Chapter 107: Hyūga's choice! Konoha's wealthy family bows their heads!
Over the next week, Uchiha Akira's life surprisingly returned to peace. The entire Uchiha Clan was basking in the glory of the clan's rise during this period. Especially the Uchiha Jōnin who participated in that operation; they personally witnessed the new Clan Head strike with thunderous force, slay Danzo, suppress the Third Hokage, and even publicly execute a Hokage Advisor. That heartfelt pride and honor, naturally, needed no further explanation.
...
Uchiha Akira sat in his study, his fingertips lightly tapping the desk. He was contemplating how to completely uproot the Third Hokage, that old man who had occupied the throne of power for decades. Not just make him abdicate, but also make him utterly disgraced. To nail the corrupt era he represented to the pillar of shame in history.
"Clan Head Akira."
Uchiha Kenji appeared silently at the doorway, kneeling on one knee.
"Hyūga Clan Head, Hyūga Hiashi, has sent an invitation. He hopes to meet with you tonight at the Hyūga Clan territory."
Akira nodded, indicating he understood. It's here. The fish, finally took the bait.
He had long anticipated that Hyūga Hiashi would not be able to sit still. When his Complete Body Susanoo stood tall above Konoha, Hyūga Hiashi, the head of Konoha's great clan, probably couldn't sleep at night.
Danzo is dead. Koharu Utatane is dead. The Third Hokage was publicly defeated and humiliated. The sky over Konoha had already changed.
The Hyūga Clan, an ancient Konoha noble family, had to make a choice. Continue to cling to the Third's sinking ship and be buried together at the bottom of the sea. Or, wisely, board his invincible battleship, setting sail.
"Reply to him. I will be there on time."
...
As night fell, the Hyūga Clan territory was brightly lit. The atmosphere, however, was extremely solemn. All core members of the Main Family were dressed in formal attire, arrayed on both sides, their expressions tense.
Hyūga Hiashi, the family head always known for his dignity, was personally standing at the main entrance, quietly waiting. A fine sheen of sweat had already appeared on his forehead.
Soon, Uchiha Akira walked unhurriedly from the end of the street. As Akira approached, an indescribable sense of pressure enveloped the entire Hyūga main residence.
Hyūga Hiashi's pupils constricted slightly. The elders behind him instinctively tensed their bodies. Akira's oppressive aura was too strong, far exceeding anyone Hyūga Hiashi had ever encountered.
"Clan Head Akira, your esteemed presence brings great honor to the Hyūga Clan."
Hyūga Hiashi took a deep breath, suppressed the tremor in his heart, and stepped forward, bowing deeply to Akira, who was decades younger than him. All the Hyūga clansmen behind him also uniformly bowed in salute.
"Clan Head Hiashi, you are too kind."
Akira had a polite smile on his face. Uchiha Akira did not try to help him up; he calmly accepted the bow.
Hyūga Hiashi straightened up and made a 'please' gesture.
"Clan Head Akira, please come in. A humble feast has been prepared."
The 2 walked side by side into the most central reception hall of the Hyūga main residence. After taking their seats as host and guest, Hyūga Hiashi personally poured wine for Uchiha Akira.
"Clan Head Akira, with your strength alone, you purged the clan's traitors, cleared the Uchiha Clan's name, and even exposed the true culprit of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox incident. Such achievements, Hiashi truly admires. Especially, Clan Head Akira, slaying Danzo in front of Lord Third, truly makes me admire you."
Akira listened quietly, a smile playing on his lips, noncommittal. These were just appetizers. The main show was yet to come.
After several rounds of flattery, Hyūga Hiashi finally prepared to get to the point. He dismissed his attendants; only he and Uchiha Akira remained in the room.
"Clan Head Akira," Hyūga Hiashi's expression became extremely solemn.
"The current situation in Konoha is turbulent, and Lord Third is old, I'm afraid... he is no longer capable of leading the Village. May I ask, Clan Head Akira, what are your plans for the future? My Hyūga Clan is willing to cooperate with the Uchiha's actions."
This statement was equivalent to complete surrender. As the Clan Head of a prominent Konoha noble family, Hyūga Hiashi understood the importance of choosing a side. Especially when facing someone as domineering as Uchiha Akira. If he didn't choose now, then later, once Akira ascended to the position of Hokage, there would be no opportunity left. At that time, how would the Hyūga Clan position itself?
The Uchiha Clan alone would not have made Hyūga Hiashi choose a side, but with Uchiha Akira, Hyūga Hiashi had no choice but to make a decision. What happened that night still deeply shocked Hyūga Hiashi to this day. The appearance of that sky-obscuring Susanoo had completely convinced Hyūga Hiashi to side with the Uchiha.
Akira picked up his wine glass and took a small sip.
"My plan is very simple. The Third, it's time for him to abdicate. And, to fall from power in utter disgrace."
Hyūga Hiashi's body trembled slightly. What a grand scheme! What intense killing intent! This was no longer just a forced abdication; this was about completely plunging Hiruzen Sarutobi into an abyss of no return.
"My Hyūga Clan is willing to cooperate with Clan Head Akira!"
Hyūga Hiashi did not hesitate at all and immediately declared his stance. Once the arrow is shot, there's no turning back. Since he had decided to take a side, he had to do so completely.
Akira nodded with satisfaction. Hyūga Hiashi was a smart man. It was easy to talk to smart people.
"To solidify the relationship between our 2 clans, and to express the sincerity of my Hyūga Clan..."
Hyūga Hiashi pondered for a moment, as if having made a certain decision.
"I hope Clan Head Akira can accept my younger daughter, Hanabi, as your disciple. This child has decent talent, and I believe that under your guidance, her future achievements will surely surpass mine."
Accept Hanabi as a disciple? This was an attempt to use the future heir of the Main Family as a bond to maintain their relationship. A good calculation.
Unfortunately.
"Miss Hanabi is exceptionally talented, and her future is promising." Akira smiled, but his tone suddenly shifted.
"But I have higher hopes for your elder daughter."
"Hyūga Hinata."
Hyūga Hiashi was stunned on the spot. Hinata? That timid, mediocre daughter whom he had considered "useless" and almost given up on? Why would Uchiha Akira choose her?
Hyūga Hiashi couldn't understand, but he knew he had no right to refute Akira's decision.
"Since Clan Head Akira thinks highly of that child, it is her good fortune." Hyūga Hiashi immediately changed his words.
"Then it's settled." Akira stood up.
"In 3 days, the disciple acceptance ceremony will be held at the Uchiha Clan territory. At that time, I ask Clan Head Hiashi to bring Miss Hinata with you."
After speaking, Akira turned and left, leaving Hyūga Hiashi alone, sitting in his original spot, his gaze complex, remaining silent for a long time.
The sky over Konoha was truly about to change completely.