Naruto: The Primal Hyuga Pierces the Shinobi World.

Orochimaru's appearance added a touch of eeriness to the Hyuga clan's funeral. Shinichi, who had learned of Orochimaru's conversation with Hyuga Hiashi, found it hard not to think that the deaths of so many Hyuga clan members in recent years had nothing to do with him.

From the perspective of the entire Hidden Leaf Village, the Hyuga clan accounts for a large proportion of the ninjas who have sacrificed themselves in recent years.

Although war is unpredictable, most of the Hyuga clan's ninjas belong to the reconnaissance and perception unit and generally carry out missions similar to "observation".

These types of ninjas would be key targets for enemy elite squads on the battlefield, but correspondingly, the Hyuga clan's ninjas would also be key targets for protection on the battlefield.

If war is likened to a fight between people, then the Hyuga clan is like the eyes of a person. If even the ninjas of the reconnaissance and perception units cannot be properly protected, the war will be difficult to continue.

After leaving the side hall, Hiashi Hyuga's expression turned extremely grim. He clearly shared similar thoughts with Shinichi Hyuga, and was noticeably distracted while presiding over the funeral.

However, in such a situation, everyone subconsciously assumed that it was because Hiashi was also overwhelmed with grief, since among the dead ninjas were his close clansmen.

Naturally, no one would connect Hiashi's absent-mindedness with Orochimaru, who had come to mourn his subordinate.

"Big brother, what happened to Uncle?"

"He looks terrible, but it doesn't seem like he's sad?"

On the contrary, it was Hyuga Neji, who was standing next to Shinichi, who noticed Hiashi's unusual behavior. This young rascal was exceptionally perceptive.

"fine..."

"He must be tired."

"Don't worry about it, Neji."

Hiashi's face was naturally grim. As the head of the Hyuga clan, he had been coerced. Hiashi must have been seething with anger, but he couldn't let it out in this situation.

The Hyuga clan still needs to establish itself in Konoha. They have a close relationship with Orochimaru and several advisors, and their relationship with Orochimaru must be maintained on a superficial level.

Despite the Hyuga clan's self-proclaimed status as the strongest clan in Konoha, they actually lack the power to overturn the table.

"Is that so?" Neji clearly didn't believe Shinichi Hyuga's perfunctory answer, but being sensible, he didn't press the matter further.

During the funeral, Neji stayed quietly by Shinichi's side, being very obedient and sensible, which saved Shinichi a lot of trouble.

It wasn't until noon that the Hyuga clan members gradually dispersed. Shinichi Hyuga, after exchanging brief greetings with the families of the deceased, led Neji and his guards toward his home.

Hiashi and Hishi will have to stay here until the coffin is laid to rest and the burial takes place early tomorrow morning. Only then will their mission be truly complete.

While the elders were busy for the past two days, Neji was taken care of by his older brother, Shinichi Hyuga. However, Shinichi didn't really need to put in much effort. Because of his younger sister Hinata, the family always had maids, and Neji was also capable of taking care of himself. Shinichi only needed to keep Neji from getting bored.

This is incredibly simple. Just let Neji expend his excess energy and stamina in the dojo, and the kid will naturally ask to rest.

"Neji, go back and have lunch, then rest for a while. I'll be checking on your training this afternoon."

On the way home, Shinichi said to Neji behind him, which immediately made Neji's face fall.

"Big brother...no..." Before he could finish uttering his refusal, Neji could only nod obediently, seeing Shinichi Hyuga's unyielding gaze.

"Okay... I'll try my best."

Neji's understanding and obedience made Shinichi feel a little sorry for him. He gently patted Neji's head and, adopting a mature demeanor, said earnestly:

"Neji, this is all for your own good."

"Brother, I... don't want to meet you in the ancestral hall in the future."

"Even for us Hinata, we need to work hard to survive in this world."

Shinichi's words made Hyuga Keisuke, the bodyguard following behind him, tremble. As a fellow member of the Hyuga clan and someone who had experienced the battlefield, he deeply empathized with Shinichi's words.

While feeling gratified by Shinichi's mature mind, he also glanced at Neji with a hint of envy.

With such a senior elder brother protecting him, this kid from the branch family is really lucky!

Back home, Shinichi Hyuga took Neji to see his mother, Hanako, who was teaching Hinata how to hold a pen and write.

Before she turns three, Shinichi's younger sister will not receive any ninja training. She will only gradually come into contact with ninjas after her third birthday.

Furthermore, due to Shinichi's existence, Hiashi and Hanako did not have high expectations for Hinata and did not place the hope of "reviving the clan" on her. Naturally, they doted on their daughter.

It's not about discrimination against women, but in a traditional family like the Hyuga, the preference for sons over daughters is unavoidable.

Hanako only hopes that her daughter can grow up healthy and have the ability to protect herself; that's enough.

"My brother's back!"

"Oh~ Neji-nii is here too!"

Hearing the door open, Hinata saw Shinichi and Neji, immediately dropped her pen, cheered happily, and leaped up in front of Shinichi.

It's hard to imagine that a two-year-old could jump, but Shinichi was used to it and squatted down slightly to hold his little sister in his arms.

Feeling Shinichi's warm embrace, Hinata smiled broadly, hooking her arms around Shinichi's neck and turning to Hanako, saying, "Mother, I'm not writing anymore!"

"I want to train with my brother!!!"

What would a child know about cultivation or anything like that? It's just an excuse to avoid writing. Or perhaps, Hinata has been influenced by what she's seen and heard since she was little, and she has a great deal of curiosity about what her older brother Shinichi is busy with every day.

"Forget about following me in your cultivation."

"You will have plenty of time to cultivate in the future."

"Just stay here with your mother now."

Shinichi gently placed Hinata on the ground and refused with a smile.

Rejected, Hinata glared at Shinichi angrily, then plopped down on the ground, yelling, "No!! I don't want to!!!"

While shouting, the child even tugged at Shinichi, trying to get him to take her away.

Seeing Hinata's unruly and unreasonable behavior, Shinichi scratched his head, feeling a strong sense of unease deep inside.

Hinata... shouldn't she be the kind of introverted, strong, and gentle person? She should be like her mother, Hanako.

But why is my younger sister becoming more and more... as she gets older?

Hmm, could it be because of me that Hiashi and Hanako have spoiled this child so much?!

................