Chapter 45 - Conversation

The Hyuga family of the central branch gathered around a small table, enjoying a peaceful dinner together. Hiashi Hyuga, the stern father, sat at the head of the table, his eyes focused on his food. Aimi Hyuga, the mother, chatted with her daughters as they ate. Hinata Hyuga, the older daughter, shyly responded to her mother's questions, while Hanabi, the younger daughter, eagerly shared her stories from the day.

As they enjoyed their meal, a sudden knock on the shoji, the sliding door, interrupted their conversation. Aimi looked towards her husband, confusion in her eyes. "Are we expecting anyone?" she asked.

Hiashi shook his head slowly. "No," he replied, his voice steady. "Who is it? What is the matter that can't wait until we finish dinner?" Hiashi asked in an impatient tone as the shoji slid open.

To the family's surprise, a twelve-year-old boy stood before them. His appearance made it clear he wasn't a member of the Hyuga clan. Hiashi's eyes narrowed as he studied the uninvited guest. "Who are you, child? How did you get past the guards?" he asked, his tone stern but controlled, as he set down his chopsticks.

Ryu didn't seem fazed by Hiashi's imposing demeanor. "Oh, the guards? I suppose they're all knocked out. I needed to have a chat with you, but they didn't let me in. Didn't leave me much of a choice, if you ask me," Ryu spoke confidently as he took off his shoes before entering the family's house.

Unlike Hiashi's calm reaction, Aimi, Hinata, and Hanabi's reactions to Ryu's arrival varied. Hinata's eyes widened, her body tense, as she struggled to process the unexpected situation.

Hanabi, though clearly frightened as well, tried to mimic her father's stoic demeanor, doing her best to maintain a cold and prideful facade. Aimi's gaze shifted between her husband and the intruder, worry for her family evident in her eyes.

Hiashi took a deep breath, maintaining his composure. "You said you wanted to talk with me. I'm listening," he said, his voice steady and cold.

Ryu, however, could see through the act. He knew that Hiashi was trying to protect his family, and engaging in combat with him present would be unwise. Hiashi's hands subtly moved, forming a series of seals—likely a Ninjutsu technique to call for help.

"What I want to discuss," Ryu began, his previously confident tone turning icy, "is the abomination you place upon the branch families' foreheads. I've heard you're torturing a child over the removal of his seal. Is that true?"

"I assume you're the one who removed the child's seal," Hiashi said, his tone frosty. "As the head of the Hyuga clan, I couldn't let such a dangerous situation go unchecked. His treatment was necessary."

Ryu's anger flared at Hiashi's words. "You ordered a child tortured for information without hesitation? Why shouldn't I do the same to your daughters?" he challenged, his voice low and menacing.

Hiashi's body tensed, prepared to defend his family at a moment's notice. Ryu continued, "Look at your reaction, and tell me you don't see the irony. If only you showed the same love for your clan as you do for your family... But let's get to the main issue: I'm going to remove the cursed seals from all the branch families. Be ready for the consequences."

Hiashi's eyes widened in shock, and his hands clenched into fists. "You can't do that! It would throw the Hyuga clan into chaos!" he exclaimed, his thoughts racing. Where were the Anbu he had secretly called for? Why hadn't the Hokage received his emergency message yet? It made no sense.

"If you maintain order by oppressing those beneath you, then that order doesn't deserve to exist," Ryu said firmly. "I don't think you understand. I'm not asking for your permission; I'm stating what's going to happen. If you're worried this will throw the clan into chaos, then do your job as the leader and bring stability."

Hiashi's voice shook as he replied, "I won't be able to do that. They'll want my head, as well as my family's!" He silently wondered again, where were the Anbu?

Ryu countered, "Those are the consequences of your actions. I doubt it'll come to that, though. If the branch families attempt anything extreme, the village will step in."

"Do you really think the village can protect us?" Hiashi argued. "We're just one family, and they're numerous. The village might try to calm the situation, but if the Hokage has no other choice, he might abandon us. And even if we remain physically safe, the clan could replace us with a new head family if they wish!"

Ryu nodded. "You'll face the consequences of your actions, nothing more, nothing less. Be grateful that you won't bear the burden of those oppressive seals. But there might still be a way to salvage this situation," he added, piquing Hiashi's interest. "What do you mean?" Hiashi asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Well, the branch families have been held back for so long that none of them are currently qualified to lead the clan, whether in terms of education or training. You still have time to prove yourself and make amends before they're able to take over. I'd estimate a year or two at most. Use that time to show them the same love and care you've given your own family. Even if they decide to replace you, perhaps your punishment will end with that alone," Ryu advised.

He continued, "By the way, I suggest you take this conversation seriously. The Anbu you've been desperately waiting for won't be arriving. My associates have made sure of that. You could try attacking me if you think you have a chance, but I believe we both know how that would turn out." Ryu's words sent a chill down Hiashi's spine as he sensed the immense chakra that Ryu emitted.

"Anyway, I'm off to find the kid. You better be prepared to face what's coming. You have only one shot to make things right, don't lose it." With that, Ryu vanished from the room, leaving the Hyuga family shaken by the encounter.