The Hyuga clan meeting hall was already packed.
Only jonin-level members or elders of high status and prestige could attend these meetings.
Exceptionally talented young members could occasionally attend as observers—one such example being Neji Hyuga.
When Hiromasa Hyuga entered, the once-lively atmosphere fell silent and grew tense.
It felt as if a storm were about to erupt.
But Hiromasa didn't believe it was aimed at him.
He believed victory was already within his grasp.
Even though Hiashi hadn't yet conceded.
The longer this went on, the more damage it would inflict on Hiashi's authority.
In contrast, Hizashi had earned considerable recognition both within and beyond the village since becoming a Hokage advisor.
Hiromasa's final play was to push for a change in clan leadership.
If Hiashi refused to comply, Hiromasa would rally support to install Hizashi as the new leader.
Of course, he wouldn't take that step unless absolutely necessary.
After all, Hizashi was merely from the branch family.
Promoting him would only embolden the branch family, making them harder to control later.
How unfortunate—but among the main family, aside from Hiashi, no one else was fit for the role.
Would they really consider making Hinata the clan leader?
What purpose would that serve?
As Hiromasa pondered, he sensed something unusual.
Hinata, who almost never attended clan meetings, was actually here today?
Smirking slightly, Hiromasa took a seat beside Hiashi.
"Elder."
Hiashi gave a brief nod in greeting.
"Begin."
Hiromasa lightly chuckled.
He wanted to see exactly what kind of commotion would happen today.
Hiashi scanned the room.
Since they'd been informed beforehand, most seemed composed.
Only a few whose expressions betrayed their unease looked visibly unsettled.
But it wasn't anything significant.
Years of obedience and the presence of the Caged Bird Seal made it unthinkable to Hiromasa that betrayal could come from within the Hyuga clan.
When the Uchiha suffered internal strife before, he had mocked them.
No matter how strong someone was, without restraint, chaos like this was inevitable.
"Today's topic is straightforward."
Hiashi finally spoke calmly. "We are here to discuss abolishing the distinction between the main and branch families."
"Hiashi!"
Hiromasa shot to his feet, staring in disbelief. "Do you realize what you're saying?!"
"I do," Hiashi said calmly. "Precisely because I understand, I speak."
"You—you—!"
Hiromasa trembled with rage.
But soon, he realized something.
"If you think you can counter me with this," he said coldly, "you've gravely miscalculated."
Hiromasa assumed that Hiashi's sudden radical stance was merely an attempt to intimidate him into abandoning the plan to brand Hanabi with the Caged Bird Seal.
Because such a motion should never have been proposed.
The branch family bore the Caged Bird Seal—their lives and deaths rested in the hands of the main family. What was there to abolish?
This was utterly absurd. It's like a weasel offering false flattery to a chicken under false pretenses.
"I'm not that childish," Hiashi said, shaking his head.
Hiromasa Hyūga didn't buy it for a second.
He scanned the crowd with a murderous glare in his eyes.
Normally, under the weight of the Caged Bird Seal, they would all bow their heads in fear.
They wouldn't even dare to open their mouths, let alone argue.
"I believe the Clan Leader's words hold great merit."
Hizashi Hyūga lifted his head and spoke. "The divide between the Main and Branch families isn't beneficial for the Hyūga clan's future."
"Hizashi!"
Clutching his fists instinctively, Hiromasa snapped, "Remember your station!"
"And what station would that be?"
Hinata Hyūga cut in suddenly. "Isn't Uncle Hizashi still a member of the Hyūga clan?"
"He is merely part of the Branch House."
Frowning, Hiromasa replied, "And you are from the Main House. You should understand this distinction better than anyone."
"We're all part of the same family. Why must there be such divisions?"
Hinata countered. "We share the same blood. Hizashi and my father are even brothers."
"What did you say?"
Anger surfaced on Hiromasa's face. "This tradition has stood for a thousand years! How dare you defy it?"
"Just because something has been done a certain way for centuries—does that make it right?"
Hinata responded calmly. "The Caged Bird Seal was meant to protect the Byakugan—not to grant you the right to command the clan like a tyrant."
"Ridiculous!"
Slamming the table, Hiromasa roared, "How dare you, as a Main House member, openly challenge your elders like this? You still wish to be heir?"
"When reason eludes you, clinging to tradition and rank is nothing but stubbornness."
Sighing, Hinata said, "With Elders like you, how can the Hyūga clan possibly thrive?"
"Hiashi!"
Losing his composure entirely, Hiromasa turned toward him. "If you believe Hinata is wrong, correct her yourself."
"The clan meeting is a place for discussion."
Looking at the heavily breathing Hiromasa, Hiashi said with a smile, "If you believe Hinata is wrong, then correct her yourself."
At that, Hiromasa stiffened, speechless, unable to find a reply.
Finally, he bellowed, "The Caged Bird Seal is the foundation of the Hyūga clan! No one may change it under any circumstances!"
"The seal will always serve its original purpose. But any additional purposes are unnecessary."
Hinata spoke with clarity and conviction. "The chains binding the Hyūga clan must be shattered."
Oh…
"Outrageous!"
Having utterly lost control, Hiromasa shouted, "Hiashi! Remove her from the line of succession!"
"For what reason?"
Hiashi remained unmoved.
"Do I even need to state one?"
Hiromasa glared back at him. "Every word she spoke is justification enough! Such outright defiance—how can she possibly remain next in line to lead the clan?"
"So it really is just groundless nitpicking."
Hiashi agreed with Hinata's earlier point.
But actually, there was more.
He had been truly stunned by Hinata's performance just now.
Never had he imagined she had grown to the point of being able to argue rationally against an Elder.
He could already picture how exceptional Hinata would become in time.
Even without the power of the Caged Bird Seal, none among the branch family could challenge her authority.
As for future generations, that was beyond his concern. By then, he would practically be six feet under. After all, children's happiness is in their own hands.
He had come to terms with this reality.
Suddenly, Hiromasa Hyuga realized something.
From the start of the clan meeting until now, Hiashi Hyuga's attitude had completely changed.
In other words, father and daughter had planned this ahead of time.
"Well done."
Hiromasa let out a bitter laugh. "It seems I underestimated both of you."
Seeing he had figured it out, Hiashi spoke up, "Since this is a clan meeting, we should go by the majority opinion."
Hiromasa took a deep breath.
If it came down to a fight, he'd be at a disadvantage.
Besides, any internal conflict within the Hyuga Clan would only serve to benefit outsiders.
"Then let's vote."
A cold smirk tugged at Hiromasa's lips as he said, "Let's see who supports the nonsense of a twelve-year-old girl."
As he spoke, he raised his index finger.
This was the precursor to activating the Caged Bird Seal.
An unmistakable threat.
Hiashi shot him a glance, unfazed.
The Caged Bird Seal had already been replaced; naturally, the old method of control no longer worked.
Smiling faintly, he said, "All those in favor of abolishing the distinction between main and branch families, please raise your hands."
As his words faded, every single right hand shot up into the air.
"Have you all gone mad?!"
Shocked, Hiromasa stepped back and shouted, "Do you actually believe the main family will remove your Caged Bird Seal?"
No one responded. No one lowered their hand either.
"Fools!"
Without hesitation, Hiromasa activated the Caged Bird Seal.
Yet the image he had pictured—branch members writhing in pain, clutching their heads—never materialized.
"What's going on?"
Instinctively looking toward Hiashi Hyuga, Hiromasa tried again, but nothing happened. "What did you do?!"
"It is all for the good of the Hyuga Clan."
Hiashi announced calmly, "Starting today, the distinction between main and branch families is abolished."
"You can't do this!"
His eyes burning red with rage, Hiromasa lost control.
Without the division between main and branch families, his authority as an Elder vanished.
Without thinking, he lunged at Hiashi.
In an instant, a surge of incredibly powerful chakra shot toward Hiromasa like a cannonball.
His body was hurled backward, slamming into the wall amidst a cloud of dust.
Though aged, Hiromasa was still a Jonin.
He hadn't even reacted in time and couldn't withstand a single punch, instantly falling unconscious.
Hiashi instinctively turned toward Hinata Hyuga.
What was that attack from a distance?
He had never encountered anything like it before.
And its power was immense.
"Hiromasa Hyuga attacked his own father, violating the rules of Konoha Village. Take him to the Anbu and await Hokage's judgment."
Hinata declared, her voice calm.
A stunned silence fell over the room.
At present, the Hyuga Clan was still led by Hiashi Hyuga.
Hinata's command was clearly an overreach of her authority.
What's more, delivering Hiromasa to the Hokage was an act without precedent.
Hiashi Hyuga said with a smile, "Let's go with that."
He had a good idea of the reason.
It must've been on Natsume's orders.
Although losing a pair of Byakugan was painful, what else could he do?
He didn't want to suffer greater losses.
Fortunately, after many years of study, the Hyuga clan already thoroughly understood the Byakugan.
Even if Natsume obtained the Byakugan, it wouldn't be of much use to him.
Ao of Kiri was the perfect example.
He used the Byakugan like an enhanced version of reconnaissance Ninjutsu.
Hiashi waved his hand slightly.
Instantly, two young men appeared, lifted Hiromasa Hyuga, and carried him out of the meeting hall.
The clan meeting wasn't over yet.
Now that the division between the main house and branch houses had been abolished, there were still many matters to handle.
But Natsume had long since lost interest in listening.
After all, this was internal Hyuga business.
Knowing about it meant little to him.
Natsume dressed himself properly, then petted the hardworking Black Cat before saying, "You get the day off."
The Black Cat stumbled upright and vanished before his eyes.
Natsume dissolved the barrier and left the Hyuga compound.
As for Hinata Hyuga, he'd drop by later that evening.
Inside the Hokage's Office.
Kurenai Yuhi wrinkled her nose slightly — she caught the familiar stench again.
"Hokage-sama, you really should take a bath."
Her voice had an edge to it as she added, "If others catch wind of this, rumors will start flying."
"Actually, I was just heading for a bath."
Natsume shrugged and replied, "Looks like your timing's perfect."
Kurenai shot him a glare immediately.
His nonchalant expression annoyed her.
This chapter isn't over yet!
What a jerk?
But the most annoying part? She liked this bastard.
"Why don't you join me?"
Natsume reached the door, stopped momentarily, and sent out a party invitation.
Unfortunately, Kurenai rejected it without hesitation.
The sound of running water filled the room.
Kurenai sat on the sofa, restless and distracted.
Why was the soundproofing so terrible?
Frowning, she considered giving the builders a piece of her mind.
A moment later, Kurenai flushed crimson and muttered in anger.
She was certain Natsume had done it on purpose.
But the torment didn't last long.
The door opened, revealing a freshly changed Natsume standing before her.
However, his hair was still wet, not dried at all.
Unconsciously, Kurenai stood up.
Before she knew it, she bit her lip.
"Trouble you, Sister Kurenai."
Seeing she had come closer, Natsume smiled and handed her the towel.
Kurenai moved behind him, starting to dry his hair.
Her touch was just the right amount of gentle.
Natsume closed his eyes contentedly and remarked, "With you around, Sister Kurenai, I feel like I'm turning into a useless slug."
Kurenai paused momentarily, her lips curving upward slightly as she replied, "Means I'm pretty handy."
"Exactly."
Natsume agreed, "I've definitely experienced that firsthand."
"Well then."
Kurenai nudged his head gently, asking, "Why the sudden flattery?"
"Of course, it's for a reward."
Natsume tilted his head up to look at her and asked, "I just took a shower — want a taste?"
Kurenai Yuhi froze for a moment, then realization dawned on her, and her face flushed crimson.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and slowly lowered her head.
Natsume looked at her delicate face as it finally pressed close to his.
Her hair fell forward slightly, tickling him a little.
There was also a scent of roses.
Natsume drank in every detail.
After three minutes passed, Kurenai Yuhi grabbed a bath towel and hurried into the room with quick steps.
Her face still burning red, she caught her breath and hung the towel on the wall.
She placed her hand over her chest, steadying herself until calm, before stepping back.
"What's that look on your face?"
Seeing Natsume wearing a look of lingering pleasure, she couldn't help but glare at him.
"The look of being completely charmed by Sister Kurenai."
Natsume replied casually.
Kurenai Yuhi pouted. Her lips still felt slightly numb.
She walked forward and picked up a document from the table.
"This is the list of names submitted for the Chunin Exams. Check if there's anyone you want to remove."
"Mm."
Seeing Kurenai Yuhi back to her professional self again, Natsume couldn't help but feel delighted.
The way she effortlessly switched between two different charms—yeah, very nice indeed.
He opened the document.
At the top were the Konoha 12.
They were practically the most formidable group of Genin Konoha had ever produced.
So much so that even the term "Konoha Genin" had become something of a joke in Natsume's past life.
Besides them, many other Genin were listed too.
A total of seventy-two in all.
Not bad.
"Let them all participate."
Natsume said offhandedly.
Although most of them were probably just here to fill the ranks, since they'd signed up, they might as well gain some experience.
The standards for the Joint Chunin Exams were certainly high.
But this wouldn't be such a strict requirement here in their own ninja village.
Those who performed well during the exams could also be eligible for special promotions afterward.
There was no need to follow the original story so rigidly.
In the original storyline, only Shikamaru Nara became a Chunin throughout the entire Leaf Village.
There was no need for that anymore.
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