Senju Haruto followed behind Hiruzen Sarutobi as they walked, casually chatting along the way.
Interestingly, Haruto never brought up the attempted assassination by the Foundation's operatives, and Hiruzen, for his part, deliberately avoided the topic as well.
The two shared a silent understanding, as if nothing unusual had happened the day before.
It wasn't until Haruto reached the Hyūga compound that he truly noticed how heavily guarded the area was. Nearly every few meters, a member of the branch family stood watch.
Hiruzen walked as if nothing was out of the ordinary—clearly, he was used to this level of security.
The entrance to the main house wasn't hard to find; in fact, it was impossible to miss. Grand and imposing, it radiated the authority of a powerful clan.
To be fair, the Hyūga had joined the Hidden Leaf during the founding era, when Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha put aside their differences and created the village.
After centuries of legacy and cultivation, the Hyūga were undeniably one of Konoha's elder clans.
And after surviving every major upheaval, they had earned the title of "Strongest Clan in the Leaf."
But to Haruto, it all felt like a case of "when the tiger's away, the monkeys claim the mountain."
"Lord Third Hokage."
Hyūga Hiashi, the current head of the clan, stepped forward to greet them in person.
Though the Hyūga were a prestigious family, proper etiquette was still essential in the presence of the Hokage—especially with the recent incident involving Hinata's abduction still unresolved.
Ultimately, it was up to Hiruzen to decide how to placate the furious Hidden Cloud.
Behind Hiashi stood several branch family members, subtly signaling that this wasn't just a simple wellness visit for Hinata.
Haruto took mental note. It was obvious Hiruzen hadn't brought him here just to check on a recovering classmate.
Still, Haruto was certain the Hokage had no intention of involving him in this high-level negotiation.
"Hiashi," Hiruzen greeted, his eyes shifting to Haruto.
Hiashi's gaze followed his, observing Haruto closely.
Of course, Hiashi already knew who he was. He had conducted a full investigation into the person who had saved his daughter's life.
The moment he laid eyes on Haruto, he recognized him instantly.
"Senju Haruto," the boy introduced himself with a respectful nod.
"I am Hiashi Hyūga, head of the Hyūga main family," Hiashi responded, "and Hinata's father."
Hiashi's complexion looked poor, with deep shadows beneath his eyes—clear signs of exhaustion.
He was clearly worn down, mentally and physically.
Even so, he managed a faint smile, a subtle expression of gratitude.
But when it came to the events of that night or words of thanks, Hiashi didn't utter a single word.
"He's Hinata's classmate," Hiruzen explained. "We ran into each other on the way, so he's joining me to check on her."
"This way, Lord Hokage," Hiashi replied simply. He didn't say another word to Haruto, instead turning and leading the way for Hiruzen himself.
Meanwhile, a member of the branch family approached Haruto.
"Lady Hinata is this way. Please follow me."
"Understood."
Haruto gave a brief glance toward Hiruzen and Hiashi before silently following the branch member into the inner courtyard of the compound.
Just as they had said, Hinata was indeed resting there.
But after bringing Haruto to the inner garden, the branch member quietly excused himself and left.
"So the Third really is here to discuss the Cloud incident with Hiashi."
Haruto shook his head. Judging by how the original story unfolded, it wouldn't be long before Hiashi's twin brother, Hizashi, volunteered to sacrifice himself—handed over to the Hidden Cloud in Hiashi's place to avoid a war.
And that decision would plant the seeds of resentment in Neji's heart—bitterness that would eventually drive him to injure Hinata during the Chūnin Exams.
With that thought, Haruto stood in the Hyūga courtyard and looked up at the sky.
A gentle breeze brushed across his face, stirring a strange feeling inside him.
It wasn't just the branch family.
Even the main family… they were all birds in a cage.
Unable to resist.
Forced to endure rules set by ancestors long gone—regardless of whether they were right or wrong.
"Hinata."
Pulling himself from his thoughts, Haruto stepped forward—only to find that Hinata, having noticed him, had hidden behind the door, peeking at him with just one eye.
"Why does this feel like I just brought home a shy kitten?"
He couldn't help but smile wryly to himself.
He was sure Hinata remembered him from that night. He'd expected her to be at least a little happy to see him again.
But then again, this was just who Hinata was.
"Who are you?"
Just as Haruto debated whether to take a step closer and say hello, another voice rang out from behind.
He turned instinctively.
A boy with long brown hair tied near the tips stood there, his forehead partially wrapped in white bandages.
The moment he saw Haruto, he tensed, immediately falling into a combat stance and sizing him up like a threat.
Haruto recognized him instantly.
Neji Hyūga—the Hyūga clan's branch family prodigy.
"Neji, huh."
Haruto narrowed his eyes and then glanced back at the doorway where Hinata was hiding—and everything clicked.
At this point in the timeline, Hizashi hadn't yet sacrificed himself. Neji had been taught by his father to protect Hinata at all costs.
With the clan elders and the head of the main house in deep talks with the Hokage, someone like Neji—just a branch family child—wouldn't have been allowed to join.
Seeing Neji suddenly appear made Hinata even more nervous.
She had recognized Haruto the moment he arrived—after all, he was the one who had saved her.
But due to her shy nature, she hadn't dared to say anything.
And now, Neji had mistaken Haruto for a potential threat.
"Senju Haruto," Haruto said, calmly introducing himself again—though internally, he felt a bit awkward.
Hiruzen had already warned him on the way over:
Don't say anything unnecessary while inside the Hyūga compound.
In fact, he'd even subtly hinted that it was Hiashi, not Haruto, who had fought off the Hidden Cloud's leader and rescued Hinata.
"I'm Hinata's classmate," Haruto said after a moment's thought. "I heard she was unwell, so I came to see how she's doing."
As he spoke, he glanced toward Hinata, hoping she'd say something to clarify.
But to his dismay, Hinata—still hiding behind the door—turned and fled.
"..."
Even for someone that shy, wasn't that a bit much?
"I knew it…"
Neji's expression hardened. Seeing Hinata flee only confirmed his suspicion that Haruto was a threat.
Convinced that Hinata had run away in fear, Neji lunged at Haruto with full force.
After all, protecting the main family was the branch family's duty.
And Hinata wasn't just the Hyūga heiress—she was his little sister!