Hearing this, a subtle smile appeared on Hyuga Sogo's aged face, then quickly returned to calm, and he replied with a serious expression:
"This question is too grand for me to speak carelessly. However, based on my humble insights from managing the family over the years, the most important thing in a family is rules."
"Indeed! Rules are precisely the indispensable foundation of every family."
Senju Mori couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration, "The reason why the Senju, Hyuga, and Uzumaki Clans have been able to pass down for a thousand years without interruption, besides the power brought by their bloodline limits, is that the role of rules should never be underestimated."
"In my opinion, the Main Family and Branch Family system and the Caged Bird Seal Jutsu left behind by your clan's ancestors are the true treasures that allow your clan to prosper even more to this day."
Senju Mori was implicitly making a promise to Hyuga Sogo.
Once he became Hokage, he would never use the power granted to him by the Village to rashly interfere with the Hyuga Clan's most fundamental family structure and inheritance system.
Hearing these words, Hyuga Sogo's aged face finally broke into a full smile, and he expressed his appreciation without reservation:
"This old man originally thought that someone of your age, while full of vigor, might not be able to fully appreciate the chronic ailments and difficulties of family inheritance."
"Now it seems... this old man was narrow-minded. Your insights are truly remarkable."
Senju Mori, on the other hand, burst into hearty laughter:
"Hahahaha, Excellency So-go, you truly flatter me. Although Mori has some humble opinions, most of them were acquired through immersion in the family; I am merely repeating the wisdom of my predecessors."
As the atmosphere between the two grew more lively, and after a good deal of conversation, Senju Mori then steered the topic towards the "Village."
"In Excellency So-go's opinion, what is the essence of the Village compared to a family?"
At this moment, although Hyuga Sogo was smiling, he did not give a precise answer again, but demurred:
"This old man has managed the family for decades and only has some minor insights. I have not managed the Village for even a day, so it is truly difficult to answer."
Senju Mori also smiled, "Excellency So-go is truly modest. However, since that is the case, I do have some humble opinions."
"I'd like to hear them."
Hyuga Sogo sat up straight and perked his ears, his cloudy eyes seemingly widening a bit instantly. He knew the real main event was coming.
Senju Mori met Hyuga Sogo's gaze without hesitation and said, word by word:
"In my opinion, it is the gathering of various Ninja Clans that formed Konoha. Ninja Clans are the most important components of the Village, and the essence of the Village is actually a larger family."
"Clan Head Tobirama's initial intention for reforms was certainly good, but the effects produced after implementation were not necessarily satisfactory. While the spirit of bold advancement is inspiring, adhering to some rules passed down by our ancestors is not necessarily a bad thing."
"Just like the Senju and Hyuga Clans, Konoha Village should also have positions similar to 'clan elders' and 'family elders,' and these should be granted to Ninja of outstanding merit and high prestige."
"I call them Advisors."
"The Senju and Hyuga are ancient families with a thousand-year history. The long passage of time has accumulated not only history but also valuable wisdom and experience."
"And this is indispensable in the management of the Village."
"If I am fortunate enough to succeed to the position of Third Hokage, would Excellency So-go be willing to personally help me?"
After Senju Mori finished speaking, Hyuga Sogo's expression first showed shock and surprise, and even the teacup in his hand uncontrollably rippled slightly.
But then, Hyuga Sogo's expression regained control in a very short time and quickly transformed into an undisguised delight, raising his voice a few decibels almost impolitely, saying:
"Is that true?! This old man is deeply honored!"
After receiving an affirmative reply from the other party, Senju Mori, with a slight smile, drank the tea in front of him. After placing the teacup back in its original spot, he leaned forward slightly, already preparing to take his leave.
"Excellency So-go, this conversation today has truly benefited me greatly. I will not trouble you any further."
Hearing this, Hyuga Sogo responded with a solemn expression:
"You speak too highly, it is I and the Hyuga who should thank you for your trust. In the future, our two clans should interact more often."
With that, he did not clap his hands to summon a servant or signal the Main Family Elder behind him, but personally stood up.
Senju Mori also immediately rose, and the two walked out of the tearoom, one after the other.
What made Senju Mori's smile even wider was that Hyuga Sogo did not stop at the entrance of the main residence, but accompanied him all the way through the winding corridors and courtyards, with a group of Hyuga Main Family Elders following closely behind them.
Upon reaching the main gate of the clan compound, Senju Mori took the initiative to say, "Excellency So-go, everyone, please stop here."
Hyuga Sogo finally stopped, bowed, and said goodbye, "Excellency Mori, please take care."
...Hyuga Sogo and the others stood at the entrance of the Hyuga Clan compound, watching Senju Mori's back gradually recede until he completely disappeared from sight, only then did they finally withdraw their gaze.
Recalling every word, action, and gesture of Senju Mori during their meeting, Hyuga Sogo ultimately couldn't help but sigh:
"The Senju Clan truly produces outstanding talents..."
Just as Hyuga Sogo was about to return to his residence, he suddenly heard the voice of a Hyuga family elder behind him:
"The Senju Clan's sincerity is indeed profound, but Jonin Homura of the Mito Clan has also personally delivered a calling card. Clan Head-sama might consider meeting with Jonin Hiruzen before making a decision..."
"Nonsense!"
Hyuga Sogo erupted in anger, sharply reprimanding without mercy, "The senju of the forest is a renowned clan of a thousand years, possessing the prestige of the First and Nidaime(2nd)-sama. Who in Konoha doesn't respect them?"
"How many years has the Sarutobi Clan been established? If not for Nidaime(2nd)-sama's stubbornness, how could such a small clan be qualified to aspire to the position of Hokage and lead us!"
"Moreover, our Hyuga and the Senju are both prominent clans. Are we to haggle like common merchants?!"
"Excessive greed will lead to disaster!"
"Now, withdraw!"
Along with Hyuga Sogo's anger, an extremely vast and magnificent Chakra also erupted, causing the many family elders present to fall silent, not daring to say another word, and they all bowed in response before departing.
"Yes!"
"We take our leave..."
There was no other way; in this Ninja world with extraordinary powers, the most fundamental rule was, after all, that strength reigned supreme.
Even a rigid family like the Hyuga Clan, with its strict rules and clear hierarchy, could not completely deviate from this rule.
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