"Since that's the case, Hinata, just follow your own thoughts. I'll support you."
Even though Hyuga Hiashi felt a pang in his chest right now, seeing how firm Hinata's expression was, he couldn't raise any more objections.
And even if he did, it wouldn't matter.
With Aoba's personality, when it's time to be polite, he'll be polite. But once he's made a decision, there's absolutely no changing it.
As for those clan elders who had long been used to a life of comfort, with Aoba's strength and status on display, plus Hinata's eyes, if they dared not accept it, even though they were old, there were still plenty of ways to put them to "good use."
"I understand!"
With her father's approval, Hinata nodded seriously.
"In that case, I should head to the Hokage building. Hinata, you've worked hard these past two days, so just stay home and rest."
Seeing things settled, Aoba patted Hinata's head and prepared to leave.
"Mhm."
Hinata nodded, her face slightly red this time.
These past two days had indeed been a bit tiring, but also very happy.
Aoba stood up, intending to set little Hanabi down from his lap, but she clung tightly to his clothes and refused to let go.
"Hanabi?"
"If Aoba-nii marries Nee-san, will you stop coming to play with me?"
Hanabi tilted her little head up, looking pitiful.
"Why would you think that?"
Aoba looked puzzled. This time, she didn't seem to be pretending.
Hanabi pouted and said, "Because every time you come, it's to see Nee-san. Once you get married, she'll move to your house, and you definitely won't come find me anymore."
"Heh!"
Aoba couldn't help but laugh softly and pinched her cheek, "You're my student. I'll definitely come check your progress every now and then."
"And if you miss your sister, you can come stay at my place for a few days and live with her."
"Really?"
Hanabi's previously downcast eyes instantly lit up again, even brighter than before.
If she could move over and live there too, that sounded like a win…
But while her mood improved, someone else's didn't.
"That's enough, Hanabi!"
Hyuga Hiashi stood up with a stern face, "Stop fooling around. Aoba is the Hokage now, he has plenty of important matters to deal with. How could he have so much time to play with you?"
Aoba: "..."
"I have important things too," Hanabi muttered stubbornly.
"What important things could you possibly have?", Hyuga Hiashi frowned. Hinata was clearly already leaning outward, so this younger daughter absolutely had to be held onto.
At the very least, until he could hold a grandchild.
"I…"
Little Hanabi's eyes darted around, and she suddenly thought of a good idea, "Aoba-nii, can I awaken that beautiful Tenseigan like Nee-san?"
"..."
When Hyuga Hiashi heard that, it actually sounded like a serious matter. If it meant awakening another Tenseigan, he really wouldn't have a reason to stop it.
"As for that…"
Aoba was momentarily taken aback. But once Hanabi grew a bit older, he had already planned to help her awaken it anyway. The energy in that giant Tenseigan was quite abundant.
"Absolutely not!"
But another voice sharply interrupted.
"Hm?"
Aoba, Hanabi, Hyuga Hiashi, Hyuga Ayako, and Hyuga Natsu were all drawn by the voice and turned to look in confusion at Hinata, whose face was flushed red, yet whose expression was even more resolute than before.
"Ne… Nee-san?"
Hanabi didn't actually long for the Tenseigan that much. She had only used it as an excuse to go live with her sister. But seeing how strongly her sister opposed it, she couldn't help but feel a little wronged.
"I… I didn't mean it like that."
Seeing everyone looking at her, and Hanabi's face on the verge of tears, Hinata realized she had objected a bit too hastily.
But this really wasn't possible, at least, not right now.
She pulled Hanabi out of Aoba's arms and held her, speaking seriously.
"Anyway, Hanabi, you can't awaken the Tenseigan right now. You have to grow up a bit more first."
She glanced at Hanabi's slightly pouting, soft pink lips…
'No matter how you think about it, that's just impossible right now, okay?'
"Why?"
Hanabi didn't understand what her sister meant, but after hearing the explanation, she knew it was for her own good, so she felt a bit better, though she was still curious.
"Th-this…"
If Hinata had to explain it herself, she definitely couldn't say it out loud.
It was just too embarrassing.
If she really told Hanabi, then all her authority as an older sister would be gone.
And their father and mother were right there too.
She could only cast a pleading look toward Aoba.
"..."
Aoba had originally been confused by how firmly Hinata objected.
That didn't seem like her usual personality.
But seeing her expression now, he seemed to understand.
'Could it be that Hinata is linking the awakening of the Tenseigan with… sneaking bites?'
'Though from Hinata's perspective, it kind of does seem that way.'
Aoba couldn't help but smile wryly. He gave a light cough, then said seriously, "That's because your current strength isn't enough. Awakening the Tenseigan requires the user to have sufficient power to support it. You still need to keep training."
"Is that so?"
Hanabi blinked, 'Why does Nee-san's reaction feel a bit strange?'
"Of course it's true."
Aoba tapped her on the head, telling her not to overthink it.
"Alright, I should get going."
After saying that, he leaned close to Hinata's ear and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Actually, biting fingers works too."
"Huh?"
Hinata blinked, and then steam began to rise from the top of her head.
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