She showed me a page from the survey. There were the photos we had taken with Naruto, and the podium ranking was well defined. As I had predicted, Karui took first pce, and Ino and I followed in second and third respectively.

  In the comments about Karui, they pointed out that she was a beautiful reminder of Queen Kushina, with her fire-red hair. Ino received compliments comparing her to a precious diamond, something that made her visibly proud. As for me, my adjective was “adorable” and, to be honest, that was enough for me.

  Ino, however, didn't seem so excited about second pce. In fact, I didn't think that even first pce would have been able to bring her back to her former euphoria. What was clear to me was that Ino was no longer as enthusiastic about the Selection.

  - He bores me! - said Ino, throwing the magazine up in the air with a disgusted expression.

  - Who? - I asked, ying my head on her stomach.

  - The prince, of course. But you seem to like him a lot, don't you? - Ino smiled, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of wit and mischief. I felt myself blush instantly.

  - You're such an idiot!

  - No, I'm just not blind.

  I got up from the bed in a single movement and began examining the dresses Kakashi had sent, hanging on a rack in front of me, waiting for me to choose one.

  - Which one do you like best? - I asked, without taking my eyes off the dresses.

  Ino settled down on the bed and looked at the models carefully, but didn't seem to find any fault with any of them, so many were stunning.

  - Green. - she pointed to the first one.

  With so many girls in the Pace, it was only a matter of time before one of them had a birthday. And Hinata's was today, an afternoon tea with all the participants in the Selection, accompanied by the illustrious but annoying presence of the princess and the pleasant but distant presence of the prince.

  Ino and I walked carefully, almost on tiptoe, to the women's lounge when the time came. As soon as we entered, my eyes scanned the sentries, and I felt relieved not to find Sasuke there. It was a relief to be able to rex, without the tension that his presence always brought.

  The hall was beautifully decorated. Decorative vases hanging on the walls held stunning arrangements of blue and white flowers, which were also scattered around the vases on the floor. The windows and practically everything that didn't move were adorned with garnds. Tables were id with fine tablecloths, the surfaces of which sparkled with tiny beads of glittering confetti. Decorative bows were entwined around the backs of chairs, as if they were waiting to welcome the guests.

  In one corner of the room, a huge cake in the same colors as the room was waiting to be cut. Next to it, a table full of presents was id out for the birthday girl.

  In the center of the room, a band of cssical instruments pyed softly. Tayuyu gave me a wave with her hand and a “peace and love” smile as she softly blew on her flute. Mei, next to her, grimaced and sent me a tongue, her peculiar way of showing affection. Together, they were ready to put on a show for Hinata, their gift.

  The atmosphere was rexed, everyone seemed happy. Tenten was ughing happily in the company of Yuga? and Yugito. Ino and I joined them, having fun too. Everyone seemed kind and friendly, the notable exception being Karui, who, with a gss of wine in hand, wore a closed and isoted look, while everyone around her was looking for company.

  - Good heavens... - I excimed, following Yuga?'s gaze and seeing what he saw, leaving Karui to one side.

  Hinata had chosen her dress with impeccable strategy. There we were, all dressed for the day in short, light clothes, while Hyuuga appeared dazzling in a long ga dress. But the length wasn't the most impressive thing. What really caught the eye was the color: a pearly white that shimmered in the afternoon sun. Her hair was carefully arranged, adorned with a row of blue jewels that crossed her forehead, almost like a crown. Hinata looked not only mature, but noble and stunning, almost like a bride about to be betrothed.

  - Hold on, girls, I really wasn't expecting that. - joked Tenten, with a hint of envy in her voice. I bit my lip, feeling exactly the same way.

  - She looks stunning! - commented Ino, visibly excited.

  Hinata entered the hall with an elegance that stole the spotlight. When she reached our small group, her radiant smile and eyes shining with happiness were contagious.

  - Happy birthday! - excimed Ino, and we all wrapped her in a warm hug.

  - Thank you, girls! - replied Lady Hyuuga, with a genuine smile and a soft voice.

  - Twenty years today, right? - I asked, trying to disguise my curiosity.

  - That's right. I can't think of a better way to celebrate. I'm so happy you're all here. My mother and sisters are going to love seeing the photos. - Hinata smiled, a smile that showed the tranquility of someone who was used to this kind of celebration.

  Hinata was from Caste Two, as was Ino. The Hyuuga of Nadeshikino, a traditional and wealthy family who mined and sold jewelry like people who sell vegetables. She must have been used to parties like that, after all, it was something that had always been part of her life.

  - I loved the party, Hina. - commented Karui, appearing out of nowhere and drawing everyone's attention. - For my birthday st year, I had a bck and white party. If I'd had a touch more color, I don't think I'd have made it past the door. - Karui shook her red hair with a satisfied smile. - It was crazy! I had theatrical lighting, music, Tsume Inuzuka canceled a tour to sing especially at my party. And the chefs? I hired three, of course, do you think I'd let anyone from Caste Quatro serve my guests?

  The pinprick was accurate, as always. I clenched my teeth, irritated by the indirectness that had unintentionally hit me directly.

  - Oops - added Karui, looking at me. - I forgot. No offense taken.

  Her honeyed voice bothered me deeply. The temptation to respond harshly or even to hit her arose with every word. It was better not to let myself get carried away.

  Vaku