Hyuga Sanada wanted to say more, but the First Elder stopped him and said:
"Special circumstances call for special measures. Takeda has always handled matters prudently. I can rest easy leaving the Hyuga Clan in his hands. Tomorrow, I will send my subordinates to hand things over."
With that, the First Elder stood and was the first to leave the room. His actions left Takeda Hyuga momentarily stunned, but then he understood the First Elder's intentions and was deeply moved.
The First Elder commanded immense respect within the Family and had a hand in many matters. Takeda Hyuga had originally thought the First Elder would be the hardest person to win over today, never expecting him to be so supportive.
Takeda Hyuga knelt and bowed in the direction the First Elder had left.
Since the First Elder had settled the matter, the other elders had no choice, however unwilling they were. They also said they would come to hand things over tomorrow before leaving. Only Hyuga Sanada left last, saying nothing about tomorrow's handover before walking out on his own.
The sight displeased Takeda Hyuga, and a ruthless glint appeared in his eyes.
Takeda Hyuga beckoned, and a Hyūga clansman appeared. Takeda Hyuga said:
"Have someone watch Hyuga Sanada day and night. If he does anything to betray the Family, you may eliminate him first and report to me afterward."
The Hyūga clansman acknowledged the order and leaped away, leaving only Takeda Hyuga, who seemed to murmur to himself:
"I hope you don't do anything you'll regret. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless."
The next day, the brothers Takeda Hyuga and Hyuga Hiashi were already waiting at the entrance to the Clan Grounds. This astonished the Hyūga clansmen. Just who could merit a personal welcome from both the Family's