Hearing Toneri's words, the normally shy Hinata froze. She even lifted her head, staring at the boy in surprise.
People in the world of the Hokage seemed to understand matters of the heart at an unusually young age, and now, at seven years old, Hinata naturally understood the meaning of the word "wife."
He helped me, and I'm grateful… and I do like him… but what does he mean by suddenly saying "You'll be my wife"?
Seeing Ōtsutsuki Toneri's smiling face, Hinata's expression faltered like a frightened rabbit, and she quickly lowered her head again.
"Th-that… no…" she whispered softly, her voice barely audible, yet it was laden with deep embarrassment.
The word "wife"…
Just thinking about it made her head feel dizzy.
Though timid, she understood that a wife was a man's lifelong partner, the most important companion in his life.
Does he… like me that much?
Her heart raced at the thought.
"No, that's not true! You're mine! This is fate! Hinata, trust me—I will treat you well for your whole life!" Toneri interrupted her stammering with a gentle, firm voice.
Hinata Hyūga—she belonged to him.
He had always believed this. Perhaps it was because he had become Ōtsutsuki Toneri that this conviction had formed.
This obsession—he would never allow the prince to steal his bride-to-be ever again.
"But…" Hinata felt a warm current of emotion sweep through her at his words. This was the first time anyone had valued her so deeply, declaring so decisively that they would care for her.
Her father had wished for her success and greatness, but because of her timid and weak nature, he had long since given up hope.
Since childhood, her father had been extremely strict with her.
Yet now… this was the first time she had felt such profound warmth.
"There's no 'but,' Hinata. We're still young. When I grow up, I will come for you. Will you wait for me?" Toneri interrupted again, his tone carrying a faint, unyielding dominance.
Timid or not, there was no need to waste effort trying to win her favor.
He would imprint himself in her heart forever.
"I… I will…" Hinata's voice trembled as her tears welled up, her heart swelling with warmth.
This boy was truly special. He would not disdain her, nor her timidity.
Even the affection and care in his words reached her sensitive heart.
Just as Hinata was about to say the words "I will," a sharp, youthful voice suddenly rang out:
"Onee-chan!"
Toneri paused, turning his head. A small, cute girl with loose black hair was running toward them.
Through the Rinnegan, Toneri assessed her, his expression calm, though a strange feeling stirred within him.
This girl was Hinata's younger sister, Hanabi Hyūga—but something was off with her age.
The girl looked to be six or seven years old, yet Hanabi was supposed to be five years younger than Hinata.
Perhaps it was some unforeseen anomaly, a butterfly effect of fate. Toneri could only accept it as such.
"Onee-chan, who's this?" Hanabi ran to Hinata and helped her to her feet, her gaze sharp with caution as she looked at Toneri.
Though she appeared delicate, Hanabi was far more outgoing than Hinata and possessed a strong sense of pride.
Hanabi knew her sister's timid nature well. Though younger, she often ended up protecting Hinata instead.
"…" Hinata froze, realizing that although Toneri had apparently introduced himself earlier, she had been too focused on his declaration to notice.
"I am Toneri, Ōtsutsuki Toneri!" Toneri said, his eyes closed, his expression calm and smiling gently at the two girls.
A minor surprise—Hanabi was no match for him. She posed no threat. Moreover…
Through the Rinnegan, Toneri's gaze fell on Hanabi's palm—the purity of her Byakugan was remarkable.
Originally, in the canon, Toneri had awakened his Rinnegan by transplanting Hanabi's Byakugan. Even now, Toneri felt a stirring of interest.
Yet…
This was not the right moment. The bond between Hinata and Hanabi seemed extremely close. If he were to take Hanabi's eyes, Hinata might never forgive him.
Hanabi sized up Toneri carefully. The boy was indeed handsome, but why were his eyes always closed?
"Hinata, are you the only two of your age in the Hyūga main family?" Toneri asked, feigning curiosity as he looked at her.
This was crucial. If the Hyūga main family truly only had these two of the same age, Toneri would have to consider taking Hanabi's Byakugan—or the eyes of other Hyūga family members.
He needed eyes with exceptionally high purity for awakening the Rinnegan.
At best, the eyes should belong to someone of roughly Toneri's age, making them the perfect candidates.
[Note from the author: Don't worry too much about Naruto-Sasuke interactions right now. Their current camaraderie is just for future plot tension. Imagine Toneri as the big boss—Naruto's expression during the eventual showdown will be priceless!]