Naruto: Off the Rails from Tsunade’s Lap Pillow!

Before heading to Kusagakure Village, Natsume still had one thing left to do.

Attend the banquet of the Hyuga clan.

After securing Natsume's agreement, Hiashi Hyuga spared no effort. Within less than a day, the news that the Hokage had taken Yoshi as his adopted sister spread throughout the village.

Coupled with Konoha's recent victory over Sunagakure, many ninja clans and shinobi were already eager to curry favor with Natsume.

Therefore, upon receiving invitations from Hiashi Hyuga, they readily agreed.

Even smaller ninja clans who hadn't received invites showed up uninvited, shamelessly crashing the event.

Hiashi didn't refuse them either; after all, he came from a wealthy household and didn't mind a few extra guests.

"How unfortunate," Hizashi Hyuga said, opening the window and gazing thoughtfully at the lively scene outside.

"Father, why do you say that?" Neji Hyuga noticed the sigh in his tone and asked curiously.

"If only you had an older or younger sister, things would be different," Hizashi turned around, saw the strange expression on Neji's face, paused briefly, then added, "My apologies. I spoke carelessly."

He was simply envious of how Hinata and Hanabi were treated.

One was the Hokage's apprentice, the other the Hokage's adopted sister.

In comparison, Neji never got any of those benefits himself.

If not for Hizashi becoming a Hokage advisor, life for the branch family would have been even harder.

"Hanabi—who should've been branded with the Caged Bird Seal as part of the branch family—has managed to defy her fate," Neji finally spoke after a long silence. "It seems fate seems fragile in the face of strength."

Hizashi was momentarily stunned.

Ever since childhood, his son had resented being part of the branch family.

But due to their inability to resist the Caged Bird Seal, he would often lament his fate, resigned to his circumstances.

Yet witnessing Hanabi's experience had brought him a completely different realization.

"That's right," Hizashi replied thoughtfully, his gaze growing distant. "The main house isn't supreme. Even they show humility before the Hokage. So Neji, strive to become stronger."

"Yeah," Neji nodded. "If you're favored by the Hokage, you don't have to fear the Caged Bird Seal anymore."

Suddenly, he recalled Hinata.

The young miss of the main house had once promised she'd change the Caged Bird Seal. Would she really follow through?

In another room nearby,

Hanabi scowled in annoyance. "Why do I have to wear a kimono? It's so troublesome!"

Rinka Hyuga ruffled her hair gently. "Today is a very important occasion. That's why wearing a kimono is necessary."

"But… what makes it so special?"

Still confused, Hanabi continued, "I've always called him Brother Natsume anyway."

"Previously, you called him brother simply because of his age. But now, it's different." Rinka gave a soft smile and whispered, "From now on, you and Natsume are family. Do you understand?"

"One big family?"

Slipping her arms into the kimono sleeves, Hanabi asked, "So does that mean he's your son now?"

Rinka paused, realizing Hanabi was right.

Natsume had officially accepted Hanabi as his adopted sister.

He naturally became her foster son.

It's like killing two birds with one stone.

Rinka Hyuga gave a soft chuckle and said, "I suppose you could say that."

"Hmm… Well then."

Hanabi Hyuga nodded and said, "He being my brother isn't bad. He always brings me food, after all."

Rinka Hyuga couldn't help but shake her head.

Such an ungrateful little girl.

Countless girls would kill to be Natsume's little sister.

And you're okay with it just because he gives you free food?

Rinka tied the sash around her waist into a bow and said, "Let's go outside now."

Most of the guests had already arrived.

But Natsume hadn't yet.

He would be the grand finale.

"Sister!" Hanabi immediately let go of Rinka's hand and ran to Hinata Hyuga.

Like her, Hinata was also wearing a kimono.

Hinata wore white, while Hanabi's was pale yellow.

"Hanabi, don't be naughty today, okay?"

Hinata softly said.

"I've always been good!"

Hanabi pouted and asked, clearly upset, "Sister, I'm your real younger sister, so why do you always care more about Brother?"

Hinata opened her mouth slightly but couldn't bring herself to look Hanabi in the eye.

After a moment, she quietly replied, "No… no, I care about you more."

Well, even she didn't believe her own words.

"Hmph! Liar!"

Hanabi crossed her arms, stuck out her lower lip, and said, "Don't think you can fool me just because I'm younger!"

Hinata wanted to speak but held back, unsure what to say next.

"Flower Fire," Rinka stepped in just in time to defuse the situation. "The banquet is about to begin. There are lots of delicious dishes you love tonight."

Upon hearing this, Hanabi instantly dropped her frown and broke into a smile.

She grabbed Hinata's hand and dashed straight toward the banquet hall.

Rinka smiled slightly, feeling quite pleased.

As long as Natsume is around, these two sisters won't end up clashing over the Caged Bird Seal.

But where there were joyful people, there were also those who weren't pleased.

Within the Main Family branch, other than Hiashi Hyuga's household, there was also the Elder's branch family.

In the original story, during the incident where Hinata was abducted by Kumogakure, this Elder had suggested offering Hizashi Hyuga in place of Hiashi.

"Elder." Kou Hyuga, the Main Family's bodyguard, knelt halfway on one knee. "All the noble ninja clans and jonin have gathered. The clan leader is asking whether you'd like to come out and take a look."

Oh?!

"Take a look?" The old man sneered. "So this is how our clan leader chooses to put me in my place."

Kou immediately broke into a cold sweat, too afraid to respond.

"It was me who placed Hiashi in his position back then," the elder—Hiromasa Hyuga—said darkly. "But I never expected him to neglect the traditions of the Hyuga clan once he became leader."

When Hanabi was three years old, he had first proposed applying the Caged Bird Seal.

Hiashi refused, claiming he hadn't decided on a proper heir yet and needed more time.

Hiromasa reluctantly accepted his explanation back then.

But later, as Hinata became Natsume's student, he brought it up again.

Because he was the Hokage's apprentice, he was practically destined to become clan leader. That would make the most sense. Still, Hiashi Hyuga insisted the choice wasn't suitable. Hiromasa Hyuga immediately understood—it was because he didn't want Hanabi marked with the Caged Bird Seal. Now he'd even taken in an honorary younger sister. Kou Hyuga flinched slightly upon hearing this. Caught between both sides, he couldn't afford to offend either, so he simply remained silent. "Go tell Hiashi that the Hyuga clan's thousand-year-old traditions cannot be broken just for an outsider." Hiromasa spoke firmly. "As clan leader, he should understand better than anyone that rules must be upheld." "Yes!" Kou stood up and quickly left. Meanwhile, Hiashi Hyuga was happily receiving guests. He hadn't felt this happy in a long time. Everyone who came showed him great respect. It made him feel damn good. Though he knew it was mostly due to Natsume's influence, he still felt great—especially now that the burden that had weighed on him for years was finally gone—the matter of the Caged Bird Seal. The Elder Hiromasa probably wouldn't bring it up again, right? "Clan Leader." Kou appeared behind him. "What did the Elder say?" Hiashi turned around, looking at Kou, his tone softening. "He said the traditions of the Hyuga clan cannot be violated." Kou hesitated for a few seconds before answering. Hiashi's smile immediately froze. What an unbending old fool. Truthfully speaking, from a traditional standpoint, the elder was correct. But humans aren't plants or stones—how can we live without emotion? Hiashi himself didn't wish for Hanabi to bear the Caged Bird Seal. "You may go." He waved him off casually. Kou quietly exhaled in relief and disappeared right away. Hiashi's gaze turned deep and thoughtful, his eyes turning icy. Earlier, he already had some resentment toward Hiromasa. But bound by tradition, he hadn't dared to voice it. Now, things were different—he had Natsume backing him up. If push came to shove, he truly had no fear of Hiromasa. "Clan Leader of the Hyuga." A pleasant, gentle voice sounded. "Mikoto, it's been a while," Hiashi said, softening his tone. "Rinka mentioned wanting to catch up with you—finally got the chance." As he spoke, he glanced toward Sasuke Uchiha standing beside Mikoto Uchiha. He was Hinata Hyuga's teammate and also Natsume's apprentice. "You must be Sasuke." Hiashi praised, "A truly remarkable young man." "You flatter me, Clan Leader." Mikoto smiled, clearly pleased. She was about to ask Sasuke to greet him when familiar laughter rang out from behind. "Uncle Hiashi, Aunt Mikoto." Natsume stepped forward and asked, "Why are you two chatting by the door?" "Teacher." Sasuke Uchiha bowed lightly. Seeing this scene, Hiashi couldn't help but sigh, deep in thought. Just now, when Sasuke saw him, he hadn't reacted at all. You could say he completely ignored the clan leader's authority. Still, Hiashi could understand. Just youthful arrogance, nothing more.

Adding to that, with Natsume's connection, Hiashi Hyuga didn't push further.

"Hokage, please go ahead first."

"No need to be polite. You're my elder."

Natsume waved a hand dismissively.

Though Hiashi knew it was just a formality, he still felt comforted and proud at this moment.

A few people entered the hall.

"Hokage!"

Almost everyone stood up and shouted.

The scene was quite spectacular.

Natsume gave a nod.

He followed Hiashi Hyuga toward the dinner table at the highest position.

"Brother."

Hanabi Hyuga obediently greeted.

Leaving out "Natsume" made her address him more intimately than before.

"Everyone, please sit down."

Natsume smiled, scanning the room with his eyes, finally settling on Tsunade.

Since she was at home, she had arrived at the banquet early.

Right now, she'd already finished eating a chicken drumstick.

She seemed utterly unrestrained.

But due to her high status, nobody dared to stop her.

"Hokage, say a few words, won't you?"

Hiashi Hyuga always placed great importance on etiquette and decorum.

As the guest of honor at this banquet, Natsume naturally understood what to do.

"I don't have much to say."

Natsume turned toward everyone and said, "Today, I've gained a younger sister—Hanabi. Everyone, please look after her well from now on."

Except for Orochimaru, who didn't show up, almost all upper- and mid-level figures from Konoha were present.

There was no denying that Hiashi Hyuga had put in considerable effort.

Of course, playing an even greater role was Natsume himself.

[End of Chapter: Three Thousand Words]

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