The Kaguya Clan

The Kaguya Clan's architecture was very similar to the Hyuga Clan's. As Neji walked into the inner compound, he almost thought he had returned to the Hyuga Clan.

The Kaguya Clan received the Hyuga delegation with the highest honors. Their Clan Head, Taketori Yoshisue, came out in person to welcome Hyuga Keisuke.

"Keisuke, it's been years!" Taketori Yoshisue said, his face beaming.

"Brother Yoshisue, it certainly has." Hyuga Keisuke sounded somewhat wistful.

"Come, come, Keisuke. Let's go inside and catch up properly." Taketori Yoshisue pulled Hyuga Keisuke along with him.

After taking a couple of steps, Taketori Yoshisue turned to his younger brother, Taketori Yoshiyuki. "Yoshiyuki, I'll leave our other Hyuga brothers to you. Make sure they're well looked after."

"Don't worry, Brother," Taketori Yoshiyuki readily promised.

He turned to Neji and the others with a smile. "My Hyuga brothers, please follow me this way. We've prepared some sweets and fruit unique to the Land of Water in the hall. Please come and try them."

Hyuga Shunsuke, the Branch Family's representative, smiled and thanked him. "You're too kind."

"It's only right. You've come a long way, so this is the least we can do." Though Taketori Yoshiyuki looked rough, there was nothing rough about the way he spoke.

After leading Neji and the others into the luxurious reception hall, Taketori Yoshiyuki addressed them. "Please make yourselves comfortable. There's no need to be so reserved. The Kaguya Clan and the Hyuga Clan have been friends for generations. Just treat this place as your own clan's home."

Hyuga Shunsuke nodded. "Sorry for the trouble."

Taketori Yoshiyuki waved a hand with a smile. "My Hyuga friends, I have a few things to attend to. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask the servants."

"Please, go ahead," was all Hyuga Shunsuke could