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"Huh?"
Hinata froze instantly.
Hiashi, who was sipping tea, raised an eyebrow slightly but remained calm, saying nothing.
"Since we're now engaged, you're no longer just a girl from the Hyūga main family—you're half an Uchiha. So, you'll need to start adapting to certain things, like calling me by my name. Not my full name, though. Go on, try it."
Kazuki completely ignored Hiashi's presence, treating him as if he were invisible, and began instructing Hinata. He even reached out and ruffled her hair.
Hinata was clearly nervous—her fair face flushed so deeply it looked like she might start bleeding. She resembled a steam engine, and Kazuki half-wondered whether an egg placed on her head would cook from the heat.
Damn, Kazuki really doesn't hold back!
Even if this visit was just a formality, was it really appropriate to ignore him so blatantly in front of his daughter?
At that moment, Hiashi could somewhat understand some of Fugaku's past grievances.
When the two clans had first agreed to the marriage, Fugaku had warned Hiashi.
"Kazuki has a rather unique personality. Sometimes, he doesn't pay much attention to clan leaders—or even respect them. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, don't get angry. It'll only make things worse for yourself."
And sure enough, just days after that warning, here they were.
Hinata was so nervous she couldn't even speak, her eyes pleading helplessly toward her father for support.
Unfortunately, Hiashi acted as though he hadn't noticed his daughter's silent plea, continuing to sip his tea as if he, too, were invisible.
"By the way, Clan Leader Hiashi, tomorrow I'll be notifying some of the village's clans to gather at a barbecue restaurant. We have some matters to discuss."
"A barbecue restaurant?"
If this involved gathering representatives from multiple clans, it must be an important matter. But the choice of location seemed… questionable.
A teahouse would've been fine. Or any other more formal setting.
But a barbecue restaurant?
Hiashi couldn't help but frown slightly. Just as he was about to voice his concerns, Kazuki cut him off.
"The Ino-Shika-Chō trio has also been invited, so the barbecue restaurant was the natural choice. I suspect the big guy will show up this time."
"..."
Hiashi's eye twitched. He coughed and corrected Kazuki.
"You should refer to him as Lord Chōza. Don't make that mistake again."
If word got out about the "big guy" nickname, people might assume he was the one who taught Kazuki to say it.
And that was not a blame he was willing to take.
Fugaku might enjoy being the scapegoat, but Hiashi certainly didn't. Best to be cautious.
"I'll be there on time."
"Hinata, would you like to take a walk with me?"
The poor girl looked like she was about to curl into a ball from sheer embarrassment, so Kazuki suggested a stroll to help her relax.
The Hyūga clan's high-pressure upbringing could be downright suffocating at times.
Once again, Hinata cast a pleading glance at her father. This time, Hiashi didn't ignore her. Without a word, he gave a slight nod of approval.
"O-okay."
Only after receiving her father's permission did Hinata stutter out an agreement.
"Go change your clothes first. It wouldn't be appropriate to go out like this."
Hiashi found an excuse to send his daughter away.
"Yes, Father!"
Hinata straightened her posture, responded loudly, and bowed formally before obediently retreating.
Watching her walk away with such meticulously measured steps, Kazuki couldn't help but shake his head.
"You seem somewhat disappointed in Hinata?"
Hiashi raised an eyebrow, cutting straight to the point.
"Not at all."
Kazuki smiled and replied,
"Actually, Hinata is quite adorable. The reason I shook my head is because she's been molded into nothing more than a puppet that only moves when its strings are pulled."
The atmosphere instantly turned oppressive.
A powerful aura erupted from Hiashi, but Kazuki merely turned his head and met his gaze calmly, completely unfazed.
"Apologies if my words were harsh, but I'm only speaking the truth. I imagine Clan Leader Hiashi also wishes to change this situation, no? Otherwise, given the Hyūga's circumstances, you wouldn't have so easily agreed to a marriage alliance with the Uchiha."
"Kazuki, do you realize what you're saying?"
Hiashi's chest heaved with barely suppressed anger—he was this close to slapping Kazuki out of the room.
"Of course I do. But what I'm saying is, now that the marriage has been settled, Hinata's identity is no longer just that of the Hyūga main family's daughter—she's also the future wife of an Uchiha elder. I hope the main family's oppressive upbringing won't continue to weigh her down."
Before, it hadn't been his business. He had no right to interfere in how the Hyūga raised their own.
But now? This concerned his future marriage. Kazuki had no intention of letting Hinata continue growing under such stifling conditions—like a bird locked in a cage, its wings bound by chains.
Before, it wasn't my concern.
Now? Things are going to change.
Just as Fugaku had said—this kid really knew how to piss people off!
If this were one of his own clansmen, Hiashi would've made sure they regretted their words.
But the one speaking was Kazuki. Even if the boy was technically his future son-in-law, so what?
Was Hiashi supposed to just hit him?
If he threw the first punch, he'd probably end up being the one getting beaten instead.
Hiashi had no doubt that if he attacked, Kazuki would absolutely retaliate.
Hmph.
"I'll take it into consideration. Hinata should be done changing soon. Make sure to bring her back early!"
Hiashi all but kicked Kazuki out.
If they stayed together any longer, he might actually lose his temper.
And then tomorrow, the entire village would be buzzing with rumors.
"Did you hear? Hyūga Hiashi tried to discipline his future son-in-law, only to get his ass handed to him!"
Kazuki left without hesitation. If Hiashi didn't want to be alone with him, the feeling was mutual.
The longer they stayed together, the more Hiashi would probably seethe. Best to leave sooner rather than later.
Before long, Hinata returned.
Kazuki led her out of the Hyūga compound without delay.
The poor girl was so nervous she kept fidgeting with the hem of her clothes, following behind him like a timid little shadow.
---
After Kazuki and Hinata left, several elders from the main family arrived at the clan leader's residence.
The clan leader seemed… in a bad mood. Had he argued with Kazuki?
The Uchiha and the Hyūga were both major clans, but their internal rules were worlds apart. Sometimes, bringing two such families closer together wasn't necessarily a good thing.
Case in point. Hiashi was now thoroughly irritated.
"Clan Leader, you…"
"It's nothing."
Hiashi sighed, but his expression quickly twisted into anger again.
"That brat Kazuki went too far! He actually said that since Hinata is not only a Hyūga main family girl but also the future wife of an Uchiha elder, our clan's traditional upbringing methods can no longer be applied to her!"
"..."
Well… duh?
The elders barely resisted the urge to roll their eyes (even though they already had the Byakugan).
Once she married into the Uchiha, of course they wouldn't want her raised the same way!
Besides, it wasn't like she could be treated the same anyway—the clan's heir would have to be someone else.