Once they entered the reception room, Hyuga Hiashi brought out his "prized" Water Leaves and said to Uchiha Fugaku, "Haha, you picked the perfect time to visit today, Elder Fugaku."
"This is special tribute tea from the Land of Water. It took me a great deal of effort to get my hands on it."
"Look, it had only just arrived at my residence when you came along, Elder Fugaku. Clearly, this tea was destined for you."
"Why don't you help me taste it? Let's see what makes this tribute tea, normally reserved for the Daimyo, so special."
Faced with Hyuga Hiashi's enthusiasm, Uchiha Fugaku could hardly come right out and say that he was here to take someone away.
But the situation was urgent, and every minute of delay could bring unexpected complications. He discreetly covered the mouth of his teacup and said, "Clan Head Hiashi, I have come to ask a favor."
Hyuga Hiashi felt slightly reassured by that. If Fugaku had come to ask him for a favor, then presumably he was not here to cause trouble.
But irritation soon followed.
Is that any way to ask someone for a favor?
Who comes asking for help without bringing a gift, looking like some vicious thug?
Still, after weighing their respective strengths, Hyuga Hiashi continued warmly, "Haha, what are you saying, Elder Fugaku?"
"Given the friendship between our clans, there's no need to call it a favor."
"Just tell me what you need, Elder Fugaku."
The underlying message was: Don't you have any damn idea what relations between our clans are actually like?
You can ask, but the answer is definitely no!
Naturally, Uchiha Fugaku had no idea what was going through Hyuga Hiashi's mind.
He merely thought Hiashi was being quite accommodating and felt that today's business would