“Elder Sada... Elder Fukiage... Elder Aoyama... and Patriarch Hiashi-sama... Please forgive me... I am the entire reason behind Neji’s failure... It’s not that he is retarded or anything... the only reason he didn’t protect Hinata-sama is that I didn’t teach him well... so rather than it being my son’s fault, it’s my fault.” Apologized to Hizashi, taking the entire blame upon himself, hoping that his apology would quell this matter and Neji wouldn’t have to bear the anger and dissatisfaction of the Elders.
Hizashi’s apology and submission didn’t dispel Elder Sada’s dissatisfaction, while keeping Hizashi in the dogeza position, Elder Sada waved his hand toward an attendant beside him.
The attendant hurried forward and after pouring a cup of tea for Elder Sada, he retreated back.
Elder Sada raised the filled cup of tea, and after taking a sip, he spoke to Hizashi, “Hizashi... you must understand your mistake. If you of all people were to forget the purpose of the existence of a branch family member, then no matter how good you are, there is no meaning behind your existence.”
A layer of sweat appeared on Hizashi’s forehead as he understood the meaning behind Elder Sada’s words, and he quickly nodded, “Yes... I understand.”
Elder Sada added, “Very good... I do hope that your son will also understand.”
Hizashi nodded hurriedly, “Yes... I will teach him in order to make sure that he doesn’t make any such mistake in the future.”
Because of the existence of the Caged Bird Cursed Seal, the people of the main family hold the life and death of the members of the branch family in their hands. It is well understood by the branch family that no matter how strong they become, they can never escape the influence of the Caged Bird Cursed Seal.
So, when Elder Sada mentioned ‘no meaning behind your existence’, Hizashi immediately realized that Elder Sada was not using metaphor, it was a death threat.
Although there haven’t been many instances of execution of branch family members inside the Hyuga Clan, it has happened a few times in the history of the Hyuga Clan for Hizashi to know that Elder Sada didn’t issue an empty threat.
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became extremely quiet and depressing as other than Hizashi, several others also understood the meaning of Elder Sada.
Looking at Kuroto’s expressionless face, Yui–who was sitting in one of the corners of the hall–felt nervous.
Just by looking at his expressionless face, Yui knew that Kuroto had no intention of apologizing or submitting.
She knows Kuroto’s personality very well. Kuroto may seem peaceful and calm most of the time, but in reality, he is a very assertive person who would never submit to anyone, especially in unreasonable situations such as this one. But at the same time, she also fears that no matter how powerful Kuroto is, he can’t resist the influence of Caged Bird Cursed Seal. That’s why she is worried.
Perhaps Kuroto felt Yui’s panic, she briefly looked at her with a reassuring smile, and worded silently, ‘Trust me.’
After hearing him, Yui nodded lightly and hardened her expression. She is going to see this thing through, no matter the result.
Seeing Kuroto ignoring him, Elder Aoyama frowned, “Hyuga Kuroto... how dare you? Instead of submitting and apologizing for your failure... you are being disrespectful!”
In Elder Aoyama’s opinion, the only thing Hyuga Kuroto should be doing at this moment is begging for his forgiveness, but here he is ignoring him! This is beyond insulting!
Hearing Elder Aoyama’s words, Kuroto turned his head and scornfully looked at the old man.
Feeling Kuroto’s contempt, Elder Aoyoma was angered, “How dare you!?”
Kuroto laughed menacingly, “Hahaha.” And approached Elder Aoyama.
“You... what... what are you trying to do?!” Asked Elder Aoyama with a puzzled expression.
For some reason, an ominous premonition appeared in Elder Aoyama’s heart as Kuroto took his first step.