After sitting across from Qingyun and drinking several cups of tea, Hizashi Hyuga finally spoke up. "Qingyun, we've known each other for so long that I won't beat around the bush. There's something I'd like your help with!"
Qingyun smiled at his words. "You came here to ask me to take your son Neji as my disciple, so he can escape the fate of the Branch Family, didn't you?"
"That's right. I don't want Neji to follow in my footsteps, controlled by the Caged Bird Seal his entire life, unable to escape even in death. Qingyun, for the sake of our long friendship, please agree to my request!"
Hizashi Hyuga pleaded with Qingyun, his expression earnest.
Qingyun was extremely strict about accepting disciples. So far, he had only taken Shisui Uchiha and Uchiha Itachi. Though Kakashi and the others received his guidance, strictly speaking, they were not his disciples. That left Hizashi Hyuga feeling rather anxious.
"I don't want to help Neji escape the Caged Bird Seal!"
Qingyun glanced at Hizashi Hyuga and spoke, but before he could finish, Hizashi rose with a dejected expression and prepared to leave.
Seeing this, Qingyun hurriedly stopped him and said helplessly, "Don't be so hasty. I said I wouldn't help Neji escape the Caged Bird Seal, but I never said I wouldn't take him as my disciple!"
"Huh? Why, Qingyun? If you're willing to take Neji as your disciple, why won't you help him escape the Caged Bird Seal's restraints? The Caged Bird Seal is an incredibly cruel Sealing Jutsu. Once it's placed on you, the Main Family will control you no matter how powerful you become. Don't you think that's a tragic way to live?"
Hizashi Hyuga stopped in his tracks at Qingyun's words, then turned back to look at him, visibly