"Mr. Xuanhui, the Hyuga Clan's affairs are our own business. Please don't interfere or offer unsolicited comments."
Hiashi shook his head. That was how things were between him and his younger brother Hizashi. However close they were, they still had to obey the clan's rules.
Xuanhui rolled his eyes, took out a stack of documents, and flipped through a couple of pages.
"You two know I'm the director of the orphanage, don't you?"
Both men nodded.
"Ever since the Third Shinobi World War, the heads of the various clans have deliberately selected promising orphans and raised them to serve as companions and guards for their younger generation.
The Hyuga Clan is the only clan in Konoha without any.
Is that because the Hyuga never came to us? Wrong!"
Xuanhui raised his voice a notch, making both men shudder involuntarily.
"It's because your Hyuga Clan wanted to put the Caged Bird Seal on them!
My job is to protect those children. They can choose to go out and earn money. They can volunteer for dirty, exhausting work.
But they cannot be branded! They cannot be stripped of their dignity and autonomy!
This backward custom of your Hyuga Clan stifles talent! You're trapped in your own ways!"
Hearing that, Hiashi could not help growing angry himself.
"The Hyuga Clan has followed these rules from the very beginning. They're the reason we've remained strong to this day!
We don't need outsiders questioning us. We only need to conduct our own affairs properly!"
Stubborn old fool...
You think I can't deal with you?
"Hyuga Hiashi, what exactly do you mean by that?
Are you planning to declare independence from Konoha? Are you planning a rebellion? Who's leading the coup? When are you making your move?"
"Enough! Those are baseless accusations!"
Hyuga Hiashi stood straight