Hyūga Neji had always been observant. Even now, standing among his friends, he caught the subtle shift in expression on Souta Kazuki's face. There was a glint of determination, something different from his usual composed demeanor.
"Neji…" Souta spoke, his voice carrying an undertone of seriousness.
Neji turned to face him fully. "What is it, Souta?"
"Let's go to the Hyūga clan."
Neji was momentarily taken aback. It wasn't that Souta had never visited the Hyūga clan before—he had—but this time, something felt different. Souta's identity was no longer that of just a close friend; he was the Fifth Hokage. For him to suddenly request a visit to the Hyūga compound meant there was something important on his mind.
Nevertheless, Neji simply nodded, placing his trust in Souta.
And so, a group of Konoha's strongest young shinobi, led by the newly appointed Hokage, made their way toward the Hyūga compound. Their arrival did not go unnoticed. The Hyūga were an old and proud clan, and having the Hokage visit in such a manner was anything but ordinary.
Hyūga Tennin had left the psychic space and returned to his clan's ancestral home. His presence alone carried a weight unlike any other, for he was not just an elder—he was the true ancestor of the Hyūga clan. Unlike those bound by tradition, Tennin had lived long enough to see the limitations of their ways.
And now, standing in the compound, he knew why the Hokage had come. Souta Kazuki had spoken to him before about the caged bird seal—the infamous practice that divided the Hyūga clan into the main and branch families. Souta had expressed his disdain for the system and his desire to abolish it.
At the time, Hyūga Tennin had merely listened, but deep inside, he had agreed. He too had suffered under the weight of those outdated traditions. He had once watched his own brother's fate be sealed, powerless to stop it. Now, however, things were different. He was no longer a clan head trapped under the pressure of elders—he was an ancestor, revered and respected beyond question. If there was ever a time to change the Hyūga clan, it was now.
Meanwhile, Hyūga Hiashi, the current clan head, remained uncertain. He welcomed Souta warmly but couldn't help wondering about the true reason behind this visit.
"Hokage-sama…" Hiashi greeted, offering a respectful bow.
"Uncle Hiashi, there's no need for formalities between us," Souta said, smiling slightly. "I've been to the Hyūga compound many times before, and I don't want my position to create distance between us. I am still the same person."
Hiashi studied the young Hokage carefully before nodding. "Very well, Souta. What brings you to the Hyūga clan today?"
Before Souta could answer, a small figure rushed forward, colliding into Hinata's embrace.
"Sister! You promised to train with me today!"
It was Hyūga Hanabi, Hinata's younger sister.
Many in the group chuckled at Hanabi's enthusiasm. She was still young but showed great potential.
Neji gently patted Hanabi's head. "Hanabi, calm down. Hokage-sama is here to speak with the clan head."
Hanabi turned to Neji with a pout. "Hokage? That's just Brother Souta!"
Souta chuckled, crossing his arms. "Hanabi is right. I don't want my role as Hokage to change my relationships. We are all still family, still comrades. If I let my title build walls between us, then I wouldn't be fit to lead."
Neji, hearing these words, found himself smiling. "I understand, Souta."
The group proceeded into the reception hall, where Hiashi ensured they received the highest level of hospitality. After a round of tea and formalities, the conversation took a more serious turn.
"Souta, I assume you didn't come here just to catch up," Hiashi said. "What is it that you wish to discuss?"
Souta leaned forward slightly. "You're right, Uncle Hiashi. There's something I need to talk about. Something important."
Hiashi's gaze sharpened. "Go on."
Souta took a deep breath before speaking. "Uncle, you know my abilities. I've been able to bring back several powerful individuals from the past… and I will soon be able to revive Hyūga Hizashi."
The moment those words left his lips, the entire room shifted.
Hiashi's hands trembled. His expression, usually composed and unreadable, cracked as his emotions flooded to the surface. "What…? You can bring my brother back?"
Souta nodded. "Yes. Given my capabilities, it's only a matter of time."
Hiashi's reaction was immediate—he stood up, his voice filled with urgency. "Souta, if you can truly do this, then the Hyūga clan will forever be in your debt. I—"
Souta raised a hand to stop him. "There's something else I need to discuss first."
Hiashi frowned slightly. "And what is that?"
Souta's next words shook the room.
"I want the Hyūga clan to abolish the caged bird seal."
Silence.
A thick, suffocating silence filled the room.
Neji, who had been standing quietly, felt his heart pound in his chest. He could hardly believe what he had just heard.
Hinata's eyes widened in pure joy. Hanabi, too young to fully understand the depth of the situation, simply tilted her head in curiosity.
Hiashi, however, remained still, his face unreadable.
Souta continued. "You already know how I feel about the caged bird seal, Uncle. It is an outdated, oppressive practice. It creates unnecessary division within the clan and limits the potential of so many. The Hyūga clan could be stronger—much stronger—if all its members were treated as equals."
Hiashi remained silent. Then, slowly, his gaze shifted to the true elder in the room.
Hyūga Tennin, the revered ancestor, simply nodded.
Hiashi exhaled. He had always hated the caged bird seal. He had been forced to watch his own twin brother be branded with it. He had seen Neji, a true genius, marked with the same fate. And now, if nothing changed, Hanabi might share the same destiny.
The only reason he hadn't abolished it himself was because of the resistance from the elders. But now…
Now, with Tennin's support and the Hokage himself standing in front of him, demanding change, Hiashi felt something stir within him.
Resolve.
Hiashi closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and finally spoke.
"…I will do it."
Neji's breath caught in his throat.
"I will end the caged bird system."
Hinata clasped her hands together, eyes shimmering.
Even Hanabi, though not entirely understanding, sensed the importance of this moment.
Souta smiled. "That's the right decision, Uncle."
Hiashi looked toward his ancestor. "Tennin-sama, do you approve?"
Tennin nodded. "The Hyūga clan has remained unchanged for centuries. It is time we step forward."
Hiashi turned back to Souta. "Then it is decided."
For the first time in its long history, the Hyūga clan would embrace true unity.