Hyuga Clan Head Ritsu

Shimura Danzō left in a huff. Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't try to stop him, implicitly accepting Shimura Danzō's departure. Only after the old friend with the overly stubborn personality had gone far enough did he look at Hyuga Ritsu and ask, "How do you plan to deal with Hyuga Hiashi?"

"Although Hyuga Hiashi is from the Main House, he hasn't committed any serious crimes in the past. He has also protected many Branch House family members. Furthermore, I made a promise earlier, so I won't kill him," Hyuga Ritsu replied calmly.

Previously, Hizashi Hyuga was the first to pledge allegiance to him and acknowledge his status as Clan Head. At that time, he had promised Hizashi Hyuga that as long as Hyuga Hiashi didn't resist to the bitter end, he would spare his life.

He had no intention of breaking his word.

Of course, not killing him didn't mean Hyuga Hiashi could continue living as if nothing happened. The due punishment was unavoidable, especially now that the Caged Bird Seals on the clan members had not yet been broken. Hyuga Hiashi would definitely have his Chakra sealed and live a difficult life in prison for a period.

Only after Hyuga Hiashi was completely harmless would he be able to live a normal, ordinary life as a member of the Hyuga Clan again.

"It's good that you're not going to kill him. While Hyuga Hiashi isn't exactly outstanding, compared to the previous two Clan Heads of the Hyuga Clan, he actually didn't do too badly. His only misfortune was encountering you."

Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Hyuga Hiashi, who stood frozen not far away, while Hizashi Hyuga chattered beside him.

He sighed inwardly.

He continued to ask, "How do you intend to explain tonight's events?"

Hyuga Ritsu waved his hand, signaling the clan members around them to stand further away.

"Tonight's events were that you, Hokage-sama, were deceived by Hyuga Hiashi and the other Main House members, leading to a small conflict between myself and Senior Minato. Of course, this is how I will explain it within the clan. To outsiders, you can say that Hokage-sama and the others came to help us deal with Hyuga Daichi and the other insane remnants of the Main House, restoring peace and order to our Hyuga Clan!"

Hyuga Ritsu replied softly.

Hearing this answer, Sarutobi Hiruzen stared blankly at Hyuga Ritsu for several seconds before sighing, "Your clan's system truly stifles countless talents!"

Then, he asked with extreme directness, "Do you resent us for tonight's events?"

After speaking, he stared intently at Hyuga Ritsu, awaiting his reply.

"Resent?"

Hyuga Ritsu shook his head slightly, his pure white eyes devoid of any negative emotions. "I don't care how bumpy the process is. As long as the final outcome is good, that's enough for me."

At this point, Hyuga Ritsu paused for two seconds and said seriously, "Hokage-sama, I'll say this upfront: although our clan has experienced turmoil today, the Hyuga Clan will always be Konoha's Hyuga Clan. A Hyuga Clan without the Main House draining its resources through internal strife will contribute even more to the village."

"Give me a few more days to handle clan affairs, and then I will lead our clan's elites to the front lines. Although it was the Main House's incompetence that led to the Byakugan being stolen by Kirigakure Shinobi, the Byakugan belongs only to Konoha. We will reclaim the stolen Byakugan, and they will pay a bloody price for it!!!"

"Only the blood of Kirigakure Shinobi can wash away our clan's shame!"

These words were spoken with great force.

The surrounding clan members heard them clearly. The older ones showed no change; they were old hands and not easily stirred. However, the younger clan members had flushed faces, their blood boiling, and they were excited as if they had been injected with adrenaline.

"Kill the Kirigakure Shinobi!"

Hyuga Arima shouted loudly.

"Kill the Kirigakure Shinobi!"

"Kill the Kirigakure Shinobi!"

A group of young clan members roared with all their might.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked around, then deeply at Hyuga Ritsu again, a gentle smile appearing on his face. "Clan Head Hyuga Ritsu, if you have time, please visit the Hokage's office and chat with an old man like me. I enjoy interacting with excellent young people like you and Minato now. Seeing you makes me feel like I'm witnessing the flourishing future of Konoha!"

"You flatter me, I dare not compare myself to Senior Minato."

"You've managed to block Minato's attacks twice, so you are already qualified to be compared with Minato. Also, regarding the Shikotsumyaku, I hope Clan Head Hyuga Ritsu can explain it at a later time."

"I won't disturb your family matters any longer. Minato, let's go!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen called out.

"Ritsu-kun, I apologize!"

Minato gave Hyuga Ritsu an apologetic smile, grabbed Sarutobi Hiruzen's shoulder, and with a whoosh, they disappeared from the sight of so many Byakugan.

Hyuga Ritsu remained standing in place.

After more than ten seconds, he finally moved his neck and let out a long sigh. "We've finally passed the village's hurdle. Plans really never keep up with changes!"

Although this wasn't exactly according to his plan, the outcome was still quite good.

The final hidden danger had been eliminated, and the village's hurdle had been passed. Sarutobi Hiruzen had called him "Clan Head Hyuga Ritsu," which meant he had acknowledged his status as Clan Head. While this didn't mean he was truly accepted, at the very least, he had gained official recognition.

As for potential hidden attacks from behind, for example, from a Hokage's assistant who left in a huff – this person was the Hokage's right-hand man, handling matters the Hokage found inconvenient.

Perhaps, he had already been placed on the list of people needing to be dealt with, possibly ranked quite high. He just didn't know if he could compete with those arrogant Uchiha.

Hyuga Ritsu looked around at the numerous Jonin and Special Jonin of his clan and said with a smile, "From now on, no more Main House members will enslave us. Our destiny from this moment on is completely in our own hands!"

"So, hurry home and share this good news with your families!"

He waved his hand.

He signaled for everyone to go home.

However, no one left. All eyes were on Hyuga Ritsu.

"Clan Head, I respect you. As long as my children can be freed from the Caged Bird jutsu in the future, I'd face mountains of knives or seas of fire without fear!" a Jonin in his forties suddenly said in a deep voice.

Then, the chorus of agreement surged like a great river.

"That's right, Clan Head. Just give the word, and I'm willing to be the one to cover the rear every time."

"Me too, Clan Head. Anyone who dares to oppose you from now on, I'll smash their dog head."

"Exactly! Smash the dog heads of those who oppose him!"

The Jonin gathered around declared their loyalty.

Listening to the chaotic and increasingly absurd words, Hyuga Ritsu's smile grew brighter. He raised his hands in a gesture for quiet, and after a few seconds, they gradually fell silent.

"Speaking of which, I do have a task. As I mentioned earlier, I'll be heading to the front lines in a few days to deal with those Kirigakure bastards. If anyone wants to go... find Elder Karin to sign up!"

"Now, everyone hurry home!"

Hyuga Ritsu urged them to leave.

The clan members who had pledged their loyalty dispersed in small groups. Many had already approached Hyuga Karin to inquire about signing up to fight the Kirigakure, overwhelming her. She had to explain that sign-ups would begin tomorrow to count the numbers before she could send them away.

Soon, only Hyuga Ritsu, his right-hand men Hyuga Takuma and Hyuga Arima, and six elders remained at the scene. Besides them, only the former Clan Head, Hyuga Hiashi, stood frozen like a statue.