At that time, for Naruto's safety, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, deliberately concealed the fact that he was the son of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
As a result, Naruto grew up using his mother's surname—Uzumaki.
The Uzumaki name, while once prominent due to the clan's sealing expertise and ties to the Hidden Leaf through Kushina Uzumaki, no longer drew much attention in Konoha after the clan's fall.
This allowed Naruto to live without drawing the dangerous curiosity of Minato's enemies—though it did little to prevent the villagers' scorn due to the Nine-Tails sealed within him.
Despite being the head of the Hyuga Clan, Hyuga Hiashi was not privy to Naruto's true parentage for many years. As with most villagers, he only saw Naruto as the unpredictable jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails.
It wasn't until Naruto's reputation began to rise—especially after being recognized as Jiraiya's disciple and returning from his training trip—that speculation about his background began to stir.
Hiashi's social circles included elders and elites who picked up on the subtle signs: Jiraiya's mentorship, Kakashi's concern, and eventually, Tsunade's support. These clues allowed them to guess at Naruto's lineage, even before it became public knowledge.
Hiashi was a clan leader who always considered the Hyuga's long-term standing. The chance to connect the Hyuga Clan to someone like Naruto—or others with rising political and military power—was not something he would overlook.
So, while he gave his eldest daughter Hinata freedom regarding her feelings toward Naruto, he strategically sent Hanabi to Kimimaro's side, observing the growing power Kimimaro wielded.
Kimimaro and Hyuga Hiashi walked together, having a quiet discussion as they made their way through Konoha's inner district.
"I heard you've taken control of the Land of Vegetables," Hiashi said with a subtle glance.
Kimimaro smiled faintly. "Haha, I suppose even small matters can't escape the notice of the major Hidden Villages."
"You've done well. A man with strength should naturally wield authority," Hiashi said firmly.
"As long as Uncle doesn't mind that I have other women around me."
Hiashi's voice lowered into a serious tone. "I am not an inflexible man. In this world, especially in our line of life, power defines the rules. If you were merely a talented shinobi with a wandering heart, I'd question your character. But you are effectively the ruler of a country now. It is not unreasonable to have multiple wives or concubines. My only concern is that you treat Hanabi with the respect and care she deserves."
He paused, then added, "The Kaguya Clan's bloodline is rare. If others help you carry on that legacy, it may even lessen Hanabi's burden."
Kimimaro didn't respond immediately. He carried Hanabi on his shoulder, feeling momentarily at a loss for words.
Hiashi himself had mixed feelings. Despite the Hyuga Clan's prestige within Konoha, it did not match the influence of someone who ruled a nation. When he first heard that Kimimaro had become the de facto leader of the Land of Vegetables, he was both pleased and anxious—pleased that Hanabi's future could be bright, anxious that she might be cast aside.
But those worries faded when Hinata and Neji returned from their recent visit. They confirmed that Kimimaro was not subordinate to the Daimyo of the Land of Vegetables—in fact, the Daimyo treated him more like a beloved consort or even a husband.
Hiashi found comfort in that.
To him, Kimimaro's relationships with other women weren't a concern. If he had disapproved, he would have already intervened when he first saw the Uzumaki Karin by Kimimaro's side.
From a purely strategic perspective, Hiashi would have gladly arranged for more Hyuga daughters to join Kimimaro—ensuring that the clan's bloodline intertwined with someone so influential. Talented offspring could become elite shinobi, while those less gifted could integrate into nobility or politics in the Land of Vegetables.
Unfortunately, he only had two daughters. Hinata's heart clearly belonged to Naruto, and Hiashi respected her decision.
Branch family girls? That was trickier. Hiashi, mindful of his image and clan dignity, couldn't send branch girls unless his own daughters were already firmly accepted. Otherwise, it would seem like blatant currying of favor.
Of course, if Kimimaro ever expressed interest in one of them, Hiashi wouldn't hesitate to act.
Kimimaro had no idea what kind of feudal calculations were spinning through Hiashi's head.
He had come here simply expecting to meet the younger generation of the Hyuga Clan, but was mildly surprised—almost everyone at the dinner was female.
Neji, he was told, was currently away on a mission. Still, this imbalance seemed intentional.
Hiashi didn't let anything slip, and Kimimaro didn't push. The dinner proceeded peacefully.
Fortunately, there was a familiar face at the table—Hinata.
Hanabi and Hinata sat together beside Kimimaro, quietly chatting and laughing like sisters should.
Across the table, the other Hyuga elders and younger women stole glances at Hiashi, gauging his expression. From time to time, they added polite comments to the conversation, but clearly, they were watching how this new relationship unfolded.
Hyuga Hiashi did not achieve the result he had hoped for, but he was powerless to change it.
Only after Kimimaro retired to rest did Hiashi summon his younger daughter to privately ask about her experiences over the past year.
Hanabi, now more mature than her age suggested, knew well what could be shared and what was better left unsaid—even in front of her father.
Yet even the details she did share were enough to make Hyuga Hiashi raise his eyebrows in impressed admiration.
"This Kimimaro… he is indeed a remarkable young man," Hiashi murmured. "Hanabi, you should be grateful. It was I who arranged such an excellent match for you."
"Yes! Big Brother is the best!" Hanabi responded, her face glowing with sincere joy.
Seeing his daughter's heartfelt smile, Hiashi nodded subtly to himself. Though he was strict, steeped in tradition, and rarely showed affection, he was still a father—one who could not help but feel gratified seeing his daughter so genuinely happy.
"Hinata," he said suddenly, turning to his elder daughter. "Like Kimimaro, you are also a bearer of the clan's hopes. You should strive to learn from someone like him."
Hiashi's words were not casual. With Hanabi no longer in Konoha and already committed, the burden of leading the Hyuga clan would now fall solely on Hinata's shoulders.
And if that Uzumaki boy were to marry Hinata… then he would have to be adopted into the Hyuga main family.
Hiashi's brows furrowed slightly. If Naruto really was the Fourth Hokage's son—as some rumors increasingly suggested—then things could become even more complicated. That lineage, combined with Jiraiya's recent open mentorship, meant Naruto's political significance was growing.
But what troubled Hiashi more was the fact that Naruto seemed entirely uninterested in Hinata.
Suddenly, Hanabi blurted out, "Why doesn't Big Sister go with Big Brother too? That way she could learn even more from him!"
Hiashi shook his head. "It's not the same. You're with Kimimaro because I personally approved your engagement. Hinata is also my daughter—and as clan head, I cannot have both heirs leave Konoha for extended periods."
"Aww," Hanabi pouted. "I wanted Big Sister to marry Big Brother with me."
"Hanabi, stop talking nonsense," Hinata said, her face flushed a deep crimson.
Hanabi, almost ten now, might still be young—but she was no longer a child who didn't understand relationships. And Hinata, nearly fifteen, understood her own feelings all too well.
Hiashi frowned. "Hanabi, why would you say such a thing?"
"I think it's a good idea," Hanabi said seriously. "Big Brother already has many big sisters around him, so one more doesn't seem strange to me. Plus, Big Sister could keep me company."
She paused, then added with unexpected sharpness: "Also, I just don't like Naruto. I don't understand what Big Sister sees in him. That guy has never truly cared about her. Big Sister, do you really want to marry someone who doesn't love you back?"
Hinata did not respond.
Did Naruto like her? Perhaps… as a comrade. Perhaps he respected her for her courage. But romantically?
Everyone, including Hinata, knew Naruto was still chasing after Sakura.
And yet, Hinata couldn't seem to let go of her feelings.
Hiashi sat in silent thought. He had to admit—he held Kimimaro in high regard. But asking Hinata to shift her feelings and possibly her future from Naruto to Kimimaro? Emotionally, that was a difficult ask. And rationally, he still wasn't sure Kimimaro had surpassed Naruto in potential.
After a long silence, he stood up and sighed. For now, he would wait and observe.
That night, as Hinata lay in bed, Hanabi sat cross-legged on her futon, looking her sister in the eyes.
"Big Sister," Hanabi said gently, "I'm not a child anymore. I understand a lot more than you think. Naruto isn't the right person for you. You admire him, you're grateful to him—but does that really have to become love?"
Hinata whispered, "And you? You like Kimimaro, but you have to share him with others."
"At least the love I share," Hanabi replied softly, "makes me feel happy. I don't feel lost or invisible. I don't have to keep giving and waiting and hoping someone finally notices me."
Hinata didn't answer. That night, she couldn't sleep.
Her thoughts churned.
Has all my effort really been in vain?
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