Shinho Aburame glanced at Hiashi Hyuga before lifting his teacup and downing its contents in one gulp.
It's a shame it's not plum wine—doesn't taste quite right, he thought.
Hiashi shook his head slightly. What a waste of good tea, drinking it without savoring the essence.
"Uncle Hyuga," Shinho began, noticing Hiashi's stern expression, "Do you want to become Hokage?"
Hiashi nearly choked, coughing violently.
That's a slippery slope to even think about.
From the moment Konoha was founded, the position of Hokage had always gone to either the student or the relative of a Hokage. Everyone knew that the political waters ran deep, and the Hyuga clan didn't have the pull to control such currents.
"Don't joke like that, Shinho!" Hiashi quickly dismissed the idea, fearing Shinho might say something more reckless. "I was talking about your teacher."
"My teacher has no such ambitions for now," Shinho replied with a casual shake of his head.
"For now?" Hiashi's sharp eyes immediately caught onto the important detail.
"The future is uncertain for everyone," Shinho answered vaguely.
In the original timeline, Tsunade became the Fifth Hokage for two main reasons: first, because Hiruzen Sarutobi died at the hands of Orochimaru, continuing the tradition of Hokages being killed by their students. Second, because she was deeply influenced by Naruto Uzumaki, who helped her overcome her fear of blood and regain her confidence.
At this point, Tsunade didn't have the necessary bonds or motivation to desire the Hokage seat. Shinho believed that pushing her too quickly wouldn't work. It had to be done slowly, step by step.
For Tsunade, the position of Hokage held special meaning—the ambition wasn't absent; it was merely hidden away for now.
Hiashi sank into deep thought.
Shinho's response had given him some insight, though not much. He hesitated for a few seconds but ultimately decided not to reveal his true intentions. As the clan head, openly showing allegiance to someone else would damage his reputation.
"If Lady Tsunade ever has any new thoughts, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know," Hiashi said, glancing at Shinho, who had just downed another cup of his precious tea.
"Of course," Shinho agreed. He figured he might as well give Hinata's father some leeway. After all, forming an alliance with the Hyuga clan would bring nothing but benefits.
Hiashi nodded in satisfaction. Despite Shinho's earlier question startling him, the boy seemed reliable.
"Is there anything else?" Shinho set down his teacup.
He had come here mainly to give Hinata the White Boar Gu. Now that his mission was complete, there was no reason to stay any longer. Time spent idling here could be better used for cultivation.
"No, that's all," Hiashi said, watching as Shinho got up to leave.
Hiashi turned back to his tea, sipping it slowly.
"Prepare a meal for nine people," Hiashi said as he stood at the doorway, pausing before adding, "Once it's ready, call for Hinata."
If what Shinho said was true, Hinata was likely starving, as she hadn't eaten much earlier that morning.
"Yes, Clan Head," the young ninja to his left replied immediately.
Hiashi returned to his seat, his thoughts drifting.
Not only had Shinho surprised him, but so had Hinata.
With a sigh, Hiashi reflected on his shortcomings.
I've failed both as a brother and as a father.
Back at the Senju estate.
"Sensei," Shinho called as he entered the living room.
"Everything's settled," Tsunade said, looking up from the TV.
"Thank you, Sensei," Shinho said, not at all surprised. With Tsunade's status, securing the Sword of Raijin had been a simple matter.
"There's more," Tsunade added, sounding a little smug. "Your role in stopping Midori Aoi has been classified as an A-rank mission. It's now part of your official record."
Shinho hadn't expected this extra reward.
Not even graduated from the academy yet, and I've already completed an A-rank mission. I'm way ahead of the game.
Half an hour later, in Hiashi's study.
"Father," Hinata greeted as she knelt across from Hiashi.
She eyed the table full of food, her suspicions growing. It wasn't even noon yet, and her father rarely ate so much food.
"Sit here and eat your fill," Hiashi said, though he made no move to touch the food himself.
Clearly, he wasn't planning to join her.
After a moment of hesitation, Hinata picked up her chopsticks.
She ate slowly, and Hiashi patiently observed her. Hinata was a bit nervous with her old man staring her down; but, she thought of Shinho's advice.
Radishes.
She kept her nervousness in check.
As time passed, Hiashi's expression changed.
I don't understand what I'm seeing, but I'm deeply impressed.
Shinho hadn't been lying.
"I... I'm done," Hinata said softly, setting down her chopsticks, her head lowered in embarrassment.
This was the first time she had ever eaten so much in front of her father, and she couldn't help but feel anxious.
But she didn't ask any questions because she trusted Shinho completely.
"How was the food?" Hiashi asked, smiling.
Hinata blinked in surprise.
In her memories, her father had always been a stern figure, rarely showing such a kind expression. She couldn't help but feel confused.
Why wasn't he angry? Why did he seem so happy instead?
"Shinho-kun is amazing," Hinata mumbled to herself.
Hiashi's smile froze.
"The food was delicious, Father," Hinata quickly corrected, snapping out of her daze.
"Are you full?" Hiashi asked, his tone still gentle.
"Yes, I'm full," Hinata replied, nodding.
"Rest for an hour, and then I'll train with you in Gentle Fist," Hiashi said after a brief moment of thought.
In the past, his disappointment in Hinata had led him to focus more on her younger sister. As a result, he hadn't personally trained Hinata in some time.
"Yes!" Hinata responded excitedly.
She didn't overthink it; she was just genuinely happy. It had been a long time since she had sparred with her father.
Hiashi smiled faintly.
Looks like Shinho isn't as sharp as I am, he thought smugly. After all, she's still my daughter—I can't let an outsider take all the credit.
An hour later, in the courtyard.
"Activate your Byakugan," Hiashi instructed, taking a Gentle Fist stance.
He didn't activate his own Byakugan. His skill was more than enough to handle Hinata without it.
Open!
Veins bulged around Hinata's eyes as she activated her Byakugan.
"Come at me," Hiashi said, his expression calm.
Hinata nodded.
In the next instant, she rushed forward at an impressive speed, crossing her arms and striking out with both palms.
Hiashi casually raised his elbow to block the attack.
But as soon as their arms connected, his expression changed, chakra surging to the surface of his skin.
His feet slid back half a step as he stared at Hinata in shock.
The force in those strikes is several times stronger than before—where did this strength come from?
Hinata blinked, equally surprised.
Since when did I get so strong? Is a full belly really the secret to strength?!
"When did you start eating properly?" Hiashi suddenly asked, as if realizing something.
"Three weeks ago," Hinata answered instinctively.
She paused, recalling what Shinho had told her: You need to eat properly to have strength.
Hiashi was speechless.
Three weeks ago was the start of the school year, the first time Hinata and Shinho had met.
That boy planned this from the start!
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