[After a long while, Hinata finally released her hold, reluctance evident in her expression. A glistening, translucent silken thread still connected her tongue to Nagi's.
Hinata licked her lips, savoring the moment, clearly wanting to continue.
"That's enough!" x2
Naruko and Satsuki had already arrived beside them, each grabbing one of Hinata's arms and pulling her away.
"Let me go! I wasn't finished yet!"
Shizuka hurriedly helped Nagi up, while Ameno quickly checked on his condition. Looking at his dazed expression, the two women felt both concern and a hint of excitement.
A little while later...
Hinata finally calmed down, and Nagi regained his senses—though his eyes seemed somewhat different now.
At that moment, Fugaku and Minato walked over.
Minato addressed Nagi: "Nagi, congratulations on winning the championship. Your reward will be delivered this evening."
Minato then offered words of encouragement to the other participants before turning to face the audience.
"This joint Chūnin Exam is not yet concluded. The awards ceremony and closing ceremony will take place tonight here in this very arena. Everyone is welcome to attend..."
After finishing his announcement, Minato instructed his staff to arrange for an orderly departure. Following the Nagi and the others took the exclusive to leave the venue in an orderly manner.
Throughout their departure, the girls kept stealing glances at Nagi's lips—their gazes resembling those of predators spotting prey. Nagi felt distinctly uncomfortable under such scrutiny.
At the exit leading from the venue, Samui was waiting for them, having arrived long before.
Seeing Samui felt like spotting a lifeline to Nagi—after all, Naruko and the others' stares were terrifying. He quickened his pace toward Samui, hoping to escape the storm.
The girls exchanged solemn glances at Samui. No other reason—she was simply too... well-endowed.
Samui watched Nagi rapidly approaching her and an idea sparked. Seizing the opportunity, she swept him up into her arms.
Being lifted like this left Nagi utterly bewildered.
"I wasn't trying to—mmph!!"
Once again, Nagi's lips met softness and moisture.
Samui held him with one arm while pressing against his head with the other. Nagi's mind went blank again—he'd been kissed forcibly once more!?
The girls stood frozen, transformed into living statues. Sakura and Ino covered their eyes shyly, though their fingers were spread wide enough to see everything.
Samui didn't kiss deeply—Nagi's panic hadn't yet dissipated. Instead, she was as gentle as possible, softly soothing his shaken spirit through her touch.
"Hmm?"
Nagi noticed this time felt different from the suffocating sensation with Hinata. It was comfortable. He felt an inner pleasure, a sense of being healed...
Samui released his lips and asked with concern: "Nagi, do you feel better inside?"
"Captain... you?"
"Yes. Don't worry."
Understanding dawned on Nagi. He smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, Samui."
"It's nothing. I'm glad you're okay."
Samui gently set him down. The atmosphere between them was warm.
At that moment, Hinata's eyes narrowed with jealousy.
"Hey, hey! Nagi, your expression just now was completely different from when you were with me, wasn't it!? Fine then—let's do it again!"
Nagi instinctively stepped back behind Samui.
"Uh... Hinata, you're still a bit young right now. This sort of thing is absolutely forbidden."
Hinata looked utterly unconvinced.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, Nagi, but you're only a few months older than me. And I clearly saw you enjoying that kiss with this big-chested woman well enough."
Samui came to his defense: "I was merely healing the fear in Nagi's heart. Your kiss was too forceful, too wild. You nearly traumatized him."
Hinata faltered. She had indeed been a bit... intense earlier. Her tone softened.
"Ahem... Nagi, I'm sorry about earlier. But I don't regret it. And I won't give up."
"Uh..."
Nagi wasn't sure how to respond.
Naruko, Satsuki, Shizuka, and Ameno exchanged glances, communicating silently through their eyes.
Night...
The awards ceremony was underway in the arena. Minato personally presented Nagi with his championship award—the jutsu reward would be collected tomorrow afternoon at the Hokage's office.
After offering a string of congratulations, the two posed together for a commemorative photograph...
In the audience...
With Satsuki...
Mikoto spoke gently: "Satsuki, you worked so hard these past two days. Your strength exceeded all our expectations. And also—"
"Mother, there's no need to console me. I won't give up on Nagi. We've long accepted that. I just didn't expect Hinata to make the first move."
Satsuki interrupted calmly, though her trembling hands betrayed her inner turmoil.
With Naruko...
"Listen carefully. Even if Nagi's first kiss was stolen, that doesn't mean you admit defeat. Until the very end, nothing is certain."
Kushina encouraged Naruko firmly.
"Yeah!"
With Hinata...
"Father, I was the one who took the initiative today, so don't you dare blame him. If you even think of bothering Nagi, just try it."
"...!!"
Hiashi was rendered utterly speechless.
Hinata continued, her tone turning serious: "By the way, Father—about that state my Byakugan entered earlier, I'm not entirely certain what it was yet. Tell those restless clan members to behave themselves. Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite."
"I understand. I'll warn them."
"Heehee! Big sister is so cool!"
Hanabi gazed at Hinata with pure admiration.
With Ameno...
Sēn spoke to Ameno: "Ameno, your romantic rivals are formidable. You'll need to work hard."
"Of course I will."
Yome remarked: "I never imagined Ameno would become this strong—strong enough to defeat even Temari."
Ameno replied modestly: "It's nothing really. And Temari is incredibly skilled too."
Sēn suddenly thought of something.
"Speaking of which, with you as an example now, Ameno, I'm sure the Kazekage will push for more international exchange opportunities."
"Exactly."
Yome nodded in agreement.
Ameno smiled wryly—she knew all too well how her strength had actually increased.
With Shizuka...
Shizuka spoke quietly to Samui beside her: "Captain, wasn't today a bit too forward?"
Samui responded: "Perhaps. Given Nagi's personality, he absolutely forbids such premature behavior. But Shizuka—did you see Nagi's expression when you all left earlier?"
Shizuka shook her head. She'd been too focused on Nagi's lips at the time.
Samui explained: "Nagi's heart is incredibly resolute. He always upholds his principles. Today, Hinata's aggressive kiss directly shattered his awareness that his principles had been violated. His eyes held confusion."
"So Captain... what you did with Nagi today, was that—"
"Yes. Kissing Nagi allowed me to comfort his heart. After all, I'm already an adult."
"Sigh... so among us, only the Captain can do such... intimate things with Nagi?"
"Not necessarily. You can also help make Nagi's principles more flexible. While sticking to principles is good, if an unexpected situation causes them to waver, that could be problematic."
"I understand now. Thank you, Captain."]
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