บท 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.
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บท 31: Gentle Step: Twin Lion Fist Technique
As the lively discussion came to a close, the Patriarch shifted the mood with a sudden but gentle command directed at Hiashi and Hizashi,
"Hiashi, Hizashi, please make your way to the main dojo and wait for us there. We shall join you shortly for a shared training session.", His voice, though firm, carried an undercurrent of familial warmth, making it clear that his request was not up for debate.
Both young Hyugas understood the importance of obeying their father's wishes without delay. With a nod of agreement, Hiashi replied, "Understood. We'll prepare for training."
Once Hiashi and Hizashi had exited, leaving Hikari and the Patriarch in the privacy of the spacious room, a palpable sense of seriousness enveloped the space.
The Patriarch's gaze upon Hikari softened slightly, indicating the shift from a clan leader addressing his members to a mentor preparing to impart wisdom to his protégé.
"Hikari-kun, can I place my trust in you and how do you feel about our clan?", The patriarch asked suddenly.
Caught slightly off guard by the suddenness of the question, Hikari took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding, 'It seems that it is still a taboo topic for him to mention the village in front of him, so he tested me in this way...?'
"Lord Patriarch...", Hikari began, his tone respectful and earnest, "You can place your trust in me. I am fully committed to our clan and its prosperity. My feelings towards the Hyuga clan are of deep respect and a strong sense of duty. I understand the responsibilities that come with my position and potential, and I am ready to meet those challenges for the betterment of our clan. I understand that there exist both rights and obligations when you are a part of a shinobi clan. I'm fortunate enough to enjoy the tremendous attention, care, and resources from the clan, so I plan to also repay the clan and give myself to the fullest in the future!"
The Patriarch listened intently, searching Hikari's expression for the sincerity behind his words. After a moment of silence that seemed to stretch between them, he finally nodded, a slight smile breaking through his usually stoic demeanor.
"That is good to hear, Hikari-kun. Your talents and achievements have not gone unnoticed, and neither has your loyalty. The path ahead will not be easy, and it will require more than just skill—it will require wisdom, compassion for our kin, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a Hyuga.",
Leaning forward, the Patriarch's gaze fixed more intently on Hikari, "The clan is at a pivotal moment, and in the coming years, we will face challenges that will test us in ways we have not been tested before. Your role in navigating these challenges will be crucial. I hope you will continue to grow, not just in strength but in character, and help lead the Hyuga into a prosperous future.",
"Yet, it is through strength that you can offer the greatest aid to our clan. In a world where power prevails, it would be a disservice to let your remarkable abilities be stifled by trivial cross-lineage barriers of our branch.",
"Thus, I've decided to entrust you with a high-level technique, exclusive to our Patriarch's lineage, a technique not yet fully mastered even by Hiashi. This is the Gentle Step: Twin Lion Fist—a legacy of our ancestors. I trust that you will grasp its essence swiftly and exceed my expectations once more. Watch closely now...",
The Patriarch positioned himself with ample space in the living room, his posture shifting to one that denoted both concentration and readiness, "The Gentle Step: Twin Lion Fist is more than just a technique; it is a symbol of our lineage's courage and strength...", He began, his voice steady and imbued with a sense of pride.
As he spoke, he slowly channeled his chakra, his hands beginning to glow with an ethereal blue light. The air around them seemed to thrum with energy, a tangible manifestation of the Patriarch's control and power,
"This technique combines precise chakra control with the Hyuga's gentle fist taijutsu, allowing the user to create two lion-shaped bursts of chakra around their hands," he explained.
With a sudden burst of speed, the Patriarch moved, his hands darting forward in a series of intricate motions that mimicked the ferocity and grace of a lion's pounce.
The blue chakra around his hands intensified, coalescing into the distinct form of large twin lions, their ethereal roars almost audible in the charged atmosphere.
"This technique allows for powerful strikes that can penetrate even the strongest defenses, targeting the chakra system directly and causing significant internal damage, sealing multiple tenketsu points they touch, at the same time, all the while draining your foes of their own freely circulating chakra reserves, absorbing it with 'lion bites' and then transferring it to your own chakra pathway system afterward.",
The Patriarch continued his demonstration with a flawless display of technique and power, "But be warned, it requires mastery over your chakra and a deep understanding of the Gentle Fist art. It is not easy to transfer and introduce an enemy's chakra into your system.",
"This technique could be said to be the pinnace of the Hyuga clan's arts in terms of difficulty and power. It is also unique only to our Patriarch's Lineage. You are the first person 'from the outside' who got the opportunity to learn it. Therefore, please don't spread it to anyone else."
The Patriarch then carefully pulled out a special scroll from inside his robes and handed it to Hikari, "This scroll contains everything you need to know about the Gentle Step: Twin Lion Fist. I've put together all the details for you. I'll be checking in on your progress now and then when we meet again like today. But, also, don't be reserved, if you have any questions, you can always come and ask me directly. I also trust you'll keep this information safe, this scroll is now your responsibility Hikari-kun...",
He said, giving Hikari a rare, slightly warm look that Hikari couldn't quite interpret. Whether this warmth stemmed from genuine sentiment or was a calculated gesture, Hikari could not ascertain. Nonetheless, he quickly accepted the scroll after the deepest bow of respect and gratitude, fervently promising, "Thank you, Lord Patriarch. I assure you, I will not let you or our clan down...", His voice steady with determination and honor as well as a little 'touched'.
Yet, deep within his thoughts, Hikari pondered, 'If he's shared this technique with me so willingly, it suggests the Patriarch's lineage likely possesses others, some possibly even more formidable techniques. Their renowned status isn't unfounded... Hiashi's Quasi-Kage level strength, shown in the original, the only such of the entire Hyuga clan wasn't for nothing. It seems that at least in their individual strength, every Patriarch is at least on a Quasi-Kage level. It is just that this gentleman got too old now, so his skills regressed.',
'From what I've pieced together, their more potent arsenal might well involve at least one more advanced 'chakra absorption' technique, but with a far greater power, possibly extending to the technique's range, area of effect, and overall utilization of chakra... Yet, just like Takumi, it's clear that those from the Main Branch Lineage keep their most crucial techniques close to their chest, away from anyone outside their direct lineage, myself included. The likelihood of them sharing their ultimate techniques with me seems slim...'
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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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