Ch-2
The heir's birth was followed by a grand celebration at the Hyuga Estate. Many individuals of high status were invited to lay their eyes upon the future of the Hyuga. Among these eminent personalities, there were some who were distinguished even among the distinguished.
First and foremost was the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. As the Hokage entered the estate, all the talking and discussion ceased; all the invitees stood up and bowed in respect. Halfway through the hall, he was greeted by the Hyuga clan head, Hiashi Hyuga, accompanied by the clan elders and his twin brother, Hizashi Hyuga.
"You honour us with your presence, Lord Hokage," Hiashi said, bowing gracefully—followed by the rest of his entourage.
Hiruzen smiled and replied, "My heartiest congratulations to you, Lord Hyuga. The village can now rest easy knowing that one of its pillars has rejuvenated its strength."
With the greeting done, the Hokage was led inside the ceremony hall and seated appropriately.
The Hokage's arrival was followed by the entry of other clan heads, who were invited with political and strategic agendas in mind, using the ceremony as a cover. The first to arrive were the three clan heads of the renowned "Ino-Shika-Cho" trio—Inoichi Yamanaka, Head of the Yamanaka clan and the Analysis Wing of the Intelligence Division; Shikaku Nara, the Hokage's advisor and Head of the Nara Clan; and lastly, Choza Akimichi, Head of the Akimichi Clan.
Many other such clan heads arrived, but among them, the most prominent one appeared—as if a lion had entered a gathering of wolves. The head of the only other clan that could claim to rival the Hyuga, a clan on equal footing in strength and status—it was none other than the Head of the Uchiha Clan, Fugaku Uchiha, the Head of the Konoha Military Police Force.
The "Wicked-Eyed Fugaku"—a title given to him by his adversaries during the Third Great Ninja War.
Seeing Fugaku, Hiashi's eyes sharpened. He greeted him in a cold but professional manner.
The Uchiha responded accordingly, "It is a great pleasure to be here, Hiashi. You have my gratitude for the invitation—and congratulations on the birth of your heir. I hope you have picked a suitable name."
Hiashi replied, "I certainly have thought of an apt one. I'm glad you could make it. Lord Hokage is already seated."
Both of them nodded at each other and went on—Fugaku advanced forward and greeted the Hokage while Hiashi moved to entertain the other guests.
After all the invitees had arrived, it was time. With the Hokage's permission, Hiashi ascended onto the stage with practiced ease. The laughter and chatter in the hall died down; all attention was drawn toward the stage.
He began—"Esteemed guests, today is a fortuitous day. You have all assembled here for one reason: to gaze upon the future of the Hyuga, and more importantly, the future of Konohagakure."
He paused.
As anticipation built, all interested parties leaned in. Shikaku let go of his usual indifference and brought himself to attention—a rare thing. The Hokage looked on with an inscrutable expression, while Fugaku remained stone-faced but squinted ever so slightly, observing the unfolding events with utmost clarity.
Hiashi continued—"This boy was born at the sun's zenith, when shadows are frail and the sun shines with indiscriminate warmth and brilliance. May the same be true for his, as well as the village's, future."
Saying this, he made a slight gesture of the hand.
A woman dressed in traditional Hyuga attire—with the same white colour palette—stepped forward, a silk cloth in her hands resembling the shape of a human infant. She placed the cloth in Hiashi's hands with utmost care and gentleness before stepping back to her spot.
Hiashi removed the silk cover, revealing a small, swaddled infant resting peacefully in his arms. The child's skin was soft, untouched by the world, and his pale lavender eyes, closed in slumber, held the promise of an unshaped future. A faint breeze swept through the hall, rustling the silk banners above, as if nature itself recognized the significance of this unveiling.
Hiashi moved toward the center of the stage, his demeanour regal and determined. Raising the child in front of him—his grip gentle yet firm—he lifted the boy slowly, as if his hands held the weight of traditions and legacies from time immemorial, and the hopes for the future this child represented.
With a loud voice, he declared—
"Behold: Hamura Hyuga."
The name rang out loud and clear throughout the venue, amplified by a vigour that was supposed to be buried centuries ago.
There was silence in the hall—partly from reverence, but mostly from anticipation.
For most, the name meant little: a simple, beautiful name. Soft to the tongue. Dignified. Fitting for the heir of a clan such as the Hyuga. Some murmured in subtle approval, while others exchanged faint nods, as if they were tasting the name and found it acceptable.
But to those who knew—it came like a bolt from the blue, leaving the elders stunned in disbelief. Though none dared oppose it, disapproval—and more prominently, shock—was evident on their faces. Those within the crowd began whispering among themselves. On the stage, the elders reacted more visibly.
Those within the crowd planted a foot back, instinctively falling into a confrontational stance. Those seated gripped their armrests as if their lives depended on it—their spines straight, postures rigid, and their eyes open wide, as if the shock itself had forced them apart.
The name—Hamura—was only known to a select few, even within the inner elder circle. The scroll that bore it was hidden so well it may as well have never existed. This was the shell in which the elders had kept the Hyuga for generations.
But now, as if fate itself had come knocking for its due, the name had resurfaced—out in the public eye, receiving the attention it had long been denied. It carried with it an archaic whisper—and a reminder. A reminder of rebellion… and of promised change.
Amidst the ceremony, Hiashi had done something the ever-present elders neither approved of nor foresaw.