Chapter 35: The Blessing Banquet and Neji's Attack
Naruto's recovery speed was very fast. After Hyuga Hinata had looked after him for only two days, Naruto was almost recovered and finished the discharge procedures, officially ending his difficult days in the hospital ward.
When Naruto was discharged, Hiruzen Sarutobitook some rare time out to congratulate him. However, seemingly intending to facilitate a good relationship between Naruto and the Hyuga Clan, he left hurriedly after only seeing Naruto for a brief moment.
Naturally, Naruto followed Hyuga Hiashi to the Hyuga residence and became an honored guest of the Hyuga Clan.
Actually, calling him an "honored guest" was a bit of an overstatement. After all, Naruto was still young. The Blessing Banquet the Hyuga Clan held for Naruto was only attended by Hyuga Hiashi's immediate Family.
However, the signal was quite clear. Naruto had already begun to establish his own network, and it was starting from a high point; the Hyuga Clanwas one of the top families in Konoha.
"Naruto, come take a seat. Today, Auntie will show off her skills for you!" Hyuga Hinata's mother was very enthusiastic. She acted very familiar with Naruto upon their first meeting. "By the way, Naruto, do you have any dietary restrictions?"
"I don't have any dietary restrictions; I'm never a picky eater." Naruto wasn't shy at all, and his generous and poised demeanor made HyugaHinata's mother think even more highly of him.
This dinner, called a Blessing Banquet but actually a Family dinner, soon began. After everyone was seated, Naruto was curious why Neji, that little brat who was always calling the Young Miss this and Young Miss that every day, hadn't come.
But Naruto was sensible enough not to ask. This was, after all, the Hyuga Clan's Family business. Naruto, who had just entered their circle and whose relationship wasn't deep yet, had no right to ask more.
This Family feast reached Perfection through Naruto's proper behavior and refined conversation. Naruto even saw a burning light in Hyuga Hinata's mother's eyes, which made him feel somewhat uneasy.
Although he valued Hinata's feelings for him, a wise man does not fall into the river of love. Moreover, Naruto felt that the things he had to do were too complex; now was simply not the time for romance or playing a raising game.
"Naruto, come play often when you have time. Auntie still has many culinary skills she hasn't shown yet!"
"Naruto-kun... take care..."
"You little rascal, don't be afraid of trouble in the future. Come find this Uncle if anything happens!"
Hiashi's Family of three spoke one after another as they parted. These undisguised emotions caused a slight ripple in Naruto's stable Heart-Nature.
Naruto, who hadn't experienced Family happiness since childhood, couldn't describe his specific feelings, but for the first time, he showed a heartfelt smile. He nodded to Hiashi and the others and waved goodbye.
However, many things are not that perfect, especially with Naruto; trouble always arrives unexpectedly.
"Uzumaki Naruto, you murderer!"
A low roar full of anger, accompanied by a gust of palm wind, came from around the street corner. Naruto nimbly sidestepped to dodge and retaliated in kind.
But just as the Cannon Fist of the Eight Extremes Fist was about to hit the attacker's face, Narutosuddenly saw the attacker's original appearance.
"Hyuga Neji?!"
Naruto was in disbelief. He instantly withdrew seventy percent of the power from the punch he had thrown. The Cannon Fist, known for its ferocity, became a dud even as it smashed into Neji's face.
After taking Naruto's hit, Neji had no intention of stopping. He assumed the stance of the Gentle Fist Art and fought Naruto in silence, head down.
"Are you crazy!" Naruto was trying his best to suppress the anger and killing intent in his heart. If Neji continued to be so relentless, the Shura Heart-Nature that had finally faded would likely erupt.
Just as Naruto was considering whether to release a wave of killing intent to scare Neji away, Hiashiappeared beside them in time. With a hand-chop, he knocked Neji unconscious and caught him in his arms, then showed an apologetic expression to Naruto.
"Naruto, Neji has become somewhat extreme because of the news of his father's death. I hope you don't take it to heart."
Although Hiashi said this to Naruto, Naruto could feel that the root cause of his guilt was still Neji, who was lying in his arms.
"Uncle Hiashi, what exactly is going on? Can you explain it to me properly?"
Naruto knew it was somewhat inappropriate to tear open Hiashi's wound at this time, but having an antagonistic peer from the Hyuga Clan for no reason forced Naruto to ask.
"Neji's father, who is also my younger brother, died for me because of Hinata's kidnapping. Neji feels resentment, so he took it out on you..."
Naruto was stunned. This kind of plot twist was somewhat surreal. Even with over twenty years of life experience, Naruto felt this matter was incredible.
Moreover, Naruto realized that during the days of his second life experience game—also the days he was unconscious—the Hyuga Clan had definitely undergone a major upheaval.
Perhaps it wasn't just the Hyuga Clan; the entire Konoha might have experienced a minor earthquake.
A single move affects the whole body, let alone a prominent Family like the Hyuga in Konoha!
"Is it because of that kidnapper?" Naruto caught on immediately, quickly finding the key point of the matter.
"Yes..." But Hiashi obviously didn't want to continue this topic. "Naruto, don't think too much. This Uncle can still handle it. Just go home in peace."
"Alright, Uncle Hiashi." Naruto followed his lead. "Then, see you tomorrow!"
"See you tomorrow!"
After the two parted again, Naruto's expression, which had been somewhat relieved, vanished instantly, replaced by a look of inquiry.
"Kurama, I remember you saying that the Hyuga Clan implements a system where the Main House rules the Branch House." Seeing no one around, Naruto called out to the small orange fox perched on his shoulder as he walked.
"I did, and that brat who attacked you is from the Hyuga Branch House."
Using a secret technique to separate a wisp of consciousness connected to the main body, combined with Naruto's own Chakra to form a small fox, it was undoubtedly the Nine-Tailed.
Having gained a bit of freedom, the Nine-Tailedhad also become much more talkative. Without waiting for Naruto to continue asking, it explained the reason on its own.
"Did you notice the white forehead protector on that brat's forehead just now? That's what the Hyuga Branch House wears to cover the Caged Bird Seal mark."
Naruto understood. After the Nine-Tailed said this, Naruto naturally remembered the Caged Bird Sealused to protect the Byakugan that the Nine-Tailedhad mentioned.
"Now that you mention it, I think I understand..." Naruto had a general hypothesis. "The reason Hiashi's brother died for him is likely due to the difference between the Main House and the Branch House!"
"And Neji, unable to resist the rule of the Main House, naturally blamed everything on me. It really is quite melodramatic!"
"No matter the nature of a large Family, such things are always common. You'd better stay out of the conflict between the Hyuga's Main House and Branch House!" the Nine-Tailed chimed in timely.
"Heh! Still treating me like a child, are you?! I know more about this than you do!" Naruto looked disdainful. "Don't look at how long you've lived; I bet you don't have as much experience in these matters as I do!"
"Brat! Don't think that just because this old man has become like this, I have no way to punish you!"
"Go ahead then!" Naruto reached out and pinched the "mini Nine-Tailed's" ear.
"Uzumaki Naruto! This old man is going to kill you!"
[If you like this novel, please share it on Facebook. The author is deeply grateful.]