He pressed his acupuncture points, trying to ease the slight stinging.
Zou Hyuga had not used the ointment, setting it aside instead. The Hyuga Main Family's specially formulated ointment was probably quite expensive.
Rising from the sofa, Zou Hyuga slowly walked outside and sat in the corridor.
The faint smile had left his face, replaced by a solemn, thoughtful expression.
His earlier joking request to experience the Caged Bird Seal's restrictions had not merely been an attempt to find a way to break it. More importantly, he had sensed a faint air of decay about his uncle.
Although Hyuga Yu kept pretending to be young and vigorous, Zou Hyuga knew he was merely forcing himself to keep going. Hyuga Yu's health had been steadily declining, and his strength had diminished considerably.
The loss of stamina that came with age happened to every ninja.
Hyuga Yu was naturally no exception. By Zou's estimate, Hyuga Yu had only a few years left at most. Even if he passed away this year, it would not be surprising.
Birth, aging, illness, and death were part of life even for ninja. Hyuga Yu always joked that once he saw Zou become a jonin, he could die smiling, without regrets.
How could I let him have his way? So Zou had remained perfectly content as a genin, hoping that lingering wish would keep his uncle going for a few more years.
But today, he had heard no regret in his uncle's voice, and that left him worried.
Not wanting an elder to die was one reason. Another was that once this Main Family elder passed away, Zou would fall under the Main Family's restrictions. They might not be severe, but they would still be deeply unpleasant.
Gentle moonlight spilled from the sky, falling on the pale