Naruto: SSS-Rank Romance System

Hinata Clan Main House.

Hinata approached her father, bowing her head and greeting him respectfully before kneeling on the tatami mat. Her small, delicate feet turned outward, appearing as smooth and radiant as white jade.

Lowering her gaze, she showed immense reverence for the family patriarch before her. She dared not meet his eyes nor raise her voice. After a brief silence, she was the first to speak.

"Father, is there something you need from me?"

Hiashi Hyuga sat solemnly in the upper seat, clad in a dark blue robe. Years of kneeling had given him strong legs, whereas Hinata had avoided this consequence due to less frequent practice.

"The village will soon hold a high-level meeting regarding Uzumaki Naruto," Hiashi said, his tone revealing no emotion as his pale eyes stared straight ahead.

"I want to hear your opinion."

"I... I don't have one," Hinata replied hesitantly.

"A ninja's life isn't for you."

"Being close to Naruto isn't good either—it's dangerous."

Hinata bit her lip at her father's disapproval, her inner thoughts wavering. She vaguely understood his intentions, but her father's stern nature meant he rarely explained himself further.

Whatever she pursued seemed wrong in his eyes. Whether it was becoming a ninja or liking someone, she had never been able to gain his approval.

Hiashi was dissatisfied with his timid daughter. Her lack of talent and leadership made her unfit to lead the Hyuga clan. He was more inclined to nurture Hanabi.

However, this time was different—Hinata didn't give her usual meek response. Instead, there was only silence.

"Father… I'm sorry. Please allow me to make this decision on my own. I want to follow my own will and become a ninja," Hinata finally said in a soft yet resolute voice.

"It's meaningless. Without talent, continuing as a ninja will only grow more difficult," Hiashi stated with an unwavering tone.

Hinata pressed her lips together and shook her head.

"Father, I don't want to give up."

Click. The lock at the door turned slowly.

A blonde-haired girl in casual attire opened the door and stepped inside. At the entrance, she swapped her shoes skillfully, her legs curving gracefully as she moved. She placed her keys on the shoe cabinet with a clink and walked barefoot into the living room.

"Geez, you fell asleep on the couch again?" Ino complained as she entered, tying up her golden hair and setting the takeout food on the table.

"And what's the deal with just handing me your spare key?"

A groggy Naruto stirred on the couch, opening one eye to glance at her before closing it again. Ino crossed her arms and sighed.

At the dining table later that afternoon, Ino frowned at Naruto, who looked sleep-deprived.

"So, did you hear what I said earlier?"

"Hear what?" Naruto asked, focused on his food. "Thanks for the meal. It's delicious—must be your cooking. I can tell."

"Don't say such lazy and gross things!" Ino growled, gripping her spoon tightly.

"I'm serious. It's great!" Naruto said sincerely.

Being fed beat cooking for himself, regardless of taste. Complimenting her was a win-win.

"Hmph. It's not homemade," Ino retorted, looking away.

"Impossible," Naruto replied immediately. It didn't matter who made it—he just wanted to praise her.

"Geez, you're such a freeloader," Ino muttered.

"Does that mean I can eat at your place?" Naruto teased.

"Dream on!" Ino blushed furiously, recalling the maid outfit incident. "You're the reason my parents laugh at me whenever I'm home! I can't show my face there anymore!"

"Don't bring that up!" Ino's embarrassment made her want to smack him.

"Hey, it's not my fault! You said your parents weren't home!" Naruto shot back.

"Ugh…" Ino had no response and quickly changed the subject. "What's with the spare key?"

"Don't get the wrong idea," Naruto said, setting down his chopsticks. "I just didn't want you scaring me every time you knock."

"Scaring you?" Ino's cheeks puffed slightly. "I guess I can understand, but still…"

She played with a strand of her golden hair nervously, her voice speeding up slightly.

"It's just… having the key to a guy's place is a bit... awkward. If my parents find out, it'll be embarrassing."

"Can't you just hide it?" Naruto asked innocently.

"H-Hide it?" Ino's face flushed. Hiding the key? Keeping it secret from everyone? It felt so… forbidden.

Her heart raced uncontrollably.

"Why is your face red?" Naruto asked, confused.

"I'm not blushing!" Ino stammered, standing abruptly and walking toward the bathroom. "I'm washing my hands!"

Naruto shrugged and continued eating. To him, it was a simple matter of having a spare key, nothing more.

When Ino returned, her face slightly damp, she had regained her composure.

"So, have you decided?" she asked, her skirt swaying as the breeze from the balcony passed through the room.

"Fine, since you asked nicely," she said, placing her hands on her hips. "I'll take the key."

"Thank you very much," Naruto replied, playing along.

Later in the afternoon, Ino emerged from the bathroom after brushing her teeth. She gestured toward Naruto, who was slumped on the couch with a book.

"Come on, let's go. I have something to tell you."

Naruto put down Icha Icha Paradise reluctantly, glancing at Ino.

"Don't you have to report back to the Hokage's office tonight?"

"Nope. Asuma-sensei got us two days off after a long mission. We can't work all the time," Ino said, loosening her hair before tying it back up.

"What's this about?" Naruto asked, sighing as he set his book aside.

"It's about you," Ino said, grabbing his wrist and pulling him to the door. She turned back with a faux-stern expression.

"Let's go. I worked hard to get this info from my dad."

______________________________________________

If you want 20 chapters ahead, check out my Patreon: 

patreon.com/PureParadox