Past Simulation, Heading to Kaguya's Era!

"Hello."

Looking at the lively and poised Hanabi Hyuga, Shimizu returned the smile.

Both Hanabi and Hinata were adorable as children, and once they grew up, their "hearts" would surely become quite expansive.

As for the source of that... Shimizu glanced at Hinazuki Hyuga, who was dressed in heavy robes.

The traditional attire of the Hyuga Clan hid her well-concealed "heart" very deeply.

The naked eye could not discern the difference.

Shimizu knew very well, for he had personally weighed the goods himself.

"Shimizu-kun... no, Lord Hokage."

A smile appeared on Hiashi Hyuga's rigid face as he spoke softly.

"No need for such formality. Come in, all of you."

Shimizu had Guren, who had been training Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura in the backyard, come over to pour tea.

The group sat in the living room.

Hinata Hyuga politely thanked Guren, then held the teacup with her fair, delicate hands, seemingly warming them.

Hanabi Hyuga, being the younger sister, had no such reservations; she sniffed the steaming tea and took a small sip.

The different behaviors of the two little ones did not escape Shimizu's eyes.

Compared to Hinata, Hanabi was much more extroverted.

"Lord Hokage, the Chunin Exams are approaching, but my daughter truly has little chance of passing them."

Hiashi Hyuga spoke, revealing the purpose of his visit.

This year's Chunin Exams would be far grander than those of previous years; the Five Great Nations would all gather, marking the first such magnificent event since peace was established.

In other words, this was also a potential arms race. The stronger one's own ninjas were and the better they performed, the more it highlighted the strength of one's hidden village.

"So even you worry about such things, Hiashi."

Shimizu said calmly.

The Hyuga Clan was one of the two strongest