"Thousands of adults, you are finally here. The patriarch has been waiting for a long time!"
As soon as he arrived at the entrance of the Hyuga clan compound, a Hyuga ninja greeted him and led him into the Hyuga residence, accompanied by a thousand members from the Asa.
The Hyuga clan is one of Konoha's oldest and most prestigious clans. It possesses a powerful kekkei genkai, the Byakugan, which has been passed down for generations. The clan also practices one of Konoha's most formidable taijutsu styles, the Gentle Fist (Jūken), and is known by the saying: "Hyuga is Konoha's strongest."
In order to protect their bloodline limit, the Hyuga clan is divided into a main family and a branch family. The main family inherits the kekkei genkai, while the branch family serves to protect them. To ensure this hierarchy, the branch family members are branded with the Cursed Seal, which can be used to punish or kill them, creating a deep-rooted internal conflict within the clan.
Compared to the Uchiha clan, the Byakugan is more support-oriented, while the Sharingan is more combat-oriented. As a result, in terms of individual combat power, there is a significant gap between the Hyuga and the Uchiha.
"Senior Hiashi!"
"Please have a seat!"
The events of the day were clearly understood by those present. Both the Asa representative, Chao Yanqian, and the Hyuga members knew that this was not just a thank-you dinner, but a negotiation of cooperation between two influential forces.
Inside the room, aside from Hyuga Hiashi, there were also two Hyuga clan elders. After a brief exchange of greetings, they began to discuss business.
"Now that the Fourth Hokage has died in battle, the Hokage seat is vacant. Judging from the Third Hokage's intentions, it seems he wants to regain control of Konoha," said one of the Hyuga elders. This was Hyuga Haruaki, an elder closely allied with Hiashi and highly influential within the clan.
As his words fell, Hiashi and the others subtly observed Chao Yanqian's expression. But he was destined to disappoint them, as he had no interest in the Hokage position.
If peace had been secured after defeating Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, he might have considered the role. But at present, increasing his strength remained the priority.
"I don't know much about the Third Hokage's intentions," Chao Yanqian replied.
The Hyuga clan's position in Konoha was precarious. In terms of strength, they were outmatched by the Uchiha, and in terms of influence, overshadowed by the Hokage lineage. If not for the clan's own formidable abilities, they would have been further marginalized.
Although the Sarutobi clan is a populous and reputable ninja family, it lacks a kekkei genkai. In the early years of Hiruzen Sarutobi's term, he faced opposition from many powerful clans.
However, Hiruzen had his own methods. By allying with smaller clans like the Yamanaka, Akimichi, and Nara (Ino-Shika-Cho), he balanced power against larger clans like the Hyuga and Uchiha. Combined with his personal prestige among regular shinobi, it only took a few years for him to firmly establish his authority as Hokage.
Today, long-standing tensions between these groups have resurfaced. If Hiruzen reclaims the position of Hokage, the Hyuga will once again be kept from the center of Konoha's power.
The Uchiha clan, at the very least, had control over the Konoha Military Police Force and would later be involved with the ANBU under direct Hokage command. In contrast, the Hyuga have remained an autonomous clan throughout the Naruto story.
Konoha has stood for decades, and the Hyuga have long been part of its fabric. But wherever people exist, there will be politics, rivalries, and power struggles.
"Chao Yanqian, among the younger generation, your strength is well-known, and you've contributed greatly to the war. In a few years, you could be a strong candidate to become the Fifth Hokage," Hiashi said gravely.
Despite Chao Yanqian's strength, he was born a civilian and lacked a reliable team. Even if he became Hokage, he would rely solely on personal charisma to command Konoha's shinobi.
However, for both major and minor clans, a young Hokage like Chao Yanqian could be collectively resisted if he lacks political backing.
Why did the Third Hokage assist Be Feng Shuimen in handling governmental affairs when Be Feng Shuimen became Hokage? It was to lend Be Feng Shuimen authority and deter resistance from the noble clans due to his lack of political roots.
"So what are you getting at, Hiashi?" Chao Yanqian asked.
"If you run for the Fifth Hokage, our Hyuga clan is willing to support you. We can even advocate on your behalf to the daimyo," Hiashi replied.
"I'm afraid the Third Hokage would object," Chao Yanqian said.
The Hyuga clan is unlike Danzo's Root faction. Although Chao Yanqian had no personal ambition for the Hokage title, he welcomed the opportunity to form ties with the Hyuga. After all, the Byakugan is a powerful tool with many applications.
"You are also a disciple of Lady Tsunade. The Third Hokage may consider you a viable candidate for the Fifth," said Hiashi.
"If the opportunity arises, of course I wouldn't turn it down," Chao Yanqian smiled. Then he looked toward Hiashi and asked, "But what do you want from me?"
"My child will be born soon, and I hope you will become her teacher," Hiashi said.
"What!?"
"That's all?" Chao Yanqian asked in surprise.
"Of course," Hiashi nodded, asking for nothing more.
After a moment's reflection, Chao Yanqian understood Hiashi's intent. If his child became Chao Yanqian's disciple, she would be considered part of the Hokage faction. Should Chao Yanqian ever become Hokage, the Hyuga clan would naturally rise with him, gaining influence in many matters.
In the Naruto world, bonds whether familial, comradely, or between master and student are critical. If Hiashi's child became Chao Yanqian's student, the resulting connection would secure long-term cooperation.
However, when he thought of Hiashi's daughter, Hinata Hyuga, Chao Yanqian felt a headache coming on.
She clearly wasn't suited to be a ninja. Although Hinata had shown some change after the Chūnin Exams, her natural ability still paled in comparison to Neji Hyuga.
Nevertheless, Hiashi was determined not to give up on her.
The Hyuga clan had exceptional reconnaissance skills. In future intelligence operations involving tailed beasts, the Hyuga could prove invaluable.
Even if Chao Yanqian failed to teach Hinata effectively and earned a reputation for poor instruction, the political advantages far outweighed the drawbacks.
Moreover, the original manga contains specific information about the Hyuga's Gentle Fist. With Chao Yanqian's own deep understanding of taijutsu, he might just succeed in shaping Hinata's abilities.
"Very well, I accept!" Chao Yanqian said with a smile.
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