Gentle snowflakes fell from the sky, creating a picturesque snowy scene in Konoha.
The Hyuga Clan
In the outskirts, among the quaint houses, resided the branch families. The layout of the houses indicated that they encircled the central residence belonging to the main family.
Inside a wooden house, a pot of steaming tea was poured with utmost care by Hyūga Hizashi, exuding a dignified aura befitting his noble heritage.
"Please, have some," Hizashi politely invited, presenting the freshly brewed tea.
Watching Hizashi's reserved and serious demeanor, Uchiha Kaien smiled. Despite the purpose of his visit, he still showed respect for the formalities, demonstrating mutual regard.
"Thank you," Kaien acknowledged, holding the teacup gracefully, and the two gazed outside at the flying snow while savoring the warmth of the tea, creating a unique ambiance.
With an expression of enjoyment, Kaien complimented, "Your tea ceremony skills are truly exceptional, Senior Hizashi."
"You are too kind, Kaien-kun."
Their interactions followed strict etiquette, symbolizing the respectful exchange between two prominent clans.
Though there was no formal mention of "three rounds of drinking," after a few cups of tea, both seemed relaxed and immersed in the moment, as if today's purpose was solely to enjoy the tea and the snow.
Hizashi's refined manners were impeccable, but Kaien, although composed, didn't want to waste much time, as he was already pressed for time.
It had been a year since the Nine-Tails attack, and Itachi was now six years old, soon turning seven.
However, when Naruto was three years old, a major incident occurred in the Hyūga clan, leading to significant turmoil in Konoha, which the Land of Lightning seized as an opportunity. This unrest might have been triggered by Orochimaru-sensei's defection, setting the entire shinobi world in motion.
"How old is Senior's child now?"
As Kaien placed his teacup down, he maintained a smile, concealing any ulterior motives. Hizashi, appearing undisturbed, calmly replied, "Neji will turn four right after the New Year."
"Time flies indeed; Neji is turning four already." Kaien's composed smile hid any emotions, and Hizashi remained collected as well. However, Kaien's next statement disrupted Hizashi's composure.
"Four years old is no longer a small child. I heard that the main family's child is still three years old. Orochimaru-sensei wishes to see the caged bird of the Hyūga branch."
Kaien's seemingly casual remark shook Hizashi's exterior composure. When the tea spilled from the cup, Hizashi realized his hands were trembling, and he quickly cleaned up the mess.
"I apologize; that was careless of me."
After a respectful apology, Hizashi maintained his composure on the outside, but his mind was in turmoil. Uchiha Kaien, upon noticing this change, nodded with a slight smile and said, "Senior, you're being too polite. It's my intrusion that caused this."
Under the guise of proper etiquette, the two seemed to have returned to the atmosphere of enjoying tea and appreciating the snow. But inside, Hyūga Hizashi's thoughts were chaotic, and the tea in his mouth tasted exceptionally bitter.
On the other hand, Uchiha Kaien maintained a half-closed, contented gaze. His elegant movements while sipping tea and taking in the snow scenery exuded the grace of his noble lineage.
At that moment, Kaien resembled a poised fisherman, while Hizashi was consumed by inner turmoil. The words from earlier had led him to bow his head, but in his mind, the phrase "caged bird" kept echoing.
Three years old! The heir to the main family was marked as a caged bird at the age of three. He struggled to suppress his anger and frustration, which he could manage in front of outsiders and even within the clan. Yet today, this turmoil was uncontrollably surging forth, all because of one name.
Orochimaru!
One of the Three Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru was a genius in the field of ninja arts, particularly renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to Konoha's ninjutsu. Proficient in ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, and sealing techniques, he was an unparalleled talent.
Hizashi presently endured the turmoil within, but his hand holding the teacup trembled involuntarily. The tea in his mouth had turned tasteless.
Perhaps Orochimaru could genuinely help the Hyūga branch break free from its constraints!
This thought sprouted and spread rapidly in his mind. Hizashi struggled to suppress it, but it proved impossible. His mind was flooded with images—images of agonized cries and pleas for mercy before the main family. These were images of complete dignity loss.
And then, the innocent smile of Neji appeared in his mind, snapping him awake.
The teacup slipped from his grasp and crashed to the floor, rolling across the polished wood. Hastily rising, Hizashi apologized, "I apologize for my lapse in manners."
Unbeknownst to him, his forehead glistened with beads of sweat, and his back was soaked through.
Observing Hyūga Hizashi's shaken demeanor, Uchiha Kaien returned a polite smile and gently replied, "Thank you for your hospitality, Senior Hizashi. I should take my leave."
As Kaien turned to depart, signaling the end of their tea session, Hizashi's face contorted into an awkward smile. He was uncertain how to proceed.
"By the way, Senior Hizashi, Orochimaru-sensei has been facing some funding shortfalls recently. Considering the many eyes on him during today's visit, it might be wise to offer an appropriate reason."
As Uchiha Kaien donned his shoes outside, a thought seemed to cross his mind. He turned back with a humble smile and added, "Thank you for your warm reception, Senior Hizashi. I bid you farewell."
Watching Kaien's figure disappear into the falling snow, Hyūga Hizashi's expression turned complex.
"Father? Father?"
After a lapse of time, a familiar voice rang out, prompting Hyūga Hizashi, usually composed, to hurriedly turn around. Before him stood a young, concerned face—Neji—worriedly gazing at him.
Upon seeing this innocent countenance, the final sentence's implication crystallized: Uchiha Kaien's visit had served as cover. Orochimaru's funding crisis provided the pretext—and Hizashi's resolve, once shaken, now found its tragic purpose.
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