Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

With a mixture of excitement and nervousness, Naruto knocked on the gates of the Hyuga Clan's compound.

Moments later, a Hyuga Clan's member opened the door and asked, "What's the matter?"

Naruto presented Hiashi's letter and said, "Hiashi-sama invited me here."

"Wait a moment, I'll go in and report." The Hyuga Clan's member nodded with a smile and went inside to confirm.

Shortly after, he returned and opened the gate wider, then said, "Hiashi-sama has been waiting for you, Naruto-kun. Please, follow me."

Naruto nodded slightly and followed the Hyuga Clan's member inside.

Once through the gate, Naruto was greeted by a vast courtyard filled with elegant, traditional architecture exuding a serene, ancient charm. Normally, he might have appreciated the scenery, but now, he could only feel a tingling at the back of his head, as if he was heading into a trial.

If he didn't care for Hinata, visiting the Hyuga Clan's compound might not have made him feel so uneasy. But given his feelings for her, he knew he'd have to mind his words carefully and make a good impression on his potential father-in-law.

After walking some distance, they reached a house with an open door.

Inside, Hiashi sat very straight in front of the square table.

"Welcome, come in and sit down."

Hiashi's expression was calm, giving away nothing.

The more composed Hiashi seemed, the more Naruto felt like he was meeting his in-laws. Once he sat down, he might face a barrage of questions.

He mentally reassured himself, 'I haven't done anything with Hinata. Hiashi shouldn't suspect anything. Logically, this shouldn't be an interrogation.'

Thinking this in his mind, Naruto felt the pressure relieved a little.

After taking off his shoes, Naruto sat opposite Hiashi.

"Greetings, Hiashi-sama. May I ask why you've called me here?"

Since there was no way to escape, he just asked first.

"No need to rush into matters. Have some tea first."

"Thank you."

Naruto took a sip from the teacup in front of him. Then, he showed an expression of enjoyment and nodded slightly.

"Excellent tea!"

Though Naruto wasn't particularly fond of tea, he knew this wasn't merely about the drink. Drinking tea in front of Hiashi meant displaying composure and manners. Naruto was determined to leave a good impression in every way possible.

"Oh? I didn't expect you to appreciate tea, Naruto-kun." Hiashi commented, mildly surprised.

Naruto waved his hands and said modestly, "I grew up without family or wealth, so I've never had the luxury to enjoy things like tea. But I do enjoy this feeling, the bitterness at first, followed by a subtle sweetness. It reminds me of training: the harder the struggle, the sweeter the victory."

"'Sweetness after hardship'…well said!" Hiashi nodded, clearly pleased, "It seems calling you here was indeed the right choice. So, I'll be straightforward."

"Please, Hiashi-sama."

Naruto replied, feeling his nerves tighten, 'Finally, we were getting to the main topic.'

Hiashi's tone turned serious, "I hope you can marry into the Hyuga Clan. Once you're of age, you'll wed Hinata."

"What did you say?!"

Naruto shot up from his seat, completely forgetting his decorum. He couldn't help it, as Hiashi's words were too explosive.

He thought that Hiashi might ask many difficult questions, but he never thought that Hiashi to suggest something this drastic. He actually wanted Naruto to marry into the Hyuga Clan. It was something Naruto had never even dared to imagine.

"Naruto-kun, please sit down and listen to my thoughts."

Hiashi said calmly.

"My apologies."

Naruto bowed and sat down again. He then asked in confusion, "But Hiashi-sama, could you explain what you meant just now?"

Hiashi's expression softened as he explained, "Actually, this is the result of my long and careful consideration. You know Hinata well from your time as classmates. She's gentle by nature, and though she has potential, her strength is still modest. But she is the next heir of the Hyuga Clan, and I can't hand over the Hyuga Clan to her with confidence. So from some time ago, I wanted to find someone capable to assist Hinata. After watching your match yesterday, I believe you're the right person."

Hiashi continued, "If nothing unexpected happens, in a few years, you'll definitely be a pillar of Konoha, maybe even a candidate for Hokage. If you can marry into the Hyuga Clan, then with the support of the Hyuga Clan, you can easily obtain the Hokage's position. This is a powerful alliance, one that benefits us both. So, Naruto-kun, what are your thoughts?"

"My thoughts?"

Naruto frowned slightly, "I don't think my opinion is the most important here. Have you asked Hinata what she thinks?"

There was nothing wrong with what Hiashi's proposal, yet he was overlooking the most critical point… Hinata's wishes.

Naruto couldn't help but think that, had it been someone else here today, Hiashi might've said the same things, disregarding Hinata's feelings altogether.

Hearing this, Hiashi replied firmly, "For the sake of the Hyuga Clan, Hinata has no choice. Her opinion is unnecessary."

Naruto's tone turned serious. "If Hinata's own opinion isn't considered, then I have to decline your request."

If Hinata wasn't even aware of this arrangement, Naruto felt it was deeply unfair to her. His feelings for Hinata were his to own, not a burden to place on her. Respecting her wishes mattered most to him.

"If that's all, then please excuse me!"

After saying that, Naruto stood up, slipping on his shoes as he prepared to leave.

Even if it meant earning Hiashi's disapproval, he wouldn't relent in this matter.

"Wait."

Hiashi called out.

"Is there something else?"

Naruto frowned.

"Come out, Hinata!" Hiashi said, glancing toward the adjacent room.

"What?"

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. Moments later, a familiar figure stepped out. It was none other than a blushing, timid Hinata.

"What's going on?"

Naruto asked, clearly confused.

Hinata explained, "Naruto-kun, I wasn't trying to deceive you. My father ordered me to wait in the next room. In fact, I had no idea this would be happening."

Hiashi then turned back to Naruto and said, "Naruto-kun, you have proven my judgment correct. Congratulations on passing the test. As the Clan Head of the Hyuga Clan, I have no choice but to work for the benefit of the Hyuga Clan. However, as a father, I still hope that Hinata can be happy. Your respect for her feelings reassures me."

Hiashi then looked directly at his daughter, "Then let me ask you one more question. Hinata, do you like Uzumaki Naruto?"

"I…"

Hinata's face turned an even deeper shade of red, her whole body glowing with the same intensity, as if she'd been dipped in hot water. But she still mustered up her courage and answered, "Yes! I like Naruto-kun very much!"

Hiashi nodded approvingly and said, "Naruto-kun, you also heard Hinata's answer. So, continuing with the previous topic, are you willing to marry into the Hyuga Clan?"

Without hesitation, Naruto responded firmly, "No way..."