Hyuga Ieyasu's face turned ashen.
Aokawa's defiance in not returning had indeed caused him to lose face.
But he hadn't expected Danzo's information to be so well-informed.
"So what?" Hyuga Ieyasu still couldn't swallow his pride. "It's normal for youngsters to be ignorant and a bit arrogant. Once he returns, I will naturally deal with him according to the clan rules and teach him the meaning of status and hierarchy."
"Is that so?" A mocking curve hooked at the corner of Danzo's mouth.
"Does Elder Ieyasu truly believe he will return?"
"A Branch House member who has mastered powerful strength, escaped the Main House's oversight, and even dared to openly defy orders."
"He's grown accustomed to the wild outside, having tasted the flavor of freedom and power."
"Do you think he'll still be willing to return to that birdcage and let you manipulate him?"
Danzo's words cut deep.
He stood up, approaching Ieyasu step by step, his voice low and full of seductive persuasion.
"That brat awakened an ultra-long-range attack Bloodline Limit, capable of taking a life from several kilometers away."
"You should understand what that means better than I do."
"In the past, you controlled the Branch House through the Caged Bird Seal and the suppression of close-quarters Taijutsu."
"But now, if he stands several kilometers away and launches a strike at the Main House manor..."
"Can your high walls and deep courtyards block it? Can the beauties in your bed be protected?"
Hyuga Ieyasu's pupils shrank suddenly.
He knew Aokawa was quite strong and had developed some kind of long-range Ninjutsu, but he had originally only thought of him as being rebellious.
But now, under Danzo's description, a never-before-felt chill crawled up his spine.
It was true.
If that boy had rebellious intentions... if he used that long-range attack ability to target the Main House from the shadows.
Attacking from beyond the range where the Caged Bird Seal could be activated... wouldn't the absolute authority of the Main House become a joke?
"Impossible!" Hyuga Ieyasu retorted, though his voice lacked conviction.
"If he wanted to, he has ten thousand ways to take your lives before you can even activate the Curse Seal."
Danzo's tone was grim: "Leaving such an uncontrollable sharp blade in your hand will only result in cutting yourself."
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Hyuga Ieyasu stared fixedly at Danzo.
"Hand him over to me."
"Root is the most suitable place for such a dangerous tool."
Danzo revealed his true intentions: "The Ninjas of Root have no names, no past, and no future—only code names."
"I will turn him into a dead blade that only knows how to execute missions, an absolutely obedient tool."
"That way, you'll never have to worry about your head suddenly leaving your shoulders while you're sleeping at night."
Hyuga Ieyasu fell silent.
It had to be said that Danzo's proposal was very tempting.
This kid had now become his most troublesome problem.
He hadn't made any mistakes and even had considerable military achievements.
If it were just that, he would still have ways if he really wanted to kill a Branch House member.
The problem was that bastard Hiashi, who had also been keeping a close eye on the boy.
Once he made a move, it would definitely be used against him.
Recently, the Branch House had already become somewhat unstable under Hiashi's instigation; killing a Branch House member with military merits for no reason would only make things worse.
There would be even more trouble.
But once he entered Root, that person would basically be ruined, becoming an emotionless killing machine, naturally no longer posing a threat to the Main House.
Furthermore, he could also do Danzo a favor.
But he didn't want to agree directly.
Even if he was a threat, he was still a member of the Hyuga Clan.
Coming to his door late at night, beating his guards, instigating discord, and trying to take his man with just a few words—it wasn't that simple.
"This isn't according to the rules." Hyuga Ieyasu sat back in his chair, picking up his teacup to hide his wavering:
"A Genius of the Branch House is also an asset of the Hyuga Clan. Everyone knows what kind of place your Root is. If he's sent directly into Root, Hiashi might have objections, and the hearts of the Branch House will scatter..."
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