Chapter 236: 236.Chills
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Hiashi looked at Hanabi with a tinge of pity.
"Do you think the Hyuga Clan hasn't aspired to absolute strength? For centuries, countless predecessors have made countless efforts and attempts, yet no one has been able to break through that boundary!"
"Boundary?" Hanabi asked curiously.
"Yes, a boundary," Hiashi confirmed. "Even the ancestor who was considered on par with Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha only reached the pinnacle of ordinary shinobi. Their strength still fell far short of those two."
"So…" Hanabi tilted her head thoughtfully. "The First Hokage and that Uchiha ancestor were the ones who broke the boundary, weren't they?"
"Indeed." Hiashi sighed. "Although I never saw it with my own eyes, the records suggest their power surpassed the limits of a shinobi, reaching a level comparable to that of gods."
"And what of it?" Hanabi remained unfazed. "No matter how powerful they were, the title of Konoha's strongest clan now belongs to the Hyuga."
"You think so?" Hiashi shook his head. "Those two were so powerful, yet they couldn't protect their clans. The Hyuga's Byakugan, unlike the Sharingan, is easier to transplant. Without the protection of the Caged Bird Seal, our clan will face even greater danger."
"But the hatred and pain within the clan can't continue," Hanabi said firmly, her resolve unshaken.
She glanced back at Hinata.
"I don't want my sister to live like a slave, the way Uncle Hizashi and Brother Neji did—passing down pain and hatred to the next generation."
"As a brother, I feel ashamed toward Hizashi and Neji," Hiashi admitted. "But as the clan leader, I must ensure the Hyuga Clan endures."
"You've satisfied the clan's current desires, and they respect and support you for now." His sharp gaze bore into Hanabi. "But if you fail to protect the clan in the future, their respect will turn to dissatisfaction—and even hatred. Do you understand that?"
"I understand, Father." Hanabi met his gaze without flinching. "But I don't want to live with regret. Whether I succeed or fail, I'll only know if I try."
"You're too young," Hiashi said, his tone laced with both pity and concern. "This responsibility is far too heavy for someone your age."
Hanabi's small face grew solemn, her petite frame radiating an unexpected determination.
"I just want to do this."
"Not that you have much choice," Hiashi sighed. "The branch family has already succeeded. You can only go with the flow."
"Grow up quickly," he said at last, unable to suppress the urge to reach out and pat Hanabi's head.
"Mm!"
Hanabi beamed and nuzzled her father's hand.
"Hinata." Hiashi's gaze shifted to his elder daughter.
"Don't forget what you said. No matter what, you must do everything in your power to protect Hanabi."
"Yes," Hinata replied immediately. "I will!"
Inside, she felt a wave of excitement.
Is Father finally acknowledging me? Does he still have expectations for me?
"And one more thing…" Hiashi added, "When the Fifth Hokage fulfills her promise to remove the Caged Bird Seal, let Hinata stay to learn the technique. The ability to lift the seal must remain within the Hyuga Clan."
"I'll discuss this with Lady Hokage," Hanabi agreed. She turned to Hinata. "Sister, I'm counting on you for this."
"I…" Hinata looked between her father and sister, their expectant gazes striking her like a bolt of lightning.
"I'll do my best!" she exclaimed, her voice resolute.
"Hanabi." Hiashi's expression turned serious once more.
"You're still young, and for now, your role as clan leader is more symbolic than practical. Focus on improving your strength. From now on, I'll teach you the Hyuga Clan's secret Gentle Fist techniques reserved for the main family."
Hanabi nodded eagerly. "I'll speak with the others to arrange daily lessons with you, Father."
"Good. That's enough for today." Hiashi withdrew his hand and closed his eyes again.
"Yes, Father."
Hanabi stood quietly, picked up the lantern, and took Hinata's hand as they headed for the door.
The chamber door opened once more. The two sisters stepped outside, pausing to glance back at Hiashi sitting silently in the dim room before the heavy iron door shut again.
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"Come out," Hiashi said softly, opening his eyes.
From the darkness, a faint rustling sound emerged as a small paper doll scuttled out of the shadows.
"Lord Hiashi."
The paper doll morphed, and Uchiha Kaito appeared, seated where Hanabi had just been.
He smiled and said, "It's been a while. I just came by to say hello, but your daughters arrived first."
"Uchiha Kaito."
Hiashi's gaze was sharp, as if trying to pierce through the man's calm exterior.
"The current state of the Hyuga Clan is your doing, isn't it?" Hiashi stated coldly. "What do you want now?"
"Just a courtesy visit."
Kaito's tone was unbothered as he casually picked up the teapot and poured tea into two cups.
"By the way," he continued, raising a cup to his nose, "I wanted to ask if the Hyuga Clan is interested in cooperating with me."
Hiashi chuckled dryly and sipped his tea before responding.
"Neji is already under your influence. Do you have your sights set on something else within the Hyuga Clan?"
"You misunderstand." Kaito shook his head with a polite smile. "I desire nothing. Neji simply chose to join Sasuke as a companion."
"Is that so?" Hiashi remained noncommittal. "Then what sort of cooperation are you proposing?"
"Tell me, Lord Hyuga," Kaito's smile turned enigmatic. "What do you know about the origins of the Hyuga Clan? And… the secrets of the moon?"
Hiashi's expression grew grave.
"You know more than I imagined."
"It's nothing," Kaito said humbly.
Hiashi hesitated but eventually spoke.
"According to ancient texts, the Hyuga Clan's ancestors were connected to the Sage of Six Paths and eventually traveled to the moon."
"As you said earlier, the power of the Hyuga Clan has its limits," Kaito said, his tone enticing. "Perhaps the secret to breaking those limits lies on the moon."
"You make a compelling argument," Hiashi admitted, though his demeanor remained guarded. "But countless Hyuga ancestors have thought the same. The moon is far beyond our reach."
Kaito leaned forward, his voice dropping conspiratorially.
"Would you like to know why I involved myself in the matter of the Caged Bird Seal?"
Hiashi stared at him silently, waiting.
Kaito revealed the secret he'd discovered within the Caged Bird Seal.
Hiashi's composure finally cracked.
"How can this be?"
Could it be true—that the Hyuga Clan had been under surveillance by beings from the moon for centuries?
The thought sent a chill down his spine.