Chapter 68: Homecoming and a New Year
Four days later, Ryuzen and Hinata finally returned to Konoha after nearly a year away.
As they passed through the village gates, the familiar sights and sounds washed over them—the bustling streets, the Hokage monument in the distance, the everyday rhythm of village life. They had traveled far, seen many places, but Konoha still held a certain feeling.
Their first stop was the Hokage's office to report their return.
Tsunade looked up from a mountain of paperwork as they entered. Her eyes swept over both of them, taking in their changed appearances—taller, more mature, carrying themselves differently than when they'd left.
She sighed with obvious relief. "You're finally back. I won't bother asking about the romantic adventures of you little brats." She waved a hand dismissively. "But now that you're here, don't forget you're still ninja. I'll give you three more days to rest. Team 8 resumes duty after that."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Ryuzen and Hinata responded in unison and left the office.
Outside the Hokage Tower, they paused on the street.
Unusually, Hinata didn't follow Ryuzen home. Instead, she turned toward the Hyūga compound.
After nearly a year away, returning to the village meant returning to family first. Moreover, things had changed with her father. Hiashi Hyūga had finally untied the knots in Neji's heart. He had witnessed Ryuzen's power and his treatment of both his daughters. He no longer treated Hinata with the cold indifference of her childhood.
The clan would pass to Hanabi in the future. When Hinata married, she would be free of the Caged Bird seal. Both daughters would escape the fate that had separated Hiashi from his own brother. And the Hyūga clan would gain a Kage-level son-in-law.
Whether Hiashi Hyūga or the clan elders considered it, everyone supported Ryuzen and Hinata being together.
From Hanabi and Neji's accounts, Hiashi had learned of Hinata's true strength. He had even tacitly approved of Hanabi training with Ryuzen.
Though Ryuzen had never formally met Hinata's father, both sides were satisfied with the arrangement.
Ryuzen returned to his apartment alone.
The house had been empty for nearly a year. Dust covered every surface. The air felt stale.
He had just begun cleaning when the door slid open.
"Ryuzen-nii!"
Hanabi launched herself at him without hesitation, wrapping her arms around his waist. Behind her, Hinata followed with a gentle smile.
The sisters had arrived together.
They divided the work—Ryuzen taking the heavy cleaning, Hinata handling the kitchen and living areas, Hanabi tackling the smaller tasks with boundless energy.
Hours passed. By the time they finished, the house sparkled like new. All three were covered in dust and sweat, but smiles of accomplishment lit their faces.
One by one, they washed up. When Ryuzen emerged from the bathroom in a light bathrobe, he found Hanabi already waiting on the bed.
Hinata had gone out to buy groceries for dinner.
Hanabi climbed onto Ryuzen's lap, her small hands pressing against the acupuncture points on his head with serious concentration. Even at her young age, her Hyūga training made her touch precise and effective.
"Hey, Ryuzen-nii," she asked, her face stern with curiosity despite her smile, "where did you and big sister go this year? Which places were the most fun?"
Ryuzen opened his eyes and looked at her. A year had changed Hanabi too—she had grown taller, her hair longer, her features sharpening toward the beauty she would become.
He chuckled and pinched her cheek. "So many places I can't remember them all. Want to know?"
"Mm-hmm!" She nodded eagerly.
"When Hanabi grows up," he said, his tone gently teasing, "I'll take you to see them too. Okay?"
It was clearly the kind of answer adults gave children. But Hanabi nodded vigorously, her eyes shining.
"Promise! After Hanabi graduates, Ryuzen-nii will take Hanabi traveling too. And we won't bring big sister!"
"Yeah, yeah." Ryuzen nodded perfunctorily and closed his eyes again.
Hanabi beamed with motivation and continued her massage with renewed energy. Her fingers moved from his head to his neck, then shoulders, arms, waist, legs, and...
Her young face stayed completely serious, focused on her task.
Through half-lidded eyes, Ryuzen watched her earnest expression. For a moment, he glimpsed an echo of Hinata as a child—the same dedication, the same desire to please.
He smiled softly and let his eyes close completely.
Enjoying the Hyūga clan's premier massage technique, Ryuzen drifted off without realizing it.
When he woke, darkness had fallen outside.
"Ryuzen-kun..."
"Ryuzen-nii!"
Two faces hovered above him—Hinata's gentle smile and Hanabi's bright grin. Under their joint "service," they helped him rise, wash up, and make his way to the dining room.
Life had returned to how it was a year ago. The atmosphere remained warm, unchanged despite the passage of time.
Konoha Year 61, December 27th.
Unnoticed, Hinata's birthday had arrived again.
Memories of last year played through Ryuzen's mind like a slideshow, often resurfacing at unexpected moments.
Today, heavy snow fell over Konoha—just like last year's scene.
Ryuzen and Hinata had been back for nearly two weeks. Team 8 had already resumed operations. Everyone had changed—Ryuzen, Hinata, even Aburame Shino had matured over the past year.
In the past two weeks, Team 8 had undertaken one B-rank mission—escorting a Fire Country noble to a small nation to purchase local specialties. They'd encountered a few wandering ninja along the way, but nothing too difficult.
Tonight, Ryuzen had prepared surprises as always.
But when darkness fell, only Hinata arrived.
Ryuzen, hiding in the corner, blinked in mild surprise but didn't think much of it.
Just like last year, he moved silently behind her. His hands covered her eyes.
"Happy birthday, my beautiful Byakugan princess."
This time, Hinata didn't remove his hands. Instead, she leaned back against his chest and looked up, her eyes misty.
"Ryuzen-kun..."
He smiled and lowered his head, pressing his lips to hers.
The kiss lasted until both were breathless.
They moved to the living room sofa. Ryuzen sat with Hinata nestled against his chest, her back to his front, as they blew out the candles together and cut the cake.
He didn't turn on the lights. They simply sat in darkness, talking quietly.
Somehow, Ryuzen felt Hinata was more emotional tonight than last year. That shouldn't be—this wasn't their first time celebrating together. She should be used to it by now.
Thump.
When the night deepened, Ryuzen lay on the bed after his shower, listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom. The room remained dark except for the light spilling from the bathroom door.
He didn't know how long passed before warmth settled against his chest.
He hugged instinctively—then blinked in surprise.
Looking down, he saw only one head visible above the quilt. Hinata's face peeked out, her expression hidden.
Ryuzen laughed softly. "Is this why you've been so emotional today?"
"...Mm." Her response was barely audible, thin as a mosquito's wing. She burrowed against his chest, trembling slightly. "I... I want to give myself... completely to you."
Ryuzen felt no excitement at the words. Instead, he touched her hair gently.
"Actually... I've wanted to take everything from you for a long time. Since last year, even."
His voice was soft.
"But not yet. You're not fully mature. I want to take everything when you're most beautiful."
He meant when she reached sixteen to nineteen—the age when Hinata would bloom into her full beauty.
Hinata misunderstood. But the sentiment made her happy. She hugged him tightly.
"Mm!"
Then Ryuzen lowered his head, lips brushing her ear.
"I can't do that now. But you can still help me. After all, you're the one who got me worked up."
"How... how can I help?" Her voice was confused, innocent.
He smiled in the darkness.
"Come. Let me teach you."
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