53. The Next Steps for Hino’s Research
A few days later, after finishing his pre-afternoon daily training and with the major tasks of setting up his industries under centralized control of so of his new estate's buildings, and the new diplomatic division completely set up already, Hikari took a mont to step back from the whirlwind of duties that had consud him since assuming his role as Third Elder.
His responsibilities had kept him from eting Hino for a week—a delay that was unusual for him, given the importance he placed on their collaboration.
Dressed in his refined dark blue robes, now complented by a haori that marked his status, Hikari presented a picture of Hyuga nobility as he prepared to leave his refurbished estate.
Accompanied by a carefully selected personal entourage of bodyguards and attendants from the Side Branch, Hikari moved with deliberate steps towards the Side Branch living area next.
His destination was the Hyuga dical Research Center, where he would usually go and find Hino.
Navigating the streets of the Side Branch living area with his imposing entourage, Hikari commanded attention and respect.
The presence of his bodyguards and the significance of his attire marked him as a figure of considerable importance within the clan.
As they made their way to the Hyuga dical and Research Center, the crowd parted in acknowledgnt, their salutes a sign of reverence.
Upon reaching the institute, Hikari didn't hesitate and went in as he was quite familiar with the place.
The corridors of the institute were filled with the hustle and bustle of researchers and dical professionals, but Hikari's presence seed to bring a montary calm, as people paused to acknowledge him.
Hino had wrapped up her education at the institute quite a while back and, despite being young, now led her own research departnt. It wasn't long before Hikari located her room.
Hino was deeply engrossed in her work, a testant to her dedication and the reason behind her rapid rise within the institute.
When Hino caught sight of Hikari's figure, her face lit up with a slight warmth and happiness, a spontaneous reaction to seeing a long-ti collaborator and friend, as she walked over.
However, the sight of his entourage and the realization of his new, elevated status made her pause, introducing a mont of uncertainty.
She hesitated, unsure how to address him now, caught between the formalities required by his new title and their familiar way of interacting.
Noticing her unease, Hikari couldn't help but smile a bit to ease the tension and bridge the gap that his new position might have created between them.
"No need to be hesitant, Hino, call by my na only just like before...", He said softly.
There was no other reason, in scientific research and dical ninjutsu, she was already above him a long ti ago and was the crucial and most fundantally valuable part of his plans. Therefore, Hikari was always the most polite to her.
Thanks to the long-term focus and protection she enjoyed from Hikari concerning her, Hino now appeared much more confident than before, unlike many of the ordinary Side Branch mbers.
She was also already considered the biggest genius in the scientific field that the Hyuga clan had so far, now also leading her research team here, making her quite more self-assured in that way than before.
Even many mbers of the Main Branch, she encountered now, aware of her close ties with Hikari, treated her with a level of politeness that was uncommon.
At 13, two years Hikari's senior now, Hino was entering a new phase of her life, with the onset of puberty beginning to reveal so of her womanly characteristics, and promising great potential in those areas as well once she fully developed in the future.
Her appearance was still marked by her shoulder-length dark brown ssy-looking hair and the standard Hyuga clan eyes with a pretty and symtrical face. She still had the sa heavy bangs covering her Cursed Seal marking. Her attire was mostly white-like and resembled that of a researcher.
"I've already talked with the director and the Sixth Elder; it's ti for you and your research team to move into my estate next, as we agreed upon. I've arranged for people to move everything there...", Hikari announced. His words were a clear indication of the plans he had in place for Hino and her team.
Over the years, Hino incorporated only a select few individuals into her team that would eventually beco Hikari's own research group.
All of them were carefully vetted by him, and were now transferred to his lineage as well, although most of them still wouldn't be inford about what kind of work they planned to do, they would do so general research help and remain unaware. Everything else would only be done and known to the two of them.
anwhile, Hino gave a nod toward his words, her outward expression steady, yet inside, she harbored a hint of shyness about the impending move.
Transitioning from her modest Side Branch ho, which her deceased parents left to her, to now about to be residing in Hikari's expansive Elder-level estate, alongside him, marked a significant change despite the vast space of the estate, it was still living alongside a boy in her mind.
However, despite the initial apprehension, she felt a growing sense of anticipation and positivity about the move.
Hino realized that being closer to Hikari would allow her more frequent interactions and discussions with him about many different things, sothing she valued highly and often missed when he was busy before.
She considered, 'This is probably because I'll be able to talk to Hikari more often once I start living and conducting my research there, unlike before... That's what I feel so... Excited...',
Hikari's unique ability to grasp the nuances of her work and his keen interest in the fields she was also exploring made him an invaluable ally and confidant.
'After all, Hikari is the only one in the clan who truly understands my research and the areas I'm passionate about and is a friend to . He always seems so mature for his age, providing with a strong sense of security and invaluable advice...', Hino reflected silently.
Then as Hikari and Hino soon stepped out of the building together, the bodyguards and attendants swiftly ford a protective circle around them.
Their easy conversation and laughter, shared in close proximity, drew curious and envious glances from the Side Branch mbers who witnessed the scene both inside the institute and out on the streets.
The sight of Hikari, a figure of such prominence within the Main Branch, so openly engaging with Hino, a mber of the Side Branch, sparked whispers and speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Hino, initially animated by the positive interaction with Hikari, after a week of not seeing him, couldn't help but blush as she beca fully aware of the attention their walk and she herself were attracting.
The murmurs and gossip among the onlookers grew louder, fueled by envy and curiosity about her apparent 'good fortune' to be so favorably regarded by soone of Hikari's status.
Observing this, Hikari sighed softly and then gave a discreet command to his entourage. They promptly took action, gently but firmly moving the onlookers away and creating a barrier between them and the whispering crowd.
Once Hino regained her composure, their conversation shifted to a more professional topic. They discussed the equipnt Hikari had acquired through the clan's secret channels, equipnt that was due to arrive shortly.
This new gear was essential for their next steps, as the relocation of Hino's research to Hikari's personal residence marked a significant turning point.
With the move, they anticipated the opportunity to advance their research in ways previously constrained by the public setting of the Hyuga dical Research Center.
anwhile, as Hikari and Hino transitioned from the Side Branch to the Main Branch residential area, the atmosphere shifted once again.
Despite the sparser population here, their presence quickly beca the center of attention.
Word had spread fast about the Third Elder escorting an unfamiliar young girl of similar age as him to his estate a few days after he also previously moved in, sparking curiosity and speculation among the Main Branch mbers, and increasing their numbers on the streets.
Unlike in the Side Branch area, Hikari's attendants found it more challenging to manage the onlookers and gossipers here, given the higher status of the observers.
This shift in atmosphere led to an awkward pause in their conversation. Hino, then amidst the whispers and speculative glances, found herself blushing once again.
The murmurs around them grew, filled with speculation, 'Who is this young woman?', 'Why is she standing so close to the Third Elder-sama and talking so intimately?', 'Could this be the new lady of the Third Lineage?',
Each guess and whisper got more outrageous than the last one, causing Hino to blush harder and harder after accidentally overhearing so of them.
Her reaction was subtle, marked by a quietness and a gentle fidgeting of her hands, with her head down, a stark contrast to the escalating gossip around them.
"Let's walk faster then...", Hikari suggested, a hint of helplessness crossing his features as he glanced around.
Hino, still caught in a daze from the whirlwind of attention and speculation, and absent-minded simply nodded in agreent.
Without another word, they quickened their pace, moving through the Main Branch residential area toward the Third Estate.
As they approached the Third Estate, Hino couldn't hide her astonishnt at its grandeur and sheer size, which, in her eyes, seed to surpass even that of the Hyuga Clan's dical and Research Center.
The estate stood as a testant to the prestige and responsibility that ca with Hikari's new position, its expansive grounds and imposing architecture reflecting the significance of the Third Elder within the clan.
Her initial reaction was one of awe, taking in the ticulously maintained gardens that led to the main residence.
Hikari, noticing Hino's stunned expression, offered a reassuring smile. Understanding the importance of making her feel welco and at ease in this new environnt, he gently led her through the entrance.
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