuya greeted her with a gentle smile.

"Miss Ayame, could you please bring us two large bowls of char siu ramen?" Hinata asked hurriedly. She still remembered Senju Takuya's warning—it would be troublesome if too many people recognized him. Quickly changing the subject, Hinata hoped to avoid drawing attention. Even though it was late, the shop still had a few customers.

"Ah! Forgive me for my rudeness! I'll have them ready right away," Ayame said, bowing slightly before disappearing into the kitchen.

After Ayame left, Senju Takuya and Hinata found a seat in the corner. Hinata, still a bit reserved, fidgeted slightly under Senju Takuya's gaze. He couldn't help but admire her. For someone around fifteen, she was already showing great promise.

"Hokage-sama, thank you so much for earlier today," Hinata said softly, noticing his gaze and offering her gratitude again.

"It was nothing, really. But Hinata, you're the heiress of the Hyūga clan. Why are you still being bullied by those thugs?" Takuya asked, his brow furrowing slightly. He could understand if she'd been targeted as a child, but now Hinata was a capable ninja, with the backing of one of the most powerful clans in Konoha. It made no sense.

"Hokage-sama... I'm just too weak," Hinata admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. "Father sees it too, and he's given up on me because of it. I've disappointed him."

Hinata's expression turned sorrowful. Though she had the strength to fend off any threats, her gentle nature made her reluctant to fight back. Over time, she'd convinced herself that if she endured a bit longer, the bullying would stop. And her father, Hiashi, had allowed it, hoping it would toughen her up. But instead of growing stronger, her resolve had only weakened, and now her younger sister Hanabi was being groomed as the future leader of the clan.

"Hinata."

"Yes?" She instinctively raised her head when Senju Takuya spoke her name, but in the next moment, she fell under his genjutsu.

A few moments later, Hinata blinked and returned to her senses, completely unaware of what had just transpired.

"Hokage-sama? Is something wrong?" she asked, confused by his serious expression.

"Hinata, if you don't change, you will eventually be branded with the Caged Bird Seal," Takuya said, his tone grave. He had seen Hinata's memories during their brief connection. She had been bullied for years, with no one stepping in to help. In this timeline, there had been no Naruto to stand up for her, and Hiashi had stayed out of it to build her mental toughness. Instead, her spirit had only weakened. It was clear now that Hiashi had given up on her in favor of Hanabi.

Though Hinata had not been marked with the Caged Bird Seal yet, once Hanabi was officially named the clan's heir, it was only a matter of time. Hinata would be forced to bear the mark.

"I..." Hinata hesitated for a moment before looking directly into Senju Takuya's eyes, determination flashing within them. "Hokage-sama, can you help me?"

Her voice trembled, but there was a glimmer of hope in it. If anyone could help her change her fate, it was the Hokage standing before her.

"Of course, Hinata." Takuya nodded. It wouldn't be difficult to help her break free of her insecurities. Once she pushed past that initial barrier, the rest would come naturally. And besides, he had his own reasons for wanting to be closer to her. Helping Hinata could lead to a deeper bond, which might benefit him in the long run.

"Thank you so much, Hokage-sama!" Hinata's face lit up, her joy almost palpable. She had only asked on a whim, never expecting him to agree so easily. This was more than she had hoped for.

"Sir, your ramen is ready!" Ayame announced, carrying over two steaming bowls of ramen.

"Great! Let's dig in. I bet you're starving, aren't you?" Takuya smiled at Hinata.

"Actually... I kind of snuck out just to get something to eat," Hinata confessed shyly.

"Really? Then eat up!" Takuya chuckled. Hinata's bashfulness was endearing in its own way.

"I-Itadakimasu!" Hinata said cheerfully before diving into her ramen. Seeing her enjoyment, Takuya followed suit, and soon they were both engrossed in their meal.

One bowl, two bowls, three bowls… Hinata, initially concerned that her appetite would shock the Hokage, eventually relaxed when she saw that Takuya was eating even more than she was. The two of them quickly stacked up empty bowls in front of them.

"Hokage-sama, I'm so full!" Hinata said, smiling as she touched her belly. This was the first time she'd ever eaten so much in one sitting, and it was all thanks to Hokage-sama.

"You're not the only one. I haven't had a meal this satisfying in a long time," Takuya said, wiping his mouth.

In truth, he didn't need to eat at all anymore. But sharing this meal was a way to bring them closer, and with his enhanced metabolism, no amount of food would ever be too much.

"Hokage-sama, I could eat with you more often. That way, we can enjoy meals like this together!" Hinata suggested eagerly. Having always felt self-conscious about her appetite, she was thrilled to have found someone who matched her enthusiasm for food.

From now on, Hinata decided she would be Hokage-sama's perfect food partner!

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