Early the next morning, cicadas tore through the stagnant air. Neji stood before the gates of the Uchiha Clan District, sweat rolling down his cheeks before he lightly wiped it away. The vermilion gates before him stood a full three meters tall, their panels carved with the exquisite fan-shaped clan crest, gleaming with a cold, metallic sheen beneath the blazing sun.
"Neji of the Ninja Talisman Hall, here at the invitation of the Uchiha Clan head." Neji's voice was not loud, yet it cut clearly through the scorching air.
The gates did not move, but Neji's Byakugan had already caught the watchful gaze behind them. He maintained a perfectly measured calm, neither humble nor overly conspicuous. Three minutes later, the gates slowly opened a crack, revealing a young yet stern face.
"The Clan Head has only given you ten minutes." The Uchiha ninja sized Neji up and down, a trace of contempt flashing through his eyes. "Follow me."
As he passed through the corridors of the Uchiha Clan District, Neji's gaze discreetly swept over the buildings on either side. Unlike Konoha's mainstream Japanese-style architecture, the Uchiha Clan's structures were more solemn and imposing. Their upturned eaves resembled birds of prey spreading their wings, while flame patterns decorated the walls everywhere. The occasional Uchiha clansman who passed by stared at the outsider with undisguised scrutiny.
Neji inwardly sneered. The Uchiha Clan District I saw last time didn't look like this.
"We're here." The ninja leading the way stopped before a residence more magnificent than the others. "Wait here."
Neji gave a slight nod and took the chance to regulate his breathing. Though he had already learned much about the Uchiha Clan head through various sources of intelligence, facing this clan leader known for his iron-fisted methods still brought a trace of