As they left the ninja academy, Hayashi, Hinata, and Shino followed their teacher to a secluded clearing on the outskirts of the village.

The area was surrounded by forest, and the presence of wooden training posts hinted that it had once been a practice field.

Kurenai turned to face them with a warm smile on her face. "Let's get to know each other," she said.

"We'll share a bit about ourselves, including what we like, dislike, and hope to achieve in the future. I'll go first."

"My name is Yuhi Kurenai, and I'll be your instructor from now on. You can call me Kurenai-sensei. I specialize in genjutsu techniques."

"When I'm not training, I enjoy a good shochu or vodka, and I'm a big fan of wasabi octopus. On the other hand, I'm not too fond of cakes and sweets."

"My dream is to become a legendary kunoichi, just like Lady Tsunade."

She looked at Hayashi expectantly. "Now, how about you?"

Hayashi met her gaze, his expression serious. "I'm Yusuke Hayashi. I focus on kenjutsu. I've got a lot of likes and dislikes, but my main goal is to become a ninja who can overcome any challenge on my own."

His brief introduction caught Kurenai off guard, and Hinata stifled a giggle beside her. "Typical Hayashi," she whispered.

Kurenai nodded to Hinata and Shino. "Your turn, please."

"O-Oh, right!" Hinata responded. "My name is Hinata Hyuga. I specialize in my clan's Gentle Fist. I really enjoy flower pressing as a hobby. There isn't much I dislike. And my dream is, um..."

She trailed off, her cheeks flushing.

Though she longed to confess her true wish – to always be by Hayashi's side - the words stuck in her throat.

Kurenai smiled gently. "To be a good wife someday?" she guessed.

Hinata's face flushed even deeper, and she looked down, embarrassed.

Next, Kurenai turned to Shino.

He pushed up his dark glasses and introduced himself in a calm, level tone. "I'm Shino Aburame. I use my clan's secret insect-based techniques."

"I enjoy vegetable salads and winter melon. Strong smells and tastes aren't my thing. In my free time, I observe insects. My dream is to discover a new insect species one day."

Kurenai nodded, looking pleased. "Excellent, thank you for sharing. I think I have a good sense of who you three are now."

"However, I still need to evaluate your combat skills and teamwork. Let's meet back here tomorrow morning at 9 AM for a survival exercise."

She chose not to mention that this test would determine whether they graduated to genin or not.

She sensed great potential in these three students - members of respected clans and a standout student.

As a compassionate teacher, she wanted to nurture and guide them, not intimidate them.

Some might have seen Kurenai as too soft or inexperienced, but her caring approach resonated with Hayashi and his teammates.

Without Kiba's boldness or Naruto's impulsiveness, the team felt more relaxed and comfortable around each other.

Kurenai could already see that this team had the makings of an elite squad, with Hayashi's strong leadership, Hinata's devoted support, and Shino's unique abilities.

She had high hopes for them.

----------

After the meeting, Hayashi and Hinata strolled home together, enjoying each other's company.

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As they walked, Hinata asked, "What do you think Kurenai-sensei's survival training is really about? Is it just to test our strength and coordination?"

Hayashi thought for a moment before shaking his head. "I don't think she's trying to trick us. She seems too kind for that."

He suspected the exercise was a classic teamwork test, but he didn't want to admit it out loud.

When they reached his street, they said their goodbyes for the time being. He headed home to tidy up and start preparing lunch.

----------

As Hinata entered the Hyuga compound, she spotted her grandmother Touka tending to her vegetable garden.

"Oba-chan!" she called out, waving as she approached.

Touka looked up, a warm smile spreading across her wrinkled face. "Hinata, my dear! What brings you here today?"

Hinata knelt down beside her grandmother, running her fingers over the fresh vegetables. "I was hoping to gather some fresh ingredients for dinner. Hayashi and I have a cooking date tonight."

Touka's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Ah, cooking dinner with your young man, I see! My, my, things are heating up between you two, aren't they?"

Hinata's cheeks flushed pink as she protested, "Oba-chan, it's not like that! We're just friends and teammates."

Touka chuckled, patting her hand. "Of course, dear. But remember what I told you all those years ago? Be brave and show him your heart."

Hinata nodded, remembering the time she confided in her grandmother about her feelings for Hayashi.

As Touka carefully selected the ripest tomatoes, she suddenly stopped, her eyes drifting off into the distance.

"You know, my dear, I've been taking care of this garden for as long as I can remember. It's seen so much happiness and laughter over the years."

Her gaze swept over the lush greenery, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. "But life is unpredictable. We never know what's around the corner or when our time will run out."

Hinata's brow furrowed, a flicker of unease crossing her face. "Oba-chan, don't talk like that. You'll be here for years to come, watching over the garden and spoiling your great-grandkids."

Touka's soft chuckle was reassuring. "Of course, my dear. But promise me one thing: cherish the moments you have with those you love. Life's too short to let them slip away."

Hinata nodded seriously, her grandmother's words resonating deep within her. "I promise, Oba-chan. I'll hold our memories close to my heart."

Just then, the tomato slipped from Touka's grasp, falling to the ground with a splat. The red juice splattered across the soil like blood.

She stared at the crushed tomato. After a moment, she picked up the ruined fruit and tossed it aside, wiping her hands on her apron.

"Clumsy me," she said with a forced laugh. "Let's finish up here. You don't want to keep Hayashi waiting."

Then, she leaned in close, a playful grin on her face. "And don't forget, Hinata. I'm still waiting for those great-grandbabies! You two would make such adorable kids."

Hinata's face flushed bright red as she nearly dropped the tomatoes. "Oba-chan, we're not even dating yet! It's way too soon to think about that!"

Touka laughed. "I know, I know. But a grandmother can dream, can't she?"

Hinata rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips despite her embarrassment. Her grandmother's teasing was a reminder of the love and support she'd always provided.

As she said her goodbyes and headed to Hayashi's house, she couldn't help but imagine a future where her grandmother's dreams came true.

A future filled with love, laughter, and maybe, just maybe, a family of her own someday - with her kids playing with her grandmother in the same garden where they'd shared so many memories.

----------

Later, Hinata arrived with a bunch of fresh vegetables, and they spent the afternoon cooking and chatting together in the kitchen.

As they worked side by side, Hayashi kept Hinata entertained with funny stories and witty remarks, making her smile and giggle.

It was the perfect opportunity to continue her training, and he knew just how to do it.

He was well aware of her quirks - how she'd blush bright red and get flustered around him, especially back in their early days together.

He still remembered how she'd even faint at the slightest touch!

It had taken a long time, but Hayashi had gradually acclimated Hinata to closer physical contact.

Smirking to himself, he slipped behind Hinata and wrapped his arms around her waist, his hands sliding beneath her apron.

He pulled her back against his chest, his warm breath whispering in her ear.

"H-Hayashi, what are you-" she squeaked, her cheeks instantly flushing.

"Shh, focus on stirring," he murmured, his fingers dancing along her taut stomach.

He kept up the light conversation, acting like this was all perfectly normal.

Hinata was completely distracted by his roaming touch and warm breath on her neck. In a flash, he snatched a bit of food before she could stop him.

"Hey! No taste-testing yet!" Hinata cried, whirling around with a spoon in hand.

Her face was adorably red, and she swatted at him with a half-hearted blow.

Hayashi laughed and dodged her spoon, grinning. "Sorry, couldn't help myself. It smelled so good!"

Hinata pouted for a moment before breaking into a reluctant smile. As embarrassed as she got, she secretly loved their playful dynamic.

Of course, he knew exactly when to draw the line.

He'd come close to stealing Hinata's first kiss a year ago, back when she'd pretend to doze off during their hangouts. They both knew she wasn't really sleeping.

One time, he had leaned in, their faces inches apart. But at the last second, he'd stopped himself, his cheeks flushing slightly - a rare hint of shyness.

When Hinata's eyes fluttered open and met his, she glimpsed a vulnerability he seldom showed anyone else.

The intimate spell broke and they hastily looked away.

The moment stuck with them, leaving a hint of possibility in the air. For now, they were content to dance on the edge of more than friendship.

As the delicious aroma of lunch filled the kitchen, Hayashi grinned at Hinata. "You're really improving. Someday, you'll make a great wife-"

She cut him off with a barrage of spoon thwacks. "Don't say unnecessary things!"

They bickered and bantered through lunch, both secretly wondering what tomorrow's test would bring.