Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 13: Childhood Sweethearts Training Plan!

After changing into the clean clothes the Hyūga Clan had prepared for him, Katsuragi followed Hinata toward Hyūga Hiashi's residence. Along the way, many members of the Hyūga Clan noticed a child without Byakugan in their compound, which piqued their curiosity.

However, the Hyūga Clan's strict hierarchy meant that, upon seeing he was accompanied by the clan's young heiress, most of them quickly stifled any further questions.

"Good day, Miss Hinata!"

"H-hello!"

It was only upon actually arriving in the Hyūga Clan's domain that Katsuragi realized what a hassle large noble families could be. Seemingly every branch member who passed by Hinata greeted her, and because Hinata's personality dictated she must greet them in return, the short walk ended up taking nearly ten minutes.

"Miss Hinata, the Clan Head is waiting for you inside," announced the guard stationed at the entrance of Hiashi's quarters upon seeing Hinata and Katsuragi.

"Mm."

Hinata nodded, then whispered to Katsuragi, who was still looking around in awe at how wealthy the Hyūga were, "Katsuragi, l-let's go in."

"Mm-hmm!"

Katsuragi hurried after Hinata, and as they walked, he couldn't help but ask, "Hinata, aren't you exhausted, having to greet so many people every day?"

"N-no, that's… not it!"

Hinata stopped in her tracks and quietly explained, "Usually… I hardly ever see them. I'm… always indoors… training…"

"So Hinata's a bit of a homebody, huh?"

Hearing her reply, Katsuragi couldn't help chuckling. In a way, she was a lot like him. The difference was that he trained so he could become strong by his own will, while Hinata was made to train under the high expectations of the Hyūga Clan.

"Home…body?"

Seeing her pure-white eyes blink at him in puzzlement, Katsuragi smiled and explained, "It just means you like staying indoors."

"Th-then… Katsuragi… are you a 'homebody' too?"

"Uh…"

Katsuragi was momentarily stumped. Embarrassed, he rubbed the back of his head and muttered, "I guess you could say that."

"Heehee!"

Seeing his awkwardness, Hinata giggled.

"Alright, let's go."

At Katsuragi's urging, Hinata nodded. The two of them continued until they reached Hiashi's quarters.

"Ah, you're here? Please, have a seat. Katsuragi, how's your injury?"

Sitting in his chair, Hyūga Hiashi regarded Katsuragi with a calm expression. Katsuragi remained standing, head slightly bowed. "I'm recovering well, sir. No major problems now."

"Good."

Hiashi nodded in satisfaction. He stood and approached Katsuragi, quietly observing him for a moment, making the boy more than a little nervous. What's this about?

After a while, Hiashi sighed softly and said, "Katsuragi, you do look more like your mother after all."

"Eh?"

Katsuragi froze. Is that it? What kind of twist is this? Please don't tell me it's some complicated love-triangle drama. I never heard anything about Hiashi having feelings for my mom… Did I land in the wrong version of the Naruto world or something?!

While Katsuragi was questioning reality, Hiashi continued in a nostalgic tone, "Back then, my brother Hizashi, your father Gui-ichi, and I were all very close friends. Now…"

"Hmm…?"

Katsuragi's eyes sharpened. So Hyūga Hiashi and my father were friends? That was definitely unexpected.

Perhaps submerged in old memories, Hiashi didn't notice Katsuragi's momentary unease. As for Hinata, she was simply looking at her father with a blank, somewhat cutesy expression.

"Phew. I don't know why I'm telling you this."

Hiashi exhaled slowly and didn't elaborate further. After composing himself, he returned to his seat and looked at Katsuragi.

"So then, how did you manage to hold off those two Cloud ninja last night? They were weak, yes, but still Genin-level. The fact that you survived is quite a feat."

Here it comes!

Katsuragi braced himself mentally. He raised his head and answered, "Sir, ever since I learned my father was a ninja, I've wanted to be one too. He left behind a manual on chakra refinement, so I've been training for a long time. That's the only reason I could hold on until you arrived."

"Mm. You truly are your father's son."

Hiashi gave Katsuragi an approving look. "Having your level of ability at this age bodes well for the future."

On the side, Hinata couldn't recall ever hearing her father praise someone so readily—not even her cousin Neji, who had been the one training her, had received such compliments. This made her glance at Katsuragi anew, a curious feeling stirring in her chest.

Katsuragi just smiled shyly, though inwardly he felt a surge of gratitude toward his father once again. If Dad and Hiashi weren't old friends, he probably wouldn't have believed me so easily.

"Are you living on your own now?" Hiashi pressed on.

Katsuragi nodded. "Yes. I live in my parents' old house by myself."

"Hm…"

Hiashi fell silent. Watching Katsuragi stand there all alone, he seemed to be pondering how best to help him. Then, as he glimpsed Hinata sneaking looks at Katsuragi, an idea formed in his mind.

"Katsuragi, how would you like to train together with Hinata?"

"Eh!?"

Katsuragi was momentarily dumbfounded. What's this about? Why suddenly bring that up?

Beside him, Hinata was equally taken aback. Her face went bright red in seconds, and she murmured, "F-Father…" Then she lowered her head, fiddling anxiously with her fingers. Clearly, she was feeling anything but calm.

Seeing Katsuragi's clueless panic, Hiashi smiled faintly and said, "You're around the same age as Hinata. You may not have our clan's Byakugan, but if I have time to spare, I can offer you some guidance."

Katsuragi's mind raced. He planned to rely primarily on his Shikigami for future power, but that didn't mean he wanted to completely abandon the potential abilities of the Naruto world. And gaining the Hyūga Clan's support didn't sound bad at all.

Most importantly, the idea of spending time around this adorable, soft-spoken girl… A real childhood sweetheart scenario! Nurturing a loli from scratch, for real? How could I say no?!

"I'm not a lolicon. I'm absolutely… cough, cough…"

After mentally reciting a quick self-hypnosis, Katsuragi hastily replied, "Thank you very much, sir! I'd be honored."

"Good."

Hiashi nodded approvingly. Glancing at Hinata, who was still flustered, he said, "Then stay for dinner today before you head back. In the meantime, let Hinata show you around."

End of Chapter 13

1. Childhood Sweethearts / 青梅竹马 (qīngméi zhúmǎ) is a term for two people who grew up together and often implies the possibility of romance.

2. "I'm not a lolicon" is a comedic aside from Katsuragi, referencing how he's aware Hinata is still very young.