In the end, the peace treaty was successfully signed.
After Konoha handed over Hizashi Hyuga's body, the Kumo envoys acknowledged the village's so-called sincerity.
Just as Konoha had predicted, Kumo was also eager to end the war. Since the death of the Third Raikage, they had been embroiled in conflict for even longer than Konoha. The difference was that while Konoha had fought against almost every major nation, Kumo had chosen its battles more selectively.
Even so, with Iwagakure as their sworn enemy and Konoha's relentless resistance, continuing the war was no longer a viable option—even the Fourth Raikage recognized this.
However, Kumo had played its hand well.
They knew Konoha was weakened after Namikaze Minato's death.
They knew Konoha wouldn't dare provoke another full-scale war, even though they had exposed Kumo's failed attempts to steal the Byakugan and abduct the Fourth Hokage's son.
Two warriors, both gravely wounded—neither willing to make the first fatal move.
But Kumo had gambled on Konoha fearing death more than they did.
And they had won.
Konoha submitted, surrendering Hizashi's corpse. Though Kumo didn't gain the Byakugan, they succeeded in humiliating Konoha, stripping it of its dignity.
Hiruzen Sarutobi preached about peace, but in the Hokage's office, Kiyo Hyuga ripped apart his hollow words without mercy.
The Will of Fire—ingrained into every child at the Ninja Academy—had been betrayed by the very leader who was meant to uphold it.
Compared to the Fourth Hokage, the Third was nothing more than a politician.
Hizashi's death had been swift, and in his final moments, his only concern was Neji.
Before he was ordered to die, he had written a letter to his son, fearing that Neji would grow to hate the Main Family just as he had.
Without a father's protection, that hatred would only bring suffering.
Hizashi wanted Neji to live—even if it meant never knowing the truth.
But that letter now rested in Kiyo Hyuga's hands—along with the Caged Bird Seal's control, which she had taken from Hiashi Hyuga.
In front of so many witnesses, Hiashi had no choice but to yield. After all, Hizashi had died in his place.
That moment in the Hokage's office had been a turning point.
Hizashi had seen Kiyo Hyuga's potential.
Though they had barely spoken in the past—belonging to different branches of the clan—Hizashi knew of her reputation.
A prodigy of the Main Family, a jonin at a young age, second only to Kakashi.
But now, having witnessed her words and actions, Hizashi realized something far greater—
Kiyo Hyuga had transcended the Hyuga Clan.
She no longer saw things through the rigid, traditionalist lens of their bloodline.
She had risen to a higher perspective, one that could change the fate of the Hyuga.
Yet at this moment, none of that mattered.
Even if Hizashi stood up and refused to die, it wouldn't change the outcome.
Konoha was desperate for peace, and anyone who jeopardized it would be scapegoated—marked as an enemy of the people.
With the villagers already exhausted from war, it would take only the slightest push for them to turn against anyone who resisted the peace treaty.
Hizashi.
Kiyo.
Even Neji.
They would all become Konoha's villains, blamed for breaking the peace and dragging the village into war.
Konoha's White Fang had been far stronger than any mere Branch Family member.
And yet, he had still been killed by rumors and blame.
Hizashi chose the same path.
He would be the hero who died for peace, rather than let his son grow up as the son of a traitor.
And he couldn't allow Kiyo Hyuga to fall just yet.
She had potential—potential to change the future.
So he stepped forward, stopped the conflict before it escalated, and with his own death, put an end to it.
But before he left this world, he entrusted Neji to her.
Because if anyone could change the Hyuga Clan—
It would be Kiyo Hyuga.
—
As the Hyuga Clan departed the Hokage Tower, their formation was divided.
Kiyo Hyuga and her two personal guards walked ahead, while Hiashi, Elder Hyuga Souun, and the other Branch Family protectors followed behind.
The division was clear.
Returning to the clan compound, Kiyo went straight to Hizashi's home.
Without hesitation, she looked at Neji and declared:
"From now on, you will live near my estate. You belong to the Fourth Elder's branch now."
Four-year-old Neji, confused and still too young to fully grasp the situation, blinked in uncertainty.
Kiyo didn't explain further.
She simply ordered her guards to retrieve Neji's belongings and vacate the residence.
This house was still part of the Main Family's territory. If Neji stayed here, he would be haunted by memories.
And more importantly—
Kiyo would not allow him to live alone.
She had made a promise, and she would protect his future.
"Lady Kiyo… where is my father?" Neji finally asked. His voice was small, uncertain. "Shouldn't I tell him first?"
Kiyo did not soften her words.
"Your father is dead."
Neji froze.
In a calm, even tone, Kiyo told him everything—
What had happened in the Hokage's office.
His father's decision.
His sacrifice.
And how even his corpse had been handed over to Kumo.
Neji, barely more than a child, was already capable of understanding loss.
He didn't yet grasp the political corruption behind it, but he understood one thing—
His father was never coming back.
And even at his young age—
He knew hatred.
His small hands trembled, his teeth clenched as he uttered, "Kumo… Main Family—"
BAM!
Kiyo's palm struck him—sending him crashing to the ground.
She hadn't used much force.
But it was enough to make him feel pain.
"Stop acting like this, Neji Hyuga," Kiyo Hyuga said coldly, her expression unreadable. "This is the clan compound—who knows how many people are watching you right now? Do you really want everyone to see you harboring resentment toward the clan head?"
"Three years ago, a Branch Family member defected, and not a single soul could see through his thoughts—not even in his final moments. If you truly wish to become stronger, Neji Hyuga, then learn from him. The first step is making sure no one can read what's in your heart. Now, get up immediately."
Under Kiyo's sharp rebuke, Neji wiped away his tears, gritted his teeth, and forced himself up despite the lingering pain. Though he struggled to suppress his emotions, his face still betrayed a deep-seated hatred.
Nearby, one of the Branch Family guards wiped his forehead anxiously before leaning in to whisper in Kiyo's ear, "Elder Kiyo, your voice was too loud just now… and it's best not to mention that person's name."
It was a forbidden subject within the Hyuga Clan.
Those who knew about the incident had been silenced, all to prevent the next generation of the Branch Family from developing similar thoughts.
Though Kiyo held the title of Fourth Elder, openly discussing such matters would surely invite trouble from the other factions.
But she merely scoffed, her voice laced with disdain. "The decaying old fools… clinging to their power through technicalities, relying on 'tradition' as a means to suppress. The Hyuga Clan has been in decline since the Warring States era—Caged Bird is its original sin."
"Elder Kiyo!"
Her two guards stiffened, raising their voices in alarm. One quickly stepped forward to steady Neji, while the other hurriedly urged, "We should return, Elder Kiyo. Neji also needs to rest."
"…Let's go."
Kiyo lost interest in continuing the discussion out in the open. She turned sharply and began walking toward her residence.
The Branch Family guards heaved a sigh of relief before following along with Neji.
—
Neji was placed in a residence near Kiyo's estate, living among the attendants and guards.
With the clan gradually expanding outward, the Hyuga compound had grown significantly in size.
Though Hyuga Mirai's actions had cost Konoha dearly, the village could not afford to sever ties with the Hyuga Clan. The most they could do was exert mild suppression. Unlike the Uchiha, the Hyuga had always adhered to the village's customs, maintaining a clean reputation. Even if Konoha's higher-ups wanted to exert pressure, they had no legitimate excuse to do so.
Upon returning to her estate, Kiyo first assessed Neji's current abilities before drafting a new training regimen for him.
His talent exceeded her expectations.
If he trained properly, he could reach jonin level by the time he was twelve.
A fledgling hawk could never soar without powerful wings.
If Neji wanted revenge for his father, then power was the only path forward.
After arranging Neji's training and daily life, Kiyo turned her attention to her own affairs.
Her primary focus remained the same—cultivation.
She divided the clan's responsibilities among her grandfather and other trusted members, delegating most of the work while only handling the final decisions herself.
Kiyo's strength was already formidable.
She had completed the jonin qualification exam on her own, and at her age, few in Konoha could compare.
But it wasn't enough.
Not for her.
She trained tirelessly, pushing herself beyond her limits.
Lately, however, she had begun to notice something—
No matter how much she trained, her progress had become nearly imperceptible.
It was as if she had hit a ceiling—as if this was the limit of her potential.
But that was unacceptable.
—
Night fell.
After finishing her training, Kiyo bathed, then prepared to return to her room to rest.
However, just as she reached her door, a maid standing outside bowed and said, "Elder Kiyo, the patriarch is waiting for you in the main hall."
Kiyo frowned slightly. She wasn't sure why her grandfather wanted to see her, but she still changed into fresh robes before heading over.
—
"You're here," said Hyuga Soumi as she entered. "Sit down."
He had been waiting for quite some time.
After pouring a cup of tea for his most cherished granddaughter, he finally fixed his gaze upon her, his expression solemn.
Kiyo sat down but remained puzzled. "Grandfather, is something wrong?"
Soumi was silent for a moment before he finally asked,
"Kiyo… do you still resent me?"
(End of Chapters)