Chapter 56 : Hyuga conflict
Konoha Village, within the Hyūga Clan.
Hyūga Hikari lived in seclusion, her presence nearly forgotten within the confines of the clan compound.
Outside her dwelling, the rhythmic clatter of wooden sandals echoed. An elder, draped in the traditional robes of the main house, stopped before her window, his voice dripping with exasperation.
"Hikari, why persist in this defiance? Accept the elders' decision and be done with it."
Hikari's eyes, closed in quiet contemplation, cracked open slightly, though she offered no response.
The elders' request was simple—on the surface. They demanded she stand before the entire clan and pledge herself in marriage to Hyūga Hiashi, the clan head, once the war concluded.
For most, refusal was unthinkable. But Hikari was not most. Reserved as she was, a quiet storm lay beneath her silence. And marriage to a man she barely knew, even if he was the clan leader, was an impossible request.
Hiashi was merely the elder brother of Hizashi in her eyes—nothing more.
Within the Hyūga estate's council chambers, three elders sat alongside Hiashi, their expressions grave. Hyūga Takamori, Hyūga Ginsei, and Hyūga Niji discussed the matter of war preparations—and the issue of Hyūga Hikari.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted as a Hyūga clansman rushed inside, his forehead slick with sweat.
"Clan Leader, Elders—an urgent matter! Two kunoichi have stormed our gates!"