Hyuga Yu did not spend long talking about the Heavenly Ninja.
After his explanation, Zou Hyuga learned that Heavenly Ninja did not refer to a particular Hyuga ninja who had once been powerful, but was a collective title for Hyuga ninja with pure bloodlines and exceptional talent.
Heavenly Ninja had appeared several times throughout history, and their strength fell within the realm of a Kage.
During the Warring States Period, a Heavenly Ninja was strong enough to lead the clan, even declaring war on other ninja and seizing territory.
But in this era of numerous shinobi villages, even the appearance of a Heavenly Ninja could not lead the Hyuga Clan back to its former glory. It was a tragedy of the times.
Yet even a Hyuga clansman with the potential to become a Heavenly Ninja had not appeared for decades.
What Hyuga Yu meant was that Zou possessed that potential. But he was merely a member of the Branch Family, and his strength was hardly greater than his clansmen's-perhaps even slightly inferior.
Once the story of the Heavenly Ninja ended, a brief silence settled between them.
Learning about the Heavenly Ninja cleared up many of Zou Hyuga's doubts, but he wanted even more to know his uncle's intentions.
After a moment of contemplation, Hyuga Yu said gravely, "Zou, do you know the true purpose behind the creation of the Caged Bird Seal?"
"Was it to protect those ninja who lacked talent?"
Hyuga Yu shook his head gently, and Zou Hyuga continued, "Then was it to restrain the Branch Family's geniuses and preserve the Main Family's rule?"
Hyuga Yu shook his head again.
After pausing to think, Zou Hyuga said, "Then it must still serve some protective purpose."
"Yes and no."
Hyuga Yu began speaking in riddles, raising a hand to