However, when Neji saw Hiashi arrive at the Fugaku residence, he knew this dreamlike period was ending.
After returning home with Hiashi, Neji was suddenly called aside.
"Neji, come with me," Hiashi instructed.
Confused, Neji followed him to Hiashi's quiet chamber.
Once seated, Hiashi got straight to the point: "The Fifth Hokage intends to take you as a disciple, so the clan will remove your Caged Bird Seal."
Neji froze, surprised by the sudden good fortune. Sasuke had often spoken of his teacher, describing Seiryu as strong and wise. Now, Seiryu was personally taking him as a student.
Even more shocking, the clan was removing the Caged Bird Seal he'd always hated.
"Why me?" Neji asked. After all, being chosen by the Hokage was unheard of for a branch member.
"The Hokage values your talent. Before removing your seal, it's time you learned something." Hiashi pulled out a letter—Neji's father's will. "I meant to give this to you when you were older."
"Father's will?" Neji read it.
After a long while, Neji set it down, speechless. He'd always thought his father died as a scapegoat because of the Caged Bird Seal but now learned there was more to the story.
"Alright, take off your headband. I'll remove the seal. As for your future, that's up to you," Hiashi said. "Also, the clan's Gentle Fist shouldn't be neglected, even if you learn other jutsu from the Hokage."
"Yes," Neji replied, eyes red, removing his headband.
…
A few days later, Seiryu brought Sasuke to the Hyuga for the formal apprenticeship ceremony. The Hyuga, known for their strictness, prepared thoroughly—the entire ritual took all morning.
"Sensei." Neji respectfully bowed to Seiryu, meeting him for the first time.
Seiryu waved a hand. "No need for excessive formality. Neji, do you have any goals?"
"Goals?" Neji was stunned. His past goal had been to surpass the main family as a branch member, to seek justice for his father. Now, with the truth revealed and the seal gone, he didn't know how to answer.
"Heh, no need to rush." Seiryu smiled. "You're only eight. There's plenty of time. If you ever have questions about training, come to me. But true guidance will wait until you figure out your own path."
"I understand." Neji nodded.
…
…
Time passed—over a month. Under Yamato's supervision, a palace rivaling the old capital was built in the northeast of the village. Still, Seiryu had ensured that even the main hall was built three inches shorter than the Hokage building.
With Konoha's relocation announced, merchants and nobles poured in, spurring enormous growth.
This influx changed the village greatly, especially improving the reputation of the police force.
The villagers, spoiled by previous Hokages, were notorious troublemakers—many had been jailed, awaiting re-education, but the rest were still difficult.
At first, the villagers didn't take the arriving nobles and merchants seriously. But the nobles wouldn't tolerate them.
A typical incident occurred when a street vendor blocked a noble's carriage and insulted him. The noble's retainer responded with his fists.
This was mild—back in the capital, the retainer might have killed him.
In the end, the police intervened and punished both sides.
After similar incidents, villagers' resentment shifted from the police to the outsiders.
The police only used force as a last resort, but the nobles' samurai would act at the slightest provocation.
Seiryu enjoyed this development—the villagers needed professional discipline to appreciate his benevolence.
Meanwhile, prices in the village rose with the influx of the wealthy. Seiryu had anticipated this but was dissatisfied that the nobles and merchants hoarded their profits, rarely reinvesting in the village, except for a few like Gato.
Seiryu watched coldly; once they were fully settled, it would be time for the visible kunai to clash with the invisible hand.
But first, he had other matters to attend to.
That noon, Seiryu received word from the gate guards: Tsunade had returned.
Before long, Tsunade and her apprentice Shizune arrived at the Hokage office, announcing themselves before striding in.
Tsunade looked around the office she hadn't entered in years.
Her gaze lingered on the sword rack and the blade "Kiburi."
But when she saw the four large characters "Good Governance and Harmony" above the rack, she couldn't help but laugh.
"Lady Tsunade, barging into someone else's office is a bit impolite, don't you think?" Seiryu said helplessly.
Only then did Tsunade look at him. They weren't strangers; during the Third Great Ninja War, Tsunade had personally treated Seiryu's injuries after he awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan. She never expected to meet him again as Hokage.
"This office is much better than the old man's," Tsunade said, sitting down at his desk.
"If you like it, you can decorate your own office the same way," Seiryu said, preparing tea.
"I didn't know you had such refined hobbies," Tsunade said, crossing her legs. She could hardly reconcile the bloody ten-year-old she'd once treated with the elegant young Hokage before her.
"Lady Tsunade jests." Seiryu smiled, pouring her tea.
Tsunade downed the tea, and Seiryu asked, "Did you come back to take up your post after seeing the document Jiraiya brought you?"
"I saw it, but I don't plan to stay in the village yet," Tsunade replied. "I mainly wanted to see the person who forced the old man and Jiraiya into such a mess. Now I see your reputation is well-earned."
"Oh? Mind telling me your reason?" Seiryu ignored her teasing. Tsunade, as Hashirama's granddaughter, was revered in the village—almost untouchable.
Even Seiryu, as Hokage, could only treat her with respect, as long as she didn't start gambling in the Hokage building.