Killing Intent Draws Near, and Baishi Calmly Sips Tea

Hyuga Hiashi's shriek, warped by extreme terror, was especially piercing in the silent study.

The sound tore through the stillness of the night, and shredded the mask of "pride" and "dignity" that the head of Konoha's foremost clan had maintained his entire life.

Yet this warning, enough to make any shinobi's heart quake, failed to stir the figure behind the desk in the slightest.

Baishi did not even turn to look at Hyuga Hiashi, who knelt on the floor, trembling all over as though he had the shakes.

He merely slowly and calmly lifted the purple clay teapot on the desk, still sending up wisps of steam, and poured the clear, scalding tea into the white porcelain cup before him.

"Trickle..."

The faint sound of flowing water actually drowned out Hyuga Hiashi's heavy, panicked breathing.

The cup was filled to eight-tenths, just right.

Baishi set down the teapot, pinched the smooth tea cup between his long fingers, brought it to his lips, and gently blew away the curling steam.

Three seconds faster than expected. It seems the berserk transformation of the Hashirama Cells is even more severe than Danzo's records indicated. Still, that's fine... The more out of control it is, the more valuable it becomes as experimental material.

His movements were elegant and leisurely, as though what was closing in outside with the force of thunder was not a forbidden monster capable of overturning the village, but an innocuous fireworks display embellishing the night.

That composure, remaining unruffled even with Mount Tai collapsing before him, suffocated Hyuga Hiashi more than any oppressive force could have.

"Lord Hokage!!"

Hyuga Hiashi's voice had taken on a sobbing note. He practically crawled toward Baishi on all fours, all color drained from his face. Veins bulged around his pale eyes, which reflected a