Chapter 138

Walking out of the Hokage office building, Hyuga Hiashi's expression was conflicted. "Tsunade-sama, is she trying to win over Uchiha?"

Shinki glanced at him with a smirk. "Who can say what the future holds? But one thing is certain: those who align themselves might fare well, but those who choose to stay neutral will find themselves in trouble."

The blunt statement hit Hyuga Hiashi hard. The Hyuga clan was known for maintaining neutrality, but in the current turbulent climate of the village, that stance was becoming increasingly dangerous.

"As for Uchiha," Shinki continued, studying Hiashi's face, "they're actually more worth courting than Hyuga. To be honest, as a member of the Hyuga clan, you should already know that all the worst traits one could imagine are found within your family."

"Courting the Uchiha would at least bring value—they're fierce and capable. But the Hyuga, especially the main family, brings little value in my opinion."

Courting the Hyuga clan essentially meant currying favor with the main branch. But what real value did the main branch offer? This was why Shinki felt the Uchiha were a better prospect.

Hyuga Hiashi's expression shifted, wanting to refute Shinki's words but finding none. Shinki had hit a sore spot, accurately describing both the current status of the Hyuga clan and their internal conflicts.

The young clan leader wanted change but felt lost about where to start.

"Is the rift between the main and branch families really impossible to mend?" Hiashi finally asked, the question heavy with years of unspoken frustration.

Shinki chuckled, the sound devoid of humor. "Young clan leader, are you serious? If so, that's quite a joke."

Hiashi's face hardened. "I'm not joking."

Shinki's laughter faded, and he shook his head. "The irony is rich. I was born into the branch family, and you're asking me if the feud can be mended? For those in the branch family, the system is inherently unjust. People like you are born into privilege, while those in the branch are cursed with the caged bird seal—a leash to ensure obedience. Disobey, and the leash tightens."

Shinki's eyes bore into Hiashi's. "And if it gets too tight, it kills. Add in the constant humiliation, and you have your answer."

He clapped Hiashi on the shoulder, forcing a smile. "If you want to change things, the solution is simple: remove the caged bird seal's oppressive power. If it's truly for inheritance, then why is only the branch family subjected to it? Why does the main family hold all the power to enforce it?"

"If there were no seal symbol on the forehead and no control, there would be no difference between the main and branch families. Ask yourself this: why even have a main and branch distinction? Isn't it absurd?"

The young Hyuga leader clenched his fists as Shinki's words reverberated in his mind. Shinki's criticisms had exposed the harsh truth of their tradition—the main branch system was flawed and destructive.

"You said you wanted to talk about compensation? The Hyuga clan doesn't have anything I want. Not money, not resources." With that, Shinki waved dismissively and turned to leave.

"Help me!" Hiashi's voice cracked, desperation breaking through. "I want to change the family, but I need guidance."

Shinki scoffed, the coldness returning to his eyes. "Help you? Why should I? You're just another member of the main branch, bound by the same chains you refuse to break. Do you think I'm interested in the fate of a clan that won't change?"

He paused, taking a long look at Hiashi. "This family is rotting from the inside out. If it collapses, so be it."

Hiashi stood there, stunned. He wanted to push for change but was shackled by the traditions and beliefs he had been raised with. Even if he became the clan head, he doubted his ability to break free from those constraints.

Change was more than a slogan—it required action, and Hiashi knew he lacked the resolve.

As he made his way back to the family estate, lost in thought, he hardly noticed the concerned calls of his guards.

"Young clan leader, are you alright?"

Their voices finally pierced through his haze, and he nodded. "I'm fine."

But as he returned to his composed facade and continued his walk home, the weight of Shinki's words settled in. This had been his first time representing the clan at such a high-level meeting, and the experience had shaken him to his core.

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