Yahiko laughed. "No, you'll understand naturally once you meet Lord A-Bai."
After that, Yahiko said nothing more and continued leading the two deeper into the Phoenix Tree Forest.
The farther they went, the more birds of every kind appeared around them.
Birds in all sorts of striking colors flitted through the forest, yet the Phoenix Tree Forest had not become filthy or disorderly because of them.
Instead, it was remarkably fresh, neat, and thriving.
Hinata and Neji were both very curious when they saw the birds.
Watching the birds fly about freely, both children felt fond of them.
Yet neither child mentioned asking their father to catch any of the birds.
They both understood that birds were free only in the forest. In a cage, they would merely be waiting to die.
"These are all Lord A-Bai's followers. They come from all over the Shinobi World to pay their respects to Lord A-Bai, so you must show them respect as well. Do not harm them carelessly."
Hiashi and Hizashi were both somewhat helpless upon hearing that. Even without being told, they would not dare casually harm creatures dwelling within the Windcloud Clan.
Besides, why would they pick a fight with a few birds? That would be beneath them.
However, as they went farther in, the two understood why Yahiko had said that.
More and more birds gathered into flocks, circling and swooping freely throughout the entire Phoenix Tree Forest.
As outsiders, Hiashi and Hizashi were harassed many times.
To keep the birds from hurting Hinata and Neji, the two held the children in their arms and protected them.
The children were protected, but no one was protecting the two adults.
Their hair and clothes were damaged to varying degrees.
Their smooth long hair had been pecked into a tangled mess,