"Regular speech"
Regular thought
In-game announcements
In-game narrative
"In-game speech"
'In-game thought'
-In-game comment on open chat
Himari: In-game private chat
Chapter 3
Monday, September 3
On this day, Hinata officially started her second year at Konoha University. More importantly, today is her wedding day – well, virtual wedding.
Hinata tried all day to focus on the professors, especially those who skipped the general overview and jumped straight into teaching mode – she did. But her mind would always wander back to her in-game wedding. Would Haruto get a wedding pack from the online store? Did it include wedding robes or was she going to wear her avatar's clothes? Hinata would clear her mind and paid attention to the lectures, but she found most of them annoying. It didn't help when the professors let them out early since it was the first day and they too (well some of them) did not look happy.
Hinata was also unhappy with her negotiating skills. Yesterday while on the phone with her mother, Hinata tried to get a loan for a new phone, since her last one had stopped working. Tsunade made her opinion clear: "Work for it." So now Hinata was phoneless and utterly dependent on the school's slow internet connection and any internet cafes for any communication of her tutoring services and any emails from the professors.
Around twelve Hinata was in the dorm room with Temari when Sakura came in grumbling about someone while rubbing her lower back. She tossed her backpack on the flop and plopped face down on Hinata's bed.
"No need to be grumpy," Temari remarked. Sakura just groaned loudly.
Temari raised an eyebrow, "What happened?"
Sakura turned her head to face the girls and glared into nothing. "More like who happened."
Again, Temari raised an eyes brow. Hinata wondered briefly how she does that. She had tried multiple times in the bathroom, but all she did was raise both eyebrows.
"A guy that looked more like a dog than man happened." Sakura shifted to lay on her side. "I was late to my morning class with professor Hatake, but he's always late. I was looking for a seat and found one in the back, but that dog boy was sitting on the end and didn't want to move over to let me sit. I had to squeeze between his seat and the table behind – it was embarrassing. When I went to sit down, the seat didn't unfold, so I was stuck sitting on the border for thirty minutes before someone from the department came and told us that he wasn't coming in. I had trouble standing up, and dog boy dared to laugh in my face."
"Why didn't he come in?" Hinata asked. She had heard of that professor being lazy yet strict in his class.
"He's known for reading porn in public," Temari chimed in, having already passed his class. "Probably a new book was released today, and he attended the signing."
The dorm door suddenly opened, and Matsuri stood there huffing and puffing with their takeout.
After ribbing Matsuri for picking the farthest takeout place from their dorm, Hinata checked her email and saw one sent from her employer.
To:
From:
Hinata,
I know that you are starting your second year soon, but, if possible, I need you to babysit Konohamaru from today until tomorrow in the afternoon. I have an important business out of the country, and you are the only person that I can trust to look after my grandson on short notice. I am also sorry for burdening him on your first days of class, but he doesn't start school until Wednesday. There is money in a sealed envelope for food costs and other expenses if needed.
I'll wait for your reply.
H. Sarutobi
Hinata quickly sent her reply and began to make an overnight bag plus her school bag for the next day. Sakura and Matsuri had left right after finishing the food for their one o'clock class, so it was just Temari and Hinata alone in the dorm.
"I'm staying overnight at the Mayor's house. Mr. Sarutobi needs me to babysit Konohamaru until tomorrow," she informed Temari before heading to her three-hour art class. Thoughts of her wedding were not far behind.
o.O.o
Hinata arrived at the Sarutobi residence around five, carrying a small duffle bag, her school bag, and a suitcase. After showing her employer I.D to the gate guard, she lugged her bags across the driveway and up the stairs into the main entry hall guarded by Izumo and Kotetsu.
"Judging by the bags, I take it that you're babysitting the grandson." Izumo greeted and being the gentleman that he is, helped Hinata with her things while Kotetsu just unlocked the door to let them pass.
"Yes."
"Good luck with Konohamaru," Kotetsu said from his chair. "He's been extra hyper this entire summer."
Hinata lifted an eyebrow and smirked at the lazy man. "It's not my fault that you can't handle a single child." Kotetsu crossed his arms and grumbled under his breath.
Two years ago, Hinata was traveling with her mother during the summer and could not watch over Konohamaru when Hiruzen, the mayor of Konoha, had a business dinner one night. Since every sitter ended up quitting at the end of the night. Asuma, his eldest son, is a police officer and was working on a case and could not watch over his nephew. His parents, Asuma's brother and sister-in-law were always absent from the boy's life and at the time were in another country doing who knows what. So, Mr. Sarutobi assigned Kotetsu, who always complained about his job as door watcher, to babysit his grandson.
Kotetsu, lazy as he is, thought that the job would be a piece of cake.
Instead, Konohamaru had planned a night full of pranks on the guy who always called him a brat. In the end, Kotetsu ended up with pink hair, face full of marker scribbles proclaiming that he loved ramen, socks full of glue, and glitter everywhere on his body (and I mean EVERYWHERE). To this day, Kotetsu doesn't even know how that little brat had caught his humiliation on camera. He had fallen asleep for what felt like ten minutes and BAM, woke up like a mess. He had to shave his hair to not get weird looks from the guests and coworkers.
"You have to admit, Kotetsu," Hinata said from the door. "Pink hair does suit you."
Hinata left with Izumo as Kotetsu protested loudly about the injustice of all.
Once at the door, she tapped the secret Morse code that only Konohamaru knew. Immediately the door opened, and Hinata felt herself being pulled by the excited twelve-year-old.
"Finally!"
"Young master, please do not break Hinata." Turning to Hinata, Izumo said, "I'll leave your things in your room," and left with her luggage. Hinata tutored Konohamaru so much that Mr. Sarutobi prepared a room just for her.
Hinata, already knowing what he wanted, said, "We are not playing games before dinner."
"Please, bis sis!"
"No." Hinata stood firm. She turned and headed to the kitchen and started to prepare for dinner. Konohamaru followed behind trying to get Hinata to look at his patented Bubble Eye jutsu. It was her one real weakness.
"Please!" he begged, but Hinata still didn't look at him. "Please big sis!"
Hinata sighed and turned to him. "Tell you what. If you agree to wait till after dinner, I'll give you one of my sub-accounts on Japan: A History."
"Will you teach me as well?" Konohamaru could not help but ask.
"Yes. But after dinner." Hinata held her hand in between them. "Deal?"
Konohamaru shook it. "Deal!"
After dinner, Hinata set up her computer next to Konohamaru's in his gaming room. He had almost every system available plus the endless games for each of them. His only rule set by his grandfather was never to use the Wi-Fi connection on games unless he knew who the person on the other side was. Being mayor, Hiruzen got a few death threats sent to him, anonymously of course, and a few included his grandson. Therefore, he prohibited Konohamaru from connecting online with other players unless he knew for an absolute fact who they were; this meant that the only online friends he had were Udon, Moegi, and Hinata. And they were the only people who he could call friends as they only saw him as Konohamaru and not "Honorable Grandson" as everyone else addressed him.
"Right. I made this account way back when I started," Hinata explained. "I intended to play both genders, but I found the male character's ability lacking, so I ended up not using it. Luckily for you I made both characters in the same server so if you need help you can find me more easily."
After giving Konohamaru her old email and password, he signed in as Hidenori. As the game loaded, Konohamaru had an uncertain look on his face. "Hinata?"
"Yes, Konohamaru?"
"Can you be my first friend in-game?"
"Yes, I can."
"And can you check anyone who sends a friend request for me?"
Hinata reassured him, "I will always check."
After that, Hinata signed into her avatar and, since it was not eight yet, headed straight to Sorachi village.
"Welcome to Sorachi Village," greeted Himari. Hidenori stumbled a bit as he got used to the controls and got closer to her. An NPC appeared in from of them.
Welcome, new warrior to our humble village. This place has seen great warriors…
As the NPC explained the controls, what to do, what to fight, Himari walked around reminiscing about her beginning and all the mistakes that she had made as a novice. A pop-up window appeared from the group chat started by Haruto that included his friends and herself.
Saitarou: Future sister-in-law, me and the others are in our dorm waiting for Haruto to get home.
Himari: It's all right.
Garon: Where are you?
Himari: Helping a friend starting in the game.
Shigaku: Sorachi V.?
Himari: Yes.
The NPC finished as Himari closed the chat and led an excited Hidenori to his first challenge, defeating three three-eyed monkeys.
"They look easy!" Hidenori exclaimed. "One swing with this sword will take care of them."
"Don't get cocky now," Himari warned but stood back and let Hidenori learn from his mistakes.
Hidenori, like the majority of the males in the game, went directly for the biggest sword the game had to offer for any beginner. What they failed to do was read its description. This particular sword can only be used to its fullest potential when the gamer gets a specific character trait later on in the game and be at a certain level. If the gamer selects the add-ons offered when choosing the sword, it becomes a regular sword that can be improved later in the game. If not, the sword is practically useless against all types of monsters.
Next to Himari, a portal appeared and out came Saitarou, Shigaku, and Garon. Saitarou took one look at Hidenori and scoffed, Shikagu laid on the grass to stare at the clouds, and Garon sat cross-legged to watch the noob get beaten by a Level 3 monster.
"Who's the noob?" Saitarou inclined his head towards Hidenori.
"Someone that I'm babysitting."
"Really?" Sarcasm dripped from his words.
Himari nodded. "He'll be my plus one for the wedding."
"Speaking of wedding," Saitarou pulled out a nicely wrapped package and handed it to Himari. "This is from Haruto. Don't ask. I don't know a thing."
Just as she was about to open the gift, Hidenori got hit and was sent flying towards Garon. Luckily Garon dodged the flying man, but Shigaku became his landing pad.
"Get off!"
"S-Sorry." Hidenori quickly apologized. "Fighting is harder than it looks."
Himari was amazed that even in-game somehow Hidenori still could use his Bubble Eye Jutsu. "Can you please help me, big sis?"
"Eh? You two are related?" Garon exclaimed.
"No," Himari quickly explained. "I've been tutoring him about three years now, and we see each other as brother and sister."
"Oh."
"Troublesome."
"Anyway," Himari directed the conversation to something less awkward, "this is Hidenori. Little brother these are my fiancé's friends: Saitarou, Shigaku, and Garon. Guys, this is my little brother."
"Wait… fiancé?" Hidenori said, confused.
The two avatars of Himari and Hidenori froze as Zzz appeared above their heads
Suddenly Konohamaru whirled in his seat. "YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED?!"
Hinata instantly regretted typing that tidbit. Konohamaru would now be asking more questions than she could answer.
After explaining to Konohamaru that to get some achievements, players would agree to "marry" in-game and not in real life, he visibly calmed down. "Good," he suddenly said, "because any candidate to be your boyfriend must get my approval first."
Hinata felt touched that Konohamaru cared that much. Being raised by Tsunade had left a gap for a father figure to fill. Meeting Hiruzen Sarutobi was like gaining a doting grandfather, yet it was not enough. "Tell you what." She continued in the poshest voice Hinata could make, "the day that I'm interested in a guy, I'll bring him over, and you can decide if he is worthy of my attention."
o.O.o
The guys had returned to their dorm room after assisting Naruto's godfather's book release. Sasuke, being Naruto's best man in the virtual wedding, quickly logged on still dressed in his suit.
"Hey, Missus Himari is logged on."
"We're coming."
A moment later, Gaara and Shikamaru sat down on their study table in their shirt and sweatpants. Sasuke scoffed at their attire. "This is Naruto's first wedding. The least you guys could have done was to dress properly."
"Wearing the penguin suit is troublesome." Shikamaru shot back. Sasuke stared at Gaara.
"Don't give me that look," he said with both hands raised. "That thing is rented."
Sasuke rolled his eyes. Looking at the frozen figures, he noticed the time.
o.O.o
"I'd hate to interrupt," Saitarou butted in when the two avatars unfroze, "but it's five till eight, and Himari needs to change into her gown."
"Eh? What gown?" she asked surprised.
"Haruto's gift," Saitarou stated. At the blank look from Himari, he explained further. "The one that I handed you before the kid got knocked out by the Level 3 monster?"
Himari finally understood. "Ohh." Himari bowed to him, "Sorry, I was coaching Hidenori in the battle, IRL."
"Hn. Just get changed and meet us at the Meiji Shrine."
"Meijin Shrine? Where is that?" Konohamaru asked as he opened up the game's map.
"It's in Tokyo. The Meijin Shrine is where couples go and get married. They plant a tree seed that grows until they separate or are inactive in the game."
"Did you plant a seed?" Konohamaru asked while watching as Hinata changed her avatar's outfit into a regal white shiromuku, consisting of a white furisode kimono that has a trailing hem called a kakeshita. Over that, a fukuro obi (broad sash) is worn around the waist and is secured by a scarf-like obi-age and a rope known as an Obi-jime. Next, a second robe-like kimono known as an uchikake is put over all this. Her footwear consists of tabi socks, and zōri sandals and accessories include a hakoseko purse, sensu folding fan, and a kaiken knife. For her hair, Hinata chose the shimada wig, styled in the Edo period, and adorned with kanzashi hair ornaments.
"No. My first husband chose not to get a seed because he would then have to pay."
"How much do these seeds cost?" Konohamaru imagined the price of around twenty dollars or something higher, as he drank juice from his cup.
"One dollar."
Konohamaru choked at her statement. "One dollar?! And he didn't want to pay for that?!"
"Yes. Now, enough about my ex, we've got a wedding to attend."
o.O.o
Hidenori, wearing a traditional formal kimono, known as a mon-tsuki, adorned with a family crest that resembles a Vajra, a pair of striped hakama trousers, and a haori overcoat, escorted Himari down a path lined with colorful fall trees on both sides as they approached the Meijin Shrine.
At the entrance to the main building, Himari recognized several high leveled clan heads from the server. "Look," she said, covertly pointing in the general area to the left. "Those are important clan heads from different ranks on the server."
"Do you know who they are?"
"The man with the bowl cut hair and green mon-stuki is Ren. It's said that he is undefeatable in the Taijutsu Rank. Next to him is Shinjiro. He is the number one in the Animal-Based Technique Rank using his special breed of insects known as Kikaichu (destruction bugs). The big-boned man talking to Shigaku is Chimon. He is known for throwing huge feasts every New Year's Day. And finally, the blue guy that resembles a shark is Kaito, legendary swordsman who wields the Samehada. I do not know the rest."
Garon was the first to notice their arrival. With a quick bow to the person next to him, he made his way towards Himari and Hidenori and led them back to the man wearing purple makeup. "Kentaro, meet the bride Himari and her companion, Hidenori. Guys, this is my brother, Kentaro."
"Nice to meet the one who stole Lord Haruto's heart." He said after their formal greeting. Himari just blushed. After their introduction, the other clan heads lined up to greet the bride. As Garon stood by her right, he introduced the clan head that she knew and those she did not. It was to her surprise that the Hyuga Clan was in attendance. Hizashi Hyuga is number one in the Doujutsu and Taijutsu Ranks of another server and also a member of the family that created the game. His plus two included Takara, a weapons specialist that holds the third spot in the Weapons Rank of their server and his little sister Hanami.
As Hidenori and Hanami hit off, Hizashi asked, "Is Himari a name special to you?"
"Special, how?"
"My avatar is named after my father. He passed away when I was young."
"My condolences. My name is something that I always was drawn to." Hizashi nodded and left to be with Takara.
Himari stood there, taking in all the sights. The guests were mingling at the entrance of the shrine, the weather was pleasant, and she felt beautiful in her wedding dress.
A voice from behind brought her back, "You look stunning Himari. There are no words in existence that can describe how beautiful you look."
Himari turned and locked eyes with Lord Haruto wearing his mon-tsuki with his clans' red spiral symbol. His radiant smile left her breathless. With a smile, she elegantly bowed to her future husband. "You look handsome, Lord Haruto."
Haruto extended his arm, and Himari slipped hers' around his. "Ready to get married?"
With confidence, Himari replied, "Yes."
A pop-up window appeared in front of them: Do Haruto Uzumaki and Himari Sainju agree to get married? Both clicked yes, and the information about the wedding ceremony appeared.
Himari was shocked. "You bought the Twelve-step Shinto Ceremony?" Hinata had browsed the wedding ceremony packages and was surprised by the cost of the more luxurious packages. This was the highest wedding package at a whopping one hundred dollars. Her first husband had only agreed on the free version.
Konohamaru watched as Hinata turned white as a ghost as she read the message. "Hinata," he waved his hand in front of her face, nothing happened. He snapped his fingers, yet still nothing. Finally, he shook her shoulders, and that brought her back from her stupor.
"Wha-"
"What's the matter? Why did you space out?"
"Oh," Hinata went from pale white to bright red that rivaled a tomato. "I'm just in shock at the amount of money Haruto spent of the wedding. One hundred dollars for an online wedding."
Konohamaru let out a low whistle. "Well, that's something."
Hinata shook her head and then went back into the game.
"Thank you," she finally said while blushing. Himari wanted to object that he didn't need to spend so much money on an online wedding, but she had already agreed.
"You deserve a redo of your wedding, Himari. Besides, unlike your ex, I plan to make our relationship work, and from now on, what is mine is yours."
Before Hinata could type her answer, the wedding ceremony started, and her character was taken over by the game.
"So now we sit back and watch the ceremony?" Konohamaru asked.
"Yes."
They watched as the ceremony took place with a pop-up window explaining all the steps.
Step One: SANSHIN-NO-GI (The Procession Ceremony):
As the group formed a line behind the bride and groom, the musicians started to play and began the march to the entrance of the shrine. Crossing the path with towering trees hundreds of years old, the camera showed the gentle way the yellow and russet-colored leaves fell on the path. It zoomed from the guest to the musicians as they played. Following the musicians, was the Shinto priest and two shrine maidens. Finally, the camera panned to the couple as they walked, catching how the last light of the day twinkled on Himari's hairpiece, to the lovely blush her cheeks formed when caught by Haruto's loving stare. As they reached the entrance of the shrine the camera panned up and above in the twilight sky appeared the Shrine goddess of marriage smiling down on the couple as they presented themselves and declared their love for one another.
Step Two: NYUJO (Entrance to the Shrine):
Once at the entrance to the shrine, the guests entered first in the order of family proximity to the couple. Hidenori sat on the left being the bride's immediate family while Garon, Shigaku, Saitarou sat on the right side, representing the groom's family. The rest of the guests sat behind the two families in a half-circle, leaving the main entrance clear for the bride and groom. As the musicians started another song, the shrine maidens lead the bride and groom into the shrine.
"Thank you for being my plus one. It would have looked bad to have no one on my side of the guest seats."
"Believe it, big sister. I'll even attend your real wedding as the Man of Honor."
Step Three: SHUBATSU-NO-GI (The Purification Ceremony):
Before the actual ceremony began, an NPC Shinto priest purified the bride, groom, and guests. Shimmers of light floated out of the players, dancing away into the sky.
Step Four: NORITO-SOJO (Shinto Ritual Prayer Reading):
The Shinto priest reads out a ritual prayer that announces the marriage to the divinities.
"On this fortunate day, we, before the gods, perform a wedding ceremony after receiving the blessing from the gods. May this couple share each other's hoys and sorrows together in respect, may they together live a peaceful life. I ask the gods that this couple be blessed in prosperity, love, and protect them from malicious influences. I humbly ask of you to watch over this couple here today, who declare their love in your presence and their respective families and friends."
The guests then stand and bow.
Step Five: SANKON-NO-GI (The Exchange of the Cups):
Now that the bride and groom have had their union declared and recognized, they exchange three cups of sacred sake. Each time the bride and groom take a cup, they sip from it three times, for each sip brings blessings from the gods.
Hinata took her cup full of water and sipped three times.
Step Six: KAGURA HŌNŌ (Dedication to the Sacred Dance):
Shinto maidens then perform an ancient Shinto dance as an offering to the gods to receive a blessing for the couple and their families.
Step Seven: SEISHI SOJO (The Reading of the Vows):
The bride and groom walk towards the altar, and the groom recites the marriage vow first. Turning to face Himari, Haruto began speaking, looking straight at her eyes.
"This beautiful woman, I marry,
No matter what the health situation is,
I will love her,
Console her,
Help her,
Until death,
Protecting our fidelity,
I swear."
With a bright blush that contrasted with her white dress, Himari repeated her vows to Haruto.
"This handsome man, I marry,
No matter what the health situation is,
I will love him,
Console him,
Help him,
Until death,
Protecting our fidelity,
I swear."
Step Eight: TAMAGUSHI HOTEN (The Tamagushi Offerings):
The bride and groom then bring a Tamagushi (a sasaki branch of Japanese Cleyera) decorated with cotton thread that symbolizes the candor from the people to the gods. Then the bride and groom to bow twice, clap their hands twice and then bow one more time to show their gratitude to the gods.
Step Nine: YUBIWA-NO-GI (Exchange of the Rings):
Saitarou handed Haruto the box with their rings. He took out Himari's wedding ring, a vintage opal floral ring in solid gold and small diamonds in the lead motif, and slid it on her ring finger.
Hinata was surprised as Haruto lifted her hand and kissed her ring finger.
Himari took the thick gold band with a thin section of opal and slid it in Haruto's ring finger.
A pop-up window opened. It was the option to reciprocate. Hinata chose yes and watched as Himari lifted Haruto's hand and kissed his ring finger.
Step Ten: SHINZOKUSAKAZUKI-NO-GI (The Drinking of Sacred Wine with the Wedding Participants):
As the marriage symbolizes not only the binding of the bride and groom but also of their families, the guests present take three sips of the sacred wine–bounding them together as one family.
Step Eleven: SAISHU AISATSU (Greetings by the Shinto Priest):
"It is my pleasure to announce Mr. and Mrs. Uzu," proclaim the NPC Shinto priest to the families and guests as Haruto and Hinata turned.
The families and guests bowed to the newly wedded couple.
Step Twelve: TAIJYO (The Exit):
After everyone has bowed, the ceremony ends with the gathered party in a garden clearing as night falls and fireworks light of the sky.
I'm now married, was Hinata's last thought after logging off and putting Konohamaru to sleep.
I'm married now, Naruto thought as he smiled at the fireworks on the screen. He had actually convinced his crush to marry him in-game.
Step 1 done.
The pop-up private chat window brought him back from his daydream of the girl with blue hair at the internet café.
Himari: Could I auto-follow you during the honeymoon? I have to get Hidenori to bed and be up early tomorrow. I promise to make it up to you!
Naruto glanced at the clock and did a double-take; it was ten till eleven o'clock at night. "How time flies," he mused.
Haruto: Sure! Then if your free tomorrow at twelve, we can do the parade as it takes only half an hour.
Himari: Yes, I'm free. Thank you, good night.
Haruto: Sleep well.
Himari Uzu has auto followed you.
"Let's get this honeymoon done." For the next half hour, Naruto interacted with Himari's avatar. They sat together, walked together, took a nighttime boat ride down the river, yet Naruto was alone. As the game announced that the honeymoon was over, he said out loud, "You definitely owe me a repeat honeymoon."
Wednesday, September 5
Hinata was worried. Mr. Sarutobi had not returned yesterday as he mentioned in his email and has not answered any of the emails she had sent. Most worryingly, Izumo and Kotetsu had not known anything either and they could not get a hold on Asuma, Mr. Saturobi's eldest son, and Konohamaru's uncle. Not wanting to leave Konohamaru alone, Hinata had called his school and excused him until Monday. She did not feel safe letting Konohamaru out of her sight, so on the second day of back to school, Konohamaru joined her in all of her classes.
"Man, Hinata, you have fewer classes than I do!" he loudly exclaimed. Hinata shushed him softly. It was five to twelve, and they were in the library that was currently packed full of students.
"This is only on Wednesdays. The rest of the week I have a full schedule of classes."
Hinata guided Kohonamaru to two empty computers by the window. "Give me thirty minutes and I promise to take you to Ichiraku's for lunch, okay?"
Konohamaru's eyes lit up. "Deal!"
He watched as she logged into the game and joined a parade full of NPCs that included a marching band, dancers, acrobatics, horse rides and a red and gold horse-drawn carriage. "Is that a part of some event?"
"It's part of the wedding ceremony. After the wedding and honeymoon, the bride and groom are paraded all over town as a celebration for their nuptials. It's mostly of the public to see."
"I don't see the guys from Wednesday, are they online?"
"Yes. Saitarou, this time with his press down, only-one-eye emo hair look is wearing his traveler's cloak and dark purple pants. Shugaku has his hair in a half-up ponytail and is wearing a moss green shirt under a brown dress robe. Th-"
"So the red her with short hair is Garon?"
"Yes, the one with the cream-colored robe and gold armor."
Konohamaru then noticed a window with lots of people commenting. "What's that?" he pointed at the small window to the left side of the screen.
"That is the public chat room."
"What are they saying?"
"I don't read them, as they usually are hateful." Hinata sighed, "My guess is that they are wondering how someone like me, a girl who got dumped, could land the top player on the server."
As the parade carried on, they came close to a group of people watching from a bridge. "Are those other players or NPC?"
"Players. See the girl wearing a yellow tunic?" Konohamaru nodded. Hinata continued, "That is the new wife of my ex. She won a contest for the most beautiful female player on this server."
"Did you enter?"
Hinata shook her head no.
"Why not!" he exclaimed loudly in her ear. Hinata's glare shut him up quickly as other students either shushed him or glared.
"Keep your voice down." Hinata turned back to the game while answering him, "Because I don't like to simply share my information with virtual strangers."
"Oh… hehe that makes sense"
-Tsubasa against Haruto: Haruto wins. Chou against Himari: Chou wins.
"Oh no," Hinata said as the parade came to a sudden halt.
"What's happening?"
"Someone made a comment about me in the public chat. That means that the guys are going to do damage control."
"But why?"
"They are, I assume, friends with Haruto. I am his wife. Any negative comments about me reflect on him too."
"That sounds so… ugh, what's the word?"
"Patriarchal?"
"Yeah, that!"
"You have to remember that in today's society, women have gained a higher place in society and are more independent yet are still not equal. The game does focus on this and has different solutions for that problem."
"It keeps traditional values and includes a new era of thinking."
"Exactly."
o.O.o
"Alright," Saitarou glared at the onlookers. "Which of you bastards wrote that scathing comment about Mrs. Uzu?"
Next to him, Shugaku scoffed. "They won't answer ya know. They're all cowards behind a computer. Troublesome cowards."
Garon crossed his arms and glared at the crowd.
A dark-haired man with a long scar that had slashed his left eye spoke up. "It's the truth! She's nothing but a clout chaser."
"Really?" Saitarou said in a calm voice. An angry Saitarou is scary but a calm Saitarou is dangerous. "Then what about her?" he said and pointed at Chou. "Did you know that she had asked to join our group?"
Chou grew nervous as the crowd shook their heads.
"We accepted her in, but she was so useless that we kicked. She never lasted a full minute."
"That," Garon spoke up to the crowd, "is what a real clout chaser looks like." Chou was turning red from the embarrassing moment and hateful comments.
"Enough" Haruto called out.
The three friends glared at the crowd as they continued on their way. Once farther away, Himari peaked out of the silk covers. "Thank you for defending me."
"It wasn't troublesome."
"Yeah," Garon agreed from the other side. "Just enjoy the rest of the parade. We only have five minutes left."
o.O.o
As Kiba walked past the smelly ramen stand, he noticed the Department Beauty eating with a kid beside her. "My, my, what a lucky day." He took several pictures of the two before heading back to his dorm to write his first article.
o.O.o
As the afternoon progressed, Konohamaru stayed at the girl's dorm with Sakura and Temari as Hinata had to deliver a paper to a department secretary because the professor was out on sick leave. He was looking through the school's web page when he stumbled upon a newly posted article. What caught his attention was the familiar car and bag that were in the accompanying pictures.
MISTERY STUDENT HAS POSSIBLE SUGAR DADY AND BE A YOUNG MOTHER?!
On the first day of the semester, this reporter spotted a female student being dropped off at the University's front gate by a black 2018 Jaguar F-Type. Since it has tinted window, this reporter could not see who dropped off this well-known female student. This reporter knows that she is not that well of, so was she really dropped by a family member or someone else…? But dear readers, what I found out today is proof of this student dating someone older! Earlier this morning, this reporter was returning to the campus when he spotted the female student having lunch with a kid. Yes, you read right, a kid! Could this little boy be the son of the possible man that she is dating? Or is this her secret son and is mooching off her sugar daddy to support her secret child? This reporter will find out!
Konohamaru read through the small statement of the amateur reporter and got angry when he saw the picture of them eating at Ichiraku's. The jerk blurred out their faces but there was no questioning the clothes of the picture matched his. "Sakura, Temari do you know who this guy is? He is slandering Hinata in his stupid report."
Temari, who was closest to him, quickly read the small report but could not connect the story to Hinata. "How do you know it's Hinata he's talking about?"
Konohamaru pointed at the bag in the picture. "Besides that, I'm wearing the same clothes?" Konohamaru could feel the sarcasm dripping from his mouth. "I helped grandfather pick out Hinata's gift when she started university. It's the same bookbag. And the car she is getting out of is my grandfathers' personal car. And she took me to lunch at Ichiraku's!" By the time he was finished Konohamaru had worked himself up into a giant fit and was red in the face.
"Calm down Konohamaru. When Hinata gets back well show her-"
Sakura was cut off by the door closing. Hinata stood there with eyes narrowed. "Show me what?"
Konohamaru broke away from Sakura's hold, grabbed Hinata and dragged her to the laptop. "There is a blog post by some wannabe reporter that shows pictures of you getting out of grandfather's car and us eating lunch from today. He's accusing you of having a sugar daddy—whatever that is."
Hinata read the short paragraph that slandered her image as a sugar baby. Without any hesitation, she clicked on the profile and hacked into the blog's database to access the user's real name.
"Do you know anyone named Kiba Inuzuka?" Hinata said and Konohamaru flinched at Hinata's cold voice. He had only used that tone on him once when a prank he did went too far. He had gotten the scolding of the century in that tone.
"He's the mutt that I was complaining about in my morning class with Professor Hatake. He's from the Language department and supposedly is as handsome as Naruto," Sakura replied. "What are you going to do?"
Hinata ignored her comment. She, for what felt the millionth time, checked her email and found a new unread email from Mr. Sarutobi. As she read, Sakura, Temari, and Konohamaru watched as Hinata grinned at the screen. What worried Konohamaru was the glint in her eyes. He had seen that glint when she had pranked Kotetsu repeatedly.
"Konohamaru," said Hinata as she typed away, "go and call your uncle. Let's see if a little scare from the police with set him straight."
1/17/2020