บท 153: Chapter 153: Business with the Hyuga
Disclaimer:
Naruto and all of its characters belong to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I create.
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
-Author notes-
Chapter 153: Business with the Hyuga
"Mm… yes, that looks good," Naruto muttered in satisfaction, stepping back to admire the picture of himself with his favorite actress, Yukie Fujikaze, now proudly displayed on the wall near his TV.
"What should I do now? I could meditate a bit longer… or maybe…" His eyes drifted toward the television.
"A little TV after breakfast won't hurt. Maybe there's a new movie."
Just as he reached for the remote, a knock sounded at the door.
'Who could that be? I wasn't supposed to be called to the Hokage's office until later.' He thought with a tinge of annoyance.
As he moved to open the door, he heard a muffled voice outside.
"Wait, my Lord, don't look!" came a female voice, sounding panicked.
"Asami! Unhand me—what are you doing?!"
Naruto opened the door to find himself face-to-face with Lord Hiashi and Hinata's personal attendant, Asami.
"He's… dressed… thank Kami," Asami sighed in relief, removing her hands from Hiashi's eyes.
"You do realize that covering my eyes does nothing to prevent me from seeing?" Hiashi chided. "And why are you so surprised that he's dressed?"
"No reason…" Asami replied, looking away. She'd rather not explain her assumptions. Because then Lord Hiashi will realize that she skipped some parts of the recounting from their last visit.
"Can I help you?" Naruto asked, feeling slightly ignored as the two of them seemed to have their own conversation.
Hiashi turned his attention to Naruto. "I'd like to have a word with you… inside."
"Right…" Naruto said, stepping aside to allow them entry. "Make yourself comfortable, I suppose. " He gestured toward his modest table.
"I'll prepare some tea." Asami moved into the kitchen while Hiashi took a seat at the table.
Despite the humble surroundings, Hiashi made no comment, looking around with quiet curiosity instead.
"Your parents had a much larger home in the ninja district. I believe the Third Hokage informed you about it… so why aren't you living there?"
Naruto sat down across from him, unsurprised that Hiashi knew about his parents. As one of the most influential people in the village, there were likely few things hidden from him.
"I like it here," Naruto replied simply. "It's small and cozy. More than enough for just me." He was used to living in small caves meant for meditation. Compared to that, this apartment was a palace.
Hiashi nodded. He could hardly imagine living in a space so modest himself, but he respected Naruto's reasoning.
"Is this about Hinata?" Naruto asked, thinking of the only reason Hiashi might visit him.
Hiashi met his gaze. "I was quite angry when I learned about the kind of training you put my daughter through. But…"
"But?" Naruto prompted.
Hiashi paused. "I cannot deny the results. Over the last four months, I've taken it upon myself to oversee her lessons personally… and I have to admit I'm impressed by her progress."
"Here's the tea," Asami announced, placing a tray on the table and pouring for both men.
"She's become fearless and relentless in battle...to the point that I sometimes fear for her own safety… and that of her opponents…" Hiashi reminded himself of some recent incidents that he would rather not talk about.
"All I did was shift her mindset. I helped her let go of her fear of hurting others and of hurting herself. Has she beaten Neji yet?"
Hiashi flinched. "Last week…"
Naruto shrugged. "It was only a matter of time. Neji may be a genius, but his style is too rigid and orthodox."
Hiashi nodded thoughtfully. "Hinata is developing her own form of Gentle Fist. Her movements are fluid, soft, and nimble...almost like water. If she continues to progress this way… no one will object to her inheriting the clan."
"So I take it you didn't come here just to yell at me," Naruto commented.
Hiashi lifted a large package he had placed beside him and set it on the table. "You've done a great service for the Hyuga Clan. As such, you deserve a reward."
He unwrapped the fabric around the package to reveal a rectangular wooden box.
"I heard you were looking for a high-quality sword."
'Is everyone spying on me?' Naruto wondered.
Hiashi opened the box, revealing a beautiful blade Naruto recognized instantly.
"That's from Tenten's shop," Naruto said. It was the same sword that had once hung on the shop's display wall.
"The owner assured me it was his finest piece," Hiashi explained. "This sword is near legendary grade, and it even has it's own name: Crimson Dragon."
"The blade is made from chakra steel, so you can channel chakra through it without worrying about it breaking," Asami added.
"Yes, you could use that wind blade technique Asuma taught you," Hiashi said.
"Is there anything about me that you don't know?" Naruto asked, a bit exasperated.
"Plenty," Hiashi replied. This implies, of course, that he still has many questions about Naruto.
"Will you accept it?" Hiashi pushed the box toward him.
Naruto picked up the sword, feeling its balance and admiring its craftsmanship. "I'd be honored to accept such a generous gift."
It was also perfect timing, as his last sword had broken a month ago. The quality may have been better than the first one, but it was still a cheap sword.
The same could not be said about the one he was currently holding.
"Do not misunderstand," Hiashi said, his eyes hardening slightly. "This is a token of appreciation for your contributions to my clan. This does not mean I approve of you courting my daughter."
"My Lord…" Asami cast Hiashi a wary glance. He had promised not to bring that topic up. If Hinata heard, she would be genuinely upset.
"That's fine," Naruto said, meeting Hiashi's gaze steadily. "Because I never asked for your approval."
Both men rose to their feet, tension simmering between them.
Asami watched with concern. If they started arguing, it could quickly turn into a disaster.
Hiashi's eyes widened for a moment, as if realizing something. "When did she…?"
Bang!
The apartment door burst open, splintering into pieces, and someone rushed inside.
Naruto caught sight of a familiar figure just before she threw herself into his arms.
"Naruto, you're back!" Hinata exclaimed with a cheerful smile.
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