"Are you referring to…"
Hinata Ginka's expression shifted slightly.
"To what you said that day."
Hinata Natsu lowered her gaze. Though they spoke in riddles, both knew exactly what the other meant.
"He also said that Kushina heard it too."
Natsu dropped another bombshell. Kushina, once bullied as an outsider, now knew about the incident.
"Kushina…"
Ginka's mind pictured the girl. Being the sole surviving member of the Uzumaki clan in the village, Kushina kept a low profile, yet anyone with eyes could see she was no ordinary ninja.
The Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques were vast and profound. Many of Konoha's sealing arts were derived or improved from theirs. Some had been left behind by the Uzumaki Mito; most came from humanitarian efforts after the fall of the Land of Whirlpools.
Today, few could study these techniques, as powerful sealing arts required the support of a bloodline limit!
"Uchiha Kiyoshi… how does he feel about this?"
Ginka asked with concern. Kushina had only been an observer. As long as Kiyoshi didn't mind, there would be no major issue. But if Kiyoshi acted up, his sensitive status in the Uchiha clan would attract attention. One misstep and everyone would know.
If that happened, the Uchiha—valuing their reputation above all—would demand an explanation. This would disadvantage the Hyuga clan, and Ginka herself would likely face the harsh judgment of the conservative elders.
"Kiyoshi… Uchiha Kiyoshi is very angry about it," Natsu said, catching herself from over-familiarity and using his full name.
"You didn't go explain?"
Ginka asked immediately. Such a trivial task, yet if the branch family failed, they were just freeloaders.
"I did… but Kiyoshi demanded I pay one million ryō, and…"
Natsu recounted everything, including the humiliation of having the "Caged Bird Curse Mark" placed on her.
Ginka frowned. That Uchiha actually required her to show remorse and sincerity? As head of the main family, accustomed to privilege, Ginka had never endured such indignities.
"Truly a naturally wicked brat!"
She felt justified in what she had said that day. The mistake was Kiyoshi hearing it—and now there was a second person involved. Alone, Kiyoshi might have allowed her to exert some pressure. But with Kushina knowing, things could escalate.
The same situation might prompt Kushina to support Kiyoshi, making the issue even bigger.
Ginka pondered carefully how to resolve this. She instructed Natsu to fetch a cup of tea. Soon, a cup of rare, fragrant tea was presented. Ginka elegantly sipped, the liquid softening the fine lines on her lips.
"You prepare two generous gifts. I'll visit Kushina Uzumaki and Uchiha Kiyoshi."
Ginka was no fool. She knew when to be assertive and when to bow gracefully. If the situation escalated, the Hyuga clan might even strip her of her main family status. Just thinking about that made her head spin.
"Yes, Lady Ginka," Natsu whispered. The rest was no longer her concern. She had done her duty as a branch member.
Thinking that she wouldn't have to deal with Kiyoshi again, Natsu felt relief. Being around someone who didn't play by the rules always brought pressure. She excused herself to go have dinner.
In the clan, the main and branch families resided in separate areas and dined separately.
"Natsu, where are you going?"
Hinata Tetsu, spooning rice, asked unclearly.
"Lady Ginka asked me a question."
Tetsu paused mid-bite, realizing the matter. A flicker of concern appeared in his eyes.
"Nothing serious, right?"
"Nothing," Natsu shook her head, filling a bowl of rice.
"All right," Tetsu resumed eating.
The Chunin exam had inspired him to want a body as strong as Kiyoshi's. In missions, enemies did not distinguish between main and branch families.
...
The next day.
Konoha Hospital.
Kiyoshi arrived at an office belonging to Medical Ninja Nonou. Usually used for research, she had certain privileges as team captain.
After writing a few notes, Nonou glanced up and smiled at Kiyoshi.
"Since you're here, what did you bring?"
"Can't come empty-handed, Teacher Nonou," Kiyoshi said, setting down a basket of fruit. This time, the fruit was more expensive, now that he had the means.
Nonou wouldn't stay long in Konoha, so Kiyoshi tried to raise her favor as much as possible—it might be useful in the future. He welcomed goodwill with goodwill.
Having been an orphanage director for years, Nonou's capabilities were evident. Shizuma Danzo had forced her out of retirement, reflecting her strength. Only because she was too exceptional and knew too many secrets did Yakushi Kabuto have to deal with her. This later caused Kabuto to struggle with identity confusion.
"So, Little Kiyoshi, how was the Chunin exam?"
Seeing the expensive fruit, Nonou smiled wryly. Kiyoshi's gratitude touched her; teaching this student had not been in vain. This was her first time mentoring a disciple—she would have been pleased even if he did nothing.
"It went well."
Kiyoshi nodded. The final round would be easier: a solo battle in a beast-like arena with thousands watching. Any ninja who made a name for themselves would attract the attention of the powerful, gaining more mission opportunities.
"How is the training I taught you?"
Nonou adjusted her glasses, leaning slightly toward the desk as she observed Kiyoshi. Her chest pressed lightly on the table.
"It's quite big… oh no, very good."
Kiyoshi almost blurted it out.
"Big?"
(End of Chapter)