88. The Awakening of the Hyuga Patriarch’s Hidden Power


    "The Hokage, Danzo, and others, it seems you''ve grossly misinterpreted our n''s strategic choice to maintain a low profile over decades, even centuries, and silently enduring and obeying all of your previous power grabs as a sign of weakness. This misunderstanding, however, ends now.",


    "The very idea that you could manipte the deployment of our n members in this war, intending to reduce our numbers through strategic ''sacrifices'', as if we''re merely named on a ''kill list'' to be checked off, is not only reprehensible but a betrayal of trust and agreements that we got from everyone once Konoha was founded.",


    "Therefore, we will not stand idly by while such ns are enacted against us anymore...", Hirayoshi dered, his voiceced with a newfound assertiveness, mirroring the slight disdain once shown to them.


    He continued, his tone turning sharply condescending like the tone previously used on them by Danzo and Hiruzen was, "Reflect on the absurdity of your strategy. Now, to ensure such a sinister ''n'' is avoidedpletely, I present a list of shinobi designated for Hiashi''s Eastern Division. This list is non-negotiable for me. I trust you understand that excluding even a single name from this list would certainly be a grave error on your part.",


    As Hirayoshi spoke these words, a scroll suddenly appeared in front of Hiruzen''s face, seemingly from thin air.


    As Hirayoshi concluded his deration, the dynamics within the council hall shifted dramatically.


    Members of Hiruzen''s faction, previously seated, now found themselves instinctively rising to their feet, rallying around the Hokage, and his Advisors, in a circle, in a protective stance.


    The sudden emergence of dozens of Anbu and Shinobi from the room''s concealedpartments added to the atmosphere of heightened alertness, their presence rapidly transforming the hall into a battlefield of tension.


    Yet, despite this mobilization, all eyes remained transfixed on the figure of Hirayoshi. The Hyuga Patriarch, once perceived as frail and unassuming, now stood enveloped in a radiant white light, at the epicenter of a chakra vortex that seemed to stretch and warp the very air around him.


    His presence was overwhelming, filling the hall with a palpable force that made it seem as though he was omnipresent, his spirit and power engulfing every inch of the space.


    The magnitude of chakra he disyed was unlike anything those present had ever witnessed before. It wasn''t just the quantity but also the sheer intensity of his chakra that left everyone in awe and fear.


    It seemed boundless as if tapping into an ancient, inexhaustible wellspring of power. And that chakra in its essence had entirely different characteristics from all the other kinds of chakra they ever encountered before, it was as if it were somehow "alien" in nature.


    Even to the more seasoned and powerful shinobi, many of whom had lived through countless battles and had seen the prowess of legendary figures, the spectacle before them was unparalleled.


    Hirayoshi''s chakra not only filled the hall but seemed to press against their very souls, at all times, a testament to a strength that defied thews of nature as they knew it.


    Meanwhile, in the wake of Hirayoshi''s awe-inspiring disy of power, the initial shock that gripped the Anti-Hokage faction quickly morphed into a calcted decision.


    Understanding the gravity of the moment, they moved with a unified purpose, rallying behind the Hyuga Patriarch - effectively ''splitting'' the hall up in two.


    They knew that the power dynamics between the two opposing political currents of Konoha changed once again right now, and it was considerably in their favor and for their cause.


    Their movements were swift, a clear indicator of their allegiance and a physical manifestation of their support.


    Each member of the coalition positioned themselves as a united front behind Hirayoshi, signaling a deep recognition of the newfound strength he brought to their joint cause.


    Despite their previous hesitation and indecision about supporting the Hyuga n against the pressures exerted by the Hokage''s Faction just now, the members of the Anti-Hokage coalition now recognized the strategic advantage in aligning themselves with Hirayoshi''s show of strength.


    The coalition''s sudden, swift pivot to stand unequivocally behind the Hyuga Patriarch was a testament to their understanding of the politicalndscape.


    They realized that the disy of formidable chakra was not just a demonstration of individual might but a symbolic assertion of the Hyuga, and by extension, the Anti-Hokage faction''s, rising influence within the vige.


    Although they didn''t know exactly what was the nature of that power, and why it was hidden by the Hyuga n until now for so long, seeing Hirayoshi being so confident to use it now openly, it didn''t matter.


    The Hyuga Patriarch wasn''t someone to make reckless decisions on gambling about this kind of open tearing of the face against the Hokage, like some teenager if he didn''t have such power for real backing him up.


    Sakumo, standing near the Hyuga Patriarch, had seamlessly transitioned into his full ''battle mode,'' his formidable presence subtly blending into the surroundings.


    This readiness to strike, almost shadow-like in its stealth and swiftness, served as a silent deration of his preparedness for any forting conflict.


    His demeanor was a clear sign that he, too, recognized the gravity of the moment and was prepared to defend their newfound stance at a moment''s notice.


    Fugaku, Setsuna, Kiyomi, and the rest of the Uchiha n members had simrly escted their readiness for battle, their Sharingan activated in a silent show of solidarity and preparedness.


    Simultaneously, all Hyuga n members positioned behind the Patriarch had their Byakugan activated, their pale, veined eyes scanning the hall with intense vignce.


    Amid this tense atmosphere, Hikari was a contrasting figure, his fists clenched not in anxiety but in excitement. The unfolding events seemed to stir a sense of anticipation within him.


    Conversely, Takumi appeared almost dazed, overwhelmed by the rapid esction and the sheer magnitude of chakra emanating from the Patriarch.


    Hiashi, with his calm demeanor, appeared as though he had been expecting this moment of confrontation.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Hiruzen still held a look of true disbelief written all over his face, even though dozens of seconds already passed in silence since the outburst.


    His seasoned eyes, having witnessed countless battles and beheld numerous forms of chakra maniption throughout his storied life, now reflected an unparalleled level of astonishment.


    The sudden and overwhelming disy of power from the Hyuga Patriarch had caught him entirely off guard, presenting him with a form of strength and energy that was both enigmatic and profound.


    This wasn''t merely a demonstration of raw power; it was something more—a manifestation of chakra that felt both ancient in its origin and yet extremely ''modern at the same time''. It was a paradox that defied his extensive knowledge and experience, leaving him grappling forprehension.


    As he watched, still trying to reconcile the reality before him with his understanding of the ninja world''s mechanics, Hiruzen couldn''t help but acknowledge the magnitude of what he was witnessing,


    ''This is already at a stable Peak Kage level of chakra, and it is still rising. This is super crazy...'', He thought to himself, a mixture of respect and fear threading through his realization.


    The revtion that the Hyuga n possessed such a monumental secret, a power that could very well redefine the dynamics of not just the vige but the entire shinobi world, was jarring.


    Even though he might''ve recently somewhat guessed that the Hyuga n harbored some big secrets, this still threw him out of his shoespletely as he didn''t nearly guess that this was the extent of it.


    This moment of revtion also spurred a deeper introspection within Hiruzen, ''What on Earth forced them toy low for so long then...?'', He pondered, the question echoing through his mind. It was a perplexing consideration.


    Such power could have easily ced the Hyuga at the forefront of the vige''s defense or its power structure, yet they had chosen a path of restraint, their true capabilities shrouded in secrecy until this pivotal, almost historic moment.


    Hiruzen, despite the shock of the moment, found his analytical mind engaging with the puzzle presented by Hirayoshi''s chakra. It was unlike anything he had felt before—alien, foreign, and deeply unsettling in its unfamiliarity,


    ''Yet, why does it feel so alien and foreign-like inparison to Hirayoshi''s ordinary chakra? I guess this might be some kind of an ancient energy source then.'', He pondered, trying to make sense of the profound difference.


    With this realization, a sense of relief began to seep through the initial wave of shock, as Hiruzen thought, ''Perhaps, then this isn''t as bad as it seems now. As long as we manage to locate it in the future, or counter it somehow...'',


    This line of thinking allowed him to see a glimmer of hope amidst the upheaval. If this power stemmed from an ancient energy source, then there might be ways to understand it, prepare for its implications or even find means to counteract it in the future after some brainstorming.