Family System In Naruto

"The invitation's been sent, right?"

"Don't worry, it's already been delivered—clearly marked as a 'meeting between clan heads.'"

Walking through the street, Shisui nodded seriously at Yuhara. He wouldn't have dared be sloppy with something like this.

Visiting the Hyūga clan head again? Shisui had no issue. To him, everyone in the village was just a fellow comrade—no need to overthink it.

But from a clan perspective, a second visit seemed a little too much. That was clear from the elders like Sō and Takechi—they weren't happy Yuhara wanted to meet with the Hyūga again.

They also questioned his whole plan.

Their clans already didn't get along. How would their own people feel if Hyūga members suddenly joined the Police Department?

And how could they be sure the Hyūga would even accept?

What if Yuhara got rejected outright? That wouldn't just be a personal embarrassment—it'd be a slap in the Uchiha clan's face.

But Yuhara's influence was too solid—earned through sheer strength and careful planning.

Even if the elders doubted the feasibility, they could only offer advice—not override him.

Thankfully, Yuhara was reasonable.

This time, without resorting to "physical persuasion," the five of them voted.

Shisui gave full support. Fugaku hesitated but ultimately voted yes. That was enough to seal it.

"Honestly, there was nothing to hesitate about—Yuhara's ideas have always been right."

Shisui walked quietly, thinking to himself.

After everything that had happened, he was now fully committed to Yuhara's leadership.

From his judgment of the political situation to his reforms in the clan and the Police Department—Yuhara had proven himself every step of the way.

Look at the PD—once universally despised. Now? Even Konoha's opinion was starting to shift.

And that was just the beginning. If this kept up, the results would be huge.

With so many successes already, there was no need for Shisui to second-guess anything.

He just had to follow Yuhara and move forward. That alone would bring about the peaceful Konoha of his dreams.

Yuhara, meanwhile, wasn't aware of Shisui's inner thoughts. He was thinking about how to deal with Hyūga Hiashi.

Sure, analysis showed Hiashi might be open to cooperation. But what if he wasn't?

Yuhara thought about it, then shrugged mentally.

If he refused, he refused.

He'd already shown good faith. If Hiashi couldn't see that, it wasn't his problem.

"I've done all I can. The rest is up to you."

With that mindset, Yuhara and Shisui arrived at a teahouse.

It belonged to the Hyūga clan. Like other major clans, they all had their own sources of income—how else could they feed so many people?

For example, the Nara raised deer. Antlers were key to ration pills, and the meat was a delicacy sold to the Akimichi, who ran a bunch of BBQ joints.

The Uchiha's holdings were vast too. Though they'd shrunk over time, many inns and hot springs still belonged to them.

And before the Hidden Villages existed, the Uchiha and Senju fought endlessly. To keep up, the Uchiha seized many mines.

These were later handed to the village, but the Uchiha still received hefty dividends.

Which made Yuhara wonder—just how greedy was Hiruzen?

In the original story, Sasuke didn't exactly live in poverty after the massacre—but he sure wasn't rich either.

He never got access to the Uchiha scrolls, nor did he seem to benefit from their wealth.

He had food and clothes—but nothing more. And that was probably only because Itachi was still alive at the time.

"Otherwise, he'd have ended up just like Naruto. Brotherly love, multiplied by trauma—how poetic."

Mocking Hiruzen silently, Yuhara and Shisui entered the teahouse.

It was completely cleared out—clearly prepared just for them.

Led upstairs by an attendant, they entered a room where Hyūga Hiashi sat alone, drinking tea by the window.

"Clan Head Yuhara, Vice Clan Head Shisui. Welcome."

Hiashi stood up politely when he saw them. His demeanor was much friendlier than Yuhara remembered.

"Please sit. Let me know if anything's lacking."

"You're too kind. Everything's great," Yuhara replied with a nod, still feeling a little off.

Hiashi's attitude had shifted significantly since their last meeting.

Back then, it was formal and cold—classic head-of-clan stuff.

Yuhara hadn't minded. He'd visited out of obligation, as one of Konoha's major clans.

Now, though? This new attitude caught him off guard. It didn't fit the image of a Hyūga clan head dealing with an Uchiha.

"You seem surprised, Clan Head Yuhara?"

Hiashi calmly poured tea for himself, then for Yuhara and Shisui.

Yuhara lifted the cup and locked eyes with him. After a sip, he nodded.

"Yeah, a bit. You're not quite what I expected."

"The situation, mood, and company determine how one acts, don't you think?"

Hiashi smiled—genuinely this time.

"Last time, we met at the Hyūga estate. I was acting as the clan head, with elders present. I had a role to play."

"And now?" Yuhara grinned. "Should I call you Lord Hiashi instead?"

Hiashi nodded, confirming it.

It was clear—within the clan, he had to be the dignified leader. But here, he preferred to speak as just Hiashi.

Which... made some things harder to discuss.

But maybe using his "personal identity" meant a rejection wouldn't carry the weight of the whole clan?

Kind of a loophole—but in the world of ninja and clans, saving face was everything.

"I get it now, Lord Hiashi," Yuhara chuckled. "Then don't call me clan head either."

"Naturally, Lord Yuhara."

Hiashi nodded, then grew serious.

"I also owe you thanks, Lord Yuhara—for everything you've done.

Last time, I couldn't say it because of clan politics and the elders... but I've always been grateful.

If not for you, I'd still have no idea how—or when—I'd avenge my brother.

That pain still lingers, but even so... thank you, Lord Yuhara."

With that, Hiashi bowed slightly.

Yuhara's face twisted in mild disbelief.

So this whole "personal identity" angle... was just a way for him to say thanks without breaking clan protocol?

Shisui, meanwhile, was utterly confused.

Clan head? Lord? Just Hiashi? What the hell were they even talking about?

Still, he wasn't stupid. He may not be experienced in politics, but he'd heard about the whole incident with Hiashi's brother.

During the cloud-ninja mess, Konoha's Hokage had sacrificed Hiashi's innocent twin for "peace."

One decision cost a kid his father... and a brother his sibling.

Back then, Shisui thought it was a necessary evil.

But now? He wasn't so sure.

Was there really no other choice?

(End of Chapter)

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