Chapter 76 : Black Zetsu?
[Uchiha Ran: The issue isn't with the Caged Bird itself, but with the Controller of the Caged Bird. Some of the elders in the Hyuga clan believe they are superior and want you to fight for them while they enjoy luxury in their territory.]
Uchiha Ran's words resonated with the hearts of countless members of the Hyuga Clan's branch family.
Indeed, they had reluctantly accepted this situation for the sake of their family, to maintain the facade, and ensure the safety of future generations.
Ultimately, it was the elders who held mastery over the Caged Bird Seal, exploiting their power and treating them like chained dogs.
Nonetheless, resistance meant certain death, and many secretly harbored the desire to rebel.
To be frank, most found solace in the news of the Moon's Branch Family members' fierce methods.
[Hyuga Kazuki: Fifth Hokage, are you intervening in the internal matters of my Hyuga clan?]
[Uchiha Ran: The village has its rules; I won't overstep them. But freedom of speech is sacrosanct, understand?]
[Hyuga Kiyoshi: The Fifth Hokage's rules are just fine. @Hiashi, it's time for Miss Hinata's Caged Bird Seal. Let it be known that my clan is treated equally; even the clan head's daughter is not exempt.]
"This old man is courting death!" Uchiha Ran's eyes gleamed with a murderous intent.
It appeared that Hyuga Kiyoshi had some alliances in place.
An offensive coalition, perhaps?
When the Golden List comes to a close, that's when it'll end for you.
No, let's dig deeper into this.
[Uchiha Ran: @日 Hiashi, I heard you mentioned earlier that you wanted to step down as clan head. I think Elder Kiyoshi would be a suitable successor.]
[Hiashi: I did consider stepping down. Now, it seems fitting for you to succeed me, Elder Kiyoshi.]
Upon seeing these two messages, Hyuga Kiyoshi burst into laughter.
"Uchiha Ran, are you anxious to hear about Hinata's fate?"
"This is a conspiracy. As a Konoha ninja or Hokage, you must not meddle in my clan matters."
"What a cheek! Implying that Hiashi is abandoning his responsibilities!"
"Too late!"
"Do you realize you're trying to win favor with me at such a time?"
"Hiashi, I want you to lose your position as clan head and lose your daughter!"
"Uchiha Ran, I want you to regret this for the rest of your life."
[Hyuga Kiyoshi: If the clan head graciously agrees, I am willing to bear this burden, and all of you can bear witness here.]
[Hyuga Hiashi: I agree. Do the other elders disagree?]
All the other elders voted. In the end, Kiyoshi emerged victorious.
Before the entire ninja world, the Hyuga family completed the transfer of leadership.
In the mansion of the Hyuga Kiyoshi, Kiyoshi rejoiced. His long-cherished wish had finally come true.
However, his laughter abruptly ceased in the next moment.
[Uchiha Ran: I've heard that Elder Kiyoshi is quite robust. Your youngest son and grandson are both three years old. I have temporarily assume the position of Hokage. When I have the time, I'll attend the ceremony to witness it.]
To witness?
It turned out that Uchiha Ran had been waiting for him here.
He was actually eyeing his three-year-old son.
What's worse, he couldn't refute it.
He had just emphasized that a clan leader should set an example. Now that he had just taken over the position, he couldn't change the order and humiliate himself.
Moreover, his eldest son was nearly thirty years old and would never consent to bear the Caged Bird. Only the youngest son was an option.
There was no room for delay.
The reason for Hiashi's delay was that Hinata wasn't sufficiently skilled, and he wanted to see which of his two daughters was more suitable to be the clan head.
Back then, Uchiha Ran was still Sarutobi Hiruzen's most promising student, and was supposed to be the Fifth Hokage. His friendship with Hinata was well known.
However, their friendship had soured due to the recent conflict between Uchiha Ran and Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Splat!
As he pondered, Hyuga Kiyoshi coughed up more blood and lost consciousness. His last thought before fading was one of hatred: "So you were waiting for me here, Uchiha Ran. You're despicable!"
"Hinata, I won't let you off easily."
Nobody knew what had happened to Hyuga Kiyoshi, but his sudden outburst indicated something was wrong.
Many people sneered at him, while others marveled at Uchiha Ran's cunningness.
The cloud of uncertainty cast by Ōtsutsuki Toneri had dissipated as a result.
But no one dared to disturb him. After all, he possessed the power to bring about the world's destruction.
[Ōtsutsuki Hamura: You can choose one, but don't even think about destroying the world. I will personally explain everything when the time is right.]
"Yes, ancestor!"
In the Golden List live broadcast room, Ōtsutsuki replied respectfully, concealing his earlier arrogance about destroying the ninja world.
[Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo: Wait a moment.]
Just as Ōtsutsuki Toneri was about to make a decision, Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo suddenly intervened.
"What is it?" Ōtsutsuki Toneri inquired with closed eyes.
[Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo: Use the Tenseigan to take a closer look at Uchiha Madara's side.]
"Understood."
Ōtsutsuki Toneri didn't know what the Sage of Six Paths was planning, but he complied with the request.
Moments later, the situation at the highest tower of Rain Shinobi Village appeared on the screen, featuring Black Zetsu, Madara and Obito.
[Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo: Because... Uchiha Madara, who is that black and white figure beside you?]
"Hmm?" Madara glanced over, not comprehending what the Sage of Six Paths was getting at but decided to answer.
[Uchiha Madara: After I summoned the Gedo Statue, I imbued it with the power of reincarnation.]
[Ōtsutsuki Hamura: You imbued it with your own power? That's impossible, I couldn't do that with Yin and Yang Release!]
[Uchiha Madara: You may not be able to, but I can.]
[Uchiha Ran: ?]
[Tobirama: ?]
[Hashirama Senju: ?]
[Ninja World: ?]
Uchiha Madara's lips twitched. Soon after, he realized something and turned to look at Black Zetsu.
"Who are you, really?"
**********
Support me on my patreon and read upto 25 early chapters.
https://www.patreon.com/Unique_Writer