Although Aburame Ryoma claimed that the fighting at the Shigushan Mountain defense line was intense, the situation perilous, and that Mist Ninja could breach the line at any moment, he still gave Hyuga Ritsu some time to prepare. He was not so harsh as to immediately send Hyuga Ritsu to the front lines to fight the Mist Ninja for his life.
Hyuga Ritsu returned to his quarters, where Teacher Hiruko had not yet left.
"Ah Ritsu, how did it go? What did Aburame Ryoma call you over to discuss?" he immediately asked when he saw Hyuga Ritsu return.
"Teacher, wait a moment. I called two elders over. I'll tell all of you once they arrive... They're here already!"
Before Hyuga Ritsu had time to sit down, Hyuga Takashi and Hyuga Shinichiro, who had received the message, hurried over.
"Clan Head, what happened? Why did Aburame Ryoma summon you?"
Hyuga Shinichiro was rather impatient. The moment he entered, he could not wait to ask.
"Teacher, Elder Takashi, Elder Shinichiro, sit down! Aburame Ryoma spoke to me about two matters." Hyuga Ritsu sat down and took a sip of the tea, which had long since gone completely cold.
Then,
he looked at the three who had taken their seats and found all six eyes fixed directly on him. After a brief pause, he said, "First, all the clansmen who came to the front lines with us will be assigned to different squads for missions."
"That sounds normal enough."
After pondering for two seconds, Hyuga Takashi spoke slowly.
"It is indeed normal. So, Elder Takashi, Elder Shinichiro, I'll leave this matter to you. Do your best to arrange suitable assignments for every clansman and find them reliable teammates. While completing their missions, they must also preserve their lives."
"What about you, Clan Head? Won't you be involved in this?"
Hyuga Shinichiro asked with a frown.
"The second matter is that I have received a mission. I must immediately go reinforce the Shigushan Mountain defense line. I hear it is under a fierce assault by the Mist Ninja, the line is on the verge of collapse, and they have already sent several requests for aid."
As Hyuga Ritsu revealed the second matter, he also answered Hyuga Shinichiro's question.
"That sounds rather dangerous."
Hyuga Takashi's brow furrowed tightly. "Clan Head, how many people did they give you?"
"Only one companion."
"What?"
Hiruko cried out in alarm. "They only gave you one person? Aburame Ryoma is far too brazen! Does he think the Frontline Camp is his alone to command? I'll go find Orochimaru right now." He abruptly stood up, ready to go out and confront Orochimaru.
"Teacher, please calm down. The one accompanying me is Uchiha Shisui."
"Hm?"
Hiruko, who had taken two steps away, stopped. He turned back and asked for confirmation, "The Uchiha Shisui you mean is that Uchiha Shisui?"
"As far as I know, there is one and only one Uchiha Shisui in the Uchiha Clan."
"Hm! Then there... doesn't seem to be anything wrong with this."
Hiruko returned and sat back down.
Even Hyuga Takashi and Hyuga Shinichiro nodded in agreement.
The great name of Shisui of the Body Flicker was thunderous even among Konoha Ninja who had never set foot on the eastern battlefield. Hailed as the Uchiha Clan's greatest genius, he had slaughtered Mist Ninja with speed so swift it was nearly teleportation, striking terror into their hearts. Along with Namikaze Minato, one in the south and one in the north, he was regarded as one of Konoha's future stars.
Hyuga Ritsu, hailed as the Branch House's greatest genius in the Hyuga Clan, was also a greatest genius, but the weight of that title was on an entirely different level from Uchiha Shisui's.
"I thought Aburame Ryoma would scheme against you during the mission..."
Hiruko frowned deeply, muttering with distress, "Could there be some problem with this mission that we do not know about?"
Hyuga Takashi and Hyuga Shinichiro wore similarly pensive expressions.
"Teacher, Elders, don't rack your brains over it. Based solely on the information we have, we cannot see any problem. I have my own plans. In any case, with Uchiha Shisui accompanying me, if we encounter danger, I'll simply have him take the lead. Before I depart, there is something else I need to say."
"What is it?"
Hyuga Takashi and Hyuga Shinichiro focused their attention on him.
"I have entrusted Teacher with the matter of breaking the Caged Bird Seal. Teacher has agreed to help our clan research a method of removing the seal that can be widely implemented," Hyuga Ritsu said seriously.
Hyuga Takashi and Hyuga Shinichiro immediately revealed delighted expressions.
"Therefore, Elder Takashi and Elder Shinichiro, you must lead the clansmen in giving Teacher your full assistance from now on. So long as Teacher's requests do not harm the interests of the village or the clan, and are within our capabilities, fulfill every request of his at any cost. Do you have any questions about this order?"
Hyuga Ritsu stared at the two elders. "If you do, say them now. If not, let me remind you that I used a Forbidden Jutsu to break the Caged Bird Seal. When the time comes, don't make a fuss over it!"
"Rest assured, Clan Head. So long as we can resolve the Caged Bird Seal, we are not afraid of any price. Even if you need us to obtain some human materials for experiments, that would not be a problem."
Hyuga Shinichiro spoke excitedly.
"Shinichiro, what nonsense are you saying? It is one thing to do certain things, but must you say them aloud? Are you afraid others will not find leverage against us or trouble us?" Hyuga Takashi was more composed, and he rebuked Hyuga Shinichiro for speaking without restraint.
The latter immediately admitted his mistake and grinned. "I understand, I understand. I definitely won't say such things again. But as long as... hm... as long as the Clan Head's Teacher has any requests, I guarantee they'll be done."
"Just call me Hiruko."
"Mr. Hiruko, please guide us from now on. You are the Clan Head's Teacher, so if there is anything you need, simply command us." Hyuga Takashi's attitude was likewise extremely respectful.
Hiruko shook his head and did not correct his form of address again.
He looked at the smiling Hyuga Ritsu and let out a bitter sigh. "Ah Ritsu, this practically counts as kidnapping!"
"Teacher, I'm hoping you'll become my support!"
Hyuga Ritsu grinned.
Hiruko's expression shifted at those words. Unbidden, his mind recalled their first meeting nearly ten years ago. A tiny little child had run up to him and said with youthful innocence, "Please accept me as your disciple!"
At first, he had refused. But Hyuga Ritsu persistently pestered him for nearly three months, and in the end, Hiruko was moved and accepted this disciple who had come seeking him out.
In the blink of an eye,
nearly ten years had passed.
Ah Ritsu was now a Jonin like himself and had even become the Hyuga Clan Head, while he, the Teacher, was still only an ordinary Jonin. Aside from teaching Ah Ritsu the Chimera Technique, he could no longer help Ah Ritsu with anything—
Hiruko exhaled, extinguishing the memories in his mind. Looking at Hyuga Ritsu, he said, "Hold out your arm. I need to draw some blood."
"Huh? Why draw blood?"
"As an example of someone who has broken the Caged Bird Seal, your blood sample has immense research value."
Just then,
Hyuga Akiba's voice came from outside. "Clan Head, an Uchiha Clan ninja has arrived outside. He says he is Uchiha Shisui and that he is here to see you!"
Before you continue