In the Hokage's Office,
"Don't worry, Uncle Hiashi."
Naruto wore his usual smile, sunny yet composed, as he looked at the Hyuga Clan Leader's thunderous expression and explained casually, "I just thought it was getting late. Taking Hinata and Hanabi back to the Hyuga Clan Compound might have disturbed your rest.
Besides, I have plenty of rooms at home. Giving Hinata and Hanabi one each was no problem at all."
His explanation was perfectly reasonable, but to Hyuga Hiashi, especially with that smile on Naruto's face, it sounded more and more like a provocation.
Hiashi's face darkened further, and a vein seemed to twitch at his temple.
As Hinata and Hanabi's father, he had just seen his two precious daughters strolling down the street with Naruto, alongside Ino of the Yamanaka Clan and Sakura Haruno, surrounded by welcoming villagers. How could any father stay calm at that sight?
Naruto had expected this sort of knee-jerk reaction.
Inoichi Yamanaka, who had risen from the Hokage's seat, was smiling and about to smooth things over. But when he saw his daughter Ino peeking through the doorway, visibly brimming with energy without a trace of fatigue from her night shift, his smile froze, then slowly faded.
He looked at Hiashi's livid face, then at his own daughter hiding behind Naruto, her cheeks faintly flushed and her eyes sparkling. Suddenly, he understood Hiashi's attitude.
Thinking it over, the Hyuga Clan Leader had good reason to be upset!
Inoichi Yamanaka suddenly found himself sympathizing with Hiashi.
How was this merely a matter of "not wanting to disturb his rest"?
They were still young. They could be as lovey-dovey as they pleased after getting married, but they weren't even engaged yet. What was the rush?
"Hmph!"
Hiashi snorted heavily, barely suppressing his anger. He stepped aside