Chapter 237 – The Hyuga Elders' Meeting
"Neji… I truly admire you."
Hiashi Hyuga's usually stern hand rested on Neji's shoulder. His expression was complicated—tinged with pride, sorrow, and relief.
> "Although part of me feels unsettled… I am sincerely happy for you."
He paused, voice softening.
> "I hope you grow stronger quickly… for yourself and for the Hyuga."
After saying this, Hiashi exhaled slowly.
Events had spiraled far beyond his expectations.
For the sake of the clan's future, he had no choice but to obey the Fifth Hokage's will: abolish the system of Main Family and Branch Family, abolish the Caged Bird Seal.
Yet knowing something in theory was one thing.
Implementing it in reality would require a monumental effort.
Hiashi knew he would soon have to summon the clan elders and formally declare this new path.
---
Neji clenched his fists tightly, his pale eyes shining with resolve.
> "Patriarch… you know better than anyone how deep the conflict between the Main and Branch families runs."
> "If we do not resolve this, the Hyuga clan will never know true peace."
Hiashi's gaze lowered, his voice low and heavy.
> "I hope you're right… Neji."
Then he straightened.
> "Come. Walk with me to the council chamber. We must face the elders."
> "Yes!"
Neji touched his now unmarked forehead. A spark of expectation burned in his chest.
With Lord Uchiha Yuta, the Godaime Hokage, backing him, he felt no fear.
If anything, he wanted to see their faces when they learned the truth—when they learned the system binding them for centuries would end.
---
Half an hour later, within the Hyuga Clan's central council hall, the elders of both Main and Branch families had gathered.
As always, tension filled the room. The deep‑seated rivalry between Main and Branch elders poisoned the air.
> "Hmph… you Branch Family relics are still alive?"
"Watch your tone! Don't forget—the Patriarch can activate your Caged Bird at any moment!"
"Know your place. You aren't qualified to speak as equals!"
Sarcastic barbs echoed through the chamber. The Main Family elders wore smug smiles; the Branch Family elders could only glare in silence, their foreheads marked by the curse that chained them.
Helpless. Humiliated.
They could do nothing but swallow their anger.
---
Bang!
The double doors burst open.
Hiashi Hyuga entered first, robes immaculate, posture calm yet imposing.
Behind him strode Neji Hyuga—head held high, steps steady.
> "Neji Hyuga?"
Brows furrowed. Whispers spread like wildfire.
A Branch Family youth… in a high council meeting? Unheard of.
But then, one sharp‑eyed elder gasped, pointing.
> "Wait—why… why is there no Caged Bird mark on his forehead?!"
In an instant, every gaze zeroed in on Neji's smooth brow.
> "What?"
"Impossible! Who could remove a Hyuga's Caged Bird Seal?"
"Such a thing has never been done!"
Shock rippled through the chamber.
The Caged Bird Seal—a symbol as old as the clan itself, a curse that remained even after death—was gone from Neji's forehead.
Main and Branch elders alike stared at him as though he were a phantom.
---
"Enough!"
Hiashi's sharp command cut through the noise. His voice rang with authority as he took the central seat.
> "This is the council chamber of the Hyuga Clan. Show respect. Quiet!"
Silence fell like a stone.
Yet eyes still darted nervously toward Neji.
Hiashi cleared his throat, expression solemn.
> "I have called you all here today… because I must announce something that will change the future of the Hyuga."
Before he could continue, the Great Elder of the Main Family slammed his hand on the table, face dark.
> "Patriarch! Before you speak further—explain this! Who dared to remove the Caged Bird Seal from Neji Hyuga? This is a direct insult to the Hyuga clan's laws!"
Hiashi did not answer. Instead, he gestured calmly toward Neji.
> "Neji. Tell them yourself."
---
Neji took a single step forward, bowing his head slightly, his voice calm and clear:
> "It was done by the Fifth Hokage—Lord Uchiha Yuta himself."
Gasps.
The chamber froze.
But Neji wasn't finished.
> "And that is not all. The Fifth Hokage has already guided Hinata Hyuga and Hanabi Hyuga to evolve their Byakugan… into the Tenseigan."
---
Silence.
Absolute. Deafening.
As though time itself had stopped.
The elders—Main and Branch alike—stared, pale eyes wide, hearts pounding in disbelief.
( Sorry, I scheduled these 2 chapters wrong 😅)
To be continued…
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