Inside the council hall of the Hyuga Grounds, the atmosphere was so heavy it felt as though it could drip water.
Beneath the high rafters, the family crest symbolizing clan glory hung in the center, while below it lay a suppressive, restless commotion.
The current patriarch, Nitten Hyuga, sat straight in the main seat with a stern and solemn expression, while the elders and core clansmen below could no longer suppress their doubts and dissatisfaction.
"Patriarch, does this matter... still need further discussion?"
An elder with white hair and beard and extremely deep seniority took the lead in speaking, his voice low yet carrying clear disapproval.
"To send both young lords Hiashi and Hizashi as disciples under the Hokage's tutelage is no different from completely binding the future of the Hyuga Clan to Nangō Kumoi.
Is it... too rash, and does it lose the pride and consideration of our thousand-year-inherited noble family?"
Before his voice even faded, a suppressed echo and commotion rang out among the crowd below.
"That's right, Patriarch!"
"What virtue or ability does that Nangō Kumoi possess to dare claim he can teach the sons of the Hyuga Main Family?
The profound mysteries of our clan's Byakugan and Gentle Fist are vast and deep; how could they be meddled with by an outsider?"
"Indeed!
He merely had good luck, being designated by the Second on his deathbed and backed by Lady Mito Uzumaki!
Were it not for that, how could a mere commoner like him enter our sights?"
"Handing the young lords over to him—isn't that bringing shame upon the Hyuga?
Outsiders would think our clan has no one and needs to rely on outsiders for teaching!"
"I suspect the Hokage wants to use this to meddle in our clan's internal affairs and control the Hyuga's future!"