At the same time, Neji was welcomed back to the Hyūga clan with utmost respect.
The other clansmen had already heard the news. Both the Sōke (Main House) and the Bunke (Branch House) were stunned.
Some among the Sōke were trembling, afraid Neji would settle accounts with them. After all, they had long flaunted their Sōke status, bullying the Bunke whenever they pleased.
Some even found excuses to trigger the (Juin) Cursed Seal of the (Caged Bird) on Bunke members just to torment them—truly vile behavior.
Who could have imagined that a mere Bunke member like Neji would evolve the (Byakugan) into the legendary (Tenseigan), becoming a Tennin (Heavenly Shinobi)?
Hinata looked at Neji then, eyes brimming with joy.
She had always known her temperament wasn't fit for the role of family heir, and that Neji's talent was far more suitable. She'd also carried deep guilt for years—over being kidnapped back then and the death of Uncle Hizashi that followed. Seeing her "Neji-nii" break his chains and become a Tennin, she couldn't help feeling happy.
That's wonderful… Neji-nii, congratulations.
She offered the blessing in her heart, though she didn't voice it—still too shy.
Soon, members from both Sōke and Bunke filled the hall. Hiashi personally led Neji to the head seat and pressed him down to sit.
"Clansmen, today is the day of the Tennin!"
Hiashi's voice rang out. "Our Hyūga clan is ancient beyond measure. Long ago, we once produced a Tennin, who led the Hyūga to the summit. But for hundreds—thousands—of years afterward, none were born, and our clan has waned. Now, Neji—brilliant beyond compare—has evolved the (Byakugan) into the (Tenseigan), becoming a Tennin. This foretells our return to the pinnacle! Now—pay respects to the Tennin!"
He himself bowed first to the floor.
Willing or not, the rest followed suit. "We pay respects to the Tennin!"
Neji took in the scene and drew a steady breath. He knew his uncle was raising him up—and that this was his chance.
He would change the decaying Hyūga; he would end the Sōke–Bunke system and fulfill his father's wish.
He spoke. "Please rise. I have words—everyone, listen."
All raised their heads and settled into seiza, waiting for Neji. You could see it: many among the Sōke looked ill at ease, while the Bunke were ablaze with fervor.
Neji noted it, then spoke with a natural authority. "In the Senju archives, I read histories of our Hyūga from their perspective—different from our own. I learned much. I also returned to our ancestral ground and found the stone stele left by that Tennin of old. I understood everything—and thus evolved the (Byakugan) into the (Tenseigan).
"Here is the true purpose behind the Tennin's creation of the (Caged Bird) (Juin)!"
"The (Caged Bird) split Sōke and Bunke with distinct duties—for the survival and honor of the Hyūga. Bunke would fear no theft of the Byakugan and could protect Sōke without reserve. And the Sōke—guarding the Byakugan's purity—were best suited to pursue evolution!"
…So that's what it was?
The Sōke's pupils constricted—they began to understand.
They had been wrong.
Neji continued. "The Bunke have long fulfilled their duty to protect the Sōke. Yet because the Sōke enjoyed protection and superior resources for so many years, they rotted. Sōke youths stopped striving to become strong and demanded Bunke protection, even treating them like servants. Grievances deepened, the clan split, tragedies multiplied—how could we face our ancestors like this?!"
Many among the Sōke lowered their heads, grief-stricken.
In truth, the clan laws state that Bunke protect the Sōke—but nowhere do they say Bunke are servants.
But people's hearts warp. When one person's life is held in another's hand, the latter unconsciously grows high and mighty—enjoying protection and service. That was the greatest flaw of the (Caged Bird) (Juin).
"I have a good friend who once pointed out the Hyūga's problem to me," Neji said, the memory softening his tone. "He said: 'Bunke wear the (Caged Bird), but does the Sōke not wear a cage? They do—the Sōke have locked themselves in a giant cage called Konoha! They fear abduction; without Bunke protection, they dare not leave the cage. Worse, because they're served and protected by the Bunke, they grow smug behind bars—never once thinking of flying!'"
Bunke had the (Caged Bird), and thus could not fly. The Sōke had shut themselves in Konoha's cage—and were even less able to fly, for they lost their will to advance, like turtles in their shells, even feeling at ease that cages are safe and flight unnecessary.
How could such a Hyūga ever evolve the (Byakugan)? How could such a Hyūga be saved from decay—how could they fly again and restore ancestral glory? Answer me—how?!
The Sōke opened their mouths, but no sound came. Shame burned their faces.
Many elders wept.
Some perhaps remained unconvinced, but none dared protest now. Neji had laid bare the clan's illness. If things continued as they were, the Hyūga would perish.
To object now was not merely opposing a Tennin—it was pushing the Hyūga into the abyss.
Hiashi bowed to the floor. "Tennin—become the new clan head. Lead the Hyūga out of the abyss and restore our ancestors' honor!"
The others followed. "Tennin—become the new clan head. Lead the Hyūga out of the abyss and restore our ancestors' honor!"
Neji didn't refuse. He raised his voice. "Good! From this moment, I am the Hyūga clan head! My first act is to abolish the Sōke–Bunke system and lift the (Caged Bird) (Juin) from the Bunke. From today, there is no Sōke or Bunke—the Hyūga are one family. Past grudges are wiped clean; all must cherish one another! Who agrees? Who opposes?"
"Clan head is wise! Clan head is wise! Clan head is wise!"
Voices thundered, and foreheads hit the floor again—the Bunke most of all, shaking with emotion.
Neji didn't dally. He produced a scroll he had prepared long ago—detailing the method to lift the (Caged Bird) (Juin).
"Now—everyone bearing the (Caged Bird), follow this method to解除 (kai) the seal. For children who can't read it, adults—help them."
The Bunke didn't waste a second. Trembling, they read the scroll, then followed the steps to undo their curse marks.
When the sigils faded from their foreheads, many burst into tears; others shouted with joy. They had been reborn—at last, they had wings to fly.
Only after everyone had lifted the (Caged Bird) did Neji speak again. "From this moment, every Hyūga will make strength their aim! Our (Byakugan) draws greedy eyes—but we won't shackle ourselves and beg for protection. We will grow strong enough to deter coveters! Only with a will to advance—only with a will to grow—can we truly fly, and can our (Byakugan) gradually evolve!"
(End of Chapter)
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