Chapter 18: The Rising Storm Called Hyuga

Three days later, the Hyuga clan head returned to the village. For a ninja, it was merely half a day's journey, yet he had wasted three whole days on the road.

However, upon arriving at the village, the Hyuga clan head did not even return to the clan grounds. Instead, he hurriedly entered the Hokage's office, his face betraying a rare look of anxiety.

Shortly after he entered, Danzo Shimura—the advisor wrapped entirely in bandages and a mysterious figure within the Konoha ninja circles—followed him inside.

For half an entire day, the two did not step out of the Hokage's office. No one knew what they discussed with Hiruzen Sarutobi during that time.

Only after half a day did a few ninjas happen to catch sight of the Hyuga clan head emerging from the Hokage’s office, his expression grim and troubled.

Most ninjas knew the Hyuga clan head as a stern, unsmiling old stickler. Among the various clan leaders, he was somewhat of an anomaly; even upon hearing of his younger brother’s death on the battlefield, his face remained stoic and unreadable.

Thus, when they saw the Hyuga clan head looking so distressed, many ninjas were curious and casually brought up the matter during their leisure gatherings with friends.

Ordinary ninjas were unaware of the true circumstances. However, recently, the ANBU had been surprised to find that several Hyuga clan members had joined their ranks, each possessing at least the strength of a special jōnin.

Beyond the ANBU, Danzo’s covert faction, Root, had also received quite a few Hyuga ninja.

But compared to the elite Hyuga assigned to the ANBU, those sent to Root were more average, with abilities around the chunin level.

Though this outcome displeased Danzo somewhat, since the Byakugan’s main function was reconnaissance, he could reluctantly accept it.

The fact that the Hyuga clan was supplying ninja to both the ANBU and Root was known to only a few within those departments, and it caused no ripple beyond their circles.

However, another matter had already become common knowledge throughout Konoha—so much so that even Kawaki Seiyu, who was currently resting and training in peace, was aware of it.

Inside the Akimichi clan’s yakiniku restaurant, Kawaki Seiyu and Kushina Uzumaki were leisurely enjoying grilled meat.

Don’t misunderstand—it wasn’t a cozy romantic moment but rather a well-earned respite after intense training.

Earlier that morning, they had finished their session at the training grounds, and due to the heavy physical exertion, they came here to replenish their energy in time.

Though Akimichi family yakiniku was expensive, Kawaki Seiyu, being an orphan, received a hero’s orphan pension each year before graduation, combined with his parents’ savings. Occasionally indulging in a meal like this was something he could afford.

As for Kushina Uzumaki, a devoted father and special jōnin, no further explanation was needed.

It was also worth noting that Kushina had treated them to this meal.

“Seiyu, I didn’t expect you to be quite suited for sensory ninjutsu. You’ve already regained your perception of the outside world so quickly. My father says that with just your sensory ability alone, you have the potential to advance to chunin. In the future, you could at least become a special jōnin skilled in sensory techniques.”

Though it sounded like casual conversation, Kushina’s true intent was to encourage Kawaki Seiyu and remind him of his broad prospects.

Seiyu knew Kushina’s intentions well, but he wasn’t so fragile as to need comfort from a young girl.

Still, to avoid seeming abrupt, he played along—the past few days had made it clear that he was being watched.

To be precise, members of the Hyuga clan were focusing their attention on him. Whenever he encountered a Hyuga on the street, their gazes lingered longer, accompanied by various emotions that made Seiyu uneasy.

Wrapping a piece of grilled meat in sauce and chewing thoughtfully, Seiyu shook his head. “I do have a certain talent for sensory ninjutsu, but it’s meant to detect chakra fluctuations in ninjas. It’s not very useful in daily life. Right now, I’m only adapting to darkness, using other senses to perceive the world around me.”

Though his words carried a faint melancholy, Kushina sensed something amiss—much like when Seiyu had casually downplayed his creation of a new ninjutsu just before graduation.

At that moment, a low murmur came from the neighboring table.

“You’ve probably heard, right? Reiko is about to become a caged bird under the Hyuga clan.”

“A caged bird? What’s that?”

“I asked around for info. It’s a sealing technique the Hyuga main family uses to control the branch families. It’s a matter for the ninja elders.”

“What does this have to do with Reiko? She doesn’t even have a surname and isn’t a ninja.”

“Although Reiko lacks a surname, her mother is from the Hyuga clan. So she’s going to bear the mark of the caged bird too. I heard she’s also going to learn how to become a ninja. If she succeeds, she might even earn the Hyuga name.”

“What? Reiko actually has a chance to become part of the prestigious Hyuga clan? That’s enviable.”

“Exactly! That’s the elite Hyuga family. If Reiko truly becomes a ninja, next time we meet, should we call her Miss Reiko or Lady Reiko?”

The two young women at the next table whispered excitedly, but with ninja hearing, Kawaki Seiyu and Kushina heard every word clearly.

Yet the more they listened, the more something felt off. Why did those two girls express envy as they spoke?

Especially Seiyu; his kenjutsu perception detected not only envy but also a clear undercurrent of jealousy.

Perhaps this was the inequality of information, but more so, it was the sorrow of ordinary folk.

As commoners of Konoha, they had no idea of the darker side of the ninja world or the unsavory dealings of the Hyuga clan. To them, becoming a ninja or a member of the Hyuga elite was an extraordinary achievement.

To them, bearing the mark of the caged bird seemed more like a blessing.

For ordinary people, that interpretation was hardly wrong.

At that moment, without warning, Seiyu recalled a saying: “So what if you’re a dog? So many want to be dogs, but they simply don’t have the means.”

Beyond those two women, Seiyu encountered many others discussing the matter. Most displayed envy or jealousy.

To have such an effect, one could only marvel at the Hyuga clan’s formidable methods. In this regard, even the Uchiha couldn’t keep pace.

Of course, this was surely guided by certain high-ranking officials in Konoha; otherwise, public opinion wouldn’t have swung so heavily in the Hyuga’s favor.

Tsk, who knows what favors the Hyuga clan offered—surely not cheap ones.