In getting stronger every day—and training the Eight Gates daily—Ryosuke felt he especially needed a woman's "spring water" to nourish his body.
And as a bonus, it also grew his chakra.
Ryosuke looked kindly at the little girl before him. "You're the Hyuga clan's young lady, right? Why are you out here all by yourself?"
Thinking of what had happened, Hinata instantly felt even more wronged; her eyes grew moist.
Seeing this, Ryosuke quickly said, "It's alright. Whatever it is, you can tell big brother."
If he didn't put a stop to this, someone might even misunderstand that he had some improper designs on the Hyuga heiress.
Looking at him, Hinata saw none of the fierceness he'd shown those awful boys earlier; instead, he seemed gentle. She couldn't help but tell him what had happened.
Ryosuke understood. Hinata had been sparring with her younger sister. She couldn't bear to hurt her and, not watching out, was knocked to the ground—then was scolded harshly by her father with words like "useless."
Ryosuke didn't quite know what to say. As the Hyuga clan's young lady, the clan head's treatment meant he was training her as heir. Someone raised to inherit a clan naturally had to be held to strict standards—otherwise, how could she shoulder the clan one day?
Of course, in Ryosuke's eyes Hinata's temperament really didn't suit being an heir. But could he say that to them? Wouldn't that be provoking the Hyuga? He wasn't that foolish.
So he said only, "You did fine. As the elder sister, you should protect your little sister."
Hearing that, Hinata felt better. Her eyes weren't so dim anymore; a bit of light returned. Someone actually acknowledged her. Her father always called her useless. She understood why he was strict, but understanding was one thing—whether her heart could bear it was another.
Ryosuke said to Hinata, "I'll take you home now."
"Even in Konoha, it isn't completely safe."
The Main House's eyes could be stolen, after all—never mind the number of brats around the village. Ryosuke couldn't understand how anyone dared bully the Hyuga Main House's daughter.
Hinata nodded. She really should go back—she'd snuck out this time.
Ryosuke started to lead Hinata toward the Hyuga compound, then realized something and asked, a little embarrassed, "You know the way home, right?"
"I do."
"Good. You lead, I'll keep you safe."
Ryosuke was relieved she knew the route—otherwise he'd have to ask where the Hyuga compound was.
At the Hyuga residence, the clan head Hyuga Hiashi received a servant's report: Hinata was missing. His face changed at once, and his heart clenched with worry.
He forced himself to stay calm. Panicking wouldn't help. Had she been abducted?
The Hyuga clan is divided into Main House and Branch House. Branch members can awaken the Byakugan, but they bear the Caged Bird seal, so their eyes can't be stolen. Main House members have no Caged Bird seal—their eyes can be taken.
A Main House member had once had an eye stolen.
If Hinata had been abducted, that would be the worst-case scenario. Of course, she might also have slipped out on her own. Either way, this had to be treated as top priority. The Hyuga's Byakugan could not be lost.
He ordered the servants: "Pass the word—any ninja currently in the compound is to go out immediately and search for Hinata."
"Yes."
The servant hurried off to notify the Hyuga shinobi.
In less than two minutes, Hyuga Hiashi led a group charging out the gate, ready to split up and search. But the moment they stepped outside, they saw an Uchiha clansman holding Hinata by the hand and bringing her home.
Their taut nerves loosened at once.
Ryosuke also noticed the show of force and was inwardly surprised. He walked up and first explained what had happened. Fortunately, the other party listened patiently. Ryosuke had no desire to spark a misunderstanding and a clash.
Hiashi listened carefully. He had never suspected the Uchiha anyway—their kekkei genkai was in no way inferior to the Hyuga's. He simply hadn't expected an Uchiha to bring his daughter back.
Although the two clans usually had little contact—and the Uchiha's reputation in Konoha was bad at the moment—this man had chased off those brats and returned his daughter. He naturally had to thank him properly; the clan could not neglect its courtesies.
"Thank you for bringing my daughter back. Please come in—I'll make a pot of good tea to serve you."
"No need," Ryosuke said with a wave, and took his leave.
He had nothing to discuss with the Hyuga; better to go find Might Guy and learn how to open the Fifth Gate of the Eight Gates.
Hiashi did not press him. Right now the Uchiha were eyed warily by the village leadership. As a clan head, he ought to avoid contact with the Uchiha lest it arouse suspicion from on high. Even so, since the man had saved his daughter, the Hyuga could not neglect proper manners, or else they'd lose face as a great clan.
After Ryosuke left, Hiashi waved the Hyuga shinobi to disperse, then turned to Hinata. His temper rose again—but seeing her lower her small head, worried and afraid, it ebbed. As a father, he'd watched Hinata grow up: gentle and a bit timid. But as his eldest, she would have to inherit the Hyuga name. That personality had to change.
It would have to be a slow education.