"Hu~~"
The wind whistled, and Tengang saw a white shadow dart away.
Such a speed made Tengang squint and sigh. "Such a speed... Young people nowadays are really amazing."
After shaking his head, Tengang turned around and went to work.
Sitting behind Katsumi Kei, feeling the strong wind running through her hair, Tenten couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and excitement, those two feelings combining together.
Such a feeling made Tenten very happy, and an innocent and bright smile appeared on her face, just like a sunflower.
As Kei turned a corner, he suddenly furrowed his brow.
"...I forgot the spices."
Without hesitation, he tapped Hayate's neck. The massive dog turned on a dime and darted back the way they came, blurring past startled pedestrians.
Within moments, Kei was back at the house. He hopped down, ran inside, and retrieved a small pouch from the kitchen counter.
"No point making food without flavor," he muttered.
Re-mounting Hayate, he gave a quick pat. "Alright, back on track."
Hayate howled softly and took off once again.
Kei, moving swiftly through the village streets, suddenly caught a light, pure fragrance drifting from a nearby alley. Curious, he pressed gently on Hayate's head.
Hayate adjusted course immediately, following Kei's direction.
Moments later, the source of the scent came into view—and Kei recognized the scene.
A group of loud, rowdy children had cornered a girl with pale, featureless eyes. They taunted her cruelly:
"This person's eyes are entirely white!"
"It's a white-eyed monster!"
"Come on white-eyed monster! Show us your strength!"
"Today, I, Taiji Kishimoto, will beat the white-eyed monster and become the hero of Konoha!"
The ring leader marched toward the shrinking girl. Hinata Hyuga trembled, too afraid to speak.
From down the road, another child approached quickly—Uzumaki Naruto.
'Ah... so it's this moment.'
Kei's eyes narrowed. 'I'll have more summoning beasts in the future. I wonder if evolution materials might include things like [Hyuga Blood] or [Uzumaki Blood]...'
He gave Hayate a signal.
"WOOF!!!"
Hayate barked with wind-chakra-enhanced force. The rowdy children turned—and froze.
Hayate snarled, fangs bared, eyes glowing with primal menace. He looked every bit a predator.
The children panicked.
"Ahh! It's so scary!"
"Mom, there's a big dog that's going to eat me!"
They scattered, crying as they fled.
Hinata stared, stunned.
From atop Hayate, Katsumi Kei smiled gently. "It's alright now. Excuse me, do you need help with something?"
Blushing deeply, Hinata whispered, "I-I'm lost..."
"Judging from your eyes, You're a Hyuga, right? Your clan's compound is a bit far from here. I'm taking my sister for a picnic, got the ingredients packed and everything. Come with us—eat something, then I'll take you home. Sound good?"
Kei dismounted, standing beside her with a warm, sincere smile.
"My name is Katsumi Kei."
"M-my name i-is Hinata."
"Would you like to be my friend and go on a picnic with me?"
Hinata's expression lit up. "I... Yes. I would really like to go."
When Hyuga Hinata finished her sentence, her whole body seemed more relaxed in an instant, as if relieved, and a very bright smile appeared on her little face.
'I did it,' Hinata thought quietly. 'I didn't run away this time... I said yes.'
Her heart fluttered. It wasn't just the rescue or the kindness—it was the warmth of being seen, heard, and invited. Even if her voice had trembled, even if she was still shy, Hinata felt something stir inside her. Maybe she could be a little braver tomorrow too.
Tenten bounced over and grinned. "My name's Tenten! Will you be my friend too?"
Hinata nodded shyly. "I do, I want to be your friend."
Tenten beamed. 'This girl might become a really good friend!'
Kei smiled faintly at the sight.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed a lone boy watching from behind a wall.
'Uzumaki Naruto... Pitiful and isolated. Always watched by the Anbu. Maybe even Hiruzen's Telescope Technique. And yet...'
Kei considered his system.
'If I ever need [Uzumaki Blood] or [Tailed Beast Chakra], it's better to build goodwill early. I'm not a saint, but I'm not heartless either.'
He turned his head and called out.
"Hey, you hiding behind the corner! Want to come on a picnic too?"