The Patriarch cleared his throat. "Tomorrow, we begin preparations. At first light the following day, we move. No excuses."
Some of the clan members exchanged doubtful glances. One of the older men muttered, "Moving the entire family so soon? We barely have enough provisions as it is…"
A younger shinobi leaned forward, frowning. "Not to mention, our scouts said the roads are crawling with bandits. If we move in one group, we'll stand out like a beacon."
Another spoke up, her voice hesitant. "But if we don't move, we'll starve. The crops are ruined… we can't stay here forever."
The Patriarch raised a hand, silencing them. "I have already decided. Complaints won't change the situation." His tone was final, his sharp eyes scanning the room.
One of the loyalists quickly bowed. "Of course, Patriarch. We'll obey."
Still, murmurs rippled through the group.
"This is madness…" one man whispered to his friend.
"But what choice do we have? He won't listen," the friend replied quietly.
The Patriarch's hand twitched toward the dismissal gesture, ready to end the meeting.
"Patriarch, wait." My voice cut through the low murmurs of the clan members. Their eyes shifted toward me, some narrowing with suspicion, others widening in curiosity.
The Patriarch raised a brow, clearly irritated. "What is it? Speak quickly."
"I think what you're doing is idiotic."
The room froze. Every eye turned toward me.
"What?" The Patriarch's voice was cold, dangerously sharp.
I didn't flinch. I raised my voice so all Hatake could hear. "You heard me right. You're an idiot. And worse—you're not fit to lead anymore!"
The Patriarch's face darkened, and his hand twitched toward his blade. For a moment, it seemed he would cut me down where I stood. But then I saw it in his eyes—hesitation. He remembered, his loyal Jōnin protectors, the pillars of his authority, were all gone. Now only he and I stood as the strongest in the clan.
That hesitation was all I needed.
"This is treachery!" the Patriarch roared.
"You call it treachery—" I laughed harshly, "—but I call it survival. Your way will lead us to extinction. My way will lead us to power. Choose, Hatake! Do you want to follow this coward who hides while you bleed? Or follow me, and together we will build something greater than a clan!
The word echoed through the chamber. Some of the Hatake blinked, confused. A few murmured among themselves, voices uncertain.
Jeno, ever the barking dog, couldn't hold back. He drew his blade with a snarl. "You bastard! I'll kill you here and now!"
But he froze. His hands trembled as the weight of my killing intent crashed over him like a wave. He realized too late that he wasn't even close to my level. He stepped back, sweat beading on his brow.
I smirked at his weakness. "Sit down, boy. The adults are speaking."
The tension snapped like dry wood. The clansmen had to choose. One of the younger children—barely old enough to hold a practice blade—hesitated, then stepped toward me. His two friends pulled at his sleeve desperately. "Don't! Stay with us!" But he shook them off and crossed the room.
I put a hand on his shoulder, smiling at the sight. "Good. You'll remember this moment one day."
In the end, the choice was made: five remained loyal to the Patriarch, their faces twisted with rage. Four others crossed to my side, their eyes heavy with determination. Ten stood frozen in the middle, paralyzed by fear.
Patriarch's fury boiled over. "You dare divide the Hatake!? You dare split our bloodline!?"
I spread my arms wide, my laughter ringing through the hall. "No. I don't divide us. I save us. And if you can't see that… then you're already dead."
The clansmen gasped. My bold words cut deeper than any blade. And though my breathing techniques were still unrefined, my greatest weapon—my ability to act, to command, to inspire—had already turned the tide.
Right after the meeting ended, I noticed that not many were willing to stand by my side. In the end, only five stepped forward. Including myself, that made six. A small number compared to the rest of the clan—but numbers did not matter. What mattered was loyalty, and the will to follow me even when the future seemed uncertain.
The wealth of the clan was also divided among us. My share came to about twenty million ryō. Not a small sum, especially for a clan that was fated to collapse. Despite its doomed future, the Hatake name had amassed considerable riches from generations of missions, both honorable and bloody. Now, those resources would fuel my path forward.
But wealth wasn't the only thing I inherited. In my possession now rested the treasured Sword of the Hatake Clan. Unlike my old blade, which was nothing more than a common weapon, this sword carried history. Its steel gleamed faintly as though it carried the will of the clan itself. It was not just a weapon—it was a legacy, and now, it was mine to wield.
Alongside the blade, I received a map of the world, detailing lands and routes that would be crucial for what was to come. And most importantly, I obtained a manual for the Seven Gates technique. A forbidden path, dangerous and demanding, but one that could elevate a man's strength beyond mortal limits. To me, it was perfect. With my knowledge of the Breathing Styles, I could see the potential of fusing both disciplines into something greater.
The five who chose to follow me remained quiet, their eyes filled with uncertainty. They did not yet understand why I was so calm, why I spoke with such conviction. But trust was already planted in their hearts, and for now, that was enough.
Including me, we were six. Six who would carry the name of the Hatake. Six who would forge a new future, even if the clan itself was destined to be erased from history.
The future of the Hatake Family began here—with us.
After the division of the clan's wealth, the Patriarch nearly lost his mind. He couldn't stand the fact that I had taken such a large portion of resources and treasures. Because of that, he rushed the preparations for departure, forcing everyone else to hastily gather their belongings and set out. Soon enough, the rest of the clan was marching toward the Land of Fire, determined to cling to whatever fate awaited them there.
I, however, remained behind. My reasons were clear—I had no intention of rushing blindly into danger. I needed time to plan, to gather information, and to decide the path forward for the ones who chose to stay with me. Unlike the Patriarch, I wasn't blinded by pride or desperation.
As we watched the others disappear into the distance, one of my companions broke the silence. She was the only woman who had chosen to follow me, her expression showing both worry and determination.
"Do you think they'll be alright?" she asked softly.
I looked at her for a long moment before answering. "I'm not sure. The journey is dangerous, especially at night. But they're stubborn—especially the Patriarch. He'll drag them forward even if it kills them."
She nodded, though I could see the conflict in her eyes. Then, curious, I asked, "What's your name?"
Her lips curved into a small, almost shy smile before she answered, "Dana Hatake."