"Lord Orochimaru, what do you think about this matter?"
Hyuga Hizashi looked at him with a sullen expression, clearly hoping Orochimaru would reject the idea.
He couldn't go against the main family—but those high-and-mighty elders turned into cowards in front of Orochimaru.
If that weren't the case, how could a branch member like him be sent to make such a major request? They feared losing face, so they sent him first to test the waters.
"Heh..."
Orochimaru toyed with his teacup, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"And you? What do you think, Hizashi?"
He'd tossed the question right back, dodging it with a smile.
Hizashi's gaze followed the spinning teacup. His face darkened.
Of course he didn't want Orochimaru to accept. But how could he say that aloud?
Doing so would be openly opposing the main family—an act that would bring punishment, suppression... possibly even cost Neji his future.
He raised his head, preparing to offer a false answer. But when he met Orochimaru's amused, penetrating stare, something stopped him.
If Neji followed Orochimaru, and the curse mark of the "Caged Bird" was never branded on him, wouldn't that change everything?
If that happened, the main family might cut them off, but at least Neji would be free.
Why hesitate now? Was he afraid Neji might not be talented enough to be accepted?
No. Hizashi shook off the thought.
Neji, though only two years old, already showed exceptional potential.
Even setting aside a father's pride, the child was clearly gifted—an ideal ninja in the making. Orochimaru would see that too.
If becoming Orochimaru's disciple meant escaping the clan's chains, then why hold back?
Was he afraid of Orochimaru changing his mind? Or the clan retaliating?
Gritting his teeth, Hizashi spoke from the heart.
"Lord Orochimaru, I believe—"
"Ah, no need to say more. I understand."
Orochimaru tapped his empty teacup sharply against the table.
"I'll accept the proposal. I'll give you this face... and I'll meet with the Hyuga Patriarch personally."
"...Thank you, Lord Orochimaru."
Hizashi was stunned. Then he slowly raised his hand in gratitude—but his expression had dulled.
Orochimaru watched him for a moment, then gave a subtle shake of his head.
He found Hizashi disappointing.
Even as the head of the branch family, the man was so easy to read. So fragile under pressure.
But perhaps it wasn't entirely his fault. If all your opponents were clumsy players, your own game would start to stink too.
After a pause, Orochimaru spoke again.
"Bring the Patriarch Hyūga Hiashi here. I'd like to speak with him directly about this."
"Understood," Hizashi answered with a low nod.
Before long, Hyūga Hiashi arrived in a hurry. He hadn't been far—he'd been waiting nearby, just in case.
Neji and Hinata came with him, the two children walking hand-in-hand. Neji's expression was calm, while Hinata looked timid.
They followed behind Hizashi and performed a somewhat clumsy bow.
Orochimaru smiled, stretching out his arm in a welcoming gesture. Though they were in Hizashi's house, he carried himself like the master of the place.
Hiashi didn't seem to notice—or care. He sat down, his normally stern face showing a flicker of urgency.
"Lord Orochimaru," he said, "do these two children meet your expectations?"
By conventional standards, both children were still far too young—barely two years old.
Unless one of them was a once-in-a-generation prodigy, it was hard to say.
But the Hyūga clan had little choice.
Recently, the Uchiha clan had been shining brilliantly. Their members were training harder than ever, all hoping to awaken the legendary Sharingan.
Hiashi and the Hyūga elders weren't concerned at first. But the more they learned about a certain Uchiha Shinsuke, the more uneasy they became.
The Byakugan was powerful—but in comparison to Shinsuke's rumored new ocular technique, it seemed... lacking.
And others had begun to notice as well.
Of course, the Hyūga clan never expected Orochimaru to do something as drastic as create a new bloodline limit for them through forbidden jutsu.
If that were truly their aim, they wouldn't be offering children—they'd be offering themselves.
What the main house wanted was prestige.
It didn't matter if it was hollow—as long as it lasted.
Having one of Orochimaru's disciples? That, at least, would keep their reputation intact.
"Heh..."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, studying the two children closely.
His gaze was cold and intense.
Under its weight, Neji turned pale, but held firm.
Hinata, on the other hand, shut her eyes tightly, gripping Neji's sleeve with trembling hands.
Hiashi frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Hinata's reaction. Orochimaru, catching that look, shook his head—deepening Hiashi's frown even more.
At last, Orochimaru looked away.
The children nearly collapsed to the ground, drenched in sweat. Hizashi quickly ushered them out.
"Neji is promising," Orochimaru finally said. "But Hinata… she's too young."
He turned to Hiashi with a sly tone.
"But then, I doubt you brought her here hoping I'd actually train her. After all, I know nothing about Gentle Fist. And taijutsu's hardly my specialty."
A grin slowly spread across his face.
"Let's be direct. I can take her as a disciple. What will you offer in return, Patriarch Hiashi?"
Hizashi remained composed despite the bluntness.
"I was told that a formal apprentice fee is being arranged for Neji..."
"Oh, don't get me wrong," Orochimaru chuckled. "Thirty-five million ryō is certainly something. But…"
He leaned forward, voice low and amused.
"Hizashi genuinely wants me to train his son. You, however—you're trying to use me."
"Lord Orochimaru, please understand," Hiashi said quickly, a touch of anxiety in his voice.
"The Hyūga clan would never mean disrespect. We wouldn't do something so foolish."
He hesitated, then added:
"If necessary, we're willing to raise Hinata's apprentice fee."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed, his gaze sharpening.
"You think this is about money?"
He sneered, then paused. His expression turned playful.
"No need to raise the fee. Let it match Neji's."
"But—on one condition."
Hiashi's posture stiffened.
"Name it, Lord Orochimaru."
Orochimaru didn't speak at first. He simply stared—straight into Hiashi's pale eyes.
Hiashi's blood ran cold.
And then came the whisper, just as he feared:
"It's just a small request."
Orochimaru licked his lips.
"I've studied the Sharingan. I've studied the Setsurengan. Now... I want to experience the Byakugan."
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"So, what do you say, Patriarch Hiashi?"
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