Shindai, Naruto, and Hinata had more or less finished their meal at the barbecue shop.
Shindai stood up and said, "We've had enough. Let's head back now — and make sure Hinata gets home safely."
Shindai led Naruto and Hinata out of the barbecue shop.
"We should head back too. Come on, Choji, Shikamaru."
"This is your bill."
Choza Akimichi stared at the long bill in shock. "Wait, didn't Shindai and the others pay theirs?!"
The barbecue shop owner replied, "Ah, they just said you'd cover the bill when they left."
"Eh!" Choza was completely stunned. "How could that guy act so irresponsibly! I don't even have much pocket money myself!"
Shikamaru watched Choza's anxious expression with calm indifference.
He had actually suspected something like this might happen.
If he *were* responsible, he wouldn't *be* Shindai. Just last month...
That Shindai had even tricked him and Choji out of *their* allowances to buy cigarettes for himself. Who does that kind of thing?!
Shindai patted his stomach. "Nothing beats a free meal."
They arrived at the entrance of the Hyuga clan compound.
Shindai said to Hinata, "You can head home on your own now."
"Okay, Shindai-niisan, Naruto. Catch you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow, Hinata."
Just as Hinata was about to enter the Hyuga clan compound, two figures emerged from within.
Hizashi Hyuga and a four-year-old Neji Hyuga.
When Hizashi saw Shindai, he paused briefly, gave him a quick nod, and then left the compound with Neji.
At that moment, a gatekeeper from the Hyuga clan said to Shindai, "Shindai, the clan leader has requested your presence inside the compound."
"Huh?" Shindai looked at Hinata in confusion and asked, "Why is your father summoning me?"
Hinata also looked confused. "I don't know either."
"Well then, fine. It's still early anyway. Naruto, let's go check out Hinata's house."
"Let's do it!"
Naruto had never been to Hinata's house before and had wanted to see it for a long time.
Shindai and Naruto followed Hinata into the Hyuga clan compound.
After arriving at Hinata's house, Naruto exclaimed, "Wow, Hinata's house is huge!"
Shindai looked around Hinata's home and said, "Makes sense for it to be huge. Sasuke's house is just as grand — both their fathers are clan leaders, after all. Of course they're rich."
The main house door opened, and Hiashi Hyuga stepped out.
"Shindai, welcome to our home."
Invited by Hiashi, Shindai and Naruto entered the main house and sat down.
"Hinata, please go practice your training now."
"Yes, Father."
Hinata obediently left the main house.
Shindai said in surprise, "Hinata has already started her training? Isn't she still far too young for that?"
Hiashi Hyuga replied matter-of-factly, "Hinata is the future heir of the Hyuga clan. She's different from others – she must work much harder than everyone else."
Shindai felt speechless for a moment. That seemed overly harsh.
Shindai asked, "Then, Clan Leader Hiashi, what did you want to talk with me about?"
Hiashi answered, "Regarding Hinata, I believe by now you've noticed her personality traits. As the clan's heir, Hinata's character really isn't suitable. No matter how hard I try to change her personality, nothing seems to work. So..."
Frowning slightly, Shindai asked, "Are you asking me to try changing Hinata's personality?"
Naruto interrupted, "But Hinata's personality is pretty good already. Why must she be changed?"
Hiashi patiently explained to Naruto, "Because Hinata is the heir of the Hyuga clan, the future leader of our entire clan. She needs to possess the personality required of a leader – calmness, decisiveness, and other necessary qualities."
Shindai declined openly, saying, "Clan Leader Hiashi, I can't help with this request. Hinata's personality is part of who she is naturally. Besides, she's still very young right now. Personality isn't something that's easy to shape or change, especially by someone else. Trying to force changes might not achieve the results you expect.
Moreover... In my opinion, Hinata really isn't suited to become a clan leader. Just as you mentioned regarding her personality issues, even if we force her to change, perhaps under pressure from you as her father or from the family, she might strive to imitate what you desire outwardly, but over time, this would cause her to accumulate many negative emotions internally and experience self-doubt.
I understand the Hyuga clan's traditions well, though I'm not in a position to question your clan's customs. However, Hinata is still just a child right now. She has her own pace of growth and natural disposition. We should give her more time to develop and grow naturally rather than binding her so early with the harsh standards expected of a clan heir.
Perhaps as she experiences more things and gradually grows up, she will naturally reach the appropriate moment to make changes herself and slowly adapt to the leadership responsibilities she may one day bear. But pushing her forward forcefully like this right now is truly too cruel for Hinata.
Also, shouldn't the prosperity of a ninja clan depend on more than just a single person? Throughout its history, surely the Hyuga clan hasn't placed all its hopes on a single heir?
Some people simply aren't suited for certain roles, and no amount of criticism will change that. It would be better to find alternative approaches. Continuing down this path only creates a vicious cycle with too great risks involved – ultimately benefiting neither Hinata nor the Hyuga clan."
Shindai's words made Hiashi Hyuga frown deeply.
Hiashi Hyuga did not change his mind because of Shindai's brief words. Hinata must change. But indeed, if she ultimately still couldn't shoulder the responsibility of the entire clan, someone capable enough to replace her needed to emerge.
Naruto didn't quite get it all, but… when Shindai got serious, he was just awesome!
Hiashi Hyuga sighed, "Since you're unwilling, Shindai, that's truly regrettable. I won't force you—after all, it was only my request."
Shindai had already finished the tea in his cup, and clearly, Hiashi showed no intention of refilling it.
Shindai said to Naruto, "Naruto, we should go."
Shindai and Naruto stood up, and Shindai said to Hiashi Hyuga, "Then Naruto and I will take our leave now."
After walking to the doorstep, Shindai said to Hiashi Hyuga, "Clan Leader Hiashi, please don't feel offended. If in the future you give up on Hinata, please let me take her. I'll accept her as my apprentice. Personally, I believe in Hinata's potential."
Hiashi Hyuga felt somewhat surprised. In his eyes, Hinata currently lacked talent or potential, yet unexpectedly, Shindai had great confidence in her and even actively proposed taking her as his apprentice.
Hiashi Hyuga fully recognized Shindai's strength. Since Shindai had spoken thus, there was no reason for him to refuse.
So Hiashi Hyuga agreed, "Fine, if there truly comes such a day, Hinata will be in your hands then."
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