Naruto the Scarecrow

Chapter 15

Hiashi Hyuga was annoyed. The clan elders were desperate to recover the source of their status and wanted Naruto to give his Byakugan back or have the Caged Bird seal placed on his forehead to ensure that it wouldn't fall into enemy hands. They had not spoken about anything else in the week since Naruto's return and it didn't matter what Hiashi said, they wouldn't relent. Even now, they were bickering about it in the council chambers while Hiashi sat in his study.

His thoughts flowed back to his first meeting with Naruto. Hiashi had been surprised to see the eleven year old boy bearing horrific scars on his face. He had loved his baby sister more than he was ever willing to admit. Hiashi's mother had always stressed familial bonds and as the first born, he had managed to delay Hizashi getting the seal placed upon him. The two of them had been close, with Hizashi being grateful that Hiashi wouldn't let the elders get their way. However as soon as Hitomi had been born the elder council had put their foot down, one of his siblings would have to get the seal and Hiashi had to choose. If he didn't choose, both could get the seal. The elders had no fear of the teenage clan head and were willing to go behind his back to assert their authority.

Hizashi had selflessly volunteered to receive the Caged Bird seal instead of his sister. This step had caused both brothers to resent the Hyuga clan elders but Hiashi felt it as his duty to listen to them. It didn't stop him from wishing them to die when they suggested that Hizashi take his place at the end of the Hyuga Affair.

Once Hiashi heard from Mikoto that Hitomi had come to love Naruto as a pseudo brother and son, he knew that Naruto was going to keep the Byakugan. No matter what, it had been his sister's final wish and he would respect it. Naruto had stated himself that he didn't ask Hitomi for her eye, he would never ask her to hurt herself for him. Hiashi respected the inner strength Naruto displayed when he kept a tight leash on his emotions even as he recounted his time at the Pit.

Hiashi was also greatly impressed by the demonstration that Naruto put on at the stadium, his adaptation of Gentle Fist was truly unique. He wanted to get to know the boy that had been taken in as his younger 'brother'. Pending a short note inviting Mikoto and Naruto to lunch the next day, he sent it off to be delivered by a branch family member.

With that done, Hiashi walked to the council chambers to speak to the elders. After entering the room, he saw all four old men sitting on chairs while tea cups sat on the table in front of them. Not giving them a chance to speak, Hiashi began, "Elders, this is something you have to understand. I will not be taking any action against Naruto Uzumaki. In case you haven't noticed, the Hokage himself is interested in his development, what do you think his response would be if the Hyuga clan attacked Naruto or forced the Caged Bird seal on him? The Hokage would be furious and take drastic measures against the entire clan.

"How do you think the other clans would react? The Uchiha have adopted him. The Inuzuka and Aburame clans are quite friendly with Naruto since he knew members of their clan during his imprisonment. After Inoichi saw what Mikoto went through, I would hazard a guess that the Yamanaka clan will be friendly with Naruto as well. The Hyuga do not have the power to fight the Hokage and half the village. Are you all so blind to this fact?! Your inability to adapt to change would've spelt doom for our clan and you are clearly no longer fit to give important advice to help lead our clan."

"Finally, it was the last wish of my sister for Naruto to have her eye and I will respect it. There is nothing you can do about this. The clan elders have been allowed too much say in the direction of our clan but no more. You are no longer the shot callers, I am. This is not a vote, it is happening."