Evening.
The students of the Ninja Academy poured out of the school, buzzing with excitement.
Most were satisfied with their team assignments today.
Except for Aburame Shino.
Of course, it wasn't that he had been forgotten, as he initially feared.
After careful consideration, he had been assigned to the Anbu.
When Shino heard the news, he felt like his entire world had collapsed.
His presence was already alarmingly low, and now he had been sent to the Anbu?
At this rate, he might as well not exist in Konoha anymore!
...
Hinata Hyuga returned home to find Hiashi Hyuga and Hanabi Hyuga waiting at the entrance.
As soon as she approached, the two of them rushed forward.
Hiashi spoke first. "Hinata, I heard that Lord Mirai has taken you as his disciple. Is that true?"
Seeing her usually composed father so visibly excited, Hinata couldn't help but smile, his enthusiasm contagious.
"Yes, Father, it's true."
"Wonderful!"
A relieved smile spread across Hiashi's face.
The ninja world was changing at an unprecedented pace. Clinging to the old ways would only lead to obsolescence.
For years, Hiashi had racked his brain trying to maintain the Hyuga Clan's standing as one of Konoha's elite.
But now, with his daughter becoming Mirai's disciple, everything was different.
Even if he chose to take it easy from now on, the Hyuga Clan was destined to remain prominent!
Watching their joyful expressions, Hanabi couldn't help but ask,
"Father, is it really that important that Sister was taken as Lord Mirai's disciple?"
Hiashi gently patted Hanabi's head and said softly, "Hanabi, you'll understand when you're older."
Hanabi nodded. "Alright! Sister, when I grow up, you have to introduce me to Lord Mirai! I want to see what kind of person he is."
Hearing Hanabi's eager request, Hinata smiled and agreed.
"Hanabi, then you'd better train hard."
Hanabi grinned. "Got it, Sister!"
As the three of them chatted, Neji Hyuga appeared from around the corner, looking utterly disheveled.
Seeing him in such a messy state, all three were taken aback.
Neji had always been meticulous about his appearance—how did he end up like this?
Feeling their gazes, Neji grimaced before turning to Hiashi. "Clan Head, do we really have to follow our Jonin instructor's orders?"
Hiashi frowned slightly. "In most cases, yes. Team members should listen to their instructor's commands."
"What happened?"
Neji pulled out a tight-fitting green jumpsuit and sighed in resignation. "I really don't want to wear this…"
At the sight of that unmistakable attire, Hiashi immediately understood.
He couldn't help but chuckle. "Neji, this is something you'll have to work out with your instructor."
"But don't worry. Whatever decision you make, the clan won't interfere."
Hearing this, Neji looked disappointed.
He had hoped Hiashi would outright reject the idea for the sake of the Hyuga Clan's dignity.
Just thinking about that eccentric Jonin named Might Guy made Neji hesitate.
Did that man really have any real strength?
So envious of Lady Hinata… He wished he could be Lord Mirai's disciple too.
...
The next morning.
Before the sun even rose, Inoichi Yamanaka was roused from his sleep by a series of clanking sounds.
He nudged his still-sleeping wife, Rino Yamanaka, with a puzzled expression.
"Is that Ino?"
"What's she doing up so early?"
Rino turned over lazily. "Not sure. Sounds like it's coming from the kitchen. Maybe she's making breakfast?"
"Really?"
Hearing this, Inoichi's face lit up with joy.
Could it be that his daughter had finally matured and wanted to surprise him on her first day as a ninja?
The thought made him smile so much that wrinkles appeared on his face.
Since his daughter was so thoughtful, he decided to play along.
He wasn't the type to ruin someone's surprise.
Rino eyed him curiously. "What's gotten into you? Why are you suddenly so happy?"
When the alarm finally went off, Inoichi got dressed at lightning speed.
Stepping into the living room, he saw Ino busying herself in the kitchen.
The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air.
Clearing his throat, Inoichi asked, "Ino, what are you doing?"
Without looking up, Ino replied, "Making breakfast."
Just as I thought!
Feeling immensely pleased, Inoichi picked up a newspaper and started reading with a satisfied smile.
A short while later, Ino bit into a slice of toast and packed up a neatly prepared bento.
"No time! I have to go!" she announced, heading for the door.
Inoichi looked up in surprise. "Ino, what about your bento…?"
"Oh, this is for my Jonin instructor." Ino grinned. "I won't be coming home for lunch."
Inoichi's smile froze instantly.
He had been looking forward to it all morning, only to find out the bento wasn't for him?!
A sharp pang shot through his heart.
His precious little girl was slipping away!
Watching his expression, Rino couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
"It's just a bento. Do you really have to look so heartbroken?"
Inoichi huffed. "You don't understand."
Then, as if remembering something, he asked, "By the way, I came home late last night and forgot to ask… Who is Ino's Jonin instructor?"
Rino raised an eyebrow. "Why? Planning to go cause trouble for them?"
Inoichi scoffed. "If it's a female instructor, fine. But there's no way I'll allow my daughter to cook for some man."
He had only one daughter and had always treated her like a precious jewel.
And now, she was getting up early to make meals for another man?! Outrageous!
No, he had to go have a word with this guy.
Seeing Inoichi fuming, Rino smirked. "Ino's instructor is Lord Mirai. Go ahead, have a chat with him."
"Lord Mirai?!"
Inoichi froze on the spot.
He knew his daughter's grades all too well. How had she ended up as Lord Mirai's disciple?
"…Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." Rino put on an apron and walked into the kitchen. "So? Still planning to go 'have a word' with him?"
Inoichi fell silent.
Confront Lord Mirai?
No way. He still valued his life.
But…
If Ino had become Lord Mirai's disciple, didn't that mean the Yamanaka Clan had a chance to rise to new heights?
At the very least, their standing in Konoha would be unshakable!
The more he thought about it, the happier he became.
Yes, making bentos was good.
A Jonin instructor worked hard—it was only right to prepare meals for them.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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