Chapter 233 – Neji's Request
In other words,
Hinata Hyuga and Hanabi Hyuga now possessed the legendary Tenseigan.
When that realization hit him, Neji Hyuga felt a sharp ache in his chest.
As a prodigy of the branch family, he had always been proud of his talent—especially when compared to Hinata. His skill in training had always been unparalleled.
But plans never keep up with change.
Standing before Hinata and Hanabi now—both of them awakened to the Tenseigan—Neji felt a crushing gap open deep in his soul.
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> "Neji, you came at the perfect time,"
Hiashi Hyuga said with visible pride, his posture straight and dignified.
"The Fifth Hokage has awakened both the Tenseigan and the immortal body within Hinata and Hanabi. From now on, the Hyuga clan will undergo a true transformation. Our strength will rise to new heights."
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> "What…?"
Neji's eyes widened, his Byakugan trembling.
"Not just the Tenseigan… but even the immortal body…?!"
Buzz!
The words struck Neji like a thunderclap. His chest tightened with a mixture of awe, envy, and bitter jealousy.
The Godaime Hokage… is truly favoring them this much?!
First the Tenseigan, then the immortal body…
If Neji hadn't known for certain that Uchiha Yuta, the Fifth Hokage, had no interest in men, he might have joked to himself about offering anything to gain the same favor.
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> "Brother Neji, you know…"
Hanabi puffed out her cheeks, then smirked.
"I think I could defeat a jōnin in an instant now. Anyone who dares to bully me will taste the power of the Tenseigan!"
She waved her small fist with fiery determination.
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Neji's shoulders sagged slightly.
He couldn't even muster anger anymore—just a wry smile and helplessness.
Comparing yourself to others really is torture…
These two sisters had leapt so far ahead of him that the gulf between them felt like a bottomless chasm.
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Yuta set down his teacup with a soft clink.
> "Neji," he said calmly, "what is it that you've come here for?"
Neji's expression shifted from envy to solemn focus.
He glanced briefly toward Hiashi, hesitating. His lips parted as though to speak, then closed again.
> "Go on," Yuta prompted, his voice patient but firm.
"As long as I am here, Hinata and Hanabi will not say anything."
Hiashi's heart tightened.
A bad feeling… perhaps I made a mistake letting Neji come here…
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Neji drew a deep breath, then knelt formally, eyes steady on the Fifth Hokage.
> "Lord Godaime Hokage… I humbly request something that may be bold.
Could you command the elders of the Hyuga clan to abolish the main family and branch family system?"
Gasps filled the room.
> "We are all Hyuga," Neji continued, voice firm despite the tension.
"There is no need to divide our clan in two.
And the Caged Bird Seal—it is nothing but a cruel shackle that disgraces those of the branch family."
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> "Presumptuous!"
Hiashi's sharp voice cut the air like a blade.
This… this was beyond bold. Neji's words struck at the very foundation of Hyuga tradition—centuries of practice meant to protect the Byakugan bloodline.
The Hyuga had been one of the founding clans of Konohagakure in the Land of Fire.
Generations ago, they had devised the main/branch division to safeguard their dōjutsu, embedding the Caged Bird Seal to ensure loyalty and protect secrets.
And now Neji dared to ask the Fifth Hokage to abolish it all?
To Hiashi, it felt like rebellion.
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> "Silence."
Buzz!
Yuta's tone was calm, but the surge of his chakra was anything but.
A terrifying pressure swept through the room, pinning Hiashi in place. His breath caught, his knees trembled.
So strong… too strong…
Hiashi wanted to speak but found his voice strangled by the sheer weight of Yuta's presence.
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> "Forgive me, Lord Fifth Hokage…"
Hiashi finally managed to bow low, cold sweat running down his temples.
"The main and branch families are our clan's tradition. They exist to protect the Byakugan… it is not something we can discard lightly."
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Yuta leaned back, expression unreadable.
> "Oh?" he murmured. "Then hear me clearly…"
For a heartbeat, Hiashi felt relief.
Perhaps the Hokage will respect our ways…
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But Yuta's next words froze the clan head in place.
> "I do not care to manage your Hyuga clan's internal affairs," Yuta said softly, almost lazily.
"However… Neji's words are not wrong. The main and branch system should be abolished."
The air went still.
Hiashi's relief shattered into panic. His body stiffened, his thoughts scrambled.
If the Fifth Hokage truly pushes for this… the Hyuga clan as we know it…!
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To be continued…
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