"Starting today, the Caged Bird Seal will no longer exist in Konoha."
"All newborn Hyuga clan members, whether from the Main House or the Branch House, must never have any connection to the Caged Bird Seal again."
"As for the elder generations among the Hyuga clan, using the Caged Bird Seal is strictly forbidden."
"Anyone who disobeys this order—will be executed without mercy."
Mirai Uchiha calmly announced their decision. This time, the Hyuga clan elders did not remain frozen in shock.
Especially the Fourth Elder, who immediately shouted as soon as Mirai finished speaking, "We'll definitely follow Lord Hokage's orders from now on!"
The First, Second, and Third Elders had already been killed one after another in order—he genuinely feared that if he delayed expressing agreement even slightly, Mirai Uchiha would kill him to scare the others.
With his declaration of support, the remaining Hyuga clan members also voiced their approval one after another.
"Now that everything has been decided, I'll take my leave first."
Only about ten minutes had passed before Mirai Uchiha began heading outside.
That calm expression made it seem as though enforcing such a change was effortless.
"Honoring send-off to Lord Hokage!"
Even Neji Hyuga hadn't expected things to progress so smoothly.
Those stubborn elders, after witnessing Mirai's methods, had all chosen to back down.
"Hmph!"
"A bunch of bullies afraid of strength."
Hiashi Hyuga coldly snorted, then spoke again, "You've all heard the Fourth Hokage's orders. From now on, the Caged Bird Seal will become a forbidden topic within our clan."
"Anyone who brings it up again should not blame me for showing no mercy."
"Yes, sir!"
With Mirai's backing, the remaining six Hyuga elders dared not say much either, only reluctantly nodding in agreement.
Seeing that matters were settled, Hiashi declared the clan assembly dissolved.
Except for those elders, everyone else's faces showed obvious delight when leaving.
From today on, they were free!
Their lives would no longer be controlled by others, nor would they suffer unbearably due to the whims of Main House members.
Most importantly...
Their next generation would never again bear the humiliating 'Caged Bird Seal' branded onto their foreheads.
It was all because of the Fourth Hokage!
It was the Fourth who gave them—and their children—the dignity of being true human beings.
For the Branch House members of the Hyuga Clan, who had lived their entire lives under fate's control, this was the first time they truly wanted to follow someone from the bottom of their hearts—even giving their lives if needed.
After everyone left, only Hiashi Hyuga and Neji Hyuga remained inside the shrine.
Looking at the still-dazed Neji Hyuga, Hiashi gently ruffled the boy's hair.
"Neji, from now on, you'll never have to worry about the Caged Bird Seal again."
"You're different from Hizashi. You will live in this world as a true individual."
Neji Hyūga took a deep breath and firmly nodded.
Despite his mind surpassing those of the same age, Neji couldn't help but sob.
The pressure he had carried since his parents' deaths was finally released in this moment.
Seeing Neji's state, Hiashi Hyūga sighed.
With such a result, he could now account to his deceased younger brother and sister-in-law.
After returning to the clan's courtyard, Hiashi and Neji knelt and sat on the floor.
Although matters had been resolved well, he felt it important to offer Neji some guidance.
After all, the boy was still very young. Without proper direction, problems could easily arise.
Thinking for a moment, Hiashi looked at Neji and said solemnly, "Neji, fate can be changed. Don't be so pessimistic anymore."
Upon hearing this, Neji nodded heavily. "I understand!"
Seeing Neji's response, Hiashi smiled with satisfaction, his tone softening. "Good. If you need anything in the future, just tell me."
Neji smiled. "Yes."
As the words fell, Neji curiously asked, "Clan Leader, can you tell me something about the Fourth Hokage?"
Today's performance by Mirai Uchiha had truly shocked him.
He had never imagined that the esteemed elders of the Main House would show such deference to someone else.
Hiashi paused briefly before speaking, "The Fourth Hokage is an exceptional ninja."
"You may not know, but the challenges he faced were far more severe than our own Caged Bird Seal situation."
Neji expressed surprise. "Is that so?"
Hiashi nodded and continued, "During the period when The Third—Hiruzen Sarutobi—and Danzo Shimura controlled Konoha, the Uchiha Clan faced relentless oppression."
"They intensified their efforts to destroy the Uchiha Clan beyond reason, carrying forward the will of The Second."
"Surveillance, defamation, unreasonable mission assignments—the series of measures severely restricted the Uchiha Clan."
"At that time, the leader of the Uchiha Clan—Fugaku Uchiha—was weak and favored reconciliation."
"With both internal and external pressures, the entire Uchiha Clan constantly hovered on the edge of annihilation."
"It was Mirai Uchiha who single-handedly led the Uchiha Clan through an incredible turnaround, restoring honor to one of Konoha's founding clans."
"During the Third War, he severed the Raikage's arm, defeated Yagura Karatachi, killed Kazekage Rasa, eliminated Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, drastically reformed Konoha, and forcefully suppressed the Daimyo, elevating ninja from mere tools in the lower ranks to those surpassing nobles..."
Hiashi's eyes sparkled with admiration. "The things that happened to the Fourth feel just like miracles."
"There's probably no one else in the entire ninja world capable of achieving all that."
After saying this, Hiashi couldn't help but let out a bitter smile. "Because even the Byakugan — once as renowned as the Sharingan — was completely outshone by him."
"To live in the same era as such a dazzling figure… I wonder whether it's a blessing or a curse…"
Upon hearing Hiashi's description, Neji stood there with his mouth wide open.
Was the Fourth really that powerful?
No wonder even the Main House elders dared not breathe loudly in front of him.
Compared to the deeds the Fourth had accomplished, today's clan meeting — which determined the fate of the entire Hyuga Clan — seemed utterly trivial.
Thinking about this, Neji couldn't help but sigh, "If only I could become as strong as the Fourth…"
Before he could finish, Hiashi burst into laughter as if he had heard something amusing.
This left Neji somewhat puzzled, asking hesitantly, "Clan Leader, why are you laughing?"
Looking at Neji, Hiashi answered seriously, "Neji, although you're a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy within our clan, aiming to reach the Fourth's level will only bring you great disappointment."
"For him, being a genius was merely the baseline."
"Never mind, it's no use explaining this to you now. When you grow up, you'll understand just how terrifying that man truly was."
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