Chapter 82: The Hyuga Branch HouseHyuga Hiashi closed his eyes. Although he had prepared himself for this matter, it was still difficult to accept when Tsunade actually brought it up.However, he had to make his stance clear now. Since the Hokage had raised this issue in front of so many people, it meant there had to be a resolution today.Hiashi slowly stood up and spoke, "Hokage-sama, since you have spoken, my Hyuga Clan will naturally offer its full support.However, as you said, this rule was established by my ancestors. Although it is to be abolished today, I also have a few conditions. I hope Hokage-samacan grant them."Tsunade smiled and said kindly, "Clan Leader Hiashi, please feel free to speak. As long as it can be done, I will certainly agree to all of them."Hiashi sighed, his expression seemingly indecisive, but finally, his eyes grew firm as he said, "I can comply with Hokage-sama's request to abolish the tradition of the Main House and Branch House within the Hyuga Clan and remove their cursed seals.However, the ancestral rules failed to be upheld in my generation. I, Hyuga Hiashi, would truly have no face to meet my ancestors when I pass away. I know that Hokage-sama's request actually has both pros and cons for our clan.But there are some things I must do. Therefore, once I have done as you requested, I will expel all members of the Branch House from the Hyuga Clan.Furthermore, I hope Lady Tsunade can simultaneously expel them from the Village. I can allow them to keep the Hyuga surname, but from now on, they can no longer consider themselves part of the Konoha Hyuga Clan."Tsunade fell into deep thought after hearing his words. In fact, Hiashi's proposal was not difficult to accept; it even aligned perfectly with Naruto and the others' plans.The power they currently possessed was already significant, and most of them could not appear normally in the public eye. If they wanted to work for Naruto, they urgently needed a new identity; otherwise, they would find it difficult to move anywhere.The most critical point was that as long as the four high-ranking officials of Konoha were still alive, these people could never see the light of day. Thus, they had already discussed establishing a new Village elsewhere.Hiashi's approach was also quite understandable. The decision to abolish the Branch House actually weakened the Main House's absolute control over them.This was because members of the Branch House were branded with the 'Caged Bird' cursed seal on their foreheads when the Main House's eldest child turned three. This seal could seal the abilities of the Byakugan, and the Main House could also use it to control and destroy the brain nerves of Branch House members, thereby controlling them.Hiashi's proposal to have these Branch House members leave the Village was actually for the sake of the clan. By doing so, the Hyuga Clanwould branch out, potentially leading to better development in the Ninja World in the future.However, it was obvious that Tsunade could not agree to all of the other party's requests so easily. She spoke, "I can agree to this, but I feel I cannot agree to everything.Although Hizashi is a member of your HyugaBranch House, he is also a member of my Konoha Village. Moreover, I believe his love for the Villageis no less than anyone else's. Making his entire branch withdraw from Konoha would be too cruel for him.Clan Leader Hiashi, see if this works: the fundamental principle remains unchanged; this branch will no longer be part of Konoha, and I will immediately require Hizashi to leave. However, for the time being, let Neji stay at the Ninja Academyin Konoha to continue his training.Of course, it will only be as a visiting student. Furthermore, he will move out of the clan compound, and I will arrange other accommodations for him. What do you think?"After thinking for a moment, Hiashi nodded with a heavy expression, agreeing to Tsunade's request. In truth, he didn't feel good about making this decision either. After all, one was his younger brother and the other was his nephew; this kind of blood-is-thicker-than-water kinship is not easily severed by anyone.Moreover, Tsunade had already spoken with him beforehand. Such a choice was not just to accommodate his own decision, but also to silence the Third Hokage and Danzo.Although the outcome of the incident with the Land of Lightning was quite good, having been resolved without any loss to the Village, the fact that she hadn't followed their advice meant that the four of them now had significant grievances against Tsunade.This decision regarding the Hyuga Clan could appease the dissatisfaction of the four high-ranking officials, and when the Land of Lightning saw it, they would think Konoha did this to give them an explanation. It could be said to kill two birds with one stone.When the meeting ended, Hiashi returned home and announced the decision. The expression on Hizashi's face was complex, filled with many emotions: reluctance, joy, sadness, and mostly, a sense of relief and liberation.Hizashi finally laughed, a smile of genuine relief from the bottom of his heart. He didn't go back to pack anything, because nothing here truly belonged to him."Neji, come here!" He called his son to his side, stroking his head dotingly, and then said softly, "Say goodbye to your uncle and the other elders. Let's bow to them together, son!"Although Neji was young, he knew what his identity meant and what the mark on his forehead represented. Therefore, even though he was leaving the place where he had lived for many years, he wasn't too sad.The father and son bowed deeply toward the front. Hiashi walked slowly before them and said, "Very well. From today onward, you two are no longer part of the Branch House of the Konoha Hyuga Clan.When you are outside, you should identify yourselves as a branch of the Hyuga Clan. Actually, this is fine; perhaps the Hyuga Clan will become even more prosperous because of this.Alright, Hizashi, no more nonsense. After you leave, remember to come back and visit me, your elder brother, during the holidays. Remember, you will always be my blood brother.Let me first help you release the 'Caged Bird' cursed seal! Neji, you are indeed a genius rarely seen in our Hyuga Clan in a hundred years. This seal has bound you for too long; from now on, it won't. When you grow up, I look forward to you becoming famous throughout the Ninja World!If that day truly comes, it will be a source of pride for all of us!"Neji stared blankly at Hiashi. He seemed to have never heard his uncle speak to him so earnestly, and for a moment, he didn't know how to respond.At that moment, Hinata came running over hurriedly holding a bundle. She handed it to Neji, but because she had run too fast, she was gasping for breath and couldn't speak.
