Chapter 167: Hiashi's Little Scheme
Yet ultimately they were old acquaintances. Regardless of past grievances, since Yu said everything had been resolved, Fugaku solemnly returned the courtesy.
"Long time no see, everyone. You're too kind."
Yet how could anyone dare accept his bow openly—especially with Yu still standing beside him?
Hiashi hastily stepped aside. Shikaku also quickly returned the gesture with cupped hands.
"Fugaku-kun is too polite. We're all old friends."
Finally, Hyuga Hiashi took the initiative to suggest, "We've prepared a modest feast upstairs. How about eating and chatting?"
Fugaku increasingly felt something was off. Though the Hyuga and Uchiha had no deep enmity back then, they certainly weren't on close terms either. Hiashi's enthusiasm seemed more like welcoming a longtime close friend.
Hiashi sensed his confusion, explaining with a smile, "The Hyuga and Uchiha have nearly a hundred newlywed couples now. We've long been one family. If you don't believe me, you can ask Clan Leader Shisui."
Shisui nodded in confirmation.
Under everyone's escort, they arrived at Konoha's most luxurious restaurant. Fugaku was secretly shocked—such a high-class establishment, even he'd rarely visited before.
Yu remained quietly following behind until reaching the restaurant entrance, where he finally stopped. He bowed slightly to Fugaku. "Adoptive Father, I still have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave." Then turning to the clan heads, "I'll trouble you all to look after him."
"Of course, of course." The clan heads responded repeatedly.
Fugaku glanced at Yu, thinking this child had never enjoyed socializing. "Go attend to your business. I'm familiar with Konoha."
Yu finally exchanged a glance with Shisui, who gave an affirmative signal before his figure vanished in place.
Yu had also noticed that with him present, these clan heads probably couldn't even speak coherently. Even if Fugaku was slow on the uptake, given enough time he'd inevitably notice something amiss.
With Shisui watching over things, there shouldn't be any problems.
Seeing Yu leave, Hiashi and the others couldn't help sighing with relief inwardly.
Hiashi and company respectfully invited Fugaku to the restaurant's private room. The large round table was already laden with delicacies—from Hokkaido fresh sea bream sashimi to Kyoto kaiseki cuisine, every dish demonstrated the highest standard of hospitality.
"Fugaku-kun, please take the seat of honor." Hiashi personally pulled out the main seat for him.
After several rounds of toasts, the atmosphere grew increasingly harmonious.
Nara Shikaku raised his cup. "These years, Konoha has maintained its lead among the Five Great Nations—the Uchiha's contributions cannot be overstated."
Akimichi Choza immediately added, "That's right. Especially the Police Force reforms—security levels have improved by over thirty percent."
Fugaku's face flushed from these compliments as he raised his cup in return. "You all flatter me. These are all achievements of Shisui and the younger generation."
After three rounds of drinks, seeing the timing was right, Hiashi changed topics. "Speaking of which, the children have all reached marriageable age. Does Fugaku-kun's family have any plans?"
These words made both Shikaku and Choza freeze—this wasn't in the rehearsal!
Fugaku was already seventy percent drunk. Hearing this, he laughed. "That child Sasuko has grown up, but Yu..." He shook his head. "He's already twenty-five yet doesn't even have a prospect."
Hiashi's eyes lit up as he smoothly continued, "What a coincidence! My daughter Hinata also hasn't found anyone. That child is too introverted—it's truly worrying."
"The Hyuga's such a prominent family—how could you lack suitors?" Fugaku said politely.
"I'm ashamed to say," Hiashi feigned a sigh, "that child is too innocent. And so shy..."
Shisui lightly nudged Fugaku under the table, but Fugaku mistook it for a request for more wine, pushing his cup forward instead. "Shisui, another cup!"
Seeing this, Hiashi grew even more enthusiastic. "Come, come, another cup!"
Shikaku hastily interrupted. "Hiashi-kun, the children's matters should still be left to them..."
"That's not right," Fugaku waved his hand drunkenly. "Parental guidance is still very important. However, Yu has always been independent—this matter still depends on his own intentions."
Hiashi immediately continued, "That's natural. But as parents, we should at least help create opportunities, right? I hear Yu especially enjoys reading. Coincidentally, Hinata also loves reading..."
"Hiashi!" Shikaku couldn't help raising his voice. "You've had too much to drink."
Akimichi Choza quickly smoothed things over. "Today's mainly to welcome Fugaku-kun. These family matters can be discussed another day."
Shisui seized the opportunity to stand. "You're drunk. Let me take you back to rest."
Yet Fugaku was in high spirits, pulling Hiashi to continue rambling. "Speaking of Yu, everything about him is good—just too reserved..."
"Fugaku-kun speaks incorrectly. Children are better being steady..."
---
The banquet concluded in a subtle atmosphere. Everyone bid farewell, agreeing to gather again another day.
When Shisui helped the seemingly drunk Fugaku into the adjacent private room and had just entered, the drunkenness in Fugaku's eyes instantly vanished, gaze recovering clarity.
From the first cup of wine, he'd been using chakra to metabolize the alcohol.
Shisui beside him was about to pour sobering tea when he heard a light sigh from behind.
"Shisui."
That voice was clear and steady, where was any trace of drunkenness?
Shisui's movements paused as he slowly turned back. Fugaku sat upright on the couch, gaze sharp as he looked at him. That drunken appearance from the banquet had long since vanished without trace.
"Lord Fugaku, you..."
"I'm not so senile yet." Fugaku shook his head lightly. "How could I not see through Hiashi's little schemes?"
He reached out to accept the tea cup Shisui offered, fingertips lightly rubbing the rim. "I'm just thinking—exactly how much have you all hidden from me?"
Shisui stood in place with lowered head, momentarily unsure how to respond.
"From entering Konoha's main street, that overly grand welcome, the clan heads' attitudes, and Hiashi's sudden mention of marriage..." Fugaku raised his eyes to look at Shisui. "All of this is related to Yu, isn't it?"
Fugaku stood, solemnly pulling Shisui before the seat. Under Shisui's shocked gaze, he actually attempted to bow.
"Lord Fugaku!" Shisui hastily reached out to stop him.
The two struggled briefly. Shisui broke out in anxious sweat on his forehead. "What are you doing?!"
Yet Fugaku insisted on completing this bow, voice low yet firm. "I'm very clear what kind of mess I left behind back then. If not for you all turning the tide, the Uchiha would have long ceased to exist."
He gently pushed aside Shisui's blocking hands, deeply bowing. "As this failed clan leader, I can only express my insignificant apology this way. Please accept it."
"Please tell me—what exactly happened back then!"
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