After Wen Lan's vision fully recovered, he looked at Shisui, who was still standing there in a daze, and lightly kicked him.
"Alright. Explain. What exactly happened?"
Shisui gave a bitter smile and recounted everything from that night.
When Wen Lan heard that Shisui had looked for him but couldn't find him, he felt a bit embarrassed. He really had rushed off for funding without a second thought, leaving Shisui without anyone to rely on.
When Wen Lan asked, "Why didn't you look for Fugaku?"
Shisui froze.
He blinked and looked at Fugaku.
To be honest… he had forgotten.
Fugaku's nose nearly twisted in anger. That attitude clearly showed Shisui hadn't even considered him as clan head.
Wen Lan just shook his head with a laugh. At least this matter was finally settled.
At that moment, an ANBU entered the courtyard and knelt on one knee.
"Clan Head Uchiha. Advisor-sama. The Hokage requests your presence for a meeting."
Wen Lan and Fugaku exchanged a glance and nodded.
"We'll be there shortly."
The ANBU vanished, likely to notify others.
The two quickly straightened their clothes and headed toward the Hokage Tower.
By the time they arrived, many people were already waiting.
As Wen Lan stepped into the meeting room, countless gazes turned toward him. Some even stood up unconsciously.
Many had already seen Sarutobi Hiruzen's miserable state earlier.
If they angered Wen Lan… their fate might not be any better.
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Even breathing sounded loud.
Wen Lan calmly took his seat. Fugaku followed behind him, scanning the room with guarded authority.
Once everyone had arrived, Minato, seated at the head, spoke.
"I believe everyone is aware of the Third Hokage's treason."
Faces shifted slightly. The tension tightened instantly.
"Rest assured. I will not pursue former members of the Third Hokage's faction. Konoha remains Konoha."
He paused.
"I've gathered everyone to seal this matter. Externally, we will announce that the Third Hokage passed away due to illness. This will stabilize internal morale and prevent foreign forces from taking advantage."
"All intelligence related to the Third's betrayal will be classified as S-rank confidential. Anyone who leaks it…"
Minato's gaze sharpened.
"Will face severe consequences."
Everyone exchanged looks and nodded quickly.
At that moment, Wen Lan spoke.
"Additionally, regarding the Sarutobi, Shimura, Mitokado, and Utatane clans—confiscate all clan assets and assign them to guard the borders for ten years."
He continued calmly:
"Have the Hyūga clan apply the Caged Bird Seal to them. If any attempt to defect or collude with enemies is discovered—kill them immediately."
When he said Caged Bird, both Hiashi and Hizashi stiffened.
They knew the terror of that seal.
Hizashi had experienced it personally.
His life had once been completely controlled by the main house.
But the lives of the Four Clans obviously couldn't be left under Hyūga control—so the technique would have to be handed over.
Other clan leaders' expressions changed as well.
Each clan had secret techniques.
They wondered whether this was a sign the Hokage intended to seize theirs too.
Wen Lan noticed their reactions and continued:
"Rest assured. Clan secret techniques remain your own. We have no interest in them."
"Clan Head Hiashi, please remain after the meeting. I have something to discuss."
"Yes, Advisor."
Soon, the meeting adjourned.
Everyone left.
Hizashi departed with the others.
Only Minato, Wen Lan, and Hiashi remained.
Minato didn't understand why Wen Lan insisted on using the Caged Bird Seal. There were many other sealing methods available, like the Tongue-Cursing Seal.
But he didn't ask.
He trusted Wen Lan's judgment.
Wen Lan looked at Hiashi calmly.
"Clan Head Hiashi. Do you truly believe the Hyūga Caged Bird system is good?"
Hiashi's expression shifted.
Of course it wasn't.
When he and Hizashi were young, they had been inseparable.
But once Hizashi, as the second son, was branded with the Caged Bird—
Everything changed.
A fracture formed between them.
No matter how much Hiashi tried to mend it, a scar was still a scar.
The Caged Bird didn't just bind a person.
It shackled an entire bloodline's trust.
It turned loyalty from willing devotion into obedience born of fear.
"I am using the Caged Bird today," Wen Lan said softly, "for the sake of the Hyūga. And for your future."
Hiashi frowned, confused.
"What does this have to do with me?"
Wen Lan answered directly:
"If one day you have more than one child—like you and Hizashi—what will you do?"
Hiashi's face changed drastically.
He imagined it.
Two sons.
One marked.
One free.
The past replayed in his mind.
"So," Wen Lan continued, "Minato and I will, under the authority of the Hokage, confiscate the Caged Bird technique. It will become a Hokage-controlled sealing method."
"The Hyūga's long-standing practice of branding their branch family will be abolished."
"What do you think?"
In truth, Wen Lan was deeply wary of the Caged Bird system.
It bound the branch family's loyalty to the main house—not to the Hokage.
That was a latent threat to the village's collective unity.
Hiruzen had once considered reforming it, but age, war, and lack of resolve had prevented him.
In the original timeline, Hinata became the future princess by marrying Naruto, and neither she nor Hanabi received the seal.
But if Hinata had not become "princess," and given her timid personality—
Hanabi likely would have inherited leadership.
And Hinata…
Would have been branded.
Now, if the Hokage abolished it—
The Hyūga's dignity would be preserved.
And loyalty would return to Konoha.
Hiashi pressed his lips together.
"I have long wished to abolish it… but the elders—"
"They will agree," Wen Lan interrupted calmly, tapping the hilt of the Kusanagi at his waist.
"And you can tell them this: the Hokage is forcibly requisitioning the Caged Bird seal as a state technique. No clan may use it except the Hokage."
"If they disagree—tell them to come find me."
Hiashi thought for a long moment.
Then he nodded heavily.
"I understand."
When Hiashi exited the Hokage Tower, Hizashi had been waiting outside for some time.
He stepped forward quickly.
"Did the Hokage make things difficult for you?"
Hiashi shook his head gently.
Then he smiled.
"Your son. My nephew."
"He won't be branded with the Caged Bird."
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