As for Princess Senju Tsukuyo's heaven-defying "Restoration Jutsu," that would become Hyuga Bai's secret alone. He wouldn't tell the clan head or any other clan members.
If he were to inform the clan head, according to the Hyuga's long-standing customs, the leader would certainly prioritize the matter of a marriage alliance with the Senju Princess. But the marriage candidate absolutely wouldn't be him, Hyuga Bai. Instead, it would be another elite of the younger generation, carefully selected by the Hyuga clan... perhaps Hyuga Miyu's own younger half-brother.
Tsukuyo was several years younger than her clan brother, Senju Wakama. Even by strict calculation, Tsukuyo wasn't much older than Hyuga Miyu's brother; the age difference between them was five years at most.
Hyuga Bai could imagine the consequences.
Once he informed the clan head about the opportunity he had inadvertently created, the leader would undoubtedly take measures to use his own son for the marriage alliance with the Senju Princess. As for the successor to the Hyuga clan, the clan head's wife was still young; she could surely bear another heir.
Hyuga Toshihiro was unwilling to merge with the Senju clan and strongly disagreed with Hyuga Miyu marrying Senju Wakama. He needed Wakama to marry into the Hyuga clan. Because of Hyuga Miyu's previous actions, Hyuga Toshihiro worried she would use her husband's family's power to seize control within the Hyuga.
However, if it were the Senju Princess marrying into the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Toshihiro would most likely compromise. Except, in that scenario, the Hyuga candidate would never be Hyuga Bai.
Hyuga Bai would not let such a thing happen.
Having calculated everything, Hyuga Bai hurried back to the Hyuga clan compound and immediately reported his observations from the Senju clan to the clan head. Hyuga Bai spoke in detail, only concealing certain specifics about his own interactions with the Senju Princess.
Hyuga Toshihiro sat with his arms crossed inside the spacious dojo, positioned in front of Hyuga Bai. He remained silent for a long time. Finally, Hyuga Toshihiro's brow furrowed, "...The Senju clan is operating a hot spring entertainment industry?"
Hyuga Bai kept his head bowed, speaking softly, "Not only that. They also sell herbal and floral pure dew products, and provide medical and longevity services to nobles and wealthy merchants. Lord Clan Head, the Senju clan is selling 'health'."
As he spoke, Hyuga Bai handed over product brochures readily available throughout the hot spring resort. The advertising copy was incredibly enticing, using simple, down-to-earth language to describe the benefits different products offered users, and how the materials incorporated the essence of the Senju clan's Wood Release. It claimed Senju ninja were using their very life force to extend clients' lives...
The wording sounded utterly absurd.
Yet, somehow, the nobility believed it.
Extending life...
Whether noble or commoner, none could escape birth, aging, sickness, and death. Because of this, most people treated skilled doctors with reverence.
Hyuga Toshihiro sighed.
Since placing his daughter under house arrest, he had thoroughly examined everything concerning her, including every gift from Senju Wakama that she carefully treasured. When he realized what those items were, Hyuga Toshihiro's first impression was: Expensive!
Extremely expensive!
The things Senju Wakama gave Hyuga Miyu were undoubtedly luxury items among luxury items. A single small bottle of pure dew was worth several thousand ryo, and depending on the rarity of the herbs, could even reach tens of thousands.
How wealthy must the Senju clan be, selling these items in bulk to countless nobles?
Their wealth was simply staggering! (Translator's Note: The original uses a pun implying their 'approachability' comes from immense wealth.)
The most frightening part was that the Senju clan was also incredibly powerful militarily...
Such a formidable clan, shifting careers to become medical ninjas.
It was baffling, yet somehow made perfect sense.
If they possessed such exquisite medical skills, why continue being assassination-type shinobi?
Hyuga Bai also detailed the Senju clan's hot spring bathhouses, the grand festival meals with the 'free tasting for all dishes' strategy, and the rules for prize tickets from the festival's mini-games.
Hyuga Toshihiro listened, utterly amazed, declaring the Senju clan cunning, insidious, and untrustworthy.
Throughout the report, Hyuga Bai merely stated facts objectively, offering no personal opinions, much like an emotionless machine.
Finally, Hyuga Toshihiro offered a few words of encouragement and dismissed Hyuga Bai.
Hyuga Bai had experienced situations like this many times before. Being able to withdraw so uneventfully brought him a sense of relief.
However...
Before Hyuga Bai could even walk out of the clan head's residence, he was stopped by the young lady's attendant. The attendant whispered that the young lady requested his presence. Steeling himself, Hyuga Bai turned and went towards the inner courtyard.
(Scene change implied)
At the highest point of the Senju clan compound.
Within the Princess's residence.
Senju Wakama sat at a stone table placed on the viewing platform. Holding a pale cyan tea set, he prepared tea following the steps Tsukuyo had taught him. His movements were fluid, already quite practiced.
Only when Senju Wakama pushed the prepared tea towards Tsukuyo did she smile in appreciation.
"Not bad. You're doing very well already."
Senju Wakama gave a wry smile, remaining silent for a moment before saying, "Whether it's Miyu or Yuki, whenever they watch me prepare tea, they always seem to get lost in the moment."
"How do these two girls make you feel?" Tsukuyo asked, lifting her teacup and gently blowing on it.
Senju Wakama replied almost without thinking, "Being with Miyu feels like going to work. Being with Yuki... it's quite fun."
'Going to work'...
This was a term that originated from Tsukuyo's mouth.
Nowadays, the entire Senju clan was bustling with activity.
Working during designated hours was called 'going to work'.
When rest time arrived, it was 'getting off work'.
Senju Wakama felt that his time with Hyuga Miyu wasn't as carefree as his time with Uchiha Yuki.
In other words, from the beginning, Senju Wakama hadn't truly liked Hyuga Miyu. He only continued associating with her based on Tsukuyo's suggestion, making it feel like something he had to do, not something he wanted to do.
Uchiha Yuki was different. Senju Wakama had initiated their friendship himself, and he had always felt at ease around her.
With Uchiha Yuki, Senju Wakama felt relaxed and happy.
With Hyuga Miyu, Senju Wakama actually felt impatient deep down, along with a slight sense of apprehension.
The two different girls gave Senju Wakama distinctly different feelings.
A look of understanding dawned on Tsukuyo's face, which left Senju Wakama slightly bewildered.
Senju Wakama couldn't help but ask, "Is there a problem with that?"
"No problem," Tsukuyo shook her head. "Your situation simply indicates that this Uchiha girl... is your first love."
Saying this, Tsukuyo mused aloud, "Ah, in this ninja world, children are often born just to increase manpower. Many people marry and have children, but not because of love... This results in many children in this world who are starved for affection."
As she reached this point, a mischievous smile reappeared on Tsukuyo's face. "And children starved for affection are the easiest to deceive, aren't they?"
Hearing this, a corner of Senju Wakama's lip twitched.
Children starved for affection are easy to deceive?
Indeed...