210 Naruto: Snatching the Mangekyō

Hearing Mikoto's question, Fugaku shook his head and said, "No, it's nothing like that. I just ate something... rather unpleasant."

"Mikoto, I'll skip dinner tonight. You all eat without me. My stomach feels a bit off," Fugaku added, forcing a faint smile.

Watching her husband retreat to his study, Mikoto frowned slightly. Something about him seemed off today.

She knew her husband's strength ranked among the very best in the ninja world, and his constitution was equally remarkable. What kind of food could upset someone like him?

However, judging by his demeanor, it didn't seem to be anything serious. Deciding not to dwell on it, Mikoto set the matter aside.

After dinner, Itachi looked up at his mother. "Mom, I'd like to visit Shisui. I want his guidance on my training."

"Go ahead," Mikoto replied with a gentle smile. "Just don't stay out too late. At your age, you need to balance work and rest."

Receiving her approval, Itachi hurriedly made his way to Shisui's home.

"Shisui, I'm here!" Itachi called as he pushed open the door, only to find Shisui sitting pale and dazed beneath the eaves, staring blankly at a small pond.

Seeing his state, Itachi immediately thought of his father's unusual behavior earlier. He rushed over, asking, "Shisui, what happened to you?"

Shisui glanced up at him and managed a weak smile. "Itachi, I'm fine. I just ate something that didn't agree with me."

He sighed and added apologetically, "Sorry, Itachi. I can't train with you today. Next time, I promise."

"Seriously?" Itachi muttered under his breath, pouting. "First Father, now you?"

Shisui chuckled weakly, his smile strained. Today's events had truly left him shaken.

Elsewhere, Tsunade had just returned home when she saw Jiraiya leaning casually against the garden fence, clearly waiting for her.

"Tsunade! Finally! You're off duty. Come on, let's go grab some drinks!" Jiraiya greeted her with a broad grin and infectious enthusiasm.

But Tsunade wasn't in the mood. Waving him off, she said, "Go by yourself. I ate something bad earlier, so no drinks for me—probably not for a while."

"You? Ate something bad?" Jiraiya raised a skeptical brow. "You're the greatest medical ninja in the entire ninja world! How could you eat something bad?"

"Heh." Tsunade let out a cold laugh. "It's not like I wanted to eat that stuff, but I didn't exactly have a choice."

Jiraiya was stunned. What on earth could force Tsunade to eat something she didn't want to?

"Enough, Jiraiya. I can't explain it to you right now. You'll find out someday," Tsunade said with a dismissive wave of her hand. All she wanted was to figure out how to temporarily suppress her sense of taste.

"What could be so secret that even I can't know?" Jiraiya muttered to himself, disappointed. He had come brimming with excitement but left to drink alone in frustration.

...

Meanwhile, Uchiha Akira was still working late. He had summoned Hyūga Hiashi and Hyūga Kaori to the Hokage's office for an important discussion.

The reason was twofold. First, it was time to address the longstanding issue of the Hyūga Clan's Caged Bird seal.

Unlike previous Hokage, Akira couldn't tolerate the practice of enslaving others—even within the bounds of clan traditions. Regardless of the justification, every person in the village deserved dignity and equality.

Second, Akira recalled a mission from years ago involving Kaori. Her Byakugan had exhibited extraordinary potential, surpassing even the main family's usual limits.

Akira suspected that Kaori might have the potential to awaken the Tenseigan. Considering the challenges ahead—Nagato, the possibility of Uchiha Madara's return, and the Ōtsutsuki threat—preparing for the future was vital. Another set of Tenseigan eyes could significantly bolster their side's strength, sparing Akira the need to personally handle every crisis.

Upon receiving the Hokage's summons, Hiashi wasted no time, promptly heading to the Hokage's office with Kaori in tow.

On the way, Kaori was filled with curiosity. She was just a member of the branch family—why would the Hokage specifically summon her? Though she had been on a mission with him once before, she couldn't think of any reason she'd warrant such attention now.

The current Fifth Hokage was a legend, hailed as the strongest in Konoha's history, surpassing even the First Hokage. After details of his battle last week were made public, the people of Konoha carried themselves with unmatched pride when dealing with outsiders.

This was, without a doubt, the strongest Konoha in history.

"Hokage-sama," Hiashi greeted respectfully upon entering the office, bowing alongside Kaori.

Despite Akira's reputation for being approachable, the Hyūga clan maintained their strict adherence to tradition and etiquette.

"Hiashi, Kaori," Akira said with a smile. "No need to be so formal. I've called you here to discuss two matters."

"Please, Hokage-sama, tell us how we may assist. The Hyūga Clan will do everything we can to support you," Hiashi replied eagerly.

Hiashi's heart leapt with hope. Perhaps this was the opportunity the Hyūga Clan had been waiting for.

Konoha's reforms over the past two years had been highly successful, benefiting clans like the Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, and even the Uchiha. Yet the Hyūga had lagged behind, trapped by their rigid traditions and the stubbornness of their elders.

For Hiashi, seeing the Hyūga left behind was intolerable. But those same elders were like immovable stones in a cesspool, refusing to change.

Akira got straight to the point. "Hiashi, the first matter concerns the Caged Bird seal. After thorough investigation, I've concluded that this practice should no longer continue. The Caged Bird is an insult to the dignity of its bearers. It reduces them to slaves. I intend to abolish it."

Hiashi's face turned pale. "Hokage-sama, the Caged Bird was created to protect the Byakugan. Without it, the risk of the Byakugan being stolen and misused is far too great!"

He quickly added, "Moreover, this is an internal matter of the Hyūga Clan. The village has no right to interfere with our traditions!"

Beside him, Kaori's expression was one of disbelief. Yet deep within, a surge of hope and joy threatened to overwhelm her. Could this truly be happening?

For centuries, the Caged Bird seal had bound the branch family in servitude to the main house. Now, under the leadership of this extraordinary Hokage, the seal might finally be abolished. Kaori would no longer be a mere servant to the main house but a person with her own autonomy—a true citizen of Konoha.