February 26th, 9:00 PM.
A crescent moon hung suspended in the sky, casting a fickle, freezing radiance down upon Konoha Village through the fissures of a flowing ocean of nocturnal clouds.
The wind blew fiercely tonight, and the clouds hung heavy. The howling spring wind of February cut like knives, chiseling pain into anyone's exposed face.
Four elderly figures dressed in pure garments designated for ritual purification traversed the deserted streets. Approaching from several different directions across the Hyuga compound, they converged toward the center of the clan territory, heading straight for the main house estate.
The attire they wore consisted of ritual robes reserved for divine affairs. Similar in design to a karaginu-mo, the garments were patternless, predominantly pristine white, and paired with pitch-black tall hats. Generally, only individuals of towering status within the Hyuga clan would don this garb, and even then, only during major festivals or ancestral rites.
Yet today was no festival, nor was there any momentous occasion. On the contrary, it was only yesterday that the dignity of the Hyuga main house had been ground into the dirt and trampled into utter worthlessness by Hyuga Yu, a member born of the branch house.
So, what exactly were they here for?
Veiled by the cover of night, the line of elderly figures quickly arrived before the gates of Hiashi Hyuga's estate and knocked softly. Before long, a servant of the main house opened the gates, exposing the internal vista of the massive main house manor. Circular ponds, pavilions, ornamental rockeries, and rectangular courtyards were seamlessly interconnected by covered corridors and opposing wings—a landscape that managed to be simultaneously understated, restrained, and luxurious to the absolute extreme.
The only slight anomaly... was that quite a few festive shimenawa decorations had been hung along the courtyards and corridors.
After entering the main house estate, the several elders dismissed the servants, traversed the corridors, and quickly made their way into the hiroma at the front of the manor—a spacious room typically used in Japanese estates to entertain guests or host grand banquets.
Inside the room, at the head of the low rectangular table arranged in the center, Hiashi Hyuga saw the arrival of the several main house elders. A smile instantly broke across his face as he gestured toward the array of exquisite dishes coating the table. "Elders, please, take your seats!"
"Tonight, we must drink to our hearts' content and not stop until we are thoroughly drunk."
Hyuga Sukesuke, Hyuga Sukesato, Hyuga Sukemitsu, and Hyuga Sukeconstant.
Excluding Hyuga Sukedo, who was currently undergoing brutal interrogation at the hands of the Foundation, and Hyuga Sukehiro, who had claimed illness due to his severe injuries and failed to show, the high echelon of the Hyuga main house was once again fully assembled. [Translator's Note: Standard romanized names for these minor, non-canon elders: Hyuga Sukesuke (崇介), Hyuga Sukesato (崇悟), Hyuga Sukemitsu (崇光), and Hyuga Sukeconstant/Suketsune (崇恒).]
At this moment, upon hearing Hiashi Hyuga's words, the four main house elders couldn't help but trade looks, staring at one another in sheer bewilderment.
They had received a notice from Hiashi Hyuga summoning them to participate in a clan meeting, which was why they had dressed so formally. They had assumed Hiashi Hyuga wanted to deliberate over the matter of Hizashi Hyuga's public declaration to challenge the clan head tomorrow—a challenge that also extended to the Foundation's Tennin in a forceful bid to seize power through the upcoming "Tennin Rivalry."
Furthermore, regarding how the main house should face Hyuga Yu—who was terrifyingly powerful and had physically shattered the Caged Bird—as well as the sudden emergence of Hizashi Hyuga, who claimed to be the Tennin, the several elders had been thoroughly anxiety-ridden and restless ever since witnessing Hyuga Sukedo's tragic fate.
Yet, at this very moment, they failed to detect even a shred of anxiety on Hiashi Hyuga's face. On the contrary... his brow radiated a sense of ease and gratification. He was even warmly ushering them to take their seats and savor a table full of fine wine and delicacies.
To put it in a way that was far easier to comprehend—
With a massive catastrophe looming over his head, Hiashi Hyuga was not only devoid of panic, but he was essentially popping champagne halfway through the match.
Their hearts pounding with unease, the several elders were forcefully pulled into their seats by Hiashi Hyuga. Soon, the elder named Hyuga Sukesuke—the very same one who had collided with Hyuga Yu yesterday—spoke up, his face masked in deep worry. "Clan Head, are you... truly not worried about tomorrow's events?"
"Since Hizashi Hyuga intends to challenge you, he has naturally come prepared. And furthermore... he even intends to challenge Hyuga Yu."
"Whether his challenge succeeds or fails is irrelevant. The more critical point is—"
"Hyuga Yu might return to the Hyuga clan because of this matter. When that time comes, how are we supposed to face him... and how will he deal with us?"
"Are you truly not worried in the slightest?"
"Worried?" An exceptionally bizarre smile surfaced on Hiashi Hyuga's face. "What is there to be worried about?"
He hoisted a cup of sake, draining it in a single gulp. Then, adopting a wild, unconstrained posture that differed entirely from his past demeanor as a dignified clan head, he sat cross-legged at the head of the table. Staring directly at Hyuga Sukesuke, he let out a mocking scoff and spoke in a low, rumbling voice, "Elder Sukesuke, do you mean to tell me you don't harbor even a shred of resentment toward Hyuga Yu, the boy who slaughtered your son and plundered his eyes?"
"I... I..."
Hyuga Sukesuke was rendered completely speechless by the question. Naturally, he harbored resentment in his heart. But for a political creature like him who lived solely amidst power and wealth, what use was resentment?
Could it help him earn a few tens of millions of ryo more, or could it help him acquire a few more properties?
Besides, it wasn't as if he only had one son. Now that Hyuga Tokumitsu was dead, the succession line for his branch of the main house fell squarely upon his second son, Hyuga科. Even though Hyuga科 had been branded with the Caged Bird, what of it? Once Hyuga科's offspring were born, wouldn't they simply add another flawless main house member to his lineage?
Compared to the tangible interests he held in his hands, how much was his resentment even worth?
"I... I naturally harbor resentment." Hyuga Sukesuke lowered his head, choosing not to argue with the all-powerful Hiashi Hyuga as he lifted his cup and took a small sip of the sake.
"Exactly."
Hiashi Hyuga let out a low chuckle. Looking around at the several elders, he refilled his cup once more. He raised his glass to the old fools before him, who in his eyes looked less like human beings and more like monsters entirely blinded by their obsession with authority. "Come, Elders. Let us drink to the Hyuga clan, and to the main house enduring for thousands of generations!"
"Cheers!"
For some unexplainable reason, upon hearing Hiashi Hyuga's ecstatic and cheerful words, the several elders—shrewd as they were—managed to detect a trace of indescribable... sorrow laced within his voice.
However, they very quickly caught the underlying implication behind Hiashi Hyuga's statement. Among them, a main house elder named Hyuga Sukemitsu seemed to realize something. His eyes lit up as he looked at Hiashi Hyuga, instantly standing up in excitement. Holding his cup with both hands, he lowered it to clink against the bottom rim of Hiashi's raised glass. "Previously, Hizashi Hyuga plundered the Byakugan preserved in the ancestral shrine, enticed Hyuga Mao to make a move against Hyuga Yu's fiancée, and orchestrated Hyuga Sukedo's probe via that attack on Hyuga Yu. Furthermore, there is what Hizashi intends to do... tomorrow's 'Tennin Rivalry.'"
"Could it be that all of these events were within your calculations?"
"Do you intend to use Hizashi Hyuga to deal with Hyuga Yu?"
Beside him, another elder knit his brows, voicing his own anxieties: "But even if Hizashi Hyuga manages to defeat or even kill Hyuga Yu, wouldn't Hizashi simply become the new Tennin? When that time comes, won't our main house still remain under another's thumb...?"
"Hahahahahahaha—"
Yet, upon hearing the main house elder's concerns, Hiashi Hyuga suddenly burst into thunderous laughter. He laughed so intensely that tears almost spilled from his eyes. Waving his hand at the elders, his tone dropped slightly as he disclosed a well-kept, classified secret: "There is no need to worry, no need to worry at all!"
"My younger brother, Hizashi Hyuga... does not have many days left to live."
"This..."
Hearing this, the several main house elders exchanged glances, looks of sheer delight surfacing in their eyes. Just as they were about to press further, they watched as Hiashi Hyuga hoisted another cup of wine and drained it in one go. Darkening his expression, he explained in a detached, indifferent tone, "It is true that in the history of the Hyuga clan, there have occasionally appeared individuals like Hyuga Yu—rebellious actors who ignored the authority of the main house, the so-called 'Hyuga Tennin.'"
"But Elders, have you truly never wondered—"
"Throughout such a vast stretch of time, an era that was certainly not lacking in the birth of Tennin, why is it that the main house has continuously endured to this very day, despite facing these Tennin who possessed absolutely zero respect for the main house and would slaughter main house members at the drop of a hat?"
The several elders looked at one another, their expressions growing exceptionally grave. They then listened as Hiashi Hyuga spoke flatly, "I discovered a record within the secret archives of the head house..."
"In truth, the main house also commands a method to check and balance a Tennin!"
"It is a Hyuga ultimate forbidden jutsu—one that demands a staggering toll, yet has ultimately safeguarded the authority of the main house throughout history!"
The several elders instantly felt their curiosity piqued. Their pupils contracted slightly as they asked in astonishment, "What... what forbidden jutsu is that?"
Hiashi Hyuga shook his head and said, "I cannot disclose the specifics to you in detail. However, for the sake of the main house's authority, for the sake of the main house's status, and furthermore... for the future prosperity of your respective bloodlines."
"I need you elders to promise me one thing—"
Hyuga Sukesuke's eyes darted around as he pondered for a brief moment. He then looked toward Hiashi Hyuga, simultaneously raising three fingers as he guaranteed, "Clan Head, so long as it preserves the dignity of the main house, this old man is willing to forfeit even his own life. Pray tell us your command!"
Upon hearing this, the remaining elders also voiced their absolute guarantees one after another.
Seeing this layout, Hiashi Hyuga nodded and smiled. "It is not an affair that demands anyone forfeit their life."
"It is quite simple. The duration for which Hizashi can sustain the power of this forbidden jutsu is by no means long-lasting. We must use his hands to eradicate Hyuga Yu while he still commands this level of strength!"
"Tomorrow, I must trouble you elders to lead the clansmen of your respective lineages, alongside the branch house members under your command, to collectively build momentum for my younger brother Hizashi's 'Tennin Rivalry.'"
"So long as the grand staging is massive enough, we need not fear that Hyuga Yu will remain huddled in his shell, too cowardly to show his face!"
Hearing Hiashi Hyuga's explanation, the several elders secretly let out a sigh of relief. They quickly chimed in with their assurances, "So that's how it is! Hahaha, Clan Head, rest assured!"
"This old man will personally summon all the branch house members of the Hyuga to witness the ceremony!"
Having secured the guarantees of the several elders, the heavy expression on Hiashi Hyuga's face finally gave way to a smile. Reaching out with his chopsticks, he pinched the very first slice of sashimi from the platter. "Well then, Elders, please, dig in!"
Seeing Hiashi Hyuga lift his chopsticks, the several elders no longer stood on ceremony. They fell upon the lavish feast Hiashi Hyuga had meticulously prepared for them.
For a time, cups were exchanged, chopsticks clattered against porcelain plates, and the sounds of mutual flattery echoed endlessly throughout the hall.
However, as Hiashi Hyuga surveyed this scene of chaotic indulgence, he stuffed the pinched slice of sashimi into his mouth, yet failed to register any flavor whatsoever.
His mind felt somewhat dazed, his jaw muscles moving up and down in an entirely mechanical, numb motion. It was undeniably top-tier sashimi prepared by a master chef, yet as he chewed it in his mouth, an unexplainable fusion of flavors assaulted his nostrils—the fishy odor, the cloying greasiness of the fat, the metallic, rusty tang of raw blood, and the slimy, sticky texture of fish skin clinging to his teeth. It was a nauseating combination.
It felt exactly as though he were chewing on a live human being.
And in truth, he was indeed sitting alongside a pack of monsters who had discarded their humanity. For the sake of preserving those constructs known as power and interest, he had chewed up and swallowed his own younger brother alive.
A profound sense of moral transgression suddenly surged in Hiashi Hyuga's chest—an unutterable, terrifying panic, an impulse that made him desperately want to bolt out of the courtyard, race to his younger brother's home, and fall to his knees to beg Hizashi Hyuga for forgiveness.
To beg Hizashi Hyuga to forgive him, to understand him, to validate him, and then—
To beg Hizashi Hyuga to voluntarily sacrifice himself just to preserve his older brother's status?
"Hahahahaha, heh heh heh, hehehe, hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!"
Hiashi Hyuga suddenly started laughing. He laughed uproariously amidst the banquet. He wanted to weep, but he used his chakra to forcefully constrict his tear ducts. He actively raised his wine cup, exchanging drinks with the ancient main house monsters, spouting sycophantic praise that disgusted even himself. Ultimately, he shed no tears. He forcefully suppressed even a single second of internal mourning. He ceased his chewing, and swallowed the "fish meat"—which made him feel completely repulsed, greasy, and filled with a desire to hurl it back into the chef's face—straight down his throat.
After that, he no longer touched his chopsticks and simply began to drink.
Cup after cup, round after round, he drank until the world turned dark, until the several elders offered their excuses and departed, until the reality before his eyes flipped upside down and spun left and right. He drank until his vision suddenly blurred, and a silhouette seemed to manifest before him.
"Hiz... hic... is that you, Hizashi?"
"Hizashi, sob—sob—"
Hiashi Hyuga suddenly experienced a total emotional collapse. He believed he was dreaming, and within this dream, he could finally pour his heart out to the younger brother who would never expose him to anyone else.
"I... I... Big Brother is sorry, sob, Hizashi, forgive me, forgive me, I beg of you, please forgive your Nii-san!"
"Nii-san had no choice. If Nii-san didn't do this, the main house would be completely finished."
"Everything our father and mother fought to protect, our past status of being superior to others, our voice within Konoha, and furthermore, all that money... mountains of money, money that we could never hope to spend in this lifetime, the next lifetime, or the lifetime after that, for eternity... everything, everything would be utterly demolished by that brat named Hyuga Yu!"
Hiashi Hyuga suddenly lunged forward, grabbing the hem of the individual's trousers. Wiping a handful of mucus, he desperately confessed, "That's right! It was I who instructed you to plunder the Byakugan preserved in the ancestral shrine. It was also I who arranged for Hyuga Mao to leave evidence for you to seize. And it was I who covertly planted that forbidden jutsu within the ancestral shrine for you to discover."
"But, but, but—"
Amidst Hiashi Hyuga's incoherent, weeping lamentations, the silhouette standing before him finally spoke. "But, I am not your younger brother, Hizashi Hyuga."
A look of sheer disgust washed over her features as she pulled her long, slender leg—clad in trousers—out from Hiashi Hyuga's grasp, looking down coldly at the collapsed drunkard on the floor.
"You... you aren't Hizashi Hyuga... hic... Ah, that's right. Hizashi is a brother, not a sister."
As he spoke, Hiashi Hyuga was suddenly jolted awake. His back was instantaneously drenched in cold sweat, a frigid chill racing from the soles of his feet straight to his scalp. His heart pounded violently. He snapped his head upward, staring at the figure before him—a silhouette that looked as though it had stepped right out of a dream. Her form appeared distorted, and faint, dreamlike cyan motes of light shimmered around her body. "Who are you?"
"How did you sneak in here?!"
The figure did not offer an immediate answer. Instead, she looked down at him, her gaze entirely tranquil—yet within that tranquility lay an indescribable, latent madness. She looked down upon Hiashi Hyuga exactly as one would observe a maggot writhing on the dirt.
Then, raising a pristine, pale hand, she extended her index finger and spread her thumb, mimicking the shape of a pistol gesture. Aiming it directly at the chakra points in Hiashi Hyuga's abdomen, she whispered, "Bang!"
A beam of cyan light instantaneously erupted from her fingertip!
Sprawled on the ground, Hiashi Hyuga instantly doubled over like a curled shrimp. But very quickly, the light in his eyes dulled, turning entirely hollow and mechanical.
"Me?"
Only after confirming that absolute control had been established did she finally begin to answer the query of the Hiashi Hyuga she had just subjugated. The corners of her mouth curled into a breathtakingly playful, teasing arc, yet her tone remained mischievous and respectful—differing in no way from the maid who had once been enslaved by the main house. "Clan Head, how could you possibly fail to recognize me?"
"Am I not that very 'fiancée of Hyuga Yu' whom you betrayed, whom you forced into a political marriage, and whom you utilized as a bargaining chip to deal with Hyuga Yu?"
"Am I not Hyuga Natsu?"
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