Director Yamada's crisp refusal inevitably left Hyuga Haruhiko, who had glimpsed a ray of hope in the darkness, somewhat disheartened.
But as the illegitimate son of a great clan, he still retained a certain respect for authority deep in his bones. Thus, though Haruhiko did not answer Soji's question, he nevertheless cupped his hands in acknowledgment.
Seeing this, Soji lightly tapped his fingers. An invisible ripple immediately spread outward from him—the increasing purity of his energy had made his use of the Confundus Charm ever more refined.
A technique akin to Psychological Invisibility was no longer limited to a specific individual in his hands. He could now temporarily create a barrier-like screen, ensuring that their coming conversation would not be overheard by anyone with ulterior motives.
Only after making all the necessary preparations did Director Yamada slowly speak.
"Hyuga jonin, forgive my presumption. You are determined to shatter the shackles of the 'Caged Bird.' But have you ever considered exactly what you are fighting against? Have you truly prepared yourself?"
Soji paused briefly. Considering Haruhiko's political sensitivity, he added a timely clarification.
"To put it more plainly, do you intend to overthrow the feudal clan system built on personal dependence? Or do you merely wish to resist the main family's persecution of the branch family and ease the Hyuga clan's internal conflicts within the existing system?"
"What difference does that make?"
"Of course it makes a difference. The motivations, methods, and targets of those two paths are completely different.
"If it is the former, then you are effectively making an enemy of Konoha's entire mainstream interest group! Because once the foundation of clan survival is broken, the Hyuga will inevitably lose their family name and fully merge into Konoha, just as the Senju did.
"Every other Ninshu enjoying high privileges