"Kagami, your friend Uchiha Yuan is at the clan gates. He's looking for you."
Hyuga Hizashi spoke gently, a mild smile on his face.
Under the engawa, Hyūga Kagami's expression immediately brightened.
"Yuan's here?!"
Hizashi continued calmly, "There was a minor conflict between him and some clan members. Kagami, handle it carefully."
At that moment, Hyuga Hiashi turned his stern gaze toward Kagami.
"Do not tarnish the prestige of the Hyūga clan."
Kagami paused for a moment, then bowed respectfully.
"Yes."
At the Hyūga Clan Gates
A group of Hyūga clan members surrounded Uchiha Yuan, their expressions hostile.
Previously stopped by Kakashi, they no longer hurled insults—but they blocked his path.
Yuan stood there with arms folded, expression cold and aloof, as if oblivious to the anger directed at him.
That indifference only fueled their resentment further.
"What is going on here? Why are you blocking the way? Disperse!"
A sharp voice rang out.
The crowd parted, and a group of imposing Hyūga members stepped forward.
At the front were three young men with smooth, unmarked foreheads—clearly members of the Main House.
"Master Kuanren."
"Master Jianyi."
"Master Gangde."
The surrounding Hyūga members bowed respectfully.
Hyūga Kuanren immediately noticed Yuan and frowned deeply.
"Uchiha Yuan. What are you doing here?"
He had not forgotten the humiliation Yuan once inflicted upon him.
"We, the Hyūga clan, do not welcome an Uchiha here. Leave immediately."
Jianyi added quietly from the side, "Kuanren, among our clan only Kagami associates with him. He must be here for Kagami."
Kuanren nodded and stepped forward, a smug grin forming.
"Uchiha Yuan, I hear you've been exiled by the village. Hahaha… what delightful news."
Yuan slowly opened his eyes.
His gaze was cold and sharp.
"Move."
For a split second, Kuanren's heart tightened under that stare.
He now understood what Yuan truly represented—a man who had dared strike a village elder. A mad Uchiha who would not hesitate, even within the Hyūga compound.
"Uchiha Yuan! This is Hyūga territory, not a place for your arrogance!"
Jianyi barked.
Gangde sneered.
"You're nothing but a dog with a broken spine now. The Uchiha clan has likely abandoned you."
"Annoying."
Yuan raised a palm.
His movement was not particularly fast—every Hyūga saw it clearly.
Several Branch House Hyūga instantly flashed forward to shield the three Main House youths.
A Branch House ninja struck out with his palm to intercept.
Their palms met—
Yet the Hyūga's full-force strike felt like mud sinking into the sea. No resistance. No impact.
The next instant—
A burst of force erupted from the Branch ninja's back.
Gangde was sent flying.
"Master Gangde!"
Several Branch House members rushed to catch him.
The surrounding Hyūga, already enraged, leapt forward to attack Yuan.
One Branch House ninja struck first—
But his palm passed through Yuan's body.
Afterimage.
The Hyūga froze.
Even with so many Byakugan activated, they had failed to notice the feint.
Soon, they located him.
Yuan now stood atop a lamppost at the clan gate, gazing down at Kuanren.
Before the Branch House could attack again—
"Stop."
Kuanren raised a hand.
He knew the truth.
None of them present could defeat Yuan.
Further action would only bring humiliation to the clan.
Yuan vanished again—
Appearing beside Kuanren.
He lightly patted Kuanren's shoulder and spoke coolly into his ear.
"A wise decision."
Then he looked toward Gangde.
"For Kagami's sake, I'll pretend I didn't hear your insolence. There won't be a next time."
Gangde's face paled.
His body felt numb—like currents of electricity coursed through him.
"Yuan!"
Hyūga Kagami ran out from the gates, his face lighting up at the sight.
"Kagami."
Yuan's previously cold expression softened.
"I was worried," Kagami said earnestly. "You're proud. I feared you wouldn't accept the village's punishment."
Yuan smiled faintly.
"I acted knowingly. The punishment was within my expectations."
"I came to see you before leaving the village."
Kagami nodded, eyes tinged with melancholy.
"Yes. We must gather once more. I haven't seen Xuan and Qingkong in a long time… and for you, the next time we meet may be three years from now."
Just as Kagami stepped forward—
"Hyūga Kagami!"
Kuanren's voice cut in sharply.
"Do you understand that Uchiha Yuan is an exile of the village? Associating with him—are you trying to bring suspicion upon the Hyūga clan?"
Silence fell.
All eyes turned to Kagami.
This was not merely a question.
It was a demand for allegiance.
Clan—or friend?
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