4 Ch-4 Jiryoku's Fate

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...

Approximately thirty minutes had elapsed since the tumultuous incident occurred at the hospital. At present, Sarutobi Hiruzen was engrossed in the task of scrutinizing and finalizing some important documents in his office, situated in the esteemed Hokage building. Suddenly, a sharp knock resonated on the door, indicating the arrival of an Anbu ninja seeking an audience with the revered leader.

"Enter," uttered Sarutobi Hiruzen in response.

The Anbu member knelt down on one knee and addressed Sarutobi Hiruzen with respect, using his honorific title, "Hokage Sama."

Sarutobi Hiruzen turned his gaze towards the Anbu ninja and inquired, "Do you have any crucial news to report?"

The Anbu ninja conveyed distressing news to Sarutobi Hiruzen. "Hokage Sama, a tragic incident occurred at the hospital. A four-year-old boy from the Hyuga clan gouged out his own eyes in front of witnesses. When questioned about his actions, he revealed that he feared being subjected to the curse seal cage bird and controlled by the main family. Hence, he resorted to self-mutilation," reported the ninja.

"What? Are you absolutely certain? How could a mere four-year-old possess such intellect and awareness?" Sarutobi Hiruzen was taken aback by the news. Despite having witnessed numerous prodigies during his lifetime, he had never encountered someone with such profound conviction and determination at such a tender age.

"May I know his identity? Is he the offspring of Hizashi?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone was one of perplexity as he had heard of Hizashi's son being a prodigy, and that Hizashi was vehemently opposed to his son receiving the curse seal cage bird mark. Thus, the first person that came to his mind was Hyuga Neji.

Anbu member corrected his assumption, "No, Hokage Sama. The boy's name is Hyuga Jiryoku, and his father is Hyuga Kazeon, who tragically lost his life on the night of the Nine Tails' attack."

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head mournfully and commented, "Sigh. Kazeon was an exceptional ninja and a brilliant prodigy. Had he not been marked with the curse seal cage bird, he could have become an elite jonin. It is indeed surprising to learn that his son has grown up under such tragic circumstances."

"By the way, how is Jiryoku faring at the moment?" inquired Hiruzen.

"He is currently stable. The deputy dean of the Konoha hospital treated his injuries. However, since he damaged his eyes irreparably, he will remain blind for the rest of his life," stated the Anbu.

Upon learning that Jiryoku had destroyed his eyes resulting in the loss of his vision, Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head repeatedly in dismay.

"What is the public's reaction to this incident?" inquired Hiruzen.

"The common folks are exhibiting compassion towards him, but the ninja community regards his actions as a foolish act," reported the Anbu.

"Hmm. Go and inform Hiashi that although he may punish Jiryoku as he sees fit, he must exercise restraint and not cross the line. The people of Konoha are watching, and I do not want to hear any unfavorable remarks from them," instructed Sarutobi Hiruzen. If it were an ordinary circumstance, he would not interfere in a clan's internal affairs, particularly concerning someone who had lost their vision. However, given the public's sympathetic response to Jiryoku's situation, he had to ensure that everything proceeded peacefully. Otherwise, people might begin to question his competence, and Danzo was waiting for such an opportunity.

"Yes Hokage Sama. With a cloud of smoke Anbu ninja disappeared from Hokage office.

_______

Meanwhile, a heated debate was unfolding in the Hyuga clan compound.

"Despite him gouging out his own eyes, Jiryoku must still be marked with the cursed seal of the caged bird. Otherwise, this may plant rebellious thoughts in the minds of other members of the branch family," declared the Hyuga Elder, who was the father of Hiashi Hyuga.

"If we mark Jiryoku with the caged bird seal, Father, it will give the impression to the people of the village that we are treating the branch family as slaves. This could potentially tarnish the reputation of our clan," argued Hiashi.

"You make a valid point," conceded the Hyuga Elder.

"I propose that we assassinate him and make it look like he was killed by spies from another Hidden Village," suggested another Elder.

"Such a plan is too risky, as the people of Konoha are not foolish. They will immediately suspect us if he is assassinated," the Hyuga Elder pointed out.

A Hyuga ninja approached and said, "Clan Head, a member of the Anbu is here to see you."

The clan members exchanged puzzled looks, wondering why Anbu, who directly served the Hokage, had come to see clan head. Despite their confusion, Hiashi remained composed and instructed them, saying, "Bring him in."

As the Anbu ninja entered the vast hall, he glanced at the members of the Hyuga main family and respectfully bowed to Hiashi before speaking, "Hokage-sama has instructed me to inform you that he will not intervene in whatever punishment you choose to give Hyuga Jiryoku. However, please be mindful not to overstep the boundaries, as Jiryoku's actions have attracted the attention of the people of Konoha, and the Hokage does not wish to be embarrassed."

Hiashi conveyed his message, saying, "Please inform Hokage-sama that we will bear his words in mind and ensure that no action of ours brings any embarrassment to him."

Following that, the Anbu ninja nodded in acknowledgement and departed from the hall.

Observing the departure of the Anbu ninja, one of the Hyuga elder remarked, "It appears that we cannot inflict any harm upon Jiryoku, otherwise we risk displeasing Hokage-sama."

"Indeed, we must exercise utmost restraint and avoid causing any harm to him," Hiashi affirmed.

The elder of the Hyuga clan cautioned the others and specifically addressed one of them, saying, "And you, in particular, must not even entertain the thought of causing harm to him until he leaves the village."

The addressed elder simply replied with a nod, indicating his agreement.

Hiashi turned to a Hyuga servant and instructed them, saying, "Please call for Jiryoku at once. I wish to speak with him."

"Understood," the servant replied before promptly leaving to carry out their task.

________

Meanwhile, Jiryoku had been waiting in his house until a Hyuga ninja arrived to escort him to the clan head.

"I'm coming," Jiryoku announced as he picked up his sword.

As the door of his house opened, the Hyuga ninja appeared, ready to guide Jiryoku to his destination.

"Follow me. Hiashi-sama is waiting for you," the ninja said as he approached Jiryoku.

However, Jiryoku declined the offer of being escorted and instead said, "No need. I can walk by myself. You can go ahead of me, and I will follow you."

Thus, the Hyuga ninja led the way, while Jiryoku followed from behind. Along the way, the ninja attempted to test Jiryoku's abilities by walking on a bumpy path, but to the ninja's surprise, Jiryoku chose to walk on the smoother path, showing his impeccable balance and control.

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