Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"Please keep everything you've seen here today to yourselves."

Naruto advised.

Hiashi and Hinata both nodded. Such revelations were so extraordinary that even if they told others, nobody would believe them.

After all, who would believe that someone not only possessed a Biju, but could also open all the eight gates and wield two powerful Dojutsu.

Moreover, Naruto's sincerity made Hiashi and Hinata feel assured, and there was no reason to betray someone who had shown goodwill to the family.

"It's almost noon. Naruto-kun, why don't you stay for lunch? Hinata, make a few of your best dishes and show your future husband what you can do in the kitchen."

Hinata's cheeks turned bright red at her father's words, and she quickly covered her face, running out in embarrassment.

Naruto didn't say anything, but a playful smile appeared on his face.

By all logic, someone like Hiashi shouldn't be so welcoming. Clearly, Naruto's overwhelming strength and potential had softened Hiashi's stance, to the point where he'd handpicked this son-in-law. Such is the convenience of strength, where anyone would be eager to ally with it.

"Hiashi-sama, while Hinata is busy, there are a few things I'd like to discuss with you."

"Oh? Naruto-kun, you have something to say? Feel free to tell me."

Hiashi said with interest.

Naruto hesitated a moment before saying, "This is just my personal view, but I think Hanabi would be a better choice as the next Hyuga Clan's heiress."

"Hanabi certainly has talent and strength. But she isn't the eldest daughter, and that makes her unfit for the position." Hiashi shook his head and sighed.

Naruto groaned and said, "Ordinarily, I wouldn't involve myself in your clan's affairs. But as your future son-in-law, I feel I should offer my perspective. Firstly, I don't want Hinata to carry that kind of pressure. Secondly, if I do marry Hinata, she would likely take the Uzumaki name, leaving Hanabi as the more suitable successor. Thirdly, I've observed that Hanabi has more endurance and adaptability than Hinata, making her more suited to leadership. And finally, regarding Neji, he commands respect among the branch family's members, and his personality is well-matched with Hanabi's. With time, I believe the two of them could lead the Hyuga Clan toward a brighter future."

Hiashi listened thoughtfully, unable to deny the wisdom in Naruto's reasoning.

The two of them talked further until Hinata returned with a meal prepared.

Naruto refrained from saying more, as he'd already stated his case not only for Hinata but also for Neji's vision of reform. Overly explaining would only stir Hiashi's resistance, so offering measured suggestions was the most effective approach.

'Neji, I've done all I could. Now it's up to you.'

Thinking this in his mind, Naruto began to savor Hinata's cooking.

"Mmm, delicious."

After taking the first bite, Naruto couldn't help but exclaim.

To be honest, Hinata's cooking was exceptional, almost on par with the best restaurant chefs.

'Not only was she beautiful and gentle, but she was also skilled in the kitchen… Hinata is truly an ideal partner at home.'

Having a wonderful wife like Hinata was one of Naruto's dreams in his past and current lives.

The only regret Naruto felt over the meal was his inability to drink due to his age. Otherwise, sharing a few drinks with Hiashi might have brought them even closer.

Naruto genuinely wanted to win Hiashi's approval through genuine connection, not just by flaunting his power. Though this was easier said than done and perhaps a little far-fetched...

Once they finished, Naruto smiled contentedly and said, "Thank you for the hospitality, Hiashi-sama. Hinata's cooking is really amazing, no other words could describe it better! I won't stay any longer, but I'll bring a proper gift next time to make up for this hasty visit. Until then, I'll take my leave."

Today's visit had far exceeded Naruto's expectations, with everything progressing smoothly and in his favor. He couldn't have asked for more from this trip.

"I won't see you off. Hinata, go see Naruto off instead."

"Yes, Father!"

Hinata stood up, put on her shoes, and walked Naruto to the edge of the Hyuga Clan's compound.

As they reached the Hyuga Clan's gate, Naruto waved, saying, "Alright, no need to see me off any further. You should go back and get some rest. Now that I've got your father's approval, I can come over anytime, so I'll visit again when I can."

Hinata's cheeks flushed slightly, "It's a promise, then! Naruto-kun, you must come often, I'll be waiting!"

"Don't worry."

Naruto couldn't help but smile, 'Hinata is really a clingy girl, but that was exactly what I liked about her.'

After waving goodbye to Hinata, Naruto headed home, feeling rather pleased.

On his way, he ran into Jiraiya by chance.

Without hesitation, Naruto joined Jiraiya on one of his 'research' trips to a nearby hot spring.

"By the way, where's Kakashi?" Naruto asked.

Jiraiya explained, "That guy came across some fresh… research material and has been following up on it."

"I see."

Naruto nodded in understanding, "Diligent as always. We'll have to treat Kakashi to a meal sometime, he's probably the hardest worker of us all."

"Absolutely."

Just as they were talking, Jiraiya's eyes lit up, "Naruto, look over there. Those ladies are exactly the 'research material' Kakashi's been tailing! Looks like they're headed to the hot springs. Perfect timing!"

"Got it!"

Naruto replied eagerly, following Jiraiya around to the back of the hot springs. They pulled out a pair of binoculars and began the 'research'.

However, just as the ladies entered the hot spring, a system prompt suddenly rang in Naruto's head.

[A low-level system has been detected. This system has intercepted it. Host, please proceed to capture it, and a special reward will be granted.]

"What?"

Naruto's body trembled and he couldn't help but cry out.

He never thought that there would be other systems in this world.

'This is quite interesting.'

However, his outburst triggered a flurry of screams from the hot spring.

"There's a pervert! Quick, girls, catch the pervert!"

"Oh no, we've been discovered. Naruto, what's wrong with you? How could you make such a rookie mistake? Forget it, no time to lecture you now. The most important thing is to run away!"

Jiraiya grabbed Naruto, and the two bolted from the scene.

They didn't get far before Naruto, distracted by thoughts of the system, accidentally collided with a passerby.

"Ouch! Can't you watch where you're going? Why are you charging around like that?"

The person he'd bumped into complained.

"Sorry, I..."

Naruto began to apologize, but as he looked up, his expression changed dramatically.

The person he'd run into was another boy, dressed in a sleek black tracksuit with a white T-shirt underneath. It's a modern clothing that stood out against the traditional style of Konoha.

Of course, that wasn't what shocked Naruto. The most striking detail was that the boy had the same blonde hair and blue eyes as Naruto himself, and whisker-like marks on his cheeks, but there's only two on each side instead of three.

There was no doubt about it. This person is Uzumaki...