novelzi 53. The Next Steps for Hinome’s Research
53. The Next Steps for Hinome’s Research
53. The Next Steps for Hinome’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 some of his new estate's buildings, and the new diplomatic division completely set up already, Hikari took a moment to step back from the whirlwind of duties that had consumed him since assuming his role as Third Elder.
His responsibilities had kept him from meeting Hinome 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 complemented 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 Medical Research Center, where he would usually go and find Hinome.
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 Medical and Research Center, the crowd parted in acknowledgment, 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 medical professionals, but Hikari's presence seemed to bring a momentary calm, as people paused to acknowledge him.
Hinome had wrapped up her education at the institute quite a while back and, despite being young, now led her own research department. It wasn't long before Hikari located her room.
Hinome was deeply engrossed in her work, a testament to her dedication and the reason behind her rapid rise within the institute.
When Hinome caught sight of Hikari's figure, her face lit up with a slight warmth and happiness, a spontaneous reaction to seeing a long-time 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 moment 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, Hinome, call me by my name only just like before...", He said softly.
There was no other reason, in scientific research and medical ninjutsu, she was already above him a long time ago and was the crucial and most fundamentally 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, Hinome now appeared much more confident than before, unlike many of the ordinary Side Branch members.
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 Hinome regained her composure, their conversation shifted to a more professional topic. They discussed the equipment Hikari had acquired through the clan's secret channels, equipment that was due to arrive shortly.
This new gear was essential for their next steps, as the relocation of Hinome'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 Medical Research Center.
Meanwhile, as Hikari and Hinome transitioned from the Side Branch to the Main Branch residential area, the atmosphere shifted once again.
Despite the sparser population here, their presence quickly became 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 members, 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. Hinome, 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 Hinome to blush harder and harder after accidentally overhearing some 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.
Hinome, still caught in a daze from the whirlwind of attention and speculation, and absent-minded simply nodded in agreement.
Without another word, they quickened their pace, moving through the Main Branch residential area toward the Third Estate.
As they approached the Third Estate, Hinome couldn't hide her astonishment at its grandeur and sheer size, which, in her eyes, seemed to surpass even that of the Hyuga Clan's Medical and Research Center.
The estate stood as a testament to the prestige and responsibility that came 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 meticulously maintained gardens that led to the main residence.
Hikari, noticing Hinome's stunned expression, offered a reassuring smile. Understanding the importance of making her feel welcome and at ease in this new environment, he gently led her through the entrance.