With the pregnant woman taking the lead, the men present found no excuse to hesitate. They certainly didn't want to be outdone by a woman.
In truth, everyone wanted to escape their fate, but no one dared to be the first to step forward. Now that someone had paved the way, support surged like a tidal wave. The group unanimously declared their willingness to join and support Neji's reform.
Meanwhile, Neji had activated his Byakugan, carefully scrutinizing everyone's expressions and movements.
Once everyone expressed their support, Neji pointed to a few individuals and commanded in a stern voice, "Restrain them for now!"
"Why?"
The selected individuals appeared both indignant and bewildered.
Neji explained calmly, "Your expressions revealed a flash of panic, and you were slow to respond."
"I hesitated because I was worried! If your reform fails, the branch family will suffer unbearable consequences."
The accused tribesman defended himself.
Neji nodded slightly, "I understand your reasoning, but this doesn't rule out the possibility that you might be loyal to Hiashi and the main family. Many of the branch family's actions and information have been inexplicably known to the main family. It's undeniable that we have spies among us. In the past, the branch family's subservience to the main family made this tolerable. But now that I am pursuing reform, I must account for every variable. I won't allow any mistakes to jeopardize our cause. For the sake of the branch family's future, I ask for your cooperation. Endure this for a few days. Regardless of success or failure, I will personally apologize to you and restore your freedom!"
His words were logical and considerate, leaving no room for objection.
Sacrificing the few for the greater good was a rational approach. Furthermore, Neji's polite and reasoned tone demonstrated that his actions were not arbitrary but necessary. To those present, this seemed like the most prudent course of action.
Soon, the selected individuals were confined to a small room within the residence.
None of them resisted.
Those genuinely committed to reform had little reason to complain. As for main family's potential spies, resisting would only heighten suspicions, leaving them no choice but to comply.
After arranging for guards to watch over these people, Neji moved on to the next gathering point.
With every additional supporter, the process became smoother, and Neji grew increasingly confident.
…
"Finally, it's done."
By the time Neji stepped out of the tenth gathering place, the sun was already rising on a new day.
With the majority supporting him, and the minority following the tide, the first step of the reform was completed without major incidents.
Yes, this is just the first step.
Neji's reform plan consisted of three stages.
First, convincing the branch family.
Second, strengthening himself.
Third, confronting the main family.
Originally, the first and second steps were meant to proceed simultaneously. However, given the urgency of the situation, Neji lacked the luxury of time for focused training and had to push forward under pressure.
Still, to ensure the success of the reform, Neji forced himself to train intensively for three days, pushing his state to the peak he could currently reach.
On the fifth day after parting ways with Sasuke, the sun shone brightly.
At this time, Neji was very solemn.
As he stepped out of his room, he found a crowd waiting for him.
Taking a deep breath, Neji spoke in a solemn tone, "I'm sure you all understand that this is a decisive moment. To avoid implicating everyone, I will act as the figurehead. After all, the law does not punish the masses. If we fail, Hiashi will only hold me accountable, using me as an example."
"Neji-sama, don't say such ominous things. You will definitely succeed!"
"That's right, Neji-sama will triumph!"
"Neji-sama will triumph!"
The crowd's unified cheers echoed, moved by Neji's determination and sincerity.
"Yeah, we will triumph!"
Neji pressed his lips together, then raised his hand and declared, "Destination, Hyuga Clan's main family… set off!"
With those words, he led the charge, heading straight for the Hyuga Clan's main family.
…
It wasn't long before the group arrived at the main family's compound. Neji pushed the gates open forcefully, while the large assembly surrounded the courtyard.
Hiashi, who had been calmly training in the morning light, couldn't help but frowned, "Neji, do you even realize what you're doing?"
Neji replied with measured composure, "What I want is change. We are all Hyuga, bearing the same bloodline. Why must there be a division between the main family and the branch family? All I ask for is fairness. Only through equality and unity can the Hyuga Clan truly prosper!"
Hiashi's voice grew stern, "Such insolence! The rules set by our ancestors ensure the preservation of the purest Hyuga's bloodline. The division between the main family and the branch family exists for the benefit of the Hyuga Clan as a whole. Are you questioning the wisdom of our forebears?"
Neji's stance was unyielding, "Preservation of the purest bloodline? I won't deny that's important. But it's not a justification to disregard others. Moreover, I disagree with the premise entirely. To speak frankly, I am the most talented individual of my generation in the Hyuga Clan. Can Hinata-sama compare to me? What determines the division between main family and branch family? If talent is the criterion, then I should be part of the main family. Yet here I stand, a member of the branch family… simply because the child of a branch family will always be in the branch family. This is the true injustice!"
"And even if some in the branch family are weaker, so what? As a family, we should support one another. Your adherence to outdated traditions is what must be abandoned. Reform is necessary! A single entity dominating everything will only lead to stagnation. Only through competition and collective development can the Hyuga Clan grow stronger and better!"
"Neji-sama is right!"
As soon as Neji finished speaking, the branch family's members behind him voiced their agreement.
Sandaime, who was sitting in the Hokage's Office and looking at the crystal ball, also nodded slightly, showing approval, "As expected of the Hyuga Clan's prodigy, he has great insight and vision."
At the same time, Naruto, watching the scene on the crystal ball via the surveillance, nodded in satisfaction.
'Neji's words were clear, logical, and rooted in both emotion and reason, leaving no room for fault.'
Seeing the Hyuga Clan reform is actually one of Naruto's wishes.
However, he couldn't understand why Neji had chosen such a rushed timeline for his plans.
According to Naruto's predictions, Neji would have needed years to mature further, honing his abilities to their peak before attempting such a drastic action.
That was why Naruto had felt reassured when leaving Konoha, as he believed the village wouldn't face any significant turmoil in the short term.
To be honest, he actually doesn't think highly of Neji and didn't think Neji could defeat Hiashi at this point.
'Could Neji's drastic actions be part of the schemes of that system owner?'
'In the original work, Neji's ultimate fate was death. However, before his demise, Neji experienced a period where he carried the protagonist's aura of fortune.'
'Perhaps that system owner was trying to expedite Neji's demise to ensure the original work's progression, allowing Sasuke to inherit more of the protagonist's fortune.'
Thinking of this, Naruto couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. He didn't ask for the reform to be successful, he just hoped that Neji could survive.
Technically, as long as Sandaime intervened, Neji wouldn't face mortal danger. However, Sandaime's current attitude suggested otherwise. Observing the situation with an almost amused demeanor, Sandaime seemed disinclined, or perhaps unable, to meddle in the Hyuga Clan's internal disputes. After all, if he overstepped, it might provoke dissatisfaction or resistance from other clans, undermining his authority and the village's stability.
'Old man, this time it depends on whether you can make the right call...'