Nagi continued speaking to Hiashi.
"Now that the elders of the Main House are aware of Hinata's talent, they won't easily compromise on her training.
And what you fear… is that their intervention might harm her."
Hiashi nodded.
"That is why I invited you here…"
"So that I would state the 'correct' training method—one they would accept, and thus stop interfering."
Hiashi gave a faint, apologetic smile.
"As expected, nothing escapes you. I'm sorry for putting you in this position."
Nagi waved it off.
"There's no need for that, Hiashi-sama. In truth, the solution is simple. It comes down to just one word—personality.
If Hinata becomes more open and cheerful, half the problem will be solved."
Hiashi nodded.
"Please explain."
Instead of answering directly, Nagi glanced at Minato and Naruto.
Naruto had no idea why he was even here, listening to this cryptic conversation.
Minato, meanwhile, only grasped part of it. He was still just twenty-four—he lacked Hiashi's depth of experience.
Hiashi's eyelid twitched as he looked at the blond boy.
"Is there… another method?"
"Oh? Why change it? You'll have to face this sooner or later."
"…Go on. I can handle it."
"Then let Hinata and Naruto interact more often. If Hinata can hold a normal conversation with Naruto, her shyness will be more than halfway resolved."
"… "
Hiashi's eyelid twitched even harder.
Normal conversation… then hand-holding… dates…
At this rate, would he need to prepare to become a grandfather early?
Nagi narrowed his eyes with a faint smile.
"And Hiashi-sama… you already suspected this would be my answer, didn't you?"
In truth, it didn't matter what the objective answer was.
What mattered was that Nagi said it.
As long as Hiashi declared it was Nagi's recommendation, the elders would have no choice but to accept it.
"… "
So that's who Mai inherited that mischievous streak from.
The Day of the Five Kage Summit
The Five Kage arrived early with their escorts and delegates.
Behind them followed representatives from smaller nations and villages.
Kakashi Hatake, ShikaShiranui Kū Nara, and others went to greet the Kage.
Diplomatic staff escorted minor representatives to prepared reception areas.
The Four Kage were informed:
The summit would begin in the afternoon at the Hokage Tower. Until then, they were not to roam freely within Konoha—except for specially authorized individuals.
Near Noon — Nagi's Residence
Knock knock.
Two figures stood at the door.
"Coming."
Nagi opened it—and paused.
" Nagi, I came to see you!"
"Shizuka? Welcome. Though strictly speaking… this is our first meeting."
The visitors were Shizuka of Nadeshiko Village and her bodyguard, Tokiwa.
Shizuka smiled brightly.
"Nice to meet you, Nagi. I'm Shizuka. Please take care of me from now on."
"Likewise."
She took his hand confidently as she introduced herself.
"Lord Nagi, I am Tokiwa, Lady Shizuka's guard."
"Welcome. Please, come in."
Since Shizuka was Nagi's future wife, she was considered a specially authorized guest. After identity verification, the guards allowed them through without issue.
From inside, Naruto spotted them.
"That annoying woman again! She even chased him to his house!"
"Stop embarrassing Nagi. Help clean the table," Sasuke muttered, dragging Naruto along.
Soon, Nagi, Sasuke, and Naruto sat across from Shizuka and Tokiwa.
Shizuka chatted cheerfully with Nagi.
Tokiwa and Sasuke sat upright and silent.
Naruto glanced back and forth.
Then—
Three more figures appeared at the door.
One stepped forward to knock—
But another shouted loudly:
"Brother-in-law! My sister and I came to see you! Open up!!"
"Atsui!!"
Even the composed Samui broke.
"But Sis, you're going to marry him sooner or later, right?"
"I haven't even properly met Nagi—"
The door opened.
"You must be guests from Shiranui KūmogaShiranui Kūre (Hidden Cloud Village). Welcome."
Nagi smiled warmly.
Mabui stepped forward.
"Nice to meet you, Nagi-sama. We brought Samui to pay you a visit."
Atsui bounded forward and grabbed Nagi's hand.
"Heehee! So this is the real brother-in-law! Just like on the screen!"
Samui rushed forward and clamped a hand over Atsui's mouth.
"Please don't mind him… he just—"
She faltered, rare embarrassment surfacing.
Nagi chuckled.
"I think Atsui's straightforward personality is quite admirable."
"Mmmph! See? Even brother-in-law agrees!"
"Exactly," Mabui added smoothly. "You came straight here after leaving the guesthouse. Since you're here, face it properly."
"You two dragged me here!" Samui protested weakly.
"At least you didn't resist," Mabui replied.
Samui had no rebuttal.
Deep down, she had wanted to see him.
They entered the living room.
And then—
Samui's eyes met Shizuka's.
Silence.
Mabui narrowed her eyes, analyzing the atmosphere.
Tokiwa studied the three newcomers carefully.
Atsui struggled not to make another explosive remark.
Shizuka and Samui locked gazes.
Finally, Shizuka broke the silence.
She extended her right hand.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Shizuka… Mai's mother."
Samui extended her own hand.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Samui… Shiranui Kū's mother."
Their hands clasped.
An encounter that, in another timeline, would have come much later—
Had just happened far ahead of schedule.
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