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Considering Hinata's personality, the elders could understand.
However, they also wondered if the clan head had deliberately made those remarks for their benefit.
Was the clan head using this as an excuse to change the family's methods of training its members?
Before the marriage was finalized, the elders had the right to intervene.
But now, they no longer could—otherwise, the Uchiha would object.
As the saying went, once the marriage was settled, Hinata was already half an Uchiha. They could no longer impose the Hyūga clan's standards on her.
"Clan Head, since the marriage has been decided and Kazuki has laid out these conditions, why don't we go along with it and adjust Hinata's lifestyle in advance? That way, once she marries into the Uchiha clan, they won't have any grounds for complaint."
"The elder's suggestion is sound. I agree."
"I also agree."
Several of the main family elders voiced their approval. Hiashi hesitated before saying,
"But doing so would mean lifting the restrictions on Hinata."
"Would it be inappropriate to simply let her receive education at the ninja academy?"
"..."
So this was the real goal.
No one was a fool. Everyone understood that Hiashi was using Kazuki and the Uchiha as an excuse to subtly inform them that from now on, the clan could no longer interfere freely with Hinata's upbringing.
"Kazuki has invited representatives from the village's clans to meet tomorrow. The exact purpose is still unclear."
Knowing when to stop, Hiashi smoothly shifted the topic.
"Whatever the reason, as long as Hinata serves as the bridge, whatever benefits the Uchiha gain won't exclude our clan. At the very least, we'll get a share of the spoils."
——
Meanwhile, outside the clan head's residence, Kazuki walked down the street with Hinata, who seemed as timid as a quail.
Several times, Hinata recalled her father's words, mustered her courage, straightened her back, and raised her head—only to lower it again in embarrassment.
"Head up, chest out."
Unable to bear it any longer, Kazuki finally spoke up.
"Y-Yes!"
Startled, Hinata immediately lifted her head, but her face, which had just returned to its normal color, flushed red again.
"Don't be nervous. Relax."
Changing Hinata's mindset wouldn't happen overnight. Some habits were deeply ingrained, and correcting them would be difficult—at least not in the short term.
However, Kazuki believed that with timely guidance and the removal of the Hyūga clan's oppressive upbringing, Hinata's personality would gradually improve.
"Forget your status. Just act like an ordinary girl—do whatever you want."
"For example, right now."
Kazuki stopped, pulled out a 1000-ryō bill, and handed it to Hinata, pointing at a nearby shop.
"Hinata, could you buy two drinks for me?"
"O-Okay!"
Hinata quickly took the money and hurried toward the drink stand.
"Hello, I'd like two..."
Mid-sentence, she realized she hadn't asked Kazuki what he wanted.
"I-I'm sorry, I forgot to ask what drinks to get. Please wait a moment!"
After bowing apologetically—leaving the shopkeeper bewildered—she rushed back.
"Kazuki-senpai..."
Kazuki casually observed the passersby, pretending not to hear.
Hinata. "..."
Did he not hear her?
"Kazuki-kun..."
After hesitating, she tried a different honorific. Still no response.
Now flustered, Hinata stammered,
"B-Because I don't know what you'd like to drink..."
Was she using the wrong form of address?
Panicking, she recalled Kazuki's earlier words and, in a moment of desperation, blurted out.
"Kazuki, what flavor do you want...?"
"Orange or watermelon juice. Thanks."
Finally unlocking the right mode of address, Kazuki smiled and nodded at her.
Seeing his smile up close, Hinata felt as if her heart had been squeezed. She immediately lowered her head—then quickly raised it again and dashed back to the shop.
"Kazuki, your drink... and your change..."
The hardest part was breaking the ice. Now that she understood why Kazuki had pretended not to hear her earlier, Hinata finally mustered the courage to address him directly.
"Two cups are too much. Help me finish one."
Handing one drink to Hinata, Kazuki walked ahead. After a brief pause, she hurried after him.
"By the way, I feel like having some meat skewers. Could you buy some for me? Thanks."
"That's too much. You finish the rest."
"I want to buy some clothes as gifts. Can you try them on for me?"
The entire day, Hinata trailed behind Kazuki like a little assistant.
Only when she returned home did she realize she had been given a pile of gifts.
As she reflected on the day's events, a strange warmth spread in her chest—she felt... happy?
"You're back? Put your things down and get ready for dinner."
Seeing his daughter laden with bags, Hiashi's eyelid twitched.
Just what was this Kazuki up to?
"Y-Yes!"
Hinata quickly bowed, about to set the items aside, when she remembered Kazuki's instructions.
She cautiously glanced at her father, hesitating.
"Do you have something to say?" Hiashi asked.
Hinata nodded.
"Kazuki... he said I ate too many snacks today and shouldn't have dinner, or my stomach might hurt. He told me to tell you that if you asked..."
Good grief. Just one day out, and she was already calling him by name?
This little cabbage was getting plucked way too fast.
"I see. Then go wash up and rest. You have school tomorrow."
Hiashi didn't press further and dismissed her.
*"If your father asks, just tell him what I said. He won't give you a hard time."*
Hinata felt like she was dreaming.
After washing up, she decided to train—she had spent the whole day out with Kazuki and needed to make up for lost time.
Otherwise, her father would be disappointed.
But to her surprise, as soon as she reached the training grounds, Hiashi appeared, frowning.
"Training at this hour? Go to bed early. You have school tomorrow."
"..."
That night, Hinata barely slept.
For the first time, her father hadn't insisted on his usual strict demands.
It left her feeling uneasy—almost as if she had been... abandoned.
——
The next morning, a drowsy Hinata arrived at the ninja academy.
Just as she entered the classroom, she ran into Sasuke, who had also just arrived.
In high spirits, Sasuke strode confidently into the room—only to freeze when he saw Hinata.
As usual, Hinata instinctively lowered her head and stepped aside.
But to her confusion, Sasuke suddenly recoiled, taking several hasty steps back.
What... was happening?
His strange reaction drew the attention of all their classmates.
Hinata could only stare at him in bewilderment.