Finding a Suitable Candidate for Hokage Election

Hyuga Ritsu was not given any official position, merely waiting in the camp as a Jonin. This situation undoubtedly caused great dissatisfaction among the Hyuga Clan members, with elders Hyuga Takashi and Hyuga Shinichiro looking ashen.

"Clan Head, this, this... the Hokage is going too far!"

Hyuga Shinichiro was perceptive and courageous. He understood clearly that the root cause of Hyuga Ritsu not being granted an official position, contrary to the village's unwritten rules, lay entirely with the Third Hokage.

"Shinichiro, silence!"

Hyuga Takashi exclaimed in alarm, frowning and reprimanding, "Do you think this is our clan compound? You can say anything here!"

"What are you afraid of? If the Hokage dares to disrespect our Hyuga Clan like this, he should know we will be displeased. If we just swallow our pride, won't he think we are weak and easy to bully!"

Hyuga Shinichiro said indignantly.

"What you say makes sense, but he is still the Hokage." Hyuga Takashi was also indignant, but he was more seasoned and knew that opposing the Hokage was never a good thing.

"So what if he's the Hokage? He's been Hokage for decades, and now they say he's stepping down after the war to let the Fourth take over, right? We should pick someone we have a good relationship with to support!"

"But the two most popular candidates right now are the Hokage's disciple and the Hokage's grand-disciple."

Hyuga Shinichiro was speechless.

A moment later, He complained irritably, "Then what do you suggest we do?"

"It's not for me to suggest, the Clan Head decides."

After saying that, The two of them looked at Hyuga Ritsu, who had not spoken.

"Why are you both looking at me?"

Hyuga Ritsu smiled and said, "Neither of you is wrong. Directly opposing the Hokage is out of the question, unless our clan intends to rebel and become independent. We truly cannot oppose the Hokage. However, being underestimated is indeed infuriating, so we can indeed try to find a suitable person to run for Hokage."

As he spoke, He lowered his head in thought, appearing to consider the matter very seriously.

Hyuga Takashi and Hyuga Shinichiro exchanged glances.

"Alright, let's put this matter aside for now. Although being so insulted by the Hokage is infuriating, there's nothing we can do! He is the Hokage, and we can't do anything to him. Even if we are insulted, we can only endure it for now, until we have the ability to retaliate. In short, do what you can!"

Hyuga Ritsu concluded the rather pointless conversation.

At this point, further discussion was useless.

If one is looked down upon and insulted, one should find a way to strike back, why waste breath here?

He stood up, "Elders, I expect a continuous stream of missions will come my way. However, you two shouldn't be too busy, so I'll leave the important task of taking care of the clan members to you. As for reclaiming the Byakugan, leave that to me."

The village, or rather the attitude of the Third Hokage and other high-ranking officials, was clear: the Hyuga Clan must not have any problems. However, he, who led the branch family in rebellion and killed the clan head of the main house, was not indispensable. In their eyes, he was completely superfluous.

Therefore, If his prediction is correct, he will receive an endless stream of assignments. With Danzo's methods, it wouldn't be impossible for him to collude with Kirigakure shinobi to kill him.

But the other clan members would not be treated specially. As I said before, the Hyuga are Konoha's Hyuga, and weakening the Hyuga Clan to the point of exhaustion would not be good for Konoha.

"Clan Head, are you saying the village is targeting you?"

Hyuga Shinichiro's mind raced, and he was suddenly shocked. He had thought the village was merely intentionally disrespecting their clan to punish them for killing the main house members.

"Targeting is too strong a word. They won't send me on missions that are certain death. However... let's not talk about this. I know what I'm doing. Just do as I say and take good care of the other clan members. Leave the rest to me!"

"Then, Clan Head, can you tell us how you plan to get the Byakugan back? Do you really not need our help?"

Hyuga Takashi asked softly.

"It's simple. If I'm lucky and encounter that 'Byakugan Killer,' I'll kill him and take the Byakugan back. If I'm unlucky and don't meet him, then I'll find a way to capture a few high-ranking Kirigakure shinobi and try to make a deal with them."

The Kirigakure shinobi named "Ao" had earned the nickname "Byakugan Killer" after stealing a Byakugan from the main house, making it sound as if many Hyuga clan members had died at his hands.

"Alright, that's all for now. My teacher is looking for me. You two go about your business!"

Hyuga Ritsu stood up, waving them away as he strode out.

He arrived at the entrance of the camp specifically designated for the Hyuga Clan and saw a white-haired middle-aged man waiting there.

"Teacher, you're back!"

Hyuga Ritsu greeted him happily.

He had originally intended to find Hiruko, but Orochimaru had informed him that Hiruko was out on a mission and not currently in the camp. However, Orochimaru had also said that he would inform Hiruko of his arrival once he returned.

He had thought he might be sent out on a mission before Hiruko returned, but Hiruko had returned now.

"Ah Ritsu, you are truly... audacious!"

Looking at his disciple, who was familiar yet somehow a little unfamiliar, Hiruko sighed emotionally.

Initially, he had only hoped that Hyuga Ritsu could use the Chimera Technique to break the Caged Bird Seal and then flee far away. He never expected Hyuga Ritsu to be so bold as to sneak back into the village, overthrow the rule of the Hyuga Clan's main house, and seize the position of Clan Head for himself.

"You have to take risks when it's time to take risks! And rather than living like a rat hiding its head and tail, I'd rather risk my life. Besides, even if I lose, it doesn't matter. I can just run away. Let's go! Teacher, let's talk inside."

Hyuga Ritsu personally led the way, bringing Hiruko into the tent.

The two of them sat down.

"Akiba, Akiba, help me get some hot water to make tea!"

Hyuga Ritsu called out to his cousin, who had come to the front lines with him, for help.

"Ah Ritsu, you're already putting on the airs of a Clan Head!" Hiruko couldn't help but tease as he watched the girl come in to help pour water.

"Hehe! This treatment is my reward for my labor!"

"What do you mean?"

"Akiba is helping me by pouring tea and water to save face for me. In exchange, I have to teach her my clan's advanced Gentle Fist technique, the Gentle Step Twin Lion Fist."

"I see!"

Hiruko couldn't help but laugh. However, after Hyuga Akiba finished making the tea and left, his expression suddenly changed. His face became exceptionally serious and earnest as he asked, "Ah Ritsu, Orochimaru told me that your situation isn't very good right now. What exactly is going on?"