"How could that damned brat deserve my attention if he hadn't activated the Byakugan? You're trying to frame me with this method, attempting to seize our Hyuga clan's bloodline limit. Do you take everyone for a fool?"
As soon as the Hyuga Second Elder uttered this, the expressions of Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, and Inoichi Yamanaka immediately changed.
Although the three of them knew the internal truth—that the Hyuga Second Elder had, to an extent, been wronged—if it involved the possibility of the Hyuga clan's jūkei kekkei genkai (caged bird technique) or Byakugan being forcibly taken, the matter would escalate to a dangerous level. After all, the Cloud Village once attempted such a seizure with Hinata, nearly sparking a war.
Inoichi Yamanaka quietly lowered his head, sighing inwardly. He should never have involved himself in this matter. But as a member of the Ino–Shika–Chō formation that had long pledged loyalty to the Hokage, his hands were tied.
Danzo Shimura, unwilling to miss a chance to shift blame, stood abruptly and barked, "Enough! Why attack a fellow Konoha shinobi? It's the Hyuga clan who owes the village an explanation—not the other way around.
You've made a serious mistake and still show no remorse, and now you're trying to distort the narrative? Is this how your clan upholds its duty to the village?"
"You, you..." The Hyuga Second Elder trembled with fury, pointing angrily at Danzo first, then at the others.
He opened his mouth, preparing to unleash a tirade, but Hiruzen Sarutobi cut him off with a calm but commanding voice.
"Enough. This kind of irrational outburst helps neither you nor the Hyuga clan. Withdraw for now. Wait for Komura and Kazuki to return and let them address the matter appropriately."
Understanding Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions, the Hyuga Second Elder's face flushed with humiliation. He felt deeply insulted, but he knew better than to defy the Hokage directly.
Because Sarutobi Hiruzen was right—any escalation would damage the Hyuga clan's standing. Despite their status as one of the four noble clans, challenging the village outright was folly.
He lacked emotional tact, but he wasn't an idiot.
Watching the Hyuga Second Elder depart in shame, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and shook his head. Clearly, he held little regard for this elder. The Hyuga clan's rigid hierarchy, especially the cursed seal system, had long stifled true talent among the main family.
Frankly, it was a miracle if their worldview didn't become completely self-centered.
Danzo – "My Root Doesn't Accept Useless People"
Kawaki Qingyu left the Hokage Building, accompanied by two close friends. Before departing, he received a scroll of sensory ninjutsu from the Hokage—a gesture that masked deeper meaning.
Their return journey was silent. Kawaki Qingyu brooded over the cruelty of the shinobi world. Even off the battlefield, ninja were treated as tools—never truly safe.
Especially in the higher echelons of power, a mere misstep or calculated move could result in an elite jōnin's demise. The man who died, a personal guard to the Hyuga Second Elder, must've been at least jōnin-level.
Though his death stemmed largely from the Hyuga Second Elder's blunder, and Hiruzen had attempted to mediate, the loss remained. A jōnin, after all, was no disposable pawn.
"A subordinate's subordinate is not my subordinate." That was likely what Hiruzen Sarutobi had thought.
Regrettably, even if Kawaki Qingyu wished to pledge loyalty to Hiruzen now, the opportunity might no longer exist.
And as for forging friendship with Asuma Sarutobi? Laughable. Kawaki Qingyu had not proven his worth. He wasn't just replaceable—he was now a burden.
This realization ignited a sense of urgency in his heart. He had to grow stronger, quickly.
His two companions remained silent, still processing the cruel but enlightening political exchange they'd witnessed. Clearly, Hiruzen had allowed Asuma to witness it as a harsh lesson. Kurenai Yuhi was likely included with quiet consent from her father.
As shinobi, experiencing reality—however cruel—was a form of preparation. Those who had survived battlefields in childhood often returned twisted by trauma, but awareness without desensitization was still a useful foundation.
Back in the Hokage's office, after the three youths and Kurenai departed, and after Inoichi and a special jōnin team withdrew, the office was left to Hiruzen and Danzo.
The Hyuga guard with brain trauma had already been evacuated, awaiting retrieval by the clan.
At that moment, both old comrades received status reports from ANBU and Root.
Hiruzen remained calm, giving no indication of concern over Qingyu's Byakugan. But Danzo's expression was visibly darker. He had believed everything had gone smoothly, that Root had managed it well.
He hadn't expected the brat to already consume the Byakugan.
"Hmph. What a waste of a Byakugan—utterly foolish," Danzo muttered. He had full confidence in Root's surveillance and didn't think the brat could hide anything from them.
"To have the resolve to gouge out his own eyes and trick you at such a young age… that's commendable. You shouldn't demand perfection," Hiruzen responded fairly.
Ever since Kawaki Qingyu approached graduation, Hiruzen had kept a watchful eye on him. Whether it was his chakra control, analytical mind, or restrained temperament, he seemed fit to become Asuma Sarutobi's right-hand man.
His quick-wittedness in the earlier confrontation had only reaffirmed that belief.
Had Kawaki Qingyu been given time, he might have become a Hokage assistant—but now…
"What a pity." Hiruzen took a deep puff from his pipe.
Then, glancing at Danzo, his eyes glinted. "Danzo, you saw his performance. There's no need to repeat his potential. Despite the loss of his eyes, with proper training, he could still become a rare sensory-type shinobi."
His intent was obvious: hand Kawaki Qingyu over to Root. That way, Qingyu might survive, and Root would absorb the Hyuga clan's political ire—shifting 80% of it to a full 100%.
But Danzo wasn't easily baited.
"A shinobi without eyes is already a cripple. Finding matching replacements isn't easy. Root has too many operations. We don't have time to waste on prosthetics.
Besides, didn't you already hand him a sensory scroll? With his aptitude, he might manage as a sensor-nin."
Danzo was deflecting.
In all of Konoha's 43-year history, very few blind ninja had continued operating effectively with just sensory techniques. Becoming fully mission-capable again? That was fantasy.
Danzo knew that. But politically, pushing too hard now would be suicidal.
There was a line between leveraging the Hyuga and provoking them into fury. Letting them vent was necessary.
If this had been the Uchiha? Entirely different story.
Despite these differing views, the two old warhawks remained cordial. After all, thanks to that Second Elder's arrogance, the hardest part of the battle had already been fought. Now they simply awaited the return of Hyuga Komura and Kazuki—the real power holders—before making their final move.
The division of spoils is always a joyous affair for the victors, so long as no one gets too greedy.
But for the one being divided? The situation was grim.
"Bastards, every one of you! Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, and that lackey Inoichi Yamanaka… who the hell do you think you are? Even the Ino–Shika–Chō formation together isn't worthy of standing on equal ground with the Hyuga clan! You dare humiliate me like this?"
"The most unforgivable is that brat! A mere branch family upstart dares defy me? If he continues living, how can I still show my face in Konoha?!"
Inside a lavish hall of the Hyuga estate, furious roars echoed alongside the sounds of shattered furniture and slammed doors.
Chapter 17: Hyuga Kyoko
Far from the village, in a well-guarded convoy headed from the Fire Daimyo's capital toward Konoha, three individuals with the Byakugan were engaged in conversation. Despite their shinobi rank, their mannerisms and attire reflected high nobility.
These three were Hyuga Kyoumura, current patriarch of the main family; Hyuga Kazuki, the clan's Great Elder; and the youthful Hyuga Hizashi—fated to serve as a branch member and twin brother to the future clan leader, Hiashi.
Their conversation centered around Kawaki Aoba's accidental Byakugan activation and the political setback their clan suffered at the hands of the Hokage.
"Hizashi, you've held back several times… I can see your heart is uneasy. To maintain your silence until now, in such a storm…"
Hyuga Kyoko
A convoy moved steadily from the Land of Fire's capital to Konohagakure. Inside one of the carriages, three Hyuga clan members—two elderly and one young—sat in silent conversation. Despite wearing standard shinobi attire, the refinement of their manners and the elegance of their posture marked them as more noble than typical ninja.
These three Hyuga were none other than Hyuga Kyoumura, the current clan head of the Hyuga, Hyuga Kazuki, the Great Elder of the Main Family, and the young Hyuga Hizashi, heir apparent to the clan leadership.
They were discussing a recent and disturbing event: a rogue shinobi named Aoba Kawaki had somehow awakened the Byakugan, despite not being a known member of the clan.
"Hizashi," Kyoumura began sternly, "you've hesitated several times today. That speaks to a restless heart. To remain composed until now is commendable for someone your age. But as the next head of the Hyuga, you must cultivate deeper patience."
The Great Elder chuckled lightly. "Kyoumura, don't scold the boy too harshly. Hizashi has done well. It's time he starts engaging with matters of the clan. Ask, boy—whatever is troubling you."
With a deep breath, Hizashi looked at the two dignified men before him and finally voiced his concerns. "Father, Great Elder… I don't understand. This incident with Aoba Kawaki—shouldn't we return immediately to the village and take control of the situation?"
The Great Elder nodded slowly. "You've read the intelligence brief. Tell us, then—what do you think is the true crisis here?"
Hizashi clenched his fists. "The fact that the Byakugan has fallen into enemy hands. If Aoba Kawaki has awakened the Byakugan, he must carry Hyuga blood. And yet, he gouged out his own eye to escape pursuit. Such betrayal—such insult—he must die!"
His fury was evident. The thought of their sacred dōjutsu being defiled brought the Gentle Fist heir to the edge of violence.
"And second," Hizashi added, "why has the Hokage sided against us? We are the Hyuga—the noble clan that stands beside the Will of Fire! Yet the Third Hokage dares treat us like criminals. It's injustice!"
Kyoumura sighed in disappointment. "You still lack clarity, Hizashi."
"…Father?" Hizashi looked up in confusion. "Did I misspeak?"
"You didn't speak wrongly," Kyoumura said, "but you failed to speak rightly."
Seeing Hizashi's blank expression, Kyoumura continued more gently.
"You are correct about the threat Aoba poses. The Byakugan is sacred. For it to be awakened outside our bloodline… even more so in betrayal... it is unforgivable.
Yes, the Hokage and his advisors are suppressing the clan, just like they once tried with the Uchiha. But those are not our most urgent concerns."
Kyoumura's white eyes gleamed with icy resolve.
"A Byakugan stolen? That can be retrieved or destroyed. A traitor? Can be hunted down and erased. Even the Hokage's plots can be resisted. These are manageable problems.
But what cannot be ignored is this—the Byakugan is awakening in outsiders. Aoba may not be the only one. Somewhere in the village, there may be others with diluted Hyuga blood—descendants of branch families who married outside the clan, or even former vassals—who may one day manifest our dōjutsu.
That is the crisis."
Hizashi lowered his gaze in shame. "Forgive me, Father. I did not see that."
Kazuki nodded. "Now you do. So, what is your solution?"
Hizashi raised his head again. "We must reintroduce the Caged Bird Seal. Even if it seems unjust, those with Hyuga blood must be bound to the clan—to protect the Byakugan."
He paused, guilt flickering through his heart. He thought of his twin brother, Hiashi, the elder by a few minutes, and now the formal heir in most timelines. He thought of the branch families—bound for life by a cursed seal. Forgive me, he thought silently.
Kazuki and Kyoumura nodded solemnly.
"Well said," Kyoumura affirmed. "The Caged Bird Seal is the legacy of our ancestors. But you must understand—times have changed. We cannot enforce it without the Hokage's approval. These individuals are now citizens of Konoha, not merely vassals."
Hizashi frowned. "But… the Hokage opposes us. How could he allow it?"
"He will," Kyoumura said, eyes narrowing. "Precisely because he is Hokage. Hiruzen Sarutobi may suppress us politically, but he must maintain the illusion of peace and order. He will not stop us from sealing our own blood, especially if we appear cooperative. As long as we do not act like the Uchiha… he will allow it."
---
A Storm Named Hyuga Rises
Three days later, the head of the Hyuga clan arrived in Konohagakure. For an elite shinobi, the trip should've taken only half a day—but Kyoumura deliberately delayed his return.
Upon arriving, he went straight to the Hokage Tower. He did not stop at the clan estate, nor did he change his blood-stained uniform. His face bore a look of deep anxiety.
Shortly after he entered the building, Shimura Danzō—half-shrouded in bandages and silence—also stepped inside.
For half a day, the two remained in conference with Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
What they discussed remains unknown.
But when Kyoumura emerged at dusk, witnesses noted the change. Gone was the panic—replaced with stone-faced fury. The future of the Hyuga had been decided.