After leaving the Hokage's office, the two made their way to a small tavern at the end of the street. Following Konoha's expansion, many more commercial districts had sprung up. With major trading companies moving in as well, the once-empty areas had become bustling again.
Hyuga Reiko had the two Hyūga Branch Family ninja beside her leave first. She had too many questions bottled up inside, questions she could not ask in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Now that they were alone, she poured out every doubt in her heart at once.
"Yū, what exactly have you been doing lately? And that monster in the office—how could it look exactly like you? Even my Byakugan couldn't spot any flaws."
Having seen someone defeat the Byakugan head-on, Hyuga Reiko had grown suspicious. Now, Uchiha Yū, the only person who knew the truth, was right beside her. She had to learn everything.
"I've been on the battlefield this whole time. Haven't you heard the news? The Third Raikage died by my hand. I've become quite famous in the ninja world."
Faced with Hyuga Reiko's flood of questions, Uchiha Yū patiently explained them one by one. He poured himself a cup of sake from the side, using it to ease the pressure he had been under lately. Having found an old friend to talk to, he recalled what had happened in the office and gave her an advance warning.
"As for the one in the office, that was White Zetsu. Don't worry. Under normal circumstances, that kind of monster won't affect the Hyuga Clan."
There was no need for it. Neither Uchiha Madara nor Black Zetsu cared about any individual ninja clan; their ultimate objective involved the entire ninja world.
"I saw those two Hyūga Branch Family members earlier. They were sincerely protecting you.