Who will stand victorious in the end?
The branch family's members, Sandaime, and Naruto were deeply engrossed in the battle, eagerly awaiting the final outcome of this war of attrition.
Bang!
Another round of Revolving Heaven ended, and Hiashi dropped to one knee, gasping heavily. His stamina was completely depleted, and his body no longer had even a trace of Chakra left.
"It's over!"
Neji shouted as he took a step forward to charge at Hiashi. However, the moment he leaped, he collapsed to the ground.
That he managed to sustain himself this long after opening the Gate of Rest was already a remarkable feat. This was largely thanks to his rigorous daily training, which allowed his body to endure such strain.
"I can't... lose…"
Neji struggled to rise, but his limbs refused to obey.
"Huff... huff…!"
Hiashi panted heavily, taking several moments to regain some composure before barely managing to stand.
"This is the end!"
Hearing this, the branch family's members fell into a stunned silence. They bowed their heads and clenched their fists tightly, unwilling to accept the reality before them.
After all, it was so close… just one more strike, even a simple Gentle Fist, could have defeated Hiashi.
But they couldn't blame Neji, because he had already given it his all.
All they can say is that the reform is doomed to fail and they would remain trapped in their miserable fate.
However, just as Hiashi raised his hand to announce the final result, a trembling voice interrupted him.
"Father!"
The crowd parted as someone stepped forward. It was none other than Hinata!
Clenching her small fists and keeping her gaze lowered, Hinata's face was tense with nervousness, but she still managed to speak, though her voice was trembling, "Father, you lost!"
Hearing this, Hiashi frowned and said, "Neji has already fallen. Can't you see the situation clearly?"
"It's you who can't see clearly!"
Hinata said firmly, "Neji-nii-san's strength is nearly equal to yours. Given time, surpassing you would be an easy task for him. And look at the branch family's members, they no longer look to you for leadership. Their hearts now belong to Neji-nii-san. Don't you understand yet?"
Hiashi glanced back at the branch family's members, who wore expressions of discontent and bitterness, and the look of triumph on his face instantly disappeared.
'Their loyalty was gone. What use was the Caged Bird if it couldn't hold their hearts?'
'Would the Hyuga Clan truly devolve into the violent regime Neji spoke of?'
'If so, it would mark the true end of the clan.'
"Sigh…!"
Hiashi let out a long sigh and declared, "I have decided to step down. From this moment, Hyuga Neji will be the Clan Head of the Hyuga Clan."
After saying that, Hiashi turned and walked back toward his room.
The once-imposing aura he carried as Clan Head was gone, replaced by the slouched figure of a hero past his prime.
Having lost the loyalty of his clan, Hiashi knew he was no longer fit to lead the Hyuga Clan.
'Neji possessed the talent, leadership skills, and vision to guide the clan forward. Becoming the first branch family's member to assume the position of Clan Head, Neji would undoubtedly bring new vitality to the Hyuga Clan and lead them toward a brighter future.'
"That's amazing, Neji-sama! You've done it!"
"Congratulations, Neji-sama!"
"Long live Neji-sama!"
The branch family's members erupted in cheers, their despair turning into jubilation.
"Wait!"
At this moment, Neji spoke with difficulty, "Hiashi-sama, please retract your decision!"
"What?"
Hiashi paused mid-step and the branch family's members stared in disbelief, thinking they had misheard.
Neji, struggling to speak, said firmly, "Hiashi-sama, your willingness to appoint me as Clan Head proves you have already overcome your own limitations and begun to abandon outdated traditions. This wager was nothing more than a farce. From the beginning, I never wanted to become Clan Head. I am too young and unqualified to lead the Hyuga Clan. Right now, the Hyuga Clan still needs you."
"Neji-sama, what are you talking about?"
The branch family's members were baffled by Neji's seemingly erratic behavior and unexpected words.
Ningci explained calmly, "Don't forget our goal. What we agreed upon was to abolish the divide between the main and branch families, to become a united clan where the fate of our descendants is no longer shackled by the Caged Bird."
"Beyond that, for the Hyuga Clan to truly prosper, we must embrace a system where the capable lead. My strength and leadership skills are not yet on par with Hiashi-sama's, which is why I asked him to continue leading the clan."
"If the day comes when I surpass Hiashi-sama, I will naturally contend for the position of Clan Head. And if any of you believe you are capable, you should also compete for it. That is the essence of healthy competition."
"I've said before, today's actions are not about seizing power or rebelling but about positive reform, all for the sake of a better Hyuga Clan!"
Hearing Neji's words, the branch family's members fell silent.
He was right. Hiashi's willingness to let go of outdated traditions and his readiness to step down had already achieved their purpose.
A pregnant woman stepped out from the crowd and spoke first, "Neji-sama is right. What we need is healthy competition and fair treatment. Having the opportunity to rise is enough. What more are you hoping for? To overthrow the main family completely? We share the same blood. If Hiashi-sama keeps his promise not to place the Caged Bird on my child, I'm still willing to let him continue as the Clan Head. In my view, he is more than qualified and capable for the position!"
With her leading the way, the others began expressing their agreement.
"Honestly, aside from the forced restraint of the Caged Bird, I also think Hiashi-sama is the best in terms of both power and leadership."
"I'm definitely no match for him now, but I'll work hard to catch up and surpass him. Who knows? Maybe I'll be the next Clan Head."
"You? I think it'll be me!"
"Heh! Keep dreaming!"
Neji slowly and with great effort got to his feet and bowed deeply toward Hiashi.
"I am sorry to trouble you. Everything I did was for the Hyuga Clan. Please forgive me, Hiashi-sama!"
Moved by Neji's sincerity, the branch family's members followed suit and bowed in unison, "Please forgive us, Hiashi-sama!"
"Everyone…"
Hiashi's body trembled, and tears welled up in his eyes.
He wasn't just moved by their actions but also by the genuine emotions and openness they displayed toward him for the first time since he became the Clan Head.
In the past, fear of the Caged Bird had kept everyone at a distance. But he, too, had carried a heavy burden of guilt, especially over his brother, Hizashi's death, which had left him so remorseful he had once considered ending his own life!
However, for the greater good of the Hyuga Clan, he had endured everything, sacrificing his personal feelings for the prosperity of the clan. To him, it was a worthwhile trade.
His earlier sigh when stepping down wasn't one of disappointment but of relief, as he finally felt he could lay down the weight on his shoulders and seek his brother in the afterlife to offer his apologies.
But now, all he could do was whisper a silent 'I'm sorry, Hizashi'.
Because the Hyuga Clan still needs him. He couldn't leave this clan, which was finally on the brink of transformation. He had to do his utmost for its future.
'Hizashi, the Hyuga Clan is lucky to have an outstanding person like your son. I believe you, watching from the heavens, must be proud of Neji's achievements...'