Konoha – The Hyuga Clan's Territory
Around the courtyard of Hyuga Rei, four Hyuga clan ninjas stood guard attentively.
Among them, a Jōnin sat cross-legged, maintaining a vigilant stance.
Inside the courtyard, an elderly woman in her sixties or seventies sat beside Rei, speaking to her earnestly. She gently held Rei's hands, her voice soft and persuasive.
"Rei, I watched you grow up. Now that the clan elders have chosen you to be the wife of the future patriarch, this is a great honor!"
As she spoke, the old woman's tone grew more affectionate.
"When you become the patriarch's wife, we elders will finally be at ease."
"When the time comes, don't forget about us. My Dachun used to love playing with you when you were little. Say a few good words about him in front of the patriarch, will you?"
Rei lowered her head, remaining silent.
This was her nature—she didn't like to talk.
Her parents had died on the battlefield when she was very young, leaving her completely alone.
With no backing, she was often bullied by children her age.
She grew up in silence, with no one to talk to.
Even after becoming a ninja, her entire team was eventually wiped out.
She barely survived, only to be almost trafficked to the Land of Fire's Daimyo as a slave because of her Byakugan…
Until that man appeared in her life.
Like a ray of sunlight piercing through the darkness, he gave her a reason to live again.
Even when she returned to the clan, branded as a bringer of misfortune…
Even when they blamed her for the deaths of her teammates and family…
She no longer cared.
Because now, she had real friends.
They didn't care about her origins. They didn't mind her silence. They only cared about what she felt and what she thought.
Simu, lazy yet utterly reliable.
Minato, calm and sharp-minded.
And Kushina, carefree and full of life.
She knew Kushina obviously liked Simu but was too shy to say it.
Because of these bonds, she had shielded Simu from an explosive tag the night the Cloud Shinobi invaded.
She had pushed him away, telling him to go save Kushina.
They were truly warm and kind people…
Black strands of hair covered Rei's face as she gently held a small snail in her pale hand.
It was the Den Den Mushi Simu had left her, but she had sealed it away herself.
Because of this bond—this lingering attachment—she refused to drag them into her troubles.
Even if Simu was a genius of Konoha…
Right now, he was no match for the Hyuga Clan.
As for the kind-looking old woman before her…
She was merely an acquaintance of her parents from decades ago.
Before she was chosen as the future patriarch's fiancée, Rei never imagined her small courtyard would be frequented by so many people.
The Hyuga Clan's Ancestral Hall
Hyuga Teruan, the Hyuga Clan's patriarch, sat on his throne, surrounded by several elders of the main house.
Within the Hyuga Clan, only those of the main house could inherit the purest and most authentic Hyuga bloodline.
And for every main house bloodline, only one heir could inherit it.
Take Hyuga Teruan, for example.
He had two sons—Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi.
Hiashi, being born just a few minutes earlier, was the clan's eldest son and thus the rightful heir.
Hizashi, despite being born only minutes later, was placed in the branch house.
Every branch member was marked with the Caged Bird Seal before the age of ten.
This seal was controlled by the main house, reinforcing the clan's rigid hierarchy.
And as the eldest son, Hiashi's marriage was never his choice to make.
His union carried enormous political significance.
"Sho-an, has the matter regarding Hyuga Rei been settled?"
The elder seated beside Teruan asked.
Hyuga Sho-an, lowering his head slightly, replied in a subdued voice, "It has been handled."
Hearing this, the other elders narrowed their eyes.
"Is that so?"
Seeing their skepticism, Sho-an hesitated before speaking truthfully.
"During my investigation, I discovered that Hyuga Rei has feelings for someone outside the clan."
"Who?"
"A young orphan named Hanyu Simu. He grew up in an orphanage."
Upon hearing this, the elders scoffed in disdain.
"An orphan? How can he compare to the dignity and wealth of the future patriarch's wife?"
"Surely that girl isn't foolish enough to reject such an honor?"
To them, power and status mattered far more than love.
Love was fleeting.
But power and status, once secured, would never betray them.
Sho-an shook his head, his tone slightly troubled.
"If only it were that simple. The issue is that Rei, having lost her parents at a young age, deeply values emotional bonds. Since she never received much care from the clan, her attachment to the Hyuga family is weak."
One of the elders snorted in response.
"Care? What care does a mere branch house child need? Their duty is to serve the main house!"
The other elders stroked their beards in agreement.
Decades of privilege had long stripped them of any concept of respect.
To them, the branch house was nothing more than a tool to maintain their rule.
And tools did not require dignity.
Naturally, Hyuga Teruan wouldn't normally concern himself with a mere branch house orphan.
However…
No one could have predicted that this orphan possessed the purest Byakugan in the entire Hyuga Clan.
The Great Elder tapped his cane firmly against the ground and provided an explanation.
"Under the leadership of the main house, we have maintained the purity of our bloodline with the strictest of measures. But after so many generations, our line has inevitably weakened compared to our ancestors."
"The branch house, despite their diluted lineage, has far greater numbers. It is not unheard of for atavism to occur among them."
His tone grew more forceful.
"It is the Hyuga Clan's ancestral decree that the woman with the purest Byakugan must marry the patriarch's heir. Even the Hokage himself cannot overrule this!"
The Hyuga Clan was one of Konoha's most powerful noble families. They had the confidence to make such a claim.
With Rei's exceptionally pure Byakugan, combined with the most orthodox main house bloodline, the strongest Hyuga heir in history was bound to be born.
That was all the elders cared about.
The Great Elder's mind was filled with visions of restoring the Hyuga Clan's former glory.
Hyuga Teruan, though the clan's leader, had to respect their wishes.
That Night
Deep in the night, Hyuga Teruan, who had already fallen asleep, suddenly woke up, coughing violently.
His wife quickly sat up and patted his back.
"Zhao-an, are you alright?"
Teruan struggled to catch his breath, coughing heavily…
Hyuga Teruan covered his mouth with a handkerchief.
A bright red stain bloomed on the white fabric.
He looked at the handkerchief, his fists clenching tightly.
In the darkness, his gaze became firm.
He had to ensure Hiashi became the next patriarch before his time ran out.
The Next Morning
Without prior notice, guests arrived one after another.
The Hyuga clan's estate was bustling with activity, filled with greetings and farewells.
Today was a significant day—the patriarch's succession ceremony and his wedding ceremony were to be held.
Thus, all the day's events would take place in the large square before the Hyuga ancestral hall.
To honor the occasion, the Hyuga clan had meticulously decorated the square.
As one of the most important figures today, Hyuga Teruan stood at the center of it all.
Despite his physical pain, he forced himself to endure, greeting guests with a sincere smile.
Today's attendees were all distinguished figures.
The great clans of Konoha—Akimichi, Shimura, Nara, Yamanaka, and Sarutobi—all sent high-ranking members as representatives.
Some were even personally congratulated by their respective patriarchs.
Even Uchiha Shifang, the head of the Uchiha clan—despite the long-standing tensions between the Uchiha and Hyuga—had come in person.
As for Konoha's Third Hokage, the most powerful figure in the village, he was expected to arrive at the grand finale.
The Ceremony Begins
With the official proceedings underway, Hyuga Hiashi took his oath as the future patriarch.
He bowed before the Hyuga ancestors in the ancestral hall, offering incense in reverence.
Then, it was time for the bride to appear.
As Rei (Ling Yi) stepped forward, all eyes turned to her.
Her snow-white kimono-style wedding dress almost blended seamlessly with her pale skin.
Her short black hair was neatly coiled at the back of her head.
The delicate curve of her slender neck was exposed, while her pale white eyes carried a hint of sadness.
She looked like a solitary white swan, graceful yet melancholic.
The ornaments adorning her body only enhanced her ethereal beauty.
Hyuga Hiashi observed her closely.
Although he held no particular affection for her, at this moment, a thought crossed his mind—
'Having such a beautiful wife… doesn't seem so bad.'
Yet, for some reason, he couldn't shake off the sense of unease that had lingered since morning.
Security Tightens
Barriers were raised around the Hyuga clan compound.
At the entrance, four Hyuga ninjas were stationed, meticulously checking invitations.
Not just anyone could attend such an important clan event.
At that moment, a new guest arrived.
"It's Lord Sarutobi Shinnosuke! Welcome!"
The four guards immediately straightened up, offering polite smiles.
This was the eldest son of the Third Hokage, and if nothing unexpected happened, he would be the next head of the Sarutobi clan.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke gave a slight nod and said,
"My father is delayed with other matters. He will arrive later to extend his congratulations."
The Hyuga guards immediately reassured him,
"That's completely understandable, Lord Hokage is always busy. Please, go right in!"
After Sarutobi Shinnosuke entered, the guards exchanged murmurs amongst themselves.
"As expected of our Hyuga clan, even Hokage-sama has to show us respect."
"Hmph, we are Konoha's strongest clan."
"Shh, lower your voice—someone's coming."
An Unexpected Guest
They looked up to see a man approaching the Hyuga compound.
He walked with a casual, unhurried stride.
Dressed in a white coat, his hands rested lazily in his pockets.
A pair of yellow-tinted sunglasses sat atop his nose, hiding his eyes.
"Stop right there," one of the Hyuga guards ordered.
"Do you have an invitation?"
The man came to a slow halt.
Then, with a lazy smirk, he reached up and removed his sunglasses.
"Sorry," he said, voice smooth and casual.
"I'm here to snatch the bride."
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