Chapter 22 — Visiting the Hyūga (Part Two)
At those words, a faint, knowing smile surfaced on Hyūga Sōgo's weathered face—only to fade just as quickly. His expression soon returned to solemn composure as he answered with care:
"That is a question of great breadth. I would not dare speak rashly. Still, based on the shallow experience I have gained over these years of managing my clan… I believe the most important thing within any family is rules."
"Well said," Senju Morin exclaimed, lightly striking his palm in approval.
"Rules are indeed the indispensable foundation of every clan."
"The reason clans such as the Senju, Hyūga, and Uzumaki have endured for a thousand years," Morin continued, "is not merely the power granted by their bloodlines, but equally the strength of their rules."
"In my view, the Main Branch–Branch House system and the Caged Bird Seal passed down by your noble ancestors are precisely the true treasures that have allowed the Hyūga clan to flourish to this very day."
This was an implicit promise.
Senju Morin was signaling—without ever saying it outright—that should he become Hokage, he would never abuse the authority of the village to interfere with the Hyūga clan's most fundamental internal structure or its inherited system of succession.
Upon hearing this, Hyūga Sōgo's face finally broke into a full smile. He did not hesitate to voice his admiration:
"I had assumed that someone of your age, my lord, might possess sharp vigor but lack a deep understanding of the chronic burdens and difficulties inherent in maintaining a clan's legacy."
"But now it seems… I was the narrow-minded one. Your insight truly gives one pause for reconsideration."
Senju Morin laughed openly.
"Hahaha, Lord Sōgo is far too generous. I merely possesses a few clumsy opinions, picked up through long exposure within the clan—nothing more than borrowed wisdom from those who came before."
As their rapport warmed, the two spoke at length of various matters. Only then did Morin gradually steer the conversation toward the village.
"In Lord Sōgo's view," he asked gently,
"compared to the clan, what is the true essence of a village?"
Though Hyūga Sōgo still wore a smile, he did not give a direct answer this time. Instead, he demurred:
"I have managed my clan for decades and only thus gained a few shallow insights. As for governing a village—I have never done so even for a single day. I fear I am unqualified to answer."
Morin chuckled softly.
"Lord Sōgo is truly modest. In that case, perhaps I may offer a few unrefined thoughts of my own."
"I would be honored to hear them."
Hyūga Sōgo straightened unconsciously, his posture becoming solemn. Even his clouded eyes seemed to widen slightly.
He knew—the true centerpiece of this meeting had finally arrived.
Morin did not hesitate. He met Hyūga Sōgo's gaze head-on and spoke slowly, deliberately, each word clearly enunciated:
"In my view, it is the gathering of individual clans that forms Konoha. The clans are the village's most fundamental components, and the true nature of the village is, in essence, a larger family."
"Clan Head Tobirama's original intent in pushing reforms was undoubtedly good. Yet once those reforms were fully implemented, the results were not necessarily ideal. Progress and bold innovation are certainly inspiring—but preserving certain rules handed down by our ancestors is not inherently a bad thing."
"Just as the Senju and Hyūga clans have elders and house heads, Konoha itself should possess similar positions—roles entrusted to shinobi of outstanding merit and unquestionable reputation."
"I call these positions Advisors."
"The Senju and Hyūga are ancient clans with histories spanning a thousand years. What such time accumulates is not merely history, but wisdom and experience."
"And those things are indispensable to governing a village."
"If I am fortunate enough to succeed as the Third Hokage… would Lord Sōgo be willing to personally assist me?"
As Morin finished speaking, Hyūga Sōgo's expression shifted rapidly—first to shock, then disbelief. Even the tea within the bowl he held rippled faintly from his loss of composure. Yet in the very next instant, he regained control, and that surprise transformed into unmistakable joy. His voice rose despite himself, nearly breaching decorum:
"Is this truly so?! I would be deeply honored!"
Receiving this affirmative response, Senju Morin smiled faintly. He drained the remaining tea before him, set the bowl down with care, and leaned forward slightly—already signaling his intent to depart.
"Lord Sōgo, today's discussion has benefited me greatly. I shall not impose further."
Hyūga Sōgo responded solemnly:
"You honor us too much. It is we—the Hyūga—who should thank you for your trust. In the future, our two clans should remain in close contact."
Rather than clapping for attendants or gesturing for the house elders, Hyūga Sōgo stood up personally.
Morin rose at once as well, and the two departed the tea room one after the other.
What pleased Morin even more was that Hyūga Sōgo did not stop at the main entrance. Instead, he accompanied Morin through the winding corridors and courtyards, with the Hyūga house elders following closely behind.
Only upon reaching the gates of the clan compound did Morin finally speak:
"Lord Sōgo, esteemed elders—please, there is no need to see me further."
Hyūga Sōgo then halted and bowed in farewell.
"Safe travels, Lord Morin."
---
Hyūga Sōgo and the elders remained standing at the gates, watching Morin's retreating figure until it vanished completely from sight. Only then did they turn back.
Recalling every word and gesture from their meeting, Hyūga Sōgo could not help but sigh:
"The Senju clan truly breeds talent without end…"
Just as he turned to return to the estate, one of the house elders spoke cautiously from behind:
"The Senju's sincerity is indeed substantial. However, Jōnin Homura of the Mitokado clan has also delivered a formal invitation on behalf of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Perhaps it would be wise to meet with him before deciding—"
"Foolishness!"
Hyūga Sōgo erupted in fury, his voice sharp and merciless:
"The Senju are a clan of a thousand years, bearing the authority of both the First and Second Hokage! Who in Konoha does not hold them in awe?"
"The Sarutobi clan has existed for how long? Were it not for the Second Hokage's obstinacy, how could such a minor clan ever dream of claiming the Hokage's seat and ruling over us?"
"Furthermore, the Hyūga and Senju are both great noble clans—are we to haggle like market merchants?!"
"Excessive greed invites disaster!"
"Withdraw at once!"
Alongside Hyūga Sōgo's wrath burst forth a vast, overwhelming wave of chakra. The house elders instantly fell silent, terror plain on their faces. None dared speak further as they bowed deeply and retreated in unison.
"Yes!"
"We take our leave…"
In the end, this was a world ruled by shinobi.
And in such a world—no matter how rigid the hierarchy, no matter how ancient the customs—the most fundamental law remained unchanged:
Strength reigned supreme.