NOVEL NEXT 17. The Hyuga Council Meeting Begins
After their second session of Gentle Fist martial arts training, Takumi, the Fifth Elder of the Hyuga clan, accompanied by his attendants, was making his way toward the Patriarch's building.
They had just left his own Fifth Estate, stepping onto the prestigious pathways that connected the various Elder Estates to the Patriarch Estate within the compound.
The hallways and pathways were designed in the traditional Hyuga style, with elegant architecture that spoke of the clan's long and storied history.
The path was lined with ornate decorations and symbols significant to the Hyuga, reflecting the clan's pride and heritage.
Prestigious and well-maintained, the route through the compound showcased the power and status of the Main Branch.
Takumi, embodying the quintessential main branch member, walked with a proud and confident stride.
He was traditional, stern, and stoic, yet calculating, fully aware, and appreciative of the power and prestige his position within the Main Branch afforded him.
As he walked, Takumi's thoughts drifted to the training session with Hikari. He was impressed by the young boy's potential, noting how at just three years old, Hikari showed promise that could be described as the strongest in the clan's history.
With the upcoming Hyuga Council meeting on his mind, Takumi decided to advocate for Hikari.
He saw in the boy an opportunity not just for Hikari's growth but for his own political power in the decades to come.
Investing in Hikari at such an early stage could be the key to solidifying his own position within the clan's hierarchy.
Gaining Takumi's approval was no easy feat, yet Hikari had already managed to do so, marking him as a unique talent within the clan, one that Takumi was now fully committed to supporting.
As Takumi approached the Patriarch's estate, the grandeur of the building became increasingly evident.
This illustrious estate wasn't just a home; it served as the largest single hub for the clan's administrative work, making it the heart of the Hyuga's power.
The architecture was majestic, with towering pillars and expansive courtyards that were meticulously maintained to reflect the clan's prestige and heritage.
The estate's security was tight, with highly skilled guards stationed at strategic points around the perimeter, their keen eyes missing nothing.
The building itself was adorned with symbols and carvings significant to the Hyuga, including depictions of the Byakugan, which served as a reminder of the clan's unique abilities and proud history.
As Takumi arrived, he noticed the other eight Elders also making their way towards the building, each accompanied by their own attendants.
They used secret paths that connected their own estates to the Patriarch's building, paths known only to those of high standing within the clan.
This weekly gathering of the Elders was a tradition, a time when decisions were made, disputes were settled, and the future of the clan was shaped.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the heart of the Hyuga's power officially came together.
Despite their stern expressions and stoic demeanor, there was an unspoken understanding among them of the importance of these meetings.
Today, like every week, they would deliberate on matters crucial to the welfare and advancement of the Hyuga clan, each Elder prepared to argue fiercely for their views and interests.
Yet, beneath the surface, there was a sense of unity and purpose, a shared commitment to the clan's legacy and to its future prosperity.
As each Elder arrived in front of the Patriarch's estate, they exchanged polite greetings, meticulously maintaining the decorum expected of their positions.
They were careful to present a united front, especially in front of their Side Branch attendants, embodying the Hyuga clan's values of calmness, composure, politeness, and nobility.
Even Takumi and the Seventh Elder, who had engaged in a heated verbal exchange just the day before, greeted each other with polite nods as if the disagreement had never occurred.
This display of courtesy underscored the importance of stability and harmony within the clan, particularly in such public settings.
Together with their attendants, the Elders proceeded inside the grand Patriarch's Estate, guided by the Patriarch's own attendants.
They navigated through the building's intricate wooden corridors, reminiscent of a labyrinth until they arrived at a secluded, ceremonial room designed for their gathering.
The room was traditional in every sense, with tatami mats covering the floor and a large table set in the center, around which they would all sit in the customary Japanese-style posture.
Now, with the Patriarch, eight main branch Elders also assembled, ten people in total filled the room, each taking their place with deliberate care.
The setting was intimate, yet the air was charged with the gravity of the occasion.
Around the table, eight Elders, each with their unique features, still shared a familial resemblance indicative of the Hyuga clan.
Their attire varied slightly, reflecting personal tastes but always adhering to the traditional style and colors that signified their status within the Main Branch.
Some bore more ornate accessories, symbols of their achievements and roles within the clan, while others opted for a more understated elegance.
Hirayoshi Hyuga, the Patriarch of the clan, settled into his place at the head of the table and now signaled the beginning of the meeting with a composed nod.
Hiyaroshi, with his long, meticulously tied-back hair that was nearly entirely gray by this point, radiated an aura of wisdom and authority.
His traditional Hyuga robes were pristine, embroidered with the clan's symbols, signifying his esteemed position.
"Let us commence...", He stated, his voice carrying the weight of authority and tradition. The room immediately fell into an attentive silence.
Hiyaroshi began outlining the current state of the clan's various business endeavors immediately.
The discussion was methodical, with each Elder contributing updates on trade, investments, and partnerships that the Hyuga clan maintained within Konoha and beyond.
Next, the conversation shifted to "potential disputes within and with outside." Hiyaroshi facilitated the discussion, ensuring that any internal conflicts were addressed with wisdom and fairness.
"We must also consider our relations with other clans and the Hokage's group...", He continued, stressing the importance of diplomacy in maintaining the clan's esteemed position within the village.
The meeting then turned to "administrative stuff," with Elders sharing reports on the clan's internal management, resource allocation, and the well-being of its members. It was clear that maintaining a smoothly running clan was a priority for everyone present.
And finally, Hiyaroshi guided the discussion towards the Hyuga's contributions to the village's defense, specifically mentioning the "Hyuga Border Surveillance Division."
However, as the discussion on formal and routine matters began to wind down, a palpable tension filled the room, hinting at the anticipation building among the Elders.
It was as if the air itself grew denser, charged with the collective focus of those present, all bracing for the topic they knew was imminent.
This wasn't just any Hyuga Council gathering; it was set to be one of the most important meetings in recent memory.
Despite their age and the many council meetings they had attended over the years, each Elder felt a surge of strong feelings and even excitement at the prospect of discussing this next agenda item.
Noticing the shift in atmosphere and recognizing that the moment to transition had arrived, Patriarch Hiyaroshi sighed, a rare display of emotion that underscored the significance of what was to come,
"The routine part of today's meeting is hence over I declare...", He announced, his voice steady yet imbued with a gravity that underscored the importance of their next discussion.
"The next item is one of two particularly urgent matters prepared for today, and the first one concerns Hikari Hyuga, and the second is about the shinobi world war we are currently going through. However, after analyzing it, it is better for us to actually combine this discussion...",
At the mention of Hikari's name, the Elders began to stir, their usual composure giving way to a mix of restlessness, excitement, and a spectrum of other emotions.
It was clear that Hikari, a mere three-year-old, had sparked a level of interest and debate rarely seen within the stoic confines of the Hyuga Council.
Chairs shifted, and quiet murmurs filled the room as the Elders prepared themselves to delve into a discussion that could very well shape the future trajectory of the Hyuga clan.
