Tsunade paused, then continued.
"The Hyuga Clan has far too many rules these days, even more than your Uchiha Clan or our Senju Clan. They've completely lost sight of what matters."
Seeing that Tsunade really was getting angry, Shin Uchiha hurried to soothe her.
"Don't be angry, Sis Tsunade. The Hyuga Clan is an old, established clan, after all. It's not our place to interfere, as long as they don't waste Hinata's talent."
At Shin's words, Tsunade glanced at Hinata, who had already lowered her head, and her expression softened.
"It's just that Hinata is too kind. Otherwise, with her talent, she'll definitely become a Kage-level powerhouse once she matures. She might even reach the heights of the Hyuga Clan's Hyuga Tennin."
From Tsunade's attitude, Shin Uchiha knew that Hinata wouldn't be mistreated here, so he relaxed. He then casually settled into his usual seat. Before he could say anything, Shizune had set out his utensils beside him. Shin Uchiha didn't stand on ceremony and happily joined lunch at Tsunade's house.
Hinata was rather bewildered by the sight. Watching Shin act as though he belonged there, she began to wonder whether this really was her teacher Tsunade's home.
Noticing Hinata's expression, Shizune leaned close to her ear and whispered the explanation she had prepared long ago.
"Lord Shin and Lady Tsunade are close friends-the kind who've been through life and death together. When Lady Tsunade returned to the village to become Hokage, Lord Shin was the one who went to fetch her. Besides, Lord Shin isn't just the Uchiha Clan's leader now. He's also the leader of the Anbu and reports directly to Lady Tsunade."
Shizune's explanation cleared things up for Hinata. Though she still didn't understand much about these matters, she knew Shin was the Uchiha Clan's leader, while