The next day.
Morning.
In front of Hokage Tower, a crowd of at least ten thousand people had gathered.
Mirai Uchiha escorted Minato Namikaze and other Konoha elders to the top of Hokage Tower.
At the very front, Anbu guards led dozens of Sarutobi clan ninja forward.
Under the confused gazes of the crowd, these Sarutobi clan ninja began tearfully reciting their confessions.
They admitted guilt without hesitation: organized rebellion with premeditation, attacking the village, assisting clan members in escaping, and more.
After they finished speaking, fury appeared on every villager's face.
"These bastards are just like Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
"For such an evil clan, we shouldn't have spared them. Let them burn in hell with Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
"The village already forgave them, yet they repaid kindness with betrayal. At a time like this, they still conspired with the enemy and betrayed the village... They deserved death!!!"
After letting everyone let off steam, Mirai Uchiha stepped forward and spoke: "The ninjas who caused trouble last night have all been captured. The rogue ninja led by Sarutobi Shinnosuke have already paid for their crimes. Everyone, please don't worry."
"What should we do about these selfish cowards who chose to defect instead of protecting the village?"
Hearing Mirai Uchiha's shout, the Konoha villagers below immediately roared back: "Kill! Kill! Kill!"
The deafening cries echoed across the plaza. With one sweeping gesture from Mirai Uchiha—
Puchi!
Puchi!
Puchi!
Dozens of Sarutobi clan ninja heads rolled off instantly.
"Long live the Fourth Hokage!"
"Long live Hidden Leaf!"
"Well done! Such treacherous clans should suffer the same fate as the Shimura Clan, the Tenkin Clan, and the Mito Gate Clan!"
With cheers echoing all around, the execution ended.
Behind Mirai Uchiha, the various clan leaders who followed her remained silent, almost afraid to breathe.
The fate of the Sarutobi Clan unsettled them.
A ninja clan with nearly a thousand shinobi and two thousand clan members—just like that, it was wiped out.
Most importantly, their name was disgraced...
Such ruthless measures made them shiver involuntarily.
Also, the fact that Mirai Uchiha specifically invited them to watch may have been a subtle warning.
Since Konoha's establishment, these clan leaders who once acted arrogantly now reached a shared realization:
From now on, even within Konoha, they'd better lay low...
After parting ways with the various clan leaders, Mirai Uchiha arrived at the Hokage office.
Glancing at Hiashi Hyūga silently following behind her, Mirai Uchiha raised her eyebrow and asked, "Hiashi, do you have something to say?"
Hiashi said solemnly, "Lord Hokage, I want your help to reform the Hyuga Clan!"
"Oh?"
Meeting Mirai Uchiha's inquiring gaze, Hiashi explained, "Because of what happened to Hizashi, I've always been dissatisfied with the Main House and Branch House system of the Hyuga Clan."
"But even as clan leader, I don't have the power to destroy this system."
"I've always felt guilty about Hizashi's death. With your help, perhaps the situation might be improved."
After hearing Hiashi's words, Mirai Uchiha nodded.
Back when Hiashi decided to side with the Uchiha Clan against Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had previously made a similar request.
At that time, Mirai had also agreed to his request.
Originally planning to address this matter after unifying the ninja world, since the other party had brought it up now, he might as well deal with it early.
Currently, Mirai said indifferently, "Go back and convene a clan assembly. I will attend."
Upon hearing this, Hiashi immediately replied joyfully, "Yes!"
———
Inside the Hyuga Clan compound.
Returning to the ancient courtyard, Hiashi saw his wife holding their daughter while sunbathing.
In the center of the courtyard stood a little boy who looked about two or three years old, repeatedly swinging his tender fists.
Sweat had already soaked the boy's face and body, and bloodstains seeped through the bandages wrapped around his fists.
Those pair of pure white pupils revealed an unusual coldness for someone his age.
Seeing this scene, Hiashi sighed.
He quietly collected himself behind the door before opening it and stepping into the courtyard.
"Neji, you're being reckless again."
Hearing his voice, several people in the courtyard all turned to look.
When they recognized Hiashi, Neji Hyuga respectfully bowed deeply. "Clan Leader."
Listening, Hiashi gently said, "Neji, although training our Hyuga Gentle Fist doesn't cause much physical damage, you're still too young."
"This intensity of training isn't suitable for you."
Neji kept his head lowered, speaking respectfully yet coldly, "My destined duty is to protect Lady Hinata."
"Only by continuously becoming stronger can I fulfill my worth."
"That is the purpose of my existence."
Hearing these words, Hiashi felt pained and couldn't help but say, "Neji, you don't have to carry this burden alone."
"Regarding your father and mother..."
Hearing such words, for the first time Neji displayed an impolite act.
He directly interrupted Hiashi, saying, "Everyone's destiny is sealed from the moment of birth."
"Just like me and the young lady," he said softly. "She will become the clan leader of the Hyuga Clan in the future, while I, as a member of the Branch Family, will bear the Caged Bird Seal and devote my life to protecting Hinata..."
"Clan Leader, if you feel guilty about me because of what happened to my father and mother, please don't."
"Everyone simply walks the path fate has carved for them, step by step. There's nothing worth agonizing over."
A chill ran through Hiashi Hyuga's heart.
Such childish tones, yet speaking words like these...
His father was dead, and his mother took her own life.
"Sigh..."
Hiashi's wife sighed and carried Hinata Hyuga back to their room.
Hiashi stepped forward and ruffled Neji Hyuga's hair.
The gesture startled Neji.
To him, the usually stern clan leader would never show such affection.
"Neji, today I begged a very powerful figure."
"Don't worry. I'll never let you become a bird trapped in a cage. You'll have a vast sky ahead of you, different from your father's."
"This is the greatest compensation I can offer. I hope you can release the knot in your heart."
"Your father left you a letter. When you learn how to read, I'll hand it over to you."
After saying that, Hiashi turned and left.
A gentle spring breeze passed through, bringing life to the withered yellow willow branch as new green buds unfurled.
In the empty courtyard, a tear silently slid down Neji's cheek...
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