A few days later, after finishing his pre-afternoon daily training and with the major tasks of setting up his industries under centralized control of some of his new estate's buildings and the new diplomatic division completely set up already, Hikari took a moment to step back from the whirlwind of duties that had consumed him since assuming his role as Third Elder.
His responsibilities had kept him from meeting Hinome for a week—a delay that was unusual for him, given the importance he placed on their collaboration.
Dressed in his refined dark blue robes, now complemented by a haori that marked his status, Hikari presented a picture of Hyuga nobility as he prepared to leave his refurbished estate.
Accompanied by a carefully selected personal entourage of bodyguards and attendants from the Side Branch, Hikari moved with deliberate steps towards the Side Branch living area next.
His destination was the Hyuga Medical Research Center, where he would usually go and find Hinome.
Navigating the streets of the Side Branch living area with his imposing entourage, Hikari commanded attention and respect.
The presence of his bodyguards and the significance of his attire marked him as a figure of considerable importance within the clan.
As they made their way to the Hyuga Medical and Research Center, the crowd parted in acknowledgment, their salutes a sign of reverence.
Upon reaching the institute, Hikari didn't hesitate to go in, as he was quite familiar with the place.
The institute's corridors were filled with the hustle and bustle of researchers and medical professionals, but Hikari's presence seemed to bring a momentary calm as people paused to acknowledge him.
Hinome had wrapped up her education at the institute quite a while back and, despite being young, now led her own research department. It wasn't long before Hikari located her room.
Hinome was deeply engrossed in her work, a testament to her dedication and the reason behind her rapid rise within the institute.
When Hinome caught sight of Hikari's figure, her face lit up with a slight warmth and happiness, a spontaneous reaction to seeing a long-time collaborator and friend as she walked over.
However, the sight of his entourage and the realization of his new, elevated status made her pause, introducing a moment of uncertainty.
She hesitated, unsure how to address him now, caught between the formalities required by his new title and their familiar way of interacting.
Noticing her unease, Hikari couldn't help but smile a bit to ease the tension and bridge the gap that his new position might have created between them.
"There's no need to be hesitant, Hinome. Call me by my name only, just like before..." he said softly.
There was no other reason; in scientific research and medical ninjutsu, she was already above him a long time ago and was the crucial and most fundamentally valuable part of his plans. Therefore, Hikari was always the most polite to her.
Thanks to the long-term focus and protection she enjoyed from Hikari concerning her, Hinome now appeared much more confident than before, unlike many of the ordinary Side Branch members.
She was also already considered the biggest genius in the scientific field that the Hyuga clan had so far. Now, she is also leading her research team here, making her quite more self-assured than before.
Even many members of the Main Branch she encountered now, aware of her close ties with Hikari, treated her with an uncommon level of politeness.
At 13, two years Hikari's senior now, Hinome was entering a new phase of her life. The onset of puberty began to reveal some of her womanly characteristics, promising great potential in those areas as well once she fully developed.
Her appearance was still marked by her shoulder-length dark brown messy-looking hair and the standard Hyuga clan eyes with a pretty and symmetrical face. She still had the same heavy bangs covering her Cursed Seal marking. Her attire was mostly white-like and resembled that of a researcher.
"I've already talked with the director and the Sixth Elder; it's time for you and your research team to move into my estate next, as we agreed upon. I've arranged for people to move everything there...", Hikari announced. His words were a clear indication of the plans he had in place for Hinome and her team.
Over the years, Hinome incorporated only a select few individuals into her team, which eventually became Hikari's own research group.
He carefully vetted all of them and transferred them to his lineage as well. Although most of them still wouldn't be informed about what kind of work they planned to do, they would do some general research help and remain unaware. Everything else would only be done and known to the two of them.
Meanwhile, Hinome nodded toward his words, her outward expression steady, yet inside, she harbored a hint of shyness about the impending move.
Transitioning from her modest Side Branch home, which her deceased parents left to her, to now about to be residing in Hikari's expansive Elder-level estate alongside him marked a significant change. Despite the vast space of the estate, it was still living alongside a boy in her mind.
However, despite the initial apprehension, she felt a growing sense of anticipation and positivity about the move.
Hinome realized that being closer to Hikari would allow her to interact more frequently and discuss many different things with him, something she valued highly and often missed when he was busy before.
She considered, 'This is probably because I'll be able to talk to Hikari more often once I start living and conducting my research there, unlike before... That's what I feel so... Excited...',
Hikari's unique ability to grasp the nuances of her work and his keen interest in the fields she was also exploring made him an invaluable ally and confidant.
'After all, Hikari is the only one in the clan who truly understands my research and the areas I'm passionate about and is a friend to me. He always seems so mature for his age, providing me with a strong sense of security and invaluable advice...', Hinome reflected silently.
Then as Hikari and Hinome soon stepped out of the building together, the bodyguards and attendants swiftly formed a protective circle around them.
Their easy conversation and laughter, shared in close proximity, drew curious and envious glances from the Side Branch members who witnessed the scene both inside the institute and out on the streets.
The sight of Hikari, a figure of such prominence within the Main Branch, so openly engaging with Hinome, a member of the Side Branch, sparked whispers and speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Hinome, initially animated by the positive interaction with Hikari after a week of not seeing him, couldn't help but blush as she became fully aware of the attention their walk and she herself were attracting.
The murmurs and gossip among the onlookers grew louder, fueled by envy and curiosity about her apparent 'good fortune' to be so favorably regarded by someone of Hikari's status.
Observing this, Hikari sighed softly and then discreetly ordered his entourage. They promptly took action, gently but firmly moving the onlookers away and creating a barrier between them and the whispering crowd.
Once Hinome regained her composure, their conversation shifted to a more professional topic. They discussed the equipment Hikari had acquired through the clan's secret channels, equipment that was due to arrive shortly.
This new gear was essential for their next steps, as the relocation of Hinome's research to Hikari's personal residence marked a significant turning point.
With the move, they anticipated the opportunity to advance their research in ways previously constrained by the Hyuga Medical Research Center's public setting.
Meanwhile, as Hikari and Hinome transitioned from the Side Branch to the Main Branch residential area, the atmosphere shifted once again.
Despite the sparser population here, their presence quickly became the center of attention.
Word had spread fast about the Third Elder escorting an unfamiliar young girl of similar age to him to his estate a few days after he had also previously moved in, sparking curiosity and speculation among the Main Branch members and increasing their numbers on the streets.
Unlike in the Side Branch area, Hikari's attendants found it more challenging to manage the onlookers and gossipers here, given the higher status of the observers.
This shift in atmosphere led to an awkward pause in their conversation. Hinome blushed once again amidst the whispers and speculative glances.
The murmurs around them grew, filled with speculation, 'Who is this young woman?', 'Why is she standing so close to the Third Elder-sama and talking so intimately?', 'Could this be the new lady of the Third Lineage?',
Each guess and whisper got more outrageous than the last one, causing Hinome to blush harder and harder after accidentally overhearing some of them.
Her reaction was subtle, marked by a quietness and a gentle fidgeting of her hands with her head down, a stark contrast to the escalating gossip around them.
"Let's walk faster than...". Hikari suggested, a hint of helplessness crossing his features as he glanced around.
Hinome, still caught in a daze from the whirlwind of attention and speculation, and absent-minded simply nodded in agreement.
Without another word, they quickened their pace, moving through the Main Branch residential area toward the Third Estate.
As they approached the Third Estate, Hinome couldn't hide her astonishment at its grandeur and sheer size, which, in her eyes, seemed to surpass even that of the Hyuga Clan's Medical and Research Center.
The estate stood as a testament to the prestige and responsibility that came with Hikari's new position, its expansive grounds and imposing architecture reflecting the significance of the Third Elder within the clan.
Her initial reaction was one of awe as she took in the meticulously maintained gardens leading to the main residence.
Hikari, noticing Hinome's stunned expression, offered a reassuring smile. Understanding the importance of making her feel welcome and at ease in this new environment, he gently led her through the entrance.