Hashirama had once tried to get the Hyūga clan to change this clan rule, but the Hyūga refused, stating it was their family's internal matter. After all, even the Hokage couldn't interfere in the internal affairs of the clans; this was a rule established long before the major ninja clans chose to join Konoha.
However, even though Hashirama couldn't solve the Caged Bird problem, he repeatedly warned the Hyūga clan not to treat branch family members like dirt. From then on, the branch family's lives improved somewhat, because no matter what clan you were, if you truly angered
Hashirama, he could wipe out your clan in minutes. Everyone deeply respected and revered the Hokage, so naturally, they had to give the Hokage face.
"What if, in the future, your son or daughter also has to be marked with this Caged Bird?" Torifū's words, like an awl, directly pierced Shishin's defenses. "Will you then hate yourself for not making the right choice?"
Shishin had actually asked himself this question countless times, but there was never an answer. Each time, he would tell himself, 'I'm still young; these things are far off,' to find some comfort in his heart. But as he grew older, this question became like a nightmare, appearing in his dreams every night, lingering relentlessly.
"I don't know... I can't resist the nine elders myself." Shishin was very confused then. The excuses he had always made for himself were easily torn apart by Torifū today. Although he had always worked very hard to train in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and various family techniques, the more he learned, the clearer he understood how strong the nine elders combined truly were. Moreover, the elders each had their own successors, some whose talent was even comparable to his own.
"What's important isn't whether you can, but whether you dare." Shishin looked at Torifū, who was also looking at him, his face very serious. Shishin had a premonition then that his future fate would likely change because of today's choice. It seemed somewhat absurd that it would change because of this seven-year-old boy, but he just felt that this boy had that capability.
"Of course, I dare! As the young head of the Hyūga clan, how can I just watch the family continue like this?"
"I don't want to just stand by and watch my children be branded with this humiliating Caged Bird either!"
After he bravely spoke his true feelings, he lowered his head and saw a hand extended towards him. Shishin looked at Torifū, who was smiling slightly. He thought no more and reached out to grasp his hand.
"When you need it, I will help you."
If these words had come from anyone else, Shishin wouldn't have believed a single word; he might even have punched them. But the person before him had just won the sparring match against other villages yesterday.
Shishin privately believed he couldn't win, especially since there seemed to be a Kekkei Tota even higher than the Byakugan among the opponents. This indirectly showed that Torifū was stronger than him.
"If one day, the family can truly change because of your help, then the Hyūga clan will be your eternal supporters."
Torifū was a bit confused by this. Why did it sound like he was running for village chief and gathering votes? But since the ship of friendship had already set sail, Torifū's goal had been achieved. It was probably time to bring up the blood matter.
If he waited any longer, the streets would be crowded, and if someone saw, Torifū would be the talk of Konoha Village before noon.
Shocking! The Hokage's disciple lives by drinking blood!
Shocking! The untold deal between the Hyūga young clan head and the Hokage's disciple!
Big news...
Just thinking about it gave Torifū a headache. Best to be quick.
"By the way, Shishin, I have an impolite request."
"Don't worry about it, just say it. What do you need me to do?" Shishin had been chatting with Torifū for so long that his previous confidence had returned, and he was now beaming.
"It's nothing big, I just want some of your blood."
He had thought it would be something major, but it was just a request for blood. Well, if Torifū needed it, then he could have it.
"Of course! Should I cut my wrist directly or something else?" Shishin said, about to act immediately!
Torifū quickly stopped his frantic actions, "That's quite unnecessary!" A small crystal snake then darted out from his sleeve and bit Shishin's arm. It didn't hurt much; for a ninja, it was like a mosquito bite. The blood collection process was quick; in less than a minute, the small snake had turned bright red, like a red crystal, quite beautiful.
"Is that enough?"
"Yes, that's enough."
Shishin tidied his sleeve and said, "It was really great meeting Torifū today. I can finally get a good night's sleep tonight."
"It's mainly you who surpassed yourself; I was just assisting."
"Hahaha, anyway, thank you very much."
Torifū smiled, "It's not too late to thank me on the day you succeed."
The two continued chatting, and as more pedestrians filled the street, it became unsuitable to discuss such topics. So, they parted ways, agreeing to meet again when they had the chance.
After bidding farewell to Shishin, Torifū let out a soft sigh, "Being the heir of these great clans isn't so easy, after all."
Compared to the Hyūga clan, Torifū's clan was much better. There weren't as many formalities, and there was no main family or branch family. There was only Torifū himself... No, now he had to include the old hen, Aokumo, and Ryūfū; these guys could now be considered part of the Kumotsuru clan too. Well, if it weren't for Cloud Release and the family's immense wealth, the Kumotsuru clan might have been kicked out of the clan ranks.
But what if there were few people? Torifū was even more free and uninhibited, doing as he pleased. The only drawback was that it was a bit lonely.
After Shishin and Torifū said goodbye, Torifū continued to stroll through the village. He had thought about finding Hiruzen and the others, but it seemed they were still playing their civilian villager impersonation game. It looked like it would continue until the Five Kage left Konoha Village before they could return to their normal lives.
He hadn't eaten much for breakfast, and chatting with Shishin for so long had left Torifū feeling hungry. Luckily, the villagers were setting up their stalls, so Torifū continued to wander, buying and tasting whatever looked good. Eating as he walked, he was about seventy to eighty percent full.
"Is that Torifū?"
Hearing someone call his name, Torifū turned to look. Unexpectedly, it was an old friend, though he hadn't expected to meet them here.
"Shinkū? Why are you here? Where are the others?" Torifū was naturally referring to Kosuke and Ikkaku.
"I came out alone. They're probably still sleeping soundly."
It was then that Torifū remembered that the Ninja Academy was also off today. No wonder he ran into Shinkū on the street.
"Shinkū, how are things at the Academy for you guys?"