The Hyuga clan faced a dilemma.
The Third Hokage's actions had left the Hyuga clan in a precarious position, and Tsunade appeared ready to act against them at any moment.
What made things even more difficult was their deep conflict with Shinki, which left the clan at a loss.
The Hyuga clan began to consider choosing a side but lacked strong conviction.
However, after Shinki's decisive victory over Hanzo of the Salamander, earning him the title "God Killer," the Hyuga clan grew anxious.
Their situation became increasingly awkward, caught between two powerful factions.
Even if they wanted to align themselves, doing so was fraught with challenges.
Supporting the Third Hokage would mean severing ties with Tsunade permanently, risking betrayal by the Third Hokage in the future.
Conversely, siding with Tsunade held no guarantee that she would accept their allegiance.
The death of the "demigod" Hanzo sparked enough concern to prompt the Hyuga clan into holding an emergency family meeting.
Eventually, they decided to pick a side.
If they were to choose, it needed to be someone who would not easily betray them—Tsunade was the logical choice.
The "F4" faction's power frightened the Hyuga clan. They feared that siding with the Third Hokage would eventually lead to their ruin.
But if they wanted to side with Tsunade, they needed her acceptance. So, the Hyuga clan resolved to take an indirect approach.
They would start by making amends with Shinki.
They needed to apologize and seek Shinki's forgiveness before advancing to form alliances with the Ino–Shika–Cho families.
Such an apology required sincerity.
Unfortunately, the clan leader and the main family elders were too proud, and the branch family elders lacked authority. Thus, the responsibility fell to the young clan leader, Hyuga Hiashi.
"Are the clan leaders and elders not worried I might join forces with Tsunade and turn against the family?" Shinki asked, sipping his noodle soup after finishing a hearty bowl.
He set the bowl down and sighed with contentment. The village life suited him well, and the flavor of Ichiraku Ramen was unmatched.
Hyuga Hiashi, seated across from him, put down his chopsticks and turned slightly. "Tsunade-sama isn't like that, and I believe you're not either, Shinki. Even if you resent the clan, you've never sought to harm it."
"You're quite confident," Shinki replied with a smirk.
He set his payment on the table, wiped his mouth, and stood up.
"It all comes down to your sincerity. And don't hold any illusions—the family's 'dog chain' doesn't control me, and I won't hesitate to act if needed."
Hyuga Hiashi was silent, his face showing a rare flicker of emotion, but he maintained his composed demeanor. "I'll convey this to my father."
Shinki had made it clear—no one had ever called the Caged Bird Seal a "dog chain" so openly in front of a clan leader. The comparison was striking.
Shinki waved his hand dismissively and walked away, leaving Hiashi with his thoughts. It was always exhausting dealing with the main family.
Of all the main family members Shinki had met, only one stood out—Kushina's young sister, Hyuga Mihui. She was gentle and shy, unlike the others.
***
"Stirring up trouble as soon as you're back, aren't you?"
Shinki had barely reached the front door when he heard Tsunade scolding someone. It had to be Nawaki.
Shinki had skipped the village celebration, but Nawaki, eager for excitement, dragged his friend along and ended up being scolded by Tsunade.
Nawaki shot Shinki a pleading look, silently asking for help.
Shinki just chuckled and looked away.
Don't look at me. I know better than to interfere when Tsunade is angry.
Nawaki pouted but accepted his fate as Tsunade continued her reprimand.
"Didn't you act bold back at camp? Keep it up," Shinki thought, smirking as he bit into an apple and relaxed on the sofa.
Nawaki's eyes widened in disbelief, only to be scolded even harder.
"Are you still defiant? What's with the glare?" Tsunade snapped.
"I'm not! I'm not!" Nawaki protested, rubbing his forehead with a pout.
Shinki couldn't help but laugh.
Nawaki's antics never failed to entertain, and watching him try to brave Tsunade's wrath only added to the humor.
Just then, the front door burst open, and Kushina, accompanied by her friends, ran in.
"Shinki! You're finally back!" she squealed, rushing over and throwing herself into his arms.
Nawaki's misery was instantly forgotten.
"Slow down, or you'll trip," Shinki warned gently, holding her steady.
"Hmm! It was so boring without you, Shinki. You took Nawaki and that blond kid and left me here alone!" Kushina pouted, then rattled off her complaints. "And Sister Tsunade barely has time to spend with me. She checked my homework wrong and doesn't pay attention when she's cooking. It's terrible!"
Tsunade's eye twitched as she stopped scolding Nawaki to glare at Kushina. The room filled with tension.
Beat her! You hit me for less; why not her? Nawaki silently fumed, but he knew Tsunade would never.
"Kushina, don't exaggerate. What do you mean I don't pay attention? Your textbook questions are strange—I hadn't seen half of them before!" Tsunade retorted.
"Besides, my cooking might not be the best, but you could at least try it!" she added defensively.
Kushina stuck her tongue out. "I won't cook, but at least I don't force others to eat my food."
Shinki smirked at Tsunade, who sighed in defeat.
"It's fine. I get it—cooking isn't the main issue. But what about my homework check? How is that my fault?" Tsunade protested.
Kushina sighed dramatically. "The teacher said anyone past third grade should understand it easily."
"Who said that?! I need a word with them tomorrow!" Tsunade fumed, her temper flaring.
>>>>>
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