Chapter 17: Kyoko Hyuga

On a convoy traveling from the capital of the Land of Fire to Konoha Village, three white-eyed ninjas—two elderly and one young—were engaged in conversation. Judging by their elegant attire and impeccable manners, they appeared more like nobles than mere ninjas.

These three white-eyed ninjas were none other than the current head of the Hyuga main family, Hyuga Anmura; the grand elder of the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Kazuki; and the young man already designated as the next head of the Hyuga main family, Hyuga Hizashi.

Their discussion centered on the recent incident triggered by Kawaki Seiu, which resulted in a significant setback for the Hyuga family in front of the Hokage—the unexpected activation of the Byakugan.

“Hizashi, I’ve seen you hold back many times during your previous predictions. You must be growing impatient in your heart. To endure so long under these circumstances, for someone your age, that’s commendable. But as the future family head, you must remain even more composed,” Hyuga Anmura admonished his son with a fatherly tone.

“Enough, clan head. Don’t be too hard on Hizashi. He has performed well, and some matters are now appropriate for him to be involved in. Hizashi, ask anything you wish—we two elders will answer you,” the grand elder Kazuki interjected on his behalf.

Relieved by the elder’s support, Hizashi faced the two composed seniors before him and urgently voiced his doubts. “Father, Grand Elder, I don’t understand why, after such a serious incident within the clan, we are not rushing back to handle it as quickly as possible.”

“Serious matters, Hizashi? You have seen the urgent reports. Tell me, what do you think is the gravest issue for our Hyuga family?” Kazuki asked calmly, almost testing him. Anmura stood silently nearby, offering no interference.

“Of course, it’s the pair of Byakugan that have fallen into the wrong hands. The Byakugan is the bloodline of our Hyuga. Since that Kawaki Seiu awakened the Byakugan, he should have been one of us. Yet he not only betrayed the clan but gouged out his own Byakugan. Such an insult to the Hyuga family deserves death,” Hizashi said furiously. Had Kawaki been before him, he would have ended his life without hesitation.

Though angry at Kawaki, Hizashi’s words were not yet done. “Secondly, there’s the false accusation against our family by those scoundrels. We are the Hyuga clan—how could the Hokage treat us so unfairly? It’s utterly unjust. We must seek justice for the Hyuga name.”

A sigh of disappointment escaped Anmura. “Hizashi, you are still too young.”

Puzzled, Hizashi turned to his father. “Why? Father, have I said something wrong?”

“You’re not wrong in any one thing, but none of it is exactly right,” Anmura replied, shaking his head.

Meeting Hizashi’s bewildered gaze, Anmura patiently explained:

“First, your view is correct: Kawaki Seiu, the traitor, deserves death. He’s unworthy to bear the Hyuga name. By gouging out his Byakugan, he has insulted our clan. As long as he lives, it remains a stain upon us.

“And the Hokage’s actions—they indeed conspired against us. But you have not seen the true problem.”

At this, Anmura’s pure white eyes flashed with an intense, terrifying killing intent.

“Hizashi, the matters you focus on can be resolved. A pair of exposed Byakugan can be retrieved—or if lost forever, they will eventually decay and lose their luster entirely.

“A traitor can be executed and utterly destroyed.

“As for the Hokage, it is normal for the village leadership to suppress powerful clans like ours. Struggles come with winners and losers, and this loss was simply caused by a fool.

“By the time we received the news, Hiruzen Sarutobi had undoubtedly already sealed the matter. No matter how fast we return, it would be futile.

“All these things waste time and can be solved. The most critical issue, however, lies in the fact that an outsider awakened the Byakugan.

“Consider this: if the first Kawaki Seiu appeared, could there be a second? You must understand, there are many within the village whose blood carries only faint traces of the Hyuga lineage.

“The Byakugan belongs solely to our Hyuga family. We must never allow anyone to steal this noble bloodline by any means.

“So, Hizashi, do you know what must be done next?”

Hizashi took a deep breath, lowering his head in shame. “Forgive me, Father, Grand Elder. I neglected such an important matter.”

Seeming eager to make amends, Hizashi decisively offered his opinion: “The caged bird. Although those people are innocent, for the sake of the Hyuga, they must be marked as caged birds.”

For some reason, as he spoke, Hizashi thought of his twin brother, Hyuga Hisa, and felt a pang of guilt. He could only offer a silent apology to his brother and those of the branch families.

Across from him, Anmura and Kazuki nodded in approval after hearing his answer.

“Exactly. The caged bird is the most precious legacy our ancestors left us beyond the Byakugan. But marking those who rely on us involves the village.

“This is no longer the chaotic Warring States era. Those with faint Hyuga blood are not only our vassals but also members of Konoha Village. To brand them all as caged birds, we must secure the village’s consent—that is, the approval of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.”

Hizashi looked up in confusion. “But Father, the Third Hokage has been so hostile to our clan. Will he really agree?”

“He will. Sarutobi targets the Hyuga because he is the Hokage. But precisely because he holds that position, he will never prevent us from marking those people.

“Of course, on the condition that he sees what he wants—that is, that our Hyuga bones are not as stubborn as the Uchiha’s.”