"Huh? Why do you want to see the Uchihas and Hyūgas?"
Kazuyama was slightly puzzled and started to think outside the box.
In an instant, he started speculating about Pakura's intentions. As a ninja from Sunagakure, it wasn't exactly ideal for her to take an interest in Konoha's two major Kekkei Genkai clans.
The Uchiha and Hyūga Clans were notoriously cautious. If not, why had no one ever managed to pry into their secrets? He didn't want Pakura attempting anything unusual while under his supervision.
"It's just curiosity."
"If you don't want to go, just don't go."
Just curiosity? Or is there something more to it? Kazuyama wasn't convinced.
At that moment, Chōmei stepped in to ease his doubts.
"Kazuyama, don't worry. Go ahead. Her emotions are stable, no fluctuations."
"I guess she just wants to check out the Kekkei Genkai. After all, she's a ninja with her own Kekkei Genkai."
"My chakra might not sense malicious intent like Kurama's, but I specialize in reading emotions."
"With me keeping watch, you can relax and maybe even flirt a little!"
Damn, Chōmei, you're a good friend!
If you had this ability, why didn't you tell me earlier? You made me worry for nothing! From now on, you've got to help me sense everyone—it'll be great for handling people!
In truth, Kazuyama wasn't particularly worried about Pakura escaping. He had a contingency in place: she bore his Flying Thunder God mark. If she tried to run, she wouldn't get far.
"Let's go. I'll take you to the Hyūga first. I don't know many Uchiha personally."
Pakura was surprised by how quickly Kazuyama agreed to her request.
"Aren't you worried I'm here to gather intelligence?"
"Gather intelligence? Those are two massive clans. Who cares?" Kazuyama shrugged, thinking, You're just curious, and Chōmei has already confirmed it. Besides, I've got multiple layers of defense. If I can't handle you, I've got no business being a ninja.
"Let's go. The Hyūga compound isn't in the village center; it's such a big clan, after all."
With that, Kazuyama led Pakura away.
They navigated through the bustling streets, leaving behind the noise and activity, and entered a serene forest. In the distance, the Hyūga Clan's emblem came into view.
"We're here. The Hyūga territory starts beyond this point."
"The Hyūga are as arrogant as the Uchiha. Just watch and try not to say much."
Despite knowing several Hyūga ninja personally, Kazuyama acknowledged their haughty demeanor.
As they stepped into the Hyūga compound, clan members appeared one by one. They wore long robes and exuded a sense of calm. Many offered faint smiles when they saw Kazuyama.
"Hey, isn't that Kazuyama? What brings you to the Hyūga territory?"
"The herbal medicine you sent last time didn't taste very good, but it worked wonders," an elderly man greeted Kazuyama warmly.
"Haha, if it isn't Elder Yamazaki. Good medicine is supposed to taste bitter." Kazuyama smiled. "By the way, where are Hiashi and Hizashi? I'm looking for them."
Pakura felt a growing sense of disbelief. Why does this brat know everyone wherever he goes? Not only that, but he seemed to have even assisted the Hyūga at some point.
"The Young Clan Head and Hizashi are at the training grounds. Stop by the house for tea when you have some time," Yamazaki said with a friendly wave.
"Okay, I'll stop by later, Elder Yamazaki," Kazuyama replied.
Having learned where to go, Kazuyama exchanged a few pleasantries and led Pakura toward the training ground.
"Actually, it's nothing. I like wandering around. Last time, I happened to be in the Hyūga territory," Kazuyama explained casually. "Elder Yamazaki was seriously ill back then. Since I know a bit about herbal medicine, I prescribed him a treatment."
Kazuyama laughed to himself. Know about medicine? Yeah, right. The truth was, in a past life, he had taken plenty of herbal remedies and remembered a lot about them. Names like Scutellaria baicalensis, Lonicera japonica, Aster tataricus, Morus alba, Taraxacum mongolicum, Bupleurum falcatum, and Forsythia suspensa came to mind.
"As a result, I got familiar with the Hyūga," he added with a shrug. "Come on, let's meet someone I know."
At the training ground, two young men in their early twenties were engaged in an intense sparring session.
"Yo, Hiashi, Hizashi! Sparring?" Kazuyama called out.
The sudden voice broke their rhythm. Without even turning around or activating their Byakugan, they recognized him immediately.
"Kazuyama, what are you doing here in Hyūga territory?"
"Yeah, I heard from Kōjin that you just got back from a mission. Shouldn't you be resting?"
The two stopped sparring, turning to face him in unison. The elder, Hiashi, had a commanding presence, while Hizashi stood slightly more relaxed beside him.
"Hey, there's a pretty girl who's curious about the Hyūga, so I brought her here to take a look," Kazuyama said with a grin.
The two brothers exchanged looks, momentarily startled, before letting out faint sighs of resignation.
"Kazuyama, is this the Sunagakure ninja you brought back from your mission?" Hiashi asked, his tone firm and slightly disapproving.
"Although you're supervising her, isn't it improper to let her roam Konoha so freely?"
Hiashi was a strict and principled man. To him, a captured ninja from another village should conduct themselves more like a prisoner, not stroll around like a casual visitor, even under watch.
"Hey, I'm here to keep an eye on her. Besides, your Hyūga Clan is so big, you don't need to worry about anyone spying on you."
Hiashi immediately exuded an air of confidence, his tone laced with arrogance.
"Of course, we're not afraid. The Hyūga Clan doesn't care if others covet us. No matter who it is, we will repay them with the most powerful Gentle Fist!"
Hizashi, standing nearby, chuckled and patted his brother on the shoulder.
"Kazuyama is just joking, Hiashi. Don't take it so seriously." He turned toward Pakura, his tone far more amiable. "If I'm not mistaken, you're Pakura, right? Scorch Release, correct?"
Pakura nodded. "Yes, Scorch Release, but I can't use it right now. It's sealed."
She studied the two brothers with interest. Judging by their presence, both were Jōnin-level ninja. Their auras were strong, and without her Scorch Release, she wouldn't stand a chance against them.
Suddenly, Hiashi activated his Byakugan, the veins around his eyes bulging as his gaze locked onto her.
"Oh? The Five Elements Seal," he remarked. "Your chakra flow is restricted. Kazuyama, you're ruthless."
Pakura stared at Hiashi in shock, taking in the eerie blue veins of his Byakugan.
"This is the Byakugan…" she murmured. "It can see through chakra flow…"
Hiashi, far less patient with Pakura than he was with Kazuyama, didn't bother explaining further.
"Hahaha, you're as strict as ever, Hiashi," Kazuyama said with a laugh. "Relax. I'm just showing her around. We'll be heading back soon." Then, with a teasing grin, he added, "Let's take a bath together sometime." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍
Hearing the word bath, Hiashi nearly stumbled backward. His expression turned incredulous as he shot Kazuyama a look full of silent exasperation.