Agreed, but not entirely.

"Lord Orochimaru, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

Hyuga Hizashi kept his face stiff, gazing at Orochimaru with eyes full of hope. It was clear that he was silently wishing for Orochimaru to refuse. He could not resist the main family, but to Orochimaru, those people were nothing more than quails. If that were not the case, would he, a member of the branch family, have been sent to plead with Orochimaru for such a significant matter? It was purely out of fear of losing face for the clan, using him to test the waters first.

"Heh..."

Orochimaru toyed with his teacup, glancing at Hizashi sideways. "What do you think? Should I agree to this or not?"

The ball had been kicked right back into his court. Hizashi watched the teacup spinning continuously in Orochimaru's hand, his gaze following its movement as his expression flickered uncertainly. Naturally, he did not want Orochimaru to agree, but could he say that out loud? To voice such a thing would not just be a failure to perform his duty; it would be open defiance of the main family. To be criticized, suppressed, and punished—not to mention his own fate, Neji would have no standing within the clan.

Hizashi lifted his head, about to utter a dishonest remark, but when he met Orochimaru’s playful gaze, he felt a jolt in his heart. If Neji followed Orochimaru and, as a branch family member, did not have the 'Caged Bird' seal carved into him, would he not be spared the clan’s ostracization? It was only a matter of sooner or later. Why was he hesitating? Was he afraid that Neji lacked the talent?

Hizashi denied this in his heart. Even though Neji was barely over two years old, his physique and potential were already deeply satisfying to him. Even setting aside the perspective of a father, he had to admit that this was an excellent embryo for a ninja; he would surely earn Orochimaru's recognition. If Neji could become Orochimaru's disciple, he could break free from the shackles of the branch family. What was he afraid of? Was he afraid of Orochimaru backing out, or the censure of the main family?

Hizashi gritted his teeth and, following his true heart, spoke, "Lord Orochimaru, I think—"

"Oh, no need to say it. I understand."

Orochimaru set the empty teacup down on the table with a sharp *clack* and smiled. "I agree to this. Consider it a favor to you, to meet with the head of the Hyuga clan."

"This... I... thank you, Lord Orochimaru."

Hizashi was stunned for a moment before he belatedly raised his hands in a gesture of gratitude, though his eyes had dimmed significantly. Seeing this reaction, Orochimaru shook his head slightly.

To be the head of the Hyuga branch family and yet have such transparent emotions and such an exposed expression—it was truly incompetent. However, one could not entirely blame him; when playing chess with a poor player, one's own technique naturally begins to deteriorate.

After a pause, Orochimaru added, "Invite Clan Head Hiashi over. I wish to discuss this with him personally."

"Yes," Hizashi replied, his face tightening as he nodded.

Before long, Hyuga Hiashi arrived. Beyond the fact that they were already on Hyuga clan grounds, it was also because he had been waiting nearby. Accompanying him were Neji and Hinata. The two children held hands, one looking calm while the other appeared timid. They followed Hiashi and performed a somewhat clumsy bow.

Orochimaru smiled and gestured with his arm, adopting the posture of a host despite being in Hizashi’s home. Hiashi felt nothing amiss. After sitting down, his stern face revealed a hint of urgency. "Lord Orochimaru, do these two children meet your expectations?"

Logically, Neji and Hinata were far too young—the older one only just two years old. Unless they possessed truly peerless talent, it would be difficult to judge. But this was a matter of necessity. As one of the two great dojutsu clans of Konoha, the Uchiha clan had recently displayed an imposing momentum that was truly frightening. Almost every member was striving to improve themselves, hoping to replicate the legend of the 'Blood-Wheel Eye.'

Hiashi and the elders of the main family had not been worried initially, but the more they learned about this Uchiha Shinsuke, the more they were secretly alarmed. The Byakugan might be on par with the Sharingan, but compared to this new Uchiha bloodline limit, it was clearly a grade lower. And as Uchiha Shinsuke became more active, more people were beginning to realize this.

Of course, the Hyuga clan was not counting on Orochimaru to use some forbidden surgery to develop a new bloodline limit for the Byakugan; if that were the case, it wouldn't be two children coming, but other members of the main family. What the main family wanted was simply to ensure their reputation did not fall. While this was superficial, it was the most useful thing for the main family. Being a disciple of Orochimaru clearly met their requirements.

"Heh..."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the two children from head to toe. Under this somewhat dangerous inspection, Neji’s little face turned pale, yet he forced himself not to step back. Hinata, however, was so frightened she closed her eyes, her small hand clutching Neji’s sleeve tightly.

Hiashi frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Hinata’s performance. Seeing Orochimaru shake his head, his frown deepened even further. Orochimaru shifted his gaze, and the two children collapsed to the floor almost simultaneously, drenched in sweat, before being led away by Hizashi.

"Neji is acceptable, but Hinata... she is still too young."

Only then did Orochimaru speak. He looked at Hiashi, his tone playful. "However, I presume Clan Head Hiashi does not really want me to teach her anything. After all, I know nothing of the Gentle Fist, and taijutsu is not my specialty."

"Let's be direct. I can take her as a student, but what does Clan Head Hiashi intend to offer?"

Having his true intentions exposed, Hiashi did not feel embarrassed. He wore a serious expression. "I heard from Hizashi that he is paying a tuition fee for Neji..."

"Heh... don't misunderstand, Clan Head Hiashi. The thirty-five million ryo is indeed real, but..." Orochimaru smiled. "Hizashi truly intends for me to train his son, whereas you are merely trying to use me."

"Please do not misunderstand, Lord Orochimaru. The Hyuga clan has no such intention, nor would we act recklessly." After a hurried explanation, Hiashi hesitated for a moment before adding, "Besides, the fee for Hinata can be increased."

Was this a matter of money?

Orochimaru’s gaze was sharp as lightning. He let out a cold laugh, and suddenly, an idea occurred to him, his expression turning playful. "There is no need to increase the tuition; the same amount as Neji's will suffice. As long as you agree to one condition."

"What condition? Please, feel free to speak, Lord Orochimaru."

Hiashi agreed readily, but he soon realized something was wrong. Orochimaru was staring straight at him—or more precisely, staring straight at his eyes.

*The Byakugan.*

Hiashi felt a chill in his heart, and the words that reached his ears were exactly as he had feared.

"It is only a small request."

Orochimaru licked his lips. "I have already experimented with the Sharingan and the Blood-Wheel Eye. Now, I would like to experience the sensation of the Byakugan."

"I wonder, Clan Head Hiashi, what do you think?"