"Clan Head, the elders are bringing their men here."
Just then, a Hyuga clansman appeared in Hiashi's room and reported to him.
The corners of Hiashi's mouth lifted. It seemed they had finally realized something was wrong.
But it was already too late.
"Understood. Begin the plan, then."
Hiashi nodded and spoke to the clansman.
"Yes."
A flicker of excitement flashed through the clansman's eyes. He swiftly vaulted out the window and ran off in one direction.
Within five minutes, the elders and their entourage arrived outside Hiashi's home.
As overbearing as ever, they gave a perfunctory knock before opening his front door themselves.
"Hiashi, what have you been doing lately?"
The Elder raised a hand to stop the other aggressive elders, forced a smile onto his face, and questioned Hiashi.
Looking at the Elder's smile, Hiashi smiled too.
"Elder, you've already guessed, haven't you?"
The Elder's expression darkened. He gave Hiashi a long look and spoke.
"If you intend to abolish the Caged Bird Seal, let me tell you, that is impossible."
"Since ancient times, the Caged Bird Seal has protected the Hyuga bloodline and ensured its purity."
"Besides, this protection was passed down by our ancestors. Do you intend to defy their wishes?"
The Elder grew increasingly animated as he spoke, feeling more justified with every word.
"Heh. Ignorant, stubborn, rotten."
"That describes not only the council of elders, but the Hyuga of today as well."
"I'm sure everyone knows what happened to the Uchiha. If you don't want to end up like them, please put down your weapons."
A ruthless glint flashed through Hiashi's eyes as he addressed the elders before him.
"Ridiculous! Those red-eyed freaks overestimated themselves and tried to launch a coup."
"What have we done wrong? Rotten? This very rot is what has allowed