Hiashi Hyuga's sharp eyes fixed on Yasu.
At this moment, he had no time to dwell on what had happened before. His only goal was to find a way to bring Yasu into the Hyuga clan.
Although he believed the Hyuga clan was the strongest clan in Konoha, but even he understood that only his own power reached the highest level in his clan.
One could say the prestige of the Hyuga clan relied entirely on the Byakugan.
But upon seeing Yasu, Hiashi saw hope.If someone with no Hyuga blood can push Hinata to this level in a single exchange… then his potential as a teacher is immeasurable. A clan's foundation is not only their pair of eyes—it is the people it raises too.
If someone could train Hinata, a timid girl, into her current level of strength, then bringing him into the Hyuga clan could push it to unprecedented heights.
Then, the tragedy that happened with his brother would never happen again.
I will not watch another loved one walk toward a fate they did not deserve. Not again.
"Kakashi, this boy seems to have a special connection with you, right? If he marries into the Hyuga clan, I'll help handle the issues behind your back!"
Kakashi shivered.
Ever since leaving the Anbu, he had always been under surveillance. Even going to the bathroom, he could feel numerous ill-intentioned eyes on him.
Especially the last time he left Konoha—he was immediately surrounded by a dozen ninja.
Kakashi feared that if he completed a mission, he might not die at the hands of enemies, but by his own village.
Hiashi was one of the very few who could handle such matters, so it was impossible not to feel tempted.
"…I'm sorry," Kakashi said quietly. "You'll need to ask him directly."
Hiashi frowned. Though slightly displeased, he could accept it.
He then turned his attention fully to observing Yasu.
Meanwhile, Hinata's confusion only grew. This wasn't a battle at all—it was guidance.
Yasu moved as if he understood her body better than she did. Each time she struck, he adjusted. Each time she faltered, he created an opening for her to see her own mistake.
Thinking back carefully… Yasu hadn't done anything improper. Only that final push had made her lose her composure.
"Yasu-kun," she said softly, "did we… have some kind of misunderstanding?"
[Ding! Hinata Hyuga affection +1! Current affection: 31 points! Warning!]
Yasu raised an eyebrow, surprised that Hinata's mind had cleared so quickly.
Even the final deadly warning was gone—continuing the fight now seemed unlikely.
Fortunately, Yasu's goal had been achieved.
Just as he prepared to explain, three figures suddenly appeared.
"Father?! What are you doing here?!"
Hinata's face turned bright red. After all, a young girl could never easily explain being alone with a boy in the woods at night—no matter the reason.
Especially after what had happened… With her strict father watching, she felt she had disappointed him again.
"Father, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come out alone."
Hiashi looked at his daughter for a long moment, saying nothing.
Hinata braced for rebuke—but instead, Hiashi spoke gently:
"Hinta… you've grown."
"I—I'm sorry, Father, I—" Hinata's habitual apology stopped midway as she realized something was different.
Hiashi was smiling—a smile she had long forgotten.
"Father…"
"Hinata, you did wonderfully!"
A gentle voice came from Hiashi.
Hinata froze. Then her vision blurred as tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.
For years, she had chased her father's acknowledgment.
For years, she could only admire Naruto's courage, hoping to someday be worthy of the same recognition.
But now…
She needn't admire anyone.
Because today, she was finally seen.
Hinata wiped her tears with her sleeve, but they fell even faster.
Seeing this, Hiashi felt an inexplicable pain in his heart.
He began to doubt whether his previous methods of education had been wrong. His daughter had been working so hard, so desperately seeking his approval.
This battle had completely awakened him.
Hiashi then turned to Yasu, eyes full of gratitude, and bowed slightly.
"As a father, I want to thank you!"
Boom!
Hinata felt as if struck by thunder, her mind echoing with the sound.
Why was her father thanking him?
Could it be that he had known all along?
Could it be that Yasu had intended to help her from the very start?
Hinata was angry—why hadn't he explained from the beginning?
She regretted striking Yasu with her first palm, wondering if it had hurt him.
She was confused, unsure how to face him now.
[Ding! Hinata Hyuga affection +30! Current affection: 61 points!]
[Ding! Hinata Hyuga affection +1! Current affection: 62 points!]
[Ding! Hinata Hyuga affection +1! Current affection: 63 points!]
…
[Ding! Hinata Hyuga affection +1! Current affection: 73 points! Can sign-in!]
[Ding! Hiashi Hyuga affection +5! Current affection: 64 points! Can sign-in!]
Yasu's eyes lit up.
Not only had Hinata's affection increased, but unexpectedly, both Hiashi and Guy's affection also rose.
Guy's affection had reached 91 points.
As the story progressed, it became increasingly difficult to raise affection. Such rapid increases were completely unexpected.
"Sign-in: Hiashi, Hinata, Guy!"
[Ding! Hiashi sign-in successful! You've obtained Transformation Technique! Affection +5! Current affection: 69 points! Can sign-in!]
[Ding! Hiashi sign-in successful! You've obtained Shuriken Technique! Affection +4! Current affection: 73 points! Cam sign-in!]
[Ding! Duplicate technique detected! Low-level Shuriken Technique experience added into high-level Shuriken Technique!]
[Ding! Hiashi sign-in successful! You've obtained Gentle Fist! Affection +3! Current affection: 76 points!]
[Ding! Duplicate technique detected! Low-level Gentle Fist experience added into high-level Gentle Fist!]
[Ding! Hinata sign-in successful! You've obtained Body Flicker Technique! Affection +3! Current affection: 76 points!]
[Ding! Duplicate technique detected! Low-level Body Flicker experience added into high-level Body Flicker!]
[Ding! Guy sign-in successful! Acquired Eight Gates! Affection +1! Current affection: 92 points!]