His talent far surpasses Hinata's. Though he belongs to the branch family, I still intend to cultivate him carefully.
"You should know that, back then, the Third Hokage chose compromise in response to the Cloud Village's unreasonable demands, all in the name of preventing further war. Hizashi died in my place.
"For his son, I must take responsibility."
Hiashi continued calmly, "Although this child harbors hostility toward both me and Hinata, I still allow him to spar with her.
That way, when I instruct Hinata, Neji can learn alongside her. I also take the opportunity to personally guide him from time to time."
His expression remained composed, but when he mentioned the Third Hokage's compromise with the Cloud Village, Arata noticed the slight twitch at the corner of Hiashi's eye.
Clearly, Hiashi still held deep resentment toward that decision.
Arata didn't respond verbally. His gaze remained fixed on the sparring match.
Hyūga Neji truly was a prodigy. At such a young age, his Gentle Fist already had a solid foundation.
And although he repeatedly knocked Hinata down, Arata could tell that Neji always held back at critical moments.
He carefully avoided vital points, clearly restraining himself.
It seemed that despite his harsh words, Neji was unwilling to truly hurt his cousin.
Perhaps that was precisely why Hiashi continued to give him special care.
To understand a person, one must look at what they do—not what they say.
Even though Neji harbored resentment toward the main family, he could never bring himself to strike Hinata ruthlessly.
That alone proved that, deep down, he was a kind person.
After waiting for a while, once both children were breathing heavily from exhaustion, Hiashi stepped forward and called Hinata over.
At this moment, Hinata wore her radiant purple short hair, her pale eyes clear and crystalline.
Sweat dotted her forehead from training, and as she followed her father over, her gaze toward the unfamiliar young man was filled with curiosity and confusion.
Hiashi then introduced them.
"Hinata, this is Uchiha Arata of the Uchiha clan. You can start by being friends. In the future, spend more time together."
After Hiashi finished speaking, Arata smiled warmly and greeted her.
"Hello. My name is Uchiha Arata."
He truly felt a great deal of fondness toward her.
Though Hinata didn't understand why her father was introducing this stranger to her, she still responded politely and gently:
"Hello. My name is Hyūga Hinata."
After speaking, she even bowed slightly.
Uchiha Arata looked at the small figure before him. On the surface, his expression remained calm, but inside, his emotions had already surged violently.
After all.....
This was Hyūga Hinata.
Whether it was her adorable appearance as a child, or her gentle temperament and breathtaking curves after growing up, she was without question the one he loved most.
In Arata's heart, Hyūga Hinata's position could not be shaken by anyone.
Even the legendary Tsunade, no matter how magnificent her assets were, could at best stand on equal footing with Hinata.
Arata exchanged a few warm words with Hinata, smiling gently, before taking his leave.
After all, they had only just met. Hinata was still extremely timid, and it wouldn't be appropriate to try to draw closer to her too quickly.
Everything could wait until their relationship was officially settled....until she became his fiancée. At that point, he could slowly nurture their bond.
For now, everything was proceeding smoothly.
The Uchiha clan members were busy constructing their new clan grounds and preparing for relocation. Great Elder Uchiha Ryo was stationed on Uzu Island, overseeing everything and working tirelessly.
Uchiha Fugaku was currently traveling toward the Land of Earth. Once he arrived at Iwagakure, he would be able to summon Arata over.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi were heading toward the Land of Rain, investigating intelligence related to the mysterious organization and the Six Paths of Pain.
Arata couldn't help but let his thoughts wander.
Jiraiya had spent so many years roaming the world, searching for the so-called Child of Prophecy.
Had he ever realized that the one hiding behind the Akatsuki was actually his own disciple....Nagato, along with Konan?
Lost in thought, Arata continued walking.
The matter of becoming engaged to Hyūga Hinata had not yet been discussed with the Great Elder. No matter what, Arata felt he had to inform him first.
He just wasn't sure whether the old man would be so angry that he'd jump on the spot once he found out.
Thinking of this, Arata, who had originally been heading toward the Uchiha clan grounds, suddenly changed direction and walked toward a small liquor shop nearby.
Though the shop itself was modest, its sake was the finest in all of Konoha.
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