Next came the arrangements for Elder Hyuga Kumokawa's funeral.
Not only Soji and the household servants, but other members of the Main House also came to help.
By the time everything had been taken care of, three days had passed.
Over those three days, Soji had been run ragged, sleeping less than two hours a day.
Yet he still handled everything personally, wanting to do a little more for his grandfather after his passing.
Three days later, at the Hyuga Clan Head's residence.
It was still the familiar council chamber.
But unlike before, many people had changed.
It was also Soji's first time attending this meeting, in his capacity as the Third Elder of the Main House!
That was right. With Hyuga Kumokawa's passing, Soji had automatically succeeded him as the Third Elder.
Soji had also become the youngest elder present.
"Soji, the clan will need you to contribute more from now on," Clan Head Hyuga Ryusuke said from the central seat at the head of the room.
"That's right. You will carry on Elder Kumokawa's will."
"As a member of the Main House, go ahead and do what you must."
"If there's anything you don't understand, come ask us anytime."
The other elders spoke up in turn.
"Then I'll have to rely on the Clan Head and the elders from now on," Soji replied humbly.
Three days had been enough for Soji to emerge from the grief of losing his grandfather.
As a ninja, especially during wartime, he could not afford to be ruled by his emotions.
From this day onward, Soji could be considered one of the Hyuga Clan's upper echelon.
He would have access to more of the clan's secrets, including certain ninjutsu.
The Hyuga Clan's collection of ninjutsu was not limited to Gentle Fist. They possessed