章 29: Arriving to the Patriarch's Residence
Another morning swiftly arrived, and after completing his morning chores, engaging in a training session with Takumi, and following through with his new post-training ritual, Hikari moved on to his chakra control and physical exercises.
He allowed himself a brief period of recovery, albeit on a somewhat rushed schedule. Before he knew it, lunchtime and the afternoon had approached.
Realizing the day was moving quickly, Hikari dressed in slightly more formal robes, opting for dark blue colors that he favored, and prepared for a significant occasion.
He had received an invitation to visit the Patriarch's Estate, a summons delivered through Takumi earlier that morning. This invitation was the reason behind the urgency in Hikari's routine today.
As Hikari made his way to the Patriarch's Estate, his thoughts drifted towards the Patriarch himself.
This wasn't the first time he had been invited over for lunch, so he was well-acquainted with the path and felt no nervousness about the meeting.
In fact, Takumi and his wife, who resided in the Seventh Estate with Hikari, invited Hikari to join them for lunch, typically on the weekends, and Hikari often accompanied them.
Walking through the pathways primarily used by the Main Branch and its attendants, Hikari reflected on how different his journey felt compared to three years ago. Back then, as he walked through similar hallways and paths, he was met with scorn, mockery, and ridicule. Insults were thrown his way, and the disdain in the eyes of others was palpable.
This time, however, the atmosphere was markedly different. Regardless of age, everyone he passed looked at him with kindness in their eyes, as if he were their son, grandson, or a precious treasure.
People greeted him warmly as "Hikari-kun," inquiring about his well-being and training progress and confirming whether he was off to see the Patriarch again.
Offers of help were freely given, coupled with expressions of curiosity, care, respect, affection, and even envy. The disdain that once colored their interactions was nowhere to be found.
This shift in treatment directly resulted from Hikari's burgeoning talent and the Council's decision to urge the clan to change its approach to him.
Instead of continuing the previous treatment, the clan was now instructed to nurture and support him with all their might.
The recognition of his potential and the official endorsement of his importance to the clan had transformed how he was perceived by his peers and elders alike.
Arriving at the grand facade of the illustrious building, Hikari was met by Side Branch members stationed at the door. Despite his young age of six, they addressed him with a respectful "Hikari-sama," acknowledging his status and potential within the clan. Their demeanor towards him was respectful, a sign of the high regard in which he was now held.
The Side Branch members attentively led him inside, informing him, "The Patriarch has been expecting you, alongside young master Hiashi."
As Hikari nodded and was promptly escorted through the estate, his thoughts drifted to Hiashi, who was now 18 years old. He also considered Hiashi's twin brother, Hizashi, who Hikari suspected might also be present at lunch, like during their last few meetings together but wasn't mentioned by the attendants due to obvious reasons.
In reality, after Hiruto and Haruto Hyuga, who were now 8 and 10 years old, respectively, Hiashi and Hizashi were among the closest to Hikari in age within the Main Branch.
The Patriarch often paired Hiashi and Hizashi with Hikari to foster a stronger bond between them. This decision was influenced by Hikari's exceptional maturity, which overshadowed his mere six years.
Despite his young age, Hikari demonstrated a level of understanding and composure that surpassed those of many of his older peers.
Also, following that pivotal Hyuga Council meeting, which affirmed Hikari's restored status within the clan, the dynamic between him and the younger Hyugas, Hiroto and Haruto, took another turn.
Initially, their grandfather, the Seventh Elder, had explicitly forbidden them from antagonizing Hikari any further.
This prohibition directly resulted from the council's discussion that day to restore his status and stand behind him collectively.
However, once things regarding Hikari finally calmed down and the brothers were allowed to issue a formal challenge to him, the situation was notably different from the last time.
Unlike before, Hikari had not only embraced his training but had excelled, even mastering the Eight Trigrams 16-Palms by that point.
This put him at a significant advantage. When the brothers, with Haruto even activating his Byakugan by that time, initiated their challenge, they were utterly unprepared for Hikari's strength once again.
Hikari, remembering their past actions and his promise of retribution, effortlessly defeated them. He humiliated them in combat and fulfilled his vow to choke them out once more.
This decisive victory served multiple purposes for him: it reinforced Hikari's burgeoning reputation as a prodigy within the clan, deterred Hiroto and Haruto from contemplating further challenges out of a newfound extreme fear, and symbolized the capitulation of the Seventh Elder's lineage in the face of Hikari's undeniable talent.
Over the past few years, Hikari also hadn't visited his parents' graves in Konoha's Cemetery. His emotional connection to them had dimmed to the point that he felt indifferent toward them.
For Hikari, there was no compelling reason to pay respects at the cemetery, especially considering the potential risks involved.
He understood that the clan could misunderstand such a visit, again stirring unnecessary suspicion or concern about his loyalties.
Moreover, visiting the cemetery could unintentionally signal to the Third Hokage and the village's leadership that he was vulnerable or seeking a connection outside the Hyuga clan.
This could lead to unwanted attention, including the possibility of Anbu operatives being dispatched to 'escort' him for a meeting with the Hokage. Such a scenario was fraught with risks, as it might not only be an attempt to sway him towards serving Konoha's interests 'more directly' but could also escalate to more coercive measures if he seemed resistant.
As Hikari stepped into the living room of the Patriarch's personal residence, he found himself in a space that reflected the elegance and tradition of the Hyuga clan.
The room was spacious and immaculately kept, with polished wooden floors that gleamed under the soft light filtering through the paper screen windows.
Traditional Japanese scroll paintings adorned the walls, depicting serene landscapes and powerful dragons, symbols of strength and wisdom that resonated with the Hyuga's values.
In the center of the room, a low, polished wooden table was set upon tatami mats, around which the Patriarch, Hiashi, and Hizashi were already seated. The Patriarch's wife had passed away a few years earlier.
The furnishings were minimalist yet sophisticated, with cushioned seating arranged around the table for comfort during their meal.
Delicate vases holding simple, elegant flower arrangements provided a touch of color and life to the room, while carefully placed incense burners filled the air with a subtle, calming fragrance. The Patriarch nodded to the Side Branch attendants, and they all stepped away.
The Patriarch's soft smile and warm greeting set a relaxed tone as Hikari entered the living room: "Hikari-kun, you are finally here. Please sit down. Let's enjoy our meal first; it will soon be finished."
Hiashi, with a welcoming smile, chimed in, "Hello, Hikari-kun, how are you doing?", In contrast to the others, Hizashi made an effort to rise and greet Hikari more formally before being gently encouraged by Hikari to remain seated, "Please sit down, Hizashi-senpai, I will join you at the table right away."
Hikari then addressed the table with a polite and fluid greeting, "Lord Patriarch, young patriarch, good afternoon, how have you all been?", He found his place at the low wooden table and settled into the traditional sitting position on the tatami mats.
His behavior reflected not only his respect for Hyuga traditions and the clan's hierarchy but also his understanding of the delicate dynamics within the family, especially concerning Hizashi.
Hikari made a conscious effort to address Hizashi with the respectful "-senpai" honorific, acknowledging him politely despite Hizashi being only six years his senior and a member of the Side Branch, unlike Hikari from the Main Branch.
Hikari understood the unique circumstances surrounding Hizashi well; although he was born into the Patriarch's lineage, a direct line of the Main Branch, fate and clan traditions had designated him as a Side Branch member, instead, complete with the Cursed Seal marking.
However, despite these external labels and the burdens they carried, Hizashi was still regarded as a genuine family member by his father, Hirayoshi the Patriarch, and his twin brother, Hiashi, the heir apparent to the Patriarch position, in Hikari's past observation.
The hierarchies of the Hyuga clan tradition necessitated a public adherence to the roles prescribed by one's branch status, creating a necessary distance in formal settings.
However, within the privacy of the family home, such distinctions faded, allowing for a semblance of normal family interactions, including shared meals and other domestic activities.
Therefore, Hikari's kind way of treating Hizashi wasn't just about being nice. He hoped it would make a good impression on the Patriarch and Hiashi themselves.
By showing respect to Hizashi, Hikari was showing that he understood and cared about the family's complicated situation.
He thought this might help him get on even better terms with the Patriarch's line. Judging by their increasingly warmed-up relationship, it seemed to have worked so far.
Hikari had long understood why Hizashi was branded with the Cursed Seal. It boiled down to his being an identical twin born just minutes after Hiashi.
This situation presented potential complications for clan succession that could be neatly avoided by designating one twin as a Branch member.
The concern was that Hizashi, being the younger and identical twin, might challenge Hiashi's position as the heir if he becomes unwilling and indignant in the future.
After all, he was the younger brother, that was true, but just for a few meager seconds younger.
Moreover, their identical genetic makeup meant their chakra networks could be indistinguishable, raising the possibility of one posing as the other with no definitive way to tell them apart. It would be a bad situation related to one clan's main Patriarch position.
The decision to brand Hizashi with the Curse Mark and assign him to the Branch family was a preemptive move to sidestep these potential issues.
Hikari recognized that such a decision likely came under considerable pressure from other elders within the clan.
It was hard to imagine any father willingly imposing such a harsh fate on his child simply because of the timing of his birth to prevent theoretical future disputes.
The elders' insistence on marking Hizashi probably drove the choice, which was a move to safeguard the clan's stability and succession line.
Understanding this, Hikari saw the special treatment Hizashi received from his father, Hiyaroshi the Patriarch, and his brother Hiashi as acts of love and remorse.
Both Hiyaroshi and Hiashi were likely trying to compensate for the injustice Hizashi faced due to the clan's rigid traditions and the elders' demands.
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章 30: A Lunch Together with The Patriarch
As Hikari took his seat, the conversation flowed easily. It covered a range of subjects but mainly focused on Hikari's recent training progress, how he was feeling recently, his potential immediate needs, and his plans.
The atmosphere was cordial, indicative of a very intimate gathering, albeit one with significant implications given the status of those involved.
After enjoying lunch served promptly and savored by all, the conversation was quiet.
Then, the Patriarch, with a tone of genuine interest and perhaps a hint of excitement, addressed Hikari softly.
"I heard that you mastered the '64-palms' from the Fifth Elder...?", The Patriarch inquired, his eyes keenly observing Hikari for his response. This question was not casual small talk; it was a recognition of Hikari's growing prowess and his potential impact on the clan's future.
"Yes, under the careful guidance of Sir Fifth Elder and the help of the clan's resources, I managed to become fairly proficient in that technique...", Hikari replied, his tone humble yet confident.
Hizashi seemed a little stunned after hearing about Hikari's achievement, unlike Hiashi, who appeared ready with his praise at this time,
"It's a big deal, Hikari-kun, and it speaks mostly to your talent, smarts, and effort. I only got the hang of the '64-palms' when I was 12...," Hiashi said this with genuine warmth as if showing that he was truly happy for Hikari.
There was no hint of jealousy or resentment that you might expect from someone who's next in line to lead the clan from the Patriarch's Lineage and found out a younger clan member from another Main Branch Lineage mastered a critical technique six years before he did so.
However, Hiashi's present reaction could be traced back to a profound conversation he had with his father, the Patriarch, just the day before, after the Patriarch was notified about Hikari's achievements from the Fifth Elder.
During that father-son discussion, Hiashi learned in great detail about several critical issues facing the Hyuga clan, including the delicate balance of power between their clan and Konoha village and other clans and the shifts in the Hokage's stance towards the said clans, particularly the Hyuga.
That conversation had been a revelation, fully opening Hiashi's eyes to the broader challenges and responsibilities that came with his role as the future Patriarch for the first time.
For the first time, his father, who had been reluctant to fully involve him in the clan's highest decision-making until that time, laid all the cards in front of him.
Moreover, Hiashi was also initially made aware of another stunning secret about the clan that only the Patriarchs and future Patriarchs of their lineage knew about. This revelation reshaped his perspective on Hikari's talents and the future of the Hyuga.
A clan he was the most proud of and loved, with all of his heart, in his life, and for which and its future, he was ready to sacrifice his own life at any point in time.
That newfound knowledge completely assured him that even if things got out of control, his own position and their Patriarch lineage could never actually become in jeopardy, even by someone of Hikari's potential and future personal strength level, due to another revelation.
This newfound, comprehensive understanding helped him see Hikari currently not as a rival or a threat to his position as the future legitimate Patriarch but as a valuable asset to the clan, someone whose exceptional future abilities could play a crucial role in navigating the complex political landscape they were facing and who was crucial to the new strategy.
With this insight, Hiashi fully embraced his father's advice to support and value Hikari in the future. He recognized the importance of unity and collaboration within the clan to ensure their collective strength and survival, especially regarding Hikari, who, in his father's words, would become the second pillar of the Hyuga clan alongside him, the new Patriarch.
Such high valuation again affirmed his resolution to have a good relationship with and treat Hikari well in the future, more so as his main partner in the clan than just another clansman.
While the warmth and enthusiasm from Hiashi and the Patriarch took Hikari by surprise, it set his mind racing with thoughts, 'They seem genuinely pleased with what I've accomplished.',
'But, why? Aren't they worried that since my talents overshadowed Hisashi's by this margin, I might want Hisashi's spot in the future, given how strong I'm becoming? No, they're too savvy and grounded in reality to overlook such implications, especially this old Patriarch.',
'Instead, they must feel secure in their positions and confident they can keep any ambitions I might have in check, for some reason... Fascinating... This clan has even more depth and mysteries than I previously thought...',
'If they keep supporting me like they are now, I see no reason to disrupt the current line of succession and status quo. However, on the other hand, I'm definitely going to dig deeper into these secrets and uncover them, one way or another...' These thoughts raced through Hikari's mind, though he kept up a guise of the child's innocence and modesty on the outside.
Internally, Hikari was busy deciding his next move. He understood the importance of aligning himself closely with the Patriarch's lineage, recognizing their significant influence within the Hyuga clan—the highest individual say of all the other Main Branch lineages.
However, beyond that, Hikari also saw an opportunity to be near the clan's core, to uncover the layers of mysteries he sensed were guarded closely by the Patriarch's Lineage alone.
Hikari had long pondered the resilience and enduring power of this exact same Patriarch's Lineage throughout the Hyuga clan's history, as shown in the historical records he had read before.
His studies of their past only deepened the mystery until now, when he began to grasp the edges of an answer.
At the same time, it appeared that the lineage's unshakeable position and its ability to maintain leadership over centuries against the nine other different Main Branch lineages of Elders might indeed stem from possessing a true, tangible secret power, unlike the others.
Additionally, while the Patriarch did not wield absolute authority within the clan—acting instead as 'the first among equals' among the ten Elder Lineages of the Main Branch—their lineage's dominance was perhaps anchored so deeply not merely due to tradition but also from this "hidden power" perhaps.
The Hyuga clan's governance was structured around a council system, with the Patriarch presiding as both the head and the facilitator of the council's discussions and organizational logistics.
This setup mandated that significant decisions required a collective consensus among the Elders, adhering to a straightforward majority-vote mechanism. The Patriarch's voice carried the same weight as any other Elder in these critical votes, with just a single vote to his name.
While the Patriarch had the autonomy to make executive decisions in some day-to-day operations, many of these routine matters were typically brought before the Elders' weekly meetings for their advisory input.
Furthermore, the Patriarch's Lineage played a pivotal role in representing the Hyuga externally, becoming the primary interface with other clans and village authorities.
Intriguingly, unlike the other Main Branch lineages, which might choose successors based on merit, the Patriarch's Lineage adhered to strict primogeniture, bestowing leadership on the firstborn son.
Hikari now speculated that this rigid approach to succession was deliberately designed to minimize disputes and ensure stability, which was especially important for this lineage due to that same critical matter.
As their conversation continued, it somewhat unexpectedly shifted toward the Hyuga clan's various commercial ventures, administrative tasks, and broader operations.
Drawing upon his extensive modern knowledge from Earth before his transmigration, Hikari contributed to the conversation with insights that demonstrated a surprisingly sophisticated understanding of these topics.
His grasp on matters usually reserved for seasoned clan members did not go unnoticed, eliciting another round of admiration from all three present.
However, Hikari managed to maintain a balance between humility and a modest sense of pride.
He purposefully showed that ability in hopes of solidifying his standing in the eyes of the clan's leadership even more, showcasing the depth of his intellect and the breadth of his potential contributions to the Hyuga clan's future.
While Hikari enthusiastically engaged in the conversation and shared his insights, he consciously held back the bulk of his revolutionary ideas and strategies.
He had a treasure trove of knowledge from his previous life that could potentially transform the Hyuga clan's commercial and administrative efficiencies.
Yet, he chose not to lay all his cards on the table during this discussion with the Patriarch and his sons. Hikari had bigger plans.
He reasoned that unveiling his full suite of ideas before he officially assumed the role of the Third Elder—a position that was rightfully his by birth—would be premature.
Hikari envisioned first applying these innovations to bolster the operations and standing of his lineage within the clan.
He prioritized enhancing his lineage's prosperity and influence, demonstrating a blend of self-interest and strategic foresight.
After all, at his core, Hikari was someone who meticulously calculated his moves, always aiming to maximize benefits for himself before extending his advantages to the broader clan.
The knowledge he shared today was merely the tip of the iceberg, basic insights from his past life. In contrast, he had already mapped out detailed, actionable plans to significantly boost his lineage's financial returns and elevate its influence.
Instead, Hikari's strategic reveal of his knowledge during this conversation was a calculated move designed further to enhance his standing in the Patriarch's eyes.
By demonstrating a high level of understanding and insight into the clan's operations without unveiling the full extent of his revolutionary ideas, he aimed to position himself as both capable and intelligent, yet still hinting at a deeper potential yet to be unlocked.
This tactic was part of Hikari's broader strategy to solidify his reputation and value within the clan, particularly with the Patriarch.
It ensured that when the time came for him to assume his rightful place as the Third Elder, he would already be viewed as a highly esteemed and indispensable member of the Hyuga clan.
And Hikari's decision to share just a glimpse of his profound knowledge paid off sooner than expected.
The Patriarch, perhaps impressed by Hikari's demonstration of advanced insight or his remarkable mastery of the '64-Palm' technique at such a young age, made an unexpected announcement.
He expressed his intention to advocate at the next Hyuga Council meeting for Hikari to begin his immersion into the Third Lineage's business and administrative operations, currently overseen by Takumi, earlier than originally planned.
Before officially taking on the role of the Third Elder at the age of 12, this early introduction was designed to help Hikari familiarize himself with the inner workings of his lineage's affairs, build rapport with its members, and ensure a seamless transition into future leadership.
Hikari, seemingly prepared for such an opportunity, responded with a mix of gratitude and enthusiasm. He thanked the Patriarch with respectful politeness infused with a genuine sense of appreciation.
His response, brimming with the eagerness of youth to take on new challenges and prove his worth, was exactly what one might expect from someone of his age and position. Yet, beneath this facade of innocence, Hikari fully recognized its strategic significance.
クリエイターの想い
Hanma_Jack
Hanma_Jack
Up to 60 additional chapters ahead are available on my Patreon. The link is below as well on this story's main page!
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If you like the story and want it to continue, please give it some Power Stones, Reviews, Comment often, and put it in your Collection.
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