The Third Hokage stood where he was, motionless for a long time.
Tsunade looked at him and sighed.
"Sit down, old man."
The Third Hokage slowly sat down, as though he had aged ten years in an instant.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged a glance, each seeing the mixed emotions in the other's eyes.
Shizune held the little pig in her arms, unsure what to say.
Outside the window, the sun shone brightly.
But inside the office, the atmosphere was so heavy it was hard to breathe.
The Hyuga Clan.
The Clan Leader's residence.
Hyuga Hiashi was drinking tea in the courtyard.
Suddenly, a servant came running.
"C-Clan Leader! Lord First is here!"
Hiashi's hand shook, spilling tea all over him.
With no time to change, he hurried to his feet to welcome his guest.
He had barely reached the entrance when he saw Hashirama walk in.
A boy followed behind him.
Neji Hyuga.
Hiashi froze.
"Lord First, what brings you..."
Hashirama looked at him, silent for a moment.
Then he suddenly bent at the waist.
He bowed a full ninety degrees.
Hiashi was utterly stunned.
"Lord First?! What are you doing?!"
He hurried to help him up, but Hashirama stopped him.
"Clan Leader Hiashi, this bow is my apology on Konoha's behalf."
Hashirama straightened and looked at him.
"For what happened all those years ago, I apologize to you, to Hizashi, and to Neji on behalf of the Konoha High Command."
Hiashi opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
Beside him, Neji stood completely rigid.
He looked at Hashirama, his gaze filled with emotions too tangled to describe.
Hashirama turned to him.
"You're Neji?"
Neji nodded silently.
Hashirama walked over and crouched down, meeting the thirteen-year-old boy's eyes.
"Your father was an extraordinary man."
Neji trembled.
"He