CHAPTER 201: CHAPTER 201: I, HYUGA HIZASHI, DIDN’T PLAN ON LEAVING ALIVE

Merit?

The elders’ eyes widened, each one fuming, looking very angry. What merit does Hyuga Hizashi have? But Hyuga Satoshi, who had been sent flying by a single blow, was now lying on the ground in a sorry state, just short of having a few branch family disciples drag him out. What more could they say? Each one of them was as silent as a winter cicada.

An old man stood up. He was the great elder of the Hyuga main family, his status even higher than Hyuga Kisai’s, his name was Hyuga Kōkaku. Previously, Hyuga Kōkaku had been sitting there without speaking, only now did he feel compelled to stand up. He had to stand up. Everyone knew that behind Hyuga Hizashi was actually Hyuga Hiashi. To put it bluntly, Hyuga Hizashi was just charging forward like a madman for his brother’s and his own interests. If he didn’t stand up, the future of the main family might not be the same as it was now.

He spoke, his voice impassioned.

"He is trying to dig up the roots of our Hyuga clan! If this continues, the main family will no longer be the main family, and the branch family will no longer be the branch family. The excellent system left by our ancestors that has lasted for hundreds of years will be abolished!"

"Do you still think this is a good thing?"

"Hyuga Kisai, are you going to watch our Hyuga clan walk into a desperate situation?!"

Another old man stood up, his face full of anger. Hyuga Hizashi glanced at him, then pointed at the notebook.

"This notebook also has records and accusations of Elder Kōkaku’s family bullying branch family disciples. Your child even nearly killed a child from the branch family..."

Hyuga Hizashi questioned loudly. He had no way back. Either he would die on the charge, leaving behind a good name for dying for the branch family and inspiring the branch family’s will to resist, or he would continue down this path until he succeeded! There was only advance, no retreat; only death, no life!

He looked at Hyuga Kisai.

"In addition, Elder Kisai has been responsible for teaching the family’s taijutsu and secret techniques for all these years, teaching very many children to become talented. Elder Kōkaku, what have you done for the family? And what positive things have you all done for the family?"

Hyuga Kōkaku slammed his cane on the ground with a "bang."

"You! Ignorant child, how could you possibly know the contributions this old man has made to the family!"

The other elders immediately began to complain of injustice. They couldn’t back down either. One step back... and it would be a bottomless abyss!

Hyuga Hiashi glanced at his younger brother thoughtfully, then maintained his calm and composure. When the voices had filled the hall, he lightly tapped the table.

"What are you arguing about?"

He said faintly, "Who has merit and who has none, everyone can see for themselves. It’s not a competition of who is louder. But one thing is commonly acknowledged, Elder Kisai, you have worked your heart out for the family all these years. Everyone knows that."

Hyuga Kisai secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"This old one thanks the Clan Head-sama!"

Hyuga Hiashi’s meaning was that as long as he didn’t act foolishly, he would basically be fine. He naturally wouldn’t act foolishly. In these two years, the abilities and tacit understanding of the Hiashi brothers were plain to see. These old bones of theirs were no match for them in a battle of wits. In terms of strength, Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi were both geniuses among the young. The two of them together were more than enough to deal with these people whose abilities were declining. Moreover, given the policies of the Hiashi brothers, if there were a real civil war, the branch family would definitely stand on their side.

Hyuga Hiashi turned his head towards him.

"Then let Elder Kisai speak. Do you think there is a problem with the current main family?"

Hyuga Kisai took a deep breath, stood up, and nodded lightly. Just as he was about to speak, Hyuga Kōkaku said sharply.

"Kisai, think carefully! This matter is not just about personal interests, but also concerns the continuation and survival of the family!"

He looked at Hyuga Hiashi, first bowing, then said, "This old man does have selfish intentions, but it is more for the sake of the family. The main family has its reason for existence. Directly abolishing it would be greatly detrimental to the family!"

Hyuga Hiashi waved his hand, his attitude indifferent.

"Elder Kōkaku, don’t be anxious first. Let Kisai share his thoughts."

Although he didn’t say it outright, his attitude had already shown everything. Hyuga Kōkaku wanted to say more, but a cold glance instantly shut him up, and he sat down resentfully.

Hyuga Hizashi sneered in his heart. He had come here with his head on the line. He knew his brother all too well. If the situation was unfavorable to them, Hyuga Hiashi would not hesitate to sacrifice him to exchange for the family’s peace and stability. At that time, the source of all the chaos would be him, Hyuga Hizashi, who was not satisfied with his status in the branch family and created a struggle for ambition. If he couldn’t successfully break out a path, he would most likely die here today.

Did the elders have such an awareness? Obviously—no. At least, with Hyuga Satoshi as a precedent, no one dared to test Hyuga Hiashi’s bottom line at this moment.

Hyuga Kisai swept his gaze around, then cleared his throat.

"Well, since the Clan Head-sama has asked, I will say some of my own views."

"The main family is definitely necessary. Not every generation’s clan head is as wise as you, and the existence of the main family elders is to ensure the stable continuation of the family as much as possible."

"This point cannot be erased."

Hyuga Kisai summarized. Elder Kisai is still an honest man! Several elders slowly nodded, praising him in their hearts. Although Kisai’s act of madly flattering was shameful, what he said was still relatively fair and pleasant to the ear, not completely biased towards the Hiashi brothers.

Hizashi’s face was expressionless, showing no ripples. As for Hiashi, he was even calmer. What was said at the beginning was meaningless; what wasn’t said at the end was the key.

As expected. After a moment’s pause, Kisai’s tone changed.

"But what Hizashi said is not without reason. What happened before is enough to illustrate the problem."

"So, I think the main family’s system does have flaws, but it cannot be abolished!"

As he spoke, he bowed and slowly sat down.

Hyuga Hiashi nodded with a smile.

"Elder Kisai is indeed the cornerstone of our family. You hit the nail on the head with just a few words. Hizashi, you heard it too. The main family and the elder system have their merits. How can they all be abolished?"

Hizashi spoke, his tone firm, determined to rebel from below.

"The branch family also has its merits. The branch family can also advise the Clan Head-sama. Just like now, I, Hizashi, am willing to risk my life to clear out the unhealthy trends in the main family!"

Hiashi was very happy, but on the surface, he still sighed.

"The sacrifices of the branch family, we have all seen. The main family will naturally not forget your contributions. For these people to take whatever they want from the branch family, they have really forgotten the original meaning of our ancestors setting up the branch family."

"From this, it can be seen that the problem with the main family is huge. The current system is by no means the best method. Our ancestors set the rules to allow the family to continue. If it can be beneficial to the family’s growth and continuation, then reform is very necessary!"

Speaking of which, Hyuga Hiashi’s tone was impassioned.

"The times are changing, and the Hyuga clan must also change!"

"Hiashi-sama, our Hyuga family is considered the number one prominent clan in Konoha. Why not imitate the village’s structure, set up different positions, and determine the number of elders and main family members by position? Those who are unqualified will all be eliminated and become branch family members."

Hyuga Hizashi’s tone was cold. He looked around, a grin on his face.

"The meaning of the branch family is to protect the main family, but we can’t protect a bunch of ungrateful wastes. And competition is also a kind of spur. I believe this will be better for the family too!"

The whole room was silent. The difference was that Hyuga Hiashi was quiet to observe the attitude of others, while the other elders were completely stunned. How could they not understand—Hiashi and Hizashi said so much, not to abolish the positions of the main family and elders, but to redefine them.

In the future... their "main family lineage" could no longer be passed down from generation to generation. Instead, the outstanding children of each generation and each lineage would become the main family, and the less capable children would flow into the branch family. Such a system would not shake the foundation of the Hyuga clan. After all, all disputes would be resolved and digested within the clan. Externally, the branch family was still the branch family, and the main family was still the main family; there was no change. In addition, the main family needed to do more... no longer enjoying treatment and status without having to contribute anything.

Everyone looked at each other, at a loss for how to retort for a moment. The first to react was Hyuga Kisai. He quickly realized that such a fluid main and branch family would be very beneficial to the entire Hyuga clan! The branch family members could see hope. And the main family, they couldn’t just rest easy at home just because of their birth. But...

Kisai asked.

"The rules are good, but how do we define them for each generation?"

Hiashi said, "That’s simple. 10 years old. This is the time when most in the family awaken their eyes and master the Gentle Fist and secret techniques. Who is outstanding and who is weak will be known at a glance! We will select the most outstanding few to serve. Of course, only one person can come from one family, that’s for sure. If there are more outstanding children, they can also be considered for joining the main family, learning more powerful secret techniques and Gentle Fist, even the Rotation..."

Obviously, Hyuga Hiashi had thought about it long ago. It was just that he was unwilling to say it himself, preferring to have Hizashi or Kisai charge forward. In this way, regardless of success or failure, he would have options. Step by step, he would open up and transition until a relatively perfect state was reached.

Hiashi asked.

"I’ve said my piece. This should be a good plan. Hizashi, Elder Kisai, do you have any objections?"

Hizashi lowered his head.

"No, Hiashi-sama is wise!"

Kisai also nodded in agreement—if he didn’t agree, a fist might come crashing down on him the next second!

Hiashi looked at the others.

"What about you?"

Everyone looked at each other. This... how to answer? Everyone looked at Hyuga Kōkaku.

"Great Elder."

??? Hyuga Kōkaku’s face was twisted with anger. What? At a time like this, all of you are cowering? So Hiashi was right, the main family has raised a bunch of wastes! He was so angry that his body swayed, and he almost fell. He managed to steady himself by grabbing a chair on the side. After a few deep breaths, Kōkaku’s face was red.

"Since the Clan Head-sama thinks it’s feasible, this old man has nothing more to say. Anyway, this old man is already halfway in the grave and has no more attachment to power."

"As for my child... he has no ability. Maybe he can contribute to the family in the branch family. You can do as you see fit!"

Hyuga Kōkaku spoke, then waved his sleeve, shaking off a pig-like teammate, and angrily stood up to leave. Walking to Hyuga Satoshi’s side, he sighed and helped him up.

"Hiashi-sama, I’ll take him for treatment. He is, after all, a member of our Hyuga family. We can’t just let him go like this."

Hiashi’s tone also became respectful.

"Go ahead, Great Elder."

Compared to the others, Kōkaku still had some backbone and ability. Hyuga Kōkaku waved his hand. He admitted defeat and left with dignity and decisiveness. Hiashi was also willing to give him face and let him go with dignity and peace. But the others. He sneered inwardly, then stood up.

"If there’s nothing else, it’s decided. Anyone who disagrees can speak up now. If I find out after today that someone has, without authorization, used the Caged Bird curse mark to threaten the branch family, I will show no mercy!"

Hizashi smiled.

"If I, Hyuga Hizashi, were afraid, I wouldn’t be standing here today!"

He swept his gaze around and said faintly, "For the Hyuga family, for the branch family, I have already put life and death aside. Everyone can come at me!"

To exchange one person’s death for the future of the branch family, the life of his child. He was more than willing!

Hyuga Kisai looked at Hyuga Hizashi, a trace of admiration rising in his heart. Although Hiashi’s methods were skillful, Hizashi was also extraordinary, completely fearless of death—reform needed such a person! If not for Hizashi, Hiashi alone would definitely not have been able to accomplish such a thing. Hiashi... it wasn’t that Kisai was belittling him. Hiashi was certainly talented, but his temperament was conservative, by no means a pioneer. And Hizashi happened to have such drive and ruthlessness. Only with the two of them cooperating could this matter be accomplished. Otherwise, with just one of them, these elders of the main family would not have been suppressed.

He stood up.

"Hiashi-sama, this matter is of great importance. After setting the tone, we still need to plan for the long term and slowly discuss the process and positions. We cannot be too hasty."

Hyuga Hiashi nodded.

"Elder Kisai is right. That’s what I mean too. What positions should be set in the future, how you all should contribute to the family, all need to have a charter drawn up."

"The future Hyuga main family, the capable will rise, the weak will fall. We don’t need incompetent people!"

"Yes!"

***

"Hyuga Hizashi’s side, I wonder what the situation is." Ryoho Kyohiko held a string of data, pondering in his heart. He was still quite concerned about Hizashi’s matter. The current Hyuga family was like a pool of stagnant water. Although strong, it lacked the upward fighting spirit. This was also the reason why the Hyuga clan hadn’t produced a Kage-level powerhouse for many years. If the Hyuga family could be mobilized and become a living stream, then the Hyuga would definitely become a truly prominent clan no weaker than the Uchiha—after all, even among the Uchiha, not everyone possessed the Mangekyo. Above the Mangekyo was even rarer. The Hyuga clan, relatively speaking, had the advantage of awakening their eyes more easily. If they could roll up their strength, their potential would be immense.

Kyohiko was pondering when a prompt sounded.

[Under your guidance and influence, the Hyuga clan has begun the initial reform of the main and branch families.]

[Reward: Your constitution has been enhanced.]