Chapter 268: The New Leader
Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its characters belong to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing except for the original characters I create.
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
-Author notes-
Chapter 268: The New Leader
Three Days Later
The entire Hyuga Clan had gathered in the massive central garden of their compound.
They had all been summoned for a very special occasion...today, the clan would welcome a new leader. That leader was none other than Hyuga Hinata.
The young woman stood on a large wooden platform, placed so that everyone could witness the ceremony.
Her father, the current leader, stood before her, while the Clan Elders and other important family members surrounded them.
"Before we continue," Lord Hiashi began, "as tradition dictates, the Elders will be given the opportunity to speak their minds about the candidate. They may either grant their blessing to the new leader or voice their disapproval."
Hiashi fully expected some complaints. He had heard them a month ago when he first proposed that his daughter assume leadership, arguing that she was not ready yet or that she was just not fit for the role.
But of the six Elders, most had agreed with his decicion, having witnessed firsthand how much Hinata had grown in recent years. They recognized that she was destined to become one of the strongest figures on the continent.
Hiashi himself had once doubted his daughter's ability to lead. He had believed that someone like Neji or even her younger sister, Hanabi, would be a better candidate.
But ever since Naruto's sudden change in personality, he has influenced those around him...including his own daughter. In fact, she was probably the one who changed the most thanks to Naruto.
In just three years, she had transformed from a timid girl who couldn't even speak to the boy she admired into a fearless warrior...one who had recently taken the life of one of the most notorious missing-nin in the entire continent.
News of Hinata defeating Kakuzu had already spread throughout the village, shocking many to their core.
Four of the Elders stood up and immediately voiced their support for Hinata as the new leader.
The fifth Elder, while not opposed to Hinata herself, felt it was too soon for her to take on such a responsibility.
"What is the rush? Why not wait a few more years?" the Elder questioned.
The other family members were not given the chance to voice their opinions, but their expressions showed that many shared the Elder's concerns.
Hinata's progress and achievements were undeniably impressive, but she was still young. And with Lord Hiashi in good health, there seemed to be no immediate need for a transition in leadership.
Hiashi was about to respond when Hinata placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Father, if I may? I would like to address their concerns personally."
Hiashi smiled and nodded. If she was to lead the clan, she needed to take charge of the situation.
"I know I am still young and inexperienced." She gazed at the assembled clan members. "Many of you must be wondering the same thing...why not let my father remain in power for another ten years or so? My father has been a great leader during these times of peace following the Third Ninja War. But the situation is changing. The instability in the Elemental Nations is leading us toward a new war, one unlike anything you have ever seen before. And when that time comes, the Hyuga Clan will need me as its leader to ensure its survival and prosperity."
"A war…" the Elder muttered. "Yes, we have all heard the rumors of an impending great war, threatening to reach our village gates. But how is Lord Hiashi any less qualified to lead us through these dark times than his own daughter?"
The final Elder stood up, a middle-aged man with a deep scowl.
"How can you not see it yet?!" he shouted, turning his sharp gaze toward Hinata. "This is all about Naruto Uzumaki!"
A murmur spread through the crowd, and even the Elders exchanged glances.
"What do you mean by that, Elder Murano?" another Elder asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Murano sneered. "Lord Hiashi is marrying her to Minato's son, Naruto Uzumaki. And from what I've heard, the wedding is happening very soon...within the next few days."
The news of Hinata's upcoming wedding was no secret among the Elders, but they hadn't realized it was this imminent.
"Elder Murano… be careful with your implications," Lord Hiashi warned. He could already see where this was heading.
"Should I be careful?" Murano scoffed. "Shouldn't we all be wary when our clan leader is about to hand control of this powerful, ancient clan to an outsider?" He pointed an accusatory finger at Hiashi.
"Now, now, Elder Murano," another Elder interjected. "Marriages with outsiders are not uncommon. And Naruto Uzumaki seems like an excellent match. He is a powerful ninja with an important lineage. Not only is he the son of our former Hokage, but the Uzumaki bloodline was once highly sought after for its immense chakra reserves and enhanced healing abilities. There are only a handful of them left."
"Also, even if he were to marry Lady Hinata, the control of the clan would still fall solely onto her." Another Elder added.
"You don't know that boy!," Murano spat. "He is nothing like his father. He is reckless and cruel… If we allow Lord Hiashi's daughter to take control of the clan, this Naruto Uzumaki will not hesitate to seize leadership for himself. I'm telling you, that boy is a d—"
SLAP!
No one saw Hinata move.
One moment, she was standing in place. The next, she had appeared before Elder Murano, striking him with such force that he was sent flying before he could finish his sentence.
"Elder!"
"Grandfather!"
Several clan members rushed to Murano's side as he lay sprawled on the ground, groaning. Meanwhile, Hinata remained where she stood, her cold, white eyes surveying them all.
"You may criticize me all you like," she said, her voice ringing clearly through the courtyard. "You are free to question my readiness for this responsibility. However…" Her gaze darkened.
"If you dare to speak ill of Naruto in my presence again—"
Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper.
"—I will take your life."
The Hyuga courtyard fell into complete silence.
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