The Hyuga Shall Stand Above, In The Heavens!

Konohagakure.

The sun sets behind the mountains.

Outside the Hyuga clan's patriarch's courtyard.

"Brother, what do you think Hitoshi is really planning?"

Hyuga Hizashi cradled his son with one arm, glancing at his brother, Hyuga Hiashi, who was frowning in thought.

"The Patriarch must have his reasons."

Catching a glimpse of his nephew, Hyuga Neji, in his brother's arms, a hint of envy flashed in Hiashi's eyes. But then he remembered his pregnant wife and the envy vanished. He was about to have a son too!

"Indeed, Hitoshi has always had deep meanings behind every move, never letting us down."

Hyuga Hizashi agreed wholeheartedly. Even the elders of the main house had great respect for Patriarch Hitoshi after his ascension. However, as much as they admired him, their constant preaching for the sake of the clan was truly tiresome.

Hadn't there been recent whispers of an elder criticizing Patriarch Hitoshi for fraternizing with a woman outside the clan? Using the excuse that the clan's bloodline must not be leaked to criticize Hitoshi!

Hizashi wondered if these people would badmouth the Patriarch over the clan's relocation. He scoffed at the thought. They'd better not let him hear such talk, or he'd make them understand what it means to be a die-hard fan of Patriarch Hitoshi!

With these thoughts and a worried expression, Hizashi mentioned his concerns to his elder brother. But upon hearing this, Hiashi shook his head with a strange look on his face.

His brother's worries were completely unnecessary, born out of ignorance of the full picture. As far as he knew, the elder who had tried to lecture the Patriarch had been kindly and rationally dealt with by the Patriarch himself. The elder had then vowed to mend his ways and swore not to meddle in clan affairs again.

And after getting his teeth fixed the next day, he even acknowledged that Patriarch Hitoshi's actions were for the clan's proliferation and were a responsible display worthy of praise. The swift change in his stance impressed the other elders.

It was a minor incident, but it proved Hyuga Hitoshi's control over the Hyuga clan! Elders? They had no real say in the clan, at most helping with internal affairs.

All this also spoke of Hyuga Hitoshi's prestige within the clan.

Thinking of this, Hiashi's face lit up with fervor and respect as he gazed in the direction of the Patriarch, filled with admiration.

If he were the Patriarch, he could never achieve such a feat.

But upon reflection, Hiashi felt at peace.

The Patriarch's popularity wasn't just due to his reforms within the clan, improvements to the Gentle Fist technique, or teaching new skills. What truly won the hearts of the people was his declaration when he took his position!

"I know what the branch family members here think of the 'Caged Bird' seal! The branch family exists to protect the main house; this is their mission and duty, as said by the ancestors of the Hyuga clan. But I, as the Patriarch, do not agree! Even if this seal that confines our people within a cage has indeed allowed our bloodline to continue safely, I still do not accept it!"

"In my heart, whether from the main or branch family, all are the blood of the Hyuga clan, all are individuals worthy of recognition. The branch family has shed blood in battle to protect the main house, but the main house also has the duty to protect its people!"

"The 'Caged Bird' may have protected the inheritance of the Byakugan, but it has also shackled the Hyuga clan. On the contrary, if our clan is strong enough that the entire ninja world understands what 'Hyuga' signifies, would they dare act rashly?"

"In other words, they must understand the price of coveting the Byakugan! Dare to lay a hand on it? That would mean our clan is not strong enough! When we are powerful enough to disregard the rules, anyone who covets the Byakugan will pay a hundredfold!"

"I, as the Patriarch, swear that I will lead the Hyuga to that day when the surname 'Hyuga' will make the ninja world tremble! Just because others cannot, does not mean I cannot. From this day forth, the 'Caged Bird' seal will no longer be applied to the newborns of the branch family. Watch and see!"

Whether these words are true or false, whether they are a means to win people's hearts, such things have never been dared to be said by any Patriarch before! This shows the courage of Patriarch Hitoshi.

Combining these statements with the Patriarch's methods for strengthening the clan, it's hard not to win the favor of the branch family members, and hard not to gain their support!

Moreover, the Patriarch later subtly mentioned that he would make those in Kirigakure Village who were fortunate enough to obtain the Byakugan pay a price.

Possessing both courage and means.

To this day, the thorn-traversing Patriarch Hitoshi has earned enough recognition, having endured hardships along the way.

Now, the united Hyuga clan will be the sharp blade in his hands!

Even if the clan land is relocated, Hyuga Hiashi does not believe the clan members will blame the Patriarch, and as for the elders, they can only grumble at most.

With the support of the branch family, Hyuga Hitoshi is fundamentally unshakable.

After all, how many are in the main house?

A few from the main line and some from the collateral lines, a single spit from each branch family member could drown those elders.

However, if one day the 'Caged Bird' is truly lost and the main house cannot control a rebellion by the branch family...

Hyuga Hiashi shakes his head and touches his Byakugan.

It's an unthinkable thought.

He feels that if he were the Patriarch, the probability of being overthrown without the 'Caged Bird' would be ridiculously high, but if it's Hyuga Hitoshi, it's simply impossible.

The Patriarch has a pair of eyes that instill fear.

If he were to release that oppressive feeling unrestrained, that intense bloodline suppression, ordinary Byakugan holders wouldn't even dare to look him in the eye!

And that trembling and submission from the depths of the soul would only grow stronger over time.

Hyuga Hiashi doesn't know why, but he knows that in front of Hyuga Hitoshi, he is rightfully the inferior, and conversely, Hitoshi is the superior.

Combining some of the rumors from the past, it seems that the 'Caged Bird' seal simply doesn't work on this cousin.

He was born to be the Patriarch of the Hyuga clan; this generation's Patriarch can only be him!

Well.

It seems every leader has their legendary stories.

It's just that Hyuga Hitoshi never expected that the boastful claims he made in the past would now become reality.

Inside the hall...

As Hitoshi opened his eyes, a flash of deep blue brilliance flickered within, unlike the stagnant white pupils typical of his clan. Since deciphering the mystery of his rebirth into the Hyuga, he had indeed become unshackled, like a bird freed from its cage.

"Awake?" The calm voice carried a hint of joy, well-concealed, yet clear to Hyuga Hitoshi.

Lifting his gaze, the striking birch and green hues of her hair stood out in the hall.

The woman's figure was graceful, her slender waist could be encircled with a single hand. Shedding her efficient ninja garb for the long robes of the Hyuga didn't make her appear bulky; instead, it was quite the opposite, a refreshing sight.

In short, she was a beauty, and everything about her was just right.

Looking at the girl he had saved years ago, who had gone from lifeless eyes to now showing emotional fluctuations, Hyuga Hitoshi's face was filled with satisfaction.

Her name was Pakura, once betrayed by her own village, a hero of Sunagakure who couldn't find solace even at Yakushi Kabuto's dream-fulfilling assembly.

But now, she was known as Hyuga Pakura.

After all, following the traditions of Japan, she belonged to Hyuga Hitoshi, taking his surname.

However, Hyuga Pakura was indifferent to the position of Hitoshi's official wife, even bluntly stating that a certain man was merely a friend with benefits to pass the time.

Naturally, this girl with a tough exterior and a soft heart wouldn't admit that she was here to protect Hyuga Hitoshi as he entered a state of enlightenment.

With a clear mind, ready to discuss some newly researched techniques with her friend, the door was knocked and, upon permission, Hyuga Hitoshi's guard, Hyuga Ushiuma, respectfully greeted him.

"Patriarch, Hiashi and Hizashi have been waiting for a while. What do you say?"

They've been waiting?

It seemed something important was afoot.

Hyuga Hitoshi raised an eyebrow, as if remembering something, and quickly instructed Ushiuma to invite them in.