"Um... are you okay?"
Minato wiped the water that had been sprayed all over his face and gave a helpless, bashful smile.
"Ahem, sorry. I got a little worked up."
Hiashi coughed, then took out a tissue and handed it to Minato.
"It's all right."
Minato took the tissue and wiped the tea off his face, while Hiashi had already begun stroking his chin.
Well played, Naruto. I never thought you could be so calculating at such a young age!
You even went so far as to resurrect your father just to get past me smoothly!
Hinata: Actually... Father, you already agreed a long time ago.
Looking at Minato before him, Hiashi seemed to see a Little Blondie behind him, grinning smugly at him.
"Ah, Hinata and Naruto asked me about getting engaged before. I... to be honest, I certainly find it hard to let her go, but Hinata definitely wouldn't object."
Hiashi sighed. Had this day finally come?
Was Blondie finally going to park his fox outside his house?
"Yes, yes. Actually, Naruto mainly wants to surprise Hinata, and Kushina sent me over to discuss it with you."
Minato nodded in agreement and explained his real reason for coming.
"Kushina, huh."
An image of Kushina in her Red Hot-Blooded Habanero state surfaced in Hiashi's mind, and the corners of his mouth twitched.
"Yes, that's how it is."
Minato shrugged helplessly. Did this count as being forced to work?
"Then does Naruto have a plan?"
With the matter settled, Hiashi chose to accept it all.
"The plan is more or less ready. We'll need your cooperation next, Hiashi."
Minato smiled as he spoke to Hiashi.
"Tell me more," Hiashi said.
What was Hinata doing at that moment?
"Hinata! Come have some candied hawthorn!"
Karin pulled Hinata along as she