Konoha: The Female Ninja Fall Apart After the Diary Is Exposed

"I'm sorry, Father, but I can't agree to that."

Hyuga Hiashi had never expected Hinata Hyuga to refuse his request.

"Why?"

Hiashi asked, bewildered.

"I do like Naruto-kun, and Naruto-kun has said he likes me too..."

"But I don't want anything to taint those feelings."

"I can't let Naruto-kun shoulder the responsibility of restoring the Hyuga Clan because of me."

Hinata spoke firmly.

"I see..."

Hiashi stroked his chin. It was the first time Hinata had stood up to him, and the resolve in her eyes was unmistakable.

His daughter

really had grown up.

"I spoke out of turn, Hinata."

"But I'm not changing the decision I just made."

"Your training time will still be cut by two hours."

A smile spread across Hiashi's face.

"Huh?"

"Father, I refused your request. Aren't you angry?"

Hinata couldn't make sense of the smile on his face.

When she'd voiced her refusal, she had been sure her father would reprimand her harshly.

"There's nothing to be angry about."

"Just now... I made that request as head of the Hyuga Clan."

"Now I'm speaking as a father who supports his daughter in pursuing happiness!"

Hiashi smiled.

"Naruto is a good kid. He's strong, and this time he forced Kumogakure to remove the Raikage and seek peace with Konoha. He's avenged what they did to us all those years ago."

"Naruto... is a benefactor of the Hyuga Clan."

"He does have a wandering eye, though."

"I hear Ino, Sakura, and the others are pursuing Naruto too?"

"So, Hinata, spend more time pursuing your happiness. Don't let them beat you."

"Whatever happens to the Hyuga Clan in the future, we'll face it together!"

Hiashi smiled as he encouraged her.

"F-Father..."

Hinata's eyes grew moist.

As far back as she could remember,

throughout her childhood,

this was