The commotion on the training ground had died down several days ago, but its aftershocks continued to spread through the village. With the Konoha Daily fanning the flames, the rumors grew more and more outrageous.
Just the names of the Uchiha and Hagoromo Clans were enough to fuel endless gossip. Before long, all sorts of bizarre stories about the era of the ninja clans were circulating.
The gossip hadn't spread through the Hyuga Clan. Only restless hearts and barely contained anxiety remained.
Inside the Hyuga Clan's auditorium.
The polished wooden floor reflected the vacant eyes of Harumasa Hyuga. He had been minding his own business when he was suddenly summoned to attend a meeting of the clan's senior members, and he couldn't help feeling reluctant.
Ryudo, the current Hyuga clan head, couldn't bear to watch his son lose himself in his own world. He handed the newspaper to his old friend beside him and said frankly, "Genqing, you must know what's been making such a stir in the village."
The old man named Genqing slowly opened his narrowed eyes. Staring at the words in the newspaper, he said gravely, "Isn't it just that the Hagoromo want to join Konoha?"
"But, Great Elder, we have no idea what was discussed at the meeting called by the Administration Department," reminded the Branch Family elder behind him, a bandage wound around his forehead.
Ryudo gave him an approving glance, then shifted his eyes to signal that his task was done. "Suzaku has a point. We have no one among the village's senior leaders."
"Is that so?" Genqing put down the newspaper and stroked his white beard. Gazing at the Hyuga crest on the wall, he mused, "Keeping things under wraps isn't like you. Just say what's on your mind."
Ryudo cleared his throat,