After learning that Chinya had breached the Hyuga Clan and taken Neji Hyuga away, Hiruzen Sarutobi waited anxiously to see whether Hiashi Hyuga would remain silent as if nothing had happened or come forward to report.
If Hiashi chose silence—perhaps out of concern for his younger brother Hizashi being punished—it would be understandable, but it would certainly leave a bitter taste in Hiruzen's mouth, creating an unspoken rift between them.
If Hiashi reported the truth, however, it would prove his loyalty.
Now, Hiruzen needed to be cautious.
At this moment, he and Danzo were already keeping a close watch on the Uchiha Clan. The Hyuga Clan was destined to become Konoha's most powerful ninja clan.
After all, there was a precedent: unchecked growth had made the Uchiha uncontrollable, with consequences that spiraled beyond repair.
Therefore, even though the Hyuga had always been obedient, Hiruzen wanted to avoid repeating history.
Now, Hiashi came in person and told him everything without shielding his younger brother Hizashi. Only then did Hiruzen feel relieved.
Hiashi kept observing Hiruzen's expression closely.
But Hiruzen never stopped puffing on his pipe. Smoke almost completely hid his face, making it impossible to tell what he was really feeling.
Not wanting to take a guess at what Hiruzen was thinking, Hiashi spoke seriously, "Third, we've decided to expel both Hizashi and Neji from the Hyuga Clan! And at your command, we will activate the Caged Bird Seal, destroy their brains, and disable their Byakugan!"
Hiruzen paused mid-puff, looking up in surprise. He hadn't expected Hiashi to go this far.
After a brief silence, Hiruzen sighed deeply. "Hiashi, there's no need for such harsh measures. After all, Hizashi is your own younger brother and Neji your nephew. Their mistake isn't unforgivable—it's simply because Neji chose to become Chinya's disciple.
True, Chinya has grown overly strong-willed and arrogant, showing little respect for me as Hokage. Still, he is one of Konoha's own ninjas—a shinobi who has contributed greatly to the village. He's not some kind of criminal or traitor.
In fact, I think it's actually a great benefit for Neji to have Chinya as a mentor. His teaching skills are undeniable; having him as a teacher benefits not only Neji himself, but also the Hyuga Clan and Konoha."
Hiashi momentarily failed to grasp Hiruzen's line of thought.
It sounded... like Hiruzen actually supported Neji becoming Chinya's disciple?
Could it possibly be sarcasm?
Putting down his pipe, Hiruzen continued gently, "Hiashi, I know you hold certain resentment toward Chinya because of me. Yes, during that meeting earlier, Chinya made things difficult for us, but honestly, I don't mind it.
After all, I am the Hokage. If I were to turn on Chinya just for that, wouldn't it make me look narrow-minded and petty as a leader?"
"Chinya is a powerful ninja in our Konoha village, so we must show him full respect and tolerate his shortcomings. Regarding the incident of Chinya entering the Hyuga Clan grounds, Hiashi, please don't be too upset about it. Since no one was harmed, let's just put this matter behind us."
Hiashi Hyuga frowned tightly. Right now, he couldn't for the life of him figure out what Hiruzen Sarutobi was thinking.
Could it be that Hiruzen didn't plan to deal with Chinya?
So generous?
This was totally different from the Hiruzen he knew.
Hiruzen continued, "Hiashi, since Neji Hyuga wants to become Chinya's disciple, just let him go ahead. This is actually a good thing. I believe you already know Kakashi has joined my Anbu ranks. Kakashi's strength is among the top in Anbu—he definitely deserves the position of Anbu Commander. And Kakashi was personally trained by Chinya.
Neji Hyuga is Chinya's second disciple. I believe under Chinya's tutelage, Neji will surely grow into an outstanding ninja who will serve Konoha well.
Therefore, there's absolutely no need to expel Hizashi and Neji from the Hyuga Clan, even less reason to activate the Caged Bird Seal.
The original purpose of the Caged Bird Seal was to prevent the Hyuga bloodline limit from leaking outside the clan. Aren't both Hizashi and Neji still ninjas serving Konoha?"
Hiashi's eyes suddenly sharpened.
Now he finally understood what Hiruzen meant.
What trust in Chinya? What no plans for reckoning? All of that was fake.
Hiruzen didn't trust Chinya at all, and would definitely settle accounts with him in the future.
The real reason Hiruzen wanted him not to oppose Neji becoming Chinya's disciple was to use Chinya.
Neji carries the Caged Bird Cursed Seal, which means for his entire life he'll never escape control from the Main Family.
In other words, even though Hiruzen planned to use Chinya to train Neji into becoming strong, as long as the Caged Bird Seal exists, no matter how powerful Neji becomes, he will always remain controlled—forever a ninja of the Hyuga Clan, forever serving Konoha.
Hiashi felt his hairs literally stand on end.
No wonder he became Hokage!
Exploiting every asset at his disposal, even plotting against Chinya's future while maximizing current gains.
Hiashi let out a slight sigh of relief.
At least this matter wouldn't drag the Hyuga Clan into trouble.
Hiashi replied, "Since the Third speaks thus, I won't punish Hizashi and Neji. I will no longer interfere either. Let Neji follow Chinya and train properly. If Neji can grow up and loyally serve Konoha, that will be Neji's honor."
Hiruzen nodded contentedly, "I'm glad you see my reasoning. Good, Hiashi. What Konoha lacks now is precisely powerful ninjas like that. I look forward to Neji's growth."
Hiashi stood up and said, "Then, Third, I won't disturb you anymore. I should return first."
"Alright."
After leaving the Hokage Tower, Hiashi stopped on the street and turned to glance back at the newly built Hokage Tower, recalling the conversation he'd just had with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Just the conversation with Hiruzen Sarutobi had truly shaken Hiashi Hyuga to his core, especially after discovering Hiruzen Sarutobi's true intentions.
Hiashi Hyuga suddenly frowned. Could it be that Hiruzen Sarutobi had already known everything from the very beginning—before he even arrived at the Hokage Tower?
The tightness in Hiashi's chest let up for a moment, only to creep back again.
If that was indeed the case, then Hiruzen Sarutobi had full knowledge of every single move the Hyuga Clan had made.
Thankfully, thankfully Hiashi Hyuga spoke with Hiruzen Sarutobi right away. Perhaps if he had come any later or not spoken with Hiruzen Sarutobi at all, suspicions against the Hyuga Clan would already have begun.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>