Hyuga Clan

In Konoha, within the core area of the Hyuga Clan's Main House, inside a spacious Japanese-style room with a solemn layout and the clan crest painted on its walls.

Several Hyuga Clan elders sat upright on either side of a long conference table.

Most of them were advanced in age, their faces marked by time and authority, their gazes either sharp or profound.

At the central seat, the current Hyuga Clan head, Hinata Tsubaki, sat with her eyes closed, resting. Her hands were folded over her abdomen.

At her side, the young Hyuga Hiashi sat primly as the clan head's son.

As the designated future heir, he had exceptionally been permitted to attend this high-level meeting.

His face still bore a trace of barely noticeable tension and curiosity.

Just moments ago, his father, Hinata Tsubaki, had returned from the Hokage Office Building.

Without offering any explanation, she had directly summoned the core elders currently in the village.

At this moment, a scroll lay quietly on the table before Hinata Tsubaki.

"Let's begin." Hinata Tsubaki slowly opened her eyes, dispensing with any unnecessary pleasantries.

She directly pushed the scroll into the center of the table.

"This is the latest battle report and related intelligence regarding Hyuga Tianyi, a Branch House member of our clan on the front lines. Read it first."

The nearest elder reached out and took it.

He unrolled it and began reading in silence. At first, his brows only furrowed slightly.

But as his gaze traveled downward, his frown deepened, and even his breathing seemed to halt for an instant.

He handed the scroll to the next elder, and the entire exchange proceeded in silence.

Only the faint sounds of the scroll opening and closing could be heard, along with the increasingly solemn atmosphere.

When Hyuga Hiashi finally received the scroll, he was still somewhat puzzled.

A Branch House Genin, even if he had performed well on the battlefield...

Why would his father summon every elder so seriously?

Could it be... that he had committed some grave mistake during a mission, or done something that disgraced the clan rules?

He unrolled the scroll, his gaze falling upon the words:

"Supplementary battle report and follow-up matters from the Land of Rain frontline camp:

Hyuga Tianyi, a Branch House Genin of the Hyuga Clan, during the decisive battle...

The special anti-poison formula he provided played a decisive role in saving the lives of more than eighty Konoha ninja.

Confirmed kills: one Hidden Rain Village Jonin and four Chunin.

He successfully injured Hanzo's summoned beast, completely dismantling the enemy's poison mist tactics.

He has subsequently earned Jonin Tsunade's recognition and has officially been accepted as Hyuga Tianyi's disciple.

"..."

Hyuga Hiashi's fingers tightened slightly around the scroll, and his heart shook violently.

Killed a Jonin? Dismantled Hanzo's poison mist tactics? Saved over eighty people?

Accepted as Tsunade-hime's disciple?! And... seemingly gained Hanzo's "attention"?

Each piece of information overturned everything he had previously understood.

What kind of record was this for a Branch House Genin?

This was clearly dazzling merit worthy of being recorded in the clan's history!

And most importantly, Tsunade-hime had accepted him as her disciple!

Hyuga Hiashi's political instincts were instantly awakened.

Who was Tsunade? The First Hokage's granddaughter, one of the legitimate heirs of the Senju Clan.

Now one of the newly risen Legendary Sannin, with illustrious military achievements.

Konoha's foremost medical ninja, possessing immense prestige and potentially enormous influence within the village.

Although the Third Hokage was still in office and at the peak of his strength.

The coming transfer of power to the next generation had always been the focus of every major clan's secret attention.

As the most outstanding candidates among the next generation of leaders, the Legendary Sannin.

Had long since entered everyone's sights. Although Tsunade had not clearly shown a strong ambition to become Hokage.

Her status and strength as the Senju princess meant that anyone closely connected to her.

Could gain immeasurable political capital in the future.

A Branch House member had actually become Tsunade's disciple?

What did that mean? It meant Hyuga Tianyi...

Was no longer merely a ninja from the Hyuga Branch House.

He now bore the mark of the Tsunade Faction. His future would become tied to the Senju Clan's influence.

And to Konoha's highest circles of power, directly or indirectly!

Hyuga Hiashi's thoughts churned, and he even considered more possibilities.

Caged Bird... Would this Hyuga Tianyi, because of his sudden rise in prestige and backing.

Create some subtle impact on the centuries-old iron law between the Main House and Branch House?

Even if only symbolically?

While Hyuga Hiashi's mind raced, the scroll had already completed its rounds and returned to the table before Hinata Tsubaki.

Hinata Tsubaki lightly tapped the tabletop with her fingers.

Drawing everyone's attention, her calm, even voice rang out once more:

"You all understand the intelligence regarding Hyuga Tianyi now. Tell me what you think."

The silence was broken.

The entire meeting room instantly erupted into discussion!

"Unbelievable!" A stern-faced Main House elder was the first to speak.

His tone was filled with intense doubt. "How could a Branch House Genin achieve such a record?

Kill a Jonin? On what grounds? Byakugan? Gentle Fist? Even if he is extraordinarily gifted.

This is far too unreasonable! There must be something suspicious here! Did he rely on outside help?

Or perhaps... some forbidden technique?"

His sharp gaze swept across everyone present, especially emphasizing the word "forbidden."

"That is not quite right, Elder." Another sharp-eyed elder refuted him.

He was responsible for part of the clan's external affairs.

"The battle report has been confirmed by both the frontline command and Lady Tsunade.

The Hokage has also reviewed it. Its authenticity is beyond doubt.

As for how he accomplished it... do not forget that Tsunade has accepted him as her disciple.

Perhaps some special medical or combat talent he displayed.

Was precisely what Tsunade valued. Shouldn't the Hyuga Clan be pleased to have produced such a genius?

This clearly demonstrates our clan's strength and foundation!"

"Pleased?" Another conservative elder snorted coldly.

"A Branch House member has revealed himself so prominently and even drawn that demigod's attention!

The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be destroyed by the wind! Not only might he bring disaster upon himself.

He may also draw unnecessary attention to the Hyuga Clan!

Where would the Main House's authority be then? Where would the Branch House's proper place be?"

"Outdated nonsense!" The elder from the supporting side showed no courtesy.

"What era do you think this is? The war in the Land of Rain is underway, and every major clan is displaying its strength.

Fighting for influence after the war! The Hyuga Clan has remained quiet for too long. We need a banner like this.

A hero! Hyuga Tianyi's achievements in this battle are enough to make all of Konoha reevaluate the Hyuga Clan's strength!

This will greatly benefit the clan's future! As for the Branch House...

Hmph. He has rendered such great service. Shouldn't the clan show its appreciation?

Chilling the hearts of meritorious members would be what truly damages the clan's prestige!"

"Show appreciation? How?" A neutral elder pondered.

"He is already Lady Tsunade's disciple, which means his future path.

Will largely depart from the clan's normal training system.

How should we involve ourselves? Should we grant him the Hyuga Clan's secret techniques to win his loyalty?

Or... should we increase our oversight and ensure that he remains within the clan's control?"

His words pointed out a crucial issue. Faced with a Branch House genius who had suddenly gained powerful external support and independent influence.

The clan's traditional methods of management were facing a challenge.

"Caged Bird..." A low voice sounded. It came from another elder who had remained silent until now.

He spoke only those three words, yet the entire meeting room's atmosphere instantly froze.

Everyone's gazes, deliberately or otherwise, turned toward Hinata Tsubaki in the main seat and Hyuga Hiashi beside her.

Caged Bird was the sword hanging above every Branch House member's head.

It was also the ultimate means by which the Main House controlled the Branch House.

Hyuga Tianyi's momentum was now unstoppable. How would he himself, or Tsunade behind him.

Or even the village's other forces view this curse mark?

This was almost certainly the deepest concern in every elder's heart.

Hyuga Hiashi felt his palms begin to sweat.

He understood that this meeting was not merely discussing a Branch House member's military achievements.

It concerned the clan's power structure, and even the most fundamental system between the Main House and Branch House.

Hinata Tsubaki still maintained her posture of resting with her eyes closed, as though she had heard none of the heated arguments.

Only after the voices gradually died down and everyone's gazes focused on her again.

Did she slowly open her eyes and look over every face.

"Hyuga Tianyi is a ninja of the Hyuga Clan. That will not change because of whose disciple he is."

Her voice was steady, yet she defined Hyuga Tianyi clearly. "The achievements he has earned have brought honor to the clan.

That is a fact. The clan will not be stingy with its rewards."

She paused, then continued, "But at the same time, he is a member of the Hyuga Clan's Branch House.

He must also remember the clan rules and fulfill his proper duties. The clan needs a deeper understanding of his increased strength.

Tsunade-hime taking him as a disciple is an opportunity, but we must also remain wary of the... unpredictable effects it may bring."

"De Xuan." Hinata Tsubaki suddenly looked toward the elder on the left.

"Yes, Clan Head." Hinata Tokugen immediately straightened his back.

"You will immediately head to the front lines to handle further contact with Hyuga Tianyi and the clan's reward.

Let the people in the village see the Hyuga Clan's attitude toward those who have rendered merit.

Once he returns to the village, arrange for him... to come see me." Hinata Tsubaki said calmly.

"Yes!" Hinata Tokugen stood and departed.

Hyuga Hiashi's heart jolted, and he lowered his head.

He understood the meaning behind his father's arrangement.

Hinata Tokugen was an extremely strict Main House elder, exceptionally harsh toward the Branch House.

Hyuga Hiashi's younger brother, Hizashi Hyuga, had especially hated him since childhood.

He was most likely being sent to directly take control of Hyuga Tianyi.

Father is being too old-fashioned. Tianyi is such a genius. I'm afraid this will lead to a fierce conflict.

"As for everything else," Hinata Tsubaki's gaze swept across the elders again.

"Within the clan, maintain a unified message. Publicize his achievements and display our clan's might.

Externally, we will wait for Tokugen's return and observe developments. Meeting adjourned."

She was the first to rise and leave the meeting room.

The elders remained behind with varying expressions, whispering among themselves as they gradually dispersed.

Hyuga Hiashi stood alone in the increasingly empty meeting room.

I hope it won't end in the worst possible way.