Naruto: I am Uchiha Seiryu

With nearly the entire police force deployed, not a single rioter escaped. The police department's jail quickly filled to capacity.

Meanwhile, Kakashi successfully helped Hyuga Hiashi suppress the internal rebellion.

Despite it being late at night, Hiashi came to the Hokage building after settling clan affairs.

He was nervous as he entered, knowing the Uchiha faction had cleaned up his mess, so it was impossible to expect no consequences.

Inside, Seiryu was calmly oiling his ninja blade.

Hearing Hiashi enter, Seiryu didn't even look up, focused on his blade.

Hiashi could only bow his head and wait for Seiryu to speak first.

After finishing, Seiryu sheathed his blade, placed it on the rack, and finally returned to his seat, looking at Hiashi.

"It's late, Clan Head Hiashi. What brings you here?"

"Fifth Hokage, I failed in discipline, allowing traitors to emerge in my clan. I'm here to confess my guilt," Hiashi said, bowing.

"Is that so? How did you handle those traitors?" Seiryu asked.

"I've sealed the chakra of the ringleaders and handed them to the police for your judgment," Hiashi replied.

Seiryu stared at him for a long time before smiling. Although Hiashi and Fugaku were equals in strength, Hiashi was far more decisive as a clan leader.

Honestly, if Fugaku had been as decisive—either rallying his forces for a coup or suppressing the radicals and yielding to Hiruzen—the Uchiha might never have faced their plight.

"So, this time, Hyuga Kazuhiro and the others acted on their own ambition?" Seiryu asked.

"But they are Hyuga elders…"

"No need to worry about that. If necessary, Hyuga can remove their Byakugan and erase them from the family register," Hiashi replied without hesitation.

Seiryu glanced at him—this old fox probably wanted to do that anyway. After all, since Hizashi's death, the branch family head had come from Kazuhoro's line, suggesting the elders weren't clean in that incident either.

"The Hyuga really are a pillar of the village," Seiryu smiled. "But take this as a warning. If anyone can command a private army loyal only to themselves, it complicates village management, don't you think?"

"Yes," Hiashi replied, heart sinking. It was clear Seiryu was targeting the caged bird system.

Any reasonable ruler would never allow an armed force whose lives were controlled by another faction.

Previously, because of the caged bird system, the Hyuga never entered the village's top leadership, so the Hokage had no reason to interfere. But now, the elders' actions gave Seiryu the perfect excuse.

Hiashi had mixed feelings about the caged bird system. Personally, it had led to his brother's death. But as clan head, the main beneficiary, he was reluctant to abolish it since it guaranteed his family's power.

But Seiryu's intention was clear—he was coming for the caged bird system.

"By tradition, each Hokage takes on a three-man squad as disciples. Before my promotion, I accepted Elder Fugaku's second son as a disciple. So, I'm considering picking two more from his peers. Neji has talent—I'd like to take him as a disciple. What do you think?" Seiryu said.

Hiashi's pupils shrank. He instantly understood Seiryu's deeper intent. This move was more cunning than a direct order to abolish the caged bird system.

Forcibly interfering in clan affairs would attract criticism, but by choosing Neji as a disciple, no one could object—it was a tradition since the First and Second Hokage.

Moreover, Hokage's disciples had the right to inherit some of their teacher's political assets—and potentially become Hokage themselves.

That's why Hiruzen had tried to promote Jiraiya with little opposition.

In theory, taking a Hyuga as a disciple was good for the clan, but the issue was that Neji was from the branch family.

If Neji became a disciple, his caged bird seal would have to be removed—otherwise, it would seem like the clan intended to control a future Hokage.

But removing Neji's seal and promoting him to the main family was unprecedented—and would set a dangerous example. Other branch families might follow suit, and the caged bird system would collapse.

Seiryu had silently placed a poisoned cake before the Hyuga.

Hiashi broke into a cold sweat, grateful he had sent the children to the Uchiha immediately, distancing himself from the elders' actions.

Refusing Seiryu's request was not an option after the clan's involvement in a coup. Accepting was the only way.

 'Might as well, consider it compensation to Hizashi.'

Hiashi sighed and nodded. "In that case, let me thank the Hokage on Neji's behalf."

"Don't mention it," Seiryu smiled. "Guiding talented children onto the path of the Will of Fire is my duty."

"Of course," Hiashi replied.

"I've always thought you were a smart man, but let me remind you: when I take my disciple, I don't want any strange marks on him. Understood?" Seiryu said, staring at Hiashi.