If he truly wanted to become clan head, he could have done so long ago.
The real reason he proposed the engagement so early was simple.
The Hyūga clan was conservative and rigid by nature....Hinata included.
Once an engagement was set, neither she nor the clan would ever waver.
In that case, there would be no chance for sparks to form between her and Naruto in the future.
Then, with Arata's care and concern as her fiancé, Hinata would naturally come to rely on him.
At that point.....
Lady Hinata would be completely within his grasp.
After a long period of contemplation, Hyūga Hiashi finally reached a decision.
However, he still intended to symbolically consult his wife. He was confident he could persuade her.
Delaying the answer slightly would also show that the Hyūga clan took this matter seriously.....and would help elevate Hinata's value in Arata's eyes.
After a long period of deliberation, Hyūga Hiashi finally spoke to Uchiha Arata.
"Arata-kun, you and I both hold extremely important positions within our respective clans.
Every word and every action must be weighed carefully, lest it bring negative consequences to our families.
"Moreover, your proposal came rather suddenly. Please give me some time to think it over carefully. Once I've considered everything thoroughly, I will give you my reply."
After saying this, Hiashi added reassuringly, "However, Arata-kun, you can rest assured—my response will certainly be good news."
Hearing this, Arata nodded in understanding.
To begin with, he had already prepared himself mentally before coming.
Matters like this were never something that could be settled in a single conversation.
Judging from Hiashi's attitude, the outcome was already more or less decided.
The reason it hadn't been agreed to on the spot was simply because it required deeper consideration from multiple angles.
Just as Arata was about to take his leave, Hiashi suddenly extended an invitation.
"Arata-kun, this happens to be the time for my daughter's training and assessment. Would you like to go and take a look?"
Arata hesitated slightly and asked, "Would my presence be too intrusive? Would it involve any of the Hyūga clan's secret techniques?"
Hiashi smiled and shook his head.
"These are merely children's training sessions—nothing involving our clan's true secrets. Besides," he added meaningfully, "we are about to become family.
As long as it doesn't concern the Hyūga clan's core techniques, everything can be open to you."
Hearing this not-so-subtle hint once again, Arata nodded.
"Since you've invited me, then I'll shamelessly go and have a look."
Under Hiashi's guidance, Arata followed him toward Hyūga Hinata's training grounds.
The Hyūga clan's bloodline limit was the Byakugan, inherited from Ōtsutsuki Hamura, the younger brother of the Sage of Six Paths. However, as the bloodline passed down through generations, the Byakugan's offensive power gradually diminished, serving primarily a supportive role.
As a result, the Hyūga clan developed a combat style perfectly matched to the Byakugan.....the Gentle Fist, which focused on sealing chakra points and disrupting an opponent's chakra flow.
Compared to the Sharingan of the Uchiha clan, the Byakugan was somewhat less versatile in direct combat.
However, its activation was far easier, and each had its own strengths and weaknesses.....it ultimately came down to preference.
Arata had already decided that he would copy the Byakugan someday.
And his target was clear.
His future fiancée—Hyūga Hinata.
As the legitimate daughter of the main family, Hinata possessed the purest Byakugan within the Hyūga clan.
Unfortunately, due to her gentle nature and timid personality, her true potential had been severely underestimated.
Still, Arata wasn't in a hurry.
Once they grew closer in the future, there would be plenty of time to copy her Byakugan.
Led by Hiashi, Arata passed through numerous courtyards before finally arriving at Hinata's training ground.
By the time they arrived, Hinata was already in the midst of training. Her sparring partner was a slightly older boy with delicate features and a calm demeanor.
Neither Arata nor Hiashi interrupted the sparring. They quietly stood to the side, observing the two children.
From the exchange, it was clear that the boy's Gentle Fist technique was far more refined than Hinata's.
Combined with his age advantage, his physical strength also surpassed hers. As a result, he held the upper hand throughout the sparring session.
Moreover, Arata could clearly sense that Hinata was holding back.
Her movements were hesitant, causing her to be overwhelmingly suppressed by the boy.
Even so, each time Hinata was knocked down, she stubbornly climbed back to her feet and rushed forward again....only to be defeated once more.
Standing beside Arata, Hiashi seemed unfazed by his daughter being repeatedly knocked down. Instead, he quietly explained:
"The one sparring with Hinata is my younger brother Hizashi's son—Hyūga Neji.
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