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Under Tsunade's piercing gaze, Hiashi Hyuga finally stopped beating around the bush. He raised his head, his words now revealing his true intentions.
"Lady Hokage, the Hyuga clan's system has always been this way. Recently, due to Neji Hyuga's defection, there has been some minor unrest within the clan. I ask that you allow me to handle this matter personally."
"Oh?" Tsunade chuckled angrily. "Are you implying that I interfered in the internal conflicts of the Hyuga clan?"
She had only been observing in secret!
Sure, she had plans, but she hadn't even started to act yet!
This Hiashi—how could he be so overly cautious and sensitive?
"Lady Hokage!" Hiashi, now visibly frustrated, bluntly stated, "There are rumors that you have mastered the technique to release the Hyuga clan's Caged Bird seal. Without your approval, how else could such classified information have reached my clan?"
Damn it!
Tsunade's face immediately darkened. Just as she suspected...
"Impossible!" she denied firmly. "I did indeed obtain the release technique, but that was delivered to me voluntarily by Uchiha Kaito due to Neji's defection. How do you know this isn't just another attempt by him to sow discord?"
"If that's the case, then Lady Hokage should have informed me immediately upon acquiring the release technique. After all, this is of utmost importance to the Hyuga clan." Hiashi's tone remained calm, but his words were unyielding.
"Enough! Sit down!" Tsunade slammed the table and spoke forcefully. "The materials delivered by Kaito need to be verified for authenticity! Moreover, as Hokage, I've done nothing wrong and certainly don't need your explanation!"
"Apologies, Lady Hokage, for my offense. I only hope you will adhere to the traditions left by Lord Hashirama." Hiashi said a few more conciliatory words before finally sitting down.
Tsunade ignored him and scanned the room, observing the expressions on everyone's faces before speaking again.
"What are your opinions on this matter?"
"Lady Hokage," Shikaku Nara said unhurriedly, "May I ask if the materials delivered by Kaito have already been verified?"
Tsunade's expression softened slightly as she replied, "Not yet. The release technique for the Caged Bird seal in those materials is incredibly complex, requiring extremely precise chakra control. Moreover..."
She turned to Hiashi again. "Without the cooperation of Hyuga clan members, I can't confirm its authenticity."
"At the end of the day, this is an internal matter for the Hyuga clan." Hiashi once again exchanged glances with others in the room, seeking their support. "As the head of the Hyuga clan, I hope Lady Hokage will hand over the materials to me."
For a moment, many in the room began nodding.
"Indeed, it seems more reasonable for Hiashi to handle it himself."
"Family matters shouldn't be managed by the village."
"Lady Hokage, please agree to Hiashi's suggestion."
"When we joined Konoha, Lord Hashirama guaranteed the clans' rights."
It worked.
Hearing the growing support, Hiashi kept his head down to avoid meeting Choza Akimichi's gaze and subtly smirked.
"It will be a mistake!."
A sudden voice of dissent broke through. Hiashi immediately raised his head, looking toward the source.
It was Shikaku Nara!
Hiashi's face darkened as he couldn't hold back.
"Shikaku, what insights do you have?"
Seeing Shikaku step forward, those who had just voiced their support for Hiashi were momentarily stunned.
Everyone turned their attention to Shikaku, Inoichi Yamanaka, Choza Akimichi, and even Asuma Sarutobi.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio always acted together, and combined with their close ties to the Sarutobi clan, their influence in Konoha was significant.
It seemed this issue was far from settled. The room filled with murmured discussions.
"Everyone, please calm down," Shikaku spoke again, and the room fell silent.
"This issue..." Shikaku met Hiashi's furious gaze head-on, unfazed. "This matter concerns only the Caged Bird seal of the Hyuga clan and not the bloodline limit or secret techniques of any clan. These are distinct matters and shouldn't be conflated."
"You're twisting the argument!" Hiashi interjected forcefully. "The Caged Bird seal is the foundation of the Hyuga clan! It's a traditional system that ensures the clan's stability and continuity. This tradition cannot be altered!"
Despite Hiashi's aggression, Shikaku remained unmoved, countering, "Traditions can change with the times. It's not impossible."
"I've said it!" Hiashi shot up from his seat, clenching his teeth. "This is an internal affair of the Hyuga clan!"
"Well," Kakashi, sitting opposite Hiashi, suddenly lifted his eyes, "it's no longer entirely an internal matter."
"You..." Hiashi was stunned by Kakashi's unexpected comment, momentarily at a loss for words.
The entire room turned their eyes to Kakashi in astonishment.
As the sole remaining member of the Hatake clan, Kakashi had always maintained a detached stance regarding village and clan affairs. What had prompted him to speak up now?
Hiashi cursed inwardly, staring at Kakashi for a moment before turning to Tsunade at the head of the room.
It must be Tsunade's doing!
Kakashi would never intervene in such matters unless directed by the Hokage!
"How is this not an internal matter of the Hyuga clan?" Hiashi demanded, glaring at Kakashi with burning anger.
"Everyone here, as members of their clans, are also shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village. Being a Konoha ninja is our shared identity."
Despite Hiashi's heated gaze, Kakashi remained composed, speaking at an unhurried pace.
"The existence of the Caged Bird Seal places the life and death of Konoha ninja from the Hyuga clan under the control of one person. This is irresponsible towards the village," Kakashi stated firmly.
"Exactly," Shikaku agreed. "As Konoha ninja, we must abide by the village's rules and regulations. It is unacceptable for one individual to hold the power over the survival of so many Konoha ninja."
"This has been the Hyuga clan's tradition for generations!" Hiashi's face darkened as he turned his sharp gaze to Tsunade. "Even the First Hokage did not question it at the time!"
"Hiashi, sit down for now," Tsunade said, her mood having significantly improved. Her tone softened. "This matter requires further discussion and consideration."
Perhaps out of envy or self-interest, several other clan heads chimed in to mediate.
"That's right, Hiashi. Don't be so hasty. We can discuss this thoroughly."
"Hiashi, I'm sure the Hokage will provide a resolution that satisfies everyone. There's no need to get overly agitated."
"Honestly, I've always felt your so-called Caged Bird Seal is inherently unfair!"
"Hey, don't pour fuel on the fire. Let's discuss this calmly."
Hiashi felt a tightness in his chest. He took a deep breath and reluctantly sat back down.
"Hokage-sama," he said, refusing to back down entirely, "the internal affairs of the Hyuga clan do not require the intervention of the Hokage or anyone present here."