Chapter 315: White and Red (Part 1)
The Hyuga Clan was a prestigious noble clan in Konoha. The reconnaissance ability of the Byakugan was famous throughout the ninja world. However, when it came to the sheer power of their Bloodline Limit, the Hyuga were somewhat lacking. For decades, they hadn't produced any ninja renowned across the ninja world for their strength.
In the current environment of Konoha integrating into the Cloud, a single Mind's Eye of the Kagura was worth dozens of Byakugan. Dana's own "Pulse" Vision was similar, making the reconnaissance function less critical.
However, the Hyuga clan had one special characteristic: the inheritance of the Byakugan was extremely stable. The probability of clan members awakening the Byakugan was far higher than other bloodline clans. Dana guessed this was because the source genes were exceptionally powerful and stable—after all, they were stable dominant genes from a cosmic race.
The Hyuga estate occupied a massive area, displaying the grandeur of a wealthy clan. But this also meant it couldn't be fully protected during the bombardment. More than half of it was destroyed after the war, and it was currently under urgent repair.
"Cloud-samas, thank you for your hard work. My clan has prepared dinner in the rear courtyard. Please follow me..."
The maid's tone was cold yet respectful, making the Cloud Construction Ninja look at each other.
Everyone in the Hyuga clan acted strictly by the book. It seemed respectful, but in reality, they were constantly displaying their noble superiority.
As a crucial part of the Cloud system, these Construction Ninja had traveled far and wide, seeing much of the world. They had built New Kumogakure and repaired the capital of the Land of Lightning.
"They have even more rules than the Yotsuki Clan back in the village. The Hyuga don't feel like a ninja clan; they feel like nobles."
"I heard from Konoha people that most Hyuga members are servants. Only the Main Family (Soke) count as real people. They basically never go to the battlefield or take missions, and they do whatever they want."
"Eh? Can a ninja clan like this survive?"
"Apparently, they have some powerful control method, but they use it against their own people."
"Speaking of which, Konoha is really backward... I miss the village..."
After turning a corner in the corridor, Hizashi Hyuga clenched his fist, then slowly relaxed it, leaving the area as if nothing had happened.
Moving to the front hall, three people were gathered drinking tea, including Hizashi's older twin brother, Hiashi Hyuga.
"Elder Yuhei, Elder Hiroshi, Hiashi-sama."
After serving three cups of tea, the maid retreated to the side and waited respectfully, but she didn't bring a chair for Hizashi.
It wasn't because the maid intended to slight him, but because such were the Hyuga rules. When the Main Family was present, unless they spoke, Branch Family members could only stand and wait for orders. This applied to Hizashi, and to her.
A Main Family elder put down his tea cup and said, "Hizashi, that person in the Hokage Building... has summoned you and Hiashi."
Another elder said, "Summoning you so suddenly... we don't know his intentions. But Konoha is in a special period. Think carefully about what should and shouldn't be said. Don't disgrace the Hyuga name. In all matters, defer to Hiashi. Understood?"
Hizashi kept a straight face and bowed in acknowledgment.
From start to finish, Hizashi didn't glance at his brother once.
The two left the clan grounds without exchanging a single word. However, upon arriving at the Hokage Building, they were told that that person was currently on top of the Hokage Monument.
When they rushed to the top of the Hokage Monument, they found a small pavilion had appeared there unnoticed—likely the work of Cloud Construction Ninja. That exceptionally burly figure was drinking tea, accompanied by an unfamiliar person with red hair.
Dana glanced back and pointed to the side. "Sit."
After the two sat down cautiously, Dana poured two cups of tea casually.
"How are the repairs on the Hyuga estate going? Any difficulties?"
Hiashi, as the Main Family head, replied respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, Yotsuki-sama. With the help of your village's ninja, progress is fast. Most areas have been repaired."
The Hyuga clan knew best how to judge the situation. The man before them was the most powerful person in the entire Land of Fire. Although Hiashi was from the Main Family, his attitude remained very respectful.
While observing the entire Konoha with his "Pulse" Vision, Dana said without turning his head, "That's good. By the way, I heard a Hyuga Main Family member went missing during the war? Was he found? Or his body?"
"Replying to Yotsuki-sama, not yet found."
Speaking of this, it was a major event for the Hyuga clan recently. A Main Family member missing without a trace, dead or alive. In normal times, the entire Konoha would have been mobilized. But under the current circumstances, the Hyuga clan was helpless.
Dana said, "It wasn't the Cloud."
Hiashi was stunned for a moment, then said, "Thank you for your candor, my lord."
"You may not truly believe it, but it is the truth. How many people are currently in the Hyuga Main Family?"
"Including myself, there are three branches, totaling eight people."
"I see."
Dana understood. The Hyuga Main Family inheritance was very strict; even if a Main Family member had children, only one would inherit the status. But it wasn't like the father died as soon as the son was born. Perhaps three generations of Main Family members coexisted. After all, these people almost never went to the battlefield or took missions.
Dana continued, "You should know that the existing Konoha high command will be dissolved. People like Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane have been sent home by me to retire. The list of new high command personnel must be approved by the Cloud before they can take office. Among them, the positions of the two Elders are appointed and dismissed solely by the Inspector."
Dana pointed at himself. "I am the Inspector of Konoha."
Hiashi gulped, seeming to realize something, his breathing quickening.
"Hizashi Hyuga, do you dare to take this hot potato?"
Hiashi froze, looking at his brother in shock.
Hizashi's originally emotionless eyes showed a ripple.
Hiashi couldn't help but say, "My lord... are you..."
Dana interrupted, "No, I didn't make a mistake..."
Since sitting down, Hizashi hadn't said a word. Now, he finally spoke calmly. "Yotsuki-dono, given my age, I am far from qualified for the title of Elder."
Dana said, "23 years old. About right. I want a young team. Old fossils can't adapt to the Cloud's new philosophy. besides, when Koharu, Homura, and Hiruzen Sarutobi took power, they were only in their early twenties. Your colleagues will also be very young."
"My strength is also merely average."
"Just promoted to Jonin... barely passable. The previous elders were weak too."
"I am just a Branch Family member. If Yotsuki-dono favors the Hyuga clan, you can find a suitable candidate from the Main Family."
Dana said, "I want a Branch Family member. This position, I will only give to the Branch Family."
Shock finally appeared on Hizashi's emotionless face.
In just a few sentences, within a few breaths, Main Family Hiashi felt his mouth go dry, unsure of how to react.
"Then... Yotsuki-sama, why give this position to me?"
Dana didn't answer directly. He smiled and said, "Let me ask you a question. The Hyuga clan is a founding clan of Konoha, with a history of nearly a thousand years, numerous members, and accumulated wealth. Yet, you have never been able to enter the core of Konoha's power, not even a chance to serve in the high command. Do you two know why?"
Hiashi and Hizashi were speechless.
"Because the Main Family holds the life and death of the Branch Family. For a Branch member, he is the Main Family's dog first, and Konoha's ninja second. Since all Hyuga serving outside are Branch members, do you think Konoha would let Hyuga people into critical positions? All ninja codes, all loyalty to the village, cannot compare to a single Caged Bird Seal from a Main Family member. So Konoha would never let the Hyuga touch core power."
Dana pointed at Hiashi. "The so-called Main Family stands naturally in opposition to all those in power. So you can only be used, not partnered with. The Main Family thinks the Branch Family are tools, but in the eyes of Konoha's high command, the entire Hyuga clan is a tool."
Hiashi was sweating profusely. Before coming here, he never imagined this Inspector would discuss such sharp topics.
In Dana's Pulse Vision, a permanent Heavenly Transfer base was being built in the center of Konoha, attracting many onlookers. It was expected to be operational in two days.
"Another question. The Hyuga clan claims to possess many secret techniques and takes pride in the Gentle Fist, with a large population... Let's not talk about ancient history; just in the last few decades, you haven't produced a single renowned powerhouse..."
Hiashi couldn't help but say, "My lord... my Hyuga clan also has many elites..."
Dana laughed. pointing to the person beside him, he said, "The one next to me is the famous 'Crimson Fortress,' Hiroto Uzumaki. He is only 18 years old. But among your Hyuga clan, there isn't a single person who can beat him. Do you know why?"
Without giving them a chance to think, Dana continued, "Because Branch members don't hold their lives in their own hands. Long-term oppression without the ability to resist naturally kills all enthusiasm. Even if they have talent, what does it matter? Even if many awaken the Byakugan, they just become servants pouring tea for the Main Family. And the Main Family is a bunch of 'noble' ninja who almost never go to the battlefield. I assume they don't train diligently either. Naturally, no powerful figures emerge. You're only good at infighting..."
If the Hyuga bloodline weren't special, Dana wouldn't bother. At best, they produced some sensory ninja—a thoroughly utilitarian clan.
A visual range of a few hundred meters wasn't indispensable. The Cloud's Red Eye (Ketsuryugan) was a natural counter to the Byakugan.
As for preventing Byakugan theft, in Dana's view, it reeked of the pettiness of ninja world natives.
There were so many ways to prevent bloodline theft, yet the Hyuga chose the stupidest one. Whatever the original intention of the Caged Bird Seal was, by now, the Main Family was definitely addicted to being superior.
But just because the Hyuga clan was failing didn't mean the Byakugan was useless. To use it, he had to fix the Hyuga's bad habits first.
Otherwise, a bunch of Branch members who couldn't even synthesize a Tenseigan would be truly useless.
"So, I will only give the Elder position to the Branch Family. And to accept this position, the Hyuga clan must also accept reform."
Hizashi said, "The Main Family won't agree. To break hundreds of years of clan rules for an Elder position..."
Dana said speechlessly, "Are you brainwashed stupid by the Main Family...? I've swallowed Konoha. Main, Branch, whatever—everyone has to follow my rules."
Hiashi, as the Main Family head, watched this Inspector discuss how to manipulate the Main Family right in front of him, yet couldn't say a word.
Hizashi was silent for a long time. Suddenly, he stood up and bowed deeply to Yotsuki Dana.
For him, the Elder position was secondary. But he couldn't ignore the hope Dana offered—that sliver of hope in long-standing despair.
He thought he could never resist in this life, but now there was a new possibility.
No matter what, he wanted to break the thousand-year tragic fate of the Hyuga Branch Family, to break the birdcage on his head.
Hizashi gritted his teeth. "Please teach me, my lord!"
Seeing the resentment-filled eyes of his brother, Hiashi finally crossed a certain line.
Under everyone's astonished gaze, Hiashi also stood up and bowed to Dana. "Please teach us, my lord!"
Hizashi looked at his brother excitedly. "Hiashi-sama..."
Hiashi shouted, "Don't call me -sama! Hizashi, I've been dissatisfied with the Main/Branch system for a long time too! Let us brothers work together!"