"You are to return to the Hyuga Clan and become the Hyuga Lord. Do not return unless this matter has been accomplished. We will need your influence in the times ahead. Do what you must to see this through..."
The order from Lord Tenbo was unlike anything Takashi had ever received before. Throughout his career, Takashi had never hesitated to carry out Tenbo’s commands, no matter how dangerous or morally wrong the missions might have been. Whether it was espionage, silencing rogue shinobi or training new recruits, he had always obeyed without question. But this time was different. This wasn’t just another mission. Tenbo wanted Takashi to reclaim the title he had forsaken in the past. The mantle of leader of the entire Hyūga clan. Now however he was being ordered to reclaim it, no matter the cost.
“As you command.” Takashi answers Tenbo as he rises from one knee, bowing deeply to Tenbo before turning away and sprinting into the dense forest, leaving the two Uchiha behind. Running through the thick forest, Takashi continues to get further and further away from the meeting place. Running in the direction of the village but more specifically, the Hyūga district.Once he felt sufficient distance between himself and Tenbo, Takashi released his chakra suppression. Allowing chakra to flow freely once again and with that release, he begins to feel light as a feather with each step. His speed increases with every step until he reaches his full speed.
Once he got closer to the village, he begin using the body flicker technique. His form vanishing from sight as he accelerated with every step. To anyone who might glimpse him, he was nothing more than a blur. Even those which tries to sense his chakra would struggle to track his movements or pinpoint his destination. Upon reaching the outskirts of the village would Takashi run up on one of the nearby buildings. Moving himself up to the very rooftop of it with ease. The layout of the rooftops provided an ideal route, allowing him to navigate above the bustling streets of Konohagakure undetected. Takashi moves silently like a shadow above the people by leaping silently from rooftop to rooftop. Knowing that he couldn’t stay in his ANBU gear for much longer without attracting unwanted attention.
Spotting a more hidden rooftop slightly removed from the busiest part of the village. He lands quietly and his feet make barely a sound. He pauses for a moment and activates his Byakugan to survey the area and ensure that no one could see him. The rooftop is shielded by the taller buildings around it, creating a hidden spot among the buildings. Satisfied with his choice of location Takashi reached up and slowly removed his mask. Feeling the warmth of the sun on his face once again. His hands moved swiftly as he unbuckled the straps of his armor and removing the gray armored vest and other protective gear. Rolling the uniform into a tight bundle to efficiently minimize its size. From the weapon bag on the side he produced a small scroll. Placing the Root uniform onto the rooftop, Takashi pressed his hand over it, channeling a small burst of chakra into the scroll. In a puff of smoke, the uniform vanished, safely sealed away within the scroll. He quickly tucked the scroll back into the bag, ensuring it was securely hidden. Afterward he pulled on his regular attire, a tight white shirt that clung to his form, offering freedom of movement. He then re-tied his long hair back securing it with a simple band, completing the transformation from a Root member to a regular civilian of Konoha.
"This will have to do for the moment." He whispers, ready to continue his mission with his new appearance.
Standing on the edge of the rooftop, overlooking the bustling village. Taking a moment to gather himself before looking down to the street below him. The same streets of the village which continue to buzz with life, unknowing to the silent transform that had just occurred above their heads. With a final glance at the busy streets below, Takashi walks off the edge of the rooftop. With a fluid motion leaping motion he lands lightly on the ground as just another face in the crowd. Now dressed as just another villager, Takashi began his walk home towards the Hyūga district. The usual laughter and chatter of the village faded into the background as his focus remained fixed on the path ahead. The closer he got, the more distinct the district became. The traditional buildings of the Hyūga clan contrast with the rest of the village. Elegant, imposing, and stayed true to their theme with many households. The large gate marking the entrance to the district stood before him, guarded by two members of the clan. When Takashi approached the two Hyūga clan members, they straightened up and recognized him immediately. Their eyes, the unmistakable pale Byakugan, showed a mixture of respect and curiosity. They stepped forward, bowing deeply in unison, their hands held at their sides in a gesture of deference.
"Welcome home, Takashi-sama!" One of them said, his voice steady.
"What brings you back to the Hyūga district?" And the other guard added.
"It is an honor to see you return. How can we be of service?"
Takashi’s gaze remained ahead, his face was unreadable to the two. Not slowing down his pace at all as he walked past the two, his silence speaking louder than any words could. His focus solely on the towering structure at the heart of the district, the main building where the most revered members of the Hyūga clan stayed at. The guards exchanged a brief uncertain glance but made no move to stop him. They knew better than to question him or try to stop him. When he continued down the stone-paved path, the familiar surroundings of his childhood came into view. The well kept gardens, the gentle curves of the buildings and the quiet disciplined atmosphere all felt both familiar and distant to him just like a memory long buried. Takashi’s thoughts were like a wild storm of emotions but his outward appearance remained calm and controlled. He had one goal in mind, one destination that mattered more than anything else in this moment. Re-claiming the title as the head of the Hyūga clan and following the orders from his master. As Takashi got closer to the main building, the weight of his heritage and his duty and the expectations placed upon him pressed down even harder. The towering doors stood before him and without hesitation Takashi reached out, pushing the heavy door open. He stepped inside, the familiar scent of aged wood filling his senses. He could see the people of the clan’s most respected members gathered together. They had been expecting him, though they did not know what his return would bring to the clan. Takashi paused for a brief moment, his gaze sweeping over the room. Then without a word he takes one forward before saying out loud to everyone presence.
" I am here to reclaim my rightful title as head of the family!" The silence after him is felt throughout the room but does not last long. What breaks the silence is none other than Hayate Hyūga. Next to Takashi in line to lead the clan and also Takashi's younger brother, his resemblance to a younger Takashi is uncanny. At least in appearance only but their thoughts and lives have been anything but different from each other.
"Big brother, you can't do that.. I am the next head of the family and you already left us once. " Hayate stated and the elders looked at the young Hyūga. He had a good point and they all knew that, even Takashi himself did but he had an order to fulfill.
'Do not return unless this matter has been accomplished.' The order of Tenbo still echoed in his head and Takashi’s gaze quickly shifted towards Hayate. Coming off from Takashi would be pure bloodlust, also known as murderous intent towards his younger brother.
"Who are you to stand in my way, Hayate? Do you have the strength to stop me?!" Hayate's eyes slowly moved down when Takashi raised his voice towards his younger brother. Takashi's s shifted towards the others in the room before he continued.
" Do any of you have the strength to stop me?!" Takashi’s murderous intent would quickly affect the people around him, paralyzing them with fear for a brief moment.
His gaze moved over the faces of those who had guided and protected the clan for generations. He could see their years of wisdom in their faces and the weight of their authority in the stillness with which they regarded him. Takashi drew a deep breath and centering himself before he spoke towards everyone in the room.
" Elders of the Hyūga clan" Takashi began and his voice was steady and resolute.
“I stand before you today, not as a request but as a declaration of my intent to reclaim the title of the head of this family, a title that carries the weight of our legacy and the future of our clan." He paused and allowed the gravity of his words to settle in the room.
"For too long I have walked a path that distanced me from the responsibilities and traditions that bind us as a family. But in that time I have seen our world from a different perspective. One that has shown me both the strength and the vulnerability of our clan. I have seen the respect we command but also the challenges that threaten to undermine it." Takashi’s Byakugan moved from one elder to another, looking straight into their own pair of pale white eyes.
“I now understand that being the head of the Hyūga clan is not simply about holding power or preserving tradition, it is about adapting to the changing world while maintaining the core of who we are. It is about leading with both strength and wisdom, ensuring that our clan not only survives but thrives.” His presence is commanding as he continues.
"Under my leadership, I vow to uphold the honor and integrity of the Hyūga name. I will ensure that we remain a pillar of strength in Konohagakure, a clan that is both feared and respected. We will not allow our traditions to be ruined, nor will we allow our enemies to see us as weak or divided. Instead we will stand united and our Byakugan sharper than ever, our resolve unbreakable." Takashi's voice became louder and filled with the certainty of his decision.
“This clan has always been a beacon of power and reputation and under my guidance, we will continue to shine even brighter. I ask for your support not out of entitlement but out of a shared desire to see our clan reach new heights, to see our legacy endure through the ages." Takashi would then lower his voice as his tone softened but no less firm.
"I see now what must be done. I am ready to lead and to protect our clan, to honor our ancestors and to guide the next generation to a future where the Hyūga name is spoken with the respect it deserves. I ask you to stand with me, to trust in my vision and together we will ensure that the Hyūga clan remains a force that commands respect and admiration in the eyes of all." With that all said, Takashi bowed deeply to the elders, a gesture of both respect and confidence in the path he had chosen.
When Takashi rose from his bow and the silence in the room was heavy with the weight of his words. The elders with their stern gazes and unreadable expressions exchanged glances. Finally, the eldest among them, a figure whose hair had long since turned white with age but whose eyes still burned with the intensity of the Byakugan, stepped forward.
“ Takashi ” The elder’s voice was gravelly yet clear.
“Your words carry the weight of a leader who has seen the world beyond our walls and has returned. But the path you chose in the past did distancing yourself from the clan and it was not one we fully understood, yet we respected it. Now, you return with a desire to lead and to guide the Hyūga into a future that honors our past while embracing the changes that come with time. This is no small task but you have shown us that you are willing to bear this burden.” Takashi’s gaze remained steady as the elder spoke. He could feel the shift in the room and the cautious acceptance that was beginning to take root among them. It wasn’t mere words that would win them over but it was the resolve that Takashi knew he must show every day from here on out.
The elder continued speaking towards Takashi
“To lead the Hyūga is to carry not just the weight of our legacy but the expectations of our people. We have guided this clan through many trials and we will not step aside lightly. But if you are truly prepared to take on this responsibility, to uphold the honor of the Hyūga. While taking on the challenges that lie ahead, then you will have our support.” Takashi would take a deep breath before answering the elder.
“I do not take this lightly. I understand the gravity of what I am asking and I am prepared to prove my dedication to our clan. I have returned not just to reclaim a title but to ensure that the Hyūga clan remains strong and respected in the years to come.”
The room remained silent for a moment longer. Finally, the elder nodded slowly.
“Very well. The Hyūga clan will support you, Takashi. But know this, your leadership will be tested and your resolve will be challenged. We will watch and we will guide as we have always done and the decisions you make from this day forward will shape the future of the Hyūga. Make them wisely.” Takashi bowed again as a gesture of respect.
“I will not fail you or the Hyūga clan.” With a final look at the elders and a glance at Hayate, Takashi turned and walked toward the door. Each step felt heavy as the weight of his decision settling in. He gently pushed the door open and as it closed behind him, a breeze brushed against his face, almost as if his old-self was welcoming him back. He paused for a moment, letting the wind blow through his hair as he looked around the familiar Hyūga district.
"What's next?" he quietly wondered. With a clear goal in mind, Takashi began walking toward his own house in the district.
Location: Root Private Location (A 48) → Hyuga District
Order: Takeshi Hyuga → ??
Time Limit: 3 Days
Skip Points: 2