There was nothing difficult to admit. Sooner or later, both Hinata and Ino would be Kaito's women. Accepting it didn't feel like much of a confession.
"Ahhh! Hinata was one step ahead of me!" Ino pouted, clearly displeased.
Hinata blinked at her reaction, then pressed her lips together and smiled softly.
"Right!" Ino suddenly grabbed Kaito's collar, her expression sharp. "Kushina-san and the others already…"
Kaito felt speechless. Is this really what you're focusing on right now? Ino had clearly been spoiled by him. Scratching his head, he nodded awkwardly.
"What!!!" Ino's eyes widened in shock, as if thunder had struck her. Her body trembled, and her face sank.
"So, among all of you… I'm the only one left." Her cheeks flushed as she spoke, the realization making her heart beat faster. For all her boldness, she was still a young woman, and certain things weren't easy to say.
"Tch! That's it then!" Ino clenched her fists and turned to Hinata. "Come on, let's cook!"
Without giving Kaito a chance to respond, she dragged Hinata with her and shot him one last glare before rushing out to buy ingredients.
Kaito stood there confused. What just happened?
Before long, the two girls were busy in the kitchen.
Two hours later, Kaito sat before a table overflowing with food, feeling oddly content.
"Thanks for the hard work," he said warmly, smiling at the girls before tasting a piece of meat. "It's good… but the flavor is a little strange."
Hearing that, both Hinata and Ino blushed deeply.
"What's wrong? Your faces are so red. Are you sick?"
"I-It's fine!" Ino replied quickly, waving her hands. "But you'd better finish everything we made. Don't waste mine and Hinata's efforts!"
"Don't worry. Leave it to me!" Kaito thumped his chest with confidence.
The meal was made with their hearts, so he wouldn't waste a single bite.
Half an hour later, the plates were spotless—he hadn't even left soup behind.
But as the food settled, something strange stirred within him. Heat spread through his body, his face burned, and even his breath left visible white trails in the air. His gaze toward Hinata and Ino grew heated.
"You two… what exactly did you feed me?" Kaito asked, forcing the words out through gritted teeth.
With his current physique, nothing should have been able to cause this. Yet he already had a guess.
"Cow, turtle, tiger, sheep, deer, bear… and turtle soup," Ino said seriously, counting on her fingers.
Kaito's face darkened instantly. No wonder! Even with my body, this is overwhelming.
"I also added some ginseng and medicinal herbs that have been stored for years," Hinata admitted quietly.
Kaito rubbed his forehead in disbelief. These girls are going to kill me…
His eyes flickered with dangerous intent as he shut and sealed the doors with a flash.
That night became unforgettable for all three of them. Not even Hinata, with her Byakugan and body physique, could endure the hours that followed.
Exhausted, Kaito eventually carried the girls back, watching them fall into deep sleep with flushed cheeks. Looking at their resting faces, he muttered, "Sinners, all of us," before slipping his clothes back on and vanishing.
In the Senju residence, Kushina stirred awake the moment she sensed his presence.
"Why are you here?" she asked lazily, rubbing her eyes.
"You can tell just by looking." Kaito's bitter smile said it all.
"What's wrong with you? You're burning red. Are you sick?" Kushina's tone carried a trace of worry.
With no other choice, Kaito explained the night's events.
"Pfft—hahaha! So even you have a day like this!" Kushina laughed, only to grow concerned again. "But… your body's really alright?"
"What do you think?" Kaito shot back irritably.
Hours later, Kushina lay unconscious, and Kaito's burning body still hadn't calmed. With no other option, he rushed toward Tsunade's residence.
By the time he left Tsunade, dawn had broken.
Back home, Hinata was already awake, quietly preparing breakfast while Ino still slept. The lingering heavy scent in the air made him frown.
Dragging his tired body forward, he sighed. Even with his strength, last night had nearly destroyed him.
Hinata looked up, her eyes full of worry. "Kaito-kun, are you okay?"
"What do you think?" he replied dryly.
"I didn't know it would be like that…" Hinata whispered.
"It's fine. Just… don't ever overdo it like this again." Kaito rubbed her head gently.
Hinata nodded quickly. She hadn't realized what those things would do, but after seeing his exhaustion, her heart ached with guilt.
"I'm going to sleep. Don't expect me at breakfast," Kaito muttered with a yawn.
Hinata simply nodded, watching him with soft eyes as he stumbled off to rest.
He didn't wake until night had already fallen.
____
Happy New Month.