"Kitazawa, what brings you here today?"
Hiashi raised a hand, a faint smile on his face.
"Please, come in. Let's talk in the study."
"There's something I'd like to discuss with you, Hiashi-san."
Kitazawa nodded and followed him inside.
"If it was urgent, you could have sent ANBU to notify me," Hiashi said as he began preparing tea. "There was no need to come personally."
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
Only now did he fully realize how far his status had risen—far enough that even the head of the Hyūga Clan treated him with this level of courtesy.
"Please."
Hiashi set a cup of freshly brewed tea in front of him.
After Kitazawa revealed his Wood Release, his reputation had skyrocketed. To most people, his ascension to Hokage was no longer a matter of if, but when.
More importantly, he had shown goodwill toward the Hyūga Clan. Both Neji and Hinata were his students.
By every measure, maintaining a cordial relationship with him was simply good sense.
"Thank you."
Kitazawa lifted the cup, took a sip, and nodded.
"Excellent tea."
"If you like it, feel free to take some with you later," Hiashi said casually.
The tea was expensive, but neither he nor the Hyūga Clan lacked money—especially after partnering with Kitazawa on the Ocean's Heart Jewelry, which had been printing profits.
"So," Hiashi said at last, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"What matter required you to come here in person?"
"Hiashi-san," Kitazawa said, setting the cup down with a faint smile.
"I hear you've been troubled lately."
Hiashi blinked in surprise.
"I'm not aware of being troubled."
"Hanabi," Kitazawa said simply.
Hiashi froze—then immediately understood.
The matter of whether Hanabi should receive the Caged Bird Seal.
"That is an internal affair of the Hyūga Clan," Hiashi replied after a pause.
"An internal affair?" Kitazawa chuckled softly.
"Does the Hyūga Clan no longer acknowledge the authority of the Hokage?"
"Kitazawa, you misunderstand—I didn't mean it that way," Hiashi said quickly.
No matter how powerful the Hyūga Clan was, it could never oppose Konoha itself.
After a moment of silence, Hiashi spoke again.
"…If you're willing to help, this matter can be resolved."
"Oh?" Kitazawa asked calmly.
"And how would you like me to help?"
"If Hokage-sama—or you—had a closer connection to Hanabi, you could intervene."
Hiashi hesitated before continuing.
"For instance… you could take her as a student. Even if only in name."
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
It was, admittedly, a workable solution.
If Hanabi became Tsunade's or his student, she would belong to the Hokage's line of disciples.
For the Hyūga Clan, that was practically equivalent to backing a future Hokage.
Losing such a prospect because of the Caged Bird Seal would be unacceptable.
Faced with that calculation, Hyūga Teikyō would almost certainly back down.
And if he didn't?
Hiashi could invoke the title of "Hokage's disciple" to sway the rest of the clan, isolating Teikyō entirely.
The reason Hiashi spoke with such uncertainty—using words like pretend—was obvious.
Even he knew how flimsy the justification sounded.
But deep down, he likely wished Hanabi truly would become Kitazawa's or Tsunade's student.
"This treats the symptoms, not the disease," Kitazawa said evenly.
"Even if Hanabi escapes the seal… who protects her children? Or Hinata's?"
"I would be an elder by then," Hiashi said after a moment.
"I could help."
"And the generation after that?" Kitazawa asked.
Hiashi fell silent.
Now he understood.
Kitazawa wasn't here to bargain for one child's future—he intended to end the problem entirely.
After Hizashi's death, Hiashi had once proposed abolishing the Caged Bird Seal.
The backlash had been immediate and fierce.
And the argument against him had been simple—and terrifyingly valid:
Without the Caged Bird Seal, the Byakugan could not be protected.
The Hyūga Clan would become prey, hunted relentlessly for their eyes.
"Hiashi," Kitazawa said gently.
"Did you intend to hide the truth from me?"
"I came here to help you solve this."
"…Your solution is to abolish the Caged Bird Seal?" Hiashi asked after a brief hesitation.
"But that isn't realistic."
"Why not?" Kitazawa countered calmly.
"Is it because the Byakugan can't be protected without it—"
His eyes sharpened.
"—or because the Main Family would lose its authority?"
Hiashi's expression changed instantly.
That unspoken truth… laid bare so openly.
Had anyone else spoken those words, Hiashi would have thrown them out without hesitation.
"Hiashi," Kitazawa continued, unruffled.
"You know I have some talent when it comes to developing Ninjutsu."
He took out a scroll and placed it on the table.
"This is a technique I recently modified. I'd like you to look at it."
Hiashi stared at the scroll, momentarily stunned.
The conversation had shifted—but he had the distinct feeling that this scroll… would determine the future of the Hyūga Clan.
Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Hiashi opened the scroll.
The moment his eyes landed on its contents, his pupils shrank violently.
Improved Caged Bird Seal?!
As the head of the Hyūga Clan, Hiashi understood better than anyone how terrifying the Caged Bird Seal truly was.
For over a thousand years, both the Main Family and the Branch Family had studied it relentlessly.
No—more accurately, the entire Ninja World had tried to decipher it, including the Five Great Villages.
After all, anyone who could remove the Caged Bird Seal would gain access to countless Byakugan.
And yet… no one ever succeeded.
Not even the Hyūga Main Family itself.
That very fact had been the foundation of the Main Family's confidence.
But now—
This seemingly impossible task had been completed by Kitazawa.
If it could be improved, then it could be decoded. That much was beyond dispute.
And this improved version…
It removed the side effects.
It erased the main family's control.
It retained only one function: protecting the Byakugan.
Kitazawa's intent was unmistakable.
Hiashi's heart trembled, an instinctive sense of danger surging through him.
If Kitazawa had not come to him first—if he had gone directly to the branch family instead—
No. Perhaps… he already had.
As the most likely next Hokage, the loyalty of the Hyūga Branch Family was far more valuable than the authority of the Main Family.
Once this improved seal was implemented, the Branch Family would owe Kitazawa an immeasurable debt.
Their loyalty would shift—not to the Main Family, but to Konoha itself.
At that point, the Hyūga Main Family would be… irrelevant.
Cold sweat slid down Hiashi's back.
"Hiashi," Kitazawa said calmly, noticing the change in his expression.
"Don't worry. You're the first Hyūga ninja to see this scroll."
Hiashi exhaled quietly.
Only now did he realize how close he had come to disaster.
This scroll was like a time bomb—one that could shatter the Hyūga Main Family at any moment.
"Kitazawa…" Hiashi steadied himself.
"What… what are your intentions?"
"That depends on yours," Kitazawa replied casually.
"I'm an outsider. You are the head of the Hyūga Clan."
Hiashi fell silent.
He had once dreamed of abolishing the Caged Bird Seal—but now that the opportunity lay before him, hesitation crept in.
Kitazawa was not surprised.
In this regard, Hiashi resembled Fugaku.
Cautious. Conservative.
A man who preferred stability over upheaval.
The Hyūga Clan had survived by supporting the Hokage, aligning themselves with whoever stood strongest.
"I've already discussed this matter with Tsunade-sensei," Kitazawa added lightly.
"She supports this decision."
Hiashi did not believe that for a second.
Tsunade supported Kitazawa—not him.
"…The improved Caged Bird Seal is undeniably superior," Hiashi said after a long pause.
"But there are two issues."
"And they are?" Kitazawa asked, lifting his teacup.
"First," Hiashi said slowly,
"If this is implemented, the distinction between Main Family and Branch Family will disappear."
He took a deep breath.
"I fear the Branch Family may seek revenge for past grievances."
"You needn't worry about that," Kitazawa replied firmly.
"Both Main and Branch are shinobi of Konoha. Harm between comrades will not be tolerated."
Hiashi nodded.
"That… is reassuring."
He paused, then continued.
"The second issue is this: the other main family members will strongly oppose it."
"That's simple," Kitazawa said evenly.
"Let the clan vote. The minority obeys the majority."
Hiashi froze.
A clan-wide vote.
There were fewer than five true Main Branch families.
The overwhelming majority of the Hyūga Clan… belonged to the Branch Family.
"Don't you think this is the perfect opportunity to solidify your position as Clan Head?" Kitazawa continued.
"Unite with the Branch Family, oppose Elder Teikyō, and once you succeed—"
He met Hiashi's eyes.
"—their gratitude will belong to you."
Hiashi's expression shifted in shock.
He understood instantly.
Kitazawa was offering him the credit.
Under normal circumstances, Kitazawa could have claimed the loyalty of the branch family outright with this seal.
Yet he wasn't doing that.
"I said it before," Kitazawa smiled faintly.
"Main Family or Branch Family—both are shinobi of Konoha."
Hiashi finally understood.
Kitazawa wanted both sides.
A true win–win.
With Hiashi at the forefront, the hatred would converge on a single figure—Hyūga Teikyō.
The Branch Family would accept Hiashi… and Hinata.
And Kitazawa?
As long as they knew who created the improved seal, their gratitude would never fade.
But did Kitazawa even care about that?
No.
In the Ninja World, strength commanded respect.
The loyalty of the Hyūga Branch Family meant little to a man like him.
He was doing this for his students.
For Hinata. For Neji.
Hiashi opened his mouth, then closed it again.
His entire impression of Kitazawa had been overturned.
Now, only one thought remained:
This man is broad-minded, far-sighted, and terrifyingly decisive.
Becoming the next Hokage…was not just likely.
It was inevitable.
"What do you plan to do next?"
Kitazawa asked, lifting his teacup and taking a slow sip.
"First, I'll privately gather several Branch Family jōnin for discussion," Hiashi replied after a moment's thought. "After that, I'll convene a full clan meeting and hold an internal vote. Once the vote passes, Elder Teikyō's opposition will be meaningless."
Kitazawa nodded.
This was precisely the course of action they had just agreed upon.
"Elder Teikyō may fight back with everything he has," Hiashi added, his expression solemn. "When the clan meeting is held, I hope you'll attend as an observer."
"Of course," Kitazawa agreed without hesitation.
He had a system mission to complete—there was no reason not to be involved.
"Thank you," Hyūga Hiashi said sincerely.
"It's nothing," Kitazawa replied as he set down his teacup. "I'm doing this for my students."
Hiashi's heart stirred.
For Kitazawa to go this far for Hinata and Neji—did that mean the two of them might one day stand among Hokage candidates?
If so, even losing the branch family's loyalty wouldn't truly harm the main family.
"The matter is settled for now," Kitazawa said, rising to his feet. "Inform me when the clan meeting is scheduled."
"Thank you, Kitazawa," Hiashi said, personally escorting him to the door.
"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!"
Hanabi waved enthusiastically, her small hand fluttering in the air.
Kitazawa smiled and departed.
The moment he was gone, Hiashi's expression hardened.
He knew the Hyūga Clan was standing at the edge of a massive transformation.
And he had no choice.
If he hesitated, Kitazawa could bypass him entirely—and then true catastrophe would befall the Main Family.
Sacrificing Hyūga Teikyō…or sacrificing the entire Main Family.
The choice was obvious.
Moreover, Hiashi had long harbored resentment toward Teikyō.
If not for him, Hizashi would never have died.
"Tokuma," Hiashi called.
"Yes, Clan Head," Hyūga Tokuma appeared at once.
Once Hinata's bodyguard, Tokuma had been reassigned to Hanabi after Hinata joined the Genius Class.
Hinata no longer needed protection—her strength now rivaled that of an average jōnin.
Keeping Tokuma at her side would have been wasteful.
"Summon these jōnin to my study," Hiashi said, listing several names—all Branch Family elites.
He did not call every special jōnin and jōnin; that would have been too conspicuous and risked alerting Teikyō.
"Yes, Clan Head."
Tokuma bowed and departed.
"Hanabi, continue your training," Hiashi instructed as he returned to his study.
He seated himself and poured a cup of hot tea.
Only after taking a sip did his racing thoughts finally settle.
Everything that had happened today was simply too sudden.
A decision that would reshape the Hyūga Clan—made in just a few conversations.
Hiashi sighed.
Times were changing too quickly.
That feeling had begun the moment Hinata and Neji obtained those two bows.
Tsunade was one thing—but Kitazawa was young, powerful, and unpredictable.
How much would Konoha change under his influence?
Fortunately, the Hyūga Clan had established a connection with him early.
This was the most critical moment.
Before long, the summoned Branch Family jōnin arrived—five in total.
They represented both veteran pillars and promising members of the younger generation.
In short, these five could determine the branch family's direction.
"Clan Head, why have you called us here?"
Hyūga Hikashi asked first.
"Take a look at this ninjutsu scroll," Hiashi said, handing it to him.
"Understood."
Hikashi opened the scroll—and froze.
A Caged Bird Seal not controlled by the main family?
What was the Clan Head trying to do?
Sever his own arms?
Or was this some kind of test?
His mind filled with alarm.
With Hiashi present, even five jōnin meant nothing—one command, and they would be crushed by the seal.
Seeing Hikashi's expression, Hyūga Iroha grew curious.
What kind of ninjutsu could cause such a reaction?
Hikashi handed the scroll to him in silence.
"…?!"
Iroha's face changed just as dramatically.
He hesitated, then passed the scroll on.
Moments later, all five had read it.
They exchanged glances, none daring to speak.
"I believe this improved Caged Bird Seal is excellent," Hiashi said at last.
"In the future, all clan members will bear this version."
All clan members?
The five jōnin were stunned.
If everyone shared the same seal… would there still be a main family and a branch family?
"Unfortunately," Hiashi continued calmly,
"Elder Teikyō opposes this."
"…?"
The jōnin felt a surge of confusion.
If Teikyō objected, implementation should be impossible.
After all, within the clan, the Elder's authority rivaled the Clan Head's—sometimes even surpassed it.
Were they being misled?
Was Hiashi shifting blame onto Teikyō?
Then why summon them at all?
"However," Hiashi said slowly,
"Elder Teikyō alone cannot decide this. I intend to convene a clan meeting—for a vote."
"What?!"
Hikashi blurted out instinctively.
The others reacted just as strongly.
A clan-wide vote?
The Branch Family made up the overwhelming majority.
The outcome was obvious.
He's serious…
That was the thought echoing in all their minds.
"The Caged Bird Seal exists to protect the Byakugan," Hiashi said solemnly.
"I am merely returning it to its original purpose."
"We'll follow your command, Hiashi-sama!!"
Hikashi and the others responded at once.
Admiration filled their expressions.
Few people could so easily relinquish power they already possessed.
If it were them, they knew they couldn't.
"This matter must remain confidential," Hiashi warned.
"Do not inform the others until the day of the clan meeting."
"Yes, Clan Head!"
Their excitement was impossible to conceal.
No matter how well Hiashi had treated them, nothing compared to reclaiming control over their own lives.
"You may leave," Hiashi said after a moment's thought.
"The clan meeting will be held on the first day of next month. If possible, recall the Branch Family jōnin currently on mission."
It was already late August.
A little over a week—enough time.
Kitazawa returned to the ANBU Base.
His system mission was not yet complete.
The mission required him to replace the Caged Bird Seals of the Hyūga Branch Family.
But there was a problem.
He currently only knew how to apply the improved seal to someone without a seal—like Hanabi.
The Branch Family already bore the original Caged Bird Seal.
Modifying an existing seal was a different matter entirely.
Kitazawa's gaze sharpened.
He would begin with Neji.
Years ago, he had promised him this day would come.
Now, it was time to fulfill that promise.
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