Neji took a quiet breath, turned around, and strode into the meeting hall.
"What's this?"
The clan elders stared in surprise as Neji suddenly walked in.
Neji was wearing a Kumogakure Forehead Protector today, making him a complete oddity in the meeting hall.
"Byakugan, Star of the Clouds—"
Someone recognized Neji, and their expression changed instantly.
The lost Byakugan was a taboo within the Hyuga clan. Now, one had returned to the family of its own accord.
Everyone couldn't help recalling what Hinata had just said, and their pupils shrank.
That couldn't be—
With a clatter, one of the elders stood up and demanded, "Miss, are you joking?"
"You want the Star of the Clouds to become clan head?"
"He's a Kumogakure ninja. He's absolutely unsuitable."
Everyone found the idea unbelievable. But aside from the few elders who held power within the clan, the rest silently watched Neji without saying a word.
"Elder Gen, was it?"
Hinata remained silent. It was Neji, who had entered the meeting hall, who spoke.
He looked calmly at Hyuga Gen. "You think I'm not qualified?"
Hyuga Gen's brows knitted together, anger appearing on his face. "Who becomes clan head is a matter for the Hyuga clan. You have no say in it."
Neji smiled, then joined his fingers together like a sword and touched Hyuga Gen's forehead.
The next instant, an "X"-shaped mark appeared on Hyuga Gen's forehead, filling every branch-family ninja with fear.
As Neji connected with the giant Tenseigan, the Caged Bird Seal began to glow blue.
Hyuga Gen's body shuddered. His eyes flew wide, and his cane slipped from his hand. He fell to the floor with a thud, clutching his head and screaming.
"Ah!!"
His anguished wails sent chills through everyone.
Neji withdrew his hand seal and stared expressionlessly at