Neither of the Hokage, nor the two Hyuga clan heads engaged in discussion with them, noticed the faint gleam of light that flashed across Hyuga Satoru's eyes.
But Uzumaki Kushina, who had been rather bored since taking her seat, had her full attention fixed on Satoru. Her bright eyes brimmed with affection, unable to conceal her fondness.
Though young, Satoru's ability to sit quietly and calmly while the adults discussed important matters—without fidgeting or interrupting—had immediately caught Kushina's attention.
At a little over two months pregnant, she was already filled with dreams and hopes for her unborn child.
She wished her baby would inherit Minato's intelligence and composure—and her own strength and independence.
Expectant mothers often found themselves observing other children, comparing them in secret, hoping their own would share the good traits and avoid the bad.
Watching the handsome, composed boy sitting silently beside his father, Kushina couldn't help but imagine her own child turning out the same way.
Sensing someone's gaze, Satoru turned slightly. His eyes met Kushina's warm, smiling expression.
Unbothered by her attention, Satoru glanced down at the tea before her—its color faint and cooling—and, without needing to be asked, picked up the teapot and refilled her cup.
"What a thoughtful child…" Kushina murmured softly. "I want our child to grow up like this too."
She leaned gently against Minato's arm, smiling as she nestled closer to him, completely forgetting the formal setting they were in.
Hyuga Shin chuckled pleasantly. "Lord Kushina and Lord Minato truly have a wonderful relationship. It's admirable—so enviable!"
Minato laughed good-naturedly at that, sliding an arm around his wife's shoulders. "Kushina, are you tired? We'll head back as soon as we're done here."
Hyuga Shin and Hiashi exchanged a knowing glance. Taking the cue, Hiashi quickly spoke up, his tone respectful yet decisive:
"Lord Third Hokage, Lord Fourth Hokage—please rest assured. The Hyuga Clan will fully support this matter."
"This concerns not only Lady Kushina's safety, but the safety of the entire village. As part of Konoha, it's our duty to assist."
"May I ask how many shinobi you require our clan to send to assist the ANBU guard detail?"
Hiashi's swift agreement came without hesitation. Missions of this sort—protective escort duties—were well within the Hyuga's capabilities. He trusted his clan's skill completely and saw this as a perfect chance to strengthen ties with the Hokage.
After all, while the Hyuga didn't bow to anyone in Konoha, maintaining a good relationship with the Hokage's office could only bring benefits.
"Thank you very much for your help, Lord Hiashi," Minato said warmly. "Because the childbirth must be kept secret, we can't make the escort team too large—otherwise we risk attracting attention."
"The Third and I plan to limit the total guard force to about forty people, divided into eight squads."
"If possible, I'd like the Hyuga Clan to send eight skilled Byakugan users—elite shinobi—to assist."
Hiashi immediately understood the weight of Minato's words. For the Fourth Hokage to use the term "elite shinobi" so deliberately, he clearly meant jonin-level strength.
Thanks to the Byakugan, most Hyuga who awakened their dojutsu reached at least chunin rank, and many were capable of serving as special jonin. But true jonin were far rarer, even within the clan.
To dispatch eight of them at once would leave the Main Family's defenses noticeably weakened.
Still—he had already given his word. There was no turning back now. After a brief pause for thought, Hiashi nodded firmly.
It was, in fact, an excellent opportunity for the chosen members of the Branch Family. Serving as Lady Kushina's guards during childbirth would earn valuable recognition—and perhaps even favor from the Hokage himself.
The Branch Family's fate might be tied to the Main, but personal merit and achievement could still open doors within Konoha. The Main Family never discouraged that.
As Minato and Hiashi continued their discussion, the clan head silently began selecting candidates in his mind. Naturally, the best missions went to those closest to the Main Family.
"Lord Fourth Hokage," Hiashi finally said with a respectful smile, "the Hyuga Clan will give this matter our full support. I'll personally select the eight shinobi for this task. My younger brother, Hyuga Hizashi, will lead the team."
"They will guard Lady Kushina with all their strength—and they will not fail your trust."
Both Hokage immediately recognized the name. Hyuga Hizashi—one of the Hyuga's most outstanding shinobi of the current generation. His reputation had already spread across the battlefields of the Third Great Ninja War.
During that war, the Hyuga Clan had once suffered a near disaster—a Byakugan stolen by a shinobi of Kirigakure named Ao. The recovery team formed for that mission had been led by none other than Hizashi.
Although the mission to reclaim the stolen Byakugan ultimately failed, Hizashi had slain numerous high-ranking Mist shinobi, earning respect and recognition throughout the Leaf's upper ranks.
Hearing that the mission would be entrusted to such a capable man, both Minato and the Third Hokage exchanged pleased glances.
"With Hyuga Hizashi leading, I can rest easy," Minato said sincerely. "Lord Hiashi, please extend my thanks to your clan. For Lady Kushina's safety, and for the village, your help means a great deal."
He paused, his expression softening. "And if there's ever anything the Hyuga Clan needs my assistance with—so long as it's within my power—I'll do everything I can to help."
It was a rare and personal promise, offered with genuine warmth.
Though the Hokage technically held authority over the entire village, the Hyuga Clan's status was unique—one of near equality. Minato, perceptive as ever, treated them with the courtesy due to powerful allies.
True partnership, after all, was built on mutual exchange—"You help me, and I help you."
Minato knew well that, despite his strength, his political foundation within Konoha was still shallow. Even as Hokage, the Third and the village elders—backed by the Sarutobi, Shimura, and the Ino—Shika—Cho clans—continued to influence much of village policy.
To solidify his position, Minato needed allies among Konoha's great clans. Gaining the Hyuga's trust was an essential step.
Hiashi, of course, understood perfectly. Though delighted by Minato's promise, he modestly replied, "You're far too kind, Lord Hokage. We're all doing this for the sake of the village. It's only natural."
Their eyes met, and both men smiled knowingly. Between wise men, words were often unnecessary.
And so, over a simple pot of tea, the Hyuga Clan and Konoha's leadership reached an unspoken accord.
When the tea was finished, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Namikaze couple rose, citing Kushina's fatigue as a reason to depart.
Hiashi, together with Satoru and Hyuga Shin, personally escorted them to the clan's gate.
Only after watching the Hokage and his entourage disappear down the path did they finally turn back toward the hall.
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