Within the vast inner compound of the Hyūga clan's ancestral home, in a strictly guarded quiet room, three figures—representing three generations of the Hyūga clan—were kneeling on the floor.
The middle-aged man, with a gentle and handsome face that nevertheless exuded the authority and prestige of one long holding a high position, naturally sat in the principal seat.
The elderly and the young man were Harano Hyūga, who led the young Hyūga elites in the Land of Rivers mission, and Hyūga Eishō.
Hyūga Harano, an Elder of the Hyūga clan's Branch Family, respectfully addressed the middle-aged man in the main seat: "Clan Head, now that Hiruzen Sarutobi is the Acting Third Hokage, it is certain he will officially become Hokage in three years. Our Hyūga clan must find a way to forge closer ties with Sarutobi."
The middle-aged man nodded in agreement and asked Elder Harano, "Do you have any suitable candidates in mind, Elder?"
Elder Harano replied confidently, "During the mission in the Land of Rivers, I discovered a child named Orochimaru. He possesses astonishing talent and a mature, steady mind. Furthermore, this old man inadvertently used the Byakugan to observe that a mysterious power resides within the child. That aura is quite similar to the description of certain spiritual entities of the ninja world found in our clan's secret texts. It is likely that the child's background and origins are not simple! Moreover, he is the prized student of Hiruzen Sarutobi. He is well worth the Hyūga clan's investment."
"Oh?" the Hyūga Clan Head murmured noncommittally, his half-closed eyes flickering as he carefully considered the idea.
He then looked at Hyūga Eishō, who was seated beside him, listening attentively, and asked faintly, "Eishō, what is your opinion?"
Eishō looked up, gauging his father's reaction. After carefully composing his words, he answered with perfect earnestness, "Orochimaru's strength is indeed very great. During the Land of Rivers mission, he even saved my life! As for his personal conduct, it is my observation that in the mere ten days we spent together, at least two squads of elite Anbu have already been won over by Orochimaru."
The authoritative middle-aged man was slightly surprised by Eishō's words. Knowing his son's temperament, he grew even more interested in Orochimaru.
He smiled faintly and said, "I have already sent someone to invite the child. Go prepare a quiet room. Hmm, after I have met with him, Elder Harano, you are to use the clan's resources to investigate the child's background."
"Yes, Clan Head!" Elder Harano replied solemnly.
The ninja dressed in Hyūga clan attire scanned Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. Upon seeing Orochimaru's distinct dark-golden snake eyes, he said respectfully, "Excuse me, are you Mr. Orochimaru?"
Orochimaru secretly admired the thoroughness of the great clan's etiquette education. Facing the respectful address from a ninja who was at least twenty to thirty years his senior, he nodded without a change in expression.
Hyūga Seisen (Hyūga Qingquan in the original) smiled politely and said, "I am Hyūga Seisen of the Hyūga clan. I have been sent by Elder Harano to invite Mr. Orochimaru to be a guest at the Hyūga estate."
Hearing the Hyūga ninja's words, Orochimaru suddenly recalled the chain of events that followed Elder Harano using the Byakugan to peer into his body in the Land of Rivers. His mind was churning, but his face remained calm as water. He thought for a moment and said to Jiraiya and Tsunade, "Wait for me at my house for a while. Once I return, we'll all go see Sarutobi-sensei."
Tsunade glanced at Hyūga Seisen and nodded. Jiraiya, seeing Tsunade agree, reluctantly followed them into Orochimaru's home.
After the two left, Hyūga Seisen smiled, gestured with his right hand, and led the way for Orochimaru.
Watching Hyūga Seisen's back, Orochimaru secretly mused. He knew this trip to the Hyūga clan was certainly more than a simple social visit. Setting aside the possibility that Elder Harano had seen Yamata or the presence of the Cursed Seal in the future, the widely known fact of his status as the prized disciple of Hiruzen Sarutobi was enough to make this visit far from ordinary.
Faintly, Orochimaru smelled the intrigue woven into the invitation.
About twenty minutes later, Orochimaru stood before the massive, imposing gates of the Hyūga ancestral home, which occupied an extremely large area.
The tall threshold and walls, marked by the long passage of time and years of wind and rain, were slightly worn but gained a sense of antique simplicity and history. Like a natural barrier, they deterred the commoners from attempting to peek at the information or scenery within the walls, further reflecting the deep-seated pride and superior psychology of the great clan members.
Hyūga Seisen led Orochimaru straight into the compound without stopping. Along the way, the continuous flower beds, bonsai, pure-water ponds, and serene gardens were all breathtaking, each with its own style, constantly catching the eye.
Faced with this scene, where beauty appeared almost every few steps, Orochimaru couldn't help but inwardly praise the Hyūga clan—they truly deserved their reputation as one of Konoha's oldest and largest clans.
At another set of worn, heavy doors, Elder Harano was standing on the steps, observing Orochimaru's arrival.
Hyūga Seisen bowed respectfully to Elder Harano and withdrew.
Elder Harano approached Orochimaru with a kind smile and said warmly, "Young friend, there's no need to be surprised. From here on, this is the compound of the Hyūga Main Family. I will lead the young friend to meet our Clan Head."
While acknowledging the strict separation between the Hyūga Main Family and Branch Family, Orochimaru looked at Elder Harano, who smiled like an old fox, and mentally raised his guard to the highest level.
Seeing that Orochimaru's expression was calm as water and that he offered no response, Elder Harano, unable to discern Orochimaru's thoughts, maintained his bright, chrysanthemum-like smile. He also extended a hand and led the way forward.
This was a quiet room under heavy guard. Along the way, Orochimaru's powerful spiritual energy sensed at least twenty to thirty strong presences, both overt and concealed, observing him.
Upon arriving at the door of the quiet room, Elder Harano turned to Orochimaru and said, "Young friend, please enter. Our Hyūga Clan Head has been waiting for you for some time."
Orochimaru carefully scrutinized Elder Harano's extremely bright, smiling face but could discern nothing. With a subtle, wicked smile, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
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