Hyuga Hiashi and Sarutobi Hiruzen
After learning that Chi Yu had entered the Hyuga compound and taken Hyuga Neji under his wing, Hiruzen Sarutobi waited. He wanted to see whether Hyuga Hiashi would attempt to conceal the matter or report it truthfully.
If Hiashi chose to stay silent, it might be to shield his younger brother, Hizashi, from punishment. While such an action would be understandable from a familial standpoint, it would plant a seed of distrust between the Hyuga head and the Hokage.
If Hiashi instead reported the incident openly, it would be a sign of loyalty.
Hiruzen knew he needed to tread carefully. He and Danzō were already focusing on the Uchiha Clan. If the Uchiha were weakened or removed, the Hyuga would inevitably become Konoha's largest and most influential clan. And precedent had already shown that when a single clan's power grew too unchecked—like the Uchiha—it risked spiraling out of control.
Thus, while the Hyuga had always been outwardly obedient, Hiruzen had no intention of allowing the same danger to take root twice.
Now, with Hiashi standing before him and recounting the events without shielding Hizashi, Hiruzen allowed himself a measure of relief.
Hiashi carefully studied Hiruzen's expression. Yet the Hokage's face was wreathed in smoke from his pipe, his eyes hidden, his demeanor unreadable.
Unsure how to interpret him, Hiashi decided to act decisively. He declared in a grave voice:
"Third Hokage, the Hyuga Clan has already resolved that, should you give the order, we are prepared to strip Hizashi and Neji of their standing in the clan. If necessary, we would even invoke the Caged Bird Seal to ensure the Byakugan does not fall into outside hands."
The Hokage's hand stilled on his pipe, his eyes narrowing slightly. He had not expected Hiashi to go so far.
After a moment, Hiruzen exhaled and spoke gently:
"Hiashi… there is no need for such measures. Hizashi is still your brother, and Neji is only a boy—your nephew. Their actions are not unforgivable. Neji's so-called 'crime' is merely choosing to become Chi Yu's disciple."
Hiashi blinked, caught off guard. Was the Hokage… approving of Neji's apprenticeship?
Hiruzen continued, "Chi Yu may be brash and unyielding, yes, but he is still a loyal shinobi of Konoha. He has shed blood for this village. That should not be forgotten. His talent in instruction is undeniable. If Neji learns from him, it will benefit not just the boy, but the Hyuga Clan, and Konoha itself."
Hiashi frowned. He could not tell if Hiruzen's words were earnest or veiled in sarcasm.
The Hokage set aside his pipe and looked at him more directly.
"Hiashi, I know you bear resentment toward Chi Yu. In the council chamber he embarrassed us all—but I hold no grudge. If the Hokage himself were to stoop to pettiness, what lesson would that teach the village? I will not target Chi Yu over pride. He is a valuable asset to Konoha. We must respect that, even while tolerating his flaws."
Hiashi's brows furrowed. Was the Hokage truly planning to let Chi Yu off so easily? This was unlike the cautious, calculating Sarutobi he knew.
Then Hiruzen spoke words that clarified everything.
"Let Neji remain Chi Yu's student. In fact, I encourage it. You are aware Kakashi is now among my Anbu, yes? His skill is unmatched, and he too was shaped under Chi Yu's hand. Neji is Chi Yu's second disciple. I have no doubt he will grow into a fine shinobi, one who will serve Konoha with distinction. That is what matters most."
Hiashi's eyes narrowed. The intent became clear. Hiruzen was not excusing Chi Yu out of trust—he was calculating. So long as Neji bore the Caged Bird Seal, no matter how strong he became under Chi Yu, he would remain under the Hyuga Main House's control, and by extension, Konoha's.
It was a shrewd maneuver. Hiruzen was willing to let Chi Yu do the training, but the results would remain bound within the village's grasp.
Hiashi felt a chill run down his arms. Truly, this was the man known as the Professor—the Hokage who balanced kindness with ruthless pragmatism.
He let out a controlled sigh. At least the Hyuga would not be directly implicated.
"Since the Hokage has spoken, I will not punish Hizashi or Neji further. Neji will continue his training under Chi Yu, and when the time comes, he will serve Konoha with pride."
Hiruzen smiled faintly, nodding in approval.
"Good. What we need now are capable shinobi. I look forward to Neji's growth."
Hiashi rose, bowing respectfully.
"Then I will return to the clan. Thank you for your guidance, Lord Hokage."
After leaving the Hokage's office, Hiashi paused in the street, glancing back at the looming structure of the Hokage Building. His chest was still tight with unease.
Had Hiruzen already known the details before he even arrived? The thought gnawed at him. If so, the Hokage's eyes were already deep within the Hyuga compound.
Fortunately, Hiashi had come forward at once. Any delay, any attempt at concealment, and suspicion might have fallen on the Hyuga.
Hiashi's grip tightened at his side. In Konoha, nothing ever escaped the Hokage's sight.
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