Watching the healing peas fall quickly, Hyuga Goryu "couldn't afford to heed the mockery in the mysterious figure's words."
Enduring the pain from his injuries, he lunged without hesitation toward the healing peas about to hit the ground!
Seeing the two healing peas successfully caught after his efforts, a joyful expression immediately spread across Hyuga Goryu's face!
Ignoring the astonished gazes around him, Hyuga Goryu stuffed one of the healing peas into his mouth.
The next moment, an astonishing scene unfolded!
The visibly weakened Hyuga Goryu began to recover at a speed visible to the naked eye, his vigor returning!
And his right arm, previously bandaged and immobile, stretched freely after Hyuga Goryu cut the bandages with a kunai!
Witnessing this, everyone present lit up with excitement, their eyes locked on the remaining healing pea in Hyuga Goryu's hand!
Because everyone understood that possessing this healing pea was akin to gaining an extra life!
"Hanabi! Hurry and give it to Lord Hiashi to eat!"
Facing everyone's stares, Hyuga Goryu didn't hesitate to hand the other healing pea to Hyuga Hanabi nearby!
"Stop! Don't give the healing pea to her! Hyuga Goryu, you useless trash! Didn't you hear what I said?"
Seeing the prize slip away just as it was within reach, Hyuga Tokuma, standing not far behind Hyuga Goryu, lost all reason!
Ignoring the attempts to stop him, he drew a kunai and stabbed toward Hyuga Goryu's back!
Unfortunately for him, how could the ever-vigilant Hyuga Goryu not be prepared?
Before Tokuma could fully close in, Hyuga Goryu—who had long wanted to deal with him—spun around sharply and sent him flying with a fierce kick!
"Self-righteous idiot! Even that useless Hyuga Hidemu is stronger than you!"
*Bang!*
"You—! Pfft!!"
Staring at Hyuga Goryu's disdainful expression, the furious Hyuga Tokuma spat blood and passed out from rage!
"Hyuga Goryu! You dare injure Elder Chisa's grandson? I'll—"
"Don't make excuses for your ill intentions!"
Without even glancing at Hyuga Tsukiyo, who was trying to approach, Hyuga Goryu handed the healing pea directly to Hyuga Hanabi in front of him.
"Hurry and give the healing pea to the clan leader! Chisa's faction harbors ill intent—act quickly to avoid trouble!"
Looking at Hanabi's complex expression, Hyuga Goryu whispered a nearly inaudible warning.
"Don't think this will change my opinion of you!"
Glancing at Hyuga Tsukiyo, who was being held back by others, Hanabi took the healing pea and turned to head toward her father.
And the healing pea truly lived up to its origin from the space!
Hyuga Hiashi, who had been on the brink of death, recovered fully shortly after consuming it!
Seeing Hyuga Hiashi restored to perfect health, the faces of those with malicious intent darkened instantly.
"I'm fine now! Byakuro and Goryu stay; everyone else, leave!"
Sweeping his gaze over everyone present, Hyuga Hiashi issued an emotionless dismissal.
"Yes, Clan Leader!"
Facing Hiashi's order, the others responded respectfully and quickly dispersed.
Once the others had left, Hyuga Hiashi began questioning Hyuga Goryu and the others about the mission details.
Learning that the group had been ambushed and nearly didn't make it back, Hyuga Hiashi gave a few indifferent instructions before issuing another dismissal.
As the two turned to leave, Hiashi, who had remained expressionless, finally revealed a cold look.
…
"Goryu! What are your plans next?"
Leaving Hiashi's residence, the usually silent Hyuga Byakuro suddenly spoke up just before parting.
"Train and wait for the next mission!"
Facing Byakuro's question, Hyuga Goryu shrugged and gave his answer.
"You stood out a lot on this mission! I bet the Hokage will transfer you to the Anbu next!"
"Why would you say that?"
Caught off guard by Byakuro's words, Hyuga Goryu raised an eyebrow.
"Just like within the Hyuga clan, the Hidden Leaf Village has its own factions!
Recruiting promising newcomers into their factions is something every group in the Leaf does!"
At this point, Hyuga Byakuro turned and began walking away.
"Be careful of Elder Danzo's Root! They're a group that'll do anything to achieve their goals!"
"…Thanks! I will!"
Watching Byakuro's retreating figure, Hyuga Goryu paused for a moment before calling out his thanks.
In response, the already distant Byakuro casually waved a hand…