"I hereby declare, from this moment on, the Caged Bird will no longer be forcibly applied to future generations. It will only be used to restrain those who commit grave crimes against the Hyuga Clan. Furthermore, there will no longer be a division between the main and branch families. Leadership will be determined by achievements. I believe that with everyone's efforts, the Hyuga Clan will only grow stronger and better!"
As soon as Hyuga Hiashi finished speaking, the Hyuga Clan's branch family's members, no, the Hyuga Clan's members, erupted in excitement.
This declaration resolved the Hyuga Clan's deep-seated conflicts at their root, without diminishing Hiashi's status. Instead, it strengthened the unity and collective interests of the clan, aligning everyone toward a shared goal.
This was the epitome of a win-win solution!
"Hiashi-sama is mighty!"
"Neji-sama is so incredible!"
"Long live the Hyuga Clan!"
Watching everything unfold through his crystal ball, Sandaime stroked his beard with a satisfied smile, "The Hyuga Clan has truly struck gold. I wish I could recruit Neji under my command!"
Meanwhile, spying through the surveillance device, Naruto let out a derisive snort.
'This old man sure is good at dreaming!'
Not that Neji would ever agree to it, but even if he did, Naruto wouldn't allow it. After all, both Neji and Sandaime were his servants. If servants started establishing their own hierarchies, wouldn't that create chaos in the chain of command?
'That aside, Neji had undeniably shone in this instance. Both in terms of emotional resonance and logical reasoning, he had achieved something truly remarkable. I had to admit that even I couldn't think of a better way to handle it.'
'It seemed Neji had truly grown and transformed.'
…
At the same time, Neji was being supported back to his room by Hinata.
After lying down, Neji said, "Thank you, Hinata. If it weren't for your timely words, I wouldn't have been able to turn the situation around."
Hinata shook her head. "I only said what needed to be said, and the outcome turned out well."
"Don't you blame me?"
Neji was puzzled. After all, he had directly challenged Hinata's father.
Hinata shook her head again, "You've said before, 'Born of the same root, why so eager to harm each other?' I believe you wouldn't act maliciously. Besides, I've heard Naruto-kun say those same words before..."
Mentioning Naruto caused a faint blush to creep onto Hinata's cheeks, though worry soon replaced it.
"I wonder how Naruto-kun is doing right now..."
Hearing Naruto's name was like an electric shock to Neji. He wanted to say something but found himself unable to.
He had promised Naruto that he would protect Hinata.
Although Hinata appeared timid, Neji knew all too well that deep down, she was incredibly stubborn. If she learned of Naruto's death, she might do something rash.
Thus, Neji had already made up his mind. Even if it meant lying, he would keep the truth from Hinata for the rest of her life.
To avoid slipping up, Neji quickly said, "Hinata, I need to rest now. If there's nothing else, you should head out."
"Okay!"
Watching Hinata leave and close the door behind her, Neji let out a long sigh of relief.
Now that the Hyuga Clan's issues were resolved, Neji's next focus would be tracking down Itachi, finding him, and avenging Naruto and Sasuke.
…
After resting until the evening, Neji's physical and mental state had improved considerably.
At this moment, the Hyuga Clan was in high spirits, with the estate lit up like a festival, celebrating the success of the reform. It was even more joyous than a new year's celebration.
After maintaining a composed demeanor while mingling with the crowd, Neji finally retired to his room late at night.
Knock, knock, knock!
Neji knocked on Hiashi's door.
"Enter."
Hiashi's voice came from inside the house.
Neji pushed open the door and walked in.
Hiashi looked at him and said, "I thought it might be you. I noticed your mind was preoccupied earlier. Is there something troubling you?"
Having resolved the clan's internal strife, Hiashi was in high spirits. The more he looked at Neji, the more he appreciated him, already privately considering him as the next Clan Head.
Neji didn't beat around the bush and spoke directly, "Hiashi-sama, the reason I hurriedly pushed for reform is because of an urgent matter. I've received news... Naruto has been killed."
"What?"
Hiashi was shocked. After all, with Naruto's strength and the Kyubi inside him, Naruto would not die easily even if he was captured.
"Where did you hear this?"
Neji explained, "Not long ago, Sasuke came to me with this devastating news. He said it was Itachi who killed Naruto. To track down Itachi, Sasuke even stormed Danzo's residence. You already know the result… Danzo and his residence were reduced to rubble."
"What? So it was Sasuke who did that? He's grown so powerful?"
Hiashi's shock deepened. He was well aware of Danzo's strength. As a high-ranking advisor of Konoha and the leader of Root, Hiashi himself wouldn't have been confident in defeating Danzo.
Neji nodded slightly, "When I met Sasuke, he already had the Mangekyo Sharingan, and his strength was much stronger than mine. But...but after Danzo died, Sasuke never returned to meet me. I fear, as you speculated, he and Danzo perished together."
"Mangekyo?"
Hiashi sighed and said, "To think the last genius of the Uchiha has also fallen. So, why have you come to me now?"
Neji clenched his fists and said firmly, "I want to ask for your help in tracking Itachi. I've made up my mind to kill him… to avenge Naruto and Sasuke. If I can't accomplish this, I won't be able to find peace!"
"So, your urgent reforms were because you feared you might not return?"
Hiashi pondered for a moment and said, "I can help you investigate Itachi's movements, but I do not recommend you rush into revenge right now."
"Why?"
Neji frowned.
Hiashi explained, "I've encountered Itachi before. Just standing in his presence gave me immense pressure, like facing an insurmountable mountain. To be honest, even if you find him now, it would only lead to your death."
Neji growled lowly, "But I can't wait even a moment longer!"
Every time he thought of Naruto and Sasuke, his mind churned with turmoil. The desire to destroy Itachi burned in him so intensely that he feared he might lose his sanity if he delayed any further.
Hiashi sighed deeply and said, "To achieve great things, you must learn patience. Temporary restraint isn't cowardice, it's preparing for a future where you're more certain of success. If you charge off recklessly now and die, what would that accomplish? Would Naruto and Sasuke be happy about your sacrifice? No. They'd mock your foolishness and grieve their untimely deaths even more."
"But…"
Neji faltered, struggling to counter the logic.
Hiashi said solemnly, "You must remember, your goal is to kill Itachi. The result is what matters most."
Neji's body trembled slightly, and he admitted that Hiashi was right.
However, he simply couldn't wait patiently. Without being able to practice properly, his strength would never grow, so what was the point of being patient?
Hiashi, with his years of experience, saw through Neji's inner conflict. He sighed again, speaking with a mix of authority and heartfelt emotion, "Neji, you are the future of the Hyuga Clan. The clan cannot afford to lose you. I am past my prime and have little left to give. If you truly won't heed my advice, then let me go in your place to seek revenge. If I die, you will at least understand the gap between yourself and Itachi. Then, you can focus on leading the Hyuga Clan, building your strength, and avenging Naruto and Sasuke when you're ready. How does that sound?"
Hiashi's words carried not just an emotional appeal but a resolute determination. He bore a heavy guilt for his late brother, Hizashi. His decision to protect and guide Neji was his way of atonement.
More than that, he truly believed that Neji was the key to the Hyuga Clan's future.
But, what choice will Neji make...