After Hinata had taken her first steps in adapting to the Circumference of Heaven Star Art and completed a full cycle, a different sort of commotion drifted in from outside the courtyard—solemn yet jubilant.
Her Divine Sense stirred slightly, and she perceived that beyond the gate almost every Hyuga of consequence had gathered: led by her father, Hyuga Hiashi, the Elders, the main-house core, and even many branch-house representatives.
Joy and pride they could barely contain shone on every face, along with the involuntary deference shown to someone stronger. Hiashi himself, rarely seen in formal clan robes, looked grave yet radiant.
Hinata dissolved the Formation and walked out slowly.
"Hinata."
Hiashi spoke first when he saw her, his voice trembling almost imperceptibly.
"Good—wonderful! You have won the Hyuga Clan a glory we have never known!"
Behind him the Elders stroked their beards and nodded with fervor. The oldest among them, white of hair and beard, stepped forward and boomed:
"Young Lady Hinata turned the tide when the Village faced peril, saved the Hokage, drove off a mighty foe, and spread the Hyuga name across the Ninja World! This is the greatest event in a century for our clan—history will remember it! Hahaha!"
"Indeed! In Konoha today, who hasn't heard of our Hinata?"
"Branch children on missions now walk with straighter backs!"
"This is the bearing a main-house Young Miss should have!"
Praise rang out without end; even those who once muttered about the main-house system or her former "mediocrity" now felt only heartfelt admiration and pride.
Power, forever the simplest key to break barriers and win respect; Hinata's strength had transcended the branch–main divide and lifted the whole Hyuga honor to a new height.
Many branch youths gazed at her with fervor and worship.
Hinata accepted it all calmly, smiling modestly in reply.
"Luck, nothing more… luck, nothing more."
"Haha, Young Lady Hinata is too modest—truly the heir of the main house with limitless prospects."
Her humility raised their esteem even further, and compliments flowed anew.
Hiashi watched his daughter, emotions surging; she had become a towering tree that could shelter clan and Village alike.
"Hinata."
After the crowd had offered their praises, Hiashi composed himself and spoke gravely.
"The Hokage has awakened; though he still needs rest, he expressly asked that you visit when convenient."
"I understand."
…The Hokage Office.
Restored after repairs, the office regained its solemnity, though a faint medicinal scent lingered.
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi reclined in his chair; after the medical-nin's care he still needed medicine to recover, his aura weaker than before, yet his weathered eyes were sharper and more complex than ever.
When Hinata entered under Anbu escort, the Third dismissed his attendants, leaving only the two of them.
Silence filled the room.
The Third's gaze fell on her—scrutiny, gratitude, an unspoken probe, a subtle pressure.
Hinata met his eyes calmly; her pale white pupils were tranquil, her aura restrained yet carrying an unignorable weight like still waters before a mountain.
In the end the Third broke the silence, a gentle, tired smile on his lips.
"Hinata, we owe this to you; without you… this old man would probably…"
"Sandaime overstates it; as one of Konoha I would not watch the Village fall into crisis."
"Mm…"
The Third nodded, pleased that she cared for Konoha.
"You remained inside the Four Violet Flames Formation, grasped the perfect moment to strike, and undid the Edo Tensei that even I found troublesome…"
He lifted the pipe on his desk, instinctively about to light it, but glancing at Hinata he set it down again.
"I had no wish to ask this; you saved the Village and stopped the attack—you are a hero…"
His gaze deepened.
"But your strength is too great; I want to know how you regard Konoha Village."
That was the crux—power on this scale, if harboring ill will toward Konoha, would be a disaster greater than Orochimaru.
Hinata looked at the Third, understanding his concern.
She had no intention of declaring loyalty; it would be meaningless and unlike her.
"Konoha is my birthplace and still my home; as long as no one forces my hand, I have no wish to change that, nor any interest in power struggles."
Her answer was direct—no thirst for power—and the Third felt slightly reassured.
"I understand."
He nodded, his tone solemn.
"Whatever the case, you saved this old man's life and rescued Konoha in its hour of need; that is fact. Is there anything you desire? Konoha is in your debt."
Hinata knew she had to ask for something; if she refused—no money, no privilege, indifferent to the Village—the higher-ups would never rest easy.
She pondered briefly and made a request.
"Then grant me Konoha's highest level of freedom."
Hiruzen considered, then inclined his head.
He slid across a special scroll bearing his Chakra seal and the Hokage stamp—treatment usually reserved for Village Elders.
Hinata raised an eyebrow; so you already prepared it? You've studied me well, expecting this.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk—what a seasoned actor."
She accepted the scroll.
"Additionally,"
the Third paused,
"regarding your power and your contributions, the Village will record and acknowledge them appropriately, but to avoid unnecessary trouble and covetous eyes, the details will not be fully revealed; I hope you understand."
"As it should be."
Hinata indicated her understanding.
"Mm, go and rest well."
The Third concluded, a trace of Elder care in his tone.
"I am old; Konoha needs young people like you to guard it."
Hinata nodded, turned, and left the Hokage Office.
Watching her depart, the Third picked up his pipe again; this time he lit it, drew deeply, and amid the swirling smoke his eyes were inexpressibly complex—relief, worry, hope, a hint of powerlessness… all intertwined.
Hyuga Hinata, a girl risen like a comet—whether her existence means fortune or calamity for Konoha, only time will tell.
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