At the same time, a secret conversation was taking place within the Hyuga Clan's Branch Family.
Far away, in a remote corner of Konoha, row upon row of ancient houses stood together.
A conversation was taking place in one of their courtyards, too.
Warm sunlight shone over the courtyard's verdant grass, not harsh enough to hurt the eyes, but bringing it fresh vitality.
On the aged veranda, two figures, one large and one small, knelt facing each other.
Both wore traditional indoor robes in muted colors. Yet the gunbai crest on their backs made their identities clear.
"Fugaku, do you understand what this war means for the Uchiha Clan?"
The middle-aged man spoke first. His eyes were slightly closed, and his temples were graying. Even so, he kept his hair neatly combed back, giving him a tidy appearance.
The deep lines beside his cheeks made him look as if he had endured many hardships. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and across his forehead, etched by time, were also clearly visible.
As he spoke, he slowly opened his eyes. Though slightly cloudy, they gleamed with sharp intelligence. His presence shifted abruptly from calm to oppressive as he fixed the young man before him with an intimidating stare.
The young man showed no sign of panic under the middle-aged man's imposing presence.
He straightened slightly, pressed his lips together, and looked respectfully at the man before him. "I understand, Father."
"With Lord Kagami gone, there's no one left to mediate between the village and the clan. The conflict between them has grown increasingly sharp... This war... may be an opportunity for the clan..."
"An opportunity to free the clan from Konoha's control..."
The young man had black hair, and his eyes, framed by his bangs, were calm and clear.