Consequently, a distinct division appeared within the council chamber:
On one side were the emotionally stirred Innovation Faction and Core Faction, who craved change and believed that the Hyuga should not lag behind the Uchiha.
On the other side was the iron-silent Conservative Faction, who met the changing situation with unchangefulness.
Although both sides refrained from the fiercely bitter arguments seen at the Uchiha meeting, that silent standoff, clash of gazes, and utterly different auras made the very air feel viscous and heavy.
Nitten Hyuga took in all of this, feeling no annoyance in his heart; instead, a trace of imperceptible satisfaction welled up within him.
This was precisely the effect he desired.
The pool of the Hyuga was far too still—so still it resembled stagnant water, with all vitality suppressed by heavy patriarchal laws, rules, and that formless Caged Bird.
He needed a stone—no, he needed many stones—to smash in fiercely, stir the water into a roil, make the sediment rise, and inject fresh air.
This teacher evaluation at Konoha University was an exceptionally superb "stone."
It concerned the future, resources, and the family's position within Konoha's new era, proving enough to pluck at the heartstrings of every Hyuga Main House member.
By using the competitive consciousness with the Uchiha as a fuse, he successfully aroused the fighting spirit of the Reformist Faction and also forced the Conservative Faction to squarely face this inescapable external challenge.
Argue, think, weigh.
Nitten Hyuga picked up his teacup once more, the roiling steam blurring his profound Byakugan:
*Only when the interior falls into disorder first and the old balance is shattered can I truly have the opportunity to take back the powers that ought to be reclaimed, steering the ship of the Hyuga toward the broader seas it was always meant to