Deep within the Hyuga Clan compound in Konoha Village.
The night was as dark as ink, enveloping the grand manor of this prestigious Family.
While the flames of war raged on the Front Lines, this place was a scene of song and dance, peace and prosperity.
In the backyard of the luxurious Grand Elder's mansion, red candles flickered, and sounds that would make one blush drifted from behind the thin gauze curtains.
Unlike the tragic, meat-grinder-like Front Lines, the air here was mixed with a certain heart-pounding, romantic atmosphere.
Warm yellow light filtered through the paper doors, casting two overlapping shadows onto a large red sandalwood bed big enough for five or six people.
The air was thick with the scent of sweet incense, mingled with heavy panting and the suppressed moans of a woman.
Hyuga Ieyasu was lying on top of a young woman with skin as white as snow. His wrinkled old face was flushed bright red with excitement, and his cloudy eyes were filled with sickening greed.
Even though he was nearly sixty, at this moment, he was like a tireless beast.
Ever since he became an Elder of the Main House and gained control over the Family's finances, he had become increasingly unrestrained in such matters.
"My... My Lord..."
The woman let out a pleading sob, her voice broken.
"Mmm... My Lord."
Just then.
Knock, knock, knock.
An urgent knocking sound rang out abruptly.
Hyuga Ieyasu, who was in the middle of'searching for a water source in the jungle,' stiffened. He jerked his head up, and his face, covered in liver spots, instantly clouded over with anger.
He used his wrinkled hand to wipe the moisture from the corner of his mouth, his cloudy old eyes staring at the vibrating door with surging killing intent.
In this Hyuga Clan, who dared to disturb his pleasure and court disaster?
"Get in here!" he roared, his voice carrying undisguised killing intent.
The door was pushed open in a panic.
Hyuga Ran stumbled into the room, catching a glimpse of the vast expanse of pale skin on the bed and the glistening moisture at the corner of Elder Ieyasu's mouth.
He quickly lowered his head, not daring to look further.
The young woman on the bed let out a short cry of alarm, her face turning deathly pale.
She frantically pulled a silk quilt over herself, wrapping it tightly and shrinking into the corner of the bed, shivering with only her terrified eyes showing.
She hadn't expected Hyuga Ieyasu to completely disregard her and just let someone in so brazenly.
"This had better be a matter of the sky falling down," Hyuga Ieyasu said, casually pulling a blanket to cover his waist. His voice was as gloomy as if it had drifted out of a graveyard.
"Otherwise, tomorrow's list for the Branch House will be missing one name."
Hyuga Ran's knees went weak, and he almost collapsed to the floor.
He swallowed hard, cold sweat dripping from his forehead, and stammered, "Lord Ieyasu, it's... it's Lord Danzo."
"Lord Danzo... Lord Danzo is here, and he specified that he wants to see you."
Hyuga Ieyasu's brow twitched violently.
Danzo?
What does that rat hiding in the sewers want with me?
The Hyuga Clan had always minded their own business when it came to Root.
A flash of impatience crossed his eyes.
As a powerful Elder of the Hyuga Clan, even if the Hokage came, he would have to show him some respect.
Let alone a man like Danzo who hid his head and showed his tail.
No formal request for a meeting, no notification, just barging in late at night.
This was simply not taking the Hyuga Clan seriously!
He snorted coldly, stepping barefoot onto the carpet, his chest heaving violently.
"Specified he wants to see me? Without even a formal request, showing up in the middle of the night like a ghost!"
"What does he think the Hyuga Clan is? Does he think it's his dilapidated Root?"
Hyuga Ieyasu flicked his sleeve, the fat on his face trembling. "I won't see him! Tell him to get lost!"
"Just say I am unwell. If there is anything to discuss, we can talk at the Hokage Building another day!"
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"