Upon hearing this, a faint, subtle smile appeared on Hyūga Sōgo's aged face. It vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by a serious expression as he replied:
"This question is far too vast for me to presume to answer definitively. However, from my humble experience managing the clan over the years, the most important thing in any clan is rules."
"Indeed!" Senju Mori exclaimed with admiration. "Rules are the foundation that no clan can do without. The reason clans like the Senju, Hyūga, and Uzumaki have endured for a thousand years lies not only in the strength of their bloodlines, but also in the steadfastness of their traditions."
"In my view, the Main and Branch Family system left by your noble ancestors, as well as the Caged Bird Seal technique, are the true treasures that have allowed your clan to thrive even to this day."
Senju Mori's words were a veiled promise.
Should he become Hokage, he would never use the power of the office to interfere with the Hyūga clan's fundamental structure or inheritance system.
Hearing this, Hyūga Sōgo's aged face finally broke into a genuine smile. He expressed his approval without reservation:
"I had assumed that someone of your age, though sharp in spirit, might not fully grasp the weight and complexity of old traditions and their deep-rooted burdens."
"But now I see I was narrow-minded. Lord Mori, your insight truly commands respect."
Senju Mori laughed heartily.
"Hahaha! Lord Sōgo overpraises me. Whatever little understanding I have comes only from what I absorbed growing up among my clan—merely borrowed wisdom from those who came before me."
As the atmosphere between them grew warmer, they continued talking pleasantly for a while longer, until Mori once again steered the conversation—this time toward the village.
"In your view, Lord Sōgo," Mori asked, "compared to a clan, what do you believe to be the essence of a village?"
Although Sōgo's face still bore a smile, he didn't give a direct answer this time. Instead, he deflected politely:
"I have managed a clan for decades, and so I have a little shallow understanding there. But I have never governed a village—not even for a single day—so I truly cannot say."
Senju Mori smiled. "Lord Sōgo is far too modest. Still, since that's the case, allow me to share a few of my own thoughts."
"I would be honored to hear them," said Sōgo, straightening his posture. His cloudy eyes seemed to brighten—he knew the true purpose of this visit was about to be revealed.
Mori met his gaze steadily, then spoke each word clearly and deliberately:
"In my eyes, Konoha is a gathering of many clans—each of them is a vital part of the whole. Therefore, the village itself is, in essence, a greater clan."
"When Lord Tobirama implemented his reforms, his intentions were of course noble. But the results in practice have not always been ideal. Innovation and ambition are admirable qualities—but preserving certain traditions passed down by our ancestors is not necessarily a bad thing either."
"Just as the Senju and Hyūga clans have elders and family elders to guide them, Konoha too should have similar positions—roles given to those who are accomplished in merit and high in virtue."
"I call such a position… advisor."
"The Senju and Hyūga are ancient clans with a history spanning a thousand years. What we have accumulated over that time is not only legacy, but also wisdom and experience—treasures that the governance of the village cannot do without."
"If I am fortunate enough to succeed as the Third Hokage… would Lord Sōgo be willing to lend me his personal counsel?"
When Senju Mori finished speaking, Hyūga Sōgo's expression froze in astonishment. Even the tea in his bowl rippled slightly from his unsteady hand.
But within moments, he regained his composure—his face transforming into one of barely contained joy. His voice rose, almost breaking from excitement, as he exclaimed:
"Are you serious?!" Hyūga Sōgo exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement. "It would be the greatest honor of my life!"
Receiving his host's enthusiastic reply, Senju Mori smiled, finishing the remaining tea in his bowl. He carefully set it back in place, leaned forward slightly, and prepared to take his leave.
"Lord Sōgo," he said courteously, "our conversation today has been truly enlightening. I won't trouble you any further."
But Hyūga Sōgo responded with solemn sincerity, his tone filled with respect:
"You flatter me, Lord Mori. It is we—the Hyūga—who should thank you for your trust. From now on, may our two clans maintain close friendship and cooperation."
With that, he did not clap to summon attendants, nor signal the nearby elders. Instead, he personally stood up.
Senju Mori rose as well, and together they walked out of the tea room—one ahead, one following.
What deepened the smile on Mori's face was that Hyūga Sōgo did not stop at the entrance of the Main House. Rather, he personally accompanied Mori through the long, winding corridors and courtyards of the Hyūga compound, with several Main Family elders following quietly behind them.
When they finally reached the great gates of the estate, Senju Mori turned and said, "Lord Sōgo, gentlemen, please—this is far enough."
Only then did Hyūga Sōgo stop. Bowing respectfully, he said, "Lord Mori, take care and travel safely."
——
Hyūga Sōgo and the others stood by the gates, watching Senju Mori's back grow smaller and smaller until he disappeared completely from sight. Only then did Sōgo withdraw his gaze.
Recalling every word and gesture from the meeting, every movement of the Senju heir, Hyūga Sōgo couldn't help but sigh softly:
"The Senju clan… truly a lineage overflowing with talent."
Just as he turned to return to the main residence, a Hyūga elder suddenly spoke up from behind him:
"The Senju clan's sincerity is indeed admirable… but the Sarutobi family's envoy, Jōnin Hiruzen, has also personally delivered his visiting card. Perhaps the Clan Head might wait until meeting him before making any final decisions…"
"Foolishness!"
Hyūga Sōgo erupted in fury, his voice like thunder. "The Senju clan is a thousand-year noble clan—its name honored by both the First and Second Hokage! Who in all of Konoha does not revere them?"
"The Sarutobi clan has existed for how many years? If not for the Second Hokage's misguided indulgence, how could such a minor clan ever dare aspire to the title of Hokage—to command clans like ours?"
"Besides, we Hyūga are a great clan equal in stature to the Senju. Are we to haggle like petty merchants in a marketplace?"
"Greed invites misfortune!"
"Leave me at once!"
As Hyūga Sōgo's wrath flared, an overwhelming surge of chakra erupted from him, vast and oppressive. Every elder present felt their breath seize in their throats, none daring to utter another word.
"Yes, my lord!"
"We take our leave…"
In this world of shinobi, where extraordinary power defined the natural order, one truth remained absolute: strength ruled above all.
Even a clan as ancient and rule-bound as the Hyūga could never entirely escape that law.