NOVEL NEXT 50. Officially Becoming The New Third Elder
A few days later, the entire Hyuga clan was still abuzz with yesterday's announcement: Hikari Hyuga, from the Third Lineage of the Main Branch, was officially confirmed to become the new Third Elder.
This decision, unanimously agreed upon by all the members of the Hyuga Council, marked a historic moment, appointing Hikari as the youngest Elder of all time, at just 11 years old. His rapid rise was a clear testament to his exceptional talent, strength, strategy, and maturity.
The unanimous support from the Elders, with no voiced opposition, highlighted the confidence they had in Hikari's abilities and potential to contribute to the clan's governance.
The wider clan, both from the Main and Side Branches, mirrored this sentiment, acknowledging Hikari's new position and the implications it held for the clan's future.
As the morning of the inauguration arrived, the atmosphere within the part of the Patriarch's residence designated for the Hyuga Council meetings was charged with a mix of solemnity and anticipation.
This private ceremony, set to formally induct Hikari into his new role, was attended only by the council's members, including the Patriarch and the other Eight Elders.
The council room, typically a space for deliberation and decision-making, was prepared for the ceremony with a sense of reverence for the occasion.
The Elders and the Patriarch gathered, ready to witness and participate in this significant event, understanding its historical importance and the promise it held for ushering in a new chapter for the Hyuga clan under Hikari's emerging leadership.
At the center of the room stood an ancient pedestal, upon which lay the Hyuga Clan Oath Scroll—an artifact inscribed with vows that each Elder was bound to uphold.
These vows were a solemn pledge to protect the clan, foster its growth, and uphold its values and traditions.
The air was heavy with the weight of history, each Elder a link in the unbroken chain stretching back through generations.
The ceremony commenced with the Patriarch addressing the assembly, his voice resonant, articulating the significance of the moment and the qualities that had elevated Hikari to this esteemed position at such a young age.
"Today, we stand witness to a historic moment...", He began, "As we welcome into our ranks a shinobi of unparalleled talent and wisdom beyond his years. Hikari Hyuga embodies the future of our clan, and in him, we place our trust and hope."
Hikari, standing before the council and the Oath Scroll, was then invited to recite the Elders' Oath.
His voice, steady and clear, resonated through the room as he vowed to serve the clan with honor, to lead with wisdom, and to dedicate his strength to the prosperity and protection of the Hyuga.
The Elders, listening intently, nodded in approval, their faces reflecting a mix of pride and solemnity.
Following the recitation, the Patriarch stepped forward, placing his hand on Hikari's shoulder in a gesture of acceptance and blessing,
"With this oath, you are now bound to the Hyuga as its Third Elder. May your actions reflect the honor of this title and contribute to the glory of our clan."
The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, allowing the gravity of Hikari's vows to permeate the consciousness of all present.
This was followed by a series of brief conversations among the Elders, each offering Hikari words of wisdom, encouragement, and pledges of support.
These exchanges, while formal, were tinged with genuine warmth and camaraderie, reflecting the collective commitment to the clan's future and Hikari's role in shaping it.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the room, once filled with the solemnity of tradition and the weight of oaths, gradually lightened, the Elders dispersing with a sense of renewed purpose, pride, and unity.
Hikari, now officially the Third Elder, stood among them not just as a young shinobi of exceptional promise but as a symbol of the clan's strength and its forward-looking vision.
After the inauguration ceremony's formalities had concluded, Hikari caught the eye of the Patriarch, who beckoned him with a look that spoke volumes.
It was an expression marked by seriousness, signaling that what was to follow was of paramount importance.
Hikari, driven by curiosity acknowledged the gesture and prepared to follow the Patriarch into a deeper part of his residence rarely seen by others.
They traversed the familiar yet solemn hallways of the Patriarch's home, each turn taking them deeper into another, more secluded section reserved for matters of great sensitivity.
As Hikari followed the Patriarch to a seemingly mysterious location within his residence full of curiosity, his mind was already racing with the implications of his new role within the Hyuga clan. The position of the Third Elder carried with it significant authority and he was informed of all of that just now fully.
First and foremost, Hikari realized he now held one of the ten critical votes in the Hyuga Council, granting him a direct say in the clan's most crucial decisions. This power was not just symbolic; it was a tangible representation of his newfound influence within the clan's governance.
Additionally, Hikari pondered the personal changes his new role would bring. He could now move to the Third Estate, historically associated with his lineage but left quite 'lifeless' until this point.
Residing in the Fifth Estate alongside Takumi and his personnel had been a matter of circumstance, but now he was poised to assume his rightful place within the clan's spatial hierarchy.
More than just a shift in residence, Hikari was now in complete control of his lineage's commercial operations and budget.
This control extended to overseeing accounting documents and managing personnel directly employed at the Third Estate and in external operations, including servants, commercial workers, and even civilians involved in Hyuga clan industries outside the compound.
Another crucial aspect of his ascension was the formal acquisition of all of his lineage's potential records or techniques, which, although previously imparted to him by Takumi, were now officially under his stewardship.
With this new role came a higher status within the clan; members were now required to address him as Third Elder-sama, a title that commanded respect and acknowledged his elevated position in the clan hierarchy.
However, Hikari was acutely aware of the challenges that lay ahead. His lineage had not been popular among the other Elders, especially concerning administrative and broader roles within Konoha, having been slowly stripped of such responsibilities over time.
Yet, with his ascension, it was agreed that his lineage would finally be given their first administrative role. The newly granted Alliance Coordinator status, allowing him to form a team and division focused on external coordination with other clans and his new mission.
