Taihiro's interest had clearly been piqued. Maintaining a calm expression, Kei said, "I was thinking… perhaps it's time Neji experienced a bit of special care, from you and the clan head."
"If he can feel genuine warmth from the clan, I believe whatever resentment he's holding onto will start to fade. After all, he's still young. Emotions at that age come easily, and go just as easily."
Taihiro sat back down in his chair, drumming his fingers lightly on the desk. After a long stop, he finally asked, "And what exactly do you mean by 'special care'?"
"I'd like to request permission for Neji to study the clan's advanced secret techniques," Kei said calmly.
Taihiro's eyes gleamed slightly as he stared intently at Kei, as if trying to see through him.
He didn't immediately agree or refuse. Instead, he said, "Kei, you should know not just anyone is allowed to learn the clan's higher-level techniques."
"I do," Kei nodded. "But I believe if we want Neji to truly stop resenting the clan, then we need to give him something no one else has, something that makes him grateful. If we can foster that sense of gratitude at a young age, it will benefit the clan in the long run."
Lowering his head slightly, Kei added in a tone of apology, "Forgive me, Elder. I shouldn't be speaking of things above my station. The clan's rules are the rules, they shouldn't be changed just for one person."
"I'll try to think of some other way to reach him."
As expected, Taihiro shook his head and said, "That's enough, Kei. I know you have the clan's best interests at heart. Don't blame yourself."
"As for the idea of letting Neji feel that the clan is treating him well… I don't think it's out of the question."
Hearing that hint of approval, Kei didn't immediately agree. Instead, he shook his head and said, "Elder, we can't do that. Rules are rules, they're not something that can be changed so easily. Let me reconsider."
He understood clearly: if he appeared too eager, it would draw suspicion. But by pushing back from the clan's perspective, he made himself look even more loyal.
Sure enough, Taihiro, seeing Kei dissuade him on the clan's behalf, decided, "No need to think further. We'll do as I say."
"What happened back then… the clan certainly failed Neji in some ways. Let this be compensation."
To Taihiro, it was a worthy tradeoff. Breaking a rule or two didn't matter, not when the Caged Bird Seal was still in place. Even if Neji learned the Rotation technique, what could he really do?
Having the future branch family leader grow up full of gratitude toward the main house was worth far more than a few techniques.
With that thought, Taihiro looked to Kei and said, "Since you brought this up, you'll be the one to carry it out."
"From now on, Neji is in your care. You're more than capable of guiding him."
"With you watching over him, we'll have a better handle on his mental state."
Kei didn't immediately accept. "Elder, of course I'm willing to share your burden. But I don't know the clan's higher-level techniques, so perhaps someone else would be better suited to teach him."
"No need to worry. You can learn them," Taihiro replied. "Your loyalty hasn't gone unnoticed by me, or the clan. I've decided to make an exception and allow you to learn techniques like Rotation."
At those words, Hyūga Saku, standing silently nearby, visibly froze.
He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. He looked like he wanted to speak up, to object. But in the end, he lowered his head and kept silent.
Kei responded humbly, "Elder, I'm blind… I don't deserve this honor…"
Taihiro's eyes locked onto Kei's dull, gray ones. "If I say you're worthy, then you are. That's an order from the clan."
"Yes, Elder." Kei bowed respectfully. "I won't disappoint you or the clan. I'll repay this kindness in full, one day."
"Good. You may go. I'll have someone deliver the scrolls to you later. Study them well," Taihiro said.
Kei left with a smile, but not before turning his clouded eyes briefly toward Saku.
Saku could feel that look. This man, who was more favored by Taihiro, who had ties to the very woman Saku secretly loved, he hated Kei so much he wished he could tear him to pieces.
But when Saku's eyes met Taihiro's, he could only unclench his trembling fists and bow out in silence.
After Saku left, Hyūga Hiashi stepped out from behind the screen at the back of the council chamber. He had been there the whole time, silently listening to everything Kei said.
Seeing Hiashi, Taihiro said, "As for this special favor we're giving Neji, you may want to make it public."
"You mean… spread word of it?" Hiashi asked, slightly surprised. Then realization dawned. "So the clan will see this as a reward."
"Exactly," Taihiro said. "Let them understand, obedience is rewarded. The clan doesn't treat its loyal ones unfairly."
"This way, we can accelerate the implementation of the Head Bird Theory and make the clan less conspicuous in the village."
"Even though the Uchiha have gone quiet recently, I doubt it'll last. They'll clash with the village sooner or later."
"Our time is limited. We need to maintain close ties with the Hokage and make the village feel completely at ease about us."
"Isn't this moving a bit fast?" Hiashi frowned slightly. "There are already murmurs of discontent in the clan. If we tighten control any further, it might be hard to suppress them."
Taihiro responded confidently, "Don't worry. Once the dissent reaches a certain level, we'll follow the original plan, deal with the ringleaders, and reward a few model loyalists. That'll scatter the unrest immediately."
"Remove those who stir the pot, and the rest won't dare resist. That's how we ensure the clan's stability."
"At worst, we just give them some token compensation afterward." Hiashi no longer objected.
Taihiro's expression turned stern. "Hiashi, as clan head, you must not grow soft. Our Hyūga legacy has lasted this long because of restraint, and strict control over our own."
"The Uchiha failed to grasp this. That's why they're in their current state."
Hiashi nodded and, after a moment, asked, "What's your assessment of Kei? From what I've observed, he seems promising."
"He has ability and knows how to read the room. More importantly, the Hokage favors him," Taihiro said. "That's why I allowed him to learn the advanced techniques."
"He does seem a little greedy," Hiashi noted.
"Which is a good thing," Taihiro replied with a smile. "A man with desires is easier to control. If he wanted nothing, if he had no weaknesses, that would be far more dangerous."
Taihiro wasn't ignorant of Kei's occasional demands for money. But he hadn't stopped them. In fact, if Kei came asking again, he'd probably give it.
As long as it didn't touch the core of the main house, Taihiro was willing to indulge him.
Because right now, Kei was valued by Hiruzen, and the Hyūga needed someone they could trust to serve as a bridge to the Hokage.
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