You're really an inspiration to me, hashi.  I do have to say, that compared to your older writings, you just keep getting better and better and it really is an inspiration.  I have actually mentioned you to a few people before, and what I always say is that if you enjoy something enough and you keep working hard at it, you're bound to get better and better.  I really enjoyed this chapter.  I have to agree with Uber.  Your descriptions are becoming a lot more interesting, and personally, I feel they really are immersing the reader into your scenes.  The narration sounds believable, and your personifications of the characters are interesting.  I really want to hate Hiashi, however, towards the end, you just find it hard to hate him.  He was so quick to accept Ko's offer to be branded instead of Neji, and I could almost hear the desperation in his voice, even when he asked Ko if he was having second thoughts.  But still, the psychological ramifications of the branding not just on those who receive the brand but those who witness it was interesting touch, and I enjoyed your hints at the grandfather actually having been crueler and possibly dying at the hands of someone.