Center of the Hyūga Complex
A large open courtyard in the heart of the Hyūga compound—this was where clan gatherings were held. Today, nearly every shinobi of the Hyūga clan had assembled.
Even the children—Neji, who was only four years old, and Hinata, barely three—were present.
"Brother Naraku!" The two little ones greeted him cheerfully.
Naraku smiled and nodded in return.
"Big Brother Naraku, why is everyone talking about you?" Neji asked curiously.
Beside him, Hinata's large, trembling eyes stared up at Naraku. She still remembered how he had saved her a few days ago.
"Because some people want to play a game with me," Naraku replied with a calm smile. "They just don't realize it's only a game."
"Naraku, try to stay calm today," Hiashi said, walking over hastily.
That morning, the Great Elder had invoked his right to call for a clan assembly. As clan head, Hiashi had no authority to refuse it.
The elder hadn't revealed the exact reason—but based on recent events, it was clear they were targeting Naraku.
What Hiashi didn't know was when they planned to act.
"Uf..." Hiashi sighed and muttered, "You were too impulsive the other day. No matter how angry you were, you shouldn't have struck the elder."
Though he understood Naraku's rage, the elders were still the clan's prideful authority. Hiashi's position might be able to spare Naraku from execution—but not from punishment.
"You may be treated unfairly today, but please endure it," Hiashi said solemnly. "As long as I'm here, they can't kill you. That's all I can promise."
After all, Naraku had saved his daughter. Hiashi couldn't allow him to be executed in front of his eyes.
"I'll try to hold back," Naraku said casually.
But he knew better—this wasn't just about punishment. They wanted to make an example out of him. And that wasn't something he could simply endure.
"Silence!"
The clan meeting began.
Hiashi stood before the crowd, flanked by the three elders. In the center sat the Great Elder, who now rose to speak.
"Today's clan assembly has one purpose: the public trial of a single individual."
He cast a sharp look around before locking eyes with Naraku.
Upon spotting three Uchiha shinobi—including Patriarch Fugaku—the elder raised a brow slightly but made no comment. The Hokage would be arriving soon. What could the Uchiha do?
"This man," the Great Elder declared, "has committed three serious crimes—each worthy of execution!"
"First, he has shown blatant disrespect to the main family and the elders."
"Second, he has acted recklessly outside the clan, inviting trouble for the Hyūga."
"Third, he has disregarded the Gentle Fist style and instead learned forbidden ninjutsu!"
A hush fell over the crowd.
"Hyūga Naraku," the elder barked, "do you have anything to say in your defense?"
All eyes turned to Naraku, who sat calmly beneath the raised platform.
He showed no fear—nor did he seem remotely interested in defending himself.
"Elder," Naraku said, standing slowly, "what exactly do you mean by 'disrespectful' and 'violent' behavior toward the main family and elders?"
The Great Elder froze. His throat tightened. He couldn't speak.
How had Naraku disrespected the main family?
Well... he had struck an elder.
But beyond that?
Before the elder could fumble for a reply—
"Excuse me, Great Elder..." Naraku's voice dropped low. Then in a flash—he vanished.
The next second, he was standing right in front of the Great Elder, gripping him by the throat and lifting him effortlessly into the air.
"Was that disrespectful enough?" Naraku asked coldly.
Fugaku, watching from the crowd, was stunned. "His Body Flicker Technique... it's insanely fast!"
"Even with my Sharingan, I could barely see his movement!" he added.
Shisui, standing nearby, nodded gravely. "Naraku-san's movement is faster than mine..."
"Naraku, let the Great Elder go!" Hiashi called out anxiously.
He had asked Naraku to restrain himself.
And Naraku had agreed.
Was this what he meant by 'holding back'?
"Hyūga Naraku, release the elder at once!" shouted the Second and Third Elders, panic rising in their voices.
The Second Elder formed hand seals. "Let go, or I'll activate the Caged Bird Seal!"
"Oh?" Naraku raised an eyebrow, his grip tightening slightly. "Want to test who's faster—your hand signs, or my grip?"
The Second Elder's face turned red with fury—but he didn't dare continue the jutsu.
"I told you—don't stand in my way, and I won't stand in yours," Naraku said coolly, scanning the crowd.
"You think the Caged Bird Seal makes you invincible? That controlling the branch family is enough?"
He scoffed.
"The seal is worthless against me. Even if it worked, I'd simply take you down before you finished forming the sign."
"You say I've brought trouble upon the clan. But wasn't it me who saved Hinata?"
"Hiruzen ordered me to die for that. He even sent shinobi to kill me. You expect me not to fight back?!"
"Silence!" the Second Elder roared.
"Hyūga Naraku, enough lies!" another voice interrupted.
Everyone turned as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, arrived—surrounded by a dozen masked Anbu operatives.