Naruto: The Shadow of Uchiha

As Ryosuke grew stronger day by day, training his body relentlessly with the Eight Gates technique, he often felt that his body—though powerful—needed a little feminine softness to help soothe the internal stress.

Of course, it was a side benefit that being around women helped his chakra grow—thanks to the hidden effects of his "Many Children, Much Fortune" system.

Looking at the girl before him with a gentle smile, Ryosuke asked kindly,

"You must be the Hyuga clan's heiress, right? Why are you out here alone?"

Hinata's eyes welled up at the question. Memories of earlier events came flooding back, and she looked even more distressed.

Seeing this, Ryosuke quickly softened his tone.

"It's okay. Whatever it is, you can tell big brother," he said warmly, careful not to come across as suspicious. After all, she was the heiress of the main Hyuga family—any misunderstanding could cause trouble.

Hinata, sensing the warmth and lack of malice in his voice—so different from how he'd scolded those bullies—slowly opened up.

She tearfully explained what had happened.

She had been sparring with her younger sister Hanabi. Not wanting to hurt her, she held back and ended up getting knocked to the ground. Their father was furious and called her worthless.

Ryosuke quietly listened, then sighed.

So that's what happened. Hyuga Hiashi, the clan head, had scolded Hinata for losing. It made sense.

As the heir to the Hyuga clan, she was being trained under strict conditions. If she was to inherit the clan's name and authority, she needed to be strong.

But Ryosuke knew—Hinata's gentle personality made her ill-suited for such a role.

Still, he couldn't say that aloud. Criticizing the Hyuga clan's internal decisions—especially as a Uchiha—was politically risky. He wasn't foolish.

Instead, he offered gentle encouragement.

"You did well. As an older sister, it's only natural to protect your little sister."

Hinata blinked in surprise. Someone… actually praised her?

Her father had always called her a failure, and even though she understood his high expectations, the emotional weight had been heavy.

Now, someone had acknowledged her choice to protect her sister.

Her expression softened, a faint glow returning to her pale eyes.

Ryosuke smiled and said,

"I'll walk you home. Even in Konoha, things can be dangerous sometimes."

The Byakugan of the Hyuga main branch was a prized target. And with all the brats running around? No wonder she was getting harassed.

Ryosuke still didn't understand how those kids had the guts to bully the Hyuga heiress.

Hinata nodded. She had snuck out on her own, after all.

Just as they were about to go, Ryosuke paused awkwardly and asked,

"Um… you know the way home, right?"

"Yes," Hinata said with a quick nod.

"Great. You lead the way. I'll keep you safe."

Ryosuke was secretly relieved. He didn't want to wander around asking for directions to the Hyuga clan compound—that would've been embarrassing.

At the Hyuga Clan Compound

Hyuga Hiashi was standing in the main hall when a servant came rushing in.

"Lord Hiashi! Lady Hinata is missing!"

His expression immediately darkened, worry flashing across his face.

Still, as clan head, he kept calm.

Could it be… an abduction?

The Hyuga clan was divided into the main house and branch house. While both could awaken the Byakugan, only the branch house had the Caged Bird Seal, which prevented their eyes from being stolen after death.

The main family did not have this seal.

There had been past incidents where enemies stole a Hyuga's eye.

If Hinata had truly been kidnapped, it would be disastrous.

On the other hand… she might have just wandered off.

But either way, this had to be treated as a high-level emergency.

He gave a decisive order.

"Mobilize all Hyuga clan shinobi in the compound. Find Hinata—immediately!"

"Yes, Lord Hiashi!"

Within minutes, Hiashi led a squad of Hyuga shinobi out of the compound, prepared to comb every corner of the village.

But the moment they stepped outside, they saw a Uchiha walking calmly toward them—holding Hinata's hand.

Hiashi's heart eased slightly at the sight.

Ryosuke also spotted the incoming search party. Internally, he was impressed—they mobilized this fast?

He stepped forward and calmly explained everything that had happened.

Fortunately, Hiashi listened without interrupting.

Ryosuke had no desire to get into a misunderstanding with the Hyuga clan—especially not over their precious heiress.

Hiashi, for his part, didn't doubt the story.

After all, the Uchiha also possessed a powerful Kekkei Genkai. They wouldn't stoop to petty tricks or try to steal Byakugan. It was surprising, however, that an Uchiha had gone out of his way to help.

While there wasn't much interaction between the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, and the Uchiha currently had a bad reputation in the village, Hiashi wasn't one to forget proper etiquette.

"You have my gratitude for returning my daughter safely," Hiashi said politely. "Come inside—I'll prepare some fine tea to thank you."

Ryosuke shook his head and replied,

"No need for that."

And with that, he turned and left.

He had no business with the Hyuga. Better to use the time to find Might Guy and continue training in the Fifth Gate.

Hiashi didn't insist. As clan head, he had to avoid openly associating with the Uchiha—the Hokage's office was always wary of them.

But etiquette was etiquette. The Uchiha had helped his daughter, and he wouldn't forget that.

After Ryosuke left, Hiashi dismissed the other shinobi and turned his attention to Hinata.

Anger rose in his chest—but when he saw her downcast eyes and trembling body, he sighed internally.

He'd known her gentle nature since she was a child.

But as his eldest daughter, she was expected to uphold the Hyuga's reputation.

Her personality needed to change.

He would have to guide her—step by step.