Eight-Tails Captured, Branch Family No More

"Hinata, I'm leaving them to you!" Uchiha Yoru said to Hinata Hyuga.

Every member of the Branch Family was there, their eyes bright with joy and anticipation.

Hinata Hyuga stepped before them. A soft green light appeared in her hand, then scattered like raindrops onto everyone's forehead.

The marks of the Caged Bird Seal vanished. With them went the division between Branch Family and Main Family that had endured for generations.

Cheers erupted, though some still could hardly believe it.

Some had borne the mark on their foreheads for decades. From birth, it had placed them beneath the Main Family.

In truth, Uchiha Yoru had tried to find a way to remove it. He had even asked Orochimaru, but Orochimaru had told him there was no way!

Members of the Branch Family had tried to erase it too. But once the mark was placed, it could never be removed.

The clan's records described only how to place the mark, not how to remove it!

Only after Hinata explained it did Yoru understand: the mark was connected to the Tenseigan on the moon. Without Chakra surpassing that Tenseigan's, or a way to connect with it, the mark could never be removed.

Now it was gone. A person's standing in the clan would be judged by how much they contributed.

"Hinata, your father is looking for you!" called someone who appeared to be a maid.

"Okay! Goodbye, everyone. Enjoy your new lives!"

Hinata Hyuga had no gift for grand speeches meant to win people over.

But whatever she said was sincere, straight from her heart.

"Thank you, Lady Hinata!"

Their thanks rose like a tidal wave.

Hinata Hyuga was at a loss and could only keep bowing.

"Thank you, everyone!"

"Thank you, everyone!"

"Thank you, everyone!"

Then she hurried in small