Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"What did you say?"

Hiashi never expected that Naruto would refuse.

There are many people who are trying their best to marry into the Hyuga Clan, but Naruto actually refused so decisively, and this was even after Hinata openly confessed her feelings.

Hiashi's face turned a little awkward, his expression darkened, and he said in a low voice, "What exactly is the reason?"

Naruto explained, "It's true that I have feelings for Hinata, but even if our relationship grows strong, I can't agree to join the Hyuga Clan. This is for Hinata's sake as much as mine."

"What do you mean?"

Hiashi's anger instantly turned into confusion.

Naruto explained, "To be honest, Hinata is not suitable to be the heiress of the Hyuga Clan. I don't want her to be burdened by clan obligations that might make her unhappy. If I'm capable enough, I'd rather marry her into the Uzumaki Clan openly."

"That's impossible."

Hiashi replied flatly.

Hinata is the heiress of the Hyuga Clan, so it is impossible for her to marry out.

"Why not? Just because you're afraid of the Byakugan's secrets being exposed?"

Naruto chuckled. Whether it was because the main family couldn't marry out or because the branch family had the Caged Bird, it all came down to safeguarding the Byakugan's bloodline.

"If you're aware of that, why would you even bring this up?"

Hiashi frowned.

If Naruto were oblivious to this, his suggestion could be forgiven. But Naruto clearly understood the Hyuga Clan's strict protocols around the Byakugan.

Naruto looked around, and after confirming that there was no one else around, he said, "Since it's just us here, let me show you something."

As he said that, Naruto opened the system inventory and took out a pair of beautiful contact lenses, which were the Byakugan contact lenses.

After putting on the contact lenses, Naruto activated his Byakugan and veins immediately bulged on his forehead.

"This is... Byakugan!"

Hiashi and Hinata were both shocked. They stared at each other in astonishment. They had never thought that Naruto would also have Byakugan. Moreover, it was portable.

"How is it possible that you have Byakugan? Where on earth did you get them from?"

Hiashi, who is usually so composed, sprang to his feet, unable to mask his emotions.

After all, this is a serious matter and cannot be taken lightly.

However, Naruto's response was calm, "You don't have to worry about that. What I want to make clear is that no matter how tightly you guard the Hyuga Clan, leaks are still possible. If I can obtain the Byakugan, so can others. So marrying Hinata to me wouldn't be any additional risk. In fact, I could help prevent further leaks by safeguarding this secret. What do you think, Hiashi-sama?"

Naruto smiled faintly.

Hiashi hesitated, considering Naruto's words.

The evidence was right in front of him, and he realized he didn't have much choice. Even if he tried to interrogate Naruto, he knew he was no match for him.

His inquiries to Sandaime and Guy had revealed that Naruto had mastered the Eight Gates, a level of strength the entire Hyuga Clan combined would struggle to counter.

It's not that the Hyuga Clan is too weak, it's just that Naruto is too strong.

After a moment's silence, Hiashi asked, "Can you truly guarantee the Byakugan's secret won't be exposed again?"

Naruto nodded and said confidently, "Rest assured, there's no way it will be leaked."

His Byakugan was a one-of-a-kind item granted by the system. Even if he wanted to leak it, he didn't have a second pair of contact lenses.

Hiashi pondered and said, "Forgive my bluntness, but I can't take your word for it so easily. If you're willing to accept the Caged Bird, the Hyuga Clan would support you fully in anything you pursue."

"That's not happening."

Naruto replied, scratching his head awkwardly.

"Are you afraid, or was your affection for Hinata insincere?"

"Trying to provoke me won't work. If you want proof, just bring Neji here, and everything will be clear."

Hiashi felt a mixture of confusion and unease, but he still instructed Hinata to fetch Neji.

Not long after, Neji, covered in dust, ran over. It seemed that he was training before being called here.

"Is there something you need, Hiashi-sama?"

Hiashi spoke up, "It's Naruto who requested you come here."

"Naruto?"

Neji turned his head, surprised to see Naruto was there too.

"Why are you here?" Neji asked in confusion.

Naruto explained helplessly: "It's all because of the letter you handed over to me, otherwise, I wouldn't be here. Okay, enough catching up, take off your forehead protector and show it to them."

"Are you sure?"

Neji hesitated, frowning slightly. But when he saw Naruto's firm gaze, Neji complied and removed his forehead protector.

"This… how is this possible?"

Hiashi lost his composure once again, unable to contain his surprise. He stared in disbelief at Neji's bare forehead, completely clear and free of the Caged Bird, which had somehow disappeared.

"Neji, what happened to your Caged Bird?"

Neji explained calmly, "Naruto-kun helped me removed it."

"You could even remove the Caged Bird?"

Hiashi was completely speechless.

As the Hyuga Clan's Clan Head, he understood how to apply the Caged Bird and its mechanics. But even he had no way to undo it. Yet somehow, Naruto had achieved the impossible.

"Alright, Neji, you can go back to your training."

Naruto said with a wave.

Without hesitation, Neji, trusting Naruto implicitly, bowed to Hiashi and quickly left, glad to be away from the tension.

Hiashi, still processing this shocking revelation, murmured, "I didn't expect that the Caged Bird could also be removed…"

Naruto scratched his head and said sheepishly, "Hiashi-sama, it's really not that I'm not trying to undermine the Hyuga Clan. In fact, I've also done some research on the Sharingan."

As he said that, Naruto put on his Sharingan contact lenses and instantly activated his three-tomoe Sharingan.

Naruto could have chosen not to do this, but in order to keep Hiashi psychologically balanced, he had to show off to prove that the Uchiha Clan was not much better than the Hyuga Clan.

However, Hiashi thought he was showing off and he nearly choked in frustration.

"Is there anything you can't do?" Hiashi asked in exasperation.

"There are still plenty of things, actually. But Hiashi-sama, you still haven't given your blessing for Hinata and me. As her father, your approval means a lot."

Naruto knew that showing more would be useless and would only irritate Hiashi. The best thing to do now was to flatter him and help him regain his confidence.

Hearing this, Hiashi's expression improved a little. He sighed and finally relented, "Forget it, do as you wish. I have no objections to you and Hinata being together."

After saying this, his upright sitting posture became a little hunched, showing a hint of old age and weariness, like an elderly man in his twilight years.

It's often said that fathers and sons-in-law are natural rivals, with fathers going to great lengths to challenge their future sons-in-law. As the Clan Head of the Hyuga Clan, Hiashi wielded considerable influence across Konoha and even the entire Shinobi World.

But when he faced Naruto, he felt utterly powerless.

This future son-in-law of his… was simply far too formidable.