Chapter 232

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The debate over whether the Hyuga or Uchiha clan holds the title of the greatest Dojutsu clan in the ninja world is clear.

The Uchiha clan undeniably takes the top spot. It's not that the Hyuga clan lacks potential, but compared to the Uchiha, the Hyuga clan has been missing a critical part of its legacy.

The Hyuga clan is not an indigenous bloodline clan of the ninja world. This is a significant point.

Since they migrated from the moon to the ninja world, the Hyuga clan's relatives on the moon would not have handed down their heritage fully. This is human nature and explains the considerable gap between the Hyuga clan and their counterparts on the moon.

"Hiashi."

"Lord Ryukage, please speak."

Kyomu nodded. "Logically, your Hyuga clan's integration into Ryugakure makes you a part of us, and I have no reason to interfere in your internal affairs. However, I still want to discuss something with you."

Hiashi glanced at Kyomu, his heart sinking with a bad premonition.

He quickly responded, "Lord Ryukage, the Hyuga clan genuinely wishes to integrate, and you have the right to interfere in our affairs. However, I still hope you will reconsider some matters."

Hiashi's words were polite but carried a clear tone of resistance, a pride stemming from being a part of a significant clan. Although not as rebellious as the Uchiha, the Hyuga clan also has a sense of dignity and an unyielding spirit.

Forcing them wouldn't work. But Kyomu still wanted to try, as he had promised Hinata. Keeping promises was Kyomu's principle, and it couldn't be broken.

"Hiashi, I think you know what I want to discuss."

As soon as Kyomu finished speaking, Hiashi's face fell. "Lord Ryukage, are you trying to destroy the Hyuga clan? If so, I think there's no need to talk. The Hyuga clan will leave Ryugakure."

"Hiashi, you can't leave just because you want to. And this might not harm you."

Hiashi wanted to retort but was stopped by Kyomu raising his hand. "Take a look at this research data first. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, but think carefully before you ask or answer."

Kyomu placed a file on the table. Hiashi hesitated before picking it up to read carefully.

The more he read, the deeper Hiashi's frown grew.

"Lord Ryukage, on what grounds do you transplant our Byakugan into outsiders?" Hiashi couldn't help but question.

"Your clan loses things, and you don't question others, but you choose to question me?"

"No, I didn't mean that."

"I don't care what you meant. You have two choices today: negotiate a mutually satisfactory result, or face extermination."

Hiashi clenched his fists, staring at Kyomu with eyes full of anger.

When had the Hyuga clan ever faced such humiliation?

A fight to the death? Hiashi didn't dare. He could only glare at Kyomu and then reluctantly gave up.

Kyomu alone could wipe out the entire Hyuga clan, not to mention his subordinates. The Hyuga wouldn't even have a chance to escape.

"Lord Ryukage, don't you think you're being excessive?" Hiashi tried a different approach. "The Hyuga clan is one of the two great Dojutsu clans. We sincerely wish to serve Ryugakure, even prepared to sacrifice for it. What you're doing is disheartening."

"Hiashi, your words might work elsewhere, but I have my own thoughts. This needs to be resolved today. Once your clan is fully integrated into Ryugakure, I won't have this opportunity."

Kyomu's candidness was lethal, especially with his power and authority. His sincerity was devastatingly effective.

Hiashi clenched his fists again. "Lord Ryukage, if you insist, the Hyuga clan will..."

"Think carefully before you speak. I don't tolerate threats, and I take words seriously. There's no bargaining here."

Hiashi's momentum faltered under Kyomu's pressure.

A mutual destruction?

Hiashi felt that if he said it, Kyomu would act without hesitation.

After weighing the pros and cons, Hiashi spoke again.

"Lord Ryukage, please convince me. Our clan doesn't wish to be your enemy, and we are willing to be your loyal servants. So... we need a reason and a promise."

Kyomu smiled. "Ah, worthy of the Hyuga clan's leader. Your words make me feel guilty for pressing you."

Kyomu softened his tone, easing the tension between them.

After a firm approach, it was time for the carrot — logical persuasion and incentives.

"Hiashi, tell me about the relationship between the Hyuga and Kaguya clans."

"We are distant relatives." Hiashi responded without hesitation. "The Hyuga and Kaguya share a common ancestor and originated from the moon."

Hiashi elaborated on his clan's history, which matched the information Kyomu had gathered with his 'True Sight.'

After over half an hour, Hiashi disclosed all the Hyuga clan's secrets to Kyomu.

"That's detailed enough," Kyomu nodded.

"Lord Ryukage, I assure you it's all true. The Hyuga clan values this history, passed down through generations and recorded in our ancient texts."

"I believe you. I've verified this myself, and it's consistent. But why does the Hyuga clan resist change?"

"Our clan follows an ancestral decree: as long as the Caged Bird seal exists, the Hyuga will thrive. Without it, the clan will perish."

"That's outdated!" Kyomu rebuked.

It's not just a scolding; the Hyuga clan is notoriously rigid, adhering strictly to tradition.

The Hyuga's Gentle Fist techniques and unchanging combat style attest to this.

Despite centuries of tradition, aside from the 'Rotation' technique and the new techniques created by Hinata, the Hyuga clan has shown no innovation. This rigidity is laughable.

"You've seen the Rinnegan of the Akatsuki leader, Nagato. Don't you desire such power? Do you want to remain subordinate to the Uchiha forever?"

"We adhere to our ancestors' decree. We'd rather not change."

"Suit yourself," Kyomu sneered. "If you choose to stagnate, you'll be sidelined. I'll relocate your clan to the village outskirts with Shikaku and the others."

Hiashi took a deep breath. "Lord Ryukage, the Caged Bird seal can't be removed without the-."

"Do you mean the Tenseigan?"

"Lord Ryukage, do you... are you saying...?"

"Exactly. If the Tenseigan becomes a reality, will you change the ancestral decree?"

"Absolutely!" Hiashi didn't hesitate. "If we have the Tenseigan, the Hyuga clan will follow your lead."

He continued, explaining their predicament. "Our clan is a branch of the Otsutsuki on the moon, as is the Kaguya clan. We lack the complete heritage, including the methods to remove the Caged Bird seal and awaken the Tenseigan. With the Tenseigan, the Caged Bird seal becomes temporary, preserving the Byakugan's purity without long-term restrictions."

Kyomu laughed. "So, if I get the Tenseigan, you'll lift the Caged Bird seal?"

"Yes, Lord Ryukage. Our clan will follow your orders."

"Finally, some sense. You should have said this earlier."

"We didn't believe it possible," Hiashi admitted. "Our kin on the moon monitor us. Any issue with the Caged Bird seal, and they can intervene."

"You weren't voluntarily separated; you were exiled."

"Yes," Hiashi admitted. "Our ancestors lost, and we were marked with the Caged Bird seal and banished to the ninja world."

"Was the Caged Bird seal developed before or after your exile?"

"Before," Hiashi explained. "Seven hundred years ago, during a great war on the moon, our ancestors used the Tenseigan's power to temporarily seal all Byakugan to prevent Kaguya's clan from seizing them. Without the Tenseigan's control, the seal became permanent."

"Your stubbornness is your downfall," Kyomu sighed. "Have you ever considered reclaiming your heritage from the moon?"

"We have."

"If so, would you merge the Hyuga and Kaguya bloodlines?"

"We would," Hiashi nodded. "But we're concerned about our kin on the moon."

"Leave that to me. I'll take a team up there when the time comes. You just need to support me."

"We will."

"Then you have no objection to transplanting Byakugan into Kimimaro and other Kaguya members?"

"No objection."

"And you support intermarriage between the Hyuga and Kaguya clans?"

"We do."

"Once we have the Tenseigan, you'll lift the Caged Bird seal on all branch members, using it only temporarily for missions and wars?"

"Agreed."

"With or without the Tenseigan, our clan will follow you," Hiashi vowed.

Kyomu smiled. The Hyuga clan was now another powerful ally under his command.

"Your clan will be in the village center, alongside the Uchiha and others. And for the new generation, refrain from marking them with the Caged Bird seal. Preserve the Byakugan's purity and potential."

"I understand," Hiashi responded, relieved and motivated. The Hyuga's Byakugan was not inferior to the Sharingan, capable of powerful combat.

Hiashi then asked, "Lord Ryukage, what surname will the future children of Hyuga and Kaguya members carry?"

"I think they should return to their original surname. What do you think?"

"I believe using the Hyuga surname is best," Hiashi suggested. "There are only a handful of Kaguya members. They should merge into our clan."

"You drive a hard bargain."

"Lord Ryukage, the Hyuga clan will be more useful to you."

"What if only Kimimaro retains the Kaguya surname, and the rest merge with your clan?"

"Agreed."

"And about the Kaguya clan's heritage?"

"Let's exchange knowledge," Kyomu proposed. "This benefits both clans."

Hiashi couldn't refuse and agreed.

"Go show your clan their new residence. The sooner you settle, the sooner you can contribute."

"Yes, Lord Ryukage." Hiashi bowed and left, beginning the Hyuga clan's significant reforms.

Kyomu sighed in relief, stretching in his chair.

"White Zetsu, are you there?"

"Always, Lord Ryukage."

"Where is the Mountain Graveyard?"

Kyomu was ready to claim the valuable resources hidden in Madara's old lair.

(End of Chapter)