"Hiashi, why don't you just submit already!"
"Do you truly wish for our clansmen to die needlessly because of your stubbornness?"
The elders of the Hyūga Clan pointed fingers arrogantly at Hiashi Hyūga.
Hmph!
In the Hyūga Clan, rules were everything.
Even the clan leader could not easily defy them.
However… seeing Hiashi's indifferent expression, the elders could no longer hold back.
"If you insist on dying, don't blame us for disregarding family ties."
The head elder's eyes turned icy cold as he waved his arm toward those behind him.
The other elders followed suit, commanding their loyal retainers to encircle Hiashi and his faction.
Although Hiashi's proposed reform would greatly benefit the Branch House members, they felt no concern over the Branch House betraying them.
Bound by the Caged Bird Seal, no matter their feelings, the Branch House could only obey.
"Cursed! Clan Leader, you've already done far more than anyone could ask for us. Please leave now."
"That's right—you're not bound by the Caged Bird Seal. If you escape from the compound, you'll survive."
"You've sacrificed enough for us already. We will lay down our lives to protect your escape."
Hiashi's Branch House guards stood ready in full battle formation.
Outnumbered manyfold by opposing clan members, they had no choice but to fight with all their strength—if only to carve out the faintest hope of survival for Hiashi.
"There's no need," Hiashi finally spoke. "Before the clan assembly began, I already invited Lord Hokage to make the final decision."
"Judging by the timing, Lord Hokage should arrive shortly."
"The Fourth Hokage?!" Upon hearing Hiashi's words, expressions of surprise appeared on the faces of the guards.
If Lord Hokage intervenes now, maybe there's still a glimmer of hope.
After all… many among them had personally witnessed the overwhelming divine-like power of the Fourth Hokage!
Seeing excitement flicker across their fellow clansmen's faces, Neji Hyūga's small eyes revealed confusion.
He himself had heard firsthand accounts of the Fourth Hokage and knew the man was an extraordinary ninja.
But would the elders within his own family, who dared imprison even the clan leader, truly obey orders from the Hokage?
Opposite Hiashi's faction, the nine elders' expressions completely changed when they learned of the Hokage's involvement.
The head elder was so furious he pointed at Hiashi and shouted, "Hiashi, you bastard!"
"This is our family's internal meeting. Why involve Lord Hokage?"
"Even the Hokage has no authority to interfere in our clan's internal affairs…"
His voice hadn't yet faded when a sharp whistling sound suddenly cut through the air from behind him.
Then, a Black Receiver suddenly appeared behind the head elder.
[Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven!]
The head elder reacted swiftly, channeling chakra through his body and spinning at high speed.
The Black Receiver was deflected by the Revolving Heaven technique.
But before the head elder could even catch his breath, a golden light flashed.
Everything blurred before his eyes, and a palm had already slammed onto his forehead.
Under the immense force, the head elder's body tilted backward, his head slamming onto the ground.
BOOM!
The floor cracked, blood splattering everywhere.
[Ding! Congratulations, Master! Gained reward: +1 Physique!]
Everything happened too suddenly—none of the people present could react in time.
They only came to their senses when Mirai Uchiha stood there with arms crossed, her icy ocular power filling the entire shrine.
"This guy has been spreading lies and inciting rebellion, openly declaring that the Hokage has no authority to interfere in Hyūga Clan affairs. Aren't the Hyūga part of this village?"
"Today, I've eliminated a threat on behalf of your clan. You..."
"Who agrees? Who objects?"
Her voice remained calm and emotionless, yet the elders of the Hyūga who had just clamored to remove the clan leader now fell into terrified silence.
The fates of the Sarutobi, Tenkin, Shimura, and Mito Gate Clans were still fresh in everyone's mind.
If Mirai Uchiha had wanted to reason with them, maybe things would be different—but now, she was clearly not here for negotiations.
Under these circumstances, they didn't dare utter another word.
After all...
Everyone knew that Mirai Uchiha was the type who could wipe out an entire clan with the slightest movement.
"Silence?"
"It seems you're not satisfied with my handling. Right now, I strongly suspect you're all accomplices!"
Looking at the silent and bowing Hyūga clan members, Mirai Uchiha sneered coldly.
With a mere thought, a shadow visible only to her instantly reached out and tore the heart from one of the Hyūga elders.
"Second Elder?!"
The gathered clan members cried out in alarm, as none had even seen how Mirai Uchiha had acted.
Puchi!
As everyone stood shocked, another elder had his neck twisted and broken.
"Third Elder?!"
Gasps rang out again.
At the same time, one of the elders from the Hyūga Clan directly dropped to his knees. "Lord Hokage, we fully agree with your approach. Those three deserved their fate!"
Seeing Elder Four's reaction, the others finally snapped back to reality, kneeling down one after another in a wave.
"Hokage-sama is wise and just!"
Mirai Uchiha nodded with satisfaction, softly murmuring, "Why are you all kneeling? I'm merely discussing things with you."
This kind of statement caused the Hyūga clan members to grumble inwardly.
Killing people at the slightest disagreement, and you call this "reasoning"?
Compared to you, our Hyūga Main House members are paragons of virtue!
Only Neji Hyuga had a look of pure shock on his face, his mouth slightly open, clearly unable to believe what was happening.
The Hyūga Clan had strict family rules, and each Main House member enjoyed an exalted status.
Within the clan, a Main House's command was absolute; their lives were considered sacred.
Regardless of the reason behind a Main House member's death, the Branch House members responsible for protecting them must commit ritual suicide.
Furthermore, all the Main House members stuck together tightly, united like one.
Any individual attempting to challenge a Main House's authority would face ruthless suppression.
Just like Hiashi Hyuga before.
Even as the clan leader, merely suggesting abolishing the Caged Bird Seal resulted in those Main House elders stripping him of his leadership position.
But now...
The head elder, second elder, and third elder had all been killed by this man. The remaining elders not only failed to become enraged but actually knelt on the ground trembling all over.
This visual blow utterly shattered Neji's newly formed understanding of the world.
This is the Hokage?
Even those esteemed Main House elders had to kneel before him?
Hiashi Hyuga, however, had seen this coming. He looked at Mirai Uchiha and spoke solemnly, "Lord Hokage, I wish to abolish the Hyūga Clan's Caged Bird Seal system. Please share your opinion."
Hearing this, Mirai plopped down on the ground and said offhandedly, "The Caged Bird Seal completely violates the village's Will of Fire. It definitely needs to go."
"Approved!"
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>