"Hiashi, this man's strength is terrifying. You must handle him carefully and try to meet his demands."
"Especially since we might have already offended him."
Hyuga Keitoku sighed and spoke slowly.
He knew that they, the elders, might have made a grave mistake.
If it were anyone else, Hyuga Keitoku wouldn't be so submissive.
However, in the face of someone with chakra surpassing the Nine-Tails, arrogance must be set aside, and caution must prevail.
This is the survival strategy that allowed the Hyuga Clan to live through the Warring States period in peace.
It's also the reason why the powerful and proud Uchiha were wiped out, while the Hyuga have survived.
"I understand."
Hiashi nodded, then hesitantly said, "But he previously asked for a Byakugan. Should we agree to that?"
Hyuga Keitoku didn't hesitate and shook his head, "The Byakugan is the Hyuga Clan's bloodline limit; it cannot be lost!"
"Did Mr. Lurigan make any other demands?"
Another elder looked at Hiashi and asked.
"Not yet," Hiashi shook his head.
"Then what did you plan to offer him as a reward?" Hyuga Keitoku frowned and asked.
It concerned his daughter's illness, so he had to be sure.
"He seems very interested in Kurenai."
Hiashi said ambiguously.
"You mean using beauty?"
Hyuga Keitoku instantly understood Hiashi's intention.
"I plan to arrange a few branch family girls to serve him."
"If that doesn't work, we'll offer other treasures."
Hiashi explained.
"I have an idea that might meet his demands and draw him to our side."
Hyuga Keitoku suddenly had a thought after hearing Hiashi's words.
Hiashi and the other elders quickly asked:
"What idea?"
...
Meanwhile.
Shishou lay bored in the small courtyard pavilion outside the Hyuga's guest room, watching the clouds in the sky.
Hinata was already at school, or he would have loved for her to call him uncle...
And Kurenai didn't want to talk to him. After bringing him to the Hyuga Clan, she stayed in another guest room, refusing to see him, which made him a bit sad.
Suddenly, a small head peeked around the courtyard gate, curiously watching Shishou.
Shishou turned his head to see that it was little Hanabi.
Hanabi was only five years old, and she would start school next year.
"Natsu, is that today's guest?"
Little Hanabi stood at the courtyard gate and asked Hyuga Natsu behind her.
"Yes, Miss Hanabi. Hiashi-sama is here, let's go."
Short-haired Hyuga Natsu saw Hiashi returning and picked up Hanabi to leave the place.
"Mr. Lurigan, sorry to keep you waiting."
"Let's continue our discussion, please."
Hiashi came to Shishou's side, bowed, and invited him into the guest room.
Knowing Shishou's strength, Hiashi was very respectful this time.
"Alright." Shishou took his gaze off Hyuga Natsu and followed Hiashi into the room.
Feeling Shishou's gaze, Hiashi glanced at the departing Hyuga Natsu and called a servant, whispering instructions.
"Last time, Mr. Lurigan mentioned wanting a Byakugan as a reward. Do you still want that?"
After both sat down in the guest room, Hiashi got straight to the point.
"Oh?"
"Hiashi, just say what you need to."
Shishou looked at Hiashi in surprise.
Last time in the Hokage's office, Hiashi's attitude was very firm, with no room for negotiation.
Unexpectedly, Hiashi brought it up this time. Was he ready to agree?
What happened to cause such a drastic change in attitude?
Shishou pondered.
"The Byakugan cannot be leaked; this is fundamental."
"But since Mr. Lurigan asked, the Hyuga Clan is prepared to meet your needs, hoping for your forgiveness."
Hiashi bowed deeply, apologizing.
"Forgiveness?"
Seeing Hiashi's posture, Shishou raised an eyebrow, making some guesses.
"The branch family just now..."
Hiashi explained that the elders of the main family had spied on Shishou earlier, but he blamed it on the branch family.
Since Shishou had noticed the spying, Hiashi could only confess and seek forgiveness, showing sincerity.
Given Shishou's chakra and strength, he had to take this humble approach.
No choice, it was embarrassing, but necessary.
So that's it...
Looks like I scared them earlier; I need to be more careful.
Hearing Hiashi's explanation, Shishou understood.
No wonder Hiashi's attitude changed so much; they were frightened by his chakra and strength.
"Don't worry, Hiashi. As long as the Hyuga Clan keeps this secret, it's fine."
"Don't worry about such trivial matters."
Since Hiashi was Hinata and Hanabi's father, Shishou didn't want to make things difficult.
"Thank you for your understanding."
Hiashi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, Hiashi handed Shishou a roster and said:
"This is a list of branch family servants. You can choose anyone as a personal servant."
"In this way, you get the Byakugan, and the Hyuga Clan ensures it doesn't leak."
Wow...
Didn't expect this.
The Hyuga Clan is trying to win me over after seeing my strength?
Shishou was surprised.
He didn't expect the Hyuga Clan to go to such lengths to please him.
But their calculation was clear.
If he accepted a branch family member, he couldn't ignore the Hyuga Clan in times of trouble.
The Hyuga Clan would gain a strong ally for free.
But because of Hinata and Hanabi, he wouldn't ignore them anyway.
So, it seemed like he would get a Hyuga servant for free, like Hyuga Natsu, who he liked.
Shishou glanced at Hiashi and started flipping through the roster.
The list had photos, names, and ninja ranks of each branch family member.
As he looked, Shishou frowned and closed the roster.
He realized a problem: where would he place this branch family member?
Leaving them in Konoha was impossible.
Seeing Shishou close the roster and frown, Hiashi clapped his hands.
A Hyuga main family member came to Shishou and invited him:
"Mr. Lurigan, please follow me."
Shishou looked at Hiashi, wondering what he had planned next.
"Mr. Lurigan, please enter." The Hyuga led Shishou to a room and left.
Shishou opened the door curiously.
A branch family woman in a luxurious kimono knelt on the tatami mat, respectfully speaking:
"Welcome, my lord!"