Chapter 18

And the one who had just spoken was Ryan's new disciple, Uchiha Itachi. Ryan's gaze swept across the remaining clan elders and members.

"Itachi, Shisui, remember this," he said firmly. "Whether it's a family or a village, we must evolve. The wheel of time never stops turning, and if we fall behind, we will be left behind. Look at the current situation of the Hyuga clan. Their outdated clan system has not been changed, and as a result, they are trapped, endlessly exploiting the branch house."

As Ryan spoke, his eyes focused on the clan members with prominent status and privileges. The seriousness of the Hyuga clan's problems was evident.

"Eventually, the breaking point will come," Ryan continued. "The entire Hyuga clan will crumble and cease to exist."

Upon hearing these words, Shisui and Itachi wore thoughtful expressions on their faces. Meanwhile, Hyuga Hiashi approached Ryan, aware that time was running out for the Hyuga clan.

"Clan elders, do you wish to continue?" Ryan asked the disheartened elders, who were still trying to comprehend the situation caused by the new Hokage.

The clan elders glanced at each other, resigned to their fate, and nodded. "We will follow the patriarch's arrangements," they declared.

"From this day forward, the main family and branch house will no longer exist. We shall become the Hyuga family," the elders proclaimed.

With the elders' resignation, their aged bodies appeared even wearier. Depression loomed over them. However, nobody paid attention to their old age at that moment.

As the news of the decision spread, the branch house members erupted in joyous celebration. They cheered, expressing their relief and freedom from the oppressive system. Messages were quickly sent to inform the entire Hyuga clan and tears of joy streamed down the faces of countless branch house members.

In contrast, the main family members wore mournful expressions. They understood that without the distinction of the branch house, they would need to take on missions and face the battlefield without personal protection. They would have to rely solely on themselves. Hyuga Hiashi refused to spare any kindness to these indulgent family members, ordering some clansmen to send them away.

With the matter settled Ryan prepared to leave with his two pensive apprentices. However, before departing, he turned back and spoke to Hiashi, reminding him of a crucial task.

"After you return, I will send the sealing team to assist in releasing the caged bird seal," Ryan instructed. "Make sure to coordinate with the clan elders."

With his instructions given, Ryan left the Hyuga clan alongside Shisui. Hiashi readily agreed to the assistance of the Konoha Sealing Class, realizing that relying solely on a few clan elders to release the seal might take an indefinite amount of time. He also feared that the elders might change their minds over time.

After respectfully bidding farewell to Ryan, Hiashi turned his gaze to Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi, who stood beside the new Hokage. In his eyes, a bright light flickered.

"No! I can't let the Uchiha clan take all the advantages!" Hiashi thought to himself. "My Hyuga clan must follow Hokage-sama's lead!"

With this determination, Hiashi immediately sought out his younger brother, Hizashi. He asked him if there was a suitable candidate within the clan. Hizashi, understanding Hiashi's intentions upon seeing Shisui and Itachi, quickly caught on.

"Brother, do you want me to find a talented individual?" Hizashi inquired.

"Yes, that's right!" Hiashi confirmed. Hizashi's mind raced, formulating a plan to find a talented member within the clan who could become Ryan's disciple. Once accomplished, their Hyuga family would be firmly bound to the Hokage lineage.

"Brother, give me some time," Hizashi requested.

"Alright, but be careful. They must possess the talent and a respectable appearance," Hiashi cautioned.

With their roles established, Hiashi then turned his attention to the caged bird seal. Several clan elders began the process of removing the seal from the branch house members. Meanwhile, Ryan and his apprentices made their way back to the Hokage building.

With the Uchiha and Hyuga clans now firmly under his command. Ryan couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence for the upcoming second assembly. With the two major clans of Konoha aligned with him, and other influential families such as the Ino-Shika-Cho already on his side, civilian ninjas were sure to follow suit.

Additionally, with powerful individuals like Minato, Hatake, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Kushina, who was soon to become the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, the village's top combat strength was formidable.

Ryan felt that his position was on par with the world of the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade. The First and Second Hokage's worlds remained uncertain, but it was likely that his own position surpassed theirs. As for the other Hokage world that had not yet joined the chat group, it probably couldn't compare to his own.

With these thoughts in mind, Ryan promptly contacted Minato.

SUPPORT ME ON P*TREON.C*M/MARIONI.