Chapter 47: Negotiations on the Edge

Inside a tea room of the Hyuga clan, Tetsuya and Hiashi faced each other in the traditional kneeling position. Hiashi meticulously prepared a tea set, the air filled with the subtle aroma of brewing tea.

Tetsuya observed the room, appreciating the history embedded in every piece of furniture. "It must be nice to come from a wealthy family," he thought. "I couldn't even afford a small tea room like this."

"Try it," Hiashi said, pushing a cup of clear tea towards Tetsuya.

Tetsuya took a sip and shook his head, "It's delicious, but I can't tell what's so special about it."

Hiashi didn't expect such honesty and was momentarily taken aback. "Well, honesty is good," he finally said, though internally, he questioned why he was praising this audacious young man.

Hiashi straightened his posture, exuding the authority of the Hyuga clan head. As the leader of one of Konoha's most prominent families, even Jonin bowed their heads to him.

But Tetsuya remained unfazed. "Joke's on him," Tetsuya thought. "I call the Third Hokage 'old man' to his face. What's a clan head compared to that?"

Hiashi, noticing Tetsuya's unshaken demeanor, felt a flicker of admiration but maintained his stern expression.

"Tetsuya, your father, Kamiyo Haru, was a respected Jonin of Konoha, once a guard of the Third Hokage. Your mother, Kamiyo Keiko, studied medical ninjutsu under Lady Tsunade," Hiashi began, outlining Tetsuya's lineage. "Your family's legacy in Konoha is notable, especially since your father died saving the Third Hokage. But you shouldn't pursue Hinata."

Tetsuya met Hiashi's gaze without anger. "And what of it? Hinata and I genuinely care for each other."

Hiashi's frustration grew at Tetsuya's calm defiance. "Do you know what the Hyuga clan represents? Thirty-six Jonin, sixty special Jonin, hundreds of Chunin. This is our strength! Even with your talent, you can't challenge the Hyuga clan."

Tetsuya listened, understanding Hiashi's message. "If you think I'll back down that easily, you're mistaken," he thought.

Suddenly, Tetsuya's posture straightened, and his black eyes sharpened. "Father-in-law, no, Patriarch Hiashi, if your power meant so much, why did your brother die ten years ago?"

Hiashi's face hardened. The mention of his brother Hizashi's sacrifice was a deep wound. Chakra flared around him, his Byakugan activating automatically.

But Tetsuya's chakra surged in response, cracking the coffee table between them and forcing Hiashi's chakra back. The power struggle drew the attention of four branch house guards, who rushed in.

With a flash of red in his eyes, Tetsuya immobilized them with a powerful genjutsu. "Illusion: Hanging Technique!" The guards stood paralyzed, their bodies trembling.

"You..." Hiashi began, astonished. "Sharingan?"

Tetsuya nodded. "For the true strong, one person is a clan. I assure you, with me, neither Hinata nor Hanabi will bear the Caged Bird Seal."

He stood, brushing off splinters from his clothes, and walked out, leaving Hiashi in stunned silence.

At the gate, Tetsuya found Hinata anxiously waiting with Hanabi. Hiashi had kept them away from the tea room, but Hinata rushed to him as soon as she saw him.

"Tetsuya, did my father give you a hard time?" she asked, worry in her eyes.

"Not at all," Tetsuya reassured her, ruffling her hair. "He was quite kind."

"But I felt your chakra..." Hinata persisted.

Tetsuya smiled. "Just a little test from your father. He wanted to see my strength."

He turned to Hanabi, who was peeking curiously from behind her sister. "This is Hanabi, right? You're adorable. You'll grow up to be a beauty."

Hanabi hid shyly, making Tetsuya chuckle. "Alright, it's getting late. I should head home."

As Tetsuya walked away, Hinata watched him with a mix of relief and admiration. Hanabi finally stepped out, her pure white eyes shining.

"Sister," she tugged at Hinata's sleeve. "Tell me more about brother-in-law."

Hinata smiled softly, a new warmth in her heart. "Of course, Hanabi. Let me tell you all about him."