Chapter 216: For Him, Genius is Just the Threshold

From today onward, the Caged Bird Seal will no longer exist in Konohagakure.

"From this day forward, no member of the Hyūga Clan, whether from the Main Family or the Branch Family, is permitted to engage with anything related to the Caged Bird Seal."

"The older generation of the Hyūga Clan is strictly forbidden from continuing its use."

"Any violators—shall be executed!"

Mirai's voice carried a calm but undeniable authority. For the first time in years, the Hyūga Clan's members did not hesitate or freeze in disbelief.

The Fourth Elder, seizing the moment, immediately shouted, "From now on, we will obey the Hokage-sama's orders without question!"

He had no choice. The First, Second, and Third Elders had already been executed in sequence. A chilling example had been set, and the Fourth Elder wasn't about to risk becoming the next.

With his prompt declaration, the remaining members of the Hyūga Clan began to echo their agreement, voicing their compliance without hesitation.

"Now that this matter is settled, I'll take my leave," Uchiha Mirai said, his tone indifferent.

The entire exchange had lasted no more than ten minutes. With a composed demeanor, he turned and walked toward the exit, as if he'd merely completed an insignificant task.

"Farewell, Hokage-sama!"

Even Hyūga Hiashi was caught off guard by how smoothly everything had gone. The stubborn elders, known for their unyielding ways, had crumbled the moment they witnessed Mirai's methods.

Raising his voice, he addressed the clan members, "You've all heard the Fourth Hokage's decree. From this day forward, the Caged Bird Seal is forbidden. Anyone who dares to bring it up again will answer to me."

"Yes!"

With Mirai's authority backing him, even the remaining six Hyūga elders dared not voice any dissent. Forced to comply, they nodded in reluctant agreement.

With the matter resolved, Hiashi dismissed the clan meeting.

The majority of the Hyūga Clan members left with joy and relief on their faces.

Starting today, they were free! Their lives were no longer at the mercy of the Main Family. No longer would they be subjected to torment and humiliation at a whim.

But most importantly…

Their descendants would no longer bear the accursed seal on their foreheads, branding them as little more than slaves.

All of this was thanks to the Fourth Hokage.

It was he who gave them, and their future generations, the dignity of living as humans.

For the first time, the Branch Family members, who had always been under the shadow of fate, felt an unshakable loyalty toward someone. They were willing to follow Mirai, even at the cost of their lives.

Once the others had left, only Hiashi and Neji remained in the Hyūga Clan's ancestral hall.

Noticing Neji's silent expression, Hiashi placed a hand on his nephew's head.

"Neji, you no longer need to worry about the Caged Bird Seal. Unlike your father, you will live in this world as a true human."

Neji took a deep breath, nodding firmly. Despite his maturity beyond his years, tears welled up in his eyes and spilled over.

The years of grief and repression since his parents' deaths had finally found release in this moment.

Seeing Neji like this, Hiashi sighed deeply. This outcome would allow him to face his late brother and sister-in-law with a clear conscience.

Back in the courtyard, Hiashi and Neji sat together on the wooden floor.

Though the issue had been resolved perfectly, Hiashi felt it was still necessary to guide Neji carefully. The boy was too young, and without proper direction, he might easily stray.

After a moment of thought, Hiashi turned to Neji.

"Remember, Neji, destiny can be changed. Do not let pessimism cloud your future."

Neji nodded vigorously. "I understand."

Seeing the determination in Neji's eyes, Hiashi smiled warmly, his tone softening.

"Good. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to tell me."

Neji smiled faintly. "I will."

After a brief pause, Neji hesitated before asking, "Clan leader, could you tell me more about the Fourth Hokage?"

Uchiha Mirai's actions today had left a profound impression on the young boy. Neji had never imagined that the once unassailable Main Family elders could display such subservience to another.

Hiashi considered the request and nodded.

"The Fourth Hokage is an exceptional ninja."

"You might not know this, but the challenges he faced were far greater than our clan's issues with the Caged Bird Seal."

Neji's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"

Hiashi nodded solemnly. "During the reign of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and Shimura Danzo, the Uchiha Clan faced relentless oppression."

"Inherited from the Second Hokage's ideology, their measures to suppress the Uchiha were taken to extremes. Surveillance, slander, unreasonable missions—the clan was constantly under duress."

"At the time, the Uchiha Clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku, was a weak and overly conciliatory figure. Under such internal and external pressure, the clan was perpetually on the brink of annihilation."

"But Mirai, through sheer determination, led his clan to turn the tides. He restored the Uchiha Clan's former glory, something many thought impossible."

Hiashi's voice grew more animated as he recounted, "During the Third Shinobi War, he severed the Raikage's arm, crushed Yagura Karatachi, the Fourth Mizukage, killed Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, and eliminated both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo. He then carried out sweeping reforms in Konoha and even forced the daimyō to acknowledge the supremacy of ninja over the aristocracy."

Hiashi's expression softened with admiration.

"What he's achieved seems like something out of a legend. He's the only one in the ninja world capable of such feats."

With a wry smile, Hiashi added, "Because of him, even the Byakugan, once considered equal to the Sharingan, has faded into relative obscurity."

"To live in the same era as such a brilliant individual—it's hard to say if it's a blessing or a curse."

Neji's jaw dropped in astonishment. He hadn't imagined that the Fourth Hokage's strength and accomplishments were so vast.

No wonder the elders hadn't dared to challenge him today. Compared to Mirai's incredible feats, their struggles seemed insignificant.

Neji couldn't help but murmur, "If only I could become as strong as the Fourth Hokage someday…"

Before he could finish, Hiashi chuckled as if he'd just heard a joke.

Neji blinked in confusion. "Clan leader, why are you laughing?"

Hiashi looked at Neji, his gaze serious.

"Neji, you're undoubtedly a rare genius in our clan. But if you aim to emulate the Fourth Hokage, you're bound to face countless setbacks."

"To him, genius is merely the threshold to catch his attention."

Shaking his head, Hiashi sighed.

"You'll understand his true power when you're older."

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