Kiyo Hyuga and Hiashi Hyuga walked side by side on their way back. Although Hiashi was a generation older, he showed no trace of superiority before Kiyo. In terms of strength, achievements, and reputation, Kiyo far surpassed him within Konoha.
The only area where Hiashi had an edge was his status as the head of the main family.
But under Kiyo's Byakugan, even that felt fragile.
As they neared the Hyuga compound after leaving the Hokage building, Hiashi finally spoke.
"Kiyo, why did you speak out like that just now? Our Hyuga Clan has always..."
"Remained neutral, independent from external influence," Kiyo finished for him. "Now that the Uchiha are gone, many in our clan are calling us Konoha's foremost family. So even if we stay neutral, it should be the Hokage who seeks us out, not the other way around. Don't you agree, Uncle Hiashi?"
Hiashi frowned slightly. "If you understand that, then why did you do it anyway? Danzo has been rooted in Konoha for decades. Even if the Fifth Hokage strikes him down, her reputation can't compare to the First's. It won't be easy…"
"Uncle Hiashi, how long has it been since you've left the village?"
Kiyo asked suddenly. Compared to the branch family, she thought Hiashi was the true caged bird. The head family bore the burden of succession, and once confirmed as heir, their freedom was more limited than that of any other main branch. Even leaving the village was a struggle.
Hiashi's face darkened. "Why are you asking that? It's not related to what we're discussing."
"A bird that's never flown can't envision the skies ahead. Uncle Hiashi, you're unfit to lead the clan. In every way, you are the real caged bird."
Kiyo made her intentions plain. "When we return, call a clan assembly. I'll have people notify every branch and main family line."
With that, she quickened her pace and walked into the compound, leaving behind a stunned Hiashi. Only after a moment did he realize what she was implying.
In peaceful times, Hiashi's leadership posed no problem—steady, cautious, always prioritizing the clan's interests. He might not innovate, but he wouldn't bring harm either.
But now, oblivious to the shifts in the outside world, he still clung to outdated beliefs. If things continued this way, the Hyuga Clan would either decline or be slowly devoured by other clans.
Upon returning, Kiyo was warmly welcomed by many branch family members—not just from her own line, but others as well. They all respectfully addressed her as Fourth Elder. Though the campaign in the Land of Rain had ended in failure, her achievements were undeniable.
After instructing her followers to pass along word to all branch and main family lines about the upcoming assembly, Kiyo returned home for a bit.
She found Neji Hyuga practicing Gentle Fist. His training clothes were soaked with sweat, but he continued without pause. From the form of his strikes, he had already mastered Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. Although still rough in Kiyo's eyes, Neji was only eight years old.
"Neji, go change your clothes. You'll be attending the clan assembly with me."
She stopped him from continuing and went to her room.
There were many geniuses in the branch family. If they were granted access to secret techniques, the clan's strength could multiply in no time.
The Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm, as used by two Hyuga Jonin, saved chakra and enhanced its killing power two to three times. Most branch family Jonin relied on Sixty-Four Palms and their own taijutsu skills. While effective against Genin and Chunin, they were no match for other Jonin, who all had their own signature techniques.
Thus, branch Jonin often ended up in recon squads, using only the Byakugan for support.
Techniques like Rotation, Vacuum Palm, and Mountain-Crushing Strike—each of them powerful—were kept within the main family. If shared, the Hyuga Clan's battlefield reputation could rival even the Uchiha's.
After removing her flak jacket, Kiyo put on a white training robe typically worn during clan meetings. She tied her long hair behind her back and prepared to leave for Hiashi's estate.
"Kiyo."
Just as she was about to leave, her grandfather Zosuke Hyuga stopped her.
"You've made up your mind?"
Kiyo nodded solemnly. "Yes, Grandfather. I don't think the Hyuga Clan can continue like this."
"Then go, Kiyo. Whether you succeed or not, you are still the inheritor I am proudest of." Zosuke's Byakugan had grown clouded. Even with chakra, he could no longer activate it. But through those eyes, he saw a new future in Kiyo.
When the assembly began, three representatives from each branch family attended, alongside the heads of the five main lines. There were simply too many branch members; these three were elected to speak for them.
Neji sat beside Kiyo. On the main seat, Hiashi slightly lowered his head upon seeing Neji.
"Kiyo, did you call this assembly just to discuss your military merits?" asked the Grand Elder first. "If so, there's no need to gather so many people. Is there something else?"
Moreover, only the clan head had the right to call an assembly to discuss merit. While Kiyo was the chief contributor to the Land of Rain campaign, this move still seemed overstepping.
"It's not about merit. While the Hyuga did achieve much, in the end, Konoha lost. I doubt we'll receive many rewards."
Kiyo spoke calmly, her pale eyes sweeping across the room. Hiashi hadn't told the other elders her true purpose, but that didn't matter—she was about to.
"I believe Uncle Hiashi is no longer fit to lead. I propose we elect a new clan head. I will assume leadership of the Hyuga."
The room went silent. Aside from Hiashi, who had expected this, everyone else—elders and branch members alike—was stunned. It took a moment for them to react. Then, accusations poured in from three of the main family elders.
The Grand Elder's expression darkened. "Kiyo Hyuga, do you know what you're saying?"
The Third Elder, who rarely disagreed with her, also shook his head. "Arbitrarily changing the clan head—this has never happened in our history."
Sou Hyuga, who had long opposed Kiyo, seized the moment. "Your battlefield accomplishments don't justify this ambition! The Hyuga legacy spans nearly a thousand years—do you plan to destroy it?"
The branch family members hadn't recovered from their shock, but deep down, they hoped she might succeed.
Hiashi, too, remained silent. Even after Kiyo declared her intent, he only lowered his head slightly.
(End of Chapter)