I Am Here to Rebel

The sky began to dim slightly as dark, oppressive clouds encroached from the east, obscuring the sun's brilliance. Yet, the temperature remained high, and the air grew humid and heavy, making those unaccustomed to dry weather feel sticky and uncomfortable.

However, Hyuga Ritsu felt no discomfort. After nearly two years of fighting Kirigakure Shinobi on the east coast, he had long since adapted to environments with excessive moisture. This stifling atmosphere, just before a downpour, was actually quite fitting for his current state of mind.

The stagnant Hyuga Clan was about to face an unprecedented storm!

The four of them were moving rapidly through deserted alleyways.

"Ritsu, it'll be hard to conceal our tracks if we go any further,"

Hyuga Takuma said.

The buildings ahead grew denser, and the open spaces with trees became increasingly scarce.

They were approaching the central district of the clan compound.

The architectural layout of the Hyuga Clan compound was such that the seven branches of the Main House resided in the central district, with the residences of the Branch House members extending outwards from there. In other words, the closer they got to the center, the higher the population density. Even though the clan had a rule against casually activating the Byakugan within the compound, only permitting its use in training grounds covered by barriers.

But with so many people, even without activating the Byakugan, being discovered was unavoidable.

"It's fine, it doesn't matter if we're seen. Takuma, when Arima found you and told you I was looking for you, what were you thinking? Why do you think I came back to the village?"

Hyuga Ritsu asked without looking back.

"Uh, that... I don't know."

Hyuga Takuma answered honestly. "My mind was blank... Ah! I get it."

Halfway through his sentence, he suddenly understood.

He knew what they were doing, so he was naturally a bit nervous about being seen and discovered. However, the other clan members didn't know what they were up to.

Furthermore, the Main House had not yet officially convicted Hyuga Ritsu, so he wasn't a criminal that every clan member was obligated to apprehend on sight.

Therefore, it didn't matter if they were seen.

Everyone would just be surprised that Hyuga Ritsu had returned and would speculate about his reasons, not that they would see him and immediately capture him to be handed over to the Main House for judgment.

A few seconds later, they turned a corner.

And then, someone saw them.

"Hyuga Ritsu?"

A man standing on a second-floor balcony, leaning over the railing and smoking, saw Hyuga Ritsu and his group rushing through the alley. Setting aside Hyuga Takuma and the others following behind, he immediately recognized Hyuga Ritsu, the top genius of the Branch House.

"When did you get back? The clan head and elders didn't punish you... Wait? You, what happened to your forehead? You, where's your cursed seal? Where's your Caged Bird Seal?"

The man exclaimed in shock.

He didn't even notice the cigarette falling from his mouth.

"Speed up!"

Hyuga Ritsu ignored the middle-aged man and continued to rush forward.

The rule prohibiting clan members from casually activating the Byakugan within the compound wasn't enough, as not everyone was willing to abide by the rules. While people might act properly in public places, who knew what kind of faces they put on when they returned home and were alone? It wasn't impossible for there to be twisted individuals who enjoyed peeping.

Therefore, clan members would generally post specially made "Barrier Talismans" within their homes. At least five Barrier Talismans, posted on the four walls and the roof of the house, could form a barrier that obstructed Byakugan surveillance, thereby ensuring privacy from external intrusion.

This meant that even if Hyuga Ritsu activated his Byakugan, he couldn't clearly see the specific situation inside the houses within the clan compound. The middle-aged man smoking was one such example; his balcony was also within the range of the Barrier Talismans, which was why Hyuga Ritsu hadn't seen him beforehand and ended up running right into him.

"Damn it, what the hell is going on?"

The middle-aged man on the balcony was horrified.

Staring at the retreating figures of Hyuga Ritsu and his group, he hesitated for less than three seconds before leaping directly off the balcony and chasing after them.

He didn't know what he would do if he caught up to Hyuga Ritsu and the others, but he knew that if he didn't chase after them, he would be utterly lost and restless staying at home.

Then--

Hyuga Ritsu stopped in front of a residence with white walls, dark tiles, and towering pine trees.

Two young Branch House clan members stood guard at the main entrance.

"Is Hyuga Shunsuke home?"

Hyuga Ritsu stepped forward and asked.

"Elder Shunsuke is inside... Wait, Hyuga Ritsu? How could you..." Before the guarding Branch House member could finish speaking, Hyuga Ritsu, having already received his answer, knocked him unconscious with a single palm strike.

"You..."

The other guard managed to utter only one word before he too was struck down and fell asleep instantly.

Hyuga Ritsu turned his head to look at Hyuga Arima, who was following beside him, and ordered, "Arima, you stay outside and use your Byakugan to monitor the compound. If anyone from the village enters, tell me immediately."

"Yes, Brother Ritsu!"

Hyuga Arima responded loudly, immediately activating his Byakugan and expanding his vision to its furthest reach, keeping watch over the compound's entrances and exits.

Next, Hyuga Ritsu strode through the main gate.

Once inside, he immediately activated his Byakugan.

Since he had entered the barrier, activating his Byakugan allowed him to clearly see the situation within the estate. He instantly located the Main House elder, Hyuga Shunsuke, practicing Gentle Fist in the training hall inside.

At the same moment, Hyuga Shunsuke, who was also practicing with his Byakugan activated, saw Hyuga Ritsu and his group barge in. He was taken aback at first, then frowned, a look of confusion on his face. He couldn't understand why Hyuga Ritsu, who should have been dealt with on the front lines, was here.

He immediately stopped his training and quickly walked out of the indoor training area, approaching Hyuga Ritsu, who was standing in the front yard. Seeing this, Hyuga Ritsu also stopped, waiting for Hyuga Shunsuke to arrive.

Thirteen seconds later, Hyuga Shunsuke rushed into the front yard, escorted by eight Branch House clan members. His furious roar reached them first, "Hyuga Ritsu, how dare you! You betrayed the Main House on the front lines and let Kirigakure's thieves steal the Byakugan, and now you've trespassed into my home without permission. Are you trying to rebel?"

"That's right, I'm here to rebel!"

"If you don't want to implicate your parents, then obediently surrender..." Huh? What did you say?"

"I said, I am here to rebel."

Hyuga Ritsu repeated his intention with a smile. "I've returned to the clan today precisely to shatter this slave-like Main House and Branch House system!"