Chapter 25 "Toneri... you'll have to wait,"

"Focus!" he muttered to himself.

Then he remembered—he had a simulation attempt. The system had mentioned that he earned one after completing any mission, and with the Madara Uchiha mission finished, he should have one available now.

Sitting there in the silence, he spoke softly, "System, run the simulation."

[Simulation starts...]

[1st Month]: Hanabi returned from her mission, very happy to be with you. However, Hinata began acting differently toward you, in a way you couldn't quite understand.

[2nd Month]: Seeing how close you and Hanabi were, Hiashi asked about marriage. As usual, you agreed, but Hinata seemed unsatisfied, hiding something beneath the surface.

[4th Month]: You and Hanabi were married, but for some reason, Hinata did not attend the wedding and continued avoiding both you and Hanabi.

[6th Month]: Murai Uchiha woke up, but you instructed her to sleep again until you figured out the Body Recreation Jutsu. Sakura came to the Hyuga compound seeking your help, wanting to use your chakra to wake Sasuke. You Without hesitation Refused to help Sasuke.

[8th Month]: You found Hinata sitting by the pond, her expression distant. Curious, you approached and asked if she'd like to take a walk. Surprisingly, she agreed. As you walked through the quiet gardens, the conversation turned personal. You gently teased her about her recent distance, and somehow, the two of you ended up sleeping together.

[10th Month]: After some time, Hiashi asked if you would also consider marrying Hinata. Instead of outright denying, you asked why. Hiashi explained that by marrying both his daughters, you could unite the family and strengthen the Hyuga clan's legacy. He believed it would help maintain the clan's influence and stability in an evolving world. Since you already had a relationship with Hinata, you agreed.

[11th Month]: Hiashi explained everything to Hanabi. To your surprise, Hanabi wasn't upset at all. In fact, she seemed genuinely happy about the arrangement, understanding that this would strengthen the family bond. She had always cared deeply for her sister and saw this as a way to keep the family united. With her blessing, you and Hinata were married soon after.

[12th Month]: As the year drew to a close, a sense of dread loomed over you. That night, a blinding blue light erupted in the sky, signaling an attack. You barely evaded the first strike but were gravely injured. A strange drug-like mist filled the air, explaining why everyone was asleep and unresponsive. Desperate, you caught a glimpse of your attacker—the six magatama designs tattooed on collarbones were unmistakable.

[Dead]

[Simulation Ends]

[Choose one option to retain from the simulation:

- Increase Chakra Reserve

- Deep Knowledge of Hinata's Emotions and Personality

- Knowledge of Basic Jutsus Learned Throughout the Simulation

]

Shoi sat there, staring at the options. This simulation had been unlike any of the others—this time.

His mind drifted to the unsettling figure in the shadows of his memories. Six magatama on the collarbones, hellbent on killing him, connected to the Hyuga clan. 

The name surfaced in his thoughts like an unwanted whisper.

Toneri Ōtsutsuki.

It made sense. After all, Shoi had married both Hinata and Hanabi in the simulation—Toneri would have every reason to come after him. but that was a problem for later. Right now, he had a decision to make.

He scanned the options again.

"Increase Chakra reserve…" Shoi muttered under his breath. That sounded good—after all, more chakra meant more strength, longer endurance, and less risk of running out mid-battle. But his eyes wandered to the second option.

"Deep knowledge of Hinata's emotions and her personality…"

He sighed. His current mission is all about Hinata. The closer he could get to her, the easier it would be to complete his task. 

But this wasn't just about the mission anymore. It had become personal. If he didn't genuinely care for someone, no system could force him to like them, and that was the truth. 

But with Hinata, it was different. There was something about her that had always intrigued him. The way she moved, the quiet strength behind her words—it wasn't just about her being his target.

And then there was the third option. 

Basic jutsu knowledge wasn't a bad thing—techniques could always come in handy. But was it worth more than the chance to connect with Hinata on a deeper level?

His hand hovered over the second option.

"Yeah... if I can understand her emotions better, maybe I'll be able to get closer to her... not just for the mission."

Shoi made his decision, pressing his finger onto the option.

[You have selected: Deep Knowledge of Hinata's emotions and her personality.]

A surge of information flooded his mind. It wasn't just facts—he felt the layers of Hinata's feelings, her quiet insecurities, the hopes she held close, her hidden desires, and the unwavering strength she carried despite her soft demeanor. 

Her image became more vivid in his mind. He could almost hear her voice, the gentleness behind her words, and the emotions she often hid.

Shoi blinked, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. This was going to be more challenging than he thought. 

Understanding Hinata better meant navigating the delicate balance between the mission and his growing personal feelings.

But he didn't care. He wanted to know her, truly understand her. And now, with this knowledge, he was one step closer to achieving that.

"Toneri... you'll have to wait," he whispered to himself.