I Alone Am The Exception!

Chapter 3: Surprises Await Thee Within the Hyuga Clan

I blinked, "Bargain?" I questioned. Certainly, there were hints of something going on up in his noggin, but I only had crumbs to work off of, and I was no detective. I simply had the advantage of the maturity and drive of a determined 17+ year old in a 4 year old body. That was all.

Hiashi nodded and said, "A trade of sorts. Seeing how strong you are already at just the age of four and your closeness to my daughter has solidified my belief in this action." He stated, setting down his cup onto the kotatsu.

Hinata instinctively grabbed my hand as a thought occurred to me that I thought was so bizarre that it would never happen. Is he planning to marry his, so far, only daughter to the jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails? I understand he's aware of my heritage but... just because I'm strong and care about Hinata, he's willing to risk a dispute with the other clans and the Hokage? "What does this bargain entail, Lord Hyuga?" I asked.

He smiled at me, "You desire power, do you not? As repayment for saving my daughter, and my other family members, how about I give you something that so many desire?" He said with a smile. "We haven't done this since the Ancient Wars during the age of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara but... I believe this will be a fruitful investment." He snapped his fingers and three Hyuga Branch members carrying three luxurious and very hardened cases came in and set down the cases in front of me.

Now my suspicion was growing. Something the Hyuga hadn't done since the age of Madara and Hashirama. What could he be referring to? This is something that never happened before after all.

"Our clan's secret scrolls of our past, our secret taijutsu and ninjutsu techniques, as well as the human anatomy. But... that's not where things end. The one thing my ancestors swore to our oldest ancestor, Otsutsuki Hamura, that we would only do if we deemed a need to and someone we could reliably place our future in, and considering that not even I know what is inside, I do imagine it to be quite impressive..." The Hyuga dragged on, which was actually beginning to annoy me at this point.

Finally, the third and final case on the table was opened in front of me and, to my absolute shock, were three vials of blood underneath two, glowing, eyes in some sort of liquid. It looked... alarmingly like a perfected form of the Tenseigan. My eyes widened to saucers. These are Hamura's own eyes! Why would he rip out his own eyes?! I thought in shock and horror.

I looked over at Hiashi and gulped, "What do you intend to get out of me if you're willing to offer something like this up to me?" I questioned.

Hiashi smiled, "An alliance. A guaranteed protector of the clan no matter what. As well as a marriage to solidify the alliance." He stated.

I blinked, "That's it?" I asked. There's no way he's willing to offer so much up to me for something as small as that.

Hiashi's smile turned soft, "That's it. I want you to keep growing in power and help Hinata become as strong as she can be. As I've stated, this is an investment. An investment in both of our futures. My daughter is quite attached to you, and you care deeply about her. You will gain immeasurable power and status, that much I can see in you." He explained.

I placed a hand to my chin as I looked within the three cases set before me, wide open. He has an awful lot of expectations and trust in me... An invitation to join hands with the Hyuga clan and have a wife, in return for power and knowledge. This seems like a complete win-win for me. Why would Hiashi make such a move? From what I know in this world, he was on good terms with my father, but that's about it. He never stepped in when I was getting bullied, and tonight is the first time I have so much as even seen this man so... why? "Why? You only met me today. From what I recall, we have had no previous relationship. I hadn't even met you until tonight. Why go to such lengths to bring me in?" I questioned.