Chapter 155: Forced to Take Action (Subscribe)
"Miss Hinata is the child of the head of the Hiashi clan. From the moment she was born, most of our clan members acknowledged that she was the next heir to the clan. How can this be changed at will?"
As an important family festival, the clan meeting is an annual event held by the Hyuga clan.
Almost all the ninjas in the Hyuga clan gathered in the large open space in front of the mourning hall, waiting for the statue of the heroic spirit of the ancestors to be invited out of the mourning hall.
And the serious process of burning incense and inviting the spirit in front of the mourning hall is only qualified for the clan leader or the heir.
On the high platform, except for the three people of the main family, including Ryosuke, several clan elders and the head of the branch family, Hyuga Hizashi, no one else is qualified to step on it.
But Hinata had just taken the long column of incense and was about to kowtow and invite the spirit, when several people stood up from the crowd to stop her.
They believed that Hinata's strength and talent were not enough to be the heir to the clan leader.
And if someone opposed, there would naturally be someone who would stand up to defend it.
"As for the position of clan leader, Miss Hinata has been studying hard since she was a child. Neji may be stronger than Miss Hinata, but what can he do in handling family affairs?"
The ninja who led the Hyuga branch family, who was at the level of Jonin, calmly looked at the person who refuted, "Ningji's greatest contribution is to make us Hyuga proud."
"Let's not talk about the fact that the first generation graduated early. After all, there are many genius-level ninjas in the village who can do it, but it's not something that every genius can do to comprehend the secret technique that only the Hyuga clan can learn."
"Besides..."
As he said, he turned his eyes to Hinata on the stairs, "I didn't belittle or disrespect her. I respect Hinata-san's opinion. I have always admired her for what she did at such a young age. "
"But... as the heir of the family, she does not have enough strength to convince the others, which is a mistake in itself."
"Not only did she fail to graduate early, but her grades were also suppressed by the Uchiha people."
"If it weren't for that Uchiha Sasuke graduating early, maybe Hinata-san would have a hard time even holding the top spot in the grade? If this were to be spread out, wouldn't it mean that we Hyuga are not as good as Uchiha? Even the seat is taken by someone else."
These words were very well said. They not only perfected the explanation for opposing Hinata as the clan leader, but also emphasized from another perspective that he was considering the family.
If Ryosuke hadn't known that he had planned it in advance and had ill intentions, he would have really believed him...
In fact, he might not necessarily believe it. Rather than listening to one-sided words from others, Ryosuke still prefers to verify the facts himself.
But even Ryosuke felt that his words were very well-spoken, and many other people in the clan began to waver.
"And Miss Hinata has been trained as the heir to the clan leader since she was born. With so many resources allocated to her, she can certainly do some things that seem amazing."
"But in fact, if it was our branch family's Neji who was trained like this since childhood, maybe he could do it too? Even... I personally think Neji might be able to do it better than Hinata, don't you think? Neji."
As he said this, he cast his eyes on the still somewhat confused Neji beside him.
As a newly graduated Genin, Neji originally had no chance to stand in the front row to watch the ceremony.
But because he did some outstanding things, the clan members had no objection to him standing in the front row.
"I... should be able to."
He first glanced at Ryosuke on the podium unconsciously, and Hyuga Neji nodded, "But if I spend all my time learning to handle affairs, my combat effectiveness as a ninja may be reduced..."
His tone was a little hesitant, giving people a sense of indecision.
It was this feeling that made the jonin more determined, "What Hinata can learn, you can definitely do, Neji."
"You are a genius from our branch family, you will never lose to anyone, even if you have to take care of both, I believe you can do it."
As he spoke, he looked at the high platform, who had never spoken and calmly watched him.
"Chief, it was Miss Hinata herself who said that the position of chief should be occupied by the capable, only in this way can we ensure the strength of our clan."
"If there is really a candidate in the branch family who can sit on the position of chief, the main family is willing to abdicate, and the relevant clan rules have been announced in the clan, you should have read those regulations, right?"
"Chief Hyuga, since you have decided to re-establish the clan rules, you can't violate them from the beginning and fail to comply with them."
Someone else stood up in the crowd and spoke.
"Yes, clan leader, I actually think Neji is more suitable to be the clan leader than Hinata-san."
"Given Neji's talent, he is indeed more suitable."
"After all, he is the head of the clan, he can't be too weak, right? As for Hinata... I think it will be difficult for her to even be promoted to Jonin, I don't want a bunch of us to go and study with her during the Jonin exam..."
Several people spoke up one after another, and they were all people with high status and certain positions in the clan.
Some of them spoke tactfully, some spoke bluntly, and some spoke harshly.
With them taking the lead, there were inevitably many people with strange expressions in the crowd.
Ryosuke saw all these people.
Hyuga Hiashi stood on the high platform and did not speak.
On the side, the elders were a little angry and kept scolding, but no one was willing to pay attention.
"Hizashi, take care of your son!"
Although the elder Kazuo looked down on Hinata at the clan meeting the year before, he stood up to defend Hinata at this time.
In the past year, Hinata has learned to handle family affairs from them, which really let them see a lot of brilliant places.
"These idiots take the handling of family affairs too lightly. Do they really think that the clan leader is just like a ninja, who doesn't care about anything and just sees who has the stronger fist?"
"Hizashi!"
The other clan elders also frowned and looked at Hizashi Hizashi, wanting him to go down and persuade Neji to retreat.
But Hizashi Hizashi didn't say anything, and stood silently beside his brother.
The people below saw that Hizashi Hizashi didn't speak to stop him, so they shouted louder and more confidently.
The atmosphere was a bit noisy, which was extremely disrespectful to this serious spirit-inviting session.
But the rhythm had been driven up, and everyone's eyes were on the three main families of Ryosuke and others, waiting for Hizashi Hizashi's answer.
As time passed, more and more people raised doubts, and more and more people in the crowd were shaken, and all their performances were easily revealed.
Some people had some changes at the beginning, but did not stand up.
It was not until Hizashi Hizashi showed a look of embarrassment that he jumped out.
Some people, on the other hand, were carried away by the commotion.
After all, people always make decisions unconsciously following the public's ideas, which is sociability.
However, there are also some determined people among them, who are arguing with those who want to support Hyuga Neji as the next clan leader.
All of a sudden, the crowd was divided into several factions, but most people still looked at this scene in confusion and at a loss.
"That's about it."
A subtle voice sounded from the high platform. Ryosuke is not only very powerful in combat, but also has improved his brain activity in transformation.
In just less than ten minutes, he remembered the reactions of everyone present and reminded Hyuga Hiashi in a low voice.
Although the voice was very subtle, the people next to him could hear it.
Hyuga Hiashi, who already knew the whole story, had a calm face, but the excited elders beside him paused.
"Everyone."
After Ryosuke spoke, Hyuga Hiashi took a step forward without hesitation and shouted to the crowd below.
His voice was loud and clear to the noisy crowd.
Soon, the discussion and noise stopped, and they all looked up with different thoughts.
"Since the tribe has elected a new clan rule, then as the clan leader, I have of course read it and agreed."
Seeing the crowd quiet down, Hyuga Hiashi continued: "Indeed, it is clearly written in the newly released and publicized clan rules that if someone feels that his ability is better than the current clan leader's successor, he can challenge with the recommendation of a certain number of clan members."
As soon as these words came out, there was a lot of commotion in the crowd below.
But Hyuga Hiashi would not give them a chance to discuss, and then said, "So now... your candidate is Neji, right?"
"Yes."
Below, many ninjas, led by the senior ninja, were delighted.
"No! Chief, you can't agree to the recommendation of these ungrateful wolves!"
"Yes! The new rules were proposed by Miss Hinata, and now you are betraying her! What's the logic!"
But many people in the crowd were excited.
"Betrayal?"
The senior ninja led by the troublemaker turned his head and looked at the person who spoke, and said seriously: "I'm sorry, I have said it just now, I respect Miss Hinata very much in my heart."
"But... this matter cannot be ignored because of respect, I am also considering the interests of the family."
"In fact, from your opposition to this matter, I believe others can also see that you all know that Miss Hinata's strength is far inferior to Neji. In this case, why don't you accept this matter?"
Be calm and measured, and consider the interests of the "family" from the beginning.
This group of troublemakers showed a completely different attitude and appearance from the dark side at that time, and they looked very dignified.
No wonder they could hide in the Hyuga clan for so many years, betraying the clan's information while climbing to a high position without anyone noticing.
Ryosuke watched this farce with a smile on his face, and he was enjoying it.
"The age difference is only two years, and Hinata and Neji's ages have reached the bottom line required for the competition for the successor, so the conditions are met."
"Since so many of you are willing to nominate Neji as the successor to the clan leader, then I admit that he has the opportunity to challenge Hinata's position."
Hinata Hiashi, who had been silent during their argument, spoke again and determined the facts, "According to the clan rules, the clan will hold individual battles, team battles, and theoretical knowledge assessments in a month. Those who can get higher scores in these three categories of challenges will be qualified to be the next successor to the clan leader."
Then, he turned his eyes to Neji below, "So Neji, are you ready for the challenge?"
The words were full of seriousness, which made everyone present quiet down.
Everyone turned their eyes to Neji in the front row of the crowd.
Those who nominated him to challenge opened their mouths unconsciously, wanting to answer for him.
But unfortunately, the script was written by Ryosuke, and how this scene should be performed could not be what they thought in their hearts.
"I'm sorry, I'm not ready for the challenge. I'd rather be a supporter than a challenger."
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Neji shook his head calmly, "I support Hinata to become the next clan leader, and I'm willing to cooperate with her in some of her commands."
"I know very well that although Miss Hinata's strength is not as strong as mine, I am willing to be a member of her command and a sharp blade in her hand."
But when he spoke, his eyes were always fixed on Ryosuke.
"..."
The whole audience was silent.
Those smiling troublemakers had stiff faces.
Neji's words were like a spear, piercing through the hearts of each of them.
"...Ningci, what do you mean?"
With a stiff face, the senior ninja could not maintain his expression on his face, "You... didn't you always look down on Hinata's strength? Don't you think that if you get those resources, you can do better than her?"
The expressions on their faces made Ryosuke laugh unconsciously.
The current situation is just like Liangshan in Water Margin.
A group of people, under the banner of "acting on behalf of heaven", gathered together with self-proclaimed heroes to rebel and restore order to the world.
As a result, the people were all there, the war preparations were complete, and the momentum was there, but the leader Song Jiang changed his mind and was directly recruited. He also changed the banner to "follow heaven and protect the country". This operation really made his own people a little confused.
"In terms of strength, I do think Hinata is not a qualified clan leader."
Hyuga Neji did not deny the questioning of strength, "but I have never said that if I get those resources, I can do better than her."
As he said, he turned around and looked at the other people in the clan, "I mentioned the clan rules just now. I asked myself, if I really stood in Hinata's position, would I propose such a self-defeating regulation."
"But no matter how I try to deceive myself, I know very well that I can't do it, even if this matter is beneficial to the family."
"I can't harm my own interests to help others, and it may even put myself in trouble."
This... is it a compliment?
This reversal is not to mention the group of troublemakers, even the spectators and fence-sitters are a little confused.
"In fact, from what happened today, I understand a truth."
"That is, compared to force, I think the most important thing for a clan leader is a heart willing to sacrifice everything for the clan."
"Even in the face of betrayal, Hinata never said a word from beginning to end, nor did she show any dissatisfaction."
"Although I don't know why she can be so calm, I think, maybe she knows that the new rules have just been established, and if even they don't abide by them, there will be civil strife in the clan."
"In order to avoid civil strife in the clan, she silently endured all this, just to maintain the stability and prosperity of the clan..."
Hyuga Neji spoke passionately, just like reciting lines.
The group of people who had been defending Hinata became even more excited after facing his defection.
And some of the spectators gradually tilted their hearts towards Hinata, because Neji's words did make some sense and were easy to understand.
And in the crowd, those fence-sitters immediately fell to the side and shouted Hinata's name loudly again.
This scene made the troublemakers look grim.
However, apart from these troublemakers with ugly faces, there were a few faces in the crowd who looked away from Neji in panic and looked at the platform.
When they met the calm eyes of the two brothers, Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hiashi, on the platform, they seemed to understand something.
It turned out that they, the hidden ones, had already joined the game without knowing it!