chapter 5- Similar Yet Different

Chapter 5-Similar Yet Different

Sure enough, time had gone by with the passing of Uzumaki Yamamoto along with the sudden surprising deaths of Orochimaru, and Jiraiya of the Sannin. As time progressed, Konoha grew stronger despite the loss of three strong Shinobi who helped defend the village with their strength. The only one who really wasn't enjoying the village's current prosperity as much was (surprisingly) the Sandaime Hokage and it was quite clear to those around him (and knew him) knew why that was the case.

Two of his students were now dead. The Uzumaki Clan was alive and thriving with each passing year. Kushina was visiting them every so often to keep up with what her clan was doing. Not only that, but his plan to secretly start the Third Shinobi War in order to bring about the secret destruction of the Uzumaki Clan a second time in the process had failed miserably to produce the results he desired. The Uzumaki Clan's strength had practically doubled if not tripled since the previous war with no signs of stopping. They had long since increased their security and their Shinobi were now making sure all guests from Konoha were well monitored when entering the village. Danzo couldn't even get his Root agents Hiruzen allowed him to have on the side to infiltrate the village when an attempt was made to find a weakness that could be exploited. It wouldn't be long now before the Uzumaki Clan was recognized as a Sixth Shinobi village. Even with the Third Shinobi War making its mark known, the Uzumaki Clan was showing none of the signs of being taken down anytime soon.

Even the Sandaime Hokage's own future successor Namikaze Minato, who Kushina was so damn smitten with during her Genin days, and intended to marry wasn't strong enough to keep her rooted to Konoha. In fact, Minato seemed to be like Hashirama in terms of siding with the Uzumaki Clan's way of doing things over Konoha in regards to certain issues. Those specific issues Hiruzen himself chose to either ignore, or had sided with the overall opposition against the Uzumaki Clan with Kushina being their representative in Konoha.

Namely regarding the Hyuuga Clan's Cage Bird Seal. The "noble" clan was fighting the issue tooth and nail despite the Uzumaki Clan having made a legitimate argument over the matter. It was to the point where the Fire Daimyo was going to come to Konoha this week to hear the issue for both sides before rendering his own ruling, which would be considered final in terms of how the issue was decided between the clans.

"You must convince the Fire Daimyo to side with us on this issue Hiruzen. I won't have the weak members of my clan merge with the strong. The eldest born rules the Main and the younger sibling serve in the Branch. That is the way of the world. Those are the rules of nature!" exclaimed Hibachi, who was showing his age by this point, and intended to have his eldest Hiashi rule within a few years.

Maybe half a decade from now at most!

"I know that Hibachi. I know! I intend to side with you on this. But it won't be easy. This issue has been around since Yamamoto was alive and you fell into his trap of demanding proof his clan made a version of the seal everyone in your clan could wear. You are quite fortunate that I have been able to properly stall the decision for so long since this started and the war we are currently having gives us some leverage to hold off on the issue until the war is resolved," said Hiruzen with Hibachi snorting.

"So you say Hokage-sama. But the war won't last forever. And you won't be the Hokage forever. Rumor has it you will be passing the hat to your successor, who just happens to be in love with Uzumaki Kushina. The very same Kushina, who wants the seal altered so my entire family can wear it," countered Hibachi while seeing Hiruzen's eyes narrowing at his words.

"Perhaps, but you forget yourself Hibachi. You forget that once I step down, I will be in a position to become a member of the Shinobi Advisory Council. My years of wisdom in being the longest running Hokage to date thus far will have a great deal of influence on my successor when we discus things. Add in Danzo, Koharu, and Homura, we will be sure to influence Minato to follow the course we set for him. Besides, my original plan was to name Orochimaru as my successor, but as you well know...the dead can't become Hokage," said Hiruzen with Hibachi huffing.

"Just bring them underfoot Hiruzen. I will not have my clan and its traditions destroyed by sentimental fools, who believe in a loving family over a strong clan hierarchy," said Hibachi before leaving with a look of annoyance on his face.

The man was not one for family. Or for love. Why would he? Love was a weakness. It did not unite families or clans. It tore them apart! That was what his Father told him and his Father before him and his Father before him since the beginning of their clan. It was all about genetics. The superior genes in the blood that ruled over the clan and made it what it was today. It was nature. It was the law of all creation and all things. The eldest child always ruled while the youngest siblings served him or her until their dying breath. In the eyes of the Hyuuga Clan, the eldest child was always the strongest, as they always in inherited the strongest traits from the parents, and the siblings were given the weakest. The left over traits. These weak traits that, if it were possible, would easily be discarded or thrown away like trash. Thrown away as if they were clothing or material possessions unfit for a clan of "noble ancestry" like the Hyuuga Clan.

'It will not be easy. Tsunade supports Kushina and so does Nawaki. At least Tsunade is too busy to be at the meeting. Raising her son requires that she spend more time at home when she's not working at the hospital. I still can't believe she named the brat after that damn Uzumaki. No doubt she did it to spite me and Jiraiya. Still, chances are either Dan or Nawaki will be at the meeting instead of her,' thought Hiruzen while thinking back to how things had changed since Jiraiya and Orochimaru's death.

Naturally, the people of Konoha mourned. Most of them anyway. After Jiraiya had died, Nawaki had taken over to being the sensei of team 7, and saw potential in Minato. After the team was disbanded when all three graduated to Chuunin, Nawaki had begun training Minato personally. The young Senju, like Jiraiya before him, had seen the potential in the young Namikaze, and wanted to see it grow. Hence why Nawaki showed the blonde man some of the things in the Senju library his Great Uncle Tobirama surrounding time/space Ninjutsu and seals used to mark places you wanted to teleport. Minato had shown he had a gift for Fuinjutsu and using it like Tobirama did during his younger years.

In fact, Minato told Nawaki that he was on the verge of making his own version of it called the Hiraishin no Jutsu. That when perfected, would allow him to get to different locations almost instantly, and stop his enemies before they could do any harm. The Senju encouraged Minato's talents and even convinced Kushina to help him with the sealing formula since such a thing was going to be extremely complex. Even for an Uzumaki.

Minato's growing strength made him a prominent candidate to become Hokage, but there were a few other contenders in the wing. Like Hatake Sakumo for one. The man was also shown talent as a Shinobi and considered by man as a rival of Minato's in the same way that Danzo had been Hiruzen's rival for the seat. Given how Minato was with Kushina, the Sandaime was tempted to change his nomination from the Namikaze to Hatake and even try pitting the two against each other.

And he was tempted to try that option. And why not? The two were very much alike in many aspects. Just like Hiruzen and Danzo were in their younger years. Hiruzen could easily pit these two Shinobi from Konoha against each other, manipulate them both, and create a bitter feud between them in order to keep the two on their toes. Never to trust the other completely and harden their hearts and minds in the belief absolute power is the only friend one should have in this world. Not your friends, family, wives, children, or anyone for that matter. Only power and ambition.

BUT, the years were showing on the Sandaime Hokage. His hair was lighter. Strands of grey and white were among the colors in the strands. His face was not so young anymore, but wrinkled in certain parts. His age had required he narrow and squint his eyes when reading something. His bones creaked and ached more with each passing day. Chakra or no chakra, Hiruzen knew he was getting old now. His body was not what it once was ten or even five years ago. It wouldn't be long before time demanded a qualified successor be named to one day become Hokage in his place. Danzo had been silently fuming for a few years now at that prospect. Not surprising since he knew Hiruzen would never allow his old rival to take over in his place and the rumored chosen successor was not one for the old war hawk ways Danzo embraced.

Not only that, but Danzo's age, and his past injuries thanks to Yamamoto were catching up to the man too. Everyday was agony for the war hawk no matter how much he tried to keep his emotions in check. You could see Danzo was in pain even when you didn't see it on his face due to the limp when walking with his cane. See the subtle muscle in his one remaining hand twitch or his face struggling to maintain a stoic facade.

(Konoha-Uzumaki Clan Home)

"He's up to something," remarked Kushina while she was looking out the window and pouting slightly with a scowl on her face.

"Who?" asked Minato since he was visiting his lover and future wife.

"The old monkey. I can see it in his eyes. I can practically see the smoke coming out of his head from burning his brain with ideas," remarked Kushina while Minato let out a chuckle.

"I'm sure that is just him smoking that pipe of his so damn much. I hear his son Asuma does the same thing with cigs now these days. Strong pair of lungs in that family," said Minato with Kushina scowling further.

"I mean it Minato-kun. Hiruzen won't side with us when this debate with the Hyuuga Clan over their Cage Bird Seal is decided by the Fire Daimyo. He never has sided with us. Not even when Yamamoto-sama was alive," replied Kushina with her eyes going sad at the mention of the elder Uzumaki.

"I know. I miss Yamamoto-sama too. Remember, I met him on several occasions before he died. Such a nice, wise, and kind old man," replied Minato with Kushina letting out a huff.

"Nice?! Bah! He once hit me right on the head simply for calling him an old man. Which he was!" stated Kushina defensively at the end.

"Oh really? I seem to recall someone in this room with red hair getting violent when they called you a tomato head. Wouldn't you just as easily hit someone if they had called you an old woman?" questioned Minato while Kushina narrowed her eyes dangerously at her husband.

"Oh, but no one in their right mind would dare call me am old woman my dear Minato-kun. They know better to say that and my loving future husband knows better to bring up the old insult aimed at me," replied Kushina in a sweet and loving tone that made Minato sweat a little since he knew that tone of voice well.

It was the tone of a woman who would break his balls if he said one word that she felt was out of line.

"Of course they wouldn't dare call you that. What was I thinking?" asked Minato while laughing nervously at her.

"All jokes aside, the idea of Hiruzen siding with the Hyuuga Clan upsets me dearly. Are you sure the Fire Daimyo won't just simply listen to Hiruzen and ignore what we have to say on the issue?" asked Kushina with Minato smiling at her.

"The Fire Daimyo is a reasonable man. Always has been. Just like his Father. Its his son who we should be happy isn't on the throne yet. He's not what you call a...strong in the mind type of person. He's easy to flatter and in some extreme cases, even fool. The exact opposite is his younger brother, but due to the rules of succession, the eldest will become the new Daimyo. Which is actually a shame since the youngest is more like the Father then the eldest," commented Minato with Kushina frowning.

"Then it is a good thing we are nipping this issue in the bud now instead of later. If the Fire Daimyo's baka for an eldest took over before now, I fear our efforts, and old man Yama's own prior to his death would be for nothing," said Kushina with Minato hugging her from behind.

"Calm down Kushina. Trust me when I say this issue will be resolved soon," said Minato calmly while Kushina huffed.

"It better. And just so we are clear, if we don't get our way in this meeting, there will be no 'special make out time' with me for a whole month!" stated Kushina while pointing at Minato's chest and the man looked at her in horror.

'NOOOOOOOOO!' yelled Minato inside his head and his libido yelling at the intellectual part of his brain to do everything in its power to win this debate.

The man's future sex life with Kushina depended upon it!

(Hokage Tower-Days Later)

"Thank you for coming Daimyo-sama. Especially during this time of war between the five Shinobi villages," said Hiruzen while bowing to the man in his office.

"Yes. I'm hoping I can resolve this particular issue being generated between the Hyuuga Clan and Uzumaki Clan over this issue surrounding this...Cage Bird Seal?" questioned the Fire Daimyo while sitting in his designated chair with a few of his Advisors and his samurai bodyguards standing at attention behind him.

"Yes. This issue has been going on for awhile now. Since the previous Shinobi War when Uzumaki Yamamoto was still alive," replied Hiruzen while the Fire Daimyo nodded.

"Ah yes. Yamamoto-sama. A great man. Strong and brave. I will truly miss him," said the Fire Daimyo while Hyuuga Hibachi, who was in the room waiting for his opponents gave the Hokage a knowing look.

"Indeed. He was the one who kept hounding the Hyuuga Clan over this issue. I have tried to get them to resolve this peacefully, but Yamamoto has, or rather had been...well...quite angry over the issue. He refused to compromise with the Hyuuga Clan," said Hiruzen, as he saw the Fire Daimyo frown, and turn his head when seeing Kushina enter the room with Minato, Dan, Tsunade with little Yamamoto held in her arms, and of course Nawaki there too for supporting the Kushina.

It was a little intimidating for Hibachi though he hid it well.

"Daimyo-sama, I, Uzumaki Kushina, am here to petition for the removal of the Cage Bird Seal from the Hyuuga Clan," said Kushina politely while keeping herself composed with a regal look not unlike Mito had done when addressing others.

She mentally thanked old man Yama for beating such things figuratively and literally into her skull as a child. The man knew his stuff and knew how to get the message across to others.

Kushina just wished he didn't have to hit so hard to make his points get across with every lesson.

"And I am here to fight it," commented Hibachi while mentally frowning at the Elders not supporting this here with him.

While he knew they had faith in his diplomacy skills, Hibachi also would have liked them here to further prove they supported him in fighting the opposition.

"I will hear both sides. Kushina-san, you may start first," said the Fire Daimyo since he knew the woman wouldn't want to go second.

She was clearly fired up and ready to go. Why delay her passion on the matter from being heard?

"Thank you Daimyo-sama. As you may or may not know regarding this issue, the Cage Bird Seal is a seal used by the Main family of the Hyuuga Clan. It is used by them on the Branch family of the clan itself. Designed to seal the Dojutsu their clan possesses upon their death," explained Kushina in a polite tone.

"And for good reason! People have been trying to steal the secrets behind our Dojutsu for years!" exclaimed Hibachi while glaring at her from his position.

"Don't interrupt her again Hibachi-san. Or I may just side with Kushina out of spite for your rudeness," threatened the Fire Daimyo with Hibachi gritting his teeth.

"Yes Daimyo-sama," said Hibachi while glaring at Kushina.

"Thank you Daimyo-sama. Now as I just explained, the Cage Bird Seal does seal away the Dojutsu based bloodline of the one who has the seal upon their death. What you do NOT know, is the seal used also has a secondary function. A painful secondary function that the Main family uses on the Branch family whenever they see fit to 'discipline' the Branch family," continued Kushina while Hibachi was getting angrier with each passing second.

"A secondary function?" asked the Fire Daimyo curiously.

"Yes. Now, as I mentioned, the Cage Bird Seal itself, is only on the Branch family of the Hyuuga Clan. On their foreheads to be exact. When a Main family member makes a very specific hand sign and adds chakra, the seal activates, and causes the Branch member of the Hyuuga Clan incredible agony that goes directly to their brain," explained Kushina with the Fire Daimyo frowning and looking at Hiruzen.

"It sounds like slavery. Quite barbaric if you ask me. Did you know about this secondary function?" asked the Fire Daimyo to Hiruzen while the Sandaime Hokage looked nervous under his gaze.

"I'm afraid the answer is yes Daimyo-sama. Everyone here in Konoha has known since the founding of the village and from the interactions with the Hyuuga Clan," answered Hiruzen calmly though he could tell Hibachi was giving him a look that said "defend my clan damn you!" while focusing on the Fire Daimyo.

"Unbelievable! Continue Kushina-san. I see you have more to say on the matter," said the Fire Daimyo with anger clearly being shown in his eyes.

"Thank you Daimyo-sama. Now the seal's secondary function can only be used by the Main family of the Hyuuga Clan. And the seal can be used at anytime for any reason by the Main family. I myself once witnessed a Branch family member having his Cage Bird Seal being used on him by an Hyuuga Elder. Simply because that said Elder could use it on 'principle' for what he had called 'necessary usage for keeping the servants in line' and didn't stop until he nearly killed the poor boy. A boy no older then 15 years old I might add," said Kushina while Hibachi looked ready to foam at the mouth.

"A child? You allow this clan to put such a seal on a child?!" questioned the Fire Daimyo angrily with Hiruzen looking more nervous.

"The laws of Konoha made it quite clear that such things fall under Clan Matters and Clan Affairs. All the Shinobi Clans in Konoha have their own autonomy so long as they are loyal to Konoha and unite with everyone to fight outside enemies," replied Hiruzen with the Fire Daimyo looking displeased.

"Continue Kushina-san," commanded the Fire Daimyo.

"Yes Daimyo-sama. The Cage Bird Seal is in short...barbaric. It enslaves any and all who wear it. As a member of the Uzumaki Clan, which specializes in Fuinjutsu, I am ashamed to see such a horrible creation placed on another human being," replied Kushina with the Fire Daimyo nodding since he was familiar with the Uzumaki Clan and knew they were considered to be THE experts in the matter.

"If that were the case, your own clansman, Uzumaki Yamamoto himself, shouldn't have made it for us all those years ago!" exclaimed Hibachi with his temper reaching its limits.

'No! No you idiot!' thought Hiruzen with wide eyes at Hibachi's words.

"Is this true Kushina-san. Did Uzumaki Yamamoto himself make the Cage Bird Seal used by the Hyuuga Clan?" asked the Fire Daimyo while seeing Hibachi was looking smug and Kushina glaring at the Hyuuga Clan.

"Yes and no Daimyo-sama. Uzumaki Yamamoto did in fact make a seal for the Hyuuga Clan on this matter. However, what Hibachi-san failed to say when interrupting me, was the seal Yamamoto-sama made was in fact the original design from what the Hyuuga use now," replied Kushina with the Fire Daimyo raising an eyebrow.

"Original design?" asked the Fire Daimyo with a frown and saw Hibachi starting to panic over his words opening the means to look into this further.

"Yes. Yamamoto-sama originally created the Dojutsu Protection Seal, which I have a copy of the design right here for you to see. I also have a copy of the Cage Bird Seal for you to see as well in order to compare them both in terms of design," said Kushina, as she had all the necessary documents for this battle with the Hyuuga Clan over this seal, and saw Hibachi looking just about ready to explode with rage.

"Yes. The two are clearly different," remarked the Fire Daimyo while looking between the two seals.

"Not only that, but Yamamoto-sama recommended the seal he created be put on the back of the neck where it would be hidden by the Hyuuga's traditionally long hair. That way, no one could ever tell the Hyuuga Clan even had a seal on them unless the person's hair was short enough to see it," added Kushina with the Fire Daimyo nodding while each drawing of the two seals were marked with what each section did so the Feudal Lord could understand exactly what it was he had been staring at for the last few minutes.

"The Hyuuga Clan required a seal with hierarchical requirements. The seal given to us did not give our clan what we wanted," protested Hibachi with Kushina glaring.

"So? You still took the seal he made anyway. Your clan had no right to take the Dojutsu Protection Seal and then alter it to your own specifications. Especially when your clan signed a legal binding contract stating you wouldn't alter it in any shape or form!" stated Kushina while Hibachi growled.

"Lies! The contract was a forgery!" protested Hibachi while the Fire Daimyo looked at the two before focusing on Kushina.

"You have a copy of this contract?" asked the Fire Daimyo with Kushina nodding.

"Yes. As you can see, the signatures below are those of both parties in both clans, who agreed to the terms of the contract. It was even signed by Hibachi's family. Namely his Father AND Grandfather in terms of being a witness and agreeing to the deal itself," said Kushina with the Fire Daimyo nodding.

"Its a fake!" protested Hibachi angrily and fearfully.

"Silence Hibachi. One more word and I will throw you out of here. Besides, this is clearly a legitimate copy of the document. The seals of both clans are on this copy too. Meaning it is not a fake in the slightest. If you wish to challenge this, produce handwriting samples from previous documents from your clan signed by your family Hibachi," replied the Fire Daimyo with Hibachi bit back a hate filled remark he would normally say to a lowly poor commoner on the street.

"As you can see from the contract signed by both clans, the various alterations made to the Dojutsu Protection Seal into the Cage Bird Seal were breach of the contract. They had no business making the alterations in the first place, much less using the Cage Bird Seal on their own family members. It is a seal that enslaves people to another's Will. And as I recall correctly, slavery in any shape or form is still illegal in all of Fire Country," said Kushina with Hibachi wanting to lash out at the woman with his Gentle Fist, but couldn't due to her being so well protected by her "support" in this matter.

"That it is Kushina-san. Slavery is indeed illegal and this Cage Bird Seal clearly enslaves the wearer," remarked the Fire Daimyo while looking from the evidence in front of him to Kushina and finally Hibachi.

"Daimyo-sama, I wish to speak up in the name of the Hyuuga Clan for its right to defend its practices of our traditions," said Hibachi with the Fire Daimyo frowning.

"I fail to see how you can defend these 'traditions' of yours Hibachi-san. Considering they are unethical and illegal to practice in MY country and in MY Shinobi village," countered the Fire Daimyo while Hibachi looked upset and flustered.

"The Hyuuga Clan has practiced this tradition of using the Cage Bird Seal for years for the security of our bloodline. It has allowed those wearing it to protect those who do not wear it in he Main family," replied Hibachi while the Fire Daimyo frowned.

"And why do the Main family not wear this seal? If you truly wish for proper security of your clan's Dojutsu, why not have a seal in which ALL from within your clan can wear? And who in your clan decides who wears the Cage Bird Seal and who does not?" asked the Fire Daimyo with Hibachi trying to mentally prepare himself.

"The seal is to keep a hierarchical structure within the clan. Where the servants of the Branch family serve the Main. The weak serve the strong. The Cage Bird Seal supplies that and prevents the servants from possibly revolting against us since their numbers are larger then ours. Hyuuga females are very fertile and produce children more often then not with twins if not triplets. As such, the Eldest child stays in the Main while the other children sired from there on out become part of the Branch family. Only the strongest of our genetics live in the Main family while the weak become the Branch to serve us as the labor force in any way we demand it," stated Hibachi while the Fire Daimyo stroked his white beard in thought to his words.

"And just how exactly do you know the Eldest child is the strongest?" questioned the Fire Daimyo with Hibachi pausing for a second in confusion.

"Its only natural. The Eldest is always the strongest. The younger siblings are tested of course, but by the time we have the siblings spar with each other to test this, its clear the Eldest is always comes out on top as the victor," replied Hibachi with the Fire Daimyo frowning.

"But such matches are unfair due to the conditions they are both raised in. The Eldest is given the best food, clothing, teachers for how to use your Gentle Fist, and to use your bloodline to its fullest potential. The younger sibling or siblings do not have that because they are already sent to the Branch family where they are conditioned to always submit outright to the Main family as you just said earlier. Who is to say the younger sibling is not the stronger of the two, yet is forced to have the Cage Bird Seal on them, and unable to reach their full potential. Even more so if the siblings happen to be twins!" countered the Fire Daimyo with Hibachi frowning.

"With all due respect Daimyo-sama, but not even you can challenge years upon years of conditioning, breeding, and traditions the Hyuuga Clan has perfected since the Warring Clans Era," Hibachi shot back with Hiruzen letting out a groan.

'Idiot!' thought Hiruzen knowing the pride of this Hyuuga in front of him was going to be a pain in the ass.

"Can't I? You underestimate my reach Hibachi-san. I understand you yourself have twins in your family, correct?" questioned the Fire Daimyo with Hibachi nodding with a frown.

"I do," answered Hibachi with the Fire Daimyo nodding.

"Good. Then we can easily test your belief on the Eldest being the strongest. Depending on what I see will determine my overall decision regarding this issue. From what I have already heard so far, the Cage Bird Seal is a barbaric thing that should never have existed in the first place, and the fault of its existence lies only with the Hyuuga Clan. You had a perfectly good seal to use thanks to the Uzumaki Clan and decided to change it despite a binding contract stating otherwise," replied the Fire Daimyo with Hibachi looking very confused and so did the others around him.

"With all due respect Daimyo-sama, but...are you going to ban the use of the Cage Bird Seal? Just so I am understanding you correctly," stated Kushina with the Fire Daimyo nodding.

"Officially? Yes I am. I find it too horrible and too barbaric to be allowed as a continued practice. However, Hibachi's claim of the Eldest being superior to the younger sibling of a family has my interest for other reasons entirely. I want to put what this man believes to the test by having his twin children fight each other," answered the Fire Daimyo while seeing Hibachi go pale in the face and sputtering.

"Daimyo-sama! Surely this...this...I...you can't...!" protested Hibachi before looking at Hiruzen for some form of help.

Only to get none.

"Produce your twin children immediately Hibachi-san. I want them to fight each other with everything they have in terms of skills, strength, and ability. Kushina-san will also be there with you to ensure no one tries to influence the match before it even starts," said the Fire Daimyo with Hibachi looking ready to have a seizure or a heart attack.

'A test? For what purpose? He's already made his decision? So why...why have my sons fight?!' thought Hibachi while leaving with the others to assist in this moment.

"May I ask what brought this unexpected event on Daimyo-sama?" asked Hiruzen in the hopes he could get a glimpse of the man's plans for having Hibachi's twin sons fight each other in front of him.

"You can ask, but I will not give you the answer Hiruzen. I find my time here in Konoha to be most...vexing in terms of what I have heard one of your clans doing since the very founding of this village. Do any other clans participate in such barbarism with the use of Fuinjutsu?" questioned the Fire Daimyo while glancing at the Hokage.

"No Daimyo-sama. The Hyuuga Clan is the only one that uses the Cage Bird Seal or anything remotely related to it," answered the Hokage while the Fire Daimyo narrowed his eyes at him.

"Good. Because if they did and you allowed it, I would be considering the idea of moving for you to be replaced sooner then later," commented the Fire Daimyo before getting up from his chair and making his way to the Hyuuga Clan Compound.

(Hyuuga Compound-Short Time Later)

"This is outrageous! I won't accept this decision. Even if he is the Fire Daimyo, our clan has a long line of traditions, and I for one will not tolerate some outsider no matter how high the pedigree to influence them!" exclaimed a Hyuuga Elder angrily.

"The decision is no longer up to you Elder-san. The Fire Daimyo has spoken. The Cage Bird Seal is to be stopped in its use from here on out," said Kushina with a frown on her face despite the fact she was happy with the decision.

"Foreign whore! You and your clan of island foreigners just couldn't leave well enough alone!" exclaimed the Hyuuga Elder before being super punched by Kushina through the wall.

"You're so lucky Yamamoto-sama isn't here or he would have burned your clan home to the ground until only ashes remained!" exclaimed Kushina angrily.

'I am so glad she's not angry at me right now,' thought Minato while seeing the woman he loved was ready for a fight in her pissed off state.

"Let's just get this over with," said Hibachi while giving Hizashi a look saying "lose the match or you die!" before looking at Hiashi with a "dominate and don't hold back!" glare.

"Don't even think about taking a dive. You fight with everything you've got," whispered Kushina to Hizashi while the man had mixed feelings about it.

On one hand, if he did win, chances are the Hyuuga Elders of the Main family would use the Cage Bird Seal on him regardless of the Fire Daimyo's decree. On the other, if he did take a dive, it would only prove his Father's belief in keeping the Eldest as the leader, and the sibling under thumb to serve to be correct. The Cage Bird Seal would be gone from use to future generations. Which Hizashi was very grateful for since he did want to have a child of his own one day, but the belief that gave the Cage Bird Seal the purpose and the strength to become apart of the clan traditions would remain.

'If I fight and win, I will most certainly die. But my death will bring new life and hope into our divided clan for the next generation. If I fight and lose on purpose, I will most likely live, but...the chance of the Cage Bird Seal returning in the future in some other twisted form will remain,' thought Hizashi before seeing the Fire Daimyo walk into the sparring room the Hyuuga used for these sort of things.

'Brother, I know what you are thinking. I hate the seal too. But to lose to you is not an option. Father will kill us both. He has no problem with performing such an act and going off to sire some bastard with one of the Branch family women he believes will give him the heir he wants before retiring as Clan Head,' thought Hiashi while knowing and his own brother knowing their Father never cared about their Mother.

She was a breeding tool. Pulled from "fertile stock" he called it. Hiashi and Hizashi knew their Mother didn't love him either. That her only joy in life before she past away years ago was to give life to strong twin boys. Boys she raised to the best of her ability to love each other and not let some damn Cage Bird Seal stand in the way of brotherly bonds. Of course their Father tried to stamp it out of them. Saying "Hyuuga traditions!" this in one rant and "protecting Hyuuga genetics!" that in another. Hiashi had played the ever dutiful son to his Father and obeyed his every command while secretly apologizing to his brother for having to play it in the first place since some of the commands were designed to hurt Hizashi as a means of keeping the twin submissive.

"I take it that these two have not been influenced in anyway prior to my arrival to see this match?" asked the Fire Daimyo while he and Hiruzen entered the room and sat down to watch the match.

"Not directly. But their Father has given them meaningful stares and I don't have to be a Yamanaka Clan member to know what those words were behind the stares," said Kushina with Hibachi and the Hyuuga Clan Elders glaring at her.

"Then let me make this perfectly clear. Under no circumstances are either competitor in this match to lose on purpose. You two will fight in this spar and put your full effort into the match. Failure to do something dishonest will not be tolerated and the offending party will be severely...punished!" stated the Fire Daimyo while the twins looked at him and both nodded in understanding.

Neither could hold back or fake a loss. The only thing worth noting was this match was not to the death. Which was good overall for the Hyuuga twins since neither wanted to kill the other.

'I don't care what the Fire Daimyo says about this match. Should Hizashi win, I will kill him myself in front of everyone, and ensure one way or another my way is seen as the correct one!' thought Hibachi while looking at Hizashi removing the cloth on his forehead to show his Cage Bird Seal so everyone would know who was who in this match.

Hibachi was also mentally saying "lose to your brother or else!" to Hizashi though it was unknown if the young Hyuuga would listen.

"Ready? Begin!" commanded the Fire Daimyo with the two twins of the Hyuuga Clan getting into their fighting stances and attacked each other.

"I still don't see the point in this Daimyo-sama. You have already made your decision regarding the Cage Bird Seal," remarked Hiruzen while seeing Hizashi surprisingly hold his own against Hiashi.

"Just call it simple curiosity of a...personal nature," replied the Fire Daimyo while Hiashi landed a few hits on Hizashi, but the younger of the twins stayed strong.

'Why isn't Hizashi losing? He's actually holding his own against Hiashi. Damn it boy! I will not be made a fool out of by your sudden hope for the future. You are Fated to be a Branch family member and serve your betters,' thought Hibachi angrily while seeing his youngest son pushing Hiashi back.

'Such strength. Such purpose in Hizashi now. Brother, am I the weaker one between us? Or is it because you are more motivated to win?' thought Hiashi while seeing his brother was moving faster and more deadly then he had in their previous spars together.

Was Hizashi holding back this whole time? And for what purpose?

"It would seem Hizashi isn't as weak as his Father would make him out to be in terms of strength and skill," remarked Kushina while slowly, but surely seeing the fight going in Hizashi's favor.

"Indeed. Hizashi is doing very well. Though I think the motivation behind winning the match is definitely a deciding factor here. He clearly wants it more," said Dan while he saw Hiashi trying to force Hizashi on the defensive now with more determination in his eyes and both brothers trying to outdo the other.

"Still, Hiashi is still the more aggressive one despite Hizashi's determination," remarked Minato knowing Hiashi was taught to be aggressive in his fighting while Hizashi was conditioned to be submissive in his own when fighting a member of the Main family.

It was difficult not to follow that kind of instinct induced training after doing it for so many years.

"Hizashi is going to win. Just look at him. Even with Hiashi getting more aggressive, Hizashi is showing he's not the weak submissive thing his Father claimed in the meeting room. Eldest being the strongest my right foot! That's not always the case. Its not about who is first born. Its about who is more qualified to lead," remarked Kushina since she knew old man Yamamoto could have easily become Clan Head again and replaced Garp, but chose not to because he knew Garp was suited to lead the clan.

'From what I'm seeing, Kushina's thoughts on the matter are not wrong,' thought the Fire Daimyo while thinking of his own children and their personalities.

On one hand, his eldest was, by the birthright laws of succession, the one to rule upon his Father's death, and take over Fire Country. But the boy was...a bit simple minded in how he did things. His mind did not seem to focus on the important issues at hand. He seemed to always let others make opinionated decisions for him based on their desires and their interests rather then think things over properly. His youngest was the exact opposite. The Fire Daimyo's youngest had focused on studying, learning, training himself even with the samurai should the time come to fight for what was his own, and understanding the needs of how to run the country. Some of his Advisors implored him to have his youngest take the throne since he clearly wanted to make the country's future become strong. The more traditional Advisors claimed the Eldest should rule simply because he was the Eldest and was his right to rule on birthright alone.

'I must win this match. Not just for the future of the Branch family. Not even for my own future child or children I will one day have in the years to come. But also for myself! To prove that I can be just as strong if not stronger then my brother. To prove that my Father is wrong. I must win to break the cycle. This is my one chance to bring about change. A chance to break the chains of Fate that bind our clan down amongst the changing of the times!' thought Hizashi before saw his chance in his brother's weakened stance and struck with deadly precision.

"AAAAHHH!" screamed Hiashi, as he was hit by Hizashi's attack, and sent flying back with his body staying on the ground...defeated.

Hyuuga Hizashi had won.

"Hyuuga Hizashi is the winner. Congratulations dear boy on your victory," said the Fire Daimyo with Hizashi bowing to the man before moving to help his twin brother up.

Only to stumble and fall to the ground while screaming out in pain with his seal active for all to see. His Father was to his right, the hand sign in place, and a face showing absolute anger at his son winning his match.

"You will pay for disobeying the traditions of the clan Hizashi. I don't care if you are my son. You are a disgrace to the Hyuuga Clan and my blood!" stated Hibachi while seeing his youngest son crying out in pain.

"Hibachi! Stop this at once! I command it!" exclaimed the Fire Daimyo angrily.

"I don't care if you are the Fire Daimyo. I don't care about your rulings on the Cage Bird Seal or what you decree following this farce of a match. I will not allow my weakest son to have delusions of grandeur in believing he is anything, but what I say he is in life, and in this clan. I am his Father, his better, his superior, and I say my son dies before having a chance to enjoy the taste of his victory. A victory he should have never tasted!" replied Hibachi while seeing Hizashi cry out in pain.

Of course, before he could say, or do anything else, the man was struck from the side by Hiashi of all people. The hit had disabled the arm along with the hand attached to it, thus making the hand sign falling limp. Before Hibachi could say anything to his eldest son in the form of demanding an explanation, Hiashi had struck again with his strikes aimed at disabling his Father further, and rendering him a lump of flesh on the ground.

"T-Traitor!" gasped Hibachi while Hiashi didn't even flinch at him.

'That's almost amusing considering he is more traitorous right now then I could ever hope to be in his eyes,' thought Hiashi while his Father struggled to stand.

"I trained you. Raised you properly as my son to be a proper Clan Head. To be the future of our clan. To keep the Branch family in line. You weak brother in line. And this is how you repay me? With betrayal?!" demanded Hibachi while staring up at his son.

"You actually sound surprised Father. Is it really so shocking that my love for my brother is stronger then the love I have for my Father? Especially when there was no love for you to begin with?" asked Hiashi with Hibachi spat at his son's feet.

"Love. Bah! You should be loyal to me simply on duty to the clan alone! Love is nothing to me! Just a word. An empty word. Genetics, lineage, and the bloodline traits coming from the strongest of our line. They are all that matter. It is the duty of this clan to keep such things from being changed. It is the way of nature! The eldest child among siblings rules over all and those said siblings must serve him or her no matter how much they may dislike it. That is the way of things Hiashi. By betraying me, you have betrayed what our clan stands for in life. And for what? For love! A useless emotional concept that has no business being apart of this clan!" exclaimed Hibachi angrily.

"I'm not surprised you would say that. You never loved our Mother. It didn't matter if she was strong in her own right. You didn't love her for herself. Her personality. Her smile. Her wit. Her own way of doing things. You just care about genetics and breeding," said Hiashi while Hibachi continued to glare.

"As I said, love has no business in our clan. I only tolerated her love for you and Hizashi because it was necessary at the time. My way of teaching either of you wasn't working, but her way was making progress. I had to stomach her showing love for you two for so long I was pleased beyond measure when it was no longer required. I knew the beliefs she instill in you could be stamped out easily because they were weaker then mine. It was the only thing about your Mother that was weak. Her love for her children and beliefs in a loving family," said Hibachi with Hiashi frowning at him.

"The other clans follow her belief easily enough. We should be able to do it too," replied Hiashi with Hibachi looking at him now like he just told him the Biju were living entities entitled to have freedom.

"They are not our clan! Our clan is the most prestigious and strongest clan out of all the others. More then the Uchiha, Senju, and the Uzumaki! All through our way of doing things! The best form of breeding, traditions, and clan policies have allowed us to rise above our so called rivals. And you would throw it all away!" exclaimed Hibachi with Hiashi sighing.

"What is the point of being at the top of the mountain Father? What is the point of it all, if there is no one you love to share it with? Or have you forgotten the simple fact that the mountain top is always cold and lonely? You might as well sit on a throne and rule over dead bodies as their King," replied Hiashi while Hibachi struggled to stand despite his injuries.

"I would still be a King!" Hibachi shot back at his son.

"Yes. But you would be the King of Nothing. And a King is only a true King if he rules over people and the people wish to be ruled under him willingly," countered Hiashi with his Father looking furiously at him.

"And I would still rather be the King of Nothing. For it is far better then be a peasant of everything!" Hibachi said before he was picked up by Minato and Dan and escorted out of the room.

"My apologies that you had to see that Daimyo-sama," said Hiashi while his brother was supported by Tsunade and Kushina.

"No need. I proves not everyone is fit to be a parent. I trust the man's actions will direct you on how to be a proper parent to your future children Hizashi-san. Hiashi-san," said the Fire Daimyo with the twins nodding.

"Yes Daimyo-sama," said the twins at the same time.

"Good. Family is important. But also who runs it as well. I see now, it is not the eldest child of a family who is meant to rule. But the one who trains for it. Studies for it. The one who prepares to rule so they can rule well. The strongest and most worthy of ruling whether it be a clan or country is not the first born child. But the one who actually puts in the effort," said the Fire Daimyo with his words seeming to be an ominous revelation in regards to not only the Hyuuga Clan's future...but the future of his own country.

With the matter now officially resolved, the Fire Daimyo left with Kushina, Tsunade, Hizashi, and Hiashi without looking back. If one of them had, they would have noticed Hiruzen was not too pleased by this turn of events, and neither were the Hyuuga Elders. They had not expected Hizashi to win. Nor did they expect the actual reason behind the Fire Daimyo wanting this match in the first place and were unable to stop it. Hiruzen now realized the Fire Daimyo was seeing if his youngest son was more worthy of leading Fire Country then the eldest son.

Hiruzen didn't like that. For one, the eldest son of the Fire Daimyo would be easier to manipulate over his younger sibling. The Hokage knew the Fire Daimyo's eldest son was a rather pompous young man. Always believing anything someone told him and had no idea on how to run things properly. Not without the aid of his Advisors. Some of these Advisors did not have the interest or the overall good of Fire Country in their heart. Some of them were itching for the day when the new Daimyo could be manipulated with ease and could pilfer money into their own wallet. Such people Hiruzen wanted to have under thumb so he could use them to call in favors to get the new Feudal Lord to listen what the Hokage had to say on matters.

But now...now that wouldn't happen.

And deep down within his own aging heart, the Sandaime Hokage found himself blaming Uzumaki Yamamoto for this. Everything that man did when he came back to the world had ruined the means for Konoha being the dominant power throughout the Elemental Countries. The Uzumaki Clan was thriving when they should be dead! Tsunade was happy and had a child when she should be focused on doing her ninja duties over being a wife and Mother. Kato Dan and Senju Nawaki should be dead instead of alive. Hiruzen's two other students were dead when they should be alive! His Prodigy for a student who would have revolutionized Konoha's R&D into transferring bloodlines was dead. His other student, who was Konoha's Spymaster, and village's own skilled Fuinjutsu Master was dead!

And now this nonsense!

'Damn you Yamamoto. Even now you are hurting my dreams for Konoha from beyond the grave after all these years of being dead! Its bad enough you destroyed my plans so far when alive and killed my students following your death, but THIS...this I will not stand for in the slightest! I will crush the Uzumaki Clan into submission and I will make any Jinchuriki of Kyuubi the village's personal weapon. Whether they know it or not!' thought Hiruzen while wondering if he could possibly stall this transition with the Cage Bird Seal by using the war as an excuse.

And prolong the war as much as possible until he could counter the decision itself.