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After leaving Ichiraku Ramen, Hyūga Tokuma took a shortcut toward the Hyūga Clan compound.

On the way, as he passed by a training ground hidden by trees, a small hummingbird the size of half a finger flew out of the bushes and darted into his sleeve.

Without breaking his stride, Tokuma continued walking. The tiny hummingbird left a small piece of paper in the pocket within his sleeve before disappearing as its summoning was undone.

Quickening his pace, Tokuma retrieved the paper and glanced at it briefly as he passed through a narrow alley. He then crushed the paper into powder with his fingers.

Walking through a few quiet streets, Tokuma arrived at the gates of the Hyūga Clan compound.

Looking up at the gradually darkening sky, he hurried directly to the main residence where the clan head's family lived.

"Lord Hiashi," Tokuma said, bowing his head and kneeling on one knee at the entrance to Hiashi's room.

"Tokuma, you're here," Hiashi said, sliding the door open and stepping out.

"Rise."

"Yes," Tokuma replied, standing up and glancing at Hiashi.

"You'll need to keep working hard," Hiashi said, his face weary as he turned back and reentered the room.

"Understood," Tokuma replied, standing solemnly outside the door.

Soon, the sound of light footsteps approached, and Hiashi's second daughter, Hanabi, came running up.

"Lady Hanabi," Tokuma said, bowing slightly.

Hanabi glanced at the closed door and asked softly, "Is Father inside?"

Tokuma nodded silently.

Hanabi knocked on the door and raised her voice. "Father."

"Come in," Hiashi's voice came from within.

Hanabi smiled at Tokuma before sliding the door open and entering the room.

Tokuma remained silently on guard outside.

Before long, several elders arrived together.

Tokuma bowed as they entered the room one by one, closing the door behind them.

From the other end of the corridor, a faint sound caught Tokuma's sharp attention. Turning his gaze, he noticed the clan head's eldest daughter, Hinata, timidly peeking from around the corner.

Their eyes met, and Hinata quickly recoiled as if burned.

Tokuma sighed inwardly, bowing silently in her direction.

It seemed the recent complex and severe situation had prompted Hiashi to make up his mind to begin formally training his successor.

As for Lady Hinata, she had long since been relegated to the position of an abandoned pawn.

The meeting dragged on for a long time, but due to the barrier around the room, Tokuma could hear nothing from his post outside.

When the meeting finally ended, the elders emerged first, their expressions heavy.

It appeared the main family had received the news from the Hokage.

Tokuma steadied his thoughts and began to ponder.

The tension between the main and branch families within the Hyūga Clan had remained hidden beneath the surface.

Now, however, it seemed the Hokage intended to bring this conflict into the open.

"Tokuma," Hiashi's voice called from inside the room. "Enter."

"Yes," Tokuma replied, opening the door softly and stepping inside.

"Lord Hiashi, what are your instructions?"

Hiashi sat kneeling in the room, with Hanabi seated behind him, her head lowered.

Gesturing, Hiashi said, "Sit as well."

"Yes," Tokuma replied, kneeling down to one side.

After a moment of contemplation, Hiashi spoke. "The latest information indicates that the Hokage has obtained the technique to undo the Caged Bird seal. It was provided by Uchiha Kaito."

"This…" Tokuma looked up in shock. "Is this true?"

Hiashi nodded. "The source is reliable. There's a high probability it's true."

"Lord Hiashi, what should we do next?" Tokuma asked, letting just the right amount of concern show on his face.

"Regarding the Hyūga Clan's current situation, the Hokage has maintained silence," Hiashi said. "However, her stance is not hard to deduce."

"Indeed. As Hokage… she is likely to favor the branch family," Tokuma said softly.

"That's right," Hiashi said gravely. "Since the Second Hokage, each Hokage has worked tirelessly to erase the independence of the major ninja clans."

"In the past, the Senju and the Uchiha clans stood at the forefront. Now, the Hyuga clan is the most prominent." Hiashi continued, "And the existence of the Caged Bird Seal has made it impossible for the Hokage to interfere with our clan's power."

Tokuma bowed his head even lower.

Hiashi wasn't finished. "The incident with the Kumogakure delegation and Hizashi's sacrifice were nothing more than a warning from the Third Hokage."

"But the current situation is even more severe." Hiashi stood up, and the room seemed to fill with an oppressive energy. "The Caged Bird Seal is the cornerstone of the Hyuga clan's stability and continuity. And now, so many people want to destroy it!"

"Tokuma," Hiashi said, stepping toward him.

"Yes," Tokuma responded, bowing deeply.

"I need to secretly contact the heads of all the major families in the village," Hiashi said coldly. "You are one of the most skilled among the younger generation of our clan. I'm entrusting this task to you."

"Yes, I will complete the mission," Tokuma answered without hesitation.

"Good." 

Hiashi placed a stack of envelopes in front of Tokuma.

"Go."

"Yes."

Tokuma picked up the letters, tucked them into his robe, and quickly left the room.

"Hanabi," Hiashi said, turning to his younger daughter.

"Father?" Hanabi looked up, her eyes slightly confused.

Hiashi's face remained expressionless as he looked at her for a moment. Finally, he gave a simple order: "Go rest."

"Yes, Father." 

Hanabi stood up, bowed her head, and left the room.

As the door closed, Hiashi sat down again. This time, he did not hide the weariness on his face. His brows furrowed deeply, and he supported his forehead with one hand.

Outside the room, Hanabi walked slowly at first. But as she turned a corner in the corridor, she broke into a run.

From behind one of the pillars, a figure emerged, and Hanabi ran toward her with joy.

"Sister!"

"Hanabi."

Hinata embraced Hanabi, her expression filled with concern.

"How are you? Are you tired?"

Hanabi shook her head silently.

"I'm sorry," Hinata said, stroking Hanabi's head with guilt. "It's all because I'm useless that you have to face these things at such a young age."

"Sister!" Hanabi looked up, her gaze intense. "This isn't your fault!"

"You never blamed me for taking the position of the clan heir, and yet you're always worrying about me!" Hanabi forced a strained smile. "You're always so selfless! Even though it's Father who—"

"Stop!" Hinata covered Hanabi's mouth, pulling her into her room.

"Hanabi, you mustn't blame Father," Hinata said softly. "It's my own fault for disappointing him."

Tears welled up in Hanabi's eyes. "Why… I've known for a long time. During our sparring, you deliberately held back so you wouldn't hurt me…"

"That only proves that I'm unfit to be a proper ninja," Hinata said with a hint of sadness. "Things are better this way. You're much more suited to be the clan head than I am."

"Sister." Hanabi leaned closer to whisper in Hinata's ear. "Don't worry. Maybe, in the future, the Hyuga clan will no longer have the Caged Bird Seal."

Before Hinata could react, Hanabi hugged her tightly again.

I will protect you, Sister.