Chapter 23: The Radiance of Freedom
"What's going on? It's not a clan meeting today, why the sudden assembly?"
Outside the Hyuga Clan's compound, a group of Hyuga Ninja had already gathered.
However, many among them were whispering, especially those from the branch families. They weren't quite sure what was happening.
"I heard it might have something to do with the Hidden Mist."
Of course, some people had a bit of information.
"I heard from someone in the Village that Team Ao was dealt with by the Anbu."
"Ao? Is that the one..."
"Yes, that's him. And I heard the clan was previously mobilizing funds. This is probably true!"
"Tch, no wonder the bounty wasn't handled through the Village. Instead, the clan is making such a big fuss. They want to thank someone."
The incident with Ao had a very negative impact within the Hyuga Clan. Even though anything could happen during wartime,
this matter truly caused the Hyuga Clan to lose a great deal of face. Otherwise, they wouldn't have dug into their own pockets to raise Ao's bounty to fifty million!
Now that this guy had been killed, it was only natural for the Hyuga Clan to offer a grand gesture of thanks.
However, many in the branch families were somewhat dismissive.
After all, the excitement belonged to the main Family; the branch families had nothing...
But what they didn't know was that the expressions of the main Family members standing in the front row also looked somewhat unpleasant at the moment.
"Clan Head, is it really appropriate for the Village to meddle in our clan's affairs like this?"
A Hyuga main Family Elder spoke with dissatisfaction, lowering his voice as he addressed Hyuga Hiashi.
"The Hyuga Clan is upright and honorable. We should indeed thank the Village for retrieving the Byakugan, and even make it a grander occasion. But at this time..."
"At this time, is there a problem?"
Hyuga Hiashi glanced at this Elder. He hadn't forgotten that this was the Elder who suggested letting Hizashi die that night!
"As for meddling in clan affairs, I'd like to ask, what has the Hokage done?"
What had he done?
Allowing a branch Family member into the Anbu—wasn't that serious enough?
Weren't they gathered here precisely to officially announce Hyuga Makoto's status?
However, these were words the Elder dared not speak aloud.
In truth, the main Family all knew that once this opening with Hyuga Makoto was made, it was only a matter of time before the crack widened.
But they still wanted to suppress it a little longer...
"I've said we support the Hokage. This matter can no longer be changed."
Seeing the Elder fall silent, Hyuga Hiashi looked at the other main Family members before continuing.
"Moreover, I understand this child, Makoto. You all know he is responsible for Hinata's training. He will be a bridge between the Family and the Village."
"Hmph, I hope so..."
The main Family Elder snorted coldly. He too held considerable dissatisfaction towards Hyuga Hiashi in his heart.
He didn't suspect Hyuga Hiashi was the one behind all this. After all, what Clan Chief would undermine his own authority?
But Hyuga Makoto was responsible for Hinata's training, right under your nose. How could such a thing happen?
However, he couldn't be bothered to think too much, as he saw people approaching from a distance.
Yet, when he and the other main Family members clearly saw the arrivals, their fists clenched slightly.
"Damn it, are they really not even going to pretend anymore?"
Not far away, Hyuga Makoto and Kakashi were walking towards the Hyuga Clan.
The key point was, both of them were wearing Anbu gear, yet neither had their masks on!
"The Anbu are here."
The branch Family members behind them also saw the arrivals. Many couldn't help but mutter softly.
"Finally, they're here. We've been waiting forever."
"Huh? Why aren't they wearing masks?"
"That's Kakashi, and... wait, isn't that Makoto?!"
"Makoto? Hyuga Makoto?! That's Hyuga Makoto!"
The branch Family members, who had only been whispering, suddenly fell silent. But what followed was a commotion as fierce as a raging fire.
They seemed unable to believe their eyes. Hyuga members had always been mission-oriented Ninja, responsible for reconnaissance.
They had contributed in every major war, but none had ever joined the Anbu, let alone someone from a branch Family!
One reason was the main Family's prohibition, another was the Anbu regulations they had heard about, which restricted them.
Yet, someone had actually broken through all of this!
"Anbu... the Anbu..."
Many quick-thinking branch Family members began pondering the Anbu, and the more they thought, the brighter their eyes became!
"Quiet. Don't be disrespectful."
Just as they were at their noisiest, Hyuga Hiashi glanced back at the crowd.
Instantly, all the branch Family members fell silent.
Whether it was the authority of the Clan Chief or the deterrence of the Caged Bird Seal, they dared not act out of line.
But the next scene made all their eyes widen in shock!
"Welcome, both of you."
Hyuga Hiashi, leading the main Family members, stepped forward to greet them and politely led everyone in a slight bow.
"Thank you for eliminating the villain who stole the Hyuga Bloodline. Thank you for everything you have done."
"Clan Chief, everyone, there's no need for such formality."
Kakashi, pulling Hyuga Makoto along, calmly accepted the gesture before speaking slowly.
"This is what we should do. We are all Konoha Ninja. We are all comrades."
"Oh?"
Hyuga Hiashi's eyes flickered slightly. Hyuga Makoto added at this moment.
"This is Hokage-sama's intention, Clan Chief."
Clan Chief?
The main Family members felt their fists clench even tighter. Damn it, you won't even call him 'Clan Head'?
But they could only swallow their anger!
The expressions of the branch Family members were even more incredulous. Addressing the Clan Chief like that, and the main Family offered no rebuttal at all?
This Anbu... seemed truly different...
"I understand Hokage-sama's intention, and I will support it fully."
Hyuga Hiashi smiled at this moment. He paid no mind to Hyuga Makoto's words and even cooperated exceptionally by taking out a scroll.
"This is the Hyuga portion of the bounty, to express our gratitude. Please accept it."
"Clan Chief, there's no need to give it to me."
Kakashi shook his head. He took out the scroll from Hiruzen Sarutobi's hands and announced loudly.
"The one who killed Ao was Makoto."
"What? How is that possible?!"
At this moment, even some members of the main Family let out exclamations of shock.
They had considered many possibilities, but they never expected this result!
"Damn it, they've thrown all face away, backing him up like this?"
Another part of the main Family had their fists clenched solid. In their view, this was Konoha helping to establish his prestige.
But the branch Family members didn't care about that. Their gazes became even more intense and spirited.
This was yet another instance of a branch Family member triumphing over the main Family!
"Makoto?"
Hyuga Hiashi couldn't help but look at Hyuga Makoto, who blinked and gave him a slight nod.
This left Hyuga Hiashi stunned for a moment, but soon a sigh rose in his heart.
Hizashi, it seems you raised this child too well!
Though he still felt some hesitation, as he remained unsure if what he was doing was truly right.
But this child, Hyuga Makoto, seemed to bear more and more of Hizashi's shadow...
"Makoto, congratulations. You are a hero of the Family!"
Taking a deep breath, he patted Hyuga Makoto on the shoulder.
Even though his face remained expressionless, an inexplicable light flickered in his eyes.
"Today will be a celebration for the Hyuga Clan. We hope both of you can participate. After all, without you, the celebration would be meaningless."
"No problem."
Kakashi did not refuse. He handed the scroll to Hyuga Hiashi and said solemnly.
"There is one more thing. Hokage-sama wishes to announce it to the entire clan, to commend Makoto's contribution. I wonder, Clan Chief..."
These words made the main Family members feel their fists were about to shatter, but they could only remain silent.
The branch Family members' gazes were firmly locked on Hyuga Makoto. They truly saw the radiance of freedom shining from him...
Meanwhile, on another side, Shisui, who was just about to return to the Uchiha, was stopped by someone.
"Danzo-sama wants to see me?"
Shisui found it strange. He had many things to do.
However, Danzo was the Hokage's advisor. He couldn't refuse.
"I understand. I'll head over as soon as possible..."\
Loving Book So Far? Check Out 30+ Advanced Chapters At PA Treon
patreon.com/FictionOP