Naruto : Shadow King

After finishing their ramen at Ichiraku, Shika and Hinata left the shop, their stomachs full and spirits high.

Shika wasn't sure whether to be happy or sad seeing how there was a big dent in his wallet, Hinata really can eat. Though it was nice that the girl didn't hold back in front of him and eat to her heart content.

Glancing over to Hinata, Shika could see a little smile tugging at her lips. This was enough to say that she was happy, that is all that matters.

'I have to bring more money the next time I take her out though…' Making a mental note, Shika slowly eased the small helpless smile on his face.

Even after having a lot of money, it's not easy to see it disappear right in front of you, no matter how small the amount is now for you. Sigh…

The evening air was cool, and the streets of Konoha were lively but peaceful this further made him in a relaxed mood.

He glanced over at Hinata, who was smiling softly, her usual shyness replaced by a sense of calm. The girl had changed a lot and he was happy about it.

"That was good," Shika said, rubbing his stomach. "Ichiraku never disappoints."

Hinata nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes, it's better than any other place I know. The food is relatively price and very tasty." Hinata nodded with vigour.

'Ah, so that why she chose this place, it was money after all. Knowing that I would make her eat until she was full she didn't want to choose an expensive place like Barbecue Q or Shushi restaurant.'

Shika can't help as a small smile comes to his face, 'this is the kind of girl which any man would want. This just further makes me want to pursue her. Maybe I should go further and ask her out. But is this the right time… we are just 13 and we don't know each other for that long either ?' Shika was conflicted, having no experience with girls even in his previous life, he didn't know what to do.

"Yes, though next time please don't worry too much about the price Hinata, I know you were conscious about you are appetite but you don't have to limit it to just Ramen. I told you that I will treat you means I naturally can afford it. I will be happier if you just don't worry about this kind of thing from next time." Shika said, he was still sour about the money but if it meant that Hinata was happy then he didn't care.

Hinata hearing this immediately shut her mouth. Realizing that she had given away her real intention of picking Ichiraku while talking, now she looked a little embarrassed.

"Ahmm no Shika Kun that is not the case. I really like…" Hinata tried to cover up but Shika didn't let her. Seeing her shuttering like she previously used to and looking cute he lowly poked her in the forehead. Earning a surprise look and then a pout from her.

"No, but… next time we are going to the most expensive place to balance out today." Shika said, making sure that the girl know that she really don't have to worry about money.

"Hmm…" Hinata shut up, not sure what to say. She was already very embarrassed to make Shika use all that money on her, there is no way she would want to make him spend even more. Wondering how to stop him, that is when she realized something.

"Hmm next time…" Only now that she realise that Shika has already plan the next time. Isn't that a little to fast?

" Oh, you don't want to… that's fine if you are busy or ain't interested… I just thought we both enjoyed this time, guess I was thinking too much." Shika said, not wanting to get ahead of himself. He usually act brass in front of others but he didn't wanted to push things with her.

" AH… no no no… I really like..hmmm I enjoy my time. I hmm I won't.." Hinata registering what she said, how it came out and what his reaction was immediately was flustered to the point she started shuttering again and trying to deny it only to say things which might further make her embarrassed.

Shika chuckled. "Well that's good to know, I really don't wanna miss out more of Hamster Hinata…" Shika teased with a big smile on his face, making the girl calm down seeing he wasn't serious and mostly joking and then Hinata's cute pout returned.

"Shika Kun… stop teasing me like that." Hinata huffed with her mouth big like a balloon, if only she knew that Shika was serious.

Though Shika have to say that the girl sure have learn how to act cute in front of her.

"Okay okay… no more jokes…So, where to now? Just stroll around?"

Hinata looked thoughtful for a moment. "Maybe we could walk through the market. It's still open, and it's always nice to see the village this time of day."

With no real destination in mind, they wandered through the village, passing by stalls and shops.

'Its sure is nice to have an off day…' Shika looked around the place and notice that after coming to this world, he didn't had much time to relax. Often working hard to ready himself to survive this harsh world. Shika can't really help but sigh at how much tense he was in the last 7 or 8 months.

As they walked, they chatted about various things—mostly light topics that kept the mood easy.

"So," Hinata said, glancing shyly at him. "How does it feel to be a chunin now?"

Shika shrugged, a small grin on his face. "Honestly? It's more responsibility than I expected. I thought being a chunin would be less troublesome, and freedom from those D-rank missions is, major reason why I put so much effort into being one in the first place, but I was wrong. Though I no longer have to do D ranks but after becoming Chunin and especially after joining Hospital (More like being force to but he didn't say that to Hinata) the work load made D ranks mission good. Still, it's kind of nice, I guess. What about you? Any plans for the future?"

Hinata smiled, her gaze softening. "I want to get stronger. I've been training a lot, especially after my father retook my training under him. But… my goal is to protect the people I care about. I want to be strong just like you" Hinata Said, though the last part was a mere wishphere. It was so slow that Shika standing at next to her didn't hear it.

Shika gave a small nod of approval. "You're doing a good job so far. You've come a long way. Beating the Rookie from the year from a class previous to us to becoming this confident version of yourself. Believe me, you have already improved a lot" Shika wasn't stingy with her compliments, he too had worked hard to bring these changes and he was genuinely happy about her.

Hinata blushed at his words but looked pleased. "Thank you, Shika Kun."

They continued to stroll, talking about everything from their recent missions to what they imagined their future might look like. The atmosphere between them was comfortable, and both seemed to enjoy the simplicity of just being in each other's company.

But it felt like the cosmos felt jealous and send someone to disturb them. They both heard someone calling out from behind…

"MOM…"

Xxx

Ah, god can't seem to see MC happy I guess. Though it would be just I am particularly nasty with my Main Characters.

I am evil Hahahahahaah

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