The Real Challenge

Before they set out, Lu Zeming walked up to Takuma Hyuga and handed him a specially made forehead protector.

It bore the emblem of Flower Village, not Konoha, with the word "Equality" printed beneath it.

"From today on, your eyes will see for yourself and for Flower Village. As for the Hyuga Clan, we'll take the fight to them one day. I'll make sure you see us break the Caged Bird Seal with our own hands."

Tetsuya Hyuga took the forehead protector, his fingers trembling as he fastened it tightly around his brow. He turned west and activated his Byakugan.

Chakra flowed clearly through his field of vision. Gone was the suffocating gloom of Konoha, bound by the Caged Bird Seal. In its place shone the vibrant golden light of Flower Village's army.

He drew a deep breath. His voice no longer trembled; it carried a resolve he had never known before.

"I, Tetsuya Hyuga, will go through fire and water for you, Village Chief, and for Flower Village!"

This time, he was not fighting to stay alive or to escape. He was fighting for two words he had never dared imagine before.

Equality.

The outline of Ashihara Town flickered in and out of the morning mist.

Tetsuya Hyuga knelt on one knee atop a hillside, the forehead protector on his brow gleaming coldly in the faint light.

His Byakugan was already active. His sight pierced the mist and the walls, taking in every flow of Chakra throughout Ashihara Town.

"Village Chief, there are 187 defenders on the eastern wall. Only six are Ninja. Three are at the gate tower, and the other three are at the corner of the wall!"

Tetsuya Hyuga's voice was low and steady, though it held a faint tremor of excitement. He had found a