[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch":3,"chapter-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-364":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Naruto: Strongest Shinobi System With a Glitch",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1819431,2309,"Chapter 364 - Hiashi’s trepidation!!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-364",364,"\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa, what brings you here today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi raised a hand, a faint smile on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please, come in. Let’s talk in the study.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, Hiashi-san.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa nodded and followed him inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it was urgent, you could have sent ANBU to notify me,\" Hiashi said as he began preparing tea. \"There was no need to come personally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did he fully realize how far his status had risen—far enough that even the head of the Hyūga Clan treated him with this level of courtesy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi set a cup of freshly brewed tea in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Kitazawa revealed his Wood Release, his reputation had skyrocketed. To most people, his ascension to Hokage was no longer a matter ofif, butwhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, he had shown goodwill toward the Hyūga Clan. Both Neji and Hinata were his students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By every measure, maintaining a cordial relationship with him was simply good sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa lifted the cup, took a sip, and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent tea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you like it, feel free to take some with you later,\" Hiashi said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tea was expensive, but neither he nor the Hyūga Clan lacked money—especially after partnering with Kitazawa on theOcean’s Heart Jewelry, which had been printing profits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So,\" Hiashi said at last, curiosity flickering in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What matter required you to come here in person?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hiashi-san,\" Kitazawa said, setting the cup down with a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hear you’ve been troubled lately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi blinked in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not aware of being troubled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hanabi,\" Kitazawa said simply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi froze—then immediately understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter of whether Hanabi should receive the Caged Bird Seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is an internal affair of the Hyūga Clan,\" Hiashi replied after a pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An internal affair?\" Kitazawa chuckled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does the Hyūga Clan no longer acknowledge the authority of the Hokage?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa, you misunderstand—I didn’t mean it that way,\" Hiashi said quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how powerful the Hyūga Clan was, it could never oppose Konoha itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silence, Hiashi spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...If you’re willing to help, this mattercanbe resolved.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\" Kitazawa asked calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And how would you like me to help?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Hokage-sama—or you—had a closer connection to Hanabi, you could intervene.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi hesitated before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For instance... you couldtake her as a student.Even if only in name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was, admittedly, a workable solution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Hanabi became Tsunade’s or his student, she would belong to the Hokage’s line of disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Hyūga Clan, that was practically equivalent to backing a future Hokage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Losing such a prospect because of the Caged Bird Seal would be unacceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with that calculation, Hyūga Teikyō would almost certainly back down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if he didn’t?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi could invoke the title of \"Hokage’s disciple\" to sway the rest of the clan, isolating Teikyō entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason Hiashi spoke with such uncertainty—using words likepretend—was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he knew how flimsy the justification sounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But deep down, he likely wished Hanabi trulywouldbecome Kitazawa’s or Tsunade’s student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This treats the symptoms, not the disease,\" Kitazawa said evenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if Hanabi escapes the seal... who protects her children? Or Hinata’s?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would be an elder by then,\" Hiashi said after a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I could help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the generation after that?\" Kitazawa asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa wasn’t here to bargain for one child’s future—he intended to end the problem entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Hizashi’s death, Hiashi had once proposed abolishing the Caged Bird Seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The backlash had been immediate and fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the argument against him had been simple—and terrifyingly valid:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the Caged Bird Seal, the Byakugan could not be protected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hyūga Clan would become prey, hunted relentlessly for their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hiashi,\" Kitazawa said gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you intend to hide the truth from me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I came here to help you solve this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Your solution is to abolish the Caged Bird Seal?\" Hiashi asked after a brief hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But that isn’t realistic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not?\" Kitazawa countered calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it because the Byakugan can’t be protected without it—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"—or because the Main Family would lose its authority?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi’s expression changed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That unspoken truth... laid bare so openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had anyone else spoken those words, Hiashi would have thrown them out without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hiashi,\" Kitazawa continued, unruffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know I have some talent when it comes to developing Ninjutsu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took out a scroll and placed it on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a technique I recently modified. I’d like you to look at it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi stared at the scroll, momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation had shifted—but he had the distinct feeling that this scroll... would determine the future of the Hyūga Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Hiashi opened the scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment his eyes landed on its contents, his pupils shrank violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Improved Caged Bird Seal?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the head of the Hyūga Clan, Hiashi understood better than anyone how terrifying the Caged Bird Seal truly was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For over a thousand years, both the Main Family and the Branch Family had studied it relentlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—more accurately, theentire Ninja Worldhad tried to decipher it, including the Five Great Villages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, anyone who could remove the Caged Bird Seal would gain access to countless Byakugan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet... no one ever succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even the Hyūga Main Family itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That very fact had been the foundation of the Main Family’s confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This seemingly impossible task had been completed by Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it could beimproved, then it could bedecoded. That much was beyond dispute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this improved version...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It removed the side effects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It erased the main family’s control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It retained only one function: protecting the Byakugan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa’s intent was unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi’s heart trembled, an instinctive sense of danger surging through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Kitazawa had not come to him first—if he had gone directly to the branch family instead—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No. Perhaps... he already had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the most likely next Hokage, the loyalty of the Hyūga Branch Family was far more valuable than the authority of the Main Family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once this improved seal was implemented, the Branch Family would owe Kitazawa an immeasurable debt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their loyalty would shift—not to the Main Family, but to Konoha itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that point, the Hyūga Main Family would be... irrelevant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold sweat slid down Hiashi’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hiashi,\" Kitazawa said calmly, noticing the change in his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry. You’re the first Hyūga ninja to see this scroll.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi exhaled quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now did he realize how close he had come to disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scroll was like a time bomb—one that could shatter the Hyūga Main Family at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa...\" Hiashi steadied himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What... what are your intentions?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That depends onyours,\" Kitazawa replied casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m an outsider. You are the head of the Hyūga Clan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had once dreamed of abolishing the Caged Bird Seal—but now that the opportunity lay before him, hesitation crept in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa was not surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this regard, Hiashi resembled Fugaku.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cautious. Conservative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man who preferred stability over upheaval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hyūga Clan had survived by supporting the Hokage, aligning themselves with whoever stood strongest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve already discussed this matter with Tsunade-sensei,\" Kitazawa added lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She supports this decision.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi did not believe that for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade supportedKitazawa—not him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...The improved Caged Bird Seal is undeniably superior,\" Hiashi said after a long pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But there are two issues.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And they are?\" Kitazawa asked, lifting his teacup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First,\" Hiashi said slowly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If this is implemented, the distinction between Main Family and Branch Family will disappear.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I fear the Branch Family may seek revenge for past grievances.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You needn’t worry about that,\" Kitazawa replied firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Both Main and Branch are shinobi of Konoha. Harm between comrades will not be tolerated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That... is reassuring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The second issue is this: the other main family members will strongly oppose it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s simple,\" Kitazawa said evenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let the clan vote. The minority obeys the majority.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clan-wide vote.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were fewer than five true Main Branch families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overwhelming majority of the Hyūga Clan... belonged to the Branch Family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t you think this is the perfect opportunity to solidify your position as Clan Head?\" Kitazawa continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unite with the Branch Family, oppose Elder Teikyō, and once you succeed—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He met Hiashi’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"—their gratitude will belong toyou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi’s expression shifted in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa was offering him the credit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under normal circumstances, Kitazawa could have claimed the loyalty of the branch family outright with this seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he wasn’t doing that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I said it before,\" Kitazawa smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Main Family or Branch Family—both are shinobi of Konoha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi finally understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa wantedbothsides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A true win–win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Hiashi at the forefront, the hatred would converge on a single figure—Hyūga Teikyō.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Branch Family would accept Hiashi... and Hinata.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Kitazawa?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as they knewwhocreated the improved seal, their gratitude would never fade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But did Kitazawa even care about that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Ninja World, strength commanded respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The loyalty of the Hyūga Branch Family meant little to a man like him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was doing this for his students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Hinata. For Neji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi opened his mouth, then closed it again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His entire impression of Kitazawa had been overturned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, only one thought remained:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man is broad-minded, far-sighted, and terrifyingly decisive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Becoming the next Hokage...was not just likely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you plan to do next?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa asked, lifting his teacup and taking a slow sip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, I’ll privately gather several Branch Family jōnin for discussion,\" Hiashi replied after a moment’s thought. \"After that, I’ll convene a full clan meeting and hold an internal vote. Once the vote passes, Elder Teikyō’s opposition will be meaningless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was precisely the course of action they had just agreed upon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Teikyō may fight back with everything he has,\" Hiashi added, his expression solemn. \"When the clan meeting is held, I hope you’ll attend as an observer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course,\" Kitazawa agreed without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had a system mission to complete—there was no reason not to be involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you,\" Hyūga Hiashi said sincerely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s nothing,\" Kitazawa replied as he set down his teacup. \"I’m doing this for my students.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi’s heart stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Kitazawa to go this far for Hinata and Neji—did that mean the two of them might one day stand among Hokage candidates?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, even losing the branch family’s loyalty wouldn’t truly harm the main family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The matter is settled for now,\" Kitazawa said, rising to his feet. \"Inform me when the clan meeting is scheduled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Kitazawa,\" Hiashi said, personally escorting him to the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Goodbye, Kitazawa-sensei!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hanabi waved enthusiastically, her small hand fluttering in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa smiled and departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he was gone, Hiashi’s expression hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew the Hyūga Clan was standing at the edge of a massive transformation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he had no choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he hesitated, Kitazawa could bypass him entirely—and then true catastrophe would befall the Main Family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sacrificing Hyūga Teikyō...or sacrificing the entire Main Family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The choice was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Hiashi had long harbored resentment toward Teikyō.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for him, Hizashi would never have died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tokuma,\" Hiashi called.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Clan Head,\" Hyūga Tokuma appeared at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Hinata’s bodyguard, Tokuma had been reassigned to Hanabi after Hinata joined the Genius Class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata no longer needed protection—her strength now rivaled that of an average jōnin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keeping Tokuma at her side would have been wasteful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Summon these jōnin to my study,\" Hiashi said, listing several names—all Branch Family elites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not call every special jōnin and jōnin; that would have been too conspicuous and risked alerting Teikyō.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Clan Head.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tokuma bowed and departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hanabi, continue your training,\" Hiashi instructed as he returned to his study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seated himself and poured a cup of hot tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after taking a sip did his racing thoughts finally settle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything that had happened today was simply too sudden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A decision that would reshape the Hyūga Clan—made in just a few conversations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiashi sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Times were changing too quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That feeling had begun the moment Hinata and Neji obtained those two bows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsunade was one thing—but Kitazawa was young, powerful, and unpredictable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much would Konoha change under his influence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the Hyūga Clan had established a connection with him early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the most critical moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, the summoned Branch Family jōnin arrived—five in total.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They represented both veteran pillars and promising members of the younger generation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, these five could determine the branch family’s direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clan Head, why have you called us here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyūga Hikashi asked first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take a look at this ninjutsu scroll,\" Hiashi said, handing it to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hikashi opened the scroll—and froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Caged Bird Seal not controlled by the main family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was the Clan Head trying to do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sever his own arms?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was this some kind of test?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind filled with alarm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Hiashi present, even five jōnin meant nothing—one command, and they would be crushed by the seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Hikashi’s expression, Hyūga Iroha grew curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of ninjutsu could cause such a reaction?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hikashi handed the scroll to him in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iroha’s face changed just as dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated, then passed the scroll on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, all five had read it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged glances, none daring to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe this improved Caged Bird Seal is excellent,\" Hiashi said at last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the future, all clan members will bear this version.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All clan members?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five jōnin were stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If everyone shared the same seal... would there still be a main family and a branch family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unfortunately,\" Hiashi continued calmly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Teikyō opposes this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The jōnin felt a surge of confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Teikyō objected, implementation should be impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, within the clan, the Elder’s authority rivaled the Clan Head’s—sometimes even surpassed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were they being misled?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was Hiashi shifting blame onto Teikyō?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then why summon them at all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However,\" Hiashi said slowly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Teikyō alone cannot decide this. I intend to convene a clan meeting—for a vote.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hikashi blurted out instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others reacted just as strongly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clan-wide vote?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Branch Family made up the overwhelming majority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outcome was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s serious...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the thought echoing in all their minds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Caged Bird Seal exists to protect the Byakugan,\" Hiashi said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am merely returning it to its original purpose.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ll follow your command, Hiashi-sama!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hikashi and the others responded at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Admiration filled their expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Few people could so easily relinquish power they already possessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were them, they knew they couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This matter must remain confidential,\" Hiashi warned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not inform the others until the day of the clan meeting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Clan Head!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their excitement was impossible to conceal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how well Hiashi had treated them, nothing compared to reclaiming control over their own lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You may leave,\" Hiashi said after a moment’s thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The clan meeting will be held on the first day of next month. If possible, recall the Branch Family jōnin currently on mission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was already late August.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A little over a week—enough time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa returned to the ANBU Base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His system mission was not yet complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mission required him to replace the Caged Bird Seals of the Hyūga Branch Family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He currently only knew how to apply theimprovedseal to someone without a seal—like Hanabi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Branch Family already bore theoriginalCaged Bird Seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Modifying an existing seal was a different matter entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa’s gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would begin with Neji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years ago, he had promised him this day would come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, it was time to fulfill that promise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AN: Check out my P@treon For +40 extra Chapters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank You For your Support!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002Fnoviceauthor777\u003C\u002Fp>",2647,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.024Z",1,"novelbin.me","b462b3d427b9f3b0bc73f2992778461974c1240edaf1124fdcd7753a03c81a48","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-267","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-363",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]