MTLNOVEL Chapter 161: What's He Cooking?
Author Note:
Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!
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Twenty days passed in the blink of an eye.
Despite being five years older, Hinata's progress still lagged behind Hanabi's.
But it wasn't due to talent or effort—it came down to something more subtle, more internal.
The will to fight.
Hinata lacked it.
It was the one thing Hanabi possessed in spades—unshakable drive. A willingness to push, to clash, to stand her ground.
Even Guts understood the irony.
People always talk about becoming strong "to protect others," but in reality... very few ever start from such a noble place.
Even Saitama's drive was selfish in origin—he just wanted to be a hero for fun.
"I'm just a hero for a hobby," he once said.
Not for justice. Not to save people. Just because he wanted to.
Guts could relate. Strength for its own sake—because it felt right, because it made sense. That's what drove him.
Hinata, however, was kind to a fault. Fighting went against her very nature.
And even with the same talent and training, a hesitant heart always holds back the blade.
That day's training ended with Hanabi once again coming out on top.
Later that night, after Hanabi and the others had already gone to bed, Guts noticed Hinata sitting alone in the corridor, bathed in moonlight.
He approached without a word and sat beside her.
"Sensei… am I useless?" she asked softly. Her voice trembled. "I'm her older sister, but I still can't keep up with her…"
Tears glistened in her eyes.
In truth, her growth was impressive—even comparable to prodigies like Shisui or Itachi.
But under Hanabi's blinding progress, it was easy to feel left behind.
"No one's forcing you," Guts said, his voice unusually gentle. He let her lean against him, her head resting in his lap as he brushed a hand across her forehead. "Why put so much pressure on yourself?"
"I know… but…"
"If you don't want to fight, then don't. No one said you had to. You're free to live however you want."
He smiled faintly, half-teasing. "Even if Hinata isn't strong, you can still cook and warm bathwater for me for the rest of your life."
"W-What!?" she blinked, stunned. "F-For life?! T-Then that means… m-me and… Sensei…"
Steam erupted from her face. Her mind instantly leapt to those thoughts.
Flustered beyond reason, she nearly passed out.
"Alright, alright. Go get some rest," Guts chuckled, picking her up and quietly laying her back down beside Hanabi.
But that night, Hinata couldn't sleep.
The next morning.
An Anbu landed in front of Guts and knelt.
"Lord Guts, the Fifth Mizukage has arrived. She awaits your reception."
At the gates of Konoha, Guts spotted Terumi Mei approaching, flanked by Ao and her guards.
"It's been a while, Mei," Guts said casually, offering a relaxed wave.
"It's been more than a year," she replied flatly. "That's all I get? So insincere."
Guts smirked. "Would you prefer I show my sincerity in front of all these people?"
Mei narrowed her eyes. Teasing her was dangerous territory. But she could never outplay Guts in that game.
She looked away, cheeks slightly pink beneath her bangs.
Ao, clearing his throat loudly, stepped forward to interrupt the tension. "Lord Guts, the Fifth Mizukage is here to observe the Chūnin Exams and strengthen ties between Kiri and Konoha."
"Sounds official," Guts said lazily, leading the group toward the Hokage building.
After the formal welcome, Minato offered the usual hospitality, including housing and security.
But Mei declined the guards.
"I'd prefer to stay somewhere... more personal," she said.
And so, under Guts' escort, she returned to a quiet, familiar corner of the village—an old home she had once lived in during her Konoha days.
"It's still just like I left it…" she murmured upon entering. Her fingers traced the spotless table.
"No dust. No cobwebs."
"I figured you'd want to come back someday," Guts said behind her. "Had it cleaned regularly."
Mei turned around, placing a finger to her lips with a smile. "You're such a thoughtful bastard. That's a high score move."
Guts raised an eyebrow. "So? What's my prize?"
Instead of answering, Mei pressed her lips to his.
It was clumsy at first. Teeth bumped. But she quickly remembered how it worked.
Her arms wrapped around him.
"Hmm… you lecher…"
Her voice caught when Guts' hands gripped her curves, sliding down her back into her dress.
"Ah…!"
"You like my ass that much?" she gasped, face flushed as he molded it in his palms.
"I'd be blind not to," Guts grinned and slapped it, hard.
SMACK.
"Mmmn~!"
Five days later.
At Konoha's main gate, Guts stood waiting.
Another guest had arrived.
"Been a long time, Kazekage," Guts said with a smile. "What's it been… twenty years?"
"What? Are you sick or something?" Then he added while pointing to his face.
The other Sand Shinobi ninjas around had there faces turned dark. If they weren't too afraid of Guts's name, they would have been mad.
"Rasa"—draped in robes and wearing a mask—stepped forward and took his hand.
"It's just a minor illness," he said smoothly. "No need to worry, Guts-kun."
But Guts squinted. His observation haki buzzed.
That aura... no doubt about it.
This wasn't Rasa.
Orochimaru…
Guts kept smiling.
"Still, this is your first time back in Konoha," he said, voice calm. "Would you like a tour?"
"Rasa" nodded. "I'd be honored, Guts-kun."
Guts grin widened slightly.
What the hell is this snake planning?
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