Hoka entered Fujin's house while saying, "Yeah, it really has been a while. It's been over 6 months since our last get-together. Our get-togethers have been getting less frequent lately."

Fujin nodded and said, "Yeah, though it's not exactly a surprise. All of us get missions constantly from the village. Sensei was sent to the southern base on the border of the Land of Tea a couple of months ago. Who knows when he'll return."

Hoka looked at Fujin and asked, "You didn't hear? Sensei was recalled a few days ago. He's back in the village."

Fujin showed slight surprise and said, "Eh? Really?"

Hoka nodded and answered, "Yes. A lot of the Jounins who were deployed along the borders were recalled. Sensei was one of them."

Fujin thought for a bit before realizing, 'Ah, I see. Hiruzen and Shikaku must be worried about a possible Suna surprise attack on our borders. They probably recalled the Jounins and above to ensure that higher-level combat capabilities wouldn't be impacted.

It'll also allow us to mount a swifter and more powerful counterattack. In addition, they'll also be able to help out if Suna attacks during the Chunin exams. I guess Shikaku made this move.'

Hoka entered the circular room, where they used to hang around whenever they visited Fujin's house and asked with a chuckle, "Do you still keep snacks?"

Fujin asked in a deadpan tone, "You still eat snacks like a kid?"

Hoka awkwardly complained, "Hey, we are still just 16! Don't treat us like old men!"

Fujin chuckled and replied, "Well, if you behave that way, it makes it hard to think of you as anything but a kid. Hahaha."

Fujin broke into laughter. Hoka sighed and sat down on the sofa while muttering, "It looks like your sense of humor hasn't improved much."

Fujin replied with a grin, "You can't improve something that is already perfect. Anyway, snacks are still in their usual place. Treat yourself."

Hoka raised an eyebrow and said sarcastically, "I thought you said that only kids eat them."

Fujin nodded and replied, "Yup, my students eat them. They are still kids. Didn't think you'd still be into it, but I suppose there isn't a reason for me to say no."

Hoka was surprised. He grabbed a packet of chips while asking, "You have students?"

Fujin nodded and grabbed a packet as well, showing that he was just messing with Hoka. He informed him about the 5 orphans he was guiding. Of course, he left out the part of them having Kekkei Genkai or them being from Kiri. He also mentioned Naruto.

Hoka said, "That's interesting. I didn't think Lord Hokage would give you so much responsibility. Still, that sounds cool. I came across a genius in my clan as well. His name is Neji."

Fujin was surprised to hear Hoka mention him. He replied, "Ah, Guy's student. I have seen him a few times as well. Guy was praising his talent as well..."

The two chatted for a while, catching up on each other's progress. After around half an hour, both sat silently. Fujin could see that Hoka wanted to talk about something, but was hesitating for some reason. He decided to give him time to gather his thoughts.

After some time of indecision, Hoka sighed and said, "Actually, I have a reason for visiting you. I need your help. However, it is a very complicated and sensitive matter. I'm not sure if I should involve you."

Fujin replied, "I can see that. Anyway, what's the matter? As long as it is a secret that can't be said, there is no reason to hesitate. If the request is too much, I'll just say no."

Fujin shrugged as he finished speaking. Hoka replied, "Well, it isn't exactly a secret. That said, I'll want you to keep what I say next between us two only. Even sensei shouldn't know about it."

Fujin nodded and replied, "Sure. What's the issue?"

Hoka sighed and removed his Konoha headband, displaying his Caged Bird Seal to Fujin. Fujin immediately realized, 'So he's come for that? Sigh, this is a troublesome matter'

As Fujin expected, Hoka said, "I haven't displayed my full power for some time. If I did, I'm sure I would be considered an Elite Jounin for sure. Even Lord Hokage might promote me. However, I'm worried that the main family will see a 16-year-old Elite Jounin as a threat.

If they do, then they might kill me without even allowing me an opportunity to defend myself. This danger will amplify even more if I become a rank S ninja.

I came to you since you are a Grandmaster in Fuinjutsu. Can you remove this curse seal?"

Fujin went silent. His expression became very serious. He had only casually mentioned that he would say no if the request was too much. He didn't expect Hoka to put forth such a request.

After analyzing for a couple of minutes, Fujin asked, "Is that really such a danger? From what I know, the Hyuga main family has never used the Caged Bird Seal to kill anyone ever since the Konoha ninja was established. They only used it to kill the Hyuga ninjas who were captured alive by the enemy."

What Fujin said was true. Even though the Caged Bird Seal existed and was a constant reminder to the Branch family that they couldn't disobey the Main family, the Main family had never used to kill anyone casually. The most extreme cases would be the way Hiashi restricted Hizashi.

Most Hyuga didn't actually view it as a threat as much as Neji did. Neji had seen his father getting tortured by the seal at a very young age, which had created a significant impact on his young mind. It was amplified further after his father's death. Hoka never had any such issues. Which is why Fujin hadn't expected such a request.

Hoka nodded and said, "That is true. However, I can't be sure if they eliminated someone in the dark. After all, many geniuses from my clan died during the previous Great Wars.

Though it is possible that all were genuine casualties of the war, I just can't help but think what if things aren't as they look on the surface? That is why I am having thoughts of removing the seal."

This time, Fujin didn't try to convince Hoka against doing so. After all, Hoka's concerns were valid. Had Fujin transmigrated into a Hyuga clan member, he would have surely done everything he could to remove that seal.

Even if the person who controlled the seal was kind, who would feel comfortable with someone else being able to control their life and death? At least, Fujin wasn't. If he couldn't find a way to remove the seal, Fujin would have even thought of finding a way to eliminate everyone who could control the seal, making it useless. Even though Hoka had become concerned, his thoughts weren't as radical and extreme as Fujin's.

Fujin replied, "I understand"

He looked into Hoka's eyes and said, "That said, I hope you know that it might cause you to confront the Hyuga clan. If Hiashi tries to use that Caged Bird Seal in the future and it doesn't work, he'll know that you have tampered with it.

I'm not sure what would happen then as there is no precedent for this, but there will be a political fallout for sure. Not to mention, he can still target your parents to keep you in check."

Hoka nodded and said, "I have thought of it. It worries me as well. It will have severe political consequences. That is why I approached you.

If he is going to use it at some point in the future even if I don't give him a reason to, then that's all the more reason for me to get rid of the seal. Even if he wants to target my parents, he won't dare to do so as long as I'm alive and stronger than him."

A smile appeared on Fujin's face as he realized the hidden meaning behind Hoka's words. He chuckled and said, "I see. You want me to help you handle the political fallout that will happen if he discovers it. No wonder you approached me now. Looks like I was wrong in calling you a kid. Since when did you become so good at scheming?"

A smile appeared on Hoka's face as well. He said, "I didn't expect that you'll see through it at a glance. As expected of someone who was inducted into the council by Lord Hokage.

You should leave your house some time and go and hear what everyone is saying about you. The entire village is discussing you and the way you stood up to the Elders and the Clan Leaders."

The reason why Hoka approached Fujin now and not earlier was because of how much reputation Fujin had gained in the past few days. The stories of his bravery and the rumors of the Spectral Swordsman were flowing all through the village. Hence, even if Hiashi wanted to act against Hoka, he would have to consider Fujin's reaction as the two were teammates. Hoka could use that as leverage to come to an understanding.

Fujin looked at Hoka and thought, 'I guess I shouldn't be surprised. As a ninja, having this level of deceit and cunning is to be expected. That said, I wonder what he would think if he knew that I was the one to spread those stories in the first place...'

Hoka asked again, "So, can you remove the seal?"