Naruto: Freeloading is Great! 2 [32]

“Young… No, ‘young’ isn’t the right word. Little brat, I have high hopes for you.”

“Huh?”

“Although you were the trigger for that incident, I greatly admire your courage in opposing the Uchiha clan. Don’t look so nervous—I’ve already spread the word. Those clan members who previously resented you all like you very much now.”

“Hah??”

“Surprised? Did you think I wouldn’t see through it? You like my Hinata!”

“Ha??? Wait—wait, you misunder—”

Before Hoshino could finish the word “misunderstand,” Hiashi interrupted him.

“No need to deny it. I’ve told you, I’m a man with experience. Your little thoughts, I understand them perfectly. Rest assured, considering you’ve made amends by shouldering that bad reputation for bringing an H-book to school in Hinata’s stead, I’ll allow you to court our Hinata.”

Hoshino stared blankly at the self-absorbed Hiashi.

What exactly is happening right now?

Not only did he avoid getting murdered by the Uchiha and Hyūga clans, but now he had their protection?

Did this mean that from now on, he could really swagger through Konoha without fear of getting beaten up, and even receive compliments from passersby about how stylish his crab-like walk was?

Wasn’t this pie falling from heaven a little too big, too sweet? Somehow, it felt unsettling.

Well, the benefits from the Uchiha side didn’t count for much, considering they'd soon be annihilated, not to mention their delusional attempts to set him up romantically with Sasuke. Especially with Itachi, that obsessive brother-complex freak, seemingly having set his sights on him.

But on the other hand, the Hyūga—the ones most likely to kill him—would become Konoha’s strongest clan after the Uchiha were wiped out. Not only would they be a reliable long-term backer, but they were also gifting him a big “officially-approved pursuit of Hinata.”

And that's Hinata—obedient, gentle Hinata… Well, okay, this Hinata might have some serious brain issues, but even so, she had to be at least a hundred times better than that gaylord Sasuke.

Could such good fortune really exist in this world?

Given his lifelong experiences of being screwed over, practically cursed with the passive skill [Misfortune], Hoshino concluded this Hinata was likely another ultimate-pervert gaylord like Sakura-bro.

It didn’t matter. Whether Hinata was a guy or girl was insignificant. After all, everyone on Earth knew how much Hinata loved Naruto—there was no chance she’d have that kind of relationship with him.

So now the question was whether to accept this gift or reject it outright…

“To—to think that with just a single glance, Hiashi-sama instantly saw through my secret crush on Hinata! Truly, the unparalleled wisdom of Hiashi-sama is as amazing as legends say! With such an incredible clan head, no wonder the Hyūga easily surpassed the second-ranked Uchiha. Stepping on the Uchiha is as effortless as beating stray dogs. The strongest clan and the strongest leader together—this combination is simply terrifying!”

“H-huh? Strongest clan? Strongest clan head? Me, leading the clan to step on the Uchiha… R-right, right! Indeed! I’m that same peerless genius, the brave and wise Hyūga Hiashi who once made Fugaku cry with just a punch! Who knew after so many years, the village would still spread my legends? Ah, it’s all because my radiance is just too dazzling~!”

After hearing Hiashi’s words, Hoshino puffed out his cheeks with a muffled “ugh,” forcibly holding back words he desperately wanted to say but couldn’t.

How could someone exist who makes him want to ask "How can you be even more narcissistic than Fugaku?!"

And he even added drama for himself!

Seriously, Hiashi, could you please stop posing dramatically with the back of your hand shielding your eyes from the sun?

Yes, I know you're trying to say, “My brilliance is so blinding that even I can’t bear to look at it,” but that pose really is stupid!

After all that, what Hoshino most wanted to ask Hiashi was, "Between you and Fugaku, who actually cried first?!"

“Wah… Waaaah… waaaaahhhh!!”

Just when Hoshino finally swallowed down those unspeakable thoughts, preparing to continue buttering Hiashi up, the main hall suddenly echoed with the cries of a one-year-old infant.

“Hanabi, why are you crying again? Sigh, you truly can’t bear leaving your peerlessly amazing father's embrace, can you? Oh well, come—! Fully embrace my radiance and become dyed in my color!”

And what color would that be? The color of an idiot?

As Hoshino had absolutely no idea how to respond to the irredeemable Hiashi, Hanabi's cries grew even louder.

Perhaps this child had some kind of spiritual insight and was weeping for her hopelessly lost father.

Thinking of father-daughter relationships, Hoshino suddenly remembered Hinata, who had remained silent all this time.

Ever since her father shamelessly started bragging, the girl had been blushing furiously. After Hoshino had “admitted” his secret crush, she had kept her head down, seemingly deep in thought.

He sincerely hoped she was thinking about how to politely refuse his "confession." Because if she actually agreed or even considered accepting, then she definitely wasn't a girl, but rather another male gaylord.

After a series of painfully absurd events over the years, Hoshino had already accepted the harsh truth that he was utterly destined to have no luck with women in this life. Anyone fated for him would undoubtedly be male—Sakura-bro was proof enough.

Anyway, with Hanabi currently throwing a tantrum, this was definitely the best moment to slip away.

Thinking this, Hoshino immediately bowed respectfully to Hiashi.

“Peerless and invincible Hiashi-sama, I still have a stupid golden retriever at home waiting to be fed. It's already long past noon, so I think…”

“Wait!!” ×2.5

Hiashi and Hinata’s voices overlapped perfectly.

If Hoshino wasn't mistaken, even Hanabi chimed in with a well-timed "wah wah!"

Was Hanabi really so spiritually perceptive? Was she about to cultivate into a demon?

As Hoshino’s attention landed on Hanabi, who was waving her little hands at him excitedly as though she really liked him, Hinata suddenly grabbed his sleeve, pulling him towards the corridor.

“Don’t leave so quickly. You’ve just woken up, why leave so soon? Father-sama is busy calming Hanabi right now, but you can come to my room to play. We can play adult ga— …um, I mean, we can chat while having some tea.”

Just as Hinata finished speaking, Hanabi’s crying instantly increased in volume again.

“…N-no thanks, I’m not thirsty at all. But… actually, now that I think about it, the stuff at home isn't that urgent after all. Maybe I'll just stay here in the main hall and chat with Father-in—… Uncle!”

Hoshino’s abrupt shift in words and his new focus immediately put Hinata on guard. Perhaps she had sensed the perverted thoughts in his mind, her eyes darting suspiciously between Hoshino and Hanabi.

“Hoshino-kun… You couldn’t possibly be having improper thoughts about my little sister, right…?”

“Cough—! Ahem!! Actually, I suddenly feel a little thirsty after all! Hinata, how about we have some tea in your room?”

“…Didn’t you just say you weren’t thirsty at all? You really are looking at my sister—”

“Waaahhhh!!!”

Feeling guilty, Hoshino forcibly interrupted Hinata’s words again, turning her around to face away from himself. He quickly shouted at Hiashi:

“Uncle! May I go play in Hinata’s room right now?”

“Don’t be shy—I already said I approve of you pursuing our Hinata! Go ahead boldly!”

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This is a fan translation of 火影之软饭真好吃 by 肾亏能力者 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!