Tennin*Conversation

In the Hyuga Clan Compound, there is an elegant Tea Room specifically for receiving distinguished guests.

Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Izuna sat at the head of the table.

Opposite them were the Clan Head Hyuga Tennin, and his companion Hyuga Sousuke.

The aroma of tea wafted through the air, yet the atmosphere was somewhat subtle.

Hashirama wore a hearty smile and got straight to the point.

"Tennin, Sōsuke, I've come here abruptly to inquire about the Hyuga Clan's recent activities. They seem to be... very busy with clan affairs. Even their daily patrols and shop operations have been affected. Are they facing some difficulties? If there's anything Konoha or I can do to help, please feel free to speak up."

He spoke with utmost sincerity, his eyes clear and bright, completely embodying the attitude of Big Brother who believes "we are all one family in Konoha, and we will face difficulties together."

Hyuga Tennin and Hyuga Sousuke exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of embarrassment and helplessness in each other's eyes.

How were they supposed to respond to Hashirama's question?

Should we just say, "The Main Family and Branch Family families in our clan are almost at war over the performance; they're fighting internally and don't have time to deal with anything outside"?

Or are we saying, "We're discussing whether or not to reform our thousand-year-old Clan Rules, which would be a big deal"?

These are not things that can be discussed openly!

Tennin lightly. "It's kind of you to worry, Hashirama. However, the clan members have recently returned from the Kyoto and have gained many insights. They are currently focusing on internal summaries and studies. In addition, some clan members are tired from their journey and need rest, so there has been a slight slackening in external affairs. It's nothing serious."

A very official excuse.

Hashirama, however, seemed completely oblivious to the pretense. Instead, his eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly, "Oh! I see! Intensive training is a good thing! It seems everyone has indeed gained a lot from this Kyoto trip! Tennin's management of the clan is excellent; he never forgets to improve the abilities of his clansmen, which is truly admirable!"

He paused for a moment, then added very naturally, "If there's anything you need to discuss or exchange ideas about during your training, feel free to contact us Senju or Uchiha. We can learn from each other and improve together!"

Tennin: "..."

Sōsuke: "..."

Izuna sat beside him, holding a teacup, eyes downcast, a formulaic smile on his face, though he was barely holding back his emotions.

Brother! My Hashirama!

They're clearly trying to fool you! And you're actually going to take advantage of it and send someone over for "exchange and discussion"?

Are you afraid the internal conflict within the Hyuga Clan isn't big enough, and you want to get the Senju and Uchiha involved too?!

And what you said...

It's as if the Hyuga Clan's internal training requires guidance from Hashirama Senju?

While you may indeed be qualified to offer advice, how can you say it like that?! Doesn't Hyuga have any pride?!

Sure enough, both Tennin and Sōsuke looked a little uneasy.

Hashirama, however, remained oblivious, continuing to exude his simple and honest demeanor, "By the way, I heard that Rei was seriously injured? How is she recovering now? If she needs medical support, our Konoha medical team can come anytime."

The mention of Lian caused the air in the Tea Room to freeze for a moment.

Tennin's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and Sōsuke's eyes flickered for a moment.

"Ren is resting quietly and is being cared for by the clan's Doctor. She is fine for now. Thank you for your concern Hashirama." Tennin's tone remained calm, but the sense of detachment was noticeably stronger.

Hashirama, however, seemed completely oblivious to the change in atmosphere, and instead became even more enthusiastic. "That's good, that's good. That child acted so well, it pained me to watch from the audience. Once she's healed, make sure she gets plenty of rest and doesn't rush into training. Young people, health is the most important thing!"

His words were sincere and heartfelt, a true expression of an elder's care for an outstanding younger generation.

But to Tennin and Sōsuke, especially considering Rei's current sensitive situation within the clan, these words sounded like Suggestion that the Hyuga Clan was mistreating wounded soldiers or not caring enough about Rei.

Sōsuke couldn't help but speak, his tone respectful but with a hint of barely perceptible stiffness. "We are grateful for Lord Hashirama's care for the younger generation of the clan. The Hashirama Hyuga Clan has its own Clan Rules and traditions, and its methods for nurturing and caring for its members are also well-established."

This statement already carries a hint of "This is a matter for our Hyuga Clan, and outsiders have no right to interfere."

Hashirama, however, seemed completely oblivious. Instead, he feigned sudden realization, slapping his thigh forcefully. "Right, right! I was overthinking it! The Hyuga a thousand-year-old clan with strict rules; they've definitely considered things more thoroughly than I have! I was presumptuous, so presumptuous!"

He even laughed sheepishly, a laugh so open and honest that no one could find fault with it.

Izuna stood to the side, silently raising his teacup again to hide his twitching lips.

He finally understood.

Hashirama wasn't ignorant of social etiquette; he was... too knowledgeable about it.

He knows how to use absolute sincerity and strength as a backing to promote his simple values of "we are all one family, speak frankly, and share weal and woe".

He didn't care about the veiled meanings and subtexts in the other person's words, because he had enough strength and confidence to ignore those roundabout ways and only focus on what he considered crucial.

For example, the state of the clan members, and the unity of Konoha.

This kind of conversational style, where one's strength trumps all others, is a devastating blow to those less Strength than oneself; it's a blatant scheme that leaves one feeling frustrated yet unable to refute.

That's why Hyuga Tennin and Sōsuke appeared so powerless.

Because you know he's sincere and he means no harm, but his overly direct concern makes you feel uncomfortable, as if your authority and the privacy of family affairs are being violated.

But you can't let it flare up.

Because he is Hashirama Senju, the founder of Konoha, the soon-to-be Hokage, and a true God of Shinobi capable of single-handedly defeating an entire nation.

Izuna secretly glanced at Tennin and Sōsuke.

Sure enough, the calm masks on the faces of the two high-ranking Hyuga were starting to crumble, and flames were flickering deep in their eyes, though they were forcibly suppressing them.

If they weren't outmatched... Izuna had no doubt that what these two wanted to do most right now was to throw out the smiling Hashirama Senju who was spouting words that made one's blood pressure soar.

Fortunately, Hashirama seemed to realize that he might have been overly concerned and finally steered the conversation to some relatively safer areas.

For example, Konoha's future development plans, the possibility of cooperation in open areas, etc.

Tennin and Sōsuke breathed a slight sigh of relief and barely managed to muster their energy to deal with the situation.

Izuna also chimed in at the opportune moment, using his tactful yet measured manner to ease the atmosphere slightly.

He was amazed by Hashirama's diplomatic style.

No wonder Tobirama lost control of his expression when he heard I was willing to come; his relieved expression was completely exposed and he couldn't hide it.

Accompanying such an elder brother during formal diplomatic talks is indeed a bit...

Izuna began to seriously consider whether, next time there was a situation requiring a conversation, he should knock Hashirama beforehand, or at least use him as a mascot while he went in himself?

Izuna put down his teacup, his smile unchanged, and gently interrupted the slightly hesitant conversation, "Head of the Tennin Clan Head, Sōsuke noticed that there were few Hyuga Hashirama, and the village patrols had also been adjusted. He was worried about them, so he came to visit."

" With Konoha newly established, there are many complex matters to attend to, and it's normal for each clan to have some internal affairs to sort out."

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over Tennin and Sōsuke, and said sincerely, "Hyuga the internal affairs of the Hashirama, but simply to express our concern as Konoha comrades."

"If a noble has urgent business to attend to and needs to temporarily reduce external activities, they should inform the Hokage Building in advance. Konoha is a unified entity; only by sharing resources can we maintain stability."

This was a well-chosen statement, both giving Hashirama a way out by explaining that his excessive concern stemmed from worry about the overall situation of the village, and clearly drawing a line between them.

We are here simply to express our concern and offer assistance; we are not here to interfere in your specific affairs.

At the same time, it also pointed out a practical need for their trip: if the Hyuga needs to "close their doors" for internal reasons, it would be best to report to the village according to the rules, so as to avoid unnecessary speculation and confusion.

Tennin and Sōsuke's expressions softened slightly.

Izuna's words were much more comforting than Hashirama's straightforward concern.

"Izuna, you flatter me." Tennin nodded slightly. "There are indeed some trivial matters within the clan that require our attention. Due to a momentary oversight, we failed to report to the Hokage Building in time. It was our oversight. We will submit a written explanation later."

Sōsuke chimed in, "I dare not trouble Hashirama and Izuna with such worries. Once clan affairs are settled, everything will naturally return to normal."

The atmosphere seemed to be heading in a direction of "both hosts and guests enjoying themselves and mutual understanding."

Just then--

In the courtyard Tea Room, a series of hurried and slightly chaotic footsteps suddenly echoed, followed by a deliberately lowered but undeniably anxious voice announcing something:

"Tennin! Sōsuke! Something terrible has happened! Someone has infiltrated the clan's territory!"

"What?!" Tennin and Sōsuke stood up abruptly almost simultaneously, their expressions changing drastically.

Hashirama's smile faded, and his expression turned serious.

Izuna raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing across his face. Infiltrating? At this critical juncture? Who could it be?

The Ninja Hyuga the report continued, panting, "It's... it's members of the Uchiha! Two boys! They're heading towards the courtyard where Miss Rei and Miss Akari are temporarily staying!"

"Uchiha?!" Tennin's gaze instantly sharpened like a knife as he abruptly turned to Izuna and Hashirama.

Sōsuke's expression also turned extremely grim. The Uchiha clan had infiltrated the Hyuga Clan Compound at this time, their target being Rei and Akari, who were currently at the center of the storm?

What does this mean? What is the Uchiha trying to do? Is it Madara's intention? Or...?

Hashirama immediately stood up and said in a deep voice, "Tennin, there must be some misunderstanding! I guarantee in the name of the Hokage that the Uchiha had no intention of provoking us maliciously!"

He looked at Izuna.

Izuna's mind raced. Two Uchiha boys? Could it be... Hinata and Takuma?

Wow, you two should really consider the occasion before trying to be heroes and save the damsel in distress! This is going to put me in a really difficult position!

He was internally fuming, but he didn't show it on his face. He also stood up and said, "Clan Head of the Tennin, Sōsuke, please calm down. No matter who they are or what their purpose is, the most important thing right now is to ensure the safety of Rei and Akari, and to control the intruders to prevent the conflict from escalating."

"I and Hashirama are willing to go together to assist in handling this matter, to demonstrate Konoha's unity and unwavering loyalty."

Tennin a deep breath, suppressing his shock and anger. Izuna was right; now was not the time to assign blame or speculate on motives.

He looked at Sōsuke: "Sōsuke, take men to Rei's courtyard immediately. Make sure the two children are safe and subdue the intruder! Remember, keep him alive!"

"Yes!" Sōsuke the order and disappeared Tea Room in a flash.

Tennin then Hashirama and Izuna, his expression still tense, but his tone softened slightly. "In that case, I'll trouble you two to come with me. I hope... it's just a misunderstanding, as you two say."

"It must be." Hashirama said firmly.

Izuna didn't say anything more, he just nodded.

The three of them quickly left the Tea Room and hurried towards the courtyard where Lian was staying.