But Hyuga Hiashi immediately thought: Could he refuse?
Did he even have the right to refuse?
Most importantly, did the Hyuga Clan have the ability to protect its clan head?
Hizashi Hyuga suddenly rose to his feet and said in a low, bitter voice, "The Third Hokage's meaning is obvious. He wants the Hyuga to hand over a ninja—someone important enough—to trade one life for another and silence the Kumogakure Ninja."
"He doesn't care who it is. He doesn't care whether it was the killer. He only cares whether that person carries enough weight."
"To be fair, the Hyuga Clan is weaker than the Uchiha Clan. Even they were suppressed until they had nowhere left to turn. We simply have no power to resist the Third Hokage's will."
"At this point, there is no other way. I will die in my brother's place."
"I am the younger brother of the Hyuga clan head, and the head of the branch family. My life carries enough weight!"
Hizashi Hyuga removed his forehead protector, revealing the Caged Bird seal on his forehead. "I am from the branch family. I was meant to give everything for the main family, for the Hyuga Clan."
"As long as I can protect you, Brother, and preserve the Hyuga Clan's interests, then my death will have been worthwhile."
Hyuga Hiashi shot to his feet, his eyes reddening as he growled, "No! I will never let you die in my place!"
"I, Hyuga Hiashi, killed that man. I killed him to save Hinata. It has nothing to do with Hizashi!"
"More importantly, that Kumogakure Ninja shamelessly abducted Hinata. Killing him was only right and proper. What right does the Third Hokage have to demand that the Hyuga Clan offer up a life to silence them?"
"Why?"
His voice carried