As one of Konoha's prestigious ninja clans, the Hyuga Clan's internal turmoil could not be completely concealed from the outside world.
In particular, when an order was issued in the name of Hyuga Soushu summoning all the clan's Jonin to assemble, whispers of the sudden upheaval within the Hyuga Clan reached the ears of a few watchful villagers.
Upon hearing these shocking rumors, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi's first reaction was to grab his crystal ball and try to get a clear view using his Telescope Technique.
However, all he could see were visibly anxious yet fully armed Hyuga ninjas guarding the perimeter of the Hyuga District. From recognizing a few familiar figures, he noticed that all the guards were Chunin-level ninjas—no Jonin had appeared at all. Deeper into the district, his crystal ball couldn't penetrate at all, so he had no idea what was going on.
"Bang!"
Just as Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi was experimenting with various ways to use his crystal ball, the door to the Hokage Office swung open and three grim-faced old friends entered together.
"Hiruzen, have you heard?" Danzo asked impatiently. "There's been a major shift in the Hyuga Clan. This is our chance!"
"What exactly are you planning to do?" Third Hokage Sarutobi frowned, covering the crystal ball with a cloth before asking, "Are you really thinking of taking action against the Hyuga Clan?"
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Danzo emphasized. "It might be our only chance to finally dismantle the Hyuga Clan."
"Hiruzen, you know how vital the Byakugan is to our village," Koharu Utatane added beside him. "If the Main House/Branch House system collapses and the Caged Bird seals are removed, the Hyuga's Kekkei Genkai will surely leak out!"
"We can't just sit back and do nothing," Homura Mitokado chimed in, though somewhat hesitantly.
Third Hokage Sarutobi looked at the three old friends for quite a while, deeply puzzled.
Although the Konoha Four Elders had once studied under the Second Hokage together, their opinions had never aligned so closely before.
But if they truly expected him to believe they were advocating interference in the Hyuga's internal affairs purely for the good of the village, he would never believe it, no matter what.
"If that's really how you feel, then tell me—what exactly do you suggest we do?" Third Hokage Sarutobi slightly shook his head and asked. "Shall we mobilize the Ninja Force and march into the Hyuga District?"
"With combined Anbu and Root forces, we should be more than enough to enter the Hyuga District directly without triggering major conflict with those easily frightened Hyugas," Danzo said harshly. "Especially regarding someone like Hyuga Soushu—if he dares resist, have the Anbu eliminate him on the spot!"
"So that's your collective opinion?"
Third Hokage Sarutobi instinctively leaned back, rendered completely speechless.
What absurd suggestions they were making!
Mobilizing Anbu and Root to enter the Hyuga District? Easier said than done!
And assassinating Hyuga Soushu? That was pure nonsense!
Most importantly, he certainly didn't believe either his own Anbu or Danzo's Root possessed the capability to capture or kill someone as extraordinary as Hyuga Soushu.
"Anyway, we shouldn't allow the Hyuga Clan's defiance to become an established fact."
Homura Mitokado sighed. "Hiruzen, we already have more than enough troubles as it is."
"And the Ninja Force under that brat isn't even around either. If we miss this opportunity, the fully integrated and mobilized Hyuga Clan will surely become just as dangerous a threat as the Uchiha were before their attempted coup!"
Danzo still insisted on his position.
Koharu Utatane nodded in agreement repeatedly.
"Don't overthink it. Let's simply wait and see."
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a long sigh, clearly at a loss for words at the sudden wild ideas his three old friends had proposed. "Interfering," he said firmly, "is absolutely out of the question!"
"Why not!"
Danzo's expression immediately darkened.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane only slightly shifted their expressions.
The Third Hokage noticed this subtle reaction and inwardly deduced the likely reason behind his friends' unusual behavior. If he had to guess, Danzo had probably exaggerated the threat to push these two into backing him.
"Do you really think anyone can handle Soushu Hyuga?"
The Third Hokage slowly filled his pipe with tobacco, calmly exhaling thick clouds of smoke. "Besides, are you truly confident that the Branch House would remain passive while Anbu enters their clan territory?"
"And who do you suppose would be happiest if the Main House were destroyed?"
This question froze the three advisors in place.
Everyone at Jonin level in Konoha understood the internal conflicts of the Hyuga Clan, and certainly these senior leaders—who had access to vast amounts of secret intelligence—were no exception.
In fact, they had been able to obtain inside information about the recent upheaval within the Hyuga Clan so quickly precisely because they had secretly been in contact with certain Branch House members who opposed the Main House's rule, making various promises to entice these Hyuga clansmen to provide intelligence.
That said, should the Main House truly fall, the former Branch House would effectively have overturned the mountain that once crushed them, and naturally might no longer wish to continue colluding with village leaders harboring ulterior motives.
Moreover, if Soushu Hyuga succeeded in this *gekokujo*—a lower rank overthrowing a higher one—his prestige within the Branch House would soar, and the loyalties of its ninja would be obvious.
Realizing these key points, the three advisors exchanged helpless glances and finally dropped their demands.
"If we were to take action, aside from myself, no one within the Anbu could defeat Soushu Hyuga."
The Third Hokage exhaled a dense column of smoke as solid as a blade's energy, murmuring ominously, "However, if the Hokage himself takes action, that would mean open civil war within the village."
"If we can capture this rebel, then everything can be controlled. But what if he flees the village?"
"That would be when things truly spiral completely out of control."
Shaking his head, the Third Hokage rose from his seat and walked to the window, staring out at the gloomy village torn apart by internal factional conflict. Without turning around, he continued, "Additionally, haven't any of you considered Sakumo Hatake's existence?"
"Hiruzen, do you have any special intelligence?"
Danzo no longer held onto his own view stubbornly.
"No, I was simply making deductions based on common sense."
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Danzo, don't let old resentments cloud your vision!"
"And you two, Homura and Koharu, don't fall for Danzo's ravings either!"
"Understood."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged glances. Realizing there was nothing they could do, they gave up further argument.
Danzo wanted to defend himself but couldn't find the words.
"Go back now. Tomorrow is the Jonin Unit meeting. Prepare well—everything will be decided tomorrow!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, and the three elders reluctantly left.
Regardless of the chaos outside, the reform within the Hyuga Clan continued steadily.
Due to the unique Main House/Branch House structure of the Hyuga Clan and their wealth as an aristocratic ninja clan, they could offer generous ninja stipends to their members. Therefore, the vast majority of Branch House Jonin remained in the village at all times unless mobilized during wartime. After Hyuga Soushu issued the order for the first clan Jonin Unit meeting, these local Branch House Jonin answered the call instantly and gathered in record time.
As they assembled, various Branch House Jonin pieced together bits of information passed down by the elders, slowly forming a rough picture of the upheaval occurring within the Main House. Although some remained fiercely loyal to the Main House, most Branch House Jonin—despite inner fluctuations—remained outwardly calm without revealing any unusual emotions.
The Hyuga Clan's survival strategy differed from that of other ninja clans. Their key rule was a strict wait-and-see stance until the situation cleared up. Otherwise, those who acted rashly would face retaliation—and the Caged Bird Seal ensured such punishment could not be escaped!
Therefore, the Branch House Jonin simply assigned their Chunin and Genin to secure the clan's perimeter and cut off external contact before performing Body Flicker toward the Main House mansion.
Meanwhile, the sealing ninjas previously controlled by the Main House quickly expanded the barrier range under Hizashi Hyuga's command, shielding outsiders' prying eyes.
The Hyuga Clan Jonin Meeting still took place in the Main House Hall.
This time, due to space limitations, those elderly figures could no longer sit leisurely as before—they were packed like sardines.
Even so, not a single person left in dissatisfaction.
Because when facing great change, there are only two roles—you're either part of the meal, or you're on it. Especially during this critical moment of settling accounts after a coup and changing course completely, missing out meant losing a golden opportunity that might never come again.
However, because of the Hyuga's reserved personalities, even though each had personal motives, all Branch House Jonin remained silent until Hyuga Soushu spoke first, patiently awaiting instructions from above.
The Branch members of the Hyuga had been too thoroughly disciplined—even high-ranking Branch House Jonin were no exception!
That was exactly what Soushu thought of the situation right now.
But this was still a good thing—it at least saved the trouble of establishing authority through force.
"Have all defenses around the clan territory been set up?"
Hyuga Soushu scanned the room and asked.
"All directly commanded squads under our leadership have already taken defensive positions throughout the clan's territory, controlling every key location."
A Branch House Jonin stood up respectfully. "However, may we use the Byakugan within the village? We await your instructions, Honorable Soushu."
"These are extraordinary times, so we shouldn't be bound by old customs anymore," Hyuga Soushu replied with visible satisfaction toward this Branch House Jonin's perceptiveness.
"If that's the case, should we issue notice immediately?"
The Branch House Jonin asked again.
"Yes!"
Hyuga Soushu nodded in approval.
Upon receiving clear orders, the Branch House Jonin present each began relaying them through their preferred methods—some dispatched ninja hawks, while others activated secret jutsu. They urged their subordinates to prepare thoroughly and act without restraint.
The question of whether or not to use the Byakugan inside the village was just a surface issue; what truly mattered was who held decision-making power.
What this revealed was whether Hyuga Soushu's words actually carried weight—that was the most important thing.
After this round of activity, the Main House Hall gradually returned to calm. Though silence still reigned, everyone's expressions had visibly relaxed.
Therefore, this small interaction proved beneficial and successful.
From the perspective of the Branch House Jonin, this self-proclaimed leader Soushu—at least for now—seemed open to hearing everyone's opinions, quite different from the previous Main House which was warm on the surface but rigidly hierarchical beneath. Meanwhile, Soushu could see these Branch House Jonin mostly lacked ulterior motives, being accustomed to following orders rather than making decisions themselves.
It was an ideal fit—both sides got exactly what they needed.
Both Hyuga Soushu and the Branch House Jonin felt satisfied.
"No more beating around the bush—let's get straight to the point!"
Soushu announced, "Today I've gathered you all to announce three resolutions concerning our clan's future!"
He didn't offer discussion or negotiation—only direct declaration. The Branch House Jonin accepted without obvious objection, their expressions solemn as they listened attentively.
"First, the Gentle Fist martial art scripture will be systematically accessible to all clan members according to individual cultivation levels and needs. Second, the Clan Head position shall be replaced by a Jonin Unit representing the entire clan. Third, the [Caged Bird] (Tenketsu) Curse Seal will no longer be compulsorily imposed upon the new generation!"
Without keeping anyone in suspense, Soushu bluntly revealed all three resolutions together. "These are the outcomes we've agreed upon through consultation with the senior council. What do you think?"
"If anyone has objections, come forward now! I swear on my honor—there will be no retribution after the fact!"
Anyone who actually buys that line must be out of their mind!
"Stand up if you oppose!"
Soushu repeated.
Complete silence still filled the hall, with every Branch House Jonin keeping their heads lowered submissively.
"All those who support, please raise your hands!"
Soushu continued.
"Swish! Swish! Swish!"
"All Jonin raised their hands in unison, pledging firm support for Hyuga Soushu's rightful resolution and uniting around him to contribute their strength toward a glorious future for the Hyuga clan."
"Very well!"
Hyuga Soushu was extremely satisfied with the result of the vote. "Next, we will nominate candidates for the position of Head Jonin Unit Commander. Those who are interested may recommend themselves or others!"
Once again, the hall fell into complete silence.
Hyuga Soushu slowly raised his hand and said, "As the proposer, I'll take the lead and recommend myself. I hope everyone won't feel too restrained."
The Branch House Jonin let out a collective sigh of relief.
After a while, Hyuga Soushu continued, "Since no one is willing to self-recommend or recommend others, we shall proceed with our clan's traditional confidence vote for candidates!"
"No need to overcomplicate things—just raise your hands in support!"
Saying this, Hyuga Soushu immediately raised his right hand, casting a vote for himself.
The elders and members of the Jonin assembly quickly followed suit, eagerly raising their hands to express their unwavering support for Hyuga Soushu.
Without a doubt, the motion passed unanimously!
"I am deeply honored by everyone's support—I shall humbly accept the position of Head Jonin Unit Commander!"
Hyuga Soushu exhaled deeply, fully at ease and relieved.
At this point, the outcome was decided!
"The proposed term length for the Head Jonin Unit Commander will be five years. How does that sound to you all?"
"We have no objections!"
The Branch House Jonin expressed their agreement one after another.
"In that case, let us work together hand in hand for the next five years!"
Hyuga Soushu placed his hand on his knee and slowly rose to his feet.
At the same time, he swept his gaze over the assembled Hyuga clan members, each wearing expressions of varying emotions, and spoke solemnly, "I know some of you must feel discontent inside. The new system isn't perfect yet, and the future of our independent clan will certainly face various challenges."
"But that doesn't matter—as long as our clan remains united, nothing can hold us back from pushing forward together!"
"If I ever make a mistake, feel free to complain—but only up to a point. However, orders are orders. Once the Jonin Unit reaches a collective decision, it must be carried out without compromise!"
"You follow orders, no matter what you think—there's no room for negotiation!"
"And if you're really not happy… just put up with it for now. After all, this commander's term is only five years anyway."
As he said this, Hyuga Soushu looked directly at Hiashi Hyuga, whose expression remained impassive.
"As long as all internal struggles remain within a controllable range, there's nothing to worry about. And as long as we uphold the principle of Jonin voting rights unwaveringly, we can discuss everything again in five years!"
The Branch House Jonin immediately felt their hearts rise to their throats.
"We support the Jonin Unit's collective resolution."
After a short pause, under tremendous pressure, Hiashi Hyuga gritted his teeth and bowed his head.
The cruelest wounds are the ones carved by words.
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