I, Your Father, Carry a Big Stick

With Hiruzen asking him to show Hinata around while he and Hiashi talked, Wu habitually led her to their usual spot at the training ground before turning to her and saying, "You should have refused when your Tou-san asked if you were willing. I wasn't lying when I said I was okay with the arrangement, but I wasn't expecting you to say yes. Not when you were actually given the option to refuse..." Blushing slightly, Hinata averted her eyes and uttered faintly, "Sorry...I thought if I said yes, I could...I'm not entirely sure..." Though she wanted to say she would pay Wu back for all of his kindness, Hinata wasn't sure how she would go about it. As far as she knew, there was nothing she could give Wu that he couldn't obtain himself. She could ask him if there was something he wanted, but Hinata was almost certain he would just ask her to try harder during their training. Shaking his head, Wu said, "What's done is done. All we need to do is set you up with Naruto, and everything will work out. To that end, use today's experience as motivation to develop your confidence. Not to sound rude, but, as it stands, Naruto is more creeped out by you than anything. If you can't even look him in the eye, how do you expect him to fall for you...?" Hearing Wu point out that Naruto found her creepy, the smile on Hinata's face visibly cramped. She knew Naruto didn't pay a lot of attention to her, but she assumed it was due to Sakura. Naruto had had a crush on Sakura since their first year in the Academy, so even though she had wanted to approach him numerous times, Hinata could never muster the courage to do so while he was fawning over the 'vexing' pinkette... While Hinata was visibly lost in her thoughts, Wu gave her a quick once over before pointing out, "In your current getup, neither Ino nor Sakura would be able to hold a candle to you. You have delicate features and a gentle nature, so there's really no reason you shouldn't be able to sway the heart of someone like Naruto. Even if you simply smiled at him, you should be able to make him feel nervous..." Blinking in surprise, Hinata raised her face to meet Wu's gaze as she asked, "Do you really believe that someone like me can shine brighter than girls like Ino and Sakura...?" Without any hesitation, Wu replied, "Ino is improving, but her status and personality will make it difficult for her to find a partner that can tolerate her. Sakura is very knowledgeable, but she is also self-centered. Before I pointed out what should have been obvious to everyone, she genuinely believed that Sasuke was just putting on an act whenever he called her and the other girls hindrances..." Recalling the interchange, Wu shook his head in genuine exasperation before adding, "As far as looks are concerned, well, that depends on the person doing the looking. Everyone has their own standards. However, as far as general appeal goes...you definitely stand out..." While Wu may not have called her cute or beautiful, Hinata could feel her heart beating as she blushed up to her ears. She knew Wu was probably just trying to help build her confidence, but she still felt gratified. The last time someone had unabashedly complimented her was during her initial encounter with Naruto. He didn't seem to recall the encounter, but it had left an enduring impression on her heart and mind. Freeing Hinata from her daze, Wu waved his hand in front of her face as he said, "This is something we'll need to work on. Blushing can increase a woman's appeal, but too much of anything is usually bad. If you pass out while trying to confess your feelings...well, let's not worry about that right now. First things first, I'm the realist...secondly, stand up straight, narrow your eyes, and try to speak more than a single sentence without pause..." Though she was a little confused, Hinata obeyed Wu's words, rising to her full height before narrowing her eyes. It immediately changed the sort of appeal she gave off, but that's what Wu was going for as he said, "Speak." in a firm, authoritative tone. Suddenly feeling nervous, Hinata's posture relaxed as she attempted to ask what she should say. Before she could, Wu's expression hardened as he repeated, "Back straight and eyes narrowed. If you're confused about what to say, tell me what you had for breakfast or something interesting that happened recently. It genuinely doesn't matter, so long as you don't avert your eyes or fumble your words." "Right..." Standing straighter, Hinata narrowed her eyes and attempted to recount what she had for breakfast that morning. Whenever she looked away or paused for any length of time, Wu would order her to change topics and start from scratch. It was a little...frustrating. However, understanding he was trying to help her, Hinata continued recounting the mundane aspects of her life until she got it right. Then, just as she thought that was the end, Wu offered a terse compliment and commanded her to start again...over, and over, and over again... ... .. . With Hinata eventually being 'saved' by her father, Wu was requested by Hiruzen to accompany the old man to his study. There, he had Wu sit on a cushion, a wisened smile on his face as he remarked, "I want you to know I'm proud of the 'performance' you put on during the wedding interview. I had hoped you speak out in young Hinata's defense, but seeing you stare down Lord Hiashi...well, let's just say I haven't felt this satisfied since the day I passed on my hat to the Fourth..." Since Hiruzen had made it clear, time and again, that his 'mask' couldn't fool him, Wu adopted a genuine glower as he said, "You knew damn well your words would put me in a compromising position. I trusted you, and you abused that trust...you made me a pawn in a game I had no interest in playing..." Instead of refuting Wu's words, Hiruzen nodded his head, a melancholy causing him to appear several years older as he said, "I'm not getting any younger, Wu...However, that doesn't change the fact I have an obligation to ensure the village's continued peace and prosperity. While it's true that I used you, I believed that someone of your considerable intellect would be able to understand and appreciate my 'resolve.' If you one day come to hate me, I will endure that burden. Just promise me you'll never let hatred consume you..." Furrowing his brows, Wu asked, "And why should I promise you anything? Trust, once shattered, may be mended. However, no matter the effort you put into repairing it, the cracks will remain..." Closing his eyes, Hirzuen allowed Wu's words time to settle, a tired smile developing across his face as he muttered, "Because you know, no matter how I scheme against you, we are not enemies. I genuinely desire what's best for you, Naruto, and all the children in this village...if I had the power, I would carry on Lord Hashirama's dream of a world where no child has to experience war or bloodshed..." Reaching up to massage his forehead, Hiruzen's voice softened into a weary murmur as he added, "I've been at this for nearly forty years, Wu-kun. While the world has slowly progressed forward, I have struggled to keep up. Konoha...no, the Elemental Nations have been on the cusp of a revolution that will usher in a new, more prosperous era. We simply lacked someone suitable to act a herald...until now..." Lowering his hand, Hirzuen stared directly into Wu's eyes as he asserted, "You are still young, Wu-kun, but I believe you have the potential to bring about the change many so desperately crave. To that same end, you also have an unprecedented potential to cause harm...if forfeiting my life might prevent you from deviating down such a path, I would gladly cut open my stomach. All that I would ask is that your hatred dies with me..." "..." Though he was still resentful about what had transpired with Hinata, Wu found himself floored by Hiruzen's conviction. The old codger knew he would never ask him to commit ritual suicide, but Wu got the impression he would actually do it. This was one of the things he most hated about Hiruzen, as, despite their infrequent contact, the man could see through him like a glass pane... Averting his eyes, Wu's expression was a mixture of anger, confusion, and bitterness as he groaned, "You really piss me off sometimes..." Exhaling a chuckle, Hiruzen reached for his pipe as he replied, "Someone has to keep you humble, at least until you have matured enough to do as you please. I know you're biding your time until you have the power to act freely, and I intend to let you act independently once you attain the rank of Jonin. For now, just humor this old man a while longer...we both know I don't just smoke this pipe for my glaucoma..." "..." Instead of answering Hiruzen, Wu rose to his feet and made to depart the room. Hiruzen made no attempt to stop him, so he stepped into the dimly lit hallway before looking back and saying, "Don't die too soon, old man...I still need your hat as an umbrella..." Amused by the apt comparison, a hearty laugh emanated from Hirzuen's throat. He planned to offer a retort, but by the time he was exhaled a few light coughs, Wu had already disappeared from the entryway. In his wake, Hiruzen adopted a truly grandfatherly smile as he mused, "I should check in on my actual grandson. I'm sure Wu-kun wouldn't mind another dozen or so students showing up to receive his guidance..." ... .. . Though it was still early in the afternoon, Wu retired to his room to collect his thoughts. A lot had happened in a short period, so he couldn't wait until later that evening to decompress and compartmentalize everything. Thus, starting from the moment Hiruzen appeared outside of his door, Wu replayed the day's events over and over again, his temperature gradually increasing as he strained his brain to think of ways he could have handled things better. After that, he weighed how his actions today would affect future events, barely noticing the passage of time as he created a script of sorts within his mind... ... .. . (A/N: I was genuinely disappointed by the amount of vitriol I got in response to the previous chapter. I've been doing my best to release chapters quickly so that everyone isn't left speculating about how things might end up. I thought I made it pretty clear that Wu isn't interested in relationships, yet there were several people crusading about the story was going to be like pokemon with the MC just arbitrarily collecting girls. If that was the case, why would I write tens of chapters building up said girls and showing how their actions influence and are influenced by the MC? All of these chapters are basically setting up the foundation for the rest of the story. Assuming Hinata will marry the MC when neither of them is in pursuit of such an outcome is just senseless. I would literally have to write Naruto to be a petulant asshole for Hinata to stop liking him, so all the people shouting NTR this and Cuck that need to get off their asses, go outside, and get some fresh air. Either that or put down the novel for a few days and then come back to verify if your 'predictions' were correct. Unless you're irredeemably delusional, you would quickly realize you were talking out of your ass.)

With the weekend coming to an end, Wu awoke the following day, finished his regular routine, and headed for the Academy. He found Ino waiting for him a few blocks away from where her family's flower shop was located, so the two of them walked together as the ever-pepper blonde recounted the events of her weekend. Upon reaching the Academy, Wu parted ways with the bubbly Yamanaka, greeted a few of his classmates, and then sat at his desk. They were even earlier than usual, but instead of making the usual rounds, Wu crossed his arms atop his desk before setting his head down and pretending to sleep. Unfortunately, while others doing the same would have been ignored, Wu's 'dispirited' state was noticed by several people. He had intended to be left alone for a bit, but it didn't even take a full minute before someone came over to check on him. What surprised him was the fact that it was Sasuke, asking, "What's your deal? Aren't you usually full of energy in the mornings...?" Feigning a tired smile, aided by the fact he was mentally exhausted, Wu lazily replied, "I had an eventful weekend..." before asking, "Did you need something?" Instead of answering Wu's question, Sasuke snorted through his nose and returned to his desk. The former followed his departure for a few seconds before attempting to put his head down a second time. It was marginally more effective than before, as the next person to disturb Wu's rest was Kaia, shouting, "Good morning, Aniki~!" in her usual, high-spirited tone. Raising his head, Wu feigned a sincere smile as he asked, "How was your weekend, Kaia? Did you get any training in back at the compound...?" Thumping her chest, eliciting a sound similar to a bag of sand being hit, Kaia replied, "Of course~! Kaa-chan said it's great that I'm trying to get stronger, so I train a lot!" Nodding his head in approval, Wu reiterated, "It is a good thing." before giving the excitable Inuzuka a fleeting pat on the head. Her expression melted into a somewhat stupid-looking smile, but Wu didn't particularly mind it. Kaia was the hardest working of all his 'students,' so, even if she was an idiot, she was more tolerable than most... ... .. . After a fairly uneventful morning, Wu sat at his usual table with Naruto, Kaia, Sakura, Ino, and Hinata. The latter was her usual demure self, but after receiving several 'warning' looks from Wu, she surprised everyone else at the table by sitting straighter and smiling. As Hinata was sitting across from him, Naruto's eyes widened slightly as he confusedly remarked, "Huh? Hinata-chan...?" Though her cheeks became noticeably ruddy, Hinata narrowed her eyes slightly and replied, "Yes? Did you need something, Naruto-kun...?" With Hinata's smile dealing mental and physical damage, an embarrassed smile adorned Naruto's face as he looked away, scratched the back of his head, and exhaled a nervous laugh. He couldn't recall the last time Hinata had looked directly at him, but instead of feeling creeped out by it, he felt a strange, fluttery feeling and a hint of...pressure? Seeing Naruto's reaction, the smile on Hinata's face became even more prominent before she covered her mouth and giggled softly. This caused Naruto's face to immediately turn beet-red as he rose from the table and stammered, "I...I'm gonna go see what Kiba and the others are up to..." Without waiting for anyone's response, Naruto turned around and ran off as if his life depended on it. Hinata's behavior was so drastically different from what he was used to that he couldn't process the change in front of his crush and other girls. Misinterpreting Naruto's reaction, Hinata was about to hang her head and shoulders when Wu gave her a thumbs up, saying, "Good job." in a sincere yet no-nonsense tone. Before Hinata could refute and say she did a terrible job, Ino looked at her as if she was witnessing some alien creature, questioning, "What the hell? Since when did you grow a backbone, Hinata-chan...?" Interrupting Hinata's bashful response, Sakura furrowed her brows and said, "Don't be so rude, Ino-chan." Then, while directing her gaze to Wu, she added, "Besides, it's pretty clear it has something to do with Wu-kun. I mean, who else could convince someone to change so drastically in a short period?" Looking at Wu, Ino retorted, "Seriously?" before realizing the implication of Sakura's words, furrowing her brows, and asking, "Does that mean you and Hinata hung out this weekend? Weren't you supposed to be spending time training with the boys?" Though Hinata started to panic slightly, thinking she may have exposed her and Wu's secret, the latter was comparably relaxed as he replied, "It just kind of happened. Hinata's path crossed with mine, so I offered her some advice on how she could get closer to Naruto. It's not like I haven't done the same for you and Sakura. Isn't that the reason you're pestering me to train you?" Furrowing her brows, Ino ignored everything else Wu had said, asking, "What do you mean, 'pestering?' I know it's an inconvenience for you, but you should be grateful to have a bunch of cute girls relying on you. I know you've noticed all the envious looks other boys give you when we come to school together." Shrugging his shoulders, Wu retorted, "With the exception of Kaia here, the rest of you girls have someone you like. I don't exactly view you as 'eye candy,' or whatever, so why should I be grateful? None of you have done anything for me besides consuming my free time. If anything, you've made it harder for me to interact with other boys in the class." "..." x3 Flabbergasted by Wu's remarks, Ino, Sakura, and Hinata were left utterly speechless. Kaia, contrastingly, was all smiles as she refuted Wu's earlier words, excitedly claiming, "That's wrong, Aniki! I have lots of people I like! I like my Kaa-chan, my Tou-san, all of my friends...!" Feigning a wry smile, Wu silenced the puppy-like girl with a head pat. He half-expected her to say she liked him, so he was relieved to hear such an 'innocent' response. He had no doubts that Kaia 'did' like him, but she had associated that affection with kinship. More specifically, she regarded him as her 'ever-reliable' big brother, her Aniki. Recovering from her shock, Sakura's expression became awkward as she asked, "Do you not want us to come over anymore? If I had known it was such an inconvenience for you..." Shaking his head, Wu lied through his teeth, stating, "I was the one who initially proposed training at the Sarutobi Estate. I also had you ask your parents for permission, so it would be irresponsible of me to assign blame to others. The point I was trying to make is that there's no reason for me to be 'grateful.' You aren't doing me any favors by simply stopping by, so if you expect me to be 'enthused' about receiving the envy of others, you're just wrong." "..." x3 Hearing Wu speak and trying to view things from his perspective, the trio of eight-year-olds was seized by the notion that they may, just possibly, be taking advantage of his friendship. Ino, in particular, had weaseled her way into the group for selfish reasons, so she became uncharacteristically meek as she hung her head and lowered her gaze. As his intent was simply to get the girls to work harder, Wu interrupted the trio's pity party, stating, "No need to beat yourselves up. It's not as though I hate spending time with you. If I did, I wouldn't have invited you over in the first place. Just don't mistake my kindness for infatuation. I'm trying to help you reach your goals, not ingratiate myself to you in pursuit of some kind of reward. If you try to take advantage of me like that, then we're not friends." "..." x3 Though they only understood about half the things Wu said at times, the trio of girls could understand that Wu was being 'genuine.' He really had been doing his best to help them improve, and, thus far, he hadn't asked for a single thing in return. He just expected them to 'make an effort.' Realizing she might have wronged Wu quite a bit in the past week or so, Ino combed back her bangs, her expression lacking her usual confidence as she attempted to apologize, saying, "I'm-" before being interrupted by Wu stating, "You don't need to apologize or change who you are. So long as you do your best and continue striving toward your goal, that's enough. Leave the sentimental crap for when you and Sakura invariably reach the conclusion you can 'both' have your beloved Sasuke-kun..." "Eh...?" Inserting herself back into the discussion, Sakura asked, "What do you mean?" despite being fully aware of Sasuke's 'unique' status. After all, it was literally the only reason she and the other girls had been able to get along despite pining after the same guy. Realizing what Wu was referring to, Ino's expression became somewhat neutral as she flatly replied, "He's talking about the Clan Restoration Act. It gives people with unique bloodlines a protected status, allowing them to forgo the usual responsibilities of a Shinobi and prioritize replenishing their numbers. Sasuke-kun is the last remaining member of the Uchiha, so he can apply for the status whenever he wants." Though he nodded in affirmation, Wu added, "The only reason he hasn't is because he has yet to fulfill his purpose. He seeks power with the obvious intention of avenging his Clan. Until he can achieve that, there is no future for the Uchiha Clan. At least in Sasuke's mind. Things like love? Romance? They are just distractions." Furrowing their brows, Ino and Sakura lowered their heads and fell into a deep, contemplative silence. They were well aware of the destruction of the Uchiha, but neither had considered the possibility of Sasuke seeking revenge. In hindsight, it was 'very' obvious he would want to, so the real question was, how could they help him? Realizing the answer at nearly the same time, Ino and Sakura looked at one another with increasingly resolute expressions on their faces. They now fully comprehended why Sasuke was so seeking strength, so if they truly wanted to be with him, they would first need to help him achieve his dream of vengeance... Recognizing the conviction in the duo's eyes, Wu gave an approving nod and said, "Now you're starting to see why I keep telling you that building a foundation is essential. The greater your capabilities, the easier it is to fulfill your goals. If the two of you are around the same level or 'stronger' than him, Sasuke will have no choice but to acknowledge you. Just steel your hearts, as the moment he views you as a rival, he will do everything in his power to surpass you..." Imagining Sasuke being the one to pursue them, Ino's and Sakura's eyes widened before becoming starry. If they worked hard, there was a good chance that Sasuke would willfully approach them. He may even join in on their training sessions, allowing them to spend more time together as they worked toward a mutual goal. Then, when they finally avenged the Uchiha Clan, they would be the obvious choices to help him restore it... As a blush gradually crept up the necks and into the faces of the two girls, a smile not all that dissimilar to Hiruzen's developed across Wu's face. He initially didn't care if Ino or Sakura achieved their goals, but after the fiasco with Hinata, he wasn't taking any chances. If the duo changed the target of their affection to him, he might just smash his head against a wall until he was a vegetable... ... .. .

Rising around an hour before dawn, as usual, Wu went through his usual routine of cleaning his face, brushing his teeth, and checking his body for stray fleas or ticks. The latter was no longer necessary after his departure from Jigokudani, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Just as Wu was preparing to head outside and conduct his early morning workout, a faint knock emanated from his door. His face briefly contorted into a scowl, but it had returned to normal by the time he opened the door to find Hiruzen standing on the opposite side. Preempting Wu's greeting or complaint, Hiruzen said, "Worry not, Wu-kun. I have not come here to interrupt your training. I merely wanted to ask if I could borrow some of your time later, specifically around 11 AM." Since it gave him a decent amount of time to prepare, Wu nodded his head and answered, "Sure, no problem." before asking, "Where should I meet you...?" Adopting one of his grandfatherly smiles, Hiruzen said, "I'll need you to heave over to Sara-san's place, our Clan's personal Seamstress. She has some clothes for you to try on. After that, I would like you to accompany me to a meeting. Don't worry, you aren't going to be tested or anything. It's just a formality." Though he instantly regretted his decision to accept Hiruzen's request, Wu returned a curt nod, asserting, "I'll be there." Hiruzen had done him several favors in the past few months, and Wu hated being indebted to others. If it turned out Hiruzen was luring him into some kind of trap, the old man would lose his trust, and that was that. Understanding that Wu didn't like deviating from his schedule, Hiruzen returned a cut nod before turning away and meandering down the hall at a slow, leisurely pace. He could feel Wu's gaze boring a hole into his back, so he did his best not to give anything away... ... .. . Contrasting the kata, form, and weight training he did in the afternoons, Wu's early morning regimen revolved around cardiovascular exercises. Kurenai may have thought he had infinite stamina, but the truth was that he was constantly circulating his Chakra while simultaneously absorbing energy from the atmosphere through his mouth, nose, and pores. In fact, except for when he was sleeping, Wu was constantly absorbing what old man Enma referred to as Natural Energy. Despite what he had said to Ino, Wu's reserves didn't increase the same way as an ordinary person's. No matter how much he trained his body or focused his mind, his reserves would barely increase. He had tested this by 'not' training for a short period, and the increase was pretty much the exact same. Thus, while other people could train, meditate, or consume a special elixir to increase their Chakra capacity, Wu's only method of doing so was aging. As terrible as Wu's situation sounded, the truth of the matter was that he was incredibly blessed. He didn't know precisely how fast it regenerated, but his ability to absorb Natural Energy from the environment allowed him to replenish his reserves in minutes. Other people would need to sleep for around 8-10 hours to achieve the same feat, so, as long as he didn't exert himself too much, Wu had functionally limitless Chakra. Fortunately, while Wu's reserves appeared to increase slower than some of his classmates, this was mainly because they were entering their rapid growth period. As their bodies transitioned from children into adults, their physical parameters and mental acuity would increase rapidly. However, without consistent effort, they would eventually hit a wall that could only be surmounted with considerable willpower. Unlike his classmates, Wu's unique form of growth meant his progress would never plateau. Even if he didn't train, he would continue to grow stronger, seemingly without limit. Since he 'did' train, Wu was confident that his strength would remain well ahead of his peers for the rest of his life. He could already give a skilled Chunin a run for her money, so by the time he graduated, Wu anticipated he would be able to do the same with a Jonin... ... .. . After changing into a black and grey yukata with the symbol of the Sarutobi Clan sewn onto the back and chest, a stone-faced Wu was escorted to one of the guest houses on the Sarutobi Estate. It was a place prepared for foreign dignitaries and high-ranking members from other Clans. Hence, various thoughts, mostly negative, pervaded Wu's mind as the elderly man heralded him inside. Just as Wu was psyching himself up to encounter someone important, the metaphorical wind was taken out of his sails as Hiruzen guided him into a tea room containing Hinata and a middle-aged man from the Hyuga Clan. The former had been dolled up with makeup and garbed in an expensive-looking, predominately white kimono, so it wasn't difficult to imagine why Hiruzen had requested his presence. Interrupting Wu's brief pause, Hiruzen placed one hand on his shoulder while gesturing to one of the flat cushions opposite the pearl-eyed duo, saying, "Please, take a seat, Wu-kun. I can tell you've already guessed the purpose of this meeting, but I can assure you. The decision is yours and Lady Hinata's to make." Without responding to the conniving man's words, Wu took his seat and stared at Hinata. She currently had her head and eyes facing downward, but that was customary during these procedures. This was obviously the setup for a marriage interview, but, as neither he nor Hinata were adults, it was up to their respective Guardians to negotiate the terms. Hiruzen may have said it was up to them, but Wu knew things couldn't be so clear-cut. As the most senior person present, by a long shot, Hiruzen was given the responsibility of initiating the interview, gesturing to Hinata and the older Hyuga as he revealed, "This esteemed gentleman here is the Patriarch of the Hyuga Clan, Hyuga Hiashi. He has brought his daughter here today to discuss the possibility of marriage between our two Clans." Bowing his head slightly, his back as straight as a board, Hiashi stated, "I believe this union benefits both our houses. My daughter has progressed considerably these past few weeks, and the responsibility for that growth lies in your tutelage, Sarutobi Wu-kun. It is my desire to see her reach her full potential, but I would not have you devote your time and effort to her without recompense. Therefore, I have proposed entrusting my daughter to the care of the Sarutobi Clan, fortifying the union between our houses and ensuring the prosperity of the forthcoming generation." Though it would ordinarily be his turn to state the positives and negatives of such a union, Hiruzen looked to Wu and said, "I am interested to hear your opinion on this matter, Wu-kun." Surprising the two adult men, Wu didn't need to consider his words before responding, "I am not against it. However, as Lord Hiashi pointed out, I've been observing and training Lady Hinata for several weeks. The two Lords may not be aware, but there is another that has captured the heart of the Hyuga heiress, Uzumaki Naruto. While it is reasonable to assume that she would become powerful if left in my care, it is beyond my ability to change her heart and guarantee her happiness. If Lord Hiashi truly wishes to see Lady Hinata reach her full potential, he will support her decision and allow her to follow her chosen path. People do not become extraordinary at the behest of others. True power comes from a desire to attain or protect the things closest to our heart..." Though it was an extreme faux pas, Hinata couldn't help raising her head ever-so-slightly to meet Wu's gaze. She doubted his words would be able to convince her father to retract the proposal, but she appreciated that he had tried. She could only dream of having the same courage... Leaving Hinata stunned beyond words, not that she intended to speak, Hiashi nodded his head and said, "There is considerable wisdom in your words, Sarutobi Wu-kun. Lord Third was equally wise to have suggested we defer to you on this matter. Now, even if the proposal falls through, I can be certain my daughter will double her efforts moving forward..." Raising her head, Hinata looked up at her father with a mixture of hope and disbelief as she softly inquired, "Does this mean...?" Revealing a 'very' rare smile, Hiashi nodded his head and reiterated, "As Lord Third mentioned before, the decision is ultimately yours, and young Sarutobi-kun's to make. A coerced union jeopardizes the stability of both houses, so we will not proceed if either of you is against it. Sarutobi-kun has already expressed his approval, so the final person to decide is you." "I..." Not expecting to be given the option to refuse, Hinata found herself at a complete and utter loss for words. She almost felt like she was dreaming, but, at the same time, she also felt guilty. It was true that Wu was going out of his way to foster her growth, both as a Kunoichi and as a person, so part of her felt like she owed it to him to say yes... Irreversibly complicating things, Hiruzen chimed in to explain, "Even if you agree today, your marriage will not be officiated until the two of you reach a suitable age. If either of you changes your mind between now and then, the engagement can be annulled at any time. Furthermore, to ensure the honor and integrity of both houses, your engagement would not be made public until arrangements for the ceremony have been completed." Listening to the words of Hiruzen, someone every citizen of Konoha had been taught to fear and respect from a young age, Hinata began feeling a little lightheaded. He wasn't using any special techniques or Genjutsu, but the elderly man's calm, grandfatherly words penetrated her mind, filling her with the sense that everything would be okay... With the assurance that she could annul the engagement any time, Hinata softly and absentmindedly replied, "I'm not...unwilling..." Hearing Hinata's response, the faint smile on Hiashi's face visibly twitched while Hiruzen exhaled a soft yet throaty chuckle. Contrasting this, Wu had no reaction at all, his expression and smile seemingly frozen in time as he gazed into Hinata's eyes and internally screamed, ("All you had to fucking do was say no...!") Though he could technically annul the engagement whenever he wanted, the persona Wu had cultivated during his stay in Konoha meant he would need a good reason to refuse. He currently wasn't willing to compromise his position as a member of the Sarutobi Clan, so Hinata's acquiescence meant he was stuck with her until she decided otherwise. As her senses gradually returned and she found Wu staring back at her, a soft blush colored Hinata's cheeks. However, while she did lower her head slightly, she didn't avert her eyes, a faint smile gracing her lips as she held Wu's gaze. It was strange, but now that they were engaged, she suddenly felt a lot closer to her golden-eyed classmate... Seeing Hinata's smile, Wu's internal cursing became louder, contrasting the softening of his expression. In reality, the only thing preventing him from flipping over the table separating them was the notion that he now had a perfect excuse to increase the intensity of Hinata's training. At least that way, even if they 'were' forced to marry, she wouldn't be completely useless... ... .. . (A/N: For those of you who think this guarantees Hinata a spot in the harem, please refer back to the comment at the end of Chapter 17. Have a nice day.)

Chapter 21: Rage