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Light, fluffy snowflakes drifted gently from the sky, adding a snow-white beauty to Konoha.
The Hyuga Clan.
At the edge of the ancient houses, this was where the Branch Family resided. The layout of the houses clearly showed that the Branch Family's residences were all guarding the central area, which belonged to the Main Family.
Inside the wooden house, a pot of steaming tea was slowly poured. Hyuga Hizashi, holding the teapot to brew the tea, had a solemn expression, showing no sign of distraction in his movements, demonstrating the deep roots of his noble lineage.
"Please!" After brewing the tea, Hyuga Hizashi respectfully gestured for the guest to taste it.
Looking at Hyuga Hizashi's always stern demeanor, Uchiha Yoru smiled. Although he had business to discuss, he could not be impolite in terms of etiquette; it was a mutual respect.
"Please!" Uchiha Yoru, holding his teacup, also showed great refinement, gesturing with perfect manners. The two of them sipped hot tea and watched the snowflakes outside, seemingly enjoying a unique flavor.
Sipping the tea with a contented expression, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but exclaim, "Senior Hizashi's tea ceremony skills are truly top-notch."
"Lord Yoru, you are too kind."
Their every move was filled with strict adherence to etiquette, representing the interaction between two prestigious families, without the slightest overstepping.
Although there was no so-called 'three rounds of wine,' after a few cups of tea, both of them appeared calm and composed, as if they had come only to taste tea and enjoy the snow.
Hyuga Hizashi's self-cultivation was absolutely impeccable, but while Uchiha Yoru could also be patient, he did not want to waste time here. After all, his time was already tight.
It had been a year since the Nine-Tails Incident. Now Itachi was six years old, almost seven.
And when the protagonist was three years old, a significant event occurred in the Hyuga Clan. Clearly, under such circumstances, Konoha must have experienced considerable turmoil, which led to the Land of Lightning taking advantage of the situation.
This turmoil could only be caused by the defection of Orochimaru, one of the Three Great Shinobi, which would shake not only Konoha but the entire ninja world.
"How old is Senior Hizashi's child this year?"
Uchiha Yoru put down his teacup and smiled, his expression giving away nothing. Hyuga Hizashi, hearing this, remained expressionless and replied calmly, "Neji will be four years old after the New Year."
"Time really flies, Neji will be four soon." Under Uchiha Yoru's calm smile, nothing could be discerned. Hyuga Hizashi also remained unusually calm, but the next words completely shattered his composure.
"Four is not young. I heard that the Main Family's child will be three after the New Year. Orochimaru-sensei wants to see the Caged Bird of the Hyuga Branch Family."
Uchiha Yoru's casual words instantly caused Hyuga Hizashi to tremble. Hizashi, who was in the middle of pouring tea, only reacted when the tea overflowed, hurriedly restraining his chaotic heart and wiping the spilled tea with a towel.
"I am truly sorry, I have been impolite."
With a respectful apology, Hyuga Hizashi, though still maintaining his stern appearance, was clearly in turmoil. Uchiha Yoru, seeing this, nodded with a light smile and said, "It is I who has been too formal. Today, it is I who has disturbed you."
Under the strict etiquette, the two seemed to return to the atmosphere of tasting tea and enjoying the snow, but Hyuga Hizashi's heart was already in chaos, and the tea tasted bitter.
In contrast, Uchiha Yoru sipped the tea with a contented expression, his elegant movements revealing his noble upbringing.
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru seemed to be sitting comfortably, while Hyuga Hizashi was filled with torment. The words earlier had made him lower his head, but the three words 'Caged Bird' kept echoing in his mind.
Three years! When the Main Family's heir was three, it was also time for Neji to be branded with the Caged Bird. Anger and resentment had been suppressed in his heart, and he had always managed to control it, even in front of outsiders and within the clan. But today, this obsession was erupting uncontrollably, all because of one name.
Orochimaru!
One of the Three Great Shinobi, the cold Orochimaru, a genius in ninjutsu, especially in the field of ninjutsu research, the most outstanding in Konoha, excelling in ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, and sealing techniques.
At this moment, Hyuga Hizashi was struggling to suppress his inner turmoil, but his hand holding the teacup was trembling uncontrollably, and the tea in his mouth had lost its flavor.
Orochimaru might really have the potential to break the cage for the Hyuga Branch Family!
This thought appeared in his mind and began to spread wildly. Hyuga Hizashi desperately tried to suppress this idea but could not control it. His mind was filled with images, images of people in the Main Family crying and begging for mercy, images of complete loss of dignity.
Finally! When the innocent smile of Neji appeared in his mind, Hyuga Hizashi was instantly awakened.
The teacup, not placed steadily, fell to the ground, rolling on the wooden floor. Hyuga Hizashi quickly stood up and bowed in apology, "I have been impolite."
At this moment, Hyuga Hizashi didn't even notice the sweat beads on his forehead or the sweat soaking his back.
Seeing Hyuga Hizashi's agitated expression, Uchiha Yoru smiled and bowed in return, "It is I who has disturbed you, Senior Hizashi."
After saying this, he made a gesture to end the tea tasting and snow viewing. Hyuga Hizashi, seeing this, wanted to reach out to retain him but didn't know how to start, his hesitation obvious.
However, Uchiha Yoru smiled modestly and said, "Senior Hizashi, if you have time, you can come to me. After all, the only way to find the 'Cage Door' is to personally examine the Caged Bird, isn't it?"
With a meaningful smile, Uchiha Yoru bowed politely and made a gesture to leave. Hyuga Hizashi, hearing these straightforward words, forced a stiff smile, unsure of what to do.
"By the way, Senior Hizashi, Orochimaru-sensei's research funds are quite short lately. Many eyes are watching us today."
As he stepped outside to change his shoes, Uchiha Yoru suddenly turned around with a modest smile, as if he had just remembered something.
After saying this, Uchiha Yoru bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Senior Hizashi. I will take my leave."
Watching Uchiha Yoru's figure leaving in the snow, Hyuga Hizashi's face showed a complex expression.
"Father? Father?"
After an unknown amount of time, a familiar voice suddenly called out. Hyuga Hizashi, rarely in a panic, turned around and saw a timid, innocent face, worriedly looking at him, seemingly concerned about his father's agitation.
Seeing this blood-related, innocent face, the terrible thought in Hyuga Hizashi's heart spread wildly.
He understood the meaning of the last words. Today, Uchiha Yoru's visit was watched by many, and a reasonable excuse was needed. The research funds for Orochimaru were a reasonable excuse.
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(End of Chapter)