Hyuga Main Branch Residence.
Hyuga Hiashi knelt beside the tea table.
"You're here."
Seeing Hayato, Hyuga Hiashi gestured for him to sit. He said to Ko Hyuga, "Ko, stand guard outside. Don't let anyone approach. Not even Hinata or Hanabi."
"Yes." Ko Hyuga bowed and withdrew.
After returning the greeting, Hayato sat down. His respectful attitude was not much different from before. To be honest, the Hyuga Clan had not treated him poorly. There was no need for Hayato to act like some upstart just because he had gained power.
Besides, Hyuga Hiashi was still his elder. Showing some respect would not make his health bar drop.
Hayato's attitude satisfied Hyuga Hiashi. He poured a cup of tea and pushed it across the table.
"Fine tea!"
Hayato did not stand on ceremony and took a sip. The tea was fragrant and refreshing, seeming to wash away all fatigue. Even Hayato, who knew nothing about tea, could not help praising it.
"This tea was presented as tribute to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. It isn't sold on the market." Hyuga Hiashi smiled. "If you like it, take some with you later."
"Oh."
Hayato answered and focused on drinking his tea, as though he had come here solely for it.
Hyuga Hiashi sipped his tea as he observed Hayato.
After a long while, Hyuga Hiashi said, "You're more composed than I imagined. You don't seem like a thirteen-year-old boy. You know why I summoned you so late, don't you?"
"I do."
Hayato met Hyuga Hiashi's gaze directly, neither avoiding it nor concealing anything.
At first glance, Hayato's eyes looked much like ordinary Byakugan. But upon closer inspection, his pupils seemed to possess a crystalline texture, deeper than before, with what looked like starlight within them.
Hayato sent chakra into his