"Uncle Mata, let's go out for a walk."
Hyuga Kazuya smiled and invited Mata.
"O-okay, Young Master Kazuya."
"Uncle Mata, don't call me Young Master anymore. What kind of young master am I? We're all the same."
He lightly tapped the Ninja Headband on his forehead with a finger. There was no need to say anything more.
"Young Master Kazuya is too modest. A young master is still a young master."
Seeing that a few words would not change anything, Hyuga Kazuya said no more about the form of address.
The two of them then left the Hyuga Clan.
Along the way, Hyuga Kazuya asked Mata curiously.
"Uncle Mata, as the clan's business manager, can you freely enter and leave the village?"
"Yes. As long as I'm not carrying anything and won't be gone for long, it's not a problem."
"Then let's leave the village."
Hyuga Kazuya was in no hurry to grow closer to Mata or earn his trust.
Because he knew that for someone who had been utterly crushed by the Main Family-Branch Family system, words were pale and powerless. Only actions were direct and effective.
The two headed straight for Konoha's gates.
Since Hyuga Kazuya was now a Chunin, one of the village's basic pillars, he only needed to report his departure to leave the village.
Of course, a short trip was no problem. If he stayed out for too long, someone would definitely come looking.
As for Mata, he was the Hyuga Clan's business manager outside the village and often spent long periods away, so he was thoroughly familiar with the procedures for leaving.
The two did not linger long at the gates before leaving Konoha.
Once outside the village, Hyuga Kazuya asked curiously.
"Uncle Mata, how strong are you as a ninja?"
"Young Master Kazuya,