That evening, the team made their way back to Konoha.
Hyuga Hiashi's act of betraying the village meant his fate was sealed: execution.
Hyuga Hizashi, because he was forced into it and didn't act on his own accord, would only face a short, symbolic imprisonment.
For Hyuga Hazuki and Hyuga Ruri, who were important for keeping the family line going, their paths were even clearer.
Hyuga Hazuki was placed under house arrest.
Hyuga Ruri was immediately put under Sarutobi Ryo's direct command.
For most of the Hyuga Clan, these events happened so fast they barely had time to react.
A clan rebellion during a time when Konoha was barely holding on was a serious matter.
So, after much thought among Konoha's leaders, they decided to handle this problem in secret.
Just like in the original story… the higher-ups in Konoha would secretly deal with the Uchiha issue.
The death of the Head Family Elder didn't need any explanation to outsiders.
After all, the Head Family Elder had been living quietly for years, and no foreign ninja would care if he suddenly died.
Within the Hyuga Clan, they would announce that the Elder had died suddenly from an unexpected illness.
As for Hyuga Hiashi, the Konoha leaders planned to tell the world that he was badly hurt during a mission and was recovering.
The crisis of betrayal was quickly controlled and calmed down.
However, the changes happening within the Hyuga Clan that followed were the true beginning.
"Sarutobi Ryo, who do you think should lead the Hyuga Clan?"
Inside the Hokage Conference Room, the four Konoha leaders stared at Sarutobi Ryo, sitting across from them, and asked this question.
It was already late at night.
Talking about the Hyuga Clan's situation had taken up most of the day.
The last issue was who would become the next Hyuga Clan Head.
The Hyuga Clan couldn't be without a leader.
With Hyuga Hiashi seriously injured and locked up, someone needed to take charge.
An outsider was out of the question, so they had to choose someone from within the Hyuga Clan.
Right now, the members of the Hyuga Head Family included…
Hyuga Hiashi, Hyuga Hazuki, Hyuga Ko, and his mother.
Hyuga Ko.
Sarutobi Ryo had already looked into his background.
The Byakugan that was lost this time, and the Hyuga Head Family Ninja who died in battle, was Hyuga Ko's father.
Hyuga Ko is not very well-known.
But this minor character had some importance.
In the original story, when Pain attacked, he used a Super Shinra Tensei, crushing everyone underneath.
The Hyuga extra who crawled out of the ruins and shouted for Lady Hinata was Hyuga Ko.
The official data book, clearly stated that Hyuga Ko… was also a member of the Head Family.
In this time, Hyuga Ko was just a child. He had just started learning the Gentle Fist and how to read.
Making him a puppet Clan Head wouldn't work because he was too young.
Hyuga Ko's mother also didn't have any special talent; she was only known because of her Head Family status.
After hearing about her husband's death, she became sad and looked like she didn't have much time left either.
"I believe Hyuga Hizashi is the most suitable."
Sarutobi Ryo shared his thoughts.
Hyuga Hizashi was talented and had always been held back.
If he could replace his brother and become the leader of the Hyuga Clan, he would feel better, and… Hyuga Hizashi wouldn't betray Konoha.
As long as Hyuga Hiashi was kept under control.
Because only Hyuga Hiashi knew how to activate the Caged Bird Seal right now.
"Hizashi, huh…"
The leaders seemed unsure.
Hyuga Hizashi was a Branch Family member…
"Everyone, Hizashi's skills are as good as Hiashi's. I think replacing Hiashi is not a problem…" Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at his colleagues, showing he agreed with his eldest son's opinion.
"It seems we have no other choice."
Utatane Koharu and the others nodded.
Hyuga Ruri was very depressed; even though she was skilled, she couldn't handle such a big job.
Hyuga Ko was too young to be used.
So, as things were, Hizashi was the best choice.
Hyuga Hiashi's downfall also meant something else.
In the future… should they keep using the Caged Bird Curse Mark to control the Hyuga Clan?
"That's too far in the future, Lord Koharu. Right now, Konoha needs to gather all its strength and fight back against the enemies from the Four Great Shinobi Villages…"
Sarutobi Ryo quickly changed the subject.
Deciding whether to continue using the Hyuga methods could wait until the Ninja World Great War was over.
"That makes sense." Utatane Koharu nodded, looking at Sarutobi Ryo with admiration.
His repeated success in battles and missions made her think.
Maybe…
Sarutobi Ryo was even more outstanding than Namikaze Minato.
Personally, she was close friends with Sarutobi Biwako.
She had a senior-junior relationship with Sarutobi Ryo.
It was only natural to support a young talent.
"Sarutobi Ryo, I've already heard the details of the battle from the Anbu…"
Defeating Hyuga Hiashi with one strike.
Defeating the Head Family Elder in a few moves.
This strength clearly meant he had reached Kage-level!
As someone from the same time as Namikaze Minato and Pakura, Sarutobi Ryo, this younger member, was shining so brightly.
Utatane Koharu couldn't help but admire his talent.
"Perform well. I look forward to your contributions on the battlefield."
Utatane Koharu rarely smiled, but she slightly curved her lips.
Then, she stood up and left.
Mitokado Homura frowned, sensing something was off.
If Sarutobi Ryo kept growing and became better than Minato, then … we would have to think about switching to supporting Sarutobi Ryo.
"Hiruzen, congratulations."
Danzo, who hadn't spoken the whole time, congratulated his old friend.
Having your son become a Kage-level powerhouse at such a young age was something to celebrate.
Danzo then looked at Sarutobi Ryo.
"Sarutobi Ryo, with your talent, it's a waste for you to only be the Squad Captain of Anbu Squad Six… try to get the position of Jonin Commander…"
In Danzo's opinion, Sarutobi Ryo was the best choice for the vacant Jonin Commander position.
As for Namikaze Minato… he was still too naive.
His vision and thinking … are not as good as Sarutobi Ryo's.
"Understood."
Sarutobi Ryo nodded.
He calmly watched the others leave.
Words are cheap, actions are what matter.
If these three really changed their bets because of his performance, that would be good.
But if they were just making empty promises…
So, no matter what they said, he would just watch what actually happened.
"Ryo, you already have Kage-level strength, don't you…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at his eldest son, even more pleased than before.
At this rate.
Sarutobi Ryo is likely to be the best Fifth Generation Hokage candidate.
"He only needs one more great achievement…"
Sarutobi Biwako reminded her son.
If her eldest son could achieve a great feat.
Then, his father, Sarutobi Hiruzen, could convince everyone to let him see the Scroll of Sealing and learn an S-Rank Jutsu, just like he did for Namikaze Minato back then, letting him learn the S-Rank Flying Thunder God Technique.
Let my eldest son also learn one of the Forbidden Techniques.
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[T/N:
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 138 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
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]