Conflict

After meeting Shinhiko Kōzuki, Madara Uchiha and the others were led by his servants to a side courtyard of the estate, where they would stay. Until their departure, they were forbidden from wandering around the estate. The courtyard had a toilet, and food and water were delivered at set times each day.

Although Madara Uchiha and the others had effectively been placed under house arrest, they did not find it all that unpleasant.

Their accommodations were only a side courtyard, but even this courtyard was far more luxurious than where Hayato Hyuga and the others lived. The meal that had just been delivered was also exceptionally delicious. After a day and a half of traveling, enjoying a feast in such a beautiful courtyard was certainly a pleasure.

"The nobles in Kyoto really have it easy!"

With his belly full, Hayato Hyuga sat on the veranda, gazing at the landscaped garden in the courtyard, and could not help voicing his feelings.

"Too bad Shinhiko Kōzuki is so stingy. He went straight to restricting our freedom. Otherwise, I'd really like to look around Kyoto. I've never been here before, after all."

"Watch what you say. You must call him Lord Shinhiko!"

Kazuhiko Sarutobi once again corrected Hayato Hyuga's disrespectful attitude toward Shinhiko Kōzuki. His disciple's inability to hold his tongue was giving him something of a headache.

"Yes, yes, yes. Lord Shinhiko, Lord Shinhiko!"

Madara Uchiha and the others waited in the side courtyard for a little over a day and a half. Then another burly Samurai appeared before them and led them out.

Following the Samurai, Madara Uchiha and the others reached the rear gate of Shinhiko Kōzuki's estate. As soon as they stepped through it, Hayato Hyuga covered his mouth in astonishment.

A large palanquin carried by eight men stood