Chương 20: Hikari's Status Getting Restored

The Second Elder's voice cut through the tension, offering a perspective that shifted the focus of the conversation, "That is a point worthy of consideration...", He acknowledged, addressing the Seventh Elder's concerns with a note of pragmatism.

"However, let us remember that the clan did not officially harm his parents; they pretty much-sought death on their own. They were among the first to volunteer for the battlefield at the onset of the Second Shinobi World War for no reason.",

"If not for the dozens of Side Branch members we assigned to always protect them, they would have fallen many times over. It's true that this time, we decided to have those protectors secretly withdraw during a mission against Iwagakure shinobi, leading to their untimely demise after sensitive information from Council meetings started being leaked to the Hokage in regards to the Hyugas' mobilization negotiations with the village.",

He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in before continuing, "Rather than holding the clan accountable, it's possible that Hikari might, over time, come to question his parents' choices.",

"They left him behind, driven to the battlefield, bewitched Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu and the ideals of the Ninja Academy, ultimately orphaning their child. Given the shift in Hikari's demeanor that the Fifth has reported, along with Fifth Elder's thoughtful guidance, I believe the boy may come to view his parents' actions more critically.",

The Second Elder's comments helped steer the conversation back toward supporting Hikari, especially after the Seventh Elder's concerns had made them hesitant for a moment.

Even before Hikari emerged as the most significant talent in the Hyuga clan's history, the council struggled to decide whether to take drastic action against him.

Deciding to 'deal with' Hikari, in a similar manner as with his parents, was a big deal because it meant doing something the Hyuga hadn't done in hundreds of years: potentially ending one of the Ten Main Branch lineages since Hikari was its last member.

This was tough for the Hyuga, a family that cared about keeping things steady and in harmony, respecting traditions and history, and following what their ancestors taught.

The decision was complicated by the situation with Hikari's parents. Initially, some might have thought that they directly gave away clan secrets to the Hokage.

But after thinking it over, the elders realized the truth might be different. Hikari's parents treated everyone equally, even the Side Branch members, and probably talked about sensitive stuff without realizing who was listening.

Some of those Side Branch members likely ended up sharing these secrets, maybe because they were pressured or tempted by Danzo Shimura and his newly established 'dirty' organization.

The crucial detail here was that the Curse Mark, while effective in ensuring loyalty, did not extend to a 'Tongue Seal', leaving a loophole for information to be extracted.

"I think the best way to proceed would be to vote on this matter. Let's vote on the previous plan I mentioned. Let's start with you, First Elder. Do you agree...", With these words, the Patriarch initiated the voting process, aiming to reach a consensus on how to move forward with Hikari's future within the Hyuga clan.

As the vote proceeded, each Elder voiced their stance, with the room filled with a palpable sense of anticipation. The process was methodical; each Elder was given a moment to contemplate the full weight of their decision before casting their vote.

In the end, the vote was overwhelmingly in favor of the Patriarch's plan, a testament to the council's trust in his wisdom and leadership. The only dissenting voices were those of the Seventh Elder and his closest ally, the Eighth Elder.

The overwhelming majority in favor of supporting Hikari's development was rooted in clear, pragmatic reasoning. For the Elders, the immediate gain of dividing the Third Lineage's commercial interests and rights—a mere 10% increase in power for each of their lineages—paled in comparison to the potential long-term benefits of allowing Hikari to reach his full potential.

They recognized that Hikari's extraordinary talents could elevate the Hyuga clan to unprecedented levels of wealth and influence, far exceeding the short-term gains from seizing his lineage's assets.

Furthermore, the decision reflected a deeper understanding and empathy toward the complexities of leadership and the possibility of error. Many Elders, as parents and grandparents themselves, considered the potential for their descendants to stray from the clan's expectations like Hikari's parents.

The thought of entire lineages facing extinction due to the actions of a few prompted a more compassionate and lenient approach. They recognized the importance of maintaining clan unity and harmony above all, opting for a path that allowed for redemption and growth.

Additionally, there was a concern about the perception of the Side Branch members. The Elders were keenly aware of the delicate balance between the Main and Side Branches.

The extinction of an entire Main Branch lineage could potentially embolden the Side Branch, disrupting the clan's internal harmony and making them 'gloat.'

Hikari's recent actions also demonstrated a shift towards the traditional Main Branch values of control and authority over the Side Branch.

This alignment with Main Branch principles, especially coming from a lineage that had historically been sympathetic to the Side Branch, was really 'beneficial' to the rest of them. It made them sure it would make the Side Branch more 'obedient' in the future, now that even their last 'sympathizers' within the main branch had transformed.

"So it is decided. My plan will be implemented from now on...", The Patriarch stated, his voice resonating with finality, marking the end of the discussion and the beginning of a new chapter for Hikari and the Hyuga clan, "Fifth Elder, you will continue to be responsible for him and report back to us occasionally on his progress and development.",

The Patriarch then turned his attention to the rest of the Elders, his gaze firm yet imbued with a sense of collective responsibility, "Furthermore, I would like to ask everyone here to instruct your lineage members to cease any harsh treatment towards Hikari, effective immediately and indefinitely.",

"Such measures were previously tolerated to instill in him a lesson about distancing himself from his parents' choices, and it appears to have been successful. Continuing down this path could only be detrimental from here on out.",

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in, ensuring that the gravity of his directive was fully understood, "Should you witness any behavior that disregards this directive, even after your warnings, it is imperative that you take appropriate actions to discipline those responsible within your lineages. We don't want 'others' to gloat anymore."

"From now on, that boy will be cultivated by the entire clan with all our strength. He will be a pillar we will all unite behind and the one to bring us through troubled times...", The Patriarch declared, his voice imbued with a sense of certainty and foresight.

In his final remarks, the Patriarch shared his leadership philosophy, a blend of pragmatism and visionary thinking. "As a leader, it has always been my duty to weigh the risk against the reward in every decision we make.",

"While there remains a risk, albeit small, that Hikari could turn against the clan, bringing negative consequences, this risk is vastly outweighed by the potential benefits his growth and development could bring. The 'reward' of nurturing his talents and integrating him into our future plans is nearly limitless.",

His words captured the essence of the council's resolution to support Hikari, encapsulating the calculated gamble they were willing to take for the betterment of the clan. The Patriarch's acknowledgment of the risks involved served to underline the depth of their commitment; they were not entering into this decision blindly but with a full understanding.

The Seventh Elder, having constantly voiced his concerns and opposition, sat quietly as the Patriarch delivered his final verdict on Hikari.

While the overwhelming support for the boy's development within the clan was clear, the Seventh Elder's expression was a complex mix of resignation and contemplation.

He had raised valid points, driven by genuine concern for the clan's future, yet the decision had been made, favoring potential over precaution.

However, despite eventually accepting the council's decision regarding Hikari, the Seventh Elder felt a need to address a personal grievance, seeking some form of retribution to preserve his own 'face' or honor within the clan.

Therefore, with a measured tone, indicating his intention to comply yet not fully concede, he spoke, "I will respect this collective decision today...", He began, ensuring his acknowledgment of the council's authority was clear,

"However, there is still another matter to discuss about the boy. After all, yesterday, he insulted my entire lineage openly in front of everyone and also used the Cursed Seal Command on my own followers. So, I demand that he gets punished in some way at least..."

However, at this critical juncture, Takumi intervened, his gaze sharp as he addressed the Seventh Elder directly, "He insulted your lineage, but did you overlook how your grandsons first bullied him and beat him severely? They also insulted his lineage and parents multiple times. Where is the punishment for their actions..?", Takumi's tone was firm, his question rhetorical yet pointed, challenging the Seventh Elder's demands for retribution.

"Yes, he used the Cursed Seal Command on those Side Branch members under your command, but let's not forget they disrespected him repeatedly in the past as well.", Takumi continued, his words underscored by a sense of fairness and justice.

"Moreover, you seem to overlook a crucial aspect. Prodigies of historical significance often receive more 'leeway' within every clan due to their potential impact. And frankly, such talents are infinitely more valuable than your two grandsons who, at best, can be described as average.",

Takumi's forthrightness, bordering on disrespect, underscored his conviction. His unwavering stare at the Seventh Elder conveyed the seriousness of his rebuttal, "There's no reason to antagonize a boy of such rare talent over incidents involving children who have yet to prove their worth to the clan.",

The atmosphere in the room became charged as a tense, silent standoff ensued between Takumi and the Seventh Elder. At 45, Takumi held a unique position within the council.

Not only was he the closest to his prime among those present, but his strength and aura were surpassed only by the Patriarch himself, making him a formidable presence in any debate or confrontation.

As the only other individual in the room who could claim Elite Jonin-level strength, Takumi's physical prowess lent an additional layer of authority to his words.

The Patriarch, a venerable figure within the clan, had once been considered Quasi-Kage level before age, which necessitated his fall to the level of an Elite Jonin at best.

This rarefied level of skill set him apart, yet age had inevitably tempered his physical capabilities, as it had for the other Elders.

While all the Elders had been Elite Jonins in their youth, the passage of time had reduced their average strength to that of a Jonin.

In the Hyuga clan, the position of Elder was passed on based on experience and wisdom rather than physical strength alone, as it was, in essence, a managerial position.

Consequently, each Elder had younger, physically capable Elite Jonins in their lineage, who relied on their expertise and strategic thinking to guide the clan.

However, Takumi's relative youth among the council members gave him a distinct advantage, not just in terms of physical strength but also in the vitality and intensity he brought to the council.

His father's early demise thrust him into a position of responsibility sooner than most, and he rose to the challenge with a vigor unmatched among his peers.

The absence of any gray hair among his locks was a subtle but constant reminder of the generational shift he represented.

The tension in the room, palpable during the standoff between Takumi and the Seventh Elder, began to dissipate as the Patriarch intervened once more, his voice and demeanor bringing a calming influence back to the council's proceedings,

"Given that this was his first transgression, Hikari should not be punished. I think there is no need to vote on this..." he declared, effectively navigating the delicate situation to give a face to both Takumi and the Seventh Elder.

Despite his visible disappointment at the outcome, the Seventh Elder recognized the significance of the Patriarch's stance. This was a telling moment, revealing the extent to which the clan's leadership was rallying behind Hikari.

With the matter of Hikari's behavior resolved, the Patriarch nodded and then smoothly transitioned the council's focus to another pressing issue, "Now, let us address the second urgent matter related to the Second Shinobi World War...", He announced, signaling a shift.