Meanwhile, after finishing breakfast, Hyūga Hiashi had begun handling clan matters when one of the guards stationed at the entrance hurried over.
The man looked flustered and anxious. Upon seeing Hiashi, he quickly reported:
"Clan Head—Vice Clan Head of the Uchiha, Uchiha Arata, has come to visit. He's currently waiting at the gate."
At first, Hiashi was displeased by the man's panicked demeanor.
He was just about to reprimand him, reminding him to maintain the dignity expected of a member of the Hyūga clan.
But the moment he heard the name—
Hyūga Hiashi froze.
After all, reputation followed power.
Uchiha Arata's name had been forged through battle.
Many people built their fame by leaning on titles—clan head, advisor, captain.
But Uchiha Arata was different.
He had established his name first. Only then did he become the Uchiha clan's vice clan head.
Back then, outside the village, Arata had summoned Susanoo and cut down more than a dozen elite Root operatives with a single strike.
Everyone present at that scene had remembered his name clearly from that moment onward.
Because when someone could already wield the third stage of Susanoo and slaughter Root elites so decisively, he was no longer merely a genius.
He had grown into a true powerhouse....one standing at the pinnacle of Konoha, and even the shinobi world.
Though he still couldn't be compared to Senju Hashirama or Uchiha Madara, as long as their fundamental interests weren't threatened, no one would willingly turn against Uchiha Arata.
Because he was already strong.
And even more frightening....
He was still growing.
Not to mention, standing behind him was the formidable Uchiha clan itself.
Thus, upon hearing that Uchiha Arata had come to visit, even Hyūga Hiashi felt a flicker of unease.
He immediately put aside the scroll in his hands, instructed someone to prepare the reception hall, and personally hurried toward the gate.
When Hyūga Hiashi arrived, Uchiha Arata was standing outside the Hyūga compound, calmly observing the clan's grand gates with interest.
As a clan just as ancient as the Uchiha, the Hyūga bloodline and combat power might not rival the Sharingan....but they possessed their own unique strengths.
And in terms of aesthetics, the Hyūga clan clearly surpassed the Uchiha.
Even the scale and decoration of their gates were unmatched throughout the entirety of Konoha.
Before Hiashi had even fully approached, he spoke first:
"Vice Clan Head Arata visiting the Hyūga clan truly honors us. My subordinates were ignorant—they should have welcomed you inside immediately. Please allow me to apologize on their behalf."
Hearing this, Arata smiled lightly.
"I was the one who acted rashly," he replied. "I didn't submit a visiting notice beforehand. Your people stopping me at the gate only shows their loyalty to the clan. They shouldn't be punished for that."
Hyūga Hiashi burst into laughter.
"Well said, Arata-kun. In that case, I won't punish them."
He then gestured inward.
"Shall we continue our conversation inside?"
Arata nodded without any false modesty and walked alongside Hiashi into the compound.
As the strongest member of the Uchiha clan.....and its vice clan head.....Arata's visit was not something Hyūga Hiashi could afford to take lightly.
Especially now.
The Uchiha clan was preparing to relocate. That meant they would soon no longer have direct conflicts of interest with the Hyūga clan.
If Hiashi could seize this opportunity and firmly secure the friendship of the Uchiha.....
The Hyūga clan's standing within Konoha would rise yet again.
Thus, Hiashi personally welcomed Arata into the reception hall.
He didn't rush to ask about Arata's purpose. Instead, he first ordered tea and refreshments.
Hiashi wasn't in a hurry.
And Arata was even less so.
The two sat together, sipping tea and chatting casually.....starting from everyday matters within the village, gradually extending to Konoha's situation and its relations with other villages.
Only after several rounds of tea did Hyūga Hiashi finally begin to inquire.....
What exactly was Uchiha Arata's reason for visiting today?
After three rounds of tea with Uchiha Arata, Hyūga Hiashi finally couldn't hold back any longer.
"May I ask," Hiashi said, setting down his teacup, "what matter brings Arata-kun to our Hyūga clan today? If it is something within our ability, the Hyūga clan will absolutely not refuse."
Hearing this, Arata fell silent.
He seemed hesitant, as though there were words difficult to speak aloud.
His fingers tapped lightly against the table again and again, his brows tightly knit.
Hyūga Hiashi waited patiently.
Only after a long moment did Arata finally speak.
"There is indeed something I wish to request," Arata said slowly, his expression conflicted.
"However, this request may be somewhat excessive. I hope Lord Hiashi will not be angered. Please consider it carefully before giving me an answer."
Instead of being displeased, Hiashi broke into a smile.
He wasn't afraid of demands....so long as Arata made one, it meant there was room to pull him closer.
"Arata-kun is too polite," Hiashi said with a laugh. "Whatever request you have, feel free to speak. If I can agree, I will. Even if I cannot, I will find a way."
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