"Lord Hizashi..."
"Lord Hizashi..."
"Father, tell me this isn't true...!"
Hizashi walked out of the Main Family's room, and a large group of Branch Family members slowly gathered around.
Even Neji was among them!
Everyone wore expressions of grief and indignation, while Neji was utterly disbelieving. He couldn't accept that his father, who had been playing in the snow with him just two days ago, was about to die like this.
Hizashi hadn't told him any of this at home earlier; he had only tested Neji's training.
It was no different from usual.
He had only told Neji to practice the Gentle Fist diligently at home.
It was only after seeing too many Branch Family members whispering that he came out and learned this shocking news.
Hizashi extended his large hand and placed it on Neji's head.
He smiled at the other Branch Family members: "I entrust this child, Neji, to all of you."
"Lord Hizashi!"
"Lord Hizashi!"
"Lord Hizashi, please rest assured...!"
Some of the Branch Family members were already wiping away tears.
Neji burst into tears, wailing, "No, don't do it, Father, please don't!"
"Father, there must be another way, Father!"
The tender child's voice echoed in the hearts of the Branch Family, and everyone's eyes turned red.
"Neji! Don't cry!"
Although Hizashi's tone was stern, the usually obedient Neji was sobbing loudly this time, his large tears streaming down uncontrollably!
"Father, no, wuu wuu wuu..."
A look of heartache and helplessness flashed across Hizashi's face. He could only reach out, pick up Little Neji, who was crying, and walk toward his house.
The surrounding Branch Family members followed Hizashi back to his own residence.
But he shut everyone else out.
The Branch Family members wore mournful expressions. They didn't know what Hizashi intended to do, but they knew it couldn't be good.
Hizashi was preparing to take his brother's place in death, but how would he die?
Or was he making his final farewells now?
Many Branch Family members gradually gathered near Hizashi's doorway, unwilling to leave.
Hizashi quickly walked inside, holding Neji.
Neji continued to shed silent tears. He was still young and could do nothing.
After entering the room, Neji realized that Aoran and Hayato were also at home.
Hizashi put Neji down and said to him:
"Remember Neji, if I'm gone, you must listen to Hayato and Aoran. You must do whatever they tell you, understand?"
Neji looked at Hizashi, his mind slightly confused, completely unaware of why his father was saying this.
"Did you remember!" Hizashi emphasized his voice, snapping Neji back to attention.
"Yes, Father, I remember." Just as Neji finished speaking, Hizashi pressed an Acupuncture Point on his head.
Neji felt his vision go dark and instantly lost consciousness.
"Uncle Hizashi, it's ready." Aoran took out a scroll.
Hizashi nodded and went to the next room, where the arrangements were complete.
"Release!"
The scroll was unsealed with a bang, and the corpse of Aoran's father, Hyuga Masahiko, appeared there.
Hizashi was completely stunned: "Masahiko's corpse!?"
If Masahiko's corpse appearing here surprised him, what shocked him even more was that the body was lifelike, as if he had only just died.
He looked at Aoran, whose expression was calm, and said in disbelief:
"Aoran, when did you dig up Masahiko's corpse? Do you know what you're doing!?"
Although Aoran was young, his face revealed a maturity that belied his age.
"Uncle Hizashi, the dead cannot compare to the living."
"Thank you for looking after our family for so many years. This small matter is nothing."
"Even if Father were here, he would agree to use his body to save you."
Not only Hizashi, but even Hayato was stunned.
This world generally respects corpses, valuing the integrity of the body and the concept of 'resting in peace.'
Only then can they find peace in the Pure Land.
He never expected Aoran to actually offer up his own father's corpse.
"Uncle Hizashi, our time is short. Don't waste the arrangements I've made."
Aoran said, sounding somewhat urgent.
Hizashi's hesitation flashed away instantly, replaced by firm resolve.
Not one to dither, he immediately walked up to Masahiko's corpse and performed a full kowtow. Hayato did the same.
Aoran did not stop them; he knew that if Hizashi didn't do this, his heart would be unsettled.
He took out a second scroll and introduced it: "Inside this is the Face Melting Technique..."
..."Ugh... Ah... Ah..."
From Hizashi's residence came the muffled sounds of Hizashi's painful cries.
The Hyuga Clan members gathered outside all felt a tremor in their hearts.
What was happening!? Why was Lord Hizashi crying out in such pain?
At that moment, the door slid open with a whoosh.
Hayato, covered in blood, walked to the doorway: "Hitomi, Yuehua, Hao, Hideaki..."
The names he called belonged to people very close to Hizashi and were representatives of the Branch Family.
"Come in."
Those whose names were called were already standing at the door. They walked inside with mournful expressions.
Shortly after, heart-wrenching cries of sorrow could be heard from inside.
"Lord Hizashi!..."
"Lord Hizashi!..."
...After Hiruzen Sarutobi successfully exerted pressure, he immediately headed toward Kumogakure's compound.
Such matters should not be left unresolved for too long. Since the Hyuga had already conceded, the matter needed to be finalized immediately.
Kumogakure's side was astonished when they learned that the Hyuga Clan had agreed to their demands.
Therefore, they all followed Hiruzen Sarutobi back to the Hyuga Clan Compound.
But just as they arrived, they saw the Main Family entourage walking out, their expressions solemn.
"Sōshu."
The Third Hokage called the name of the Great Elder.
Sōshu, Hiashi, and the others paused.
Seeing the Third Hokage and Kumogakure following him, their faces twitched slightly.
It was an expression they were trying hard to control.
The Third Hokage's heart skipped a beat. Could something have gone wrong with Hizashi substituting himself?
Even someone like Sōshu had to take a deep breath before returning to his usual demeanor.
"Oh, it's Hokage-sama and the Cloud Village Delegation."
"I was just about to look for you."
The Cloud Village Delegation felt that something was off about the Hyuga's appearance.
However, Tokijin, who was currently leading them, still opened his mouth and asked, "Great Elder, have you decided on the compensation for us?"
Totsui, Kai Gai, and Worui grinned maliciously as they scrutinized Hiashi next to them.
But this time, Hiashi merely looked gloomy, showing no other reaction.
"Rest assured, we guarantee satisfaction for the Cloud Village Delegation and Hokage-sama!"
Great Elder Sōshu's face was as black as the bottom of a pot, and a fierce light flashed in his eyes.
Clearly, he was furious.
But the Third Hokage felt that Sōshu's anger did not seem to be directed at them.
"Come, everyone. Follow us to see the Hyuga Clan's explanation."
...