After making two consecutive mistakes, Shisui no longer dared to approach recklessly. That, at least, pleased Kei. The distance granted him a brief period of peace.
Unfortunately, that peace did not last.
One afternoon, Kei sensed another presence observing him from afar.
Kakashi had used a Transformation Technique and disguised himself carefully. He positioned himself well outside immediate range and even took the form of a vegetable vendor to avoid suspicion. From a normal shinobi's perspective, the surveillance would have been flawless.
But the moment Kakashi subtly shifted his attention toward the clinic, Kei detected him.
Ever since losing his sight, Kei's sensory perception had grown to an almost unreasonable degree. Distance and disguise meant very little.
Rather than expose the observation, Kei chose to behave as though he knew nothing. In his judgment, this was most likely the Third Hokage's probe. Although he had displayed unwavering devotion to the Will of Fire during his last exchange with Kakashi, it clearly had not been enough to eliminate all doubt.
If that was the case, then let Kakashi watch.
After all, as the supposed successor of the Will of Fire, what did he have to fear?
Truthfully, Kei would have preferred something more direct. If Kakashi had entered the clinic openly, there would have been an opportunity for psychological consultation, and with it, rewards. But Kakashi seemed convinced his disguise was flawless and remained outside, observing quietly.
As evening approached and the last patient departed, the clinic fell into its usual end-of-day lull.
Although the chances of receiving visitors after sunset were slim, Kei kept the clinic open late out of habit. Since he had little to occupy himself at home, there was no harm in extending business hours.
That meant Haru, as his assistant, was required to stay as well.
Yet today, shortly after the sun dipped below the horizon, long before closing time, Haru spoke from behind him.
"I have something to take care of. I need to step out."
"If it's important, go ahead," Kei replied casually.
Haru nodded, placed the medical record book and pen neatly on the desk, and left without another word.
Kei did not think much of it. Occasional errands were normal. No one lived without unexpected matters to attend to. He simply continued operating as usual.
Not long after, just as he considered resting briefly, a faint scent of alcohol drifted toward the clinic. The smell grew stronger with each uneven step approaching the door.
Kei focused his perception and immediately noted something unusual.
The visitor was a Hyūga.
It was the first time a member of his own clan had come seeking treatment.
From the man's chakra fluctuations and the heaviness in his gait, his emotional state was unstable. Even at a distance, the alcohol stung the air sharply. Periodic sighs echoed faintly along the quiet street.
Within moments, Kei had already sketched the outline of the man: middle-aged, frustrated, drowning himself in drink.
When the uneven footsteps entered the clinic, Kei offered his usual warm smile.
"Good evening. How may I help you?"
"It's you, Kei, right? They said you opened a clinic here." The man's voice carried both uncertainty and intoxication.
"Yes, it's me. You're Uncle Mei, aren't you?" Kei inclined his head slightly. "Because of my eyesight, I can only recognize people by voice now."
"That's fine," Hyūga Mei waved dismissively. "I've heard you're quite the psychologist, so I thought I'd come take a look."
"What's troubling you?" Kei picked up the medical record and pen, ready to begin.
Mei shook his head as if trying to clear the haze. "It's nothing specific… just some recent matters. Haven't been in a good mood."
"Talking about it might help," Kei replied gently. "From a psychological standpoint, expression is one of the healthiest forms of release."
Mei scoffed and took another swig. "It's the main house. They decided to punish me over something I said years ago."
Kei listened attentively.
The matter soon became clear. Years earlier, Mei had voiced dissatisfaction with the main house. Recently, that comment had resurfaced, resulting in confinement. Having just been released, resentment lingered, and alcohol had become his outlet.
On the surface, it aligned neatly with Kei's earlier "Tall Poppy" theory. There was no immediate reason to doubt the story.
But was it really that simple?
Kei refrained from jumping to conclusions.
"Try not to take it too heavily," he said in a soothing tone. "No hardship is permanent. Things pass."
"You don't understand," Mei snapped, unable to accept comfort. "This time they've gone too far."
He continued venting, his voice rising. "Do you know how many people were punished? Even Young Master Neji nearly faced discipline from the Great Elder. If the clan head hadn't intervened, "
The complaints poured out, thick with resentment toward the main house.
Kei remained calm, neither agreeing nor echoing the dissatisfaction.
After a moment, he lightly brushed his fingers against his cane and shifted the topic.
"Uncle Mei, if I remember correctly, your son is Kō, isn't he? I've heard he's about to graduate from the Academy, and his grades are quite good."
Mei blinked, caught off guard by the sudden turn.
"That's right. How do you know?"
"I've heard the elders mention him. They say he's diligent."
Kei smiled faintly.
Mei laughed awkwardly. "He's nothing special. But you, if you've got grievances, tell your uncle. I'll stand up for you."
"There's no grievance," Kei replied, his tone slightly firmer now. "Despite my eyesight, the clan has treated me well. The Great Elder even provided financial support and told me to seek him if I ever needed help."
He let the words carry clearly.
"So instead of focusing on what the clan hasn't done, perhaps it's worth considering what it has. Without its protection, would our lives be this stable?"
He tilted his head gently.
"Wouldn't you agree?"
Mei opened his mouth to respond, but Kei continued smoothly.
"It's getting late. You should drink less and head home before your family worries."
The warmth in Kei's expression did not falter.
Yet Mei's grip on the bottle trembled slightly.
After a brief silence, he stood.
"You've got quite the tongue," he muttered. "Forget it."
He staggered out of the clinic and disappeared around the corner.
Only once Mei's presence had fully vanished did Kei allow the smile to fade.
If he had reacted even a second slower, he might have fallen into the trap.
Hyūga Kō, though a minor figure in the future, would one day serve as Hinata's bodyguard during the Pain invasion, remaining steadfast and loyal.
For his father to appear here tonight, seemingly drunk and resentful, was far too convenient.
This had been a test.
If Kei had echoed dissatisfaction toward the main house, those words would undoubtedly have reached the elders by morning.
He had believed the main house's vigilance toward him was already thorough.
Apparently, it was not enough.
Haru's sudden departure now made sense. She could not have been present for this exchange. If she had remained, Mei would never have spoken so freely.
Kei quietly added this maneuver to Taihiro's account.
Just then, Haru returned.
"Finished?" Kei asked as if nothing unusual had occurred.
"Yes."
She resumed her position behind him.
Kei yawned lazily. "Could you make me some tea? Yours tastes better."
Haru paused briefly but complied.
As she handed him the cup and turned to step back, Kei spoke again.
"Haru, my shoulders have been sore lately. Could you massage them for a moment?"
She inhaled sharply, fists tightening.
"Don't push it."
"Why so angry?" Kei asked mildly. "Didn't you perform similar duties at the Great Elder's residence?"
Her breathing grew heavier.
"You're simply serving someone different now. In the future, you may serve many. Will your attitude always be the same?"
"Enough." Her voice lost its usual restraint. "Don't use your so-called psychology on me. I'm not falling for it."
"I'm only talking with you," Kei replied calmly. "As my assistant, communication is necessary."
"Shut up!"
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