Three days later, Naruto's formal marriage proposal duly reached Hyuga Hiashi, the Hyuga Clan Head.
The betrothal gifts were worth over a hundred million ryo in total.
Hiashi did not give an immediate answer. Instead, he closed the door and spoke to Hinata alone.
"Hinata, you already knew Naruto was going to ask for your hand, didn't you?"
"Yes, Father."
"Konoha has been far from peaceful lately. First you, then Hanabi-you were both targeted by villains. Naruto's protection played no small part in helping you escape unharmed. For that, I am truly grateful to him. You love each other, so naturally, marriage should follow."
"But with things so unsettled right now, Tsunade stepping down, and many of Konoha's dead still being mourned, marrying at a time like this is bound to invite criticism, even if it breaks no rules..."
At this point, Hiashi tightened his hands around his knees. "Could you... reconsider, or perhaps postpone the wedding a little?"
Hinata asked, "Is that... an order, Father?"
Hiashi said, "You are already a ninja capable of standing on your own. I have no intention of interfering in your choice of a lifelong partner. I only want to lay out the pros and cons so you can think everything through. Every father wants his daughter to be happy, but happiness depends on having a supportive environment."
"While Tsunade was in office, she never classified Naruto as a missing-nin. Since Kakashi took over, he seems inclined to continue that policy. But in the villagers' hearts, Naruto is a missing-nin. He has even become entangled in conspiracy theories."
"When I think of my daughter facing that kind of criticism, I cannot rest easy as her father..."
Seeing Hiashi's conflicted expression pained Hinata, too. Still, she voiced what she truly felt. "I am already prepared