17. The Hyuga Council Meeting Begins


    After their second session of Gentle Fist martial arts training, Takumi, the Fifth Elder of the Hyuga n, apanied by his attendants, was making his way toward the Patriarch''s building.


    They had just left his own Fifth Estate, stepping onto the prestigious pathways that connected the various Elder Estates to the Patriarch Estate within thepound.


    The hallways and pathways were designed in the traditional Hyuga style, with elegant architecture that spoke of the n''s long and storied history.


    The path was lined with ornate decorations and symbols significant to the Hyuga, reflecting the n''s pride and heritage.


    Prestigious and well-maintained, the route through thepound showcased the power and status of the Main Branch.


    Takumi, embodying the quintessential main branch member, walked with a proud and confident stride.


    He was traditional, stern, and stoic, yet calcting, fully aware, and appreciative of the power and prestige his position within the Main Branch afforded him.


    As he walked, Takumi''s thoughts drifted to the training session with Hikari. He was impressed by the young boy''s potential, noting how at just three years old, Hikari showed promise that could be described as the strongest in the n''s history.


    With the uing Hyuga Council meeting on his mind, Takumi decided to advocate for Hikari.


    He saw in the boy an opportunity not just for Hikari''s growth but for his own political power in the decades toe.


    Investing in Hikari at such an early stage could be the key to solidifying his own position within the n''s hierarchy.


    Gaining Takumi''s approval was no easy feat, yet Hikari had already managed to do so, marking him as a unique talent within the n, one that Takumi was now fullymitted to supporting.


    As Takumi approached the Patriarch''s estate, the grandeur of the building became increasingly evident.


    This illustrious estate wasn''t just a home; it served as thergest single hub for the n''s administrative work, making it the heart of the Hyuga''s power.


    The architecture was majestic, with towering pirs and expansive courtyards that were meticulously maintained to reflect the n''s prestige and heritage.


    The estate''s security was tight, with highly skilled guards stationed at strategic points around the perimeter, their keen eyes missing nothing.


    The building itself was adorned with symbols and carvings significant to the Hyuga, including depictions of the Byakugan, which served as a reminder of the n''s unique abilities and proud history.


    As Takumi arrived, he noticed the other eight Elders also making their way towards the building, each apanied by their own attendants.


    They used secret paths that connected their own estates to the Patriarch''s building, paths known only to those of high standing within the n.


    This weekly gathering of the Elders was a tradition, a time when decisions were made, disputes were settled, and the future of the n was shaped.


    The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the heart of the Hyuga''s power officially came together.


    Despite their stern expressions and stoic demeanor, there was an unspoken understanding among them of the importance of these meetings.


    Today, like every week, they would deliberate on matters crucial to the welfare and advancement of the Hyuga n, each Elder prepared to argue fiercely for their views and interests.


    Yet, beneath the surface, there was a sense of unity and purpose, a sharedmitment to the n''s legacy and to its future prosperity.


    As each Elder arrived in front of the Patriarch''s estate, they exchanged polite greetings, meticulously maintaining the decorum expected of their positions.


    They were careful to present a united front, especially in front of their Side Branch attendants, embodying the Hyuga n''s values of calmness,posure, politeness, and nobility.


    Even Takumi and the Seventh Elder, who had engaged in a heated verbal exchange just the day before, greeted each other with polite nods as if the disagreement had never urred.


    This disy of courtesy underscored the importance of stability and harmony within the n, particrly in such public settings.


    Together with their attendants, the Elders proceeded inside the grand Patriarch''s Estate, guided by the Patriarch''s own attendants.


    They navigated through the building''s intricate wooden corridors, reminiscent of abyrinth until they arrived at a secluded, ceremonial room designed for their gathering.


    The room was traditional in every sense, with tatami mats covering the floor and arge table set in the center, around which they would all sit in the customary Japanese-style posture.


    Now, with the Patriarch, eight main branch Elders also assembled, ten people in total filled the room, each taking their ce with deliberate care.


    The setting was intimate, yet the air was charged with the gravity of the asion.


    Around the table, eight Elders, each with their unique features, still shared a familial resemnce indicative of the Hyuga n.


    Their attire varied slightly, reflecting personal tastes but always adhering to the traditional style and colors that signified their status within the Main Branch.


    Some bore more ornate essories, symbols of their achievements and roles within the n, while others opted for a more understated elegance.


    Hirayoshi Hyuga, the Patriarch of the n, settled into his ce at the head of the table and now signaled the beginning of the meeting with aposed nod.


    Hiyaroshi, with his long, meticulously tied-back hair that was nearly entirely gray by this point, radiated an aura of wisdom and authority.


    His traditional Hyuga robes were pristine, embroidered with the n''s symbols, signifying his esteemed position.


    "Let usmence...", He stated, his voice carrying the weight of authority and tradition. The room immediately fell into an attentive silence.


    Hiyaroshi began outlining the current state of the n''s various business endeavors immediately.


    The discussion was methodical, with each Elder contributing updates on trade, investments, and partnerships that the Hyuga n maintained within Konoha and beyond.


    Next, the conversation shifted to "potential disputes within and with outside." Hiyaroshi facilitated the discussion, ensuring that any internal conflicts were addressed with wisdom and fairness.


    "We must also consider our rtions with other ns and the Hokage''s group...", He continued, stressing the importance of diplomacy in maintaining the n''s esteemed position within the vige.


    The meeting then turned to "administrative stuff," with Elders sharing reports on the n''s internal management, resource allocation, and the well-being of its members. It was clear that maintaining a smoothly running n was a priority for everyone present.


    And finally, Hiyaroshi guided the discussion towards the Hyuga''s contributions to the vige''s defense, specifically mentioning the "Hyuga Border Surveince Division."


    However, as the discussion on formal and routine matters began to wind down, a palpable tension filled the room, hinting at the anticipation building among the Elders.


    It was as if the air itself grew denser, charged with the collective focus of those present, all bracing for the topic they knew was imminent.


    This wasn''t just any Hyuga Council gathering; it was set to be one of the most important meetings in recent memory.


    Despite their age and the many council meetings they had attended over the years, each Elder felt a surge of strong feelings and even excitement at the prospect of discussing this next agenda item.


    Noticing the shift in atmosphere and recognizing that the moment to transition had arrived, Patriarch Hiyaroshi sighed, a rare disy of emotion that underscored the significance of what was toe,


    "The routine part of today''s meeting is hence over I dere...", He announced, his voice steady yet imbued with a gravity that underscored the importance of their next discussion.


    "The next item is one of two particrly urgent matters prepared for today, and the first one concerns Hikari Hyuga, and the second is about the shinobi world war we are currently going through. However, after analyzing it, it is better for us to actuallybine this discussion...",


    At the mention of Hikari''s name, the Elders began to stir, their usualposure giving way to a mix of restlessness, excitement, and a spectrum of other emotions.


    It was clear that Hikari, a mere three-year-old, had sparked a level of interest and debate rarely seen within the stoic confines of the Hyuga Council.


    Chairs shifted, and quiet murmurs filled the room as the Elders prepared themselves to delve into a discussion that could very well shape the future trajectory of the Hyuga n.