Hearing Yunchuan Hyuga speak, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly remembered something. He turned his head and asked whether that religious book could still be found. His eyes held a trace of expectation.
They already knew that the Seven Deadly Sins Essence represented defiance against Deity and divine authority. However, they still did not know which specific divine authorities were challenged by Arrogance, Wrath, and Lust. Nor did they know the full scope of those authorities.
If they had religious texts for reference and analysis, they might find the most suitable candidates within Konoha. This was a practical concern rather than mere curiosity. Knowledge could guide their next steps.
"Yes, it can be found," Yunchuan Hyuga nodded. He explained that it was an ancient book he discovered while sorting through his father's belongings. The book was called the Bible, and its contents were obscure, filled with ancient sayings and parables about humans and gods.
The Bible did not exist in Ninja World, but Buddhism and other religions did. Because of this, religious concepts were not unfamiliar, and most of the ideas could be understood. Yunchuan Hyuga planned to localize its contents slightly.
He intended to replace references to God with the image of that Otsutsuki God Shibai Otsutsuki. After all, the identity of Yunshiki Otsutsuki was that of a clan member dissatisfied with the internal state of Otsutsuki Clan, a clear rebel. Forging the Seven Deadly Sins to strip divine authority from that Otsutsuki God or even kill it was perfectly reasonable.
This could earn points from Hiruzen Sarutobi and also be handed to the fanatic Hidan for preaching. Of course, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew nothing of these private plans. He only nodded eagerly and asked Yunchuan Hyuga to find it as soon as possible.
"Yes, Third Hokage," Yunchuan Hyuga replied with a smile. He said he would take his leave and return to search carefully. Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction and reminded him not to forget what they had discussed earlier in the hospital room.
That reminder referred, of course, to preventing further conflict between Main Family and Branch Family. Yunchuan Hyuga acknowledged it and said no more. He turned and walked toward the edge of the square.
There, the members of Hyuga Branch Family were gathered together. Most of them had their heads lowered, with dejection and shame written clearly on their faces. Compared to others who had resonated with the Seven Deadly Sins, they had not produced a single suitable candidate.
"Everyone has tried, right?" Yunchuan Hyuga walked up to them and spoke calmly. He told them to return with him, as there were still things he needed to explain before leaving the village. His tone was steady and reassuring.
"Yes, Lord Yunchuan," the Branch Family members replied in low voices. They followed him toward Hyuga Clan Compound without hesitation. The familiar streets leading to the compound stretched out ahead.
The afternoon sunlight filtered through lush trees on both sides of the road, casting mottled shadows on the ground. Occasionally, villagers passed by and slowed their steps when they saw the silent group. Many cast looks of awe or curiosity toward Yunchuan Hyuga at the front.
Yunchuan Hyuga walked as if unaware of the low mood behind him. Just before turning onto the main road to the compound, his pace slowed. Without turning his head, his clear voice reached every Branch Family member behind him.
"Raise your heads."
Everyone subconsciously looked up at his back. He stopped and turned to face them, asking why they all looked like that. He said that others might think something had happened to Hyuga Clan again.
Several people opened their mouths hesitantly. Apologies and words of shame followed, saying they had disappointed him. Their voices carried genuine remorse.
Yunchuan Hyuga stepped closer and calmly looked over their faces. He shook his head and told them there was no need for despair or self blame. He explained that the choice of the Seven Deadly Sins was not based solely on strength or talent.
It depended on a certain quality deep within the soul. Failing to draw them did not mean they were lacking. Moreover, the future of Branch Family was not bound to a few weapons.
He addressed Takao Hyuga directly, saying that his talent was good but that he was still young. Cultivation was like rowing upstream, and they were the future of Hyuga Clan. Then he looked at Iroha Hyuga and said that with his experience and steady mind, he would need to take care of branch affairs in his absence.
He continued, naming others one by one, before looking at everyone. He said that each of them was an indispensable strength of Hyuga Clan. The Byakugan of the Main Family and the Byakugan of the Branch Family were no different in essence.
The difference lay in how they viewed themselves and how they used that power. He said he hoped they would not limit themselves like the Main Family, trapped within Gentle Fist. He hoped they would find paths suited to themselves.
His words flowed gently and eased some of the gloom in their hearts. Although the disappointment of not obtaining the Seven Deadly Sins remained, the feeling of being understood and trusted lifted their heads. Yunchuan Hyuga then turned and continued toward the clan grounds.
The atmosphere behind him grew lighter, still quiet but no longer oppressive. Just as they were about to enter the compound gates, a cold and unquestionable voice rang out. It told them to stop.
In the distance stood Hizashi Hyuga and several Main Family Elders. The one who spoke was clearly Hizashi Hyuga. Unexpectedly, the Branch Family members did not react at all.
They did not slow down or turn their eyes. They followed Yunchuan Hyuga straight into the compound as if they had not heard anything. Hizashi Hyuga's face darkened immediately, and he shouted again for them to stop.
His voice echoed in front of the empty gate. What answered him was still silence and the sound of footsteps. Only when Yunchuan Hyuga at the very front stopped did everything change.
"Did none of you hear?" he asked calmly, without turning around. He added, with mild reproach, that Elder Hizashi had told them to stop. Therefore, they should stop.
The moment his words ended, a unified sound of footsteps ceased. All Branch Family members froze in place. Only then did Yunchuan Hyuga slowly turn around to face Hizashi Hyuga and the others.
With a gentle smile, he nodded slightly and asked what business Elder Hizashi had to discuss now. The sunlight inside the compound was cut by high walls and eaves, forming deeper shadows. Inside and outside felt like two different worlds, with Main Family and Branch Family standing apart.
Hizashi Hyuga's face grew increasingly dark. His throat felt blocked, unable to utter a word, yet the chill and killing intent in his heart deepened. Such a united and powerful collective will meant the branch family could no longer be commanded.
No matter the cost, he thought, things had to be corrected. Yunchuan Hyuga spoke again, saying it seemed there was nothing urgent. He said they would take their leave.
He led the Branch Family members deeper into the compound. Hizashi Hyuga remained standing for a long time, silent. Only after they completely disappeared did he turn to the elders behind him.
"Tonight, come to my residence to discuss matters," he said coldly. He added that only they would attend, and there was no need to inform Hiashi Hyuga for now. The elders exchanged looks, understanding that this concerned the future of Main Family and Branch Family.
After a moment of thought, they nodded.