Uchiha's Taijutsu Supreme

As a noble clan with a history spanning centuries, the Hyuga clan boasted a domain comparable to the Uchiha's before their expansion, holding the position of Konoha's second-most influential clan.

Within the Hyuga compound, training grounds, meeting halls, storage facilities, dining areas, and even banquet halls could all be found—a self-sufficient infrastructure unmatched by most other clans.

Although they lacked the Uchiha's defensive barriers around their domain, the Hyuga relied on branch family members patrolling the area, serving as a constant security force.

Unlike the Uchiha, who engaged with other clans and established alliances, the Hyuga clan seldom interacted with other ninja families in Konoha.

They had strict prohibitions on intermarriage or adopting outsiders into the clan. Even sons-in-law were unwelcome, with only internal matches permitted.

This policy, said to ensure the purity of their Byakugan bloodline, fostered an air of aloofness that left many Konoha ninjas quietly displeased.

Despite repeated invitations from both the Third Hokage and Danzo to have Hyuga members join the ANBU or Root, these offers were politely declined each time.

In contrast to the Uchiha, who had even established a bustling commercial street, the Hyuga's secluded lifestyle made them appear more like a "village within a village."

......

Hyuga Compound, Banquet Hall~

At the head of the grand banquet hall sat Hyuga Tenno, the current clan head. He surveyed the gathered clan members below with a sharp gaze before speaking in a deep voice.

"Thank you, my dear clansmen, for coming today to celebrate my sixtieth birthday!"

The moment his words fell, members of the branch family stood in unison, bowing respectfully as they chorused:

"We humbly wish the clan head a joyous fiftieth birthday!"

The main family, on the other hand, was far more relaxed. Many elders smiled warmly, offering a few words of well-wishing, while the younger members cheerfully approached Tenno, presenting their carefully chosen gifts.

Branch family members watched these scenes with envy, for to them, the opportunity to gift something to the main family was a privilege in itself.

Bound by the cursed seal of the Caged Bird, their lives existed solely to serve the main family. A single command could compel them to leap into fire or danger without hesitation.

Even the act of presenting a gift—an expression of equality—was strictly forbidden to the branch family.

After the main family's lively exchanges, Tenno waved his hand and announced, "Let the feast begin!"

Unlike the Uchiha, whose young members freely expressed their opinions—even challenging the clan head at meetings in Naka Shrine—the Hyuga's gatherings were eerily silent.

Despite it being the clan head's birthday banquet, the atmosphere felt more like a morgue. Aside from occasional conversations among the main family, branch members kept their heads lowered, silently eating their meals.

After several courses, Tenno set down his chopsticks and addressed his two sons beside him.

"You've all seen Konoha's current state. Our Hyuga clan is gradually being drawn into this vortex. To ensure we remain unscathed, we must preserve our combat strength."

"To this end, I have reformed the Caged Bird system. Hizashi, Hiashi, as my sons, it is time for you to take the lead in this reform."

The brothers Hizashi and Hiashi, who had been chatting moments earlier, froze at their father's words. They bowed their heads slightly, replying in unison:

"We are ready, Father, and await your instructions."

Before Fuma rose to prominence, the distinction between the Hyuga's main and branch families had been determined by birth order—similar to the feudal system of primogeniture.

However, to foster internal competition and allow his sons greater freedom, Tenno had enacted a major reform. Now, the heir to the main family would be determined by a coming-of-age duel, with the victor inheriting the title.

The loser, on the other hand, would be relegated to the branch family, and their descendants would never have the chance to compete again.

Delayed by years of war during the Second Shinobi World War, the already-adult Hizashi and Hiashi were now about to face their fateful duel.

In the banquet hall, elders who had benefited from the old system looked at the visibly anxious brothers with subtle smiles. Feigning encouragement, they said:

"Don't worry. The Caged Bird seal is merely to protect the Byakugan. No matter what happens, you're still brothers."

"We look forward to a thrilling match, one that proves the clan head's reforms have truly invigorated the Hyuga clan!"

Their words, laced with sarcasm, revealed their dissatisfaction with the reforms.

Tenno frowned slightly at this, cursing inwardly:

"These stubborn old fools… If the Hyuga remain stagnant like this, we'll be reduced to a second-rate clan…

Still plotting for their useless sons to inherit the main family? As long as I'm here, that'll never happen!"

Meanwhile, the branch family members sat as still as statues, their silence betraying no reaction. They knew that even the opportunity for competition was out of their reach. This was their fate.

Among them was Hyuga Yuto, a special jonin who had spent several months with Fuma's hunting unit during the war. His mind drifted back to those days of freedom on the battlefield.

"No rigid formality… Big chunks of meat, large cups of sake… Laughing and joking with comrades… No seals carved onto foreheads to divide status…"

"Now even the Uchihas without ninja talent have the freedom to open businesses under Fuma's support. They can live as they please…"

With the Uchiha commercial street thriving and traffic increasing daily, their clan members, now enjoying prosperous lives, spoke endlessly of Fuma's deeds.

Their enthusiastic praises spread to everyone who visited the street, subtly improving the Uchiha's reputation.

After all, a clan capable of caring for its own and openly sharing its knowledge—how evil could it truly be?

Fuma's groundbreaking, open-access welfare system held an allure beyond imagination for ninja clans, traditionally viewed as tools.

At that moment, Yuto felt an intense envy for the Uchiha. He even entertained the absurd thought of abandoning his clan to become a free-spirited merchant under the Uchiha's protection.

Suddenly, a branch family attendant approached Tenno and reported:

"Clan head, a delegation from the Hidden Cloud has arrived to offer their birthday greetings, bringing a luxurious gift. Shall we receive them?"

One of Tenno's loyal supporters, Hyuga Yan, immediately exclaimed, "Ah, it seems the Hidden Cloud is awed by the Hyuga's might and wishes to witness our clan head's grandeur!"

Tenno's brows furrowed as a sense of unease crept into his heart.

"The Hidden Cloud seeking an audience? Are they trying to provoke discord between Konoha and the Hyuga? Such a childish ploy."

"They've come to sign a peace treaty. Out of decorum, we can't turn them away. Just remain vigilant…"

Tenno gave a subtle glance to the surrounding guards, signaling them to heighten the Hyuga clan's security. Afterward, he spoke calmly:

"Since they are esteemed guests from afar, it would be rude not to meet them. Bring them in."

Shortly after, Troy and his group arrived. With polite bows, they formally greeted their host.

"These past few days, we've heard that today marks Clan Leader Tenno's fiftieth birthday. In our Cloud Village, we've always respected the noble traditions of the ninja clans. We've prepared a modest gift to celebrate with you."

Tenno glanced toward the guards hiding in the shadows, who signaled back, assuring him of no immediate threat. He felt relieved.

"Under the Byakugan, no trickery can remain hidden. It seems they truly came to celebrate my birthday."

"As guests from afar, we have long admired the reputation of the Cloud Village. Meeting here today is indeed a joyous occasion."

"Soon, our two villages will also sign a peace treaty. I look forward to our continued cooperation with the Hyuga clan."

Tenno maintained a composed demeanor, responding with an air of formality.

Troy, wearing a hearty smile, opened a gift box and drew out a ninjato. With a skilled flourish, he spun the blade before introducing it loudly to the gathered Hyuga clan members:

"In the Cloud Village, we value etiquette. Since we're here to celebrate your birthday, we couldn't come empty-handed. This is our gift to you—please take a look!"

As he spoke, Troy channeled a hint of chakra into the ninjato. Instantly, the blade erupted with a radiant, inch-long chakra edge.

"What?! Is this forged from chakra-infused metal? And by the look of it, a significant amount was used! Guests from the Cloud Village, you've truly outdone yourselves…"

Even Hyuga Tenno couldn't help but smile. This was indeed a rare and valuable gift.

Chakra-infused metal was an essential strategic resource in the ninja world, found only in small quantities within the Mist Village.

In the Leaf Village, such treasures were so rare that even Asuma, the son of the Third Hokage, only possessed two short blades crafted from it, underscoring its extraordinary value.

"Hmph, that brat from the Uchiha clan—already flaunting a Mist blade at such a young age, stirring envy within their clan as if the Uchiha are so wealthy."

"But we of the Hyuga don't need to seize others' weapons; such treasures will naturally be offered to us!"

With this odd sense of rivalry, Tenno momentarily let down his guard. Suppressing his grin, he slowly said:

"In that case, I humbly accept this gift. Please, take your seats. The Hyuga clan will be sure to offer a fitting return gift shortly!"

Hyuga Yen, meanwhile, ran up to Troy, playing the role of an eager lackey.

"Please, allow me to take it. The clan leader cannot rise; I'll deliver it to him."

Troy's gaze briefly flickered as he glanced at the smooth, unmarked forehead of Yen. A fleeting, cold smile crossed his lips before he respectfully handed the blade over, hilt-first, with the blade pointed toward himself.

Yen, seeing Troy's deferential gesture, smirked inwardly and casually took hold of the blade, spinning it playfully in his hand.

He was just about to comment on the exquisite craftsmanship of the ninjato when, in an instant, chaos erupted.

Troy, with all his strength, activated the remnants of magnetic release chakra in the ninjato. The blade locked Hyuga Yen's hands in place, pulling the weapon forcefully toward him.

*SWISH!*

The blade plunged cleanly through Trelain's own throat, guided by Yen's grip.

The fragile artery in Troy's neck tore like paper, unleashing a torrent of blood that sprayed across the polished marble floor of the banquet hall.

The sudden, grotesque scene unfolded like a grim painting, heralding disaster.

.........

At a distant Uchiha police outpost, Kushina monitored the Hyuga clan's banquet through her Kagura Mind's Eye.

Minato gave a light clap, remarking, "The Hyuga clan is in serious trouble now. That Cloud Village ninja was truly decisive…"

Kushina nodded in agreement. From her perception, Troy's final act of self-sacrifice had been carried out without a moment's hesitation.

Only Fugaku seemed shaken as he reflected, realizing that he alone had failed to sense any foul play in the Cloud Village's visit.

"Those savages from the Cloud Village, resorting to such devious tricks…"

"If they were to target the Uchiha clan instead, it could spell disaster…"

Minato, with a calm expression, replied, "Not at all. If something like this happened in the Uchiha clan, Fuma would have a hundred ways to resolve it."

"Take this for example: if Fuma camped near the Cloud Village, ambushing their ninja during missions, how could they respond?

"With his speed and the ability to fly, who could catch him or even leave behind evidence? Not to mention, there wouldn't be any survivors…"

Fugaku blinked, as though he had grasped the crux of the issue.

Kushina sighed, offering her own insight:

"Fugaku, no hidden village would dare provoke a figure like Fuma—someone with the power of a tailed beast and unparalleled mobility."

"Especially since Fuma surpasses the tailed beasts in strength and is infamous throughout the ninja world. Known as Konoha's Crimson Demon, his reputation for vengeance is well-deserved."

"If the Cloud Village doesn't want to endure years of turmoil, they won't risk provoking someone like him."

Fugaku exhaled deeply, his admiration for Fuma reaching new heights. A bold realization began to take root in his mind.

[Fuma, I may never match your prowess in this lifetime… but I can still serve a purpose. You, who deserve all the world's reverence, sometimes face situations where direct action is inconvenient.]

[From this day forth, I will become the root of the Uchiha clan, shouldering all its burdens in silence. I will nurture the great tree that bears all my hopes—my beloved Uchiha clan and our leader, Fuma.]

Fugaku's gaze grew resolute. In that moment, he discovered his true value within the Uchiha clan.

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