171: Donning the Hokage Robe, Visiting the Hyūga Clan!

While far away, Naruto and the others were engaged in a battle with Orochimaru and his cohorts to retrieve Tsunada, at Konoha, Hyūga Clan Compound:

Today, a special guest had arrived.

"Wow, is that the newly promoted, youngest Hokage of Konoha? He's so handsome!"

"He hasn't been officially appointed yet, but the Hokage succession ceremony is already in preparation. It's pretty much a done deal."

"What's he doing here at the Hyūga compound? Does he have important business to discuss with the Clan Leader?"

"No, he's Lady Hinata's classmate. It seems he's just here to visit her."

"No way? The Fifth Hokage is actually Lady Hinata's classmate? Lady Hinata just graduated from the Academy not long ago, right?"

"Yes, she just participated in the Chunin Exams, but it was interrupted by the Suna and Sound invasion."

"That's outrageous! Lady Hinata isn't even a Chunin, and he's already the Hokage."

In the Hyūga compound, a group of Branch House ninjas with their Byakugan, along with the family's hired ninjas, were whispering amongst themselves in the third house.

Their main topic of conversation was the young man, clad in the majestic Hokage robe, who had just entered the reception hall of the compound.

He was personally received by Clan Leader Hiashi.

The table before them was laden with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and some delectable sweets.

"That's enough! Disperse! What kind of decorum is this, crowding around outside?" Hiashi grumbled.

The long-established authority of the Clan Leader caused the Branch members and servants to scatter like birds and beasts.

However, the young maids who occasionally came in to serve fruit would still steal glances at Natsuki.

There was no helping it. 

Natsuki's good looks, combined with the prestige of the Hokage title, made him a true heartthrob.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly. 

In the past, when he came to the Hyūga compound to meet Hinata, he had to sneak around, avoiding all the guards.

Now, he was here in broad daylight, and even their Clan Leader came out respectfully to greet him.

Indeed, the title of Hokage held significant weight in the ninja world.

In this world, ordinary people would address a ninja as lord. After all, if they displeased a ninja, commoners could die without knowing how.

And the Kage of each village were recognized as the most exceptional among ninjas.

In Konoha, countless people had been instilled with the idea that the Hokage was the greatest and that they should obey the Hokage without any doubt.

This was thanks to the decades of "Will of Fire" education by the Third Hokage.

Ordinary ninjas wouldn't even dare to dream of becoming Hokage, for it was too difficult.

Even in the Academy, those who dared to publicly declare their dream of becoming Hokage were met not with genuine admiration and blessings, but with ridicule for their naivety.

Like Kushina Uzumaki, Obito Uchiha, and others.

Even Hanabi Hyūga, upon hearing of Natsuki's arrival, came hopping and skipping.

"Brother-in-law…Ahem, Brother Natsuki! You came to see us!

"Wow, you're actually the Hokage!"

As soon as Hanabi entered, her eyes lit up, and she excitedly threw herself at Natsuki.

This caused Hiashi to frown:

"How unbecoming!

"You are a member of the Main Family. Where have you thrown all the etiquette I've taught you?"

He had just dismissed the servants, and now she was acting like this.

This was too embarrassing. 

What would the Hokage think, seeing the Hyūga Clan treat guests so casually?

Although Natsuki was still very young, it was precisely because he had become Hokage at such a young age that his abilities were all the more remarkable.

Perhaps he could lead Konoha for decades, like the Third Hokage.

Therefore, the Hyūga Clan absolutely could not antagonize him.

Moreover, during the Chunin Exams, his entire family had returned to the compound under this young man's protection. 

To this day, Hiashi still hadn't forgotten that move... what was it called? The Five techniques of Tathagata?

It had instantly suppressed the three-headed snake summoned by the Sound ninjas, turning over a hundred ninjas into dust.

Such a genius was probably not inferior to the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, who founded Konoha and held the title of "God of Shinobi."

Anyway, with his combat prowess, the entire Hyūga Clan together wouldn't be enough for him to even pick his teeth with.

And it was said that this wasn't even all of his strength. 

He had displayed other abilities when he had fought that Evil Beast side by side with the Third Hokage, becoming the village's little hero. 

Then there was the powerful summoned beast, Greymon, from the Chunin Exam arena.

It seemed this guy had countless hidden cards. Every time they met, he would reveal new abilities.

Other clans might show doubt and disdain because of his young age, but the Hyūga Clan must seize this opportunity to... hug this dragons thigh tightly, Ahem, to firmly stand side by side and offer full support!

In a moment, Hiashi's mind raced with thoughts. 

In his current position, he wasn't just considering the gains and losses of one person, but the honor and future of the entire clan, the most prestigious clan in Konoha.

"Haha, it's alright.

"Hanabi and I are very close, we're old friends."

Feeling the little Hanabi jump in his arms, almost falling, Natsuki quickly held her tighter, smoothing things over.

Hanabi looked up at her stern father.

Seeing no obvious objection, she happily buried her head in Natsuki's chest, refusing to leave.

"This child... she's been spoiled and pampered at home. I apologize for her behavior, Lord Hokage," Hiashi said with a slight bow of head.

"Nonsense, I'm very well-behaved at home! I wouldn't dare to be mischievous," Hanabi mumbled into Natsuki's chest.

Natsuki chuckled softly and patted her head.

However, how could such a small whisper escape the ears of Hiashi, an elite Jonin?

'It seems this little one does have a close relationship with the Hokage. She's become much bolder since he arrived.

'This is a bit strange. I know Natsuki and Hinata are classmates and have been close since childhood. But how did Hanabi become familiar with him?

'After deciding to have Hanabi inherit the clan leadership, the family has kept a strict watch and meticulously trained her.

'Could it be that Hinata sneaked out Hanabi with her on her outings?

'Indeed, with the Hokage's strength and various peculiar abilities, it would be easy for him to bypass the clan's guards with someone.

'Well, it's not a bad thing for the younger generation to be familiar with the Hokage.'

The cunning Hiashi pretended not to hear his youngest daughter's muttering and continued to ask, "By the way, what brings you to visit us today, Lord Hokage?" 

Getting down to business, Natsuki patted Hanabi's back, urging her to sit properly.

Then, he smiled at Hiashi and said, "Actually, there's nothing urgent."

"I've just been busy for several days and finally managed to secure some free time, so I came to see Hinata."

"..."

"After all, I promised her earlier that I would teach her the Hidden Lotus Palm.

"Also, I was hoping that the Hyūga Clan could provide some manpower and resources to help with the Hokage succession ceremony in a few days."

As soon as he said these words, Hiashi's eyes lit up.

'Yes! That's it!

'This is the technique I've been longing for!

'The Hidde Lotus Palm is too perfect for our clan. It's much stronger than the Gentle Fist and Eight Trigrams.

'If everyone in the Hyūga Clan could learn this technique...

'Forget everyone, even if just ten or twenty people learned it, we could dominate the ninja world.

'By then, the Hyūga Clan would truly be the most prestigious clan in the ninja world. The Uchiha, Senju, Kaguya, and Hozuki clans would all pale in comparison.

'As for Hinata… if she learns it, with her personality, would she dare not share it with the clan?

'And if even Hinata can learn it, then there are plenty of elites in the clan who can learn it too.

'The only question is whether the Hokage will allow so many people from the Hyūga Clan to learn it.

'I'll have Hinata be more proactive… Regarding their marriage… I have to push forward!'

A single Hidde Lotus Palm has made Hiashi lose his mind, already imagining their marriage. He almost directly said, "Help yourself."

'As for assisting with the ceremony, this is a chance for the Hyuga Clan to shine. We must give it our all!'

"So that's it. Rest assured about the succession ceremony.

"Our Hyūga Clan will fully support Lord Hokage," Hiashi declared confidently, sweeping his arm grandly.

Then, he glanced around the reception hall. 

The most important person was missing.

'Right. Where's Hinata? Isn't she the reason Natsuki's even here?'

Anxious, Hiashi habitually furrowed his brows and asked in a deep voice, "Hanabi, where is your sister?"