When both families finally gathered and met for the first time, there was an air of nervousness in the room. Even though they were shinobi, the situation was far more delicate than any battlefield they had stood on.
Hyūga Hiashi, head of the Hyūga clan, took the initiative to rise. Straightening his robes and glancing at Minato and Kushina, he spoke with the utmost seriousness:
"Fourth Hokage-sama, Lady Kushina, I am here today for the sake of my daughter, Hinata, and your son, Naruto."
The weight of his words immediately set the tone.
Minato exchanged a glance with Kushina, and in that instant, they both already understood what this meeting was truly about.
Minato offered a gentle smile, trying to ease the tension. "Ah, so that's it. We had originally planned to make a proper visit ourselves. But as things developed, Naruto even went so far as to resurrect Kushina for this matter."
Hiashi's twin brother, Hyūga Hizashi, let out a soft sigh after hearing Minato's words. "So, that's how it is."
Kushina's sharp eyes scanned the gathered Hyūga. She frowned slightly, recognizing not only Hiashi but also several clan elders and retainers. Her tone grew firm as she stepped forward.
"Hiashi-sama, as head of the Hyūga clan, you've brought so many of your people here. It doesn't feel like you've come for a marriage discussion—it feels more like you've come demanding an explanation."
Her words were cutting, and for a moment, the room grew heavier.
Hiashi didn't deny it. Instead, he nodded with resolve.
"Yes, Lady Kushina. I came here today to ask Naruto why he didn't first come through proper channels. By doing so, he has risked tarnishing my daughter's innocence. As her father, how could I not question this? How should a girl behave if not protected?"
His words carried the weight of tradition, and many of the Hyūga nodded in agreement.
Minato quickly bowed his head in apology. "Hiashi-nii, I'm truly sorry!"
Before he could say more, Kushina pulled him back by the sleeve, stepping forward herself.
"Hiashi," she said firmly, her eyes narrowing, "you're still the leader of your clan. I didn't expect you to sound so old-fashioned and feudal. Do you even realize what era we live in now? Naruto and Hinata's generation believe in love born out of their own will. Yet here you are, still talking about 'innocence' and appearances."
Hiashi blinked, momentarily stunned.
He had spoken so rigidly on purpose—mostly to appease the elders and clan members who accompanied him. Deep down, he had no true objection to Naruto. In fact, he admired the boy and had already considered him a worthy partner for Hinata.
Still, before he could speak, Kushina pressed forward, her words like kunai piercing the silence.
"Besides," she said, her voice rising with pride, "my son Naruto is not just anyone. He is the hero who ended the Fourth Shinobi World War! His love for Hinata is open, honest, and righteous. There is nothing shameful about it!"
Her fiery presence commanded the room, and even Minato dared not interrupt.
Kushina's tone sharpened further as she began to list Naruto's heritage and ties.
"I know your Hyūga clan is one of Konoha's noble clans. But let's not pretend Naruto's lineage is insignificant!"
She raised her chin proudly.
"I am Kushina Uzumaki, heiress of the once-great Uzumaki clan, recognized personally by my senior, Uzumaki Mito—the wife of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the original Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. That blood flows in Naruto's veins."
Her hand then reached toward Minato.
"My husband is Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage. Naruto is his son."
Her words echoed like a proclamation.
"And Naruto's master is none other than Jiraiya of the Sannin. His current Hokage, Tsunade-sama, is his godmother—practically an aunt to him! The Third Hokage himself oversaw Naruto as a guardian. Do you understand what this means? Naruto stands at the very heart of Konoha's legacy."
Kushina's voice grew louder, her pride swelling.
"If nothing unexpected happens, my son Naruto will be the future Hokage himself! Tell me then, with a son-in-law like that, should your Hyūga clan be questioning him—or should you be rejoicing?"
Her rebuttal struck with the force of a Rasengan. Hiashi froze in place, unable to muster a counterargument.
The gathered Hyūga exchanged uneasy looks. Kushina's words weren't empty boasts; they were undeniable truths.
When they thought back, Naruto had once been a lonely boy with no parents, no clan, and no respect—looked at as nothing more than the vessel of the Nine-Tails. But now… now he was no longer an orphan. His bloodline, his teachers, his achievements—all of them made him one of the most qualified shinobi to ever live.
One of the Hyūga elders leaned close to Hiashi, whispering urgently, "Clan Head, sometimes one must know how to judge the situation. To oppose him now would only bring trouble."
Hiashi scowled at the elder, muttering, "I didn't come here to cause conflict. My words earlier were merely for your ears, not to start a fight."
Sensing the tension, Hizashi stepped forward with a lighter smile, trying to ease the awkwardness.
"Hahaha, Lady Kushina, please don't misunderstand. My brother didn't mean to insult Naruto. He was only speaking out of duty, as this is the first official meeting between our families. After all, last night Hinata returned home wearing Naruto's clothes. As fathers, it's difficult not to worry when we see our little daughters…"
Kushina crossed her arms and let out a sharp snort. "That was just a mix-up of clothing. And even if something did happen, it's between the two of them. As parents, our role is to understand and support them. This is an era of free love, not arranged bindings!"
Her confidence stunned even Hizashi, though he nodded respectfully.
"Of course, support is important. But forgive me, Lady Kushina—girls still represent the honor of their family. Reputation matters deeply. Surely, as a mother yourself, you can understand this?"
Kushina's expression softened slightly. Hizashi's words were careful and polite, unlike Hiashi's bluntness. She gave him a small nod.
"I understand. Don't worry, I'll see to it Naruto gives you a proper explanation. That boy… if I don't smack some sense into him now and then, he gets reckless!"
Minato wanted to interject, but after a pause, he wisely kept his mouth shut. He knew better than anyone—Naruto could take a beating from Kushina and still come out smiling.
At that moment, Naruto himself came rushing in.
"Dad! Mom!" he called, his voice bright.
He quickly positioned himself between the two families and bowed deeply to Hiashi.
"Uncle Hiashi, Hinata and I truly love each other. Whatever mistakes I've made that might have given you the wrong impression, I promise you—I will cherish her, protect her, and take responsibility for her for the rest of my life!"
Before his words could even settle, Minato's urgent voice rang out.
"Naruto, look out!"
Naruto turned in confusion, only to find himself staring down the wrath of his mother.
"You brat!" Kushina shouted, transforming a wooden pole from her chakra chains. "I'll beat you to death for causing trouble for Hinata-chan and embarrassing us in front of her parents!"
"W-What?! Mom, wait, stop!" Naruto yelped, darting across the room as Kushina swung at him with frightening precision.
On the rooftop, Sasuke happened to be watching the scene unfold. He burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Hahahaha! Naruto, serves you right! You've finally met your match—your mother!"
Beside him, Konohamaru grimaced sympathetically. "Poor Naruto-nii… he's doomed."
Down below, Minato tried to intervene. "Kushina, stop! Naruto's a great hero of the shinobi world. At least give him some face in front of the Hyūga!"
Kushina shoved him aside without hesitation. "Face? He's my son! What 'face' does he deserve when he's bringing trouble to girls?!"
Her stick came down again, and Naruto barely dodged, running in circles.
Just as the chaos threatened to spin further, a soft but firm voice rang out.
"Please, don't hurt Naruto!"
Hinata had arrived, her face flushed but her resolve firm. She moved quickly, standing protectively in front of Naruto, her arms spread wide. Her stance mirrored the very moment, years ago, when she had thrown herself before Naruto during Pain's invasion.
Kushina froze, blinking in surprise at the girl's bravery.
Then her gaze softened. Setting the stick aside, she stepped forward, gently taking Hinata's hands.
"Are you… Hinata?" she asked warmly.
Hinata nodded nervously. Looking at the fiery-haired woman before her, something in her heart told her this was Naruto's mother, resurrected.
"Y-Yes. And you are…?"
Kushina's lips curled into a proud smile. "What's this 'you'? Just call me Auntie. I'm Naruto's mother, Kushina Uzumaki."
Hinata's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding. Still, she bowed politely. "Hello, Auntie."
At that, Kushina's anger melted away. The sound of Hinata's gentle voice, addressing her so sweetly, soothed her heart. She smiled with satisfaction.
Sure enough—this girl truly had the grace and kindness of a future daughter-in-law.
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