Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 20: Let Me Hug... ahem, Just a Hug!

The gentle snowflakes drifted down lazily. Due to Yuki-onna's influence, Katsuragi didn't feel very cold, but it was different for Hinata. After running for a short while, she was panting heavily and soon sneezed from the chilly wind.

"Be careful not to catch a cold!" Seeing Hinata like this, Katsuragi took off his scarf and wrapped it around her neck, saying helplessly, "And why are you rushing so much? Whether Neji wants our help or not is another matter."

Hinata, blushing furiously from Katsuragi's actions, paused in surprise, her embarrassment temporarily forgotten. She asked worriedly, "What do we do then, Katsuragi?"

"I don't know!" Katsuragi shrugged, his expression one of helplessness. After all, Neji's problems were irreparable—was he supposed to learn Reanimation Jutsu and pull Hiashi out of hell?

It might be easier to wait for a future where he somehow acquires an unlimited revival summon.

Seeing Katsuragi's demeanor, Hinata fell silent for a few seconds before looking up seriously and saying, "Katsuragi, even if Brother Neji doesn't want it, can we still help him, please?"

"Uh!"

Katsuragi was stunned, suddenly feeling a bit annoyed, but more puzzled, he asked, "Hinata, why do you insist on helping Neji so much?"

"Why?" Hinata looked puzzled at Katsuragi, then thought for a moment before saying, "I feel so sorry for Brother Neji. He wasn't like this before. Before you came, he used to smile a lot and was very respectful towards Father."

"I just hope he can return to how he was before..."

"I see!" Katsuragi stroked his chin, thinking. As long as Hinata's feelings towards Neji were not overly brotherly and didn't affect his plans to cultivate a childhood friend into a potential love interest.

Heh, with the spirit of a lolicon energizing him, even gods would have to bow down!

"Katsuragi! Katsuragi!"

Seeing Katsuragi lost in his thoughts and not responding, Hinata couldn't help but call out to him twice.

"Hmm!?"

Brought back to reality by Hinata's voice, Katsuragi shook his head slightly and, with a smile, said, "Alright, for your sake, we'll help him."

"Thank you, Katsuragi!"

Hearing Katsuragi agree, Hinata finally smiled happily. Just as she finished speaking, Katsuragi, with a mischievous grin, suddenly added, "But there's a condition!"

"Eh! A condition? What condition?"

Hinata looked at Katsuragi with her innocent big eyes, clearly confused.

"Let me kiss... ahem, just a hug will do!"

Katsuragi originally thought about asking for something more 'excessive,' but fearing Hinata might be too shy or get upset, he opted for something simpler and easier to ensure he wasn't seen as a creep, even though he probably already was, sort of!

"Eh! Eh!?"

However, what seemed simple to Katsuragi was not so for Hinata. Her normally pale cheeks blushed at an observable rate, the surrounding snowflakes starting to melt, clearly illustrating the heat of her face.

"A... a hug!?"

Hinata, regressing to her initial shyness when they first met, stammered out her words while keeping her head down, too embarrassed to meet Katsuragi's eyes. It took a long while in the chilly air, which even Katsuragi, bolstered by Yuki-onna's powers, felt slightly cool, before Hinata spoke again:

"Then... only... only one hug!"

"Alright! Alright!"

Katsuragi quickly nodded without hesitation, the slight chill he felt vanishing completely replaced by a warm anticipation—this was a pure, adorable little lolita after all. How could he not be thrilled?

Watching Hinata close her eyes in anticipation of the hug, Katsuragi rubbed his hands together and slowly moved closer.

Soft and fluffy, like a cotton candy, that was Katsuragi's first impression. However, due to the thick clothing, he couldn't feel much more, which made him slightly regretful. How perfect it would be if it were summer.

But time was on his side, and there would be opportunities in the future. Embracing Hinata and feeling incredibly happy, Katsuragi thought to himself.

"Okay... is it over... not yet?"

Inside Katsuragi's embrace, Hinata, while feeling warm and cozy, was mostly embarrassed. Seeing that Katsuragi hadn't let go for quite some time, she timidly inquired.

"Alright!"

Though he wanted to continue the hug, Katsuragi knew well the principle of 'too much can be as bad as too little.' Reluctantly releasing his arms, he grinned at Hinata and said, "Hugging you feels so comfortable!"

Hinata silently didn't respond, playing with her fingers shyly, but inside, she felt a sweet happiness from his compliment.

"Alright, it's getting late! Let's go!"

Looking at the darkening sky, Katsuragi remembered Hiashi's instruction for Hinata not to return too late. He wouldn't feel right if she got punished because of him.

"Okay! Brother Neji's house is this way!"

Remembering their original purpose, Hinata quickly pointed in a direction, leading Katsuragi forward.

Arriving at Neji's house and seeing the dark home, Katsuragi sighed quietly. Indeed, Neji's childhood was also quite tragic; born into a great family yet controlled by the main house.

Just having a father who loved him, yet he died taking the blame for someone else, and that someone was his own uncle.

"Brother Neji, Brother Neji, are you home?"

Watching Hinata knock, Katsuragi listened intently for any movement inside the house. Realizing it seemed genuinely empty and noticing some tracks around, he quickly stopped Hinata:

"Hinata, stop knocking. It looks like Neji isn't home. Look here!"

Katsuragi pointed at a set of footprints, partially covered by snow but still discernibly those of a child, likely Neji's.

"Where could Brother Neji be this late?"

Looking at the ground's footprints, Hinata showed a worried expression.

Katsuragi felt the same and thus extended his hand towards Hinata, suggesting, "Let's follow the tracks and see!"

"Okay!"

Taking Hinata's hand, Katsuragi followed the footprints until they reached a small grove. As they approached, they heard "ha-ha-ha" noises as if someone was training.

Katsuragi quickly found a hidden spot for them to hide and watched to see who was training.

"Neji!?"

Seeing Neji furiously punching a large tree, Katsuragi was taken aback. Judging by the tree's marks, this training seemed to have been going on for some time, and the bandages on his fists were stained with blood, clearly indicating overexertion.

End of Chapter 20