The Hyuga Clan was large, with many members in the Branch Family.
Some of these Branch Family members found contentment in their lives of service.
Hyuga Natsu was one of these, completely devoted to the Head Family.
She had been raised from a young age to serve them, and her loyalty was absolute.
If Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hazuki were to marry and have children, Natsu would likely become their caretaker.
That was her place in the clan's hierarchy.
Sarutobi Ryo had previously spoken frankly with Hyuga Hizashi to understand Hizashi's position.
Now that Hyuga Hizashi had shown his loyalty and his desire for Ruri's happiness, Sarutobi Ryo felt the time was right to act.
"I'll take her with me for now. If anyone asks, tell them I need to question Hyuga Natsu alone about something concerning Ruri..."
Sarutobi Ryo stood, picked up Hyuga Natsu, and vanished silently with his Swift Release, leaving no trace.
This "Body Flicker Technique" left Hyuga Hizashi in awe.
Soon, Hizashi regained his composure.
Even he hadn't understood Young Master Ryo's movements.
"Young Master Ryo's strength is incredible. Few in Konoha could match him..."
Hyuga Hizashi calmed himself and quietly closed the door.
For the sake of his childhood friend Ruri's happiness, he was willing to risk everything.
Even as a Branch Family member, he possessed the courage and the will to resist.
---
A short time later.
Sarutobi Ryo returned stealthily to his home.
In the courtyard, Guren was practicing her Crystal Release.
Suddenly, she seemed to sense something.
She looked around, then heard a familiar voice in her ear: "It's me... Guren, stand guard outside. Don't let anyone in."
"Yes, Lord."
Guren immediately resumed her post at the gate.
After the events of that night, she had become completely devoted to Sarutobi Ryo, his most loyal subordinate.
---
In the pitch-black Underground, Hyuga Natsu slowly woke up.
She opened her eyes and found her hands and feet bound.
Red ropes constricted her body, highlighting her developing figure.
Her arms were tied tightly behind her back.
The Hyuga Branch Family girl, still in her maid uniform, stared in surprise.
She looked around and found herself in an unfamiliar place.
"Where is this...?"
In the dark Underground, candlelight flickered.
Sarutobi Ryo stood in the shadows.
"You're awake?"
The quiet Underground was silent; you could hear a pin drop.
"Young Master Ryo?!"
Hyuga Natsu exclaimed in surprise.
She only remembered being knocked unconscious by Hizashi-sama...
Why would Hizashi-sama do that?
"I have a favor to ask of you..."
Sarutobi Ryo stepped out of the shadows and approached the girl.
Her striking white eyes and dark green short hair gave her a unique look.
"W-What is it?" Hyuga Natsu instinctively struggled.
She didn't understand why she was in this situation.
Where am I?
"I need you to keep an eye on Ruri in the future..."
Sarutobi Ryo calmly asked Hyuga Natsu to watch over Ruri.
As he continued, Hyuga Natsu's expression gradually calmed down, then showed a hint of disdain.
"Young Master Ryo, forgive me for being blunt, but Ruri-sama, despite her position in the Branch Family, doesn't seem to appreciate the Head Family..."
Hyuga Natsu spoke firmly, listing Ruri's shortcomings.
Sarutobi Ryo listened.
She believed that Ruri, as a Branch Family member, was ungrateful to the Head Family, which was unacceptable.
"Oh."
After hearing her statement, Sarutobi Ryo nodded.
"You've been taught this way of thinking since you were a child, so it's normal to feel this way. But... just because you're used to being a slave doesn't mean everyone else is..."
Hyuga Natsu frowned at the word "slave."
Before she could respond, strange sounds suddenly echoed.
Hyuga Natsu was startled, then became petrified.
The Sarutobi Clan's Summoning Weapon rapidly expanded and rose up.
"My strength is almost where I want it... so I need someone to act as an undercover agent, to monitor the Hyuga for me."
Sarutobi Ryo gazed at the stunned Hyuga girl and revealed his true purpose.
According to the timeline, Hyuga Hizashi was supposed to marry soon.
But in this world, Hyuga Hizashi had entrusted his wife and children to him, placing Ruri's happiness in his hands.
That meant he wouldn't marry Ruri.
But he would still face pressure from the Head and Branch Families.
It would be difficult to explain.
Therefore, Sarutobi Ryo decided to plant a spy within the Hyuga Clan.
To avoid suspicion, the best candidate was Hyuga Natsu, a Branch Family member serving the Head Family.
That way, he could learn about both Head and Branch Family matters quickly.
The Hyuga Clan still maintained a system of slavery.
That group... is a bit extreme.
To prepare, it was necessary to plant a spy.
"Ah... ah..."
Hyuga Natsu was so shocked she couldn't speak.
She opened her mouth slightly, making ah... ah... sounds.
Her eyes were fixed on the terrifying Summoning Weapon Sarutobi Ryo had summoned.
Having fused Six Kekkei Genkai, Sarutobi Ryo was, of course, no ordinary shinobi.
Slap, slap.
He tapped the Hyuga girl's cheek with the weapon.
Sitting paralyzed on the ground, she recoiled in fright.
But at that moment, she forgot she was bound, making escape impossible.
Sarutobi Ryo stepped forward.
"Come, let's have a good sparring session. Let me experience the Hyuga Clan's renowned strength..."
Sarutobi Ryo said, let's exchange some moves, don't be shy.
The Summoning Weapon struck without mercy.
Zzzt!
"Ugh~!" Hyuga Natsu was hit and looked up at Sarutobi Ryo, almost crying.
After the first Body Art move, Sarutobi Ryo said calmly, "You, a Branch Family member, came here to me... If others knew you came of your own accord, what would they think?"
Giving Hyuga Natsu a moment to think, Sarutobi Ryo continued.
"They'd say you used the opportunity of Ruri joining Anbu Squad Six to deliberately approach me... They'd say you were brazen, trying to curry favor with me... Right?"
As the righteous successor to the Will of Fire, no one would believe Sarutobi Ryo would attack Hyuga Natsu.
If the truth came out, people would think Hyuga Natsu was trying to seduce him.
Understanding Sarutobi Ryo's meaning, Hyuga Natsu looked disbelieving.
She couldn't understand how things had gone so wrong.
Sarutobi Ryo let out a low roar, and the Summoning Weapon struck again.
Hyuga Natsu cried out, helpless to do anything but endure it.
Time passed, and the sparring continued in the Underground Space...
*
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[T/N:
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 133 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
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]