Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, several months had passed.
Hanabi was no longer the shy, bashful girl she was when first seen. She now displayed her affection for Shun openly.
All day long, she could find countless excuses to cling to Shun.
Hinata often saw this scene from the corridor or by the window. Whenever her gaze brushed over their intimate silhouettes, she couldn't help but sigh softly, a complex expression flashing in her eyes.
She had long let go of her initial awkwardness and resentment, genuinely feeling happy that her younger sister could have her wish fulfilled.
Yet deep in her heart, a barely perceptible sting of bitterness still lingered. Fortunately, she found some solace in the fact that Shun, while indulging Hanabi's coquettish clinginess, always kept proper boundaries.
During these months, he never spent the night in Hanabi's room. This restraint, like a calming pill, steadied Hinata's anxious heart considerably.
Soon, Hanabi's birthday arrived.
Hinata had already, days in advance, hand‑sewed a light‑colored garment embroidered with cherry blossoms for Hanabi. Each flower was rendered lifelike, a gift she had labored over for countless nights.
As night fell, an assortment of delicate side dishes graced the table.
"Make a wish quickly, Hanabi."
Hinata pushed the candle‑lit cake toward Hanabi, her eyes filled with the unique sisterly indulgence she held for her younger sibling.
Hanabi pressed her palms together, slowly closed her eyes, and her long lashes cast faint shadows in the candlelight, shielding the yearning in her gaze.
A gentle smile formed on her lips as she earnestly whispered her wish: to forever stay by Shun's side, never parting and that she, her sister, and Shun could always be together.
After finishing her wish, she snapped her eyes open, excitement sparkling within, and blew out all the candles in one breath.
"Happy birthday, Hanabi."
Hanabi smiled in response, her eyebrows and eyes curving, and carefully lifted the silver knife beside her to cut the cake.
She first cut the largest, most cream‑laden slice, respectfully handing it to Shun, her eyes sparkling. "Shun, for you."
Then she sliced a medium‑sized piece and placed it near Hinata, her tone tinged with dependence. "Sister, this is yours."
Finally, she cut a piece for herself, holding it up, yet her gaze remained glued to Shun, unwilling to look away even for a moment.
She lifted a small spoon, gently scooped a mouthful of cream, and let the sweet, rich flavor melt on her tongue, sweetening her heart as her eyes curved into crescents.
But the next second, she abruptly set the spoon down, stepped directly in front of Shun, rose onto her tiptoes, and, with cream‑slicked lips, kissed him without warning.
The sweet scent of the cream mingled with the girl's unique fresh sweetness, instantly spreading between their lips.
Shun was momentarily taken aback, clearly not expecting such boldness, then a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes. He smoothly lifted his hand to wrap around her waist, pulling her closer. He closed his eyes and gently returned the creamy kiss.
He could clearly feel the softness and heat of Hanabi's lips, as well as her unabashed passion and affection, a warm current rising in his chest, making him especially relish this pure sweetness.
He knew the girl was straightforward, but hadn't expected her to make such a daring move on her birthday night, right before Hinata.
Hinata sat opposite, witnessing the scene firsthand. The spoon in her hand froze mid‑air, then she couldn't help but shake her head helplessly, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she sighed at Hanabi's boldness.
That girl is truly becoming less inclined to hide her feelings, even proclaiming her presence on her birthday.
Perhaps this fiery love is what suits Shun best, and Hanabi as well.
After a long moment, Hanabi reluctantly released Shun, a trace of cream still on her lip. Her cheeks were flushed and a faint pink hue tinged the base of her ears. Yet she showed no hint of shyness or retreat.
Instead, her gaze fixed firmly on Hinata, her tone carrying a coquettish dominance as if proclaiming sovereignty. "Sister, today is my birthday, Shun belongs to me."
Then, she immediately turned her head, her eyes blazing as they met Shun's. The earlier domineering tone vanished, replaced by a soft, syrupy voice tinged with shy pleading. "Brother‑in‑law… no, future husband. Tonight, will you come to my room? Just for this one night."
Her lashes quivered rapidly, her eyes brimming with anticipation and anxiety, fearing he might reject her most coveted birthday wish.
Shun looked at the sight before him, his smile deepening. He lifted his hand to gently wipe the remaining cream from her lips, his gesture exceedingly tender.
He didn't answer immediately, instead turning his head toward Hinata, his gaze carrying a hint of inquiry and respect. No matter how indulgent he was with Hanabi, Hinata's place in his heart remained special.
Hinata met Shun's gaze, that faint sting of bitterness resurfacing in her heart, yet she simply gave a gentle nod.
After speaking, she lifted the sake on the table and took a delicate sip, its crispness diluting the odd feeling in her heart.
She knew that this day would eventually come. Hanabi's passion and stubbornness would ultimately move Shun.
Having received Hinata's consent, and seeing Shun's indulgent look, Hanabi instantly burst into tears of joy and leapt into Shun's arms, tightly hugging his waist, her voice trembling with sobs yet full of happiness. "Sister... Thank you."
Shun gently patted her back, soothing her excitement, but his gaze passed over her shoulder to Hinata, his eyes reflecting a hint of complexity and remorse.
Hinata felt his stare and gave him a slight nod. She had long understood that love is not possession but fulfillment. As long as he is well and Hanabi is happy, that is enough.
As night deepened, Shun gently took Hanabi's hand and followed her into the elegantly cozy bedroom.
Without many words, Shun's gaze was tender yet passionate. He gently pulled Hanabi into his embrace, his movements filled with utmost reverence.
Hanabi's cheeks flushed slightly, yet she proactively wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes full of attachment and anticipation.
Just as their affection peaked, a pale golden light suddenly erupted from where they touched, instantly enveloping the entire bedroom.
Hanabi felt a warm, overwhelming force spreading through her limbs and bones, every cell in her body cheering with excitement.
Instinctively, she clutched Shun tighter, her eyes filled with astonishment. "Shun... what is this?"
Hanabi's skin gradually manifested faint celestial markings, Natural Energy surged wildly around her and her aura completely transformed, exuding a pure and powerful aura.
Moments later, the light faded, and Hanabi slowly opened her eyes, which were clear and bright. Her gestures now carried an extra air of transcendence.
She could clearly feel the changes in her body—her strength, speed, and Chakra reserves had qualitatively leapt, and she could effortlessly sense the Natural Energy of the surrounding world. This overwhelming sensation left her deeply astonished.
"My... my body..."
Shun looked at her delighted expression and gently brushed the stray hair from her forehead. "Congratulations, Hanabi. You have successfully awakened a Special‑Grade Human Sage Body. From now on, you not only possess a powerful regenerative ability, but can also easily control Natural Energy, and your training speed will far surpass that of ordinary people."
"Hanabi, there's something important I want to tell you. I've been planning a 'Goddess Project'. My goal is to gather twenty‑four princesses, and using the Ancestral Star's Natural Energy and the Power Of Faith, reshape their divinity so each can ascend to become a dedicated goddess, each governing her own realm of order."
"Goddess Project?"
"That's right. Tsunade will become the Goddess of Life, Hinata will become the Goddess of Love and I will make you the Goddess of Luck, presiding over the Lucky Star."
Hanabi's eyes were full of curiosity and longing. "What is the Lucky Star like? Does it have mountains, rivers, villages, and cities like the Ninja World, or is it like Immortal Village, filled with fragrant flora and swirling mists?"
Shun looked at her exuberant yet slightly shy demeanor and gently tousled her long hair.
"The Lucky Star is a life planet I recently forged, it is still in its early embryonic stage. It doesn't match the bustling splendor of the Ninja World, nor the serene elegance of Immortal Village, retaining a primitive wilderness feel, with untamed jungles and lakes covering its surface. Put on your clothes first. I'll take you there personally. Seeing it with your own eyes will be far more awe‑inspiring than any description I can give."
Hanabi put on her clothes, her cheeks reddening.
Before she could fully adjust her garments, Shun gently took her hand. In the next instant, a subtle ripple spread through the surrounding space like water waves, and a transparent light dome instantly enveloped the two.
Hanabi felt the scene before her suddenly warp, a faint hum ringing in her ears, her body seemingly wrapped in a gentle force, a fleeting sensation of weightlessness.
When she opened her eyes again, she found herself amidst the boundless expanse of space. The incense and moonlight of the bedroom vanished, replaced by the cold, silent breath of the Universe.
In space, countless stars dotted the black canvas like diamonds, emitting a faint glow; distant nebulae swirled dreamily, flowing with gorgeous violet‑pink and pale blue, resembling a meticulously painted scroll.
Shun sensed her nervousness and gently patted the back of her hand. He pointed toward a planet below, emitting a faint green halo.
"Hanabi, look. That is Lucky Star. Although its surface is still mostly primitive jungle and lakes, in the future I will bring billions of settlers, using them as the foundation of this planet."