Here's the prologue.

Disclaimer: read previous chapter for details.

[this chapter was re-checked for typos and similar errors]

(* * *)

"Are you really sure about this?" Tsunade asked, her voice surprisingly gentle and hinted with worry. Her brown eyes, however, remained sharp and filled with authority as she gazed at the man standing in front of her.

"Absolutely, Hokage-sama" the man answered. "I believe it to be the quickest and most efficient learning experience. At least in teamwork and other issues. And I also believe that the rest can benefit from it as well, since-".

"No need to elaborate, I see your point..." the Godaime interrupted. "And I agree completely... It's just..." she regarded him once more, her elbows on her desk, her nose close to her clasped hands. "Intriguing" she finished.

"What is?" the man asked, seemingly puzzled.

Tsunade gaze hardened a little. "Frankly... there were probably other cases like that... Probably more than a few... yet you never asked for such things. Neither of your clansmen did, for that matter. Not like that".

The whole issue was, in essence, rather trivial, yet she was making it sound like it was some terrible decision. Then again, she needed to be sure.

"That was before" the man managed with some degree of well-hidden embarrassment. "I mean before all that, be-"

"Before Naruto... Is that what you meant?" she cut him off, a small, surprisingly sad, smile on her lips.

"You could say that..."

Short silence ensued.

"I have an urgent clan meeting that I need to attend shortly. May I come tomorrow to hear your decision?"

"No need. I've already decided. I shall grant you your request and will take care of the details depending on our current possibilities. I just hope all concerned parties will benefit from this as you say."

The man bowed slightly. "I am deeply grateful, Hokage-sama...".

"Yeah, yeah" Tsunade waved him off, already in her normal mood.

"I will take my leave then" the man bowed once more, then nodded in the general direction of Shizune and turned around, heading for the door.

His hand was already on the doorknob when Tsunade spoke again.

"One more thing".

The man turned around. "Yes, Hokage-sama?"

Tsunade was silent for a moment, her eyes closed. Then she opened them, her gaze hard again.

"Does she know?"

Her voice had told Hyuuga Hiashi that she knew the answer to that already.

(* * *)

Soo... What could have Hiashi possibly requested? Read next chapter and find out!

Reviews and constructive criticism will be much appreciated!