The crowd only began to disperse long after the battle between Oto and Hozuki Mangetsu had ended.
Zou Hyuga led the envoys to an inn to rest. The talks between the Five Great Shinobi Villages still required some preparation before they could formally begin.
The ninja and villagers discussed the arrival of the various villages' envoys, speculating about their leaders' intentions.
The major clans in the village, however, knew some of the inside story and understood the threat Akatsuki posed to the shinobi world.
After leaving the inn, Zou Hyuga thought for a long time before returning to the clan grounds. He made his way to the Main Family's residence and knocked softly on the door.
It was not a guard who answered, but a timid Hinata.
Upon seeing Zou Hyuga, Hinata hurriedly opened the door all the way and asked, "Zou, have you come to see Father about something?"
Zou Hyuga nodded and looked into the Main Family's courtyard.
No matter how rapidly the outside world changed, the Main Family's courtyard remained the same. So did the Caged Bird Seal and all those cumbersome clan rules.
After patting Hinata on the head, Zou Hyuga looked toward Neji, who was practicing Gentle Fist in the training hall.
Neji practiced each movement precisely, while Hizashi instructed him from the side, occasionally stepping forward to correct his hand positions.
The familiar scene brought back memories for Zou Hyuga, and his vision gradually blurred.
Noticing Zou Hyuga, Hizashi immediately walked over with a look of surprise. "Zou, what brings you here today?"
Zou Hyuga shook his head gently. "I just came to look around... By the way, where is the clan head?"
Ever since his uncle had gone missing, his contact with the clan had dwindled. After his encounter with Toneri, he had