Walking Down One Path

The Uchiha Clan has the "Naka Shrine."

The Hyuga Clan, whose history is no less extensive than the Uchiha's, naturally also has its own "Tamagushi Shrine."

Of course, The Tamagushi Shrine does not contain any secret stone tablets. It is merely a family shrine that has been relocated several times, and its enshrined object, the "Tamagushi," has been lost to the ages. The deity enshrined within is also different from that of the Uchiha Clan, who worship the "Sage of Six Paths, the progenitor of shinobi."

The Hyuga Clan, on the other hand, worships the legendary creator goddess, the "Rabbit Goddess."

Just as the Uchiha Clan likes to hold secret meetings in the Naka Shrine, the Hyuga Clan convenes major assemblies in the Tamagushi Shrine.

When Hyuga Ritsu arrived at the shrine's dojo, the spacious area, capable of accommodating over a hundred people, already had more than thirty clan members present. They were seated neatly on the wooden floor, arranged according to their clan hierarchy.

"Clan Head!"

The clan members greeted Hyuga Ritsu in unison as he entered.

"You've all arrived quickly!"

Hyuga Ritsu walked without hesitation towards the raised platform at the front, where over a dozen cushions were laid out. He took a seat cross-legged on the cushion designated for the Clan Head.

Twenty minutes later, the dojo was filled with Hyuga Clan Jonin and Special Jonin, nearly a hundred in total. About half of them were Jonin, and the other half were Special Jonin.

And, This was not the full strength of the Hyuga family.

It was currently the Third Shinobi World War, and Hyuga clan members could be seen on battlefields across the land. Furthermore, when the former Clan Head, Hyuga Hiashi, and others went to the eastern front, they took a full fifteen Jonin from the Branch Houses with them.

The Hyuga Clan's profound strength was evident from this.

"It's about time, and everyone who needs to be here has arrived."

Hyuga Ritsu broke the silence in the hall. His gaze swept over the assembled clan members as he spoke slowly, "There were some things I didn't have time to say earlier, so I'll tell you now. Since you've all accepted me as your Clan Head, some matters within the clan will change starting today."

Only Hyuga Ritsu's voice echoed in the dojo.

The Hyuga Jonin and Special Jonin knelt silently, ears perked, carefully listening to every word Hyuga Ritsu spoke.

"Firstly, regarding the Main House and Branch House system, from now on, there will no longer be a Main House and Branch House system. Children who have not had the Caged Bird Seal implanted will not have it implanted, and clan members who already have the seal implanted need not worry. As I said before, I will entrust my teacher to research a method to break the curse."

"I myself was able to break the Caged Bird Seal using a forbidden jutsu taught to me by my teacher. However, this method carries extreme risk and is highly difficult to perform, making it impossible to replicate and spread. But with my successful case, I believe a method to break the curse will eventually be researched."

The clan members remained silent, But a light was kindled in their pure white eyes.

"The second matter is that I cannot easily manage the clan alone. With the exception of a few remaining remnants, the elders of the Main House have all been dealt with. Therefore, I now need you to recommend six elders to assist me in managing the fami—... clan."

Hyuga Ritsu paused his final words.

Then he said, "Arima!"

"Clan Head."

Hyuga Arima responded loudly.

"We have a guest. Go and welcome them, and bring them here."

"Yes, Clan Head."

Hyuga Arima immediately rushed out.

Hyuga Ritsu's expression remained unchanged as he continued, "Begin the recommendations now. I will recommend one person first: Jonin Hyuga Hizashi. His strength is profound, and he is widely respected. I believe he deserves a seat among the elders."

As soon as he said this, Everyone was first stunned, then gazes full of envy fell upon Hyuga Hizashi. Was this the reward for being the first to pay respects to the new Clan Head? If only they had been bolder back then!

But regret was useless now.

Fortunately, According to the Clan Head, there were still five more spots to compete for.

Hyuga Hizashi himself was also taken aback. He truly hadn't expected his support for Hyuga Ritsu to yield such a reward. The reason he had supported Hyuga Ritsu, even at the risk of opposing his brother, was solely for his son, and nothing more.

However, He pondered for a few seconds and did not refuse this reward. Whether for himself or for Neji, he had no reason to refuse the position of clan elder.

"Everyone will speak in order of rank. You may recommend others or yourselves. If more than six candidates are recommended, the six with the most votes will be elected. If there is a tie, I will make the decision."

Hyuga Ritsu set simple and clear rules for the elder recommendations. This method was not entirely fair, as many Jonin and Special Jonin of the clan were still away.

But in urgent situations, expediency was necessary.

Hyuga Ritsu urgently needed people to assist him in managing the clan. He would select the individuals first, and if anyone was dissatisfied later, he would find a way to make adjustments.

"I recommend myself, Hyuga Hizashi."

Hyuga Hizashi spoke first. As the younger brother of the former Clan Head, he naturally held the highest position among the Branch House clan members.

The first step is always the hardest.

Once the first person spoke, the others naturally followed suit. Name after name was put forward, all of them, without exception, being outstanding individuals among the Branch House Jonin, of varying ages.

Eight people were recommended in total, and the two with the fewest votes were removed.

The remaining six were Hizashi Hyuga, Hyuga Takashi, Hyuga Shinichiro, Hyuga Isamu, Hyuga Karin, and Hyuga Tenma. All were renowned Jonin masters from the Branch Houses. The oldest, Hyuga Takashi, was 44 years old, and the youngest, Hyuga Tenma, was 22.

"...Therefore, Hizashi Hyuga, Hyuga Takashi, Hyuga Shinichiro, Hyuga Isamu, Hyuga Karin, and Hyuga Tenma are hereby appointed as elders of the clan."

Hyuga Ritsu completed the appointments verbally on the spot.

There was no ceremony, no written proof, everything was simplified to the extreme, appearing very much like a makeshift group lacking professionalism, rigor, and formality.

However, With the support of the nearly one hundred Jonin and Special Jonin present, even a makeshift group was a makeshift group that held real power.

"Next, everyone can take a short break. Guests from the village have arrived. The six elders will come with me to meet them. We'll also take the opportunity to inform the village of the changes within our clan."

Hyuga Ritsu stood up and walked towards the door.

Seeing this, Hizashi Hyuga rose without hesitation and followed. The other five also moved promptly, staying close behind Hyuga Ritsu. At this point, could they possibly back down? They could only grit their teeth and follow Clan Head Hyuga Ritsu to the very end!