Capítulo 90: Chapter 90 : Hyuga Clan
It was a summer day, with the afternoon sun shining brightly. Some villagers in Konoha held umbrellas to shield themselves from the heat, while many children played on the streets, their brows glistening with sweat. As adults, burdened by the challenges of life, their laughter was scarce.
Today, Orochimaru, dressed in a distinct white kimono crafted specifically for this occasion, stood out amidst the villagers clad in rough garments. He moved through the crowd effortlessly, his lips curved into a faint smile. Despite the scorching sun, there was no sign of perspiration on his body. It was as if he had absorbed the sun's rays.
Orochimaru often enjoyed strolling silently among the people, observing their varied expressions. Occasionally, he would stretch his arms and immerse himself in the atmosphere, as if absorbing the warmth that surrounded him. It was an illusion, of course, but it brought a sense of tranquillity to his body and mind.
The Hyuga clan was not as extensive as the Uchiha or the Senju clans due to their stringent bloodline requirements and other factors. As a result, the clan appeared somewhat sparsely populated.
At the entrance, a few Hyuga ninja dressed in white training attire stood. They paid little attention to Orochimaru until he presented his invitation.
"Please follow me to the side hall. The elder will be joining us shortly," one of the Hyuga ninja said.
Glancing at Orochimaru with surprise, they had initially underestimated his strength. Orochimaru's unassuming appearance and relatively low-key demeanour led them to mistake him for someone of lesser importance.
Orochimaru entered the side hall with ease, his pace unhurried. The decor within the Hyuga compound was simple and dignified, reminiscent of the Warring States Period.
As Orochimaru arrived, an elder from the Hyuga clan approached.
"You must be Orochimaru. Greetings, I am Hyuga Masaru, an elder of the Hyuga clan," the man, in his thirties or forties, addressed Orochimaru with a faint smile.
Orochimaru assessed the elder. In the hierarchical structure of the clan, not all elders held equal authority. Orochimaru suspected that Hyuga Masaru held the rank of Jonin, but upon closer observation, he detected a hint of suppression in the elder's aura.
Perhaps Orochimaru was being overly cautious?
A swift glance at the headband wrapped around the elder's forehead sparked a thought: a caged bird, perhaps? It seemed the elder held a position of lesser significance within the Hyuga clan.
"I've heard that you lead the ANBU team. I hope you take good care of Hyuga Kazuki," Hyuga Masaru spoke warmly.
Considering the elder's age, Orochimaru speculated that Hyuga Kazuki could be a descendant of the elder. It was only then that Orochimaru recognized the familial resemblance.
However, was discussing ANBU affairs truly appropriate?
"Your kindness is appreciated. The noble clans' ninja possess remarkable power and will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in ANBU and Konoha's future. I trust Kazuki will remember my assistance as team leader," Orochimaru responded, offering praise and establishing rapport.
Hyuga Masaru seemed a tad embarrassed, likely taken aback by Orochimaru's grandiose response.
It was a tactic. Orochimaru aimed to elevate their conversation. To extract information, one had to present themselves as worthy of attention. Orochimaru assumed a higher status for the conversation, keeping his words guarded.
After a few shared chuckles, they continued to "strengthen their bond." Orochimaru noted that people of this era were markedly more serious and rigid. He had managed to fluster Hyuga Masaru, who struggled to find appropriate words.
This was Orochimaru's modus operandi. He engaged in more than casual conversation. He required substantial matters to be discussed by relevant authorities.
Yet, was this how Orochimaru conducted himself?
Hyuga Masaru's discomfiture was evident, a testament to Orochimaru's cunning. The elder seemed unsure how to navigate this interaction.
This was what Orochimaru desired. He perceived the intent behind Hyuga's summons and acknowledged a few concerning factors.
Among them were Orochimaru's parents and his unique abilities.
In truth, Orochimaru was ignorant of his parents' murderers. The incident had connections to Konoha, and Orochimaru had attempted to investigate, only to find a memorial tablet inscribed with their names.
Was deception at play? But what significance did two ordinary individuals hold?
His talents, too, intrigued Hyuga, particularly his mental prowess and the ability to summon serpents at will. Hyuga's understanding of these abilities was conceivable, but what if…
Was Hyuga interested in his lineage?
The revelation struck Orochimaru. It left him feeling as if he had been drenched in ice water, but why did Hyuga hold such interest? Was his bloodline truly a peculiar anomaly? Moreover, no one knew Orochimaru's deepest secrets. Only Tobirama and Danzo shared this curiosity.
Could this fascination be linked to the caged bird?
Self-importance was not Orochimaru's style. The cage bird had been used since the Warring States Period, a testament to its unbreakable nature. The Hyuga's quest for bloodline purity bordered on obsession. They were a small clan, and the bloodline's purity demanded careful preservation.
All known Hyuga clan members possessed the Byakugan, a power shared across the clan. Conversely, not every Uchiha wielded the Sharingan, a gift bestowed by talent.
Why this fixation on the Byakugan? Sharingan's Mangekyou was far more potent, yet Uchiha lacked Hyuga's obsession.
The caged bird guaranteed the bloodline's secrecy. Every branch of the clan had wrestled with the challenge, revealing its complexity. Although Orochimaru's mental strength was formidable, research had evaded him amidst his ongoing pursuits.
What would Orochimaru gain by cracking the caged bird's code? Would it lead to further internal strife?
Perhaps he had inflated his importance.
Orochimaru offered vague responses, implying a lack of knowledge or chance discoveries. Hyuga Masaru seemed unconvinced, suspecting Orochimaru's evasive tactics.
Could Orochimaru be so cryptic?
With nonchalance, Orochimaru sipped his tea, praising its quality. Although he disliked tea, Hyuga's offering could not be dismissed.
Raising another topic, Hyuga Masaru alluded to Orochimaru's affinity for medical ninjutsu and his personal laboratory.
"I possess some knowledge," Orochimaru responded casually.
Medical ninjutsu, practiced by many in the Hyuga clan, required an understanding of the human body and, by extension, chakra manipulation.
"Hyuga also boasts medical expertise and an understanding of the human body. If you're inclined, you're welcome to join me for an exploration."
Hyuga Masaru exuded confidence when discussing medical ninjutsu. In truth, his own involvement was marginal.
This was Orochimaru's cue. He had piqued his interest, and Orochimaru followed Hyuga Masaru through the clan's complex compund.
Hyuga's architecture mirrored garden layouts, its corridors abundant yet lacking vitality. The white walls exuded rigidity.
During their stroll, Orochimaru observed Hyuga clan members engaged in rigorous training, perspiring and committed.
Eventually, Hyuga Masaru guided Orochimaru to an extended corridor. Progress was slow, raising Orochimaru's unease.
Hyuga hadn't summoned him for idle conversation or medical skill-sharing. The inquiry was merely a pretext. What ulterior motive lay behind this meeting?
"Are we there yet?" Orochimaru inquired, casting a gaze upon the pristine white walls that had begun to oppress him.
A surge of dread crept over Orochimaru as he examined his surroundings. His discomfort was not a mere illusion.
His mental prowess was being suppressed.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, a cold smile gracing his lips.
The attire he wore, crafted beforehand, held an inherent property that blocked certain detections, akin to the mask he had procured from the black market.
A rise in temperature signified detection isolation, rendering Hyuga's abilities ineffective.
Did they seek to observe him covertly?
A splendid courtyard hosted an elderly man, his dignified appearance now marred by furrowed brows.
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