บท 252: **Chapter 252: Conflict Resolution and the Elder's Smile!**
"Soft Fist, Eight-Sky Strike!"
Just as Reiki was preparing to fend off the attacking elder, Hyuga Momori's voice rang out. A powerful wave of air instantly surged forward, hitting the elder squarely and sending him flying backward.
"What…?" Hinata Qisi's eyes widened in shock. The technique Hyuga Momori had just used wasn't from the standard Gentle Fist or Eight Trigrams series. It was a long-forgotten move, a Sky-Soaring Air Attack, once utilized during the Warring States Period by an ancient Hyuga clan leader who had mastered it through the power of the Byakugan.
"This is why I seek reform!" Hyuga Momori declared, his face resolute. "How did the Hyuga clan rise to prominence during the Warring States Period? Was it due to complacency? No! It was because we had strong individuals willing to innovate and lead."
The strong individual Hyuga Momori spoke of was none other than Hinata Taya, the grandfather of the elder before him, Hinata Tashi.
"The ninja world respects strength above all. If we continue to let internal issues fester, can we truly trust each other when facing external threats? Why should members of the branch family, imprisoned by seals, give their lives to protect us?"
His voice boomed like thunder, each word striking deep into the hearts of those present. Many branch family members stood up and removed their forehead protectors, revealing the cursed seal that had long symbolized their subjugation. They were part of the Hyuga clan—neither slaves nor enemies.
"Patriarch! Patriarch!" The voices of the branch family members rose in unison, acknowledging Hyuga Momori as their leader and demanding recognition.
Hinata Qisi's expression wavered as he struggled with the implications of this moment.
"Elders, if you wish to depose me as clan leader, I won't resist," Hyuga Momori stated firmly. "But know this—I will remove the caged bird seal, no matter what."
He walked to the front of the assembly, approached the nearest clan member, and said, "Calm your mind." Forming hand seals, he began to lift the curse seal.
"Elder Qisi, now what…?" one of the other elders whispered, looking confused and out of his depth. The situation had spiraled beyond their control, and with their age and declining strength, they could not oppose Hyuga Momori. The Sky-Soaring Air Attack he demonstrated had already shown the chasm in power between them.
Meanwhile, the elder who had attacked Reiki had not yet recovered. The impact of Hyuga Momori's strike had blocked his chakra flow and immobilized him.
"Ah…" Hinata Qisi sighed, shaking his head. The fight was over, and resistance seemed futile. What purpose would it serve to fight against what clearly needed to change? Even now, Reiki, whom they had just tried to attack, was tending to the downed elder with genuine care. This act shamed Hinata Qisi.
Half an hour later, the elder who had been knocked down was back on his feet and approached Hinata Qisi.
"Elder Qisi, I…" he began, but Qisi interrupted.
"Let's go. The future belongs to them. It's not our place to interfere anymore," Qisi said softly and walked out of the courtyard, his shoulders drooping. As he left, a slight smile crept onto his lips. Perhaps this was the right choice after all.
The elders departed, and Hyuga Momori accelerated the removal of the curse seals. By afternoon, all branch family members were freed from the caged bird seal. Many immediately noticed that their Byakugan perception had become stronger and smoother, now unrestrained by the seal's limiting power.
"Reiki, the rest is up to you," Hyuga Momori said, exhausted, as he sat down to rest. The removal of so many curse seals at once had taken a heavy toll on his chakra and stamina.
"Understood," Reiki replied, jumping back into his work. He began treating the remaining clan members, starting with Hyuga Hizashi.
By the time night fell, Reiki was nearly spent, having treated 14 members. He sat down, exhausted, but satisfied with the day's progress.
"Reiki, you've worked hard. Here, these are the medicinal supplies I prepared for you. If you need anything else, just let me know," Hyuga Momori said gratefully, handing Reiki a sealing scroll.
Reiki accepted it with a smile. "Thank you. I'll need some nourishing flowers and blood energy vines," he added. Admiration was one thing, but securing resources for his work was important too. After all, the Hyuga clan could easily afford it.
"Understood. I'll have someone—"
"Reiki!" A familiar voice thundered from outside.
"Oh no!" Reiki thought, a chill running down his spine. It was his teacher, Tsunade. In the chaos surrounding the Hyuga clan's upheaval, he hadn't returned home. Now, she had found him, and the consequences would not be pleasant.
"Master Tsunade," Hyuga Momori greeted, standing up.
"Patriarch Baisen," Tsunade said, her voice firm, "I'm here to collect my disciple."
"Teacher, I…" Reiki stammered. "I still have work to do."
Despite his hesitation and knowing Tsunade's temper, Reiki was committed to seeing the treatment process through. The secondary treatments were vital, and the reward from the Hyuga clan was significant.
"I want to see you at the dinner table tomorrow night," Tsunade said, turning without waiting for a response. "Chief Baisen, my apologies for the intrusion."
As she left, Reiki exhaled a sigh of relief. He had one more day to complete his work—and to brace himself for the talk with Tsunade.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 420 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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