In the Hyuga Clan territory of Konoha, the atmosphere was extremely tense.
"This is an internal matter of the Hyuga Clan!" Hyuga Sanmei's voice was firm and unwavering. His words were clear and powerful, not only directed at Sarutobi Hiruzen but also sending a message to everyone present.
This matter did not require their interference.
Nor did it require their involvement.
As soon as he spoke, the words echoed in the minds of Hiruzen and those around him.
Everyone's eyes turned to Hyuga Sanmei, filled with confusion.
"Hyuga Neji has caused great damage to the Hyuga Clan. Are you sure you want to handle this internally?" Hiruzen furrowed his brows slightly. He first looked at Hyuga Sanmei, but soon, his deep gaze fell on Hyuga Hiashi.
After all, Hiashi was still the head of the Hyuga Clan at this moment. The final decision rested unquestionably in his hands.
If Hiashi nodded in approval for the clan to handle it themselves, Hiruzen would let Hyuga Neji go, even if he had doubts in his heart.
"Clan Head… this is our family matter. Besides, it was the main house members who attacked Neji's mother!" Hyuga Sanmei then directed his gaze at Hyuga Hiashi, showing both respect and urgency.
"If it weren't for these people attacking Neji's mother, it wouldn't have come to this!"
After Sanmei spoke, many members of the branch families began to gather.
Their steps were steady and resolute, each pair of eyes fixed on Hyuga Hiashi.
More and more branch family members slowly came together, their expressions solemn as they stared at Hiashi.
The atmosphere became so oppressive it was hard to breathe.
Hyuga Neji held the key to remove the "Caged Bird Seal." Thinking of this, the branch family members each had their own thoughts: the main house had long oppressed the branch families—so why should they blindly serve them?
"Sigh… perhaps it's time for me, as clan head, to step down."
Hyuga Hiashi felt the dark and complex gazes of the branch families. His heart was heavy, but he sighed helplessly and spoke slowly.
"Lord Hokage, this is a private matter of the Hyuga Clan. We will handle it properly. There's no need for Konoha's involvement."
Hiashi's stance was firm, directly refusing Hiruzen's intervention.
Today, the main house of the Hyuga Clan had suffered a devastating loss.
Most of the main house members were no longer able to fight—they had, in effect, been crippled.
From now on, the future of the Hyuga Clan would likely have to rely on the branch family for support.
Moreover, Neji had already found a way to remove the Caged Bird Seal.
In Hyuga Hiashi's mind, the next plan was already clear: first, persuade Neji to return, lifting the Caged Bird Seal for the branch family, and then step aside from the position of clan leader himself.
Over the years, serving as the head of the Hyuga Clan had left him thoroughly exhausted, both in body and spirit.
"Hyuga Hiashi, do you realize that Hyuga Neji has caused harm not just to the Hyuga Clan, but to Konoha as well!" Asuma Sarutobi's voice was filled with fury upon hearing Hiashi's words.
His face flushed red, veins bulging on his forehead. He could never have imagined that Hiashi would so decisively brush aside the matter and even openly contradict his father, the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
In Asuma's eyes, Hiashi's actions were a complete disregard for the honor of his father, the esteemed Hokage.
Of course, the fire of his anger also burned toward the suddenly assertive branch family members. In his view, these people were simply asking for trouble.
"Hiashi, this is your decision!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened immediately, but he quickly reached out to stop Asuma from further losing control.
Then, his gaze locked on Hyuga Hiashi. He spoke slowly and deliberately:
"In that case, Konoha will not interfere. However, the matter of Hyuga Neji is extremely harmful to Konoha, and I hope you handle it properly!"
After saying this, Hiruzen swept his eyes over the people behind him and raised his voice: "Since Konoha will not be involved in the Hyuga Clan's affairs, retreat!"
With that, he waved to the ninjas behind him, his movements calm yet commanding.
In an instant, the ANBU and the Sarutobi Police Force members began to withdraw in an orderly manner.
Their figures moved quickly and silently, disappearing from everyone's sight in no time, leaving the matter behind.
Danzo Shimura, standing nearby, also waved his hand. The Root ninjas vanished like phantoms, quietly dispersing.
Only then did Danzo speak, his voice low and tinged with threat: "I hope the Hyuga Clan can bear the consequences of this turmoil."
With that, he fixed his gaze on Hiruzen Sarutobi. Their eyes met, exchanging what seemed to be a silent, tense conversation.
After a moment, the two of them turned and left at the same time.
Both of them knew clearly that some matters needed to be discussed in private.
From everything that had happened today, it was obvious that the era of the Hyuga main family holding absolute power over the clan had already come to an end.
From now on, the Hyuga clan would likely be led by Neji, who might even favor the Uchiha clan.
They had to plan ahead for these potential changes.
Moreover, there was that mysterious and powerful organization, Atsukara, whose strength was beyond imagination.
It had deep and intricate ties with the Uchiha clan, so they had to prepare thoroughly in advance.
With these thoughts, the two walked steadily toward the outskirts of the Hyuga clan grounds.
"Kakashi-sensei, is Neji okay?" Naruto Uzumaki, who had been paying close attention to everything that happened, asked with concern as he walked up to Kakashi. His expression was serious. "He's Genya's friend. I don't want him to get hurt!"
Kakashi looked at Naruto, whose innocence and ignorance of the full situation made him feel a mix of emotions. He spoke softly, "Don't worry… he's fine. He might even be back in a few days."
As he explained, Kakashi prepared to leave along with his three students: Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
After all, the situation had temporarily settled, and now it was up to the Hyuga clan to handle the aftermath.
At this moment, Uchiha Sasuke's fists were clenched tightly, veins standing out on the backs of his hands. His eyes burned with fierce determination, his mind constantly shouting: I need to get stronger. I have to get stronger…
His older brother, Uchiha Itachi, had possessed the terrifying power to destroy a clan years ago. What about now? In contrast, Sasuke himself trembled even when facing Neji.
This left Sasuke with a mixture of frustration and a burning resolve to catch up.
Becoming stronger had become his only obsession.
Just as they were about to leave, Kurenai Yuhi arrived in a hurry, accompanied by Shino Aburame.
Their steps were rushed, obviously reacting to the news of what had happened here.
By coincidence, they crossed paths with Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, who were just leaving. Their gazes met in midair.
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