Chapitre 17: The Hyuga Council Meeting Begins

After their second session of Gentle Fist martial arts training, Takumi, the Fifth Elder of the Hyuga clan, accompanied by his attendants, was making his way toward the Patriarch's building.

They had just left his Fifth Estate, stepping onto the prestigious pathways connecting the various Elder Estates to the Patriarch's Estate within the compound.

The hallways and pathways were designed in the traditional Hyuga style, with elegant architecture that spoke of the clan's long and storied history.

The path was lined with ornate decorations and symbols significant to the Hyuga, reflecting the clan's pride and heritage.

Prestigious and well-maintained, the route through the compound showcased the power and status of the Main Branch.

Takumi, embodying the quintessential main branch member, walked with a proud and confident stride.

He was traditional, stern, and stoic, yet calculating, fully aware, and appreciative of the power and prestige his position within the Main Branch afforded him.

As he walked, Takumi's thoughts drifted to the training session with Hikari. He was impressed by the young boy's potential, noting how at just three years old, Hikari showed promise that could be described as the strongest in the clan's history.

With the upcoming Hyuga Council meeting on his mind, Takumi decided to advocate for Hikari.

He saw in the boy an opportunity not just for Hikari's growth but for his own political power in the decades to come.

Investing in Hikari at such an early stage could be the key to solidifying his own position within the clan's hierarchy.

Gaining Takumi's approval was no easy feat, yet Hikari had already managed to do so, marking him as a unique talent within the clan, one that Takumi was now fully committed to supporting.

As Takumi approached the Patriarch's estate, the grandeur of the building became increasingly evident.

This illustrious estate wasn't just a home; it served as the largest single hub for the clan's administrative work, making it the heart of the Hyuga's power.

The architecture was majestic, with towering pillars and expansive courtyards that were meticulously maintained to reflect the clan's prestige and heritage.

The estate's security was tight, with highly skilled guards stationed at strategic points around the perimeter, their keen eyes missing nothing.

The building itself was adorned with symbols and carvings significant to the Hyuga, including depictions of the Byakugan, which served as a reminder of the clan's unique abilities and proud history.

As Takumi arrived, he noticed the other eight Elders also making their way towards the building, each accompanied by their own attendants.

They used secret paths that connected their estates to the Patriarch's building, paths known only to clan members of high standing.

This weekly gathering of the Elders was a tradition. It was a time when decisions were made, disputes were settled, and the future of the clan was shaped.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the heart of the Hyuga's power officially came together.

Despite their stern expressions and stoic demeanor, they unspokenly understood the importance of these meetings.

Today, like every week, they would deliberate on matters crucial to the welfare and advancement of the Hyuga clan, each Elder prepared to argue fiercely for their views and interests.

Yet, beneath the surface, there was a sense of unity and purpose, a shared commitment to the clan's legacy and to its future prosperity.

As each Elder arrived in front of the Patriarch's estate, they exchanged polite greetings, meticulously maintaining the decorum expected of their positions.

They were careful to present a united front, especially in front of their Side Branch attendants, embodying the Hyuga clan's values of calmness, composure, politeness, and nobility.

Even Takumi and the Seventh Elder, who had engaged in a heated verbal exchange just the day before, greeted each other with polite nods as if the disagreement had never occurred.

This display of courtesy underscored the importance of stability and harmony within the clan, particularly in such public settings.

Together with their attendants, the Elders proceeded inside the grand Patriarch's Estate, guided by the Patriarch's own attendants.

They navigated through the building's intricate wooden corridors, which were reminiscent of a labyrinth until they arrived at a secluded, ceremonial room designed for their gathering.

The room was traditional in every sense, with tatami mats covering the floor and a large table set in the center, around which they would all sit in the customary Japanese-style posture.

Now, with the Patriarch, eight main branch Elders have also assembled. Ten people in total filled the room, each taking their place with deliberate care.

The setting was intimate, yet the air was charged with the gravity of the occasion.

Around the table, eight Elders, each with their unique features, still shared a familial resemblance indicative of the Hyuga clan.

Their attire varied slightly, reflecting personal tastes but always adhering to the traditional style and colors that signified their status within the Main Branch.

Some bore more ornate accessories, symbols of their achievements and roles within the clan, while others opted for a more understated elegance.

Hirayoshi Hyuga, the clan patriarch, settled into his place at the head of the table and signaled the beginning of the meeting with a composed nod.

Hiyaroshi, with his long, meticulously tied-back hair that was nearly entirely gray by this point, radiated an aura of wisdom and authority.

His traditional Hyuga robes were pristine, embroidered with the clan's symbols, signifying his esteemed position.

"Let us commence...", He stated, his voice carrying the weight of authority and tradition. The room immediately fell into an attentive silence.

Hiyaroshi immediately began outlining the current state of the clan's various business endeavors.

The discussion was methodical, with each Elder contributing updates on trade, investments, and partnerships that the Hyuga clan maintained within Konoha and beyond.

Next, the conversation shifted to "potential disputes within and with outside." Hiyaroshi facilitated the discussion, ensuring that any internal conflicts were addressed with wisdom and fairness.

"We must also consider our relations with other clans and the Hokage's group...", He continued, stressing the importance of diplomacy in maintaining the clan's esteemed position within the village.

The meeting then turned to "administrative stuff," with Elders sharing reports on the clan's internal management, resource allocation, and members' well-being. It was clear that maintaining a smoothly running clan was a priority for everyone present.

Finally, Hiyaroshi guided the discussion toward the Hyuga's contributions to the village's defense, specifically mentioning the "Hyuga Border Surveillance Division."

However, as the discussion on formal and routine matters began to wind down, a palpable tension filled the room, hinting at the anticipation building among the Elders.

It was as if the air itself grew denser, charged with the collective focus of those present, all bracing for the topic they knew was imminent.

This wasn't just any Hyuga Council gathering; it was set to be one of the most important meetings in recent memory.

Despite their age and the many council meetings they had attended over the years, each Elder felt a surge of strong feelings and even excitement at the prospect of discussing this next agenda item.

Noticing the shift in atmosphere and recognizing that the moment to transition had arrived, Patriarch Hiyaroshi sighed, a rare display of emotion that underscored the significance of what was to come,

"The routine part of today's meeting is hence over..." He announced, his voice steady yet imbued with a gravity that underscored the importance of their next discussion.

"The next item is one of two particularly urgent matters prepared for today. The first one concerns Hikari Hyuga, and the second is about the shinobi world war we are currently going through. However, after analyzing it, it is better for us to actually combine this discussion...",

At the mention of Hikari's name, the Elders began to stir, their usual composure giving way to a mix of restlessness, excitement, and a spectrum of other emotions.

It was clear that Hikari, a mere three-year-old, had sparked a level of interest and debate rarely seen within the stoic confines of the Hyuga Council.

Chairs shifted, and quiet murmurs filled the room as the Elders prepared themselves to delve into a discussion that could very well shape the future trajectory of the Hyuga clan.

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Chapitre 18: The Start of Discussion About Hikari

"During the last few months after we 'dealt with' the Third Elder and his wife, the boy's parents, we initially couldn't reach a consensus regarding his fate. Thus, it was decided to move the matter to a later date, allowing us to periodically review his development at weekly meetings such as this.",

As Patriarch Hiyaroshi Hyuga spoke, his presence commanded attention, not only through his words but also through his distinguished appearance. The dim light of the room illuminated his aged yet sharp features, casting soft shadows that accentuated the wisdom etched into his face.

"In the interim, the boy was placed under the close surveillance of the Fifth Elder. Given that he is the most recent addition among us and the youngest, he was eager to prove his worth and contribute meaningfully to the Council.",

"However, a significant development has since occurred. The boy has independently activated his Byakugan at just three years of age, marking a record-setting moment in the extensive history of our clan. Fifth Elder, I believe everyone here is keen to hear your perspective first. What do you think of the boy now?",

As he discussed the fate of young Hikari, those eyes revealed a mixture of solemnity and anticipation. His hands, which rested gently on the table before him, occasionally moved with deliberate gestures that underscored the importance of his words.

His demeanor was one of calm control, yet there was an underlying excitement—a rare crack in his usually stoic exterior—as he broached the topic of Hikari's unprecedented achievement. This subtle shift in his expression hinted at the significance of the moment, not just for Hiyaroshi but for the entire Hyuga clan.

There was no other way. Hikari's achievement in awakening his Byakugan at just three years old shocked everyone. The Patriarch, his son Hiashi, and their ancestors all unlocked their Byakugan at five years old, and that was with special training.

Before Hikari, the youngest person in the clan who had managed to awaken their Byakugan was four years old. That clan member became a strong Kage-level shinobi during the middle Warring States period, the last one in Hyuga's history.

Usually, children from the main branch of the family unlock their Byakugan at age six to seven, and those from the side branch around nine to ten.

Waking up the Byakugan so early, especially without any help, was a big deal. It's well known and documented in the Hyuga clan that the sooner you unlock your Byakugan, the stronger you and your Byakugan are expected to become later in life.

"I understand, Patriarch...", Takumi began, his voice steady yet carrying a palpable sense of significance, "I will try to explain the situation. I'm sure you are all well aware of the incident involving Hikari and the Seventh Elder's grandson. Yes, after the altercation in which Hikari was notably bested by Hiroto, the young boy, strangely, fell into a coma for three days.",

Takumi paused for a moment, ensuring he had the full attention of the council members, "We observed significant disturbances in his chakra network throughout this period, with a trend of gradually calming down over time.",

"It returned to a completely normal state on the third day of his coma, coinciding with the moment he awoke with his Byakugan unconsciously activated, as observed by my attendants who were tasked with monitoring his condition at all times.",

He carefully chose his words, aware of the gravity of what he was about to propose, "It is said that significant emotional disturbances can accelerate the opening of the Byakugan.",

"Though not to the extent observed with the Sharingan among the Uchihas, it still does happen. However, considering Hikari was only three years old, his body might not have been fully capable of operating the Byakugan easily, which could explain the three-day period needed to stabilize in that comatose state.",

"Indeed, it is unheard of for anyone in our clan's history to awaken the Byakugan at merely three years of age, leaving us without prior cases for comparison. Nonetheless, considering the notable bloodline talent that the Third Lineage has displayed in recent decades, especially his father and mother, I believe this to be the most likely explanation. The emotional shock Hikari experienced, particularly after returning from his parents' cemetery, might've accelerated his Byakugan's awakening.",

After listening to Takumi's eloquent explanation, the council members felt a wave of agreement. Their usually reserved and stoic faces softened with expressions of assent, and nods of approval circled the room.

The initial skepticism that had clouded the atmosphere gave way to a budding excitement. The realization that Hikari's activation of the Byakugan was not a cause for concern but rather a groundbreaking event began to fully sink in.

For the first time, the Elders collectively acknowledged the magnitude of what had occurred. The reality that they were witnessing history in the making during their own lifetimes ignited a sense of excitement and pride.

Among the faces of agreement and excitement, one stood out starkly. The Seventh Elder's expression was a mix of annoyance and hesitation, especially noticeable after Takumi mentioned the incident involving his grandson.

The mention of his grandson's actions seemed to strike a nerve, and his discomfort was palpable to those paying attention.

It dawned on him, perhaps a bit too late, that Takumi's quick reference to the altercation might have been strategic, preempting any complaints he might have had about how Hikari, upon awakening with the Byakugan, had also bested his grandson.

"Your speech was great, Fifth Elder...", The Patriarch commended, his voice carrying a note of approval that filled the ceremonial room with a sense of gravitas,

"Please continue recounting everything that happened regarding that boy later on, and what do you think about it? " he encouraged, indicating that the discussion on Hikari and his remarkable capabilities was far from over.

"I arrived as soon as my attendants notified me and confirmed it again with my own eyes. The boy had really awakened his Byakugan...", Takumi continued, recounting his firsthand experience with Hikari post-awakening,

"As I engaged in conversation with him, I noted a marked change in his demeanor. He seemed much more polite and attuned to our clan's traditions than before, a subtlety that did not escape my notice despite the stark contrast with his parents' attitudes.",

Takumi took a moment to reflect, ensuring he accurately conveyed the nuances of Hikari's transformation, "Over time, in our subsequent interactions, the differences in his personality became more pronounced."

"There was a newfound pride in him, perhaps a result of his Byakugan awakening, yet he retained a sense of humility, reserve, and discipline that was present before.",

"The most striking change, however, was in his intellectual brightness. It was as if the awakening, or maybe the ordeal he underwent at the hands of Seventh's Grandson, sparked a significant growth in his cognitive abilities. He seemed far more ambitious and eager to learn.",

Pausing, Takumi considered how to best articulate the shift towards what he perceived as a Main Branch personality,

"Hikari has become more aligned with the typical Main Branch traits, a stark deviation from the inclinations of his parents. He faced his bully without hesitation, a departure from his previously non-confrontational nature.",

"His willingness to learn and adhere to hard training protocol inside of his room when left alone has been noted by my attendants.",

"Remarkably, he accepted the Cursed Seal Command with ease, showing no signs of viewing the practice as 'cruel,' a stark contrast to what I imagine his parents would have advised.",

"This is, of course, all before the actual confrontation with the Seventh Elder's grandson..."