If Aoba's talent was really as outstanding as Hayame said, they naturally wouldn't oppose their daughters befriending him.
The Yamanaka clan was not like the Hyuga clan, which had strict rules forbidding members from marrying outsiders. Their marriages had always been free.
As for the Haruno clan, although they were also a ninja clan with an emblem, they were now hardly different from commoners.
And when it came to Tenten's family, there was even less to say, they didn't have a single ninja in the family and were simply wealthy.
So, none of them would dislike having such an exceptionally powerful son-in-law.
The problem now was that this brat wasn't just attracting one girl. He seemed intent on taking all three of their daughters.
Forget that he was just a slightly talented kid right now, even if that guy were Hokage, they would still make him taste the sharpness of their swords.
For a moment, no one knew how to start the conversation.
"So it seems that Jonin Shirakumo has quite a good nephew."
Just as the atmosphere at the table grew a bit heavy, another voice suddenly rang out.
Hayame also turned to look at the newcomer, his mouth twitching violently, he had never felt such an urge to curse before.
Yamanaka Inoichi and the other two were also somewhat surprised when they saw the newcomer.
"Clan Leader Hyuga, I didn't expect to run into you here."
Yamanaka Inoichi got up and greeted him. Due to his job, he often collaborated with the Hyuga clan.
Not to mention, the Hyuga clan was on a different level from them, it was a true great clan of Konoha. Hyuga Hiashi, as the clan leader, naturally commanded great respect from fellow village ninjas.
Hyuga Hiashi gave a slight nod in response to Yamanaka Inoichi, his face remaining expressionless, his mouth turned downward, giving off an imposing aura.
"You don't mind an extra pair of chopsticks, do you?"
Hyuga Hiashi looked at Hayame. Though it seemed like he was here to stir trouble, he still asked politely.
"Not at all, not at all," Hayame forced a smile, got up to bring an extra set of tableware and a chair.
Then, under the strange gazes of the other three, Hyuga Hiashi directly sat down.
They didn't know why Hyuga Hiashi had come to join their table, and judging from Hayame's expression, he also seemed a bit uneasy.
Could it be...
Another bout of silence fell. Initially, they had wanted to ask more questions, but now that Hyuga Hiashi had joined, they suddenly felt awkward about bringing it up.
Hyuga Hiashi, after sitting down, silently sipped his tea without saying a word.
"Clan Leader Hyuga, the four of us are just having a small gathering to discuss some private matters between the younger generation. May I ask what brings you here?"
Yamanaka Inoichi was the first to speak up. If they kept dragging this out, the shop would close for the night.
Hyuga Hiashi had simply received a report from his guards saying they had seen the four of them gathering here.
Since this concerned his daughter, he decided to drop by and take a look. Unexpectedly, he overheard Hayame highly praising his nephew, which sparked some different thoughts in his mind.
After a brief moment of pondering, he spoke, "A few days ago, my daughter and one of our clan guards got separated and were nearly bullied by some children. It was Shirakumo Jonin's nephew who saved her."
The four people present immediately understood. They assumed he was here to express his gratitude.
However, Hyuga Hiashi's next words made them abandon that idea. He was definitely here to stir things up.
"It's just that ever since my daughter returned, she's been unable to eat or sleep properly. Even during Gentle Fist training, she often spaces out. As her father, this has been troubling me greatly," Although Hyuga Hiashi said these words with a blank expression, everyone could feel the coldness in his gaze.
Hayame suddenly felt an immense pressure.
"Well…"
"Jonin Shirakumo, no need to be nervous," Hyuga Hiashi directly cut off Hayame and continued.
"I want to know, does Aoba truly have the potential you claim? Does he have the qualities to become Hokage?"
Hayame, Yamanaka Inoichi, and the others were all taken aback. They immediately understood his intentions.
But Hayame wouldn't boast recklessly and answered truthfully.
"I can't say for sure if he has the qualities to be Hokage, but I am certain that his future achievements will far surpass mine."
The inheritance of the Hokage title was far more complex than it appeared.
On the surface, it seemed that only those recognized by everyone could become Hokage. But if you didn't have an exceptionally impressive track record, how could you stand before everyone and gain their acknowledgment?
The group understood this issue all too well.
Still, Hayame's assurance gave Hyuga Hiashi some reassurance.
He put down his teacup and locked eyes with Hayame.
"If Aoba can become Hokage… No, as long as he can reach a high-ranking position in the village, then as the head of the Hyuga clan, and as a father, I will not oppose his relationship with Hinata."
The four were dumbfounded. Even the Hyuga clan guards behind Hiashi were left in shock.
'Has the Hyuga clan leader… go mad?'
But Hyuga Hiashi had his own considerations.
With his younger daughter Hanabi's growing talent, he had no choice but to face a certain reality—
The Caged Bird Seal.
According to Hyuga clan rules, if things continued this way, either Hinata or Hanabi would inevitably be branded with the Caged Bird Seal.
Even as the clan leader, he couldn't defy a rule that had been upheld for centuries.
However, if external forces intervened, the situation would change entirely.
The elders of the Hyuga main house were cowards who only bullied the weak and avoided trouble when faced with true power.
As long as Aoba became strong and influential enough in the future, if he and Hinata truly ended up together, then the elders wouldn't dare say a word about the Caged Bird Seal.
With his current strength and status as clan leader, Hiashi could protect Hinata until she reached adulthood.
———
When Yamanaka Inoichi returned home, his brows were still tightly furrowed.
Clearly, he was deep in thought.
"Haiichi, what's wrong?", Seeing her husband's expression, Yamanaka Rino couldn't help but ask out of concern.
Although her strength wasn't impressive, she might still be able to help.
Yamanaka Inoichi shook his head, then looked at his daughter, Ino, who was kneeling nearby trimming some flowers. Her pouty face looked as if she could hang a soy sauce bottle from it.
Unable to help himself, he walked over and affectionately ruffled her head.
Feeling her father's affection, Ino looked up at him with big, teary eyes.
"Daddy, Mommy said I'm not allowed to play outside until school starts."
"You little troublemaker, and now you're acting like the victim. If I hadn't gone looking for you today, were you planning to spend the night at someone else's house?"
Yamanaka Rino reached out, intending to pinch Ino's ear. She wasn't against her daughter playing with boys, but at only five years old, she was already staying over at a boy's house? If they didn't put a stop to this now, who knew what chaos she'd cause in the future?
"Ahh! Daddy, save me!", Ino immediately ran behind Yamanaka Inoichi for cover.
Mother and daughter began a game of cat and mouse around him.
Watching them, Yamanaka Inoichi's furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
He reached out with both hands, stopping them in their tracks.
Under their puzzled gazes, he spoke, "Ino, I need to ask you something."
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