Naruto: Reborn in Konoha, Starting with the Drop of Asura's Chakra

"Yagyu, should we devise a strategy or set up traps here?" Shino Aburame asked, seeking Yagyu's opinion after Kurenai left.

This question signified that Shino was willingly ceding the leadership role of Team 8 to Yagyu.

In the original story, Kiba Inuzuka appeared to lead Team 8, but in truth, Shino was its backbone. Shino typically let Kiba make minor decisions, but during critical moments, he would firmly take charge, commanding enough authority to guide both Hinata and Kiba.

Now, however, Shino was willingly stepping aside, ready to act as Yagyu's second-in-command. It wasn't just because Yagyu was the top student—it was simply the sensible choice. With Hinata's complete deference to Yagyu, Shino knew he would be outvoted two-to-one if he opposed him. If he wanted to stay in Team 8, yielding was the only option.

Pleased with Shino's understanding, Yagyu smiled and replied, "We still have plenty of time. Sensei Kurenai likely left to give us time to prepare."

"But, as three Genin, even working together and setting traps won't make us a match for Sensei Kurenai, a Jonin. This exercise is more about assessing our skills and teamwork, as she mentioned."

"Let's skip the traps. If we fall into one of her genjutsu, those traps could backfire on us. Instead, we'll share details about our abilities and form a plan to give it our best shot."

Unlike Kakashi, Kurenai didn't threaten her students with expulsion for failing the exercise. Only those who were both weak and unwilling to cooperate would face such a consequence. For Yagyu, Hinata, and Shino—who were top students—failure wasn't a real concern.

"Agreed," Shino nodded, supporting Yagyu's plan.

The three began walking back along the trail while sharing their respective skills and abilities. As Yagyu explained his own techniques, Hinata stole glances at his profile, her eyes brimming with admiration.

Though Shino's expression remained neutral, his mind reeled with disbelief. If his sunglasses weren't obscuring his eyes, they would've betrayed his astonishment.

Shino thought to himself, I assumed Yagyu's Water Wall was impressive enough for a Genin, but he's been hiding so much more! No wonder Sasuke never managed to beat him. Frankly, even the combined efforts of all us clan heirs wouldn't stand a chance against him.

He probably had the skills to graduate in our first year!

After discussing their abilities, the three devised a simple strategy. They planned to revisit and refine it the following morning if necessary. Upon returning to Konoha's central district, Team 8 dispersed.

Yagyu and Hinata ended up walking together through the streets. For the first time since they were three years old, the two had a moment of private interaction.

As a commoner without a surname, Yagyu had never been allowed into the Hyuga clan's estate, not even as a guest. Even Sakura was excluded from visiting Hinata's home—only Ino had that privilege.

Hinata walked in a daze, her Byakugan seemingly transcending time and space to relive that snowy night nine years ago when Yagyu had walked her home. The boy she admired back then had grown into someone truly exceptional—unmatched in her eyes.

Stealing glances at Yagyu's handsome profile and recalling their years of shared experiences, a soft smile formed on Hinata's lips. Her heart felt as sweet as honey.

Suddenly, Yagyu turned his head, meeting her gaze. Startled, Hinata quickly looked down, her fingers instinctively twisting together.

Watching her shy demeanor, Yagyu chuckled. "Hinata, would you like to come to my house and train together?"

"Um… yes," she mumbled, her voice barely audible as she nodded, her head still lowered.

Yagyu was amused but not surprised. He was pleased she agreed—it was bold of her to join him alone.

For Yagyu, being assigned to Team 8 was an unexpected delight. He had been wondering how to invite Hinata out to spend time together without Ino's help. Now, as teammates, they had plenty of opportunities to bond. And with time, he hoped to trigger the system's drop mechanics and gain her Byakugan bloodline limit.

Back at his house, Yagyu summoned a shadow clone to prepare lunch while he took Hinata to the training room for some sparring. He believed that training together would help her become comfortable being alone with him.

After entering his home, Hinata realized the boldness of her decision. She spent the entire time avoiding eye contact, her cheeks flushed red.

Yagyu decided to wait until she adjusted to invite her to train outside, where they could engage in unrestricted sparring—the only way to increase the odds of obtaining rare system drops. Predictably, sparring with Hinata yielded no glowing orbs this time.

When lunch was ready, Yagyu invited Hinata to stay and eat. She accepted, though her shyness made her eat slowly and delicately, a stark contrast to her usual comfort at his home.

In the past, whenever Yagyu cooked, the girls—including Hinata—would help him. Today, however, she felt too flustered to do so, which left her feeling guilty.

After the meal, Hinata insisted on cleaning the dishes and even stayed to tidy up his home, a routine she had adopted alongside Ino and Sakura as a gesture of gratitude.

Once the cleaning was complete, Hinata bid Yagyu a hurried farewell, practically fleeing the house.

Throughout their time together, apart from her focus during training, Hinata had been shy and reserved, which Yagyu found endearing.

If only portable cameras were a thing, he mused, imagining how he'd immortalize her adorably flustered expressions.

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