Chapter 373: Chapter 373
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"Shikamaru, I might be pregnant!"
Hearing this, Shikamaru was so shocked that he dropped his teacup, spilling tea all over the table. However, he paid no attention to the mess as he hurriedly asked, "W-When did this happen? Temari, are you sure you're pregnant?"
"Well, I haven't had that for a while now, and I've been feeling nauseous recently. It's most likely the case, but I'll confirm it at the hospital tomorrow," Temari explained. However, her thoughts immediately shifted to something else—those lingering marks on her body, especially the intricate, exotic patterns in private areas. If she went for a check-up, she couldn't afford to let anyone see below her stomach.
"Pregnant… I can't believe it."
Though Shikamaru felt joy at the news, the current situation in the village quickly sobered him. With two dangerous organizations—the Ōtsutsuki-related Kara and the group connected to Obito with Kamui Sharingan—looming threats, the village was on edge.
"I'm swamped every day. Sometimes I can't even make it home. And we'll need to see how Shikadai feels about having a sibling. He might not like it..."
After pondering for a while, Shikamaru cautiously asked, "Temari, do you really want this child?"
Temari froze for a moment, then sharply asked, "What do you mean by that, Shikamaru?"
"I just think we should consider Shikadai's opinion," Shikamaru replied carefully.
"Why? This is my child!"
Temari snapped, though guilt began to creep into her heart. She had almost said our child but stopped herself, knowing deep down that the child might not be Shikamaru's. Her tone softened as conflicting emotions churned within her.
Ultimately, Temari didn't want to continue the conversation. Turning her back to Shikamaru, she firmly stated, "I'll go to the hospital tomorrow for a check-up. I'm having this baby."
With that, she stomped off, her footsteps echoing her anger.
"Temari, I didn't mean I disagreed…" Shikamaru sighed. He was only being practical—given the village's precarious state, a second child could be seen as a burden during times of conflict. However, he couldn't bring himself to voice such thoughts, knowing they'd only lead to a fight.
After a while, Shikamaru pushed the matter aside, deciding to head to the Hokage's office to assist Naruto, who was likely still working late.
...
"Cut! Excellent work!"
Director Wada's cheerful voice brought the set to a halt. His expression beamed with satisfaction. What had initially started as a routine task was shaping up into something potentially remarkable. Hinata's blend of restraint and loyalty to her family gave her the makings of a star.
"This next scene is pivotal," Wada announced. "Let's finish strong, and I'll personally reward everyone afterward."
As the crew began preparing for the next scene, Hinata approached Wada with her script. "Director, I…"
Before she could finish, Wada cut her off with effusive praise. "Hinata-san, you've been doing an incredible job these past few days! Inviting you to join the cast was the best decision I've made. Your performance has saved the production time and money."
Blushing, Hinata hesitated, but pressed on. "Thank you, Director-san, but about the next scene…"
"Just follow your instincts, Hinata-san," Wada interrupted again. "You've already surpassed my expectations in understanding the role. Just trust yourself, and I know you'll nail it."
"Yes, I understand…" Hinata replied meekly, but she hadn't managed to mention the kissing scene. By the time she realized this, Wada had already walked off.
Noticing her sister's troubled expression, Hanabi approached. "Nee-san, what's wrong?"
"Hanabi…" Hinata began, her voice tinged with frustration. "I didn't get a chance to talk to the director about the next scene, and now it's too late."
Hanabi sighed, shaking her head. "Nee-san, you're too scatterbrained! What about Naruto? Does he know about this?"
Hinata hesitated. "I haven't told him yet. He's been so busy lately—he usually eats and then falls asleep right away."
Hanabi thought for a moment, then snapped her fingers. "I've got it! How about I take your place? I can use the Transformation Jutsu to look like you, and no one will know the difference."
"Hanabi, are you serious? That means you'd be doing the kissing scene. You've never…"
Hanabi placed a reassuring hand on Hinata's shoulder. "It's fine, Nee-san. I've always wanted to experience what it's like to act. If you're okay with it, let's do this."
"Alright… I'll leave it to you, Hanabi," Hinata said reluctantly.
As the scene began, Hanabi, disguised as Hinata, found herself face-to-face with Yoichi. When their lips met, her body tensed up, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sensation. Yoichi's hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.
"Cut! Stop for a moment," Wada called out.
Yoichi stepped back, his expression calm. He had immediately realized that this wasn't Hinata—Hanabi's nervousness and lack of composure gave her away. However, he chose to play along.
"Hinata-san, your performance has drastically regressed compared to earlier scenes. This isn't the level I expect from you," Wada critiqued with a disappointed tone.
Hanabi's confidence crumbled under his words. She had promised to help her sister, but her inexperience made her efforts futile.
"I suggest taking a break. Let's try again tomorrow," Wada said, his tone softer.
Hanabi excused herself and quickly found Hinata. Bowing apologetically, she admitted, "Nee-san, I'm sorry. I couldn't do it. I've tried so many times, but the director isn't satisfied. You'll have to take over."
"Hanabi, does this mean I'll…" Hinata stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Yes, Nee-san. I messed up, but you're the only one who can save this now. If Naruto asks, we can tell him I used the Transformation Jutsu for this scene."
Hinata hesitated but finally nodded. "Alright, I'll do it…"
Back on set, Hinata took her place, her heart pounding. As the scene resumed, Yoichi stepped closer, his hands gently gripping her arms. Their lips met, and for a brief moment, Hinata's resolve wavered.
"Perfect! That's exactly what we needed!" Wada exclaimed, his excitement filling the room.
Though Hinata felt deeply conflicted, she reminded herself that it was just acting. Still, Yoichi's intensity left her shaken, her emotions a whirlwind of guilt and determination.
(End of Chapter)
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