Hyuga Clan Compound.
In the courtyard of the Main House, windmills turned, and water gurgled... The various decorations were full of old-fashioned traditional style.
Hyuga Natsu knelt on the tatami mat in the living room, sitting upright, staring seriously at the opposite side.
Early in the morning, she accepted the admonition from the Clan Head.
"Natsu... In this Chunin Exam, you must uphold the prestige of my Hyuga clan, do you understand!"
"Yes! Clan Head!"
Hyuga Natsu immediately straightened her back.
"Our Hyuga clan... is the number one clan in Konoha!"
"Good."
Hyuga Hiashi nodded, satisfied with Hyuga Natsu's vigorous slogan.
Sitting beside Hyuga Hiashi... Hyuga Hazuki couldn't help but show an approving expression towards Hyuga Natsu.
In the Chunin Exam, making the name of the Hyuga clan known would reduce others' covetous hearts towards the Hyuga... If they could achieve deterrence, or even subdue the enemy without fighting, that would be best.
Because the Hyuga clan's greatest mission has always been to continue the clan.
Survival...
Only by living can one protect the "Byakugan."
"Natsu, do you have questions?" Hyuga Hiashi asked, seeing Hyuga Natsu's expression change.
"Clan Head, Hazuki-sama."
Hyuga Natsu first nodded slightly, expressing respect to the two important figures of the Main House.
"Why... must we keep our distance from the Uchiha clan?"
Hyuga Natsu didn't understand.
Why isn't there this kind of interaction mode with other clans? Is it because of the conflict between fellow dōjutsu families, the Byakugan and the Sharingan?
"..."
Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hazuki looked at each other.
A moment later, Hyuga Hazuki nodded, then looked at Hyuga Natsu again, revealing part of the inside story.
"Our Hyuga clan has always protected ourselves wisely and not participated in Konoha politics, so the higher-ups are at ease with us. The Uchiha... they actively want to change, are eager to obtain greater power and status, and even deliriously covet the position of Hokage... so..."
Hyuga Hazuki stopped there, only stating part of the reason, letting Hyuga Natsu understand that she should stay away from that clan.
"I understand, Clan Head."
Hyuga Natsu immediately lowered her head, having no more doubts in her heart.
Just the point of "having ambition" was enough to make the Uchiha clan unstable elements in the eyes of the higher-ups. Hyuga Natsu, who had been instilled with the idea of self-preservation since childhood, how could she not understand?
Admittedly, Ninja Academy teachers always taught children to strive for the position of Hokage.
...I want to be Hokage.
But slogans are just for listening; if you really believe it, there's something wrong with your brain.
Without Hyuga Hiashi needing to instruct further, Hyuga Natsu made up her mind to stay away from the Uchiha... stay away from... Uchiha Kaito.
Besides, even so, she was afraid of getting splattered with blood when the time came, so she had to hide even further away...
This thought took firm root in Hyuga Natsu's heart.
She thought to herself, whether for herself, for the Main House, or for the entire Hyuga... they should all stay away from that clan.
...
At the same time, Hokage Building.
Special Jonin and Jonin filed out of the conference room.
All matters regarding the Chunin Exams had been discussed in the final meeting.
Apart from those serving as proctors, others also had duties.
For example, going to the city walls at the edge of Konoha to serve as guards, guarding against possible movements from various countries during this period. Perhaps it was a low-probability event, or perhaps it was impossible for other countries to invade at this opportunity. But being prepared for everything was absolutely logical.
"Heh heh, it's about time for me to do that thing..."
Orochimaru looked back at the Hokage Building and quickly left the area.
More than ten minutes later.
Orochimaru arrived in a dark alley.
Through the alley, he observed the residents coming and going on the street, and... the candidates from various countries heading to the "First Exam Venue."
Kusagakure, Takigakure, Amegakure... including the Genin faces of the Five Great Nations, appeared one by one before Orochimaru's eyes.
Soon, Orochimaru waited for his chance.
A somewhat urgent Kusa ninja hurriedly ran towards the dark alley on this side.
His two companions glanced at him, shrugged, and continued walking towards the exam venue.
When the Kusa ninja fell into darkness and prepared to relieve himself... he didn't realize at all that a shadow suddenly appeared behind him.
Splurt!
Blood splattered.
Thump!
The Kusa ninja collapsed dejectedly.
In front of the powerful Sannin, a Genin... had absolutely no chance of detection or resistance.
Quickly, Orochimaru used ninjutsu to "take away" her "face," disguising himself as her appearance through the Vanishing Facial Copy Technique.
After dealing with the bloodstains and the corpse, Orochimaru slowly walked out of the alley.
The sky outside was azure blue, and the sun was a bit dazzling.
Orochimaru pressed down the bamboo hat worn by the Kusa ninja, the corners of his mouth curling slightly: "Heh heh, Kaito-kun, in this Chunin Exam, let me confirm what kind of existence you really are..."