The Retired Third Hokage
Hearing the conversation between Hinata and Hanabi, Hinata looked up at the sky.
After issuing an order to the branch family to prohibit any disclosure of Hinata's awakening of the Shikotsumyaku—the rare Kaguya clan's Dead Bone Pulse—Hiashi Hyūga looked at his eldest daughter and said slowly, "Hinata, come with me."
Hinata watched her father's back before following him with a composed expression. They arrived at the Hyūga main family's ancestral hall.
Sitting on the tatami mat, Hiashi stared at his daughter and asked in a measured tone, "Hinata, when did you awaken the Shikotsumyaku? Do you have any memory of it?"
Hinata shook her head. "Father, I don't know."
She didn't want to tell him about the pendant—the one given to her by Naruto. Instead, she tried to avoid the question.
Hiawshi studied Hinata for a moment and realized she was hiding something. He sighed and said, "This awakening… it must have something to do with Naruto."
Hinata's eyes flickered slightly. "No… I haven't seen Naruto-kun in a long time."
Seeing her reaction, Hiashi immediately understood everything. The Shikotsumyaku and Hinata's altered chakra had to be linked to Naruto in some way. That boy—the one who left Konoha at such a young age—always reminded him of what happened four years ago, when the village nearly lost everything during the Konoha Crush.
"Since you don't want to say it, I won't force you…"
After a brief sigh, Hiashi's expression grew serious. "However, Hinata, are you prepared to become the heir to the Hyūga clan?"
Hinata clenched her fists and raised her head. "Father, is it truly impossible for Hanabi to inherit instead? I have no desire to become the clan head."
Hiashi shook his head. "From the moment you revealed your Shikotsumyaku, the decision was no longer yours to make. Whether you want to or not, the future of the Hyūga clan is now tied to you."
Hinata's expression darkened. "Father… is there really no other way? You don't want Hanabi to bear the Caged Bird Seal either, do you?"
Hiashi remained silent for a moment. Over the years, he had delayed the decision on the clan's heir, refusing to subject either of his daughters to the burden of the seal. Deep down, he despised the Hyūga's rigid traditions.
A faint smile crossed his face. "It's not impossible. I've long wanted to abolish the Caged Bird Seal, but I lack the strength and authority. But you, Hinata… you may have the power to change the Hyūga's fate."
"Me?" Hinata whispered, her voice betraying her uncertainty.
Hiashi nodded. "Hinata, I was pleased with your resolve today. With the Shikotsumyaku and your Byakugan, you will one day rival the Sannin. If you reach that level, removing the Caged Bird system will no longer be an insurmountable challenge."
After a brief pause, he continued,
"Starting today, in addition to your studies at the Academy, I will personally train you—not only in the ways of the Hyūga's secret techniques but also in leadership. You have always wanted to protect Hanabi, haven't you?"
A flicker of determination crossed Hinata's face.
"Naruto would be happy to see you as the Hyūga clan's leader."
Hinata hesitated. She had no real desire to be the clan head.
But if it meant protecting her sister and gaining Naruto-kun's acknowledgment, she would at least try. Always hiding behind others—it was too cowardly.
---
Konoha Reacts to the Hyūga's Decision
News of the Hyūga clan's confirmed successor quickly spread throughout Konohagakure.
Surprisingly, the village did not react strongly to the announcement. While some were taken aback that Hinata, rather than Hanabi, had been chosen, the matter did not cause significant upheaval. The Hyūga clan had always operated discreetly, and an heir's confirmation was no shocking event.
A handful of perceptive individuals noted that Hanabi had yet to be marked with the Caged Bird Seal, but they dismissed it as internal politics within the Hyūga. Compared to the broader reforms happening in Konoha, it was a minor detail.
With the Fifth Hokage restructuring major village departments, it was only natural that one of the most influential clans would also undergo changes.
Among Hinata's close friends, a subtle shift in her demeanor became noticeable. The once-shy girl, known for her quiet nature, now carried herself with a newfound sense of confidence.
"Hinata, have you finally gotten over that fox?" one of her classmates teased. "You look much healthier."
"No, I'm the same as always," Hinata replied absentmindedly.
She didn't realize she had changed. She simply rested her head on her desk, exhausted.
Since being named heir, she barely had time to rest, stealing moments of sleep during class.
Naruto-kun used to do the same.
He must have been incredibly busy back then—hiding countless secrets.
Now, at last, she understood.
---
The Retired Third Hokage
At the Sarutobi clan residence, the retired Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, tended to his garden. Ever since he had passed the Hokage title to Jiraiya and later to Tsunade, he had distanced himself from village affairs, focusing on mentoring young ninja and living out his remaining years peacefully.
A Jonin from the Sarutobi clan approached, bowing respectfully. "Lord Hiruzen, this is a summary of recent events in the village. Please review it."
Hiruzen turned, exhaling in mild exasperation. "How many times must I say this? I am no longer Hokage. If there's an issue, take it to Jiraiya—he is the Hokage now."
The Jonin hesitated before responding, his expression unreadable.
"Lord Patriarch, since the Fifth Hokage's reforms, many of our clan's members have been removed from Anbu. Without those positions, they now rely on mission commissions to survive. If this continues, the Sarutobi clan will fall to the level of a second-rate ninja family."
Hiruzen continued pruning the plants, unconcerned. "Positions in Anbu are given to the Hokage's most trusted subordinates. The Sarutobi clan has grown complacent. It is time for us to return to our roots."
The Jonin's face tightened slightly. "But Jiraiya-sama is your student, and the position of Hokage was passed down from you. It was our support that secured his rule."
"Enough."
Hiruzen's voice was calm, but firm.
"The Hokage title does not belong to the Sarutobi clan—it belongs to Konoha. If anyone gave it up, it was the Second Hokage when he entrusted it to someone outside the Senju."
The Jonin bowed his head, his frustration evident. "Perhaps, but the Fifth Hokage's actions have been excessive. He and Lady Tsunade are restructuring the village, weakening the major clans, elevating civilian-born ninja, and even pressuring the Daimyo. If this continues, Konoha will fall into chaos."
Silence hung in the air.
Without another word, the Jonin turned and departed, the only trace of his presence being the leaves disturbed by his movements.
Hiruzen frowned.
At last, he picked up the report.
Jiraiya and Tsunade's reforms were necessary. Konoha had long needed change.
But if reforms were too abrupt, they would provoke backlash—especially from the clans that had benefited from the old system.
As Hiruzen read through the details, his expression darkened.
For the first time in a long while, he could no longer remain indifferent.
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