"What on earth is going on?"
With Kakashi's personality, he simply ignored the discussions around him.
He looked at Chiharu. Although the Hokage's daughter was young, she was much calmer than Naruto when facing problems.
Kakashi could still see a hint of anger in Naruto's eyes.
Before Chiharu could explain, the short-haired little girl approached Kakashi and said tearfully:
"I'm sorry, this is all my fault. I caused everything."
"I will take all the blame. Can you please let him go first?"
Kakashi was stunned, not knowing what was happening. At this moment, the Hyuga ninja he had captured suddenly spoke with a resolute expression:
"Lady Hinata, you don't have to do this for me. I was too reckless."
"Hinata?"
Kakashi murmured, then raised his eyes slightly and looked at the extremely anxious little girl in front of him.
"Hyuga Hinata? The daughter of Hyuga Hiashi, head of the Hyuga clan."
"Brother Kakashi, please let this annoying guy go first."
Just then, Naruto raised his eyes and said to Kakashi.
"Okay."
Kakashi nodded and released his hold.
The Hyuga ninja immediately turned around, knelt on one knee in front of Naruto and Chiharu, and said: "My young lords, the unreasonable offense just now was entirely my fault. I am willing to take full responsibility. It has nothing to do with Lady Hinata. Please don't blame her."
The man was sweating profusely. Although Konoha was not governed by strict hierarchy, Naruto and Chiharu were the Hokage's children after all.
He had shown such contempt for them earlier. Even if the Hokage did not hold him accountable, the head of the Hyuga family would definitely not let him off easily if word got out.
"Huh?"
The sudden change in the man's attitude left Naruto bewildered. His expression immediately shifted from anger to confusion.
"What's wrong with this guy?"
He looked at Kakashi and Chiharu questioningly.
Chiharu briefly explained the whole story to Kakashi.
Kakashi nodded. Judging from the clothes of the man before him, he appeared to be a retainer of the Hyuga clan, which explained why he hadn't recognized Naruto and Chiharu.
The Hyuga family traditions were quite strict, and even though Naruto had only helped Hinata when she nearly fell, for the Hyuga family, it was indeed against tradition and considered embarrassing to see their eldest daughter being held by a young boy.
At this time, Chiharu signaled to Kakashi with her eyes.
He leaned down slightly, and she moved close to his ear and asked softly: "Earlier, this person called that little girl 'Lady.' What are their identities?"
Kakashi replied in a low voice: "They're from the Hyuga clan. This man is likely a retainer of the Hyuga family. The little girl is the daughter of the current Hyuga clan leader."
"Oh."
Chiharu nodded thoughtfully.
She had heard her father mention the Hyuga clan several times; they seemed to be a prominent clan in the village.
This situation, which had attracted many onlookers, naturally caught the attention of the Uchiha police force patrolling the village. Two Uchiha clansmen made their way through the crowd.
One of them recognized Kakashi immediately.
Though he was a member of the Uchiha clan and had no connection to the Hatake family, those familiar with village politics knew that Kakashi held a special status in Konoha.
So he approached and asked, "Kakashi, what's going on here?"
Kakashi was momentarily surprised, then noticed Chiharu beside him blinking at him meaningfully.
He immediately understood and said with a smile: "It's nothing, just some children playing together."
"Please ask everyone to disperse. There's nothing to see here."
Kakashi said to the Uchiha patrol member.
The man nodded, and then he and his partner began dispersing the crowd.
"You should stand up too."
Chiharu then spoke to the Hyuga retainer.
The man was slightly taken aback, but after seeing no malice in Chiharu's eyes, he stood up.
"Sister, don't worry. My brother and I don't want to do anything to him."
"When Brother Kakashi attacked him earlier, he was just worried that we might get hurt."
Chiharu walked to Hinata's side, stood on tiptoe, and gently wiped the tears from her face.
Looking at the girl's smile that was as warm as sunshine, Hinata's anxiety gradually subsided.
"You really don't blame me?"
When the Hyuga retainer heard Chiharu's words, his eyes trembled and he quickly looked away.
Chiharu looked at him, her face stern.
Seeing this, the man's expression became downcast again.
What he had done wasn't so easily forgiven.
However, the next moment, Chiharu chuckled and said, "Of course it was rude, but it's not a big deal. Why should we all be so tense?"
"Just think of it as a disagreement between fellow villagers."
Chiharu glanced at Naruto. Given his personality, he was only angry for a moment because of those harsh words.
Neither he nor Chiharu would make things difficult for others just because their father was the Hokage.
"My young lords, I am deeply humbled by your generosity." The Hyuga retainer lowered his head in shame and spoke in a solemn voice.
"If you understand, then don't treat other people with that tone anymore. We're all fellow villagers living in Konoha. Is there anything that can't be said in a friendly way?"
Chiharu's words echoed concepts she had learned from Minato.
Kakashi's white eyebrows raised slightly in surprise.
Chiharu really was a clever child.
"Yes, I understand!" the Hyuga retainer replied earnestly.
Chiharu turned and smiled at Hinata again: "Sister, let's be friends from now on."
"My name is Namikaze Chiharu, and this is my brother, Namikaze Naruto."
She introduced herself and also pointed to Naruto who stood nearby.
Hinata nodded timidly and said, "My name is... Hyuga Hinata."
"Great!"
Chiharu responded happily.
"Brother, what are you doing standing over there? Come here quickly."
Chiharu turned and called to Naruto.
Naruto was startled for a moment, then walked over.
The three of them were all children without complicated thoughts or concerns, so after a brief exchange, they became acquainted.
"I'm sorry, but it's getting late. I need to go home."
"Thank you for today, Naruto, Chiharu, and Kakashi-senpai."
Hinata's face suddenly grew anxious again.
She had already stayed out longer than her father had permitted.
"Well, see you next time," Chiharu said cheerfully.
Naruto, standing beside her, looked a bit awkward. He put his hands behind his head and smiled at Hinata.
Hinata bid farewell to them and hurriedly left with the Hyuga retainer.
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