"Screeeak..."
Hyuga Soushu pushed open the courtyard gate that he hadn't visited in a long time.
Although the Hyuga Clan ranked as the wealthiest in Konoha, that wealth mainly benefited the elite of the Main House. His home was nothing like the opulent estates or classical pavilions seen elsewhere—it was just a modest three-story house barely over one hundred square meters.
Moreover, although the house had both front and back yards, their total area didn't even reach forty square meters—barely enough space to fit several sets of exercise equipment without feeling cramped. As for the typical household staff often featured in novels—like devoted personal maids or white-haired butlers—those were naturally luxuries Soushu could never hope to enjoy.
Years of neglect had turned the front yard into a jungle of weeds nearly reaching Soushu's shoulders. Hidden within them thrived snakes, rats, and countless creepy-crawlies. Perhaps, from these resilient creatures' perspective, it was Soushu himself who had become the true outsider after staying away for two-and-a-half years.
As he opened the door, a musty smell hit his face immediately, as if reminding him how long this place had remained uninhabited.
Since Soushu was "volunteered" for the war, he hadn't returned once to this cold, unwelcoming home.
Stepping inside, each footfall stirred up clouds of dust swirling through the air.
He glanced down at his sandals, their open toes coated in dust, then looked up at the thick layer of grime covering everything indoors. A complex mix of emotions welled up inside him.
"Sigh..."
After exhaling softly, Soushu walked further in.
On the wall of the first-floor living room hung black-and-white portraits of his birth parents from this life. Below the photos stood a dining table holding two bowls repurposed as incense burners. Sticks left from burned-out candles were now tangled in spider webs.
Though such a setup went against traditional mourning customs practiced in Konoha Village, for the solitary Soushu, this was the only gesture he could offer.
In this life, his biological father supposedly died heroically during the final days of the First Great Ninja War while carrying out a top-secret mission for the clan. His mother passed away a year later, unable to bear her grief—a story repeatedly told to young Soushu by those clan members, especially Branch House instructors at the Hyuga public ninja academy.
Unlike other orphaned Hyuga children who were too young to remember much, Soushu retained clear memories thanks to his consciousness spanning two lifetimes. He could still recall vividly how several Branch House ninjas had come knocking when he was just three, taking his father away forever.
Had it not been for his speech delays caused by conflicting language habits across his two lifetimes, Soushu probably would've escaped the ideological indoctrination at the public academy much earlier.
Besides, historical records showed clear contradictions—his so-called father had merely been an ordinary Chunin until his death. What important mission could he possibly have carried out?
The official story was nothing short of an outright insult to Soushu's intelligence: When had the First Great Ninja War even taken place? He hadn't been born until six months after the ceasefire!
Even worse, despite such obviously flawed historical accounts filled with inconsistencies, the clan actually expected people like him—those subjected to the same ideological indoctrination in the public academy—to feel grateful and honored!
Such "generosity" weighed heavier than even the favors of the Hokage (Village Leader) himself!
"Phew."
Hyuga Soushu exhaled slowly.
Then he raised his hand and sent a gentle fist aura sweeping through the air, clearing away all the dust from the memorial portrait.
If he wanted to settle in for daily living here, he would need to start with a big cleanup.
After busying himself through noon, Soushu felt too lazy to cook. The Hyuga clan had prohibited members from opening restaurants or other food businesses within the compound to maintain cleanliness. For independent ninja like Soushu who lived alone and felt too lazy to cook, they had to go outside the clan's territory to the commercial district if they wanted a decent meal. After weighing his options, Soushu decided it was easier just to take one Military Rations Pill.
"Eh~"
One Military Rations Pill followed by a pot of warm water settled into his stomach, soon bringing on that familiar feeling of fullness mixed with nausea. He gently rubbed his stomach, reminiscing about this sensation that had accompanied him for two and a half years. Then he changed into his standard jonin vest and slowly walked out the door toward the Main House's mansion.
Compared to Soushu's extremely shabby single-family residence, the Main House truly was a magnificent hall showcasing the pinnacle of the clan's architectural craftsmanship. Pavilions and terraces rose elegantly, each step revealing a new view, one after another, leaving no time to take it all in. Even the Branch House servants moving around the Main House estate wore fine silk garments embroidered with exquisite patterns, making Soushu look especially drab by comparison.
Guided by a servant, Soushu reached a small room outside the Main House's ceremonial hall and sat down quietly to await the summons from the Main House elder.
But he waited—nearly four hours passed, and judging by the time, the sun would probably set soon.
Yet Soushu still maintained his usual pose of eyes closed pretending to sleep, as calm as a monk showing no sign of impatience.
He wasn't sure if the Main House elders had just been caught up in clan affairs and forgotten all about him, or if they were trying to teach this newly promoted Branch House jonin a quiet lesson. But for him, this amount of waiting meant nothing; after all, during wartime, he once stayed submerged in swamp water using only a reed tube to breathe while stalking an injured enemy ninja throughout the entire day.
Another half hour passed. Whether the Main House elders had finally wrapped up their work or decided the warning had gone on long enough, a servant finally arrived at the small room where Soushu was waiting and called out politely: "Soushu-san, the clan leader is ready to see you now."
Soushu slowly stood up, yawned widely while stretching his arms before walking leisurely outside.
Though the servant thought Soushu's attitude carried some disrespect, as a Main House attendant, he already knew about the sparring incident that happened at the clan compound's edge that morning. Naturally, he wasn't willing to provoke this troublesome clan member, so he politely quickened his pace ahead to guide Soushu toward the ceremonial hall where the Main House received guests.
"The clan leader, Branch House's Soushu has arrived."
The servant motioned for Soushu to wait at the entrance then softly knocked on the sliding door, reporting quietly.
"Hmm, let him come in!"
A deep, powerful voice filled with authority came from inside the hall.
Immediately the servant pulled both sides of the sliding door open. Soushu nodded slightly, then strode in confidently.
He didn't even bother to remove his Ninja sandals.
The messenger's eyelid twitched, but he couldn't say anything in front of the Hyuga Clan Leader and the group of elders. He could only watch with a tingling scalp as Hyuga Soushu walked step by step into the reception hall and took his seat.
Before the low table at the center of the hall sat the current clan leader of the Hyuga Clan. On his left side was his heir, Hiashi Hyuga. Additionally, eight elders were seated on both sides. As for Hizashi Hyuga, who was also the son of the clan leader but had fallen into the Branch House, he stood like a post in the back corner.
Seeing Hyuga Soushu enter, the dignified Hyuga Clan Leader pointed toward the cushion across from him, signaling Hyuga Soushu to sit down.
"Hyuga Soushu, drink some tea!"
Without another word, the Clan Leader personally poured a cup of tea and pushed the saucer toward Hyuga Soushu.
"Thank you for your generosity, Clan Leader."
Hyuga Soushu bowed slightly, then calmly chugged the scalding tea in one go.
"A good cup of tea deserves more than just one sip!"
No sooner had he set the cup down than the Clan Leader filled it again.
Without a word, Hyuga Soushu continued chugging the scalding tea.
Third round.
This time, Hyuga Soushu simply flicked his finger, sending the cup and its contents flying with a single snap.
"What exactly are you implying?"
The Clan Leader froze mid-pour, his hand holding the teapot suspended halfway in the air. His once gentle and refined face instantly turned dark and menacing.
The eight elders also looked shocked, followed by countless invisible presences locking onto the disrespectful Hyuga Soushu from afar.
Clearly, this seemingly peaceful reception hall wasn't merely hosting a gathering of an old clan leader, his sons, and aged elders playing house. Hidden within were already numerous elite warriors lying in wait.
Hyuga Soushu certainly didn't believe such a setup was actually meant for him. However, precisely because this was the standard protective detail the Clan Leader usually maintained, it caused even greater contempt to rise within him.
"Three strikes and you're out!"
Hyuga Soushu's voice carried a slight hoarseness.
Even a ninja feels the burn of boiling water.
"Have you truly forgotten the difference between Main and Branch House?"
Slowly setting down the teapot, the Clan Leader stared straight into Hyuga Soushu's cold expression and said, "Or perhaps you think this attire of yours grants you the right to defy the will of our family?"
"Well then I'd like to ask, Head of the Family, what exactly is the family's will?"
A grin stretched across Hyuga Soushu's lips, though his eyes narrowed into slits. At the same time, he prepared himself to use the [Flash] skill.
"Is it really true, then, that from the lofty perspective of the Main House, the Branch House ninjas are no different than weeds beneath your feet—unworthy of even a glance?"
These words weren't entirely wrong, but they shouldn't be spoken so openly.
After all, according to certain naive elders within the Branch House, the Main House and Branch House coexisted in perfect harmony, like respectful older and younger brothers. Both bore heavy historical burdens for the continuation of their clan.
"You came to meet me, and you waited so long too; as the head of the household, I should indeed feel pleased."
The Clan Leader's expression softened slightly as he spoke leisurely.
"However, I'm not fond of your tone at all."
Even Hiashi Hyuga standing in the corner felt startled upon hearing his father speak in such a way!
In his memory, this was the telltale sign before activating the Caged Bird (Tenketsu) Curse Seal against the Branch House!
Just thinking about the pain caused by the Caged Bird Curse made even Hizashi Hyuga, the clan leader's son, shudder involuntarily.
Yet Soushu Hyuga still sat upright with perfect posture, fearlessly fixing his gaze on the clan head who wielded both thunderstorms and sunlight at his own discretion.
For Branch House ninja, the Main House leader's authority was unquestionably more daunting than even the village's Kage - after all, the Main House held absolute control over their emotions, destinies, and very survival!
All of this stemmed from the clearly visible Caged Bird (Tenketsu) Curse Seal exposed on Soushu Hyuga's forehead!
"Relax a bit."
The Hyuga Clan Leader's expression suddenly changed. The stern look that had clouded his face moments earlier rapidly dissolved like morning frost under bright sunshine, replaced by warmth and friendliness. Meanwhile, sitting beside him, Hiashi Hyuga frowned instead.
"I know many in the Branch House harbor great resentment toward the Main House."
"But the Main House has never cared!"
Though his expression remained warm and kind, the Clan Leader's tone carried unmistakable condescension. His voice carried effortlessly through the Reception Hall, subtly showcasing his enduring vitality and deep-rooted strength: "As the Main House bearing the crucial responsibility of inheriting our clan's most precious Kekkei Genkai, we are destined to shoulder resentments from narrow-minded individuals. This is the Main House's natural duty!"
With this remark, the Clan Leader had directly addressed Soushu Hyuga's demeanor issue - clearly indicating that he considered him one of those narrow-minded individuals.
"Everyone can be sacrificed for the inheritance of our clan's Kekkei Genkai. This applies not only to the Branch House but also to the Main House!"
The Hyuga Clan Leader continued, "However, Soushu Hyuga, you're still young with a long future ahead. Don't let your limited perspective confine you within household prejudices. Broaden your horizons and view issues from the clan's overall perspective!"
Faced with this lecture, Hyuga Soushu remained silent.
"Sigh."
The Hyuga Clan Leader shook his head with disappointment: "You young people never learn until you hit a wall and come out bloody."
Hizashi Hyuga standing in the back corner immediately felt his heart race.
Was he about to activate the Caged Bird (Tenketsu) Curse Seal right here and now to teach Soushu Hyuga an unforgettable lesson?
"I remember your Gentle Fist techniques aren't that strong. How many palms have you practiced up to?"
Unexpectedly, the Hyuga Clan Leader then changed topics.
"Thirty-two Palms."
Soushu Hyuga replied slowly.
"Is that so? Frankly speaking, your current Gentle Fist cultivation doesn't match your status!"
The Clan Leader appeared even more helpless, like a senior lamenting unfulfilled potential: "Well then, considering you've fought for the clan for two and a half years, I'll overlook your negligence regarding Gentle Fist training."
This time, however, left Hiashi Hyuga and Hizashi Hyuga genuinely perplexed.
"Hizashi!"
The Clan Leader called out without turning his head.
"Clan Leader!"
Instantly emerging from the corner through body flicker technique, Hizashi Hyuga knelt on one knee across from Hiashi Hyuga, paying respects to his father, the clan head.
"You will take charge of training Soushu-kun's Gentle Fist techniques!"
The Hyuga Clan Leader's words astonished everyone present, including Elder Eight.
"Understood!"
"Understood, Hyuga Clan Leader!" Though slightly puzzled by the order, Hizashi complied loudly.
"That's enough for today," the clan leader declared as he stood. Looking down at Soushu with an air of superiority, he continued, "Soushu, you've worked hard today as well. Get some good rest! Once you've recovered in a few days, start studying the Gentle Fist seriously with Hizashi's guidance."
"As a Hyuga ninja, resorting to such crude weapons is absolutely unacceptable! You need to fix this right away!"
Soushu remained silent, bowed, and then excused himself.
Only after stepping out of the Main House's ceremonial hall did Soushu realize just how soaked his compression undershirt had become beneath the Jonin flak vest. A slight breeze sent a chill through the damp fabric.
Shivering instinctively at the cold sensation on his skin, Soushu didn't look back as he walked away from the Main House.