Adjusting his glasses, Shino spoke with a serious tone, giving his honest opinion. Even though he was usually reserved and cautious, he was still a young man. And like most boys his age, he couldn't help but admire Naruto for getting to participate in an A-rank mission.
"Heh~ Not me. The higher the mission rank, the more of a hassle it is. I'm happy with D-rank missions—way easier than getting bossed around in the production crew."
Naturally, not everyone shared the same dream. Shikamaru, lazily chewing on a mackerel, clearly held the opposite view. Compared to being ordered around like a pack mule by Hinata, a steady stream of D-rank missions felt like a kind of liberation.
"Jeez~ Boys are such idiots. When you want them to be quiet, they never shut up."
With a strawberry in her mouth, Sakura sighed and facepalmed. Clearly, to her, Kiba and Shino were basically just as obnoxious as Naruto and Sasuke—one loud, one brooding.
"Exactly… total idiots, when you do want them to act cool, they flop around like limp noodles…"
Ino lay face-down on the table, drained. Her complaint was the opposite of Sakura's: not that her teammates were too flashy—but not flashy enough.
The three team leaders sitting at the table exchanged knowing glances and could only smile wryly in resignation.
Clearly, their students were far from easy to manage. Kurenai's team was relatively well-balanced—Sakura was smart and obedient, Shino and Kiba had their quirks, but their talent and motivation balanced things out.
Asuma was less lucky. Shikamaru always wanted to slack off, Chōji only cared about food, and Ino was obsessed with looking good for Sasuke. As a teacher, Asuma not only had to train them, but also budget for bribes—like buying them yakiniku to motivate practice.
And Kakashi… was in a class of his own. Sasuke was brilliant and driven, Naruto tenacious with the right values, and Hinata had both leadership and strategy. If he had a complaint, it would probably be: his presence felt totally redundant.
"Well then. Now that everyone's completed their first month of ninja life, starting tomorrow, the production crew will begin a special assignment. We'll resume filming the next arc of Fox Tale Chronicle. The side story The Reverse-Blade Swordsman is ready, but we can't delay the main plot."
At the head of the table, Hinata waited patiently for her team to finish socializing before delivering her orders. Her tone was calm, but authoritative. "It's been a full month since we paused production. That's long enough."
"Sigh… I knew it…"
Shikamaru groaned, while the others instinctively straightened in their seats. The message was clear: the vacation was over. Time to get back to work.
"Heh~ Don't be so negative. The better our work goes, the more profit we all get."
Finishing her juice, Hinata raised a hand slightly. Seated at her left, Sakura naturally picked up the sake bottle and refilled Hinata's glass—even though it was just juice. Clearly, she was used to serving Hinata.
"The publishing plant is fully equipped now. We're ready to begin production."
Asuma also sat up straight and reported the status of the factory. Though he was its official manager, he knew full well the plant only existed thanks to Hinata's team.
"Excellent. I want everything to be flawless. After all, the second launch event is coming up. It has to be even better than the first."
Hinata tilted her head slightly, eyes closed as she savored her drink. Though she preferred alcohol—its kick helped her think more clearly—her body was still underage. Drinking wouldn't be appropriate just yet.
"Understood. I'll select reliable staff. There won't be a repeat of last time's chaos."
Asuma nodded. He knew his job. The first launch event had nearly ended in a stampede—if not for quick thinking, it could've been disastrous. This time, the scale and order of the event had to be tightly controlled.
Kurenai, ever gentle, poured sake into Asuma's bowl. Though not yet married, their relationship was no longer a secret. If she had been wearing a kimono, it would've looked just like a domestic family dinner.
"There's one more thing I'd like to ask you about…"
Glancing at Kurenai with soft eyes, Asuma turned to Hinata with a hint of deference.
"Go ahead."
Leaning on her cushion, Hinata tapped her plate gently. Seated on her right, Ino took up a toothpick and started peeling the shell off a small lobster for Hinata, placing the tender white meat neatly into her dish. She clearly knew her role well.
"It's about the company supplying the figurines. Should we contact them ahead of time? The next launch will require a larger batch… and we'll need a stable supply moving forward."
Asuma's tone held a trace of unease. It was like a subordinate trying to probe the boss's sourcing channels. While Asuma likely had no ill intent, this was still a sensitive topic.
After all, the huge profit from the figurines had made plenty of Konoha's folks envious. Even though taxes were paid to the village, the manufacturer still took the lion's share.
That's why Asuma's question likely wasn't entirely his own idea—someone else had probably nudged him to ask.
"Hm… how to put it? They're quite secretive. Last time, they just told me they could supply something called 'figurines.' I accepted on a trial basis. But no worries. Because of the first launch's success, they've made contact. A representative will arrive in one week. We'll welcome them then."
Popping the shrimp into her mouth, Hinata chewed calmly. She wasn't fooled. Asuma's inquiry may have been mild, but she knew exactly what lay behind it: greed.
The fact that the Third Hokage and his circle hadn't pressured her directly but sent Asuma to politely ask instead? That was already a courtesy.
"I see. Then we'll prepare for their arrival."
Asuma exhaled, visibly relieved, though also a little ashamed. From his perspective, he'd already benefited plenty. But some of his clan weren't so easily satisfied.
"If there's nothing else, everyone may go rest. Starting tomorrow, we're officially back to production life. I expect your best attitude. No slacking allowed!!"
Sitting up straight, Hinata's final words carried a sudden sharpness. Everyone instinctively straightened and bowed their heads in unison: "Yes, ma'am! We won't let you down!!"
"Then, dismissed!"
As the group dispersed, a hint of anticipation flickered in Hinata's white eyes. Back in her room, she activated her Byakugan to scan the area, then lifted a trapdoor and descended into a private underground chamber—her personal space.
Here was where she stored the "Suigin Tou" outfit she used on missions, and now—it was also the room where she could finally see Haku again.
"Well then~~ I think it's time for a proper chat~"
Opening the scroll, Hinata released the seal, and the large container within emerged. As the lid opened, the snow-white youth inside slowly opened his eyes.
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(TL: Next up their will some confusion as author decided to skip in between scenes and only show their conclusion, like one of those story that do not go linear plot wise but are boxed interconnected incidents that make up a whole story.
Honestly I had to check it three four times, worrying that I missed some scenes but no that is how the author wrote.
You maye have noticed I use the symbol --- as scene breaker so to distinguish between boxed scenes watch out for that. Thanks for reading. Also leave a comment it's fun to read.)