More than half a month had passed.
During this time, Neji, Rock Lee, and Tenten had gone together to the Ninja Association to register for membership. As registered Chunin of Konoha, they were exempted from the typical assessment procedures.
Under the guidance of Might Guy, the three of them undertook a B-rank escort mission: accompanying a noble from the Land of Grass back to the village. Along the way, they encountered a group of bandits and several rogue ninjas—but all threats were swiftly eliminated.
Despite the successful missions, the dull routine and the pressing need to liberate the branch family made each day feel heavier for Neji. Time seemed harder and harder to endure. But finally, the long-awaited experimental mission from the Konoha Scientific Ninjutsu Research Institute was approved by Lady Tsunade and officially released.
That morning, after receiving the official commission from the Hokage's office, Hiashi returned to the Hyuga compound. Without delay, he summoned the elders of the main family and convened an emergency clan meeting in the ancestral hall.
The hall was vast and solemn, its ceiling lined with the memorial tablets of Hyuga clan leaders and elders from generations past. Rows of white candles burned steadily, emitting curling streams of pale smoke.
Hiashi sat at the center, with eight elders seated on either side. After performing the customary bows to the ancestral tablets, the meeting began.
"Honored elders," Hiashi spoke, "an hour ago, the Hokage issued a high-priority mission specifically assigned to the Hyuga clan. The initiators are none other than the Second Hokage, Lord Tobirama, and the head of the Scientific Research Institute, Orochimaru."
As soon as Hiashi finished speaking, the First Elder snorted and replied coldly.
"If it was issued by those two, then what is there to discuss? The Hyuga should simply accept it. Why waste time calling a meeting?"
"As clan head, are you not capable of handling such trivial matters yourself? How do you expect to lead the clan in the future if you can't even make basic decisions?"
The First Elder's words were laced with contempt and clearly meant to undermine Hiashi's authority. Nonetheless, several other elders nodded along in agreement.
The Fourth Elder added, "Hiashi, while the First Elder's tone may be harsh, his point is valid. You're the clan leader—you should take responsibility. We old men can't keep being summoned to these impromptu meetings every time."
The Eighth Elder chimed in as well, "While the First and Fourth Elders make good points, Hiashi hasn't even told us what the mission is yet. Why are we so quick to judge? We watched Hiashi grow up. Let's hear him out first."
The three elders, in turn, undercut Hiashi's authority while subtly reaffirming their own status as elders. Their tone was condescending, but among the Hyuga, such posturing was far from unusual. Even those who had found the First Elder's tone objectionable nodded in agreement after hearing the Eighth Elder's seemingly reasonable suggestion. After all, they were elders~
Hiashi forced down the irritation bubbling inside him and replied with a composed smile.
"What you've said is fair. It's precisely because you are the clan's elders that I've called for your wisdom today."
"Without your guidance and care, I wouldn't be where I am now."
"But this mission is extremely important. It was initiated by Uchiha Hikaru, who personally requested Orochimaru to research firearms. Even Lord Tobirama considers it a critical matter and is personally involved."
"Such a significant task cannot be decided on lightly—I must seek your input."
The elders smiled with satisfaction at Hiashi's respectful words. But as soon as they heard who was behind the mission, the expressions of the First, Third, and Eighth Elders darkened.
Hikaru again?
That damn Uchiha—just because he's strong, he thinks he can dictate everything? He's only in the same position as Hiashi—an assistant to the Hokage. What gives him the right to meddle in Hyuga affairs? Isn't he only where he is today because of his relationship with Lady Tsunade?
The other elders, however, suddenly went quiet. Only the Second Elder calmly took a sip of tea before speaking.
"Hiashi, tell us the mission details. If Uchiha Hikaru is involved, the Hyuga must not treat this lightly."
"If the Hokage's office chose our clan to carry this out, there must be a reason. To reject it now would be a direct provocation against Konoha."
"And if things go badly... we might end up like the Uchiha Clan did."
The Second Elder's words immediately made the First, Third, and Eighth Elders nod like pecking chickens.
A smile crept onto Hiashi's face. His uncle, the Second Elder, might be old-fashioned, but he remained level-headed and loyal.
More importantly, his words reminded the other elders of something they'd overlooked: Hiashi had Uchiha Hikaru's backing. That alone made his words carry weight.
Hiashi took the opportunity to recount the events—how Neji had invented the prototype firearm, how it had caught Hikaru's attention, and how Orochimaru had taken it for research.
"This morning, I met with Lord Tobirama. For the first time, I saw genuine excitement in his expression. It's clear he believes this weapon has vast potential."
"He requested that our Hyuga clan dispatch at least two hundred Byakugan users to the plains outside Konoha for a live test of the weaponry."
"Lord Tobirama and Orochimaru will personally supervise the mission, improving the design and guiding the shinobi in real time."
"I wish to personally oversee the mission. What are your thoughts?"
The room fell into a long silence. This mission struck at the heart of the Hyuga's most treasured tradition: the Gentle Fist.
After a heavy pause, the First Elder finally spoke.
"Let's hear everyone's opinions. I need a moment to consider. As you know, even Hinata abandoned the Gentle Fist for archery."
"I never expected that even these crude firearms would draw the attention of such powerful figures… all from something a branch family member cobbled together. Hmph."
He shook his head and said no more.
All eyes turned to the Eighth Elder. Feeling the stares—and a pointed look from the First Elder—he understood what was expected of him.
Feigning outrage, he slammed his sleeve down and raised his voice.
"Two hundred shinobi?! Isn't that excessive? Are they trying to crush the Hyuga?"
"Since Tsunade became Hokage three years ago, every ninja has had to register. Our clan has just over a thousand members—half of them are stationed along the Fire Country's borders."
"That leaves barely five hundred in the village—and now we're being asked to send two hundred of them? All from the branch families?!"
"What's next—sending out the main family too?"
"And what if we lose more Byakugan in the process? Isn't Uchiha Hikaru supposed to be the strongest shinobi in the world? Can't he handle this 'small matter' himself?!"
"Or are we about to repeat the humiliation of the Third Great Ninja War?!"
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